Farmers are demanding answers following the release of Class B recycled water into Deep Creek across Romsey and surrounds.
Greater Western Water announced on Wednesday, sustained heavy rainfall had led to “a significant rise in water held in storage at the Romsey Recycled Water Plant”. It follows Coliban Water sewer spills in the Kyneton area earlier this month.
GWW warned controlled releases would begin the next day and continue until the storage returned to its normal operating capacity.
Farmers fronting the creek told the Express the short notice moments before a long weekend has caused headaches in preparing their properties.
They said the move also broke an agreement with landholders to give at least 14 days notice before any recycled water release.
The agreement came after a proposed recycled water release in 2019 that landholders challenged and successfully stopped.
While Class B recycled water is thought safe for cattle and other uses, farmers were left uncertain about risks and dilution levels.
Monegeetta cattle farmer Jan Ravnholt said the disregard for landholders was “appalling” and GWW couldn’t be trusted.
“In doing this, they have deliberately ignored what they had agreed to in writing,” he told the Express.
“How do I know it’s safe? They say they are monitoring the creek but there’s a lot of data that we don’t have access to.
“Any plans I had were cancelled and I had to organise water and move cattle. We’re in calving season and I can’t risk them being around the creek. If you saw the water, you wouldn’t let anyone near it. Only time will tell how much damage it will do.”
GWW said it notified EPA Victoria that “this temporary release was necessary” and “will be monitoring closely for any impacts of this release on the environment or human health”.
They said discharging excess recycled water from storage helps to reduce any potential for uncontrolled overflows and protects the recycled water plant infrastructure.
No guarantee
Accredited Angus breeder Gerard Belleville’s Woodlands property is one of the largest impacted. It fronts the creek at the release entry point.
Located east of the Romsey township, it runs about 600 head of cattle and supports a live export breeding program.
He said he was forced to relocate stock last minute with no guarantee they would be safe accessing the creek.
“They did not contact me, I contacted them when I heard about it from a neighbour. I was shocked by the short notice,” he told the Express.
“We use the creek water for stock and domestic purposes. I carry about 48 hours of drinking water for the stock and then I need to act.
“We were precluded from accessing support services that would normally be available due to the long weekend.
“I needed to know that my stock would be safe accessing the creek. If helminth is found to be present we would not be able to use the land for up to two years.”
Taking no risks, he sought written confirmation that the release would not compromise his farm activities by way of lost stock or disease.
He also sought agreement GWW would be held accountable by compensation if they were but was unsuccessful in gaining a guarantee.
GWW did, however, agree to deliver potable water to landholders along the creek as a short-term measure.
Committed to minimising impacts
General Manager Operations and Delivery Solutions, Jodie Hallam, said GWW was committed to minimising impacts from the release of recycled water to Deep Creek.
“We expect these releases will continue into October under the current weather conditions,” she said.
“Strict water quality monitoring processes will remain in place to protect the health of the local community and environment.”
Landholders are concerned similar events could occur in the future and want an overhaul of the Romsey plant.
“They have been threatening to make discharges into the creek on and off for a number of years,” Mr Belleville said.
“Whether the Romsey Recycled Water Plant should still be operating as it is with the level of growth in Romsey and planned future growth is a matter that needs to be discussed.”
GWW is starting an engagement program across Macedon Ranges next month. It aims to understand community views and aspirations for local water management, including recycled water.
