The dumping of the 62, 20 litre drums at the southern end of Mayfield Road near the intersection with Culburra Road and Pyree Lane was reported to authorities by a member of the public around 10.30am.

Shoalhaven City Council illegal dumping ranger Phil McNeice said some of the drums were in a poor condition and were leaking different liquids.

“Some of the drums were leaking a white liquid, others a green, some a brown liquid substance,” he said.

Fire Rescue NSW personnel from Nowra and Shoalhaven brigades donned breathing apparatus and conducted atmospheric monitoring.

A 30 metre exclusion zone was put in place around the location, with Mayfield Road closed to traffic.

The Hazmat unit from Shellharbour attended the site.

Nowra and Shoalhaven crew members donned hazmat suits and took a number of samples of the liquids which was tested on site by the Hazmat team.

Hazmat Shellharbour station officer  Terry Brassel said early testing indicated the liquid was a form of paint and lacquer.

The drums were placed in 10 large Hazmat containers before being removed from the area, with the Environmental Protection Authority to dispose of the drums and liquid.

“We spoke to a local who had gone past the area at 2am Friday to go fishing and the drums were not there at that stage,” Mr McNeice said.

“So the dumping took place some time between 2am and 10.30am.

“This is a serious matter. They were dumped right on the edge of the Crookhaven Creek and with some of the drums leaking there was the potential for them to leach into the waterway.

“We will be investigating how the drums came to be dumped.”

He said the offence carried an on the spot fine of $8000 fine and anyone found to have been involved in the illegal dumping could also face court action.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Shoalhaven City Council Rangers on 4429 3111 or email rubbish@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au. Information can also be left with Nowra police on 4421 9699 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.