Shoalhaven River oil slick remains a mystery

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) alongside NSW Maritime and NSW Fire and Rescue, have investigated reports of the oily slick on the river near Bomaderry.

Shoalhaven Riverwatch member Allan Lugg, who reported the incident to the EPA, observed the large oil slick on the surface of the river on Sunday morning, just downstream of the former paper mill jetty for about 500m downstream, adjacent to Pig Island.

He said the slick "spanned the width of the river at its mid-point".

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"I couldn't see any obvious source of the pollution as there were no drains or creek discharges in the area and there wasn't any oil further upstream," Mr Lugg said.

An EPA spokesperson said investigations had failed to find the source of the slick.

"We have inspected the area, and spoken with council and industry there; however the source of the slick remains unknown," the EPA spokesperson said.

"There are no reports of harm to marine life at this stage.

"We thank members of the community for reporting the slick to us and encourage anyone who sees pollution to report it to our 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555."

Shoalhaven Riverwatch chairperson Margie Jirgens also urged the public to keep an eye out for any pollution in the river and to report any incidents to the EPA's Environment Line.

"It is crucial that the public keep an eye out for any pollution or incidents that could impact the health of the river, and to report this to the EPA's Environment Line 131 555," Mrs Jirgens said.

"We at Shoalhaven Riverwatch are passionate about maintaining and improving the health of the Shoalhaven River and we rely on the public to be our eyes and ears.

"If you see pollution or damage to the river, please contact Riverwatch via our website and we follow up the issue."

Mrs Jirgins said although the EPA had decided not to test the sample collected by Mr Lugg, Riverwatch intends to have the sample analysed to determine the type of pollutant.

If you would like to get involved in improving the health of the river, Shoalhaven Riverwatch has its first working bees for the summer this week.

"We are propagating 1000 mangroves at our nursery at the Nowra Golf Club," Mrs Jirgens said.

In the group's first working bee of the season 900 mangroves were potted on Wednesday and a 30 metres of sand sausage covered.

The group will meet again on Thursday (November 11) from 9am and hope to plant out 120 mangroves and cover 10 metres.

"We are always keen for new volunteers, and our working bees are followed by a complimentary barbecue thanks to backers, Mountain Side Meats North Nowra, and The Friendly Grocer North Nowra," Mrs Jirgens said.

You can register your interest at shoalhavenriverwatch@gmail.com or phone Peter Jirgens on 0488 460011.

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