Cadbury Waste Causes Sewage Plant Shutdown
People have been advised not to swim at many of Hobart’s beaches following the contamination of a sewage treatment plant by industrial waste from a chocolate factory.
TasWater revealed that a Cadbury chocolate factory owned by Mondelez International released a large amount of sugary water into the facility, resulting in the death of the bacteria responsible for sewage treatment at Cameron Bay wastewater plant.
Community relations manager Matt Balfe regretfully informed reporters on Dec. 20 that due to this incident, partially treated water is now flowing into the Derwent River, leading to the issuance of swimming restrictions.
Mondelez stated that they are collaborating with TasWater to investigate and resolve the issue, highlighting a recent $3 million upgrade of their wastewater treatment plant for safe disposal of manufacturing by-products.
“The health and safety of our community and protecting the environment are our utmost priorities.”
Balfe reassured that new bacteria would be introduced to the sewage treatment plant but it might take a week before safe effluent levels are restored as the facility continues to discharge waste into the river.
He explained that the bacteria’s health deteriorated over the past three weeks, culminating in a critical failure on Dec. 19 that disrupted the treatment process, resulting in the discharge of about 4,500,000 litres of waste daily.
TasWater has demanded Mondelez to cease sending industrial waste from their Claremont factory to the sewage plant until the bacteria are restored for proper treatment.
TasWater and the Environment Protection Authority are collaborating with Mondelez to enhance their waste processing procedures.
The Tasmanian Health Department issued a warning against swimming in the River Derwent between Austins Ferry and Old Beach in the north, and Sandy Bay across to Howrah in the south due to the health risks posed by sewage contamination.
Director of Public Health Mark Veitch cautioned that sewage in recreational water can lead to health problems including gastroenteritis and skin, ear, or eye infections.
The Tasmanian Greens expressed shock at Mondelez’s actions and called for a thorough investigation into the breach of regulations.
“Mondelez International has been continuously discharging waste into the northern Hobart sewage treatment plant, showing non-compliance despite efforts by TasWater,” said Member for Clark Helen Burnet, questioning why the breach took so long to be disclosed.
