The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has commenced an advanced sonar program to survey the state’s rivers for debris following the floods earlier this year.
The sonar program identifies submerged debris that could be hazardous to navigation and water safety, which is then removed by shoreline clean-up crews.
Arminda Ryan, EPA Director, said the Sonar Clean-up Program was uncovering dangerous debris washed into the Hawkesbury and other rivers.
“By using the latest technology available our aim is to make this recovery as thorough and efficient as possible,” she said.
The program uses boat-mounted sonar technology, which sends out sound waves and measures returning echoes to detect large, otherwise invisible hazards on the riverbed.
Based on already recovered material, such hazards are expected to include chemical drums, farming equipment, large tree branches and caravans.
Ryan said the EPA was working closely with Transport for NSW and OceanWatch Australia, who are surveying and identifying priority locations for the operation – which has already removed more than 6800 cubic metres of debris across the state since the beginning of March.
“The communities in flood impacted areas have been through some very tough times in the past couple of years and the extension of these programs will support communities with their recovery from the floods,” she said.
“These clean-ups will take time and we ask people to remain patient but also to be safe around the water if they are assisting with clean-up or using local beaches and waterways.”
The EPA has encouraged the community to assist clean-up efforts by reporting flood debris, by either phone (131 555) or email (info@epa.nsw.gov.au).
For more information, visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au
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