Equipment designed to protect creeks in the Upper Parramatta River catchment in the event of polluting spill, was successfully tested on Thursday 20 October 2005. The trial involved staff from the NSW Fire Brigades, Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Holroyd and Parramatta Councils.

On Greystanes Creek at Toongabbie, specially manufactured aluminium panels were quickly installed in brackets on the upstream side of the Station Road Bridge to trap pollutants being carried downstream. Then, at Tucks Road in Seven Hills, a rubber bag was inflated inside a stormwater pipe to stop oil, or other polluting liquids, from this industrial area flowing into nearby Toongabbie Creek. Both sites have had serious chemical spills in the past.

Both pieces of equipment are temporary barriers to contain pollutants until relevant authorities can remove and dispose of the spilled material. The equipment is stored locally for quick deployment. It complements devices already carried by the NSW Fire Brigades' HAZMAT teams.

Dr Stephen Lees, Executive Officer of the Trust, said:

"This trial is another example of what can be achieved when local and state authorities work together. As well as leading efforts to reduce the flood risk to the community, the Trust is also co-ordinating steps to improve stormwater and protect the health of our waterways."

For more information please contact the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust on 9891 4633 or visit the website www.uprct.nsw.gov.au.

Fire brigades install aliminium panels upstream of Station Road Bridge