A petrol station in Prestons remains closed this afternoon as Sydney Water and local authorities investigate widespread reports of intense fuel odours affecting residential areas, with the affected zone proving larger than initially suspected. The Ampol Petrol Station on the Corner of Camden Valley Way and Ash Road is still blocked off to residents.
Widespread Impact
Residents in the Dalmeny Drive and Ash Road precinct first reported strong petrol fumes emanating from their waste containment drains on Monday afternoon. The situation has since escalated, with confirmed reports of fumes now detected as far as Kurrajong and Bernera Roads. Residents are reporting the presence of strong petrol odours from multiple sources, including:
- Indoor toilets and sinks
- Household drainage systems
- Sewer grates
- Stormwater drains
- Telstra ground panels
Bureaucratic Challenges
Community members express frustration over what they describe as a circular response from authorities:
- Fire Brigade directing enquiries to EPA, Sydney Water, and Council
- Liverpool Council referring residents to EPA, Fire Brigade, and Sydney Water
- Sydney Water suggesting EPA and Council involvement
- EPA redirecting concerns back to Council
A Sydney Water representative, responding to a midnight call-out, initially classified the issue as an air quality concern rather than a water or sewerage problem, despite evidence of contamination in both stormwater and sewerage systems.
Official Response
Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty has made several site visits throughout the week, maintaining communication with both residents and authorities. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has now assumed control of the investigation.
Liverpool Council reports receiving only two formal complaints, despite widespread community concern. The matter has been reclassified from air pollution to water pollution, indicating the complexity of the contamination.
Current Actions
- Soil testing was conducted this afternoon, with results pending
- EPA has launched a formal investigation
- Local fire stations are providing support
- Community members are conducting welfare checks on elderly residents
How to Report
Affected residents are urged to report their concerns to:
- Liverpool Council: 1300 362 170
- Sydney Water: 13 20 90 (Reference Job No: 94069348)
- EPA’s Environment Line
The situation continues to develop as authorities work to identify the source of the contamination. Residents are advised to report any symptoms or concerns to relevant authorities immediately.
[This story will be updated as more information becomes available.]
