Mangroves to blame for strong ‘sewage’ stench

TWEED Shire Council has been flooded with calls about supposed sewage leaks in the north of the shire.

The powerful stench which has forced the council to inspect sewage pump stations and mains has been caused by natural gas produced by rotting mangrove fruit.

The council said in a statement it received numerous calls from residents around Terranora Inlet, particularly Cobaki Broadwater Village; The Anchorage and Oxley Cove.

The residents reported “suspected sewer leaks causing a persistent foul odour in residential areas”.

But inspections undertaken by council workers determined sewerage systems were working fine – there was no ammonia present, which the council stated would be a “telltale sign of the presence of sewage in waterways”.

Council waterways program leader Tom Alletson said the most common species of mangrove in the Tweed, the grey mangrove, began fruiting “prolifically” about a month ago.

“Grey mangroves drop fruit at this time of year and there are masses of grey mangrove fruits stranded within the 25ha wetland to the east of places such as Cobaki Broadwater Village and other sections of estuary,” he said.

Mr Alletson said the legally protected mangroves were a vital part of the Tweed estuary and provided habitat for fish, crabs, prawns and bird species while stabilising shorelines.

Nevertheless, residents who remain concerned about sewage-like odours can phone the council on (02) 6670 2400.