That familiar smell is back in Maitland now that the sun is out and the flood plains are drying out from last month’s superstorm.
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So what is that smell?
As floodwater recedes, the odour comes from dead fish in rivers, creeks and in water pooled on the floodplain along with strong odours from stagnant water and rotting vegetation.
It is mainly because floodwater in low lying areas near the Hunter River have picked up large quantities of organic matter.
This is an important natural process for healthy river function. The decomposition of organic matter depletes oxygen levels in the water. It is a natural process that causes rotten egg gas odours, similar to that experienced in the 2007 event.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority urges the community to avoid waterways and to use caution as the area dries up.
The EPA continues to work closely with emergency services and council to monitor for pollution.
“People should avoid public waterways, including rivers, creeks and floodwater, because of a risk of pollution after heavy rain fall,” EPA north director Gary Davey said.
“The EPA will continue to work with the Office of Environment and Heritage and the Department of Primary Industries to monitor the situation and keep the community informed.”
Residents with a concern about pollution in their area can call the EPA’s 24-hour environment line on 131 555.
