An underground sewage pipe in Sydney is on the brink of causing a major environmental concern, prompting authorities to initiate urgent repair efforts to prevent waste from seeping into Sydney Harbour.

Several weeks ago, a significant crack was discovered in one of the primary sewage pipes buried approximately eight meters beneath the Pier Street ramp at Darling Harbour. Although Sydney Water has managed to keep the leak under control and stable for the time being, there remains a looming threat that the pipe might rupture completely.

To mitigate this risk, around-the-clock emergency repairs are being conducted in the areas of Ultimo, Glebe, and Pyrmont. Part of these efforts includes the construction of a new wastewater pumping station in Wentworth Park, designed to reroute the sewage flow away from the compromised pipe.

Water Minister Rose Jackson emphasized the critical nature of these interventions, stating that without them, there is a potential for sewage to spill into Sydney Harbour, a scenario authorities are keen to prevent.

Water Minister Rose Jackson said the works were necessary to avoid the worst-case scenario of sewage spilling into the Sydney Harbour.

“We don’t want to see any of that. We love our harbour, it’s a pristine place, and we really want to protect it from any environmental impact,” she said.

“Which is why we are getting in there, doing 24/7 construction to try and make sure that even the small risk of that is removed.” 

Workers are trying to determine the cause of the leak and the size of the crack. Jackson said the 100-year-old infrastructure created further issues.

The sewage is expected to be partially diverted by December 19 and fully diverted by January.

Jackson said nearby residents would be impacted by construction noise, traffic and potential road closures and apologised to the community.

“None of these things are things that we want to do. We know it’s a difficult time of year to be having those kind of impacts on this local community,” she said.

“It is necessary. We’ve identified and contained the leak that we have, but if we don’t act now, things could get worse.”

When the diversions are in place and the pipe is fully isolated, crews can begin to work on a permanent repair.

That may take months to complete. 

Sydney Water is monitoring water quality and working with environmental regulators to ensure there is no impact on public health or the environment.

It is also working with the council, residents and businesses to minimise the impacts of construction.

As for now, waste services are operating as normal for the local community.