NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) on fish kill events in Parramatta River

Last updated 12pm 10/02/2022

Clean up of the dead fish commenced on Thursday 10 February 2022. It is being undertaken by Sydney Olympic Park and City of Parramatta council.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating two separate fish kill events. Last week a fish kill was reported at Haslams Creek which flows into Homebush Bay and yesterday the EPA received a report of a fish kill on the Parramatta River at Rydalmere.    Haslams Creek 

The EPA’s in-field water quality analysis on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 February identified low dissolved oxygen at Haslams Creek which resulted in the fish kills.  Preliminary investigations indicate low oxygen levels were not caused by chemical pollution and were more likely due to natural causes. Observations by EPA Officers indicate low oxygen causing fish to die.  The EPA’s water quality monitoring at Haslams Creek today showed that oxygen levels are normal.   The Sydney Olympic Park Authority cleaned up the fish at Haslams Creek.  It is difficult to provide exact numbers but EPA officers estimate a few thousand fish and prawns have died in Haslams Creek and the exit into Homebush Bay. 

Parramatta River Rydalmere 

The EPA’s early investigation indicates low dissolved oxygen at Rydalmere caused fish kills in the area on Sunday 6 February.  The EPA is currently taking water sampling at Rydalmere and will continue to monitor water quality.  Preliminary investigations indicate low oxygen levels were most likely due to natural causes. Observations by EPA Officers indicate low oxygen levels were caused by high intensity storms that washed organic matter into the waterway, which combined with elevated water temperatures, has caused the fish deaths.  It is difficult to provide exact numbers but EPA officers estimate a few thousand fish have died, potentially up to 4000, in the Parramatta River at Rydalmere.  The EPA is working with Parramatta Council to clean-up. Where possible, dead fish that are easy to reach , without trampling the mangroves will be removed. 

It is distressing to see a significant number of fish killed and a variety of species impacted.   To report pollution incidents contact the Environment Line  131 555.