The NSW EPA says there is an ongoing risk to downstream water quality in Mogo State Forest. Photo: Kim Treasure.
The Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) has been handed a $60,000 penalty after being accused of polluting a Eurobodalla forest.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued two penalty notices over what it said were ongoing concerns about water pollution in Mogo State Forest.
In February 2025, EPA officers carried out a series of inspections at a Dooga Creek crossing, which was used to move machinery between the eastern and western sides of a logging compartment within the forest.
The inspections revealed that the crossing was not constructed in accordance with established best practice, the EPA alleges, and sediment eroded from the crossing has moved into the creek.
NSW EPA director of operations Greg Sheehy said that despite being issued with a clean-up notice that required improvements, FCNSW had not completed the work.
“The crossing concerned is located in a designated Environmentally Significant Area and Dooga Creek supports important freshwater and coastal habitats,” Mr Sheehy said.
He also alleged there was an ongoing risk to water quality and aquatic habitat.
“While EPA inspections to date show the spread of sediment into the creek is limited, the ongoing failure to comply with the clean-up notice presents a clear and foreseeable risk of pollution as the crossing is progressively degraded,” he said.
“We expect FCNSW to implement and maintain the required erosion and sediment controls and will continue to monitor activities in Mogo State Forest until all practicable steps have been taken to prevent pollution of waters in this environmentally sensitive area.”
In addition to the penalty notices, the EPA has also issued an official caution relating to an alleged failure to comply with a clean‑up notice.
The EPA encourages the community to report potential water pollution incidents to the Environment Line on 131 555.
