October 29, 2009: Bega Valley Shire Council is continuing to monitor effluent quality from the Eden sewage treatment plant to the ocean outfall point between the southern end of Aslings Beach and Ross’s Bay.

Council’s manager of environmental health, Jeff Tipping, said the sewage treatment plant had experienced process difficulties resulting in effluent being treated to a lower standard than normal.

"As a precautionary measure Council is recommending that swimming, surfing, fishing and shell fish collection be avoided in this area until further notice," he said.

"Advisory signs have been placed in appropriate locations in the area of the discharge."

Mr Tipping said a sampling and analysis program was being carried out at various locations and the initial test results from samples taken on Thursday (October 28) showed normal levels of bacteria.

"Given the problems at the plant, it is expected that ongoing sampling will show some elevated levels of bacterial indicators in the days ahead," he said.

"There will be ongoing sampling and analysis to assess the extent and environmental affects of the discharge

"Local aquaculture farmers, the Department of the Environment and Climate Change, NSW Safe Food and other relevant authorities have all been notified and are being kept informed of the situation.

"The Eden Whale Festival committee is also being kept up to date as information comes to hand," Mr Tipping said.