Sy [EPA Mr Doug Lucas Manager Commercial Services Hunter Water Corporation POBox 5171 HRMC NSW 2310 Dear Mr Lucas RE: HUNTER WATER CORPORATION - BACKLOG SEWER PROPOSAL ~ PRIORITY SEWER PROGRAM | refer to your email of 13 March 2014 and atached report ited, ‘Pity Sewerage Program — ‘Supplementary Environmental Assessment, dated Apri 2002 prepared by the NSW Envronment Protection Authorty (EPA). | understand Hunter Water Corporation (HVVC) is preparing a funding sumission fo the State Government to investigae and design sewer services fr six of tha unsewered areas inthe Hunter Region including Hexham, Sasham and Wyee. The 2002 EPA report Kentiies Hesham, Seaham and Wyee as high priority areas based on environmental sersivty criteria. ‘The EPA supports the severing ofthese areas based on environmental senstity criteria, particularly Hexham due fos proximty fo the Hunter River and ascociated residential, receational and commercial ses. The EPA alao recommends HVC give consideration to severing the Tomago area as thas similar Uses to Hexham ascociated with industrial lands occuring on the Tomago sandbads which recharge the Underying crinking water aqui. “The EPA notes Dungog focal government area (LGA) I now part of HWWC's area of operation and that consideration of high prioty areas of Dungog LGA wil bs considered separately. The EPA has no information onthe local performance of septic tanks, owever supports iniatves that are lily to provide benefits tothe community and envrcrment. The EPA recommends that HWC contin to aise wit local {goverment to understand the current sewage management status for these areas ‘The envionmental assessments presented in the 2002 EPA report were desk top reviows and developed ‘as one input to an overall assessment fo inform decision making. The 2002 EPA report remains relevant as {an Indication ofthe environmental andlor public heath need for Improved sewage management al that ‘me. However, the Information fie 2002 EPA report hay a beer rewey review ouput by the EPA. The EPA nates that Hunter Water i ising with local councis to vel pire, based on current information.Page 2 | wust this advice is helpful. youwish to discuss any ofthe above further, please contact myself on 4908 a0. Yours sincerely Rowener 14/4 fac REBECCA SCRIVENER ‘AlHead Regional Operations Unit ~ Hunter Environment Protection Author