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Massive Fatberg Closes Sydney Beaches, Urges Wastewater Upgrades

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Fiona Copeman, manager of the Malabar wastewater treatment plant in Sydney, says a fatberg the size of four buses has caused beach closures.
Sydney Water is pursuing a pollution reduction program requiring upgrades to manage fats, oils, and grease, which have risen 39% over the past decade.
The Malabar plant processes up to 1,300 megalitres of wastewater daily during wet weather.
Copeman emphasizes source reduction to address the issue.

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Story summary

Fiona Copeman, manager of the Malabar wastewater treatment plant in Sydney, says a fatberg the size of four buses has caused beach closures.
Sydney Water is pursuing a pollution reduction program requiring upgrades to manage fats, oils, and grease, which have risen 39% over the past decade.
The Malabar plant processes up to 1,300 megalitres of wastewater daily during wet weather.
Copeman emphasizes source reduction to address the issue.