Ralphs Bay :: Pollution

Ralphs Bay has suffered the consequences of decades of Derwent Estuary Pollution, arising chiefly from heavy metal contamination from the zinc smelter, and resin acids and other wood extractives from the paper mill, both upstream. According to the State of the Derwent Report (Department of the Environment, 1997) irreversible sedimentary contamination especially by Cadmium, Lead, Mercury and Zinc are "the most severe and persistent problem, with concentrations in water, sediments and shellfish among the highest in Australia". It is officially recommended that shellfish from this bay are not consumed as "this can cause vomiting within a short period".

Sewerage contamination of the river estuary has also been cited as a persistent problem resulting in intermittent coliform contamination of some recreational waters. 56 million litres of outflow from sewerage treatment plants empty daily into the river - 4 million litres flow directly into Ralphs Bay at Rokeby. (State of the Derwent Report, 2003). There have been recent improvements in bacterial levels although stormwater run-off following heavy rain can aggravate levels of both faecal and heavy metal pollution.

In November 2003, the Minister for Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Bryan Green, said "This is a major environmental issue and must be addressed." (Media Release 17 November 2003).

In summer months the relative warmth (average temperature @ 21°C), peripheral mud flats, and natural flora can combine to produce a powerful and offensive smell. This is attributed by some to “leaching” from the adjacent Lauderdale tip but others claim that this is a natural phenomenon for this type of coastal habitat.

Further Information (pop-ups must be enabled)

You do not need prior approval to link to http://www.ralphsbay.com (.au). We actively encourage you to include a link to this site.

Website designed by Networth Design © 2005