Butler, B.M., and Taylor, J.P. (1996) Comalco Weipa water quality investigation stage 1. Report. James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

[Extract] Comalco Aluminium Limited Weipa, has commissioned the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research {ACTFR), as an agent of James Cook University of North Queensland, to undertake an investigation of water quality in a section of the Embley River estuary that is bounded by the Lorim Point sewage treatment plant and the export wharf. A preliminary study brief was provided by Comalco in May 1995.

This was subsequently refined after discussions with Comalco and a site inspection on July IO, 1995.The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of Comalco activities on ambient water quality in the defined study area (shown in Figure I.I) and provide a report in support of a licence application under the new Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Protection Policy (1995) - Water. This work complements the Queensland Ports Corporation/Comalco "Weipa Water and Sediment Baseline Study" that is still in progress. The two investigations differ in that the baseline study seeks to provide a database indicative of existing ambient water quality throughout the greater estuary while the current study focuses on measuring contaminant releases from Comalco operations and localised effects on the quality of receiving waters in close proximity to outfalls. Emphasis has, for instance, been placed on assessing the extent of wastewater mixing zones. Investigations were conducted prior to the 1995-96 wet season and accordingly, provide data indicative of dry season conditions only. Consideration of stormwater releases falls outside the scope of the current study and should ideally be dealt with in separate investigations during the wet season.

The study comprised a number of brief intensive monitoring programs designed to evaluate the quality ,quantity and impact potential of wastewaters released from each environmentally relevant activity (ERA)within the study area. The following ERAs were investigated: Discharges of sewage effluent from the Lorim Point sewage treatment plant (STP); Releases of bauxite laden runoff via the ship loader drain; Spillages of wet bauxite slurry and dust during ship loading operations at the export wharf and, Disposal of power station cooling water (via the "three pipes" cooling water outlet).

Item ID:	36048
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Additional Information:	A report for Comalco Aluminium Limited, Weipa Queensland. Report No. 96/08
Funders:	Comalco Aluminium
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2016 22:27
FoR Codes:	05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050205 Environmental Management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960604 Environmental Management Systems @ 100%
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