An assessment of Derby has found no above-normal lead or zinc levels in the townsite, though some elevated results from near the Derby export facility had been identified, the Department of Environment and Conservation has announced.
An assessment of Derby has found no above-normal lead or zinc levels in the townsite, though some elevated results from near the Derby export facility had been identified, the Department of Environment and Conservation has announced.
In an announcement, DEC Environmental Regulation Director Robert Atkins said the results could be attributed to wastewater management issues from past or present operations.
"Four samples in total were taken just outside the facility next to the boat ramp access road. All were above the ecological investigation level for lead with two samples above the health investigation level for recreational land use," he said.
"Results were assessed against the recreational open space criteria due to the sample site falling outside the facility fenceline.
"Four samples detected levels above the ecological investigation level for zinc and one was above the health investigation level for zinc for recreational land use.
"We've notified the present operators and they have committed to removing the contaminated soils and ensure that wastewater is adequately contained on site."
The assessments, which the department said were inspired by both the industry boom and the Esperance lead issue, were to screen for heavy metals and ensure the ports had increased their capabilities to safely store and handle their products.
Seven ports had been identified for the assessments program: Geraldton, Derby, Port Hedland, Kwinana, Bunbury, Albany and Wyndham.
However, DEC had made Derby and Geraldton a priority because both exported heavy metals and had recently had ship loadings.
The full text of a DEC announcement is pasted below
Results from soil sampling conducted in the Derby townsite have found no lead or zinc readings above health investigation levels.
The Department of Environment and Conservation and the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley collected samples in the town in July and August for the Derby Export Facility assessment, as part of a statewide assessment of ports.
Sample results are measured against DEC's ecological investigation level and health investigation level according to the land use.
Results above the ecological investigation level indicate further investigation might be needed to determine any environmental impacts, while readings above the health investigation level might prompt further investigation into potential health impacts.
Derby townsite testing
DEC Environmental Regulation Director Robert Atkins said the export facility assessment was broadened to include the townsite after some detection of heavy metals on the facility's perimeter during preliminary testing in June.
"Eighteen soil samples were collected at locations throughout the town and sent to the Chemistry Centre (WA) for analysis for heavy metals. All samples were well below the health investigation level," he said.
"One soil sample was found to be higher than the ecological investigation level for zinc, however, this was at a property known to the Department and has already been reported as required under contaminated sites legislation.
"This process ensures appropriate management of the land with respect to its use.
"Two samples taken at other locations were slightly above the ecological investigation level for zinc however it's not uncommon to find these low levels in an urban environment and further investigation is not required in this case," he said.
Derby Export Facility
Mr Atkins said some soil samples taken next to the Derby Export Facility had returned some elevated results which could be attributed to wastewater management issues from past or present operations.
"Four samples in total were taken just outside the facility next to the boat ramp access road. All were above the ecological investigation level for lead with two samples above the health investigation level for recreational land use," he said.
"Results were assessed against the recreational open space criteria due to the sample site falling outside the facility fenceline.
"Four samples detected levels above the ecological investigation level for zinc and one was above the health investigation level for zinc for recreational land use.
"We've notified the present operators and they have committed to removing the contaminated soils and ensure that wastewater is adequately contained on site."
He said DEC would continue to monitor the area and ensure appropriate wastewater management was undertaken.
Historical ore stockpile areas operating from 1947 to 1966 next to the facility were also tested. Lead levels in these areas were well below ecological and health investigation levels. Zinc levels were above ecological investigation levels but well below health investigation levels.
However, the areas had already been notified under contaminated sites legislation because of their past land use as stockpile areas for the port.
Mr Atkins said DEC officers also monitored a zinc ship loading at the Derby facility on 15 August and dust monitoring carried out during the loading found there were no dust exceedances.
"Our inspection found that the port's infrastructure is appropriately enclosed and capable of containing ore dusts during loading operations," he said.
The statewide port assessment program is being carried out by DEC, the Department of Health and the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection.
The next ports to be assessed are Wyndham and Bunbury.
