Scientists begin lead testing in Esperance

Scientists from the Department of Environment and Conservation have commenced analysing soil, water, plant matter and marine samples in Esperance, in a bid to establish a link between the lead source and the lead found in over 4,000 birds.

The birds, which died between December 7 and January 2, died of lead poisoning, the department has confirmed, though direct evidence of the lead source is yet to be identified.

Department spokesman David Mell said pathology tests were also being conducted on four pigeons for comparative analysis - the pigeons being of interest because they have been living in and around sheds where lead carbonate is stored.

He said the department would also conduct isotope fingerprinting of lead, which is hoped to provide the missing link.

Mr Mell said the Department's priority was to identify the source of the lead and contain it.

"If in the course of our inquiries we find there have been any breaches of licences or unlawful actions, the Department will take action in accordance with its Enforcement and Prosecution Policy," he said

The Esperance Port Authority Board has suspended the movement of lead into and out of the port until the source has been identified.

At the same time as the environmental investigation is underway, DEC is also examining the Esperance Port Authority's compliance with its licence.

One aspect is whether the form of the lead product shipped from the port is consistent with existing environmental approvals.

The full text of a Departmental announcement is pasted below

Analysis has begun in Perth and eastern States laboratories on samples taken from the Esperance townsite over the past few days.

Department of Environment and Conservation spokesman David Mell said the Department had sent officers from its Pollution Response Unit to the town last week to carry out testing and collect samples.

"Swabs were taken at commercial and residential properties throughout the town and a wide range of samples including soil, water, leaves and grass were collected," he said.

"Marine samples including fish, tube worms and sediments from around the wharf area and beach front have also been collected.

"Pathology tests are being carried out on four pigeons for comparative analysis.

"Three of the pigeons were captured by DEC officers and a fourth dead bird was collected."

The pigeons are of interest because they have been living in and around sheds where lead carbonate is stored.

Isotope fingerprinting of lead, including the samples collected through the field sampling program, will be carried out.

It is hoped this will provide the Department with a link between the lead source and the lead found in the affected birds.

Mr Mell said the Department's priority was to identify the source of the lead and contain it.

"If in the course of our inquiries we find there have been any breaches of licences or unlawful actions, the Department will take action in accordance with its Enforcement and Prosecution Policy," he said.

"This means that while some test results may become evidence and therefore not be released immediately, there will be no delay in containing the source of the lead.

Results are expected to start coming through this week and will be released progressively as appropriate.

At the same time as the environmental investigation is underway, DEC is also examining the Esperance Port Authority's compliance with its licence.

One aspect is whether the form of the lead product shipped from the port is consistent with existing environmental approvals.