Page 3556 - Week 12 - Thursday, 20 September 1990
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First, on the 19th Ms Follett asked me a question about the levels of cadmium, lead and other heavy metals in the Molonglo River. In answer to that question, I should start with some history and inform Ms Follett that mining operations at Captains Flat between 1882 and 1962 have resulted in heavy metal pollution in the Molonglo River upstream of Hoskinstown bridge. Remedial engineering works were undertaken in 1976 and the chemical monitoring undertaken before and after that remedial work has demonstrated a significant improvement in the river water quality. This becomes more evident with progression downstream from Captains Flat.
The level of heavy metal pollution below Hoskinstown bridge meets the objectives of the World Health Organisation standards for drinking water. The standards for the objectives of the ACT water policy plan are also achieved downstream of this point, with the exception of zinc. Further monitoring is suggested. However, the designated uses of the Molonglo River under the ACT water policy plan are not compromised, due to heavy metal pollution emanating from the Captains Flat mines.
Contamination of Fish
MR KAINE: Another question, from Mr Wood, was of a similar nature. He asked whether I was aware that the extent of contamination in the fish of Lake Burley Griffin by zinc, copper, lead and cadmium is of concern to noted scientists, and he asked a supplementary question in relation to the depositing of silt in the lake.
In connection with the first question, heavy metal pollution of Lake Burley Griffin waters is currently not a problem. Tests for pollutants have shown that levels of heavy metals are within the ranges of the water policy plan, which is far more stringent than the World Health Organisation or the National Health and Medical Research Council standards.
Scientists within the ACT Government Service and from non-government institutions are concerned about the possibility of contamination of fish. However, this does not imply that the fish are contaminated. In fact, tests completed two years ago did not find any contamination of fish in Lake Burley Griffin. Levels of heavy metals have been monitored until recently in the Molonglo River and there is no indication that further research funding for analysing fish is necessary at this time.
In answer to the supplementary question, the nature and origins of sediment in Lake Burley Griffin are part of a study by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service in collaboration with the CSIRO Division of Water Resources and involving the Soil Conservation Service of New South Wales. The study has recently been completed and the report is now being finalised.
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