In December 2007, the reports of bird deaths in the Esperance area initiated an investigation. In the following weeks, it was determined that approximately 4000 birds in the area had died. The subsequent investigation found that the birds had died of lead poisoning as a result of the handling and shipment of lead carbonate through the Esperance Port.

Environmental sampling has found that the extent of the lead contamination was widespread in the local community, with many rainwater collection tanks containing levels of lead and nickel in excess of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Blood tests of local residents showed levels in excess of the WHO guidelines for lead.

A subsequent Parliamentary Inquiry made a number of findings and recommendation in relation to the activities in the Esperance Port.

Current air monitoring and sampling around the Esperance Port are still finding ambient levels of PM10 and nickel in excess of ambient guidelines. Odour issues that result from Port activities are also still causing concern.

ACE has lodged an appeal on the Environmental Protection Act Licence conditions, the appeal is pending.

 

Related Material

10 February 2009 - Petition:
Parliamentary Inquiry into the ability of the WA Government to safely regulate the transport, management, handling and export of mining products and hazardous materials through all Western Australian Ports.

Petition:
ACE, with the support of petitioners, will respectfully request that a full and thorough Parliamentary Inquiry be conducted into the ability of the WA Government to safely regulate the transport, management, handling and export of mining products and hazardous materials through all Western Australian Ports.
ACE Petition for a Parliamentary Inquiry