This report provides the results of a survey to determine the concentrations of a range of selected metal and organic chemicals in marine sediments under natural background conditions in the Pilbara region and to ascertain the applicability the nationally-recommended sediment quality guidelines from the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality to the region. A set of sediment quality guidelines that could be applied to the marine environment off the Pilbara coast is provided.
This work was undertaken to provide an estimate of background concentrations for selected metals and organics in the marine waters of the North West Shelf, and to ascertain whether the guideline trigger values from ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) are relevant to the region.
The region of interest comprises State marine waters from Exmouth Gulf to Cape Keraudren. The primary aim of the consultation was to assess the level of community support for the environmental quality management framework proposed and, in particular, to seek public input on how the environmental quality objectives and their levels of ecological protection should be allocated spatially throughout the region so as to protect environmental values held by the community. The maps of environmental quality in the report have been updated to reflect any changes approved by the Minister since the original report was published in 2006 and are available to download here. The maps are current and should be used by proponents to present the predicted impacts of new developments within the context of the proposed environmental quality objectives and levels of ecological protection.
This work was undertaken to provide an estimate of background concentrations for selected metals and organic chemicals in the waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park and to ascertain whether the guideline trigger values from ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) are relevant to the region.
This work was undertaken to gain an understanding of background concentrations for a range of contaminants in Perth's coastal marine waters, and to ascertain whether the guideline trigger values from ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) were relevant to the region.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has developed an environmental management framework aimed at protecting the coastal waters of Western Australia from the effects of pollution. This framework is being applied to Perth's coastal waters in consultation with the community and stakeholders. A three month public involvement and consultation program has been undertaken to help the EPA identify the Environmental Values of these waters, develop a set of Environmental Quality Objectives (ie. management goals) to protect the Environmental Values, and provide an indication of where the objectives should apply within Perth's coastal waters.
Officers from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Minerals and Energy undertook a low-altitude helicopter-based survey of the islands and waters of the Lowendal and Montebello island groups on 16-17 August 1999, to investigate the environmental implications of an oil spill from the Varanus Island Marine Loading Terminal located approximately 4.2 km north east of Varanus Island. The survey consisted of general observations from the air, supplemented by on-ground observations and collection of beach sand samples from 11 sites on six islands within the Lowendal and Montebello island groups that were considered to have had the greatest likelihood of having come into contact with spilled oil.
There was no evidence of oil on any beaches/rocky shores of the Lowendal and Montebello island groups or on the water swface within or around the island groups during the aerial survey.
There was no evidence of oil on beaches. The strandline was clear of oil. There were no oiled wildlife seen and no visible hydrocarbon layering in the sand profile to a depth of approximately 50 cm and no hydrocarbon odours noted in surface sands or in subsurface sands or water. All mangrove communities examined appeared healthy and showed no signs of oiling or stress.
Beach sand samples contained no detectable benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene or xylene and no detectable petroleum hydrocarbons (C6-C9, C10-C14, C15-C28, C29-C36).
Burt, J.S., Kendrick, G.A., Masini, R.J., Simpson, C.J., 1995. Light and Posidonia sinuosa seagrass meadows in the temperate coastal waters of Western Australia. II. Effect of epiphyte species assemblage and biomass on attenuating light to the leaf surface. In: Contribution to the Southern Metropolitan Coastal Waters Study (1991–1994), Department of Environmental Protection, Perth, Western Australia. Technical Series 62, p.22.
Abstract
Algae growing on artificial seagrass (periphyton) were used to examine the relationship between the epiphyte biomass on the leaves of the seagrass Posidonia sinuosa and the attenuation of light through this layer. Epiphyte and periphyton biomass and species assemblage were monitored over an annual cycle at two sites considered to be broadly representative of the inshore protected and offshore semi-exposed zones, the two major zones where seagrass grow in the southern coastal waters of Perth. These data were used to assess the influence of seasonal and site differences in species assemblage on this relationship. Significant logarithmic relationships between percent light reduction and periphyton biomass expressed as either chlorophyll a, total dry weight or the organic, carbonate and refractory components were evident at both sites. Periphyton biomass measured as total dry weight provided the only biomass-light reduction relationship with no significant site or seasonal differences. The site and seasonal differences in the relationship for other measures of periphyton biomass were attributed to differences in the species composition of the epiphyte assemblages. At the offshore site, the epiphyte assemblage changed from predominantly filamentous species with relatively high species richness in summer to predominantly coralline species with lower species richness during winter. The epiphyte assemblage at the inshore site was comprised predominantly of filamentous species with similar species richness in summer and winter. Ambient nutrient concentration and differential erosion/abrasion due to wave action appear to be the key factors influencing the composition of epiphyte assemblages on P. sinuosa in these waters. Consequently, activities that lead to changes in the nutrient status or wave climate have the potential to alter epiphyte communities and therefore the attenuation of light through this layer and, as a result, the amount of light reaching the seagrass leaf. Furthermore, the logarithmic nature of the epiphyte biomass-light reduction relationship indicates that even relatively small increases in standing crop above background values will be potentially harmful to seagrasses growing at or near their depth distribution.
The Environmental Protection Authority has consistently emphasised the need to conserve wetland resources. While significant studies have been made in the south-west of Westem Australia, little is known of the inland surface waters of the semi-arid areas of the state, notably the Pilbara region.
For this reason, a study of inland waters of the Pilbara was initiated in 1983.
The results of the 1983 study have been published as 'Inland Waters of the Pilbara, Westem Australia, Part 1' (Masini, 1988).
This report concems the results of a second study conducted during October-November 1984, with the following objectives:
To identify and document in terms of their important physical and biological characteristics, the wetlands of the Oakover-DeGrey catchments, with particular emphasis on Carawine Gorge, Skull Springs on the Davis River. Similarly, to survey wetlands along the Ashburton River and its catchment for inclusion in the data base for the Pilbara.
To review the wetland classification system devised during the 1983 study to encompass the whole Pilbara region, once adequate data have been obtained.
To carry out preliminary observations on the nutrient status of the wetlands of the Pilbara.
To make further recommendations for future phases of the study.
A study of inland surface waters of the Pilbara was begun in 1983 with the following longterm objectives:
1. To produce an inventory of permanent and ephemeral inland surface waters which identifies and documents:
(i) significant physical and biological characteristics:
(ii) land tenure:
(iii) amenity, conservation and recreational values: and
(iv) pressures arising from existing and potential land uses, human access and population centres.
2. To classify the waters. using significant physical and biological characteristics.
3. To establish priorities for management and/or reservation.
4. To develop guidelines for appropriate conservation and management.
This report is concerned with a first phase of the Study and has three main objectives:
To identify and document. as far as possible, inland surface waters in the Fortescue and De Grey river catchments in terms of their important physical and biological characteristics;
To develop a preliminary classification system based on observations made in the field: and
To make recommendations for future phases of the study.
