muso wrote on Nov 24
th, 2011 at 2:48pm:
Let me tell you some key factors which are being overlooked in all this.
1.Commercial interests such as fisheries want somebody to blame so that they can claim compensation
2. In January this year, the Awonga dam catchment was subject to the highest rainfall on record. During part of that time, the water level was 8 metres above the spillway.
3. Sightseers flocked to see huge barramundi falling over wall and plummeting to the Boyne river below.
4. Many of the Barramundi were badly injured, and quite a few died, but most of the injured Barramundi survived.
5. The average annual barramundi catch for the region is about 10 tonnes, but 197 tonnes have been caught so far in 2011 as of October 26.
It's likely that the huge influx of injured freshwater barramundi into the Boyne River downstream may be the culprit.
Of course, even though we have Colonel Mustard in the drawing room, knife in hand on this occasion, you can't prove it, but it stands to reason. It's easier to say to industry, "cmon, cough up - you have deep pockets"
Do you think it's possible to tell anything from studying a disease that is already endemic up and down the East Coast of Australia?
It's a bit like saying to somebody - "You gave me that flu, so I'm going to sue you"
Do you want cyanide with the fish and chips?
I've always thought it was more likely to be from the effects of industry. I wouldn't be eating fish from Gladstone Harbour or swimming in the nearby beaches. The Gladstone area is one of the most dangerous places to live, pollution from mining and industry is rapidly increasing.
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef destroyed beyond repair.....shame! Queensland, shame!
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Orica charged with 279 environmental offences for allegedly discharging excessive levels of cyanide into Gladstone HarbourQueensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell says his department has commenced prosecution action against the company for wilfully contravening development conditions during operations at its Yarwun facility, near Gladstone in central Queensland.
Mr Powell says the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection became aware of allegations in March that Orica had discharged waste water containing excessive cyanide on several occasions.
He says he met Orica's management and ordered them to undertake an independent audit of its plant and procedures.
Prosecution action commenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Friday, he says.
The 279 offences relate to releasing contaminants in excess of licence limits, failing to notify the department upon becoming aware of contraventions and failing to test for contaminants prior to releasing effluent.
"Both the department and myself have taken a particular interest in any behaviour that may affect the Gladstone Harbour environment or have a detrimental effect on the Great Barrier Reef," Mr Powell said in a statement.
"This government will work with companies which do the right thing, but it will take action against companies that abuse the privilege of operating within our state."
Mr Powell claimed Orica was aware of the licence conditions but chose to ignore them.
Gladstone Harbour last year experienced a worrying outbreak of diseased fish and the cause is still unknown.
Orica produces ammonium nitrate and cyanide for the mining industry.
An Orica spokeswoman told AAP the company had acknowledged the charges and was still considering whether it would respond.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/orica-charged-with-279-environment...
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