Renewal SA investigates Port River industrial pollution after string of dolphin deaths
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-16/sa-adelaide-dolphin-sanctuary-investigation/101657568
Author: Meagan Dillon
The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron has been calling for action on industrial pollution in the Port River and sanctuary since 2016. It claims polluted water - containing arsenic, iron, chlorine and other toxins - is being pumped into its Outer Harbor marina through a stormwater drain underneath Coglan Road. Squadron committee member David Eldridge said fish and dolphins have disappeared from the pool and native rats are turning up dead. After years of failed attempts to raise the issue with Renewal SA, the council and the EPA, the squadron decided to make a submission to a parliamentary inquiry into the Port River dolphins.Dolphin activist Mike Bossley estimates there are fewer than 15 Port River natives left, which he believes is about "half of what it used to be". The council has told the inquiry that one major issue facing the Port River is confusion over which government department, agency or organisation is responsible for the water quality. But in response to continued pollution entering the marina, Renewal SA said it had employed a stormwater engineer to "map the drain's catchment" and investigate any potential contamination using cameras. "Evidence of any potential environmental breaches will be referred to the EPA for investigation," the spokeswoman said. She said Renewal SA may also install a "pollution trap" that would catch any pollutants before they hit the marina.