Coast & Estuaries
Page 216
Condition Indicator:
Results of monitoring of Heavy Metals and
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB's) chemicals in Dolphins, Sediments and Fish of
the Port Adelaide River.
Thermal Discharge
Several facilities in and around the Port Adelaide River release heated water as
a result of industrial processes, including the Pelican Point, Torrens Island and
Osborne power stations. Due to the large volume of water in the River, the
impact of thermal discharges may be localised as overall background
temperatures are not significantly altered by thermal discharge.
However thermal discharge has been known to impact the fauna and flora and
interact with other pollutants in the area. A study suggested that thermal
discharge, in combination with elevated nutrient levels and increased algal
growth, had contributed to reduced biomass and diversity of intertidal fauna in
parts of the estuary and altered the fish species composition (City of Port
Adelaide Enfield, 2007).
Development of Barker Inlet and Port Adelaide River
Development adjacent to, and in, marine water bodies, including housing,
marinas and boat ramps, places significant pressure on delicate coastal and
marine environments.
If sited incorrectly marinas and boat ramps can disrupt sand movement,
degrade habitat and water quality, and disrupt the natural flows of coastal
creeks and streams (Department of Environment and Heritage, 2006).
The new Port Waterfront residential development (Newport Quays) is a
significant recent coastal development within the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
There is capacity for approximately 2000 new residential dwellings built along
the Port Adelaide River, including direct water frontage dwellings. Increased
stormwater discharging directly into the Port Adelaide River is a potential
pressure, although some of this impact could be mitigated though urban
stormwater planning, installation of rain water tanks and gross pollutant traps.
The potential for approximately 550 marina berths within the New Port Quays at
Port Adelaide, has the potential to place significant pressure on the Port
Adelaide River and associated ecologies. The Coast Protection Board has
raised several of these issues with the State Government including, the
increased potential for
Caulerpa taxifolia
and
Caulerpa racemosa
to be
dispersed through the marine environment via boats, the long-term cumulative
effects of large boating facilities including ballast discharges, accidental
discharges, changes to flow regimes, litter, and the impacts on the dolphins
including impacts on their habitat and water quality and via direct harm.
Pollutants of potential concern include petrol, sewage, household garbage and
boat wash-down effluent since the early 1990s.
The EPA is providing advice to the State Government in regard to these issues.
