Environmental Investigations

Since April 2010 the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport has been aware of pollution incidents involving chemical spills into our harbours.  NRETAS is currently investigating these incidents under the Waste Management Pollution Control Act.  The Act allows NRETAS to undertake a thorough investigation into any illegal discharge or dumping of waster and materials that causes pollution or environmental harm.

NRETAS is committed to protecting our environment and any incidents that cause or may cause environmental pollution should be reported to the 24 hour free call Pollution Hotline on 1800 064 567.

The Waste Management and Pollution Control Register contains information such as incidents and licenses in the Territory, as required under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act.

Edith River Flooding Event Investigation

The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport is investigating two incidents in relation to the Edith River.

At approximately 5.30 am Tuesday, 27 December 2011, a freight train travelling north headed into flood water at Edith River and derailed.  The train was carrying copper concentrate from the Oz Minerals Prominent Hill mine in South Australia.

On the same day Vista Gold Australia Pty Ltd (Vista Gold) reported an uncontrolled discharge from the Mt Todd mine site, located in the Edith River catchment approximately 55 kilometres north of Katherine.
 

Rail Incident

The freight train was carrying 1500 dry tonnes of copper concentrate in ‘kibbles’ (tarpaulin-covered containers).  The current estimate from Oz Minerals is that 1000 – 1200 tonnes of copper concentrate (80 kibbles) have been lost from the train into the Edith River.  The location of all kibbles, and the degree of loss of copper concentrate from the kibbles, is uncertain at this stage.

On 23 January 2012 NRETAS issued an authorised officer direction under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act to Genesee and Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd (GWA), the operator of the derailed train. GWA has been directed to:

"(a) clean up and rectify pollution, namely any and all Freight that fell from the train into the Edith River or surrounding land following the derailment; and
 (b) prevent further pollution and environmental harm."


On 13 February 2012 NRETAS issued an additional authorised officer direction under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act to GWA. GWA has been directed to
“take all reasonable measures to prevent and minimise further pollution and environmental harm including immediately:
(i)    Ensuring the contents of all shipping containers are secured;
(ii)    Removing remaining shipping containers from the Edith River; and
(iii)    Removing all Freight from the Edith River and surrounding land.”

15th February 2012 - STATEMENT: Edith River Clean-Up

 

Mt Todd Mine

The discharge from Mt Todd into the Edith River was from a retention pond (known as RP1) that collects water runoff from a large portion of the mine site.  The water flowed over the spillway designed to maintain the structural integrity of the retention pond walls. Discharge from the site is regulated by a waste discharge license.

Press Releases

Site Map

Water Sampling

 

Sediment Sampling

Consodlidated Results, Monitoring Plan, Hydrographic Data

 

East Arm Wharf

Stormwater Incidents

The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) commenced an investigation on 28 March 2011 into incidents involving red plumes at East Arm Wharf under the Waste Management Pollution Control Act.  The investigation is ongoing and once complete, the results will be announced.

 

1 April 2011

New East Arm Wharf Investigation Underway - pdf 46Kb

Copper Concentrate and Stormwater Incidents

Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) commenced an investigation on 17 April 2010 into incidents involving copper concentrate at East Arm Wharf under the ‘Waste Management Pollution Control Act’.  The investigation is ongoing and once complete, the results will be announced.

6 September 2011

Successful Prosecution Welcomed

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6 September 2011

Investigation Outcome for Darwin Port Corporation

 pdf 24Kb
12 April 2011 Darwin Port Corporation To Face Pollution Charges html
23 June 2010

Water, sediment and stormwater testing report released

AIMS Report - Investigation of Copper Concentrate Loadout at East Arm Port: Water and Sediment Quality

pdf 23Kb

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24 May 2010 Pollution Abatement Notice issued to Darwin Port Corporation pdf 27Kb
29 April 2010 Tough New Measures to Protect our Environment html
28 April 2010 Heavy Industry on Notice to Clean Up their Act html
27 April 2010 No Suspension of Ship Loading – Investigation Continues pdf 24Kb
25 April 2010 NRETAS on hand for Copper Concentrate Ship Loading pdf 23Kb
23 April 2010 Pollution Abatement Notice issued to Darwin Port Corporation pdf 30Kb
21 April 2010 Pollution Abatement Notice Issued pdf 28Kb
17 April 2010 East Arm Wharf Investigation pdf 24Kb

Nhulunbuy (Gove)

Alumina

Department of Resources (DOR) announced on 22 April 2010 that it will undertake an investigation into an incident involving aluminia at the Rio Tinto Alcan Refinery at Nhulunbuy.  NRETAS environmental officer/s will also take part in the DOR investigation. 

DOR Media Enquiries: 0427 270 182 or 0417 813594

12 May 2010 ALCAN Investigation Still Underway html
22 April 2010 Department of Resources - Department Investigates Alumina Spill pdf 15Kb

Groote Eylandt

Maganese Ore

On 28 April 2010, BHP Billiton self reported an incident involving spillage of manganese ore, which occurred the previous week during a ship loading. 

28 April 2010 Heavy Industry on Notice to Clean Up their Act html