Cutter suction dredging to recommence in Gladstone Harbour
18 January 2012
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has advised Gladstone Ports Corporation that cutter suction dredging in Gladstone can resume this afternoon.
DERM Director-General Jim Reeves said turbidity levels in Gladstone Harbour had now subsided to acceptable levels.
“Following evidence of high levels of turbidity at a monitoring site for more than 48 hours, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) was issued with an Environmental Protection Order on Monday 9 January directing some dredging activity to cease immediately until turbidity levels reduced.
“GPC complied fully with the Environmental Protection Order.
“Monitoring has established that turbidity levels have returned to acceptable levels for a period of 24 hours.
“DERM will continue to closely monitor turbidity levels in Gladstone Harbour,” Mr Reeves said.
Dredging with the cutter suction dredge has been suspended on three occasions for periods longer than one day, including voluntary stoppages by GPC on two occasions.
On a number of occasions dredging has been suspended by the dredging contractor, for shorter periods, in line with a turbidity management plan involving dredging ceasing during times of large tidal ranges.
Last updated 18 January 2012