Nabarlek: chemistry issues

The stockpiling of the ore and the mineral extraction process was the source of virtually all the potential pollutants at Nabarlek. Various plots of water quality data obtained are provided. Kadjirrikamarada Creek continues to show minor water quality deviations from background with respect to nitrate, aluminium, ammonium, sulphate and pH. Bioassay work has shown this water to be of low toxicity to local organisms. Buffalo Creek also displays minor deviation from background (less variation than Kadjirrikamarnda Creek). Cooper Creek does not display any clear trends away from background. All surface waters meet NHMRC (1996) Drinking Water Guidelines for health. Groundwater bores downgradient of the pit and former Forest Irrigation Area continue to demonstrate minor impact from former operations. All groundwater bores, except OB19, meet NHMRC (1996) Drinking Water Guidelines for health. OB19, adjacent the pit, slightly exceeded the manganese guideline for health in August 1999