Gnarabup residents want action on wastewater treatment plant concerns

Gnarabup residents are calling on the State Government to act on contamination fears linked to the local wastewater treatment plant. The Water Corporation-operated site was already subject to protests from activist group Preserve Gnarabup, but the community was increasingly demanding action in their own right. Resident Jeremy Bower told the Times the known problem had lingered far too long and it was time for authorities to act in the interest of public health. People living in the area had long known of the problem and now they wanted action, he said. “The poo plant in Gnarabup behind Gas Bay has locally been a joke for many years, the naming of Sewers as a surf break, offhand comments about sewage in the line-up, but in reality it is not a joking matter anymore,” he said. The operator’s latest annual report found nitrate, arsenic, lead and manganese exceeded triggers, as well as elevated levels of bacteria enterococci, found in faecal matter, at four near-shore points just south of Gnarabup and Back Beach. The Water Corporation previously said it believed the contaminants could stem from outside sources. Mr Bowers said there should not be any contaminants at a wild break like Gas Bay. “We all know that that beach/embayment is a high-energy beach, so for there to be any detection at all is alarming,” he said. “This is polluting our ocean and potentially putting the health of all those who use the ocean nearby at serious risk.” The plant was designed to break down effluent and transfer waste into the ground, but as a soil scientist himself, Mr Bowers saw nearby erosion and underground streams meant it was highly likely the water pollution came from the plant. “Right now, when we go surfing or swimming at Gas or Boodj or Sewers or Grunters or fish off Gas Point we and any fish we eat are potentially exposed to pollution from the poo plant,” he said. “Our kids are being exposed, our community is being exposed, and our ocean is being polluted.” A Water Corporation spokesperson said there were no changes to the operation since the Times’ March report and no further progress to relay on the possibility of piping waste to the Margaret River town network. “The plant continues to operate well within its licensed capacity and is compliant with all environmental licensing conditions,” they said. Likewise, DWER said the category B microbial water quality assessment “suggests fair to very good water quality” under the national framework. “Concerned residents are encouraged to report pollution incidents to DWER,” a spokesperson said. “Reports can be made to the PollutionWatch hotline on 1300 784 782.” Preserve Gnarabup spokesperson Beth Carlessi said Parliament had found the plant was built without approval in 2001. But a campaign to demand an independent audit was not taken up by WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby. Ms Carlessi and Mr Bowers voiced concerns at how the plant could service any population increase brought about by the proposed Gnarabup resort and associated village development.