Study uncovers desal plant shock for Gulf's health

The Advertiser. MICHAEL OWEN. December 18, 2008

THE method of discharging salt into St Vincent Gulf from Adelaide's $1.3 billion desalination plant will likely cause extensive marine damage, an independent report has found. The findings of a report by Flinders University oceanographer Jochen Kaempf - commissioned by Onkaparinga Council - appear to conflict with modelling undertaken in the environmental impact statement for the proposed plant at Port Stanvac.

The EIS was released last month by the State Government. A six-week public consultation ends on Wednesday. The EIS states the plant is unlikely to have any "measurable adverse impacts" on the marine environment.

But Onkaparinga Council mayor Lorraine Rosenberg yesterday said Dr Kaempf's report highlighted "potential serious consequences for the marine environment of the proposed design".

Save Our Gulf Coalition spokesman Peter Laffan yesterday said there was "now a gaping hole in the Government's claims that the desalination plant . . . won't harm the Gulf".

"He (Dr Kaempf) has concluded there is a high risk that water quality will be affected, with major/severe consequences an almost certain likelihood," Mr Laffan said. Dr Kaempf acknowledged the urgent need for a solution to the state's water crisis, but warned "the construction of desal plants along SA gulfs (with release of brine back into the sea) may not be the most environmentally friendly solution".

Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald yesterday said while it was inappropriate to comment on individual submissions to the EIS public consultation, the Government "will not compromise the environment in the Gulf".

The row erupted yesterday as final tender documents from the three shortlisted bidders to build the plant were submitted to SA Water. Opposition water spokesman Mitch Williams yesterday said SA Water had no expertise in desalination and questioned its involvement.

"Does SA Water really have the expertise to even do the environmental impact statement? There are . . . serious question marks over the whole process," he said.

Port Stanvac desalination plant will likely cause extensive marine damage to St. Vinent Gulf says oceanographer Jochen Kaempf. Why would a desalination plant at Point Lowly be any different?

Lights back on

The Whyalla Council has turn the Point Lowly Lighthouse light back on with a dimmer yellow light