An internal government agency report has raised serious concerns about the health of Lake Macquarie, particularly highlighting issues regarding the consumption of seafood from the lake due to heavy metal concentrations. The report, obtained under freedom of information, warns against the regular consumption of mud crabs from the lake due to high levels of a heavy metal associated with kidney and liver failure.
Furthermore, the risk assessment concluded that most seafood from the lake should be consumed with restrictions, especially for children, due to elevated levels of a second heavy metal. The report, titled “Out of the Ashes,” released by the Hunter Community Environment Centre, links the persistent heavy metal pollution in Lake Macquarie to years of coal ash accumulation from the Eraring and Vales Point power stations.
The environmental assessment revealed alarming levels of arsenic, lead, selenium, copper, nickel, and zinc in the water and sediment samples, exceeding recommended concentrations for a healthy marine ecosystem. Additionally, aluminium, iron, and manganese levels were found to surpass the guidelines for recreational marine waters, prompting calls for stringent regulatory reforms to address the escalating toxic waste issue in the state.
The report’s authors emphasized the need for urgent regulatory reforms concerning coal ash, a hazardous waste product containing heavy metals from coal-fired power stations. They highlighted the risks associated with the current handling, storage, and reuse practices of coal ash, advocating for measures that shift the responsibility of safe disposal back to power station operators.
According to the report, coal ash constitutes a significant portion of Australia’s waste stream, with inadequate beneficial reuse practices posing environmental and health risks. The authors stressed the importance of incentivizing environmentally responsible coal ash reuse to mitigate heavy metal contamination in Lake Macquarie and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recent incidents, such as the discovery of asbestos in demolition waste near Vales Point power station and reports of coal ash with elevated heavy metal levels leaving other power station sites, have further underscored the urgency for regulatory reforms in managing coal ash and preventing environmental breaches.
The Environment Protection Authority and Office of Environment and Heritage have been called upon to address the findings and recommendations put forth in the report. The push for regulatory changes and enhanced oversight in coal ash management reflects a growing concern over environmental pollution and public health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in Lake Macquarie.
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