Sewage Leak Contaminates River, Raising Concerns
Millions of litres of sewage have leaked into the Albert River in Queensland, causing a major environmental incident and raising concerns for public health. The leak was discovered two weeks ago at a riverside paddock in Yatala and has been ongoing since mid-January, releasing an estimated 350 million litres of sewage into the river.
Health Risks and Testing
There are concerns about the impact of the leak on people who fish or swim in the Albert River, as well as on the seafood industry. The City of Gold Coast has urged people not to consume seafood caught in the tidal reaches of the Albert or Logan rivers until further notice.
Water testing is being conducted to determine the extent of contamination and its impact on fish, mud crabs, and the aquaculture industry.
Investigation and Response
The leak has been repaired, but an investigation is underway to determine how it occurred and how long it has been going on. The Gold Coast councillor Mark Hammel has called for a full understanding of the incident and its potential impacts.
Several prawn farms are located on the Albert and Logan rivers, but seafood industry representatives have declined to comment pending the results of testing.
The Albert River is reportedly safe for recreational use based on microbial testing, but caution is advised.
