A suspected algal bloom has been detected in Meandu Creek downstream from the power stations at Tarong and landholders are being advised to keep stock away from the area.
Power Stations site manager Dennis Franklin said the bloom most likely originated from the stations’ Meandu Creek Dam but investigations to confirm this were ongoing.
“The water is discoloured but that doesn’t automatically indicate it is blue-green algae,” Mr Franklin said.
“Nonetheless, as a precaution we are releasing water from the bottom of the dam, where you typically wouldn’t find algae, to lower the level of the dam and thus reduce the chance of any more water being discharged over the spillway.
“Stanwell has contacted landholders along the creek to advise them that they should avoid contact with water from Meandu Creek and if possible keep stock away until we conduct more tests.”
Mr Franklin said Stanwell expected to get results back from testing later in the week and landholders along Meandu Creek would be immediately notified of these results. Meanwhile, Stanwell staff were monitoring the situation closely.
He said the recent weather conditions, including still days and warmer than average temperatures, favoured algal blooms. Cold weather due in the days ahead may help to disperse the bloom.
