August 23, 2013

Water releases from the Meandu Creek Dam and the recent cold snap have begun to disperse an algal bloom detected in Meandu Creek.

Stanwell Corporation have confirmed that water discoloration in the creek downstream from the Tarong Power Stations has been caused by Dolichospermum circinale, a type of cyanobacteria.

It is believed the algae developed on the surface of the Meandu Creek Dam during the recent spell of warm weather and overflowed into the creek after the area received 8mm of rain.

When the bloom was detected in the creek, Stanwell began releasing water from lower depths in the dam where the algae is much less likely to be found.

Between 25 and 30 megalitres have been released each day since Monday in a bid to flush the creek.

A Stanwell spokesman said test results indicated the bloom dropped by 88 per cent from Monday to Tuesday.

The corporation has been liaising with local primary producers and will continue to sample the water until results return to normal.

  , ,