Murky water returning with dredges returning from Singapore

Yarra dredging has been ongoing despite radionuclide issues being unresolved. The CoZa's return will step it up further.  
Cornelis Zanen (CoZa) has already returned to resume work in the north of the Bay and the Queen of the Netherlands, having been lengthened a further 50 metres whilst in Singapore, is due back early in 2009 to recommence dredging in the South for most of 2009.  The Office of Environmental Monitor (OEM) has even warned that turbidity levels are expected to rise once the CoZa starts work, and of course we should expect to see an extensive plume of turbidity in the south for most of 2009 whilst the Queen deepens the south channel and enlarges the turning circle at Hovell Pile. See OEM Media Release at:  http://www.oem.vic.gov.au/Assets/374/1/081217MRCozasReturnMonitoredFINAL.pdf

Amazingly however, PoMC’s latest newsletter and its website continues to peddle the idea that only 1% of the Bay is being impacted by dredging. Whilst it might be true that only 1% of the 1950 Sq. km of the Bay is actually having the dredge head dragged through it, vast areas will be affected by the murky plume from the dredging activity. Even the PoMC’s own SEES report shows predicted turbidity extending far into the south and north of the Bay, producing murky water right up to the shoreline in many areas. You have to wonder why the Corporation is so keen to keep peddling the idea that only 1% of the Bay is being disturbed.
 
PoMC’s December 2008 newsletter is worth a look for anyone interested in spin.  The meccano model of the Queen of the Netherlands and the complacent visage of Port’s Minister Tim Pallas giving the project his sanguine blessing sets the tone. http://www.channelproject.com/global/docs/Newsletters/NL-0812-newsletter-10.pdf (Big file).  


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