Full moon affects turbidity
THE Al Mahaar Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD) operations were reduced on Saturday and stopped completely at 5.55pm the next day.
In a media release Gladstone Ports Corporation said the recent lunar events have meant a very large tidal range is recorded in the area with highs of 4.62m and lows of 0.33m* and is having a significant effect on water turbidity in Gladstone Harbour.
GPC said as with most spring and king tides the natural turbidity increases were expected and as part of an adaptive approach to carry out the Western Basin Dredging Project with the minimal impact to the environment a Turbidity Management Plan was put in place to reduce dredge activities.
Although ceasing the CSD stopped turbidity levels continuing to rise in the harbour GPC said there was an indication that the tidal movements were the significant contributing factor.
GPC CEO Leo Zussino said the decision to reduce dredging on the Western Basin Dredging Project this week was taken to allow water conditions return to normal as soon as possible after the full moon this weekend.
"Cutter suction dredging is expected to resume later in the week as turbidity falls," Mr Zussino said.
