Probe into cause of creek pollution
An investigation has been launched into the cause of pollution in a Yatala creek that saw wildlife coated in a tar-like substance.
Volunteers from Reptile Rehabilitation Queensland rescued about a dozen water dragons from the site of a spill at Halfway Creek, which adjoins an industrial area.
A spokesman for the group said they were called to the scene on Monday and also returned on Tuesday, when volunteers spent the day working to rescue affected reptiles.
“We’ve got probably about a dozen (water dragons) that either are going to wildlife hospital or will be this afternoon (Tuesday),” the spokesman said.
“We’ve got another four or five who we’ve captured but are unaffected. And a whipsnake.
“We’ve been working down there since we got called on Monday afternoon.”
While the cause of the pollution has yet to be confirmed, volunteers at the scene said the substance involved was believed to be a petroleum-based product called cutback bitumen.
A council spokesman said the local authority was working with state government authorities to investigate how the substance came to be in the creek.
“The city’s environmental health team was notified of a pollution release into Halfway Creek at Yatala yesterday (Monday),” the spokesman said.
“A private company has taken responsibility for the spill and immediately commenced containment and clean-up efforts. A wildlife group has been engaged to protect impacted water dragons in the area.”
The city is investigating with the Department of Environment and Science.