Stormwater Pollution Investigation
Conducted rapid sampling and analysis at a stormwater outlet in Holdfast Bay, providing council with clear, defensible results to guide environmental management and respond to community concerns.
Location: Holdfast Bay, South Australia
Client/Sector: Local Government
Challenge:
Following community complaints, council officers identified a pollution-like substance on the beach near a stormwater outlet. The local authority required rapid advice and sampling to determine the nature of the material and whether it posed a risk to the marine environment.
Aquatic Assessments Role:
Aquatic Assessments provided rapid technical support, including identifying suitable NATA-accredited laboratories in South Australia and designing an appropriate sampling approach. We conducted field sampling at the stormwater outlet, prepared chain-of-custody documentation, and delivered samples to the selected laboratory for analysis. Following laboratory testing, Aquatic Assessments interpreted the results against relevant benchmarks including the Australian Water Quality Guidelines and the Adelaide Water Quality Improvement Plan.
Outcome:
Council received clear, defensible information on the nature of the discharge and its potential environmental implications, enabling an informed response to community concerns and supporting evidence-based management of the stormwater system.