An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated at Menindee in the State’s far west to coordinate multi-agency operations in response to fish kills in the lower Darling-Baaka River.
NSW Police State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Emergency Management Peter Thurtell said the EOC would support the emergency response by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Department of Primary Industries, WaterNSW and Central Darling Shire Council.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said the fish deaths were believed to be attributed to hypoxic blackwater, a naturally occurring phenomenon which causes extremely low dissolved oxygen levels.
“The scale of this event has been exacerbated by recent hot weather and significantly increased numbers of fish in the system as floodwaters recede,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
“NSW Government Agencies are continuing targeted releases of higher quality water where possible to boost dissolved oxygen levels in this area,” he said.
“There is no need for community concern as the initial assessment has determined multiple viable solutions to maintain water supply to the Menindee township and surrounds.
“Importantly, there is ongoing testing of the water quality, which will ensure immediate action if a switchover for supply is required.”
Overseeing the EOC, Regional Emergency Operations Controller, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree said numerous Government Agencies were already on the ground in the area with more on the way to conduct and support operational activities.
“The results of water quality testing will also be used by experts to determine further actions to improve dissolved oxygen levels and reduce further environmental impacts,” Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
“In addition, significant planning – including risk assessments – is already underway for clean-up efforts, which will include the removal of as many of the dead fish as possible, prioritising the immediate areas around Menindee, as well as other areas deemed high-risk in terms of water supply,” he said.
“While this will require specialised skills and equipment, experts in the EOC have already identified suitable contractors, and it is expected work will commence this week.”
Assistant Commissioner Greentree said NSW and Commonwealth Agencies would continue to assess the risks to fish health in the area through on-going monitoring.
He said this could involve adjusting the timing, size and location of releases from the Lakes into the lower Darling River to maintain the quality of the water in the river.
