The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is harnessing sonar technology to assist with cleaning up its efforts along the State’s rivers affected by the recent flooding disasters.
Director of the EPA, Arminda Ryan said the Sonar (submerged debris) Clean-up Program was uncovering submerged and dangerous waste that had been washed into the Hawkesbury and other rivers during the floods.
Ms Ryan said the Program removed dangerous obstacles to navigation and water safety, including giant tree trunks and water tanks.
“By using the latest technology available our aim is to make this recovery as thorough and efficient as possible,” Ms Ryan said.
“The strength of the Sonar Program is its ability to reveal otherwise invisible hazards,” she said.
“Sonar Technology mounted on boats sends out sound waves and measures returning echoes to detect large items on the riverbed.”
Ms Ryan said that based on what had been found shoreside, submerged hazards were expected to include items as diverse as chemical drums, farming equipment, large tree branches and even caravans.
The Director said the EPA was working closely with Transport for NSW to secure and mark hazardous debris prior to removal.
“Transport for NSW has provided the EPA with 11 priority locations for surveying in the Hawkesbury River,” she said.
“OceanWatch Australia have provided a further two priority locations.”
Ms Ryan said the EPA-led Program covered a broad area and would see a wide variety of man-made and natural hazardous debris removed from waterways extending from the Hawkesbury River to the Queensland border.
She said Transport for NSW was also expected to provide the Authority with priority locations for surveying on the North Coast.
