2017/18: Rio Tinto Australia Weipa (PFAS)
Surface Water: 39 samples. PFHxS+PFOS 0.032ug/L (max), PFOS 0.019ug/L (max). Repeat sampling from 9 abstraction wells and the accumulation point.
https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/enforcement-tools/pdf/stat1304.pdf
7/9/18
RTA Weipa Pty Ltd operates a bauxite mine located in and around the township of Weipa… In addition, RTA Weipa is responsible for the administration of the town of Weipa through the Weipa Town Authority, which includes the management and supply of drinking water for the township.
During groundwater sampling of drinking water bores that supply the town of Weipa, conducted in October and November 2017, and June 2018, RTA Weipa Pty Ltd has reported the detection of Poly-fluoroalkyl and Per-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in concentrations above the Limit of Reporting (LOR) in some bores, but less than the health-based guideline values for drinking water in all potable drinking water bores… During groundwater sampling of non-drinking water bores and surface waters conducted in November 2017, June 2018 and July 2018, RTA Weipa Pty Ltd reported the detection of PFAS in concentrations greater than the aquatic ecosystem and health-based guideline values for drinking water and recreational water.
RTA Weipa Pty Ltd report that a historical review of the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) containing PFAS has been conducted for the Weipa township. RTA Weipa Pty Ltd report that AFFF has been previously used by RTA Weipa and a preliminary assessment indicates four main areas as possible sources of historical PFAS contamination, namely: East Weipa Heavy Equipment Workshop (EWHEQ), Weipa Airport, Weipa Fire and Rescue, and Andoom Heavy Equipment Workshop (AHEQ)….
2015 – Weipa (Queensland) – Lead
1/7/15: Weipa (Queensland) – Lead 0.019mg/L (max).
High lead reading (ADWG guideline is ≤0.01 mg/L for taste threshold) was measured on one occasion in the Town Bores
Lead Australian Drinking Water Guideline 0.01mg/L
“… Lead can be present in drinking water as a result of dissolution from natural sources, or from household plumbing systems containing lead. These may include lead in pipes, or in solder used to seal joints. The amount of lead dissolved will depend on a number of factors including pH, water hardness and the standing time of the water.
Lead is the most common of the heavy metals and is mined widely throughout the world. It is used in the production of lead acid batteries, solder, alloys, cable sheathing, paint pigments, rust inhibitors, ammunition, glazes and plastic stabilisers. The organo-lead compounds tetramethyl and tetraethyl lead are used extensively as anti-knock and lubricating compounds in gasoline…ADWG 2011
2012/16 – Weipa Tap A (Queensland) Turbidity
16/2/12 + 11/3/15: Weipa (Queensland) – Turbidity 320 NTU (max), <0.5 NTU (av.)
4 exceedances in 41 tests. Incidences included: 17.0NTU (10/1/12), 320 NTU (16/2/12 and 11/3/15), and 270NTU (26/7/16).
Chlorine-resistant pathogen reduction: Where filtration alone is used as the water treatment
process to address identified risks from Cryptosporidium and Giardia, it is essential
that filtration is optimised and consequently the target for the turbidity of water leaving
individual filters should be less than 0.2 NTU, and should not exceed 0.5 NTU at any time
Disinfection: A turbidity of less than 1 NTU is desirable at the time of disinfection with
chlorine unless a higher value can be validated in a specific context.
Aesthetic: Based on aesthetic considerations, the turbidity should not exceed 5 NTU at the
consumer’s tap.