Fear of Contamination on Brisbane's Beaches Triggers Closures

There is growing concern about the possibility of contamination of beaches at Nudgee, Sandgate, Shorncliffe and Brighton due to discharge of contaminated water from the Oxley sewage plant into the Brisbane River.

According to Environment Department scientists, Oxley Creek had fecal pollution levels at 250 times above normal levels.

64 ML of primary level-treated sewage is discharged by Oxley sewage treatment plant into the creek which runs into the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay.

A disinfection process will be in place in the next six weeks, although the plant will not fully treat sewage up to three months.

Queensland health has advised people to avoid rivers and creeks in Brisbane and Moreton Bay, as tests conducted at Cabbage Tree Creek portrayed high levels of enterococci.

Source: Medindia