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Appendix 7
Scientific and Environmental Assessment for Exercise "Barossa"
Exercise "Barossa"
- Adelaide
11 June 1998
Prepared by National Response Team
Timing 1530 hrs CST - 11/06/1998
Assessment of CRA provided by Ports Corp.
Foreshore/Coastal types
Oil impact region as of time of report is the southern region below Port entrance channel. Entrance to North Haven and the marina has been impacted and the sandy beaches along Semaphore foreshore to Largs Bay Pier.
Oil impact is mostly sandy beaches so far in incident.
Foreshores to the North of the Port are of main concern for oil sensitivity.
Extensive mud flats and seagrass beds from Port Gawler to Breakwater. Seagrass beds also extend from Port Gawler to Largs Pier, covers most of the spill area. Extends into Barker Inlet and extends north up the coast and past Port Gawler.
Wetlands, mangroves, salt marshes and sandy beaches are present in spill area. (sensitivity of foreshores)
Wildlife/Bird life
Bird life present at Outer Harbour Breakwater area, Torrens Island & Garden Island areas. Also at St Kilda and Port Gawler. All are classified as high sensitivity to oil spills.
- Black Faced Shag (BFS), breeding Jan-May
- Caspian terns (PC) - high sensitivity breed Aug-Feb
- Waders (WD)- various including plovers (endangered)
Location- Species present
StKilda - PC
Barker Inlet - WD
Torrens Island - WD & plovers
Outer Harbour- BFS & PC
Largs Bay to Breakwater area - WD, divers & other seabirds
Port Gawler- PC & WD
Extent of Foreshores Subject to Inundation
Most of Torrens Island & Garden Island are inundated during high tide.
Mangrove stands are present throughout the Torrens Island & Barker Inlet area.
Known Fisheries in region of spill & Gulf
- Blue crab nursery
- Aust salmon fishery, nursery
- Prawns nursery
- Mulloway fishery
- Tommy Ruff fishery & nursery
- King George Whiting nursery
- Scallop
- Garfish nursery, spawn & fishery
- Squid fishery & nursery
Protected Areas & Conservation regions
Torrens Island Conservation Park covers most of the main estuary to Port
Port Gawler is a Conservation area.
Northern regions of Gulf are also protected and conservation areas.
Shoreline Assessment
It is essential foreshore assessment (SCAT) crews are in place at first light to ensure consistent procedures for the documentation of oiled coastlines.
To describe the physio-ecological character of oiled foreshores and to identify human-use and ecological resources not identified in CRA.
Foreshores need to be segmented for the SCAT process.
Other Concerns
- Salt pans intakes.
- Cooling water Torrens Island Power.
- Recreational fishing warnings.