Assessment of sulfidic sediments at Washpen Creek, NSW

"April 2008".

Project Number: Drought Contingency Monitoring Euston Lakes - M/BUS/247.

MDFRC item.

1 of 4 reports associated with project.

Sediment cores (to a depth of 30 cm) were taken from six sites in Washpen Creek on 7 March 2008 to determine if sulfidic sediments were present, following the protocol outlined in Hall et al. (2006). The elevated SCr and net acidity levels from the sediments at two sites are of some concern. There is potential for Washpen Creek to acidify if it was dried out. For the sites with elevated levels of reduced sulfur compounds, the sediment quality would benefit from maintaining the water level in Washpen Creek, which would prevent exposure of the sediments, subsequent oxidation and potential acidification. It is suggested that any intervention be accompanied by a monitoring program, with particular emphasis on water column pH and electrical conductivity.