Environmental updates
They provide significant habitat to macroinvertebrates (bugs) which are an important food source for trout
The reeds and rushes were in flower at the time of the oil spill and leaving them in place will support new growth in coming seasons.
Do not enter the water
Do not swim or take your boat through oil sheens
Wash off any oil on your skin with soap and cold water. It feels sticky to touch.
Avoid swallowing water or touching oiled plants or rocks
Stay away from the booms which keep the oil away from the clean areas
Do not eat eels from the Lake
Were any animals impacted by the oil spill?
Fortunately, during our comprehensive and ongoing surveys, there have been very few animals found impacted by the oil spill. Some oiled native hens were found and captured to enable them to be cleaned and unfortunately one native hen chick is known to have died. One oiled brown trout was also found and euthanised, however, the cause of death has not yet been determined.
No further impact to wildlife has been recorded since the initial spill. It is expected any further other impacted wildlife would already have been detected through the clean-up efforts to date. All crews on site have been looking for impacted wildlife when cleaning up the site. The risk to wildlife is now considered low.
What other environmental impacts have there been and what is Hydro Tasmania doing about it?
Many of the reeds and rushes around the lake were impacted by the oil spill and a distinctive black band remains where the oil came into contact with the reeds. In areas that were heavily impacted, reeds have been cut below the oil line to remove the impacted tissue. Care was taken to ensure that the reeds will be able to re-grow next spring.
Where the impact of oil on reeds was less significant, the reeds were wiped to remove oil and left in place. The reeds were left in place because:
We will continue to monitor the recovery of the reeds and rushes in the lake.
Is there oil still in the lake? What do I do if I see some?
Water quality monitoring has confirmed there is no detectable oil remaining in the water. However, there may still be small traces visible at some times around the shoreline as weathering and disturbance from water movement occurs.
If you see oil in the water, the Department of Health has advises:
If you notice larger than expected amounts of oil on the shoreline, please take a photo detailing the time and location and send to engagement@hydro.com.au(External link).