RESULTS
Experimental Site 6
Site: West Street Pumping Station Sump
Water Test |
Result |
17 th June, 2005 |
August 2006 |
April 2007 |
|
|
Pond |
Drain |
Nitrate mg/L
|
0.079 |
- |
2.64 |
- |
Phosphate mg/L |
0.200 |
- |
0.14 |
- |
Ammonia mg/L
|
0.636 |
- |
0.132 |
- |
pH
|
7.21 |
- |
7.02 |
7.43 |
Salinity ppk
|
0.26 |
- |
0.20 |
0.21 |
Conductivity ms/cm3 |
0.55 |
- |
0.39 |
0.39 |
Turbidity
|
<10 |
- |
14 |
12 |
 |
Pumping Station at West Streets controls storm water entering the Pond |
 |
The drain emptying into the Pond via the pumps. |
Water Index Rating for Test Sites
This is based on the number and type of macro invertebrates sampled
It must be taken into account that the star ratings will also be determined by the season and the amount of water in the ponds.
Site: West Street Pumping Station Sump
Date |
Water Index Rating |
Star Rating Guide |
June 2005 |
× × Gambusia |
Wetland needs some assistance. Continue restoration |
August 2006 |
× × |
Wetland needs some assistance. Continue restoration |
April 2007 |
× × |
Wetland needs some assistance. Continue restoration |
Macro invertebrate Sampling in Water sites in Bunbury City
KEY
Water Condition Index |
Water body Quality rating |
19 or less |
Poor |
20 - 34 |
Fair |
35 - 49 |
good |
50 or more |
Excellent |
Site: West Street Pumping Station Sump
Species sampled |
Sensitivity Rating |
June 2005 |
August 2006 |
April 2007 |
Dragonfly larvae |
- |
6 |
- |
Damselfly larvae |
6 |
- |
6 |
Caddisfly larvae |
- |
- |
- |
Water mite |
- |
5 |
- |
Beetle larvae |
- |
- |
- |
Beetle coleoptera |
- |
3 |
3 |
Bugs (water boatmen) |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Daphnia/ water fleas |
3 |
- |
- |
Cyclops |
3 |
- |
- |
Flatworm |
- |
- |
3 |
Ostracods |
- |
- |
- |
Water Snails |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Midgie larvae |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Aquatic earthworms |
1 |
- |
- |
Macroinvertebrate
Water condition |
23 Fair |
21 Fair |
19 Poor |
Vertebrates |
- |
- |
- |
Tadpoles |
Ducks |
4 dead Ducks |
Ducks |
- |
- |
 |
One of four decomposing Black Pacific Ducks found in the reeds at West Street. |
Conclusion
West Street sump is the smallest of the release sites. It does not always look like a healthy pond. It was decided to release fish here because it had water all year round, wood ducks breed here each year, there is plenty of rushes and the sensitivity rating and chemical testing of water has always been within the limits required by the native fish. The City Council control the growth of typhus by spraying with a Biactive herbicide which is less harmful to wildlife than other herbicides.
In April 2007 four dead Black Pacific ducks were found at this location. The incidence was reported to City Council. Their deaths are believed to be linked to a suspected outbreak of botulism, recorded at nearby Big Swamp in summer 2006/2007
Being the receiving end of a pumping station, the main water source is from storm water. In April 2007, water was tested directly entering the pond after rain. Water quality was good as per results table.
The pond fence line is surrounded by housing, so people live in very close proximity to a natural mosquito habitat. Releasing the Western Pygmy Perch in 2006 is a positive step in controlling the mosquito and midgie problem in this suburban area.
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