The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) understands and shares the concerns of the South Australian community on the dieback of an area of the St Kilda mangroves, and has been leading a cross-government response and investigation into the causes.
Since September last year, DEM has continued its cooperation with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) throughout this investigation into the activities undertaken on the Dry Creek salt fields.
The current investigative activities include continuing daily and weekly site inspections, monitoring and identifying options to inhibit further impacts.
Positively, the scientific monitoring demonstrates that there is a reduction in seepage of saline water and the area of impact has not expanded significantly in recent months.
The owners of the site, Buckland Dry Creek, are undertaking the immediate treatment actions directed by Government and are taking action to maintain the integrity and stability of the rest of the salt field.
The South Australian Government values community and stakeholder insights into the Dry Creek salt fields and welcomes continued engagement with local stakeholders. Further information and research can be found on the Dry Creek salt fields page of the DEM website.
Friday 22 January 2021