A playground in regional Western Australia has been closed after low levels of the metal thallium were detected in a sand pit, following environmental testing prompted by increased dust complaints.
Preliminary results of a Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) investigation into dust emissions in the port-side city of Geraldton, 400km north of Perth, uncovered an 'isolated, low-level' detection of thallium at Fraser Gregory Park Playground.
According to DWER, thallium can be released from some industrial processes, including metals and cement manufacture.
In July, DWER took 40 soil samples from houses, schools and healthcare facilities across the residential suburb of Beachlands, which sits next to the rail and road corridor into the Geraldton Port.
The investigation was launched following reports from Geraldton locals of increased dust blanketing homes and businesses, sparking concerns about health and property damage.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the decision to close the playground demonstrated how seriously the local government was taking the issue, but further information was needed to determine the threat level.
"The city acted very swiftly to cordon that playground off until we find further results," he said.
"With thallium, I don't know if there is any standard that is acceptable in Australia; we will be seeking some more clarification on that.
"It may be something that occurs naturally, and it may be there all the time, and we only know because DWER undertook testing.
"In the meantime, we are being as cautious as we can until we get some more results.
In a statement, DWER said it would undertake further testing of the impacted playground site following direction from the Department of Health.
DWER said the source of thallium detected in the Gregory Street playground sandpit was unclear.
Mr Clune said he hoped the preliminary results, which determined lead levels found in the dust and soil samples were below the safe level for humans, provided some comfort to concerned residents.
"We are comforted to know that those levels are well and truly within the safe limits," he said.
"These are preliminary results, but some are very encouraging and give some surety to the community about levels and what is contained in the dust."
The released results come the same week as the Mid West Port Authority announced the completion of $10 million worth of infrastructure upgrades, including a purpose-built dust extraction system to reduce environmental harm.
In a statement, the port said the new system improved the facility’s ability to manage dust generated during iron ore handling.
"The system works by creating airflow that captures dust inside the shed and returns any extracted material back into the facility, helping reduce the potential for dust escaping during operations," a spokesperson said.
DWER will undertake further technical assessment, which they say is required before sources of dust emissions can be identified.
