The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has directed contractors dredging on behalf of Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) to immediately cease operation of the cutter suction dredge in Gladstone Harbour.
DERM Director-General Jim Reeves said that an Environmental Protection Order was issued yesterday following evidence of high levels of turbidity at a monitoring site for more than 48 hours.
It is a breach of their Development Approval if high turbidity levels persist at any of the key monitoring sites for more than 48 hours.
The suspension applies immediately and remains in place until turbidity reduces to acceptable levels.
[mappress] Dredging Today Staff, January 10, 2012; Image: westernbasinportdevelopment