Vasse Estuary water to improve after clean-up

Water Corporation will carry out work to remove organic sediment that has built up next to the surge barrier on Layman Road to help improve water quality in the Vasse Estuary.

Water Corporation South West Regional Manager John Janssen, said the sediment being removed looked like black mud and was made up of decomposed organic matter that had accumulated near the surge barrier over time.

“We are working closely with our Vasse Taskforce partners to look at opportunities to improve water quality in the Vasse Estuary, and the work to remove this sediment offered the perfect opportunity for us to make a contribution,” Mr Janssen said.

“The sediment will be removed with a suction pump mounted on a floating pontoon in the estuary and will then be transported to the Busselton Wastewater Treatment Plant for safe processing,” he said.

The Department of Water recently conducted a survey of the area to assess the volume and composition of sediment build up in the estuary, following odour complaints from the nearby community, especially during warmer months.

Mr Janssen said Water Corporation worked with the Department to plan the sediment removal process and would continue to take their advice throughout the project to ensure oxygen levels in the Vasse Estuary were maintained.

“This project forms part of the wider Revitalising Geographe Waterways initiative and represents a real win for the community and the environment.  It is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a shared goal,” Mr Janssen said.

The work to remove the sediment will begin in early June and is expected to take around a week to finish.  For safety reasons, public access to the surge barrier will be restricted during this time.

“We appreciate and thank the community in advance for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important clean-up operation,” Mr Janssen said.