Mine waste pollution of the Molonglo River, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory: Effectiveness of remedial works at Captains flat mining area

Abstract

Seeps and previously deposited particulate material from mine workings at Captains Flat are still major sources of metal contamination in the Molonglo River. The impact of metal contamination as it entered the river is shown by the lower variety and numbers of animal taxa collected at downstream sites compared with upstream areas. Comparison with studies conducted before the remedial works shows that there has been little or no discernible change to the chemical or biological condition of the river during periods of low flow.