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Findings: Water Pollution

Findings: Water Pollution Specifically, the aspect of water pollution most frequently observed to be ill addressed relates to the following passage of the logging agreements:
"All oil, fuel, chemicals and other pollutants shall be stored at a safe distance away from any river or water course in secure conditions with safeguards against accidental contamination of water."
(SLA, Clause 6)

Fuel storage in field situations did not comply with these conditions in those areas still being actively operated for felling and log extraction. As completed logging coupes were most often dominated by secondary growth and a smothering coverage of Merremia peltata, it was not possible to fully assess field storage in those areas. Log Ponds on Isabel have not retained a buffer area of vegetation and some were located on top of streams contrary to the stipulations of the Code of Practice. The drains from some log ponds which carried both spilt fuel, oils and sediment emptied directly into the marine environment.