Gero dust up: DWER officers visit Geraldton to investigate alleged iron ore contamination, take test samples

After years of formal complaints and appeals for change, officers from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation finally visited Geraldton to investigate the big, dirty dust problem.

Officers arrived in Geraldton two weeks ago to collect samples of the iron ore dust, with findings yet to be determined.

For the better part of six years, Geraldton residents have been complaining about iron ore contamination in the city and the negative impacts it is having on the community.

The dust, allegedly from uncovered Karara Mining trains coming into the port, has been said to be coating houses, vegetation, boats and streets in a damaging black magnetite powder.

Multiple residents have made formal complaints to the City of Greater Geraldton and DWER with significant physical, vegetation and health concerns.

Dean Parker, owner of Horrie and Steve’s Marine, said he had been complaining to the department for years in a bid to sort the problem.

Mr Parker said he was tired of not seeing action but still waited with bated breath for change.

Beachlands resident Ralf Mulks said he had also complained, having sent in a sample of the black dust to DWER which he scraped off the side of his house.

“I put a complaint in two years ago and nothing happened. Then last year I scratched a sample of the dust from our house wall and sent it off to a lab to get a semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis done,” he said.

“The sample determined that 28 per cent of the sample was magnetite, so I put in another complaint to DWER and this time they started an investigation.”

He also said most residents in Beachlands had to frequently wash down all belongings, chairs and cars outside of their homes to get rid of the damaging dust.

In March this year, DWER confirmed it was actively investigating the dust issue in Geraldton with plans to send officers to the city to engage with locals and take samples of the dust.

At that stage a site visit to Geraldton was not confirmed by DWER, leaving aggrieved locals waiting for action.

However, DWER officers arrived in Geraldton two weeks ago to conduct investigations.

A DWER spokesperson said the officers met with relevant stakeholders to discuss the nature and extent of dust impacts.

“The officers also collected a range of environmental samples from different locations, including residential properties, for further analysis,” the spokesperson said.

“As the investigation is ongoing, the department is unable to comment on specific findings at this stage.”

It was noted the outcomes of the investigation would also include consideration of the sampling results, which would inform the appropriate next steps.

“We acknowledge the community’s concerns and are working collaboratively with the City of Greater Geraldton and other stakeholders to resolve this matter,” they said.