Dead bird in city pond raises health issues

The health and aesthetic value of a centrally-located Bunbury drainage pond have been questioned by environmental advocates after a dead bird was found in the area a month ago.

Located next to the Bunbury skatepark, the pond receives water from a storm drain that runs along Blair Street.

The pond contains a gross pollutant trap designed to filter water before it runs into the Leschenault Inlet.

South West Environment Centre vice-convenor Mark Kennedy said the pond was an “eyesore”, especially considering its position next to the skatepark and site of the Setagaya Friendship Garden.

Bunbury resident Mike Fenton came across a dead bird, believed to be a swan, in the drainage pond last month and reported it to the Bunbury City Council.

He said his main concerns for the area were the health of wildlife and the potential for contaminated water to enter the inlet.

“People associated with the Big Swamp tell me that swans are an indicator of the quality of the water,” Mr Fenton said.

He said it appeared there had been little attempt made by the council to clean up debris that had accumulated in the gross pollutant trap and other parts of the pond.

Bunbury city works and services director Phil Harris said there was a regular cleaning regime in place to remove debris from the gross pollutant trap.

He said the trap collected and contained pollutants therefore preventing the contamination of waterways such as the Leschenault Inlet.

“The GPT is a simple, effective product that is utilised extensively in storm water management best practice,” Mr Harris said.

He said all storm water that did not evaporate or soak away was filtered by the trap.

Mr Harris said the area was cleaned in February and was due for inspection this week, but would not confirm whether the water in the drainage pond had been tested.

He said while the reason for the reported bird’s death was unknown, other wildlife remained active in the drain and pond.

Samples taken from the inlet in February revealed the water met recreational quality guidelines.