Project Status: Complete. Further work carried out under the 4A3 Extension 1 project.
Project Participants: Alcoa, Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Project Leader: Evan Jamieson (Alcoa)
The aim of this project was to implement a catchment wide research and monitoring program to investigate the effects of using AlkaloamŪ on the Peel-Harvey Coastal Plain, and the extent and duration of phosphorous retention achieved through its use. The Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food has undertaken the widespread distribution of AlkaloamŪ (bauxite residue) from Alcoa's Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup refineries for the purposes of soil amendment. The approved project included arrangements for distribution, loading and transport of the material from the refineries and the application of the material on individual landowners' properties. This approval is documented in EPA Bulletin 982 issued in June 2000.
Catchment monitoring has continued through 2007/08 and has shown AlkaloamŪ to be a safe and effective soil ameliorant to improve nutrient retention and reduce subsequent nutrient loss into regional waterways. Due to the success of this first phase, the project is being extended to allow for continued monitoring, sustainability and risk management, and development of a formal Code of Practice framework.