Went on a port tour today which we thought might be a bit hohum but it turned out to be very interesting and only $5.00! The tour went for one hour and we weren't allowed off the bus (security reasons). The tour guide was very knowledgable and made the tour very interesting. Due to the lead dilemna last year the port and DEC have had to put into place some extreme measures to ensure this never happens again. Investigations discovered lead dust had escaped from the port when lead carbonate from Magellan Metal's mine at Wiluna was loaded onto ships in windy conditions after travelling more than 800km from mine to port. This was all done uncovered without any care given to the dust that flew around. The load was railed down from Wiluna Consequently thousands of birds died and children were found to have high levels of lead in their bodies. One suburb close to the port was most affected and the Port, Shire and EPA have had to pay to clean rooftops, replace insulation etc. The lead content in children is still being monitored and is dissipating which is good news. The Port however has had to put in place automated monitoring equipment and all machinery has to be covered and sealed so that no dust is emitted (unlike Port Hedland which is very dusty everywhere). The Esperance Shire has been successful in its negotiations not to load lead anymore and it is likely to be exported out of Fremantle. The port loads iron ore (from Southern Cross); nickel from Leinster, sulphur and diesel is imported for mine works. The port has 3 berths, 1 for iron ore tankers and 2 general for grain etc. The picture on the right is sulphur in storage.
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