Flood water at Adani’s Abbot Point coal terminal released into wetlands

Flooding at Adani’s Abbot Point coal terminal has caused a release of water into sensitive wetlands.

FLOODING at Abbot Point coal terminal has caused a release of water into the sensitive Caley Valley wetlands.

Indian miner Adani, which owns the port, reported the water release to the Department of Environment and Science today but insist no damage has occurred.

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A similar spill happen during Cyclone Debbie in 2017, which prompted several long-running investigations and court cases which are still ongoing.

Adani’s Abbot Point coal terminal.

“Operations at Abbot Point Port were suspended early this week due to the extreme weather, which made it unsafe for employees to continue operations with many areas of the Terminal deemed unsafe for entry,” an Adani spokeswoman said in a statement today.

“Our priority is, and always will be, the safety and well-being of our employees. More than 900mm of rainfall has fallen since late December.

“A further inspection was able to be undertaken onsite today. The inspection indicates there has been no release of waters into the marine environment or the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, however flood water has been released to the Caley Valley wetlands from an authorised release point.”