The rehabilitation of the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary (ESBS) was completed in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in 2015.
Water quality monitoring undertaken by the City of Bayswater shows notable improvement outcomes for the Brook and adjacent Swan River. The ESBS constructed wetland is on average reducing metals concentrations by 40-60%, total nitrogen by 20% and total phosphorus by 50%.
The City, DBCA and the University of Western Australia (UWA) have been working together to improve the understanding of how the wetland functions, which will be used to optimise the performance of the constructed wetland. See the report here.
To help improve the ecological condition and nutrient treatment capacity of the wetland, DBCA has recommended temporarily lowering water levels in ESBS to replicate the natural seasonal drying process which occurs in many wetlands across the Swan Coastal Plain.
OBJECTIVES
Improve oxidation of sediment;
Maintain organic balance; i.e. prevent organic build up and the development of monosulfidic black ooze;
Encourage aquatic vegetation growth;
Increase aquatic plant abundance; and
Replicate natural seasonal drying wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain.
TIMEFRAME
The drydown process is expected to take anywhere between 4-8 weeks, commencing in March. The trial will conclude when the majority of the shallow sections of the wetland have dried out sufficiently and at this time the plugs will be removed and the wetland will come back 'online' and start to refill.
PROCESS
Plugs will be inserted in the inlet and outlet pipes to prevent water from entering the wetland. Sand bags will also be used to reduce the seepage if required. Some sections of the wetland will remain wet as there is continued groundwater seepage and a stormwater inlet from Slade Street which cannot be blocked.
FAUNA AND VEGETATION
Aquatic fauna and vegetation surveillance will be conducted to monitor changes during the drydown. As some sections of the wetland will remain wet, fauna can relocate with ease. An officer will also conduct routine inspections. It should also be noted that this is a gradual and natural process which occurs in many wetlands across the Swan Coastal Plain and will ultimately improve the ecological condition of the wetland.
CONTACT
Any further questions, please contact the City's Catchment Management Officer Rebecca Ferguson on 9272 0903, or rebecca.ferguson@bayswater.wa.gov.au
BACKGROUND
The rehabilitation of the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary (ESBS) was completed in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in 2015.
Water quality monitoring undertaken by the City of Bayswater shows notable improvement outcomes for the Brook and adjacent Swan River. The ESBS constructed wetland is on average reducing metals concentrations by 40-60%, total nitrogen by 20% and total phosphorus by 50%.
The City, DBCA and the University of Western Australia (UWA) have been working together to improve the understanding of how the wetland functions, which will be used to optimise the performance of the constructed wetland. See the report here.
To help improve the ecological condition and nutrient treatment capacity of the wetland, DBCA has recommended temporarily lowering water levels in ESBS to replicate the natural seasonal drying process which occurs in many wetlands across the Swan Coastal Plain.
OBJECTIVES
Improve oxidation of sediment;
Maintain organic balance; i.e. prevent organic build up and the development of monosulfidic black ooze;
Encourage aquatic vegetation growth;
Increase aquatic plant abundance; and
Replicate natural seasonal drying wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain.
TIMEFRAME
The drydown process is expected to take anywhere between 4-8 weeks, commencing in March. The trial will conclude when the majority of the shallow sections of the wetland have dried out sufficiently and at this time the plugs will be removed and the wetland will come back 'online' and start to refill.
PROCESS
Plugs will be inserted in the inlet and outlet pipes to prevent water from entering the wetland. Sand bags will also be used to reduce the seepage if required. Some sections of the wetland will remain wet as there is continued groundwater seepage and a stormwater inlet from Slade Street which cannot be blocked.
FAUNA AND VEGETATION
Aquatic fauna and vegetation surveillance will be conducted to monitor changes during the drydown. As some sections of the wetland will remain wet, fauna can relocate with ease. An officer will also conduct routine inspections. It should also be noted that this is a gradual and natural process which occurs in many wetlands across the Swan Coastal Plain and will ultimately improve the ecological condition of the wetland.
CONTACT
Any further questions, please contact the City's Catchment Management Officer Rebecca Ferguson on 9272 0903, or rebecca.ferguson@bayswater.wa.gov.au
