A NEW SOUTH WALES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING SCHOOL CERTIFICATE ASSESSMENT TASK

GEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH QUESTION

How has the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant impacted on the quality of human and marine life in and around the vicinity of the Cronulla beaches?  

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

PRIMARY SOURCES

MAPPING
Through observation, the entire stretch of coast from Wanda to South Cronulla beach will be mapped by hand. The map will feature the routes of sewerage transfer lines, the location(s) of sewage pumping outlet(s) and the location of the actual sewage treatment plant. The results of a water quality test will be used to map out a “sewage impact zone” along the shoreline.

WATER QUALITY TESTING
Samples of water will be collected from a number of different locations along the Cronulla beaches strip on a weekly basis for three (3) weeks. Specimen containers will be used and the samples will be analysed at school with assistance from the Science department. The water samples will be tested for the bacteria, E. Coli. This bacterium is found in human and animal waste and its presence is an indication of sewage pollution.

SURVEY
The general public will be surveyed on the impact that the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant has on their lifestyles. The survey will show the opinions of locals regarding the facility and their concerns about the treatment plant’s impact on the Cronulla beaches. The survey will also be available online for added accessibility.

INTERVIEWS
The general public, local businesses, councillors of the Sutherland Shire Council and an executive form Sydney Water will be interviewed. These interviews will voice the concerns people have about the treatment plant and their opinions.

PHOTOGRAPHS
Digital photos will be taken of any signs of sewage pollution from Wanda to South Cronulla beach. Photographs will be taken of the actual sewage treatment plant, any visible sewage transfer lines and any visible effluent. The images will act as indicators of sewage pollution and show the impact it is having on marine and human life.

PHOTO COMPARISON
Digital photographs will be taken of the coastline from various locations on a weekly basis for a period of three (3) weeks. The images will be compared to show differences in visible sewage pollution.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

ENVIRONMENT AUSTRALIA    
Environment Australia will provide statistics on the levels of sewage pollution at the Cronulla beaches, maps and information relating to the operational standards and pollution regulations for sewage treatment plants. Such information will be obtained via the website.                        www.ea.gov.au  

ENVIRONMENT AUSTRALIA – NATIONAL POLLUTANTS INVENTORY 

This government body will provide statistics on the levels and types of substances released by the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant into the waters of the Cronulla beach strip. The organisation’s website features an online database of pollutant emissions by the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant. A comprehensive guide to chemicals released by the plant and their effects on the environment is also available.
www.npi.gov.au

STATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY – N.S.W

The E.P.A. will provide information relating directly to the effects of sewage pollution on the Cronulla beaches and sewage pollution in general. The organisation will be contacted by phone/fax so brochures may be obtained with this information. The N.S.W. Government’s State Of The Environment 2000 Report will be used to show the current status of water pollution at the Cronulla Beaches.
www.epa.nsw.gov.au

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY (N.S.W.) BEACHWATCH  

Annual, monthly and daily reports on the levels of sewage pollution at the Cronulla beaches will be obtained from BeachWatch. BeachWatch will also provide information regarding bacteria and their effects on human health.
www.epa.nsw.gov.au

SYDNEY WATER
A number of publications including environmental impact statements for the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant will be purchased through the Sydney Water Rockdale Centre and the Sydney Water Library in Bathurst Street, Sydney. Information will be obtained on the substance emissions, environmental impacts and operations of the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant. Maps of the facility and sewerage transfer lines will also be obtained.
www.sydneywater.com.au

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

SUTHERLAND SHIRE COUNCIL

Sutherland Shire Council’s Blue Print For Action Plan will be used to show what effects sewage pollution is having on the Cronulla beaches and how council is managing the problem. Maps of the entire beach strip between Wanda and South Cronulla will be obtained. Sutherland Library’s Reference and Local Studies areas will be used to research additional information on the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant and sewage pollution at the Cronulla beaches.                                                                 
www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au                                                                  www.mycommunity.com.au/sutherland                                                                  www.suthlib.nsw.gov.au

WILLIAM V - GEORGES RIVER COLLEGE - HURSTVILLE BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS