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2. Ground water pollution from Septic Tanks and Industry

This information has been developed from the publications:
  • An assessment of the Geological/Geomorphological Significance of Private Land in the Shire of Portland (1981) by N. Rosengren, J Mallen, T Shepherd.
Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage section of the Geological Society of Australia website (external link) for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.


Ground water pollution may occur from septic tanks, e.g. from unsewered "hobby farm" blocks, or as a result of industry using convenient sinkholes/caves as waste disposal sites, e.g. dairy factories or piggeries. Although the use of sinkholes for the disposal of industrial waste is not currently a major problem (compared with the dumping of domestic rubbish) it should not be allowed under any circumstances as new industries develop.

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