The Tasmanian Walking Company has released an independent report into its greywater systems on the Overland Track, which disputes claims from Parks and Wildlife regarding alleged tree die back at four huts.
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The report, from environmental consultant Ecotas, comes to the conclusion that the majority of issues identified from the PWS audit were due to natural causes.
Among those was that the greywater trenches at Pine Forest Moor Hut were downstream from dead tree clumps, and that dead vegetation near Barn Bluff Hut was caused by a "previously disturbed area" from construction.
The report noted "an exceedingly small area of nutrient rich outflow" at Windy Ridge Hut, described by PWS as semi-aquatic algal growth covering 30-square-centimetres. It confirmed algal growth at Pelion Plains Hut for a slightly larger area.
MORE ON THE GREYWATER ISSUE:
For the two huts, it was recommended that sampling should be carried out to detect any increases in nutrient levels.
"We note that the existing greywater systems are in the process of being upgraded with the latest technology to ensure more efficient filtration systems," the Ecotas report stated.
A rectification plan from Tasmanian Walking Company also detailed its responses to PWS claims, in which many of them were disputed.
TWC managing director Neil Lynch said the Ecotas report had cleared the company of environmental harm allegations.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Importantly they confirm to both PWS and TWC that the observations made by parks are not supported. There had been no environmental degradation or negative impacts to the park, and there are no outstanding actions remaining," he said.
Mr Lynch said the PWS observations would have normally been addressed during usual maintenance, which had been disrupted due to COVID and the national park closure.
"In October TWC completed the pre-season preparation work including installation of new and planned grey water systems by global leader Eljen, and in consultation with the environmental experts, TWC has enhanced its existing water and site monitoring processes which will be supervised by GEO-Environmental Solutions," he said.
TWC will carry out refurbishments of the 32-year-old huts, including improved environmental systems. The works will occur over five years.
The PWS audit, carried out from June 16 to 18, raised a range of concerns regarding alleged issues with nearby trees, unlocked rubbish bins and unsecured bags.