Physical Oceanographic Assessment of the Nautilus Environmental Impact Statement for the Solwara 1 Project – An Independent Review
November 6, 2012 | Prepared for the Deep Sea Mining Campaign Authored by John L Luick, PhD, Austides Consulting, Adelaide, Australia
MEDIA RELEASE: Oceanographic assessment blows Nautilus out of the water
Authored by oceanographic expert, Dr. John Luick, the report reviews the oceanographic elements of the Nautilus Solwara 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Its focus is on currents and upwelling that may bring pollutants into contact with local populations and marine species. At only 30km away New Ireland is especially at risk, with the possibility of upwelling and currents carrying mine-derived metals towards its coastline. The report find that finds that the EIS seriously downplays the risks facing local communities and the marine environment.
“The modeling is completely unacceptable by scientific standards … The EIS fails to provide the basic information needed to assess the risk of pollution of the environment or the risk to local communities … The People of PNG deserve better. They should be able to feel confident that the approvals process is open and based on the best available science.” – Dr John Luick
(1.8mb) For higher res version of the report please contact natalie.lowrey[at]gmail.com
