Howard Springs Nature Park: Synthesis of What We Know
History of Events
The following is a brief history of events drawn from archived files.
In 1957, the Curator of Parks and Gardens wrote “From the outset it must be appreciated that this pool should only be utilised during the wet season when the water is on the move and that once the water ceases to flow it could not be recommended from a health angle”
It’s understood that in 1963, almost 20 years after the weir was created, that the Army was required to dredge the waterhole to remove excess weed and silt that had built up over time. This claim was made in an internal minute from 1984, written by a Parks and Wildlife Ranger.
In 1971, the Spring stopped flowing, due to it being covered by gravel. Machinery was used to clear the Springs with the task completed using spades. The same year the rock wall and concrete culvert was constructed. In 1977 the camping and caravan park at the Nature Park was closed down, while an internal Parks and Wildlife report says visitor numbers had declined and that the waterhole needed urgent treatment to remove undesireable weed growth and the build up of silt and organic matter.
In 1979 a Parks and Wildlife Ranger wrote an internal report describing the process he used to try to improve water quality in the Howard Springs pool. Several 10 inch “sluice pipes” in the weir wall were opened with the intent of carrying out a “cleaning operation”. The Ranger reported that the operation was only a partial success because of the build up of silt, sand, gravel, vegetation and cyclone debris down stream from the weir. After the operation there was a report of water discolouration and an unpleasant smell.
In 1982 a dry season visitor survey of Howard Springs Recreation Reserve was undertaken. The main out come of the survey was that visitors wanted weed and silt removed from the main pool.
In 1983 The Honourable Ian Tuxworth wrote to a resident in response to her complaint regarding the state of the Howard Springs pool and the smell in the area.
“As you are probably aware, the drying up of water resources and the growth of algae, fungus and bacteria increases weed growth in most waterholes, lagoons and billabongs toward the end of every dry season in the top end area. The Howard Springs Nature Park pool is unfortunately subject to these same conditions at this time of year.”
“The Commission tells me that the Rangers are continuing to clear the thick layer of weed and algae that builds up on the pool surface to try to improve the present condition of the pool for visitors. The Commission is also waiting for the results of a limnographic survey currently being conducted by the Water Division of the Dept of Transport and Works, which it is hoped it would indicate appropriate future management techniques to overcome the present annual deterioration in the appearance of the pool towards the end of the dry season. Until this advice is obtained, there is not a great deal we can do at this stage apart from the physical clearance of weed material from the surface of the water.”(12 Oct 1983).
October 1984 a Parks and Wildlife Ranger outlined there had not been any report forthcoming from Transport and Works regarding the management of the pool. He also outlined the “public outcry” over the condition of the pool despite the efforts of Rangers. He finally suggests that dredging the pool would be the most appropriate management action.
On 13 November 1984 a Parks and Wildlife Ranger wrote an internal minute to the Senior District ranger expressing his concern at the deterioration of the water colour in the pool after very high usage over the weekend. There was also a very unpleasant smell in the area he attributed to rotting vegetation in the water.
“The feeling of staff at Howard Springs in that the pool should be dredged free of silt and weed, and if this does not improve the water quality, the pool should be closed to the public when the water quality starts to deteriorate.” (13 November 1984).
In a separate internal report on 13 November 1984, the same Ranger raises concerns about drinking water in the park. A recently installed bore in the Howard Springs Nature Park was found to provide water which was unfit to drink.
“According to Dr John Quinn from the Department of Health, the Coliform, Ecoli, and faecal streptococci should not reach over 20 parts per 100ml. At present the counts in the drinking water are 200 coliform, 200 Ecoli, and 140 Faecal Streptococci.” (13 November 1984)
December 1984 a Parks and Wildlife Ranger wrote an internal report to the Regional Manager North about weed growth and visitor complaints regarding Howard Springs Nature Park. Silt was also a perceived problem and he estimated that the silt deposit was 1.5m deep and covered an area of 0.75 hectares.
“The water quality has been severely affected by the heavy silt build up and during busy periods the water takes on a murky complexion. The water quality checks have indicated a very high Ecoli count. This would account for the number of recent complaints of “tropical ear” contracted at Howard Springs. It is felt that unless urgent action is taken, then the pool may have to be closed until the pool is in an acceptable condition.” (17Dec 1984)
A Parks and Wildlife ranger wrote an internal report in 1984 to the Chief District Ranger requesting that cheaper and less environmentally damaging methods than dredging be looked at to improve the water quality at Howard Springs.
In 1983-84 Rangers estimated that the population of flying foxes inhabiting the trees surrounding the waterhole numbered 200 000.
In 1985-86 environmental clearance was granted to undertake capital works at Howard Spring Nature Reserve. In 1986 the pool was closed, drained and dredged to remove accumulated silt. The scope of works included physical removal of silt from the pool at a cost of $93,000; installation of a “Penstock Gate” to aid sluicing of the pool and to replace exiting pipe work, the installation of a children’s wading pool on the eastern side of the main pool, installation of a concrete spill way and clearance of vegetation downstream to aid the flushing of water from the pool.
In total 7,000 cubic metres of silt was removed from the pool and all other works were undertaken as per the scope of works. Total cost of the effort was $156,967. Bacteriological analysis before and after the works were undertaken and was approximately the same result, indicating there was no real net benefit.
The wet season of January 1987 saw the waterhole fill up courtesy of an ‘average’ wet season rainfall.
