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Hygiene at Glen Mervyn Dam
This a copy of an email I've sent to DEC. Be careful if you use water from the dam for drinking or cooking.
A few days ago I was following the Bibbulmun Track where it goes around the western side of Glen Mervyn Dam, near Mumbalup, and discovered the whole area is used being used as a toilet. Campers at the dam obviously walk a short way down the track and literally crap on the edge of the trail. Not only does the area smell like a toilet but used toilet paper is scattered everywhere. Obviously it's not the sort of thing we want visiting walkers to have to experience. Additionally, a camper van was parked on the track blocking the way. Can someone please sort this problem out?
Tags: hygiene
Views: 117
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Donald Hill on -
Hi There ,
This is a great example of how Trailtalk can be used to let people know what is going on out on the Trails .
Don
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Permalink Reply by The Bibbulmun Track Foundation on -
Hi Marty,
I can't tell you how disappointing it is to hear this. The issue of illegal camping at the Dam and the campers using the Track as a toilet and leaving rubbish was on our Board agenda for years.
We were extremely pleased when work was completed there around 12 months ago. Much of the campsite area was 'ripped' to deter camping and encourage regeneration to natural bush land, as were the roads leading to it. Three tonnes of rubbish and debris were removed, the Track was realigned closer to the water's edge to avoid the remaining campsites and new signage installed.
In addition a septic tank was installed and a toilet block was to be built, enabling campers to leave the area in a more hygienic condition. It sounds like the toilet hasn't been built yet? In which case we'll put it back on the Agenda and follow up with DEC.
Cheers, the BTF team
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Permalink Reply by Marty Wallace on -
I'm not sure if there is a toilet there or not. The toilet paper was scattered around the west side of the dam. I did see the ripped area but I can't recall from memory the positioning of everything. I also forwarded a copy of my email, along with some other issues, to Mick Murray MLA, and I think he's as keen as anyone to keep the bush clean. He replied that he would bring it up with the DEC. The opening of Lake Kepwari would take some pressure off other sites. Both Glen Mervyn and Stockton Lake are massively overcrowded, especially considering the primitive hygiene facilities.
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