ALUSCAN A/S. Marine environmental impact fom the discharge water. Report fom a survey in October 1993

Abstract

Waste water from the aluminium salt slag processing plant ALUSCAN A/S in Norway discharges into the open recipient Sunndalsfjorden in western Norway. In October 1993 a diver survey in the vicinity of the discharge was performed. The survey showed visible effects closest to the outlet. A diverse marine flora and fauna was observed at 5-50 m from the discharge outlet. Some impact from the discharge was visible at distances ut to 50-100 m from the outlet. The effects of the discharge was enhanced by heavy sedimentation due to remaining sedimented materiale from the former iron mine. The discharge water is expected to rapidly dilute and disperse in the large recipient, causing minor eutrophication effects beyond 150m from the discharge outlet.