AN innovative trial to clean up the smelly, midge-infested Yangebup Lake is showing positive results, claims Cockburn city council.

A nutrient-stripping basin—using a solar powered pump—was installed in September, after long-running complaints from locals. More than 19,000 native plants have also been planted at the 80-hectare wetlands, including mid- and over-storey species.

“Some immediate results include an increased cover of native vegetation and animal activity within the site,” says mayor Logan Howlett.

“Recent monitoring has indicated the nutrient basin is working as desired and it is hoped that improving the water quality will reduce midge as well as improve the overall health of the wetland.

“The project was recently showcased at the state wetland management conference and received a great response.”

Baseline monitoring is being undertaken for nutrients and macroinvertebrates, and on-going observations will inform on the function of the swale in improving overall water quality.

Mr Howlett says the city hopes to undertake further analysis using dye tracers: a non-toxic method that helps to understand flow rates within the basin.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK