In 2023 MBS Environmental conducted a ANZG Marine Copper Default Guideline Value Amendment Review. This was in response to the guideline values (DGV) for copper (Cu) in marine waters within the ‘Australia and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality’ (ANZG) being reviewed, and lowered from a range of 0.3 ug/L (99% species protection) to 8.0 ug/L (80% species protection) to a range from 0.12 ug/L (99% species protection) to 1.4 ug/L (80% species protection). In the updated guidelines, a dissolved organic carbon (DOC) correction has also been implemented which can amend the DGV based on the DOC characteristics of the particular environment.

A coalition of WA ports (Southern Ports Authority, Mid-West Ports Authority and Pilbara Ports Authority) plus Water Corporation WA communicated to MBS Environmental (MBS) that these updated DGVs were not fit for purpose as they are very difficult to measure analytically and would require the implementation of extensive and expensive monitoring programs. MBS were engaged by the various port authorities and Water Corp to undertake a comprehensive review of the updated DGVs with respect to both the science behind their generation and also the practicalities behind their implementation, specifically in regional WA.

What did we do for the ANZG Marine Copper Default Guideline Value Amendment?

• Conducted a comprehensive scientific review of the DGV generation process which included assessing the:
  • Diversity of species and taxa utilised to generated DGVs.
  • Rationale for data inclusion and exclusion.
  • Suitability behind the use of other physico-chemical properties (in this instance DOC) to alter Cu DGVs
• Conducted a review into the practicalities of the measurement of low-level Cu concentrations in marine environments, including outlining alternate measurement options such as passive samplers.
• Prepared a response document on behalf of the Port Authorities and Water Corp as a part of the public comment and review process.