Scientists speculate that between 750 kilograms and 2.3 tons of lead are in the paint on the exterior and interior of the ex-HMAS Adelaide, which if sunk, would likely leach into the water and accumulate in fish, mollusks and other wildlife.

Sinking the HMAS Adelaide

New South Wales, Australia

ESC recently completed a short term contract to provide expert testimony on the effects of sinking the ex-HMAS Adelaide off the coast of Australia. The decommissioned warship would serve as an artificial reef and dive site. The ship, however, contains an array of chemicals toxic to both aquatic and human life, including copper, PCBs, zinc, and lead that may poison the very organisms for which it is meant to provide a habitat.

The Environmental Defender’s Office is an environmental law center that has filed an appeal against the permit to sink the ship that was granted by the federal Environment Minister. Scientists speculate that between 750 kilograms and 2.3 tons of lead are in the paint on the exterior and interior of the ship, which, along with other chemicals and heavy metals, would likely leach into the water and accumulate in fish, mollusks and other wildlife.

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