Esperance writes off controversial chapter

Decades of commercial shipping from the Western Australian town – which, like many such regional locations, has built its economy around sea-trade – would normally ensure such an event would go largely unnoticed.
But last Monday was different for many Esperance residents who saw the departure of the 12,782 dwt general cargo ship Beluga Finesse as a significant milestone that marked the end of an unwelcome, two-year chapter in the history of the town that had otherwise enjoyed a strong connection to its working port.
The vessel was unremarkable to most in the West, though she had only 11 days earlier, somewhat coincidentally, found fame for delivering equipment to the Gunns pulp mill at Bell Bay.
Her call at Esperance was more welcome than the earlier Tasmanian call.
The shipment was the second and final export of the lead stockpile left when Magellan Metals exports were suspended following the March 2007 contamination scandal.
Thousands of birds were found to have died as a result of raised lead and nickel levels in the community that was later traced back to the port stockpiles.
The 8,500 tonne shipment was packed in sealed, two-tonne bulk bags before being loaded into containers.
Importantly for many, it clears the stockpile at the port that was so heavily scrutinised.
It follows an initial shipment of 26 containers in March.
The port is now subject to conditions that insiders say are far stricter than accepted standards in place globally.
The storage shed is now enclosed and will be cleaned before being destroyed under strict environmental and safety conditions.