The area around this cache was a former tip site, and before that a
series of lagoons. If you’re a local you would be aware of
the controversy
regarding cancer deaths and serious illness amongst residents who
settled in the area after the tip was closed. I had originally
intended to develop some kind of “toxic waste dump”
theme for this cache, but decided to drop that idea as I learnt
more about the concerns. For a start, I didn’t want to
disrespect any locals who have tragically lost loved ones. Second,
from what I could find in the limited time available, I feel like
there just wasn’t an adequate response to the claims.
Although I would not be at all surprised to learn that any
deaths and illnesses are within the realms of statistical
variation, I was disappointed not to find any official report that
considered this. Instead, the only official
risk assessment I could find simply considers the current level
of risk to park users. No mention of those who have been
living there for years…. Now, just in case you’re
getting worried, the official line from the risk assessment is
essentially this: “Finding this cache will not be hazardous
to your health, unless you decide to swim in, bathe in or drink the
ground water.” Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Park near the listed coordinates where you will be able to find
the following information, before taking a short walk to the
cache:
Photos are on display of Howrah Beach in 199A and Bellerive
Lagoon around 190B.
The letter “S” occurs C times in the fancy
scientific name for Pigface.
Some of the dunes that were cut down almost to beach level
during sandmining operations were as many as D times the height of
a house.
Cache coordinates: S42 52.8(A-1)(B-1) E147 24.0C(D+2)