Biting insect assessment, section 4239, Hundred of Bagot, Hidden Valley: proposed hazchem storage facility

Abstract

A Hazchem Storage Facility is proposed at Section 4239, Hundred of Bagot. Section 4239, Hundred of Bagot is located at Hidden Valley adjacent to extensive mangrove areas of Bleesers Creek and Reichardt Creek in Frances Bay, Darwin Harbour. Section 4239 is proposed to be subdivided in future, with the proposed Hazchem Storage Facility to be built within a 4ha site in Section 4239. The areas adjacent to the proposed development area were also identified as being subject to seasonal pest problems from the salt marsh mosquito Ochlerotatus vigilax (Whelan et al 1994). Other mosquito species of potential significance in the proposed development area include Culex annulirostris and Coquillettidia xanthogaster (Whelan et al 1994). Ochlerotatus vigilax is a vector of Ross River virus (RRV) disease and Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease, while Culex annulirostris is a vector of RRV, BFV, Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) disease and Kunjin virus (KUNV) disease. The numbers of these species of mosquitoes in this area indicated there are seasonal risks for mosquito borne disease transmission in the development area.

The Medical Entomology Branch (MEB) has been asked to identify any biting insect pest or potential human health problems in the development area, and provide advice on the magnitude of the problem. To do this MEB has referred to past biting insect investigations in the development area (Whelan et al 194), as well as examined the proposed plans for the potential of the development to create or exacerbate existing biting insect problems.