Queensland nickel refinery poses risk to Great Barrier Reef - media

SYDNEY, Feb 12 (Reuters) - A Queensland nickel refinery owned by Australian billionaire Clive Palmer poses a serious environmental threat to the Great Barrier Reef, The Australian newspaper said on Wednesday, citing a government report.

Ponds around the Yabulu refinery contain more 150 times the maximum for sewage discharge in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, threatening the world's largest coral reef system should water escape the ponds, the daily reported following a freedom of information request it filed about the matter.

The risk is heightened by cyclones or heavy rains, it said.

"The tailings dams contain heavy metals (nickel and cobalt) and very alkaline water - ammonia. The main risks to the ecosystem are the loading of the near-shore waters with nitrogen," said the government report cited by The Australian.

There has been controversy over potential damage to the Great Barrier Reef further south following the granting of a permit earlier this month for 3 million cubic metres of dredged sand to be dumped about 25 km (15 miles) away from the reef to expand the coal port of Abbot Point.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is debating whether to put the Great Barrier Reef on its "in danger" list.

(Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

((colin.packham@thomsonreuters.com)(+61-2 9373 1812)(Reuters Messaging: colin.packham.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: AUSTRALIA BARRIERREEF/PALMER