The trees probably could keep growing faster, and absorbing carbon dioxide, but there just aren't enough nutrients in the ground to keep growing at the faster rate. So, after a year or two of faster growth, the trees slow back down to normal. The accident, stemming from a broken retaining wall, sent toxic metals downstream, endangering the park wildlife. The park is a world heritage site, and a stopover for more than six million migrating birds. Unfortunately for the park, a new report says the effects of the spill may be longer-lasting than anyone feared.
Researchers say birds living in the park are suffering from continual genetic damage.
Shortly after the disaster, the birds were found to have higher levels of toxic metals in their blood. But now, three years later, the damage still persists. Chicks living near the park have 10 to 20 times as much genetic damage as chicks living further away. If that genetic damage occurs in eggs or sperm, it could be passed on to subsequent generations. Eighteen tonnes of rat poison made it into the ocean, as well as the truck's cargo of paint, which turned the sea bright green.