❓ Hon Dee Margetts questions the Water Corporation's plan for a biosolids storage facility at Anandale Farm, citing environmental and health risks. Hon Tom Stephens provides answers on behalf of the Minister, addressing site selection, design, testing, and community consultation.
AnsweredQoN 606Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Water Corporation’s plan to establish a biosolids storage and distribution facility at Anandale Farm, Gillingarra, 20 kilometres south of Moora. According to the Department of Environmental Protection’s “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products”, the risks associated with the storage and distribution of large quantities of human waste include the potential for fly strikes in stockpiles; ground and surface water contamination; reduction of stockpile integrity; leaching of contaminants during heavy rainfall events and floods; and public and occupational health risks from uncontrolled access. (1) Given the high water tables in the area, proximity to Moore River and the acknowledged health and environmental risks, why has the Water Corporation chosen not to refer its proposed trial facility to the Environmental Protection Authority for assessment? (2) Given that climate change has seen more frequent summer cyclonic rainfall events in the area, can the minister explain why this site was chosen, why the proposed facility will not be lined with concrete, as recommended in the aforementioned guidelines, and where it is expected that drainage from the site will flow in the event of heavy rainfall? (3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(1) Given the high water tables in the area, proximity to Moore River and the acknowledged health and environmental risks, why has the Water Corporation chosen not to refer its proposed trial facility to the Environmental Protection Authority for assessment? (2) Given that climate change has seen more frequent summer cyclonic rainfall events in the area, can the minister explain why this site was chosen, why the proposed facility will not be lined with concrete, as recommended in the aforementioned guidelines, and where it is expected that drainage from the site will flow in the event of heavy rainfall? (3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(2) Given that climate change has seen more frequent summer cyclonic rainfall events in the area, can the minister explain why this site was chosen, why the proposed facility will not be lined with concrete, as recommended in the aforementioned guidelines, and where it is expected that drainage from the site will flow in the event of heavy rainfall? (3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(1) Given the high water tables in the area, proximity to Moore River and the acknowledged health and environmental risks, why has the Water Corporation chosen not to refer its proposed trial facility to the Environmental Protection Authority for assessment? (2) Given that climate change has seen more frequent summer cyclonic rainfall events in the area, can the minister explain why this site was chosen, why the proposed facility will not be lined with concrete, as recommended in the aforementioned guidelines, and where it is expected that drainage from the site will flow in the event of heavy rainfall? (3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(2) Given that climate change has seen more frequent summer cyclonic rainfall events in the area, can the minister explain why this site was chosen, why the proposed facility will not be lined with concrete, as recommended in the aforementioned guidelines, and where it is expected that drainage from the site will flow in the event of heavy rainfall? (3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(3) Why is the Water Corporation refusing to undertake follow-up tests of soil, water and pasture for faecal or heavy metal contamination from those farms where test application of biosolids have already been applied in the vicinity, as requested and expected by the farmers involved? (4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
(4) What consultation with the local community did the Water Corporation undertake before the details of this proposal were finalised? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
On behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises, I seek leave to have the answer to the four-part question, with its long preamble incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
1. The Water Corporation considered potential environmental and health risks of the trial biosolids storage facility against the Western Australian “Guidelines for Direct Land Application of Biosolids and Biosolids Products February 2002 (Guidelines)” when selecting the proposed site. Given the design of the proposed facility met the criteria for storage of biosolids in these guidelines, it was felt assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority was not considered necessary. 2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
2. This site was chosen as it meets the criteria for the storage of biosolids as described in the guidelines, including the management of run-off. The proposed trial biosolids storage facility will store the biosolids in an impermeable roofed structure thus minimising the possibility of rain falling on the biosolids. A low permeability floor with an impermeable plastic subsurface lining is proposed to capture the small, if any, amount of leachate expected from the drying biosolids, which will in turn be collected for sampling purposes. Run-off from the remainder of the site will be redirected around the facility via cut-off drains. 3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
3. The Water Corporation has never refused to undertake follow up soil testing. Since 1998 six trial locations have been established and follow up soil testing has been carried out on these. 4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
4. The Water Corporation is still undertaking consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, on the proposed trial biosolids storage facility. To date, this consultation has included local newspaper advertisements, mail-outs to the Soloman-Yulgan Catchment Group and adjacent Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC’s), presentations to nearby landowners, the Shires of Victoria Plains and Moora and a public meeting at the Gillingarra Community Hall (organised by the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC) and meetings with representatives of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the West Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC and other neighbours. At this stage the details of the proposed facility have not yet been finalised.
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