A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses concerns about dioxin levels in the Kwinana airshed and potential health impacts, with the minister responding that no tests have been conducted but future testing is being considered under a national program.

AnsweredQoN 781Legislative Council
Asked
15 November 2001
Portfolio
Environment and Heritage

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Have any tests been done on the levels of dioxin in the Kwinana airshed? (2) Have any tests been done on the levels of dioxins in individuals or groups of people in the Kwinana area? (3) If no, does the minister intend to carry out any tests; if so, when? (4) Will the minister halt the development of any new industrial plants in the Kwinana area that have the potential to emit dioxins until tests are carried out? Hon TOM STEPHENS

AnswerView source ↗

(1) The Department of Environmental Protection has advised that it is not aware that any tests have been done. (2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(2) Have any tests been done on the levels of dioxins in individuals or groups of people in the Kwinana area? (3) If no, does the minister intend to carry out any tests; if so, when? (4) Will the minister halt the development of any new industrial plants in the Kwinana area that have the potential to emit dioxins until tests are carried out? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection has advised that it is not aware that any tests have been done. (2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(3) If no, does the minister intend to carry out any tests; if so, when? (4) Will the minister halt the development of any new industrial plants in the Kwinana area that have the potential to emit dioxins until tests are carried out? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection has advised that it is not aware that any tests have been done. (2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(4) Will the minister halt the development of any new industrial plants in the Kwinana area that have the potential to emit dioxins until tests are carried out? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection has advised that it is not aware that any tests have been done. (2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection has advised that it is not aware that any tests have been done. (2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(1) The Department of Environmental Protection has advised that it is not aware that any tests have been done. (2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(2) The DEP has advised that it was not aware that any tests had been done. (3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(3) Testing for dioxins in ambient air may be conducted under the national dioxins program, which is currently being designed by Environment Australia. The DEP is involved in negotiations with Environment Australia and will be requesting that some testing be undertaken in Western Australia. (4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.
(4) Any new developments with a potential for dioxin emissions will be assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority and dioxin emissions would be a consideration of any assessment carried out.

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