❓ A parliamentary question regarding mercury emissions from the Kalgoorlie Super Pit gold mine and the government's response, indicating that while emissions occurred, they were reported and deemed not to pose a significant environmental or health risk.
AnsweredQoN 3358Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Regarding the Kalgoorlie Super Pit Gold Mine, jointly owned by Newmont and Barrick Gold, I ask -
(1) Have seven tonnes of mercury been released from Kalgoorlie's Super Pit Gold Mine in the past 12 months?
(2) If so, when?
(3) When was this release reported by the company?
(4) Why was there a delay in reporting this release?
(5) What measures are being taken to ensure that mercury pollution does not reoccur?
(6) If there is a reoccurrence of mercury pollution, what responsibilities does the company have to inform the public of this pollution?
(1) Have seven tonnes of mercury been released from Kalgoorlie's Super Pit Gold Mine in the past 12 months?
(2) If so, when?
(3) When was this release reported by the company?
(4) Why was there a delay in reporting this release?
(5) What measures are being taken to ensure that mercury pollution does not reoccur?
(6) If there is a reoccurrence of mercury pollution, what responsibilities does the company have to inform the public of this pollution?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 May 2006
Responded by
Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
42 days
(1) Yes. It is understood that, based on sampling and mass balance analysis by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) that around 7700kg of mercury were released through the Gidji Roaster and around 600kg from the carbon regeneration kiln of the Fimiston Mill, a total of over 8 tonnes in the 2004/05 financial year. (2) Mercury emissions occurred continuously from these operations during these period and were not released as a result of a single event. (3) KCGM met with Department of Environment representatives on 13 July 2005 and provided a follow up report on 19 July 2005. KCGM then made an announcement to their community group and the wider community on 26 July 2005. (4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(2) Mercury emissions occurred continuously from these operations during these period and were not released as a result of a single event. (3) KCGM met with Department of Environment representatives on 13 July 2005 and provided a follow up report on 19 July 2005. KCGM then made an announcement to their community group and the wider community on 26 July 2005. (4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(3) KCGM met with Department of Environment representatives on 13 July 2005 and provided a follow up report on 19 July 2005. KCGM then made an announcement to their community group and the wider community on 26 July 2005. (4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
· Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
· In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
· Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(2) Mercury emissions occurred continuously from these operations during these period and were not released as a result of a single event. (3) KCGM met with Department of Environment representatives on 13 July 2005 and provided a follow up report on 19 July 2005. KCGM then made an announcement to their community group and the wider community on 26 July 2005. (4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(3) KCGM met with Department of Environment representatives on 13 July 2005 and provided a follow up report on 19 July 2005. KCGM then made an announcement to their community group and the wider community on 26 July 2005. (4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(4) The Department of Environment considers that KCGM reported this matter to the Department and community in a timely fashion. Examination of the information confirmed that KCGM was not obligated to report the matter to the Department under Section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 as it had not caused, nor did it appear likely to cause pollution, material or serious environmental harm. KCGM voluntarily reported this information. (5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(5) Whilst pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm is not occurring, or is not considered likely to occur, KCGM still has a responsibility to implement reasonable and practicable measures to minimise emissions. In the last week of December 2005, KCGM completed installation of a scrubber system at the Fimiston Mill, the closest part of the operation to the City of Kalgoorlie. Since this time KCGM have been continuing the commissioning process and as a precautionary measure are not operating the carbon regeneration kiln when winds are blowing towards Kalgoorlie. Whilst this scrubber is still being commissioned and test results are pending it is anticipated that it will drastically reduce, by over 50%, mercury emissions from this source. KCGM have also committed to report back to the Department of Environment in the first half of 2006, on the results of a feasibility study into the options for emission reduction at the Gidji Roaster. (6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
(6) The Department of Environment considers that pollution, material environmental harm or serious environmental harm has not or is not likely to occur as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , as: · Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
· Computer modelling of these emissions by KCGM estimate that maximum ground level values for the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder are well below World Health Organisation (WHO) levels. This modelling data has been reviewed by the Department of Environment. · In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
· In addition, the Department of Environment has undertaken measurement for any particulate forms of mercury and test results to date have been below the level of detection. · Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
· Department of Health (DoH) has advised the Department of Environment that it has reviewed the available information including the soil samples, the urine testing of people from areas closest to the Gidji Roaster and the emissions modelling data. The Department of Health's Principal Medical Consultant has determined that none of the information suggests that there is any public health risk. The DoH has also advised that urine mercury testing was available free of charge for any concerned members of the public. KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
KCGM have an obligation under the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) to report mercury emissions when they meet certain triggers. The reporting is available to the community through www.npi.gov.au . It is considered that this reporting will be required whilst the existing production process and ore type stays the same. In addition to this, regular updates have been provided by KCGM to the community through avenues such as its Community Reference Group and the 'KCGM News and Views' newsletter (Issue 3, 20 March 2006) which was provided to residents in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and is available on the KCGM website on www.superpit.com.au .
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