❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses alleged breaches of arsenic emission limits by KCGM at its Gidgi roaster, seeking clarification on licensing rationale, potential prosecution, and consideration of public statements made by company representatives.
AnsweredQoN 1039Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to a newspaper article which appeared on page 13 in
The West Australian
, June 15 2002 concerning the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) alleged to be a toothless tiger over its failure to pursue KCGM and an ABC radio news on-line story dated Friday, August 1 2003 titled ‘Air Pollution breach baffles miner’ -
(1) Can the Minister state what was the rationale, specific Departmental concerns at the time and purpose of the DEP setting a licence condition at the Gidgi Roaster operation for the level of arsenic levels which would be legally permitted under its licence when it was first issued to KCGM?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Will the DEP prosecute Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd operator for Barrick Mines and Newmont Mining for breaching licence conditions with arsenic levels at its Gidgi roaster?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Will the Minister and the DEP take into account as part of its investigation that Mr John Shipp has allegedly misrepresented and stated to the wider public that ‘the levels of arsenic in our ore are very low…’ given that it my understanding that the ore has in fact quite high levels arsenic otherwise the DEP would not have imposed a limit on the levels of arsenic in the original licence issued?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister specifically state how many times in number, the specific text of the condition and how KCGM has breached DEP licence conditions at its Fimiston, Gidgi and Mt Percy Operations which are/or were all interlinked in the last 13 years?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
The West Australian
, June 15 2002 concerning the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) alleged to be a toothless tiger over its failure to pursue KCGM and an ABC radio news on-line story dated Friday, August 1 2003 titled ‘Air Pollution breach baffles miner’ -
(1) Can the Minister state what was the rationale, specific Departmental concerns at the time and purpose of the DEP setting a licence condition at the Gidgi Roaster operation for the level of arsenic levels which would be legally permitted under its licence when it was first issued to KCGM?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Will the DEP prosecute Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd operator for Barrick Mines and Newmont Mining for breaching licence conditions with arsenic levels at its Gidgi roaster?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Will the Minister and the DEP take into account as part of its investigation that Mr John Shipp has allegedly misrepresented and stated to the wider public that ‘the levels of arsenic in our ore are very low…’ given that it my understanding that the ore has in fact quite high levels arsenic otherwise the DEP would not have imposed a limit on the levels of arsenic in the original licence issued?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Can the Minister specifically state how many times in number, the specific text of the condition and how KCGM has breached DEP licence conditions at its Fimiston, Gidgi and Mt Percy Operations which are/or were all interlinked in the last 13 years?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
4 September 2003
Responded by
Minister for Local Government and Regional Development representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
23 days
(1) The arsenic level was set in accordance with the Australian Environment Council, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines 1985, to restrict the concentration of arsenic in the ambient air to such a level as it will not adversely affect health, well-being or welfare of the community. (2) Answered by (1). (3) The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently investigating this matter. (4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(2) Answered by (1). (3) The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently investigating this matter. (4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(3) The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently investigating this matter. (4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
“STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(8) Answered by (7).
(2) Answered by (1). (3) The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently investigating this matter. (4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(3) The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently investigating this matter. (4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(4) Answered by (3). (5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(5) This matter is currently being investigated. Mr John Shipp’s comments will form part of this investigation. (6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(6) Answered by (5). (7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(7) Condition A3 (b) of DEP licence 5946/7 states: “STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
“STACK - ARSENIC EMISSION LIMIT A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
A3(b) The concentration of arsenic and its compounds expressed as arsenic in the exit gases from the chimney stack shall not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic metre, expressed dry at 0 degrees Celsius and 1.0 atmosphere pressure (101.325 kilopascals) when measured at the sampling port.” I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
I have been informed that arsenic levels in excess of this condition have been recorded once before on 28 October 1999, but this was due to sampling error. With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
With respect to KCGM’s breach of licence conditions for Fimiston, Gidji and Mt Percy operations in last 13 years, I have asked the DEP to collate this information and provide it to you in due course. (8) Answered by (7).
(8) Answered by (7).
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