❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about Alcoa allegedly piping PFAS across a drinking water dam without approval, inquiring about potential consequences and remediation. The Minister's response indicates an ongoing investigation, precluding further comment.
AnsweredQoN 242Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
PFAS — ALCOA —
WASTEWATER PIPELINE
242. Hon Dr BRAD PETTITT to the parliamentary secretary representing the
Minister for Environment:
I refer to reports that Alcoa piped
PFAS or ''forever chemicals'' across a drinking water dam without
approval.
(1) Will Alcoa be required to remove
the pipeline that it constructed to move PFAS?
(2) If yes to
(1), what is the time frame for its removal and what will be done with the
infrastructure after it is removed?
(3) If no to (1),
why not?
(4) Will Alcoa be
prosecuted or receive any other consequences for constructing the pipeline and
pumping PFAS through it without approval?
WASTEWATER PIPELINE
242. Hon Dr BRAD PETTITT to the parliamentary secretary representing the
Minister for Environment:
I refer to reports that Alcoa piped
PFAS or ''forever chemicals'' across a drinking water dam without
approval.
(1) Will Alcoa be required to remove
the pipeline that it constructed to move PFAS?
(2) If yes to
(1), what is the time frame for its removal and what will be done with the
infrastructure after it is removed?
(3) If no to (1),
why not?
(4) Will Alcoa be
prosecuted or receive any other consequences for constructing the pipeline and
pumping PFAS through it without approval?
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the parliamentary
secretary representing the Minister for Environment, I thank the honourable
member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by
the Minister for Environment.
(1)–(4) This
matter is currently under investigation by the Department of Water and
Environmental Regulation and potential outcomes of the investigations, such as
removal of the pipeline or possible prosecution, have not been determined. The
immediate risk to the environment and Samson Brook Dam from potential
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances–contaminated wastewater
within the pipeline has been addressed through the requirements of the
prevention notice and the purging of the pipeline with clean water. As this
matter is under investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further at this
time.
secretary representing the Minister for Environment, I thank the honourable
member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by
the Minister for Environment.
(1)–(4) This
matter is currently under investigation by the Department of Water and
Environmental Regulation and potential outcomes of the investigations, such as
removal of the pipeline or possible prosecution, have not been determined. The
immediate risk to the environment and Samson Brook Dam from potential
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances–contaminated wastewater
within the pipeline has been addressed through the requirements of the
prevention notice and the purging of the pipeline with clean water. As this
matter is under investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further at this
time.
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