❓ Hon Alison Xamon inquires about radioactivity monitoring in the Beenyup groundwater replenishment trial, specifically regarding trigger levels, isotopes measured, management measures, monitoring methods, and reporting levels. The Minister for Health provides detailed responses outlining the monitoring protocols and safety measures in place.
AnsweredQoN 2655Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the groundwater replenishment trials at Beenyup, and ask -
(1) Are levels of radioactivity in wastewater monitored for the Beenyup Groundwater Replenishment treated wastewater trial?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) what levels of alpha and beta radioactivity will trigger greater levels of monitoring for specific radioactive isotopes;
(b) which isotopes will be measured; and
(c) what management measures are in place to monitor, mitigate and prevent radioactive material being reinjected into the Leederville aquifer?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
(4) What method for monitoring radioactivity has been developed?
(5) What are the current reporting levels for radioactivity required under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines?
(1) Are levels of radioactivity in wastewater monitored for the Beenyup Groundwater Replenishment treated wastewater trial?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) what levels of alpha and beta radioactivity will trigger greater levels of monitoring for specific radioactive isotopes;
(b) which isotopes will be measured; and
(c) what management measures are in place to monitor, mitigate and prevent radioactive material being reinjected into the Leederville aquifer?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
(4) What method for monitoring radioactivity has been developed?
(5) What are the current reporting levels for radioactivity required under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 September 2010
Responded by
Minister for Transport representing the Health
Response time
35 days
(1) Yes.
(2)(a) 0.5 Becquerel per litre (Bq/L) for both gross beta and gross alpha radioactivity.
(b) Radon 222 and radionuclide's listed in Table 7.1 Chapter 7 of the Draft Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2010 (Only if levels of alpha or beta radioactivity above 0.5 Bq/L).
(c) Measures in place include:
- implementation of the 12 elements of the risk management framework, including the hazard analysis, a critical control points system in case recycled water has levels of alpha and/or beta radioactivity above 0.5 Bq/L, it will be diverted away from injection;
- source protection programs and the implementation of multiple treatment barriers to minimise levels of alpha and beta radioactivity in the treated water; and
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Water Corporation and the Department of Health for the Groundwater Replenishment Trial.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Gas flow proportional counting (ERH_RAS_SOP_0100) based on AS 2531 (1982).
(5) AS 2531 (1982) have a limit of quantitation of approximately 0.02 Bq/L.
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(2)(a) 0.5 Becquerel per litre (Bq/L) for both gross beta and gross alpha radioactivity.
(b) Radon 222 and radionuclide's listed in Table 7.1 Chapter 7 of the Draft Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2010 (Only if levels of alpha or beta radioactivity above 0.5 Bq/L).
(c) Measures in place include:
- implementation of the 12 elements of the risk management framework, including the hazard analysis, a critical control points system in case recycled water has levels of alpha and/or beta radioactivity above 0.5 Bq/L, it will be diverted away from injection;
- source protection programs and the implementation of multiple treatment barriers to minimise levels of alpha and beta radioactivity in the treated water; and
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Water Corporation and the Department of Health for the Groundwater Replenishment Trial.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Gas flow proportional counting (ERH_RAS_SOP_0100) based on AS 2531 (1982).
(5) AS 2531 (1982) have a limit of quantitation of approximately 0.02 Bq/L.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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