Mr Birney questions the Minister for the Environment regarding the DEP's (now DWER) inaction on leaking tailings dams owned by KCGM, referencing a 1994 DEP letter highlighting the need for containment and control of impacts from leaking dams.

⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 3404Legislative Assembly
Asked
10 June 2008
Portfolio
the Environment

QuestionView source ↗

(a) is the Minister aware that as far back as 24 January 1994 the DEP noted (in the abovementioned letter) that this dam was constructed prior to the Environmental Protection Act being proclaimed, and since that time new and more stringent hazard rating guidelines for tailings dams are being used, and there should be no reason for newly constructed tailings dams to leak; and
(i) if no to (a,) why not;
(b) is the Minister aware that in the letter dated 24 January 1994 the DEP noted that where the DEP is aware of a leaking dam, the first priority is to have the leaking substance contained and the impacts controlled; and
(i) if no to (b), why not;
(c) in the light of (a) and (b), can the Minister explain why the DEP has not been able to ensure the leaking substances from the Oroya, Fimiston 1 and Fimiston 2 tailings dams owned by KCGM are contained, and has not been able to control the ‘unnecessary impacts’ on the surrounding environment and tenements not owned by KCGM; and
(i) if no to (c), why not?
Answered on

AnswerView source ↗

This question is awaiting a response from the Minister.

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