Mr. Kelly questions the Minister for Water regarding the disposal of asbestos from the Minnivale Reservoir at the Northam landfill, alleging improper disposal and potential public exposure. The Minister confirms an investigation is underway and acknowledges a process breakdown.

AnsweredQoN 953Legislative Assembly
Asked
12 November 2015
Portfolio
Water

QuestionView source ↗

WATER
CORPORATION — MINNIVALE RESERVOIR — ASBESTOS
953. Mr D.J. KELLY to the
Minister for Water:
I have a supplementary question. Is it correct that the
asbestos was disposed of at the Northam landfill site in a manner not
consistent with the disposal of asbestos; and, secondly, that people beyond the
Minnivale reservoir site are included in that 138, so there has been an
exposure to members of the general public?

AnswerView source ↗

I am not quite sure which bit of my answer the member does
not understand. An investigation is underway —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Members!
Ms M.J. DAVIES : An
investigation is underway —
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Bassendean, I call you now for the second time. Minister, quick
answer, thanks.
Ms M.J. DAVIES : I
am very happy to provide a quick answer, Mr Speaker. An investigation is
underway.
Ms J.M. Freeman interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Mirrabooka!
Ms M.J. DAVIES : I
can confirm at this point that the asbestos was disposed of at the Northam tip.
That site is set up for asbestos disposal. How it has been disposed of is part
of the investigation. We do not resile from the fact that there has been a
breakdown in process that has exposed a number of people to asbestos. That is
no secret. We are not hiding anything from anyone. An investigation is
underway. It is a serious issue. We will provide that information to WorkSafe
when it is completed.
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
The SPEAKER :
Member for Bassendean, I call you to order for the third time.

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