❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about lime dust pollution from Loongana Lime operations affecting nearby vegetation and soil, prompting investigation and potential remediation by the Department of Environment. The department is also proactively monitoring dust from Mt Keith operations.
AnsweredQoN 1653Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer lime dust from the Loongana Lime operations which appears to have left the site/premises and is affecting nearby trees, soil and vegetation and a letter dated 11 August 2003 addressed to Environmental Officer WMC Mt Keith Operations titled ‘Re- Plant Sump and Stockpile Concerns’ -
(1) Is it correct that part of the letter dated 11 August 2003 states ‘Additionally Mr Bouwhuis indicated that dust generated from the Stockpile and CV9 was a concern with evidence of dust accumulation in a nearby stormwater drain and possibly adjacent vegetation. Condition A2(a) of Licence 6453/7 states that the licensee should take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the generation of dust from all materials handlings operations, stockpiles etc. Although dust did not appear to be leaving the premises, concern is raised regarding the impact of this dust on nearby vegetation’?
(2) If no to (1) will the Minister table a copy of the letter dated 11 August 2003?
(3) Can the Minister explain the reasons why the Department is very concerned about the impact of dust on nearby vegetation when it has not left the premises at the Mt Keith Operations?
(4) If no to (3) why not?
(5) Can the Minister explain the reasons why the department is very concerned about dust accumulation in a nearby stormwater drain when it has not left the premises?
(6) If no to (5) why not?
(7) Will the Department of Environment urgently direct Loongana Lime to stop causing pollution with lime dust which has affected the soil, trees and vegetation outside the premises under sections 49 and 50 of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
?
(8) If no to (7) why not?
(9) Will the Department of Environment direct that Loongana Lime immediately commence decontaminating soil, and some form of rehabilitation program for the trees and vegetation which has been affected by lime dust outside the premises at the Loongana Lime Operations?
(10) If no to (9) why not?
(1) Is it correct that part of the letter dated 11 August 2003 states ‘Additionally Mr Bouwhuis indicated that dust generated from the Stockpile and CV9 was a concern with evidence of dust accumulation in a nearby stormwater drain and possibly adjacent vegetation. Condition A2(a) of Licence 6453/7 states that the licensee should take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the generation of dust from all materials handlings operations, stockpiles etc. Although dust did not appear to be leaving the premises, concern is raised regarding the impact of this dust on nearby vegetation’?
(2) If no to (1) will the Minister table a copy of the letter dated 11 August 2003?
(3) Can the Minister explain the reasons why the Department is very concerned about the impact of dust on nearby vegetation when it has not left the premises at the Mt Keith Operations?
(4) If no to (3) why not?
(5) Can the Minister explain the reasons why the department is very concerned about dust accumulation in a nearby stormwater drain when it has not left the premises?
(6) If no to (5) why not?
(7) Will the Department of Environment urgently direct Loongana Lime to stop causing pollution with lime dust which has affected the soil, trees and vegetation outside the premises under sections 49 and 50 of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
?
(8) If no to (7) why not?
(9) Will the Department of Environment direct that Loongana Lime immediately commence decontaminating soil, and some form of rehabilitation program for the trees and vegetation which has been affected by lime dust outside the premises at the Loongana Lime Operations?
(10) If no to (9) why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
30 March 2004
Responded by
Minister for Local Government and Regional Development representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
109 days
(1) Yes. (2) N/A. (3) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been impacting on nearby vegetation. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(2) N/A. (3) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been impacting on nearby vegetation. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(3) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been impacting on nearby vegetation. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(2) N/A. (3) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been impacting on nearby vegetation. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(3) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been impacting on nearby vegetation. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(4) N/A (5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(5) The Department of Environment had been informed that the dust of the Mt Keith operations may have been entering a nearby drain. The Department was acting pro-actively and ensuring that Mt Keith operations were taking all practical and reasonable measures to prevent dust generation. (6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(6) N/A. (7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(7) No. (8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(8) The Department of Environment has recently been notified of allegations that Loongana Lime may be impacting on the health of adjacent vegetation. The Department is currently investigating these allegations. Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
Licence 6557/7 makes it clear to Loongana Lime that all reasonable and practicable measures must be taken to minimise dust generation. To this end they are required to routinely maintain the premise to prevent the build up of waste material that may generate airborne dust. Loongana Lime is also required, and it has been noted during inspections to have coverings installed on conveyors, transfer points and discharge points. (9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(9) No. (10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
(10) Should evidence be found that supports the claim, the Department will consider what legal avenues are available to remedy the situation. However, when an Inspector from the Department of Environment was out on site on the 4th of March 2004 it was noted that trees adjacent to the premise were free of any dust and appeared healthy. Given that no impact was observed, on that date, then the Department can not reasonably consider directing the company to remediate the area.
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