❓ A parliamentary question probes the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) regarding air quality testing, health risk assessments, and the long-term viability of scheduled burn-offs in light of climate change. The DEC's response outlines current practices and justifications.
AnsweredQoN 2854Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Department of Environment (DEC) required to conduct air quality tests in smoke affected areas during and after scheduled burn-offs?
(2) Does DEC undertake health risk assessments before each scheduled burn-off?
(3) Are scheduled burn-offs a long-term policy of DEC in light of continued climate change research?
(2) Does DEC undertake health risk assessments before each scheduled burn-off?
(3) Are scheduled burn-offs a long-term policy of DEC in light of continued climate change research?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 June 2010
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
42 days
(1) No. However the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) maintains air quality monitoring stations in Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Geraldton and the Perth metropolitan area (Caversham, Duncraig, Quinns Rocks and South Lake).
(2) No. However, smoke trajectory and dispersal modelling (in liaison with the Bureau of Meteorology) is an important consideration in any decision to undertake a planned burn.
(3) DEC's prescribed burning policy and program are supported by the Government as a key strategy in mitigating the impacts of bushfires. The level of prescribed burning over almost 50 years in the south west of Western Australia has enabled fire managers to achieve a high level of protection for community assets and natural values on or near land managed by DEC.
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(2) No. However, smoke trajectory and dispersal modelling (in liaison with the Bureau of Meteorology) is an important consideration in any decision to undertake a planned burn.
(3) DEC's prescribed burning policy and program are supported by the Government as a key strategy in mitigating the impacts of bushfires. The level of prescribed burning over almost 50 years in the south west of Western Australia has enabled fire managers to achieve a high level of protection for community assets and natural values on or near land managed by DEC.
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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