❓ Dr. Walker asks about using hemp for asbestos remediation at Wittenoom. The Minister's response indicates a non-prescriptive approach to remediation technologies and redirects the second question to the Minister for Lands.
AnsweredQoN 580Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HEMP — ASBESTOS CONTAMINATION
580. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the parliamentary secretary representing the
Minister for Environment:
I refer the minister to the
increasing body of scientific research suggesting that the hemp plant is an
effective tool in dealing with organic pollutants, and the eco-restoration of
polluted industrial sites, including those contaminated with asbestos, due to
the plant's phyto-remedial properties.
(1) Is the Department
of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions aware of and actively monitoring
this research; and, if not, why not?
(2) Specifically
in relation to Wittenoom and the asbestos contamination found there, will the
department consider inviting researchers to undertake small-scale trials in the
first instance to see whether growing hemp crops on that contaminated land can
effectively degrade asbestos contamination over time?
580. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the parliamentary secretary representing the
Minister for Environment:
I refer the minister to the
increasing body of scientific research suggesting that the hemp plant is an
effective tool in dealing with organic pollutants, and the eco-restoration of
polluted industrial sites, including those contaminated with asbestos, due to
the plant's phyto-remedial properties.
(1) Is the Department
of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions aware of and actively monitoring
this research; and, if not, why not?
(2) Specifically
in relation to Wittenoom and the asbestos contamination found there, will the
department consider inviting researchers to undertake small-scale trials in the
first instance to see whether growing hemp crops on that contaminated land can
effectively degrade asbestos contamination over time?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice
of the question. On behalf of the Minister for Environment, I provide the
following answer.
(1) The
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is not prescriptive with
regard to remediation technologies. Proponents may identify remediation
technologies on a case-by-case basis. DWER then undertakes an assessment of the
effectiveness of the proposed technology, including research literature
reviews. Any technology must be able to demonstrate its potential effectiveness
with regard to local conditions.
(2) This question should be
directed to the Minister for Lands.
of the question. On behalf of the Minister for Environment, I provide the
following answer.
(1) The
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is not prescriptive with
regard to remediation technologies. Proponents may identify remediation
technologies on a case-by-case basis. DWER then undertakes an assessment of the
effectiveness of the proposed technology, including research literature
reviews. Any technology must be able to demonstrate its potential effectiveness
with regard to local conditions.
(2) This question should be
directed to the Minister for Lands.
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