❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses concerns about the Alcoa Wagerup Refinery's environmental impact, community health, and proposed expansion. The Minister's response outlines existing monitoring, regulatory oversight, and community consultation processes.
AnsweredQoN 1721Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Will the Minister ensure that the Alcoa Wagerup Refinery operates in accordance with environmental conditions imposed by the Environmental Protection Authority and/or the Department of Environment?
(2) If the Alcoa Wagerup Refinery does not adhere to the conditions what action will be taken?
(3) Will the Minister ensure that all of the Wagerup Refinery impacts (including noise emissions, air emissions, other compounds/contaminants, dust emissions, red mud/dust emissions, odour impact, groundwater and surface water quality, health, safety, risk and amenity impacts) are contained within the existing Alcoa boundaries on all occasions to accommodate worse case scenarios?
(4) Will the Minister ensure that the health of the local community is not compromised now or in the future through the existing or proposed operation of the Wagerup Refinery?
(5) Will the Minister advise how Alcoa will lower emissions while proposing to significantly expand its operations?
(6) If the State Government approve the expansion of the Wagerup Refinery, will the buffer be significantly expanded to contain all impacts at all times and comply with proper environmental and planning practices to accommodate worse case scenarios in order to ensure that local residents are not impacted?
(7) Will the Minister ensure that an independent and holistic environmental monitoring program is established that includes all impacts of the Wagerup Refinery which is publicly available and scrutinised by the Environmental Protection Authority, other relevant agencies and the community?
(8) Will the Minister encourage Alcoa to revisit the assumptions behind its Land Management Policy and offer to purchase additional properties and businesses that have been detrimentally impacted by real or perceived impacts caused by Alcoa’s Wagerup Refinery?
(2) If the Alcoa Wagerup Refinery does not adhere to the conditions what action will be taken?
(3) Will the Minister ensure that all of the Wagerup Refinery impacts (including noise emissions, air emissions, other compounds/contaminants, dust emissions, red mud/dust emissions, odour impact, groundwater and surface water quality, health, safety, risk and amenity impacts) are contained within the existing Alcoa boundaries on all occasions to accommodate worse case scenarios?
(4) Will the Minister ensure that the health of the local community is not compromised now or in the future through the existing or proposed operation of the Wagerup Refinery?
(5) Will the Minister advise how Alcoa will lower emissions while proposing to significantly expand its operations?
(6) If the State Government approve the expansion of the Wagerup Refinery, will the buffer be significantly expanded to contain all impacts at all times and comply with proper environmental and planning practices to accommodate worse case scenarios in order to ensure that local residents are not impacted?
(7) Will the Minister ensure that an independent and holistic environmental monitoring program is established that includes all impacts of the Wagerup Refinery which is publicly available and scrutinised by the Environmental Protection Authority, other relevant agencies and the community?
(8) Will the Minister encourage Alcoa to revisit the assumptions behind its Land Management Policy and offer to purchase additional properties and businesses that have been detrimentally impacted by real or perceived impacts caused by Alcoa’s Wagerup Refinery?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 August 2003
Responded by
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
48 days
(2) Should Alcoa breach any requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , the DOE will investigate that breach and take appropriate action in accordance with the Department’s Enforcement Policy. (3) Management of all industries including the Alcoa Wagerup refinery is undertaken by relevant Government agencies under the relevant legislation. In terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , a fundamental objective is the prevention and control of pollution. The DOE has licensed the operation of the refinery under stringent conditions and those conditions have been the subject of community consultation. It is clear that on occasion, some members of the community believe that they are being affected by the refinery operations in some way or another. That situation is being taken very seriously, but despite extensive research and advice from several medical experts including a specially convened Medical Practitioners’ Forum, the causal factor has not been identified as yet. In the absence of this causal factor, the DOE has required Alcoa to reduce all emissions from its operations at Wagerup. Significant emissions reductions have been achieved through this program and although complaints have reduced, some community members still experience adverse effects on occasions. Emission levels from the refinery are within normal standards and air quality within the community is also within world health guidelines and specific guidelines recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). Matters relating to noise levels are currently subject to an application for variation of the assigned noise level and I am awaiting the advice of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in this regard. (4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(3) Management of all industries including the Alcoa Wagerup refinery is undertaken by relevant Government agencies under the relevant legislation. In terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , a fundamental objective is the prevention and control of pollution. The DOE has licensed the operation of the refinery under stringent conditions and those conditions have been the subject of community consultation. It is clear that on occasion, some members of the community believe that they are being affected by the refinery operations in some way or another. That situation is being taken very seriously, but despite extensive research and advice from several medical experts including a specially convened Medical Practitioners’ Forum, the causal factor has not been identified as yet. In the absence of this causal factor, the DOE has required Alcoa to reduce all emissions from its operations at Wagerup. Significant emissions reductions have been achieved through this program and although complaints have reduced, some community members still experience adverse effects on occasions. Emission levels from the refinery are within normal standards and air quality within the community is also within world health guidelines and specific guidelines recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). Matters relating to noise levels are currently subject to an application for variation of the assigned noise level and I am awaiting the advice of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in this regard. (4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
It is clear that on occasion, some members of the community believe that they are being affected by the refinery operations in some way or another. That situation is being taken very seriously, but despite extensive research and advice from several medical experts including a specially convened Medical Practitioners’ Forum, the causal factor has not been identified as yet. In the absence of this causal factor, the DOE has required Alcoa to reduce all emissions from its operations at Wagerup. Significant emissions reductions have been achieved through this program and although complaints have reduced, some community members still experience adverse effects on occasions. Emission levels from the refinery are within normal standards and air quality within the community is also within world health guidelines and specific guidelines recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). Matters relating to noise levels are currently subject to an application for variation of the assigned noise level and I am awaiting the advice of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in this regard. (4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(3) Management of all industries including the Alcoa Wagerup refinery is undertaken by relevant Government agencies under the relevant legislation. In terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 , a fundamental objective is the prevention and control of pollution. The DOE has licensed the operation of the refinery under stringent conditions and those conditions have been the subject of community consultation. It is clear that on occasion, some members of the community believe that they are being affected by the refinery operations in some way or another. That situation is being taken very seriously, but despite extensive research and advice from several medical experts including a specially convened Medical Practitioners’ Forum, the causal factor has not been identified as yet. In the absence of this causal factor, the DOE has required Alcoa to reduce all emissions from its operations at Wagerup. Significant emissions reductions have been achieved through this program and although complaints have reduced, some community members still experience adverse effects on occasions. Emission levels from the refinery are within normal standards and air quality within the community is also within world health guidelines and specific guidelines recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). Matters relating to noise levels are currently subject to an application for variation of the assigned noise level and I am awaiting the advice of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in this regard. (4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
It is clear that on occasion, some members of the community believe that they are being affected by the refinery operations in some way or another. That situation is being taken very seriously, but despite extensive research and advice from several medical experts including a specially convened Medical Practitioners’ Forum, the causal factor has not been identified as yet. In the absence of this causal factor, the DOE has required Alcoa to reduce all emissions from its operations at Wagerup. Significant emissions reductions have been achieved through this program and although complaints have reduced, some community members still experience adverse effects on occasions. Emission levels from the refinery are within normal standards and air quality within the community is also within world health guidelines and specific guidelines recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). Matters relating to noise levels are currently subject to an application for variation of the assigned noise level and I am awaiting the advice of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in this regard. (4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(4) I believe that the health of any community member should not be compromised by the operation of industry. In this instance, the DOH has established a Community Health Nurse in Yarloop to assist in investigating this aspect and to gather data. In addition, the DOH is currently developing the framework for a health census of the community to be able to assess the health of other community members who have not presented themselves to the nurse. (5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(5) There is no plan before the DOE or myself to expand the Wagerup operation. The Government and I have publicly stated that an expansion will not be supported unless this issue is essentially resolved. (6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(6) There is no formally established buffer zone around the Wagerup Refinery. The areas designated by Alcoa as Area ‘A’ and Area ‘B’ are simply areas within which Alcoa is prepared to purchase properties. Any proposal for formalising a buffer zone requires planning approval through the Shire of Harvey that would be the subject of community consultation. Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
Further to my previous Answer (5), any proposal submitted by Alcoa to expand Wagerup will be subject to assessment by the EPA. Such an assessment would include potential impact on the surrounding community as a result of implementing the proposal. (7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(7) The current monitoring program for both emissions and ambient environment is publicly available and was subject to community consultation via the licensing process. Whilst there has been extensive ambient monitoring undertaken over the last few years, much of it community activated during event periods, a new and more extensive monitoring program is being developed independently by the CSIRO in direct consultation with the community. This independent monitoring should provide an improved picture of environmental conditions in the community. The results of the program will be publicly released. While this program is being finalised, the community and the DOE are carrying out additional independent monitoring during event periods. The results from the most recent samples taken by the community will be released soon. The development of future licences will continue to include monitoring requirements and community input to those licences will be sought as has been the case of previous new licences. (8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
(8) I understand that the community is seeking a review of the Alcoa initiated Land Management Strategy to address issues that it believes require change. I support the review of any management strategy where any aspects of it can be improved to the betterment of the community, and in this regard I am supportive and hopeful that changes can be made which will assist in resolving current difficulties. Both the DOE and I have requested Alcoa deal with this issue sympathetically in recognition of the associated social impacts.
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