❓ Question on Notice regarding the environmental impact of hypersaline water and chemicals from the Fimiston I Tailings dam on Prospecting Licence 26/3126, specifically concerning soil degradation, water contamination, and potential harm to workers.
AnsweredQoN 2891Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to question on notice No. 2610 dated September 22 2005 -
(1) In relation to the answer for part (10), can the Minister explain why the Department does not consider the impact of hyper saline water adversely affecting the soil and rock below four metres below ground level for the likelihood of causing pollution or environmental harm?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) In relation to the answer for part (10), can the Minister explain why the Department does not consider the impact of cyanide entering Prospecting Licence 26/3126 from waste water generated from the Fimiston I Tailings dam as adversely affecting the water coming into contact with persons working on this tenement who interact with the water?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Does cyanide as a toxic chemical occur naturally on Prospecting Licence 26/3126?
(6) If yes to (5), -
(a) how does this occur naturally; and
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that cyanide occurred naturally?
(7) Does xanthate occur naturally on Prospecting Licence 26/3126?
(8) If yes to (7), -
(a) how does it occur naturally; and
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that xanthate occurred naturally?
(9) Can the Minister explain how hypersaline water which is regarded as being both toxic to plants and soil being discharged from the Fimiston I tailings dam cannot possibly potentially degrade the soil and rock below 4 metres on Prospecting Licence 26/3126 and be regarded as non- trivial degradation or potential degradation of the environment?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
(1) In relation to the answer for part (10), can the Minister explain why the Department does not consider the impact of hyper saline water adversely affecting the soil and rock below four metres below ground level for the likelihood of causing pollution or environmental harm?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) In relation to the answer for part (10), can the Minister explain why the Department does not consider the impact of cyanide entering Prospecting Licence 26/3126 from waste water generated from the Fimiston I Tailings dam as adversely affecting the water coming into contact with persons working on this tenement who interact with the water?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Does cyanide as a toxic chemical occur naturally on Prospecting Licence 26/3126?
(6) If yes to (5), -
(a) how does this occur naturally; and
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that cyanide occurred naturally?
(7) Does xanthate occur naturally on Prospecting Licence 26/3126?
(8) If yes to (7), -
(a) how does it occur naturally; and
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that xanthate occurred naturally?
(9) Can the Minister explain how hypersaline water which is regarded as being both toxic to plants and soil being discharged from the Fimiston I tailings dam cannot possibly potentially degrade the soil and rock below 4 metres on Prospecting Licence 26/3126 and be regarded as non- trivial degradation or potential degradation of the environment?
(10) If no to (9), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 March 2006
Responded by
Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
124 days
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that cyanide occurred naturally?
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that xanthate occurred naturally?
The Minister for the Environment; Science has provided the following response: The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) As per Question on Notice 2875 (1) the Department of Environment (DoE) does not have any evidence that the soil or rock below 4 metres supports any flora and fauna. Therefore it is not considered that the impact of seepage on groundwater below this level will cause pollution or environmental harm. This statement is made in the context of the fact that the natural groundwater in the area is already saline to hypersaline in quality. (2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) As per Question on Notice 2875 (1) the Department of Environment (DoE) does not have any evidence that the soil or rock below 4 metres supports any flora and fauna. Therefore it is not considered that the impact of seepage on groundwater below this level will cause pollution or environmental harm. This statement is made in the context of the fact that the natural groundwater in the area is already saline to hypersaline in quality. (2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(1) As per Question on Notice 2875 (1) the Department of Environment (DoE) does not have any evidence that the soil or rock below 4 metres supports any flora and fauna. Therefore it is not considered that the impact of seepage on groundwater below this level will cause pollution or environmental harm. This statement is made in the context of the fact that the natural groundwater in the area is already saline to hypersaline in quality. (2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable.
(b) when did the DoE first become aware that xanthate occurred naturally?
The Minister for the Environment; Science has provided the following response: The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) As per Question on Notice 2875 (1) the Department of Environment (DoE) does not have any evidence that the soil or rock below 4 metres supports any flora and fauna. Therefore it is not considered that the impact of seepage on groundwater below this level will cause pollution or environmental harm. This statement is made in the context of the fact that the natural groundwater in the area is already saline to hypersaline in quality. (2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
The following information is correct as at 13 December 2005. (1) As per Question on Notice 2875 (1) the Department of Environment (DoE) does not have any evidence that the soil or rock below 4 metres supports any flora and fauna. Therefore it is not considered that the impact of seepage on groundwater below this level will cause pollution or environmental harm. This statement is made in the context of the fact that the natural groundwater in the area is already saline to hypersaline in quality. (2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(1) As per Question on Notice 2875 (1) the Department of Environment (DoE) does not have any evidence that the soil or rock below 4 metres supports any flora and fauna. Therefore it is not considered that the impact of seepage on groundwater below this level will cause pollution or environmental harm. This statement is made in the context of the fact that the natural groundwater in the area is already saline to hypersaline in quality. (2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(3) If people interact with groundwater on this prospecting licence they could be considered to be part of the environment, however, this is a hypothetical question as people are not currently exposed to the water table on prospecting licence 26/3126. It is only conceivable that this interaction may occur as a result of conducting mining or prospecting operations. If persons conducting mining operations are inconvenienced by seepage from KCGM's operations this should be addressed under the Mining Act 1978 that has provisions relating to inconvenience from mine waste water. (4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable. (5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(5) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that cyanide will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease in any significant concentrations. (6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(a-b) Not applicable. (7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(7) The DoE does not have soil or groundwater samples from prospecting licence 26/3126 and therefore cannot definitively answer this question. However the DoE understands that it is unlikely that xanthate will occur naturally in groundwater on this lease. (8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(8) Not applicable. (a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(a-b) Not applicable. (9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(9) See answer to question 1. (10) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable.
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