❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about dust from a CSR Ltd quarry in Gosnells potentially impacting residents and Lumen Christi College, prompting investigation and potential action under the Environmental Protection Act.
AnsweredQoN 11Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Can the minister advise whether the Department of Environmental Protection or the Environmental Protection Authority has formed opinions that dust from the CSR Ltd quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents in adjoining land? (2) If yes, will the minister advise the nature of those opinions? (3) Is the minister aware that Lumen Christi College is located within a notional buffer zone of a one-kilometre radius of the perimeter of the quarry operation, and is the college affected by the identified nuisances or hazards? (4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(2) If yes, will the minister advise the nature of those opinions? (3) Is the minister aware that Lumen Christi College is located within a notional buffer zone of a one-kilometre radius of the perimeter of the quarry operation, and is the college affected by the identified nuisances or hazards? (4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(3) Is the minister aware that Lumen Christi College is located within a notional buffer zone of a one-kilometre radius of the perimeter of the quarry operation, and is the college affected by the identified nuisances or hazards? (4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action?
(c) take other action?
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(5) Not applicable.
(2) If yes, will the minister advise the nature of those opinions? (3) Is the minister aware that Lumen Christi College is located within a notional buffer zone of a one-kilometre radius of the perimeter of the quarry operation, and is the college affected by the identified nuisances or hazards? (4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(3) Is the minister aware that Lumen Christi College is located within a notional buffer zone of a one-kilometre radius of the perimeter of the quarry operation, and is the college affected by the identified nuisances or hazards? (4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(4) If yes, will the minister use her powers available under the Environmental Protection Act to - (a) close the quarry; (b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action? (5) If (c), what will be the other action? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(b) close Lumen Christi College; or (c) take other action?
(c) take other action?
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(1) The Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have not formed an opinion on whether the CSR quarry in Gosnells represents environmental nuisances, environmental hazards or health hazards to residents on adjoining land. There has been some indication that the surrounding areas may, on occasions, be in breach of a national environmental protection measure - NEPM - for fine dust. The EPA and the DEP are of the opinion that more information needs to be obtained and the DEP is seeking to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant data. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. I am aware that the college is located within one kilometre of the quarry. It is not yet known whether the college is affected by identified nuisances or hazards. It is expected that air quality monitoring will provide specific data regarding potential impacts on Lumen Christi College. (4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(4) (a-c) The DEP has taken action to initiate a local air quality monitoring program, and, should a nuisance or hazard be identified, it will be addressed by using the environmental licence of the Readymix screening works, an environmental protection notice, the general powers to control pollution under sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, or a combination of these. (5) Not applicable.
(5) Not applicable.
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