❓ Hon Paul Llewellyn questions the Minister for the Environment regarding sulphur dioxide levels, their impact on public health, and KCGM's compliance history, following an editorial in The Kalgoorlie Miner. The Minister responds, providing information on the properties of sulphur dioxide, KCGM's past prosecutions, and the Department's enforcement policy.
AnsweredQoN 3215Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the editorial dated November 25 2005, which appeared on page two of
The Kalgoorlie Miner
titled ‘Delays do not reflect well on watchdog’ -
(1) Is it correct that sulphur dioxide is a colourless pungent gas which causes irritation to eyes, nose and throat?
(2) If no to (1), what is correct?
(3) Is it correct that levels of sulphur dioxide may particularly affect the elderly and those who already suffer from diseases such as asthma and bronchitis?
(4) If no to (3), what is correct?
(5) Can the Minister explain why the Department of Environment/ Environmental Protection Authority and ultimately the Minister for the Environment decided to set levels of sulphur dioxide for the Environmental Protection Policy never to be exceeded in the policy area?
(6) In no to (5), why not?
(7) Is it correct that KCGM were prosecuted in 1989-90 for exceeding sulphur dioxide limits?
(8) If yes to (7), how much were they fined?
(9) Is it correct that KCGM were prosecuted in either 1998, 1999 or 2000 for exceeding sulphur dioxide limits and the charge was dismissed on a technicality?
(10) If no to (9), what is correct?
(11) Will all of KCGM’s previous breaches be taken into consideration by the environmental enforcement unit for the current breaches of sulphur dioxide levels in 2005?
(12) If no to (11), why not?
The Kalgoorlie Miner
titled ‘Delays do not reflect well on watchdog’ -
(1) Is it correct that sulphur dioxide is a colourless pungent gas which causes irritation to eyes, nose and throat?
(2) If no to (1), what is correct?
(3) Is it correct that levels of sulphur dioxide may particularly affect the elderly and those who already suffer from diseases such as asthma and bronchitis?
(4) If no to (3), what is correct?
(5) Can the Minister explain why the Department of Environment/ Environmental Protection Authority and ultimately the Minister for the Environment decided to set levels of sulphur dioxide for the Environmental Protection Policy never to be exceeded in the policy area?
(6) In no to (5), why not?
(7) Is it correct that KCGM were prosecuted in 1989-90 for exceeding sulphur dioxide limits?
(8) If yes to (7), how much were they fined?
(9) Is it correct that KCGM were prosecuted in either 1998, 1999 or 2000 for exceeding sulphur dioxide limits and the charge was dismissed on a technicality?
(10) If no to (9), what is correct?
(11) Will all of KCGM’s previous breaches be taken into consideration by the environmental enforcement unit for the current breaches of sulphur dioxide levels in 2005?
(12) If no to (11), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 March 2006
Responded by
Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
103 days
The Minister for the Environment; Science has provided the following response: The following information is correct as at 16 January 2006. (1) Yes, though at low levels sulphur dioxide will not be pungent or cause irritation. The levels at which it becomes pungent and causes irritation varies from person to person. Also the impact of sulphur dioxide will vary depending on short and long term exposure levels. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
The following information is correct as at 16 January 2006. (1) Yes, though at low levels sulphur dioxide will not be pungent or cause irritation. The levels at which it becomes pungent and causes irritation varies from person to person. Also the impact of sulphur dioxide will vary depending on short and long term exposure levels. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(1) Yes, though at low levels sulphur dioxide will not be pungent or cause irritation. The levels at which it becomes pungent and causes irritation varies from person to person. Also the impact of sulphur dioxide will vary depending on short and long term exposure levels. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(12) Not applicable.
The following information is correct as at 16 January 2006. (1) Yes, though at low levels sulphur dioxide will not be pungent or cause irritation. The levels at which it becomes pungent and causes irritation varies from person to person. Also the impact of sulphur dioxide will vary depending on short and long term exposure levels. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(1) Yes, though at low levels sulphur dioxide will not be pungent or cause irritation. The levels at which it becomes pungent and causes irritation varies from person to person. Also the impact of sulphur dioxide will vary depending on short and long term exposure levels. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable. (5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(5) The introduction of an Environmental Protection Policy aims to protect public health and the environment by limiting ambient levels of sulphur dioxide. (6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable. (7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(7) Yes. (8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(8) $37 500 with $9000 costs. (9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(9) Charges were brought against KCGM in 1997 however they were found not guilty. (10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable. (11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(11) In choosing the appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the Department's Enforcement and Prosecution Policy, the DoE will consider the previous history of the offender with regard to environmental management or compliance with DoE legislation, including frequency of offences. (12) Not applicable.
(12) Not applicable.
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