Enviro

Licence under question.

2009-10-17T13:56:00.008+08:00

How many times over the years of successive governments have questions been raised regarding licences and/or conflict of interest? The West Australian covered a story where it was revealed the government had leased land to a chemical company that wants to continue dumping waste at a site classified as "possibly contaminated" Words escape me to describe the department, whose job is to protect the environment and the people.
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Is this another company to be remembered for some time: Millennium Inorganic Chemicals wants to continue dumping titanium dioxide waste. It's come from plants in Australind and Kemerton and has been dumped in sand dunes near Dalyellup. Their intention is to continue doing so for a further 3 years.The DEC have recently classified the site as "possibly contaminated", stating it needs further investigation. So what have they been doing since it first started up, who wrote the licence or has been keeping check/monitoring that the company was abiding by their license?
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It was revealed that the state government owned the Australind plant site (land) and leased it back to the company as part of a deal in the late 1980s in which the company was paid $6.35 million (tax dollars) to move part of its operations to Kemerton.This week in parliament Giz Watson (Green's Leader)raised queries about a possible conflict of interest.She was concerned about the state government being a truly independent assessor of the waste site licence extension application.
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This site obviously has not been properly monitored,why is the DEC report only coming out now, stating there are concentrations of CHROMIUM 111 in shallow groundwater. It was found to exceed adopted assessment levels for marine aquatic ecosystems. To say further assessment is required to determine the risk to the environment and environmental values, what risk assessments were carried out before this chemical company first commenced? What qualifications do the DEC have to write or pass licences particularly if they don't know of possible damages caused by different chemicals? Chromium 111 exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion and eye or skin contact.

Chemical toxic Waste Dump

2009-09-19T12:09:00.006+08:00

There has been a growing concern over the impact of a chemical waste dump on residents health at a Dalyellup facility near Bunbury. The plant has been operational for the last 20 years, long before the population explosion. Many residents are becoming increasingly worried and I believe with good reason.It appears 20-30 years ago the DEC or EPA as they were known as then, it's hard to keep up with the name changes,where still hit and miss with regulations.29 years ago when Wagerup was being constructed, it was stipulated in their license then that the mud lakes had to be lined.
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The EPA found that as far back as 1988 the site was considered unacceptable as a waste facility beyond 3 years, yet 20 years later they are still using the site with an application being put forward for a further 3 years. Why wasn't it stipulated the site had to be lined like many other companies have had to conform to? This would explain why the company want to continue with their original license.What is wrong with the WA governments past and present, where is their duty of care to the residents?
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To knowingly consider a renewal of a license is criminal, the waste comes from a titanium dioxide plant in Australind.The patient application for the company shows the substances that are produced during the purification process are anything but safe. Compounds are particularly dangerous because they are carcinogens...of these the dioxin 2,3,7,8 TCDD is the most infamous, it more commonly known as as the toxic compound of agent orange.
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Dr P Dingle commented "In terms of environmental toxins you would say they're public enemy number one". Then there is the fact of allowing toxic chemicals to leach through the soil, into the Yarragadee aquifer before going out to sea.Governments around the world have made unlined sites illegal,so why is WA allowing a third world practice in 2009. Possibly because the company has given council $900,000 and will pay a further $950,000 over the next three years has something to do with it? The council intend to use the money to build a sports facility on the dump site, are they aware that dioxins and furans last for thousands of years? Where is their duty of care to present and future generations?

Qualifications: NONE

2009-09-07T14:16:00.005+08:00

Just what qualifications does an environmental minister need to have, surely some knowledge would be required. The Gorgon Carbon Capture and Storage operations will be a major part of the global portfolio of CCS projects supported by the Australian-led GLOBAL CARBON CAPTURE and Storage Institute. It will also be the world's biggest demonstration of CCS technology for many years to come and receive $60 million in funding from the Australian government

What does that mean for Australia quite simple, there are no guarantees that CCS will even work at Gorgon and that taxpayers have been fitted out a company once again to pay for any problems that arise.Under Mr Garrett's approvals, Gorgon's proponents will be able to start the project without having to even prove that CO2 injection works at the site. In fact they only have to agree to monitor whether it doesn't work, even then the concerns are aimed at an underground fish species rather than the more pressing issues of release into the sea. This would lead to potentially dangerous acidification or into the atmosphere where it could blow out Australia's greenhouse gas emissions strategy.

What are future repercussions or safety measures will be put in place? The 28 new environmental conditions were stringent on the dangers facing the Flatback turtle but virtually silent on those presented by injecting millions of tonnes of CO2 into the seabed. This is a huge CCS experiment using WA waters as a laboratory. Did Mr Garrett even consider that the joint ventures had already been warned by technical experts, about the risks of leaks because of geological faults in the Barrow Island strata?

The state and federal government agreed to jointly accept any long term liability arising from the storage of CO2 in geological formations under Barrow Island as part of the Gorgon project.So it appears safety and the environment are being cast aside for the sake of greed. Mr Barnett has lumbered taxpayers not the multinational proponents of Gorgon, with the downside costs, both economic and environmental of this excessively risky experiment.

Claim of to much tape.

2009-08-23T16:25:00.012+08:00

A report which was to be released last week had lined up the Department of Environment and Conservation for a ritual disembowelment. A government-appointed group spent the last 6 months investigating WA's resource approvals procedure, and concluded that the DEC run its own race.I presume this would be by one of the 141 NEW committees created, even though Mr Barnett said some months ago he was going to reduce them. Now his decided another committee is needed to reduce the committees.

One conclusion reached "Activities and decisions are influenced by philosophic beliefs and personal environmental policies, in several cases a belief that projects should not be approved, regardless of what the government wanted",according to one paper from this group. As a concerned member of the public I can only ask "How qualified are these people to be deciding anything, if they believe this rubbish."
To say the DEC are oblivious to the elected administration's policies,are they suggesting policies change with each party. Environmental laws should stand and become more stringent where necessary,not rubber stamped to keep companies happy.
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The extensive mining approvals and regulation processes of the state Government cost taxpayers approximately $485 million per year, much to the angst of the resource sector, which claim projects are tied in endless red and green tape making WA an
unattractive place to do business. So why is there no mention regarding environmental laws which are far more stringent in their own country.Until WA has adequate, qualified staff at(DEC,DOCEP,EPA,) etc, to carry out the many jobs particularly in the mining and environmental sectors, this government should not be looking to fast track anything.
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It was very nice of the minister to inform industry that his portfolio priority was to dramatically over haul the current unwieldy approvals process and provide greater certainty and confidence in the mining and resource sector. Are Australian workers receiving the same guarantees and attention regarding safety on work sites?Then there is the environmental concerns re: water,soil,wildlife and air, what protection is being offered to the people and future generations of this state?

Power = Water at homeowners expense.

2009-08-15T23:08:00.013+08:00

Over the last few weeks the people of WA have been asked for their comment on the future of water, power, wastes and air/quality just to mention a few. My question would be why, the government or departments aren't interested in our concerns? They have even ignored people well qualified in the different fields. The only conclusion that can be reached is,this way it can be said consultation was had.

The government are proudly crowing over the vast expansion of the coal power industry to happen in the next few years,not how or what they intend to do in reducing their emissions load, a few weeks back WA was named the dirtiest state . The power plants are set to send water consumption sky rocketing, with the potential of draining the Collie River dry and damaging the regions aquifers. The town already has four coal-fired power stations,and now five more are in the works to be completed by 2013, along with a urea plant.Why wasn't the urea plant sent to the north where there is adequate water and gas for their product?I presume it comes down to pass factors, what ever is cheapest is best for industry, too bad about our environment.

The Water Corporation or (department of water) estimated Collie's existing power plants are already extracting groundwater at three times the rate it's recharged by our rainfall. The groundwater could be exhausted within nine years. I find this to be the height of hypocrisy, using potable water for cooling when saline water could be used like at other plants along the coast. The first of the water coming out of the Collie river is saline, which is run into old coal pits and stored. This is the only water that should be used for cooling apart from the saline slug from Wellington Dam, no potable water should be used if our state is running out of such a precious resource.

It was reported last summer that many of Collie's rivers, streams and garden bores ran dry due to the continued drop in the water table. Senator Siewert said the system had already reached its limit and both State and Federal governments should stop approving so many new coal operations. When will WA find a government that can start thinking of long term goals and secure the future health, viability and amenity of our state instead of only seeing the dollar sign now.

Four power stations at Collie use 30GL per annum. By 2013 with construction of the urea plant (arid state) and Bluewaters 2,3 and 4 and Muja A & B power projects, figures on water usage is predicted to rise to 67GL. Why does WA's water shortage only apply to home owners but not the industrial sector? Why do power companies receive what water they want free, at the rate water is being absorbed or used what will future generations do? Where are the renewable energy projects or do they only apply to other countries?

Uranium

2009-08-11T11:21:00.023+08:00

Mining uranium is akin to mining asbestos.....and even today I guess there would be a mass outcry if asbestos mining were to be started up again. Native peoples around the world are ignorant of the dangers, they have had their families devastated by cancers in lungs-kidneys-stomach and colon-. Sterility, deformed children death and decimation of their communities resulted in their mining uranium. Uranium tailings contain over a dozen radioactive materials harmful to living beings...thorium 230, radium j 226, radon 222 etc. Nuke is not clean, green and certainly not cheap ! Check the current costing in UK for decommissioning all but two of their nuclear power stations. Uranium 238, which is left after enrichment, is currently in the bodies of Iraqi troops, civilians and allied troops as a result of killing people with shells made by UK and USA.

.The radioactive emissions from these bodies are leaking into the atmosphere to the detriment of global warming. What other nasty surprises can we expect from other purchasers of Australian uranium? Cremation of any body which has died from radiation emits radioactivity into the atmosphere. The enrichment of uranium for production of fuel rods adds hugely to global warming. Each 1000MWe (megawatt electric) nuclear plant requires the equivalent of 45 MWe coal plant which burns 135,000 tons of coal annually.
.After the enrichment to create fuel rods from uranium oxide nuclear reactors routinely emit toxic gasses including krypton, so uranium waste is already causing global warming wherever used. The plutonium and neptunium waste remains in the spent fuel rods and is very much more toxic than even the uranium oxide. It's appaling the amount of world nuclear incidents just for 2009.

.It's just a matter of time before Australia starts taking back waste, they know it can't be buried safely in glass, metal, Synrock or anything else, it will effect the area for years to come. Groundwater, land and air will be incredibly dangerously polluted. Is this what our premier wants to leave his children/grandchildren to deal with ? Plutonium alone has a half life of 250,000 years ! 500,000 years are required before nuclear waste drops below significant danger levels. In Hanford, USA, they tried burying nuclear waste. Steam was seen emerging from the burial site. The drums had disintegrated and waste leaked into the groundwater, boiling it. How close did they come to a nuclear explosion?

.Carting any substance connected with uranium/waste around the world attracts many hazards, the posibility of discharging its contents into the waters of the world. Chernoble and Three Mile Island are just two serious nuclear accidents which have occurred. How long can top quality uranium be mined before it will be dropped to grades as low as .01%. This will have to be transported, pulverised and thousands of tons required for a small amount of uranium with risk to the communities of radioactive dust being strewn around. Workers in this industry are not encouraged to remain long and their health is not monitored as regularly as it should be, whilst working or after they leave the job - why ?

.One way to help the power situation is to make it mandatory to install solar panels on any new home built...currently there are thousands of homes springing up and no sign of solar panels. With all the vacant land (ie desert) where is our renewable energy, 60% of greenhouse gasses are caused by more than power production, although installing more coal powered stations will not help the emissions problems. The premier and his ilk cannot seriously be expecting us to believe they are worried about global warming...billions of dollars from the sale of uranium and, God forbid, the storing of waste and selling off our state's minerals is all they seem interested in.

Ethical councillor

2009-08-09T22:32:00.008+08:00

Do politicians need a parliamentary councillor to give them ethical advise or is this more spin at tax payers expense? http://thewest.com.au/ (Plan to offer MP's ethical councilling) I found the article to be one of amazement. Some politicians may be held in low esteem, generally as a result of their questionable behaviour and antics. Constituents may believe anything that would improve MPs' standards of conduct as worth while but is there more here than meets the eye,the proposal for such a position should raise many questions?

.Do we need another created government job for someone to help politicians to tell right from wrong. The appointment would imply that the problem is one of ignorance, rather than indifference to proper standards by MP's who are guided by self-interest and the pursuit of political advantage. Is there a case to be made, that if MP's are unaware of their ethical obligations, they're unfit for public office.
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It should be questioned as to what powers this councillor would have. A plan put forward by the Nationals was, the holder of the position would have broad powers to give confidential advise on ethics. He is to move into parliament within weeks for the establishment of the position, the job would entail alleviating pressure on MP's and prevent them from making serious mistakes.

.Here is the best part, the proposal is for the advise from the councillor to be confidential. To the extent that even the Corruption and Crime Commission couldn't have access, it could only be released with the permission of the relevant MP and the clerk of each House. He would end up as the guardian of guilty secrets, and the position of councillor could be ethically compromised.

How would this be in the public interest. The ethical standards of MP's are matters of legitimate public concern. It's definitely time that politicians were held accountable for their actions, if this position were to be passed the public have a right to know of advice being given. The main thing that MP's seem to forget is who pays their salaries.

Drinking water contaminated.

2009-07-21T22:08:00.006+08:00

Residents of a Serpentine retirement village were told to boil their drinking water, after it was found to be contaminated with raw sewage. The shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale told residents that tests on their bore water revealed " high bacteriological counts and faecal contamination".
The 14-unit village residents had commented that their water stored in holding tanks, had been smelly and off colour for years.

It was claimed the source of contamination had not been found, the village (Surprise Surprise) is not deep-sewered and sewage is emptied into a settling pond in a paddock 150m from the homes and the bore, which is the maximum depth of 60m. One resident that has resided at the village for eight years blames the contaminated water for a severe bout of gastroenteritis. The local MP had said liberal colleague water minister Graham Jacobs, had ignored his pleas to help the residents.

I find this appalling, it's time people stood together and demanded accountability of the government and the Water Corporation. Just what has been happening to money that has been collected over the years, what has it been spent on? Four different areas have been complaining of being deferred from getting connected to deep sewage. It's about time the Health Department stepped in.

An incident in Kalgoorlie when sewage was coming up through the back lawn, the health dept didn't hesitate stepping in, as it was a health hazard. Until areas that have been waiting years to be connected have been done, there should be no new estates. The state government collects enough in taxes and many other charges, we aren't known as the highest tax paying state for nothing. I'm sure the people would like some accountability, seeing as it's the tax payers that pay the wages of these departments that supposedly work for the people.

Why can't the government run mains water into the Serpentine village from a new subdivision approximately 500m away?I'm sure in Safety Bay, Rockingham and Spearwood as well as the many areas un-sewered, there are to new subdivisions to connect to. It's time for the health minister to come out of hiding, peoples health is being placed at risk and it's time for answers and action.

Desecration of Old Growth Jarrah Forest

2009-07-18T13:04:00.010+08:00

People of this state should be outraged as this state government's logging business are about to log more old growth Jarrah trees. The Forest Product Commission said it intended to resume logging 250 year old growth Jarrahs, many of which pre-dated European settlement in WA.

.It was claimed operations would devastate the region's forest for decades, by harming the ecosystem and ruin another eco-tourism industry. The heavy machinery used to extract the trees would calve irreversible damage or scars into unspoilt areas of forest. Previous logging had left swaths of devastation in parts of the Jarrahdale forest. People should use Google Earth on the Southwest forest's or what's left of them, to see the desecration and scarring of the land.

.It would be interesting to know how much of the wildlife has been moved(if any), or is it treated like most heritage items, the dollar more important? It isn't any wonder that at last count there where 600 species endangered, and still counting. Where is the environment minister amongst all these decisions ?

This is another instance of the WA Government contravening the laws of the forest management guidelines, which call for suitable tree-removable practices that allow forests to recover after logging. It has been openly admitted there is not massive amounts of old growth trees left in the shire. They intend to harvest 3000 cubic metres of saw logs and up to 2000 cubic metres of firewood from the shire. So what is Mr Grylls opinion, his been as quiet as the environment minister?

Species at Risk

2009-06-19T13:19:00.008+08:00

We may have had a change of government but nothing has changed. It was reported more than 600 species natural to WA are at risk of extinction, why aren't the DEC unit doing their job and giving adequate protection. It could be explained by the environmental regulator who for some reason only manages to prosecute an average of seven individuals or companies each year, from more than 2000 complaints.

.Prosecutions have related to illegal clearing native vegetation, with single prosecutions relating to emissions, noise, discharging waste, oil and slurry and failing to monitor a site. Something I found amazing is the number of field notices 200, how many field notices before prosecution. The shadow minister asked how often the DEC prosecuted another government department for pollution, a classic was the Water Corporation, hoe did they escaped penalty for a spill over 550,000 litres of sewage into the Southern River.

It seems were relying on a department to protect reserves for the preservation of species, yet the DEC is not achieving its target for reservation of land. Why do they lack internal processes, transparency and accountability of the legislated process. A discrepancy has been highlighted between State and Federal threatened species lists that prevented 190 WA species receiving all available protection.

.Mr Gamblin WWF, warned that hundreds of species including the Carnaby's black cockatoo and western ringtail possum were facing extinction. The government gave $4 million for over 4 years, the question is should that be spent on qualified DEC people or the threatened species. How can this department be writing out licenses for companies, are they qualified for such a task!

What a waste

2009-05-31T19:41:00.010+08:00

I find it absolutely amazing the amount of articles on or about Water Corp. Millions of litres of clean drinking water has been used to hose down building site and keep dust at bay this year, though dams are less than 30 per cent full. The Water Corporation revealed 350,000 kl of water from the mains was used by 236 contractors in the past year, including civil and demolition contractors.

.Contractors are allowed to use the water if they can't get groundwater, or if they can prove that commercially it was not viable to sink a groundwater bore. It only stands to reason if they can get out of spending extra and use scheme water they will.

.The Water Corporation denied it had wasted drinking water, claiming contractors were charged twice as much as residents for the privilege of tapping into the mains. Claiming also conditions were tight regarding the hire of standpipes that are used to take water from the reticulation water supply, this included regular on-site auditing of water use. If this were the case why are residential areas accused of using excesive amounts of water, or named as the biggest water guzzlers, when it's not factual at all.

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How do the corporation explain the 19 billion litres of water-nearly half the production of the desalination plant, were wasted after an increase in leaks from Perth's drinking supplies last financial year from new statistics recently released. The Economic Regulation Authority also revealed that the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment to supply the water to Perth homes and businesses, sent more than 55% to 2760 tonnes because a full year of operation of the energy intensive Kwinana desalination plant.

Piers Verstegen commented that statistics were evidence that the State was going backwards in terms of its water policy and management. The amount of water lost in the system, demonstrated that upgrading infrastructure should be made a priority to stem leaks and burst pipes.

EPA

2009-05-31T12:30:00.006+08:00

Previous comments from the State's Environmental Protection Authority watchdog, will streamline the way they assesses the effect of development projects, this has prompted claims it is "watering down" the system. The Authority revealed it would implement a risk-based approach and simplify the process by reducing the level of assessment from 5 to 2.

The chairman believes the changes based on results of a 13 month review, would ensure a greater timeline and certainty in the agency's environmental impact assessment process. Other reforms included approval conditions that focused on environmental outcomes. It was said the changes included improved project management and tracking, so just how much compromising is being carried out when it comes to our environment.

It seems the aim by industries is to fast track their projects, how many mining accidents have happened this year alone. Another excellent point was how many projects has the EPA not approved... which equalled zero. How can West Australians be assured of anything, with a government-appointed industry working group. ( Isn't that a conflict of interests) Tasked with devising a plan to speed up mining approvals and favouring moves to dilute the power and role of the Environment Minister, among other far-reaching changes. Why are taxpayers paying a government if others are calling the shots, just who is protecting our environment for future generations!

Enviro

2009-05-31T11:18:00.005+08:00

Well I'm finally back after the longest month of May ever experienced, to those that have sent emails NO I've definitely not been on holiday worse luck. I'm still trying to work out if I ran over a black cat or what.. ! After the passing of a family member & ill health of another, the Blog was lost like me. Now I'm back and the many things going on haven't slipped my attention.

Contamination

2009-04-11T20:41:00.016+08:00

Who really takes care of our water supply, how many officers are out in the field taking any notice? Suspected 'Toxic waste' dumped illegally, close to one of the States' main drinking water catchments. This happens to be a crucial water supply for WA, but it seems the only time the DEC are aware of what's going on is when it's reported by the public. The DEC pollution response unit were called in to remove the drums, which had been dumped less than 50m from Pickering Brook in Helena, the DEC claim to be doing further testing.
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Strange that, how many times are the public told "We will investigate" or ' We'll take samples' yet never another word is spoken. This is not the first time drums have been found and it won't be the last, it's only the dump site that's changed it seems.

.More than 190 contamination notices where sent to home owners in new Port Coogee development after the Department of Conservation and Environment reassessed the quality of the local ground water. The notices prevent land owners from sinking bores and drawing groundwater, and must be included on the land title for future buyers. So can the government explain why homes can still be built there, and why people weren't told before their purchase that the ground water is contaminated?

.The project developer, Australand also received notices over land not yet sold. I find this a fraudulent act on behalf of government and Australand, all monies should be returned to unsuspecting buyers. Why wasn't the land & groundwater checked before blocks were sold, to make a statement like 'To the best of their knowledge there is no issue with the land' does that mean they did or didn't check, has this law of disclosure just come in?

.To now tell landowners they were aware of extensive remediation by the DEC before buying the land from the State but the Contaminated Sites Act, which came into effect I believe in 2003-2006 allowed the department to classify the land without prior notice to owners. Seeing as the land was under extensive remediation it should not have been sold, how SAFE is the soil seeing as the water is contaminated. I don't remember LandCorp adding in their advertising that some blocks in the estate once had a foundry near by, or how PCB's from the old power station would be in the soil. The Land disclosure Act should have made buyers aware.

More Confusion

2009-03-30T19:38:00.006+08:00

Again the public have been informed our water consumption has increased by almost 4 per cent each year since 2000, and is expected to climb another 40- 45 per cent by 2030 according to the Water Corporation.

It was finally admitted that demand was driven by mining and urban expansion, and would lead to a fresh water shortage, as WA contended with rainfall levels that have been dropping since the 1950's. The strategic planning manager commented that the annual water use has climbed more than half a trillion litres this century, in 2007-08 total state water use was 2426 billion litres compared with 1790 billion litres in 1999-2000. Yet we can't forget Water Corp's graphs from 2.1/2 years ago showing our rainfall hadn't altered since 1910, so which set are we to believe!

. So that leaves one asking, how good are the sustainability strategies government carries out each year, it always seems communities are told to cut back. Why is industry given a free reign, how many desalination plants or reclamation plants have they paid for. It was stated that Perth metropolitan area and the Pilbra would possible be hit the hardest by future shortages.

.With a growing population and an expected 15 per cent down turn in rainfall, meant urban areas could face a total annual shortfall of up to 75 billion litres. More mining in the Pilbra was likely to double water demand by 2030, Mr Hauck said it's not surprising we have a collective water crisis. Yet we still have water in dams that government prefer to pump out to sea than run through reverse osmosis and use in the metro dams.

Agree or disagree: Uranium.

2009-03-21T12:32:00.011+09:00

Many discussions have been had in regard to the safety of uranium. It mostly ends in looking to the facts on leaks which there have been many, and if you can trust the government of the day not to cut corners particularly on storage. Its ended in agreeing to disagree.
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Just last week according to the "West" at the "Ranger" mine in Kakadu National Park it was reported it was leaking 100,000 litres of contaminated water every day. A scientist appointed to monitor the mine's environmental impact confirmed at a senate committee hearing, that approximately 100cum a day, the equivalent of 100,000 litres of contaminate were leaking from the mine's tailings dam, into rock fissures beneath Kakadu.
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More than 150 leaks, spills and licence breaches have occurred at the mine since it opened in 1981. Mine owner Energy Resources of Australia has been warned repeatedly about its management of the mine, with it being declared in 2004 that it was "complacent" about protecting workers and people near the mine. So is this another red flag being waved with little notice being taken, just the right noises been made without action? When does Duty of Care come into play ?

. Mining was originally to end late last year, now it seems there are plans to tunnel under floodplains from an open pit in a move than would extend mining till 2021. The ERA late last month was responsible for recovering the contaminated water that had washed downstream, later requesting more information about the leak.
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It's understood that they intend to extend their monitoring program in the vicinity of the tailings dam. The question the people should be asking "is this good enough, why haven't more stringent regulations been incorporated". Who is doing the monitoring at ERA or is it another episode of the wolf protecting the sheep?

Who's The Greenest?

2009-03-15T13:08:00.006+09:00

There is now to be two inquires into emissions trading after the Greens and the opposition struck a deal to probe the government's climate change policies. The government has been under pressure from industry (no surprises there) and environmentalists to delay 2010 start date or to make changes to the proposed ETS.

The White Paper released in December detailed a cap-and-trade scheme to meet 2020 emissions reduction target of 5-15 per cent, yet granting up to 90 per cent free pollution

permits for export industries and transitional compensation for electricity generators. The "Greens" have rejected calls from industry and the coalition to delay implementing the ETS.

Many Australians chose to pay extra for renewable green electricity, now its said it won't make a difference. Under the proposed Carbon Pollution reduction scheme (sham) (CPRS) due to be introduced in Federal Parliament, voluntary action by consumers to purchase green power, would make it cheaper and easier for industries to pollute. So how can the People win, or do the right thing for the planet?

Under the proposed scheme, Australia's biggest polluting businesses are required to achieve a certain emissions reductions target. Households buy accredited Green Power or domestic carbon offsets, which simply helps make it cheaper for business to achieve what they are required to do. We have been conned for the sake of industry which doesn't sit well, were trying to do the right thing at considerable cost which many can ill afford at this time.

The CPRS undermines consumer choice . Carbon Pollution avoided as a result of VOLUNTARY consumer action should be counted as additional to the mandatory emissions reductions required of polluting industries. more than 878,000 households have chosen to pay more for renewable energy nation-wide. According to retailer Synergy approximately 7500 WA homes had signed up by last December, what a slap in the face.

BP Violations

2009-02-24T12:18:00.010+09:00

19/2/09 : US BP Products North America has agreed to spend more than $161 million on pollution control, enhancing maintenance, monitoring and improved internal management practices to resolve Clean Air violations at its Texas City refinery. The company will also pay a $12 million civil penalty and spend $6 million on a supplemental project to reduce air pollution in Texas City.

.The USA have whats known as a "Clean Air Act" which we believe should also be enforced in Australia. They have strict controls on Benzene and Benzene-containing wastes, generated during petroleum refining operations. The company is required to upgrade control equipment and processes used to handle these materials, and conduct in-depth audits to ensure compliance and minimise the amount the amount of benzene containing wastes generated at the refinery.
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It was estimated that these actions would reduce emissions of benzene and volatile organic compounds by approximately 6,000 pounds annually. Exposure to benzene , a hazardous air pollutant is known to cause a number of acute and chronic health effects. Including cancer, nerve and immunity impairment, adverse reproductive and developmental effects among others.

BP failed to fulfill its obligations under US law, by placing air quality and public health at risk. What precautions have been put in place at Kwinana refinery, it would be no different regarding emissions. The petroleum companies have been making huge profits at the bouser, so where have they put back into the state. Who controls or monitors their emissions at Kwinana refinery,

or does our government place less emphasis on both air quality and public health?
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Where are the stringent measures, safety precautions or justice and accountability in our country? Or will it take a catastrophic explosion like happen in Texas in 2005 that killed 15 and injured more than 170 people.

Who's Next

2009-02-21T13:41:00.009+09:00

There seems to be a mixed reaction to shipping lead carbonate from the Fremantle Port, yet others qualified in the field believe the proposal is a huge public health risk. It may have been assessed as low risk but where parties qualified to make this assessment. That being the case what happened in Esperance, why did the DEC officer refuse to check monitors because of fear for his own health?
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It's the belief of professionals that transporting any lead carbonate through a population-dense area it's still high risk. Lead as we know is a dangerous substance that causes long term damage to children also pregnant women.

.Magellan have not cleaned up their mess in the Port of Esperance, so why are they so anxious to pollute another area? In January there were 2 incidents, or rail accidents where large quantities of minerals were spilled into the environment. (What if it had been lead) Has any consideration been given to the effects on community or workers, if an accident were to happen in Fremantle, or do we wait for more birds to die before it's realised that a problem exists. Like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.

.Why has the minister not yet set a limit on the amount of dust Magellan can emit in transit from Wiluna mine, despite the project gaining state government approval. Magellan will transport 150,000 tonnes of lead carbonate concentrate annually to Fremantle in double-laminated bags inside shipping containers. Even after the minister imposed 15 "stringent ministerial conditions" it was later revealed that Magellan had yet to complete all baseline sampling along the 800 km route, and was yet to come to an agreement with DEC on lead level standards.

.There will be 14 air monitors in total for the entire route, the company would not say how often monitoring would happen except it would be regular, with results made public. So who's reading the monitors and calling the shots? We believe the monitoring needs to be in "real time" so authorities can act quickly, if and when levels are breached. It's not hard to see that neither Barnett or Grylls live in areas to be effected.

Sanctuaries at a snails pace.

2009-02-18T14:00:00.006+09:00

The Federal government has been urged to establish marine sanctuaries for WA, covering a large expanse of ocean. New research has found that a plethora of important marine life exists, nine out of the ten species off the coast between Kalbari and Euchla were found nowhere else in the world. http://south-west marine bio regional plan

.The region also had a number of globally significant "hot-spots" for marine life, including Perth Canyon which is one of only two feeding sites in Australian waters, for the critically endangered blue whale. The Houtman-Abrolhos Islands and Australia's biggest underwater mountain range, the Diamantina Fracture Zone.
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Despite the one million square kilometre region being "critically important to the economic development of the State and nation", less than one per cent is protected in any form from threats such as overfishing and climate change. I find it appalling that Nationally barely 4 per cent of Australia's 16 million square kilometres of ocean is protected as a marine sanctuary.
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Professor Meeuwig from UWA centre for Marine Futures, believes large marine sanctuaries are critical to maintain the health of the marine environment and to help fish stocks recover and secure the future of commercial and recreational fishing. Just what are government waiting for, why do we have to lose so much before the "Penny Drops" and the blame game starts. Of course the government are already aware that sanctuaries would boost the region's $3 billion
marine-based tourism industry, nothing changes everything is measured by the dollar.

The Study That's Not

2009-02-18T12:18:00.005+09:00

Just how many times are communities expected to take being let down...Brookdale, Bellvue, Wagerup and Esperance to name just a few. We have been fighting for years to get answers as to what's in the Air, Water and Soil, the departments that are responsible for supplying this information will only supply false promises.

Another study "Air Toxics" or as industry would prefer "Air Quality" looks to be falling by the way-side, due to financial cuts it will be another half hearted attempt at hood winking the public.

This make my blood boil, we have a right to know what the communities are being exposed to on a daily basis.

The Kwinana strip generates approximately $18 billion a year, so what is going to the areas their pollution effects. Why is it such a chore for the DEC to carry out an Air Toxic's study, to monitor the pollutants that have caused great concern for residents from Cockburn to Rockingham. It would make sense to carry out a proper study on HAZARDOUS pollutants, particularly carcinogenic compounds supplying answers once and for all...or is government already aware?

It's time this so called government woke up to the fact they are care takers for the "PEOPLE"

we are fed up with their games. The only cuts that should be made are those to salaries of the

"claytons" politicians.

GM Debate

2009-02-08T13:20:00.008+09:00

Has Mr Barnett lifted bans on GM foods for the good of our farmers, he has no proof showing the effects of GM foods in time. The Eastern states grain farmers have delivered their first commercial crop of GM canola, which has only proven the arguement is far from resolved.
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Seventy-seven farmers delivered 6222 tonnes of GM canola in 2008 season, research and development Corporaration comparative trials at Forbes and Horsham have shown non-GM are still ahead. From the results Biological Farmers of Australia said the trial results should make farmers cautious of claims that GM canola would out-yield conventional varieties.
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If WA were to follow national guidelines it will spark fears of contamination, critics of the technology had warned buffer zones of just 5 m, taking winds into cosideration, non-GM crops could inevitable be contaminated. Farmers will not be able to promise consumers that their crops were entirely free of GM contamination.
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If we can't get proper labelling, how can this government assure the public we still have a choice when it comes to GM foods?... I haven't noticed this government introducing strict liability leglislation, to ensure the company providing the GM seed was liable for containing its product to prevent potential econimic loss for GM-free farmers. At present the only recourse would be farmer sueing farmer, so just how much responsibility will the Barnett Government assume? When the question was asked under the Gallop government, the people were very clear they didn't want GM foods, as well as wanting choice and proper labelling .

Health Cuts

2009-02-07T13:52:00.009+09:00

The West Australian State Governments answer to the world wide financial crisis was to place hundreds of government service jobs at risk with a 3% cut to government departments. The health boss submitted a submission to the Minister for health proposing a reduction in the number of support and administrative staff on short-term contracts.

They claim the cuts will apply to process, procedures and functions that are possibly redundant but that have been continuing anyway. It seems they would have the public believe it will have no impact on front-line health services, they obviously haven't looked at government health services lately and how they are already in critical condition.

Of course there was no mention of taking a cut to his obscene salary, this is where I believe Obama has it all over our politicians - see these blogs: Wanted Australian Politician with ethics and Freedom.

The 3 per cent cut requirement was meant to save approx $120 million from health alone, this it seems was agreed to before the state election to fund promises made during the election campaign. I find this obscene, so where will the money saved, go too?

Minister Hames had rejected an earlier proposal by the health department, to extend some elective surgery waiting times to achieve the required cut. The government has said the public will not see where the cuts will apply until the May budget.

The US has Barak Obama...... who do we have?

Wave technology

2009-01-28T22:27:00.007+09:00

Finally we may see a Fremantle inventor, Carnegie Corporation put to good use. They are looking at powering the Department of Defence's Garden Island operations with wave energy, after signing a deal which could see the group become the first in Australia to commercialise the renewable technology. It could lead to it supplying Garden Island naval base with both power and water supplies using its CETO Wave technology.

Like most of the Western Australian coastline, Garden Island gets a world class wave resource on tap, plus the naval base is a significant user of both power and water. Carnegie will bear the costs of the feasibility study, but they also hope to to secure funding from the State Government's LEED (Low emission energy development) research grants program.

The group did not quantify the potential scale of the project, the size of the facility would not be limited to the Defence Department operation's requirements due to the potential to supply power to the South-West Inter connector System. Detailed assessment on the technical and commercial viability of the project will soon begin, and is expected to be completed by the years end.

Carnegie is conducting trials of its CETO Wave technology, which purifies sea water for drinking use as well as converting wave power into emission-free energy, in Albany. Government should be behind this company all the way, time will tell.

Lib's Power plan

2009-01-27T20:46:00.014+09:00

The Barnett government's plan was to merge Verve with retailer Synergy, it seems it has been shot down by a damning report prepared at the request of the premier. The analysis by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy warned that the amalgamation would cost more money than it saved. Leading to increased electricity prices as well as scaring away possible private investors, leaving the state to fund desperately needed new power stations.

It was said that Verve's losses are largely because the generator sells most of its power to Synergy, at well below cost. What happened to the lower prices when Western Power was split up? When our state experiences 37 degrees and above, how do people get cool when power is too expensive to use. Who's financial difficulties are being taken into consideration ? With Global Warming, higher temperatures are becoming a regular thing so where does the government believe people will find this extra money for the power bill?

While the liberal government are making their long term decisions they need to ask, with everything on the increase where does choice lay for constituents. Full details of the OOE REPORT by "Frontier Economics Regulations Authority" outlining the methodology to determine the tariff levels http://www.energy.wa.gov.au/

7/2/08
Have you ever questioned an inexplicably high power bill, you could be one of the millions of consumers whose bill is done on guess work rather that actual consumption. A practice know as as " estimated reading" where your utility company(power, water or gas) guesses, if they believe meters are harder to access or due to more homes having security measures.

They are the 3utilities that we will receive increases, it's believed that bill estimates led to over and undercharging but that overcharging was more common. The Energy Ombudsman in WA received 28 bill estimate complaints in 2007-'08, it has fielded a further 16 complainta since July '08. If you don't check your bill you'll never know.

Liberals so caring!

2009-01-24T20:09:00.014+09:00

It's so nice that our new minister for finance is so caring, it seems his main concern was if the closure of Ravensthorpe happened would it effect Royalties for Regions. Why should we be expected to place our trust in this liberal government, West Australians should remember their performance in their last term of office.

.Their failures in the social areas of health and justice, they disposed of many of the State's valuable assets. In their wisdom they sold SGIO, Bankwest, the Dampier-to-Bunbury gas pipeline, Alinta Gas and Westrail. They closed the Midland Workshops even after their promise to upgrade and expand, to guarantee its long term future. State Ships, hospitals and nursing homes. Not forgetting government maintenance, construction and other services that were providing the State with hundreds of tradespeople through the apprenticeships available. So much for the liberal government's privatisation policies.

.What's come about since Mr Barnett has been in; they have lifted the ban on uranium mining, as well as the "No GM". They have delivered their spin about safely removing the remaining lead stockpile, the polluter are being allowed to export with the aid of the WA taxpayers. Magellan will pay 9 million towards the clean up which is far from adequate, then who will pay compensation to families who's health and lives have been affected. When will Magellan be taken to court?

.To top it off the liberals would have people believe that Nickel is harmless to our health, maybe they can explain how that's possible when it's a known carcinogen. The Esperance Port Authority concluded last year after extensive investigation that no engineering solution could make bulk nickel exports safe, so I guess that makes the so called license not worth the paper it's written on. They intend exporting Nickel through the Port of Esperance when BHP resume mining, so obviously Barnett has learnt nothing. The sooner a full scale inquiry into the inadequacy of government agencies, and adequacy of our WA Ports to safely export highly toxic materials the better. The expectations should be for the Port of Esperance to operate at world's best standards.

.At present the liberals are gathering brownie points, but they are no different than labor before them. Although I don't remember Mr Carpenter going through $3.7 billion in their first 100 days, where still waiting to see any benefits or for that matter where it went.

Environment.

2008-12-20T13:02:00.007+09:00

There are many Watchdogs to advise government covering different areas, so we thought. Yet now it appears those without the knowledge, can ride rough shod over the top of Aboriginal Elders, and the EPA. Mr Barnett appears to believe his a law unto himself, thumbing his nose at government departments findings. The Environmental Protection Authority warned the location preferred by government, was unsuitable because it would pose unmanageable environmental risks.

The EPA went on to say it would not be possible to keep gas, noise and other emissions from a hub at North Head, within acceptable limits. Developing at the site could mean up to 14 communities would need to relocate to prevent risks. The watchdog said the least "environmentally constrained" site on a short list of four on the Kimberly coastline was Gourdon Bay 70 km south-west of Broome.

Fishing grounds and aboriginal heritage sites, Eco-tourism ventures would also be be effected by a hub at North Head. This area is significant for migrating, calving and resting for whales. Environmental issues should be placed ahead of a large scale industrial development, particularly when this development could go elsewhere. The premier has expressed his personal preference for sites without regard for established stakeholders, I would have to agree with Mr Ripper, Barnett has shown reckless disregard for the established stakeholder consultation process completely. These are not the actions of a premier considering the interests of the Traditional land Owners or environment.

So to date what have taxpayers received from this accidental premier: Uranium mining and GM bans lifted, broken promises. Allowing Esperance Port Authority to train workers to sniff out toxic nickel, it doesn't seem to matter that it's a carcinogen. Ignoring recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry, headed by his own senior minister to investigate the impacts on the Esperance community and environment. The list goes on ........ this is not someone that has the best interests of the people at heart.

Bacteria Alert

2008-12-17T12:22:00.004+09:00

A small article appeared last week commenting about the many pipes that deliver water to WA regions, and how they were lined with bacterial growths. It's been found that many of the state's pipelines were so long, that currant methods for disinfecting the water were not effective for their entire length.

The bacterial accumulation, called " biofilms", can contain pathogens such as ECOLI the same bug linked to food-poisoning outbreaks, and Naegleria fowleri, which causes amoebic meningitis.
Dr Plumb from the CSIRO stressed that the biofilms didn't pose an immediate health risk to regional water users as the water was re-disinfected. Possibly this could be the answer why we get a foul stench when turning on the tap or shower, to often for many peoples liking. It leaves the question are we still consuming these bugs and how many have been made ill?

Dr Plumb went on to say the national water regulations should be ammended to take note of bio-films. The latest water quality guidlines, published in 2004, do not mention them despite the fact that bio-films represent 95% of the living material found inside water pipes. How often are the pipes checked, or is this another " only if you have to", why are we paying such a high price for an poorly maintained product?

What Next With Our Water?

2008-12-03T21:56:00.014+09:00

One wonders what the Water Corporation will try next.

They are still insisting WA has a grave water shortage. Water Corp intended to draw at least 140 gigalitres from the Gnangara mound this year, these plans were rejected amid concerns that wetlands across Perth could dry out as a result of the strain on the ground water system.

It's still being said it's not necessary to build the Binningup desalination plant, Water Corp have known for 5 years that water is available from Wellington Dam. Agritech a Perth based company presented their plans to Dr Gallop some year ago, it involved a gravity powered reverse osmosis plant and could have been the first of its kind. The plant would cost approximately $220 million to build which is less thanbe free and easy when it comes to spending tax payers money.

Spending 80 cents a kilolitre to treat the water instead of a forecasted $2.50 from Binningup desalination, you don't need to be an Einstein to work out what the public preference would be with the continued exorbitant price rises. Ground water levels were reported to be at their lowest due to the dry climate, yet Wellington Dam has over flowed 4 out of 5 years. So why do Water Corp prefer opening the sluice to dump water out to sea when this water could have been used? Then there is the other matter of tax payers money going out the window because the job of clearing at dams has been so lax, that only a minute amount of run off is entering the dams. a quarter of what would be spent with the Water Corporation's proposal. They appear to
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So why do the Department of Water want to SPEND $250,000 for an independent review, (another review) looking at alternative sources of potable water? If our potable water is so scarce why is industry been given the free reign, why aren't industry using recycled water? Who is the water at Wellington Dam being kept for? Why does water Corp want to inject recycled sewage into our drinking water? Maybe Mr Barnett can explain?

The farce with Water Corp has been going on and on, one has to wonder if they are capable of doing the job they are there to do? There have been many concerns about the environmental damage through the strain placed on the Gnangara mound, if the state government won't pull Water Corp into line it's time for the Federal Government to step in.

Just who is being protected?

2008-11-16T20:14:00.010+09:00

Residents near Wagerup alumina refinery were told not to be concerned by a new report which finds some emissions may be affecting nearby communities. A new radar system found emissions from the refinery may extend for up to 5 kilometers under certain weather conditions, traveling very low to the ground.

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The DEC Air Quality branch say previous test on Alcoa's emissions have found volatile compounds are well below acceptable health limits. The DEC went on to say "these events have been going on presumably for many years" We would concur with that, as people living nearby have been getting ill for many years.
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How long did the government known about Wagerup problems and did nothing? Were they monitoring before they used the radar system or were they leaving the monitoring to Alcoa? Is the same stench coming from the plant in Kwinana? Who is doing the monitoring at Kwinana?
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The residents living near the Alcoa Wagerup refinery have science to back up their complaints regarding odours. The DEC say they are working with Alcoa to change the way it records the emissions, and to ensure they have minimal impact on the communities. Alcoa need to more than change the way they record their emissions, they need to use the latest technology and cut the emissions.

The DEC now comments that the liquor burner will only destroy the specific compounds when it's operating at the correct temperature. It's also known Wagerup have had problems for years maintaining the liquor burner temperature. And we have heard that Alcoa Kwinana has also had similar problems. We have all know this for years. Why weren't the DEC doing something since community reps pointed it out to them many years ago and many times over many years.

Just who is protecting the community - certainly not the departments that are paid to.

It's time government departments made up their minds who they're paid to protect.

What next from Water Corp?

2008-10-10T22:31:00.008+08:00

People are curious as to weather the new water minister (Mr Jacobs) will do the right thing by the people. Labor turned a blind eye to using Wellington Dam as a source for drinking water, even after their pathetic excuses were ignored by the public. At least Mr Jacobs has recognised the South-West's biggest water source would probably be needed as a potable water source before 2015. It's a total waste to be pumping potable water out to sea, or seeing the dam overflow 5 out of 6 years, yet the people were told it no longer rains in the south-west.

Mr Coyne had previously shown the labor government how his company could produce potable drinking water through reverse-osmosis, but Water Corp were insistant that another desalination plant was the answer. It was quite obvious Water Corp saw a way to charge the public through the nose, we pay usage quarterly plus rates, just where is that money going?? The amount of pipes that have burst through lack of maitenance or not being replaced when needed, does anyone know what their doing.

When will the public get the truth about where the water will come from to supply two water guzzling industries under constrution in the south-west? The Water Corporation recently stated they need more water from the Gnangara mound, despite repeated warnings wetlands across Perth could die because of the strain on the ground water system.

They believe they'll require just over 140 GL from "Gnangara" this financial year. If they had carried out their job in clearing under growth at the dams, so the run-off could enter the dams there wouldn't be these problems. Instead it seems its easier to create irrepairable damage to the mounds, wetlands and aquifers and call it Global Warming. Maybe its time to tell Rudd to close the door to immigrants and refugees because we can't sustain those already here.

Air Pollution monitoring questioned

2008-09-08T12:19:00.014+08:00

Wonders will never cease, how did a company accused of doctoring lab reports in NSW get a contract to adjust pollution monitors at WA's most controlversial industrial plant, Wagerup? The Department of Environment and Conservation (surprise, surprise) have pleaded ignorance. The Sunday Times pointed out that the company New Environmental Quality was under investigation in NSW for allegedly downplaying emission test results.

NSW is the state that WA on occassion have approached for information and guidence. By Alcoa's own admission in regard to monitoring have fudged the figures here in WA, this is why we believe there should be independant monitoring. Why place the wolf in the chicken house, where is the duty of care?

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.New EQ last year was contracted to calibrate and ensure the proper functioning of pollution monitoring equipment at the Wagerup refinery's power station between September 24 to October 27. The Wagerup refinery has been in the spot light due to health complaints from nearby residents , who say their health problems are associated with environmental pollution.

In NSW New EQ is being investigated after levels of toxic chemicals, such as arsenic were lowered in reports prepared in July 2006 for the Blue Circle Southern Cement factory in Berrima. BSCS agreed it has asked for changes to the report to be conducted, but had insisted the process was transparent. The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change wrote in August 2007 that as a result of the changes, it had little confidence in monitoring reports prepared by NewEQ for the Berrima plant.

A nearby resident to Wagerup Mr Llewellyn, was alarmed that NewEQ was engaged at Wagerup to operate. He found it extraordinary this company would be allowed to operate in WA when it's under investigation. He also believes if there is any doubt about the integrity of the companies that have calibrated the machines, then equipment needs to be reviewed by an independant party. The cement company have since lost their license, it's time for the WA environmental minister to redo the monitoring at Wagerup for the safety of the people.

.Now that these points have been raised with NATA they have now claimed NewEQ's indiscretions took place prior to accreditation which was in February 2006.They are claiming that NATA has received no information to date that suggests that the company was carrying out fraudulent activity while being a NATA member. The allegedly doctored reports are dated May 23, 2006, and questions tabled in NSW Parliament on November 29, 2007 revealed the NSW environment department had informed NATA of it's NewEQ investigation.

The questions remain is this a company that should be doing monitoring in this state, and were they under investigation at the time of carrying out monitoring at Wagerup power station?

Services close to collapse.

2008-08-25T21:09:00.014+08:00

We have continually been given the figures in relation to what industry need to continue with their avarice profit margin, why haven't the needs of the people of this state been taken into account? The accidental premier rambles on about the needs of infrastructure for industry to expand and export more yet when it come to having the needs met for the health of this state, it seems it's to expensive.

.A Cancer Council-commissioned audit, prompted by patient complaints and funded partly by the WA Health Dept, warns that unless urgent action is taken the system could collapse within five years as it struggles to cope with an estimated 50,000 new cancer cases on top of the existing load. Why is there no money to purchase a new Pet Scanner to replace the old machine recently retired, just what sort of a budget did Mr Ripper devise?

The recent report by University of New South Wales professor Barton of radiation oncology, found that while cancer treatment in WA was usually of a high standard,Inadequate facilities and Staff shortages were major concerns. It also warned the new cancer facilities such as those planned for the Fiona Stanley hospital would not meet the demand.

It was warned that WA faced 10,000 new cancer cases a year, rising by three to four per cent a year but facilities and equipment were unable to cope. Urgently needed equipment included five extra linear accelerators used for radiation therapy. Facilities in public hospitals for chemotherapy patients were over-crowded, with patients often waiting many hours to be seen by a junior doctor. Treatment areas at RPH were described as dangerously over-crowded. When the state was cut to one Pet Scanner, a department commented that some patients would need to go east for treatment. How consoling, as if finding out you had cancer wasn't bad enough. Just where is the money to come from to fly east, or will Mr Ripper let people borrow from his piggy bank?

I find this contemptable of any government, in WA ministers harp on about how we're the boom state and our driving economy, how the north -west is propping up the country. Yet we can't afford the medical equipment and personnel to do the right thing by the people of this state, who work long hours and pay their taxes. Shame on you Mr Carpenter and the labor party.

Muddled ministers

2008-08-20T17:15:00.009+08:00

It seems ministers are getting anxious over the proposed emissions trading scheme and the potential risk, to the liquidfied natural gas industry. One senior minister described it as gross incompetence. The industry have claimed that up to $100 billion in investments could be jeopardised if it also, did not get the compensation that would be given to heavy polluters.

Well they have threatened the usual with job losses and taking their business off shore etc. Under the proposed emissions trading scheme, so-called emissions intensive trade-exposed industries would get free permits to prevent the cost of their products rising signicificantly.

The heaviest polluters, such as cement and aluminium manufacturers getting about 90% of their permits free, because they emitted less than 2000 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every $1million in revenue they earned. Those emitting between 1500 and 2000 tonnes per$1million would get approximately 60% of their permits free.
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Those devising the scheme thought that LNG producers would qualify for at least some support, but as it turns out they don't qualify for even the lower threshold because the industry has cleaned itself up since 2001-2002. It must buy all permits, which would cause the price of gas to rise.

The way it comes across, is those cleaning themselves up will pay for doing so. Naturally so their profit margins are kept where they would like, increases will be passed onto the consumer or tax-payer. So just how are industry being encouraged to cut emissions, heavy emitters are receiving free permits and those not being given freebies pass the costs onto us? Is there one minister that can explain where carbon emissions are being cut, or are they all totally confused and going to continue with their smoke and mirrors?

The Nation of Taxes

2008-08-10T14:06:00.005+08:00

We live in a country that taxes its pay-as-you-earn workers to such an extent, that their generally paltry pay rises leave them trailing further and further behind those who have chosen not to be carers in our society. What chance do nurses, teaches and our police as an example have, in trying to secure a decent future?
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Despite the fact that the resources fuelling our latest boom come from soil on which we all tread, only those in the right positions are gaining....and gaining enormously.If we look to other countries and their tax systems ie Finland, it taxes all its people a flat rate of 50 cents on every dollar. No GST and no Medicare levy no taxes on your taxes, no extra for education and health.
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Their government use their money wisely and provides systems that are world class, so all Australians should be asking our government just where has the multiple taxes collected been spent? Here we face an average of 30-35 per cent income tax, 3-10 per cent health insurance and levies, 10 per cent GST and at least 4% on other government charges in the form of stamp duty, registration insurance, surcharges and excise not forgetting how water and power have increased 9 and 10 per cent .
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It's no wonder people are struggling to make ends meet, particularly as there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. The Australian government don't seem to be aware of what a true GST is, other countries can make it work so why not Australia?

Sewage as fertiliser

2008-08-09T17:22:00.009+08:00

There have been serious concerns from Lake Clifton residents, in regard to the Water Corporation dumping 800 tonnes of treated sewage each week onto a pine plantation near by. Where are the studies to prove that the sewage won't contaminate the groundwater, why didn't the Water Corp see the necessity to contact the Federal Environment Department seeing as this comes under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999..?
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The commonwealth must approve activities that affect internationally protected wetlands, national heritage or world heritage places.Threatened species, ecological communities, migratory species or in Commonwealth marine areas. Why do the Water Corp believe they are a law unto themselves, why are you permitting them to do as they please Mr Templeman?

The Water Corporation have been using treated waste or bio-solids as a soil conditioner in the pine plantation. Sounds like the "Red Mud" affair all over again, farmers are aware of the damage that created to different paddocks and livestock. Residents have every right to be concerned, although the DEC assured them no nutrients would enter the ground water. Where is the proof or study carried out, these people don't want assurances they need facts and to know the aquifer that's relied upon for drinking water, won't be contaminated.

There is the possibility of nutrients flowing into the Peel-Yalgorup lakes system, the impact witnessed in other areas where nutrients enter the lakes, rivers or water-ways has proved devastating and costly. It's against the law for others to pollute rivers or water-ways, why doesn't it apply to the Water Corporation?
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It was admitted by waste water manager, the waste had a smell and represented a germ risk if it was touched in the days after it was spread. It's not assuring to know that it doesn't contain high levels of heavy metals, it still contains enough. There has been no mention of the pathogens it contains and how they can't be destroyed. There was also no mention of the Strombolites, which are living rocks that grow about 1mm a year. The nutrients and bacteria can destroy these marvels that have taken thousands of years to get where they are today, yet because of incompetence they can be destroyed in a matter of days.

Our water sources are a precious commodity to this state, its time someone was placed in charge

that will abide by the law and protect the things that are precious to this state and future generations.

Waste Neglect

2008-08-07T16:00:00.010+08:00

It appears no response is forth coming from the Environment Minister or his department, as it was over 3-4 months ago letters were sent. Instead EMRC and Southern Metropolitan Regional Council will share in a grant of $ 35,520 to commission a study into a pilot program for the collection and recycling of electronic waste. Also ERMC won $95,000 from Strategic Waste Initiative Scheme to trial a third household rubbish bin to collect organic waste.

There are many who believe that industrial hazardous waste and having a safe area for its storage is far more important, until a safe disposal is organised. It should not be about what is more convenient and cheaper to industries or the waste company's. It was never explained why the 3C were disbanded before completion of the project, which they were assigned to carry out thanks to Mr McGowan.

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Our state was set to receive three hazardous waste precincts with state-of-the-art treatment facilities, designed to avoid a repeat of the Bellevue chemical fire in 2001 and the Brookdale fiasco in 2003. Just where are the priorities of this government, or are previous comments that this priority of Premier Gallop, was dead in the water?
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It can only come across that this government condone the dumping of this hazardous waste at sites not licensed to accept it.

The 3C took their job seriously taking all communities into consideration but there had been another 12-18 months to run. Approximately $2 million had been spent exploring hundreds of possible locations, and consulting with communities all over the state.

So how does Mr Templeman or Mr Carpenter explain such neglect to an area so important as Hazardous Waste?

Priorities

2008-07-30T13:57:00.007+08:00

I'm find it unbelievable how government continually waste money. Mr McGinty thought nothing of spending approximately $280,000 on brochures, being sent to households in the metro areas to sing his own praises. There are those that have named it "election propaganda" which most would agree with, the people have received nothing but a continued failure to improve our health system.

Mr McGinty also commented that the money came from the Health Department budget, when will politicians realise that we aren't interested in paying for their spin. Money in the Health budget should be spent on rectifying existing problems, Mr McGinty's main objective should be to seeing that people receive the treatment needed and to cut the waiting lists. The health system has been failing the people of this state for too long, it's about time the government were held answerable.

The AMA have come out with their concerns on the hospital waiting times as well as chronic overcrowding. It was estimated by Dr Mountain that there were 150 extra deaths in 2003, when access block was running at 25-30 per cent. If a linear calculation was done, that is 250-300 extra deaths a year occurring in WA now. So why is the best Mr McGinty can do is waste money from the health budget on brochures instead of assisting the people that need help.

To Be Or Not

2008-07-29T15:48:00.006+08:00

The WA watchdog wants water privatised, so is it a matter of here we go again? We heard all the hype when the government announced breaking up Western Power, all that amounted to was increased costs to the WA tax payers. The service was far from improved and definitely not cheaper, as well as Verve being kept afloat to the tune of a million dollars.

While many agree a major over haul is needed within Water Corp, its also time industries started to pay their fair share, instead of receiving water at a minimal price. It is a precious resource and industries that are known to be water guzzlers should be paying for their own desalination plants or other sources.

I was amazed when speaking to people from the northern areas that they weren't aware that their taxes went towards paying for the KWRP line, with more to come. Why do we subsidise industries with water, power and gas, it seems clear consumers are paying industries in more ways than one to invest in our state. They are making huge profits to send off shore, we are left with huge holes, toxic sites, flattened Forrest's and heavy pollution without going into other areas of destruction.

The government's economic regulator wants to encourage private investors into the market, and lower costs by taking assessment and approval of sources away from the Water Corporation. As for Mr Rowe from the ERA and comments of going down the same path as the deregulated energy sector, to encourage private bulk water suppliers into the market, using the energy sector as an example is a poor choice. The energy breakup has caused nothing but expense and hardship for the people of WA, we receive nothing but increases from both government and industry.

West Australian
Mr Rowe believed that there was a perceived conflict of interest in the corporation identifying and approving new water sources. "In some ways there are insufficient checks and balances on the Water Corporation, at the moment the consumers bear all the risks. All costs get passed on in tariffs one way or another, they don't necessarily look for the most efficient."

If the water corp aren't able to manage the maintenance of our dams, or be open in regard to Wellington Dam which over flowed 4 out of 5 years, holds more water than all the metro dams together. Yet for some reason the water is being pumped out to sea, instead of using reverse osmosis and pumping it to the Harvey Dam. Having an in dependent entity to also consider the water needs and concerns of the people of the state, would make a nice change.

Behind The Times

2008-07-24T22:52:00.008+08:00

We continually hear of staff shortages in government areas, so are the required follow ups on certain stipulations within licenses been carried out? Do the qualified people still exist within the departments or are industry been left unchecked? Is the continuous monitoring and conformity being carried out at NuFarm as an example, or will we hear the same tired excuses?

A worrying aspect for communities is the company NuFarm that deep-well injects waste, containing herbicides and pesticides chemicals, it was believed their license at the time was meant only to be temporary. With the closure of Brookdale waste facility, the 3C had the job of finding areas where the waste could be stored safely until disposed of.

The Department of Environment at the time had said they believed that deep-well injection was "relatively safe" but they would not allow any other company to do the same. NuFarm has been carrying out this practice since 1984, temporary should not mean finding the cheapest way for this company to dispose of waste. They should be concerned about doing it the safest way possible. The government have shown just how irresponsible they are by permitting the company to dispose of waste in this way. So where is the waste from other companies that used Brookdale being stored..?

Just what does "relatively safe" mean, we just hope for the best..? It's been said NuFarm have been working with the DEC to find a long term solution, possibly Mr McGowan should also be in the mix as he was the one to remove the 3C before they had completed their task. Can NuFarm prove the plume under Kwinana was not part of their doing through seepage? Has any significant bore maintenance been carried out ?

It's been 24 years still no solutions, even after it was said it was not an acceptable way to go in this day and age. Where are the studies to show what NuFarm are doing is safe, or can they produce scientific data showing there will be no critical impact in the near future ?

Who's looking after the future?

2008-07-22T21:42:00.012+08:00

The government have a strange way of protecting the people or country, we have approximately five years to buy a hybrid car and install a solar hot water system on our roof. Just how are the people that are struggling to pay their mortgage going to get the extra money, not forgetting the obscene increases on water, gas and power.

We're asked to cut our usage of gas and power because industry are having a hard time, I find that hypocritical when it comes to our utilities the public pay top dollar yet big industry pay a pittance. Why is government subsidising industry in gas, power and water so they will invest and pollute our country?

Large emitters who export much of their products and send profits off shore, such as Alcoa aluminium smelters, will be almost totally exempted from the ETS from the outset.These emissions-intensive trade-exposed companies will be given free trade carbon permits to cover 90% of their emissions. How is that cutting the carbon output?

WWF Greg Bourne said "handing Alcoa 90% of permits to pollute for free, sent a shocking message" on the importance of reducing carbon emissions. In all 20% of the scheme's permits will be free, rising to 30% once agriculture is included. For those not emitting quite as much will be given free permits to cover 60% of their pollution.

The cement and lime producers and integrated steel and silicon smelters as well as Alcoa's aluminium smelters , are the very industries that should enforce carbon credits not carrying on about pulling their investments. They should be investing in the future .

The Overdue State.

2008-07-21T13:11:00.006+08:00

Again the West Australian public witness just how well our Government Departments are working. No wonder they call us the Wait Awhile state

The crucial report into the management of Perth's biggest source of drinking water is more than two years over due. Which isn't really surprising. Have the water corporation exceeded the safe limits imposed on the Gnangara Mound?

The Department of Water and the Department of Environment and Conservation - DEC have once again failed to protect our environment and natural resources. Compliance with ministerial conditions from 2003-04 to 2005-06 is likely to repeat major concerns, about over reliance on the already stressed aquifer, not forgetting the breaches of ministerial conditions imposed to protect the Mound.

The report should contain long-overdue essential water planning information which is needed before summer. Previous audits by the EPA have warned that allocations from the mound needed to be reviewed urgently. The government are seriously letting the people down, why has no action been taken to reduce allocations and planning or on failures to comply with ministerial conditions?

For an environmental Minister to make such a flippant remark re: the report "It would not contain information which will make a difference to the state of the mound'' If he was doing his job and seeing to it that ministerial compliance were adhered to, instead of just accepting that ho-hum it will just reinforce the fact that conditions are again being exceeded. It's time for this Governemnt to to start doing its job and protect the mound and look to other areas for water.

How can this government be representing the people of this state when they neglect to listen?

How many government departments actually do what they are employed to do?

We rely on them in so many areas environment, health, education, water, power, gas, housing (releasing land), infrastructure etc. and what we mostly get is failure after failure.

It Was Once a Jewel

2008-07-16T21:52:00.032+08:00

The loss of wild life in Cockburn Sound has been obvious for some time, who ever carried out the environmental study before the desalination plant was built, would or should have been aware of the effects and impact to The Sound.

The Dolphins have been disappearing for over two years as well as the different species of fish, the sea grasses had been diminishing long before yet we are still to hear from Cockburn Sound Management Council about existing or increased problems that are responsible.

The minister for fisheries has blamed recreational fishing for the decrease in fish and crab populations, his solution was to ban crabbing and restrict demorsal catches. It is our belief the real reason for the demise is the destruction of the sea grass meadows and spawning grounds which were the nurseries for these specific species also pollutants from industry would have had a devastating effect.

The Sound was once referred to as the Jewel in the crown, in Rockingham our beaches were pristine and the water most times was crystal clear, in certain areas you could see the sea grasses with fish of all sizes darting about even crabs.

With the habitat and sea grasses disappearing, due to the desalination plant and industry discharge, as well as the dredging of shell sands by Cockburn Cement we believe these could be the major reasons why the wild life is disappearing . With Mr Kale saying "he hasn't seen a dolphin in the area for two years" why isn't Cockburn Sound Management Council or DEC coming out with an explanation? I just hope they don't blame it on global warming, that is one excuse that won't be believed.

With the dolphins now staying out to sea and steering clear of the area, the question has to be asked if all is well within the waters of The Sound, why are the dolphins steering clear? How safe is the water for the public, pets or horses to be swimming in?

For sometime complaints have been made about jet-skies and boats going to close and hitting dolphins, but this again comes down to the department doing more than installing signs. Seeing as the government of the day saw fit to install multiple industries in The Sound, all governments should make certain that CSMC, are given adequate funding to properly take care of what is precious to many instead of begrudging every dollar needed to do their job properly.

The state government makes large annual profits from the strip it's about time they put back into the area instead of just take, particularly towards protecting The Sound for future generations. Is industrialisation to be the demise of The Sound?

Health

2008-07-13T13:32:00.008+08:00

There just aren't appropriate words to describe our so called health system, in the *Boom* state. Very little time goes by without hearing more horror stories. Just what is the health minister Mr McGinty doing if anything, to rectify these on going problems?

Thursday with a letter from his GP stating that Mr Webster an 80 year old veteran needed urgent attention , SCGH obliged by having him wait over 17 hours for a bed. Mr Webster has since received an apology, but the heath department and government need to take a long hard look at themselves because this isn't a one off incident. The staff can only do so much, how long has Mr McGinty been promising more doctors and nurses?

It was reported that more than 22 patients a day including urgent cases such as those with suspected heart attacks or pneumonia, have been leaving the emergency departments of Perth's five big hospitals without being treated.

Figures have shown in the past 12 months 8,134 patients attended the ED's but were not seen by a doctor. These figures were obtained by the West Australian through the FOI, based on the
12 months till the end of April '08.

Last Thursday a young man who through a workplace accident, had to wait with severed parts of his fingers on ice for 28 hours in the emergency department at RPH. Just what chance does he have, of his fingers being viable to be re-attached. When finally getting a ward bed and prepared for surgery, it was delayed. Followed by being transferred to The Mount hospital for surgery at approximately midday yesterday (Saturday), the trauma this young 19 year old has suffered is horrific. It's time someone was held accountable Mr Carpenter this has been going on for far too long.

It's not bigger and better that the people require with hospitals, all we want is a system that works, with updated equipment and staff. The PET scanner that has retired, Mr Ripper should have done his budget and been aware that it was going to be up for replacement. People with cancer can't afford to be flying east for cancer scans, they have enough bills just trying to exist. I would like to see how Mr Ripper does the state budget, if this is an example were in deep trouble what else has he forgotten?

UPDATE: The young man that had finger tips severed in a work place accident appeared on the news tonight to tell his side of the story. The people of WA should be even more disgusted in our health system if that's possible. He was transferred from Pinjarra hospital to RPH, after his extended wait he was taken to theatre 3 times only to be returned to his room. Someone had already decided they would not attempt to re attach his finger tips.

When he was finally transferred to the Mount hospital, it was because his employer decided to pay for a private hospital to treat his employee. This is a disgusting state of affairs, just when will this government attempt to fix the health system, NO more excuses. Where are the peoples' taxes going or the $150 million that came from the federal government.? No problems you say Mr McGinty, what would you call the recent events? Just when do you become accountably to patients of this state?

Green or Brown

2008-07-12T14:15:00.006+08:00

Well I suppose it should come as no surprise that President Bush has made it clear the US Government are postponing any regulatory action on greenhouse gas emissions, believed to be responsible for global warming. To cite "the complexity and magnitude" of the issue, is nothing but an excuse in my opinion. How long have the world known about global warming, just what will it take before they act upon the information?

http://www.abc.net.au The decision last year from the US Supreme Court ruled that the US EPA must devise ways to regulate green-house gas emissions from motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. The delay, observers indicate, means that any substantive regulatory actions will be almost certainly left to the next administration.

In a political blow to Mr Bush, the Supreme Court ruled in April 2007 that the EPA must consider greenhouse gases as pollutants and deal with them.

As for the fossil fuel industry and it's carbon intensive allies, lobbying the Rudd government to minimise or eliminate any impact on their sales and profits from an emissions trading scheme just what part don't they understand about our planet being in trouble. The election promise labor made should be adhered to, we will have 20% of our energy coming from renewable sources by 2020, there should be no stalling of green energy as some would have it.

http://www.lowcarbonfuture.org.au/ Industries such as aluminum and steel export their product and argue the extra costs of an Australian emissions trading scheme will make them less competitive in their international market, if other firms don't incur similar costs. They want free permits or compensation. What it boils down to is they want high profit margins but don't wish to bear the responsibility and share the costs for their part in global warming.

Bets at Aussies expense.

2008-07-11T12:07:00.009+08:00

Recently at a state conference Mr Carpenter said the extensive uranium deposits would stay in the ground in WA, he did the right thing by continuing what Dr Gallop put in place some years ago. I found the actions of the Canadian and Japanese mining companies to be one of arrogance.

The Canadian and Japanese mining giants placing bets on a change of government Perth now , shows how sure they are, of what will eventuate if a liberal government is elected. They care nothing for this state, their only interest is the money they will make. They will rape this land of what ever they can get, in return we end up with another hole in the ground and a radio-active waste dump.

Mr Rudd has more questions to answer here, why are foreign countries been given controlling rights for vast uranium deposits in the Pilbra region of this state? Western Australia and Queensland are the only two states with with the strongest opposition to uranium mining and aren't prepared to enter the nuclear waste cycle. Mr Rudd also hasn't explained how foreigners can enter our country and buy land, yet we are not able to purchase land in their country!

For those that are interested in forming their own opinion go onto ANAWA (A Hard Rain), expose the myths of the nuclear cycle from uranium mining to nuclear power to waste and weapons.

How Does One Get Sleep ??

2008-07-10T12:35:00.026+08:00

To those as promised,remember noise is a complicated matter; When experiencing the continual problems in regard to NOISE, it's up to the DEC officers to attend and monitor, they are the one's being paid to do so. It's time to start getting them out of their warm beds, I'm sure they'll be happy to oblige.

Noise is defined in the Noise Act to include vibration of any frequency, whether transmitted through air or any other physical medium. Noise is Pollution - direct or indirect that cause alterations to the Environment. *Noise-Sensitive premises, eg residences.

The assigned levels have been carefully designed to ensure that noise levels vary depending on the time of day, being lower at at night when people are more sensitive to noise. (And Would Appreciate some Sleep) The problem we have , it seems the DEC neglected to inform industry about being compliant.

The Compliance is, "noise emitted from any premises when received at other premises must not cause, or significantly contribute to a level of noise which exceeds the assigned level". Regulations state that the noise charter must be "free" of annoying characteristics, namely- Tonality; Whining; Droning; Modulation; Impulsiveness,eg banging and thumping.

This should apply to the running of the conveyor belts and associated belt warning signals

( alarm) at CBH, or any other company using this type of equipment impeding on communities quality of life. We not only have concerns for communities health but also workers.

www.buzzle.com

Effects of Noise Pollution; it has already been stated that continuous exposure to noise pollution leads to hearing impairment but it has various other effects as well.

* It can result into increased BLOOD PRESSURE
* INCREASED STRESS * STOMACH ULCERS *VERTIGO *HEADACHES * ANNOYANCE
* SLEEP DISTURBANCES *SPEECH PROBLEMS * AGGRESSION *ANXIETY
* WITHDRAWAL *DYSGRAPHIA, which means writing and learning impairment.
* FATIGUE

Industrial Noise adversely affects the workers and they can suffer from various health problems. High volume leads to increased adrenaline levels, which leads to the constriction of blood vessels if individuals are tense or anxious. Statistically there has been a considerable increase in the number of workers dying from cardiac arrests, Cerebral attacks are on the increase considerably due to industrial noise pollution in different areas.

Water Corp Again

2008-07-09T14:01:00.009+08:00

A section of the Southern River at Brookdale has been closed after a huge sewage spill. Approximately 700,000 litres of sewage spilled into the river on Monday night when a pipeline burst while being fixed by the Water Corporation.

This is starting to be like the "Never Ending Story", true its not the same line each time but just where is the money from annual yearly rates collected being spent by Water Corp?
Would it possibly be because the sewage line has gone past it's use by date that so many problems are coming to light, not so long ago it was a line in Belmont so who's next.

How old are the CBD lines, are they next to be flooded in sewage, does the Water Corp believe in preventative maintenance or any maintenance for that matter. How many burst water pipes have been experienced ? Or do they wait till it burst then carry out band-aid solutions? We keep hearing from this government how things are to expensive to fix, so just on what or where is the surplus from this state being spent on?

Democracy does it exist?

2008-07-08T00:06:00.007+08:00

As reported on Perthnow yesterday, "Reporter Paul Lampathakis was warned he could be jailed unless he reveals his sources for a story which led to a police raid on the newspaper's office. The Sunday Times reporter appeared before a parliamentary select committee hearing into the April 30 raid. Mr Lampathakis was asked three times to name the whistleblower and three times he refused to answer".

Just how many politicians realise that it's the job of a reporter to report the news and endevour to keep the people informed regarding the public purse. What happened to Mr Lampathakis is wrong by any standards, to threaten him with jail if he doesn't reveal his sources is nothing but a bullying tactic.

As well you may ask, just how are these politicians representing the public by their action or closer to the point, what are they trying to keep from the public? There are those that need to realise some people do have ethics and they would get a lot further if they adopted some of their own.

How can Mr Lampathakis be in contempt of parliament when our public officials have also been untruthful to parliament, yet they weren't fined or jailed aren't they suppose to be the example. To impose jail or a fine on Mr Lampathakis would be the height of hypocrisy.

The people of this state have been fed the boom for breakfast, lunch and tea, so where has the money gone, why haven't there been significant changes to the increasing problems that exist within this state? This government have gone way beyond themselves, they have forgotten who they are suppose to represent.

The issue of Freedom of The Press is very important to the people, the shield law should have been past long before now, at least we know reporters are held accountable by the editor. Which is far more than can be said for public officials, seeing as we have to wait to vote them out. This parliamentary select committee how can they be un-biased?

To use the police in this manner was abuse, the only interest by government was to find out who was the whistle blower, the police are there to remove criminals and keep the law. I'm absolutely disgusted a government can place their own needs above the people they represent.

As for a government that's "open and accountable" when and to whom?

Our Environment

2008-07-06T15:02:00.007+08:00

English Scientists are advocating more research into the possible links between environmental pollution and type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. The Korean scientists found people were more at risk of diabetes if they were thin with high levels of POP's in their blood, than if they were over weight but with low levels of POP's

The British medical journal "Lancet" Dr's Jones and Griffin highlighted the need to research the possible link between persist ant organic pollutants, (POP's) and insulin resistance, which can lead to adult onset diabetes.

POP's is a group of chemicals which includes many pesticides such as dieldren, DDT, toxaphene and chlordane and several industrial chemical products or byproducts including polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB's, dioxins and furans. Correlation does not automatically imply causation, but if there is a link the health implications could be tremendous.

There has been almost no consideration in the past for the possible influence of environmental factors such as pollution. POP's came into prominence as effective pesticides with the introduction of DDT in the 1940. But many of these chemicals including DDT fell out of favour after the were blamed for the declining number of wild birds and other animals and the possible negative human health effects.

The Stockholm convention, an international treaty banning a dozen of the worlds most dangerous POP's that took effect in May 2004 has helped reduce exposures, but many such chemicals remain in use even those that have been banned may linger in the environment for years.

Once released POP's can travel long distances in the atmosphere before they are deposited on land or in water.Humans can be exposed to POP's through diet, occupational accidents and the environment. As these compounds biodegrade slowly, they continue to find their way into the food chain and ultimately into the blood streams of individuals.

This should give our government reason for serious thought when it comes to food grown here in Australia. Particularly notice should be given to foods that are entering through Free Trade Agreements, one container being check out of five is pathetic. Food imports are being permitted in from countries that don't pass our food standards, the sea foods that are grown in the "Mekong" delta and in Ti water ways are no different from growing in a sewer.

As an example chlordane was banned two decades ago in the United States but continue to be present at high levels in the US food supply. It is well documented that POP's can cause negative health effects.The US Environmental Protection Agency states that the pesticide chlordane eg. can cause cancer, can lead to behavioral disorders in children if exposed before birth or while nursing, harms the endocrine system, nervous system, digestive system and liver.

Post Office

2008-07-04T23:28:00.004+08:00

Someone in the Post Office deserves a star above:

Our 14 year old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she died, our 4year old daughter was crying and talking about how much she missed her. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. She dictated these words.

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my Dog Abbey? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven, I love her so very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog, even though she got sick. I hope that you will play with Abbey, she likes to play ball and swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.

We placed the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God in Heaven. We placed our return address on the back, then Meredith pasted several stamps onto the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots to get all the way to heaven.
That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet, I told her that I thought he had.

Today there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed To Meredith, in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it, inside was a book by Mr Rogers called, "When a Pet Dies". Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith, and this note.

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognised Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick any more, her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep, and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for your beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you to write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have, I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find I am where ever there is love.
Love, God.

Frustrations

2008-07-04T12:09:00.006+08:00

I can understand why so many are fed up with hearing about the 'Boom' of a life time. Just what does it equate to for your average West Aussie? When summer arrived the public were told not to use air-conditioners, and limit power usage between 3-6pm because of a shortage of electricity.

The water problems had started some years previously when water restrictions were put in place, there were a variety of reasons given. Where we actually given the true facts of the situation? Enter the carbon neutral desalination plant , run from the wind farm at Emu Downs. (Totally untrue)

Now in Winter we're told to cut the use of gas and electricity for heating, 2 minute showers etc because of the gas explosion. Why haven't the government explained why they didn't have a back up contingency plan, in this gas rich state? They are quick to take from the tax payers, when it comes to parting or spending our hard earned taxes on what the people require to make this state function it's too expensive.

The hospital and health crisis is no better or any closer to being resolved, even with all the promises and hot air announcements. What happened to all the new (qualified) doctors and where have the nurses gone?Only last week doctors from a major hospital were threatening to walk out in mass, due to the long hours expected of them.

Our police and teachers are limited and underpaid for what's expected of them, and definitely treated with indifference. A flash new police station does not make crime go down, we need adequate police to cover the areas before they can make a difference..

Our taxes are among the highest in the country, the people expect to see problems being corrected or rectified not covered up. Now all utilities are to increase by approximately 10%, most things necessary to survive are being increased in price, except wages. The only "Boom" most experience in WA is the cost of living.

As Expected

2008-07-03T23:04:00.005+08:00

On one hand business have said they back carbon trading, followed by "We won't foot the bill".

This was the blunt message from big business, this was their message a day before

Professor Garnaut delivers his report on the impact of an emissions trading scheme.

Greig Gailey from the Business Council in Sydney, addressed the CEDA or Committee for the Economic Development of Australia to inform them that businesses and industry can't be expected to absorb the inevitable higher energy costs. He said that consumers, households, other businesses and government should prepare to pay more,when business is forced to pass on additional costs.

Because the cost of purchasing carbon credits will fall to business in the first instance, they can not be expected to absorb these costs. Business will respond in the usual way by increasing the costs. He went on to say " Efforts to force business to absorb these cost or to limit the extent to which business can pass on carbon costs will only result in less investment, fewer jobs and lower growth". It seems each time something comes along that isn't to the multi nationals liking, we hear that same phrase or similar.

Instead of companies being more worried about earning what they refer to as an adequate return on their investment . Isn't it time to take a step back and look at damage already done. We should all be prepared to do our part including our government, where are the renewable energies? Global Warming didn't just appear, other countries had already started working on and installing solar installations, and wind farms as well as new technologies.

Australia should be working on existing problems to which there are many, not allowing more companies to rape our country sending profits off shore. When they have taken all the resources and gone, just what will be left for the future generations of Australia?

Limited Future ?

2008-07-01T12:50:00.012+08:00

To date there have been many reports regarding Climate Change, the question remains does our government realise just how serious the situation is? It's believed the currant target of a 60% cut by 2050 is unlikely to be effective.

New research warns measures to cut geenhouse gases need to be increased to keep temperatures increases below dangerous levels. The Australian National University report found the earth's ability to absorb carbon will decline as global warming increases, accelerating the rate of temperature change.

As global warming continues there is significant risk that the uptake of carbon by the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems will decline. Results being a greater proportion of each unit of emissions will stay in the atmosphere,the result a higher concentration of carbon and greater warming.

The author Mr Macintosh said "Decision makers often rely on data that doesn't account fully for information, so policy makers tend to overlook the importance of climate-carbon cycle feed back.It could result in abatement targets being set to low and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration objectives being exceeded".

It's believed that greater emission cuts are needed in an attempt to keep temperatures below 3 degrees. It's know many companies have refuted reports mainly due to the expense, or is it the bottom line? At the end of the day we need a country with a future for future generations, it's time for government to attain some vision.

The technology is available so why aren't Australia incorporating what's at hand in solar,wind,
wave power and geothermal while new technologys are researched and developed the excuse we hear time after time, "it's to expensive" is not an excuse at all!

Dumping Grounds

2008-06-29T10:44:00.006+08:00

A community study in Esperance (28/6/08), has found lead levels in birds sampled to be the highest recorded anywhere in the world. One bird had 750mg per kilo of lead in it's feathers, a level described by co-author Dr Dunlop as "mineable grade" The alarming levels demonstrated that lead levels in the port town were remaining in the environment, and proving difficult to remove.

Exports of lead carbonate through the town's port were stopped in March last year,after the death of an estimated 4,000 birds linked to acute lead poisoning.

The community-based monitoring program collected feather samples from 50 birds to analyse for lead and nickel contamination, seven months after the export of lead ceased. The sampling showed the nickel on their feathers was 10 times that of background levels.

In 1993 The Esperance community was the first to establish A World's Best Practice dust free Port and were proud of their achievements. Since then, these benchmark environment standards for dust control have continually been eroded by both Liberal and Labor governments. With the advanced understanding of pollution, it's amazing they have permitted the continued decline in environmental standards and monitoring.

Fremantle will be exporting lead next, seeing as this government have given "Magellan" the green light. Just how well will the people be protected there, or are we to see Esperance all over again?

The next question will be once Fremantle Outer Harbour is complete, does that mean Kwinana will be next for lead export? Particularly as most things get dumped there even when communities say NO.

More stringent monitoring laws are needed, companies should have it in their licenses, they are to monitor for all toxic materials they emit.

Who's Accountable ?

2008-06-28T12:14:00.006+08:00

It has been found WA's Freedom of Information laws are backward and deficient in the wake of a recent review. FOI experts warned that WA's accountability laws were lagging behind the rest of the country. The state has not had a substantive information commissioner appointed in four years.

The decision-making powers had been passed to the State Administrative Tribunal. The FOI regime should be based on the premise, that all information is public unless it is contrary to the public interest.

In WA amendments to the FOI Act were introduced into State Parliament a year ago with minimal public consultation (I wonder why), and no wide-ranging review of the 15-year-old Act. WA was described by a lecturer from Murdoch University, as lagging in the back water and is getting towards embarrassing.

So it appears if this Amendment Bill passes through the Upper House, the minister will succeed to undermine the capacity of the information commissioner model. Is Mr McGinty's aim to abolish in a bid to further downgrade the government's public accountability and openness?

The Green Clean Myth

2008-06-27T13:58:00.001+08:00

Just an update :

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or (ACCC) have found that Water Corp misled the public in its advertising campaigns and online publishing.

The Corporation published claims that the Perth Desalination Plant was carbon neutral, and its total energy requirements were sourced from the Emu Downs Wind Farm near Cervantes, North of Perth.

The ACCC said the statements were misleading and has told Water Corp, not to make similar claims in the future.

It's believed that a public apology is owed, and it's necessary for the ACCC to review various documents and statements. The Water Corporation have said they will look into what needs to be done to comply with the ACCC's recommendations.

Telling the truth to the public would be a good start, particularly as tax payers foot the bill for misleading ads!

No Validation

2008-06-26T10:58:00.008+08:00

Over the last few weeks we have read claims that Kwinana Industry was Clean and Green now they've changed to, "Industry works hard to become Green and Clean". It's not in the nature of heavy industry to be clean or green.

Apart from the previous claims, it really irks us that in reports and their web site they continue to insist that noise from industry has reduced. It's obvious the people making this claim don't live in the effected areas. An associate was on the NRG or Noise Reference Group from start to finish, only two people within the NRG to my knowledge lived in effected areas and could speak for those regularly effected.

At the final meeting members were asked to validate the methodology which could not be disputed as all members had not claimed to be experts in this area. But when it came to acknowledging a reduction of noise, in all good conscience it could not be done by community members. Noise is a very complicated subject, one person obviously not living in an effected area accused community members of hearing frogs rather than industry noise.

Monitoring was carried out by what's known as The Barn Owl (no joke), to collect enough data it had to run for 12 hours. Due to weather conditions it ran for approximately 2 hours,which provided no where near enough information. The member from the DEC agreed there was not enough monitoring to validate the modelling report that suggested a noise reduction.

During the course of the NRG some companies had presented, by their own admission said noise at the boundary was well above the noise regulation limits. It baffles us how the claim of noise reduction can be made, when it's completely unfounded as the report was never validated.

Ongoing Question

2008-06-25T20:30:00.008+08:00

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity also referred as MCS is also know as Chemical Injury, Chemical Sensitivity, Environment Illness and Multiple Allergy. In broad terms it means an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants including solvents, VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), petrol, smoke,"chemicals" in general and often encompasses problems with regard to pollen, dust, dander.

The possible list of symptoms of MCS is almost endless and varies from one patient to the next. It's a fact that there is no sharp demarcation between the symptoms of MCS and ME/CFIDS/CFS/PVFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis chronic fatigue)but most suffers can experience several of the of the following :

*Burning, stinging eyes *wheezing, breathlessness nausea *extreme fatigue/lethargy

*Headaches/migraines/vertigo/dizziness *poor memory & concentration *runny nose (rhinitis)

*sore throat, cough *Sinus problem *Skin rashes/or itchy skin *Sensitivity to light and noise

*Sleeping problems *Digestive upsets *Muscle and joint problems.

The population at large are often unaware of the invisible chemical or toxin they are exposed to. Surprisingly this one aspect of MCS that is very well known and understood in conventional medicine and it's call Sensitization.

Sensitization is a true allergic reaction to one chemical or irritant (even parts per million or ppb can cause extreme allergic reaction). However described an open minded and logical approach to the phenomenon and the sheer scale of numbers of sufferers reporting the same or very similar problems in a modern day setting, certainly is strongly suggestive of an underlying medical syndrome.

Isn't it time for our state government to carry out a proper, independant Health Study seeing as the above complaints plus kidney failure, asthma, and cancer can be added plus. Why aren't they prepared to prove to communities, just how safe it is to have industries so close to built up areas?

Government and Industry

2008-06-24T14:03:00.007+08:00

The Climate Institute report on energy affordability and emissions trading released on Monday, found energy price rises could easily be offset through the auction of carbon permits, estimated to exceed one percent of GDP or approx $10 billion.

It's believed for most Australians, the affordability of energy is likely to improve in the long term.But with a high carbon price senario,and with oil prices continuing to rise there would be a deterioration in energy affordability in the short to medium term. Especially among low income families.

The Kyoto Protocol on climate change was passed when the new government came to power last November, and a Carbon trading scheme was to commence by 2010, to give business a financial incentive to cut pollution. Australia is responsible for about 1.2 percent of global carbon emissions, but remains one of the highest polluters per capita because of the nation's reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.

After reading this report it left me wondering, why the everyday person is the one to be hit in the hip pocket. What becomes clear is government and big business will come out as winners, industry pays for carbon credits purchased from government or other industries, their products increases in price and is passed onto the consumer.

Water, gas and electricity rise by 10 percent for the domestic consumer, yet industries increase on supply charge will be minimal . WA is already the highest tax paying state, we pay taxes on our taxes. One would think we had a well oiled state, instead of a Health system in crisis, an education system in tatters, lack of housing, police enforcement, water, domestic gas and power.

Why should WA tax-payers be paying indirectly for Apache pipeline costs??? They are a multinational who send their profits off shore. Just how many industries are the taxpayers paying for to operate in our state??

The introduction of a carbon price does not need to involve a social cost. Australia can make deep cuts in our greenhouse emissions without reducing our living standards.

Small Particulates and You

2008-06-23T14:59:00.016+08:00

The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, some may even enter the blood stream.

Smaller particulates less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are even more deadly, as well as the above they have also been linked to stroke and blood clots. A recent study showed those exposed to fine particulates had a 70% increase in risk of dying from blood clots.

Exposure to such particles can effect your blood stream, lungs and heart. Particle pollution -especially fine particles-contain microscopic solids or liquid droplets, that are so small they get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Numerous scientific studies carried out by the US EPA have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems including, increased respiratory symptoms, irritation of the air-ways, difficulty in breathing; decreased lung function; aggravated asthma; development of chronic bronchitis; irregular heartbeat and premature death in people with heat or lung disease.

A study by the WA government DOH and DOE showed increased hospitalisation and morbitity in the young and elderly caused by particulate pollution.

So who shares our concerns, everything should be being done to keep workers and communities safe from pollution. Why have industries got licenses? We were under the misapprehension it was to stop the emission we are seing all to often.

Todays Kwinana Industry extraordinary emissions include:

Tiwest: Believed to be a white plume of Ticl4 from their emergency stack.

HiSmelt : Rustybrown & white.

CSBP: White cloud of ammonium nitate/ammonium chloride - it's not the time of year to snow.

Verve: Plume of grey particulates.

Honesty and Accountability

2008-06-22T11:46:00.014+08:00

The premier has asked the people of WA to cut their power and gas usage to a bare minimum but to date the minister or DOIR have not been forth coming with a detailed account of what led to another crisis, so where is the accountability. In January '08 the gas problem experienced was described as a once in 25 year event, this is only June '08 that makes 6 months in my calculations so who's got it wrong. Obviously we have problems in safeguards and regulation of standards in the power industry.

So what actually caused the explosion at the Varanus Island gas plant, from pictures being circulated it looks as though it could have been lack of maintenance. How could any energy minister tell parliament, he did not know the details of recommendations made to Apache Energy about the way it was managed. He really knows how to make the people of this state feel safe, I don't think. How many other companies are being checked in the same way, when it's called the Boom just what sort of BOOM are they referring to?.

It was said back in 2003 there had been concerns about which department was responsible for monitoring the safety at some gas pipelines and plants. This government need to come clean and provide information in relation to the inspections (if any) and what check were made to ensure Apache complied.

The usual excuses have emerged, the department responsible had an exodus of staff and didn't have the resources to cover the "integrity issue" Heard it all before.

In regard to our concerned Mr Carpenter, he went on his walk about in Perth Wednesday handing out show bags containing environmentally friendly light bulbs. They are so friendly their contents being MERCURY, will enter the unlined tips, the soil and eventually our water table.

As for industry experiencing a gas crisis someone forgot to let them know in Kwinana, although presumably some are running on oil particularly from certain plumes . The noise is still above and beyond, along with the smell of rotten gas in the early hours changing to a strong chemical stench so bad it sends you inside. So if anyone is suffering from sore eyes, nose and throat, it's not the flu it's just industry, Still.

An Insight

2008-06-20T13:58:00.012+08:00

Persistent Organic Pollutants or POP's are a chemical substance that persists in the environment,bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment.

"Chemicals now categorised as POP's were black- listed in all Western nations at least a decade ago. In Asia a combination of factors has resulted in the continued production, trade, use and release into the environment of most these chemicals"

POP chemicals are considered among the most dangerous of life threatening substances created by humans. All well know POP's are chlorinated compounds, these include: pesticides such as DDT, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene; industrial chemicals such as poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCB's); and unwanted industrial by-products dioxins and furans.

POP's build up through the food chain and can reach concentrations in wildlife and humans thousands of time higher in the surrounding AIR, WATER and SOIL. In most countries Corporations lack accountability in this area, the principal of polluter-pays were "unheard of concepts".

The International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) says the appropiate goal for an international treaty on POPs is the establishment of a systematic and sustained program of action, in which all countries participate to eliminate POPs and their significant sources.

It must not be defined as the better management of risks associated with POPs that's needed, they are a current source of significant injury to the biosphere-to humans and wildlife and to the entire ecosystem around the world.

For more on POP's see National Toxics Network

Truth Hurts

2008-06-18T23:16:00.018+08:00

Dear Electric Customers

Just a little note to let you know, we understand your anger at the price of power and the unreliable supply.

But it should be noted that you have no choice.

We are a big company and you will pay what we tell you. You have no choice.

We have the power...... you need the power.

When we have a power failure we are sure to fix it, just before the time period before compensation can be claimed.

So sad, too bad,

Have a nice day and keep those checks coming in.

-----------------------------

Just an update on our environmental rainbow ..... Well we've had White-snow - CSBP, Black -NewGen, Rusty Brown - HiSmelt and now this afternoon a plume of Yellow, pretty but potentially deadly. Comliments of TiWest Then not so long ago, there was the H2S ( hydrogen sulphide) from NickelWest which is also deadly, again the question has to be asked:

"Just what is in the AIR we Breath????

It's still far from Green or Clean

Why won't government Act

2008-06-18T15:51:00.008+08:00

We have friends that have been living near a cement factory for over 25 years. This 54 year old plant has tall chimneys which spew out hundreds of tons of contaminated dust into our atmosphere every year.

In September 2006, I read a most interesting and informative article by Peter Montague "The Environment Causes of Cancer" : why we can't prevent cancer" He spoke about increases in cancers, and one possible cause being our industrial environment. The increased exposure to more cancer causing agents such as toluene, xylene, benzene, and PAH's.

This lead to checking the Cockburn Cement LTD "annual Emissions List" these agents were all included. This plant also releases over 34 tons of hydrochloric acid, nearly 2 tons of cyanide, 9.9 tons of sulphuric acid and formaldehyde, plus many other nasties into our atmosphere.

Residents have complained about acrid burning odours and pollution plumes, which travel great distances north and north east of the plant. Why isn't World's Best Practice Technology being used instead of electronic precipitator systems. One new precipitator was installed rather than installing filtration systems, the community were told it was to expensive.

There are residents with heavy metals in their blood, some suffer respiratory problems, others experience red eyes, coughs and of course we have lost friends to cancer.

It's felt that government should demand that industries such as Cockburn Cement use the latest and safest technology, Government must set lower emissions levels. Cost to industry should not be a consideration where people's health is at risk. We have the facts-we need to work harder at prevention of this dreadful disease, cancer.

Food For Thought

2008-06-18T11:53:00.003+08:00

Once again the minister has released a strategy on recycled water, spending $3 million to secure WA's water future. These strategies have been on going since 2005, when comments were called for in regard to drinking recycled sewage water.

Now it's being claimed this will be the first step towards co-ordinated, safe and efficient use of recycled water. The state's target is to recycling 30% of waste water by 2030, in a manner that is sustainable and supported by the community.

Communities had no problem with using recycled grey water on gardens or lawns , but a line was drawn in regard to drinking recycled sewage water. Recycled water is being used at the reclamation plant in Kwinana for industry, also in regional areas where it's used to irrigate sporting ovals. It's claimed with the average household, around 47 % of water use occurs outside the home, approximately 14% in the laundry and 12% in the toilet.

By the water Corp's own figures our rain fall has not altered since 1910, yet MR Kobelke keeps insinuating it has altered drastically and we have a declining rainfall.

Like most things Mr Kobelke our dams require maintenance, without the thinning of growth and burning off in the run off areas how do you expect rain to enter our dams?

In relation to Managed Aquifer Recharge or MAR as it was known, many studies came to light and the research had been considerable from other countries. A Response has been neg liable from this government as to how you propose to remove Pathogens or Microbes, or what effects the sewage would have on the biota.

Research went to show how MAR was fine in horticulture irrigation on condition that it was not used in over head irrigation.The crops would become contaminated the same as it has been found in China and other third world countries.

Health problems would have a potential impact related to contaminates in drinking water. Cryptosporidium parvum ia s pathogen found in human fecal waste. Cryptosporidium is very resistant to disinfection, and even well operated water treatment systems can't ensure that the drinking water will be completely free of this parasite.

Before the government come out with their feel good parade and excuse for spending tax money , do the research and know what your asking the people to do. Tell the truth about our water situation, that hasn't stopped you bringing in thousands of 457's and immigrants.

Does this government even know what the word sustainability means?

On a lighter note " Women Drivers"

2008-06-17T13:02:00.005+08:00

On a busy motorway I looked over to my left and there was a women in a brand new Cadillac doing 65mph, with her face up next to her rear view mirror putting on her eyeliner.

I looked away for a couple of seconds and when I looked back , she was half way over in my lane

still working on that makeup.

As a man I don't scare easily, but crikey she scared me so much; I dropped my electric shaver, which knocked the donut out of my other hand.

In all the confusion of trying to straighten out the car, using my knees against the steering wheel , it knocked my cell phone away from my ear. It fell into the coffee between my legs, splashed and burned Big Jim and the Twins, ruined the damn phone, soaked my trousers and disconnected an important call.

Damn Women Drivers.

Where to dump now ?

2008-06-15T13:48:00.017+08:00

Just what sort of system do WA have when it comes to TOXIC WASTE, how do the government keep track in particularly, what's being stored and where? Do they have a Toxic Inventory, if so why isn't the necessary data available to the EPA as to what exactly was stored at Brookdale. Why hasn't it been cleaned up long before now..?

The inventory should have consisted of analysis, tables, charts, maps etc. A database containing detailed information on all industrial chemical waste, and what has been managed through disposal or other releases.

How could any responsible government consider placing an Eco-friendly residential development for 40,000 people less than 1 km away from a Noxious Chemicals, Sludge and Pathogens site? To date the DEC have spent $1.2 million just on site investigations at Brookdale, yet are still unable to detail the extent of the contamination.

The question remains, just how many waste sites already have homes, schools or parks constructed on them ? There is of course the NPI but they are only as good as the information they receive, it has been shown in the past that figures can be fudged. Where is the waste being stored now, it has to be going somewhere.

Sewage sludge provided to farmers free in 2005 revealed the lime treatment at the Brookdale facility failed, providing dangerously high pathogen levels. The FOI documents also revealed some unusual deliveries such as a tree oozing mercury.

The chemicals detected were known to cause a range of illnesses from cancer, liver and kidney problems.Why has it taken nearly 5 years to get no where, the then environmental minister that in his wisdom removed the CCC before they completed their project on waste sites.He also found it no longer necessary to monitor for lead, he may have thought he had all the answers. . so why not share them with the rest of the state? Esperance was a classic it's still on going, just who was being protected?

WHAT POLLUTION?

2008-06-13T19:45:00.018+08:00

This figment of our imagination is with compliments of HiSmelt.

Just how do they make CLEAN and GREEN out of this lot?

At Who's Cost

2008-06-13T09:47:00.005+08:00

Former PICL site and BP contaminated land

It was noted with interest an article "Back to drawing board on P.I.C.L site" it referred to the Court government and how they purchased a 76 ha block of land from a Petrochemical Industries' Company LTD for $4.9 million in 1994 with tax payers money.

P.I.C.L was at the centre of the notorious WA Inc era in the 1980's which involved purchasing the ill fated block in an attempt to bail out the late Laurie Connell and Dallas Dempster it was estimated to cost tax payers $413 million, so in total $418 so the money train goes on .

BP and Rio Tinto who were joint partners in a 500 megawatt power station and were in negotiations with Land Corp to take a long term lease, well surprise surprise it all fell in a heap. It was found Carbon Dioxide cannot be buried successfully beneath the seabed between Fremantle and Rottenest,it appears now tax payers are to be slugged to the tune of approximately $1 million per year.

This particular site is contaminated, from BP using it as a dumping ground for various hazardous wastes, so who is responsible for the remediation? Seeing BP has used this site as a dumping ground for years, surely BP should be held responsible for the clean up not the tax payers.

This site is still not listed on the contaminated sites register, so the Government is breaking it's own rules.

Water

2008-06-12T10:24:00.001+08:00

Water is another commodity that if we believe all we're told, there is a shortage. Another desalination plant is on the drawing board, so will the information from the experts be heeded or once again ignored?Water Corp are going through the process of attempting to have strict monitoring conditions in Cockburn Sound relaxed or removed.When will they realise these conditions are placed in the license for a very good reason.

So why are the public being asked to reduce their water usage, there seems to be plenty for the new water guzzling industries being constructed in the south. For that matter have government taken into consideration the increased population, according to the figures were looking at an extra 30,000 for the year. Is this why Water Corp want the new desal at Binningup, so why are the tax payers expected to foot the bill who is the real beneficiary?

The Corporation itself confirmed as recently as 2002 that catchment thinning would have doubled the run-off in high rain fall areas, IF it had been done. The main reason for low levels is reduced catchment inflow efficiency is because the corporation ceased catchment thinning and maintenance in the mid -1970's. By the Water Corp's own figures the rainfall on average had not decreased from 1910 to 2007, the average rainfall is the same.

Conservative indications are that a return to the previous 6 per cent efficiency would provide Perth with an additinal 120 GL's a year. Based on the government's cost forecast for Binningup RO plant, this would save tax payers nearly $3 billion in capital costs and $140 million a year in the cost of the water. (the costs are an approximation,they could be a lot higher by now)

The irony and hypocrisy is that the same government is blaming our "water crisis" on climate change and global warming & is demanding that industry and the public substantially reduce their carbon footprint, while they are hell-bent on installing these power guzzling,CO2-polluting and expensive (monuments) desalination plants .

The Sound

2008-06-11T11:22:00.005+08:00

Since the beginning of industrialisation in the Kwinana area, successive governments have allowed the destruction of Cockburn Sound by industry.

It now appears nothing has changed,with the Water Corporation wanting to disregard key ministerial environmental conditions of their license.They want to cease certain monitoring and pass the onus onto the Cockburn Sound Management Council - with a $10,000 donation which will no where near cover their costs.

The Kwinana Industries Council has agreed to this farce and offered another $30,000. This is not the way to gain community support,we expect thorough monitoring to be carried out for the life of the Sound or Industry & them abiding to best practices & their duty of care.

The KIC's director said in a local paper "community perception of the KIC is not great."
Do they honestly believe that donating a little money will make the problems go away,the monitoring that needs to be done would cost Cockurn Sound Management the same amount as Water Corp.

It's a shame to see the hard work of what once was a great organisation ( Community Industry Forum) going down hill. At one time industry and community worked together,now when new industries start up they don't have the courtesy to inform the people they will be effecting with their noise or pollution.

Many industries in the Rockingham/Kwinana areas are doing great things but these are being over shadowed by spin from those that are doing little to nothing in an attempt to make all industry look good.

The people would love to see the "GEM" we once had returned sparkling waters, pristine beaches and an abundance of fish . We were told not so long ago to forget what we once had, as we will never get it back.

To Qusetion Why

2008-06-10T13:47:00.003+08:00

The latest report out by KIC leaves us to question, how can they continue making the same claim of decreased noise levels. It's true Noise would be one of the most difficult issues they have to deal with, so why not be upfront in regard to the findings or lack there of.

Results they appear to use are updates from 2005 when the Noise reference Group first started,noise was not compliant then nor is it now. The report by SVT in 2001 was monitoring supposedly carried out in Hillman. Oh Gee...! there is a slight problem, the monitor was set up in Careeba.

In 2005 modelling was done by Herring Storer, then in 2007 The Barn Owl was carried out at Chalk Hill. The problem that eventuated, due to weather conditions the monitoring was never completed, so instead of 12 hours there was only 2 hours of data, which was insufficient.The report was never signed off on, as no consensus could be reached. Yet KIC's continual claim is,
" there has been a net reduction in noise by industry despite higher production levels".
Come on people we aren't idiots !

There were only TWO people on the NRG that lived in the noise effected areas, so how did any of the others reach their conclusion? They would be unaware of, or to what extent the noise was effecting different areas through out the community.

The NRG consisted of people from local government,Department of Environment and Conservation and Community. It was chaired by Department of Industry & Resources who were supposedly independent, that is one we have not been able to work out we thought they were a government department.

Noise is complicated but in regard to those setting the noise limits (pollution) just how do they go about reaching different sound power levels for the different areas.Through the NRG different companies presented and by their own admission they were NOT noise compliant, so hopefully you can understand my dilemma.

If and when limits are changed we expect it to go through the proper channels, it can't be changed because it suits or without community consultation. Noise is pollution and an offense,we are entitled to a quality of life it's not all about making a million or two hang the neighbours.

The price to Pollute

2008-06-08T16:44:00.008+08:00

In a trade between two of Australia's oldest companies,carbon emissions have been given an initial price of $19 a tonne before the Federal Governments emissions trading scheme
which begins in 2010.

When it begins, power users could be liable for nearly $12 billion in extra electricity costs a year.
I suppose this is where that 'boom' bit comes in, to bad their slow learners and haven't woken up to the fact the only one's benefiting from the BOOM are government & industry.

An analyst said 'she expected the government to recycle some of the money from auctioning carbon emission permits to compensate people for higher prices.In a recent deal AGL Energy sold Westpac 10,000 tonnes of emissions trading units in a transaction which will settle on February 1, 2012.

The emissions trading scheme is obviously going to have a significant impact on the pricing of electricity.In Europe where carbon is traded regularly emissions are sold in batches of 10,000 tonnes,Westpac traded 1 million tonnes in that market last year.Mr Fraser commented that "Ultimately this will be a several billion dollar-a year market,it's a whole new energy economy that's been created here".

The Federal Government unveils its green paper on an emissions trading scheme in July, and will draft legislation in December.

Our point in regard to Carbon Trading is, at the end of the day it's still going to end up in the atmosphere except governments have found another way to make more money.Government have said they will plant more trees, so why are they continuing to log the old growth Forests & allowing industry to clear fell more land for mining.

Where are all the trees they've planted,where is the renewable energy solar,wind farms or wave power?

If the government of the day had the intelligence they would realise it's time to slow the boom down and look at the long term benefit,but that takes vision which they seem to be lacking.By slowing the economy ie gas & iron-ore why not use the OPEC Countries system ( supply and demand) have a long term benefit for ALL Australians instead of selling our country off at bargain basement prices. Stop importing labour just to make a quick buck for the now.

Study Links Air Pollution

2008-06-06T10:50:00.007+08:00

Another AIR Quality study was carried out by a country that at least gives a damn when it comes to communities and their well being.The latest findings, " Though the evidence is mixed at this point, an association was found between cardiovascular admissions and course particulate matter.So it's believed at this point it's important to update this study & others like it using continual monitoring data" collected by government pollution sensors across the USA.

There have been others that have previously identified the dangers to hearts and lungs posed by fine airborne particles,which are smaller than 2.5 microns across or 100 times tinier than the width of a human hair.Small particles released from vehicle exhaust emissions and other sources can penetrate deeper into the lungs,if they become trapped it raises the risk of illness that include emphysema,lung cancer and heart disease.

Course particles that range between 2.5 microns and 10 in diameter tend to lodge in the upper respiratory tract when inhaled.Researchers examined 7 years worth of air pollution data from 108 counties across the US and compared it with 3.7 million hospitalised for cardiovascular disease & 1.4 million for respiratory illnesses.They correlated emergency visits to days when monitoring stations detected heavy levels of large particle pollution,which over a one year period equated to 1,800 with cardio disease in study areas.

Seeing as the Australian government were prepared to place industry so close to built up areas, with prevailing winds along with odours or inversion layers, just what is in the AIR we breath what are we being exposed to on a daily basis? Why isn't the necessary independent monitoring being done, how much longer are we to be treated like mushrooms ?The government receive $10-12 billion from the Kwinana strip alone, yet the same excuse is regularly used,there isn't the funds or qualified people.

To think a multi national company came out warning government if the Carbon price were set too high, regional areas could face big job losses in curtailing the nations greenhouse emissions.
The technology is there so it should be a condition of their license , if their not prepared to update emissions technology as it eventuate, no license to operate .

To Question Why

2008-06-05T15:55:00.003+08:00

With so many existing industries, expansions and new companies coming on line I'm surprised that government didn't look further ahead before giving them the green light. One company in the southwest is evaluating whether to push ahead with a $1.5billion expansion to their refinery,
depending on them securing a suitable gas supply deal. The government are in the same boat there seems to be all sorts of difficulties in securing gas for our domestic supply, plus our gas fired power stations are having to run on diesel which is wonderful for the environment. (I think not)

Many will remember how government urged people to switch their home's and cars to gas, better for the environment and cheaper. At the rate gas costs have been rising there isn't anything cheap about it, so much for a gas rich state.

Griffen who is hoping to have final environmental approvals by mid-2009 for another two new coal-fired power stations possibly more into the future, one has to wonder why we aren't using gas which is far more environmentally friendly. It has also been said WA can't be over reliant on gas, so why is it were able to supply cheap gas to every other country but Australia.

Never Ending Story

2008-06-03T20:36:00.007+08:00

Well it seems industry realised Monday was a holiday & finally we received a quieter than usual evening, a relief for many within the community. We have to thank the DEC for getting involved and sorting those responsible out, we just hope it's explained licenses are given in the first place for them to abide by.

It will be interesting to hear why the sirens were going off today at 11.55am I suppose it was those damn contractors again (not).

At 4.35 while sitting on the back patio trying to enjoy a coffee & the peace and quiet,my partner complained of burning,itchy eyes . Later when talking to others at a Community Industries Forum we attended, it seem there are quite a few with the same complaint. Even people from Perth have said as soon as they reach Kwinana their eyes start itching & get sore, so I guess it's not our imagination after all. Maybe one day the health department will have to do a proper independent health study, instead of placing it in the too hard basket they may even learn a few home truths!

At the CIF a presenter came from Adelaide Brighton the parent company of Cockburn Cement, he went to great lenghts to point out how he had just started working for the company & his back ground was in oil and gas. So there wasn't any point in questioning him on the company here, he wouldn't have have the knowledge on the stacks or their emissions. It has taken 6 months for them to respond to questions asked last December, but now they may have just outsmarted themselves with this gag. The Kwinana Cumulative Risk & Land Planning Study has just been completed the report will be out soon. It will be interesting to see if they give information in the study that we have attempted to get from Rockingham council and yet they have not been forth coming with.

In General Business: Two new companies had started up on the Kwinana strip, the Noise issue was raised along with the fact that communities had not been informed of the commencement of these plants. A vote of NO confidence from community members representing different groups was tabled, but industry claim there was nothing in the Charter to allow this form action to be taken so it's necessary to find another avenue.

Air quality Management have a community "Grants Program now running,together with State agencies, industries, communities, local government and the commonwealth. The department is undertaking research, scientific investigations, monitoring and management actions to deliver effective responses to air quality issues across the State". Those interested in applying or wanting more information go to www.dec.wa.gov.au/airquality or call 92198724

Hopefully when this gets off the ground, we will start to get answers instead of anything but!

Enviro rainbow

2008-06-01T18:54:00.002+08:00

Update: Friday 30th: It turned out to be an extremely informative day & evening. Instead of Verve being the culprit for the plumes of black smoke belching into the air, take a bow NewGen. Over the past few days we've had powder white,rusty-brown and black emissions, what else do they have instore?Still no green!

The noise hit earlier than expected 8.50pm, so we gather there was a wind shift or industry decided to get into the thick of things early. Noise was cracking along at 47-50db in the effected areas of Rockingham, so off to industries boundaries. WFLPG eastern boundary 70-74db, others were exceeding the limit, but not to the same extent. I have sympathy for the many workers they are either tone deaf or wear damn good ear-plugs,if it's the latter it could be extremely dangerous.

Noise is defined in the Act to include vibration of any frequency,whether transmitted through air or any other physical medium. We are still waiting with baited breath for the government to fund the department, so they can purchase the necessary equipment and qualified people to measure the noise levels travelling on the water table. The ultra low frequency is responsible in many cases of feeling sea sick on land, apart from a virus of course.

I can't blame people that have sold up, unable to put up with any more sleepless nights as well as other health problems that are being experienced. Why when industry have encroached on communities, is it people that have to sell up & leave?

We usually receive the same excuse when ever sirens are heard, the poor old contractor cops the blame they are always getting into the wrong showers. Strange how after all this time something hasn't been done to rectify this problem, I thought these big companies would at least hire people that can read English!(It's time for a new excuse guys)

Government should not be installing more heavy industries on our back door step, what is cheaper for industry isn't necessarily better for communities.

Saturday: From the pouring rain & thunder and lightning,no monitoring but from the stench of sulphur & other chemicals someone is in trouble.

Colours of the rainbow

2008-05-29T23:30:00.001+08:00

What colours make Green? There seems to be a conundrum in Kwinana one company prefers things powder white, while another likes pumping out rusty brown plumes so where does the Clean and Green come into it?

We presume it will be said once again that emissions are below health guidelines but who sets these guidelines, how do they know what is or isn't safe? Just what is in the air not visible to the naked eye? It makes the mind boggle. The reddish-brown layer over many urban areas is all to common, yet too many have no idea what particulates are until it's too late. So what colour will it be tomorrow?

Industry is still merrily pounding away so it looks as though it's going to be another sleepless night,maybe it's time to have company I'm sure the DEC will enjoy getting out of their warm bed.

Noise = INSOMINIA

2008-05-28T23:19:00.001+08:00

Steve's comments on being "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" are too true. The Noise has increased over the last 3 weeks, with no response from the DEC after complaints. Monday evening a woman rang stating even after removal of her hearing aides the noise was (pardon the pun)deafening and who should she call. After checking with our monitor it's not surprising people are complaining from as far as Wattleup, the levels are well over the limit.

Its time for the people who keep saying noise has decreased to try living in effected areas, noise is pollution & so is sleep Deprivation.

As for industry being Green and Clean,someone forgot to let one company know as they have been attempting to turn things white. Good luck in trying to get some sleep.