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Asbestos Found At Pilot Desal SiteBass Coast Shire Council says claims that asbestos contaminated materials have been found at the desalination pilot plant are of grave concern. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 29th September 2008 - Back to News Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said the incident highlighted concerns raised by Council in relation to the plant.
"From the beginning, Council has had serious reservations about the way the State Government has handled this project," said Mr Bawden.
"For months, we have been saying that when the Government is the proponent, regulator and approval body, what guarantees do we have that there will be appropriate regulation and monitoring for a project?"
Mr Bawden said the failure of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to adhere to the Environment Management Plan approved by the Minister for Planning for the pilot plant showed the concerns being voiced by the local community were valid.
"The Government has consistently refused to listen to the concerns being raised by Council and this community," said Mr Bawden.
"Their claim that the Environment Effects Statement (EES) has largely addressed these concerns is laughable.
"An incident like this shows that without strict regulations and monitoring, this project could have an enormous impact on our environment.
"At this stage, it is extremely hard to have faith that these matters will be properly addressed," Mr Bawden said.
Worksafe will be visiting a site in Wonthaggi to investigate if asbestos contaminated materials have been disposed of properly.
Worksafe discovered contaminated gravel at the pilot desalination plant in August this year. A Worksafe spokesperson said the contaiminated gravel was removed offsite.
Mr Bawden said this type of complaint was outside Council’s jurisdiction. Despite this, Council staff investigated the stored material to ensure there was no risk to adjoining properties.
"An investigation by Worksafe and the EPA is now taking place to determine whether the removal and storage of the contaiminated material has been handled in accordance with EPA guidelines," said Mr Bawden.
Since work began on the desalination pilot plant, Council has received a number of concerns in relation to alleged activity in direct contravention to what the DSE indicated should happen under their own Environment Management Plan.
Mr Bawden said Council had called for a full-time staff member from the Department of Planning and Community Development to be located at the Desalination Information Office in Wonthaggi for the duration of the project.
"Council sees this as the only solution for making sure community concerns about alleged breaches or concerns with certain activities are addressed appropriately," Mr Bawden said.
"We have not yet received a response to this request from the project team."
Mr Bawden said Council was currently working on its submission in response to the EES, which would address shortcomings of the report.
"We are extremely concerned that many of the impacts of this project on our community are not being adequately addressed through the EES," Mr Bawden said.
"The report contains very little examination of the economic and social impact, which is a serious oversight.
"There are so many different aspects that need to be considered," explained Mr Bawden.
"Incidents such as this one highlight the environmental implications of such a project.
"Another aspect would be the wear and tear on our local roads from the construction traffic going onto the site.
"This would only increase if the project goes ahead. Is there any mechanism for ensuring that the local ratepayers don’t have to subsidise the cost of repairing and maintaining these roads?"
Mr Bawden said that major projects, such as the proposed desalination plant, needed all levels of government to develop good relationships.
"When major projects are being proposed, which are not necessarily to the benefit of the local community, there must be sufficient trust and respect to work through the issues in an open and responsible way," Mr Bawden said.
"It is vital that the needs of the local community are served or at least acknowledged."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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