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Open Day, Community Consultative Committee for Dutson Downs

In response to community concerns surrounding current and future operations at the Dutson Downs Waste Treatment facility, Gippsland Water is to conduct an Open Day on Sunday June 17

By Gippsland Water - 12th June 2001 - Back to News

In response to community concerns surrounding current and future operations at the Dutson Downs Waste Treatment facility, Gippsland Water is to conduct an Open Day on Sunday June 17, and will establish a Dutson Downs Consultative Committee.

The key community concerns which have been raised include:

• The treatment of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)
• Odour problems relating to both the Dutson Downs site and the Regional Outfall Sewer (ROS)
• The impact that any future expansions may have on the environment, surrounding water tables and local tourism objectives.

Chairman of the Board at Gippsland Water Mr Richard Elkington in announcing these initiatives stated, “Naturally, our Board has been taking a great deal of interest in the response of the public concerning the various issues surrounding Dutson Downs. Of particular interest are those which have been voiced at the two recent public meetings. Our CEO John Mitchell, who attended both public meetings, has in turn approached the Board recommending that activities such as the open day and establishment of a consultative committee take place. We have agreed that this is the most appropriate course of action at this stage.”

Mr Elkington also responded to one of the key issues raised at both meetings concerning the impact of the open section of the Regional Outfall Sewer and relating odour problems. “The issue of the Regional Outfall Sewer and the implications of having an open section of channel is one which the Board has identified as being a key concern. We are currently working with State Government to identify the most appropriate alternatives for dealing with the open section of the ROS.”

Gippsland Water Chief Executive Officer Mr John Mitchell said, “We acknowledge the community is concerned that there has been a lack of involvement from the public over the future role of Dutson Downs. We also accept there is a lack of understanding within the community about what currently takes place at the site. We apologise for not adequately informing the community about these issues and are anxious to ensure these concerns are addressed.”

As part of the process to involve the community about what is happening at Dutson Downs, work on establishing the consultative committee will begin immediately. At this stage it is envisaged that the committee will include local residents and key local environmentalists. Mr. Mitchell said, “This committee will work closely with Gippsland Water to address ways to resolve all issues of concern. It is our intention that it will play an important part in determining our operations at Dutson Downs.”

In regards to the issue of the NORMs being stored at the site, Mr. Mitchell said, “We acknowledge that there is community concern about the NORMs issue, we too were concerned until we went through a series of risk assessments. We now have to ensure that we take the community through this journey, to ascertain the risks for themselves.”

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: gippslandwater@messenger.com.au

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