Stack demolition: call for approval review

By GLEN HUMPHRIESFeb. 7, 2014, 2:30 p.m.

POLL: Wollongong councillor calls for an urgent review of the Port Kembla Copper stack demolition approval process.

Wollongong City Councillor Vicki Curran has called on the government for an urgent review of the Port Kembla Copper stack demolition approval process.

Yesterday the Concerned Residents Group met with representatives from the Environment Protection Authority and Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

After the meeting, Cr Curran and the group still had concerns about the process, which included alleged incomplete testing for asbestos and the presence of mullite, a compound which can cause silicosis when inhaled in high concentrations.

Asbestos tests show stack safe to topple

Cr Curran has since written to Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard requesting the demolition, which is scheduled to take place on February 20, be reviewed by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.

Cr Curran stated it was warranted as she said it had been up to the community to raise issues of testing and compliance.

Yesterday the community was raising concerns about dioxins and the EPA, and Department of Planning had not even looked at assessing nor had they required an assessment of those materials on the site, on the ground or in the stack, Cr Curran said.

When the community is raising those concerns to people on a working party who, we are told, have the expertise and knowledge to ensure our safety and environmental safety and long-term health then we have reason to question and make this request.

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Stack demolition: call for approval review