Start of water testing near Welshpool incinerator for PCB contamination

10/1/95

Water testing of domestic bores near the Stephenson and Ward incinerator in Welshpool began today to ensure there is no PCB contamination.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said testing of groundwater from drains, wetlands and some bores in the area had been conducted and showed no contamination by PCBs.

"However, the Department of Environmental Protection is co-ordinating further tests to provide more comprehensive results," Mr Minson said.

He said a DEP inspector and scientists from the Chemistry Centre of Western Australia were visiting homes to conduct the tests.

"The inspector will give home owners a letter containing background information on the issue including a brief explanation of PCBs," the Minister said.

"Once the sampling and analysis of water from the bores is completed, the inspector will provide people with the results of the analysis of the water from their bore."

Mr Minson said PCBs - polychlorinated biphenyls - had been detected in both soil and groundwater samples from the Stephenson and Ward incinerator site last month.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy  222 9595 or 321 2222