Edwards presses for more comprehensive brickwork studies

5/6/05
Environment Minister Judy Edwards says a proposed brickworks development on Commonwealth land at Perth Airport should be assessed by an environmental impact statement under Federal environmental laws.
"This is the minimum level at which the proposal should be assessed, especially as the development potentially could increase brickworks' emissions throughout the Swan Valley," Dr Edwards said.
In a letter to Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Senator Ian Campbell, Dr Edwards said the assessment also should include a health risk assessment of the cumulative impacts of all acidic air emissions in the region.
"It is essential that the proposal is subject to an open and transparent public consultation process in view of the potential health impacts of the brickwork emissions and the already heightened public awareness of this issue," the Minister wrote.
"Any assessment process that does not allow adequate public input would be unacceptable to the community."
Dr Edwards said although the proponent, BCG (Australia) Pty Ltd had made a commitment to meet Western Australia's brickworks licensing policy, the emissions should not be assessed in isolation from those of existing brickworks.
"Meeting the emission standards may not guarantee that recommended health guidelines are met at ground level," she said.
"Conditions relating to the site, plant design and the weather may mean that even in isolation, emissions from the brickworks may not meet health or amenity goals."
The Minister said there were also other environmental issues that needed to be assessed. These included native vegetation, declared rare flora and threatened ecological communities, Bush Forever sites and Aboriginal heritage sites.
"These additional issues further strengthen the need for an environmental impact statement as the most appropriate level of assessment," she said.
"The State Government is protecting and enhancing the State's lifestyle and environment. The Commonwealth should share in that commitment."
Minister's Office - 9220 5050