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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 13 Hansard (7 December) . . Page.. 3853 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

random sampling and testing of waste. Workers will be given the authority to inspect loads.

A formal compliance auditing system will be established which involves the random but regular testing of wastes received at the landfill, particularly "solid" wastes and special burials that are received in large quantities, or are regularly disposed at the landfill under the "miscellaneous" waste category. It is proposed that the Environment Protection Act 1997 be amended to limit chemical testing of waste samples to only suitably accredited laboratories.

Mr Speaker, the Government accepts these recommendations. The regulation of waste transportation and disposal involves the preparation of regulations under the Environment Protection Act. This work is now under way. The proposal to limit the testing to accredited laboratories does not require further provision as the Environment Protection Regulations already include this requirement.

I now wish to refer to the metal floc currently contained at the Belconnen landfill. Negotiations are currently ongoing with the waste generator, Metalcorp, with regards to the final disposal of the floc. Environment ACT has engaged an independent expert, Golder Associates Pty Ltd, on the matter. Golder Associates Pty Ltd is an international consultancy company with many years of experience in assessing contaminated sites, solid waste disposal, and environmental management. The final outcome regarding dealing with the floc will be based on the advice of the consultant and the regulatory requirements of relevant jurisdictions, and will address all criteria concerning public and staff safety as well as the environment.

The main concern with lead in the floc was inhalation or ingestion of the contaminants. In the short term, safety at Belconnen landfill has been addressed by covering and fencing off the material. Air monitoring was carried out at the time the floc was covered, which indicated airborne levels of contaminants were below detectable levels. Further, the tip is lined and the leachate control system is monitored. Standard monitoring of the leachate control system occurs every six months. Additionally, a new tip face has been established away from the covered material to increase public and staff safety.

Landfill staff were offered blood testing by their own doctors. Whilst complete results are not available, all results forwarded to ACT Health Protection Services are below levels of concern. Some staff have chosen not to forward their results to ACT Health Protection Services. As the metal floc does not present an immediate risk to public health, Environment ACT is collecting all the information necessary to make sure that any decision the Government makes is the most appropriate from an environmental, public health and occupational health and safety point of view. With the implementation of the Sinclair Knight Merz proposals and recommendations, Canberra residents can be assured that the management of waste in the ACT will be in line with best practice.

Debate (on motion by Ms Tucker ) adjourned.

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