Page 3630 - Week 09 - Thursday, 23 August 2018
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It would be inappropriate for me to discuss the details of an individual clinical case in this public place, out of respect for the person and their family, and also due to the privacy provisions of the Health Act 1993.
The unexpected death of any patient is immediately referred to the Canberra Hospital’s Clinical Review Committee (CRC). CRC reports are privileged under the Health Act 1993.
Environment—Lake Burley Griffin
Mr Ramsay (in reply to a question and a supplementary question by Ms Le Couteur on Thursday, 16 August 2018):
The responsibility for the management of Lake Burley Griffin primarily resides with the National Capital Authority, noting that elements of resource regulation and contamination are performed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The methods used to measure sediment depth do not lend themselves readily for use as:
• a method of sampling for pollution or contaminates;
• for improving the water quality of the lake; or
• for enhancing native fish habitat.
Agencies have access to a wide range of data sets for Lake Burley Griffin, dating back to 1970s, for assessing sediment chemical composition and the potential for contamination. Where feasible and appropriate the EPA continues to utilise opportunities to increase the ACT scientific knowledge base which enables accurate risk profiling of urban/industrial activities and their potential for environmental harm.
EPA water scientists have been involved with Universities and other ACT Directorates in a number of recent research activities involving urban waterways and characterising associated pollutant processes. For example:
• Assessment of particle sizes and contaminants in Gross Pollutant Traps;
• Experimental wetting and drying of sediments in Jarramalee Pond, Belconnen;
• Investigation of beneficial reuse of road sweepings and gross pollutant trap sediment;
• Assessment sediment pollutant composition at Emu Inlet, Lake Ginninderra;
• Installation of small scale structures in stormwater channels to improve water quality;
• Drawdown of Upper Stranger Pond, Isabella Pond and Tuggeranong Weir; and
• Sampling for Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across ACT waterways.
The construction activity in the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin did not present an opportunity or have scientific characteristics like those listed above.
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