Question On Notice No. 1336 asked in the Legislative Council on 14 August 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
(1) Regarding the maximum microgram per cubic metre (density) limit on PM10 dust and allowable annual exceedances of this limit in the Port Hedland region, I ask:
(a) what is the current limit on PM10 dust densities in Port Hedland;
(b) have there been any exceedances of the interim 70 micrograms per cubic metre limit on PM10 dust and allowable 10 annual 24-hour exceedances for the time in which it was implemented;
(c) if yes to (1)(b):
(i) how many exceedances occurred;
(ii) on what dates did the exceedances occur;
(iii) where did the exceedances occur; and
(iv) by how much was the limit exceeded; and
(d) have dust levels increased since the maximum PM10 dust density allowable was increased from the national standard of 50 to 70?
(2) In the 2016 Health Risk Assessment (HRA) prepared for the Department of Health by Toxikos, the Executive Summary stated “there is sufficient evidence of potential impacts on human health from dust, specifically PM10 in the Toxikos HRA to warrant dust management controls and strategic land-use planning to reduce community exposure to dust”. Referring to recommendations in this HRA:
(a) have any of the recommendations been implemented;
(b) if yes to (2)(a):
(i) which recommendations were implemented; and
(ii) when were they implemented;
(c) if no to (2)(a), why not;
(d) are there plans to implement any of the recommendations not currently implemented; and
(e) if yes to (2)(d), when are these recommendations going to be implemented?
(3) The Port Hedland Air Quality and Noise Management Plan Fact Sheet 2: Dust and Health published by the Port Hedland Dust Taskforce, states “residence of Port Hedland could tolerate a higher level of dust than would be tolerated in cities because of the unique characteristics of Port Hedland dust”, to what unique characteristics was this statement referring?
Answered on 21 August 2018
(1) (a) In 2010 an interim guideline measure was established for PM10 particles for residential areas east of Taplin Street in Port Hedland, specifying a maximum of 10 exceedances per calendar year of a 24 hour average of 70 micrograms per cubic metre.
(b)-(d) The ambient air quality monitoring network in Port Hedland is managed by the Port Hedland Industries Council (PHIC). PHIC publishes annual reports that provide summaries of the monitoring data, including details of exceedances of the interim PM10 guideline.
(2) (a)-(e) The recommendations of the Health Risk Assessment informed the Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce 2016 Report to Government, which recommended a range of strategies for managing dust in Port Hedland. The previous government received the Taskforce report but did not make it public or take any action. The McGowan government released the report for public comment last year. A total of 50 submissions were received. The government has considered this feedback and will soon announce its formal response to the Taskforce report.
(3) In cities, dust tends to be rich in combustion particles from vehicle emissions and is more hazardous than dust which is low in combustion products. Port Hedland dust by comparison is rich in iron, relatively large in size (between 2.5 – 10μm (micrometre) with low levels of urban emissions.