JANGARDUP MINE —
ACID SULPHATE CONTAMINATION
926. Hon DIANE EVERS to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the revised groundwater
monitoring program for the former Jangardup mineral sands mine and to my
question without notice 752 on 12 August 2020.
(1) Is the acid
sulphate groundwater plume migrating towards D'Entrecasteaux National
Park and the Gingilup–Jasper wetlands; and, if so, is the minister
concerned?
(2) What measures is the government taking to mitigate
the impact of the plume and any long-term diminished groundwater quality
within the superficial aquifer under the former Jangardup mineral sands mine?
(3) Has the
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions modelled potential
risks to the Gingilup–Jasper wetlands and Lake Quitjup from the
migrating acid sulphate groundwater plume; and —
(a) if yes, provide details; and
(b) if no, why not?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I
thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I do not have a preamble
to my copy of the question; I have a question with parts (1), (2) and
(3). The member read out a preamble. I do not know whether there is a material
difference, but I will answer the question I have before me.
(1)–(2) I
am advised by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation that the
core of the acid sulphate groundwater plume
remains predominantly within or adjacent to the former Jangardup mineral sands
mine site. The outer edge of the plume extends offsite in the direction
of farmland, Gingilup–Jasper wetlands and D'Entrecasteaux
National Park. The proponent of the Jangardup mineral sands mine site remains
obligated to meet the requirements of ministerial statement 103. This includes
monitoring groundwater and reporting immediately any adverse effects to the
national park along with a plan of remedial action. I am advised by DWER that
the proponent is currently in compliance with the ministerial statement and
that this statement will be audited as part of the department's 2021–22
compliance program.
(3) No.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) As per my response to (1) and
(2).