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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1329 asked in the Legislative Council on 24 November 2020 by Hon Robin Chapple

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

WATER QUALITY — COORINJINNA POOL — PILBARA

1329. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the Minister for Environment:

I refer to question on notice 2462, asked on 17 September 2019 of the Minister for Environment, concerning heavy metal pollution in Whim Creek and the Balla Balla River system.

(1) Has the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation concluded its investigation into the heavy metal pollution at Whim Creek?

(2) If no to (1), and given that over a year has passed, can the minister suggest when the investigation is to conclude?

(3) If yes to (1), what was the source of the contamination?

(4) If yes to (1), what compensation or indemnity is the government seeking in relation to part (3)?

(5) How will the area be rehabilitated?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has completed its investigation into the event concerning discharges into Whim Creek and the Balla Balla River system.

(2) Not applicable.

(3) DWER identified the Whim Creek copper project as the source.

(4)–(5) In addition to the investigation, the department issued an environmental protection notice, or an EPN, to Venturex Pilbara Pty Ltd and Blackrock Metals Pty Ltd. The EPN requires the owner–occupier to determine the extent of contamination. Once the extent of contamination is determined, DWER will require appropriate remedial actions, which will be at the cost of the owner–occupier.