Sludge Watch ==> Sludging it up in Australia - aboriginal community concerned

[Maureen Reilly]

Thursday, 12 October 2006



Apathy towards biosolids meeting
By Merrel Pond


WHILE around 70 people attended the community meeting to hear a presentation 
on biosolids concerns from the Central West Reference and Action Group 
(CWRA) last Wednesday night, very few Moora town people took the opportunity 
to attend.

Most numbers in attendance were made up from the CWRA group, Yuat people, 
Shire councillors from Moora, Victoria Plains and Chittering, Gillingarra, 
farmers from surrounding districts and Perth.


Also attending were the Hon Minister for Agriculture Kim Chance, Minister 
for the Environment the Hon Mark McGowan, Gary Snook Member for Moore, Chris 
Hicks representing Minister John Koebelke, Peter Moore and Nancy Penny from 
the Water Corporation.


The CWRA group have given this presentation to the Shires of Moora and 
Victoria Plains on previous occasions objecting to the Water Corporation 
proposed biosolids trial site to be built on Annadale Farm in the Shire of 
Moora. The presentation given was the view of the CWRA group making it 
difficult to make an informed decision without bias.


The group are concerned about the transportation and spreading of the 
product, saying there is not adequate supervision of farmers who are using 
the product and the transporters who are bringing it from the treatment 
plants in Perth, to make sure compliance with the WA guidelines is met.


They also express concerns about health issues and the unknown, but do not 
have any proof that there are health issues. There has not been any reported 
cases of anyone with health problems that may be related to the use of 
biosolids.


Biosolids have been spread in the area for almost ten years and according to 
Owen Cocking, owner of Annadale Farm, he and his family has not suffered any 
health problems that can be attributed to the use of the product.


Local members of the Yuat community Colin and June Hedland also spoke of 
concern that biosolids could effect their Moore River Heritage and 
lifestyle. If the river became contaminated, they would not be able to hunt 
and gather food in the traditional way.


The Water Corporation have had two community workshops in New Norcia during 
July and October 2005, with both meetings being well attended. The general 
feeling from these meetings was one of support however, many still held 
concerns about the transportation of the biosolids and the effect it will 
have on neighbouring properties.


The proposed trial facility will consist of two 40m x 12m sheds similar to a 
large domestic greenhouse which will hold between 700-1000 tonnes per 
structure. Should the trial facility be successful, there will be additional 
sheds built making a total of 26.


Group spokesperson Lana Kelly said, "The meeting was held because the Water 
Corporation although requested, had refused to hold a public meeting in 
Moora."


"Presenters from our group attended a recent Water Corporation biosolids 
symposium and were able to share the most up to date information," she said.


Ms Kelly said, "The public was informed that the Water Corporation's 
facility is an experiment, the first of its kind in the world to try and 
control stablefly. The community is the Guinea Pig."


"The meeting was informed by our group that the guidelines are being 
breached and that sewerage and sludge is entering creeks that lead to the 
Moore River," she said.


Minister Kim Chance said, "I support the use of biosolids in agriculture but 
I recognise that many in the Moora and Gillangarra community have concerns 
about the effect of biosolids on road safety, public amenity and the 
environment.


"Clearly, the Government needs to work more closely with the community to 
address these concerns.


"In particular I think we need to do more to satisfy community concerns 
about health and pollution risks arising from the use of biosolids.


"I will also be following up on further work to better understand any 
linkage between biosolids use and stablefly breeding."


Member for Moore Gary Snook said, "I have met with members of CWRA and other 
constituents who have expressed concerns about some aspects of the 
transporting and use of bio solids in agriculture.


I have also visited farms where the product has been used and seen the bio 
solids in the paddocks ready for spreading.


I have also had a briefing from the Water Authority."


"On the face of the meetings/ briefings and information I have received to 
date, plus my research so far, all indications point to improved yield 
benefits and cost savings for farmers with the use of bio solids.


"However, I am in the process of seeking assurances from the health and 
environment ministers that they can confirm that the product is safe to use 
and if handling and application guidelines are adhered to, then the level of 
risk is acceptable. I am awaiting responses from the minister at this time.


"I would probably place biosolids in the same category as a number of farm 
chemicals that are approved for use in day to day farming practices. Used 
incorrectly or not in accordance with application legislation and approved 
use guidelines, these same chemicals may pose problems to users and the 
environment. There is a level of risk in every thing we do in life, 
providing the risk level is low enough and products have rigorous health 
screening tests and pass required environmental assessment and the community 
is confident that standards are up-held and if this is done, then we in our 
communities need to have reasonable confidence in the system.


"I am very mindful of the need to ensure farmers, particularly in this 
current economic climate, to have access to as much cost savings in 
production that they can get," said Mr Snook.


A spokesperson from the Water Corporation have expressed concerns about 
incorrect information being given in the CWRA presentation and have informed 
the Advocate that a letter to the editor will be sent clarifying these 
anomalies.