Full compensation urged for Sydney toxic spill

[Dan Cass]

** ---------------------
** You are subscribed to 'GREENS-MEDIA' list as: chris at sw.oz.au
** Maillist Home Page: http://www.altnews.com.au/Greens/
** ---------------------


MEDIA RELEASE
13 February 2002

Full compensation urged for toxic spill


Upper House Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on Environment Minister Bob Debus to ensure that the companies responsible for the Prospect Creek toxic spill pay the full cost of the increasingly comprehensive clean-up operation required. 

Ms Rhiannon said, "The Government is talking tough on crime so we expect that Minister Debus will ensure the companies do not get away with a token fine after ruining a waterway

"At this stage it appears that the companies responsible may be liable for fines up to $1,000,000 plus $120,000 per day in the event that the EPA is not satisfied with clean-up operations.

"The Minister and the EPA should ensure the company is spared no expense restoring the waterway.

"The spill is far worse than first thought and the Greens want to know how such a bad accident could happen with a chemical known to be highly toxic.

"The fines should be tough enough to deter future toxic spills and compensate the public for the clean-up operation,"  said Ms Rhiannon.






** ---------------------
** Opt-in Maillists and On-Line Conference Forums at URI:
** http://us.altnews.com.au/w-agora/
** ---------------------
** Hosted by Alternative News Network, Cairns, Australia