[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - Pulp mill effluent concern grows; Campbell urged to act

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

Tuesday, 5 September 2006

Pulp mill effluent concern grows

Campbell urged to act

Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania Christine Milne today called on
federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell to use his powers to safeguard
the Bass Strait marine ecosystem from the threat of toxic effluent from
Gunns' proposed pulp mill.

Senator Milne delivered cards to the Minister from hundreds of concerned
citizens who are calling on Senator Campbell to act. The cards were
launched three months ago, on World Environment Day. 

"Gunns' proposed pulp mill in northern Tasmania poses an unacceptable
risk to the marine environment of Bass Strait and the wildlife and
fishing industry that rely on it," Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"The cards I gave to Senator Campbell today are an expression of public
concern about the pulp mill. Cards are arriving at my office every day
as more and more people learn about the negative impacts of the pulp
mill project. 

"Of particular concern is the build up of effluent in Bass Strait, and
its cumulative impact. The pulp mill could pump up to 30 billion litres
of toxic effluent into Bass Strait every year, including up to 220
tonnes of organocholorines. The effluent will be discharged near Tenth
Island, an important Australian Fur Seal breeding colony.

"The integrated impact statement (IIS) does not take into account the
impacts of climate change on the marine ecosystem or the way in which
warm surface temperature may well change the dilution and distribution
pattern of the effluent.

"These concerns have been reinforced this week by oceanographer Paul
Sandery who said that the pulp mill IIS failed to take account of
seasonal flushing patterns.

"This is not the kind of project for Tasmania. The state's economic
future should be based on protecting, not destroying, our unique natural
environment.

"Minister Campbell has the responsibility and power to prevent this pulp
mill from proceeding. His failure to do so will further demonstrate the
ineffectiveness of the Commonwealth's Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act."


Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562

Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au