[Greens-Media] Chemical truck fire: upgraded emergency plans needed - Greens

[Lee Rhiannon]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 10 December 2008 - Media Release

Chemical truck fire: upgraded emergency plans needed

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says the government must
reveal its emergency response plans to protect residents along the rail
and road route where hydrogen peroxide and cyanide are being transported
to the Lake Cowal goldmine.

*A major disaster outside Dubbo was averted yesterday but there may
be no such luck next time,* Ms Rhiannon said.

*The government must reveal its emergency response plans and require
Barrick Gold to move dangerous chemicals by rail not road. 

*If dangerous chemicals are transported to Lake Cowal they should be
moved by rail, with only small quantities trucked in from the rail line
to the mine site.  

*Hydrogen peroxide - used in the process of cyanide leaching at
Barrick mine - is volatile and highly corrosive. 

*Cyanide itself is potentially deadly. The US state of Montana has
banned goldmining altogether, after 62 cyanide spills and leaks between
1992 and 1998.

*The NSW government has failed to publicly release the emergency
response plans to be followed in the event of an accident.
 
*Residents living alongside the rail and truck route should have the
opportunity to scrutinise Barrick Gold*s plans to ensure they are
adequate.

*Relying on crossed fingers and the good sense of truck drivers is
not adequate protection from potential disasters.

*Lake Cowal goldmine has hijacked water, damaged the natural
environment and is jeopardising public safety.

*It is time the government redressed the balance and stood up for
local residents whose lives are being put at risk for the profits of a
global mining giant,* Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 
Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au/
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 

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