[Greens-Media] Orica toxic waste at it again!

[Christine Donayre]

Media Release
Wednesday 26 November 2008
 
Orica toxic waste export at it again!
 
Once again Greens MP Ian Cohen is alarmed about the possible export of
HCB waste by Orica from their Botany depot to Germany.
 
“Why don’t they understand?  It’s not the first time that Orica
has tried to export their HCB waste to Germany.  Last time Orica tried
this the company was met with widespread protests in Germany and
Australia.  There will be even bigger protests in Germany, last time
city leaders representing over 10 million people organised large
protests in a short period of time” said Greens MLC Ian Cohen.
 
“The possibility of Orica sending shipments of toxic waste to Germany
flouts safety concerns in Australia and Germany but it is also a global
issue traversing international waters.  The UN & the Greens consider
best practice for the disposal of HCB waste is for disposal to occur as
close to the point of generation as possible.  This is known as the
proximity principle”, said Mr Cohen.
 
“Orica risks contaminated spillage or a transportation accident on
our oceans and is putting to sea the worlds largest floating hazardous
waste dump.  HCB waste is recognised as one of the most dangerous and
poisonous chemicals known to humanity,” said Mr Cohen.
 
‘If the Federal Government agrees to give Orica special permission to
transport HCB waste from Australia to Germany, it will be contravening
it’s agreement to comply with the United Nations Basil Convention on
the control of Transboundary Hazardous Waste (1989) & the Australian
Hazardous Waste Act.  These acts clearly state that waste is to be
disposed, as close to the point of generation as possible, if the
technology exists.  The technology does exist.  Both Orica and
Australian authorities have an obligation to deal with the issue in
Australia”, said Mr Cohen.
 
“Malcolm Turnbull was the Minister for the Environment last time
Orica sent HCB waste to Germany.  Let’s see if he’ll will keep his
green credentials and cause an outcry in his electorate or call for the
HCB waste to be processed on site in Botany”, said Mr Cohen.
 
“Where in Germany is this waste going to?  Are they at risk of
contamination or exposure from the spillage of toxic waste?  Orica are
proposing to send their HCB waste to a town in Germany called
Brunsbuttel, which is already dealing with nuclear power plants, a
planned coal-fired power plant and the addition of HCB waste
processing”, said Mr Cohen.  
 
“If this transportation of highly toxic materials is allowed by our
State and Federal governments, it reduces our role in the world to that
of substandard global citizens”, said Mr Cohen.
 
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409989466 or Christine Donayre on
0412188232.