[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Greens Release Roxby EIS Summary

[Parnell]

Media Release
Wednesday 5th August 2009

Greens Release Roxby EIS Summary


Despite its massive size, the Olympic Dam Expansion Environmental Impact Statement contains glaring omissions alongside startling impacts, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell in a summary on the environmental impacts of the project released today.

"There are holes in this EIS almost as big as the mine's open pit," said Mr Parnell.

"Despite its 4,600 pages - larger than 4 yellow pages - there is much that remains unknown.

"For example, there is a woeful description on the 242 million tonne waste rock heap - a heap that will be so large it will be visible 30 kms away, soar higher than the Santos building and contain millions of tonnes of uranium and acid.

"The EIS is also silent on long term dust management. More than 25,000,000 litres of water will be sprayed around the site each and every day to prevent toxic dust storms, but what happens when the mining stops?

"In many sections there are 'options' given - some sound, but expensive; others cheap and nasty.  The huge concern is that the Federal and State Governments will approve the mine first, and leave it to the company to decide which options they pursue later.

"Despite years of investigation there are virtually no commitments to use renewable energy technology.  We strongly suspect BHP Billiton will only embrace greenhouse friendly energy options when they are cheaper than coal.

"This document also reveals that claims of 'minimal' marine impact of their desal plant at Pt Lowly are based on grossly inadequate data, with the Giant Cuttlefish facing genuine risk.

"Yet the data that is included is staggering: electricity use will be 38% of SA's total consumption, there will be a 6 fold increase in water consumption, and greenhouse pollution will be around 20% of the state's total.  Over 8,000 tyres a year will be dumped into landfill.

"This mammoth EIS leaves as many questions as it answers.  Minister Garrett and Premier Rann must not allow BHP Billiton to get away with vague assurances on the back of this document, otherwise South Australia will be left with a toxic legacy for generations," he said.


The public submission period for the Roxby expansion EIS closes this Friday, the 7th August.

The Greens Summary can be found at: www.markparnell.org.au <http://www.markparnell.org.au/>


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893




The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, access to it is unauthorised and any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful