EPBC

Impacts of plantations for the proposed pulp mill

The expanding area of plantations intended to feed the proposed pulp mill, is already having a major impact on the state.

Water

Federal Court appeal launched

Lawyers for Forests Inc have commenced a new proceeding against the Minister for Environment and Gunns Limited.

LFF has filed a notice of appeal in the Federal Court against a decision that was made last month (9 April 2009).  In April, a Judge rejected a challenge to the Minster’s decision to approve the construction and operation of Gunns’ pulp mill. 

This summary was released on 16 June 2008 by Lawyers for Forests as general information for the public. It does not constitute legal opinion or a view as to the merits of the case. The trial started on 18 June before Justice Tracey in the Federal Court in Melbourne. For further information, go to www.lawyersforforest.asn.au

Tasmanians Against the Pulp Mill have made several submissions to the Commonwealth under the Environment Protection Conservation and Biodiversity Act.

The main concerns are: pollution impacts on Bass Strait, no risk assessment, persistent organic pollutants eg dioxin, poor flushing of Bass Strait and inadequate hydrodynamic modelling.

31 AUGUST 2007

TAP Submission re EPBC assessment of Gunns’ Tamar valley pulp mill
Referral number 2007/3385

To
epbc.pulpmill@environment.gov.au

We are writing in response to the invitation for public comment on the extended assessment of Gunns Ltd Bleached Kraft Pulp Mill, Bell Bay Tasmania (EPBC 2007/3385)

1. Risks of getting the assessment wrong
No formal Risk Management assessment of the proposal in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4360 (2004), has been completed. Any risk assessment should at it simplest, include an analysis of the hazard and the probability of its impact over the duration of the risk.

Selected reports and submissions on Gunns proposed Tamar valley pulp mill are organised by category.

1. Tasmania-wide impacts

2. Economic and planning risks

3. Pollution of Bass Strait

4. Human health risks

5. Wood supply issues

6. Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

7. Water consumption