The Environmental Protection Authority released a discussion paper in December on the Environmental Protection Policy (EPP) that controls the level of sulfur dioxide in the air in residential areas of the Goldfields. (Environmental Protection (Goldfields Residential Areas)(Sulfur Dioxide) Policy 2003).

Two forum sessions on the Discussion Paper will be held at: Curtin University Seminar Room, 55A MacDonald Street, Kalgoorlie on Thursday 28 January 2010 at 2:30pm-3:30pm and 5:30pm-6:30pm.

The Discussion Paper provides an overview of the performance of the Goldfields Sulfur Dioxide EPP and reviews the sulfur dioxide monitoring results. It also identifies some issues and poses some questions for consideration. For instance:

Should industry continue to monitor the SO2 ambient concentrations in the Goldfields? Is the current monitoring programme adequate? Should more sites be monitored?

Can you suggest any areas that are not currently protected by the EPP, which in your opinion should be and why?

Should industry have a limit on the amount of emissions that they can emit in addition to the current controls that protect the residential areas?

What should the goal or the objective be for the Goldfields EPP? Should the objective be broadened to further improve the air quality in the Goldfields region?

What would you think if the EPP was removed and another government instrument (e.g. Industry Licensing) was used to protect the Goldfields airshed?

Sulfur dioxide is a colourless, pungent, irritating gas that is readily absorbed in the upper respiratory system and, at high concentrations, causes acute broncho-constriction and related effects.

In the 1980s mining and ore processing operations in the Goldfields were causing very high concentrations of sulfur dioxide, and in 1988 the EPA initiated an EPP.

EPPs have the force of law. It is important that they are reviewed regularly and are responsive to changes in environmental standards, industry best practice and other laws and regulations. An EPP can apply to a specific area, specify environmental objectives; set out indicators to be monitored; and establish a programme for achieving the environmental objectives.

The discussion paper can be obtained from the homepage of the EPA website www.epa.wa.gov.au, the Department of Environment and Conservation Office, 32 Brookman Street, Kalgoorlie, and the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority, 4th Floor, 168 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450