Dear Mr Turnbull,
I am writing to you regarding my concern around the assessment process that is occurring for the proposed pulp mill in the Tamar Valley (Tasmania). I am aware that at present you are assessing the proposed pulp mill against the Federal Environmental Legislation(s). You may have already made your decision but I hope this email reaches you prior to you making your announcement regarding this very important issue.
I think this sizable industrial proposal including a pulp mill, chemical manufacturing plant, biomass (ie wood fired) power station and solid waste dump is so close to major areas of human habitation that it must be extensively assessed before it be allowed to be built. This is before consideration be given for the possible impact to the wider environment. Whilst the proponent claims "world's best practice", the reality is that components of the proposed Tamar Valley industrial complex are completely unproven technology. Furthermore, the proponent is a complete novice in the operation of technology even remotely similar to this proposed pulp mill, not to mention chemical manufacturing plant that could potentially cause death and severe environmental degradation should a spill or other accident occur. Has the proponent prepared adequate emergency responses and plans should something go wrong? We all hope nothing were to go wrong, but flatly denying the possibility of accidents is tantamount to suggesting that they are impervious to the flaws of humanity. And I for one am unable to accept that.
I understand that Sweco Pic have done an assessment of the proponent's proposal and they recommended it proceed. However, I note with interest that many factors that were to be addressed by the thorough and I feel appropriate, Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) were not covered by the Sweco Pic assessment. For example, points such as only assessing the potential for smell from the smokestacks (without mention of so-called 'fugitive' emissions) appears unduly naive considering Sweco Pic's pulp mill engineering experience and the reality in mills around the world that use a similar process. I assume oversights such as this are perhaps indicative of Sweco Pic's inexperience in environmental assessment. Furthermore, despite Sweco Pic's knowledge of pulp mill engineering, it is unclear whether they have any expert understanding of chemical manufacturing plants and process.
I note with interest that in a very recent poll, 64% of Tasmanians believe that the 'fast-tracked' pulp mill assessment is inappropriate. I must admit that I find it almost bizarre that the Federal Government are not taking the Tasmanian State Government to task of the mishandling of this issue, especially in an election year. I feel that it is imperative that a publicly accessible, transparent and accountable assessment process be undertaken, only then can Tasmanians be assured they are doing the right thing to build the proposed mill in the proposed location. Personally it strikes me as a 'no brainer' that the mill should not be built in the Tamar Valley, despite assurances that the mill will produce relatively low levels of air pollution, because of the inversion layer that sits over the Tamar Valley, any increase in air pollution will have a significant effect on air quality. There is too much at stake, including (but by no means limited to) potential job losses in other sectors (eg tourism, fishing), increase in loss of lives (through increased traffic and increased air pollution, as raised by the Aust Medical Assoc), possibility of threat to the extensive amount of wildlife living in the area and the increasing rift in the Tasmanian community (caused by the divisive way in which this issue has been handled by the State Govt).
I believe that if a proper assessment of this proposal take place, then and only then (assuming the proposal meets the minimum standards) should this proposal go ahead. Then, and only then, will we see a majority of Tasmanians willing to accept the building of this mill.
Regards,
Jeremy Davis
Launceston
