Page 2988 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 1991

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MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, LAND AND PLANNING

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 513

Toxic Waste - Transport

Mr Kaine - asked the Minister .for the Environment, Land and Planning

(1) What requirementscurrently exist for the safe transport and handling of toxic waste in the ACT.

(2) Is legislation planned to strengthen existing

requirements.

(3) If so, when is this legislation expected to come before the. Assembly.

(4) Has consideration been given to conducting driver training courses for toxic waste transport for A.C.T. drivers similar to those recently held in Queanbeyan for N.S.W. drivers and if not; why not.

Mr Wood - the answer to the Members question is as

follows:

1) The Dangerous Goods Act 1984, administered by the Department of Urban Services, regulates all aspects of the storage, transport and handling of dangerous goods, including toxic wastes, in the A.C.T. The Act is consistent with N.S.W. dangerous goods legislation with the A.C.T. having adopted under the Act, the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail..

On 7 August, the meeting of the Competent Authorities Committee under the Dangerous Goods legislation, agreed to amend the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by April 1992, to reflect specific controls needed for chemicals.

Additionally, any person or company wishing to dispose of a hazardous material at A.C.T landfills is required to apply in writing to the Environment Protection Service in my Department of the Environment, Land and Planning. EMS recommends appropriate treatment and disposal methods and supervises the disposal at the West Belconnen landfill at a prearranged time and date. The Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility at West Belconnen is designed to provide for the safe handling and treatment of chemical wastes to ensure disposal meets the Best Available Technology standard.

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