Tailings dump health fears

RESIDENTS in Mandogalup and Hope Valley are in limbo, unsure whether they can live safely in their homes that are close to mining giant Alcoa’s tailings area.

Many of their properties now fall within a 1.5km buffer extension and 500m transition zone around the tailings area, put into place by the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) last year.

The buffer changes land uses and restricts development, and residents claim it is devaluing their properties.

But it is what the buffer is protecting them from that is their biggest concern and the lack of communication from the WAPC.

Alcoa uses the piled residue area, visible from several kilometres away, to dry waste material pumped from its nearby alumina refinery and has long been a source of complaint for residents, who believe dust from the site causes respiratory and health problems.

Mandogalup Local Action Group (MLAG) organiser Philip Lin said many residents had drinking water delivered for fear of “caustic dust” in their rainwater tanks.

The Health Department tested the tank and bore water at his property, finding both were safe to drink, but the aluminium level in the rainwater was more than double that found in the bore.

An Alcoa spokesman said dust from the site was not harmful to residents.

“Bauxite is alkaline; the concentrations of dust coming from the residue area are too low to pose a health risk for residents,” he said.

“Alcoa has no concerns about existing neighbours residing in the buffer area, but does not believe increased residential development is compatible with industry.”

The spokesman said the GHD report covered two years and the six weeks was referring to an intensive dust behaviour monitoring study.

“Numerous studies, including independently conducted, peer review health risk assessments and air quality monitoring, have shown that Alcoa’s operations, including residue storage area, meet Australian’s strict environmental guidelines,” he said.