Another TCE Contamination Scare

On the day the Environment Protection Authority letterboxed more than 3,000 residents in the Hendon/Albert Park/Seaton/Royal Park area alerting them to groundwater contamination in the area the Minister for Environment Ian Hunter failed to answer critical questions on the matter in State Parliament.

Minister Hunter failed to answer when he first became aware of TCE indoor air vapours at the child care centre.

Minister Hunter refused to guarantee no adverse health consequences as a result of the levels of TCE vapours detected in the child care centre.

Minister Hunter would not detail to Parliament what the location and the amount of the highest reading for TCE vapour contamination was, instead referring to reports which will be placed on the EPA’s website.

Minister Hunter also failed to detail the highest concentration of TCE in groundwater and where that concentration was detected, instead referring to reports which will be placed on the EPA’s website.

“Coming on the tail of the evacuation of residents from Clovelly Park as a result of TCE contamination it was inexcusable for the Minister to dance around these critical questions,” said Shadow Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Michelle Lensink.

“Given that the child care centre will remain open despite the detection of TCE vapours and the need for further testing it was imperative that the Minister presented all the facts in a transparent fashion.

“The Weatherill Labor Government’s handling of the Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park contamination crisis was so poor that Environment Minister Ian Hunter lost a no confidence motion in Parliament for his incompetence in managing the crisis.

“Let’s not forget Premier Jay Weatherill also had to apologise to residents in Clovelly Park for his Government’s handling of the contamination crisis.

“The Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park contamination crisis raised many questions about how well the agencies and the Ministers are working together to protect the health of South Australians.”

Public community meetings will also be held on August 12, 13 and 16.