CHRIS Pippos in his article (The Advocate, 13 January) about the current investigation of the Burnie woodchip piles quotes Director of Public Health, Dr Roscoe Taylor.
Dr Taylor was understandably tight lipped about the new probe into possible health hazards posed by the potentially deadly Legionella species which are highly likely to grow in the piles at times.
He did state that dust mitigation measures have been “quite successful” according to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The basis for this statement by the EPA is not provided in the article.
The new investigation is once again being carried out by Dr Richard Bentham who carried out the original study on behalf of Gunns Limited in 2002. Dr Bentham’s original investigation was the subject of strong criticism by world Legionella authority Dr Trevor Steele because of methodological and other concerns.
The article does not indicate whether more samples will be taken from the woodchip piles or whether Dr Bentham will visit the Burnie site and meet locals who claim to be affected by the wood dust.
Other possible health risks such as fungal illness, asthma and allergic conditions associated with dust blown off the piles in Easterly weather will not be covered by the current study.
