More Tests Show More Rivers Contaminated

The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Minister for Water, Bryan Green, to introduce urgently the new improved regulations for the control of spraying agricultural chemicals finalised and in place to apply accountability on those sprayers who continue to permit chemicals to contaminate our rivers.

Greens Water spokesperson Tim Morris MP said that with today’s revelation that the Meander and Rubicon Rivers have again been contaminated with toxic chemicals, demonstrates that the current spraying regulations are failing to protect water supplies, as well as the environment from the unintended consequences of the Minister’s failure to have contemporary and rigorous regulations.

“There have been 26 rounds of testing for agricultural chemicals in selected Tasmanian rivers, and on 21 of those occasions chemicals have been detected in one or more rivers,” Mr Morris said.

“The fact remains, chemicals that should not be in our waterways are continuing to be found on a regular basis, which clearly highlights the failure of the existing regulations.”

“Minister Green must recognise that better regulation and enforcement is the only way to protect our environment, and the clean and green Brand for Tasmania’s agricultural products.”

“The possibility that farmers are unwittingly spraying chemical laden water onto crops is a big worry for those Tasmanians who believe that our Brand needs to be genuine and protected.”

“In the case of the contamination in the Meander River of MCPA, a chemical herbicide, it will end up in the West Tamar water supply with the risk that consumers are drinking it. That is a major concern for the Tasmanian Greens,” Mr Morris said.

• Earlier on Tasmanian Times: Studies link low IQ to pre-natal pesticide exposure (includes summary of pesticide detections in Tasmania)