The Director of Public Health Dr Roscoe Taylor said today he has not yet been provided with a copy of the new test results and research which are the subject of a two part series on the ABC’s Australian Story.
“I have not personally seen the test results and research, however it’s important that I am provided with a copy as soon as possible so the results can be evaluated by appropriate authorities.
Dr Taylor outlined again the steps that had been taken to investigate concerns raised about water quality in George’s River since 2004.
“When concerns were first raised in 2004 our investigations were unable to confirm any unusual rates of illness or cancers in the area. The principal focus of the concerns raised at that time was pesticide contamination.
“Investigations included assessment of a group of Dr Bleaney’s cases with neurological problems by Professor Malcolm Sim of Monash University, who advised that there was no pattern or commonality to the range of neurological conditions examined, and it was his opinion that there was no suggestion or likelihood of any toxicological cause.
“A copy of this report and other material was provided to Dr Bleaney.
“We also sought advice from the CRC for Water Quality and Treatment in South Australia on the public health relevance of the toxicity testing reported by Bleaney.
“ I was advised that the toxicity testing of highly concentrated surface scum could not be related to the water that people actually drank, which is taken from offtake points at least one metre below the surface.
“In addition, testing of that water column by the Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Water and Environment at that time was not shown to be toxic.
“That the surface scum itself is likely to be toxic is certainly not in contention for my part, and I understand that such toxicity has also been demonstrated by DPIPWE from sources upstream of any forestry or agricultural activity.
“A summary of our investigations and conclusions in 2005 is contained in a letter to Break O’Day Council, which also discusses the relevance of surface scum testing to drinking water.
“Since that time we have continued to monitor cancer rates in the area as a precaution. To date there have been no issues identified.
“Regular water monitoring has also occurred for pesticides by DPIPWE.
“We will look at the Australian Story show with interest and if new scientific information emerges regarding potential community exposures it will be thoroughly investigated,” Dr Taylor said.
A copy of the letter to Break O’Day Council and other material relating to the public health investigation can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website www.dhhs.tas.gov.au
Dr Roscoe Taylor Director of Public Health
