Paul Oosting Press Release
Gunns’ proposed pulp mill includes a proposal to burn up to 500,000 tonnes of native forests and waste products from the pulping process in a furnace to generate power. While the mill is unlikely to generate pollution that is as visible as bushfire smoke, the smoke does illustrate that Launceston is downwind of the proposed pulp mill, which will generate emissions constantly.
BELL BAY BUSHFIRE SMOKE ILLUSTRATES PULP-MILL THREAT TO LAUNCESTON’S AIR
Nov 28
Smoke pall shows that pulp mill’s odours, fine particles and gaseous emissions will often be blown over Launceston
The fact that smoke from the Bell Bay bushfire has drifted over Launceston illustrates the threat to Launceston’s air quality from Gunns’ proposed pulp mill, according to the Wilderness Society.
A bushfire has been burning immediately adjacent to the proposed site for the mill. In fact, it is burning at or near the proposed site for infrastructure associated with the pulp mill, including the proposed landfill, quarry and water reservoir.
Smoke from the fire was hanging over Launceston last night.
“Smoke from the Bell Bay bushfire near the site of the proposed pulp mill has blown directly to Launceston. This illustrates that Launceston will often be downwind of emissions, odours and fine particles from the mill,” said Paul Oosting, pulp mill campaigner for The Wilderness Society, speaking from Launceston.
Mr Oosting said that consultants to the RPDC had criticised Gunns’ Integrated Impact Statement (IIS) on issues associated with air pollution, including fine particles and odours.
Gunns’ proposed pulp mill includes a proposal to burn up to 500,000 tonnes of native forests and waste products from the pulping process in a furnace to generate power. While the mill is unlikely to generate pollution that is as visible as bushfire smoke, the smoke does illustrate that Launceston is downwind of the proposed pulp mill, which will generate emissions constantly.
“Gunns’ proposed pulp mill would produce large quantities of emissions, all year round. The smoke over Launceston is a visible reminder adding to concerns raised by the Australian Medical Association that air pollution from Gunns’ proposed pulp mill would exacerbate air-pollution-related diseases and deaths in Launceston,” said Mr Oosting.
“The Tamar Valley is the wrong place for a large-scale pulp mill that will create additional air pollution. Consultants for the RPDC have recognised that the inversion layer which traps pollution in the valley like a lid on a saucepan means the impacts of emissions from the pulp mill could be significant if not properly addressed,” said Mr Oosting
