Power station toxics threat to water supply ignored

Dr Kaye said: “For the past two years we have been raising the issue of toxic chemicals and salt pouring into the Coxs River from the coal-fired power station near Lithgow.

“Environment Minister Carmel Tebbutt and Energy Minister Ian Macdonald have ignored our questions, preferring to repeat the spin from Delta Electricity, the generator’s owner.

“The Blue Mountains Conservation Society, the local community and the Greens have  been deeply concerned that Wallerawang is undermining the health of the Coxs River, already under stress from current and disused mines and urban development.

“The Rees government has failed to take steps to secure the quality of water in the Coxs River.

“If the river is sterilised, the quality of Sydney’s drinking water will be undermined, increasing the risks of algal blooms.

“Minister Tebbutt should immediately crack down on Wallerawang.

“Enforcing the existing licensing conditions would be a good start but much more is needed.

“The Rees government should begin a thorough review of the future of one of NSW’s older power stations.

“The licence should be tightened and the sources of arsenic, copper, fluoride and salt entering the Cox River should be identified and minimised.

“Carmel Tebbutt needs to get tough on Delta.

“She has to be prepared to take on Energy Minister Ian Macdonald and override his on-going defence of the power station owners,” Dr Kaye said.

For more information:            John Kaye 0407 195 455