PORT STANVAC REFINERY

In reply to Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (25 September 2007).

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations): I am advised that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed that Mobil has provided two reports to date, which were received in February and August 2007.

The EPA has advised that Mobil reports that progress has been achieved against all four key remediation programs:

Foreshore/wharf area (delineation of groundwater plume and remediation as necessary of contaminated soil/sand)—extensive drilling and sampling in this area to delineate any impacted areas;

Re-commissioning of an existing bioremediation system—sampling and analysis of existing soil stockpiles has been undertaken and the results reviewed in conjunction with the team from the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE);

Research into in-situ treatment of soils and degradation factors—at the time of reporting, preliminary work to identify potential locations for trials had been undertaken, in conjunction with the CRC CARE team; and

Wastewater treatment system—work has been completed.

However, the EPA has written to Mobil raising several queries regarding the latest report, which the EPA wishes to discuss further with Mobil. The Government is presently awaiting Mobil’s response.

The Desalination Working Group is considering a number of possible sites for a desalination plant, one of which is Port Stanvac. Any decision as to whether to approach ExxonMobil regarding Port Stanvac will depend on the outcome of the current investigations.