RADIOACTIVE WASTE

In reply to Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (2 July 2008) (Estimates Committee B).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management): I am advised that:

The EPA conducted a major audit of radioactive waste during its audit of radioactive material completed in 2003. The audit revealed 134 sites where radioactive material was used or stored, of which 80 contained radioactive waste.

Since the major audit of radioactive material, the EPA has conducted two audits of radioactive waste that may be destined for the interim store or repository. These audits were conducted in 2005 and 2007.

In addition to these audits the EPA has inspected radioactive waste storage during the course of its routine inspections, targeted inspections of security of higher activity waste radioactive sources, and regular visits to uranium mine sites.