Answers to Questions

Humphrey Pump

In reply to the Hon. J.S. LEE (21 May 2014).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): As the Minister for Water and The River Murray I have received this advice:

1. Until 2012, the pump was operated on four or five occasions each year during scheduled operating days of the Museum.

On 20 May 2012, during the display and operation of the pump at the Cobdogla Steam Museum, a gas leak occurred which resulted in two of the operators being affected and hospitalised overnight for observation.

As a result of this incident and its Work, Health and Safety responsibilities to the public visiting the Museum as well as volunteer operators, SA Water decided that the pump would cease operation.

2. The investigation into the gas leak determined that its root cause was a leaking gas inlet which prevented the pump from starting in the normal manner. Subsequent unsuccessful attempts by the operators to start the pump and the continued leaking of the valve led to an excess of gas building up around the operators.

3. A preliminary assessment conducted by SA Water estimates that expenditure in the order of $75,000 to $100,000 would be required to bring the Humphrey Pump back to an acceptable standard to be operated in the museum four to five times per year. It is unlikely, given ESCOSA's requirement for SA Water to operate efficiently and prudently, that this expenditure would be accepted by ESCOSA as part of SA Water's capital expenditure for the next regulatory period.