fires on a community in circumstances similar to the Hazelwood mine fire.8 However, the greatest risk to public health from the Hazelwood mine fire was from fine smoke particles.9 In this regard, the risk was similar to risks well known from bushfire smoke. When evaluating air quality generally, there are three major pollutant categories to consider: particulate matter – PM10 and PM2.5 gases – carbon monoxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide air toxins – volatile organic compounds and metals.10 The Hazelwood mine fire produced pollutants from these three major categories, including the following: carbon monoxide particulate matter sulphur dioxide nitrogen dioxide volatile organic compounds ozone polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons dioxins and furans metals (magnesium, manganese, mercury and zinc).11
(NO2) (maximum 1 year 0.03 ppm year none oxidants Ozone (O3) (maximum 1 hour 4 hours 8 hours 8 hours 0.10 ppm 0.08 ppm 0.05 ppm 0.08 ppm 1 day a year 1 day a year 3 days a year none Sulphur dioxide (SO2) (maximum 1 hour 1 day 1 year 0.20 ppm 0.08 ppm 0.02 ppm 1 day a year 1 day a year none Lead (maximum 1 year 0.50 μg/m3 none
Life expectancy (male) 75.7 years 79.6 years Life expectancy (female) 81.5 years 84.3 years DALY (male) 169.8 143 DALY (female) 138 129.1 YLD (male) 80.2 71.7 YLD (female) 80.7 71.4 Emergency department presentations per 1,000 population 328.7 226.8 Mental health contacts per 1,000 population 513.4 353.1 Community health occasions of service per 397.4 105.1
1,000 population SEIFA (IRSED) rank 6 GP’s per 1,000 population 1.3 1.5 Unemployment rate 6.5% 5.4% Percentage of individuals with income less than $400 per week 45.2% 39.9% Median household income $942 $1,216 DALY – Disability adjusted life year combines a measurement of premature mortality and disability. A high DALY rate indicates poor health status of a population. A low DALY rate reflects better health. YLD – Years lived with a disability includes what is disabling people or causing ill health. A high YLD indicates poor health status of the population. A low YLD rate reflects better health.
Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 31 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 40 Exhibit 39 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, para. 23 Exhibit 39 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, pp. 10-11 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 40 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 11 Adapted from Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 17 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 17 Department of the Environment 2005, Air quality fact sheet Carbon Monoxide, DE Parkes, viewed 7 July 2014, Campbell T1230:13-21 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 40 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 42 United States Environmental Protection Agency 2013, Particulate Matter – Basics, US EPA, Washington DC viewed 21 July 2014, United
States of America Department of Energy, n.d., DOE Supports Air Quality Studies to Assess Airborne Fine Particle Levels, USDOE, viewed 21 July 2014 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 44 Campbell T1230:13 – T1231:3 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, pp. 23-26 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 75 Lester T1134:19-20; T1138:8-9 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, p. 3 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 41 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, paras. 89-92; Exhibit 39 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, table 3; Exhibit 38 – Statement of Paul Torre, para. 12 United States Environmental Protection Agency n.d., Nitrogen Dioxide factsheet, US EPA, Washington DC, viewed 8 July 2014, Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, paras. 83-87; Exhibit 39 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, table 3; Exhibit 38 – Statement of Paul Torre, para. 13
Following the very poor air quality on the weekend of 15 February 2014 and 16 February 2014, a community meeting was held at Kernot Hall, Morwell on 18 February 2014. At this meeting the community expressed anger and some members of the community felt that the meeting was not well managed.49 In her evidence to the Board, Ms Merita Tabain, Chair of the Emergency Management Joint Public Information Committee (EMJPIC), stated that there were not enough government representatives present who were senior enough to give a definitive answer.50 Mr Lapsley advised the Board that this meeting ‘was a turning point and highlighted to the emergency management agencies the depth of concern within the Morwell community about the mine fire and the potential effects of the smoke.’51 The Morwell Neighbourhood House also commenced community meetings to provide the local community with up-to-date information about the fire.52 Mr Pole stated to the Board that on 18 February 2014, DEECD commenced planning the possible relocation of schools and children’s services (early learning centres, kindergartens and outside school hours care programs) following communication with Dr Lester.53 DEECD informed Dr Lester that a report had been received from a children’s service of children exhibiting hyperactivity, headaches, flushed faces and longer sleep times. Dr Lester advised that the symptoms were consistent with smoke exposure and that schools and children’s services south of Commercial Road (nearest to the mine) should be temporarily relocated out of the smoke.54 The same
consider the potential health impacts of the mine fire on heart and lung disease, cancers, mental health and birth weight of babies.83 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 17 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 20 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 30 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 21 Wilson T1934:21– 28 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, paras 8 & 32 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 9; Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 3 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 8 Environment Protection Authority Victoria 2014 , February 2014 News and Updates, EPA, Melbourne, viewed 21 July 2014, Exhibit 26 – Supplementary statement of Craig Lapsley, para. 14 Exhibit 30 – Statement of Tracie Lund, para. 26 Exhibit 30 – Statement of Tracie Lund, para. 11
Lapsley T52:9-12; Exhibit 3 – Situation report for the State Control Centre for 12 February 2014, p. 3 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 82 Pole T903:25-31 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, paras 12-14 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, paras 9 & 13 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 122; Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, paras 54 & 58; Lester T1163:4-22; T1217:15 – T1218:15 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, paras 18,19 & 22 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 41 Lester T1125:25-28 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 71 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 18 (DOH.0001.001.0011) Exhibit 1 – Statement of Craig Lapsley, para. 128 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, paras 23 & 30
Exhibit 26 – Supplementary statement of Craig Lapsley, para. 19 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 7 Exhibit 21 – Statement of Costa Katsikis, para. 20 Katsikis T539:14-19 Exhibit 21 – Statement of Costa Katsikis, para. 20 Lester T1152:4-28 Exhibit 54 – Statement of Brooke Burke, para. 22 Lester 1152:4-28 Lester T1154:10-13 Exhibit 18 – Statement of Simon Bloink, para. 19 Exhibit 54 – Statement of Brooke Burke, para. 26 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 49 Exhibit 38 – Statement of Paul Torre, para. 36; Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, paras 55 & 56 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 18 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 122 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 132 Torre T974:24 – T975:6
Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 40 Torre T976:14-17 Exhibit 21 – Statement of Costa Katsikis, para. 26 Exhibit 47 – Email from Vikki Lynch dated 16 February 2014 Lester T1162:13-23; Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 18 (DOH.0001.001.0009) Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, paras 40.4 & 71(c) Exhibit 71 – Statement of Robert Jackman, para. 12 Exhibit 53 – Statement of Merita Tabain, para. 111 Exhibit 1 – Statement of Craig Lapsley, paras 165 & 166 Exhibit 30 – Statement of Tracie Lund, paras 15 & 19 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 51 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 87; attachment 45 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, paras 96 & 97 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 49
Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 71(d) Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 80 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 22-25 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 53 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 14 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 10 Mitchell T1433:31 – T1434:21; T1434:25 – T1435:5 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 87; Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, paras 80 & 81 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 125 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 93 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 58 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 39 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 59 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, paras 92-95
Figure 4.15 EPA testing and monitoring sites, February – March 2014 24 Site name Address Type Morwell East AMS* (Air Monitoring Station) 70 Hourigan Road, Morwell Air Morwell South AMS* 52 Hazelwood Road, Morwell Air Churchill Federation University, Churchill Air Kernot Hall 80 Princes Drive, Morwell Air Traralgon AMS* 130 Kaye Street, Traralgon Air St Luke's Uniting Church 281 Princes Drive, Morwell Air Moe 46–48 Albert Street, Moe Air Kindergarten 14 Maryvale Crescent, Morwell Air Morwell Bowling Club 52 Hazelwood Road, CO
Morwell The Morwell Club 136 Helen Street, Morwell CO Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Maryvale Crescent, Morwell CO Sacred Heart Primary School Cnr Elgin and Wilson Streets, Morwell CO Commercial Road 250 Commercial Road, Morwell CO Woolum Bellum Koorie P–12 School Cnr Hoyle Avenue and Harold Street, Morwell CO Morwell Park Primary School Cnr Vary and Bolger Streets, Morwell CO Latrobe Regional Hospital Princes Freeway, Traralgon West CO Morwell Police Station 14 Hazelwood Road, Morwell CO Farnham Court Motel Monash Way/Princes Drive, Morwell CO
Brickworks Briquette Factory, Ridge Road, Morwell CO Churchill Police Station 6 Switchback Road, Churchill CO Morwell Fire Station Cnr Spry Street and McDonald Road, Morwell CO Morwell Hotel Cnr Vincent and Princes Streets, Morwell CO Latrobe Street Cnr Latrobe/Wagner Streets, Morwell CO 12 Wallace Street, Morwell 12 Wallace Street, Morwell CO 59 Hazelwood Road, Morwell 59 Hazelwood Road, Morwell CO Morwell East AMS 70 Hourigan Road, Morwell Soil & Ash 11 Willis Crescent, Morwell 11 Willis Crescent, Morwell Soil & Ash Traralgon Golf Princes Freeway, Soil &
Course Traralgon Ash Lake Narracan South Boat Ramp Sullivan's Road, Yallourn Soil & Ash Latrobe River at Thoms Bridge Tanjil East Road, Maryvale Soil & Ash Club Astoria (German Club) Cnr Elgin Street and Maryvale Crescent, Morwell Soil & Ash Morwell Football Club 11 Aherin Street, Morwell Soil & Ash 34 Wallace Street 34 Wallace Street, Morwell Soil & Ash Morwell Bowling Club 52 Hazelwood Road, Morwell Soil & Ash 7 Davey Street, Morwell 7 Davey Street, Morwell Soil & Ash CFA car park 26 MacDonald Street, Morwell Soil & Ash Keegan Street Reserve, Morwell Keegan Street Reserve, Morwell Soil & Ash
11 Willis Crescent, Morwell 11 Willis Crescent, Morwell Water Traralgon Golf Course Princes Freeway, Traralgon Water Lake Narracan South Boat Ramp Sullivan's Road, Yallourn Water Latrobe River at Thoms Bridge Tanjil East Road, Maryvale Water *Represents permanent / fire-monitoring station CO = Carbon monoxide u/s = upstream d/s = downstream AIR MONITORING DURING THE HAZELWOOD MINE FIRE AIR MONITORING LOCATIONS Figure 4.16 demonstrates the location of air monitoring sites during the Hazelwood mine fire. Figure 4.16 Latrobe Valley monitoring sites – air25
Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 18 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 21 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 21 Environment Protection Act 1970 (Vic), s. 13(1)(k) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 58 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 19 Environment Protection Authority 2014, EPA Ambient Air Monitoring Stations, EPA, Melbourne, viewed 9 July 2014, Exhibit 40 – Supplementary expert report of Claire Richardson, paras 29 & 30 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 73 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 73 Torre T989:28 – T990:14 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, paras Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 128-133; Written submission of the Latrobe City Council, attachments 2 & 3 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 128-133; Written submission of the Latrobe City Council, attachments 2 & 3 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 89 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 9 88
Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 24 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, paras 17 & 113 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 9 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 203 Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, environmental sampling around Morwell, p. 2 Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, environmental sampling around Morwell, pp. 1-2 Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, environmental sampling around Morwell, p. 3 Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, environmental sampling around Morwell, p. 4 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, Appendix Two Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e – air quality monitoring report (draft) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 114; Appendix Two Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e – air quality monitoring report (draft)
Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, Appendix Two Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e – air quality monitoring report (draft) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, Appendix Two Torre T958:22-28 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, Appendix Two Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e – air quality monitoring report (draft), p.5 Exhibit 36 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, pp.10 & 11 Torre T974:24-30 Exhibit 37 – California Guide for Public Health Offi p. 24 Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e – air quality monitoring report (draft), p. Exhibit 41 – Joint report of Claire Richardson and Paul Torre, para. (d) Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e – air quality monitoring report (draft), p. 5
Exhibit 41 – Joint report of Claire Richardson and Paul Torre, para. (b) Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 4 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, para. 5 Exhibit 38 – Second statement of Paul Torre, paras 16-17 Torre T967:31 – T968:2 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 174 Exhibit 41 – Joint report of Claire Richardson and Paul Torre, para. (e) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(a) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(g) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(h) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(b) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(c) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(d) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 154(e)
Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 147; Detailed soil samples can be found at Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 151 attachment, Soil and Ash Results and Graphs (EPA.007.002.0183) Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 156 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 139 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 149 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, paras 158 & 159 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 150; Detailed ash results can be found at Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 151 attachment, Soil and Ash Results and Graphs (EPA.007.002.0183) Adapted from Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 150 Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, environmental sampling around Morwell, p. 4 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 142 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 145 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt para. 139 Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 155 Detailed results of water testing can be found at Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, para. 151
Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 54 Exhibit 37 – California Guide for Public Health Offi Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, p. 24 Exhibit 42 – Statement of Ray Whittaker, para. 19 Written submission of Elaine Quirk Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, p. 23 Lester T1139:28 – T1140:2 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 71(c) Burke T1373:2 – T1374:16 Wilson T1942:30-31 Community consultation, Kernot Hall, Morwell, 10 April 2014, 12.30 pm Campbell T1138:25 – T1139:5 Exhibit 37 – California Guide for Public Health Offi Exhibit 37 – California Guide for Public Health Offi pp. 10 & 11 Lester T1138:21 – T1139:9 Lester T1140:12-17
Lester T1140:12-17 Written submission of the Victorian Council of Social Services Lester T1139:10-14 Lester T1139:15-27 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 54 Campbell T1227:9-30 Campbell T1127:9-30 Lester T1140:18-26 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, para. 56 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, paras 63-69 Brook T1084:20 – T1085:12 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, attachment 4, pp. 4 & 5 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, attachment 4, pp. 6 & 7 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, attachment 4, pp. 7-9 Wilson T1940:9-19 Department of Health 2012, Local Government Area Profi Latrobe City, DOH, Melbourne, viewed 21 July 2014,
Adapted from Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, attachment 4, p. 8 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, attachment 4, pp. 15-18 Adapted from Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, attachment 4, p. 17 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, para. 22 Lester T1206:4-15 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, para. 10 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 32.4 Campbell T1233:27 – T1234:14 Lester T1136:19 – T1137:8 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 39 Exhibit 39 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, para. 40 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 39 Lester T1146:9-17 Exhibit 39 – Expert report of Claire Richardson, para. 40
Campbell T1243:1-22 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 33 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 36 Brook T1109:23 – T1110:2 Exhibit 48 – Expert report of Donald Campbell, p. 24 Campbell T1232:11-31 Exhibit 38 – Statement of Paul Torre, para. 9 Lester T1127:13-23 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 58 Lester T1218:13-21 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 87; Exhibit 98 – letter from VGSO dated 13 June 2014 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, attachment 45 Campbell T1228:26 – T1229:9 When people with asthma inhale irritants into their airways, they may experience symptoms similar to those for asthma, such as shortness of breath and a wheeze. This is known as reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS).
HIGH – all 66 to 155 176 to 300 < 10km & > 5km HIGH Very – all 156 to 310 301 to 500 < 5km & > 1km HIGH >310 >500 < 1km Figure 4.49 Bushfire cautionary advice and actions33 level Air (AQ) visible from home Potential health effects Cautionary health advice No Good > 20km or more Meets the relevant air quality standard None us me
< 1km Less than 1km Increased likelihood of effects for people with lung or heart elderly or children General People with heart or lung conditions, children and older adults should remain indoors and keep activity levels as low as possible Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors Mr John Merritt, the former Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, advised the Board that:
Figure 4.51 Health protection air levels according to AEGL-2 Health protection air level for carbon monoxide (ppm) Average period for monitoring against the health protection level for carbon monoxide AEGL–2 levels for carbon monoxide: 420 ppm 150 ppm 83 ppm 33 ppm 27 ppm Averaged over: 10 minutes 30 minutes 1 hour 4 hours 8 hours The Department of Health used the levels indicated in Figure 4.51 above to develop the Carbon Monoxide Response Protocol. The Department of Health then applied a further level of conservatism by lowering the standard for one hour exposure from 83 ppm to 70 ppm.79 The Carbon Monoxide Response Protocol provides that if the one hour average value of 70 ppm carbon monoxide is reached, or if the four hour average value of 33 ppm carbon monoxide may be reached, or if the eight hour average of 27 ppm carbon monoxide may be reached, then:
Latrobe City Council was the contact point for the scheme. Mr John Mitchell, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Latrobe City Council, told the Board that there was some confusion about the execution of the scheme when it was initially announced as details about the scheme were still being finalised.118 TEMPORARY RELOCATION ADVICE ELEVATED LEVELS OF PM 2.5 In addition to elevated carbon monoxide levels during periods of the mine fire, the community was also exposed to elevated levels of PM2.5. Dr Lester told the Board that the longer the duration of exposure to PM2.5, the greater the risk. Figure 4.55 Validated and indicative PM2.5 levels for Morwell and Traralgon from 9 February 2014 – 31 March 2014 (daily averages)120 Figure 4.55 adapted from an EPA graph shows indicative data and validated data for PM2.5 levels in February and March 2014, in the area around the Hazelwood mine fire. The dotted lines represent indicative data and the solid lines represent validated data. The Figure demonstrates that there were three key peaks of elevated PM2.5 readings, particularly at the monitoring station at the Morwell Bowling Club (South). The peak periods were from 15–18 February 2014, 21–25 February 2014 and 26–28 February 2014. As detailed in Chapter 4.3 Environmental effects and response, the peak hourly reading of
– likelihood of effects for people with lung or heart elderly, and children likelihood of in the general Sensitive groups: People with heart or lung conditions, children 5 years and younger, pregnant women and people over 65 years should temporarily relocate to a friend or relative living outside the area. If this is not possible, remain indoors and keep activity levels as low as possible Consider closing some or all schools until air quality improves Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Healthy people with us
– Serious likelihood of effects for people with lung of heart elderly, pregnant women and children in the general Cautionary health advice/actions the same as for above except for sensitive groups Sensitive groups: If the 24 hour rolling average PM2.5 values remain in this category for two days and are predicted to continue at this level or increase: People with heart or lung conditions, children 5 years and younger, pregnant women and people over 65 years are strongly recommended to temporarily relocate until there is sustained improvement in air
Figure 4.58 Summary of PM2.5 response procedure between Department of Health and EPA 13 Days of exposure to air Action points T=24 hours T=36 hours T=48 hours Notification and updates EPA notifies DH on-call Officer if PM2.5 (24 hour rolling average value) is > 250 μg/m3 EPA updates DH (see below) EPA updates DH (see below)
Monitoring and EPA provides DH with: the last 12 hrs of PM 2.5 rolling average values qualitative prediction of change in smoke intensity over the next 12 hours EPA provides DH with: the last 12 hrs of PM 2.5 rolling average values qualitative prediction of change in smoke intensity over the next 12 hours
Decision No activation of DH Health Risk Assessment (HRA) Team if: the 12th hour 24 rolling average value (which represents 36 hours of community exposure) for PM2.5 is < 250 μg/m3 and the smoke intensity is predicted to decrease OR Alert DH HRA Team and continue assessment of No activation of DH Health Risk Assesment (HRA) Team if: the 12th hour 24 rolling average value (which represents 48 hours of community exposure) for PM2.5 is < 250 μg/m3 and the smoke intensity is predicted to decrease OR Activate DH HRA Team if PM2.5 (rolling 24 hour average) is
Chief Health Officer – subsequent advice/ actions The issue of further advice by the Chief Health Officer involves factors in addition to an in air quality: fire suppression status, plume predictions, weather outlook information etc. Any advice from the Chief Health Officer will therefore be made in consultation with the Fire Services
Ms Brooke Burke, Morwell Business Owner, expressed some of the difficulties faced by small business employers. She told the Board that she had difficulty obtaining information about whether or not it was safe to keep the studio open during the fire, but found ‘it was very hard to find someone that could tell us if we were or weren’t [safe to open]. Obviously not being a Government agency, we didn’t have anyone in direct contact with us as to whether the building was safe to be in.’206 Ms Burke attempted to contact the Latrobe City Council to ask if there was someone to speak to about what local business should do. She was told that there was no one appointed at the time to assist local businesses.207
Exhibit 24 – Statement of Brooke Burke, para. 22 Exhibit 1 – Statement of Craig Lapsley, para. 162 Exhibit 1 – Statement of Craig Lapsley, para. 162 Lester T1152:4-24 Lester T1152:25-31 (Response provided 2 July 2014) Lester T1152:13-24 Lester T1154:10-13 Exhibit 18 – Statement of Simon Bloink, para.19 Exhibit 18 – Statement of Simon Bloink, para. 19; Exhibit 24 – Statement of Brooke Burke, para. 26 Exhibit 21 – Statement of Costa Katsikis, paras 25 & 26 Exhibit 21 – Statement of Costa Katsikis, para. 27 Exhibit 21 – Statement of Costa Katsikis, paras 28 & 29 Lester T1156:6-16 Torre T982:3 – T983:8 Exhibit 47 – Email from Vikki Lynch dated 16 February 2014 Lester T1160:26 – T1161:25 Torre T1017:26 – T1018:15
Exhibit 32 – Statement of John Merritt, appendix 3 (EPA.0007.007.0005) Campbell T1246:2 – T1247:11 Lester T1187:4-15 Merritt T847:26-28 Torre T990:22-24 Third written submission of the Victorian Government, 23 June 2014, para. 56 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 131 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 10.22 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 131 Community consultation, Morwell Bowling Club, 16 April 2014, 7 am Community consultation, Federation University Auditorium, Churchill, 11 April 2014, 1.30 pm; Community consultation, Kernot Hall, Morwell, 10 April 2014, 12.30 pm Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, paras 63 & 64 Brook T1086:2-29 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, paras 65-67 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, para. 68
Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 70 Adapted from Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 16, p. 10 Community consultation, Kernot Hall, Morwell, 15 April 2014, 7 pm Written submission of the Victorian Council of Social Service, p. 16 Written submission of Julia Browell Exhibit 71 – Statement of Robert Jackman, para. 22 Roundtable with Latrobe Valley General Practitioners, 20 Hazelwood Road, Morwell, 7 May 2014 Exhibit 44 – Statement of Christopher Brook, para. 84 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 18 (DOH.0001.002.0019) Written submission of Antony John Tabain T1423:2-27 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 134 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 18 (DOH.0005.0003.0010) Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 18 (DOH.0005.0003.0010)
Community consultation, Morwell Club, 8 May 2014, 7 am Lund T768:1-25 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 115 Lester T1144:31 – T1145:20 Adapted from Exhibit 85 – Material provided by the EPA, Hazelwood coal mine fi e - air quality monitoring report (draft) Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 65 Exhibit 47 – Email from Vikki Lynch dated 16 February 2014 Adapted from Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 65 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 14 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 63 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 63 Adapted from Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 11, pp. 5 & 6 Lester T1172:23-25 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 11
Adapted from Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 11 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 12 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 12, para. 2.1.3 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 12, para. 2.1.3 Richardson T1033:23-27 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 13 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 13 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 13 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 13 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, attachment 13 Torre T991:27-31 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 84 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 85 Exhibit 46 – Statement of Rosemary Lester, para. 86
Community consultation, Kernot Hall, Morwell, 10 April 2014, 12.30 pm Mitchell T1428:21-30 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 17 & 18 Mitchell T1429:6-11 Mitchell T1430:7-24 Mitchell T1431:10-22 Mitchell T1431:23 – T1432:4 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 22-24 Mitchell T1432:28 – T1433:7 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 36 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, paras 12 & 13 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 14 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 49 Pole T907:19-22 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 82 177. Pole T904:1-8; T908:2-7 178. Pole T904:18-23 179. Pole T904:29 – T905:14 180. Pole T906:3-14
Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 86 Exhibit 98 – letter from VGSO dated 13 June 2014; Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 87 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, attachment 45 Pole T911:31 – T912:4 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 51 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 97 Pole T924:26 – T930:2 Exhibit 98 – Letter from VGSO dated 13 June 2014 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, attachment 46 Pole T927:28 – T928:4 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 53 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, paras 52 & 53 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 60 194. Pole T920:24 – T921:2 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, attachment 16 Exhibit 36 – Statement of Nicholas Pole, para. 59 Exhibit 70 – Statement of Leonard Neist, attachment 2
Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 16 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 20 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 12 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, paras 23-25 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, attachment 8 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 32 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 61 & 62 Mitchell T1444:24 – T1445:6 Mitchell T1445:20-27 Hall T1485:1-15 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 28 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 39 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, paras 72 & 73 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 78 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 78 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.69 Hall T1497:29 – T1498:25 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.70
Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.69 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.70 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.71 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.75 Exhibit 55 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 91 Exhibit 55 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. Exhibit 55 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 87 Hall T1490:3-16 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 108 Community consultation, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon, 16 April 2014, 11 am; Community consultation, Kernot Hall, Morwell, 15 April 2014, 7 pm Written submission of Kylie Stockdale Written submission of Kylie Stockdale Written submission of Rosemary Wigg Written submission of Rosemary Wigg Written submission of Maria Marino Lund T767:22-31 Hall T1497:6-17
Written submission of Jennifer Barfoot Exhibit 42 – Statement of Ray Whittaker, para. 21 Exhibit 57 – Statement of Karen Andrew, para. 36 Exhibit 43 – Statement of Vicki Hamilton, para. 14(c) 43. Hall T1505:19-27 Second written submission of the Victorian Government, 18 June 2014, para. 8.9 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, attachment 9 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, paras 43-45 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 40 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 41 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 43 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, paras 57 & 58 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 59 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 59 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, paras 11.82 & 11.83 Exhibit 87 – Statement of Lisa Wilson, para. 33 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, annexure JM-2, p. 9 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.99
Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.103 Written submission of the Victorian Government, 22 May 2014, para. 11.100 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 142 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 150 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, para. 144 Exhibit 56 – Statement of Alan Hall, paras 145 & 146 Third written submission of the Victorian Government, 23 June 2014, para. 116 Exhibit 71 – Statement of Robert Jackman, para. 26 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 139 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 140-144 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, para. 145 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, paras 147 & 148 Exhibit 55 – Statement of John Mitchell, annexure JM-2 Exhibit 87 – Statement of Lisa Wilson, para. 35 Exhibit 42 – Statement of Ray Whittaker, para. 24