Earlier this week, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) released two technical environmental monitoring reports to the community.
In response to community feedback we wish to clarify the purpose, scope and findings of these reports.
EPA’s Hazelwood recovery environmental monitoring program was established to determine if there were any ongoing impacts on the quality of the air, water and soil in Latrobe Valley due to the mine fire.
Overall, the results in the reports show that there have been no ongoing changes to air, water and soil quality in the Latrobe Valley due to the incident.
Neither the monitoring program nor the reports were designed to assess the health impacts and outcomes that may or may not have occurred as a result of the fire. The reports are not intended as a statement on human health issues or wellbeing.
The State Government has reopened the Hazelwood Mine Fire inquiry to examine the health impacts on the Latrobe Valley community resulting from the fire.
As part of this inquiry, Monash University has been appointed to lead a long-term health study, of at least 20 years duration, into the potential health impacts of exposure to emissions from the fire.
EPA’s technical environmental monitoring reports will contribute vital information to the community’s complete understanding of how the devastating mine fire event impacted the Latrobe Valley.
Nial Finegan
Chief Executive Officer
Environment Protection Authority Victoria