18 April, 2012
Radioactive waste uncovered by workers on Pacific Highway
Reports that radioactive waste has been uncovered by workers on the Pacific Highway near Port Macquarie must be heeded as a clear warning to the NSW Government about the very real risks posed by radioactive materials.
Five workers at the site displayed symptoms of nausea, sore throat, dry mouth and vomiting after unearthing the material.
The radioactive waste was buried near the highway after a truck carrying radioactive material from the Lucas Heights nuclear facility crashed on the highway in 1980.
“This incident must be heeded as a stark reminder of the risk associated with the production, transport and storage of radioactive materials,” said Pepe Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
“The NSW Government recently opened the door to uranium exploration in New South Wales, overturning a 26 year ban on this dirty, dangerous industry.
“Every ounce of uranium mined in New South Wales will need to leave the state by road, rail or ship, exposing local communities and workers to radioactive risks.
“The NSW Government must commit to a full public inquiry into the risks associated with mining, transporting and storing radioactive materials in our state,” said Mr Clarke.
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Pollution and waste
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