Fear on station

ALCOA’S Anglesea power station outstrips Victoria’s Hazelwood generator in two key air quality measures, a secret report has revealed.
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber said the report showed Alcoa’s station emitted 300 to 1000 times more particularates and sulphur dioxide than Hazlewood despite being a fraction of its size.
“The mine should close,” Mr Barber said.
Anglesea’s Dr Cameron Shaw said immediate action was needed on the “significant health risk”, especially for children.
An Alcoa spokesperson said Independent consultants prepared the report in September 2008 at Alcoa’s request.
“The assessment is currently being updated using new data from both the power station and the mine and Alcoa has committed to making the final report publicly available when it is complete, estimated to be in April 2013.
“Alcoa continually monitors ambient sulphur dioxide levels in Anglesea and the results of this monitoring have been reported publicly for at least 10 years.”
The spokesperson said Anglesea residents were safe because excessive sulphur dioxide levels were only likely in unpopulated areas of the town.