Nearly a year ago BHPbilliton killed about 14 native trees and caused other environmental damage when the Kwinana Nickel Refinery line to the Baldivis ponds ruptured.
Since then we have frequently asked BHP for a copy of the report on the incident. BHP simply ignored our requests until early June when I brought the issue up again at a EIP meeting, BHP then promised we would have an answer in writing by the end of June. Finally on 30th July I received a response in writing - trouble is that response doesn't really say a lot but it seems BHP is not going to release this report to us.
It is hard to swallow BHPbillitons claims in its company charter and as used in its public advertising:
"We have an overriding commitment to health, safety, environmental responsibility and sustainable development - To earn the trust of the community we must be forthright in our communications and consistently deliver on commitments - We are successful when the communities in which we operate value out citizenship".
The Kwinana Nickel Refinery has long operated as a secret service, even when it was previously owned by WMC I recall another refusal to release a report on the mass arsenic contamination in groundwater under the refinery, in the end the story of refusal to release the report hit the West Australian and the report was made public:
Just what does BHPbilliton have to hide?
What ever happened to 'community right to know?
5 comments:
Steve, presumedly due to the length of time BHP have taken, they are under the miss guided apprehension they're in the clear.They have given little consideration if any to the environmental concerns held by communities.
As for their words, they have proven to be nothing but hot air. Have they any idea of what accountability means? "An over-riding commitment to health, safty, environmental responsibility and sustainable development".(from charter & it's public advertising)Are they aware of the consequences of false advertising? They need a lesson in openess and honesty.
I have to agree that if they have nothing to hide, why attempt to cover up reports?
Obviously there is a great deal to hide. If there wasnt something of disgrace to this company in the report it would be in the hands of the community. That says it all.....or does it ????
Hi there Steve
Whatever the answer from BHP Billiton, rest assured those answers will be meticulously contrived.
Earlier this year, it was reported that an official response from BHP Billiton failed to answer crucial questions about a new mining project in the Phillipines, which could threaten people and the environment.
A report shows that mining is causing large-scale ruin of island environments and livelihoods, particularly undermining food production and sustainability.
And no marks for guessing who’s on the list for the top carbon emitters in South Africa.
It appears that the plundering of the lands of poor nations by this grim reaper is disregarded by collusive governments and the plundering and misery continues.
Congo
http://www.cafod.org.uk/news/bhp-answers-2009-02-26
http://www.eccr.org.uk/module-htmlpages-display-pid-52.html
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/villagers-sue-bhp-billiton-for-5bn/2007/01/19/1169095978975.html
Why has there been so many pipe line leaks and so many pipe lines replaced ?. Why was a pipe line unused for for over ten years, need to be used again, when the refinery(KNR) was shut-down, due to the Varunus gas explosion ?.Why was it not pressure tested ?.Why was the leak undetected for over 24 hours and then it was reported by a train driver ?. Why the problem with the gypsum levels ?.
So many questions to answer so many to cover ups.
TYKE
Perhaps from now on BHP should be referred to the BAD Australian and not the Big Australian.
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