In reply to Hon. M.J. ELLIOTT (13 August).
  The Hon. DIANA LAIDLAW: The Minister for Environment and Heritage has provided the following information.
 Mining commenced at Brukunga in 1952, and the mine was closed in 1972, with maintenance continuing for another one to two years. The Government assumed responsibility for the mine in 1976, under the authority of the then Minister for Mines and Energy, Hon. D.J. Hopgood. At the time, the Government was paid $75 000 by the companies concerned in full and final settlement and in so doing, discharged any future obligations.
 The approximate cost to Government as a result of the pollution problems at the mine is approximately $600 000 per annum.
 Recent analysis undertaken as part of a water quality monitoring program, at the Old Mount Barker mine site showed that heavy metal concentrations, in particular cadmium, were above national guidelines.
 Based on this information the EPA requested PIRSA, the department now responsible for the site, to place signs along Dawesley creek as well as send notices to land owners informing them that the water in the creek is polluted and unsuitable for drinking, recreation, stock watering and irrigation.
 It is known that long-term exposure (through ingestion) to high cadmium levels in humans can cause kidney dysfunction. Other effects, such as osteomalacia (softening of the bones), can occur but at much higher cadmium exposure levels. There is no evidence that cadmium causes cancer when ingested.
 Food and water can contribute to overall cadmium intake, with food being the major contributor. It is important to reduce the overall intake of cadmium from all sources, particularly food.
 There is no evidence that people living in the vicinity of Dawesley creek are suffering from cadmium related illnesses and therefore at this time there is no reason to investigate whether or not cadmium levels have been elevated in people living in the near vicinity of Dawesley Creek. It is also worth pointing out that residents near the creek are unlikely to be drinking from it, and they certainly would not since signage was erected.
 PIRSA has established a task force to address the immediate issues relating to pollution in the creek and the possible long term rehabilitation of the site. The task force will comprise of representa-tives from the Environment Protection Agency, Health Commission, and PIRSA. Additionally, PIRSA will continue to liaise with land care and Local Government on this issue.
 
 

 
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