Radioactive waste in Arkaroola Wilderness now tax-payers’ problem, not Marathon’s
In February of this year, Marathon was paid $5 million in compensation by the State Government over the decision to stop it exploring in the Flinders Ranges.
it is ironic the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is home to a radioactive waste facility.
Radioactive waste being stored in shed in Arkaroola, THE AUSTRALIAN BRYAN LITTLELY with Giuseppe Tauriello From: adelaidenow December 25, 2012 IT’S the nuclear-waste facility that few people know about – 21 barrels of medium- to high-level radioactive material stored in a tin shed in South Australia’s Outback paradise.
The waste is in the heart of Arkaroola, the Outback wilderness sanctuary the State Government hopes will one day be included on the World Heritage list.
The facility, known as Painter Camp, is not registered under the Radiation Protection Act and a management plan for its safe and secure operation is still being developed.
In a revelation likely to outrage environmental groups and anti-nuclear campaigners, responsibility for Painter Camp now lies with the State Government, Continue reading
Australian town powered by solar energy 1981 – 2004
Historic Australian Solar Farm To Become A Museum http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3526 25 Dec 12, Long before the solar power boom in Australia, the White Cliffs Solar Power Station was generating clean electricity for a town.
Located at White Cliffs, New South Wales, which had no grid connection at the time; it was constructed in 1981 by a team from Australian National University.
The solar farm originally featured fourteen three-metre parabolic dishes covered in thousands of mirrors and mounted on heliostatic mountings; which followed the sun throughout the day. Continue reading
A solar model for a nation: community owned solar farm
With over 59 million renters, more than 96 million poorly sited properties and 148 million people for whom cost is a barrier to acquiring a solar power system, community owned solar farms are likely to spring up right across the USA in the years ahead.
Colorado’s 500kW Community-Owned Solar Farm http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3528 25 Dec 12
Clean Energy Collective (CEC) recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for its Colorado Springs Community-Owned Solar Farm.
With a 500 kW capacity and consisting of 2,210 solar panels, the facility currently generates enough to power 100 homes.
Based on a community ownership model, investors are able to participate for as little as $565; which purchases a single 225 watt solar panel at the facility. Participants can build on their holdings at any time or sell all or part of their portfolio whenever they wish. The cost also covers maintenance for 50 years and there are no additional fees or service charges. Continue reading
The growing danger of radiation in imported products
U.S. officials and metal experts say evidence is mounting that radioactive metal from abroad is increasingly — and intentionally — being sent to the United States, sometimes decades after the contaminated material was first detected and returned to its source.
Some experts say the United States bears some blame for the infiltration of tainted metal and products. Even though there is little debate that radiation-laced material is unwelcome, neither Congress nor federal agencies have established a “safe” level of contamination, despite two decades of wrestling with the issue
Recycled radioactive metal contaminates consumer products: “It’s your worst nightmare,” Engineering Evil, October 20, 2012
2009 report posted for filing Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com @…….,.The global dimension of the recycling of radiation problem is large, and growing, experts say. Continue reading
Marathon’s Arkaroola uranium project: summary of events
Radioactive waste being stored in shed in Arkaroola, THE AUSTRALIAN BRYAN LITTLELY with Giuseppe Tauriello From: adelaidenow December 25, 2012 @,,,,,,,A MARATHON PROJECT
February 2005: Adelaide-based Marathon Resources commences exploration at the site around Mt Painter and Mt Gee in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.
September 25, 2007: The sanctuary’s leaseholders raise concerns that wildlife and flora will be destroyed by a uranium mine proposed on the property. Marathon wants to mine almost 45 million tonnes of ore to produce 900 tonnes of uranium a year.
February 12, 2008: The State Government suspends exploration in Arkaroola indefinitely for what it describes as a significant breach of the exploration licence.
July 31, 2010: Marathon resumes its controversial exploration of the Mt Gee area after a major clean-up.
February 22, 2011: Then-Premier Mike Rann claims he is “unashamedly pro-mining” but is considering options to safeguard Arkaroola. He tells Parliament all options are on the table.
June 9, 2011: A Greens motion to protect the Arkaroola mountains from mining is passed in the Upper House.
July 22, 2011: Premier Rann announces the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary will never be mined, labelling it unique.
February 2012: The State Government pays Marathon $5 million in compensation for the exploration ban. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/radioactive-waste-being-stored-in-shed-in-arkaroola/story-e6frg6n6-1226543320645
1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
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