Panel: Waste won't be 100% radiation-free
The international expert panel reviewing the controversial Lynas rare earth plant has conceded that the waste produced from the plant cannot be 100 percent radiation-free.
In response to the Malaysian Medical Association's (MMA) delegation's question on the veracity of Lynas' claims that the neutralised underflow residue (magnesium rich gypsum) and fuel gas desulphurisation residue (synthetic gypsum) have zero thorium or uranium, a panelist said the plant is "very unlikely" to achieve zero thorium or uranium - both radioactive elements - in the waste produced.
The international expert panel reviewing the controversial Lynas rare earth plant has conceded that the waste produced from the plant cannot be 100 percent radiation-free.
In response to the Malaysian Medical Association's (MMA) delegation's question on the veracity of Lynas' claims that the neutralised underflow residue (magnesium rich gypsum) and fuel gas desulphurisation residue (synthetic gypsum) have zero thorium or uranium, a panelist said the plant is "very unlikely" to achieve zero thorium or uranium - both radioactive elements - in the waste produced.
Malaysiakini obtained a copy of the MMA report, signed by MMA Pahang chapter secretary Dr Chong Jen Lim.
One of the questions from MMA:
To ensure safety of this plant, the regular monitoring and enforcement of law and regulations are crucial, however, in developing countries, all these might be not as good as developed countries.
Reply from the panel:
We agree with that. The regulatory board plays a very important role in terms of monitoring the safety of the plant. If needed, overseas experts should be sought to monitor the safety of the plant. Ultimately, Lynas is responsible for the total safety of the plant, its workers and the affected public.
One of the questions from MMA:
To ensure safety of this plant, the regular monitoring and enforcement of law and regulations are crucial, however, in developing countries, all these might be not as good as developed countries.
Reply from the panel:
We agree with that. The regulatory board plays a very important role in terms of monitoring the safety of the plant. If needed, overseas experts should be sought to monitor the safety of the plant. Ultimately, Lynas is responsible for the total safety of the plant, its workers and the affected public.
No comments:
Post a Comment