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THE Helderberg Residents' Action Association has appealed against the DEA&DP Record of Decision, regarding the proposed establishment of a Tanalith (CCA) timber treatment plant on the Lourensford Farm in Somerset West.

In many countries the use of the CCA compound (Calcium, Chromium and Arsenic) to treat wood is banned as they are all heavy metals and are toxic to humans at very low concentrations.

The HRAA is especially concerned about what impact the proposed plant could have on the health of potable water users and the Lourens River Diversion at Melksloot.

Of great concern to them is the possible seepage of arsenic, a known carcinogen onto the surfaces of CCA-treated timber from where it can be dislodged onto the hands and washed off into nearby soil or surrounding water. It could also be absorbed through the skin, breathed in with wood dust particles or transformed by mouth, for example by subsequent handling of food.

The HRAA earlier requested that a risk assessment be conducted to ascertain this, but are not happy with the answers given to their concerns. They state that arsenic is a known carcinogen which could cause various cancers.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that timber treated with CCA poses a danger both to humans and the environment and as result, authorities around the world are imposing tighter restrictions on its manufacture, use and disposal. The HRAA says there is a critical need for absolute clarity on the possible risks to the health of local residents, the existing and future potable water users and the natural environment in the event of negligence or an accident.

The HRAA says it is not fundamentally opposed to any developments, but that the farm Lourensford River is situated on the Lourens River PNE (the entire river from its headwaters to the sea, was declared a protected natural environment in 1997 and the river has also been declared a specials standards river, with the implication that any effluent of entering the catchment and the river system must comply with special effluent standards).

The organisation says if an independent risk assessment, inclusive of public input, were to allay their concern for the health of the residents, and conclusively indicate that the activity would not impact on the Lourens River diversion scheme, they would see no reason to oppose this application. Phone Gavin Smith on 082 773 2315 or 851-3875 or e-mail to gavin@helderbergres.org.za.

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