ANSTO wishes to clarify its position in response to media reports today about radiation levels at residential properties built in the vicinity of a former uranium processing factory at Hunters Hill.
ANSTO had no historic involvement with the site which was used by the Radium Hill Company from 1911 to extract radium from uranium ore for medical purposes. ANSTO and its predecessor, the AAEC2, conducted studies of the site over several decades.
The most recent were in 2000 when ANSTO conducted a general field survey for Brink and Associates, contracted to produce a development assessment of the site, and earlier this year, when ANSTO was contracted by the NSW Department of Health to undertake an above ground gamma radiation survey in specific locations at 3, 5 and 11 Nelson Parade as well as along Nelson Parade.
During the most recent survey ANSTO was not asked to undertake soil testing; nor were we asked to undertake testing at 7 and 9 Nelson Parade. ANSTO was also not requested to assess the effects of inhalation or ingestion of dust or particles, or requested to provide advice on remediation options.
ANSTO would be prepared to undertake more extensive testing if requested. ANSTO has also made a submission to the current NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Hunters Hill site and is available to give evidence to the Committee.
As a Federal government agency and as Australia’s centre of nuclear expertise, ANSTO operates in a transparent manner, assisting governments and the community in nuclear science-related matters.