16 AUGUST 1995
The Minister for the Environment, Senator John Faulkner, today released a report by a high level scientific group on the impacts of nuclear testing at Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls in French Polynesia.
The report - The Impact of Nuclear Testing at Mururoa and Fangataufa - was presented to the South Pacific Environment Ministers Meeting being held today in Brisbane by a group of eminent scientists from a wide range of disciplines. The group was convened by the Australian Chief Scientist, Professor Michael Pitman.
The paper provides an analysis of current knowledge about nuclear testing at the atolls and the risks involved.
Senator Faulkner said the report identifies a risk of long-term leakage of longer lived radioisotopes into the ocean.
"The group's assessments provide a sound scientific basis for concluding that nuclear testing at Mururoa and Fangataufa is extremely irresponsible."
"The tests have left highly radioactive residues in the atoll rocks. In effect, the atolls have become repositories for high level radioactive waste. But importantly, they meet none of the desirable engineering or geological characteristics of a nuclear waste repository."
"Because of the absence of detailed scientific data about the atolls, the scientists have not been able to quantify the long term environmental risks posed by leakage of radioactive materials from the test sites."
"The rocks in which the test blasts occur contain water and there is naturally a small flow of water between the rocks of the atolls and the sea. This provides a vehicle for potential leaching of radioisotopes into the surrounding ocean.
Senator Faulkner said one of the factors which will influence the movement of radioactive material is the structural damage done to the atolls rocks by testing.
"The report finds the structure of the atoll has been affected by testing and there is visible evidence of damage. This damage could open up additional pathways for the movement of radioactive material."
"The report further notes that should leakage occur, there is the potential to affect the local environment, although it goes on to state that the impact of leakage would diminish away from the atolls due to dilution by the ocean."
The scientific group was hampered on all fronts by a lack of information.
"Very little data has been released by French authorities. Access to Mururoa has been extremely limited and there is virtually no information available about Fangataufa and the impacts of the testing program that has been undertaken there."
The group recommends the French Government release it's databases of geoscience, environmental and other relevant information to independent scientific scrutiny, and also calls for independent scientists to be allowed unfettered access to the atoll.
The group also set out requirements for studies that would form the basis for immediate and long term monitoring.
Senator Faulkner emphasised the responsibility of the French Government for transparent and long term monitoring at the atolls.
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