WA: Alcoa scolded over court adjournment

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2009
WA: Alcoa scolded over court adjournment

PERTH, April 23 AAP - Aluminium giant Alcoa was granted a three-month adjournment to
a charge of pollution, despite being scolded by a Perth magistrate for holding up court
proceedings.

In Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, Alcoa of Australia faced a charge of criminal
negligence for causing pollution at its refinery in Wagerup, about 130km south of Perth.

The West Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) alleges that in
May 2006 dust emissions from the refinery's stockpile deposits impacted on the surrounding
environment and community.

Chief Magistrate Steven Heath was unimpressed when counsel for Alcoa sought a three-month
adjournment.

"The matter has already been adjourned for three months," Mr Heath said.

"Another three months is excessive."

DEC lawyer Matthew Davey did not oppose the request which Alcoa said was due to a delay
in freedom of information applications with the department.

Mr Heath granted the adjournment but said "decisions need to be made more quickly".

He told the court he expected a plea at the next appearance, on July 23.

US environmental campaigner Erin Brockovich is pursuing legal action against Alcoa
on behalf of residents who live near its Wagerup refinery.

About 160 residents complained of respiratory problems, skin irritation, sore throats
and eyes, extreme fatigue, mental dysfunction, stomach upset, nose bleeds, cancers and
organ failure in the last 11 years.

Under the Environmental Protection Act, a charge of pollution carries a $1 million penalty.

AAP ap/ht/cdh

KEYWORD: ALCOA

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