Paper released on human health risk assessment process for hydraulic fracturing proposals

Paper released on human health risk assessments for hydraulic fracturing proposals
Date: Friday, 09 October 2020

A position paper has been released on the Western Australian Department of Health (DoH) process for providing advice to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on human health risk assessments for hydraulic fracturing proposals.

The position paper is part of the Implementation of the Government’s response to the Independent Scientific Panel Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation in Western Australia.

All applications for onshore exploration and production proposals involving hydraulic fracturing are referred to the EPA for assessment, and the EPA refers all human health risk assessments (HHRAs) associated with hydraulic fracturing proposals to the DoH for review.

The position paper outlines the process and also includes a template for the Chemicals Register. The register lists the chemicals reviewed through the HHRA process, and will be published on the DoH’s website.

Visit www.hydraulicfracturing.wa.gov.au for more information, including progress updates on individual Implementation Plan actions.