Australia approves major pulp mill despite environment fears

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

SYDNEY (AFP) — The Australian government approved Thursday plans for a controversial multi-billion-dollar pulp mill in Tasmania despite objections it could ruin one of the country's most pristine environments.

Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the proposed two-billion-dollar (1.7-billion-US) mill would have to meet stringent environmental conditions, but activists said the approval was a "tragedy" for the Tasmanian environment.

"These are the toughest environmental conditions ever imposed on a pulp mill anywhere in the world," Turnbull told reporters, saying he had tightened the conditions the timber firm behind the mill, Gunns, must meet.

The tighter conditions included a lower level of dioxins that can be discharged into local waterways.

...