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Australian Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that a pulp mill project for northern Tasmania will go ahead.
Announcing the decision in Sydney today, Mr Turnbull said an extra 24 conditions will be imposed on the mill to be built by Gunns Limited at a cost of A$2 billion.
Mr Turnbull said the pulp mill will have to operate under the toughest environmental standards in the world.
"Crucially, the level of dioxins allowed to be discharged from the Bass Strait will be four times more stringent, that is to say, the maximum and trigger levels will be dramatically lower," he said.
Mr Turnbull said his decision is based on science and recommendations made by the Commonwealth's chief scientist Jim Peacock.
Dr Peacock said Gunns is required to provide baseline and subsequent monitoring on effluent and will need to outline specific remedial action for breaches.
He said if actions cannot be reversed the mill should be shut down.
Opposition forestry spokesman Kerry O'Brien said he was keen to examine the full details of the announcement and the conditions.
- RADIO AUSTRALIA
