Manus Island: leaked report reveals hazards of processing centre expansion

Manus Island: leaked report reveals hazards of processing centre expansion

    Plans for a massive expansion of the Manus Island processing centre carry extreme risks of exposure to hazardous materials, asbestos and unexploded ordnance, as well as high risks of environmental and heritage damage.

Detailed planning documents of an expansion for an extra 2,000 asylum seekers and 800 staff at the offshore processing centre in Papua New Guinea reveals the development could pose significant risks to the local environment, asylum seekers and nearby residents.
Guardian Australia has obtained a leaked design report and preliminary environmental impact statement commissioned by the Department of Immigration. The reports were undertaken by Sinclair Knight Mertz and provide a detailed analysis of the construction and operational risks of the new facility.
The risk of unexploded ordnance, which could include munitions, bombs or mines, was so great that a full site survey could not be completed to determine the full extent of hazards at the facility.
The most serious risks listed in the environmental impact assessment include:

    Unexploded ordnance, asbestos, stored fuel and disused septic tanks, as well as barrels of an “unknown white substance”.
    Death of marine life from bulk fuel storage, high risks of soil contamination during construction and potential long-term toxic effects on the marine environment.
    “Irreversible” loss of heritage values and destruction of cultural items.
    A “lack of consultation” with local Papua New Guinea authorities about the development.
    No hot water supply for asylum seekers’ accommodation and amenities areas. Staff areas will be provided with hot water.
    The preparation of the massive site will require the clearing of five hectares of “currently largely vegetated areas with areas of significant secondary lowland rainforest” and “significant species”.