39 - Labor's toxic dump plan may POISON our food? A toxic soil deep dive.

<p>In tonights episode, James Hohepa Smith and I discuss the toxic soil proposed for Wyndham Vale and Bacchus Marsh (right next to one of Victoria's major food bowls). &nbsp;We go over the contamination risks as identified by the USA EPA, the harm that can happen and who should be worried. &nbsp;</p> <p>And I have to ask, why would Labor poison Melbourne's food, why would they dump a toxic mess in their heartland? &nbsp;</p> <p>Especially when you read quotes like this, "The class of chemicals, called PFAS, are in non-stick pans, water-resistant clothes, food packaging and firefighting foam. Nicknamed “forever chemicals”, they do not break down in the environment and accumulate in the human body. Numerous studies link PFAS exposure with cancer, thyroid problems and developmental issues in children." &nbsp;</p> <p>Some links to check out for yourself - &nbsp;</p> <p>USA EPA INFO: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas#health ">https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas#health &nbsp;</a></p> <p>Both 3M (Scotchgard) and DuPont (Teflon) have ceased production of PFOA and PFAS in the USA: <a href="https://qz.com/1643554/3m-knew-pfas-was-contaminating-us-food-supply/">https://qz.com/1643554/3m-knew-pfas-was-contaminating-us-food-supply/</a> &nbsp;</p> <p>Companies deny responsibility for toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contamination: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/11/pfas-toxic-forever-chemicals-hearing-3m-dupont-chemours">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/11/pfas-toxic-forever-chemicals-hearing-3m-dupont-chemours</a> &nbsp;</p> <p>The Planning Scheme Amendment Process (from Moorabool Shire Council) &nbsp;</p> <p>The owners of the site propose to request the Minister for Planning to intervene, to prepare an amendment to the Moorabool Planning Scheme under section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Section 20(4) refers to the ability of the Minister for Planning to amend the Planning Scheme without consultation. It is however discretionary on the Minister a