http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/30/2940702.htmResident...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/30/2940702.htm

Residents seeks more water testing
Updated Wed Jun 30, 2010 9:44am AEST

St Helens residents who first raised concerns about toxins in their drinking water are not giving up on the issue despite a scientific panel dismissing their research.

A five-person panel commissioned by the Tasmanian Government this morning presented its findings to the Break O Day council.

The panel has found that a toxin in the George River identified by St Helens GP Alison Bleaney does not pose a risk to the community.

At a public meeting in St Helens last night Dr Bleaney questioned the findings. She wants more studies done on the toxic chemical.

Oyster farmer Jim Harris, who helped Dr Bleaney with her research, has also called for more testing.

The panel's chairman Graeme Batley says the extra tests would cost about $50,000.

About 50 people attended a public meeting last night and were told there was no evidence that toxins from eucalypt plantations were in the St Helens drinking water or that toxins were linked to cases of cancer in the town.

Some congratulated the panel on their work, others were angry that the meeting had been called at short notice.

Many called for more testing to be done on the water.

"As a potential grandmother my concerns really are based around the quality of our drinking water," one resident told the meeting.

Convenor John Ramsay says the panel may return to St Helens for another meeting if requested.