FED: Underwater bombs to be detonated as part of Aust experiment

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2005
FED: Underwater bombs to be detonated as part of Aust experiment

A series of underwater bombs will be exploded in Western Australia to check if the
blasts set off an international monitoring system for nuclear weapons.

The Australian newspaper reports today Geoscience Australia plans to detonate up to
20 bombs west of Exmouth in the middle of next year.

The paper says up to 1,000 kilograms of explosives will be used in a pattern designed
to send hydro-acoustic patterns to a listening post at Cape Leeuwin in the south, and
to others further away.

Geoscience Australia has deemed the experiment site, which is within Australia's economic
exclusion zone, is away from typical whale migration routes.

However, the relevant permits have yet to be obtained from the West Australian government
and environmental lobby groups are likely to oppose the experiment.

AAP RTV na/psm/

KEYWORD: BOMBS (SYDNEY)

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