❓ Mr Grylls raises concerns about the environmental impact of hypersaline effluent from a desalination plant on Cockburn Sound. The Minister acknowledges the concerns, highlights existing environmental protections and ongoing monitoring.
AnsweredQoN 463Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Water Corporation’s submission to the Environmental Protection Authority in February 2004 regarding the seawater desalination plant at Kwinana, which concluded that 65 million tonnes of hypersaline effluent would be discharged into Cockburn Sound. (1) Is the minister aware of the comments made by Professor Jorg Imberger of the Centre for Water Research that this effluent will destroy oxygen levels in Cockburn Sound, and does the Department of Environment have independent scientific evidence to disprove this assertion? (2) If Professor Imberger is proved correct, what is the minister’s plan for the hypersaline effluent? Dr J.M. EDWARDS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
(1) Is the minister aware of the comments made by Professor Jorg Imberger of the Centre for Water Research that this effluent will destroy oxygen levels in Cockburn Sound, and does the Department of Environment have independent scientific evidence to disprove this assertion? (2) If Professor Imberger is proved correct, what is the minister’s plan for the hypersaline effluent? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
(2) If Professor Imberger is proved correct, what is the minister’s plan for the hypersaline effluent? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
(1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
(1) Is the minister aware of the comments made by Professor Jorg Imberger of the Centre for Water Research that this effluent will destroy oxygen levels in Cockburn Sound, and does the Department of Environment have independent scientific evidence to disprove this assertion? (2) If Professor Imberger is proved correct, what is the minister’s plan for the hypersaline effluent? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
(2) If Professor Imberger is proved correct, what is the minister’s plan for the hypersaline effluent? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
(1)-(2) I thank the member for the question, as it is a good question and it is an issue that has been raised in the media that needs explanation. Yes, I am aware of those types of comments. Professor Imberger makes comments periodically, as he has done for many years. I consider those comments in detail and I have had conversations with Professor Imberger in the past. It is always worth considering the matters that he raises. However, we must remember that this proposal has been through the Environmental Protection Authority twice; it went through first as a 30 gigalitre proposal and again as a 45 gigalitre proposal. There was an incredibly low level of appeals and none came from the Opposition. Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
Mr B.J. Grylls: The EPA report says that there is independent research on the situation. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member should look at the final conditions that have come from that process. The Water Corporation is required to have an environmental management plan that examines this issue in more detail. I have had discussions with the EPA on the way through this issue and we are happy that it can be managed. While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
While I am on my feet, I also point out that the area has the excellent Cockburn Sound Management Council. I am delighted to announce that in this budget we have made available to the Cockburn Sound Management Council nearly $1 million to continue its work. Therefore, anything that the Water Corporation does in Cockburn Sound will be scrutinised very carefully; it must comply with the Cockburn Sound environmental protection policy. However, I am confident that we can manage those impacts.
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