❓ A parliamentary question addresses a fuel spill on the Gnangara mound, probing the effectiveness of containment measures and seeking related documentation. The Minister provides assurances and tables relevant documents.
AnsweredQoN 164Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the response by the minister to my questions without notice 147 of 28 April and 107 of 26 April regarding the 8 000-litre fuel spill on the Gnangara mound, in which he advised that, (1), continuous monitoring was not conducted because the generators were not operational at the time of the spill; (b), that some of the spill escaped the pre-existing bunding measures; and, (c), the escape of the spill from the existing bunding was “unforeseen” - (1) Was the bunding, as well as the supervision, designed to be effective only when the generators were operational? (2) What risk assessment was undertaken for the installation process, and what containment and supervisory measures were - (a) required by the Department of Environment; and (b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase? (3) Will the minister table all the correspondence between Western Power and the Department of Environment relevant to the installation and operation of the hired generators; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(1) Was the bunding, as well as the supervision, designed to be effective only when the generators were operational? (2) What risk assessment was undertaken for the installation process, and what containment and supervisory measures were - (a) required by the Department of Environment; and (b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase? (3) Will the minister table all the correspondence between Western Power and the Department of Environment relevant to the installation and operation of the hired generators; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(2) What risk assessment was undertaken for the installation process, and what containment and supervisory measures were - (a) required by the Department of Environment; and (b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase? (3) Will the minister table all the correspondence between Western Power and the Department of Environment relevant to the installation and operation of the hired generators; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase?
(4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric.
(4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
[See paper No 285.]
(1) Was the bunding, as well as the supervision, designed to be effective only when the generators were operational? (2) What risk assessment was undertaken for the installation process, and what containment and supervisory measures were - (a) required by the Department of Environment; and (b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase? (3) Will the minister table all the correspondence between Western Power and the Department of Environment relevant to the installation and operation of the hired generators; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(2) What risk assessment was undertaken for the installation process, and what containment and supervisory measures were - (a) required by the Department of Environment; and (b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase? (3) Will the minister table all the correspondence between Western Power and the Department of Environment relevant to the installation and operation of the hired generators; and, if not, why not? (4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(b) put in place for containment and supervision during the installation phase as distinct from the operational phase?
(4) Will the minister table the written report submitted by Western Power to the Department of Environment on the Monday following the spill; and, if not, why not? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
I thank Hon George Cash for some notice of the question. (1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(1) The bunding and supervision were designed to be effective in all foreseeable circumstances. The operator error that occurred was not foreseen. (2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(2) As a result of discussions with the Department of Environment about the installation and operation of these generators, the department insisted that licence conditions applicable to the Pinjar gas turbine power station were applied to the temporary generators. (a) The Department of Environment insisted that the conditions of licence for the Pinjar gas turbine power station be adhered to at all times. (b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric. (3) Yes. I table the following attachments: (3)(i), (3)(ii) and (3)(iii). (4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
(b) Containment was installed as the temporary generators were installed. The installation process was continuously supervised by the contractor and by Western Power officers. When the temporary generators had been installed the containment measures were completed and the supervision team was on site in accordance with the commercial arrangement established with General Electric.
(4) Yes. I table the following attachments: (4)(i), (4) (ii). [See paper No 285.]
[See paper No 285.]
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.