❓ Hon Dee Margetts questions the lack of formal EPA assessment for shifting contaminated silt in Geraldton harbour, citing environmental risks and potential harm to the crayfish industry. The Minister advises that while a formal assessment isn't occurring, the project is managed under an existing action plan with DEP oversight and industry consultation.
AnsweredQoN 640Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Will the process of shifting contaminated silt from the harbour at Geraldton by the Geraldton Port Authority be subject to formal assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority given the potential for environmental hazard associated with the process, including the risks to the live crayfish industry due to the proximity of the crayfish outlet pipe? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I am advised by the Minister for the Environment that the Environmental Protection Authority is not formally assessing the shifting of contaminated silt from the Geraldton port. The proposal for the remediation of harbour sediments is incorporated within the Geraldton port bulk handling facility action plan that the Geraldton Port Authority prepared to improve compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection licence issued under part V of the EPA Act 1986. In accordance with the action plan, the DEP has provided the GPA with environmental advice on the construction of a limestone bund at the port. The GPA will need to submit to the DEP a final environmental management plan for the harbour sediment relocation program. The EMP will not be implemented without prior consultation with the crayfish industry groups, which to date have cooperated with the remediation program.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I am advised by the Minister for the Environment that the Environmental Protection Authority is not formally assessing the shifting of contaminated silt from the Geraldton port. The proposal for the remediation of harbour sediments is incorporated within the Geraldton port bulk handling facility action plan that the Geraldton Port Authority prepared to improve compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection licence issued under part V of the EPA Act 1986. In accordance with the action plan, the DEP has provided the GPA with environmental advice on the construction of a limestone bund at the port. The GPA will need to submit to the DEP a final environmental management plan for the harbour sediment relocation program. The EMP will not be implemented without prior consultation with the crayfish industry groups, which to date have cooperated with the remediation program.
I am advised by the Minister for the Environment that the Environmental Protection Authority is not formally assessing the shifting of contaminated silt from the Geraldton port. The proposal for the remediation of harbour sediments is incorporated within the Geraldton port bulk handling facility action plan that the Geraldton Port Authority prepared to improve compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection licence issued under part V of the EPA Act 1986. In accordance with the action plan, the DEP has provided the GPA with environmental advice on the construction of a limestone bund at the port. The GPA will need to submit to the DEP a final environmental management plan for the harbour sediment relocation program. The EMP will not be implemented without prior consultation with the crayfish industry groups, which to date have cooperated with the remediation program.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I am advised by the Minister for the Environment that the Environmental Protection Authority is not formally assessing the shifting of contaminated silt from the Geraldton port. The proposal for the remediation of harbour sediments is incorporated within the Geraldton port bulk handling facility action plan that the Geraldton Port Authority prepared to improve compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection licence issued under part V of the EPA Act 1986. In accordance with the action plan, the DEP has provided the GPA with environmental advice on the construction of a limestone bund at the port. The GPA will need to submit to the DEP a final environmental management plan for the harbour sediment relocation program. The EMP will not be implemented without prior consultation with the crayfish industry groups, which to date have cooperated with the remediation program.
I am advised by the Minister for the Environment that the Environmental Protection Authority is not formally assessing the shifting of contaminated silt from the Geraldton port. The proposal for the remediation of harbour sediments is incorporated within the Geraldton port bulk handling facility action plan that the Geraldton Port Authority prepared to improve compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection licence issued under part V of the EPA Act 1986. In accordance with the action plan, the DEP has provided the GPA with environmental advice on the construction of a limestone bund at the port. The GPA will need to submit to the DEP a final environmental management plan for the harbour sediment relocation program. The EMP will not be implemented without prior consultation with the crayfish industry groups, which to date have cooperated with the remediation program.
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