❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the operation and emissions of the Yara Pilbara Nitrates ammonium nitrate plant, particularly regarding its environmental impact and potential health risks. The Minister responds, confirming licensing, operational status, and emission controls, while also addressing concerns about petroglyph preservation.
AnsweredQoN 1335Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Works Approval W4701/2010/1
for the Yara Pilbara Nitrates (YPN) construction and commissioning of the ammonium
nitrate plant, and I ask: (a) does YPN have a licence to operate the
ammonium nitrate plant; (b) is the YPN ammonium nitrate plant operating on the
commissioning plan from the Works Approval W4701/2010/1; (c) is the Works Approval W4701/2010/1 due to expire on 30 June 2018; (d) will the licence to
operate the ammonium nitrate plant be linked to the licence (L7997/2002/11) for operation of the Yara Pilbara Fertilisers ammonia plant; (e) will the conditions for release of emissions from both the
ammonium nitrate plant and fertiliser plant be substantially reduced below the
levels specified in the Works Approval W4701/2010/) and the Fertiliser plant
licence L7997/2002/11; (f) if yes to (e), what are the levels specified for each pollutant; (g) with reference to (f), why were these levels chosen; and (h) what is the expected effect on preservation of the Burrup
petroglyphs and respiratory health of humans in the vicinity?
for the Yara Pilbara Nitrates (YPN) construction and commissioning of the ammonium
nitrate plant, and I ask: (a) does YPN have a licence to operate the
ammonium nitrate plant; (b) is the YPN ammonium nitrate plant operating on the
commissioning plan from the Works Approval W4701/2010/1; (c) is the Works Approval W4701/2010/1 due to expire on 30 June 2018; (d) will the licence to
operate the ammonium nitrate plant be linked to the licence (L7997/2002/11) for operation of the Yara Pilbara Fertilisers ammonia plant; (e) will the conditions for release of emissions from both the
ammonium nitrate plant and fertiliser plant be substantially reduced below the
levels specified in the Works Approval W4701/2010/) and the Fertiliser plant
licence L7997/2002/11; (f) if yes to (e), what are the levels specified for each pollutant; (g) with reference to (f), why were these levels chosen; and (h) what is the expected effect on preservation of the Burrup
petroglyphs and respiratory health of humans in the vicinity?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
21 August 2018
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
9 days
(a) Yes. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) granted an amendment to Licence L7997/2002/11 on 29 June 2018. The amended Licence is applicable to the operation of Yara Pilbara Fertilisers’ Ammonia Plant and YPN’s Technical Ammonium Nitrate Production Facility (TANPF) and regulates emissions from the premises. I table the amended Licence and supporting decision report, and understand that both documents are also available on the DWER’s website. [See tabled paper no. #]
(b) No
(c) Yes
(d) Yes
(e-h) The granted amended Licence contains conditions that regulate industrial emissions from the Fertilisers’ Ammonia Plant and TANPF. The conditions have been established based on the outcomes of DWER’s risk assessment, set out in the tabled supporting decision report. To inform this risk assessment, DWER commissioned an independent Health Risk Assessment by an air quality specialist who was responsible for determining relevant local emission limits to ensure the adequate protection of human health. The findings of the Health Risk Assessment are consistent with DWER’s risk assessment, concluding that the emissions will result in ambient air concentrations below ambient air quality guidelines, and are not likely to cause adverse human health impacts. The Health Risk Assessment is included as an Appendix in the tabled decision report.
Beyond human health concerns, I have requested the Environmental Protection Authority to undertake an inquiry under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 into the matter of changing Condition 5-1: Air Quality in Ministerial Statement 870 to ensure the adequate protection of Burrup petroglyphs.
(b) No
(c) Yes
(d) Yes
(e-h) The granted amended Licence contains conditions that regulate industrial emissions from the Fertilisers’ Ammonia Plant and TANPF. The conditions have been established based on the outcomes of DWER’s risk assessment, set out in the tabled supporting decision report. To inform this risk assessment, DWER commissioned an independent Health Risk Assessment by an air quality specialist who was responsible for determining relevant local emission limits to ensure the adequate protection of human health. The findings of the Health Risk Assessment are consistent with DWER’s risk assessment, concluding that the emissions will result in ambient air concentrations below ambient air quality guidelines, and are not likely to cause adverse human health impacts. The Health Risk Assessment is included as an Appendix in the tabled decision report.
Beyond human health concerns, I have requested the Environmental Protection Authority to undertake an inquiry under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 into the matter of changing Condition 5-1: Air Quality in Ministerial Statement 870 to ensure the adequate protection of Burrup petroglyphs.
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