❓ A parliamentary question addresses environmental concerns regarding the Kwinana desalination plant's impact on Cockburn Sound, specifically the discharge of saline by-product. The Minister's response outlines EPA approval with conditions and ongoing studies.
AnsweredQoN 867Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the proposed Kwinana desalination plant. (1) Will the minister advise whether the Environmental Protection Authority has given the Water Corporation permission to return the highly saline by-product of desalination into Cockburn Sound? (2) If so, has there been a study about what impact it will have on the Cockburn Sound sea floor? (3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(1) Will the minister advise whether the Environmental Protection Authority has given the Water Corporation permission to return the highly saline by-product of desalination into Cockburn Sound? (2) If so, has there been a study about what impact it will have on the Cockburn Sound sea floor? (3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(2) If so, has there been a study about what impact it will have on the Cockburn Sound sea floor? (3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(1) Will the minister advise whether the Environmental Protection Authority has given the Water Corporation permission to return the highly saline by-product of desalination into Cockburn Sound? (2) If so, has there been a study about what impact it will have on the Cockburn Sound sea floor? (3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(2) If so, has there been a study about what impact it will have on the Cockburn Sound sea floor? (3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(3) Does the Water Corporation have the expertise to manage the plant and its impact on the environment? (4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(4) Have alternative solutions for the management of the by-product been sourced? (5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(5) What will be the method by which salty water will be fed into the plant? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(1) Assessment of the proposed Perth metropolitan desalination plan at Kwinana by the Environmental Protection Authority and the subsequent environmental approval issued on 9 July 2004 provide for saline by-product from the plant to be discharged into Cockburn Sound. This is subject to the preparation and approval of a water quality management plan that addresses possible adverse environmental issues, which is in accordance with protection policies for Cockburn Sound, and expert assessment of likely stratification build up and dissolved oxygen effects in the deeper area of Cockburn Sound. (2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(2) The assessment by the EPA considered possible impacts on Cockburn Sound and additional studies are currently being undertaken in accordance with environmental approval. (3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(3) Yes. (4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(4) The EPA assessment has been based on discharge into Cockburn Sound. (5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
(5) The desalination plant will draw water directly from Cockburn Sound through a pipeline.
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