ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROCESSES

The Victorian Desalination Project is subject to rigorous environmental management processes. The following outlines the key activities to date:

August 2008 - a full Environment Effects Statement (EES) was released for public exhibition. The EES report included 84 specialist studies carried out in 2007 and 2008 that looked at the desalination project’s effects on flora and fauna, the marine environment, cultural heritage, hydrology, the landscape, greenhouse gas emissions as well as people and jobs. Details can be found at www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/desalination

End 2008 - following an independent panel hearing in October and November 2008, an inquiry report on the EES was submitted to the Minister for Planning, along with some 400 written submissions from the public.

January 2009 - the Victorian Minister for Planning’s Assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978 found the project could proceed subject to environmental management measures and other approvals being obtained. Details can be found at www.dse.vic.gov.au/planning/ees

5 March 2009 - the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) issued a Works Approval for construction of the plant. The EPA found that the proposed works met the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1970 and were consistent with state environment protection policies. Details can be found at: www.epa.vic.gov.au/projects/desalination_plant.asp

19 March 2009 - the Federal Minister for Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts approved the project with conditions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Details can be found at www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20090320.html

Mid 2009 - Prior to contract award in July 2009, a comprehensive Environmental Management Framework is established that includes 221 detailed performance requirements across 38 areas. The framework ensures that design, construction and operation activities are planned and performed so that environmental effects are either avoided or minimised and are carried out in accordance with all statutory requirements. As part of this framework, AquaSure has implemented an overall Environmental Management Plan for the project. Environmental Management Plans for the design and construction phase have been prepared. Similar plans for the operation and maintenance phase of the project are also being developed.

Current - a number of environment-related approvals, permits and consents are required during the development of the project. These relate to aspects such as project infrastructure, plant operation, waterways crossings, as well as access to and use of public land.