ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING KEY FOCUS OF HAY POINT DREDGING PROJECT
Ports Corporation of Queensland (PCQ) will implement one of Australia’s most sophisticated environmental monitoring programs during a $70 million dredging project about to start at Hay Point, the world’s largest coal export port.
The project will be the largest dredging project in the Southern Hemisphere this year and will create an improved departure path at the port.
The departure path will increase Queensland’s export capacity, save tens of millions of dollars in freight costs and boost Hay Point’s status as the world’s largest coal port.
PCQ has adopted an environmental management plan incorporating innovative and technologically advanced techniques to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, marine fauna and monitor the impact of this development on seagrass, coral and water quality.
PCQ Chief Executive Officer, Brad Fish, said dredging would be completed by the WD Fairway dredger, fitted with the latest in environmental management technology.
“The Fairway has a turtle excluding device to minimise the chances of harming turtles. As an added precaution dredging will largely occur outside of the nesting season to ensure all has been done to minimise harm to turtles,” Mr Fish said.
Environmental monitoring techniques will include remote water quality monitoring devices located at Round Top Island and Victor Islet and at seagrass beds and two control sites which can be accessed 24 hours a day providing ongoing data. A vessel based water monitoring program will also be implemented.
PCQ has recently conducted a baseline survey of coral and will continue fortnightly monitoring to determine impacts. Baseline seagrass surveys have also been conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries which will undertake monthly monitoring throughout the dredging program and post-dredging surveys to determine impacts on marine plants and their recovery.
“PCQ is committed to the environmentally responsible management of its ports with minimum adverse impact on the natural and social environment,” Mr Fish said.
PCQ will work with four national and state environmental agencies – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; EPA Queensland; Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
Dredged material will be released at an approved disposal site in deep waters out to sea. Dredging is expected to be completed within six months.
ends
For further information:
Gary Campbell
Corporate Relations Manager
Ports Corporation of Queensland
Ph: (07) 3224 4346
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