Some Frequently asked questions
What are the ports environmental responsibilities?
The Albany Port complies with the Western Australian Port Authorities Act 1999, and the Environmental Protection Act 1986, which requires it to protect the environment of the port and minimise the impact of port activities on that environment. Through its Environmental Management Plan and Environmental Policy the port ensures that all reasonable steps are taken to minimise the impact on the harbour.
Does the port hold an Environmental License?
Yes. The port operates under the requirements specified in its Environmental License. Leaseholders AustSand and Albany Bulk Handling also hold Environmental Licenses.
Does the port have an Environmental Management Plan?
Yes. It covers all aspects of the ports operations and outlines the development standards with which leaseholders must comply. The plan ensures that environmental factors such as noise, dust and storm water issues are considered as part of all decision-making and development at the port.
What measures are in place to make sure that port operators and leaseholders operate in an environmentally responsible manner?
Leaseholders and operators at the port have lease and license agreements which specify that all relevant environmental and occupational health and safety legislation must be complied with. If leaseholders or operators are found to be in breach of these conditions, action can be taken by the port.
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Why do ships release water whilst berthed at the port?
Ships hold ballast water for stability during travel. Ballast water is discharged during loading of ships. It can sometimes be a rusty colour due to the condition of the ships ballast tanks or pipe work.
What does the port do to prevent marine pests being introduced via ballast water?
All ports in Australia rely on the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) process to prevent marine pest incursions. Every international vessel is required to exchange ballast water while at sea, so that any ballast water discharged at the port originates from the region. Vessels must supply ballast exchange information to AQIS before permission to berth is granted. On a vessels arrival, audits are then carried out by AQIS. A new national system to manage the risk of introduced marine species from domestic voyages within Australia is being developed by the Federal Government in association with all State Governments through an Intergovernmental Agreement. The Designated Management Authority for introduced marine species in Western Australia is the Department of Fisheries.
What happens if oil is spilt from a ship or from the wharf?
Oil spills are extremely rare at the Albany Port. In the event of an incident, the Harbour Master enacts the ports oil spill response plan and deploys the ports specialised equipment to manage the spill. With the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the Albany Port runs regular exercises to train and prepare staff to deal with oil spills.
Are ships allowed to discharge waste water or sewerage into the harbour?
No. The discharge of wastes into the harbour by commercial vessels is prohibited. All ships have holding tanks and discharge waste while at sea in accordance with the international MARPOL convention to prevent marine pollution. Some foreshore operations are, however, licensed by the Department of Environment and Conservation to discharge wastes into the harbour.
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What are the lines that resemble slicks in the harbour?
Sometimes bands of water resembling slicks form due to wind, tidal conditions or variations in water temperature. Fresh water entering the harbour may have the same effect. Sometimes dust from grain loading activity settles on the water and also causes what looks like a slick. When conditions are conductive, typically in the warmer months, blue green algae can proliferate and take on the appearance of a slick. The algal slick can take on a variety of colours from greens through to red and purple due to different pigments within the algae breaking down on the surface.
Do the ships anchors disturb the sea floor?
The Albany Port Authority has seven designated anchoring points. These double as navigation points. Dedicated use of these sites prevents other marine habitats being disturbed.
Does dust from the silica sand stockpile pose a health risk?
No. All silica sand at the Albany Port has been processed at the mine site to omit the size class fraction that poses a risk to human health, and therefore is safe to store and transport.
What measures are in place to prevent fertiliser spilling into the harbour during discharge?
Modern techniques have drastically reduced the incidence of fertiliser spilling into the harbour from a berthed ship. A highly effective containment system catches the bulk of any spill, and strict clean up procedures are observed both on board the vessel and on the wharf. Under no circumstances may fertiliser be deliberately washed into the harbour from a berthed ship.
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What is used to treat the grain for insects at the Albany Terminal?
Cooperative Bulk Handling uses the fumigant phosphine to treat grain for insects prior to shipping as required. As phosphine is a non-residual gas, Western Australian grain growers are able to maintain a 'clean and green' marketing status with international customers, giving WA an edge over competitors who use contact pesticides. Phosphine is used throughout the grain growing network in Western Australia, on farms and in grain storages. Its use is strictly controlled and monitored, and at CBH, only licensed fumigators are able to administer the product. For more information on how fumigants are used at the CBH facility please contact CBH directly on telephone 9845 5555.
Are chemicals used to treat woodchips stored at the port?
No fumigants are used at all on the woodchips stored at the port.
Why aren´t more trains used to deliver grain and woodchips to the port?
Co-operative Bulk Handling and Albany Bulk Handling both use trains to deliver grain and woodchips respectively to the port. Infrastructure limitations such as the length of the railway line and the availability of rail wagons mean there are limits to the amount of product that can be transported to the port on trains.
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What is the port doing to control environmental weeds on its site?
In 2001 the Albany Port Authority commissioned the preparation and subsequent implementation of a Weed Management Strategy. The bush lots adjoining the boardwalk have been a main target for weeding activities. The removal of widespread pampas grass from the old abattoir site has also been a focus. Annual weed control activities have been planned and will gradually move from the east end of the port to the western end, targeting weeds of concern identified by the City of Albany Bushcare program. The Albany port is driving a collective initiative that aims to co-ordinate and implement a whole port precinct weed management strategy with the assistance of Denmark Weed Action Group, UWA and South Coast NRM Inc.
Why are there so many pigeons at the port?
The infrastructure at the port provides an excellent habitat for the feral pigeon population in Albany. A regular feed source in the form of grain storage also contributes to the population. The pigeons present both Quality Assurance health and hygiene issues for the port and its leaseholders. The Albany Port Authority along with CBH have committed to a co-operative approach to managing the pigeon population. This approach involves removing roosts and available feed, trapping, and undertaking approved alphachloralose treatment. CBH undertake the alphachloralose treatment under full compliance with the Department of Agriculture and food's requirements and guidance.
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Why does the port operate during the night?
The Albany Port forms part of international trade and shipping, and like ports around the world it is a 24 hour operation. Trade through Albany relies on the port´s ability to operate outside of normal business hours. With expected growth in woodchip exports and continued expansion at the port due to new commodities and export opportunities, the port will continue to operate as a 24 hour port well into the future. Every effort is made by port staff and contractors to ensure that the impact of emissions, including noise and lights on surrounding residential areas is minimal.
Does the port undertake any dredging?
Due to favourable tides, currents and coarse sediments in Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound, very little maintenance dredging is required at the Albany port. New developments and projects require capital dredging and reclamation, a vital part of the ports development and a common activity in ports around the world. All dredging complies with the requirements set by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority, Department of Environment Conservation and the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Water Resources.
What happens to dredge spoil at the port?
The use of dredge spoil depends on the type of material that has been dredged. Dredge spoil is sometimes used to reclaim areas of land (such as the current woodchip berth) and as landfill. When there is too much spoil to dispose of on land it must be disposed of at sea. Applications to the Commonwealth must be made before dredge spoil is di5posed at sea.
Does the port recycle wastes?
The port participates in the fortnightly recyclable collection run by Cleanaway on behalf of the City of Albany. All recyclable paper, plastics, glass and aluminium from the administration building is collected and recycled. Quarantine wastes from shipping is disposed via deep burial in compliance and under the direct supervision of AQIS.
Who can I contact to talk with about environmental issues at the port?
The Environment Manager can be contacted on 9892 9000 or by email at paul.mackey@albanyport.com.au