FAQs of the proposed Albany Port Upgrade
The proposed Albany Port upgrade is a major project for the Port as it will increase the Port's annual tonnage throughput from around 4 millions tonnes to 11 million tonnes through the export of magnetite iron ore.
Albany Port has always been hindered by having relatively low volumes, but the iron ore trade will give the port significant critical mass to reduce costs of tug operators, stevedores and other port suppliers.
The iron ore mine site is near Wellstead and the product will be delivered to the Port via a slurry pipeline. There are no additional truck or train traffic movements associated with the export.
The proposed projects have excellent long-term social and economic benefits and, if approved, will be carried out with stringent environmental controls.
The Port upgrade plans to deepen, widen and extend the existing shipping channel to allow passage of iron ore vessels.This will require 2 different dredge tasks;
- The first dredge program will shape the batters, berth pocket and create the proposed reclaim area of 9 hectares for the construction of the new berth that is required to accommodate the new trade; and
- The second dredge program will undertake the bulk of the dredging volume and will place the excess material in a stable deep offshore disposal site.
The environmental work for the proposals have been developed for more than 4 years and are continuing to be rigorously assessed by the Western Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts.If approved, the Port anticipates a suite of stringent and legally binding environmental conditions set by both the State and Commonwealth Minsters for Environment that will ensure the project is carried out in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Return to top of page
Why do you have to dredge?
Dredging is used to increase and maintain the channel depth to enable large ships to export iron ore.Other trades may also gain from being able to use bigger ships.
All ports around the world, at some time, undertake dredging and some ports dredge every year.Albany is lucky in that the sediments are very stable and do not require frequent maintenance dredging.
What will happen with the dredged material?
The excess dredged material will be relocated to an offshore disposal site in King George Sound.Two sites are being considered by the EPA and these sites are known as the inner and outer sites.The inner site is the Port's preferred option as this is a stable site where the material will not re-mobilise (move around).The outer site is a high energy site and the sediments will re-mobilise.
Will the spoil move around King George Sound?
The hydrodynamic (weather, storm, wind, wave and current) and sediment re-suspension modelling indicates that the preferred (inner) disposal site is the most stable site when compared with the other (outer) disposal site due to the prevailing energy climate in those two areas.
Will the spoil site change the hydrodynamics and sea-state of King George Sound?
No,the hydrodynamic weather, storm, wind, wave and current) and wave modelling indicates that the spoil disposal site is too deep to alter the hydrodynamics and sea-state within King George Sound.In fact, the preferred disposal site is almost double the depth of the previous deepest disposal site in Western Australia.
Will dredging disturb the whales and other marine mammals?
Dredging does not contribute anymore underwater noise than the operation of other vessels, both commercial and recreational already operating in the area. The dredge vessels travel at very moderate speeds and pose a very low risk of mammal interaction (i.e. whales and other marine mammals are intelligent, mobile creatures that have the capacity to respond by moving away from anything that is unfamiliar).
There have been no identifiable or reported adverse incidents of historic whale and dredge interactions in Australia.If the project is approved,the Albany Port anticipates very stringent, legally binding, State and Commonwealth conditions to ensure the protection of whales and other marine mammals.
Return to top of page
What about the seagrass?
The channel alignment has been chosen to minimise the volume of dredging and noise for marine mammals.Some losses of seagrass are anticipated in King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.These losses meet the requirements of the EPA's Guidelines.The Albany Port has committed to a rigorous monitoring and management regime in collaboration with the EPA,Department of Environment and Conservation and Department of Water to ensure these guidelines are met. Given the documented history of Princess Royal Harbour, the Albany Port has committed to replanting within this area to protect the important environmental values of the harbour.
What about contaminated sediments?
The sediments to be dredged are very clean, do not pose a threat to the environment and are suitable for ocean disposal in-line with the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, National Ocean Disposal Guidelines for Dredged Material.Albany Port has voluntarily proposed additional protection measures that far exceed the regulatory requirements to ensure that any environmental and health concerns including fisheries and aquaculture are minimised.
Will the dredging affect swimming, water sports, fishing and boating?
The hydrodynamic (weather, storm, wind, wave and current)and sediment transportation models show that there is a very low risk of adversely affecting these activities as a result of the dredging. All environment and health guidelines will be met.
Is dredging noticeable?
During the dredging process a dredge plume is sometimes seen. This is simply temporary elevated levels of sediment suspended in the water that comes from the physical action of the dredging activity.Similar events can be observed during and after big storms that can also stir up the sediments in the water giving them a temporary milky or cloudy appearance.Depending on the type, shape and size of the sediments and the prevailing conditions will determine how long these sediments take to settle.The majority of the sediments are siliceous (silica)sands that tend to settle very quickly.
Will the new reclamation area change the flushing in Princess Royal Harbour?
The dredging will re-shape (enlarge) the channel profile or section allowing more water to flush in and out of Princess Royal Harbour this in-turn is likely to improve the water quality of the harbour, which is a likely environmental benefit.
How can I find out more about the project?
The simplest way to find out more information is to download the Public Environmental Review (PER) document.The PER and the related technical appendices can be downloaded from www.albanyport.com.au, Copies of the PER can also be found at the local Department of Environment and Conservation and Department of Water Offices in Albany and in the Albany Public Library.