BP Oil wins award for reduction of carbon dioxide gas emissions at the Kwinana Refinery

20/8/99 BP Oil has won the inaugural 1999 State Recycling and Waste Reduction Cleaner Production Award for its progressive approach to reducing carbon dioxide gas emissions at its Kwinana Refinery.

20/8/99


    BP Oil has won the inaugural 1999 State Recycling and Waste Reduction Cleaner Production Award for its progressive approach to reducing carbon dioxide gas emissions at its Kwinana Refinery.
    The company's pilot project, which involves commercial tree plantations on working farms to absorb the emissions, is also helping to address the serious issue of soil salinity in the State's South-West region.
    Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes recently announced the new award - an initiative of the Department of Environmental Protection - and congratulated the company on successfully achieving a cleaner production process.
    "BP has set a target of reducing its global greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent by the year 2010 and the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to the program in Western Australia," Mrs Edwardes said.
    "On-site initiatives at the Kwinana Refinery aimed at decreasing carbon dioxide emissions and improving energy efficiency have been enhanced by an innovative off-site Carbon Sequestration Project."
    Mrs Edwardes said BP's Kwinana Refinery had formed a partnership with the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) and farmers in the State's south west to create tree plantations on strategically-located working farms.
    "The plantations create a carbon sink to offset carbon dioxide emissions and at the same time provide a range of benefits for the farmers including soil stabilisation, excess groundwater usage, increased farm usage and income diversification," she said.
    "Maximising ground water usage by planting 15 to 20 per cent of each farm with commercial tree crops subsequently lowers the water table and reverses salinity.
    "BP's Carbon Sequestration Project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the private sector joins forces with the State Government and the community to meet major environmental challenges."
    The 1999 State Recycling and Waste Reduction Cleaner Production Award was proudly sponsored by Matilda Bay Brewing. It was one of nine 1999 State Recycling and Waste Reduction Awards announced recently.

    Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 9421 7777