Conditions set on Kwinana refinery burner

3/05/05
Environment Minister Judy Edwards has set Ministerial Conditions on a proposal by Alcoa World Alumina Australia to recommission the liquor burner at the company's Kwinana refinery.
Dr Edwards set the conditions after considering appeals following an assessment of the proposal by the Environmental Protection Authority, which recommended that the facility could be restarted with improved pollution control equipment.
Four appeals were submitted to the Minister on the EPA's report from community groups.
Concerns raised in appeals related to the adequacy of emissions estimates and air quality modelling, cumulative air emissions, potential health impacts, and worker health issues.
"While acknowledging these concerns, I am satisfied that the re-commissioning of the liquor burner with substantially upgraded pollution control equipment can be managed in an environmentally acceptable way," Dr Edwards said.
"This is based on technical assessments undertaken for the proposal, including health risk assessments and peer review processes, the advice of the Department of Health and the EPA's assessment of the proposal.
"Ministerial Conditions will require Alcoa to undertake a rigorous validation and monitoring program to ensure that the actual emissions from the upgraded facility are consistent with those predicted through the environmental assessment process.
"Additionally, Alcoa will have to prepare an emissions characterisation plan for the refinery as a whole. This plan will identify the types and quantities of all potentially significant emissions."
The Minister said steps already had been taken in respect to concerns raised during the appeals process on broader cumulative air emissions associated with the Kwinana Industrial Area.
"The Department of Environment is installing six more monitoring sites as part of the program to establish baseline levels for a range of air toxics around the metropolitan area," she said.
"This is in line with the Government's commitment to protect and enhance the State's lifestyle and environment."
Minister's office: 9220 5050