The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) today released a report recommending dust management for BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland operations be regulated under a single regulatory mechanism to remove duplication and overlap, and improve transparency and compliance.
EPA Chairman Dr Tom Hatton said the report into dust management at Finucane Island and Nelson Point recommended a more consistent approach to the regulation of dust emissions and discharges.
“Currently, there are overlaps between conditions in Ministerial Statements and operating licences issued by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER),” Dr Hatton said.
“We are recommending that all conditions regulating dust in BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland operations be placed under the existing contemporary Part V Licence, making the regulation more clearly enforceable.”
The recommendations are a result of the EPA’s inquiry on changing the operating conditions for BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd’s (BHPBIO) operations in Port Hedland.
Dr Hatton said the BHPBIO ministerial conditions were established in 1996 and 2007, but had been updated by DWER licences.
“It makes sense to take a more clear approach and to remove duplication, so there is a sole regulatory instrument to manage dust in Port Hedland,” Dr Hatton said.
The EPA will continue to assess new proposals and schemes and provide public advice on those that may have a significant impact on the environment.
EPA Report 1608 is available at here...
EPA Media Phone 0400 866 450
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