Alcoa Australia’s bauxite mining operations in the Darling Range will be “comprehensively scrutinised” by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Alcoa Australia’s bauxite mining operations in the Darling Range will be “comprehensively scrutinised” by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The state’s environmental watchdog has decided to assess parts of Alcoa’s activities in WA, after the state government approved the continuation of its operations last week.
Last week, the state government also issued an exemption under section 6 of the Environmental Protection Act to ensure continuity of Alcoa’s operations while EPA conducts its review.
EPA chair Matthew Tonts said the legislative exemption would not prevent EPA from “rigorously undertaking its assessment and providing recommendations to the Minister for Environment.”
During the review, Professor Tonts said the EPA would consider potential impacts on flora, fauna and water catchments from clearing, climate change as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, and social surroundings from noise, dust and visual impacts.
He said the assessment would include an EPA-prepared environmental scoping document and a 10-week public consultation on the proponent’s environmental review document.
“These proposals involve the clearing of large areas of native vegetation so there will be impacts to a range of environmental values including biodiversity and water resources,” Professor Tonts said.
“There is also the potential for significant cumulative impacts to the Northern Jarrah Forest.
“That’s why this longer-than-usual consultation period is appropriate for a proposal with such a high level of community interest and complexity.
“The EPA has also decided to conduct in-person briefings with community groups to ensure all information and concerns are captured in the assessment.”
An Alcoa spokesperson said it noted the WA Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to conduct an environmental impact assessment into parts of its existing bauxite mining operations.
"We will engage with the EPA to understand the assessment scope and process," they said.
"We believe the state government’s recent decision to grant an exemption allowing these operations to continue, under stringent conditions, while the assessment is undertaken strikes a balance between protecting jobs and investment while enhancing environmental protections.
"We are committed to enhancing the way we operate to meet stringent conditions associated with this exemption and our new mine plan, existing operating requirements, and evolving community expectations."
In addition, the EPA is separately considering another proposal by Alcoa to increase production at its Pinjarra refinery, which is being assessed at the level of public environmental review.
That review is expected to be released for a 10-week public review period next year.
