Alkimos seawater desalination plant investigations

Investigations into a potential future seawater desalination plant in Kwinana or Alkimos are continuing.

As part of site assessments, we will soon be undertaking geotechnical studies off the Alkimos coast. This important work will allow us to collect seabed samples which was first attempted in 2018 but deferred due to weather conditions at the time.

A crane barge, marine drill rig and small support vessel will be visible around 2km-3.5km offshore of Alkimos Beach on or around 7 February 2022. Work to collect seafloor samples will continue 24 hours per day for about two weeks (weather permitting).

A temporary marine exclusion zone will be set up to ensure everyone’s safety. Fishers are asked to please remove all equipment from the area by 7 February 2022 and stay clear of the area during the sampling period. Removal of fishing gear such as cray pots and octopus traps from the area will ensure gear is not inadvertently damaged.

A comprehensive marine management plan has been prepared, and no adverse impacts to the marine environment are expected during this work.

Access to Alkimos Beach and the Alkimos and Eglinton wrecks will not be affected. Some noise may be heard at times during the drilling work.

On Thursday 11 February 2021, our authorised consultant Jacobs, is undertaking survey work at the Alkimos Water Precinct. This survey work will continue until approximately Friday 26 February 2021. Work will be carried out between 7.00am and 5pm on weekdays.

We are investigating ground conditions for enabling infrastructure and surveys for access road improvements. Whilst no decision has been made yet on the future of the possible Alkimos Desalination Plant, preparing to undertake enabling works early will minimise disruption to the current and future local community and road users.

All work will be carried out within Water Corporation owned land at the Alkimos Water Precinct. All Water Corporation employees and contractors endeavour to minimise disruption where possible.

Residents may notice an increase in noise and activity in the area during work hours. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation while this important work takes place.

For more information phone (08) 9420 2130 or email community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au.

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Approval Update

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has recently determined that Alkimos Water Desalination Plant is a controlled action and therefore will require assessment and approval under the EPBC act.

For further information on this decision visit http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/ - Reference 2019/8453.

Environmental Protection Authority Approval Update

Water Corporation has also received confirmation from the Environmental Protection Authority that Alkimos Water Desalination Plant will be required to be assessed under the EP Act.

All interested parties have the opportunity to comment during the public comment. More information on the referral and how to provide comment is available here http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/proposal-search(External link), referral number 2210.

We will provide further confirmation on the timing of the comment period over the coming months.

We will be joining Public Transport Authority and other government departments and agencies at the a Yanchep Rail Extension Community Drop In Session on Saturday, September 5 from 1pm to 4pm at the Butler Community Centre.

Come visit the Water Corporation stall to learn about our plans for Alkimos or for some great waterwise information and tips.

You can also call us anytime by contacting Community Engagement via email to community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au or phoning 9420 2883.

The Water Corporation referred the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant proposal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The proposal is now open for comment on the Department of Environment and Energy website for a period of 10 business days.

You can read our referral here: http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/publicnoticesreferrals. Reference 2019/8453

Public comment will close on 14 August 2019.

For information on how to make a public comment on a referral, please see the EPBC Notices Homepage

The Environmental Protection Authority has announced it will assess the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant proposal at the level of Public Environmental Review.

More information on the determination can be found at the EPA webpage.

Following more than 18 months of feasibility investigations, supported by stakeholder and community engagement, the Water Corporation has referred two desalination plant proposals to the Federal Department of Environment and Energy (EPBC Act) and the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority for assessment.

The proposals: Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant and Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2 (in Kwinana), are part of long term planning to secure Perth’s water supply, with current planning indicating a new water source may be needed for Perth within the next 5-10 years.

To learn more about the proposals and stay updated as assessments progress, including period of public comment, visit: https://yoursay.watercorporation.com.au/future-perth-desalination-plants.

Completion of offshore investigations

Water Corporation has completed its Alkimos offshore investigations and will now demobilise the marine jack-up barge from the Alkimos area.

The Corporation thanks the Alkimos community and marine stakeholders for their patience during the work, which is being considered as part of feasibility investigations for a seawater desalination plant at Alkimos.

The barge will commence its journey to Henderson when conditions are favourable, depending on conditions this could take upwards of 3 weeks.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Ocean Outfall maintenance

In coming weeks the Corporation will complete maintenance work on the Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Plant ocean outfall.

The work is planned for completion over 2-3 days, pending weather conditions and will involve divers and a vessel being positioned above the pipeline. Flags and required signage will be in place to advise other vessels to the work.

Operation of the wastewater treatment plant will not be interrupted during the work.

For more information phone 9420 3488 or email community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au.