House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-04-09 Daily Xml

Contents

Answers to Questions

Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant

In reply to Mr TELFER (Flinders) (6 March 2024).

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water): I have been advised:

For a total of three to four hours during the period 20-22 February 2024, SA Water undertook a non-intrusive seismic survey of a small area (0.04 km²) of coastal seabed from the high-water mark to approximately 100 metres offshore from the Billy Lights Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.

These activities took place outside the aquaculture zoning area and navigation channels using a standard technique widely used around Australia and elsewhere for informing local geological conditions. All marine operations were under the authority of the vessel captain as per maritime law and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) were prepared to identify, risk assess and manage specific risks associated with the works.

Prior to testing, SA Water obtained all required approvals, and the work was completed in accordance with the environmental management plans submitted and approved by the Department for Environment and Water and the Environment Protection Authority.