The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has decided to assess a marine sands mining proposal off the Kimberley north coast.
Boskalis Australia Pty Ltd’s Cambridge Gulf Marine Sand Proposal near Wyndham plans to export up to 70 million m3 of sand to Asia for use in construction.
EPA Chair Darren Walsh said that in addition to an environmental impact assessment, targeted consultation would be conducted with commercial and recreational fishers, as well as other interested stakeholders.
“We need to develop an understanding of the potential impacts on licensed fishing grounds and the likelihood of sand mining impacts on coastal processes and sediment dynamics,” he said.
The proposal is located in the central part of the Cambridge Gulf over an area of about 100km2.
“The Cambridge Gulf is identified as a biologically important area for flatback turtle nesting as well as calving, foraging and resting for the Australian snubfin dolphin,” Mr Walsh said. “So the EPA will also be seeking further information during this assessment to determine the extent of underwater noise and artificial light impacts on marine fauna, especially during key ecological periods.”
The assessment will focus on the key environmental factors of marine fauna, coastal processes and social surroundings to determine the extent of the proposal’s impacts and whether its environmental factor objectives can be met.
The EPA will engage with stakeholders in the coming weeks and expects to deliver its report and recommendations to the Minister for Environment by the end of the year. The report will be subject to a three-week public appeal period.
The Minister for Environment will make the final decision on the proposal.
EPA Media Contact: Jenni.Storey@dwer.wa.gov.au; 0434 734 997
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