Perdaman Urea Plant recommended for environmental approval

Release date: 
September 6, 2021

A proposal to construct and operate a urea plant within the Burrup Strategic
Industrial Area has been recommended for environmental approval by the
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), subject to conditions including air quality.

The Perdaman Urea Project is located about 20km north-west of Karratha and
proposes to produce about 2 million tonnes of urea per annum.

EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said the conditions reflected the Authority’s
commitment to ensuring the protection of the Murujuga peninsula’s unique
environmental values, including the nearby rock art.

He said the Murujuga petroglyphs had deep meaning for the Traditional Owners and
were recognised as having immense state, national and international significance.

“The proponent will need to demonstrate that the project has no adverse impact that
accelerates the weathering of the rock art,” Professor Tonts said. “We believe there
is sufficient time before Perdaman operations begin for monitoring associated with
the Murujuga Rock Art Strategy to be undertaken to develop detailed air quality
standards that ensure this level of protection.”

He said the EPA was particularly appreciative of the significant contribution to the
assessment by representatives of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC).

A new study on the cumulative impacts of ambient air emissions in the Murujuga
airshed was also considered as part of the environmental impact assessment. These
predictive findings will continue to inform current and future environmental impact
assessments undertaken by the EPA in this region.

The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public
appeal period, closing 20 September 2021. Appeals can be made at
www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au. The Minister for Environment will make the final
decision on the Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers Pty Ltd proposal. EPA Report
1705 can be found HERE.

EPA Media Contact: Jenni Storey on 0434 734 997

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