The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended approval for a South West quarry with conditions that restrict operating hours, noise and dust emissions, and impacts to visual amenity.
The GM Giacci proposal to extract limestone from previously cleared land at Lot 4 Binningup Road is about 640 metres south-east of the Binningup township and 25km north of Bunbury and has been the subject of an environmental impact assessment for the last three years.
EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said the independent EPA had assessed air quality and social surroundings as key environmental factors, however potential impacts to flora and vegetation, inland waters, terrestrial fauna, and greenhouse gas emissions were also considered.
Conditions included in the EPA’s report and recommendations to the Minister for Environment, include limiting work at the 26ha site to 7am-6pm Monday to Friday and 7am-12pm Saturdays. The proponent would also be required to ensure no more than 4ha was being actively excavated at any one time.
As well as a human health risk assessment of the dust, Professor Tonts said the EPA had asked the proponent consider impacts to future residential developments in the region.
“The EPA has recommended conditions which should ensure the proposal is complete by the time of potential development west of the proposal area and has proposed conditions to minimise impacts to any sensitive receptor to within health standards,” he said. “In addition, a condition which requires real-time dust monitoring and a management plan has also been recommended.”
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a three-week public appeal period, closing 28 March 2024. Appeals should be directed to the Office of the Appeals Convenor. The Minister for Environment will make the final decision on the proposal. EPA Report 1758 can be found on the EPA website.
EPA Media Contact: Jenni.Storey@dwer.wa.gov.au 0434 734 997
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