The Environmental Protection Authority has set level of assessment and released advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment on the proposal to extend the transport depot at Lot 14 Great Northern Highway, Upper Swan by Mr Adrian Bracjkovich.

EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the EPA considers that the proposal, as described, cannot meet the EPA’s environmental objectives for water quality in the Ellen Brook Nature Reserve.

‘The EPA is concerned about the risk to water quality and the consequent effect this would have on the habitat and conservation status of the Western Swamp Tortoise, a critically endangered species,’ Dr Vogel said.

‘The EPA has been advised that the existing transport depot on the site was built prior to the proponent obtaining the necessary planning approval and that planning approval was given retrospectively.

‘Aerial photographs also appear to indicate that the proponent has commenced parking trucks in an area outside the area the subject of the retrospective planning approval.

‘In view of the regulatory history of the site and the important environmental asset at risk, if the current proposal were implemented, the EPA requests that relevant government agencies (State and local) monitor the site to prevent any unauthorised implementation of the proposal and report any breaches of the Environmental Protection Act to the Department of Environment and Conservation.’

EPA 1398 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au. There is a two week public appeal period on the report’s contents closing 23 May, 2011.

EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450.