ProjectProponent: Hamersley Iron Pty LtdProposal description: The main features of the proposal are to; extend the existing northern and southern berth pockets at the Parker Point wharf and to enable four vessels (two on the north side and two on the south side) to moor alongside the wharf at any one time, although only two vessels can be loaded at any one time; widen and deepen the southern swing basin to provide safe approaches for 220,000 DWT vessels using the southern berths; widen the northern approach route to provide safe navigation for arriving vessels and provide an escape route to the north of Parker Point in the event of immobilisation of a departing vessel in the channel; dredge a new berth pocket east of the existing Parker Point Wharf to allow for new, upgraded tanker unloading facilities; remove recent siltation in the existing northern approach route and approaches to the Service Wharf facility at Parker Point; remove under wharf spillage from Parker Point and East Intercourse Island berths; and remove a high spot adjacent to the main shipping channel (east of Beacon 7E, Area H) to provide safe navigation for vessels. The channel is essentially a departure channel for loaded vessels requiring additional under-keel clearance. There is insufficient width to the channel to allow vessels to pass one another in opposite directions. With the additional traffic expected in the departure channel from Parker Point and, with the added traffic from the other berths in the Port, removing the high spot reduces the risk of a vessel running aground. Assessment Number: 1645Region: PilbaraReferred under EP Act: s38Last updated: July 2, 2007Current Status: Ministerial Statement published 1. ReferralReferral documentation: Referral information (PDF, 9.51 MB) 2. Decision on whether to assess this proposalChair's Determination: Assessment on referral information (ARI)Preliminary Environmental Factors: Benthic Communities and HabitatsMarine Environmental QualityDate published: Monday, 7 August, 2006 4. EPA Report on assessmentEPA Report Number: 1225EPA Report: Dredging Program Dampier Port Upgrade (PDF, 1.17 MB)Date published: Monday, 7 August, 2006Appeals close: Monday, 21 August, 2006 5. Decision on proposal and implementation of proposalMinisterial StatementDate of approval: Wednesday, 22 November, 2006Ministerial Statement: Ministerial Statement 731 (PDF, 1.42 MB) Post-assessment changess. 45C amendments: Attachment 1 to Statement 731 - Increased extent of dredging - change to description of proposal approved on 18 January 2007. Attachment 2 to Statement 731 - Marine drill and blast to remove rock outcrops from within approved dredging area - change to description of proposal approved on 2 July 2007. Date of approval s. 45C: Thursday, 18 January, 2007Monday, 2 July, 2007