Onslow Solar Salt Project (s46)

Inquiry under s46 regarding proposed amendments to the Onslow Solar Salt Project, the subject of  Ministerial Statement 401.

The changes to the project are to allow the start-up production to increase from 1.5 Mtpa to 2.5 Mtpa. Modifications proposed include:

• expansion of condenser pond area from 70 km² to 80 km²;
• expansion of the crystalliser pond area from 7.2 km² to 8.2 km²;
• area for storage of bitterns;
• extension of the jetty structure by 300 m;
• extension of the dredged approach channel offshore, from 4 km long and -9 m (Chart Datum) deep to 9.6 km long and -10.8 m deep;
• increased volume of spoil from 600,000 m³ to 3,000,000 m³ and relocation of spoil dumping sites from the east to the west of the proposed shipping channel; and
• provision of alternate access/service corridors within the project area.