Australia: Gladstone Hosts Dredge Technical Reference Panel

An independent panel of technical experts established prior to the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal project to provide high level advice to the project team and government regulators will meet in Gladstone today.

The Dredge Technical Reference Panel (DTRP) is chaired by an independent expert in dredging activities, Dr Rick Morton.

Dr Morton convenes the next quarterly meeting of experts and advisors in Gladstone.

As part of their role to oversee dredging activities the DTRP will review the latest water quality and seagrass monitoring results in order to provide any necessary recommendations for improvement to both the project team and the regulatory bodies.

The DTRP plays as important role in the governance of the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project by providing independent expert review, advice and oversight.

The members of the DTRP include experts on seagrass, benthic life, water quality, and dredging as well as representatives from GPC, the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

The panel also receives advice from a number of advisors working on the project on water quality collection, turbidity levels, seagrass health as well as personnel working on day-to-day dredging operations and management plans.

 “GPC will carry out any recommendations made by the independent panel as part of the adaptive and responsive approach to carry out the dredging project with the minimal impact to the marine environment,” GPC CEO Leo Zussino said.

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Dredging Today Staff, December 15, 2011; Image: westernbasinportdevelopment