Australia: NPC Prepares EA for Dredging Project

Newcastle Port Corporation as part of its long term port planning is preparing an Environmental Assessment to gain development approval for the future dredging of shipping berths in the Port of Newcastle.

A s part of the process, Newcastle Port Corporation is seeking community comment about the future dredging of the 10 vessel berths in the South Arm of the Hunter River. The future dredging works will facilitate trade diversification and growth through the port and the locations of the berths.

An Environmental Assessment of the project is required to assess the impacts from this activity. The Environmental Assessment will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure as part of a development application seeking consent to undertake the works.

Members of the community are being invited to comment and information sessions are being held for interested residents.

Written comments from the community will be included in the Environmental A ssessment application to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

Future Works

The future berth dredging works may be required to enable a variety of ships to berth at new wharves when they are constructed.

The proposed works for which Newcastle Port Corporation is seeking development consent are:

• river bank stabilisation,

• dredging of berth pockets,

• dispos al of dredged material (primarily off shore).

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, January 24, 2012; Image: newportcorp