The existing Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana.
Camera IconThe existing Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

EPA receives proposals for desalination plants in Kwinana and Alkimos

Jaime ShurmerWeekend Kwinana Courier

PROPOSALS to build another desalination plant in Kwinana or Alkimos have been referred to the  Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

The Water Corporation submitted two proposals recently, one for the Kwinana Industrial Area in Naval Base and one for Alkimos.

The Kwinana plant would be developed in two stages, each with the capacity to supply 25GL and would be operated independently of the existing desalination plant.

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A seawater intake pipeline and return outlet for the discharge brine would need to be installed.

The plant is currently proposed for Lot 1864, Riesley Road in Naval Base.

The Alkimos proposal will be located within the Alkimos Water Precinct at Lot 1050 Marmion Avenue, north of Quinns Rock beach and south of Yanchep beach.

MORE: Offshore testing for future desalination plant at Alkimos extended

It will be developed in four stages, each with a capacity to supply 25 GL, with the timing of each stage based on actual growth in water demand, potential groundwater allocation reduction, actual streamflow conditions and timing of other source option development like the construction of the proposed second plant at Kwinana.

The Alkimos proposal requires the installation of two seawater intakes and two seawater return outlets about 4km offshore to enable the discharge of return of brine to the marine environment.

Water Corporation spokesperson Clare Lugar said the Corporation was planning ahead to secure water supplies and keep pace with climate change, annual water demand and projected growth.

“Following on from more than 18 months of feasibility investigations and engagement with the community, on April 12 Water Corporation referred two desalination plant proposals to the Federal Department of Environment and Energy (EPBC Act) and the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority for assessment,” Ms Lugar said.

She said the Alkimos plant and Kwinana plant had been identified as possible sites for future desalination plants but no final decisions had been made.

“Current planning indicates a new water source may be needed for Perth within the next five to ten years, but by using water wisely the community can help defer the need for a new water source as long as possible,” Ms Lugar said.

More information from the EPA website is available on the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2 and the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant.

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