Last year, BCG chairman Len Buckeridge (whose company wholly owns the port project) filed a writ in the Supreme Court seeking $1 billion in damages from the State Government for unreasonably hindering the development.
The meeting, which was attended by only two members of the community, featured a project update and brief explanation of the three environmental documents currently open for public comment ” the Noise Management Plan, Dredging Management Plan and Dust Management Plan.
The proponents aim to have the pre-construction program completed by July 2013.
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READ NOWIt will commence construction of containment of area to be reclaimed in September 2013 before dredging from May to September 2014. Construction is scheduled for completion by June 2015.
The first ship is anticipated to use the port in July 2015. About 1.25 million cubic metres of dredged material will be pumped from Cockburn Sound via a cutter suction dredge into a reclamation area.
They will have to stop dredging if the plume risks negatively impacting seagrass in the area, which research indicates has increased in coverage for the first time since 2000.
JPPL will use water sprays, speed limits, daily inspections, a complaint register, undertake minimal clearing, execute prompt clean-up and cover open cargo vehicles to minimise dust on the site.
The port is not expected to ‘significantly contribute’ to surrounding noise levels based on a worst-case scenario.
Current possible cargoes include minerals, grain, project cargo, clinker and gypsum, scrap metal and controversially, livestock.
Mr Hutton said that while there were no plans he was aware of to transport lead, particularly in bulk, live animals were still an option.
‘The environmental approvals are for a bulk and general facility,’ he said.
‘There are very strict conditions placed on the export of livestock. These approvals are still in place.’
The public comment period for the three reports will close on June 4. To view the plans, visit jamespoint.com.au and click More Information next to the Construction Environmental Management Program.