Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) will assess a works approval application to build a road tunnel ventilation system for the planned West Gate Tunnel project.
The works approval application has been submitted to EPA by the Western Distributor Authority (WDA), who is managing the project on behalf of the State Government, in partnership with Transurban.
The application seeks EPA approval to:
· Construct and install tunnel ventilation systems associated with twin tunnels catering for three traffic lanes in both directions. Each tunnel would include ventilation structures located in close proximity to the tunnel exit portals.
A Works Approval is required under the Environment Protection Act 1970 for the road tunnel ventilation system. As part of its assessment, EPA will look at impacts from the ventilation structures in relation to noise, greenhouse gas and air quality.
EPA’s Works Approval assessment is limited to one component of the West Gate Tunnel project, which is also subject to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) and a Planning Scheme Amendment.
The final assessment of the EES, made by the Minister for Planning, will help to inform EPA’s Works Approval application decision, as well as the Planning Scheme Amendment.
WDA is now seeking public comment on the Environment Effects Statement (EES), the draft planning Scheme Amendment and the Works Approval application from 29 May 2017 to 10 July 2017 (by 5pm).
Comments on the Works Approval are to be made as a submission on the EES, even if comments only relate to the Works Approval aspects.
All Works Approval submissions must be made through the EES submission process, via the Planning Panels Victoria website at: www.planning.vic.gov.au/west-gate-tunnel-project-hearing
For further information on upcoming community information sessions about the project, to view the documents and to learn more about how to make a submission, please visit: www.westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/EES