Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) attended today’s (30 May) planned demolition of the Anglesea power station via controlled implosion to ensure compliance with the relevant EPA regulations.
EPA observations were that the dust cloud that was generated dissipated within a few hundred metres.
The relevant EPA section 30A notice, with the same requirements, remains in place following today’s attempt to demolish the power station and will remain in place should further works be carried out in the near future. However, this activity does not require direct EPA approval as it is regulated by WorkSafe.
EPA anticipates that should a further implosion attempt be made, EPA officers will again attend.
Background
Prior to works, Alcoa provided EPA with a plan that outlined measures that would be taken to minimise dust emissions. These were considered to be appropriate measures and were also submitted to Worksafe as part of the overall planning and approval process.
Despite these controls, EPA issued a statutory notice that acknowledges there may be some short-term dust and noise whilst the works are carried out.
Under the notice, Alcoa is required to assess impacts from a number of locations around the site and report to EPA on and noise and/or dust observed.