Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) expects Alcoa to undertake a further attempt to demolish the Anglesea power station via controlled implosion in early October.
Alcoa has sought approval from EPA to allow for dust to travel beyond the boundary of the site as part of the implosion event.
Any approval granted will include requirements for Alcoa to undertake air monitoring and to inform the community of the results.
Approval conditions will require that the demolition only occurs when the wind is coming from a southerly direction. This will have the effect of directing dust from the demolition northwards over the heathland and away from local communities.
Alcoa has provided EPA with a plan that outlines measures to minimise dust emissions, such as use of water sprays, wetting down, and ensuring favourable weather conditions. These are appropriate measures and have also been submitted to WorkSafe as part of the overall planning and approval process.
The application anticipates some short-term dust and noise while the works are carried out. Alcoa will be required to assess impacts from a number of locations around the site and report to EPA on any noise and/or dust observed.
EPA has required that Alcoa inform the community to provide them with all the details around the proposed demolition plans. Alcoa hosted a community drop in information session on Wednesday 26 September and will hold another on Sunday 30 September at the Anglesea Senior Citizens Club, which will be attended by EPA and WorkSafe representatives.
EPA continues to meet with Worksafe and Alcoa to oversee the planning and management of the work to minimise environmental impacts.
EPA will deploy officers in Anglesea to observe when the works occur.
Background
Alcoa’s first attempt at demolishing the power station was also subject to an EPA approval. Following those works, EPA observations were that a small dust cloud was generated and dissipated after a few hundred metres as expected.