EPA to set guidelines for SW mine

LD Operations, the proponent of the Vasse Coal Project near Margaret River, has submitted documents to the Environmental Protection Authority to allow the EPA to set the level of environmental assessment for the project.

The EPA will look at the level of environmental assessment for the underground coal mine at Osmington and wash plant facility at North Capel.

"In line with the established process, our submission will enable the EPA to determine the nature and level of assessment the project will be subject to, and allow for the development of a scoping document," said LDO managing director Peter Ross.

"This, in turn, will allow us to finalise formal environmental impact assessment documentation that will then be open for public review.

"While the current submission contains some preliminary information on our minimal impact approach, detailed management plans will be developed over the coming months as part of the impact assessment."

Mr Ross said that the development of management plans would be underpinned by a Social Impact Assessment to be run concurrent to and integrated with the environmental approvals process.

Many local residents are bitterly opposed to the mine.

In August, Augusta-Margaret River shire president Ray Colyer told WA Business News the possible impacts of the project on "Margaret River's icon brand" and its potential economic benefit needed to be considered fairly.

LDO estimates the mine could employ 200 locals directly and create 800 other indirect jobs.

See company statement below:

LD Operations (LDO) wishes to advise that it has now submitted documentation to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to allow the authority to set the level of environmental assessment for an underground coal mine at Osmington and wash plant facility at North Capel.

Managing Director of LDO, Peter Ross, said the submission to the EPA was for the purpose of allowing the EPA to set the level of assessment only.

"In line with the established process, our submission will enable the EPA to determine the nature and level of assessment the project will be subject to, and allow for the development of a scoping document," Mr Ross said.

"This, in turn, will allow us to finalise formal environmental impact assessment documentation that will then be open for public review.

"While the current submission contains some preliminary information on our minimal impact approach, detailed management plans will be developed over the coming months as part of the impact assessment."

Mr Ross said that the development of management plans would be underpinned by a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to be run concurrent to and integrated with the environmental approvals process.

"The SIA will examine the implications of the proposed Vasse Coal Project for the community in Margaret River and surrounding areas, as well as broader socio-economic implications, with a view to identifying priority risks and opportunities over and above the statutory requirements of the environmental impact assessment," he said.

"Both activities are in the very early stages of a long and comprehensive process - there is a lot of work to be done to develop a research base for detailed environmental impact assessment and to allow the EPA to make an informed decision."

The fundamental goal of the Vasse Coal Project is to minimise impact and not only coexist with the local community, environment and industry, but also be an asset to the South West region.

Mr Ross said that due to the extensive mitigating measures proposed, the project would be among the least intrusive mining operations in Australia.

"The Vasse Coal Project will be assessed under the rigours of Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act to ensure it can be implemented in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible manner," Mr Ross said.

"We are committed to due process and are undertaking robust scientific and socio-economic research to support our application."

The proposal includes the mining of the Osmington Seam of the Sue Coal Measures through underground mine workings, sourcing and supply of water, transport of run of mine coal to the proposed coal handling and preparation plant in North Capel (which is anticipated to require the upgrading of roads) for processing of run of mine coal and transport of coal products domestically or for export.

Mr Ross said the project was likely to employ some 225 local personnel directly, and indirectly generate up to 800 additional jobs.

"We will actively seek to be a long term partner in the community through major project-associated local infrastructure upgrades and involvement in community-based programs," he said.

"We look forward to working with the community to establish clear social and environmental outcomes for this project."