Melbourne desalination plant

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A $(AUS)3.1 billion desalination plant is to be built in the Wonthaggi region of the Bass Coast of Victoria, Australia by the end of 2011. The plant will supply water to Melbourne and surrounding districts.

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[edit] Planning

The capital cost for the project has been estimated at $(AUS)3.1 billion in the initial feasibility study. Ongoing operating costs are estimated at $(AUS)132 million per annum,[1] with the reverse osmosis method of desalination has been chosen in the feasibility study.[2]

The plant is to provide an additional 150 gigalitres of water each year, with the capability of being expanded to 200 gigalitres per annum. The plant will be the largest in Australia and will provide around a third of Melbourne’s yearly water use. This project represents the single biggest boost to Melbourne's water system since the approval of the Thomson Dam in 1975.

Construction of the plant is scheduled to commence in mid-2009. [3] The Planning Minister, Justin Madden, approved a planning scheme amendment for a pilot desalination plant on the 11 January 2008 (to come into effect on the 17 January).[4]

[edit] Location

The plant is to be built in the Wonthaggi region of the Bass Coast by the end of 2011. More specifically, it is to be built behind Williamsons Beach near Kilcunda.[5] Nine sites were included in the "long list" in the feasibility study. These were "short listed" to four (Surf Coast, East of Port Philip Bay, West of Western Port, and Bass Coast). Bass Coast was chosen as the premium location.[6] Compulsory acquisition notices were issued to the residents of the proposed desalination site on the 25th January 2008.[7]

[edit] Criticism

Many experts condemn the plant due to its high cost and impact on the environment. As announced on 28 December 2007 project will be the subject of an Environment Effects Statement (EES). Other cheaper alternatives such as piping water from Tasmania's lake Margaret across the Bass Strait have seen less publicity.[8][9][10][11]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Melbourne Water, June 2007, Seawater Desalination Plant Feasibility Study - Chapter 9a
  2. ^ Melbourne Water, June 2007, Seawater Desalination Plant Feasibility Study - Executive Summary
  3. ^ Our Water, June 2007, Fast Facts – Desalination and energy
  4. ^ Bass Coast Shire Council, 15 January 2008, Desalination Pilot gets the go ahead
  5. ^ The Age Newspaper, February 4, 2008, In the eye of the storm
  6. ^ Melbourne Water, June 2007, Seawater Desalination Plant Feasibility Study - Executive Summary
  7. ^ Your water, your say, 25th January 2008, Compulsory acquisition notices
  8. ^ Water Week, 26 September 2007, Melbourne’s desalination: environmental vandalism and economic madness
  9. ^ The Age Newspaper, January 14, 2008, Protest over water plan
  10. ^ The Age Newspaper, March 3 2008, Tasmania could solve Victoria's water problem
  11. ^ The Age Newspaper, February 28 2008, Brumby sticks his head in the sand on water

[edit] External links