[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Port Stanvac Desal EIS: big questions remain

[Parnell]

Media Release
Wednesday 24th December, 2008


Port Stanvac Desal EIS: big questions remain

	
Greens MLC Mark Parnell has called on the Government to commit to
genuine sustainability for the Port Stanvac desalination project in a
submission lodged as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process.


The public submission period for the Port Stanvac desal plant EIS closes
at 5pm tonight.

"The Environmental Impact Statement prepared by SA Water reads like an
early draft report, not a completed summary of a major project.
Fundamental aspects of the plant's design and operation are still up in
the air in the headlong rush to get this project up and running before
the next state election," Mr Parnell said.

"As the project's design is still evolving, how can the Government make
the claim there won't be any negative impacts?" he said. 

Key issues raised in Mark Parnell's submission:

Carbon Neutral Claim

The Government has provided few details to back their "carbon neutral"
claim, relying instead on vague assurances.  The EIS "discusses options"
to achieve carbon neutrality for the "operations" of the plant, but NOT
the $1.4Billion construction phase.  Also big questions remain re the
use of renewable energy.  The EIS states that SA Water has "commenced
market sounding for the use of renewable energy to cover plant
operations", but contains little further detail.

Take or Pay Clause

The Greens are greatly concerned about the probable inclusion of a 'take
or pay' clause that will force SA Water to pay whether it receives water
or not.  Similar clauses exist in interstate desal contracts, and act as
a major disincentive for the development of alternative water sources. 

Alternatives

The Greens have said from day 1 that desalination is an option of last
resort, not first resort for Adelaide.  There is no discussion in the
EIS of alternative water supply options, or even alternative desal
technology eg wave or solar.

Marine Impact

Critical questions including the design and length of the brine
discharge pipeline are not finalised, yet SA Water makes the claim there
will be no negative marine impact.  The concerns re lack of ocean
flushing raised by Flinders University scientist Jochen Kaempf need to
be urgently addressed before construction.

	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	


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