Environment | NSW Ports
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Sustainability

Environment

We are committed to operating in a responsible and sustainable manner to minimise adverse impacts and enhance the local environment

NSW Ports' works in partnership with port users, regulators and the local community to maintain the natural environmental values of the locations where we operate. We actively conserve ecological and cultural heritage values at our sites for the benefit of current and future generations.

Environmental Management Framework

NSW Ports ensures its operations are conducted within the guidelines of applicable environmental licences and legislation. NSW Ports leases land to port and intermodal tenants who are directly responsible for the environmental performance for both the development and operation of their leased sites. We work constructively with tenants and facility users to promote good environmental practice and compliance with all relevant legislation.

 

Environmental framework
 

Environmental licenses

Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, NSW Ports holds an Environmental Protection Licences in relation to the operation of Berth 104 at Port Kembla. Berth 104 is a common-user facility which can be used for handling a broad variety of bulk products. NSW Ports holds an environment protection licence for shipping in bulk at this facility. A Pollution Incident Response Management Plan has been prepared to protect human health and the environment in the event of a pollution incident at the berth.

Berth 104 Pollution Incident Response Management

NSW Ports also holds an Environmental Protection Licence in relation to the crushing and removal of the large temporary stockpile of clean excavated sandstone material at a site on Foreshore Road that is to be used in the Outer Harbour.  A Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) has been prepared for the stockpile removal to ensure human health and environment are protected in the event of a pollution incident.

Outer Harbour Stockpile Removal Pollution Incident Response Management 

A large number of our tenants also hold licenses for scheduled activities at the port and they are responsible for managing and operating in accordance with those licenses.

Major project compliance

NSW Ports holds approvals for several Major Projects where we are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Conditions of Approval. These conditions set out requirements for the environmental management of the construction and operation of the facility and for ongoing community engagement.

The environmental impacts of port developments are thoroughly assessed prior to commencement of work. Impact assessments consider the likely effects of proposed developments on air and water quality, noise levels, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, traffic and transport systems, public access and amenity and sustainability principles.

Once approved, project-specific environmental management plans are prepared to monitor and protect the environment during construction and operation. Active dialogue is maintained with regulators and local residents to ensure that management practices are in accordance with legal requirements and community expectations.

The following projects have project specific pages with information relating to environmental, sustainability and community aspects:

Port Botany Expansion

Port Botany Expansion

Port Botany Bulk Liquids Berth No. 2

Port Botany Bulk Liquids Berth No. 2

Port Kembla Outer Harbour Development

Port Kembla Outer Harbour Development

Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre

Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre

Maintaining the Environment

Each of our facilities has its own unique environmental aspects. We are committed to supporting and maintaining the natural environmental values of the locations where we operate, and to minimising adverse impacts on the surrounding environment.

  • Close residential communities to our ports and intermodal terminals.
  • Habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.
  • Wetlands and waterways supporting a wide variety of native species.
  • Open waters of Botany Bay and Port Kembla Harbour.
  • Emissions to air, land and water resulting from 24/7 operations.

NSW Ports leases land to port and intermodal tenants who are directly responsible for the environmental performance for both the development and operation of their leased sites. We work constructively with tenants and facility users to promote good environmental practice and compliance with all relevant legislation.

Noise

Noise

Our port and intermodal facilities operate 24/7 to facilitate the import and export of trade goods that are essential to the businesses and people of New South Wales. Port and intermodal activities can generate different levels and types of noise.

We undertake our own ongoing noise monitoring and work closely with our port and intermodal tenants and the Environmental Protection Agency to manage any concerns.

Click here for more information about noise monitoring at Port Botany. 

Emissions

Emissions to air, land and water

Port and intermodal operations, both vessel and land based, are generally ongoing 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, to service the needs of the state and the economy, but they have the potential to generate emissions to air, land and water that can disrupt the surrounding environment.

NSW Ports works with and supports the government organisations responsible for the management of pollution of air, land and water. And we manage our facilities and operations in such a way as to minimise impacts on our receiving environments which include the open waters of Botany Bay and Port Kembla Harbour.