Author: AIVP
Source: Sydney Ports
On sale date: Friday, 17 February 2006
Type of document: News
Topic: 1.01 - port development project, 7.05 - environmental management
Original language: English
Location: Oceania : Australia : Sydney
Language: English, French, Spanish

In January 2005, the Port of Sydney ratified the decision to construct a 51 hectare extension to the Port Botany site in order to meet the growth of its activity. (see our article). The environmental management plan set up at that time indicated an environmental impact study. In this context, the firm Douglas Partners has been charged with carrying out a geotechnical study during the first quarter of 2006.

“The work that Douglas Partners will undertake will entail the drilling of geotechnical bores within the proposed development area to collect samples. These samples will then be laboratory tested to determine the properties of the soil."
An Environmental Management Plan for the works has been prepared and approved by the Department of Planning. “(…)Douglas Partners will test around 120 locations over land and water, with work being done during the week and at daytime. No disruption or undue noise is expected from this activity,” Mr Rudd said. The testing being done by them builds on the studies conducted as a part of the Environmental Impact Assessment, and will provide subsoil information needed for undertaking the dredging and design of the wharf structure.
Planning approval for the expansion of the port was given in 2005, for the provision of an extra 51 hectares and 4 berths to handle the growing freight needs of Sydney. Investigations are ongoing to examine three options for the location of a 5th berth.
The expansion will provide over $20 million of new and improved community and environmental benefits.