A Vopak Terminals Sydney proposal to build a fuel storage terminal at Port Botany has been conditionally approved by the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment.
The fuel storage facility will include seven storage tanks holding up to 200ML of fuel, and new pipelines will be built under Friendship Road to an existing Vopak terminal.
The development would generate $116 million and would provide up to 100 jobs during construction as well as ongoing employment for workers at the existing Vopak terminal.
The department approved the application with strict conditions responding directly to issues raised in submissions, including concerns about hazards and risks, and air quality.
The department has included a number of conditions to manage and monitor hazards and risks, air quality, construction traffic, soil and water, including:
- Implementing a number of hazard studies to ensure the risk from the development to the surrounding environment is minimised
- Implementing an air emissions program to manage air and odour emissions from the development
- Building walls around the tanks and implementing stormwater management measures
A spokesperson from the department said consultation with the community is enshrined into the process for assessing applications.
“The application was publicly exhibited for community feedback at the end of last year and received 12 submissions, including four public submissions from the community,” the spokesperson said.
“The department has thoroughly assessed the modification application under clear and consistent rules, which are the same for every applicant.”
The site will be subject to on-going audits and site inspections by the department’s compliance officers to ensure the company is adhering to its consent conditions.
The department can issue the highest on-the-spot fines in the country for breaches of conditions.
Companies can also be prosecuted in court for breaching conditions, with the most severe breaches attracting fines of up to $5 million.
