Cambridge Gulf Marine Sand Proposal

Closed 7 Oct 2024

Opened 1 Oct 2024

Overview

The proposal is to source marine sands from Cambridge Gulf, north of Wyndham in northeast Western Australia, for export to overseas construction projects.

The proposal is a vessel-based marine operation with a lifespan of up to 15 years. It does not involve the construction and operation of any shore-based facilities. The operation will involve a Sand Production Vessel (SPV) based generally on the design of a large Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD).

The proposed operational area (POA) is located in the central part of the main body of the Cambridge Gulf (CG), covering an area of approximately 100 km2.

The SPV will self-load sand in CG for one or two days every two weeks, which is 52 days per year, or 14% of the year for operation.

It is proposed to export up to 70 million m3 of sand for the 15-year project timeframe.

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.

Areas

  • All of Western Australia

Audiences

  • Public

Interests

  • Seven-day comment on referrals