Burrup Seawater Supply Scheme upgrade

What is happening?

We plan to upgrade the existing Burrup Seawater Supply Scheme to:

• ensure the continued safe operation and maintenance of the scheme
• enable the addition of a new customer

When is this happening?

What is the scope of works proposed through this project?
The below map shows the scope of work and associated work areas. View enlarged map of the work area.

Protecting Aboriginal Heritage

Consultation with Traditional Owners through Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation has been ongoing throughout planning and into delivery of the project. Consultation will continue to ensure the works associated with the scheme will not impact known heritage sites.

Protecting the environment

Following significant investigations and consultation, the proposal was referred to the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for review in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) (EPBC Act). Approval was received in mid-2024.  

Environmental approvals

Water Corporation sought approval to complete the scheme upgrade works under both State (Environmental Protection Act 1986) and Commonwealth (Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) environmental approval processes.  The Burrup Seawater Supply Scheme currently operates under State Government Ministerial Statements (MS) 567 and 594, which allows for the abstraction of seawater and the disposal of up to 208 ML/day of industrial and domestic waste and brine. 

We completed marine modelling and environmental investigations, noise modelling and an Aboriginal Heritage Survey. Specific environmental studies undertaken have included a flora and fauna survey, benthic and habitat assessments (sea floor studies), marina fauna desktop assessment, dye tracer study and dispersion modelling, noise and air modelling and contamination studies. These supported our referrals for environmental approval.

Consultation with Traditional Owners has continued through Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the works associated with the scheme are not going to impact known heritage sites. In the event of a previously unidentified heritage item being uncovered during works, all work will stop, and relevant procedures followed. An Indigenous Engagement Strategy has been developed for this project, which outlines our commitment to relationship building and participation opportunities for Aboriginal people.