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Mayor's Message - 31 MayAquaSure and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently presented a briefing to Council to update us on the management of the marine environment taking place at the Victorian Desalination Plant (VDP). By Bass Coast - 31st May 2013 - Back to News The session was a result of a motion passed by the former Council in 2012 when they invited AquaSure and the EPA to come and outline the monitoring program in place to measure the quality of discharge water from the desalination plant. Unfortunately the presentation ran over time and both Councillors and community members were left with unanswered questions.
In what I believe will be a valuable opportunity for all parties involved, AquaSure has invited Council representatives and delegates from Watershed and Clean Oceans Foundation to another briefing session to be held at the desalination plant in July. I hope that other key stakeholders, such as the Department of Environment and Primary Industries and the EPA can also be present at the briefing.
The briefing was scheduled to explain to the Council and interested community members what controls were in place to monitor the emission of waste water from the VDP to the marine environment. The EPA explained the standards that had to be complied with and the way in which emissions are measured.
Representatives of AquaSure outlined the operation of the plant and details of recent repairs which were undertaken to the outlet on the sea bed.
Councillors and community members in attendance addressed many questions to the speakers. As time did not permit all questions to be answered, I welcome AquaSure’s willingness to organise a follow up briefing.
It is also necessary for Council to be informed on environmental monitoring at the plant, as managing the assets of Bass Coast Shire in a sustainable manner is an important part of the 2008-2013 Council Plan.
Cr Clare Le Serve, Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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