Environmental approvals for the Berrimah Rail Terminal
- Client Name
- Aurizon
- Location
- Northern Territory
Challenge
Aurizon are proposing an expansion to their Berrimah Freight Terminal to facilitate an expected increase in containerised freight through the Port of Darwin. The expansion involves the development of approximately 40 ha of what is currently undeveloped intertidal mangroves and terrestrial vegetation.
Key areas of concern were potential impacts to threatened species and sensitive habitats due to the extent of clearing. Additionally, the location adjacent to Darwin Harbour means that extra care needs to be taken to ensure that construction and operation of the facility does not impact this important marine environment.
Solution
SLR was engaged to support with the referral process. Upon discussions with stakeholders, our experts determined that environmental studies were required to meet the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) factors and objectives.
The studies included:
- Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions
- Ecology, including mangrove and terrestrial flora, migratory shorebirds and vertebrate fauna
- Economic impact assessment
- Surface water and storm surge
- Erosion and sediment control
- Heritage
- Noise and vibration
- Traffic and transport
- Social impact assessment, including stakeholder consultation
Impact
The NT EPA determined that the proposed action does not have the potential to have a significant impact on the environment, and as such no assessment under the EP Act was required. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water determined that the project requires assessment by preliminary documentation.
SLR is providing ongoing support to address the request for information, including the preparation of an offset strategy for residual impacts to threatened species. This decision means that SLR were able to provide sufficient evidence to the NT EPA to give them confidence that the project’s environmental management and mitigations measures were such that the impacts to the environment would be negligible.
The approvals support provided by our team ensured a good outcome for Aurizon, to help progress this important project as it will see the development of a larger terminal, to ensure a more reliable, efficient and sustainable rail freight network.
