Perdaman’s Murujuga urea plant gets green tick from WA’s environmental watchdog

A project which would generate about two million tonnes of urea per year near Karratha has been given the green light subject to a series of conditions including air quality management. The proposed Perdaman Urea Project, located 20km North West of Karratha within the Burrup Strategic Industrial Area, was this week recommended for environmental approval by the Environmental Protection Authority. The approval is subject 16 recommendations including air emissions having no impact on the weathering of rock art within Murujuga beyond natural rates and for Perdaman to provide a revised greenhouse gas management plan. EPA chairman Professor Matthew Tonts said the conditions reflected the Authority’s commitment to the protection of Murujuga’s unique environmental values, including the nearby rock art. Mr Tonts said the Murujuga petroglyphs were recognised as having immense State, national and international significance. “The proponent will need to demonstrate that the project has no adverse impact that accelerates the weathering of the rock art,” he said. “We believe there is sufficient time before Perdaman operations begin for monitoring associated with the Murujuga Rock Art Strategy to be undertaken to develop detailed air quality standards that ensure this level of protection.” Mr Tonts said the EPA was appreciative of the contribution to the assessment by Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation. The report to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson is now open for a two-week public appeal period ending September 20.