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Environmental & Geotechnical Testing in Ralphs Bay
The Facts

Q. What does the IIS have to address?
A: A consideration of environmental, social, economic and community issues relevant to the project.

Q. Why is it necessary for a barge to take core samples from Ralphs Bay over the next three weeks?
A: The RPDC guidelines require Walker to carry out environmental and geotechnical testing of the sediment. All relevant Commonwealth and State licence approvals have been granted.

Q. Will the core testing disturb the sediment and release toxic heavy metals?
A: No-one knows with any certainty what is in the sediment on this site. That’s why the testing is taking place. Walker has commissioned the GeoCoastal Group, recognised experts in the field, to carry out the environmental coring using equipment specifically designed for minimal impact. The licence approvals granted to conduct this work have addressed the unlikely event of sediment disturbance.

Q. How will the testing be done?
A: A light, shallow-draft barge will be used. Stainless steel tubes are inserted into the seabed using sophisticated vibration-vacuum technology. The tubes are the width of a young child’s hand, limiting disturbance to the seabed.

Q. When will the testing take place?
A: It will only occur during daylight hours between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays. Noise should be barely detectable.

Q. What will Walker do with the test results?
A: Scientists and senior coastal geologists will analyse the samples and construct the geological history of the site. This will form part of the Draft IIS which will be presented to the RPDC.

Q. Will the information be made public?
A: Yes, all of the material that has been gathered and continues to be collated by Walker will be publicly available as part of the Draft IIS once it is presented to the RPDC.

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