❓ Mrs. Warr raises concerns about increased dust pollution from minerals transported by rail to Geraldton Port. The government outlines suppression measures, ongoing investigations, and monitoring thresholds, while also noting that the specific environmental report referenced is unclear.

I refer to reports of increased dust pollution occurring due to minerals travelling on the rail line to the Geraldton Port, and I ask:(a) What suppression measures are in place to minimise the amount of dust as a result of the train line to the port;(b) What considerations is the State Government making to minimise the amount of dust pollution resulting from the train line to the port;(c) Is there a threshold for the level of dust that must be recorded before there are concerns;(d) What discussion has occurred between the State Government and Karara Mining regarding dust pollution in Geraldton;(e) To what extent does the environmental report from MWPA take into account residential experiences; and(f) What suppression measures are utilised in other ports across the State to minimise dust pollution?

a)       A water based dust suppressant (Duststop Ecoseal) is sprayed onto the rail wagons at Karara mine before transporting product to the port.  This forms a seal or crust over the product that minimises dust lift.  At the port all empty wagons are sprayed with water for the return trip to the mine.  This process occurs between November and May. b)      The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (Department) is actively investigating this matter, including attending the area to gather further information.  Further action will be considered, subject to the outcomes of this investigation. c)       The Port of Geraldton is licensed under Part V, Division 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) . The licence includes a condition that requires monitoring of particulates as PM 10 at four continuous dust monitors in proximity to the port and reporting where the dust concentration threshold of 50 μg/m 3 (24-hour average) is exceeded. d)      The Department is liaising with relevant parties as part of its investigation.  It would not be appropriate to provide commentary on specific discussions as it may prejudice the ongoing investigation. e)       A response to this question cannot be provided as it is not clear what environmental report the question is referring to. f)       The dust controls included in licences granted to ports under Part V of the EP Act are applied on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are fit for purpose.  Included controls are based on site characteristics including volume and type of materials handled; equipment and infrastructure on the site; distance to receptors; and sensitivity of the receiving environment.  Dust controls implemented at Geraldton Port, in accordance with licence conditions, are consistent with common controls included in port licences including: ·         operation of dust suppression and extraction systems during truck unloading and vessel loading / unloading; ·         use of appropriate dust controls when loading / unloading product such as dust covers, enclosed conveyors, wind shields, water sprays, collection of spillages and use of enclosed containers (such as rotainer boxes); ·         ensuring products arriving at site meet relevant dust extinction moisture levels; and ·         monitoring of dust emissions.