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Elizabeth Quay

Since 2007, RPS has been engaged as the Western Australian Government’s environmental consultant for Elizabeth Quay – a 10 ha, $440 million waterfront precinct revitalisation project on the Swan River shoreline.

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Elizabeth Quay First Contact statue of a bird in a boat, Perth Australia

Challenge

With the site incorporating both terrestrial (land) and riverine (aquatic) environments, specialist strategies and studies were required to effectively manage contaminated sediments, acid sulfate soils, dredging and discharges to the Swan River. Our team designed and conducted all environmental investigations, negotiated a referrals strategy with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and developed referral documentation under Section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act (1986).

We worked strategically to ensure on-time delivery of the environmental investigations that fed into the 17 Management Plans required for Elizabeth Quay’s Environmental Protection Act submission. Following a formal briefing with the EPA Board, the project was “not assessed” ensuring forward construction works could commence 12 months earlier than would otherwise have been possible.

Solution

During construction, our team assisted in segregating and screening contaminated soil stockpiles, providing guidance to the contractor on best excavation and soil handling practices. The extensive up-front material classification and effective site supervision reduced landfilling requirements, meaning soils could either remain where they were, or be sustainably reused on site. This approach generated significant cost savings for the client.

Among the many studies undertaken was a detailed review of the benthic environment surrounding Elizabeth Quay (the unique eco-system that exists in the lower levels of lakes, rivers or oceans) and a detailed assessment of the potential impacts from construction on the aquatic environment. Specific consideration was given to managing the impact on bottlenose dolphins and other marine fauna in the Swan River, including underwater noise and vibration effects.

The data collected and comprehensive management framework developed by RPS helped to significantly de-risk the project, with no delays experienced during construction as a result of environmental issues.