By Darian Macey, February 3 2025
At the heart of the Osborne Submarine Construction Yard project lies a critical question: How can we build a world-class defence facility while protecting our environment and local communities? The answer lies in comprehensive environmental assessments, including the current Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the EPBC Strategic Assessment. This article will provide an overview of the project, highlight major environmental risks, acknowledge the expert consultants contributing to the project and explain how to make your voice heard in this critical public consultation process.
The Osborne Submarine Construction Yard (SCY) project is a significant undertaking that is part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, which will see the construction of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide, South Australia. This project is not only crucial for national security, but also involves complex environmental and social considerations.
Project Overview
The SCY project is a large-scale development that includes the construction of facilities to build and maintain nuclear-powered submarines. The project requires a range of approvals, including Commonwealth and State government clearances, as well as a nuclear site license. The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is responsible for the overall project and technical governance, while Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) manages the construction and infrastructure aspects of the SCY. The project is subject to both a Strategic Assessment under the EPBC Act and a state-level Environmental Impact Statement.
Expanding the existing Osborne Naval Shipyard to accommodate the new construction yard will include:
- Early civil works
- Site-wide civil works
- Construction of office accommodation, amenities, and industrial facilities
- Marine facilities, such as a wet basin and wharf
- Dredging of the Port River
The Osborne SCY is expected to be a major technological hub, creating 4,000 to 5,500 direct jobs when the program reaches its peak.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Given the scale of the project, a thorough Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared by Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) to examine the potential impacts of the construction and operation of the SCY. The EIS assesses the potential effects of the project on:
- Plants and animals
- Heritage sites
- The local community
- The economy
- Coastal waters
The EIS also proposes mitigation strategies to minimize these impacts. The EIS is currently open for public comment.
EPBC Strategic Assessment In addition to the State-led EIS, the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is conducting a Strategic Assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This assessment focuses on the potential impacts on nationally and internationally listed plants, animals, habitats, and places. This process, undertaken in accordance with Part 10 of the EPBC Act, allows the Commonwealth Minister to endorse and approve actions related to the Submarine Construction Yard. The Strategic Assessment includes the preparation of a Strategic Assessment Plan (The Plan) and a Strategic Impact Assessment Report (The Report). The Plan outlines the actions to construct and operate the SCY, while The Report assesses the potential environmental impacts of these actions. The Strategic Assessment also includes a public comment period.
Major Environmental Risks
The construction and operation of the SCY presents several environmental risks that must be carefully managed:
- Habitat and Vegetation Loss: The project will involve the clearing of some vegetation and habitat, potentially impacting local flora and fauna. While the site has been previously disturbed, there is still a risk to existing ecosystems.
- Sediment and Pollutant Mobilization: Construction activities, such as dredging and earthworks, can cause sediment and pollutants to be released, affecting water quality and marine habitats.
- Changes to Soil Chemistry: Earthworks and dredging can expose soils to oxidation, which may alter soil chemistry and mobilize pollutants.
- Disturbance to Marine Life: Marine construction activities, including dredging and piling, may lead to injury or death of marine animals, and cause habitat loss and disturbance for marine species.
- Noise and Vibration: Construction activities like piling can produce significant noise and vibration that can affect both terrestrial and marine wildlife, as well as nearby communities.
- Radioactive Waste: Low-level radioactive waste produced during the operational phase requires careful management according to strict state, national, and international standards.
- Spills and Contamination: The potential for fuel and toxic substance spills during construction is a significant risk.
- Climate Change Impacts: The project must consider the effects of climate change, such as increased flooding and extreme weather events, on its operations and infrastructure.
- Cumulative Impacts: The project’s combined impacts, when considered with other projects in the region, could lead to significant environmental effects.
- Introduced marine pests: There is a risk of spreading non-native species during operations and maintenance activities.
- Impacts on Heritage: There is a risk of disturbing recorded or unrecorded Aboriginal heritage sites and historic shipwrecks.
These risks are addressed in detail in the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Strategic Impact Assessment Report (SIAR), which include mitigation measures and management plans to reduce potential impacts.
Consultants Involved
A wide range of expert consultants have contributed to the project, providing specialized knowledge and assessments. These include:
- URPS: Led the delivery of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and social impact assessment.
- GHD Pty Ltd: Prepared the Strategic Impact Assessment Report, Biodiversity Values Report, Climate Review Report, and Migratory Shorebird Survey.
- VIPAC Engineers & Scientists: Conducted air quality assessments.
- Resonate: Assessed noise and vibration impacts.
- SMEC: Assessed traffic and transport impacts.
- Succession Ecology: Assessed biosecurity, marine flora and fauna, and terrestrial flora and fauna.
- Colby Phillips Advisory: Provided expertise on greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable resource use, waste management, and dangerous substances.
- TSA Management: Assessed local, regional and state economies.
- AECOM: Assessed stormwater management.
- JBS&G: Provided reports on soils and groundwater.
- Independent Heritage Consultants: Conducted Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments.
- DASH Architects: Assessed heritage places and areas.
Conclusion
The Osborne Submarine Construction Yard is a vital project with significant environmental considerations. Effective mitigation and ongoing management are essential to ensure that potential impacts are minimized and that the project is delivered sustainably. Through careful planning, expert collaboration, and thorough assessment, the SCY project aims to balance national security needs with the protection of the environment and community.
Call for Submissions
Both the Environmental Impact Statement and the draft Strategic Impact Assessment Report are currently open for public submissions. This is your opportunity to share your feedback, concerns, and insights regarding the project. Your input can influence the final outcomes and help to ensure that the project proceeds with proper consideration for the environment and the community.
How to Participate:
To make a submission on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS):
- Visit the YourSAy website: yoursay.sa.gov.au/submarine-construction-yard-eis
- Complete the online survey
- Use the PlanSA online submissions form
- Post your submission to the SPCreps@sa.gov.au
To make a submission on the Strategic Impact Assessment Report (SIAR):
- Visit the ASA website: www.asa.gov.au/projects/osborne-submarine-construction-yard
- Use the online submission form
- Email: asa.osborne.enquiries@defence.gov.au
Key Dates
- EIS Consultation Opens: 3 February 2025
- EIS Consultation Closes: 17 March 2025
- Drop-in information sessions: Various dates in February 2025
- The public comment period for the Strategic Impact Assessment Report is a minimum of 28 days
Your voice matters. By participating in the consultation process, you can help shape the future of the Osborne Submarine Construction Yard and ensure it aligns with the community’s values and environmental needs.
Author: Darian Macey
Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.
