Independent review and expert evidence regarding groundwater-related environmental impacts associated with the proposed gas import terminal at Crib Point and associated pipeline infrastructure between Crib Point and Pakenham
Maddocks and Harwood Andrews action for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Chris Smitt was engaged by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to provide independent hydrogeological expertise during the EES Inquiry for the proposed Crib Point Gas Import Jetty and Crib Point–Pakenham Pipeline Project. The matter involved assessment of the potential environmental effects associated with
the construction and operation of a gas import terminal within Western Port and the development of associated pipeline infrastructure.
Chris undertook a detailed technical review of the EES documentation, groundwater investigations, hydrogeological assessments, environmental risk evaluations, and supporting technical studies prepared for the Project. He assessed the adequacy of the groundwater impact assessment methodology, the
assumptions adopted by the proponent, and the extent to which potential environmental effects had been identified, quantified, and appropriately managed.
As part of the Planning Panels Victoria Advisory Committee process, Chris provided expert advice concerning groundwater-related risks and participated in the review of evidence presented to the Inquiry. He concluded that the EES did not adequately assess the potential nature and extent of several
environmental effects associated with the Project, and that further consideration of environmental risks was warranted before the Project could proceed.
The evidence presented by Chris and other independent experts contributed to the broader assessment of environmental impacts associated with the proposed development. Ultimately, the Victorian Government determined that the Project should not proceed due to the potential for unacceptable impacts on the Western Port environment, including internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetlands. Chris’s expert input assisted decision-makers in evaluating the environmental risks associated with one of Victoria’s most significant and high-profile environmental assessment processes.