Posted: 26 September 2005
Marsden B coal fire proposal gains consent
Mighty River Power can convert the mothballed Marsden B power station to run on coal – but must meet some of the toughest environmental conditions ever imposed in Australasia, a panel of independent commissioners has decided.
After a marathon 20-day Whangarei hearing – which attracted a record 3000-plus submissions – a panel of four commissioners today (Monday 27 Sept) released a decision giving the power giant permission to refire the Ruakaka station – subject to almost 160 conditions.
The State-Owned Enterprise last year applied to the Northland Regional Council for a total of 11 air, land use and coastal resource consents needed to operate the Bream Bay power station, using coal for fuel. A 12th application – for land use consent – was sought from the Whangarei District Council.
The application was heard by former High Court Judge Peter Salmon QC (Chairman), Auckland-based water and landfill expert Garry Venus, Australian air quality expert Dr Mark Goldstone and Auckland planner David Hill – a land use expert who represented the Whangarei District Council.
Mr Salmon says the commissioners considered the evidence presented to them extremely carefully and are “particularly aware” of the high value the public places on the wider Bream Bay environment and the air quality issues submitters had raised.
He says the 35-year consent includes dozens of air, water and land discharge conditions that will be among the most stringent ever imposed on a coal-fired power station in Australasia.
“We have given careful consideration to the effects of the proposal on air and water quality. We have also considered concerns expressed relating to noise, to traffic, to dust, to the coal conveyor and to the ash disposal site, and landscape effects.”
However, the commissioners also noted that the power station site was on land with an industrial zoning under the Whangarei District Plan and that plan permits heavy industrial activities, “including a power station”.
“Ultimately, we have concluded that when all factors are considered – and subject to the stringent consent conditions imposed - the effects of this proposal will be within acceptable limits.”
The commissioners’ decision is now subject to a 15 working day appeal period.
Further information
Copies of the full decision and a two-page summary can be viewed below.
Mighty River Power - Summary of Decision (two pages - 32KB)
Mighty River Power - Decision of Commissioners (132 pages - 899KB)