Natural Fuels Biodiesel Refinery Environmental Report
Client: Natural Fuels Darwin Pty Ltd and Vopak Terminal Darwin NT
Completion: November 2006
Location: Darwin, NTÂ
Natural Fuels Public Environmental Report
Since the inception of the project, VDM EcOz worked with Natural Fuels Darwin and Vopak Terminals Darwin on the proposed biodiesel production plant project. EcOz produced the Notice of Intent and Public Environmental Report for the project and the Development Applications and obtained all these required approvals. EcOz researched, developed and submitted the PER, which was developed in accordance with the guidelines produced by the Office of Environment and Heritage (now the EPA).
We had to deal with numerous major changes in project location and scope and ensure these changes were approved in a timely fashion by various NT Government authorities. As a result, this project involved consistent and detailed negotiations with various government departments including the EPA, Power and Water Corporation, Natural Resources, Development Assessment Services, Roads Division, Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service and the Darwin Port Corporation.
The Natural Fuels PER required detailed information on the water requirements for the processing plant, including a water balance and proposed means of disposal for the wastewater. This biodiesel project involved a significant amount of research as it represents the first time that palm oil will be used in the processing of biodiesel and to date studies in the use of biodiesel have largely focussed on ethanol, tallow or other vegetable oil based biodiesel. Through EcOz, and as a reflection of our ability to work with many other disciplines, Natural Fuels have utilised Charles Darwin University to conduct independent research on palm oil based biodiesel. The PER also included a risk assessment of potential impacts of the construction and operational activities on environment, health and safety, financial as well as stakeholder and public perception.
EcOz completed the Construction EMP and the erosion and sedimentation control plan for the site, as well as the Operations EMPs for all of the Vopak Terminals operations. EcOz also performed the environmental approvals for the Orica Sulfuric Acid tank and facilities at the Darwin Industry Fuel Terminal.
