Providing water resources and coastal engineering for an EIS submission

Port Botany Expansion Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Port Botany is New South Wales largest container port and among Australia’s largest. The Sydney Ports Corporation planned an expansion to meet the needs of growing trade that would include a 1.8-kilometre wharf, five berths, 60 hectares of reclaimed land, increased road access, and other elements. They reached out to our team to undertake a range of water resources and coastal engineering investigations for the environmental impact statement (EIS).

We measured the ongoing impacts of the expansion on the bay environment including on water level and the flushing capacity and water quality for the bay, the shoreline, and bay-wide changes to current and wave parameters. Our team also inspected the estuary to develop an understanding of the morphological structure and hydraulic characteristics.

The Sydney Ports Corporation requested a catchment survey by a Waverider buoy in the area, and we assessed available catchment, water quality and physical parameter data. Additionally, we conducted hydrodynamic, wave, and pollutant transport modelling to determine if impacts and changes would have adverse effects. We then used this data to support ship simulation models, so SPC could assess and optimise port channels and beacons.

Through the EIS, the Sydney Ports Corporation helped show their commitment to sustainable development and mitigating effects of the expansion on the environment and local communities.