Algal events and water quality issues – Mullaloo and Ocean Reef beaches
Algal events and water quality issues – Mullaloo and Ocean Reef beaches Background Over summer 2023–2024, the department investigated several reports of algae and water quality issues at Ocean Reef and Mullaloo beaches. Only one event in January 2024 involved a potentially harmful algae, Trichodesmium (also known as “sea sawdust”). This algae is naturally occurring and can
Read MorePFAS Investigations in Western Australia
PFAS Investigations in Western Australia The National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) has been developed by all jurisdictions and recognises the need for best practice regulation through individual authorities. It guides the investigation and management of PFAS contamination and waste management. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in household products such as non-stick cookware and water-repellent clothing
Read MoreAlcoa Willowdale
Alcoa Willowdale Current Status Any person who disagrees with the amendment of the licence may lodge an appeal with the Minister for Environment (through the Office of the Appeals Convenor) within 21 days of the amendment. Investigations In February 2023, the department received and responded to a complaint alleging that Alcoa had constructed and operated a
Read MoreCockburn Cement Limited (CCL)
Cockburn Cement Limited (CCL) Last updated: 19 June 2026 Current Status Amended Licence – March 2026 In November 2025, CCL applied to amend its licence, seeking a five-year extension and removal of redundant shell sand feed diversion trials that had already been completed. In considering further regulation actions to facilitate odour reduction, the Department initiated its own amendments to CCL’s licence and opted to consider the licence extension request through this process. The Department amended the licence on 30 March 2026 with consideration to CCL’s November 2025 application and 114 public submissions on that application. A copy of the amended licence and amendment report are available on the Department’s website. Key changes in the amended licence imposed by the Department include: allowing limestone, lime sand or shell sand to be used as a feedstock material requiring CCL to install a pilot-scale Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) by 30 August 2026 requiring CCL to submit a pilot-scale RTO report by 31 December 2026 a one-year extension of the licence to allow for the pilot-RTO testing. Allowing use of limestone and lime sand enables CCL to progress with alternative feedstock related odour reduction initiatives in real time.Conditions related to the pilot-scale RTO ensure appropriate progression to a long-term odour solution in a timely manner. Other licensing application updates The Department has four active applications from CCL under consideration, as follows: 1. Works approval application – dispersion cone for Kiln 6 stack: On 20 February 2026, CCL submitted a works approval application to install a dispersion cone on the top of the kiln 6 stack, with the intent of increasing dispersion of the kiln 6 stack emissions and reducing ground level odour concentrations. The Department advertised the application
Read More