IHD Engineering Awards submission - Fremantle Ports

Mandatory Judging Criteria
Criteria 6:
Contribution to sustainable development
The material to be dredged underwent extensive testing,
showing that the sediments would not pose a risk to the
environment or human health. Similarly excavated material
was only reused for the Rous Head reclamation works after
testing confirmed its suitability.
The works were undertaken in compliance with projectspecific
Environmental Management Plans addressing
environmental risks specific to each component of
construction activities. Weekly environmental inspections
were performed and all incidents were recorded and
followed up.
Efficient use of natural resources while
providing for beneficial use
A strong emphasis was given to waste minimisation and
material reuse. Total dredging volumes were minimised
through detailed planning studies and temporary site
facilities were designed and located to provide a longerterm
benefit to future operations. Independent water
quality monitoring was undertaken throughout the project
beyond the requirements of the environmental approval
conditions. The monitoring involved frequent water testing
at more than 30 sites as well as regular aerial photography,
seagrass and coral monitoring.
About 480,000 tonnes of limestone and granite were used
to construct a seawall extension at Rous Head. Some of
the rock was reused from an existing seawall. Rock grading
was carefully specified to maximise quarry yields and
reduce waste.
Dredge material from the deepening, material stockpiled
at Rous Head from previous dredging campaigns and
excavated material from the berth works were used to
create 27 hectares of land for port purposes. Dredged
material was placed hydraulically to avoid the need
to import engineered fill and to limit the amount of fill
requiring energy intensive soil improvement works.
A design modification to the berth works reduced the
diameter and thickness of piles used to allow for local
manufacture. This reduced the tonnage of steel required
as well as transportation distances.
Using precast concrete elements also allowed for the
combined steel and timber moulds to be reused.