The dinner was held on 10 March 2011 at the Hilton on the Park. Following an introduction from APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright and a brief welcome from sponsors Petro Coating Systems and Murphy Pipe & Civil, Ms Helman delivered her presentation: “˜The VDP: an environmental perspective – more than missing the trees.’
Ms Helman described how her father – who was a pipeliner – had once told her that in his day, taking environmental care during a project simply involved “missing the trees”. However, Ms Helman said that environmental awareness had progressed a long way since then.
Ms Helman provided a brief overview of the Victorian Desalination Plant’s (VDP) project scope, saying that once completed, it will be the largest desalination plant in the southern hemisphere, with a capacity of 150 GL/a and the capability of being expanded to 200 GL/a.
Ms Helman said that these days, being environmentally conscientious is about more than just trees. She listed a number of endangered animals which were taken into consideration for the VDP, including the giant Gippsland earthworm, the hooded plover and her personal favourite – penguins.
She also said that people needed to be considered, stating that 125 landowners were directly affected by the project, and many more who were being indirectly affected by the construction.
Ms Helman described how the position of Environmental Auditor was new and being trialled in Victoria. She said the purpose was to keep the project focus on environmental performance, and that the role entailed monthly audits to ensure the project’s activities were in accordance with its Environmental Management System, Environmental Management Plan and environmental (performance) requirements.
Finally, she outlined some of the construction and environmental challenges the VDP encountered and how they were overcome; for example, pipe-jacking was used for river crossings to ensure sensitive environmental areas remained undisturbed.
Ms Helman stated that the VDP has so far completed work with almost no environmental issues.