Minimizing Community, Environmental, and Marine Impacts at the Gold Coast Desalination Plant

Abstract

In response to an unprecedented drought, the Queensland government developed a strategy for South East Queensland, Australia, to ensure a reliable water supply for the next 50 years. The 133,000-m³/d Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) is a key component of that strategy. Located on a former landfill adjacent to an international airport, the selected site for the desalination plant presented significant design, construction, and operation challenges. Because residents are located only 300 m from the site, it was essential to minimize direct impacts to the community and indirect impacts to the surrounding environment. Consequently, GCDP design adopted a comprehensive approach to sustainability, as well as community and environmental protection.