The Effects of Gold Coast Desalination Plant Operations on the Marine Environment

Abstract

Australia's Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) provides a climate-independent source of water to the South East Queensland Water Grid. Potential environmental impacts were identified and addressed in the plant's design and construction, with particular focus on marine intake and brine discharge. Pursuant to regulatory approval and good environmental practices, various marine-monitoring programs were implemented to assess marine impacts and benefits resulting from the operation of marine seawater intake and brine outfall systems. The monitoring programs— receiving environment monitoring program, entrained organism monitoring program, and monitoring of diffuser and intake structures—are the focus of this article. Based on the results, it has been concluded that the plant's features and operational procedures ensure minimal environmental impact on biological parameters.