Environmental effects
Energy and the environment
Combustion of fuel releases energy. Over the last century or so, we have learned to control the combustion process to channel energy, as electricity, to accomplish more work and make our lives more comfortable. Many consider electricity to be one of the most important discoveries of humankind.
Atmospheric emissions
Horizon Power generates, procures, distributes and supplies electricity to industrial, commercial and residential customers throughout Western Australia.
Electricity generation is a major source of atmospheric emissions and many power generation plants burn fossil fuels to drive generators. Horizon Power's electricity generation is fuelled by diesel and natural gas. Diesel and natural gas power stations are cleaner in terms of atmospheric emissions than traditional coal-fired power stations.
Horizon Power is committed to responsibly using resources and reducing the impact of atmospheric emissions on the environment. By closing old plants, commissioning new, more efficient generating plants and increasing development of renewable energy resources, the business is working to reduce its atmospheric emissions.
National Pollutant Inventory
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is a national database designed to provide the community with information on types and amounts of specified pollutants emitted to the environment. The NPI provides the community, industry and government with access to consistent and reliable information about emissions to land, air and water across Australia.
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) includes information about Horizon Power's power station emissions.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Horizon Power aims to protect the natural and cultural environment in all our operations. Designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) identify operational sites and surrounding areas that require special consideration and care.
Rare flora (Declared Rare Flora and Priority Flora 1-4) is the most common environmental element protected by the ESA system.
Other environmental issues covered by the ESA designation include Threatened Ecological Communities, significant vegetation, noxious weeds, rare fauna, rehabilitated land, organic farms and dieback protected areas.
Notification of an environmental issue that requires the creation of an ESA can come from a variety of sources including:
- Horizon Power staff;
- The Department of Conservation and Environment;
- Department of Agriculture and Food;
- Department of Water;
- Environmental Protection Policies;
- Department of Indigenous Affairs;
- Community groups; and
- Farmers/local community members.
Electro-Magnetic Fields
Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs) are found wherever electricity is used and occur around all electric wires and electrical appliances.
The issue of possible health effects from exposure to power frequency EMFs has been the subject of scientific research and media comment for many years. To date, worldwide scientific consensus is that adverse health effects from EMF exposure have not been established. Research into this continues to take place.
Horizon Power designs and operates all its plant and facilities to comply with the guidelines for human exposure to power frequency EMFs as recommended by the World Health Organisation and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.
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