Environmental Effects
Atmospheric Emissions
Horizon Power is committed to reducing the impact of atmospheric emissions on the environment by the responsible use of resources.
Electricity generation is a major source of atmospheric emissions. Horizon Power generates, procures, distributes and supplies electricity to industrial, commercial and residential customers throughout Western Australia.
With the closure of old plant, commissioning of new efficient generating plant by Independent Power Producers and increased development of renewable energy resources, we are reducing our atmospheric emissions.
National Pollutant Inventory
Horizon Power supports the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) and provides to the public, through this national database, information on the emissions from its power stations.
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. Through the NPI, the community, industry and government have access to consistent and reliable information about emissions to land, air and water across Australia.
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.
Most 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 vastly cleaner than traditional coal-fired power stations. Like most industrial processes, a power plant creates waste materials. Horizon Power's main waste products are used lubricating oils and combustion gasses.
To find out more information on substances released into the environment by industry, including energy utilities, visit the NPI website.
Horizon Power Stations
Horizon Power also operates 9 regional power stations. These are not connected to the South-West Interconnected System. In other towns, Horizon Power buys electricity from Independent Power Producers.
Horizon Power power stations use reciprocating internal combustion engines to generate electricity. They run on diesel fuel with gas being used where suitable. An exception to this is Dampier, which is a gas turbine standby plant operating on diesel.
The main emissions from these power stations are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter.
For more information on non-renewable energy sources for electricity generation go to the fact sheet: Non Renewable Energy Resources in Western Australia.
Noise Emissions
In a coordinated approach commenced in 1997, all "eligible" Horizon Power facilities have been assessed for noise impact in the context of the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
This involves site visits and inspection of site location drawings to determine the exact position of noise sources. It also includes investigation of existing and zoned land use around Horizon Power facilities, description of noise mitigating equipment and physical features such as walls or barriers and site environmental characteristics such as topography.
The information is being used to develop strategies to bring sites into compliance with the Regulations in timeframes agreed with the Department of Environment and Conservation.
As a key part of Horizon Power's environmental approval process, noise assessments and modelling are undertaken for major Horizon Power construction projects and as required for other projects.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Working to safeguard Western Australia's unique environment
A key environmental objective is to protect the natural and cultural environment in all our operations in a socially responsible manner. Designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) identify operational sites and surrounding areas that are environmentally or culturally significant and 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 include Threatened Ecological Communities, significant vegetation, noxious weeds, rare fauna, rehabilitated land, organic farms and dieback protected areas.
All ESAs were reviewed and updated in 2002. Field trips to all ESAs near our transmission and distribution lines were undertaken to replace ESA signage, obtain current information on the rare flora populations and update work procedures for each site. A local Conservation and Land Management Officer provided on-site advice for each field trip. This information was then entered into the ESA database in EMISWeb to facilitate the future responsible management of these sites.
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;
- Agriculture Western Australia;
- Waters and Rivers Commission;
- Department of Environmental Protection;
- Environmental Protection Policies;
- Department of Indigenous Affairs;
- Community groups; and
- Farmers/local community members.
There are currently over 21 Horizon Power ESA sites.
Horizon Power's Position on Electro-Magnetic Fields
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. However, to date and after almost 30 years of research and studies around the world, there is still worldwide scientific consensus that adverse health effects from EMF exposure have not been established, but that further well conducted research should be undertaken.
EMFs are found wherever electricity is used and occur around all electric wires and electrical appliances.
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.
- Download "Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)"
File size: 28 KB
PDF files on this page will require a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it already, download it for free.