ERM has been working with Aviation Projects for over three years on various wind farm development projects, with positive tangible results for our business and, more importantly, for our clients. The industry leading expertise, level of professionalism and meticulous attention to detail delivered by Aviation Projects are a reflection of the high standards that they set for themselves. The client’s desired outcomes are always of the highest consideration and adherence to standards and regulations are paramount.
I highly recommend Aviation Projects to any business that needs to identify and address potential aviation safety impacts in order to secure a development approval.
Aviation Projects prepared an Aviation Impact Assessment to assess the potential risks to aviation of EnergyAustralia's proposed Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) at Tallawarra B, near Shellharbour Airport in NSW.
Due to the velocity of the exhaust plume rise, there was potential for the exhaust plume to affect aircraft operating at or in the vicinity of the aerodrome.
The primary purpose of the report was to address a condition of approval to proceed with construction of the project, which required EnergyAustralia to demonstrate that operation of an open cycle gas turbine plant would not have an adverse impact on aviation safety. The report was required to be prepared in consultation with Shellharbour City Council, and its conclusions and recommendations agreed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The assessment was prepared in accordance with the guidance published in Advisory Circular 139-05 Plume rise assessment, and involved the following considerations:
- Planning context
- Regulatory context
- Power station operations
- Aviation operations
- Aviation impact statement
- Accident data
- Stakeholder consultation
- Hazard marking and lighting
- Potential mitigations
- Risk assessment.
After reviewing the report, CASA agreed that there would be an acceptable level of safety under the proposed mitigation plan, and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment advised that the condition had been satisfied.
To find out how Aviation Projects can assist with plume rise assessments or aviation impact assesssments, please contact us.
EnergyAustralia engaged Aviation Projects to assist with a difficult regulatory issue arising from a proposal to construct an open cycle gas turbine within the circuit area of the local Shellharbour Airport. Managing Director Keith Tonkin and his team set about understanding the situation in considerable detail and worked in partnership with EnergyAustralia to author a comprehensive Aviation Impact Assessment report, which ultimately was sufficiently persuasive to lead CASA to have no objection with the project.
Keith brought a highly professional, disciplined and fact-based approach to the issue and he leveraged his considerable experience in aviation into understanding the concerns of the local airport users and the owner of the airport. Keith’s dedication and commitment to securing a successful outcome for his client was always clear to see and it was a delight to work with him. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Aviation Projects for any such engagement.
