Published: Friday, 12 August 2022 at 2:01:51 PM
It's a first! Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) has commissioned MARC Technologies to install a DustTamer™ fence along Marine Terrace as part of a port-wide program of dust improvement initiatives.
The fence will be the FIRST of its type in Australia installed at a port. The DustTamer™ fence will be installed in late 2022, and has been custom designed to withstand wind speeds of over 180km/hr. It aims to minimise wind impacts by maintaining "balanced air pressure" on both sides of the fence, this will reduce particle uptake from the sheltered stockpile and rail corridor from being carried into the Fishing Boat Harbour.
The 90m long DustTamer™ wind fence is an engineered porous structure that equalises the pressures on either side of the fence and reduces wind velocity on the downwind side. They are very effective around stockpiles to prevent dust lift-off of particles from the piles. The technology is proven to be effective around the world and at other major ports.
MWPA is actively working to reduce dust emissions throughout the commercial and Fishing Boat Harbours. Our goal is to provide a safe work environment where people, the environment, and assets are protected equally.
A cross-functional team with a dedicated Project Manager working to improve MWPA’s performance in dust management was established in late 2021, with the focus areas being:
- the development of a comprehensive Dust Management Plan that sets standards for both MWPA and our port users;
- the study of the movement and velocity of wind throughout the Port precinct; and
- the investigation and introduction of technologies to disrupt wind.
MWPA is currently exploring a number of other initiatives in dust reduction including:
- Installation and trial of a fog system on a transfer chute and fogging on ship loaders to reduce dust emissions;
- Reducing the inlet at a north-south facing truck unloader to reduce dust emissions during product transfer;
- Engagement of a consultant to review all dust collectors on site and provide a detailed performance report on each including recommendations and actions to improve their operational and reporting capacity;
- The investigation and introduction of suppression systems to prevent dust from becoming airborne; and
- Enhanced compliance activities in conjunction with our port users.
Quotes attributable to MWPA CEO, Damian Tully:
We are committed to finding practical, long-lasting solutions to dust management, allocating considerable resources to projects which ensure emission reductions that benefit all its users.
The DustTamer fence is an innovative and practical solution that can be implemented in the short-term with immediate results to our port and FBH users.
MWPA is demonstrating our commitment to improving the work environment at the port with dedicated personnel and tangible projects being undertaken.
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