Biting insect assessment, condensate processing facility, East Arm, Darwin

Abstract

Darwin Clean Fuels Pty Ltd plan to establish and operate a Condensate Processing Facility in Section 5720 and part Section 5633 at the Darwin Business Park at East Arm. The Condensate Processing Facility will produce a range of products, principally unleaded petrol, diesel and kerosene/jet fuel. It is anticipated that the condensate would be sourced principally from the Bayu Undan field in the Timor Sea and North West Shelf off Western Australia. Surface water ponding and mosquito breeding has been an issue in the East Arm area, primarily due to reclamation works conducted for the development of Darwin Business Park and the port facility. Water ponding and mosquito breeding has also been located in Section 5720 and part Section 5633 by the Medical Entomology Branch during previous surveys. The Darwin Business Park is also located adjacent to extensive mangrove areas of Bleesers Creek, Elizabeth River and Hudson Creek, which are expected to be large sources of pest biting midges.

Due to the proposed development site and adjacent areas containing potential mosquito breeding sites, and the close proximity of mangrove areas, which are potentially large sources of pest biting midges, the Medical Entomology Branch (MEB) was commissioned by URS Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Darwin Clean Fuels Pty Ltd to conduct a Biting Insect Assessment for the proposed facility.