Noakes boatyard is required to have air pollution mitigation measures in place during operations to minimise any potential impact on the community and surrounding environment.
Following an inspection the EPA found that spray-painting had occurred on Thursday 17 October 2024 without the appropriate odour control (‘wet scrubber’) in place.
The EPA is investigating the incident and has also issued a Prevention Notice to make it clear to Noakes that they must use the wet scrubber when spray painting.
We expect complete compliance with the terms of the prevention notice and will continue to maintain strong regulatory oversight, including taking further action where required, to ensure we achieve the best environmental outcomes for the community.
Noise
During 2021 and 2022 the EPA required Noakes to implement the measures identified in a noise pollution study they had conducted. The new noise mitigation measures have been completed and include staged upgrades to cladding, sealing roof vents, door seals, travel lift engine casing, ventilation ductwork and the use of a mobile acoustic tent or screening to mitigate any noisy works conducted in the direction of people’s houses.
Once these measures were in place, Noakes was required to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the new controls. The study found that the controls are effective. These controls remain in place with the requirement for a noise pollution study now removed from the licence.
Odour
We are continuing to conduct odour surveys and inspections in response to complaints about odour from the community in McMahons Point.
We varied Noakes’ licence in 2021 to require an Air Quality Risk Assessment so we might better understand the risk of air quality impacts from Noakes’ operations and whether existing pollution controls are sufficient.
In 2022, the EPA required Noakes to implement the measures identified in the Air Quality Risk Assessment conducted in 2021. Noakes is also required to conduct another study to evaluate the effectiveness of the new controls.
The new odour mitigation measures required by the EPA are largely complete and includes implementing management measures, alert systems, assessing weather conditions to determine when odorous activities should happen, upgrades to shed roof vents, and the installation of a carbon filtration system. The licensee has made recent operational changes that required the planned carbon filtration system to be redesigned and it is now due for installation by 28 February 2025. Extensions to the date for installation of the carbon filtration have been required to enable development consent. Any inquiries about a development application should be directed to North Sydney Council.
Who to contact
Community members should first raise concerns and complaints with Noakes on 9925 0306 to ensure the quickest response.
Environmental concerns or complaints about Noakes, and any other environmental incidents, can be made to the Environment Line on 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au 24/7.