Media Release: SHELL SAVING MILLIONS THROUGH WATER EFFICIENCIES

FROM THE MINISTER FOR WATER

DATE: Thursday, October 18, 2007

SHELL SAVING MILLIONS THROUGH WATER EFFICIENCIES

Shell Geelong Refinery is saving more than 100 million litres of water a year following the completion of an extensive water management program, Water Minister Tim Holding said today.

Speaking at the Geelong refinery, Mr Holding said Shell’s $55 million Water Master Plan further highlighted the work being done by industry to cut back on water use.

“Shell Australia is showing leadership to other major industrial water users by introducing a number of water saving measures at the Geelong site,” Mr Holding said.

“High water consumption does not in itself equal inefficiency, with industrial water users making some of the biggest savings across Victoria.

“Like all water users, industry has done a lot but can always do more, and the Brumby Government is working with other industrial water users to achieve even more savings.”

Mr Holding said major projects Shell had undertaken as part of its plan to reduce water use and treat wastewater from the site include:

· Recovery and reuse of water through $12 million investment in a new water treatment facility;

· Capture of steam condensate from large boilers for reuse through the manufacturing process;

· Collection and treatment of stormwater prior to discharge to Corio Bay; and

· Engagement of Shell employees in water conservation projects.

Shell Geelong Refinery General Manager, Huck Poh, said the Water Master Plan Project has improved the way the refinery manages its water resources.

"This project is just one of a number of significant investments we have made to improve our environmental performance," Mr Poh said.

"Improving the way we manage our resources and the environment, is part of an on-going commitment we have made that includes the spending of $130 million on environmental projects from 2003-2011.

"It is also important to recognise that it is more than just financial investments that make a difference. Our employees are committed to improving our environmental performance and looking for innovative ways to reduce our water use and improve the way we work.”

Mr Holding said that the Brumby Government expected industry to save billions of litres more water each year from 2008 following the introduction of mandatory water management action plans (waterMAP).

“By the end of this year, all non-residential urban water customers using more than 10 million litres of water per year will be required to submit a waterMAP to their local water authority,” Mr Holding said.

“These plans will have water saving targets including a 10 per cent reduction in current water use and water saving and water recycling measures which will ensure these targets are met.

Mr Holding said eligible companies that didn’t develop a waterMAP with their local water authority could face penalties.