Pilbara Photochemical Study, Australia

Situated in the Pilbara region, Murujuga is a unique ecological and archaeological area of significant cultural and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people including the oldest and rarest collections of petroglyphs in the world. Currently the subject of a world heritage listing application, Murujuga is also home to industry that contributes to the local and state economy.​

In response to public interest and concern surrounding industrial emissions, the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) commissioned Ramboll to undertake a study on the cumulative impacts of air emissions within the Murujuga airshed including those from existing and proposed future industries, shipping and aggregated sources in the Pilbara region. ​

Utilising the CAMx air quality model, a complete emission inventory of all sources in the region – from industrial emissions to transportation and biogenic – was subjected to photochemical modelling. Our studies, in conjunction with environmental monitoring data, is currently being assessed by the government against scientifically-based benchmarks to determine future petroglyph protection from the effects of local emissions.