Understanding how the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project may affect air quality and greenhouse gas emissions is an important part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.
The Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessments evaluated potential impacts from both construction and operation. These studies compared existing local air quality, meteorological conditions and greenhouse gas emissions, and then modelled how those conditions could change once the project is built and operating.
The Air Quality Assessment followed the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Approved Methods for Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in New South Wales. It considered emissions from construction activities such as vehicle movements, material handling and dust generation — and proposed measures to reduce and monitor these impacts.
The Greenhouse Gas Assessment was prepared in line with the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol — a global standard for measuring and reporting emissions. It examined the carbon footprint of construction and operation, including energy use, materials, and transport, and identified opportunities to minimise emissions through design and efficiency improvements.
In addition, a Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment was undertaken to evaluate potential effects from construction and operation — including vibration from tunnelling and noise from pumps and generators.
To ensure these assessments reflected real local conditions, a selection of representative residential, commercial, industrial and recreational locations around Lake Lyell were used as monitoring and modelling sites.
Together, these studies provide a robust, science-based understanding of the project’s environmental footprint — helping guide design decisions and mitigation measures to protect air quality and support a lower-carbon future.