An environmental impact study has been released for a proposed export facility at Port Bonython in South Australia, finding it could affect the seasonal cycles of the giant Australian cuttlefish.

Spencer Gulf Port Link, the firm aiming to build the bulk commodities port near Whyalla says construction activities would be scheduled around the aggregation season for the cuttlefish. The plan includes a three-kilometre jetty to be serviced by a spur from the existing rail line. The stringent environmental and economic assessment was triggered by the designation of the plan as a ‘major development’ by Planning Minister John Rau.

Mr Rau reportedly supports the construction, saying; “the proposed Port Bonython export facility would export up to 50 million tonnes of iron ore per annum with an estimated capital value of $663 million.”

He says it will create 270 full-time jobs during construction and about 40 when it is operational.

The EIS compiled by the proponents of the plan says the impact on groundwater supplies will not exceed acceptable limits. It says there will be no significant effects from industrial noise during construction.

It has conceded that while impacts on plants and animals in the area may be low, water quality in the upper Gulf will be affected by ships, which could disturb marine life such as the giant cuttlefish.

A public meeting will be held at Whyalla on October 29 and the EIS will be on public display until November 18.

Copies of the impact statement and other planning terms are available here.