The plant is the largest desalination plant in Australia and the second largest in the world.
The 45 hectare site has 15 hectares dedicated as a conservation area. The excavated materials were used mostly on site for elevating the site above flood water levels, some were used locally for other projects, with the remainder stockpiled for future expansion.
Environmental management included prevention of impacts to the conservation area, monitoring of whale migration near ocean drilling rigs, grey headed flying fox, green and gold bell frog, removal of noxious weeds and regeneration using local native flora, site water management, local water management and dispersal to the wetlands, dust control, sediment control. reduced emissions for staff with flexible work hours to reduce peak hour travel, free bus service to train stations, ride to work program, promoting car pooling, 25% of workforce from local area, preference to local suppliers, comprehensive environmental education awareness and safety training, rainwater harvesting for use on site, energy recovery on pumping pressures, motion detectors on energy efficient lighting.