Australia: Environment Minister Determines Appeals on Wheatstone LNG

Environment Minister Bill Marmion has determined appeals against the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) report on the Wheatstone LNG development at Onslow.

In determining the appeals, Mr Marmion said there was a need for world’s best practice standards and as a result has approved 24 tough conditions to limit environmental impacts.

“These strict conditions will protect marine fauna, including whales, turtles and dugongs, require $13million in environmental offsets, and require the company to offset reservoir greenhouse gases which may be up to 2.6 million tonnes each year,” he said.

 “It also provides strict dredging conditions to limit the impact on coral reefs. This means dredging must be immediately suspended if there is damage to coral outside defined zones.

“Dredging will only recommence when I am satisfied environmental values are being properly protected.”

The Minister has further strengthened the EPA’s recommended conditions by prohibiting any blasting at night during the humpback whale migration season to avoid disturbing mothers and calves and interrupting communication.

“Given that the area is an important path for humpback whales on their seasonal migration, I strongly endorse new controls on blasting activities for this critical time of year,” he said.

To limit greenhouse gas emissions, the Minister determined the company will need to offset reservoir carbon dioxide emissions, consistent with conditions applying to the Pluto and Gorgon LNG projects. This condition lapses once Commonwealth greenhouse gas arrangements come into effect.

Mr Marmion said the assessment of the proposal had been complex and he would consult with other relevant Ministers to obtain final agreement on the conditions.

[mappress]

Source: wa.gov.au, August 22, 2011;