EPA: Delegates Assess Browse LNG Proposal

Chairman Gerard Early PSM, Tom Hatton and newly appointed Environmental Protection Authority member Glen McLeod are assessing the Minister for State Development’s strategic proposal for the establishment of a multi-user gas hub precinct to enable the processing of up to 50 million tonnes of LNG per year from the Browse Basin near James Price Point, 60 kilometres north of Broome.

Early said the delegates would undertake the assessment in an impartial and independent manner.

He said the delegates would review the environmental review report prepared by the proponent, additional available scientific information as well as public submissions received to date.

The delegates will not be considering the EPA’s previous assessment report or any of the decisions arising from processes which followed, including the appeal committee’s report.

“The delegates and I are assessing this proposal with fresh eyes. We are meeting regularly and will carefully review all the public submissions as well as undertake our own examination of the environmental issues,” Early said.

“Together, we will determine the sufficiency of the information currently available and then if necessary what further information is required for our assessment.”

Once the delegates have completed their assessment, they will report to the Minister for Environment with a recommendation as to whether the future proposals identified in the strategic proposal should proceed, and, if so, under what conditions.

The Delegates’ report to the Minister for Environment will be open for a two-week public appeal period. Appeals will be administered by the Appeals Convenor. The Minister for Environment will consult with other decision-making authorities before making the final decision.

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Press Release, May 16, 2014