Gorgon-Jansz LNG project moves forward on strict conditions

July 30, 2009
The Chevron Australia joint venture’s proposed 15 million tonne/year Gorgon-Jansz LNG project on Barrow Island off Western Australia has moved another step forward, following conditional environmental approval by Western Australian Environment Minister Donna Faragher.

Rick Wilkinson
OGJ Correspondent

MELBOURNE, July 30 -- The Chevron Australia joint venture’s proposed 15 million tonne/year Gorgon-Jansz LNG project on Barrow Island off Western Australia has moved another step forward, following conditional environmental approval by Western Australian Environment Minister Donna Faragher.

The conditional approval follows the Environmental Protection Authority’s recommended approval in late April of the revised and expanded project—to three LNG trains from the origial two—subject to stringent conditions. These were appealed during a public consultation period.

Faragher has now determined these appeals and agreed there is a need for better protection of high-value coral adjacent to the project. She also strongly endorsed imposing conditions to minimize artificial light emissions to protect flatback marine turtles on Barrow Island.

To protect the coral monitoring will be extended to significant reef outcrops outside impact zones. Other improvements to conditions include continued monitoring for subterranean fauna and incorporation of noise emissions into the long-term marine turtle management plan and other plans as required.

The Chevron JV expects to make a final investment decision on the project this year.