WA EPA recommends Scarborough nearshore component
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority has recommended approval for the State component of a gas pipeline which is part of the Woodside Petroleum-operated Scarborough gas field development (OGJ Online, May 10, 2019).
The proposal involves installation of a 32.7 km gas trunkline adjacent to the existing Pluto LNG facility on the Burrup Peninsula 8 km northeast of Dampier.
EPA WA chair Tom Hatton said the Authority had completed its assessment of the State waters component of the 434 km-long pipeline that will link the Scarborough project with the Pluto LNG facility.
He added that the EPA had looked carefully at environment impacts, particularly around coral communities as well as water quality, social and cultural values and marine species within the development envelope.
“As a precaution, the EPA has recommended management plans to avoid and minimize direct and indirect environmental impacts,” Hatton said.
The remaining portion of the Scarborough project lying within Commonwealth waters is to be assessed by the Federal Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999, which includes the consideration of greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA’s report for the nearshore component of Scarborough development is now open for a 2-week public appeal period that closes Jan. 20.
