The Environmental Protection Authority has released advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment within agreed timelines and set an Environmental Protection Statement EPS level of assessment on the proposal by BHP Billiton Petroleum Pty Ltd to construct a subsea pipeline from the Macedon Gas Field 100 kilometres west of Onslow to an onshore gas treatment and compression plant at Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area 15 kilometres southwest of Onslow with a sales gas pipeline to the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said that it is unlikely that the EPA's objectives would be compromised, provided there is satisfactory implementation by the proponent of the recommended conditions.
'The predicted air quality is well within National Environment Protection Measure standards in Onslow, Urala and at popular camping and recreation spots and greenhouse gas efficiency design features have been included in the proposal,' Dr Vogel said.
'Also, the oil spill risk is low as is the risk to turtles and whales.'
The Macedon Gas Development and the Wheatstone Project are the first proposals for development in the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area (SIA). The Wheatstone Project is the largest project and is considered to be the foundation industry.
'The impacts of the Macedon Gas Development are small in comparison to those of other proposals within the SIA and are unlikely to be critical in a cumulative impact assessment being undertaken by the EPA,' Dr Vogel said.
EPA Report 1360 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au. There is a two week public appeal period on the report and level of assessment closing COB 19 July, 2010.
The EPA has delivered Report 1360 to the Minister for Environment within agreed timelines. This information is included inside the front cover of EPA assessment Reports. If timelines have not been met an explanation will be provided.
EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450
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