The Environmental Protection Authority has released advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment on the proposal by Latent Petroleum Pty Ltd to conduct an onshore seismic survey for gas 250 kilometres north-east of Perth within the Watheroo National Park, the proposed Big Soak Plain conservation park, areas of remnant vegetation and cleared agricultural land.
The proposal would involve the rolling of vegetation, the laying of seismic lines and trucks accessing the lines for readings. The survey is anticipated to take four to six weeks with additional time for preparation and demobilisation.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the proposal can be managed to meet the EPA’s objectives provided that the recommended conditions, including a rehabilitation bond, are implemented.
“If not managed properly the proposal has the potential to directly impact on conservation significant flora and terrestrial fauna and habitat with the potential for the introduction of dieback and weeds” Dr Vogel said.
‘The EPA has recommended conditions requiring that conservation significant flora and fauna, including habitat, are identified prior to the rolling of vegetation.
‘Declared rare flora and the habitat of conservation significant fauna including the Carnaby’s Cockatoo are to be avoided during the breeding season.
‘The proponent is to offset the environmental impacts of the proposal and negotiations between the proponent and the Department of Environment and Conservation are continuing.
‘The proposal will not be implemented until these negotiations have been finalised.
‘A bond of $140,000 is to be held by the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority until such time as rehabilitation has been completed to the satisfaction of the General Managerr of the OEPA on advice from the DEC.
‘Any proposed future production of gas would not impact on the Watheroo National Park, proposed Big Soak Plain conservation park, or remnant vegetation as production facilities would be located on cleared farmland.’
EPA Report 1369 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au. There is a two week public appeal period on the report’s contents closing COB 25 October 2010.
Timelines for assessment may vary according to the complexity of the project and are usually agreed with proponents soon after the level of assessment is determined.
In this case, the EPA did not meet its agreed timeline of ten weeks, taking eleven weeks. However, the timeline includes the additional and recently introduced step of consultation with the proponent and key decision-making authorities on the draft conditions which had a target timeline of two weeks.
EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450
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