Environmental Protection Authority Chairman Dr Paul Vogel has confirmed the EPA is yet to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed Browse LNG precinct.
“Contrary to some media reports, the EPA has made no recommendation either way on the environmental acceptability of the precinct because it has not yet carried out an assessment,” he said.
“The EPA has, however, agreed that the Department of State Development’s (DSD) own Strategic Assessment Report on the precinct should be released for public comment and scrutiny.”
“In reviewing that document to determine if it was suitable for public release, the EPA noted that studies in relation to Marine Waste Discharge, Oil Spill Modelling, Marine Benthic Primary Producer Habitat, and Coastal Processes are not yet complete.”
“As a result, DSD, representing the proponent, will prepare and release a Supplementary Information document in early 2011 which addresses these issues. The DSD’s Strategic Assessment Report was released yesterday for a public review period of 12 weeks from Monday 13 December 2010. The Supplementary Information will be available for a public review period of at least six weeks.”
“The EPA will commence its assessment after the public comment period has closed and it will take into account those comments and DSD’s responses to any issues raised by the public.”
“These are standard steps in any environmental impact assessment.”
EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450
