Browse joint venture operator Woodside today submitted its proposal as foundation proponent to the Environmental Protection Authority.

The proposal to build and operate a Liquefied Natural Gas processing facility and associated infrastructure for the precinct at James Price Point is now open for a seven day public comment period.

EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the Department of State Development’s strategic proposal, recently approved by Environment Minister Bill Marmion, allowed for multiple LNG users to be co-located on a single site.

“The strategic assessment of the Browse LNG precinct allowed the consideration of the cumulative environmental impacts of future proposals, known as derived proposals,” Dr Vogel said.

“The conditions approved by the Minister for Environment will guide the overall development plan, as well as apply to specific future LNG projects within the precinct.”

Dr Vogel and Deputy Chairman Professor Robert Harvey will determine whether the proposal submitted by Woodside fits within the strictly defined precinct footprint and can be declared a derived proposal.

“If there is significant new or additional information raised by the proposal, then the EPA may consider whether further assessment is warranted,” Dr Vogel said.

Dr Vogel said he encouraged the public to provide comment during the seven day period.

“This is an opportunity for the public to outline whether this proposal should or should not be declared a derived proposal and their reasons to support their view,” Dr Vogel said.

The referral can be found at https://consultation.epa.wa.gov.au

Public comment closes December 4, 2012.

In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986, there is no appeal on the determination set by the Chairman.

The final environmental decision on the Precinct will be made by the Commonwealth Environment Minister.

Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450