EPA makes call on changes to Browse to North West Shelf project proposal, paving way for final recommendation

Woodside’s amendments to its Browse to North West Shelf proposal will be allowed to be part of its Environmental Protection Authority submission, the body has confirmed.

There are a number changes requested by the energy giant which will now be part of the final approval.

Some elements include conditions not allowing planned flaring at drilling units during night hours, the exclusion of drill centres within 20km of Sandy Islet, reducing the proposed development area to 78.3sqm, and increased technology measures to minimise the risk of a loss-of-well control event.

The changes were put out for public comment, in an unusual move by the State Environmental Protection Authority.

More than 17,700 submissions received by the EPA across the four-week period in May and June.

The issues presented in the submissions included the impact on marine wildlife, fears over unproven tech to reduce consequences of a “loss-of-well-control” event and the overlap between the project and Scott Feef.

EPA chair Darren Walsh said a multitude of opinions were considered in coming to the decision.

“The EPA considered the matters raised during consultation as well as the proponent’s responses to submissions and we have concluded that the amendments don’t change the previously identified key environmental factors.” he said.

“The amended proposal remains a development to extract hydrocarbons from the Torosa reservoir in Western Australian State waters.”

The EPA will now finalise its assessment and make a report and recommendation to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn which will be subject to a three-week public appeal period.

Following the consultation period, Mr Swinbourn will make a decision on the proposal.

A Woodside spokesperson said the company welcomed the decision and looked forward to having the assessment finalised.

“Woodside welcomes the WA Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to approve the amendment to the Browse to North West Shelf Project State proposal,” he said.

“Since we referred the Browse to NWS Project to environmental regulators in 2018, we have continued to collect scientific data and monitor advances in industry best practice environmental measures.

“This work informed the proposal amendments, which demonstrate our commitment to further avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts from the proposed Browse development.

“We look forward to the EPA finalising its assessment and recommendation to the Minister by the end of the year, as it has previously advised.”

The move comes as discussions on approval for an extension of the NWS project between the fossil fuel giant and the Federal Government continue.

Earlier this week Roger Cook said he wanted to see the approval come sooner rather than later.

“I met with Minister Murray Watt last week, who provided me with an update in relation to the conversations that are taking place between Woodside and the Federal Environmental Department,” he said.

“My understanding is that those conversations are ongoing, they are informed and they are collaborative.

“I’m not aware that there’s any particular concerns in relation to that, but clearly these are more delays, and we want to see those approvals provided as soon as possible.”