Australia: Decision over Browse LNG Dredging Delayed

New, detailed information on the environmental impact of dredging at the proposed Browse Liquefied Natural Gas processing precinct at James Price Point has now been provided to the Environmental Protection Authority for assessment.

The proponent, the Department of State Development, requested additional time to provide the updated information on dredging and spoil disposal.

EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the revised modelling of impacts was provided on April 30.

“It is vital the information is adequate and robust prior to being subject to the EPA’s usual rigour and scrutiny expected by the public and the Minister for Environment,” Dr Vogel said.

Dr Vogel said the proponent had remodelled the impacts of dredging incorporating improved geotechnical, bathymetric and metocean data.

He said the dredge volume had also been revised from 21 million cubic metres to 34 million cubic metres of material, with the duration of foundation dredging activities estimated to increase from 18 to 21 months.

Dr Vogel said the assessment would determine if there were significant different or additional environmental impacts predicted from modelling the effects of dredging using the revised information.

“The Browse LNG proposal is the most significant environmental impact assessment of a strategic proposal ever undertaken under the Environmental Protection Act,” Dr Vogel said.

“The public deserves nothing less than for the EPA to make a fully informed decision and for this reason, the EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now expected mid-year.”

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Dredging Today Staff, May 3, 2012