Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 recommended for environmental approval
Published by Nicholas Woodroof,
Editor
Oilfield Technology,
The Proponent, AWE Perth Pty Ltd, under the Mitsui E&P Australia brand, proposes to construct and operate a conventional gas facility about 16 km south-east of the Dongara-Port Denison town sites. Hydraulic fracture stimulation does not form part of this proposal, which will further develop the Waitsia gas field.
EPA Chair Dr Tom Hatton said this was the second proposal the EPA had assessed under its new greenhouse gas emissions guidance, which was released in April this year.
“The EPA welcomes the proponent’s commitment to emissions targets that go above and beyond the EPA’s long-standing policy of offset reservoir emissions,” Dr Hatton said.
“AWE Perth Pty Ltd have also committed to emissions targets that require the project to avoid, reduce or offset greenhouse emissions over time and a trajectory that delivers net zero emissions by 2050.
“The EPA notes AWE has incorporated a number of design elements and technologies along with monitoring and management programs to achieve emission reduction. AWE has also proposed to undertake a refit of the plant and equipment after 10 years of operation to adopt further greenhouse gas abatement measures if they are available to further support their endeavours.
“The EPA considered potential impacts on flora and vegetation from the clearing of 17 hectares of native vegetation, dust deposition, weeds and dieback could be adequately managed through a recommended flora and vegetation management plan.”
The EPA assessment noted abstraction of groundwater would also be regulated through the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 while the construction and operation of the plant would be regulated under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967.
The proposal is for gas extracted from the production wells to be conveyed to gas hubs. Gas will then be directed via flowlines to the proposed Waitsia gas plant for processing, before being conveyed to the nearby Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public appeal period, closing 21 September 2020.
Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/10092020/waitsia-gas-project-stage-2-recommended-for-environmental-approval/
You might also like
TotalEnergies signs agreement to acquire remaining 50% of SapuraOMV
SapuraOMV’s main assets are its 40% operated interest in block SK408 and 30% operated interest in block SK310, both located offshore Sarawak in Malaysia.