❓ Hon Sophie McNeill questioned the Minister for the Environment regarding the Gorgon Stage 3 development's emissions and impact on marine life. The Minister stated he had no direct role in the Commonwealth approval process but noted NOPSEMA's assessment and Chevron's ongoing state approval obligations.
AnsweredQoN 379Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Gorgon stage 3 development379.Hon Sophie McNeillto theMinister for the
Environment:I refer to the
federal offshore petroleum regulator National Offshore Petroleum Safety and
Environmental Management Authority's (NOPSEMA's) recent approval of Chevron
Australia's Gorgon stage 3 development, which experts estimate will create
about twice the emissions of Woodside's Scarborough gas project.(1) Has the minister received any
modelling or information on the increased emissions that will result from this
extension and, if yes, can the minister please table this information?(2) Did the minister raise any concerns
with Chevron about the impact the underwater compressor will have on marine
life in state waters?
Environment:I refer to the
federal offshore petroleum regulator National Offshore Petroleum Safety and
Environmental Management Authority's (NOPSEMA's) recent approval of Chevron
Australia's Gorgon stage 3 development, which experts estimate will create
about twice the emissions of Woodside's Scarborough gas project.(1) Has the minister received any
modelling or information on the increased emissions that will result from this
extension and, if yes, can the minister please table this information?(2) Did the minister raise any concerns
with Chevron about the impact the underwater compressor will have on marine
life in state waters?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Gorgon stage 3 development was
approved under Commonwealth legislation for activities in Commonwealth waters. I
do not have a role in that approval or access to project-specific emissions
modelling. NOPSEMA's approval documentation indicates that environmental
impacts, including those with a potential to extend into WA waters, were
assessed and determined to meet acceptable levels under the Commonwealth
Environment Regulations. Where a proposal is likely to have a significant
impact within the Western Australian jurisdiction, proponents are expected to
engage with state regulators beyond standard stakeholder consultation
requirements. This includes referral to, and substantive engagement with, the Environmental
Protection Authority and relevant state agencies. Chevron's existing state
approval for the Gorgon project remains in force and unchanged by NOPSEMA's decision.
Chevron is required to continue to comply with all conditions of that approval,
including those relating to production limits, greenhouse gas emissions
management, and carbon capture and storage obligations.
for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Gorgon stage 3 development was
approved under Commonwealth legislation for activities in Commonwealth waters. I
do not have a role in that approval or access to project-specific emissions
modelling. NOPSEMA's approval documentation indicates that environmental
impacts, including those with a potential to extend into WA waters, were
assessed and determined to meet acceptable levels under the Commonwealth
Environment Regulations. Where a proposal is likely to have a significant
impact within the Western Australian jurisdiction, proponents are expected to
engage with state regulators beyond standard stakeholder consultation
requirements. This includes referral to, and substantive engagement with, the Environmental
Protection Authority and relevant state agencies. Chevron's existing state
approval for the Gorgon project remains in force and unchanged by NOPSEMA's decision.
Chevron is required to continue to comply with all conditions of that approval,
including those relating to production limits, greenhouse gas emissions
management, and carbon capture and storage obligations.
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