EPA tick for Gorgon land grab
Energy giant Chevron has received conditional approval to clear an additional 32 hectares of land on Barrow Island for the construction of Australia's largest gas project.
The WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended Chevron's proposal for the Gorgon development be granted conditional approval to undertake clearing and earthworks on Barrow Island, an A-Class reserve off WA's Pilbara coast.
EPA chairman Paul Vogel said the authority had concluded that the conditions set out in the original development approval were effective in managing impacts and should be implemented for the additional development.
"The EPA's assessment was an opportunity to re-examine the established management plans and the measures the proponent has taken to avoid, minimise and rectify impacts to flora, vegetation and fauna including selecting a site that avoided Boodie warrens and raptor nests," Dr Vogel said.
The authority has recommended Chevron offset the impact to the area by extending a program to transfer and re-introduce threatened species for a further two years.
The EPA's report to the WA environment minister is open for a two-week public appeal period until January 20.
