Environment plan approved for Bight exploration
15 January 2020
Equinor’s environment plan for its proposed exploration well in the Great Australian Bight has been approved today after a thorough eight-month assessment and extensive public consultation.
The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) assessed and approved the plan as the exploration will take place in Commonwealth waters.
After an extremely rigorous environmental assessment NOPSEMA has imposed stringent conditions on the proposed exploration activity.
Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel independent audit found NOPSEMA’s processes and practices ensured the environmental plans were assessed against relevant and complete scientific and technical information.
“Exploration for oil and gas in offshore Australia has the potential to create significant employment and economic opportunities for South Australia,” Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said.
“Equinor is now required to obtain NOPSEMA approval for its well operations plan and a safety case for the drilling rig before any activity can proceed in the Great Australian Bight.
“The State Government expects and insists upon the highest environmental standards for exploration in the Bight.”
The conditions imposed by NOPSEMA are available online at www.nopsema.gov.au
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Source: South Australian Government - www.premier.sa.gov.au
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