ID :
163012
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 12:09
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http://m.oananews.org//node/163012
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Origin LNG project gets environmental nod
Feb 22. (AAP)- Origin Energy Ltd has gained federal environmental approval for its $35 billion Australia Pacific LNG joint venture with ConocoPhillips in Queensland.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke was originally scheduled to hand down his determination by December 21, but extended the deadline to February 22 due to the scale and complexity of the project.
It involves the progressive development of coal seam gas (CSG) fields in south central Queensland over 30 years and construction of a 450km transmission pipeline from the gas fields to Curtis Island near Gladstone, where a liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facility will be built.
The project was put under a cloud in November after traces of contaminants including the carcinogen benzene was found in fluid samples taken from eight of the CSG exploration wells.
But a comprehensive investigation completed in early December confirmed no significant risk to the environment or human health associated with its coal seam gas exploration activities, the joint venture said at the time.
Mr Burke on Tuesday said the approval was subject to strict environmental conditions including detailed ongoing monitoring of the Great Artesian Basin.
Australia Pacific LNG project director Page Maxson said the joint venture remained committed to managing the potential environmental impacts of the project both during construction and throughout its operational life.
"The project builds on Australia Pacific LNG's existing business which provides one third of Queensland's current gas requirements and stands to deliver significant opportunities for many local communities as well as broader economic benefits," Mr Maxson said.
Shares in Origin eased 10 cents to $16.68.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke was originally scheduled to hand down his determination by December 21, but extended the deadline to February 22 due to the scale and complexity of the project.
It involves the progressive development of coal seam gas (CSG) fields in south central Queensland over 30 years and construction of a 450km transmission pipeline from the gas fields to Curtis Island near Gladstone, where a liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facility will be built.
The project was put under a cloud in November after traces of contaminants including the carcinogen benzene was found in fluid samples taken from eight of the CSG exploration wells.
But a comprehensive investigation completed in early December confirmed no significant risk to the environment or human health associated with its coal seam gas exploration activities, the joint venture said at the time.
Mr Burke on Tuesday said the approval was subject to strict environmental conditions including detailed ongoing monitoring of the Great Artesian Basin.
Australia Pacific LNG project director Page Maxson said the joint venture remained committed to managing the potential environmental impacts of the project both during construction and throughout its operational life.
"The project builds on Australia Pacific LNG's existing business which provides one third of Queensland's current gas requirements and stands to deliver significant opportunities for many local communities as well as broader economic benefits," Mr Maxson said.
Shares in Origin eased 10 cents to $16.68.
