ARC Energy Ltd receives Golden Gecko Certificate

16/9/04
The Mid-West's ARC Energy Limited has received a Golden Gecko Certificate for environmental excellence for its Hovea oil field crude export system.
The 13th Golden Gecko awards recognise companies that have made an outstanding contribution to the State by balancing environmental responsibility with the successful development of Western Australia's resources. The awards were presented tonight in Perth by the Environment Minister Judy Edwards.
State Development Minister Clive Brown said the Hovea Oil Field Crude Export System has minimised both community and environmental risk in the transportation of crude oil.
"This project has reduced total truck movements by 62 per cent, which limits fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Brown said.
"The new Accuload automated crude load-out facility and associated bunded load-out pad have reduced the risk of spillage. In addition, a new fleet of purpose built pocket road trains was introduced."
Dr Edwards said the road trains are shorter and wider than standard trucks and contain an internal bladder system enabling the transport of two different products in the same tankers without cross contamination.
"This is a great example of the kind of benchmarks for the environment that are being achieved by industry in WA. It is really important that we recognise these practices and applaud industry for their approach to the long term sustainability of the industry," she said.
"Environmental management is a key factor in the Government's State Sustainability Strategy, and it's important that we maintain the great work being done across our $26billion resources sector.
"The Golden Gecko Awards highlight innovation in environmental excellence far exceeding regulatory requirements and I congratulate ARC Energy on their achievement and commend them for their ongoing commitment to the environment."
WA is one of the most productive and diversified neral and petroleum regions in the world, hosting 480 commercial mineral projects. There are 770 operating mine sites (open pit, underground mines and quarries), 143 processing plants and 50 different minerals in commercial production.
Minister Brown's office: 9222 9699
Minister Edwards' office: 9220 5050
Patrick O'Boyle, Department of Industry and Resources, 9222 3789