Woodside error in emissions reporting formally referred to EPA

26/03/03
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said today she would formally refer under reporting of emissions by Woodside Energy Ltd, the operator of the North-West Shelf Joint Venture, to the Environmental Protection Authority.
Dr Edwards said she had requested advice under Section 16E of the Environmental Protection Act on any changes to the anticipated cumulative impact of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions on the environment at the Burrup Peninsula.
"This is necessary to ensure that previous development approvals based on cumulative air emission studies are scientifically sound," she said.
"Woodside has indicated that a technical error led the company to formally under reporting NOx emissions to the National Pollutant Inventory.
"However, NW Shelf Joint Venture NOx concentrations continue to remain well below Department of Environment Protection licence limits - and consequently, departmental advice is that no breach of licence conditions has occurred."
Ambient monitoring of NOx undertaken at Dampier during the Pilbara Air Quality Study showed levels less than 25 per cent of the National Environment Protection Measure standard.
Minister's office: 9220 5050