Gorgon gets environmental approval

Offshore staff

PERTH, West Australia – Western Australia Environment Minister Donna Faragher has given final environmental approval for the proposed Gorgon gas development on Barrow Island.

The environmental conditions governing the project ensure:

• That coral lost due to dredging will continue to be confined to 3% of the total coral area off the east coast of Barrow Island
• That monitoring is extended to significant coral reef outcrops outside impact zones
• Artificial light emissions will be minimized to protect the local population of flatback marine turtles
• An extension of the turtle conservation program from 30 years to the total life of the project
• Noise emissions to be incorporated into the long-term marine turtle management plan and other plans as required
• Monitoring of subterranean fauna.

08/12/2009