Change size

Print

Works approval application for the upgrade of the Patricia Baleen gas plant, Newmerella

EPA has issued a Works Approval to Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd to upgrade its gas plant at Newmerella.

EPA assessed Santos application for Works Approval to upgrade its gas plant and has determined it meets the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1970 and all relevant Industrial Waste Management Policies and State Environment Protection Policies (SEPP).

The works approval allows Santos to upgrade the existing Patricia-Baleen Gas Plant facilities so it can process gas from the offshore Longtom field. The plant will take gas from the Longtom field and separate the liquid hydrocarbons which will be stored in new tanks. The main reason for the need for changes on site, is to accommodate the higher liquid percentage of the Longtom field.

 This works approval is granted with conditions concerning the design, installation and ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility.

Assessment of the application

In mid October, EPA received a works approval application from Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd for the upgrade of the Patricia Baleen Gas Plant. The application was advertised on 24 October 2007 and submissions closed on 14 November 2007.

EPA received 7 submissions from the community and government agencies, in relation to the works approval application. Given the level of public interest EPA decided to hold a conference of interested parties under section 20B of the Environment Protection Act 1970 (the "Act"). The conference was independently chaired by Mr Duncan Malcolm and, was held at the East Gippsland Shire office in Orbost on 18 December 2007.
The purpose of the conference was to;

  • inform the community of the approval process and provide them with an opportunity to be involved in the process; 
  • identify key issues and information, and ensure EPA understands all issues and has all relevant information;
  • attempt to resolve issues.

The Chairman of the community conference prepared a report which sets out eight recommendations  for consideration by EPA.

EPA's response to public concerns

 EPA considered the findings and recommendations of the Conference Chair in making its assessment of the application for works approval. EPA has addressed each the recommendations in the report. 

See the EPA Media Release Approval issued for works at Santos -13 March 2008.

For further information please contact 

EPA Gippsland 
7 Church Street, Traralgon 3844
Phone: 51739800
email: epa.gippsland@epa.vic.gov.au

 

Top