Greater Enfield Tieback Project – Exmouth Gulf Shipping Operations

Overview

The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) has referred the Greater Enfield Tieback Project – Exmouth Gulf Shipping Operations on behalf of Woodside Energy Ltd (the proponent) for environmental impact assessment under section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 

CCWA are concerned about the likely environmental impacts as a result of these operations in the Gulf. Public comment on the referral are welcome and will be considered by the EPA. 

Referral 

The Greater Enfield Tieback Project primarily operates in Commonwealth waters 40 km of the North West Cape. Supporting the Project, Woodside uses the Exmouth Gulf for three main activities: 

• Transit of chartered vessels to and from the Exmouth Marina 

• Supply and offtake of equipment and waste from chartered supply vessels within the Exmouth Gulf, primarily using a barge that is based in the Exmouth Marina 

• Offloading of large equipment from heavy lift vessels using dynamic positioning to smaller vessels with in the Gulf 

More Information 

The Exmouth Gulf Management Plan (the Plan) has been developed to reduce the risk of vessel strike and potential negative impacts on the behaviour of humpback whales resting within the Gulf, from either vessel transit or lifting operations (cargo transfer). 

The Plan outlines management controls to minimise Woodside’s potential impacts to humpback whales within the Gulf, ensure compliance with Woodside’s regulatory obligations and to respond proactively to concerns from key stakeholders.

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.