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Minister Sets Strict Guidelines For Preparation Of INPEX EIS
The Northern Territory Government has approved guidelines for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed development of a LNG plant at Middle Arm by INPEX.
Environment Minister Alison Anderson said the next step in the formal assessment process would be for INPEX to prepare a draft EIS for its proposal in accordance with the guidelines.
An EIS is the highest level of environmental assessment available and will ensure that all relevant environmental issues associated with the proposed development are examined and safeguards developed.
“Community comment on the draft guidelines was sought and taken into account in finalising the guidelines,” Ms Anderson said.
“I have determined that once INPEX has prepared the draft EIS, it will be made available for community comment for a period of eight weeks, which is double the minimum period required under the legislation.
“This will give all Territorians an opportunity to have input into this very important proposal.
“INPEX representatives met with me this week and confirmed their commitment to undertaking an open, transparent and robust EIS process and to implementing very high standards of environmental management for an LNG project in the
“Inpex will be required to respond to community comment by submitting a supplement to the EIS.
“The relevant Northern Territory Government and Australian Government agencies will then assess the EIS and make recommendations to the respective governments.
“It will be a very rigorous and thorough assessment process, undertaken to the highest standards and I encourage Territorians to contribute their views.”
The guidelines can be found at www.nt.gov.au/nretas
Related files:
Anderson.19.09.08.Inpex.pdf ( 33.66 kb )
