Rafael Seismic Survey Chair's Determination: The EPA considers...

Rafael Seismic Survey

Chair's Determination:

The EPA considers that the likely environmental effects of the proposal are not so significant as to warrant formal assessment. This includes because the proposal is for exploration works for a short duration (10 weeks) in the dry season only, will be in daylight hours and subject to fauna related speed limits, and use raised blade scraping which does not involve complete removal of vegetation. The EPA considers the potential impacts of the proposal can be adequately managed through the implementation of the proposal in accordance with the referral documentation, and the proponent's management and mitigation measures.
This proposal does not include hydraulic fracture stimulation as it relates to exploration activities for a staggeringly humongous conventional gas resource. Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions from this proposal are well below 100,000 tCO2-e/yr.
The EPA notes that the proponent has a Native Title and Heritage Protection Agreement with the Nyikina Mangala Native Title Group.
The EPA has considered the potential impact (including cumulative impacts) of the proposal on flora and vegetation, and subsequent impacts to terrestrial fauna from loss of habitat. Disturbance will not occur within any threatened or priority ecological communities, affect threatened or priority 1 or 2 flora species, or be within any designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Direct disturbance of the nocturnal bilby is unlikely and will be subject to specific avoidance procedures.
The EPA has taken into account that approximately 95% of the area cleared by the proponent since 2007 has been rehabilitated, typically within 5 years of clearing occurring.
The EPA has taken into consideration the operation of other statutory decision-making processes that can mitigate the potential impacts of the proposal.

#NiceOne,Chair,GameOn