EPA warns Woodside's WA gas plan risks coral, turtles and oil spill
The EPA warns Woodside's Browse gasfield could harm endangered turtles and whales.
Woodside Energy wants to drill for gas 300 kilometres off the Kimberley coast in the Browse basin. But Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority has serious doubts.
A 2023 draft letter warned the company's plans to protect endangered green turtles and pygmy blue whales near Scott Reef would not work. Scott Reef is home to more than 1,500 species, many found nowhere else.
The EPA also said oil spill risk might be too high to accept. Woodside added faster well-sealing technology but environmental groups say it is unproven.
The company's plans do not go far enough, they say.
- 300 kilometres off Kimberley coast
- Browse location
- More than 1,500 species
- Scott Reef species
- More than 50 wells
- Proposed wells
- About 88 million tonnes
- Annual carbon dioxide
Why it mattersA major environmental decision is pending that will determine whether Australia's largest undeveloped gas reserve is developed or protected.
AustraliaFor Australia, approving or rejecting Browse will affect energy supply, climate emissions, and protection of a unique marine ecosystem that supports endangered species.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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