NOTICE OF EXemption from a provision of part 3 (EPBC Act section 158(7))
EPBC Act s158 exemption decision published, 19/12/2022 to 25/12/2022
Exemption under section 158 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
I, Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, acting under section 158 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) and being satisfied that it is in the national interest to do so, exempt the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (the Industry department) (or any other Commonwealth agency), and those acting on behalf of the Industry department (or other Commonwealth agency), from the application of all of the provisions of Part 3 (other than sections 12, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16, 17B, 21, 22A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 26, 27A, 27B and 27C) and Chapter 4 of the EPBC Act, in relation to the following action:
The continuation of “lighthouse operations” and “short-term well injection” in relation to the Northern Endeavour Floating Production, Storage and Offtake Facility (FPSO) and associated infrastructure, until a decision is made on whether or not to authorise or approve these activities under the EPBC Act.
In this notice:
Lighthouse operations includes essential operations such as critical inspections, monitoring, maintenance, and repair work to manage and avert risks to personnel, the environment, and maritime safety and security. Lighthouse operations does not include well production, long-term injection or crude offtake activities.
Short-term well injection includes the pumping of water and flushing chemicals from the FPSO through the flowlines and into the wells in order to flush any remaining crude oil from the flowlines.
This exemption takes effect on the date of this notice.
SIGNED
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Minister for the Environment and Water
Dated the 12th day of December 2022
A copy of the Minister’s statement of reasons for this decision is publicly available at the following internet address: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/exemptions