Woodside Browse LNG approvals questioned

Company News

The federal government has asked Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX:WPL) to explain why it sidestepped federal environmental scrutiny at its Omar-1 well in the Browse Basin, according to Fairfax Media.

While Woodside secured state approval for its drilling in Western Australia it did not seek federal government approval, which is the company’s obligation if it feels its operations may threaten the environment.

Woodside’s $30 billion Browse liquefied natural gas development has been the subject of enormous criticism and campaigning over fears it will damage the environment.

Now that Woodside has begun drilling the Omar-1 well, Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke says his department has been in contact with the company to remind them of their obligations.

A Woodside spokesperson declined to tell Fairfax why the company had chosen to avoid federal government scrutiny, but added that the drilling is being carried out under conditions set out in the detailed environment plan.

In the 2010 financial year, Woodside Petroleum generated a net profit of $1.5 billion.

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter?

Would you like to receive our daily news to your inbox?