EPA releases in-house expert’s evaluation report on STOS marine consent application

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) today released its in-house expert’s evaluation report on Shell Todd Oil Services’ (STOS) marine consent application for its Māui offshore facilities.

The EPA Expert Evaluation Report will become part of the range of material the Decision-making Committee will consider in reaching its decision on STOS’ application to continue operations for another 35 years. Other relevant material includes application documents and supporting information, submissions lodged, relevant legislation, evidence provided by STOS and submitters, and representations at the public hearing.

The report states, “I conclude that allowing the activities would not give rise to significant adverse effects on the environment or existing interests that cannot be managed through imposing appropriate conditions or that are not already managed by another marine management regime.

“I accept that appropriately worded timing, review or phasing conditions will assist to manage the inherent uncertainty around the extent to which today’s information can anticipate effects of activities in the future. I consider that [other] uncertainties can be addressed by imposing conditions that require STOS to collect noise monitoring data before and during drilling activities and undertake bioaccumulation monitoring as part of its annual monitoring programme.

“Nothing in this report should be interpreted as comprising advice that is in any way binding on the DMC and it will come to its own decision having considered all of the relevant matters.”

The public hearing on STOS’ application will begin on Wednesday 29 April in Wellington and a decision is expected in early June.

The Expert Evaluation Report is available on the EPA website.

Background: The EPA forms part of an integrated regulatory regime for managing activities in New Zealand’s EEZ and Continental Shelf (CS). The EPA is responsible for regulating the effects of certain restricted activities on the environment and existing interests in the EEZ and CS under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZ Act). The purpose of the EEZ Act is to promote the sustainable management of the natural resources of this area. Our role is to consider applications for marine consents, monitor compliance with the EEZ Act and any conditions on marine consents, carry out enforcement, and promote public awareness of the requirements of the EEZ Act and associated regulations.

ENDS

© Scoop Media