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Fracking company supplied contradictory info to feds on Kimberley threatened species

An American oil and gas company has provided contradictory information to the federal environment department over the impact of a planned fracking project on threatened species in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. 

Bennett Resources, a subsidiary of Black Mountain, referred its Valhalla fracking project for assessment under federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation laws earlier this year. However, a comparison of supplied documents reveals the company’s referral (available here) appears to contradict information contained in two fauna surveys it provided as support for its application. 

Some examples of this include:

  • The Low Ecological Survey found the threatened Freshwater Sawfish was “likely to occur” in the project area, however Black Mountain’s referral said it would have “no impact” on the species.

  • The Ecological Australia Survey reported a “direct observation” of an endangered purple-crowned fairy-wren, however Black Mountain’s referral said Valhalla would have “no impact” on the species.

  • The Low Ecological Survey reported saltwater crocodiles either occurred or had the potential to occur in the project area, however Black Mountain’s referral said it would have “no impact” on the species.

Black Mountain’s original federal application was also for only six fracking wells, while its state application, which is being assessed by the WA Environmental Protection Authority, was for 20 wells.

Earlier this month, Black Mountain withdrew its EPBC application for the Valhalla fracking project, saying: “After the recent completion of a targeted fauna survey, and in-line with the EPBC guidelines, the Company has elected to modify its submission to include the new data along with all potential appraisal wells and phases.”

The company says it has resubmitted the application, however it is not yet publicly available.

Lock the Gate Alliance WA Coordinator Claire McKinnon said, “Black Mountain’s dog’s breakfast of an EPBC application suggests this company has little knowledge of the environment it hopes to operate in. It’s no wonder Black Mountain has resubmitted its application. 

“Black Mountain’s original federal application for its destructive and dangerous Valhalla fracking project downplays the very real threat it poses to threatened species like the freshwater sawfish.  

“The Albanese Government must reject Black Mountain’s attempts to frack the beautiful yet fragile Kimberley at the earliest opportunity.

“Scientists and nature lovers all around the world revere the Kimberley’s rare and unique biodiversity. It is a stronghold for threatened species that have disappeared across much of Northern Australia. 

“The Kimberley is a natural, national treasure. It’s no place for a dirty, dangerous fracked gas field.”

ENDS

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