Source: NOPSEMA
The Australian Greens and the Wilderness Society say National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority has delayed approving the latest application for seismic testing in the Great Australian Bight.

Oil exploration company PGS on November 7, submitted its revised environmental plan to NOPSEMA relating to a request to undertake seismic testing in waters 51km from Cape Carnot, Eyre Peninsula, 90km west of Kangaroo Island and 80km south-southwest of Port Lincoln.

The Greens say the regulator was due to make a decision on the application on December 7, however they have extended their deadline due to the complexity of the assessment.

“The survey area stretches 30,100 km2, and would run for 24/7, for three months from September in 2019 and 2020.

“This is one of the closest seismic testing areas to land in the Great Australian Bight. The waters off Kangaroo Island are a vital feeding ground for endangered blue whales.

“PGS has resubmitted its environmental plan three times and had 12 extensions from the regulator to alter its environmental plan.

More information can be found here: https://www.nopsema.gov.au/environmental-management/activity-status-and-summaries/details/387