Media release

Submissions open on OMV marine consent application

1 July 2014

The Environmental Protection Authority has opened the submission period on a marine consent application by OMV New Zealand Ltd to complete its existing programme of development drilling in the South Taranaki Bight.

The application by OMV was publicly notified in four major daily newspapers, the Daily News (Taranaki) and on the EPA website today by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

OMV is currently drilling in the Maari field in the South Taranaki Bight in accordance with its petroleum mining permit. This activity falls under the transitional provisions of the EEZ Act. However, the transitional provisions ceased on 28 June 2014 and a marine consent application was required to be lodged before 28 June in order to continue drilling past this date. Drilling can now continue until a decision on the notified application is made. The development drilling involves drilling up to seven development wells from within existing conductor slots at the Maari wellhead platform.

EPA Chief Executive Rob Forlong said that the EPA was committed to carrying out a robust decision-making process. The decision-making committee, which will be appointed in July, would consider all submissions made by the public and people could choose to speak directly to the committee at public hearings.

Mr Forlong said the EPA would be fully transparent throughout the process with all relevant materials provided on the EPA website and regular updates provided to all parties.

Submissions on the application must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 29 July 2014. Full details about the application and how to make a submission are available on the EPA website www.epa.govt.nz/eez.

ENDS

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