APACHE Energy has blasted the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority’s (NOPSA) report into the Varanus Island gas pipeline explosion in Western Australia, dismissing the findings as “incomplete” and “premature.”
The report found the company failed to properly inspect and monitor the 100km pipeline, of which several sections were coated with ineffective anti-corrosion layers and cathodic protection.
The 3 June incident cut the state’s gas supply by a third and drained about $2.4b from the economy, according to the West Australian Chamber of Commerce. It also led to reports of profiteering, allegations of cover ups and unique challenges for particular industries.
The energy company says the investigation has not been thorough enough to draw accurate conclusions. It says the explosion was an unfortunate but unforeseeable event in which no-one was hurt and the environment was not damaged.
Additionally, the business says it has managed to resume production ahead of schedule, with a return to full levels expected in December.
According to the company, pipeline explosions are rare and it can take months to determine their causes. A proper investigation must thoroughly examine it the design, manufacture and installation of the pipe as well as numerous environmental factors.
The energy firm says it will provide a more detailed response to the report once it has completely reviewed the article.
The state’s new Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore says the first impressions of the report indicate Apache has let WA down. He also expressed disappointment at the limited terms of reference in the examination.
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