EHS Support is delivering comprehensive environmental approvals and regulatory advisory services for the Black Mountain Energy Valhalla Gas Exploration and Appraisal Program, an unconventional gas exploration within the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The program is to be undertaken to evaluate the region’s tight gas resource potential and inform future development opportunities with potential relevance to Australia’s long‑term energy security. The activities were subject to both State and Commonwealth environmental approval requirements.
Our team has supported Black Mountain Energy through the full regulatory approvals lifecycle, providing approvals strategy, documentation, and regulatory engagement services under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth). This included leading the preparation of a detailed Environmental Review Document (ERD) and associated environmental management plans under section 38 of the EP Act, and coordinating EPBC Act referrals to address potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance. EHS Support provided strategic advice to ensure alignment between State and Commonwealth assessment pathways and to support efficient progression of approvals.
EHS Support also led the integration of technical studies, stakeholder engagement inputs, and regulatory responses to deliver robust and defensible approval submissions. Services included the application of risk‑based, outcome‑focused environmental management measures proportionate to the scale and nature of the unconventional drilling and HFS activities, incorporation of adaptive management and monitoring frameworks, and consolidation of baseline studies and supporting technical documentation. Our team supported client‑led engagement with Native Title groups, non‑government organisations, and regulators, and managed responses to public submissions and technical queries, ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating timely advancement of the approvals process.