Environmental approvals, referrals, and technical review support for Santos’ proposed Darwin Pipeline Duplication to the DLNG facility.
Santos
Darwin, Northern Territory
CDM Smith supported Santos through the NT and Commonwealth approvals pathway for the Darwin Pipeline Duplication, preparing the NT EPA and EPBC Act referrals and developing the Supplementary Environmental Review. We reviewed technical studies, coordinated stakeholder responses, and guided the project through a complex dual-jurisdiction assessment process.
The project required coordinated approvals under the NT Environment Protection Act and the Commonwealth EPBC Act. CDM Smith prepared both referrals, ensuring alignment between marine, terrestrial, and CCS-related considerations, and enabling Santos to progress the project toward construction.
We reviewed extensive modelling and environmental studies prepared by RPS and others, including marine impacts, trench spoil management, and environmental risk controls. These reviews ensured that all technical inputs were fit for purpose and aligned with the evolving project requirements.
Santos
Darwin, Northern Territory
CDM Smith led responses to public and agency submissions, synthesizing complex issues and supporting Santos in refining messaging and addressing concerns. This engagement built transparency and strengthened the NT EPA submission package.
As a project linked to Santos’ decarbonization strategy, the DPD involved assessment of CCS-related operations. CDM Smith addressed community sensitivities, environmental risks, and regulatory expectations associated with this new and often controversial technology.
Santos is progressing the Darwin Pipeline Duplication (DPD), a proposed second pipeline and shore crossing to the Darwin LNG facility to support future energy and decarbonization initiatives, including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). CDM Smith supported Phase 3 of the approvals process, preparing the NT EPA referral and the EPBC Act referral for impacts within NT waters. The team developed a Supplementary Environmental Review (SER) and responded to public and government submissions, ensuring the assessment addressed all identified environmental risks. CDM Smith also reviewed technical modelling and management plans prepared by RPS, including marine impact studies and trench spoil disposal management measures. This work enabled Santos to progress its approvals toward planned construction commencement in 2023, providing a robust and transparent environmental assessment across both state and Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.
Deputy Director | Market Sector Lead - Resources
Paul Davey is Deputy Director and Resources Market Sector Lead, bringing more than 20 years of experience delivering sustainable water, groundwater, and environmental solutions for government and resource sector clients across Australia.
Selected projects illustrating our technical and delivery experience.
