Doubt raised over Gorgon EPA assessment

The Gorgon Group has presented new information to the appeals convenor which some believe calls into question the environmental assessment of its multi-billion dollar gas project.

A new study, funded by Chevron, a key player in the development of the Gorgon gas fields, shows 15 per cent of the Pilbara's flatback turtle's use Barrow Island, off north-west Western Australia, as a nesting site.

However, an assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) found a third of the turtles nested on the island.

The Opposition's environment spokesman, Steve Thomas, says the EPA's figures had little scientific backing.

"Historically we've had to survive on anecdotal evidence and hearsay as to what the real numbers are, there just hasn't been enough work done, now I don't think it's good enough that the EPA should be guessing," he said.

The EPA has refused to comment.