Husky gets OK for White Rose platform work

Husky Energy has won environmental approval for its plans to build a concrete platform on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula for the proposed West White Rose offshore oil extension.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Environment and Conservation has given its blessings — with conditions — to a plan to build a platform at Argentia.

The government says Husky, which has yet to make a decision on building the platform, must turn in a groundwater monitoring plan before it can start draining the water for the dry dock.

If Husky proceeds with the platform, it would be used to drill but not store oil at the West White Rose field, which is located about 350 km east of St. John's.

The plan still needs final environmental approval from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board. 

Meanwhile, Husky is proceeding with a separate extension at White Rose. The company said in July that it is hoping to draw first oil at the South White Rose Extension by the end of 2014.