title: greater western flank environmental surveys ... · title: greater western flank...

Title: Greater Western Flank Environmental Surveys – Environmental Plan Summary

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................... 4

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY ............................................................. 5

2.1 Location...........................................................................................................................................5

2.2 Proposed operations .......................................................................................................................7

2.3 Metocean data acquisition .............................................................................................................8

3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................... 8

3.1 Climate and meteorology ...............................................................................................................8

3.2 Bathymetry and oceanography .....................................................................................................9

3.3 Benthic habitat................................................................................................................................9

3.4 Threatened, migratory and listed species .....................................................................................9 3.4.1 Threatened migratory cetaceans .............................................................................................10 3.4.2 Migratory cetacean species.....................................................................................................11 3.4.3 Threatened migratory turtles...................................................................................................11

3.5 Conservation reserves ..................................................................................................................12

3.6 Cultural environment...................................................................................................................12 3.6.1 Shipwreck and heritage ..........................................................................................................12

3.7 Socio-economic environment .......................................................................................................12 3.7.1 Commercial fisheries..............................................................................................................12 3.7.2 Recreational fisheries .............................................................................................................12 3.7.3 Shipping..................................................................................................................................12

4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS.............................................. 12

5 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT APPROACH .......................................... 14

6 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION........................................................... 14

7 CONTACT DETAILS.................................................................................. 15

8 REFERENCES........................................................................................... 16





1 BACKGROUND Woodside Energy Ltd (Woodside) proposes to undertake environmental surveys to provide data to support project investment, engineering and operational decisions relating to potential platforms, Floating Production Storage and Offloading facilities (FPSO), Floating Storage and Offloading facilities (FSO) and subsea infrastructure including a pipeline, flowlines, manifolds and wellheads.

This document provides a summary of the Environmental Surveys component of the – Greater Western Flank (GWF) Geophysical, Geotechnical, Metocean and Environmental Programme - Environment Plan which was assessed and approved by WA Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) on 26 February 2010 as meeting the requirements for an Environment Plan (EP) under the Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009. In addition the EP also describes how the survey is being planned and conducted in line with Woodside’s Environment Policy and the Woodside Environmental Management System.

The EP presents the findings and conclusions of the environmental impact assessment undertaken by Woodside for the GWF Environmental Survey. This environmental impact assessment process is designed to ensure that any environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities, during both routine and non-routine operations, are identified and appropriately assessed. In doing so, relevant preventative and management measures can be developed and implemented to ensure that any adverse impacts are managed to be as low as is reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Beyond these overall objectives, the EP is designed to fulfil the following critical objectives:

• provide a description of the proposed activities;

• provide a description of the existing environment in the area of proposed activities;

• identify significant environmental aspects and potential environmental effects of the Environmental surveys;

• identify and assess environmental risks associated with the Environmental survey;

• develop appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures that will allow identified environmental risks and effects to be avoided, or reduced to ALARP;

• communicate clearly with stakeholders the schedule and scope of the activities; and

• Provide a document that will serve as a practicable environmental management tool for contractors to use throughout the surveys to achieve targeted environmental performance.

The GWF Environmental Survey Programme has not been referred to DEWHA for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on the basis of the survey area being located in a remote offshore location and the risk assessment conducted for the survey, as detailed in the EP, did not identify any significant impacts from the proposed activities on matters of environmental significance and the environment listed under the EPBC Act.





2 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY

2.1 Location The GWF Survey Programme will be conducted entirely in Commonwealth waters over an area of approximately 3,520 km2, however individual surveys conducted as part of the survey programme will target specified areas in the operational area. Figure 1 outlines the GWF Survey Programme Operational Area.

The operational area is divided into two management areas based on benthic habitat type/water depth, to facilitate environmental impact assessment and the development/implementation of management and mitigation measures, as detailed in this EP.

• Deep Water Management Area (DWMA) (approx 3,290 km2) encompasses the majority of the operational area which overlies a deep inclined (westerly) continental shelf slope (70-150 m). The shelf is comprised predominantly of soft sediments with no significant benthic communities being identified.

• Shoals Management Area (SMA) (approx 230 km2) encompasses the Rankin Bank and Wilcox Ridge which includes areas of hard substrate in 20 -70m water depth on the shelf slope.

Boundary coordinates of the GWF Survey Programme acquisition and operation areas are provided in Table 2-1. The GWF Survey Programme area (at its closest point) is located approximately 120 km from mainland North Western Australia, and approximately 27 km from the nearest island (Montebello Island).

Table 2-1: Boundary Coordinates of Greater Western Flank Development Survey Programme Operational Area. Coordinate

No. Longitude (E) Latitude (S)

Degrees Minutes Seconds Degrees Minutes Seconds NW 115 19 28.1 19 49 13.0 NE 116 07 30.1 19 26 17.9 SE 116 16 33.4 19 43 13.3 SW 115 28 27.3 20 06 10.6





Figure 1: Greater Western Flank Survey Programme Operational Area (Source – WEL, 2008)





2.2 Proposed operations The EP will cover the GWF Environment Survey Programme for the period commencing September 2010 and concluding September 2011 (Water Samples 1x day and 12 month deployment of acoustic recording loggers).

As part of the scope of work, the GWF Environmental Survey Programme will encompass:

1. Acoustic recordings

The deployment of acoustic recording loggers for a period of 12 months (serviced at six months) to provide baseline data on ambient underwater noise (physical and biological sources), blue whale and humpback whale timing in the vicinity of GWF field location.

2. Water analysis

To provide baseline data on water quality in the vicinity of the GWF WFA / Lady Nora field location.

Location points where acoustic recording loggers will be deployed and water samples taken are shown in figure 2.

Figure 2: Greater Western Flank Environmental Survey – Acoustic Recording Logger Deployment and Water Sample Locations





Environmental surveys will utilise a range of accepted survey techniques to describe the environment of the water column and background ambient acoustic levels . The survey parameters for the GWF Environmental Survey Programme are summarised in Table 2-2

Transit to and from the survey areas, will be undertaken outside of the requirements of this EP. No survey specific operations will be undertaken outside of the management areas. While on transit the survey vessel will be governed by the national and international marine legislation pertaining to its class.

Table 2-2: Survey Parameters

Parameter Value Geophysical Data Acquisition

Commonwealth waters

Acoustic Recording Acoustic Recording HI TEK HTI U90 or Massa TRO025C external hydrophone, bulk head connector

Environmental Survey

Water Column Profiling Seabird SBE 19 profiler

Niskin Sample Bottles

2.3 Metocean data acquisition Deployment of instrumentation for acoustic recording during the campaign will occur during the 13 -19 September 2010. Acoustic instrumentation will be left in situ at two locations for a period of 12 months and recovered in September 2011. All moorings are designed to enable complete recovery including instrumentation and ballast weight. The mooring locations for the instrumentation are summarised in Table 2-3.

Table 2-3: Mooring Locations for Environment Campaign (Noise Recording)

MOORING DESCRIPTION DEPTH (MSL) EASTING NORTHING

PERMIT NUMBER

NLM -1 Acoustic logger Mooring -1 122m 374 000 mE 7 815 000 mN WA-5--L

NLM - 2 Acoustic logger Mooring -2 76m 348 000 mE 7 794 000 mN WA-7-R

WSL -1 Water Sample Location -1 74m 356 620 mE 7 807 020 mN WA-28-P(3R7)

WSL -2 Water sample Location - 2 113m 383 732 mE 7 814 446 mN WA-5-L

3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Climate and meteorology The survey area lies in the Indian Ocean, where regional sea temperatures in summer range from 26 to 31°C and in winter from 19 to 24°C. Winds during winter are predominantly from the east and southeast, while westerlies prevail in summer. The area is situated in a subtropical environment with tropical cyclone activity from November to April. The summer and winter seasons fall into the periods September-March and May-July, respectively. Weather is largely controlled by the seasonal oscillation of an anti-cyclonic belt.





3.2 Bathymetry and oceanography The GWF Development is located on a gently inclined (westward) continental shelf in water depths 20-150m. The shallow water depths occur in the vicinity of two shoals the Rankin Bank and Wilcox Ridge. The offshore marine environment of the North West Shelf is very dynamic being subject to large tidal ranges and strong currents. Offshore swells in the region are consistently from the south-west with a height of 1 to 2m, rising to 3m during the winter. Extreme swell conditions of greater than 8 m can be encountered during cyclones.

3.3 Benthic habitat The shoals are comprised of hard outcropping which supports coral communities. The seabed of the surrounding deeper waters is typical of the NWS being flat and featureless characterised by deep (>5m) soft, silty sediments derived primarily from calcium carbonate, which become deeper, softer and finer with increasing depth

A large percentage of the NWS offshore surface waters are low in phytoplankton abundance. This unusual phenomenon is attributed to a deep overlying layer of low-nutrient waters, perhaps linked to the Indonesian throughflow. In contrast to surface waters, subsurface productivity is high, and contributes to the region’s rich diversity of epibenthic animals including sponges, soft corals, sea fans and sea whips. (CSIRO, 2002).

Sampling of the benthos has consistently shown that the soft sediments in water depth of 76-130m of the NWS support a low abundance, high diversity invertebrate fauna population, largely comprising burrowing polychaete worms (Phylum Annelida) and crustaceans (Phylum Crustacea). Echinoderms, bivalves and molluscs also contribute significantly to the faunal composition of the area (CSIRO, 2002).

SKM (1998) described the Rankin bank as be comprised of a mosaic of patches of sand, rubble and bommies with varying degrees of floral and faunal assemblages. Over this substrate is a veneer ranging from macroalgal stands to soft coral/sponge communities to patches of hard coral inhabited by diverse fish communities. The presence of coral communities was considered to be more a function of the shallow water depths up to 20m. While no surveys have been conducted over Wilcox Ridge (unofficial name), based on its similar bathymetry/structure (20-70m) that it would have similar benthic communities as Rankin Bank which is located approximately 15km away.

3.4 Threatened, migratory and listed species A search using the DEWHA protected matters search tool (DEWHA 2008a) was carried out encompassing the proposed GWF Development area. The search indicated that a total of 56 marine species were reported under the EPBC Act that may occur within, or travel through, the area, 9 of which are threatened marine species and 14 migratory species reported. Table 3-1 below highlights listed migratory or threatened species that may be found in the GWF development area (DEWHA, 2008a).

Table 3-1: EPBC Act listed threatened marine fauna that may occur within or travel through the GWF Development area

Type Species Common Name Status Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale Endangered/Migratory species or species

habitat known to occur within area Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale Vulnerable/Migratory species or species

habitat likely to occur within area Balaenoptera bonaerensis Antarctic Minke Whale Migratory species or species habitat likely

to occur within area

Mammals

Balaenoptera edenis Bryde’s Whale Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area





Orcinus orca Killer Whale Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Physeter macrocephalus Sperm Whale Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Dugong dugon Dugong Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Tursiops aduncus Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle, Vulnerable- species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Natator depressus Flatback Turtle Vulnerable/Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle Vulnerable/Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle Endangered/Migratory species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Marine Reptiles

Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill Turtle Vulnerable/Migratory species or species habitat may occur within area

Birds Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel Endangered/Migratory species or species habitat may occur within area

Sharks Rhincodon typus Whale Shark Vulnerable/Migratory species or species habitat may occur within area

3.4.1 Threatened migratory cetaceans The DEWHA protected matters search tool (DEWHA 2009a) identified two threatened and migratory baleen whale species, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), that may occur within, adjacent to or migrate through the survey area.

The most common whale species in the NWS region is the humpback whale which migrates through the region, moving northward along the WA coast to the winter breeding grounds in the Kimberley and southward toward summer feeding grounds in Antarctica (Chittleborough, 1965; Bannister et al., 1996; Jenner et al., 1996 and Jenner et al., 2001) between June and November.

The peak of the northward migration in the vicinity of the GWF Development occurs during July, and can be vary by up to 21 days (Jenner, 1993). The southern migration peak occurs late August / early September followed by cow-calf pairs during October. The southern migration of the whales (cows-calves) tends to occur in shallower waters, inshore from the GWF Development following a relatively narrow track between the Dampier Archipelago and Montebello Islands. The GWF Development area lies within the eastern section of the northern migration corridor and west of the southern migration corridor.

While blue whales do occur in offshore locations their abundance/density is generally low. While it is possible that feeding may periodically occur in the region, feeding areas can vary greatly in size/location dependent on local conditions (i.e. localised up-welling). As the GWF survey programme is relatively small in area, any localised/temporary displacement of animals present is unlikely to significantly impact on either species.





3.4.2 Migratory cetacean species The DEWHA protected matters search tool (DEWHA 2009a) identified eight migratory species which may occur within, adjacent to or migrate through the survey area. These include the two previously discussed species, the humpback and blue whales (Section 3.4.1) and an additional six migratory species including two baleen whale species, the Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and Bryde’s whales (B. edeni) and two toothed whale species, the killer whale (Orcinus orca), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dugong (Dugong dugon) and the Spotted Bottle nose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) discussed below.

Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) undertake annual migrations between summer feeding grounds in southern Australian and Antarctic waters and winter breeding grounds in open ocean areas throughout tropical and sub-tropic waters. Minke whales feed almost exclusively on Antarctic krill (Ensor, 1989).

Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edenis) prefer water temperatures above 20°C and are known to migrate only short distances in comparison with other cetacean species. This species is most common in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical waters around Australia (Carwardine, 1995).

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) occur in coastal zones around Australia including the North West Cape region. Killer whales are wide ranging species that appears to migrate according to the distribution of particular prey species in different regions of their range. Killer whales are known to follow the migration of humpback whales and other large baleen whales on which they are known to prey.

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are a pelagic species generally found deep offshore waters. Sperm whales are found off the WA coast close to the edge of the continental shelf, typically between Cape Leeuwin and Esperance. In the open ocean there is a generalised migration southwards in summer, with a corresponding movement northwards in winter off the WA coastline (Bannister et al., 1996). It is unlikely that sperm whales will be present given the water depths in the GWF Development area.

The distribution of dugong in the Pilbara region is widespread, including Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands, the Dampier Archipelago and the mainland coastal waters. Given the water depths and lack of food resources (i.e. seagrass) within the GWF Development area it is unlikely that dugongs will be present with the exception of individuals that may transit through the area (CALM, 2005; URS, 2004).

3.4.3 Threatened migratory turtles The DEWHA protected matters search tool (DEWHA 2009a) identified five threatened, migratory and listed marine turtle species, the green (Chelonia mydas), flatback (Dermochelys coriacea), leatherback (Natator depressus), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate) that may occur within, adjacent to or migrate through the survey area.

Four species of marine turtles nest on shore sites within the Pilbara region, (Prince, pers. comm. 1994). In order of abundance these are the green turtle, flatback turtle, hawksbill turtle and loggerhead turtle. The leatherback turtle may also visit the open waters. The across-shelf distribution of these species is not well understood, but is thought to vary among the species.

The GWF Development area is located in deep offshore waters and turtle abundance/density will be low and comprises of individual moving through the area on route to breeding, nesting, feeding and resting areas along the mainland coast and islands in the region. The turtle breeding season occurs October to April with the majority of nesting occurring October to December and hatchling emergence December to April. Surveys conducted during the turtle breeding period, will not impact turtle nesting and hatchlings given the distance to nesting beaches (>27 km) from the survey area.





3.5 Conservation reserves There are no identified marine conservation reserves immediately adjacent to the GWF Development. The closest marine conservation reserves are the Montebello/ Barrow Islands Marine Conservation Reserves (MBIMCR) located 27-62km south of the GWF Survey Programme operational area.

3.6 Cultural environment

3.6.1 Shipwreck and heritage There are no shipwrecks or heritage sites in the vicinity of the GWF development. The nearest declared wreck site is at Tyral Rocks, just north of the Montebello Islands.

3.7 Socio-economic environment

3.7.1 Commercial fisheries There is a diverse and economically important commercial fishing industry off Dampier, Port Samson and Onslow. Only the trawl fisheries have any significant effort or catch beyond the 50m isobath. In general, due to a relatively featureless seabed, areas beyond the 100m isobath are not very productive for fish (Ian Towers, WA DoF pers. comm.).

3.7.2 Recreational fisheries Recreational fishing predominantly occurs within inshore coastal waters and only occasionally do recreational fishers access offshore shoals at Rankin Bank and Glomar shoals.

3.7.3 Shipping The distribution of shipping traffic according to vessel size around Woodside’s offshore facilities in a typical year has been determined using data from mandatory location reports to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) during the period 2005-2007.

Established nearby facilities such as GWA, NRA and Cossack Pioneer (CP) would appear to be avoided by the majority of vessel traffic (although CP is relatively close to the shipping lane with the highest traffic volume).

4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The principal environmental aspects and potential environmental impacts of the proposed GWF Environmental Survey Programme have been determined on the basis of Woodside’s previous survey experience in the region, the outcomes of an environmental risk assessment and the generic environmental risks outlined in Swan et al. (1994). The main environmental aspects of the proposed activity are:

• operation of vessels and equipment associated with the activities;

• emissions to atmosphere from vessels;

• routine waste discharges from vessels;

• accidental hydrocarbon and/or hazardous material discharges from vessels;

• accidental loss of equipment;

• ballast water discharge and vessel biological fouling; and

• Interactions with commercial fishing activities.





Potential environmental impacts associated with the above environmental aspects are:

• disturbance to marine habitats;

• disturbance to marine fauna;

• reduced air quality from atmospheric emissions;

• introduction of invasive marine species;

• marine pollution; and

• disturbance to commercial activities.

The impact assessment undertaken as part of the EP development has indicated that the potential impacts arising from the proposed GWF Environmental Survey Programme can be categorised as having raw risk levels of low and medium. Implementation of the mitigation/management measures identified in this EP will ensure that residual risks are low. There are no impacts identified as having a high or severe risk level (raw or residual).

The proposed GWF Development area is located in remote deep offshore waters, Deep Water Management Area (DWMA) with no identified significant benthic communities, with the exception of the Rankin Bank and Wilcox Ridge Shoals Management Area (SMA) or important habitats (feeding, breeding, resting, and migratory, etc.) for threatened and/or migratory species. Activities conducted under the Survey Programme will mainly occur within the DWMA, with the exception of potential Environmental surveys which may occur in the SMA.

Environmental effects associated with the GWF Environmental Survey Programme are likely to be limited to localised short term discharge of sewage and putrescible wastes discharged in accordance with MARPOL. The impacts of sound generated by survey activities is expected to minimal given the frequency and signal level outputs of the electro acoustic source devices and small airgun source devices (40 cu. in.) to be used, the relatively low abundance of marine fauna expected (timing where possible of surveys outside peak migratory periods), low sound propagation due to water depth, survey duration and commitment to a range of cetacean interaction mitigation measures.

Surveys will be undertaken in accordance with DEWHA Whale interaction / Watching guidelines and Policy Statement 2.1 Interaction between Offshore and Seismic Exploration and Whales. Should surveys be undertaken within migratory period timeframes, a review of the EP risk matrix will be undertaken. If the level of risk is raised a bridging document will be submitted to the DMP. Consideration of requirements under the EPBC Act will also be undertaken.

The survey area overlaps the fishing grounds of a number of commercial fisheries. The GWF Survey Programme will not affect fishing activities due to the timing and duration of surveys, low fishing effort in the area due to the small number of fishing vessel, the expanse of fishing grounds and low abundance of targeted species/habitat. Prior to and during surveys the fishing industry will be advised of the survey details.

The survey area also lies in an area that is transited by commercial shipping and subject to oil and gas activities. The GWF Survey Programme is not expected to impact on shipping or other commercial activities due to the timing and duration of the surveys, the low level of commercial activity in the area and commercial shipping and industry being advised of the survey details through appropriate communication channels.





5 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT APPROACH Woodside’s environmental management strategies and procedures to be used for the GWF survey environmental programme include responsibilities, training, reporting frameworks, mitigation and response activities and monitoring and auditing procedures. Commitments associated with these (Table 8-1) will be used to reduce environmental risk to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

A series of environmental management controls will be implemented by Woodside and its survey contractors to ensure that no significant environmental effects are realised from the survey. Table 8-1 details the environmental management commitments.

6 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION As part of its stakeholder consultation programme, Woodside consults extensively with stakeholders and regularly meets with environment, conservation and community groups, non-government organisations, indigenous organisations, all three tiers of government, tourism operators and fishing groups including:

• WA Department of Environment and Conservation;

• WA Department of Mines and Petroleum;

• WA Department of Fisheries;

• WA Department of State Development;

• Commonwealth Australian Fisheries Management Authority;

• Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts;

• Commonwealth Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism;

• WWF; and

• Conservation Council.

It is proposed that the following organisations (where applicable) will be notified prior to the commencement of each individual survey. A fact sheet will be issued to each group outlining survey timing, location and scope.

• Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP);

• Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA);

Commonwealth Fisheries Association;

Dampier Port Authority; and

WA Department of Fisheries

NGO’s

• Conservation Council; and

• WWF

Fisheries

• Commercial and recreation fisheries operating in the area.





7 CONTACT DETAILS For further information on this proposal please contact:

Tim Mander

Environmental Adviser

Woodside Energy

GPO Box D188, Perth, Western Australia, 6840

(08) 9348 4831

[email protected]





8 REFERENCES Bannister, J. L., Kemper C. M. and Warneke R. M. (1996) The Action Plan for Australian Cetaceans, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Perth, Australia.

CALM (2005) Indicative Management Plan for the Proposed Dampier Archipelago Marine Park and Cape Preston Marine Management Area. Department of Conservation and Land Management, W.A.

Carwardine, M. (1995) Whale, dolphins and Porpoises, Eyewitness Handbooks - Dorling Kindersley, London, New York, Stuttgart

Chittleborough, R. G. (1965) Dynamics of two populations of humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski). Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 16:33-128

CSIRO. 2002. Northwest Shelf Joint Environmental Management Study, Interim Report (web address: www.marine.csiro.au/nwsjems/reports/index.html

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). 2009a. Protected Matters Search Tool. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html. Last accessed 13/08/2009.

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2008a) Protected Matters Search Tool. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). 2008b. EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 – Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales.

Ensor, P. H (1989). Minke whales in the pack ice zone, East Antarctica, during the period of maximum annual ice extent. Report of the International Whaling Commission Serial 39 219-225

Jenner, K. C. S., Jenner, M. N. and McCabe, K. A (2001) Geographical and temporal movements of humpback whales in Western Australia, Centre for Whale Research. APPEA Journal p749-765.

Jenner K. C. S. and Jenner M. N. (1996) Group IV Humpback whale calving ground and population monitoring program 1995, Prepared for Australian Conservation Agency project #SCA01842 unpublished. Cited in Jenner et al 2001.

Jenner K. C. S. and Jenner M. N. (1996) Humpback Whale and Mega Fauna Survey 2000/2001 Report, North West Cape, Western Australia, Centre for Whale Research (WA) Inc. PO Box 1622 Fremantle WA 6959

URS, (2004). Review of DEH Guidelines on the Application of the EPBC Act to Interactions between Offshore Seismic Operations and Larger Cetaceans. Report for the Department of Environment and Heritage. Report no. R1039, East Perth, WA





Table 8-1: Greater Western Flank Survey Programme – Summary of Proponents Commitments

No. Objective Commitment

1 Project personnel understand and comply with the scope contained in the EP and understand the procedure to be followed if a change in scope is required.

• All relevant Woodside and contractor personnel receive an induction that outlines the approved activity scope. • All relevant Woodside and contractor personnel understand the ‘management of change procedure’ contained in this EP.

2 Woodside and contractor personnel understand and comply with the environmental objectives, standards and commitments within this EP.

i. All Woodside and contractor personnel undertake an HSE induction that will include an overview of environmental sensitivities of the project area, management procedures and standards and commitments detailed in this EP.

3 No significant impact to marine habitats

i. Geotechnical Coring, Sediment sampling and deployment of moorings will occur at locations of interest. Where flexibility in sample and mooring locations exists, existing bathymetry and habitat data will be used and sample and mooring locations will be chosen in the following order of priority: • Sandy/other sediments habitat; • coral rubble or non-recovering coral habitat; and • coral habitat that is least likely to be damaged.

ii. Strict adherence to equipment handling and acquisition procedures. iii. Vessels with experienced operators and crew will be used to minimise the risk of equipment dragging or loss. iv. Detailed records of equipment lost overboard will be maintained. v. Anchoring in this area will not normally be undertaken due to large water depths. (DWMA) vi. Anchoring in this area will only occur in the event of an emergency (SMA)






4 No significant impact to transient marine fauna

i. Adherence to the DEWHA Whale Interaction / Watching Guidelines 2005 ii. All vessel personnel will be supplied with information to assist in cetacean sightings and identification. iii. Detailed reports of all cetacean sightings will be recorded using the DEWHA Cetacean Sightings Application (database)

(http://data.aad.gov.au/aadc/ammc/index.cfm ) iv. Continuous cetacean sighting observations will be undertaken during ‘airgun source’ surveys. v. A 30 minute pre-start cetacean observation period will be undertaken prior to the commencement of each ‘airgun source’ survey. vi. A 100 metre shutdown zone will be applied should a cetacean be sighted during an ‘airgun source’ survey.

5 Minimise emissions to atmosphere from operation of vessels

i. Compliance with MARPOL 73 / 78 Annex VI (as implemented in Commonwealth waters by the Commonwealth Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983). In particular:

• Use of low sulphur fuel when it is available to minimise emissions from combustible sources; and • Emissions managed by the implementation of a preventive maintenance system.

6 No introduction of marine non-indigenous species or spread of existing non-indigenous species

i. A risk assessment process will be applied to all vessels, and immersible equipment to assess the potential to introduce IMS of concern to Australian waters or to translocate IMS of concern between areas within Australia. If the risk assessment level obtained is unacceptable further actions will be applied commensurate with the risk.

ii. Vessels will comply with the requirements of the mandatory AQIS Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements to minimise the risk of introducing IMS of concern via ballast water exchange

7 No significant impact on marine environment from routine operational discharges e.g. putrescible wastes

i. All sewage and putrescible wastes will be managed and disposed of in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 (as implemented in Commonwealth waters by the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983) including: • discharge of sewage and putrescibles waste will be of short duration with high dispersion and biodegradability; • All sewage and putrescible waste treatment systems and holding tanks are to be fully operational prior to survey

commencement; • Operational onboard sewage treatment plant approved by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

ii. Sewage and putrescible wastes macerated where possible prior to disposal; iii. Discharge of untreated grey water (i.e. wastewater from sinks and showers) from vessels is not desirable within three nautical miles of

coral reef or land. However if vessels are not able to treat grey water prior to discharge efforts will be made to use biodegradable





No. Objective Commitment soaps and detergents; and

iv. A Vessel Waste Log will be maintained to record waste management practices. v. Bilge water will be treated and disposed in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 (as implemented in Commonwealth waters by the

Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983); vi. Bilge water contaminated with hydrocarbons must be contained and disposed of onshore, except if the oil content of the effluent

without dilution does not exceed 15 ppm or an IMO approved oil/water separator is used to treat the bilge water. vii. Bilge water contaminated with chemicals must be contained and disposed of onshore, except if the chemical is demonstrated to have a

low toxicity (as determined by the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)).

8 No significant environmental impact from routine storage, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes

i. No discharge of plastics or plastic products of any kind from vessels in accordance with MARPOL and P (SL) requirements; ii. No discharge of domestic wastes (i.e. cans, glass, paper or other wastes from living areas) and no maintenance wastes (i.e. paint

sweepings, rags, deck sweepings, oil soaks, machinery deposits, will be disposed of overboard) from vessels. iii. All solid, liquid and hazardous wastes (other than sewage, grey water and putrescible wastes) will be incinerated or compacted (if

possible) and stored in designated areas and sent ashore for recycling, disposal or treatment; iv. Vessel Waste Management Plan in place detailing wastes generated and disposal requirements. v. All storage facilities and handling equipment will be in good working order and designed in such a way as to prevent and contain any

spillage as far as practicable; vi. A Vessel Waste Log will be created and maintained to record quantities of wastes transported to shore; and vii. Detailed records of waste accidentally discharged will be maintained.

9 No accidental hydrocarbon or chemical spills to the marine environment.

i. The survey vessels will comply with MARPOL 73/78 Annex I requirements to prevent oil pollution, including:

• Vessel holds a valid IOPP Certificate. • Oil Record Book maintained which details how, when and where any waste oils/oily effluents are disposed of. • Oily slops storage tank is provided. • Oily effluents from bilges and machinery spaces are treated in an IMO oil/water separator to 15 ppm oil content specification prior

to overboard discharge. ii. Oil spills will be managed according to Woodside’s Western Australia and Dampier Sub-Basin Oil Spill Contingency Plan (ERP-3210).





No. Objective Commitment iii. Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (SOPEP) will be prepared and kept onboard the vessels; iv. Operational procedures will be in-place on board the survey vessels for all operations that involve handling environmentally

hazardous materials, oil and oily effluents/ waste during routine/ maintenance activities; v. All hazardous substances (as defined in NOHSC:1008(2004) – Approved Criteria for Classifying hazardous substances) will have an

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in place that is readily available on board; vi. All storage facilities in good working order and designed in such a way as to prevent and contain any spillage as far as practicable; vii. Spill response bins/kits located in close proximity to hydrocarbon storage areas and replenished if required. Identified personnel

trained in the use of the equipment; viii. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the nature and volume of spilled material; ix. Hydrocarbons located above deck will be stored with some form of secondary containment to contain leaks or spills e.g. bund,

containment pallet, transport packs etc;

10 Minimise interference with commercial and recreational fishing vessels.

i. The use of standard maritime safety procedures (Auscoast Warnings via AMSA where appropriate, radio contact, display of appropriate navigational beacons and lights); and

ii. Notification of activity details as required to relevant commercial fisheries organisations prior to commencement of each survey.

11 Minimise disruption to shipping activities.

i. Adherence to standard maritime safety and navigation procedures (e.g. Auscoast Warnings via AMSA where appropriate, radio contact, display of appropriate navigational beacons and lights).

12 Vessel HSE Management system covers applicable requirements of this EP

Review of Vessel HSE Management System to ensure it covers applicable requirements of this EP.






13 Environmental inspections to be carried out according to the requirements of the EP.

i. Environmental inspection of the vessel(s) carried out prior to the start of the activity. ii. Project Environmental Commitments Checklist distributed and monitored onboard the vessel(s) on a regular basis by the Onboard

Woodside Representative.

14 All environmental events are reported in accordance with the requirements of this EP, WEL procedures and legislative requirements.

i. All relevant project personnel undertake an HSE induction that includes an overview of the incident reporting and notification procedures detailed in this EP.

ii. Environmental incidents recorded and reported according to the requirements of the EP.

15 A review of the operation conducted at the end of the programme to ensure all environmental commitments within the EP were met.

i. Review of the environmental performance of the operation conducted at the end of the programme. This review will involve an assessment of compliance with the objectives, standards and commitments outlined in the EP, based on the results of the monitoring, records and audit processes described in this EP.

title: greater western flank environmental surveys ... · title: greater western flank...

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