South Australia Cooper Basin & Arid Regions

Environmental Impact Report:

Geophysical Operations

Santos Operations

July 2012

Prepared by: Operations Geophysics Santos Ltd 60 Flinders Street, Adelaide GPO Box 2319, Adelaide, SA, 5001 Phone +61 8 8116 7200 Fax +61 8 8116 7636

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET Summary of Updates to Cooper Basin Geophysical Operations EIR Document Revision Revision Compiled Checked Approved Comment Reference Number Date by by by Addendum to Final Santos review comments included. Geophysical 0 14/06/2011 MH ED MG Ops EIR Issued to PIRSA

Incorporated DMITRE (was PIRSA) 1 15/12/2011 ED MH MG comments. Second legal review. Issued to DMITRE

Incorporated final regulator comments 2 30/07/2012 ED MH MG (DMITRE & DENR).

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CONTENTS

1 Summary ...... 5 2 Introduction ...... 7 2.1 Santos & Cooper Basin Operators ...... 7 2.2 Location ...... 7 2.3 Petroleum Resource Rationale ...... 8 2.4 Legislative Outline...... 8 3 Legislative framework ...... 9 3.1 Petroleum & Geothermal Energy Act and Regulations 2000 (SA) ...... 9 3.2 Legislative Requirements ...... 10 3.3 Environmental Impact Report ...... 10 3.4 Assessment and Approval ...... 12 4 Existing Environment ...... 13 4.1 Climate ...... 13 4.2 Biophysical Environment ...... 15 4.3 Social Environment ...... 24 5 Description of Geophysical Operations ...... 30 5.1 Overview ...... 30 5.2 Geophysical History ...... 30 5.3 Description of Seismic Operations ...... 31 5.4 Other Geophysical Operations ...... 42 5.5 Current standard operating procedures used to minimise impacts ...... 43 6 Environmental Hazards & Consequences ...... 46 6.1 Hazards ...... 46 6.2 Consequences ...... 46 6.3 Hazards & Consequences by Activity...... 47 6.4 Access Track Preparation ...... 47 7 Environmental Risks & Management Strategies ...... 50 7.1 Risk Assessment & Management ...... 50 7.2 Management of Environmental Risks ...... 57 8 Consultation Checklist...... 60 9 References & Further Reading ...... 61 Appendix A: List of Relevant Legislation ...... 65 Appendix B: List of Relevant Land Owners ...... 66 Appendix C: Common Species Names and Scientific Equivalents ...... 68 Appendix D: Threatened Flora and Fauna Species in the Cooper Basin ...... 69

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Figures

Figure 1. Figure 1 Cooper and Eromanga Basins in SA with Reserves and Parks. Area of interest (shaded area of northern half of SA) to which this EIR is applicable ...... 6 Figure 2. Cooper Basin Land Systems ...... 14 Figure 3. Annual Flow Volumes of Cooper Creek, Cullyamurra Gauge Station, 1973-2010 18 Figure 4. Quarry workshop & stone arrangements ...... 25 Figure 5. Camel Train Carrying Supplies to Cordillo Station at Innamincka c1926 ...... 26 Figure 6. Toolachee Ruins ...... 27 Figure 7. The principle of the seismic method ...... 32 Figure 8. 3D seismic base map ...... 32 Figure 9. Line preparation showing weaving and minimal cutting ...... 33 Figure 10. Brush cutting line preparation through thick vegetation ...... 35 Figure 11. Vibrators & recorder truck ...... 37 Figure 12. Source shot hole pair before firing (L) and 13 months after (R) ...... 39 Figure 13. Typical main camp ...... 39 Figure 14. Uphole drill rig & LVL recording truck ...... 40 Figure 15. Dune cut immediately after recording & four years after recording ...... 42 Figure 16. Framework for environmental risk assessment process ...... 50

Tables

Table 1. Cooper Creek Flood Classes, Volumes & Frequency ...... 18 Table 2. Land Types and Aboriginal Artefacts ...... 25 Table 3. Santos’ Seismic Activity 1958-2010 in the Area of Interest ...... 31 Table 4. Line preparation activity by Landform ...... 35 Table 5. Hazards & consequences associated with various seismic activities ...... 48 Table 6. Impacts Associated with Line/Access Track Preparation in various Cooper Basin Land Systems ...... 49 Table 7. Severity of Consequences ...... 51 Table 8. Likelihood of Consequences ...... 52 Table 9. Risk Matrix ...... 53 Table 10. Summary of Impacts and Risk Levels for Seismic Operations ...... 54 Table 11. Flora and fauna species listed in the EPBC Act and occurring in north-east South Australia and/or south-west Queensland ...... 69

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1 SUMMARY

An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for geophysical operations in the South Australian region of the Cooper Basin was prepared in accordance with legislative requirements current in 2005. Regulation 14 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Regulations 2000 (SA) (Regulations) states “An approved statement of environmental objectives under the Act must be reviewed at least once in every 5 years. As such, Santos Ltd (Santos) has undertaken a review of the EIR as well as the SEO.

The EIR provides information on the South Australian Cooper Basin (SACB) and arid areas physical, biophysical and social environment. This EIR also provides a basic description of how Santos’ geophysical operations are conducted and is extended to include all arid regions of SA (refer to Figure 1 for a map of the areas of interest for this EIR).

Geophysical operations carry inherently low environmental risks. An environmental risk assessment has been conducted for the various activities to establish the level of risk and consequence of these activities. These risks together with the corresponding risk minimisation strategies are detailed for the various activities that occur during geophysical operations. These strategies are designed to be employed from the planning phase right through to the eventual post-operational rehabilitation of the areas impacted by these activities.

Based on this risk assessment a list of environmental objectives has been compiled. This list will form the basis of the SEO.

The information contained in this document has been compiled from numerous datasets, experience of prior operations in the region and ongoing environmental monitoring of these earlier operations. Also included are references to scientific studies undertaken on the specific aspects of the effects of geophysical operations on flora and fauna.

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Figure 1. Arid Areas of South Australia, including the Cooper and Eromanga Basins (Reserves and Parks are outlined in green, current Santos permits are shaded in yellow)

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2 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides a context for site location and outlines operations covered by this EIR.

2.1 Santos & Cooper Basin Operators

Oil and gas was first discovered in the South Australian section of the Cooper Basin (SACB) in the 1960s and the SACB has since developed into one of Australia’s major oil and gas producing provinces. Between 1958 and 2010, approximately 94000km of 2D seismic and 7700 km2 of 3D seismic has been recorded in the SACB area. The South Australian Cooper Basin continues to play a pivotal role in supplying gas to the domestic market in Australia, as well as producing quantities of crude oil and petroleum liquids for both Australian and overseas markets.

The Cooper Basin is a mature petroleum basin environment and the likelihood of finding large prospects in the future is considered low. In addition, the likelihood of large area 3D seismic surveys is also low with projected work programmes over the next five years indicating that geophysical surveying programmes will be made up of small surveys.

References to the activities within the Cooper Basin or the Cooper and Eromanga Basins throughout this document refer to the area of interest of the north east of South Australia indicated in Figure 1.

2.2 Location

The Cooper and Eromanga oil and gas producing basins are located in central Australia and encompass most of the northeast of South Australia (refer Figure 1). The basins occur at variable depths. Exploration operations are permitted in PELs under the South Australian Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy’s (DMITRE’s) licensing conditions while exploration and production operations are permitted in Petroleum Production Licences (PPLs).

Associated surface operations are located in the Strzelecki Desert. The Moomba processing plant (operated by Santos), located approximately 800km northeast of Adelaide, processes oil and gas that is obtained by drilling into the oil and gas bearing reservoirs of the Cooper and Eromanga Basins (CEB). Gas is distributed via underground pipelines to South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. The crude oil and gas liquids (condensate and liquefied petroleum gases) are piped to Port Bonython, 659km away on the Spencer Gulf, near Whyalla, where they are separated into various products for sale to domestic and international markets. An oil pipeline also delivers liquids to Queensland.

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2.3 Petroleum Resource Rationale

Natural gas produced from the Cooper Basin has been used to produce a variety of goods, packaging, industrial processes and fuels across a range of sectors. Gas is considered a ‘cleaner’ hydrocarbon fuel source and is an important transitional fuel as society moves from a high carbon fuel source(s) (i.e. coal) towards more sustainable energy production and consumption. Additional exploration and drilling in the region aims to help meet increasing demand for gas and oil in South Australia and interstate. DMITRE is the government body responsible for the regulation of geophysical operations to ensure that they occur in an environmentally responsible manner.

2.4 Legislative Outline

This document fulfils the requirements of an EIR for Geophysical Operations and has been prepared in accordance with current legislative requirements, in particular, with Section 97 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 (SA) (Act) and Regulations. Additionally, the Act and Regulations require the development and implementation of an SEO. An SEO (Santos 2011a) has been produced in conjunction with this document.

The amendments to the SEO and EIR have been summarised in the South Australia Cooper Basin & Arid Regions. Addendum to Statement of Environmental Objectives and Environmental Impact Report: Santos Operations. Five Year Review (Santos 2011c) (the Addendum). The Addendum was subject to a review through an appropriate consultation process within Santos and DMITRE.

The Coongie Lakes National Park and Controlled Access Areas are excluded from this EIR and the SEO for Geophysical Operations.

Relevant legislation is listed in Appendix A.

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3 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

This chapter briefly describes the legislative framework that currently applies to petroleum licensing in South Australia.

This EIR has been compiled in accordance with the Act and Regulations, in consultation with DMITRE.

3.1 Petroleum & Geothermal Energy Act and Regulations 2000 (SA)

The legislation governing onshore petroleum exploration and production in South Australia is the Act and Regulations, proclaimed on 1 October 2009. Key objectives of the legislation are: • to protect the natural, cultural, heritage and social aspects of the environment from risks associated with activities governed by the Act • to provide for constructive consultation with stakeholders, including effective reporting of industry performance to other stakeholders • to provide security of title for petroleum, geothermal energy, and other resources governed by the Act and pipeline licences.

The Act and Regulations are objective-based rather than prescriptive (McDonough 1999). An objective-based regulatory approach principally seeks to ensure that industry effectively manages its activities by complying with performance standards that are cooperatively developed by the licensee, the regulatory authority and the community. This contrasts with prescriptive regulation where detailed management strategies for particular risks are stipulated in legislation.

Regulated resources, as defined in Part 1 of the Act, are: • a naturally occurring underground accumulation of a regulated substance; • a source of geothermal energy; or • a natural reservoir.

A reference in the Act to petroleum means a naturally occurring substance consisting of a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons in gaseous, liquid or solid state but does not include coal or shale unless occurring in circumstances in which the use of techniques for coal seam methane production or in situ gasification would be appropriate or unless constituting a product of coal gasification. Regulated substances as defined in Part 1 of the Act are: • petroleum • hydrogen sulphide • nitrogen • helium • carbon dioxide • any other substance that naturally occurs in association with petroleum • any substance declared by regulation to be a substance to which the Act applies.

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Regulated activities, as defined in Section 10 of the Act, are: • exploration for petroleum or another regulated resource • operations to establish the nature and extent of a discovery of petroleum or another regulated resource, and to establish the commercial feasibility of production and the appropriate production techniques • production of petroleum or another regulated substance • utilisation of a natural reservoir to store petroleum or another regulated substance • production of geothermal energy • construction of a transmission pipeline for carrying petroleum or another regulated substance or • operation of a transmission pipeline for carrying petroleum or another regulated substance.

Regulated activities also include all operations and activities reasonably necessary for, or incidental to, exploration for and production of petroleum or another regulated substance, such as physical and geophysical surveys of land.

As a requirement of Part 96 of the Act, a regulated activity can only be conducted if an approved SEO has been developed. The SEO outlines the environmental objectives that the regulated activity is required to achieve and the criteria upon which the objectives are to be assessed. The SEO is developed on the basis of information provided in an EIR.

The EIR is provided by the licensee and contains an assessment of the potential impacts of an activity on the environment.

3.2 Legislative Requirements

As a requirement of the enacted Act and Regulations, operators within the Cooper Basin are required to review their existing SEO for Seismic Operations in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins within five years of the previous edition. This EIR has been prepared in accordance with Section 97 of the Act and Regulation 10 as part of this review. This document relates only to geophysical operations carried out in Santos exploration and production licences in the South Australian Cooper and Eromanga Basins (refer to Figure 1).

The following section outlines specific requirements of the EIR as outlined within the Act and Regulations.

3.3 Environmental Impact Report

In accordance with Section 97 of the Act, the EIR must: • take into account cultural, amenity and other values of Aboriginal and other Australians in so far as those values are relevant to the assessment • take into account risks inherent in the regulated activities to the health and safety of the public

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• contain sufficient information to make possible an informed assessment of the likely impact of the activities on the environment.

As per Regulation 10 of the Regulations, the EIR must include: • a description of the regulated activities to be carried out under the licence (including their location) • a description of the specific features of the environment that can reasonably be expected to be affected by the activities, with particular reference to the physical and biological aspects of the environment and existing land uses • an assessment of the cultural values of Aboriginal and other Australians which could reasonably be foreseen to be affected by the activities in the area of the licence, and the public health and safety risks inherent in those activities (insofar as these matters are relevant in the particular circumstances) • if required by the Minister – a prudential assessment of the security of natural gas supply • a description of the reasonably foreseeable events associated with the activity that could pose a threat to the relevant environment, including: o information on . events during the construction stage (if any), the operational stage and the abandonment stage . events due to atypical circumstances (including human error, equipment failure or emissions, or discharges above normal operating levels) o information on the estimated frequency of these events o an explanation of the basis on which these events and frequencies have been predicted • an assessment of the potential consequences of these events on the environment, including: o information on . the extent to which these consequences can be managed or addressed . the action proposed to be taken to manage or address these consequences . the anticipated duration of these consequences . the size and scope of these consequences . the cumulative effects (if any) of these consequences when considered in conjunction with the consequences of other events that may occur on the relevant land (insofar as this is reasonably practicable) o an explanation of the basis on which these consequences have been predicted o a list relevant land owners (Appendix B) o information on any consultation that has occurred with the owner of the relevant land, any Aboriginal groups or representatives, any agency or instrumentality of the Crown, or any other interested person or parties, including specific details about relevant issues that have been raised and any response to those issues, but not including confidential information.

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3.4 Assessment and Approval

Once the EIR and SEO are submitted, an assessment is made by DMITRE to determine whether the activities are to be classified as low, medium or high impact. This in turn determines the level of consultation DMITRE will be required to undertake prior to final approval of the SEO. • 'Low Impact' activities are subjected to a process of internal government consultation on the EIR and SEO prior to approval. • For 'Medium Impact' activities, the EIR and proposed SEO are subject to a public consultation process, with comment sought for a period of at least 30 business days. • 'High Impact' activities are required to undergo an environmental impact assessment under the provisions of the Development Act 1993.

The level of impact of a particular activity is assessed on the basis of the predictability and manageability of the impacts on the environment. Where the environmental impacts are predictable and readily managed, the impact of the activity is considered low. Where the environmental impacts are less predictable and are difficult to manage, the impact of the activity is potentially high.

Once the approval process is complete, all documentation (including this EIR and its associated SEO) must be entered on an environmental register. This public register is available on the DMITRE internet site so that community access is readily available.

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4 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The Cooper and Eromanga Basins cover an area of greater than 1,000,000km2 across South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland (refer to Figure 1). The Cooper Basin covers a total area of 130,000km2 of which approximately 50,000km2 lies within northeast South Australia. Santos’ licence areas in the South Australian region of the Cooper Basin (refer to Figure 2) can generally be described as arid with a uniform climate. They contain a wide diversity of land systems that are defined by geological, geomorphologic and hydrological influences.

This chapter provides an outline for the operations area of regional climatic conditions, biophysical environments and social environments, including indigenous heritage and land use.

It should be noted that the collection and documentation of flora and fauna in northeast South Australia has been patchy and sparse. Consequently, status and habitat requirements for some species within the area are poorly understood (SEA 2000). Appendix C lists flora and fauna species occurring in the Cooper Basin by common and scientific name. Appendix D lists flora and fauna species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) that are likely to occur in the Cooper Basin region.

4.1 Climate

The climate in the Cooper Basin is generally characterised by hot dry summers and mild dry winters. In summer, average daily maximum temperatures exceed 34°C and the average minimum is 22°C (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997). Average daily temperatures in winter range from 7°C to 20°C (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997). Both seasonal and diurnal temperature ranges vary considerably, with the Bureau of Meteorology recording a maximum temperature of 49.1°C and minimum temperature of -1.4°C.

Rainfall variability in the Cooper Basin is amongst the highest in Australia, while average annual totals are amongst the lowest. Mean annual rainfall is approximately 150mm, with no distinct seasonal pattern (Laut et al. 1977). Northwest monsoons weakly affect the northern region in summer and moist tropical air occasionally penetrates further south producing intense but relatively short-lived thunderstorms (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997).

Average seasonal evaporation rates are in the order of 550mm/month in summer and 150mm/month in winter. Average annual evaporation is extremely high at around 3,800mm (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997).

The most common wind direction throughout the year is from the south east, however wind direction is more southerly in the south of the basin and more easterly in the north. Light winds (<20kph) are most common from May to July, while the greatest frequencies of strong winds (41-61kph) occur from September to January.

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Figure 2. Cooper Basin Land Systems

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4.2 Biophysical Environment

The six major land systems contained within the Cooper Basin are: • dune fields • flood plains • wetlands • gibber plains • table lands • salt lakes

The sensitivity of each system to disturbance depends upon its basic characteristics: geology, landform, soils, hydrology, flora and fauna. Each land system has been discussed with respect to these characteristics.

4.2.1 Dune Fields The dune fields of the Tirari, Simpson and Strzelecki deserts dominate the Cooper Basin (refer to Figure 2).

Geology, Soils and Landform The development of the dune fields commenced approximately 18,000 years ago when a combination of low lake levels and extremely dry windy conditions created large, mobile dunes of lakebed and floodplain material (Twidale and Wopfner 1990). The process of dune development and migration continues today with sediment from river channels, floodplains and salt lakes being transported by the wind and shaped into dunes.

The Cooper Basin dune fields are characterised by parallel dunes of red, yellow or white aeolian sands of the Simpson Sand (Drexel and Preiss 1995), dominated by single crested linear sand ridges. Dunes are separated by flat inter-dune corridors (swales), which usually consist of clay pans (Twidale and Wopfner 1990, Santos 1997a). Dunes range in height from 5m to 35m and trend approximately northeast (Twidale and Wopfner 1990). Sand cover rarely exceeds 30m and a stony base is usually exposed in inter-dune areas.

Sand dunes have the potential to be affected by wind erosion as a result of disturbances brought about by geophysical operations and, in particular, the preparation of seismic lines.

In sandy desert areas, the potential for wind erosion to effect soils disturbed by operations (particularly earthworks) poses a significant environmental hazard. Red dunes are generally considered to be more susceptible to wind erosion than grey/brown sand dunes.

Water erosion is less likely on dunes as rainfall generally infiltrates rapidly into the sands before creating enough force to cause surface erosion. However, where there is a fairly high proportion of clay in the sand, as for example at the base (or toe) of a dune, rilling and sheet erosion can occur (Santos 1997a).

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In those parts of the Cooper Basin where salt lakes and distributary channels occur in inter-dune corridors, the soils between dunes are dominantly grey and brown clays. Elsewhere, the common inter-dune soils are solonised brown soils, calcareous red earths and earthy sands (Wright et al. 1990).

Hydrology The dune fields are extremely arid and lack any permanent surface water. Good quality groundwater can be found at shallow depths in dune field areas adjacent to major watercourses (for example, the Strzelecki, Diamantina and Cooper creeks). This water is non-artesian and contained within unconfined aquifers that are primarily recharged from surface stream flows.

Flora Vegetation types alternate between the upper slopes and crests of dunes and inter- dune areas. Dune crests are often sparsely vegetated (depending on seasonal conditions) with tussock grassland species (e.g. canegrass), needlebush, herbs and ephemeral forbs (Santos 1997a). Dune flanks are characterised by: • tussock grasses in the Tirari desert • lobed spinifex grassland in the Strzelecki Desert • shrub land consisting of sand hill wattle in all dune field areas • shrub land species such as whitewood and narrow-leafed hopbush more commonly in the Strzelecki Desert dune fields.

Vegetation in inter-dune areas depends largely on dune spacing. Narrowly spaced areas contain similar vegetation to dune flanks. Widely spaced dune areas, where gibber or floodplain soils are exposed, may contain low shrub land of saltbush or bluebush (Santos 1997a). In general, inter-dune vegetation may consist of hummock grassland, chenopod shrub land, open shrub land or low open woodland.

Fauna Despite the lack of free-water, dune fields provide important habitat for a range of wildlife including a variety of small mammals, reptiles and birds.

Thirteen species of mammals, including exotic species, have been recorded in the dune fields in north-east South Australia. Common wildlife species include the Fat- tailed Dunnart, Striped-faced Dunnart, White-winged Wren, White-backed Swallow, Richards’s Pipit and the Brown Falcon. Common reptiles include geckos, skinks, dragons, blind snakes, elapid snakes and pythons (Tyler et al. 1990). The dusky hopping-mouse is a nationally vulnerable species (EPBC Act) and occurs primarily in sand dunes along Strzelecki Creek in the vicinity of Lake Blanche (Morton et al. 1995).

The entire known range of the eyrean grass wren is circumscribed by the limits of the Simpson, Tirari and Strzelecki deserts. The species habitat requirements are tied to sand hill canegrass, which it uses for food, shelter and nesting (Reid et al. 1990).

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4.2.2 Floodplains The Cooper Creek flood plain is a major feature of the South Australian section of the Cooper Basin. It covers the central third of the Cooper Basin and includes the Coongie Lakes system to the north and the Strzelecki Creek floodplain that feeds Lake Blanche in the south (refer to Figure 2). The Cooper Creek floodplain occurs in close association with the dune fields of the basin. In the Eromanga Basin to the west, similar floodplains occur, such as the Diamantina River, Warburton Creek and Neales River systems.

Geology, Soils and Landform The floodplains consist of intricately braided channels, swamps and extensive outwash plains. Floodplain topography is relatively flat and consists of an extensive and extremely variable system of rivers and creeks (Blackley et al. 1996). Soils are characterised by deep, grey, self-mulching clays, which are derived from fluvial mudstone and siltstone, and occasional fluvial sand and conglomerates in river and creek beds.

Geological units include undifferentiated fluvial and lacustrine sands of the Eurinilla Formation, clays and fine sands of the Tingana Clay, clays of the Milyera Formation and fluviatile sands of the Yandruwantha Sand (Drexel and Preiss 1995).

Hydrology The floodplains of the Cooper and Eromanga Basins are typified by the Cooper Creek drainage system. The Cooper Creek originates in the moister catchments of southwest Queensland and channels water through the basin to Lake Eyre. Cooper Creek still has the hydrologic character of an unregulated arid zone river with an extremely variable flow regime. The Cooper Creek flows every year, although several months often pass without flow (Puckridge et al. 1999). Annual flow volumes for the Cooper Creek are presented in Figure 3 and are based on readings from the Cullyamurra gauging station near Innamincka (approximately 140km upstream from Coongie Lakes).

Puckridge et al. (1999) have developed nine flood classes for the lower Cooper Basin floodplain based on the 25 year Cullyamurra record. Table 1 provides expected frequencies and volumes for each of these flood classes. The area inundated by each flood class is presented in Table 1. The predicted extent of flooding for each class is based on satellite imagery of previous flood events in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins region (Puckridge et al. 1999).

Upper catchments of the Cooper Creek provide 87% of all flows to the South Australian section of the Cooper Basin floodplain, with local rainfall making only a 13% contribution (Puckridge et al. 1999). Data from the Cullyamurra gauging station therefore provides flow data that is representative of total flows in the lower Cooper Basin floodplain.

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Figure 3. Annual Flow Volumes of Cooper Creek, Cullyamurra Gauge Station, 1973 – 2010 (Source: Gov. of SA: Dep. of Water, 2011, http://e-nrims.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/SiteInfo/ViewSiteData.aspx?id=A0030501&page=w31)

Flood Daily Flow Frequency Total Volume (Ml) Comment Class Volume (Ml/day) (y) Since 1973 there have been Class 1 floods, or 1 600 - 1,200 14,000 - 40,000 Annual larger, every year. All water flows into the north- west branch of Cooper Creek. Most water flows into the north-west branch, but 2 1,200 - 2,500 40,000 - 130,000 1-2 a proportion flows into the main branch of Cooper Creek. Significant part of flows into the main branch as 3 2,500 - 5,400 130,000 - 220,000 1-2 far as Embarka Swamp. Significant flow enters the main branch, to the 4 5,400 - 18,000 220,000 - 400,000 2 lower main branch and the lower Cooper Creek. Significant flow occurs out of Coongie Lakes into 5 18,000 – 40, 000 400, 000 - 1,400,000 2-5 the lower Cooper Creek as far as Lake Hope. Results in flows into Wilpinnie Creek. Flow into 6 40,000 - 100,000 1,400,000 - 2,400,000 5 this area can disrupt gas field installations. Results in flows into Strzelecki Creek but not as 7 100,000 - 180,000 2,400,000 - 4,500,000 10 far as Lake Blanche. Flows occur along the lower Cooper Creek. Flow into Lake Eyre North and fill Lake Blanche. 8 180,000 - 450,000 4,500,000 - 10,750,000 20 Class 8 flood was the largest flood in 1990. A Class 9 flood occurred in 1974, but no satellite 9 > 450,000 > 10,750,000 100 images are available to determine flood extent. Table 1. Cooper Creek Flood Classes, Volumes & Frequency (Source: Puckridge et al. 1999)

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Flora Woodland, often with a tall shrub layer, is characteristic of the major intermittent watercourses in the Cooper Basin. Woodlands of river red gum, coolibah, gidgee and Queensland bean tree fringe floodplains, channels and semi-permanent waterholes (Santos 1997a). Ground cover on floodplains has a high ephemeral component, with very rapid growth after flooding.

In frequently flooded areas, open coolibah woodland with a shrub or ephemeral understorey is common. Further out onto floodplains, tall shrub land consists of Broughton willow or prickly wattle. Old man saltbush and scattered coolibah may be considered the main cover of tributary streams. Shrub land of lignum, old man saltbush or Queensland bluebush may also extend into the coolibah woodlands, but tends to be characteristic of outer floodplains (Santos 1997a).

Fauna Within the arid zone, the most vital and important environmental areas are those connected with sites of permanent water. They provide permanent habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, and are especially important as a refuge during drought conditions. For example, the Cooper drainage system is thought to be an important refuge for the long-hair rat during particularly dry conditions (Morton et al. 1995, Kemper 1990).

Generally, watercourse habitat supports more mammal species than other habitat types in the basin. Thirty-five species of native mammal have been recorded from the floodplain areas of the greater northeast region of South Australia. Notable species in South Australia include Forrest’s mouse and the yellow-bellied sheath- tailed bat (Kemper 1990).

Birdlife along major watercourses is prolific, especially in river red gum woodlands of the upper Cooper Creek to which the Barking Owl and endemic mallee ringneck are restricted. Floodplains support a highly significant population of raptors. Breeding densities, calculated along Strzelecki Creek, are among the highest in the world. Especially significant is the occurrence of the Grey Falcon, Black-breasted Buzzard and Letter Winged Kite. Aside from the terrestrial avifauna, floodplain areas also support varied and abundant waterbird populations. The Cooper floodplain and associated wetlands are a preferred breeding area for the Freckled Duck, Black- tailed Native-hen, and Red-necked Avocet, all of which are endemic to Australia (Reid et al. 1990).

The Cooper Creek wetlands support the richest amphibian fauna within the South Australian Cooper Basin. However, less than 3% of the known frog fauna of Australia occurs in the region (Brandle and Hutchinson 1997).

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4.2.3 Wetlands Despite its aridity, the Cooper Basin contains an array of wetlands. The Coongie Lakes and the Strzelecki wetland systems are included in the directory of nationally important wetlands. The Coongie Lake system is also listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance to waterfowl (Morton et al. 1995, Blackley et al. 1996).

Geology, Soils and Landform Wetlands in the South Australian section of the basin most commonly occur within floodplain and dune field land systems. These include ephemeral shallow lakes, waterholes, swamps, flooded woodlands and grasslands, deep permanent channel reaches and samphire clay pans. Soils generally consist of deep, cracking clays and occasional siliceous sands and conglomerates.

Geological units include undifferentiated fluvial and lacustrine sands of the Eurinilla Formation, clays and fine sands of the Tingana Clay, clays of the Milyera Formation and fluviatile sands of the Yandruwantha Sand (Drexel and Preiss 1995).

Hydrology Wetlands may be perennial or ephemeral and are considered to contain water more often, or be subjected to more frequent inundation, than surrounding areas of floodplain (Santos 1997a).

The Cooper Creek and Diamantina River intermittently discharge into a vast area of swamps, lakes and overflows (Morton et al. 1995). Most wetlands in the basin receive flows from this system which carries floodwaters throughout the basin and occasionally, during major flooding events, to Lake Eyre. Heavy rainfall also fills wetlands intermittently. Flooding is considered to be the most crucial factor in the recharge of many wetlands in the basin area.

Flora The presence of water in an otherwise arid environment has allowed the development of a diversity of plant habitats and communities (Reid et al. 1990). The close association between floodplains and wetlands results in similar flora being present in both systems. Woodlands of river red gum, coolibah, gidgee and bean tree often border the margins of wetland areas. The aquatic environment consists of several macrophyte species including water primrose, red water milfoil and water fern (Blackley et al. 1996).

Fauna The wetlands associated with the northwest branch of the Cooper Creek, including Coongie Lakes, are recognised as a region of exceptional ecological value. The aquatic invertebrate fauna is abundant and diverse and includes an array of insects, crustaceans and gastropods (Reid and Puckeridge 1990). Aquatic vertebrates include the water rat and Cooper Creek short-necked tortoise.

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The fish community of the northwest Cooper Creek system is one of the most significant in South Australia as it is close to its original composition, with only two exotic species present (Reid and Puckeridge 1990).

The Coongie Lakes system supports enormous numbers and diversity of water birds. These wetlands have been recognised as internationally significant under the Ramsar Convention, providing a feeding, resting and breeding site for large numbers of migratory and nomadic birds. The lakes also support a great variety of aquatic fauna, including desert rainbow fish, shrimp, the Cooper Creek tortoise and a diverse frog population.

4.2.4 Gibber Plains Throughout the Cooper Basin, there are vast expanses of flat to gently undulating gibber covered plains and downs, such as the Sturt Stony Desert and the Innamincka or Wadi Wadi Dome (Santos 1997a).

Geology, Soils and Landform

Gibber plains are extremely flat to undulating plains that were formed during the breakdown and gradual recession of former tablelands. Soils typically consist of red and brown clays that are mantled by stone or gibber (Brandle 1994 -1997). As stated above, gibbers are recent deposits of silcrete pebbles on sandy soils, gypsiferous soils or Callabonna Clay. Gibbers form a stable pavement that protects underlying soil from erosion. Gibber plains commonly contain low surface relief structures or gilgai.

While gibber plains are generally considered to be a stable environment, disturbance or removal of the surface layer of stones (gibbers) and the exposure of clay soils, can result in significant erosion by either wind or water. Even in gently sloping areas, water can gather enough force to cause erosion gullies in exposed soils (Santos 1997a). The erosive potential of these soils is clearly evident in areas where grading or removal of gibber has resulted in severe erosion and long-term scarring on the landscape. For example, creation of windrows during seismic activities can remove the protective layer of gibber and result in gully and sheet erosion.

Hydrology Permanent surface water sources are generally lacking, but temporary pools of water often form after rain in low depressions or gilgai. Minor drainage channels occur throughout lowland plain areas.

Flora There is a range of vegetation throughout gibber country. On the southern and south western margins, relatively dense low open shrub land of bladder saltbush, low bluebush and cotton bush are common. Further north, much of the area is naturally bare (or removed by grazing of sheep and/or cattle), but Mitchell grass tussock grasslands become more frequent. In other gibber areas, the main cover may be short-lived copper burrs and ephemeral grasses. There is still further variation

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caused by hills and drop-offs where small trees or tall shrubs, particularly emu bushes, may form a tall open shrub land.

Fauna Gibber plains have a poor fauna assemblage compared to other land systems in the region.

Only a minority of the bird assemblage of the South Australian portion of the Cooper Basin is considered to be resident (Brandle and Reid 1997). Gibber areas are an important habitat for a number of bird species including the Chestnut-breasted White Face, the Inland Dotterel and the Gibber Chat. The Chestnut-breasted Whiteface is unusual amongst birds in being endemic to the gibber plain area (Reid et al. 1990).

Common mammal species include the stripe-faced dunnart, fat-tailed dunnart, dingo and Forrest’s mouse. Less common species include the fawn hopping mouse and Giles’ planigale. Giles’ planigale is common in habitats with cracking clay soils. The kowari is endemic to the stony deserts and considered vulnerable to extinction. It appears to be restricted to the northeast region of South Australia (Brandle 1997b).

4.2.5 Tablelands Tableland areas are commonly known as dissected residuals or breakaways. They are characterised by a silcrete surface that has been eroded to form low but steep escarpments, mesas, buttes and extensive gibber covered foot slopes (Santos 1997a).

Geology, Soils and Landform Uplift in the Lake Eyre Basin has led to erosion and dissection of the silcrete surface and formation of low steep escarpments, small mesas and extensive gibber covered foot slopes. Tableland areas generally have moderately deep clay rich soils of aeolian origin, and a fine crystalline gypsum-rich horizon.

Geological units present in tableland areas include gibber surfaces, which consist of “recent deposits of silcrete pebbles on sandy soils, gypsiferous soils or Callabonna Clay”, plus Tertiary age fluviatile sands and shales of the Eyre Formation and Cretaceous age Winton Formation (Drexel and Preiss 1995). The Eyre Formation is generally silicified, as are portions of the Winton Formation.

Hydrology Permanent surface water is scarce in elevated areas of tablelands. Minor drainage channels occur in lowland plains and can contain permanent waterholes.

Flora Landforms that dominate the tablelands support a variety of low open woodlands, shrub lands and low open chenopod shrub lands (Santos 1997b). Areas of relatively high relief support low Acacia woodlands, and occasionally on calcareous soils an uncommon Eucalyptus socialis mallee formation (Brandle 1997a). The most heavily wooded areas occur along drainage lines with river red gums and coolibahs fringing more permanent waterholes.

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Fauna Due to close association and similar environmental characteristics, tableland and gibber plain fauna is very similar.

4.2.6 Salt Lakes The basin is dotted with numerous salinas, or salt lakes and saltpans, of varying sizes (referred to as dry lakes). In these lakes, excess evaporation in interior basins leads to the concentration of soluble salts as a surface crust. The salts themselves are derived from the weathering of rock and are transported to the lakes via the movement of surface water (for example, rivers and streams). The larger salt lakes in the licence areas include Lake Blanche, Lake Hope, Lake Gregory, Lake Etamunbane and Lake Uloowaranie (Santos 1997a).

Geology, Soils and Landform Salt lakes usually have a low topography and dry surface covered with a gypsum (salt) crust. Lunettes are found along parts of the eastern shores of lakes. Little is known about the physical attributes of many salt lakes.

Hydrology Salt lakes are predominantly dry, but are occasionally filled by floodwaters from the major river systems. During flooding, water may remain fresh and can support abundant fish populations. Lakes become increasingly saline as they dry. The frequency of flooding and inundation is highly variable.

Flora Although the surface of salt lakes is devoid of vegetation, the immediate surrounds are usually fringed with samphire and occasional nitre bush shrub land. Samphire eventually grades to low open chenopod shrub land in the outer surrounds (Reid et al. 1990).

Fauna Dry salt lakes form a harsh environment with a complete absence of surface water and extremes in daily temperature. Consequently, they support relatively few fauna.

Salt lakes are particularly depauperate with regard to bird species. Salt lakes in the region constitute highly ephemeral aquatic habitat for birds and, as such, no species is restricted to salt lakes alone (Reid et al. 1990). Surrounding chenopod shrub lands support common species such as the Orange Chat and Richard’s Pipit.

While birds are almost entirely absent from the lakebed when dry, during flooding fish populations can flourish and consequently a variety of waterbirds (such as pelicans, terns and cormorants) can be found.

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4.3 Social Environment

The Cooper Basin area has broad indigenous cultural and European historical significance. There is a range of current land uses throughout the area including conservation, tourism, oil and gas production and pastoral activities. While the regional population has decreased with time, tourist numbers are consistent. The region remains generally undeveloped in terms of infrastructure and roads.

4.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage The northeast desert region historically sustained a significant Aboriginal population, particularly in the area surrounding Cooper Creek and its many channels (Santos 1998a).

The traditional Aboriginal landowners of the Cooper Basin currently have limited direct involvement with, or connection to, the land in the region (pers. comm. A. Lance 2001). There is however, direct contact and use of the land in some areas and the Aboriginal Peoples have a very strong spiritual connection to many areas. Aboriginal ancestral ownership can be traced prior to European settlement. A co- management arrangement exists for the Witjira National Park between the Irrwanyere Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). There is also a co-management arrangement for the Coongie Lakes National Park between the Yandrawandha and Yawarrawarrka Tradional Land Owners Corporation and DENR.

There are approximately 15 Aboriginal Heritage Committees and Organisations that represent traditional owners in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins region. There are also approximately nine Native Title claims over the Cooper and Eromanga Basins area.

Aboriginal sites can still be identified throughout the region and include features of spiritual importance and archaeological sites: for example middens, artefact scatters, rock engravings, scarred trees, arrangement sites, burial sites and quarries (Blackley et al. 1996). These are summarised in Table 2 below. All personnel are to be made aware of the law and restrictions associated with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA). Sand dunes often contain the largest and most important archaeological sites within the Cooper Basin region. Any stone found on a sand dune is likely to have been brought there by Aboriginal people. Burial sites are relatively common and are often found in eroding sand dunes. Shell middens are another common feature, particularly near sources of permanent water such as the Cooper Creek and Coongie Lakes.

Clay covered floodplains contain small numbers of Aboriginal sites. Campsites and burial sites are often found on sandy rises and isolated dunes in floodplains, while stone artefact scatters and shell middens are found near lakes and rivers (particularly Cooper Creek). Scars made by Aboriginal people can be found on large, old river red gums and box trees along rivers and creeks, and boomerang scars on smaller trees of various types including eucalypts and acacias. Scarred trees are relatively uncommon.

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Land Types Artefacts and Sites Location of Sites

Burial sites: common Often in eroding sand dunes Stone artefact scatters Often in eroding sand dunes Sand dunes Near sources of permanent water such as Cooper Shell middens: common Creek and Coongie Lakes Burial sites Isolated dunes and sandy rises Campsites Isolated dunes and sandy rises Floodplains Shell middens Near lakes and rivers Tree scars: rare Along rivers and creeks Stone artefact scatters Near lakes and rivers Cleared pathways Near stone arrangements

Gibber plains/ Stone tool quarries Mesa caps Tablelands Stone arrangements Gibber country Rock Art Near lakes and rivers Table 2. Land Types and Aboriginal Artefacts

Figure 4. Quarry workshop & stone arrangements

Large numbers of Aboriginal sites are found in the pebble-covered gibber country. The dense bands of stone that cap mesas were often extensively quarried for making stone tools. Stone arrangements can be recognised from the combination of regular patterns of larger rocks in lines, circles and cairns. Cleared pathways near these stone arrangements are also common. Rock art can be found in tableland escarpments and along rivers and lake edges.

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The Cooper Creek region has been proclaimed a State Heritage Reserve because of its association with Aboriginal and European history as well as its environmental significance. The area encompasses Innamincka and a one kilometre strip either side of Cooper Creek, totalling 120km2. It is rich in Aboriginal relics, campsites, quarries and engravings with several unique designs located around Cullyamurra waterhole. During the last five years there has been a continued awareness and consultation process with the local Aboriginal groups with areas of interest impacted by Santos’ geophysical activities. Although there have been no significant changes to the State Aboriginal Heritage Act and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984, Santos has undertaken the process of securing indigenous land use agreements with the various Aboriginal groups to provide access and cultural heritage assessment for all geophysical (seismic) activities.

4.3.2 Non-Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Europeans commenced exploration of the region during the 1840s. Pastoral development rapidly followed exploration and by the mid-1880s all available pastoral leases in the region had been taken up.

Rapid pastoral expansion was due in part to the presence of Afghan cameleers who are thought to have advanced the opening up and development of the region by fifty to sixty years. Afghan cameleers first arrived in the northeast desert region in the 1860s. They were employed on survey expeditions into the arid interior and transported supplies from the railhead to remote settler areas. From 1884, Marree was the hub of a vast pack-camel transportation network.

There are numerous historical sites scattered throughout the region, many of which are listed on the National Heritage Register. Most sites are associated with exploration and the expansion of pastorals throughout the northeast deserts.

Figure 5. Camel Train Carrying Supplies to Cordillo Station at Innamincka c1926 (Tolcher 1986)

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Historical sites in the far northeast of South Australia listed on the National Heritage Register (2001) as registered or indicative include: • Blanchewater Homestead on the Strzelecki Track • Wills Monument and Blazed Tree • Burke’s Memorial • Grays Tree • Horse Capstan Pump and Well • Tinga Tingana Homestead Ruin • Cordillo Downs Homestead and Woolshed • Australian Inland Mission Nursing Home (former) • Cadelga Outstation Ruin

Figure 6. Toolachee Ruins

4.3.3 Land Use The primary land uses in the basin are pastoral, oil and gas exploration and production, conservation and tourism (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997). The majority of the region is used for pastoral production while a substantial amount of the remainder is within Regional Reserves.

Pastoral Land Use The main pastoral enterprise in the region is beef cattle production on native pasture. A number of properties have either obtained a level of certification or are in the process of conversion to National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia Limited (NASAA) Organic Beef Export (OBE). These include Bollards Lagoon, Merty Merty, Mungeranie and Cordillo Downs. The OBE guidelines identify the maximum

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levels of chemicals (including metals and hydrocarbons) allowable in soil, consistent with allowing organic certification for beef exports.

In addition most landholders are certified under the Cattle Care Quality Assurance system. Cattle Care is an initiative of the Cattle Council of Australia and places emphasis on minimising the risk of chemical contamination, bruising and hide damage and ensuring that herds are effectively managed and improved. In particular, the contamination of property and livestock by organochlorins and other persistent chemicals must be minimised, and contaminated cattle identified. Prevention of bruising and hide damage puts the onus on landholders to manage the property carefully and reduce the risk of damage from third parties and other land users.

Conservation The region contains some of South Australia’s largest reserves dedicated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The main reserves are Innamincka, Strzelecki, Simpson Desert and Lake Frome. They account for over 2 million hectares of land within the Cooper Basin region. Regional Reserves are areas proclaimed for the purpose of conserving wildlife, natural or historical features while allowing responsible use of the area’s natural resources. Pastoral, oil and gas production and processing can occur within Regional Reserve areas. There is no petroleum access to parks proclaimed as conservation parks in the Cooper Basin.

In 1987, part of the Cooper Creek system was proclaimed as the Coongie Lakes Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar wetland is defined by Lake Moorayepe to the north, the Queensland border at the crossing of Cooper Creek to the east and Marion Hill, south-west of Lake Hope. It is estimated that the Coongie Lakes Wetlands Ramsar area covers 30% of the known oil and gas resources within the South Australian portion of the Cooper Basin (DEHAA 1999). Coongie Lakes and the adjacent area, and the Cooper Creek floodplain are registered on the National Heritage Register. The Coongie Lakes National Park and associated restricted access areas was proclaimed in 2005 by the South Australian Parliament.

Oil and Gas Production The area of land utilised for gas production is small, but the supporting infrastructure extends throughout much of the central and northeast portion of the Cooper Basin in South Australia (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997). Producing oil and gas fields are spread through pastoral lands, Regional Reserves and the Ramsar wetlands.

There are many oil and gas fields in the Permian Cooper Basin, and oil fields in the overlying Mesozoic Eromanga Basin (refer to Figure 1). The total discovered reserves exceed 230 billion cubic metres (8.2 trillion cubic feet) of gas and 17,500 megalitres (110 million barrels) of oil (2006 figures). Of this, 129 billion cubic metres (56%) of gas and 6900 megalitres (39%) of oil had been produced to 2006.

Using standard empirical methods of predicting undiscovered reserves, it is estimated that between 12 to 228 billion cubic metres of gas and between 2,000 to14,000 megalitres of oil remain to be discovered in the Cooper Basin area.

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The Cooper Basin supplies a large proportion of the gas requirements of South Australia, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the majority of those of Queensland. South Australia is particularly reliant on gas for its energy needs. Hence, natural gas is of national strategic importance. Additional discoveries are necessary to maintain supply in the medium term. Natural gas is the least carbon dioxide polluting fossil fuel, and therefore, its continued use in preference to coal and oil reduces greenhouse impacts. 4.3.4 Socio-Economic There has been a substantial reduction in numbers of people living and working in the Cooper Basin region over the last 40 years. The present Cooper Basin region population is small with 250 to 300 residents working in the pastoral industry and a further 600 petroleum industry workers at Moomba (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997). However, between 40,000 and 50,000 tourists have been estimated to visit the Cooper Basin region annually. The Strzelecki Track, Innamincka Regional Reserve and Coongie Lakes wetlands are major tourist attractions in the region.

Infrastructure in the region is minimal. Unsealed roads service the district, with the Strzelecki and Birdsville tracks being the major routes through the region. Moomba and Innamincka are the main population centres in the Cooper Basin region (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997).

The gross value of pastoral production in the Cooper Basin region is estimated to be around $37 million per year (Marree Soil Conservation Board 1997).

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5 DESCRIPTION OF GEOPHYSICAL OPERATIONS

5.1 Overview

Santos, as a Cooper Basin operator, has obligations for all geophysical operations conducted pursuant to the Act within all Santos’ petroleum tenements in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins.

Section 5.4 of this report provides a technical description of specific components of typical seismic operations that are covered by this EIR and the accompanying SEO including line preparation, surveying, recording, uphole drilling/logging and restoration (Santos 2004).

Other geophysical operations are generally much less intensive than seismic operations and involve much smaller crews and little line preparation. However, key aspects are still the traversing of ground by vehicles, personnel and equipment.

This EIR and SEO apply only to activities relating to geophysical operations. Activities associated with the geophysical operations are as follows: - • Line and access track preparation (starts after cultural heritage clearance has been completed) • Line surveying (starts just after line preparation) • Recording (seismic, gravimetric, ground magnetic, electromagnetic and others) • Campsites and associated supplies • Uphole drilling and logging (during or after recording phase, as and when required) • Monitoring and auditing of selected locations (pre and post line preparation and post restoration) • Line access track and camp site restoration where required (after completion of recording and uphole drilling/logging)

5.2 Geophysical History

Since 1958, more than 100,000km of 2D seismic and 7700km2 of 3D seismic has been recorded in the South Australian Cooper and Eromanga Basins. This work has involved the preparation of more than 150,000km of seismic access lines, focused primarily on the Cooper Basin. Refer to Table 3 for a summary of activity.

3D seismic commenced in earnest in1992 though a trial 3D was conducted at Cuttapirrie in 1981. A total of 54 3D surveys had been completed between 1992 and 2010 varying in size from 16km2 to over 1034km2. 41 of these were operated by Santos.

Additionally several gravimetric surveys were run in the 1950s to 1970s, using both vehicle and helicopter transport. Few ground magnetic traverses have been recorded in the region, although there is regional aeromagnetic coverage.

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Electromagnetic and electrical exploration trials have been undertaken over various parts of the Cooper and Eromanga Basins, although more use of these techniques have been applied for water or mineral search than petroleum.

2 Total Line 2 Total Line YEAR 2D Km 3D Km YEAR 2D Km 3DKm Prepared Km Prepared Km

1958-1980 33410 33410 2001 0 1988 14064 1981 2387 79 2880 2002 2048 347 4377 1982-1991 45170 45170 2003 724 401 3330 1992 2368 208 4497 2004 56 0 56 1993 2007 212 3774 2005 0 61 397 1994 2899 88 3527 2006 0 309 2242 1995 3575 173 4531 2007 0 416 2286 1996 3576 78 4149 2008 0 178 1321 1997 2716 1856 15028 2009 0 49 257 1998 350 608 3987 2010 0 0 0 1999 0 0 0 2000 167 641 4162 TOTALS 98625 3943 125115 TOTALS 2828 3749 28330 Table 3. Santos’ Seismic Activity 1958-2010 in the Area of Interest

5.3 Description of Seismic Operations

5.3.1 The Seismic Method Seismic acquisition allows the explorer to ‘image’ below the surface and identify areas where oil and gas may have accumulated. The seismic method uses energy sources such as vibrator trucks or buried explosive charges. The energy source causes sound waves, which travel into the earth and are then reflected from subsurface geological structures (refer to Figure 7). The returning reflections are recorded in a digital format and sent to a seismic data processing centre to produce a ‘cross-section’ of the layers of the earth’s crust. The following sections explain the field procedures for recording seismic data.

5.3.2 Planning Once the exploration team of an exploration company have proposed a seismic program, the seismic program is plotted onto detailed topographic and/or satellite images (see Figure 8 for an example). There are two basic types of seismic survey: • A 2D survey records data along a single line of traverse, giving a cross-sectional ‘picture’ of the subsurface. 2D seismic lines are normally 10km to 50km long and spaced 500m to 5000m apart; and • A 3D survey records data over a ‘grid’ of lines simultaneously, giving a three dimensional view of the subsurface, beneath an area generally covering 15km2 to 1500km2.

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Figure 7. The principle of the seismic method

Figure 8. 3D seismic base map

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The surveys may have energy source lines at right angles to the geophone lines and have a closer line spacing of 200m to 400m. Seismic lines potentially impact a width of 4m. The seismic lines are carefully laid out to avoid sensitive environmental sites as well as cultural features such as buildings, dams, water wells and known aboriginal heritage sites. Figure 9 shows line preparation with weaving and minimal cutting.

The key aspect of field acquisition is to get equipment (usually vehicular based) and personnel along the planned seismic lines and acquire sufficient data to adequately ‘image’ the subsurface. The safety of field personnel is a key consideration of any field seismic operation. This involves compromise between what is logistically, environmentally and economically possible.

Figure 9. Line preparation showing weaving and minimal cutting

5.3.3 Cultural heritage clearance The following procedure is one possible process employed to provide native cultural clearance. It is by no means the only method.

Whilst this is the first field activity to occur on a seismic survey, it is considered to be part of the planning process for the survey and is not covered by the Act.

Clearance logistics vary from project to project. The best method for the project in hand is decided during early discussions between representatives of explorer and Native Title Claimants/traditional owners. Normally an archaeologist (or anthropologist) will be employed to identify and protect Aboriginal Heritage sites and work closely with a group of Aboriginal monitors supplied by the representative body. The archaeologist will be the link between the field clearance operation and the Aboriginal representative body and will be responsible for field logistics. Santos usually employs a field liaison officer who will be the link between the field clearance

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operation and Santos. They will work closely with the Aboriginal group and will provide survey support to the group. In broad outline, the clearance team(s) on a 2D project travels the planned seismic line positions using GPS receivers pre-programmed with the key line coordinates. Any Cultural Heritage sites encountered would be clearly flagged off and a detour route located and flagged around the site. On 3D projects, there is more of an aerial clearance concept where all routes including selection of samples of the programmed source or receiver line positions, existing tracks, old seismic lines or creek courses can be used to investigate the 3D project area. There is more of a selective approach with high-risk areas selected for detailed investigation while those considered to be of low risk are given less scrutiny. As for 2D surveys, any identified sites are flagged off and a detour route marked around the site.

The personnel and vehicle requirements vary from project to project. Light 4WD vehicles are normally used and generally any of the vehicles pass only once over a given section of ground, although in the vicinity of identified sites and detours, some backtracking may occur. Existing tracks or old seismic lines are used when possible to gain access into the program areas. The clearance crew personnel generally swag out in order to maximise working hours or camp at existing nearby facilities. Generally eight personnel and three vehicles are utilised in this process.

5.3.4 Line and Access track preparation Once the line positions for an entire project have been cleared by the cultural heritage group(s), the line preparation crew can commence work. This team operates from a central campsite. This site may be moved every few days in 2D mode but could remain static for up to two months on large 3D programmes. The camp, on average, accommodates 13 personnel (including surveyors) for 2D surveys and 17 for 3D surveys. The camp units are trailer mounted for easy mobility. Campsites are set up where possible on sites previously used or in areas naturally devoid of vegetation and always adjacent to any existing tracks to minimise impact on the terrain between the camp and tracks. Camp members may also be accommodated at existing nearby facilities such as Moomba.

The line preparation crew usually operate simultaneously on different lines, characteristically using two D6 or D7 bulldozers for 2D surveys and four in 3D surveys. Daily production of prepared line is approximately 30km and 60km respectively (i.e. 15km per dozer) though this varies with terrain. The dozers will simply ‘walk’ with the blade up in easily traversable terrain, with the marks of the tracks being sufficient for the surveyors to follow. The line position, plus tolerances for weaving the line around vegetation etc. are pre-programmed into GPS units housed in the dozers. These GPS units are kinematic dual frequency units that allow the dozer operators to get real time position fixes. These are plotted on a pilot display that also indicates the weaving tolerances for the dozer operators. The dozers weave around vegetation stands and on open ground the machines weave every 75-100m to reduce visual impact.

Blade work is kept to a minimum and generally restricted to sand dunes and flood plain crabhole country. Grader work is likewise kept to a minimum – graders are mainly used in flood plain crabhole country to smooth the tracks. A method

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successfully used has been the ‘rill kill’ attachment (coiled wire rope) fitted to the blades to minimise windrow development. All machine operators are given environmental inductions at regular intervals and receive cultural heritage training. Dozer operators are required to keep a very close watch for cultural heritage sites that may have been missed during the clearance survey. Any additional sites discovered are flagged and detoured as above.

Any sensitive environmental features such as wetlands and salt lakes are prepared without the use of heavy machinery. Light brush cutting or slashing is used in the thick vegetation zones of wetland areas to prepare 1m -1.5m wide lines for foot or small vehicle access only (refer to Figure 10).

Figure 10. Brush cutting line preparation through thick vegetation A matrix of machinery use for the various landforms is shown below on a scale of 0-5 where 0 represents zero application and 5 represents more or less constant blading or slashing. Table 4 shows the matrix.

Access tracks are prepared to the same specification as the seismic lines.

Brush cutters/ Landform Dozer blading Grader work slashing

Gibber Plain 0 0 0 Dunes 5 2 0 Dune corridors 1 1 0 Floodplain Crabhole 5 5 1 Tableland 0 0 0 Ramsar wetlands 0 0 4 Clay pans 0 0 0 Salt Lakes 0 0 0 Creek Crossing 2 2 1 Table 4. Line preparation activity by Landform

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5.3.5 Line Surveying Surveying commences shortly after line preparation. The field surveyors use real time kinematic GPS receivers to position source and receiver points for 3D surveys and receiver points only for 2D surveys. Surveyors insert metal pins with numbered plastic tags to indicate the points. Selected points are marked by a wooden stake. Markers protrude about 30cm above ground level. All of these markers are removed on completion of the recording phase. Line detours are often marked with biodegradable flagging which is also removed. Each survey team (one surveyor in a light 4WD vehicle) generally makes only one pass over any given section of line. Back tracking possibly occurs in areas where vehicle access routes have deviated from the true line position and markers have to be inserted on foot.

5.3.6 Recording Normally commences one to three weeks after the start of line preparation depending on whether the survey is 2D or 3D. This operation is the largest part of the seismic operation in terms of personnel and vehicles. A recording crew’s strength would normally be • For 2D operations: 34 personnel and 16 vehicles. • For 3D operations: 42 personnel and 20 vehicles.

These figures vary with recording technique, terrain and season.

5.3.6.1 2D Operations Work commences with the laying of cable and deployment of geophone bundles from light 4WD vehicles. Geophone strings normally consist of 12 interconnected geophones and are dropped off at each receiver station. These strings are looped onto metal hangers for ease of handling. The geophones are then pulled off the hanger and planted in the ground by personnel on foot. Once planted, the string (typically 30m or 37.5m in length to match the distance between receiver points) is connected to a “take out” on the recording cable.

The recording cable is spooled out from the side of the vehicle and offset to one side of the line to prevent damage from following vehicles.

There is a cable-less geophone system currently being implemented on a trial basis. See Section 5.3.6.2 for a description.

Recording in 2D mode would normally commence when about 8km of cable and geophones have been laid. This layout is termed “the spread” and a preselected “live” section of it picks up the acoustic energy reflected from subsurface layers, converts it to electrical energy and transmits it to the instrument recording truck.

The instrument recording truck that collects, decodes and amplifies these signals, sets up at a suitable location approximately 100m from the spread and connects to it. Once the instruments and spread have been satisfactorily tested, recording is ready to commence.

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The acoustic energy source is normally an array of three or four truck mounted vibrator units electronically synchronised to vibrate in phase with each other. They line up along a source line, a few metres apart, centred on a source point. Each unit, on command from the instrument truck, inputs one or more frequency sweeps into the ground at each source point. Each sweep lasts for only a few seconds. Generally four seconds of reflected data is recorded. The source points are typically 30m or 37.5m apart. On completion of one source point the set of vibrators quickly move to the next source point.

Figure 11. Vibrators & recorder truck

The “live” section of spread is about 4.5km in length. This is the only part of the spread where signal is recorded for any given source position. The live spread is moved (controlled by the recording truck operator) as the vibrators move up. As spread becomes redundant behind the vibrators (back end of line) it is picked up and transported to the front end of the line. This cycle continues until the line is completed. The recording truck may move once or twice during the day to keep pace with the spread.

All operational vehicles stay on the prepared line. Non-operational vehicles are required to park off line to avoid causing noise on the spread and interference with line traffic. Non-operational vehicles include: • parked vehicles • spare vibrators • vibrator service truck • instrument truck

Along any single line the following vehicle passes can be expected to occur during normal operations. Vibrators 1 pass for each truck Instrument truck 1 pass Light vehicles 15-20 passes in total Vibrator service truck 1 pass.

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5.3.6.2 3D Operations The major differences from 2D operations are that the vibrators vibrate on separate source lines to the cable/geophone lines (now termed receiver lines). Source lines are often designed to be orthogonal to the receiver lines, but other orientations may be employed. The vibrators and associated equipment use the receiver lines for access from one source line to the next, so the amount of traffic on a receiver line will be very similar to a 2D line. However, the source lines carry limited traffic: the vibrators and their associated equipment plus any supervisory 4WD vehicle passes. Also vibrator pad marks will only be left on the source lines.

Typically receiver points are 40m apart on the receiver lines and source points 40m apart on the source lines. Successive receiver lines are 320m apart as are the source lines. On occasions receiver point intervals may be as low as 25m or as high as 50m. This means 200m and 400m source and receiver line separations respectively. Instead of having one receiver line in 2D surveys there are now generally eight or more receiver lines recording at any time with a further two redundant (one being picked up and moved to the front and one at the front ready for use). More surveys are now using up to 16 receiver lines for a full spread.

Multiple cable-less geophones systems continue to have field trials as their reliability is unknown and are currently not approved for production. This system employs stand-alone geophone groups that record to a station hard drive. These stations are then collected and/or the data downloaded (wire-less connection) and then re- deployed on the survey spread.

Recording in 3D mode would normally commence when about 45km to 50km of cable and geophones have been laid. Despite around 70km of spread being on the ground at any time the receiver line impact is no more than encountered in 2D mode.

Along any single line the following vehicle passes can be expected to occur during normal operations. Vibrators (3 or 4 on line plus spare) 1 pass for each truck (source lines) Vibrator service truck 1 pass (source lines) Instrument truck 1 pass (receiver lines) Light vehicles 15-20 passes in total (receiver lines)

In areas that are not accessible by heavy machinery, such as salt lakes and densely vegetated floodplains, shallow shot holes are drilled using hand held augers. Small explosive charges are used as the seismic source in place of the vibrators.

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Figure 12. Source shot hole pair before firing (L) and 13 months after (R)

5.3.7 Camp Sites and Associated Supplies There are generally only two campsites in operation, line preparation/survey camp and main camp. The former is briefly explained in the line preparation section. The main camp houses the recording crew, crew management team and the recording and mechanical back up teams. Campsites are sited on ground conducive to camping but never on clay pans or salt lakes. Camps are located as near as practical to existing tracks or roads to avoid the need for clearance of native vegetation and subsequent disturbance to animal habitats. The campsite is located on a previously disturbed area wherever possible.

Figure 13. Typical main camp

2D projects result in frequent camp moves but with tenure lasting only a few days. The larger 3D surveys can result in the main camp being static for up to two months. This camp can often house up to 60 personnel and contain more than 20 trailers and about 36 vehicles. As the majority of these vehicles transit from camp to adjacent road and back at least once per day, and some several times, the routes from camp are clearly defined to restrict wheel track impact.

Some campsites may require multiple access routes to minimise the potential of bull dust creation. Vehicles are restricted to the perimeter of the camp and parking areas are also defined. Wastewater from laundry, showers and kitchen is piped to an evaporation sump about 50m outside the camp. Waste paper, cardboard and food scraps are disposed of to skips set up adjacent to the camp area. The skips are transported regularly for disposal of waste to a licensed landfill. Recyclable materials are segregated on camp and regularly transported to a designated licensed waste depot such as Moomba. Tyres are deposited at Moomba for transport to Adelaide for recycling.

Sewage management practices have been under ongoing review. Santos is currently evaluating the applicability of the use of transportable aerated wastewater treatment plants to seismic. The current Santos accepted practice of waste disposal,

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conforming with the Santos Environmental Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS), is for all sewage and kitchen grey water to be collected and transported to a suitable, designated waste disposal centre. These measures aim to minimise any risks to human health.

Potential spill containment practices as approved under the EHSMS are to contain fuel drums within portable bunding. The storage of fuel at camp sites is contained within tankers utilising safety features such as double-skins, safety cut-off valves, top accessing etc. to minimise or eliminate the potential of spill. Spill leak and drip trays are provided to address minor drips and spills resulting from re-fuelling operations. Any uncontained spillage is chemically treated and the ground ripped.

Once the campsite has been vacated rehabilitation is undertaken, including ensuring no rubbish or any man made items are left in situ and, when necessary and terrain permitting, the area is tyne ripped to remove compaction and wheel tracks. Shoulders of adjacent formed tracks are reinstated. No ripping is conducted on gibber plain.

5.3.8 Uphole Drilling and Logging This component of seismic surveys consists of truck mounted uphole drilling rig(s) and logging vehicle(s), plus support water tanker trucks when mud drilling (refer Figure 14). The support camp may house six trailers or more. The rig normally drills 4¾“ diameter holes that vary in depth from project to project. Most holes are in the 30m to 90m range. Holes are drilled using mud, air or water injection as required.

Distance between upholes can vary considerably depending on Santos requirements, but are normally at 1km to 5km spacings along lines. The large amount of uphole drilling/logging done over the years, particularly in the Cooper Basin, have been captured into an open file database by DMITRE which now minimises the need for new upholes in areas previously explored.

Figure 14. Uphole drill rig & LVL recording truck

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Immediately a hole is drilled the drill rig moves off and a logging vehicle moves in to record seismic measurements in the hole. This involves the lowering of a probe (down hole geophone) to the bottom of the hole and triggering a heavy weight that drops from the back of the truck to produce an acoustic impulse. The time it takes this impulse to reach the probe is recorded on a set of electronic instruments housed in the logging vehicle (usually a 4WD light vehicle). This process is repeated as the probe is gradually moved up the hole. A picture is thus built up of successive travel times through the near surface layers that provide information on their thickness and velocity – vital information for correcting the vibroseis seismic data.

On completion of logging the drill cuttings are returned to the hole and the hole is capped. Surplus cuttings are then either spread to minimise visual impact or removed in the case of sensitive areas. In some areas, the colour of the cuttings is markedly different from the ground surface and spreading of cuttings exacerbates visual impact rather than minimise it. Removal of cuttings reduces this impact but trials of adding colouring agent to the drilling mud may assist in this regard, particularly in gibber terrains.

5.3.9 Line/Access Track and Campsite Restoration The majority of seismic lines and access tracks and camp sites do not require restoration work as one of the main objectives is to prepare and utilise them in a way that will facilitate rapid natural recovery. However, instances that can require restoration are: • Wheel ruts caused after wet periods • Windrows not fully removed by grader rill kill • Windrows that have been created at intersection of lines and public tracks • Compaction of top soil at camp sites • Compaction of shoulders on public access tracks • Heavily trafficked routes between camp sites and nearest public track • Access tracks that have turned to bulldust due to extensive seismic traffic • Water course channel infill and or natural flow restriction.

Normally a single dozer or grader or one of each is all that is required to carry out the restoration work. Methods used for rehabilitation include; • Ripping of compacted areas with bulldozer rear tynes • Windrow material pushed onto line and smoothed • Public road shoulders reinstated • Wheel rut material used to infill affected areas • Affected water course channels and creek banks reinstated.

5.3.10 Post survey Monitoring and Auditing Prior to, during and subsequent to geophysical operations, assessments (some voluntary) are to ensure that operations have been conducted in compliance with the SEO and any other regulatory requirements. These assessments can be implemented in a number of different ways.

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The following briefly describes the method utilised successfully by Santos during the last ten years. Prior to the commencement of any survey a number of environmental monitoring points (EMPs) are selected to give a balanced representation of the various landform and vegetation type encountered. The locations of the EMPs are positioned nearby roads or tracks to minimise any future access impact upon the environment. They are also subject to ground conditions such as flooded or restricted wetlands and salt lakes that cannot be accessed.

These points are coordinated and marked with star droppers prior to the start of line preparation. Photographs are taken at these locations along the proposed line direction to give a view of the terrain prior to line-preparation. All photographs are optimally taken with a 50mm lens or equivalent digital setting, for consistent comparison. The process is repeated after line preparation and again after recording. These EMPs are then photo monitored over the ensuing four-year period (minimum) to give a visual representation of the recovery process. The revisit intervals are generally one year, two years and four years (eight years if further visits are deemed necessary) although the return period is determined by weather/road conditions and current activity in the region.

Figure 15. Dune cut immediately after recording & four years after recording

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) audits, as defined and described in the SEO, are a mandatory requirement of the SEO and are conducted after recording on representative sections of line and at the EMP locations. Both of these activities are normally done by one person and one 4WD light vehicle.

5.4 Other Geophysical Operations

Other geophysical surveys do not have the same extent of operations as seismic surveying. Most use 4WD vehicles or are done on foot and involve taking some measurement along traverses, like 2D seismic traverses but more like activities involved in ‘Line Surveying’ as above. Measurements can be of a passive nature, such as measurement of gravity, magnetic or electromagnetic fields or involve input of some signal into the earth, such as small electrical or electromagnetic signals.

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5.5 Current standard operating procedures used to minimise impacts

In order to mitigate the risks and potential impacts of geophysical operations detailed in this EIR and to achieve the objectives of the SEO, the following recommended procedures are detailed.

5.5.1 Terrain 5.5.1.1 Wheel tracks • Where possible, existing tracks, roads or seismic lines are used for access. • Off line driving for the main crew is banned – no bush bashing or short cuts are permitted. • Campsites are positioned close to existing roads where possible.

5.5.1.2 Wheel ruts • Operations are shut down during wet weather or flooding and only restarted once potential for extensive damage has passed. Unavoidable damage is reported and reinstated on completion of work. • No vehicles are allowed on salt lakes other than specialised low-pressure wide profile tyre vehicles.

5.5.1.3 Compaction • Following in previous off-line wheel tracks is banned. • Unavoidable compaction is reported and, in other than gibber areas, ripped on completion of work. • As few campsites as possible are used –the aim is to share existing sites if possible. • Camp sites, other than in gibber areas are ripped, if necessary, on completion of work.

5.5.1.4 Erosion • Blade work is banned on gibber, tablelands, claypans or flat easy terrain. • Minimal blade work is permitted elsewhere e.g. sand dunes and crabhole floodplains. • All windrows are removed either during or on completion of work. • Dune side cuts are minimised. • Removed sand is ramped to the side of dune cuts as opposed to the base of the dune. • Creek bank vegetation is left intact and detours sought if too dense to pass through.

5.5.1.5 Bulldust • Susceptible tracks are avoided. If not possible then track is reinstated after rain.

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5.5.1.6 Visual Amenity • Lines are prepared to a single blade width only (approximately 4m to 5m). • Lines are smoothly weaved at least every 75m to 100m about the general line of traverse and stands of vegetation. • Lines are doglegged at road and track crossings preferably around vegetation. • Dozers are walked with blade up wherever possible. • Cuts are minimised at dune crests and base of dunes. • Dune side cuts are minimised. • No cutting is done on dunes adjacent to public roads.

5.5.1.7 Natural Drainage • Creek bank vegetation is left intact and detours sought if too dense to pass through. • Creek crossings are boxed and filled to original bed level when hard fill required. • Any windrows or other disturbance to drainage patterns are removed from creek bed crossings and swales. • Camps should not be established near major watercourses, creeks or surface water bodies. • No campsite shall be located within one kilometre of any stock watering place. • All windrows are removed either during or on completion of work. • No blading in gibber.

5.5.2 Native vegetation • Off line driving is banned – no bush bashing or short cuts are permitted. • Vegetation is removed only when absolutely necessary - avoided by weaving lines through vegetated areas. • Root stock, topsoil and seeds are left on line during line preparation. • Creek bank vegetation is left intact and detours located if dense. • All vehicles are thoroughly cleaned to prevent the introduction of weeds into the survey area.

5.5.3 Native Fauna / Habitat • Upholes are capped and backfilled to prevent injury or death to wildlife. • No heavy line preparation machinery is used in wetlands areas. • Natural drainage channels are left clear at line crossings. • Creek bank vegetation is left intact and detours located if dense. • All vehicles are thoroughly cleaned to prevent the introduction of weeds into the survey area.

5.5.4 Pollution • Fuel and oil spills are reported, chemically treated or bio-remediated and the ground ripped. • Camp wastewater is disposed of by drainage channels and seepage pits.

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• Rubbish is burnt or otherwise transported to recognised dumps. • Mobile chemical toilets are used on all camps. • There is a zero tolerance rule with regard to markers and litter left in work area after completion. • Drill cuttings are returned to hole or removed for dump disposal. • Vehicles travel at slow speed in the vicinity of homesteads.

5.5.5 Landholder Infrastructure • Lines are planned in the office or deviated in the field to avoid homesteads, associated buildings, stockyards, airstrips, dams, bores and tanks. • Gates are left as found. • Fences are not laid down unless specific permission has been given by landholder. • Water is drawn only from authorised sources. • No camp is set up within 1km of a stock watering point. • Work is scheduled to fit in with stock locations and the mustering schedule. • Waste management policies are enforced.

5.5.6 Petroleum Infrastructure • Below ground pipelines are only crossed at existing or authorised crossing points. • Above ground pipelines are detoured rather than ramped. • No seismic energy source is used within 30m of pipelines or wellheads. • Lines are deviated to miss wellheads by 30m. • Other production plant is avoided and proposed activities discussed with plant operator.

5.5.7 Third Party Access • No line preparation is carried out on dunes adjacent to public roads. • Lines are doglegged at road and track crossings preferably around vegetation. • Windrows/shoulders on public tracks are reinstated on completion of work. • Lines adjacent to public roads may also be blocked with timber as an access deterrent.

5.5.8 Cultural Heritage • Lines are cleared by appropriate representatives prior to commencement of line preparation. • Sites of cultural significance are flagged and lines deviated around them. • Receiver lines may be laid out only by foot through some sites and all vehicles are excluded. • All line preparation personnel and crew supervisors receive cultural heritage training prior to work.

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6 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS & CONSEQUENCES

This chapter identifies and assesses potential environmental hazards and their consequences, resulting from geophysical operations in the Cooper Basin. These are identified to enable assessment of environmental risks and as regulatory and management requirements, which are discussed in Chapter 7.

A hazard is considered to be any source of potential environmental harm, or a situation or event with potential to cause loss (AS/NZS 31000:2009). To identify hazards, the various activities associated with each stage of the seismic operation were considered along with the events that could lead to a hazardous situation. The possible consequences of such events were also identified and assessed. Hazards from other geophysical operations can be viewed as a subset of the seismic set.

Where possible, environmental hazards and potential consequences have been identified and assessed on the basis of existing information on the magnitude (for example quantity of waste) and/or frequency of activities associated with geophysical operations. However, this information is not available with regard to all activities and associated hazards. Where this is the case, environmental hazards and subsequent consequences have been identified on the basis of the experience of petroleum industry personnel.

6.1 Hazards

Based on available information, environmental hazards that have potential to result in the most prominent environmental consequences are identified as: • Earthworks associated with line and access track preparation and reparation • Vehicle movement • Seismic source activation • Spills or leaks associated with storage of oil, fuels and chemicals, refuelling operations and high pressure hydraulic systems • Disposal of domestic and chemical waste • Uphole drilling

6.2 Consequences

Key potential environmental consequences associated with the above hazards are: • Visual impact • Contamination of soil, groundwater and/or water courses • Disturbance to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage sites • Loss of native vegetation and habitat • Soil erosion and disturbance to natural drainage patterns • Soil compaction/disruption/deflation, wheel tracks, wheel ruts, bulldust generation, noise generation, airborne dust • Disturbance, injury or death to native fauna

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• Disturbance, injury or death to livestock • Introduction and or spread of weeds, pest plants, animals and pathogens • Damage to landholder infrastructure • Damage to petroleum infrastructure • Third party access to seismic lines • Loss of organic beef certification

6.3 Hazards & Consequences by Activity

The various seismic activities are listed in Table 5 below indicating hazard and consequence classifications associated with each.

6.4 Access Track Preparation

Unlike drilling and well operations and production and processing operations, the preparation of access tracks is not a normal practice for seismic operations. Access routes may be required where necessary in areas of no existing roads or previous seismic, well or production activity but this normally does not require the same degree of preparation as for drilling operations.

Environmental hazards associated with access track preparation include movement of heavy vehicles, earthworks, vegetation clearance, spills associated with fuel storage and waste disposal. Moss and Low (1996) identified the following potential consequences resulting from hazards associated with access track preparation: • erosion • compaction of soils • changes to the land profile • water diversion • visual impact • fauna impacts • noise and dust • spread of pest plants • damage or loss of vegetation and habitat • waste disposal • site contamination

These hazards and their associated potential consequences are discussed below.

6.4.1 Movement of Heavy Vehicles Movement of heavy vehicles (for example trucks, graders and bulldozers) during preparation of the access tracks is an environmental hazard as there is a possibility that vehicles may inadvertently damage vegetation, generate dust and/or compact soil other than that which is required operationally if not appropriately managed.

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Seismic Activity Hazard Potential Consequences

Line and access track Earthworks Contamination of soil preparation Vehicle movement Site disturbance Spills Loss of vegetation and habitat Excavations Soil erosion/ disturbed drainage patterns Soil compaction/disruption/deflation, wheel tracks, dust, noise Damage to cultural sites Disturbance to native fauna Disturbance to stock Spread of weeds Visual impact Damage to landholder infrastructure Damage to petroleum infrastructure Facilitation of third party access Loss of organic beef certification Line surveying Vehicle movement Disturbance to native fauna Disturbance to stock Spread of weeds Risk to third parties Recording Vehicle movement Contamination of soil Vibrator movement Soil erosion/ disturbed drainage patterns Spills Soil compaction/disruption/deflation, wheel tracks, dust, noise Disturbance to native fauna Disturbance to stock Spread of weeds Visual impact Damage to landholder infrastructure Damage to petroleum infrastructure Campsites and Vehicle movement Contamination of soil associated supplies Spills Loss of vegetation and habitat Waste disposal Soil compaction/disruption/deflation, wheel tracks, dust, noise Fire Soil erosion/ disturbed drainage patterns Visual impact Fire destruction of vegetation and habitat Uphole drilling and Spills Contamination of soil logging Waste disposal Soil compaction/disruption/deflation, wheel tracks, dust, noise Uphole drilling activity Disturbance to native fauna Disturbance to stock Spread of weeds Visual impact Damage to landholder infrastructure Damage to petroleum infrastructure Uncontrolled discharge or contamination of aquifers Line and access track Earthworks Contamination of soil restoration Vehicle movement Disturbance to native fauna Spills Disturbance to stock Spread of weeds Visual impact Damage to landholder infrastructure Damage to petroleum infrastructure Monitoring of selected Vehicle movement Soil compaction/disruption/deflation, wheel tracks, dust, noise locations Damage to landholder infrastructure Damage to petroleum infrastructure

Table 5. Hazards & consequences associated with various seismic activities

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The type and severity of potential impacts of preparation of access tracks and survey lines is dependent to a certain extent on the land system in which the activities are being carried out. Disturbance to soils in some land systems, such as gibber plains and tablelands, can lead to substantial erosion by water (Fatchen and Woodburn 2000) while other systems, such as dune fields are generally more resilient and less likely to suffer any long-term impacts from soil disturbance. Following an examination of 35 seismic lines that traversed dune fields in the Cooper Basin, SEA (1999) concluded that natural rates of erosion on dunes were not accelerated as a result of disturbance to the soil surface. Any sensitive environmental regions such as wetlands or salt lakes are prepared without the use of heavy machinery. Due to their instability and erosion potential when disturbed, the steeper slopes and escarpments of tableland land systems are avoided. The potential impacts of specific earthwork activities on different land systems in the Cooper Basin are summarised in Table 6.

Land system Preparation of survey lines/access tracks

Wetlands Not applicable (wetlands are avoided due to environmental sensitivity) Flood plains Vegetation clearance Soil erosion (wind and water) Soil compaction Disturbance of natural drainage systems Disturbance to cultural heritage sites (generally low density of sites in floodplains) Gibber plains Not applicable (grading does not occur on gibber plains) Tablelands Not applicable (grading does not occur on steeper slopes) Dune fields Vegetation clearance Soil erosion (wind and water erosion) Disturbance to cultural heritage sites (dune fields near waterholes are typically of high cultural significance) Salt lakes Not applicable (grading does not occur on salt lakes) Table 6. Impacts Associated with Line/Access Track Preparation in various Cooper Basin Land Systems

6.4.2 Vegetation Clearance The clearance of vegetation during access track preparation cannot be entirely avoided. Such activity can result in loss of vegetation and fauna habitat, siltation of natural drainage lines and watercourses, destabilisation of creek crossings, weed invasion and damage to cultural heritage sites. Vegetation clearance may also impede the movement of fauna, particularly small mammals or reptiles across cleared areas. However, this is considered unlikely in most land systems due to the presence of naturally bare or unsheltered locations (Moss and Low 1996).

During the preparation of survey lines and access tracks, particular care should be taken to ensure that minimal vegetation is cleared in heavily wooded areas, such as coolibah woodland Fatchen and Woodburn (2000) suggested that vegetation is likely to need active assistance to recolonise. Campsites should be located at the nearest available naturally clear area.

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7 ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS & MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

7.1 Risk Assessment & Management

An environmental risk is the chance that an environmental consequence will occur as a result of a hazardous situation or event (refer Section 6). Given appropriate management measures (i.e. those identified in Chapter 5), most risks can be avoided or reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practical. This is a risk of something happening that is considered to have a minimal impact and which will recover. These parameters are defined within the GAS system (defined in the SEO). However, in some cases there may still be 'residual' risks that remain after management measures have been implemented.

Environmental risk assessment evaluates the level of environmental risk associated with various operations and activities and provides a framework for assessing risk management priorities and options based on the level of each assessed risk.

The main components of the environmental risk assessment process are illustrated in Figure 16.

Identify Hazards & Risk Analysis Risk Consequences •Determine existing Management •What can happen? controls Options •What are the potential •Determine likelihood •Identify existing impacts? of consequences controls •Determine serverity •Identify of consequences management •Establish level of risk prioritys and requirements

Figure 16. Framework for environmental risk assessment process Risk assessment may be undertaken to various degrees of refinement depending upon the information and data available. Where possible, the frequency and severity of potential environmental consequences have been assessed on the basis of existing information. However, this information is not available with regard to all activities and associated consequences. Therefore a qualitative (i.e. descriptive) risk assessment process was considered to be the most appropriate method to adopt. This approach uses descriptive scales to describe the likelihood of consequences (i.e. virtually certain to virtually impossible) and their severity (i.e. negligible to disastrous) and has been derived from Stoklosa (1999) and the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 4360:20004) for risk management.

Each phase of the risk assessment process is further discussed in the following sections.

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7.1.1 Environmental Hazards Primary environmental hazards and the key potential environmental consequences associated with geophysical operations in the South Australian Cooper Basin are identified in Sections 6.1 and 6.2.

To determine the level of risk associated with various hazards and potential consequences, both the likelihood and severity of hazards, and their associated consequences, have to be considered. Categories of likelihood and severity have been determined using subjective estimates of whether or not a particular event or outcome will occur. Seismic and other geophysical surveying has been undertaken in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins for many years. Hence, environmental hazards and existing management measures are well understood and, as such, both likelihood and severity of consequences can be confidently predicted based on operating experience and professional judgement (e.g. Fatchen and Woodburn 2000).

Both the likelihood and severity of consequences have been assessed in the context of the management practices that are currently applied to reduce the level of risk associated with identified hazards and potential consequences.

7.1.1.1 Assessment and Severity Environmental consequences can be categorised from negligible to disastrous using the qualitative methodology described by Stoklosa (1999) (refer to Table 7). These consequences are based upon definitions contained in AS/NZS 4360, but have been expanded to incorporate impacts to environmental values such as flora, fauna and biomass.

Severity Qualitative Description of Environmental Consequences

Negligible Possible incidental impacts to flora and fauna in a locally affected land system but without ecological consequence. Minor Changes to the abundance or biomass of biota, and existing soil and/or water quality in the affected land system, but no changes to biodiversity or ecological function. Land system has a small amount of change but no long-term impact that will alter the terrain surface. Major Changes to the abundance or biomass of biota, and existing soil and/or water quality in the affected land system, with local changes to biodiversity but no loss of ecological function. Land system surface has changes that may cause long-term impacts. Severe Substantial changes to the abundance or biomass of biota, existing soil and/or water quality in the affected land system with significant change to biodiversity and change of ecological function. Eventual recovery of ecosystem possible, but not necessarily to the same pre-incident conditions. Substantial changes to terrain surface that will alter the terrain surface and drainage patterns. Disastrous Irreversible and irrecoverable changes to abundance/biomass or aquifers in the affected area. Loss of biodiversity on a regional scale. Loss of ecological functioning with little prospect of recovery to pre-incident conditions. Widespread impact upon the terrain surface and drainage patterns. Table 7. Severity of Consequences

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7.1.1.2 Assessment of Likelihood The likelihood of potential environmental consequences occurring was qualitatively assessed and categorised according to the criteria outlined in Table 8.

Operation lifetime is relative to the geophysical operations. Companies are responsible for each geophysical program. For due diligence purposes, the life of a geophysical program for this report will be ten years.

The distinction between temporary and long-term impact depends on many factors, but is ultimately a value-judgement based on scientific evaluation and the level of community acceptance. These factors are generally related to climatic events, differing terrain units, vegetation units and timing of operations. Dependent on these factors, a general guideline is that the community should expect recovery from seismic impacts in the northeast of South Australia after about five to ten years when current techniques are employed. Impacts that are irreversible or are expected to take significantly longer to recover are defined as ‘long term impacts’.

Likelihood of Occurrence Qualitative Description of Exposure

Virtually impossible Has almost never occurred, but conceivably could Rare Has occurred a few times worldwide Unlikely Not likely during operation lifetime Likely Likely to occur during operation lifetime Virtually certain Includes continuous emissions Table 8. Likelihood of Consequences

7.1.2 Environmental Risk Assessment Severity and likelihood of consequences are combined to produce a level of risk for any given hazard. Table 9 shows an environmental risk assessment matrix that compares likelihood and severity of environmental consequences arising from the operations. The severity of consequence is dependent on the receiving environment. However, in most cases this does not alter the risk matrix outcome.

The risk assessment described and detailed takes into account the mitigation methods and practice described earlier within this EIR.

The objective of the risk assessment process is to separate the minor acceptable risks from the major risks and to provide data to assist in the evaluation and management of risks.

Detailed risk assessment and management measures are outlined in Santos EHSMS09 Appendix A Santos Risk Assessment Tool.

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LIKELIHOOD OF CONSEQUENCE

1 2 3 4 5

Virtually Virtually Rare Unlikely Likely Impossible Certain

Negligible E LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW Effect

D Minor Effect LOW LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM

C Major Effect MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH

B Severe Effect MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH HIGH CONSEQUENCE SEVERITY OF

Disastrous A MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH HIGH HIGH Effect

Table 9. Risk Matrix

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Table 10. Summary of Impacts and Risk Levels for Seismic Operations

Activity Hazard Potential Consequence Severity Likelihood Risk

Line & access Earthworks Loss of native vegetation and habitat Negligible Unlikely Low track Soil erosion and disturbance to natural preparation Minor Rare Low drainage patterns Noise generation, airborne dust Negligible Unlikely Low Disturbance to native fauna Minor Rare Low Disturbance to stock Minor Rare Low Introduction and spread of weeds Major Rare Medium Visual Impact Minor Likely Medium Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Unlikely Medium Aboriginal sites

Third party access resulting in third Minor Rare Low parties getting lost

Vehicle Introduction and spread of weeds Major Rare Medium movements Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Disturbance to stock Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low Airborne dust Negligible Likely Low

Spills and Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low leaks water courses

Vehicle Introduction and spread of weeds etc. Line Surveying Major Rare Medium movements Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Unlikely Medium Aboriginal sites

Airborne dust Negligible Likely Low

Recording Vehicle Introduction and spread of weeds etc Major Rare Medium movements Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low Wheel tracks, wheel ruts, bulldust Negligible Likely Low generation, airborne dust

Visual impact Minor Unlikely Medium

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Rare Medium Aboriginal sites

Vibrator Soil compaction, wheel tracks, wheel Negligible Likely Low Operations ruts, noise generation, airborne dust Disturbance to native fauna Minor Likely Medium

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Activity Hazard Potential Consequence Severity Likelihood Risk

Disturbance to stock Negligible Rare Low Introduction & spread of weeds etc Major Rare Medium Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Rare Medium Aboriginal sites

Spills and Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low leaks water courses

Virtually Loss of organic beef certification Major Medium impossible Campsites & Vehicle associated movements Wheel tracks, wheel ruts, bulldust supply logistics generation, soil compaction, noise Negligible Likely Low generation, airborne dust, visual impact

Impact upon Loss of vegetation, damage to tree root Minor Rare Low vegetation & structures habitat Fire damage to vegetation and habitat Minor Rare Low

Spills and Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low leaks water courses

Virtually Loss of organic beef certification Major Medium impossible Disposal of Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low domestic and water courses chemical waste Virtually Loss of organic beef certification Major Medium impossible

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Rare Medium Aboriginal sites

Uphole drilling & Disposal of Contamination of soil, groundwater, logging chemical waste Minor Rare Low water courses

Virtually Loss of organic beef certification Major Medium impossible Spills and Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low leaks water courses

Virtually Loss of organic beef certification Major Medium impossible

Up Hole Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low Drilling activity water courses

Uncontrolled discharge of artesian Minor Rare Low aquifer Injury to/loss of native fauna Minor Rare Low Injury to/loss of stock Negligible Rare Low Visual impact, noise generation, airborne Negligible Likely Low dust

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Activity Hazard Potential Consequence Severity Likelihood Risk

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Rare Medium Aboriginal sites

Vehicle movements Introduction and spread of weeds etc Major Rare Medium

Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low Wheel tracks, wheel ruts, bulldust Negligible Likely Low generation, airborne dust

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Rare Medium Aboriginal sites

Line & Access Earthworks track Noise generation Negligible Unlikely Low restoration Disturbance to native fauna Minor Rare Low Disturbance to stock Negligible Rare Low Introduction and spread of weeds Major Rare Medium Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Unlikely Medium Aboriginal sites Vehicle movements Introduction and spread of weeds etc Minor Major Medium

Damage to landholder infrastructure Minor Rare Low Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Unlikely Medium Aboriginal sites

Airborne dust Negligible Likely Low

Spills and Contamination of soil, groundwater, Minor Rare Low leaks water courses

Virtually Loss of organic beef certification Major Medium impossible Monitoring/ Vehicle Damage to landholder infrastructure Negligible Rare Low Auditing movements Damage to petroleum infrastructure Minor Rare Low

Impact &/or damage to significant Major Rare Medium Aboriginal sites

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7.2 Management of Environmental Risks

7.2.1 Management Systems Management systems should be a key tool in the management of Santos’ environmental responsibilities, issues and risks in the Cooper Basin. Management systems provide a framework for the co-ordinated and consistent management of environmental issues by ensuring the: • establishment of an environmental policy • identification of environmental risks and legal and other requirements relevant to geophysical operations • setting of appropriate environmental objectives and targets • establishment of a structure and program to implement the Environmental Policy and achieve objectives and targets including the development of procedures and guidelines for specific activities and education and induction programs • facilitation of planning, control monitoring, corrective action, auditing and review of activities to ensure that the requirements and aspirations of the Environmental Policy are achieved.

Santos’ geophysical operating standards should follow or lead accepted best practice and industry-accepted standards. Ongoing audits of systems should be regularly conducted using a risk-based approach to ensure that systems are maintained and operations are undertaken in accordance with industry-accepted practices.

7.2.2 Emergency Response and Contingency Planning In the course of normal operations, there is always the potential for environmental incidents and accidents to occur. It is therefore important that Santos has developed emergency response plans to guide actions to be taken to minimise the impacts of accidents and incidents. Emergency response drills should be undertaken at least annually to ensure that personnel are familiar with the plans and the types of emergencies to which it applies and that there will be a rapid and effective response in the event of a real emergency occurring. Emergency response plans must be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to incorporate new information arising from any incidents, near misses and hazards and emergency response simulation training sessions. These plans would also include the facilitation of Fire Danger Season restrictions and requirements.

7.2.3 Environmental Monitoring and Audits Ongoing monitoring and auditing of geophysical operations is necessary to determine whether significant environmental risks are being managed, minimised and where reasonably possible, eliminated.

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Monitoring programs are designed to assess: • compliance with regulatory requirements • visual impact of the operations • impact upon flora and fauna and general biodiversity • site contamination • site revegetation following program completion and any restoration activity • potential future problems.

7.2.4 Incident Management and Recording Santos has a system in place to record environmental incidents, near misses and hazards, track the implementation and close out of corrective actions, and allow analysis of such incidents to identify areas requiring improvement. Such review should be undertaken at least annually. The system should also provide a mechanism for recording ‘reportable’ incidents, as defined under the Act and Regulations.

7.2.5 Reporting Santos must implement internal and external reporting procedures to ensure that environmental issues and/or incidents are appropriately responded to.

Internal reporting should cover: • number, severity and close out status of incidents • monthly summaries of incidents • progress against key performance indicators • audit schedule and findings • works in progress • site and task force meetings • external meetings and / or liaison with key stakeholders (e.g. DMITRE).

7.2.6 Inspection and Maintenance Activities All operational equipment should be inspected and maintained in accordance with industry accepted standards and product operational requirements.

Contracting companies will also have their own inspection and maintenance procedures.

7.2.7 Pest Plant and Animal Control Pest plant and animal control is considered to be a significant land management issue in the South Australian Cooper Basin. While the region is considered to be relatively free of pest plant species, Santos has the potential to introduce weed species into the region as a result of movement of vehicles and equipment.

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Therefore, it is essential that: • where relevant, weed management strategies are developed by Santos to ensure that vehicles and equipment are washed down if moving from areas of known weed infestations; • Santos consults with relevant authorities; and • weed control measures are implemented as required..

Pest animals identified in recent surveys include rabbits, feral cats, pigs, donkey and camels.

7.2.8 Continuous Improvement

Continual improvement is driven by auditing and monitoring results. Management systems should be used to drive the process of continuous improvement.

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8 CONSULTATION CHECKLIST

The following checklist is a guide to the various parties who must be consulted for their consent to conduct the operations for any given survey within the Cooper Basin.

• State Government Departments (DMITRE and DENR).

• Representatives of Native Title Claimants.

• Landholders whose property will be entered during the course of the survey.

• Pipeline Authorities whose pipelines will be crossed during the course of the survey.

• Other petroleum, geothermal and/or mining tenement holders if their tenements are proposed to be crossed during the course of the survey.

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9 REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

ANZECC (2000) National Water Quality Management Strategy: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.

Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) (1996) Code of Environmental Practice. APIA, Canberra.

Blackley, R., Usback, S., and Langford, K. (eds.) (1996) Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Brandle, R. (1994-1997) A Biological Survey of the Stony Deserts, South Australia. Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, SA.

Brandle, R. (1997a) Vegetation, pp. 49-146. In Brandle, R. (ed.) A Biological Survey of the Stony Deserts, South Australia, 1994-1997. Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, SA.

Brandle, R. (1997b) Mammals, pp. 147-182. In Brandle, R. (ed.) A Biological Survey of the Stony Deserts, South Australia, 1994-1997. Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, SA.

Brandle, R. and Hutchinson, M. N. (1997) Reptiles, pp. 235-280. In Brandle, R. (ed.) A Biological Survey of the Stony Deserts, South Australia, 1994-1997. Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, SA.

Cockshell C.D., Langley K.R. and Dobrzinski I. (1998) Inspection Report 1/98 PELs 5 & 6 -Western Prospects Seismic Survey. PIRSA, Adelaide SA.

Cockshell C.D., Reid J.R.W., Tunstill S. and Crafter C. (1998) Environmental Audit Report Western Prospects Seismic Survey PELs 5&6. Adelaide SA.

Coongie Lakes Control Zone Management Group (1998) Report on the Western Prospects Seismic Survey Procedures and Outcomes. Adelaide SA.

Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (DEHAA) (1999) Coongie Lakes Ramsar Wetlands: A Plan for Wise Use. DEHAA, Adelaide SA.

Drexel, J.F. and Preiss, W.V. (eds) (1995) The Geology of South Australia. Vol2, The Phanerozoic. South Australia Geological Survey. Bulletin 54.

Fatchen, T.J. and Woodburn, J.A. (2000) Criteria for the Abandonment of Seismic Lines and Well sites in the South Australian Portion of the Cooper Basin. Stage 4: Derivation of Criteria. Fatchen Environmental Pty Ltd.

GABCC (1998) Great Artesian Basin Resource Study (eds Cox, R. and Barron, A.). Great Artesian Basin Consultative Council.

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Horton M. (1998) Seismic Operations Environmental Report Western Prospects Seismic Survey PELs 5&6. Santos Ltd., Adelaide SA.

Horton, M. (1998a). The environmental impacts of seismic exploration in the Cooper Basin upon lignum, Muehenbeckia florulenta and spinifex, Troidia basedowii: A Pilot Study. Adelaide University, Master of Environmental Studies thesis (unpublished).

Kemper, C. M. (1990) Mammals, pp. 161-168. In Tyler, M. J., Twidale, C. R., Davies, M., and Wells, C. B. (eds.) Natural History of the North East Deserts. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide SA.

Laut, P., Heyligers, P. C., Keig, G., Loffler, C., Margules, L., and Scott, R. M. (1977) Environments of South Australia Handbook: Province 8 Northern Arid. CSIRO, Canberra.

Malavazos, M. (2001) The South Australian Petroleum Act 2000 - Principals and Philosophy of Best Practice Regulation. MESA Journal, 1, 33-35.

Marree Soil Conservation Board (1997) Marree Soil Conservation Board District Plan. The Soil Board, Adelaide SA.

McDonough, R. (1999) Pipeline Licensing in South Australia. PIRSA, Adelaide SA. www.pir.sa.gov.au/pages/petrol/images/summ_petrol_licensing.pdf

Morton, S. R., Short, J., and Barker, R. D. (1995) Refugia for Biological Diversity in Arid and Semi-Arid Australia, Biodiversity Series, Paper No.4. Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, Canberra.

Moss, V. and Low, W.A. (1996) Criteria for the abandonment of seismic lines and well sites in the South Australian portion of the Cooper Basin. Stage 1 – impact identification. Consultant’s report to Department of Mines and Energy, South Australia. W.A. Low Ecological Services, Alice Springs.

National Heritage List (2010) http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/index.html

Neagle N, and Armstrong D (2010) A Biological Survey of the Marqualpie Land System, South Australia. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide, SA.

PIRSA (1998) Statement of Environmental Objectives for Seismic Operations in the Cooper and Eromanga Basins South Australia. PIRSA, Adelaide SA.

Puckridge, J.T., Costello, J.F. and Walker, K.F. (1999) DRY/WET: Effects of Changed Hydrological Regime on the Fauna of Arid Zone Wetlands (CD-ROM model and documentation). Report to National Wetlands Research and Development Program: Environment Australia and Land and Water Resources Research & Development Corporation, Canberra.

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Reid R.W. (1998) Western Prospects Seismic Survey Independent Ecologists Report. Coongie Lakes – Western Prospects Seismic Survey: Compliance by Santos and its Contractors with Natural Environment Goals of Minimum Impact. Canberra ACT.

Reid, J. R. W. and Puckeridge J. T. (1990) Coongie Lakes, pp. 119-132. In Tyler, M. J., Twidale, C. R., Davies, M., and Wells, C. B. (eds.) Natural History of the North East Deserts. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide SA.

Reid, J. R. W., Badman, F. J., and Parker, S. A. (1990) Birds, pp.169-182. In Tyler, M. J., Twidale, C. R., Davies, M., and Wells, C. B. (eds.) Natural History of the North East Deserts. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide SA.

Santos (1997a) The Arid Zone: Field Environmental Handbook. Santos, Adelaide SA.

Santos (1997b) Environmental Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure. Santos, Adelaide SA.

Santos (1998a) Environmental Procedure for the Management of Aboriginal Heritage Sites. Santos, Adelaide SA.

Santos (1998b) Santos Australian Environmental Management System at a Glance. Santos, Adelaide SA.

Santos (1998c) Environmental Procedures for Seismic Line Preparation: Dozer Manual. Santos Ltd, Adelaide SA.

Santos (2000) The Santos Australian Environmental Management System and Corporate Requirements. Santos, Adelaide SA.

Santos (2004) South Australia Cooper Basin Operators: Environmental Impact Report: Geophysical Operations. Santos Ltd.

Santos (2011a) South Australia Cooper Basin & Arid Regions: Statement of Environmental Objectives: Geophysical Operations. Santos Ltd.

Santos (2011b) South Australia Cooper Basin & Arid Regions: Environmental Impact Report: Geophysical Operations. Santos Ltd.

Santos (2011c) South Australia Cooper Basin & Arid Regions – Addendum to – Statement Of Environmental Objectives: and Environmental Impact Report: Santos Operations. Five Year Review. Santos Ltd.

Santos (nd) EHSMS09 Appendix A How to Use the Santos Risk Matrix for EHS Risks. Revision 5. Santos Ltd.

Senior, B. R., and Habermehl, M. A. (1980) Structure, hydrodynamics and hydrocarbon potential, central Eromanga basin, Queensland, Australia. Bureau of Mineral Resources Journal of Australian Geology and Geophysics, v. 5, p. 47-55.

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Sibenaler Z (2010) Monitoring requirements for water resources in the Arid Lands. South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board.

Social and Ecological Assessments (SEA) (1999) Seismic Line Environmental Risk Assessment. Prepared for Santos Ltd - Queensland and Northern Territory Business Unit.

Social and Ecological Assessments (SEA) (2000) Species and Sites Listed in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 and occurring in the Cooper Basin. Prepared for Santos Ltd.

Standards Australia (1999) AS/NZS 4360: 1999 Risk Management. Standards Australia, NSW.

Tolcher, H.M. (1986) Drought or deluge: man in the Cooper Creek region. Melbourne University Press, Carlton VIC.

Twidale, C. R., and Wopfner, H. (1990) Dune Fields, pp. 45-60. In Tyler, M. J., Twidale, C. R., Davies, M., and Wells, C. B. (eds.) Natural History of the North East Deserts. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide SA.

Tyler, M.J., Twidale, C.R., Davies, M. and Wells, C.B. (Eds.) (1990) Natural History of the North East Deserts. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide SA.

Watts C.H.S, McArthur A, Oakey H. and Verbyla A., 2002. The impact of seismic lines on ant communities in the Cooper Basin and potential use as bio-indicators of ecological recovery rates. South Australian Museum and University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Wiltshire. D. and Schmidt, M., Fourth Edition 2003. Field Guide to the Common Plants of the Cooper Basin (South Australia and Queensland). Santos Ltd., Adelaide, South Australia.

Wright, M. J., Fitzpatrick, R. W., and Wells, C. B. (1990) Soils, pp. 61-74. In Tyler, M. J., Twidale, C. R., Davies, M., and Wells, C. B. (eds.) Natural History of the North East Deserts. Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide SA.

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APPENDIX A: LIST OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION

This is a list of legislation more pertinent to petroleum exploration but not a comprehensive list of all applicable legislation.

Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Act 2005 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

South Australia Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 Crown Lands Act 1929 Environment Protection Act 1993 Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 Heritage Places Act 1993 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 National Trust of SA Act 1955 Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994 Native Vegetation Act 1991 Natural Resources Management Act 2004 Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 (SA), Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Regulations 2000 (SA), Water Resources Act 1997

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APPENDIX B: LIST OF RELEVANT LAND OWNERS

Bollards Lagoon Est R G Rieck Bollards Lagoon TIBOOBURRA NSW 2880 Clifton Hills Clifton Hills Pastoral Co Goyders Lagoon 283 Wakefield Street Kanowana ADELAIDE SA 5000 Pt Clifton Hills

Cordillo Downs Brook Props Cordillo Downs Station Via LEIGH CREEK SA 5731

Gidgealpa Attn Mr David Silcock Mulka Doce Pty Ltd Lake Hope 60 Flinders Street ADELAIDE SA 5000

Innamincka Innamincka Pastoral Co Pty Ltd 183 Archer Street NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006

Merty Merty Mrs Pam Rieck Merty Merty Station Via LEIGH CREEK SA 5731

Mungeranie Shilligan Pty. Ltd 685 South Road BLACK FOREST SA 5035

Murnpeowie Broschul Pty Ltd. Murnpeowie Station BIRDSVILLE QLD 4482

Pandie Pandie G V Morton Pandie Pandie Station Via PORT AUGUSTA SA 5710

Tinga Tingana K D & R P Ogilvy Lindon Lindon Station Via TIBOOBURRA NSW 2880

DENR Regional Manager, SAAL John Barker GPO Box 1047 Team Leader, Conservation & ADELAIDE SA 5001 Mining GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE SA 5001

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Aboriginal Yandruwandha/Yawarrawarrka Claimants Mr M Steele, c/- Ward & Partners 12th Floor 26 Flinders St ADELAIDE SA 5000

Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi People Mr S Kenny, c/- Camatta Lempens Pty Ltd Lawyers 1st Floor, 345 King William St ADELAIDE SA 5000

Dieri People Mr S Kenny, c/- Camatta Lempens Pty Ltd Lawyers 1st Floor, 345 King William St ADELAIDE SA 5000

Native Title South Australian Native Title Services Mr Andrew Beckworth, Native Title Unit 345 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000

Petroleum and Information about petroleum and geothermal tenement holders can Geothermal be found on the DMITRE Petroleum website at the Licence Register Tenements Mining Information about mining tenement holders can be found on the Tenements DMITRE Minerals website at Licensing & Regulation

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APPENDIX C: COMMON SPECIES NAMES AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIVALENTS

Plants Myriophyllum sp. Myriophyllum verruccosum Barley mitchell grass Astrebla pectinata Beaked red mallee Eucalyptus socialis Bladder saltbush Atriplex vesicaria Broughton willow Acacia salicina Coolabah Eucalyptus coolabah Copperburrs Sclerolaena spp. Cotton bush Maireana aphylla Emu bush Eremophila sp. Gidgee Acacia cambagei Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lobbed spinifex Triodia basedowii Narrow-leafed hopbush Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustissima Needlewood Hakea leucoptera Nitrebush Nitraria billardierei Old man saltbush Atriplex nummularia nummularia Prickly wattle Acacia victoriae Queensland Bean tree Lysiphyllum gilvum Queensland bluebush Dichanthium sericeum River red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Sandhill canegrass Zygochloa paradoxa Sandhill wattle Acacia ligulata Swamp canegrass Eragrostis australasica Water fern Azolla filiculoides Water weed Ludwigia peploides Whitewood Atalaya hemiglauca

Mammals Dusky hopping-mouse Notomys fuscus Yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat Saccolaimus flaviventris Fat-tailed dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata Striped-faced dunnart Sminthopsis macroura Long-haired rat Rattus villosissimus Forrest's mouse Leggadina forresti Water rat Hydromys chrysogaster Dingo Canis lupus Fawn hopping mouse Notomys cervinus Gile's planigale Planigale gilesi Kowari Dasycercus byrnei

Birds Eyrean grasswren Amytornis giyderi White-winged wren Malurus leucopterus White-backed swallows Cheramoeca leucosternum Richard's pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Brown falcon Falco berigora Barking owl Ninox connivens Mallee ringneck Barnadius zonarius barnardi Grey falcon Falco hypoleucos Black-breasted buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Letter winged kite Elanus scriptus Freckled duck Stictonetta naevosa Black-tailed native hen Gallinula ventralis Red-necked avocet Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Orange chat Epthianura aurifrons Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Gibberbird Ashbyia lovensis Chestnut-breasted whiteface Aphelocephala pectoralis

Reptiles and Amphibians Cooper Creek short-necked tortoise Emydura sp.

Fish Desert rainbow fish Melanotaenia splendida

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APPENDIX D: THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA SPECIES IN THE COOPER BASIN

EPBC Common name Scientific name CAMBA JAMBA CMS Status Habitat Act MAMMALS Kowari Dasycercus byrnei V Rare mi, cl Dusky hopping-mouse Notomys fuscus V Rare d Plains mouse Pseudomys australis V Rare mi, cl, lw Greater bilby Macrotis lagotis V ?extinct mi, gm Greater stick-nest rat Leporillis conditor V ?extinct gh Ghost bat Macroderma gigas V ?extinct gh

BIRDS Northern shoveler Anas clypeata x x x vagrant cw, lw Great egret Egretta alba x x common, b cw, lw Cattle egret Egretta ibis x x vagrant cw, lw Glossyibis Plegadis falcinellus x x uncommon, b cw, lw White-bellied sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster x rare, b cw Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus V ?rare mi, cl Latham's snipe Gallinago lathami x x x rare, nb lw Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva x x x rare, nb cw, lw Lesser sand plover Charadrius mongolus x x x rare, nb cw, lw Oriental plover Charadrius asiaticus x x rare, nb cl Oriental pratincole Glareola maldivarum x x rare, nb cl Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus x x x rare, nb lw Little curlew Numenius minutus x x x vagrant lw Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa x x x rare, nb cw, lw Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica x x x rare, nb cw, lw Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis x x x uncommon, nb cw, lw Common greenshank Tringa nebularia x x x uncommon, nb cw, lw Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola x x x uncommon, nb cw, lw Common sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos x x x rare, nb cw, lw Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres x x x rare, nb cw, lw Red-necked stint Calidris ruficollis x x x uncommon, nb cw, lw Long-toed stint Calidris subminuta x x x rare, nb cw, lw Sharp-tailed sandpiper Calidris acuminata x x x uncommon, nb cw, lw Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotus x x rare, nb cw, lw Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea x x x rare, nb cw, lw Painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis x rare, ?b cw, lw White-winged black tern Chlidonias leucoptera x x rare, nb cw, lw Caspian tern Hydropogne caspia x uncommon cw, lw Fork-tailed swift Apus pacificus x x uncommon, nb aerial Night parrot Pezoporus occidentalis E ?extinct d, mi, lw Thick-billed grasswren Amytornis textilis modestus V ?rare, ?b gh

PLANTS Sea-heath Frankenia plicata E ? cl Table 11. Flora and fauna species listed in the EPBC Act and occurring in north-east South Australia and/or south-west Queensland

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EPBC Act: Schedules of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 E=Endangered; V=Vulnerable

JAMBA: x=Listed in Japan – Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

CAMBA: x=Listed in China – Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

CMS: x=Listed in Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of wild animals (Bonn Convention).

Status: Probable status of listed species within the subject land ?extinct = probably extinct; vagrant=odd individuals recorded well outside of normal range; rare=sparsely distributed; uncommon=present in small numbers; nb=non-breeding visitor from outside of Australia; common=present in reasonable numbers, b=likely to breed in area (birds only)

Habitat: mi=mitchell grass stony downs; gh=gidgee – mulga low woodland on dissected residuals; gm=gidgee mulga low open woodland on stony downs; cl=sparsely vegetated claypans; lw=lignum – Qld bluebush shrubland on floodplains; cw=coolabah woodlands on floodplain (includes waterholes); d=dunefield

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