Van Gogh Oil Field Development Draft Public Environment Report (PER) EPBC Referral 2007/3213

Van Oil Field Gogh Development Draft PublicDraft (PER) – February Environment 2008 Report Van Gogh Oil Field Development Draft Public Environment Report (PER) EPBC Referral 2007/3213

February 2008 APACH301925 For further information www.apachevangogh.com.au Myles Hyams - Environment Manager Caroline de Mori - Public Affairs Manager Email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 9422 7421

Apache Energy Limited Level 3, 256 St Georges Terrace, Perth, 6000 www.apachecorp.com

Document no : EA-00-RI-166.01

This document has been printed on paper manufactured from 100% recycled fibre. Invite to comment

The Proposal Public Display and Availability of the Draft PER Apache Northwest Pty. Ltd. (Apache, the operator), along with its Copies of the Van Gogh Draft PER are available for viewing during the joint participant Inpex Alpha Ltd (Inpex), is proposing to develop public review period at the following locations: and recover oil from the Van Gogh oil pool. The name of the proposal DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WATER, HERITAGE & THE ARTS is the Van Gogh Oil Field Development. The field is located within a defined areas of petroleum exploration permit WA-155-P(1) in John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT Commonwealth waters, 53 km north-northwest of Exmouth off the DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION LIBRARY Western Australian coast. -FWFM 5IF"USJVN 4U(FPSHFT5FSSBDF 1FSUI 8" The proposed action involves installing subsea equipment to control EXMOUTH COMMUNITY LIBRARY and direct reservoir production fluids to a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will recover, process and Maidstone Crescent, Exmouth, WA export oil from the Van Gogh field. EXMOUTH VISITOR CENTRE First oil production is planned for the first quarter of 2009, with Murat Road, Exmouth, WA an estimated operational life of between 12 and15 years. The area surrounding the Van Gogh field is considered highly prospective for SHIRE OF EXMOUTH potential oil discoveries and therefore the development has proposed 22 Maidstone Crescent, Exmouth, WA a Notional Development Area where it is envisaged that any future KARRATHA COMMUNITY LIBRARY discoveries can be incorporated into the Van Gogh infrastructure as potential tie-backs, extending the production life. Millstream Road, Karratha, WA SHIRE OF ASHBURTON Commonwealth Environmental Assessment Process 2ND Avenue, Onslow, WA Environmental assessment and approval of the Van Gogh development is required under the Commonwealth’s Environmental ONSLOW TOURIST CENTRE Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Under 2ND Avenue, Onslow, WA this Act, a delegate of the Commonwealth Minister for the then BATTYE LIBRARY Environment and Water Resources decided that the proposed Van Gogh development (EPBC 2007/3213) was a "controlled action" Alexander Library Building, 25 Francis Street, Perth, WA requiring environmental approval, as the proposal has the potential Hard copies of the complete document ($20), Executive Summary to have a significant impact on the following matters of national (free) or electronic copies on CD (free), can be obtained from Apache environmental significance: (see contact details overpage). r -JTUFEUISFBUFOFETQFDJFTBOEDPNNVOJUJFT TFDUJPOTBOE" Electronic copies of the documents may also be obtained free of r -JTUFENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT TFDUJPOTBOE" BOE charge by downloading them from the Van Gogh development website at: http://www.apachevangogh.com.au r .BSJOFFOWJSPONFOU TFDUJPOTBOE"

It was determined that the Van Gogh development be assessed by a Opportunity for Public Comment on the Draft PER Public Environment Report (PER). The Draft PER provides a basis for the public to comment on 6OEFS4FDUJPOPGUIF&1#$"DUBOEJOBDDPSEBODFXJUIHVJEFMJOFT Apache's proposed development, its potential environmental and issued by the then Department of the Environment and Water socio-economic impacts and the mitigation and environmental Resources (DEW), now the Department of Environment, Water, management measures. Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), Apache has prepared and published Public submissions received will be acknowledged and addressed this Draft PER for public comment. A Draft PER Executive Summary is by Apache in finalising the PER, which will be published as a also available as a stand-alone document. Supplement PER. Copies of all submissions received are forwarded The Draft PER is available for public review and comment for four to the DEWHA. XFFLT GSPNUIFEBUFPGSFMFBTFJO'FCSVBSZ1VCMJDDPNNFOU Submissions will be treated as public documents (unless otherwise on the proposal can be made to Apache. specified) and may be used in part or whole in the Supplement PER.

The finalised PER will form the basis of the Recommendation Report that the DEWHA prepares for the Minister, who will consider the Report, and other information, in the decision regarding approval of the Van Gogh development.

Invite to comment | I Lodging a Submission It is important to keep the following points in mind when lodging your submission so it can be reviewed and adequately responded to. You will need to:

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Submissions can be sent by post or email (contact details below).

:PVIBWFGPVS XFFLTGSPNUIFUJNFPGBEWFSUJTFNFOUPGUIF%SBGU PER being available in which to provide comments to Apache.

Apache Contact Details To obtain a hard or an electronic copy of this Draft PER, or to lodge your submission, please contact Apache at:

Van Gogh Oil Field Development Draft PER

Apache Energy Ltd

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Email: [email protected]

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II | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Contents

Executive Summary...... xxiii Proponents xxiii Apache xxiii Inpex xxiii Development Area xxiii Van Gogh Oil Field xxiii Apache's Environmental Performance xxiii Environmental Approvals Process xxvii EPBC Act xxvii Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act xxvii The Proposal xxvii Preferred Option xxvii Drilling xxix Installation and Commissioning xxix Production xxix Decommissioning xxx Alternatives Considered xxxi Public Consultation xxxi Existing Consultation xxxi Van Gogh Consultation xxxi Consultation Feedback xxxi Environmental Setting xxxi Physical Environment xxxii Biological Environment xxxii Socio-economic Environment xxxii Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures xxxiv Cumulative Environmental Impacts xxxix Environmental Management xlviii Conclusions xlviii

1. Introduction...... 1 1.1 OVERVIEW OF THIS DOCUMENT 1 1.1.1 Proposal Title 1 1.1.2 Proponent 1 1.1.3 Location 3 1.1.4 Defined Area and Notional Development Area 3 1.1.5 Development Objectives 6 1.1.6 Background 6 1.1.7 Summary of the Proposed Van Gogh Development 6 1.1.8 Size of the Development Footprint 10 1.1.9 Other Activities in the Exmouth Sub-basin 10 1.2 EPBC LEGISLATION 11 1.2.1 EPBC Legislative Requirements 11 1.2.2 Approvals Process 11 1.3 OTHER COMMONWEALTH APPROVALS 13 1.3.2 Offshore Pipeline Licence 13

Contents | III 1.3.3 Safety Case 13 1.3.4 Environment Plans 13 1.3.5 Oil Spill Contingency Plan 15 1.4 ENVIRONMENT CODES OF PRACTICE AND POLICIES 15 1.4.1 Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association 15 1.4.2 Greenhouse and National Pollutant Inventory 15 1.4.3 Energy Efficiencies Opportunities Act 17 1.4.4 International Agreements 17 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 17 1.5.1 Environmental Management Policy 17 1.5.2 Environmental Record 17 1.5.3 Environmental Monitoring and Management 19 1.5.4 Legal Proceedings 19

2. Project Description...... 21 2.1 PROJECT OUTLINE 21 2.1.1 Van Gogh Reservoir Details 22 Predicted Production Profile 23 2.1.2 Development Schedule 23 2.1.3 Development Costs, Income, and Taxes 24 2.1.4 Engineering and Procurement 24 2.2 DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES 24 2.2.1 Assessment of Development Alternatives 25 2.2.2 Inherent Development Constraints 27 2.2.3 Preferred Development Alternative 27 2.2.4 Design Alternatives Assessed within the Preferred Development Alternative 27 Dual-lateral Wells 27 Disconnectable Turret-mooring System 28 Double-sided Hull 28 Subsea Configuration 28 2.2.5 Project Justification 28 2.3 SUBSEA INFRASTRUCTURE 28 2.3.1 Production and Injection Wells 28 Production Wells 30 Injection Wells 30 2.3.2 Wellheads and Xmas Trees 30 2.3.3 Subsea Manifolds 30 2.3.4 Dynamic Risers and Riser Base 33 2.3.5 Flowlines and Rigid Spools 33 Production Fluid Flowlines 33 Gas Injection Flowlines 33 PFW Injection Flowlines 33 Rigid Spool 33 2.3.6 Electro-hydraulic Umbilical Line 33 2.3.7 Disconnectable Turret-mooring System 33 Anchors 34

IV | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Mooring Lines 34 DTM Buoy 34 Moonpool 34 Turret 35 2.4 FLOATING PRODUCTION, STORAGE AND OFFLOADING VESSEL 35 2.4.1 Tanker Conversion 35 2.4.2 Fluids Storage Capacity and Tank Layout 40 2.4.3 Topsides Layout 40 Accommodation and Control Block 40 Navigation and Communications 41 Central Control Room 42 Laboratory 42 Helideck 42 2.4.4 Processing and Treatment Systems 42 2.4.5 Ancillary Systems 43 Power Generation and Distribution 43 Process Systems Cooling 43 Process Systems Heating 44 Steam Generating Plant 44 Inert Gas and Cargo Venting 44 Fresh Water Production 44 Drainage 45 Chemical Injection 45 Fire and Gas Detection and Fire Fighting Systems 45 Hazardous and Non-hazardous Materials Storage 45 Putrescible Waste and Sewage Treatment 45 Waste Storage 47 2.4.6 Safety Exclusion Zone 47 2.5 DRILLING PHASE 47 2.5.1 Drilling Program 47 2.5.2 Drill Rig, Support Vessels and Safety Vessel 48 2.5.3 Drilling Process 48 2.5.4 Drilling Muds 50 2.5.5 Drill Cuttings 50 2.5.6 Exclusion Zone 51 2.5.7 Drilling Personnel 51 2.6 INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING PHASE 51 2.6.1 Installation and Commissioning Schedule 51 2.6.2 Installation Spread 52 2.6.3 Anchors and mooring lines 53 2.6.4 DTM Buoy 56 2.6.5 Subsea Manifolds 56 2.6.6 Risers, Flowlines, Umbilical and Rigid Spools 56 2.6.7 FPSO 59 2.6.8 Hook-up and Commissioning 59 2.6.9 Installation and Commissioning Personnel 59 2.7 PRODUCTION PHASE 59

Contents | V 2.7.1 Schedule 59 2.7.2 Oil Processing, PFW, Gas Treatment and Crude Storage 59 Well Fluid Reception and Distribution 59 Oil Stabilisation, Dewatering and Storage 59 PFW Treatment and Disposal 60 PFW Reinjection 61 Gas Treatment 61 Gas Lift 61 Gas Injection 61 Gas Flaring 61 Metering Systems 62 Sand Production 62 2.7.3 Offloading 62 Offloading Hawser 63 Offloading Hose 63 Offtake Tanker Pilotage 64 Offtake Support Vessel 64 2.7.4 Production Support Services 64 Land-based Support 64 Marine-based Support 64 2.7.5 Workovers, Additional Wells and Tie-ins 64 2.7.6 Cyclone Response 64 2.7.7 Production Personnel 64 2.8 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE 64 2.8.1 Plugging and Abandonment of Wells 65 2.8.2 FPSO Disconnection 65 2.9 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS 65

3. Community Consultation...... 67 3.1 BACKGROUND 67 3.2 BASIS OF THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION STRATEGY 67 3.3 APACHE’S COMMUNITY CONSULTATION STRATEGY 67 3.3.1 Identify Stakeholders 67 3.3.2 Develop Two-Way Communication with Stakeholders and Determine Stakeholder Views 67 3.4 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION IMPLEMENTATION TO DATE 67 3.4.1 Identifying Stakeholders 67 3.4.2 Developing Two-Way Communication with Stakeholders and Determining Stakeholder Views 68 Formal Consultation 68 Informal Community Consultation 68 Direct Consultation with Other Stakeholders 68 Community and Scientific Sponsorship 68 3.4.3 Consultation Tools 69 3.4.4 Consultation Activities 69 3.5 RESPONSES TO AND RESULTS OF CONSULTATION TO DATE 75 3.5.1 Identification of Stakeholder Issues 75 3.6 PROPOSED FUTURE CONSULTATION 75

VI | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 4. Description of the Environment...... 77 4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS 77 4.1.1 Geophysical and Geotechnical Survey 77 Prior Surveys 77 Current Work 77 4.1.2 Seabed Biodiversity Surveys 77 Prior Surveys 77 Current Work 77 4.1.3 Seabed Video Surveys 77 Prior Surveys 77 Current Work 77 4.1.4 Marine Megafauna 77 Prior Surveys 77 4.1.5 Underwater Noise 78 Prior Surveys 78 4.1.6 Oceanographic Modelling 78 Prior Surveys 78 Current Work 78 4.1.7 Wind and Current Recording 78 4.2 REGIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS 78 4.2.1 Threatened Species and Communities 78 Threatened and Migratory Species 78 4.2.2 Biogeography 78 4.2.3 Existing and Proposed Marine and Terrestrial Conservation Reserves 78 Ningaloo Reef and Marine Park 81 Muiron Islands Marine Management Area 81 Cape Range National Park 83 4.2.4 Current Site Disturbance 83 4.3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 84 4.3.1 Climate 84 Temperatures 84 Humidity 84 Rainfall 84 Winds 85 Cyclones 85 4.3.2 Oceanography 85 Temperatures 85 Visibility 85 Tides 85 Water Currents 85 Waves 88 Salinity 88 4.3.3 Bathymetry 88 4.3.4 Geomorphology 88 Regional Description 88 Exmouth Sub-basin 89 WA-155-P(1) Permit/Greater Vincent Field 89 4.3.5 Underwater Noise 89

Contents | VII 4.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 89 4.4.1 Regional Marine Habitats 89 Oceanic 89 Continental Slope 91 Continental Shelf 91 Reef 91 Lagoon 91 Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitats 91 Exmouth Gulf and Coastal Waters 91 4.4.2 Seabed Habitats in the Van Gogh Development Area 92 4.4.3 Plankton 92 4.4.4 Macroalgae and Seagrasses 92 4.4.5 Mangroves 92 4.4.6 Corals 94 4.4.7 Seabed Sediment Invertebrates 95 4.4.8 Sponges 95 4.4.9 Gorgonians and Soft Corals 95 4.4.10 Echinoderms 95 4.4.11 Crustaceans 99 4.4.12 Molluscs 99 4.4.13 Finfish 99 4.4.14 Sharks and Rays 99 Whale Sharks 99 Other Sharks 100 Rays and Skates 100 4.4.15 Reptiles 100 4.4.16 Seabirds 100 4.4.17 Marine Mammals 103 Dugongs 103 Dolphins 104 Whales 104 4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 105 4.5.1 Regional Overview 105 4.5.2 Social Profile 105 Demographics 105 Employment Profile 105 Housing and Accommodation 105 4.5.3 Regional Infrastructure and Social Services 112 4.5.4 Land Use 112 4.5.5 Fisheries 113 Commercial Fisheries 113 Aquaculture 113 Recreational Fisheries 113 4.5.6 Tourism 116 4.5.7 Scientific Research 118 Aerial and Vessel Surveys 118 Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre 118

VIII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Cape Range Caves and Groundwater 118 Western Australian Marine Science Institution 118 Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster 118 SERPENT 119 4.5.8 Military Use 119 4.5.9 Shipping 119 4.5.10 Oil and Gas Industry 121 4.5.11 Other Industry 121 4.5.12 Non-Indigenous Heritage, Social and Cultural Values 121 World Heritage List 121 Commonwealth Heritage List 121 Register of the National Estate and the National Heritage List 121 Historic Shipwrecks Register 122 State Register of Heritage Places 122 4.5.13 Aboriginal Heritage, Social and Cultural Values 124 Heritage 124 Native Title 124

5. Environmental Impact Assessment...... 125 5.1 OVERVIEW 125 5.1.1 Defining Environmental Significance 125 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHOD 125 5.2.1 Background 125 5.2.2 Hazard Identification Method 128 5.2.3 Determining Environmental Hazards 128 Likelihood 128 Consequences 128 Risk 128 5.3 PHYSICAL IMPACTS 128 5.3.1 Seabed Disturbance 144 Known and Potential Impacts 144 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 144 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 145 5.3.2 Artificial Habitat 145 Known and Potential Impacts 145 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 145 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 145 5.3.3 Artificial Lighting 145 Known and Potential Impacts 145 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 147 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 147 5.3.4 Underwater Noise 147 Background 147 Known and Potential Sources 148 Known and Potential Impacts 149 Summary of Known and Potential Impacts 153 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 153 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 154

Contents | IX 5.4 ROUTINE SOLID WASTES IMPACTS 154 5.4.1 Sand and Sludge 154 Known and Potential Impacts 154 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 154 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 155 5.4.2 Scale 155 Known and Potential Impacts 155 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 155 Predicted Residual Environment Risk 155 5.4.3 Food Scraps 155 Known and Potential Impacts 155 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 156 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 156 5.4.4 General Non-hazardous Solid Waste 156 Known and Potential Impacts 156 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 156 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 157 5.4.5 General Hazardous Solid Waste 157 Known and Potential Impacts 157 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 158 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 158 5.5 ROUTINE LIQUID WASTES IMPACTS 158 5.5.1 Ballast Water 159 Known and Potential Impacts 159 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 159 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 160 5.5.2 Hydrotest Water 160 Known and Potential Impacts 160 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 160 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 160 5.5.3 Produced Formation Water 160 PFW Characteristics 161 Produced Formation Water Modelling Results 163 Known and Potential Impacts 163 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 167 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 167 5.5.4 Sewage and Greywater 167 Known and Potential Impacts 167 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 168 5.5.5 Deck Drainage 168 Known and Potential Impacts 169 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 169 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 169 5.5.6 Desalination Brine 169 Known and Potential Impacts 169 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 170 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 170 5.5.7 Cooling Water 170 Known and Potential Impacts 170 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 171

X | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Predicted Residual Environment Risks 171 5.5.8 Subsea Hydraulic Control Fluids 171 Known and Potential Impacts 171 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 171 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 172 5.5.9 Anti-fouling Leachate 172 Known and Potential Impacts 172 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 173 5.6 ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS 173 5.6.1 Greenhouse Gases 174 Known and Potential Impacts 174 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 175 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 176 5.6.2 Other Combustion Products 176 Known and Potential Impacts 176 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 176 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 177 5.7 BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS 177 5.7.1 Marine Mammals 177 Discharges to the Sea 177 Underwater Noise 177 5.7.2 Turtles 178 Artificial Lighting 178 Underwater Noise 178 5.7.3 Seasnakes 178 5.7.4 Fish 178 Seabed Disturbance 178 Underwater Noise 178 Discharges to the Sea 179 5.7.5 Seabirds 179 Food Scraps 179 Artificial Lighting 179 Underwater Noise 179 5.7.6 Benthic Communities 179 Seabed Disturbance 179 Discharges to the Sea 179 5.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS 180 5.8.1 Impacts on Marine and Land Access and Use 180 Known and Potential Impacts 180 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 181 Predicted Residual Risks 181 5.8.2 Impacts on Tourism 181 Known and Potential Impacts 181 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 181 Predicted Residual Risks 181 5.8.3 Impacts on Visual Amenity 181 Known and Potential Impacts 182 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 185 Predicted Residual Risks 185

Contents | XI 5.8.4 Impacts on Shipping 185 Known and Potential Impacts 185 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 185 Predicted Residual Risks 185 5.8.5 Impacts on Fishing 185 Known and Potential Impacts 185 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 186 Predicted Residual Risks 186 5.8.6 Impacts on Other Industry and Commerce 186 Known and Potential Impacts 186 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 189 Predicted Residual Risks 189 5.8.7 Impacts to Government Revenue 189 Known and Potential Impacts 189 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 189 Predicted Residual Risks 189 5.8.8 Impacts on Community Infrastructure and Services 189 Known and Potential Impacts 189 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 189 Predicted Residual Risks 190 5.8.9 Impacts on Community Cohesion 190 Known and Potential Impacts 190 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 190 Predicted Residual Risks 190 5.8.10 Impacts on Heritage and Culture 190 Known and Potential Impacts 190 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 190 Predicted Residual Risks 191 5.9 NON-ROUTINE LIQUID WASTES IMPACTS 191 5.9.1 Chemical Spills 191 Known or Potential Impacts 191 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 191 Predicted Residual Environment Risks 191 5.9.2 Marine Hydrocarbon Spills Sources and Risk 191 General Sources 191 Tankers and FPSOs 191 Risk 192 5.9.3 Leak Frequency Assessment 192 Topsides 192 Subsea 193 5.9.4 Summary of Environmental Risk of Hydrocarbon Spills 194 5.9.5 Properties of Van Gogh Oil and Diesel 195 Van Gogh Oil 195 Van Gogh Oil Weathering 197 Diesel Fuel 198 5.9.6 Van Gogh Oil Dispersant Study 198 Oil Dispersant Chemistry 198 Dispersant Testing Method 199 Dispersant Testing Results 199 5.9.7 Hydrodynamic Model for Exmouth Region 199

XII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Bathymetric Grids 200 Tidal Data 201 Meteorological Forcing 201 Ocean Currents 201 Winds 202 Hydrodynamic Model Validation 202 5.9.8 Oil & Diesel Spill Modelling Method 203 Modelling Criteria 203 Oil Spill Modelling Scenarios 203 Application of Dispersants to Crude Oil Spills 203 Defining a Threshold Concentration 205 Stochastic (Probability of Impact) Analysis 205 Realistic Probability Analysis 205 5.9.9 Oil Spill Fate and Trajectory Modelling Results 205 Surface Diesel Spills 206 Surface and Subsea Crude Oil Spills 207 Worst-case Oil Spill 207 Dispersant Effects 208 Summary of Modelling Results 208 5.9.10 Known or Potential Biodiversity Impacts Associated with Hydrocarbon Spills 222 Toxicity and Bioavailability 222 Physical Effects 222 Summary of Oil Impacts on Biodiversity 226 5.9.11 Mitigation and Management Measures for Hydrocarbon Spills 226 Content of Oil Spill Contingency Plan 228 Oil Spill Response Resources 228 Exercises and Plan Maintenance 230 Outline of Response 230 Refuelling Spills 230 5.9.12 Predicted Residual Environmental Risk of an Oil Spill 231 5.9.13 Socio-economic Impacts of Oil Spills 231

6. Cumulative Impact Assessment ...... 233 6.1 INTRODUCTION 233 6.1.1 Background 233 6.1.2 Definitions 233 6.1.3 Scope of the Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment 233 6.1.4 Method 234 6.2 PHYSICAL PRESENCE 234 6.2.1 Surface and Subsea Footprints 234 Potential Cumulative Impacts 234 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 236 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 236 6.2.2 Introduction of Marine Pests 236 Potential Cumulative Impacts 236 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 236 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 236 6.3 ARTIFICIAL LIGHT 236 6.3.1 Potential Cumulative Impacts 236

Contents | XIII 6.3.2 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 237 6.3.3 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 237 6.4 NOISE 237 6.4.1 FPSOs 237 Potential Cumulative Impacts 237 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 237 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 239 6.4.2 Helicopters 239 6.4.3 Offtake Tankers and Supply Vessels 239 6.5 LIQUID DISCHARGES 239 6.5.1 Ballast Water 239 6.5.2 Cooling Water 239 Potential Cumulative Impacts 239 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 239 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 239 6.5.3 Deck Drainage 239 Potential Cumulative Impacts 239 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 239 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 240 6.5.4 Desalination Brine 240 Potential Cumulative Impacts 240 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 240 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 240 6.5.5 Hydrotest Water 240 Potential Cumulative Impacts 240 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 240 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 240 6.5.6 PFW Discharge 240 Potential Cumulative Impacts 240 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 240 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 240 6.5.7 Sewage and Greywater 241 Potential Cumulative Impacts 241 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 241 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 241 6.5.8 Subsea Hydraulic Control Fluids 241 Potential Cumulative Impacts 241 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 241 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 241 6.6 SOLID DISCHARGES 241 6.6.1 Potential Cumulative Impacts 241 6.6.2 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 242 6.6.3 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 242 6.7 AIR EMISSIONS 242 6.7.1 Greenhouse Gases 242 Potential Cumulative Impacts 242 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 242 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 242

XIV | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 6.7.2 Other Combustion Products 243 Potential Cumulative Impacts 243 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 243 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 243 6.8 OIL SPILLS 243 6.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS 247 6.9.1 Marine and Land Access and Use 247 Potential Cumulative Impacts 247 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 254 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 254 6.9.2 Tourism 254 6.9.3 Visual Amenity 254 Potential Cumulative Impacts 254 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 254 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 254 6.9.4 Shipping 256 Potential Cumulative Impacts 256 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 256 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 256 6.9.5 Fishing 256 Potential Cumulative Impacts 256 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 256 Predicted Residual Risks 256 6.9.6 Other Industry and Commerce 256 Potential Cumulative Impacts 256 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 258 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 258 6.9.7 Government Revenue 258 Potential Cumulative Impacts 258 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 258 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 258 6.9.8 Community Infrastructure and Services 258 Potential Cumulative Impacts 258 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 258 Predicted Residual Risks 258 6.9.9 Community Cohesion 259 Potential Cumulative Impacts 259 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 259 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 259 6.9.10 Heritage and Culture 259 Potential Cumulative Impacts 259 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 259 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact 259 6.10 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 259

7. Environmental Management Framework...... 263 7.1 INTRODUCTION 263 7.2 COMMITMENT AND POLICY 263 7.3 PLANNING 263

Contents | XV 7.3.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts 263 7.3.2 Legal Requirements 263 7.3.3 Performance Standards, Objectives and Targets 264 7.4 IMPLEMENTATION 264 7.4.1 Roles and Responsibilities 264 7.4.2 Environmental Education 264 7.4.3 Communication 264 External Communication 264 Internal Communication 267 7.4.4 Recording and Reporting 267 Internal Incident Recording and Reporting 267 External Incident Recording and Reporting 267 External Compliance Recording and Reporting 268 7.4.5 Incident Investigation 268 7.4.6 Documentation 268 7.4.7 Emergency Preparedness and Response 268 7.5 CHECKING 269 7.5.1 Monitoring and Measurement 269 Systems and Procedures Monitoring 269 Activities Monitoring 270 Receiving Environment Monitoring 270 7.5.2 Evaluation of Compliance 270 7.5.3 Non-conformity, Corrective and Preventative Action 270 7.6 MANAGEMENT REVIEW 270

8. Conclusions...... 273 8.1 COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 273 8.2 COMPLIANCE WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF THE EPBC ACT 273 8.3 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MANNER PROPOSED 273 8.3.1 Marine Environment 273 8.3.2 Socio-economic Environment 274

9. Bibliography ...... 275 9.1 STUDY TEAM 275 9.2 CONSULTANTS 275 9.3 TECHNICAL REVIEWS 275 9.4 BIBLIOGRAPHY 276

10. Glossary and Acronyms...... 287

XVI | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Appendices ...... 299 Appendix 1 Guidelines for the content of a Public Environment Report on the 301 Development of the Van Gogh Petroleum Field in WA-155-P(1) Appendix 2 Cross reference to PER guideline requirements 319 Appendix 3 Existing consultation programs in the region 325 Appendix 4 Advertisements in Exmouth media for participation in Stakeholder Consultation Group 327 Appendix 5 Development Newsletters 331 Appendix 6 Drill Rig Environmental Poster 337

Figures Figure 1.1 Location of the proposed Van Gogh development 2 Figure 1.2 Apache permits in Australian waters 4 Figure 1.3 Apache facilities on the North West Shelf 5 Figure 1.4 Van Gogh field, showing wells already drilled 7 Figure 1.5 Schematic of the proposed Van Gogh development 9 Figure 1.6 Existing and proposed petroleum developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin 12 Figure 1.7 Commonwealth EPBC approvals process for the proposed Van Gogh development 14 Figure 2.1 Predicted production profile for the proposed Van Gogh development 23 Figure 2.2 Indicative schedule for the proposed Van Gogh development 24 Figure 2.3 A typical cross section of a dual-lateral well 29 Figure 2.4 Plan view of the subsea infrastructure 31 Figure 2.5 The plan view layout of the production wells, PFW injection wells and gas injection well 32 Figure 2.6 Cross-section of the electro-hydaulic umbilical line 35 Figure 2.7 Cross-section of the DTM buoy, moonpool and turret 36 Figure 2.8 Schematic of the FPSO mooring system 38 Figure 2.9 General arrangement of the FPSO (plan and profile views) and fluids storage tank locations 39 Figure 2.10 FPSO drainage systems schematic 46 Figure 2.11 Location of drill centres 1 and 2 and the proposed anchor spreads for the drill rig 49 Figure 2.12 Three-dimensional view of the drill paths 51 Figure 2.13 A typical drill profile for the Van Gogh wells 52 Figure 2.14 Schematic of the treatment processes for water-based mud 54 Figure 2.15 Proposed schedule for the installation and commissioning phase 55 Figure 2.16 Wells drilled & xmas trees installed by drill rig 57 Figure 2.17 DPDSV installs 9 anchors and chains and tensions them 57 Figure 2.18 DTM buoy towed to site and connected to anchor chains 57 Figure 2.19 Manifolds transferred from the HLV to DPDSV and installed on the seabed 57 Figure 2.20 Risers and riser bases installed 57 Figure 2.21 Flowlines and electro-hydraulic umbilical line installed and connected 57 Figure 2.22 Rigid spools installed between manifolds and xmas trees 58 Figure 2.23 Sub-sea system leak tested and function tested 58 Figure 2.24 FPSO connected to DTM buoy, with commencement of commissioning in readiness 58 to commence full production Figure 2.25 Processing and treatment systems schematic 60 Figure 2.26 Offloading system 63 Figure 4.1 Location of Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area 82 Figure 4.2 Muiron Islands marine habitats 83 Figure 4.3 Climate of Exmouth region 84 Figure 4.4 Wind roses for the WA-155-P(1) area 86 Figure 4.5 Water current roses for WA-155-P(1) area 87 Figure 4.6 Coastal habitats of the Exmouth region 90

Contents | XVII Figure 4.7 Seabed characteristics in the Van Gogh development area 93 Figure 4.8 Whale shark sightings from aerial surveys (2000 to 2002) and recorded by boat tour operators (1996) 101 Figure 4.9 Turtle sightings from aerial surveys (2000 to 2002) 101 Figure 4.10 Assumed north and southbound migratory paths of humpback whales between 106 Exmouth Gulf and the Dampier Archipelago Figure 4.11 Humpback whale sightings during the northern migration period (2000/2001) 107 Figure 4.12 Humpback whale sightings during the northern migration period (2004) 107 Figure 4.13 Humpback whale sightings during the southern migration period (2000/2001) 108 Figure 4.14 Humpback whale sightings during the southern migration period (2004) 108 Figure 4.15 Humpback whale sightings during the transition migration period (2000/2001) 109 Figure 4.16 Humpback whale sightings during the transition migration period (2004) 109 Figure 4.17 Demographic profile of the Shire of Exmouth from 1996 to 2006 110 Figure 4.18 Employment sectors for the Shire of Exmouth 110 Figure 4.19 Commercial fisheries in and around the Van Gogh development area 115 Figure 4.20 Shipping patterns on the North West Shelf from 2002 to 2006 120 Figure 5.1 Hazard identification process 129 Figure 5.2 Australian greenhouse gas emissions estimates by economic classification, 2005 174 Figure 5.3 Calculated greenhouse gas emissions from the Van Gogh FPSO for Year 1 production 175 Figure 5.4 Effect of the Earth's cuvature on FPSO visibility 183 Figure 5.5 Areas with line of sight to FPSO deck operational lighting only 184 Figure 5.6 Areas with line of sight to FPSO flare 184 Figure 5.7 Skywest seat availability on flights to Exmouth between March and September 2007 188 Figure 5.8 Leak frequencies from each subsea system 194 Figure 5.9 Natural weathering of fresh Theo-1 crude oil under summer and winter conditions 198 Figure 5.10 Dispersant efficiency on Theo-1 crude oil – summer and winter weathering simulations over 10 days 200 Figure 5.11 Dispersant efficiency on fresh Theo-1 crude – summer and winter weathering 201 Figure 5.12 Polar wind diagrams for the four seasonal groupings for the Van Gogh development area 204 Figure 5.13 Frequency and duration of northerly winds (325 to 045 degrees) blowing continuously 206 above 7.5 m/s in the Exmouth region Figure 5.14 Impact probability contours for a 10 m3 diesel surface spill during June to July, no intervention 209 Figure 5.15 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 diesel surface spill during June to July, no intervention 210 Figure 5.16 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil surface spill 211 during January to February, no intervention Figure 5.17 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil surface spill during March to May, no intervention 212 Figure 5.18 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil surface spill during June to July, no intervention 213 Figure 5.19 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil subsea leak during 214 January to February, no intervention Figure 5.20 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil subsea leak during March to May, no intervention 215 Figure 5.21 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil subsea leak during June to July, no intervention 216 Figure 5.22 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface spill during 217 January to February, no intervention Figure 5.23 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface leak during March to May, no intervention 218 Figure 5.24 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface spill during June to July, no intervention 219 Figure 5.25 Concentrations for a worst-case spill scenario of 1,000 m3 of crude oil at surface during 221 June to July with no intervention Figure 6.1 Location of all the FPSOs and boundary of cumulative impact assessment area 235 Figure 6.2 Predicted combined underwater noise from the five FPSOs under calm ambient noise 238 conditions (95 dB re1μPa) Figure 6.3 Predicted combined underwater noise from the five FPSOs under moderate ambient 238 noise conditions (100 dB re1μPa) Figure 6.4 Greenhouse gas emissions from the five FPSOs, based on national emissions for 2005 242 Figure 6.5 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 244 in January to February with no intervention

XVIII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.6 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 245 in March to May with no intervention Figure 6.7 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 246 in June to July with no intervention Figure 6.8 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 subsea oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 248 in January to February with no intervention Figure 6.9 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 subsea oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 249 in March to May with no intervention Figure 6.10 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 subsea oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 250 in June to July with no intervention Figure 6.11 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 1,000 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 251 in January to February with no intervention Figure 6.12 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 1,000 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 252 in March to May with no intervention Figure 6.13 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 1,000 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs 253 in June to July with no intervention Figure 6.14 Areas with line of sight to all FPSOs - operational lighting only 255 Figure 6.15 Areas with line of sight to all FPSOs - flare lighting and operational lighting 255 Figure 6.16 Safety exclusion zones and cautionary zones around each FPSO 257 Figure 7.1 Apache’s environmental management framework 263 Figure 7.2 External enviromental incident recording and reporting framework 269

Tables Table 1.1 Structure of this Draft PER 1 Table 1.2 Geographic coordinates of the Van Gogh oil pool within WA-155-P(1) 6 Table 1.3 Locations of the major infrastructure associated with the proposed Van Gogh development 10 Table 1.4 Existing and proposed petroleum developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin 11 Table 2.1 Equipment suppliers 25 Table 2.2 Assessment of development alternatives 25 Table 2.3 Functions of the chemical injection fluids in the electro-hydraulic umbilical line 34 Table 2.4 DTM system connection and disconnection capabilities 37 Table 2.5 Total fluids storage capacity of the Van Gogh FPSO 41 Table 2.6 Total fluids storage capacity of the FPSO 42 Table 2.7 FPSO Cooling Systems 44 Table 2.8 Subsea and topsides chemical injection and storage requirements 46 Table 2.9 Storage requirements of hazardous and non-hazardous materials 47 Table 2.10 Van Gogh drilling program summary 49 Table 2.11 Van Gogh wells to be drilled at each drill centre 50 Table 2.12 Water-based mud systems and additives proposed for use in the Van Gogh drilling program 53 Table 3.1 Van Gogh SCG members (listed alphabetically) 68 Table 3.2 Statistics on the use of the Van Gogh website 69 Table 3.3 Summary of formal and informal consultation activities to November 2007 71 Table 3.3 Stakeholder issues raised to November 2007 75 Table 4.1 Database of fauna listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that may occur 79 in the vicinity of the Van Gogh development Table 4.2 IMCRA bioregional classification of the Van Gogh development area and surrounds 81 Table 4.3 Summary of marine turtle species ecology 102 Table 4.4 Seabirds known to occur in the North West Cape region and the months in which they breed 103 Table 4.5 Known regional seabird breeding sites 104 Table 4.6 Demographic profile of the Shire of Exmouth from 1996 to 2006 111 Table 4.7 Housing and accommodation profile for the Shire of Exmouth from 1996 to 2006 111 Table 4.8 Infrastructure and social services of the Shire of Exmouth 112

Contents | XIX Table 4.9 Commercial fisheries in and around the Van Gogh development area 114 Table 4.10 2005 and 2006 two-year average for visitors to the Shire of Exmouth 116 Table 4.11 Tourism trends for the Shire of Exmouth from 2002/03 to 2005/06 117 Table 4.12 Summary of non-indigenous heritage values around the North West Cape 122 Table 4.13 Shipwrecks in the vicinity of the North West Cape and Exmouth Gulf 123 Table 4.14 Places database for the Shire of Exmouth 124 Table 5.1 Comparison of the proposed Van Gogh development to other FPSO developments 126 in the Exmouth Sub-basin Table 5.2 Apache's environmental risk ranking matrix 129 Table 5.3 Guidance for determining the likelihood of a hazard occurring 130 Table 5.4 Guidance for determining environmental consequence 130 Table 5.5 Number of items assessed during the HAZID workshop 130 Table 5.6 Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development 131 Table 5.7 Area of seabed subject to direct physical disturbance during installation and production 144 Table 5.8 Modelled distance of audibility above background underwater noise levels for the Pyrenees FPSO 149 Table 5.9 Comparisons of various underwater sound intensities and pressures (dB re 1 μPa) at one metre from source 150 Table 5.10 Current recycling treatment pathways for wastes generated on the North West Shelf 158 Table 5.11 Current recycling treatment pathways for hazardous wastes generated on the North West Shelf 158 Table 5.12 Average produced formation water quality parameters for Barrow, 161 Dampier and Exmouth sub-basin oil fields Table 5.13 Typical range of dosage and discharge concentrations for process chemicals 162 Table 5.14 Reported PFW acute toxicity concentrations 163 Table 5.15 Estimated daily discharge of treated sewage and greywater 168 Table 5.16 Results of ecotoxicity testing on Australian marine species for Castrol Transaqua HT2 171 Table 5.17 Concentrations of active anti-fouling additives in paints, their rate of leaching and their range of toxicity 173 Table 5.18 Global warming potential of the six main greenhouse gases relative to CO2 (over 100 year time horizon) 174 Table 5.19 Calculated Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Year 1 Production (Tonnes per year) from the Van Gogh FPSO 175 Table 5.20 Potential visual amenity impacts of the Van Gogh development 183 Table 5.21 Sources of marine oil pollution 191 Table 5.22 Primary risk of oil spill and Apache risk ranking for the Van Gogh development 192 Table 5.23 Summary of the topsides total leak frequency by system and leak size 192 Table 5.24 Potential topsides and cargo oil releases to sea ranked by leak frequency 193 Table 5.25 Potential subsea oil releases to sea ranked by leak frequency 194 Table 5.26 Oil classification categories 196 Table 5.27 Fresh oil properties for Theo-1 (from the Van Gogh field) 196 Table 5.28 Average weather conditions used for weathering tests of Theo-1 crude oil 197 Table 5.29 Change in Theo-1 crude oil physical and chemical properties after weathering 197 Table 5.30 Dispersant efficiency on Theo-1 crude oil – summer and winter weathering simulations over 10 days 200 Table 5.31 Wind seasons for the Van Gogh development area 202 Table 5.32 Summary of oil and diesel spill scenarios for the Van Gogh development 203 Table 5.35 Summary of diesel and crude oil spill fate and trajectory results 208 Table 5.36 Summary of the impacts of spilled oil on biodiversity 227 Table 5.37 Triggers for determining Oil Spill Response Tier 229 Table 5.38 Summary of predicted residual environmental risks from a hydrocarbon spill from the Van Gogh FPSO 230 Table 6.1 Proposals in the Exmouth region not considered in the cumulative environmental impact statement 234 Table 6.2 Distances (km) between each of the FPSOs in the cumulative impact assessment area 234 Table 6.3 Calculated mean range and ensonified areas for broadband noise levels 237 Table 6.4 Summary of the cumulative impacts of five FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin 260 Table 7.1 Van Gogh development key environmental performance objectives, standards and targets 265 Table 7.2 Environmental roles and responsibilities for the Van Gogh development 266 Table 7.3 Vessel integrity survey frequencies under statutory and classification survey certification requirements 271 Table 7.4 Environmental monitoring and reporting summary for the proposed Van Gogh development 271

XX | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Plates Plate 2.1 The Stena Clyde semi-submersible drill rig 21 Plate 2.2 Model of Van Gogh FPSO 22 Plate 2.3 An existing FPSO similar in design to the one being proposed for the Van Gogh development 22 Plate 2.4 The MT Kudam oil tanker prior to its conversion to the Van Gogh FPSO 37 Plate 2.5 The Toisa Proteus dynamically positioned dive-support vessel 55 Plate 3.1 Apache’s Van Gogh display at the 2007 Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival in Exmouth 70 Plate 3.2 Apache’s sponsorship of the 2007 Ningaloo Whale shark Festival 70 Plate 3.3 Exmouth residents reading Apache’s Van Gogh brochure at the launch of the 2007 70 Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival Plate 3.4 Launch of the Exmouth Sea Search & Rescue Vessel, the Ningaloo Endeavour 70 Plate 3.5 The first Van Gogh SCG meeting held in Exmouth at the Novotel Ningaloo Resort 70 Plate 3.6 The first Van Gogh SCG meeting held in Perth at the Art Gallery of WA 70 Plate 4.1 Aerial view of Ningaloo Reef 91 Plate 4.2 Seabed grab samples obtained at the FPSO’s proposed anchor mooring 94 and production manifold locations Plate 4.3a Eel, possibly Nettastomatidae (Witch eel) 96 Plate 4.3b Unidentified fish and seabed with large burrows (ROV umbilical visible) 96 Plate 4.3c Sea urchin, possibly Phormosoma bursarium 96 Plate 4.3d Unidentified sea anemone (ROV umbilical visible) 96 Plate 4.3e Unidentifeid decapod crustacean making a depression in the seabed 96 Plate 4.3f Fish, possibly family Chaumaccidae 96 Plate 4.3g Unidentified fish and rippled seabed 97 Plate 4.3h Seabed with marked depression and bioturbation mound 97 Plate 4.3i Unidentified ray 97 Plate 4.3j Seabed with sand ripples 97 Plate 4.3k Unidentified shark with numerous crinoid echinoderms in the seabed 97 Plate 4.3l Bug, Ibacus sp. 97 Plate 4.3m Fish, possibly family Chaumaccidae 98 Plate 4.3n Unidentified Anthozoan cnidarian (sea pen) 98 Plate 4.3o Unidentified organism 98 Plate 4.3q Unidentified Anthozoan cnidarian in the seabed 98 Plate 4.3p Unidentified Anthozoan cnidarian (soft coral)(ROV umbilical visible) 98 Plate 4.3r Unidentified Anthozoan cnidarian (sea whip) 98 Plate 4.4 A whale shark observed from Apache’s Stag oil production platform 99 Plate 4.5 Manta ray 100 Plate 4.6 Green turtle 102 Plate 4.7 A humpback whale observed from Apache’s Stag oil production platform 104 Plate 4.8 Vlamingh Head lighthouse and Vlamingh Head beach at the base of the lighthouse 113 Plate 4.9 The arrays of communication tower Harold E. Holt Naval Communications Station as seen 113 from the Vlamingh Head lighthouse Plate 4.10 Part of the Exmouth Marina with part of the Novotel Ningaloo Resort in the background 113 Plate 4.11 Tantabiddi boat ramp, with the extensive carpark indicating its heavy use 113 Plate 4.12 Cape Range National Park seen from the air, with limestone formations and gorges obvious 113 Plate 4.13 Shot Hole Canyon, part of the Cape Range National Park 113 Plate 4.14 Prawn trawling vessels at Exmouth Marina 116 Plate 4.15 The SS Mildura shipwreck, located at the tip of the North West Cape 124 Plate 5.1 Waste skip bins on the deck of Apache's Dampier Spirit FSO 156 Plate 5.2 A paper and cardboard compactor on the Ensco 67 jack-up drill rig (top) and an 'elephant foot' paper, 157 cardboard and plastics compactor on Apache's Dampier Spirit FSO Plate 5.3 Example of main deck coaming (top) and chemical storage within a bunded area (bottom) 169 Plate 5.4 View of Exmouth Gulf from the Charles Knife Road within the Cape Range National Park (view east) 182

Contents | XXI Plate 5.5 Woodside's Enfield Nganhurra FPSO visible from the Vlamingh Head lighthouse carpark 182 as a faint object on the horizon on a clear day (view northwest) Plate 5.6 Binoculars at the Vlamingh Head lighthouse carpark 183

Boxes Box 1 Apache’s Environmental Management Policy 1

XXII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Executive Summary ES

This Executive Summary presents a concise overview of the Van Indonesia and Australia represents Inpex’s core areas of exploration Gogh Oil Field Development Public Environment Report (PER). It has and production of oil and gas, but it also has exploration and been designed to be read on a stand-alone basis, and contains no production interests in the Joint Petroleum Development Area in the new information compared with the main text of the PER. Timor Sea, Middle East, Africa, North America, South America, and countries of the Caspian Sea. Introduction Inpex has interests in several exploration permits and production Apache Northwest Pty Ltd (Apache), on behalf of the Van Gogh licences in offshore Australian waters, including the Exmouth Sub- joint venture participants, is proposing to develop the Van Gogh basin and Browse Basin in Western Australia, the Gippsland and oil field off the Exmouth coast, referred to as the Van Gogh Oil Field Otway basins in Victoria, and the Sorell Basin in Tasmania. Development (or "the Van Gogh development or "the development"). The development is located in Commonwealth waters within Development Area exploration permit WA-155-P(1)(Figure 1). The proposed development is located within a 'Defined Area' of the WA-155-P(1) exploration permit area (see Figure 1) as a result of BHP Proponents Billiton divesting the Van Gogh oil pool to Apache and Inpex from the Apache rest of the WA-155-P(1) permit area.

"QBDIF$PSQPSBUJPOXBTGPSNFEJOJO.JOOFBQPMJT .JOOFTPUB Two areas have been nominated for the purposes of approval of the U.S.A. It is an international company with exploration acreage and development. These include: operations in the U.S.A, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, r 5IF%FñOFE"SFBPGFYQMPSBUJPOQFSNJU8"1 XIFSFUIF Eygpt and Argentina, and is traded on the New York and Chicago Van Gogh subsea infrastructure will be installed to recover the oil stock exchanges. Apache Corporation has become one of the largest reserves from the Van Gogh oil field. independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in UIFXPSME XJUI64CJMMJPO "6%CJMMJPO JOBTTFUT r "/PUJPOBM%FWFMPQNFOU"SFBFODPNQBTTJOHBLNSBEJVT around the Van Gogh pool. In Australia, Apache Northwest Pty. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Apache Energy Limited, an Australian operating subsidiary of Apache The Notional Development area has been proposed for the possible Corporation. Apache has had a presence on Western Australia's inclusion of any additional discoveries within this area being tied- North West Shelf since 1991 when it purchased an interest in Airlie back to the Van Gogh FPSO, should they prove to be economically Island, and then in 1993 aquired operation of the Harriet field and feasible. the Varanus Island gas plant and oil storage facility from Hudson Energy Resources. Since then, 19 other oil and gas fields have been Van Gogh Oil Field developed and tied into the Varanus Island infrastructure. The Van Gogh field lies north of and within the greater Vincent 0OUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMG "QBDIFDVSSFOUMZPQFSBUFTPJMBOEHBT field that was discovered by the drilling of Vincent-1 to the south of platforms/monopods, two subsea developments, two gas plants, an oil 1SPEVDUJPO-JDFODF8"-CZ8PPETJEF&OFSHZ-UE 8PPETJEF JO storage and marine oil export terminal and two sales gas pipelines to the "GVSUIFSXFMM 7JODFOUXBTBMTPESJMMFECZ8PPETJEFJOUIF Western Australia Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline, providing southern part of the Vincent field in 1999. PG8"hT EPNFTUJD HBT SFRVJSFNFOUT PWFS UFSBKPVMFTEBZ The Van Gogh-1 well was drilled by BHP Billiton in 2003. After the (Figure 2). divestment by BHP Billiton of the Defined Area to Apache and Inpex, In 2007, Apache is the major holder of petroleum exploration permits UIF5IFPXFMMXBTESJMMFECZ"QBDIFJOFBSMZUPDPOñSNUIF on the North West Shelf (Figure 3), and the most active offshore driller presence and depths of hydrocarbon contacts. in Australia. Apache currently holds 59 offshore permits in Australian Although the Van Gogh and Vincent hydrocarbon pools are waters. In addition to Apache's interests on the North West Shelf, it is considered to be within the same greater structure, they have also the largest holder of exploration permits in the Gippsland Basin different contacts to each other andare separated by a stratigraphic in the offshore waters of eastern Victoria. barrier. It is likely that part of the Van Gogh oil pool extends across Inpex the permit boundaries.

In Australia, Inpex Corporation (Inpex) operates through its subsidiaries including Inpex Alpha Ltd. Inpex is a Japanese oil and Apache's Environmental Performance HBT DPNQBOZ FTUBCMJTIFE JO XJUI JUT IFBERVBSUFST JO 5PLZP Apache’s Environmental Management Policy provides broad Japan. Its main aim is to ensure the stable and efficient supply of guidelines for the environmental responsibilities of all company energy to Japan. personnel and the conduct of company activities.

Executive Summary | XXIII Figure 1 Location of the proposed Van Gogh development

XXIV | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Apache facilities on the North West Shelf West Apache facilities on the North Figure 2 Figure

Executive Summary | XXV Apache permits in Australian waters waters Apache permits in Australian Figure 3 Figure

XXVI | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Apache has a proud record of operating in the environmentally (DEWHA) (formerly the DEW), for their assessment. The DEWHA sensitive shallow waters of the North West Shelf since it began will then prepare a recommendation report and forward this to the operations in 1993, working successfully among and adjacent Minister for a decision. to nature reserves, Marine Conservation Reserves and Marine Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act Management Areas. Part 2 of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Apache has been recognised for its efforts in protecting Environment) Regulations 1999 specifies that the operator of a environmentally sensitive areas by being the recipient of numerous petroleum activity must not carry out a petroleum activity unless State and National environmental awards, such as its Simpson and there is an accepted Environment Plan (EP) in force for the activity. Victoria/Double Island oil developments, all located in diverse The DoIR assesses and approves EPs as the Designated Authority to shallow water environments. the DRET.

Environmental Approvals Process For the Van Gogh Field Development, separate EPs will be submitted for: EPBC Act r %SJMMJOH BMSFBEZTVCNJUUFEBOEBQQSPWFE This Draft PER has been prepared in accordance with the Environment r *OTUBMMBUJPO Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and its associated schedules. r 0QFSBUJPO In addition to the EPs, other P(SL)A approvals that Apache has applied The drilling component of the project has been assessed and for are: approved under the Commonwealth Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 (PSLA) by the WA Department of Industry and Resources r 4BGFUZ$BTF (DoIR), acting as the Designated Authority for the Commonwealth r 1SPEVDUJPOMJDFODF GPSPíTIPSFGBDJMJUJFT Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET). r 1JQFMJOFMJDFODF TVCTFBóPXMJOFT Apache submitted an EPBC Referral to the then Commonwealth Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEW), on 3 The Proposal January 2007 for the construction and operation of the Van Gogh Apache intends to develop the Van Gogh field to full production, development, excluding drilling (Ref: 2007/3213). The DEW deemed with first oil scheduled for March 2009. The development has an the proposal to be a "controlled action" on 15 January 2007. The expected commercial life of between 12 and 15 years, which would controlling provisions for the proposal, as outlined in Part 3, Division be extended should any additional nearby commercially feasible 1 of the EPBC Act, are: fields within the Notional Development Area be tied back to the development. r -JTUFEUISFBUFOFETQFDJFTBOEDPNNVOJUJFT 4FDUJPOTBOE" r -JTUFENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT 4FDUJPOTBOE" The proposed action, as defined under the EPBC Act, is to undertake construction activities associated with the installation and r 5IF$PNNPOXFBMUINBSJOFFOWJSPONFOU 4FDUJPOTBOE" commissioning of subsea well infrastructure and the connection of The determination as a "controlled action" triggers the assessment of that infrastructure to and operation of a floating production, storage the development by a higher level of documentation. and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which will be used to recover, process Apache submitted a Preliminary Information document to the DEW in and export oil from the Van Gogh oil pool (Figure 4). February 2007. This document provided additional information about The environmental assessment of the proposal under the EPBC the development not contained within the referral and was designed Act includes the installation and commisioning, production to provide the DEW with enough information to determine what and decommissioning activities but does not include drilling level of environmental assessment the project should be assessed the production wells as these are subject to separate state and at. In May 2007, the DEW determined that the level of environmental Commonwealth environmental approval processes. However, for assessment for the Van Gogh development would be a PER. completeness, a brief description of the drilling activities is provided Draft Guidelines for the Draft PER were prepared by the DEW and in the Draft PER. published in May 2007. They were available for public comment and then finalised in June 2007. Preferred Option The Draft PER has been made widely available for public comment All infrastructure other than the FPSO will be located subsea. For ease for a period of 20 business daZT XFFLT GSPNUIFEBUFPGSFMFBTF of describing the proposed development, it can be divided into four Apache is required to address any submissions received during NBJO QIBTFT ESJMMJOH JOTUBMMBUJPO BOE DPNNJTTJPOJOH QSPEVDUJPO the public review period and submit a Supplement PER to the and decommissioning. These development phases are summarised Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts below. The development schedule is presented in Figure 5.

Executive Summary | XXVII Schematic of the proposed Van Gogh development Van Schematic of the proposed Figure 4 Figure

XXVIII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5 Van Gogh Field Development schedule

2006 2007 2008 2009

DC-A DRILLING DC-B FEED Subsea Engineering & Planning

Manufacture of Flowlines and Risers

Manufacture of Manifolds & Controls Installation SUBSEA EQUIPMENT Manufacture of Umbilicals & Subsea Equipment

Detailed Engineering Vessel Upgrade Integration Commission Hook Up FPSO

FIRST OIL TARGET

GPm9850

Drilling r *OTUBMMation of a flexible gas injection flowline between the two manifolds and a dynamic gas riser connected to the DTM buoy Drilling is proposed to commence in December 2007 and be DPNQMFUFECZ4FQUFNCFS*UXJMM (for supplying gas lift to the production wells and for excess gas reinjection). r 5BLFQMBDFGSPNUXPESJMMDFOUSFT %$"BOE%$# r *OTUBMMBUJPOPGBóFYJCMFXBUFSóPXMJOFCFUXFFOTVCTFBNBOJGPME r $PNQSJTFQSPEVDUJPOXFMMT OJOFEVBMMBUFSBMXFMMTBOEPOF single well). 1 and a dynamic water riser connected to the DTM buoy (for reinjection of produced formation water). r $POTJTUPGQSPEVDUJPOXFMMTXJUIMPOHIPSJ[POUBMTFDUJPOT (1,500 m) to ensure adequate reservoir drainage in order to r *OTUBMMBUJPOPGBOFMFDUSPIZESBVMJDVNCJMJDBM &)6 DBSSZJOH maximise oil recovery. electricity, chemicals and hydraulic fluid to the two subsea r )BWFUXPXBUFSJOKFDUJPOXFMMTGPSSFJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFE manifolds via the DTM buoy. formation water (PFW) below the seabed. r $POOFDUJPOPGUIFGPVSEZOBNJDSJTFSTGSPNUIFSJTFSCBTFTUPUIF r )BWFPOFHBTJOKFDUJPOXFMMGPSUIFSFJOKFDUJPOPGFYDFTTOBUVSBMHBT bottom of the DTM buoy. back into the reservoir. r $POOFDUJPOPGUIF'140UPUIF%5. r *OWPMWFUIFJOTUBMMBUJPOPGXFMMIFBETBOEYNBTUSFFT r $PMEBOEIPUDPNNJTTJPOJOHPGUIFNPPSJOHTZTUFN TVCTFB Installation and Commissioning equipment and FPSO. Installation and commissioning is proposed to commence in 4FQUFNCFSBOECFDPNQMFUFECZ.BSDI*UXJMMJOWPMWF Production r *OTUBMMBUJPOPGUIF'140TNPPSJOHTZTUFN DPOTJTUJOHPGUISFF First oil production is scheduled to take place in March 2009, and mooring locations with three anchors located at each CBTFEPOBQSPKFDUMJGFPGZFBST DPOUJOVFUISPVHIUP mooring location. It will involve: r *OTUBMMBUJPOPGBEJTDPOOFDUBCMFUVSSFUNPPSJOH %5. CVPZXIJDI will connect to the FPSO. r %FTJHOJOHUIFTVCTFBBOEXFMMGBDJMJUJFTGPSBZFBSMJGF r *OTUBMMBUJPOPGUXPTVCTFBNBOJGPMET PWFSUIFUXPESJMMDFOUSFT UP r (BUIFSJOHQSPEVDUJPOóVJETBOEBTTPDJBUFEHBTGSPNUIF control the production wells. production wells via the two subsea manifolds, into dual 250 mm (10 inch) corrosion resistant alloy flexible production flowlines and r $POOFDUJPOPGBMMUIFQSPEVDUJPOXFMMIFBETUPUIFNBOJGPMETWJBB number of rigid spools. their associated dynamic risers to the FPSO. r *OTUBMMBUJPOPGUXPóFYJCMFQSPEVDUJPOóPXMJOFT POUIFTFBCFE r -JGUHBT OBUVSBMHBTUIBUIBTCFFOESJFEBOEDPNQSFTTFEPOUIF between the two manifolds and the two dynamic hydrocarbon FPSO) will be reinjected into the production wells via bi-directional risers (flowlines in the water column) connected to the DTM. NN JODI óPXMJOFTUPFBDIXFMMUPBTTJTUXJUIPJMSFDPWFSZ

Executive Summary | XXIX r 6TJOHXBUFSBOEHBTóFYJCMFóPXMJOFTBOEUIFJSEZOBNJDSJTFSTUP specifications for offloading, produced formation water for return produced formation water and surplus natural gas from reinjection into the aquifer and natural gas for use as fuel on board the FPSO via reinjection to the subsurface aquifer and reservoir the FPSO, with excess produced formation water and gas to be (respectively) via the PFW and gas injection wells. Produced reinjected into the Van Gogh reservoir. formation water will be reinjected back to the reservoir for most of r "%5.CVoy that will hold the FPSO on location, and allow it to UIFPQFSBUJOHUJNF HSFBUFSUIBOPGUIFPQFSBUJOHUJNFVOEFS disconnect and sail away to a safe location prior to the onset of a normal operating conditions). Surplus gas will also be routinely cyclone and to subsequently reconnect following the passage of reinjected to the reservoir, except during commissioning and adverse weather. The DTM buoy and turret have been designed to process upsets where some flaring may be necessary. allow the FPSO to weathervane in the wind. r "EPVCMFTJEFE'140WFTTFMSFDFJWJOHSFTFSWPJSóVJET PJMBOE water) and associated gas via the production fluids flowlines and The case for a stand alone FPSO at the Van Gogh location emerged their associated risers. The FPSO will process the hydrocarbons to as the preferred development concept because of its proven produce export-quality stabilised crude oil for periodical transfer technology, its economic advantages, its ability to relocate in the to offtake tankers via a retractable floating hose. A schematic event of sever weather conditions, its low environmental footprint outlining the crude oil treatment process is presented in Figure 6. and the ease of decommissioning.

r &YQPSUJOHDSVEFPJMGSPNUIF'140UPBOPíUBLFUBOLFSBCPVU Decommissioning PODFFWFSZEBZTJOJUJBMMZ EFDSFBTJOHJOGSFRVFODZBTñFME Decommissioning will involve: production declines. r %FDPmmissioning all wells by isolating the formation fluids from r "TUPSBHFWPMVNFPOUIF'140 FYDMVEJOHUIFTMPQTUBOLT JOUIF each other and the surface. order of 111,000 m3 (700,000 bbls) of processed crude oil. r $VUUJOHUIFXFMMDBTJOHTTFWFSBMNFUSFTCFMPXUIFTFBCFE MFBWJOH r 1SPEVDJOHJOUIFPSEFSPG N3 (150,000 bbls) of fluid (water it free from obstructions. and oil) per day from the field. r %JTDPOOFDUJOg the FPSO from the DTM buoy and sail away. r 5SFBUJOHBMMQSPEVDUJPOóVJETPOCPBSEUIF'1405IFUPQTJEFT facilities will process hydrocarbon fluids to export quality r 3FNPWJOHUIF%5.CVPZ SJTFSTBOENBOJGPMETGSPNUIFTFBCFE

Figure 6 Processing and treatment systems schematic

XXX | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Alternatives Considered 2. Formation of Stakeholder Consultation Groups (SCGs) in Exmouth Several alternative development options were considered during the and Perth, comprising interested stakeholders. This consultation early planning stage of the project prior to reaching the preferred is designed around a program of meetings, held as-needed option. These included: (every two months at present), to facilitate information exchange between Apache and stakeholders. The first SCG meeting was held r 5IFOPEFWFMPQNFOUPQUJPO in May 2007. r 5JFCBDLUP8PPETJEFhT7JODFOU'140EFWFMPQNFOU 1SPKFDUOFXTMFUUFST EPVCMFTJEFE"EPDVNFOUT QSPEVDFE r 'JYFEQMBUGPSN and distributed on an as-required basis (dependent on project milestones). Updates are distributed via email to SCG members r 5FOTJPOMFHQMBUGPSN 5-1 XJUIBOBEKPJOJOH'MPBUJOH 4UPSBHFBOE and also distributed to the wider Exmouth community via the Offtake (FSO) vessel. Exmouth Shire Library, police station, display in the Ross Street Within the preferred development option, several alternative designs Mall and the Milyering and Exmouth visitor centres. were considered before reaching the configuration outlined above. %FWFMPQNFOUBOENBJOUFOBODFPGBQSPKFDUTQFDJñDXFCTJUF The major elements pertained to: designed to provide the latest and comprehensive information on r %VBMMBUFSBMXFMMTWFSTVTTJOHMFXFMMT the project (www.apachevangogh.com.au). r *OUFSOBMWFSTVTFYUFSOBMUVSSFUNPPSJOH Apache’s consultation programme will continue throughout the environmental assessment and approval process for the project and r %PVCMFTJEFEIVMMWFSTVTEPVCMFIVMM into its installation and production phases. It is expected that once the FPSO is operational, the frequency of meetings may reduce. Public Consultation Consultation Feedback As outlined in Apache's Environmental Management Policy, Apache is committed to maintaining open community and government The main issues raised during Apache's community consultation has consultation regarding its activities and environmental performance. included the: For the Van Gogh Field Development, this is mandated under the r *NQBDUPGUIFQSPKFDUPOUIFBWBJMBCJMJUZPGTFBUJOHPODPNNFSDJBM EPBC Act. flights in and out of Exmouth. Existing Consultation r 1BUIPGIFMJDPQUFSóJHIUTEVSJOHJOTUBMMBUJPOBOEQSPEVDUJPOJO Apache’s consultation process for the Van Gogh Development relation to disturbance to Exmouth Gulf and whale migration. commenced at a time during which extensive and ongoing r 1PUFOUJBMGPSPJMTQJMMTUPJNQBDU/JOHBMPP3FFGBOEUIFDPBTU consultation programmes from three other resources companies (Woodside, BHP Billiton and Straits Salt) were well progressed in r 1PUFOUJBMUPJOUSPEVDFGPSFJHOPSHBOJTNTUP&YNPVUI(VMGXJUI the Exmouth (and Perth) community. Of these companies, two are increased vessel activity. proposing FPSO projects in the Exmouth Sub-basin of an identical r 7FUUJOHBSSBOHFNFOUGPSPJMUBOLFSTPðPBEJOHDSVEFGSPNUIF nature to that of Apache’s. FPSO.

Van Gogh Consultation r *NQBDUTPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOUPOIVNQCBDLXIBMFT

8JUI B MPDBM QPQVMBUJPO JO &YNPVUI PG BQQSPYJNBUFMZ POMZ r 1FSDFJWFEOFHBUJWFFíFDUTPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOUJOJODSFBTJOHSFBM permanent residents, initial inquiries indicated that the local estate prices due to oil and gas personnel buying property in community was well informed and conversant with the aspects of Exmouth. an FPSO development and their potential environmental, economic To date, the SCG meetings have been well attended and feedback on and social implications because of recent consultation undertaken presentations (regarding drilling, installation and oil spill modelling) CZ8PPETJEFBOE#)1#JMMJUPOBMNPTUUPUIFQPJOUPG hJOGPSNBUJPO has been complimentary. saturation'. Nevertheless, against this potential local consultation overload, Environmental Setting Apache developed a four-point consultation process which it has Given the extensive environmental data gathered in the Exmouth employed to date, as follows: Sub-basin by other petroleum operators in recent years, Apache 1. Introductory meetings with potential Exmouth and Perth has undertaken limited further environmental investigations at stakeholders, including government agencies, non-government the proposed Van Gogh development location. These include organisations (NGOs), Aboriginal groups, industry and business geophysical and geotechnical surveys, benthic habitat surveys and interests. oceanographic modelling.

Executive Summary | XXXI Physical Environment Benthic infauna (small invertebrates that live within the upper layers of seabed sediments) have been surveyed at the Van Gogh 5IF&YNPVUISFHJPOMJFTJOUIFBSJETVCUSPQJDBM[POFPG"VTUSBMJB location and are comparable to those found over similar substratum, experiencing two main seasons with a hot summer (October to April) and at similar depths in the region. Unconsolidated sediments on BOENJMEXJOUFS .BZUP4FQUFNCFS 3BJOGBMMBWFSBHFTNNBZFBS the North West Shelf support a diverse benthic infauna consisting Terrestrial ecosystems are dominated by grasslands. Summer winds predominantly of mobile burrowing species that include molluscs, are mainly from the southwest while winter winds are generally from crustaceans and echinoderms. the east and southeast. The region experiences two to three cyclones each year, mainly between January and March. Apache's benthic infauna sampling at the Van Gogh development location revealed sediment infaunal abundance to be low, ranging The tides of the North West Shelf have a strong semi-diurnal signal GSPN JOEJWJEVBMTN2 XJUI BO BWFSBHF PG JOEJWJEVBMT with four tide changes (two low, two high) per day. The tides run m2. Abundance did not vary significantly across the three survey on a northeast and southwest axis. Tidal and wind-forcing are the locations. Species richness was high for the low number of dominant contributions to local surface currents. The orientation and JOEJWJEVBMTDPMMFDUFEJOEJWJEVBMTZJFMEJOHTQFDJFT5IFGBVOB degree of drop off from the continental shelf slope influences the XBT EPNJOBUFE CZ QPMZDIBFUFT XJUI DSVTUBDFBOT UIF oceanography of the area. POMZPUIFSEPNJOBOUQIZMB5XFOUZPGUIFTQFDJFTDPMMFDUFEXFSF .FBOPDFBOTVSGBDFUFNQFSBUVSFTJOUIFSFHJPOSBOHFGSPNB$ recorded from single specimens. JO XJOUFS UP $ JO TVNNFS 5IF /PSUI 8FTU 4IFMG XBUFST BSF Megafauna, such as humpback whales, whale sharks, dolphins, dugong usually thermally stratified with a marked change in water density at and turtles frequent coastal areas of the Exmouth region. A diverse a water depth of approximately 20 m. array of seabirds and fin-fish species are recorded in the region. The prevailing seasonal wind directions generate wind driven surface Dugong are restricted to the seagrass habitats of the Exmouth Gulf. currents, which are predominantly from the southwest during Humpback whales are seasonally abundant in the region during summer and from the east, southeast and south during winter. The northern migration (early June to early August), the transition dominant surface offshore current (typically seaward of the 200 m period (early August to early September, when cow/calf pairs rest in isobath) that influences the waters of the project site is the Leeuwin Exmouth Gulf) and the southern migration (early September to late Current. This carries warm tropical water south along the edge of November). Species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act include Western Australia's continental shelf, reaching its peak strength in mainly migratory whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, seasnakes and winter and becoming weaker and more variable in summer. The seahorses/pipefish (the latter restricted to shallow coastal areas). current is described as a surface current, extending in depth to 150 m. The Leeuwin Current is a warm, low salinity, low nutrient current The Ningaloo Marine Park is the most iconic conservation reserve responsible for the southward transport of tropical marine species. of the region. It protects the Ningaloo Reef, and the park stretches for more than 300 km from the North West Cape south to Red Bluff. The seabed within the Van Gogh development footprint ranges Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing coral reef in Australia, and GSPNN-"5 MPXFTUBTUSPOPNJDBMUJEF BUUIF'140MPDBUJPOUP DPOUBJOTPWFSTQFDJFTPGDPSBM PWFSTQFDJFTPGNPMMVTD PWFS BNBYJNVNPGN-"5BUQSPEVDUJPONBOJGPME5IFTFBCFEJT TQFDJFTPGñTIBOEPWFSTQFDJFTPGNJHSBUPSZXBEJOHCJSET predominantly flat and featureless, sloping gently and uniformly in a The Muiron Islands Marine Management Area lies adjacent to the XFTUOPSUIXFTUEJSFDUJPOXJUIBTMPQFPG PS HSBEJFOU/P northern portion of the Ningaloo Marine Park and also protects coral significant seabed features, such as rock outcrops or canyons, were reef and shallow, sub-tropical marine environments (see Figure 7). identified in the survey area. Socio-economic Environment Biological Environment 5IF 4IJSF PG &YNPVUI FODPNQBTTFT LN2 of the Cape Range Habitats in the Exmouth Sub-basin can be categorised as oceanic, Peninsula, including the largest town in the Shire, Exmouth, located continental slope, continental shelf, reef, lagoonal, intertidal and in the northeast part of the Cape. Exmouth is located 1,270 km shallow subtidal. The Van Gogh development occurs in the oceanic OPSUIPG1FSUI IBTBQPQVMBUJPOPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ BOEJTUIF region, an area characterised by relatively low-nutrient waters, with a closest town to the proposed Van Gogh development. Exmouth was seabed consisting of fine, muddy or silty sediments. Figure 7 illustrates PSJHJOBMMZ FTUBCMJTIFEJOUPTVQQPSUQFSTPOOFMXIPCVJMU BOE the near shore and offshore habitats of the Exmouth region. operated the United States Naval Communications Station (now named the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station). Faunal communities in these deep water environments feature low abundances of invertebrate infauna, with occasional deep-water 5IF4IJSFPG&YNPVUISFQSFTFOUTPGUIF8"QPQVMBUJPO*UT sponges, echinoderms, polychaetes, crustaceans and bottom- population has hovered around 2,000 people for at least 10 years. dwelling fish. The water column is rich is plankton and pelagic fin- Employment rates in Exmouth have progressively increased over fish. Water depths here preclude seabed vegetation growth. the last 15 years (i.e., the unemployment rate has decreased).

XXXII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 7 Coastal habitats of the Exmouth region

Executive Summary | XXXIII In the Shire of Exmouth, the retail trade and accommodation, cafes Where significance is not related to these EPBC Act provisions (such and restaurants account for the highest levels of employment at as socio-economic factors), then significance is based on the results BOESFTQFDUJWFMZ SFóFDUJOHIJHIUPVSJTNJOUIFBSFB PGBQQMZJOH"QBDIFhTIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTTUPFBDIJTTVF

The expected development of over 130 canal-based houses landwards While the EIA is as objectively based as possible, Apache's working of the Exmouth Marina, together with mixed residential, commercial knowledge of the North West Shelf through many years of exploration and public facilities at the Exmouth Marina Village, will increase the and development means that the overall assigning of significance quantity and quality of housing in the area. It is estimated that the to a particular issue or impact is often also based on this knowledge development of the sites will generate over $100 million of direct JO DPOKVODUJPO XJUI UIF SFTVMUT GSPN UIF FOWJSPONFOUBM IB[BSE investment in Exmouth. identification workshop undertaken for the project. The assigning The predominant terrestrial-based land use in the Shire of Exmouth is of risks was undertaken in line with the Australian risk management pastoral activity with numerous cattle stations operating throughout TUBOEBSE "4/; BOEXBTBUUFOEFECZBNVMUJEJTDJQMJOBSZ the Peninsula and eastern side of Exmouth Gulf. The Cape Range team of 20 people including representatives from Apache, Prosafe National Park occupies a vast area of the western portion of the Cape (supplier and operator of the FPSO), Acergy (installation contractor), the Peninsula (see Figure 1), and its deep rocky gorges are the focus of Department of Industries and Resources, Department of Environment much tourism activity. and Conservation, representatives from the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Cape Conservation Group, and was facilitated by an There is little, if no commercial deep water fishing at the Van Gogh location. There are numerous aquaculture (pearl) leases in the independent consultant. The end result of the workshop showed that Exmouth Gulf, and recreational fishing in the gulf and within the PGUIFFOWJSPONFOUBMSJTLTPGUIFQSPKFDUXFSFBTTFTTFEBT Ningaloo Marine Park is a popular local and tourist activity. CFJOHOFHMJHJCMF XJUIUIFSFNBJOJOHCFJOHPGBDDFQUBCMFSJTL

Tourist activity in the region peaks in the winter months when the The potential environmental risks associated with the proposed Van sub-tropical climate offers the prime weather conditions for marine Gogh development are outlined in Table 1, including the avoidance, activities such as boating, diving and fishing, and when humpback mitigation and management measures to be put in place to protect whale and whale shark migration is at its peak. the environmental values of the region. Risks are broken down into physical, routine solid wastes, routine liquid wastes, atmospheric Official Tourism WA statistics indicate a decline in tourism between emissions, socio-economic impacts and non-routine liquid wastes BOE UIPVHIBOFDEPUBMMZ MPDBMSFTJEFOUTBOECVTJOFTT (hydrocarbon spills). indicate that tourist activity has increased in recent years. Most visitors arrive by road (such as car or campervan), but it is the visitors arriving by air that tend to spend the most money in the region. Most Cumulative Environmental Impacts visits to the region are for the purpose of partaking in outdoor nature Concern has been expressed about the long-term environmental activities, with the Ningaloo Reef being the main attraction. impacts that may arise as a result of the proposed Van Gogh development together with the four other operating and proposed In recent years, oil and gas exploration and production has increased FPSOs in its near-vicinity, these being the: in the region, with several FPSO developments approved for construction near the proposed Van Gogh development. r 8PPETJEF&OñFMENganhurra FPSO (operating).

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sites of significance do not occur r 8PPETJEF7JODFOU'140 VOEFSDPOTUSVDUJPO in the development location, though in shallower waters of the r #)1#JMMJUPOStybarrow Venture FPSO (operating). Exmouth Gulf and closer to the reef, numerous shipwrecks are known to occur. r #)1#JMMJUPO1ZSFOFFT'140 QMBOOJOHBOEEFTJHO

These developments have been environmentally approved by the Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures DEW. By the time the Van Gogh development is operating, all but the The terms 'significant' or 'significant impact' are often used in the Pyrenees FPSOs will be on location, meaning there will be four FPSOs Van Gogh development PER. These terms are used according to a located in the Exmouth Sub-basin. definition in the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1. Apache recognises that cumulative effects can influence the general Statements on the significance of an impact are in relation to the condition or sensitivity of matters protected by the EPBC Act, such as controlling provisions for the Van Gogh development as specified in listed threatened species, even though the effects of the proposed the EPBC Act Schedule for the development, these being: activity, when assessed independently, are considered insignificant.

r 4FDUJPOTBOE" -JTUFEUISFBUFOFETQFDJFTBOEDPNNVOJUJFT Cumulative environmental effects are defined, for the purpose of this assessment, as being changes to the environment that are caused r 4FDUJPOTBOE" -JTUFENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT by an action in combination with other past, present or foreseeable r 4FDUJPOTBOE" .BSJOFFOWJSPONFOU future developments.

XXXIV | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Expected to occur Expected to occur Use of dynamically positioned dive support subsea installation, of dynamically positioned dive for Use vessel Gogh site Van anchor at the it to need for avoiding ROV survey seabed habitats and low undertaken no sensitive reveals and abundance benthic fauna diversity seabed into be laid on seabed rather than trenched to Flowlines Selection of FPSO rather than platform Installation and support mooring facility in will use designated vessels Exmouth Gulf rather than randomly anchoring of similar habitats available area to compared small seabed footprint Very Shelf West on the North with the will be developed procedures handling and transfer Materials weather aim of restricting installation activities during unfavourable of minimise the chance and to threats minimise safety to conditions disturb the seabed to the potential objects, which have dropped objects dropped any ROV survey retrieve to Post-installation benthic fauna Subsea infrastructure will act for as new substrate installation following colonisation Rapid recolonisation and recovery expected following decommissioning expected and recovery following Rapid recolonisation An environmentally suitable anti-fouling coating will be applied to the will be applied to coating suitable anti-fouling An environmentally FPSO hull Avoidance r r r r r Mitigation r r r r r Mitigation r Minor temporary loss of benthic fauna habitat very for minor Potential and temporary decrease in benthic fauna within the abundance footprint development New substrates provide provide New substrates species that habitat for not otherwisewould be in colonising successful the area increased Locally productivitybiological and diversity in the Slight alteration of the composition benthic community in vicinitythe immediate predator- altered due to HSB[JOHQSFTTVSFT r r r r r infrastructure (such as FPSO the submerged risers buoy, DTM hull, and upper sections of the mooring lines) and subsea infrastructure substrate hard provides the settlement of for marine organisms Subsea infrastructure installation (including FPSO mooring anchors) Subsea infrastructure at removal decommissioning objectsDropped Installation vessel and heavy-lift vessel mooring in Exmouth Gulf r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Artificial habitat Near-surface Disturbance to seabed to Disturbance (installation and decommiss-ioning) Routine Physical Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XXXV Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Probably Probably will occur SBMMZ MJLFMZUP FSBUJOH (cont'd) Noise modelling suggests minimal impacts humpback whales migrating to APPEA and the DEW to and forwarded Whale sightings will be recorded of distribution and abundance knowledge on the regional increase to humpback whales '140MPDBUFELNGSPNOFBSFTUUVSUMFOFTUJOHCFBDIFTBOEHFOF PWFSUIFIPSJ[POGSPNUIFNBJOMBOEmEJSFDUMJHIUGSPN'140OPU mainland be visible from light spill minimise overboard to FPSO deck lighting has been designed (including shielding on lights near edge of vessel) 4VSQMVTQSPEVDFEHBTXJMMCFSFJOKFDUFEGPSVQUPPGUIFPQ connected time, reducing the amount of time the intense light associated light associated the amount of time intense reducing connected time, with flaring occurs the minimum necessary will be kept to Lighting on installation vessel for working practices safe time a limited Installation on location for vessel the water onto the FPSO will not be directed lights from possible, Where surface only serve FPSO would attract to Light from from turtle away hatchlings beach (positive) performance measure against to so as recorded of flaring will be Periods target Installation activities timed to avoid peak southern migration period of peak southern migration Installation activities avoid timed to humpback whales High-frequency used during installation were signals transducer acoustic by whales frequencyto that used be of different to developed Learmonth and will take most direct flight path between Helicopters observed approaching whales, or FPSO and will avoid installation vessel JOBDDPSEBODFXJUI4FDUJPOPG&1#$"DU3FHVMBUJPOT Support Exmouth Gulf and between will take most direct route vessels observed approaching whales or FPSO and avoid installation vessel environmental identified sensitive avoid to paths will be routed Flight colonies Islands seabird such as the Muiron resources, and other noise-generatingFPSO engines equipment will be maintained appropriately the humpback whale from distance a significant FPSO will be located of the Exmouth Gulf grounds resting r r Avoidance r Mitigation r r r r r r Management r Avoidance r r Mitigation r r r r r Management Disorientation of turtle and seabirds hatchlings Attraction of migrating seabirds Solicits responses from from Solicits responses whales, (i.e., cetaceans dolphins) mainly behavioural to relating and physiological a beyond processes, limit generally threshold be greater to considered 1 μPa. than 115 dB re Responses depend on of noise source, strength noise from distance background source, and so forth.noise levels r r r FPSO non-routine gas FPSO non-routine flaring thrusters Support thrusters vessel FPSO thrusters FPSO topsides machinery and engine room Helicopters Offtake tankers Heavy-lift vessel activities r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Artificial lighting vessels All Underwater noise Installation vessel Table 1 Table

XXXVI | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Unlikely to Unlikely to occur Expected to occur OTm (cont'd) 'PPETDSBQTXJMMCFUSFBUFEUP1 4- "DUBOE."310-TQFDJñDBUJP Limit waste creation through tendering and contracting tendering process through creation Limit waste on board wastes and non-recyclable of recyclable Segregation the deck to secured receptacles in covered stored All wastes will be implemented all vessels management plans for Waste measuring and tracking assess quantity documentation to and fate Waste of wastes macerated to less than 25 mm and discharged more than 12 more less than 25 mm and discharged to macerated nm (22 km) land from Installation scraps within and support food will not discharge vessels Exmouth Gulf the FPSO will be collected and transported from Cooking oils and greases disposal the mainland for back to where environment, within an open ocean of discharge volumes Low action will aid rapid dispersion and wave currents Mitigation Mitigation r r r Management r r r r r r Minor localised nutrient enrichment of waters surrounding marine Attractant for fauna with the potential GPSDIBOHFTJOQSFEBUPSm interactions prey Pressure on limited on limited Pressure capacities of storage management waste facilities loss to Accidental sea, causing localised and temporary water pollution and injury or death of fauna through ingestion reduction in Potential quality groundwater leaching through in landfills process Incremental increase in land disturbance with opening associated or new landfill sites facilities treatment r r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Solid wastes Daily disposal of food Daily disposal of food scraps overboard Intermittent disposal Intermittent PGOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJE packaging, (e.g., wastes steel) wood, Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XXXVII Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Rare Moderate Negligible Unlikely to Unlikely to occur H OEJT UJFT CBUUFSJFT (cont'd) Sand and sludge generation will be avoided or minimised through the or minimised through Sand and sludge generation will be avoided in each production well sand screens installation of downhole 4BOEEFUFDUPSTXJMMCFQSPWJEFEPOFBDIQSPEVDUJPOXFMMmJGTB workover for a well/s will be shut in and scheduled the affected detected, sand and sludge will not be untreated disposal of any Overboard undertaken Scale-inhibiting scale formation avoid chemicals will be used to -JNJUIB[BSEPVTXBTUFDSFBUJPOUISPVHIUFOEFSJOHBOEDPOUSBDUJO tanks ballast water segregated FPSO and most offtake tankers will have Support based in local ports vessels Application of Apache offtakevetting procedures tanker waters foreign from entering in the development involved All vessels entry prior to requirements into (2001) ballast water the AQIS will follow waters Australian and vessels track discharges logs to ballast water of AQIS Completion will be stored separately to facilitate easier retrieval for transport for the easier retrieval to facilitate to separately will be stored recycling mainland for carry on the FPSO to will be provided out de-sanding of all Facilities as the skimmer/pre- as well system, equipment in the oil treatment sand and sludge collected in the topsides Any de-oiler and degasser. on the in suitable containers and stored equipment will be separated appropriate FPSO and transported (Exmouth or Dampier) for onshore and disposal treatment and will be developed NORM handling and disposal procedures encountered if NORMS are implemented process 7PMVNFTPGIB[BSEPVTXBTUFHFOFSBUFEXJMMCF"-"31 )B[BSEPVTXBTUFTXJMMCFEJTQPTFEPGUPMJDFOTFEPOTIPSFGBDJMJ will be implemented all vessels management plans for Waste measuring and tracking assess quantity documentation to and fate Waste of wastes 3FDZDMBCMFIB[BSEPVTXBTUFT TVDIBTVTFEPJMT MVCSJDBOUTBOE Avoidance r r r r Mitigation Avoidance r r Mitigation r r Management r r r r r r r Management r r Accidental loss to loss to Accidental sea, causing localised and temporary water pollution and injury or death of fauna through ingestion exposure Personnel naturally occurring to radioactive materials (NORMS) in scale on limited Pressure capacities of storage management waste facilities reduction in Potential quality groundwater leaching through in landfills process Incremental increase in land disturbance with opening associated or new landfill sites facilities treatment Introduction of foreign with the organisms, establish to potential with or and compete out-compete native resources species for and localised Temporary pollution water the discharge from of hydrocarbon- water contaminated r r r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Intermittent disposal of Intermittent IB[BSEPVTXBTUFT sludge) sand, scale, (e.g., oil-contaminated batteries, materials) Liquid wastes ballast water Intermittent discharge Table 1 Table

XXXVIII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Probably Probably will occur Moderate Negligible Negligible Expected to occur EVSBUJPOT DPOOFDUFE NBDFSBUFEUP tment plants to ensure peak efficiency ensure tment plants to (cont'd) less than 25 mm, treated and discharged more than 12 more and discharged less than 25 mm, treated nm (22 km) land from 4FXBHFXJMMCFUSFBUFEUP1 4- "DUBOE."310-TQFDJñDBUJPOTm the FPSO prior to from (UV treatment) Disinfection of sewage and greywater discharge Exmouth Gulf sewage into treated Installation will not discharge vessels of sewage trea Planned maintenance Topsides equipment (except PFW system) will be tested in shipyard to to in shipyard will be tested PFW system) equipment (except Topsides discharge ocean avoid chemicals of low-toxicity Use via FPSO slops tanks water Disposal of hydrotest for water formation can be co-mingled water with produced Hydrotest reinjection 3FJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFSGPSBUMFBTUPGUIF operating time not or sulphides are in marine sediments as hydroxides Metals present uptake biological for generally available to ambient are exposed when fish of fish only occurs Tainting DPODFOUSBUJPOTPGUPQQNPGIZESPDBSCPOTJOUIFXBUFSGPS PGIPVSTPSNPSF disposal overboard for 30 mg/l oil-in-water to slops tank formation water of off-spec produced diversion Automatic sampling automatic Daily laboratory continual verify sampling to alloys of corrosion-resistant Use harm Selecting environmental injection chemicals with the lowest the reduce of production equipment to Scheduled maintenance upsets of process incidence r r Management r Mitigation r r r r Mitigation r Avoidance r r r Mitigation r r r r r r Localised biocide Localised marine to toxicity of release fauna from chemically dosed water and localised Temporary depletion of oxygen waters receiving Temporary and localised Temporary qualityreduction in water overboard, localised overboard, reduction in water quality if oil-in-water than is greater content 30 mg/L impacts on Adverse oil visual amenity (e.g., surface)sheen on ocean and chronic Acute effects on toxicity marine fauna and micro-organisms from individual chemicals as Precipitation or metal hydroxides sulphides of heavy with metals discharged formation produced water tainting of Hydrocarbon fish species commercial Localised nutrient Localised enrichment of waters surrounding oxygen Localised depletion to effects Toxicity marine biota r r r r r r r r r r r FPSO (hook-up and FPSO (hook-up installation only) Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Once-off hydrotest water Once-off water hydrotest discharge Intermittent PFW dischargeIntermittent FPSO When discharged Continuous sewage and Continuous discharge greywater Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XXXIX Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Expected to occur Expected to occur Expected to occur Rare Negligible Negligible OE PG$ LFQUDMFBO (cont'd) $PPMJOHXBUFSSFMFBTFUFNQFSBUVSFXJMMCFMJNJUFEUPBNBYJNVN Use of batch-dosed, low-toxicity biocides of batch-dosed, low-toxicity Use the minimum necessary to operational limited for volumes water Cooling requirements Rapidand dispersion cooling ocean fluid control hydraulic water-based of low-toxicity, Use The generation of potable water will be limited to only that which is to will be limited generation of potable water The necessary operational requirements for biocide or anti- on the FPSO will not use any desalination generators The scale chemicals discharged Small volumes %FTJHOPGESBJOBHFTZTUFNJODPSQPSBUFTCVOETBSPVOEIB[BSEPVTB IZESPDBSCPOTUPSBHFBSFBTBOETFHSFHBUJPOPGIB[BSEPVTBOEOPO IB[BSEPVTBSFBTGPSESBJOBHFDPMMFDUJPO connections minimise flange to (and thus minimise of pipework Design connections welded for leaks), with a preference chemicals Selection process of low-toxicity during normal FPSO deck will be bunded (scupper plugs in place operation) 4USJDUIPVTFLFFQJOHQSPDFEVSFTmEFDLTPOBMMWFTTFMTXJMMCF and spills cleaned immediately oil-in-water to will be directed Closed and open drainage systems, discharge overboard prior to on most vessels separator required where will be provided Drip trays in slops tank discharges of oil-in-water monitoring Continuous Hydraulic control fluid meets DoIR ecotoxicological testing requirements testing fluid meets DoIR ecotoxicological control Hydraulic opportunity an increased providing of fluid, discharge Not a continuous by benthic organisms to be metabolised the fluids for released of fluid the volumes reduce to Equipment designed will be regularly of usage rates instrumentation and monitoring Process the umbilical line and undertaken major leaks from detect to any in order connections and enable rapid rectification Mitigation r r r r Mitigation Avoidance r r Mitigation r Avoidance r r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r r Management r Localised elevation Localised of surface seawater temperatures of Alteration processes physiological of exposed biota Toxicity to marine biota to Toxicity in vicinity of xmas trees and subsea manifolds reduction in Localised qualitywater Localised elevation in Localised salinity seawater Temporary, localised Temporary, reduction in water quality from in contaminants drainage water impacts on Adverse oil visual amenity (e.g., surface)sheen on ocean r r r r r r r FPSO Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers r Subsea infrastructure and subsea (xmas tree valves) manifold r r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Continuous cooling water water cooling Continuous discharge but regular Intermittent, control subsea hydraulic fluid discharges Continuous brine Continuous from discharge water desalination Intermittent overboard overboard Intermittent of hydrocarbon- release deck contaminated drainage water Table 1 Table

XL | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Expected to occur Expected to occur Rare Minor Negligible JNBMSJTL FDUFE (cont'd) Produced gas used as primary fuel rather than diesel Produced human settlements large from FPSO is remote Apache NPI reporting gas reporting Apache APPEA greenhouse EfficiencyApache Energy Opportunities participationprogram efficiency maintain systems to program FPSO scheduled maintenance No TBT compound will be applied to the FPSO hull or subsea will be applied to compound TBT No infrastructure Installation, support brief time in the field, and offtakevessels will have leaching TBT effects of limiting any hulls will be near (vessel column water in oxygenated down breaks TBT surface) ocean oxygenated well *.0EJSFDUJWFPOQIBTFPVUPG5#5GSPNUPFOTVSFTNJO No well testing from FPSO from testing No well 3FJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFEHBTOPMFTTUIBOPGUIF'140hTDPOO operating time gas used as primary fuel Produced emergency generators back-up be used for sulphur diesel to Ultra-low 'MBSFUJQJTEFTJHOFEUPCFFîDJFOU Apache NPI reporting gas reporting Apache APPEA greenhouse EfficiencyApache Energy Opportunities participationprogram efficiency maintain systems to program FPSO scheduled maintenance from Van Gogh development Van from those with the for a preference Selection paints will have of anti-fouling harm while meeting operational requirements least environmental Mitigation r r Management r r r r Avoidance r Mitigation r r Avoidance r Mitigation r r r r Management r r r r r r Minor regional increase increase Minor regional in air pollution Leaching of tributyl Leaching tin (TBT), and copper biocide from booster anti-fouling hulls from can water paint into effects toxic lead to marine on non-target species Increase in global of concentration gases and greenhouse global consequent warming potential r r r Routine operation of machinery on all vessels (particularly such FPSO), as gas dehydration, gas and water crude oil, separation modules, venting boiler flue gas all exhausts from Engine and helicopters vessels pilot flame FPSO flare Abnormal FPSO flaring Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Engine exhaust for all exhaust for Engine and helicopters vessels machinery Vessel FPSO flaring (routine and non-routine) FPSO inert gas venting FPSO boiler flue gas venting FPSO and offtake tanker emissions fugitive r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r , 2 Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential O, PFCs, HFCs, SF HFCs, PFCs, O, Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, 2 , N Continuous combustion combustion Continuous emissions (other than gases), such as greenhouse particulate matter Minor, but continuous but continuous Minor, leaching of anti-fouling hulls and vessel paint from subsea infrastructure emissions Atmospheric emissions of Continuous HSFFOIPVTFHBTFTm$0 CH Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XLI Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Moderate Negligible Negligible UJOHUJNF actions vantage points at coastal (cont'd) Area does not clash with commercial or recreational fishing areas or recreational does not clash with commercial Area little use of public land Very relevant and other with fishing interests Ongoing consultation timing and location of activities communicate stakeholders to Distance from coast (and reef) coast from Distance FPSO visibility also (salt spray reduces masks visibility) and offshore by distance Operational lighting or flaring at night mitigated attr of night-time tourism absence Installation activities summer months and commissioning scheduled for tourism season) (off-peak operations tourism does not preclude of vessels Presence than less visually intrusive distance, of FPSO appears as a ship from Choice a platform be ALARP External to FPSO lighting designed requirements kept ALARP based on health and safety tower Flare and start-up during commissioning Flaring operations will be minimised ALARP to prior to in their fabrication yard will be precommissioned Compressors the duration of flaring reduce to arrival on site 'MBSJOHXJMMPOMZPDDVSVQUPPGUIF'140hTDPOOFDUFEPQFSB Avoidance r r Mitigation r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r r Restricted access or use Restricted access general public and by of interests commercial used frequently areas marina, boat roads, (e.g., fishing offshore ramps, etc.) areas, Increased presence of Increased presence in Exmouth Gulf vessels during installation and phases commissioning from tourists deter may Exmouth to travelling personnel Development demand increase may limited already for accommodation tourist of Increased presence in Exmouth Gulf vessels and at development reduce location may or “wilderness” value of “remoteness” visual and reduce region coastal amenity from vantage points Minor temporary loss of the visual amenity from mainland (most notably Cape West the North area) r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Socio-economic impacts with marine Interference and use and land access Impacts (and/or on tourism visual amenity) Table 1 Table

XLII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Unlikely to Unlikely to occur Probably Probably will occur PMMJTJPO WFTTFMT BOE (cont'd) Area is too deep for trawling deep for is too Area fished is not commercially advised Apache that FPSO area have Fishers Installation impacting and support fishing prawn will avoid vessels rather the use of established moorings, in Exmouth Gulf through grounds than anchoring &TUBCMJTINFOUPGNFYDMVTJPO[POFBSPVOE'140 JOTUBMMBUJPO collision risk and offtake minimise to tankers 4NBMMFYDMVTJPO[POFSFMBUJWFUPBSFBBWBJMBCMFGPSñTIJOH Marinersthe Australian to (about the change Issue of Notice Office Charts) Hydrographic Navigational the Australian through end of prawn in Exmouth Gulf towards Installation only present vessel fishing season Operational lighting Anti-collision radar Installation activities season, outside the peak tourist will occur and charterminimising the impact activities of vessel on recreational fishing to keep them advised on with fishing interests Ongoing consultation activity timing and duration vessels FPSO or other from No fishing allowed FPSO is not located in a designated shipping lane in a designated FPSO is not located &TUBCMJTINFOUPGNFYDMVTJPO[POFBSPVOE'140UPNJOJNJTFD the FPSO) to offtake risk (and around tanker when moored 4NBMMFYDMVTJPO[POFSFMBUJWFUPBSFBBWBJMBCMFGPSTIJQQJOH (B[FUUJOHUIF'140BOEJUTNSBEJVTTBGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POF charts on navigational and manifolds subsea wells Navigational Mariners Australian to (about the change to Issue of Notice Office Charts) Hydrographic the Australian through equipment on the FPSO range of communications a complete Providing Operational lighting on FPSO Anti-collision radar on FPSO on all vessels and radio standby Bridge watch Avoidance r r r Mitigation r r r r r r r r Management r Mitigation r r r r r r r r Management r Loss of small fishing area Loss from Snag potential subsea equipment mEBNBHFUPñTIJOH subsea damage to gear, infrastructure with FPSO or Collision other vessels fish species Target being attracted the to FPSO or other vessels nearby from and away to the due fishing areas of macerated discharge and prey wastes food species being attracted the flare light from to the near-surfaceor to artificial habitat the risers, by provided mooring lines and FPSO hull Increase in regional Increase in regional shipping commercial with the activity, an increase for potential risk in collision of FPSO may Presence impact on ship routes of sea of small area Loss general shipping due for UPFYDMVTJPO[POFT r r r r r r r Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Impacts on fishingvessel Installation Impacts on shipping Installation vessel Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XLIII Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation (Acceptable) (Acceptable) (Acceptable) (Acceptable) Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Minor Negligible Minor "B" Moderate "B" treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Moderate "B" Rare Negligible Negligible Unlikely to Unlikely to occur Expected to occur Expected to occur (cont'd) Ongoing consultation with relevant stakeholders with relevant Ongoing consultation Geophysical survey in Van Gogh development area found no evidence of no evidence found area Gogh development Van survey in Geophysical of significance or other maritime sites shipwrecks non- have which may Range of the Cape Peninsula, areas Coastal by the will not be affected heritage significance, indigenous or Aboriginal development claim areas Title is outside of Native area Development Apache, and Prosafe (who will operate the FPSO), have little influence on little influence have the FPSO), (who will operate and Prosafe Apache, live choose to their employees where mitigation or management measures No avoidance, No avoidance, mitigation or management measures No avoidance, Ongoing consultation with relevant stakeholders with relevant Ongoing consultation Consortium efficiently (EAC) to of the Exmouth Aviation Development services operators helicopter operate all petroleum between to all supply companies for policyApache local content enforced to local economy maximise benefits or Southeast based in Perth Asia Most employees Village Exmouth by Marina be influenced likely to Property more prices FPSO employees than by and canal developments Mitigation r Avoidance r r r r r r Mitigation r r r r r Strained relationships Strained relationships individuals between depending on viewpoint of FPSO developments Damage to non- Damage to indigenous or cultural Aboriginal heritage sites historic Damage to shipwrecks Small increase in local Small increase population Minor change in population demographics Minor increased demand on local services and infrastructure in increase Potential property prices and rent community Enhanced development etc) (sponsorships, An estimated A$1.1 An estimated billion in petroleum tax and rent resource be paid tax to company the Commonwealth to Government Job creation (direct and Job creation indirect) in Exmouth, Dampier and Perth community Enhanced (operator development etc.) sponsorships, Increase in commercial flights in and out of Exmouth r r r r r r r r r r r r Entire development, development, Entire especially if FPSO production personnel in Exmouth live Entire development Entire Production phase of Production development Production phase of Production development Entire development Entire r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Impacts on community cohesion Impacts on heritage and culture Impacts on Community Infrastructure and Services Impacts on government revenue Impacts on other industry and commerce Table 1 Table

XLIV | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Moderate Negligible Negligible FTQFSZFBS VUFS (cont'd) Daytime refuelling only refuelling Daytime Manned operations only sea refuelling Calm engineer, Radio bunkering station, barge between communications and supply vessel room engine Dry-break on bunkering hose couplings Hose inspections on quantity of fuel transfer vessels between Agreement bunkering at minimum pumping rate Commence Monitor supply line pressure at is available and spill cleanup material oil absorbent material Ensure key locations boundary scenario in worst-case weather of Ningaloo Marine Park Implementation of a spill of Oil Spill Contingency Plan in the event Real-time oil and diesel spill modelling available .JOJNBMEJFTFMVTF'140OFFETSFGVFMMJOHPOBWFSBHFPOMZUJN which include: all vessels, for Refuelling procedures ------Routine maintenance of refuelling equipment of refuelling Routine maintenance '140EJFTFMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHDPNQMFUFEmSJTLPGSFBDIJOHP Use of corrosion-resistant alloys instead of carbon steel minimises the of carbon steel instead alloys of corrosion-resistant Use on the FPSO chemicals required quantity of corrosion-inhibiting and utility equipment, materials Initial process integrity built into design object and operating maintenance handling and dropped studies, procedures will be ALARP all vessels on board quantityThe of chemicals stored based on safety, evaluation process, a rigorous Chemicals will undergo performance and commercial environmental technical, /POIB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTXJMMCFVTFEXIFSFWFSQSBDUJDBCMF on all vessels within bunded areas stored Chemicals will be securely using withstand collisions to designed are Bulk chemical containers and metal cages valves such as recessed features near chemical equipment will be available Chemical spill recovery on all vessels inventories and the bunds will drain to will be bunded, areas FPSO deck and internal treatment the slops tank for r Management r r Mitigation r r Avoidance r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r Water pollution Water effects on Toxicity exposed marine biota Widespread and Widespread temporary toxicity effects on exposed marine biota and Widespread temporary water pollution r r Depending on the extent of the spill: r r overboard during vessel during vessel overboard chemical transfers equipment leaks Process or failures PGBMMWFTTFMTmIPTF connection failure, tank overfill, failure, impact diesel tanks to rupture leading to corrosion Tank r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Non-routine Liquid wastes Chemical spill overboard of chemicals Loss Diesel spill overboard Diesel spill overboard Refuelling (bunkering) Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XLV Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation (Acceptable) Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Minor "B" CZTZTUFN S BDIJOH (cont'd) Third-party offtake pilot on board tankers support by static tow vessel hose use of dry-break on crude transfer couplings flushing of exportto facility hose back after each crude transfer at is available and spill cleanup material oil absorbent material ensure key locations - - - - - FPSO located a long distance from sensitive coastal habitats coastal sensitive from a long distance FPSO located Dropped-object design built into protection Shut-in systems FPSO disconnectable scenarios in worst-case weather alloys of corrosion-resistant Use 5PQTJEFTMFBLGSFRVFODZTUVEZDPNQMFUFEmUPUBMMFBLGSFRVFODZ DBMDVMBUFEBTMFBLTZFBS Double-sided hull monitoring Corrosion protection Corrosion of field life for FPSO designed Sea stability FPSO model testing procedures and related monitoring Cyclone Double-carcass offloading hose offtake tankers for procedures Vetting 4VSGBDFDSVEFPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHDPNQMFUFEmSJTLPGPJMSF boundary in worst-case spill and weather of Ningaloo Marine Park scenario coastline from spills away drive currents Dominant winds and ocean which include: will be used, procedures Crude transfer procedures Shut-down, isolation and blowdown Implementation of a spill of Oil Spill Contingency Plan in the event Real-time oil spill modelling available /JOHBMPP3FFG BOEMFTTUIBODIBODFPGPJMSFBDIJOHPVUF Mitigation r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Management r r r r Temporary toxicity toxicity Temporary effects on exposed marine biota water Temporary pollution of coating Physical exposed marine biota Disruption of faunaphysiological processes Disruption of activitiesbehavioural Depending on the extent of the spill: r r r r r hose flange failure, hose flange failure, leak or rupture deck piping leak Crude tank corrosion collision Vessel Offloading operations: - - r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, FPSO crude oil spill PWFSCPBSEmTVSGBDF Table 1 Table

XLVI | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation (Acceptable) Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Minor "B" FB POXJUI H/JOHBMPP (cont'd) TVSGBDFXIFOEJTDPOOFDUFEGSPN'140mNJOJNBMDIBODFPGDPMMJTJ FPSO located a large distance from sensitive coastal habitats coastal sensitive from distance a large FPSO located emergency shutdowns Fail-safe Subsurface valves safety snag loads for designed System Charts) Navigational Mariners Australian to (and change to Issue of Notice Office Hydrographic the Australian through depth means no trawling Water -FBLGSFRVFODZTUVEZDPNQMFUFEmUPUBMMFBLGSFRVFODZCZTZTUFN DBMDVMBUFEBTMFBLTZFBS buoy on DTM valves Emergency shutdown DTM buoy to and risers prior flushed out of flowlines Hydrocarbons disconnection %5.CVPZEFTJHOFEUPSFNBJOTVCNFSHFEUPNPSFUIBONCFMPXT other vessels used during workovers Blow-out preventers systems control Well Regularly scheduled ROV inspections of subsea infrastructure 4VCTFBDSVEFPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHDPNQMFUFEmSJTLPGSFBDIJO Reef in worst-case spill and weather scenario Reef in worst-case spill and weather and gas detection system Fire procedures Shut-down, isolation and blowdown Implementation of a spill of Oil Spill Contingency Plan in the event Real-time oil spill modelling available r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Management r r r Water pollution Water Gas plume directed FPSO towards of buoyancy in Loss passing vessels Depending on the extent of the spill: r r r Trawling impact to Trawling manifolds, wellheads, or risers flowlines Subsea subsidence blow-out Well in risers Fatigue of bend stiffener Failure Riser failure objectDropped buoy Damaged DTM while disconnected (e.g., and submerged) r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh development Gogh development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, $SVEFPJMMFBLTm subsea infrastructure Table 1 Table

Executive Summary | XLVII The method applied in conducting this assessment of cumulative The broad objectives of the Van Gogh development installation and impacts is based primarily on combining the residual risks associated operation EPs will be to: with the BHP Billiton and Woodside developments (as outlined in r "DIJFWFBOEEFNPOTUSBUFACFTUQSBDUJDFFOWJSPONFOUBM their respective Environmental Impact Statements, EISs) with those management’ of any aspect of the development that may have an of the proposed Van Gogh development, so that: impact on the environment.

Cumulative EIA = r .JOJNJTFBOENBOBHFUIFEBNBHFXIFSFBOJNQBDUJT unavoidable. residual environmental impacts of Van Gogh + Conclusions Vincent + Stybarrow + Enfield + Pyrenees. The selection of an FPSO for this proposed development provides a good balance between commercial requirements and environmental The locations of these five FPSO developments in relation to each protection. The Van Gogh development complies with the principles other and the coastline, and the spatial scale at which the cumulative of Ecologically Sustainable Development and with the objectives of EIA is set, is presented in Figure 8. The distances between each of the the EPBC Act. facilities are outlined in Table 2. Based on the EIA presented in the Draft PER (both on the basis of the The time scale for the assessment of cumulative environmental Van Gogh development alone, and on a cumulative basis with other impacts has been set from installation of Van Gogh infrastructure FPSOs proposed for the region), Apache considers the proposal UIF GPVSUI RVBSUFS PG VOUJM UIF FOE PG UIF 7BO (PHI environmentally acceptable because of: EFDPNNJTTJPOJOHQSPDFTT _ r "QBDIFhTFYUFOTJWFFYQFSJFODFJOPíTIPSFPJMBOEHBT The assessment of potential cumulative environmental impacts of developments in sensitive environments on the North West Shelf. the construction and operation of all five FPSOs (Table 3) found that r &OHJOFFSJOHFYQFSUJTFCSPVHIUUPUIJTEFWFMPQNFOUGSPN there was no significant change compared to the environmental experience gained by working on neighbouring FPSO impacts of the Van Gogh development assessed on its own. developments.

r "OFYUFOTJWFMJUFSBUVSFSFWJFXPGUIFJNQBDUTPGPíTIPSFBDUJWJUJFT Environmental Management on marine fauna (specifically cetaceans).

Apache recognises the environmental sensitivities of the North r 4QFDJBMJTUTUVEJFTPOPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHXJUINPSFSFñOFEXJOE West Cape and Exmouth Gulf, and is committed to ensuring that the data than has been used on previous FPSO developments in the commitments made throughout the Draft PER are implemented to Exmouth Sub-basin. ensure minimal environmental harm. Apache is well placed to deal r $POTVMUBUJPOXJUI&YNPVUIBOE1FSUITUBLFIPMEFSTBOE with this task, with its background of successfully managing oil and government regulators that has resulted in environmental and gas exploration and production in sensitive environments on the socio-economic concerns being addressed through iterative North West Shelf. project design.

Apache will fulfil the commitments made throughout this PER The inherent design of the proposed development, combined with through the preparation and implementation of an Installation EP environmental management measures to be put in place will ensure and an Operations EP for the Van Gogh development, consistent that the Van Gogh development has no significant impacts on EPBC- with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and the listed threatened species and communities, listed migratory species objectives of the EPBC Act. or the marine environment.

Table 2 Distances (km) between each of the FPSOs in the cumulative impact assessment area

Van Gogh Vincent Enfield Pyrenees Stybarrow Van Gogh 2.9 11.9 27.7 Vincent 2.9 9.1 25.5 Enfield 11.9 9.1 Pyrenees Stybarrow 27.7 25.5

XLVIII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 8 Locations of all operating and proposed FPSOs in the Exmouth Sub-basin and the boundary of the cumulative EIA area

Executive Summary | XLIX Gogh alone Compared to Van Van to Compared impact residual residual Predicted cumulative cumulative impacts Predicted residual risk residual of cumulative of cumulative impacts Predicted severity of severity cumulative cumulative impacts Predicted cumulative cumulative likelihood of likelihood Unlikely to occurUnlikely to NegligibleExpected occur to Negligible Negligible occurUnlikely to Negligible Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible change No significant occurUnlikely to Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant Unlikely to occurUnlikely to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant five FPSOs in the region FPSOs in the five Disorientation of nesting turtles or hatchlings Increased number of noise sources Increased number of noise sources impact to with potential on cetacean communication pest for Increased potential introduction (no spatial overlap) subject thermal in area Increase to impacts (no spatial overlap) pollution Localised subject elevated Increase in area to impactssalinity level on marine fauna (no spatial overlap) marine fauna of chemicals to Toxicity marine fauna of chemicals to Toxicity Increased ballast water exchange in exchange Increased ballast water pest for potential increases region introduction Minor loss of seabed incremental habitat r r r r r r r r r r Installation and commissioning Production commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning Installation and commissioning Production r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Summary impacts FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin of the cumulative of five Aspect Phase impacts of cumulative Potential NoiseLiquid Discharges Ballast water Installation and waterCooling Installation and Deck drainage Installation and Installation and Desalination brine Production waterHydrotest Installation and Light (in relation to to Light (in relation marine fauna) Introduced marine Introduced pests Physical Surface and subsea footprint Routine Table 3 Table

L | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Gogh alone Compared to Van Van to Compared impact residual residual Predicted cumulative cumulative impacts Predicted residual risk residual of cumulative of cumulative impacts Predicted severity of severity cumulative cumulative (cont'd) impacts Predicted cumulative cumulative likelihood of likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Probably will occurProbably Negligible will occurProbably Significant will occurProbably Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to Positive - Moderate Positive Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant change No significant Expected occur to NegligibleExpected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant five FPSOs in the region FPSOs in the five Minor increase in deepwater marine Minor in deepwater increase subject permanent restrictions area to or commercial or use for on access purposes recreational Potential for loss of “wilderness” appeal “wilderness” loss of for Potential Increased flights to Exmouth Increased flights Increase in permanently moored vessels vessels Increase in permanently moored BOEMJHIUJOHPOIPSJ[PO available Minor loss of area incremental general shipping to in increase incremental Possible DPMMJTJPOIB[BSE Increase in area subject potential Increase in area to chemicals (no spatial low-toxicity overlap) Moderate incremental increase in waste in waste increase Moderate incremental disposal facilities waste handled by in global Minor increase incremental warming potential Increase in area subject nutrient Increase in area to enrichment (no spatial overlap) Increase in area subject PFW Increase in area to (no spatial overlap) discharges marine to of hydrocarbons Toxicity fauna r r r r r r r r r r r r Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning Installation and commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production Decommissioning Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Summary impacts FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin of the cumulative of five Aspect Phase impacts of cumulative Potential Tourism Installation and Visual amenityVisual Shipping Production Installation and Solid discharges Solid wastesAtmospheric discharges Installation and Air emissionsSocio-economic Installation and Marine and land and use access Subsea hydraulic Subsea hydraulic fluids control PFW Production Sewage and grey Sewage and grey water Table 3 Table

Executive Summary | LI Gogh alone Compared to Van Van to Compared No significant change No significant change change No significant change No significant ) impact residual residual Acceptable Predicted cumulative cumulative PDDVSmOPTJUFT offshore found ) "B" ( impacts Acceptable Predicted residual risk residual of cumulative of cumulative "B" ( impacts Predicted severity of severity cumulative cumulative (cont'd) impacts Predicted cumulative cumulative likelihood of likelihood Unlikely to occurUnlikely to Minor will occurProbably Negligible Negligible AcceptableRare Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible Moderate change Negligible Will None. not Unlikely to occurUnlikely to SignificantRare Negligible Significant Negligible significant change No Expected occur to SignificantPositive - Moderate Positive - Moderate positive Significant Expected occur to SignificantPositive - Moderate Positive - Moderate positive Significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant five FPSOs in the region FPSOs in the five Increased demand for housing in Increased demand for Exmouth Increased population Increased property costs purchase costs Increased house rental pro- and anti- basis for Greater factionsdevelopment or sites Incremental loss or damage to of cultural significance areas Incremental increase in risk of spills that Incremental increase effects in localised toxicity result would on marine flora and fauna in risk of spills Incremental increase toxicity in widespread result that would effects on marine flora and fauna Additional employment for locals for employment Additional phases during all development Increased State and Commonwealth tax and Commonwealth Increased State reveuue Minor incremental loss of area available available Minor loss of area incremental fishing and recreational commercial to r r r r r r r r r r r Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production commissioning Installation and commissioning Production Installation and commissioning Production Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production Decommissioning r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Summary impacts FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin of the cumulative of five ) ) 3 3 Aspect Phase impacts of cumulative Potential Community cohesionCommunity Installation and Heritage and culture Installation and 0JMTQJMMTmMBSHF (>100 m Government revenueGovernment Production Community infrastructure and services Fishing Installation and Non-routine 0JMTQJMMTmTNBMMUP moderate (<100 m Other industry and commerce Table 3 Table

LII | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Introduction 1

This Draft Public Environment Report (Draft PER) has been prepared by Apache Northwest Pty. Ltd. (Apache) to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed Van Gogh Oil Field Development, located in Commonwealth waters within Exploration Permit WA-155-P(1) (Figure 1.1).

5IJT%SBGU1&3IBTCFFOQSFQBSFEJOBDDPSEBODFXJUI1BSU %JWJTJPO PGUIF&OWJSPONFOU1SPUFDUJPOBOE#JPEJWFSTJUZ$POTFSWBUJPO"DU &1#$"DU BOE4DIFEVMFTBOEPGUIF&1#$"DU3FHVMBUJPOT BNFOENFOU *UBMTPBEESFTTFTUIF(VJEFMJOFTGPSUIF$POUFOU of a Public Environment Report, June 2007, issued by the Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEW) for this development (Appendix 1). Appendix 2 cross-references the requirements of the DEW guidelines with the relevant sections of this Draft PER .

1.1 OVERVIEW OF THIS DOCUMENT 1.1.2 Proponent The structure of the Draft PER is outlined in Table 1.1. Apache Northwest Pty. Ltd. (Apache), on behalf of the Van Gogh joint "T EFñOFE JO 4FDUJPO PG UIF &1#$ "DU UIF FOWJSPONFOU WFOUVSFQBSUJDJQBOUT JTUIFQSPQPOFOUPGUIFQSPQPTBM XJUI includes: ownership. Apache’s joint venture participant is Inpex Alpha Ltd. (a) ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and *OQFY XJUIBPXOFSTIJQ communities; and Both companies are briefly described below. (b) natural and physical resources; and (c) the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas; and Apache (d) heritage value of places; and "QBDIF$PSQPSBUJPOXBTGPSNFEJOJO.JOOFBQPMJT .JOOFTPUB (e) the social, economic and cultural aspects of a thing mentioned in U.S.A before moving its headquarters to Houston, Texas, U.S.A in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d). 1992. It is an international company with exploration acreage and operations in the U.S.A, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, 1.1.1 Proposal Title Eygpt and Argentina. Apache Corporation is traded on the New York The name of the proposal is the “Van Gogh Oil Field Development”, and Chicago stock exchanges. Apache Corporation has become one referred to in this Draft PER as either “the Van Gogh development”, or of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production “the development”. DPNQBOJFTJOUIFXPSME XJUI64CJMMJPO "CJMMJPO JOBTTFUT

Table 1.1 Structure of this Draft PER Chapter Title Content ES Executive Summary Concise summary of this Draft PER. 1 Introduction *OUSPEVDUJPOUPUIFQSPQPTBM QSPQPOFOUBOEKPJOUWFOUVSFQBSUJDJQBOUPWFSWJFX PGUIFQIZTJDBMBTQFDUTPGUIFQSPQPTBMEJTDVTTJPOPGUIFMFHJTMBUJWFCBTJTBOE outline of the approaches to environmental management. 2 Project Description Description of the proposal, including development alternatives, approach and timing of the development, and the main components and activities of the proposal 3 Community Consultation Summary of the community consultation activities and issues that were raised during consultation. Description of the Environment Description of the existing environment within which the proposal is located, including the regional physical, biological and socio-economic aspects. 5 Environmental Impact Assessment Assessment of potential impacts on the physical, biological and socio- economic environment from routine and non-routine activities of the proposal and description of the proposed management measures to avoid or reduce environmental impacts or risks to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment Assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Oil Field Development together with nearby existing or proposed FPSO operations. 7 Environmental Management Measures Collated summary of the proposed management measures and a description of the environmental management system for the proposed development. References Bibliographic details for references cited in this report. 9 Conclusions Major conclusions drawn from the environmental impact assessment. 10 Glossary (MPTTBSZPGUFSNTBOEBCCSFWJBUJPOTBTVTFEJOUIFDPOUFYUPGUIJTSFQPSU includes a units conversion table. Appendices

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 1 Figure 1.1 Location of the proposed Van Gogh development

2 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development "QBDIF$PSQPSBUJPOTHMPCBMPQFSBUJOHTUBUJTUJDTBSFBTGPMMPXT Inpex has interests in several exploration permits and production licences in offshore Australian waters, including the Exmouth Sub- r Production - 29,000 megalitres (ML) of oil equivalent basin and Browse Basin in Western Australia, the Gippsland and ..CPFmNJMMJPOCBSSFMTPGPJM Otway basins in Victoria, and the Sorell Basin in Tasmania. equivalent). r Estimated Proved .-PGPJMFRVJWBMFOU Inpex’s head office in Australia is located at: Reserves - MMboe). -FWFM &YDIBOHF1MB[B r Wells Drilled - 2 The Esplanade r Gross Acreage - 152,129 km2 BDSFT 1FSUI 8" In Australia, Apache Northwest Pty. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Apache 1I Energy Limited, an Australian operating subsidiary of Apache www.inpex.co.jp Corporation. Apache has had a presence on Western Australia’s North West Shelf since 1991 when it purchased an interest in Airlie 1.1.3 Location Island, and then in 1993 acquired operation of the Harriet field and The proposed Van Gogh Oil Field Development is located in the Varanus Island gas plant and oil storage facility from Hadson Exploration Permit WA-155-P(1) in the offshore waters of a Energy Resources. Since then, other oil and gas fields that have been $PNNPOXFBMUI NBSJOF BSFB BT EFñOFE CZ 4FDUJPO PG UIF developed and tied into the Varanus Island infrastructure include &1#$ "DU *U JT MPDBUFE BQQSPYJNBUFMZ LN OPSUIOPSUIXFTU PG Agincourt, Gibson/South Plato, Victoria, Tanami, Linda, Lee, Rose, the Exmouth township on the Western Australian mainland and Monet, Mohave, Zephyrus, Gipsy, Campbell, Sinbad, Bambra, Double approximately 29 km from the northern boundary of the Ningaloo Island, Simpson, East Spar, Wonnich and John Brookes. Marine Park (see Figure 1.1). The proposed development occurs in 0OUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMG "QBDIFDVSSFOUMZPQFSBUFTPJMBOEHBT XBUFSEFQUITSBOHJOHGSPNNJOUIFFBTUPGUIFQFSNJUUPN platforms or monopods, two subsea developments, two gas plants, depth in the west. an oil storage and marine oil export terminal and two sales gas The proximity of the proposed development area to other key coastal pipelines to the Western Australian Dampier to Bunbury natural gas or mainland features is outlined below: QJQFMJOF XIJDI QSPWJEFT PG 8FTUFSO "VTUSBMJBT EPNFTUJD HBT requirements (over 350 terajoules/day) (Figure 1.2). r State/Commonwealth waters boundary - 29 km southeast. r Muiron Islands Marine Management Area - 33 km southeast. In 2007, Apache is the major holder of petroleum exploration permits Ningaloo Reef - on the North West Shelf (Figure 1.3) and the most active offshore r LNTPVUI driller in Australia. Apache currently holds 59 offshore exploration r North West Cape - LNTPVUI permits and is planning to drill over 30 offshore wells during 2007. The Van Gogh oil pool lies within the Exmouth Sub-basin, a highly In addition to Apache Energy Ltd’s interests on the North West Shelf, prospective and recently developed hydrocarbon province that is it is also the largest holder of exploration permits in the Gippsland part of the Carnarvon Basin on the North West Shelf. The geographic Basin in the waters offshore of eastern Victoria (see Figure 1.3). coordinates of the Van Gogh oil pool are provided in Table 1.2 (see Apache’s head office in Australia is located at: also Figure 1.1).

-FWFM 4U(FPSHFT5FSSBDF 1.1.4 Defined Area and Notional Development 1FSUI 8" Area 1I www.apachevangogh.com.au (Van Gogh Project) For the purposes of approval of the development, two areas have www.apachecorp.com (Corporate) been proposed (see Figure 1.1). These include:

Inpex r 5IFi%FñOFE"SFBuPG&YQMPSBUJPO1FSNJU8"1 XIFSFUIF Van Gogh subsea infrastructure will be installed to recover the oil In Australia, Inpex Corporation (Inpex) operates through its subsidiaries reserves from the Van Gogh oil pool. including Inpex Alpha Ltd. Inpex is a Japanese oil and gas company FTUBCMJTIFEJOXJUIJUTIFBERVBSUFSTJO5PLZP +BQBOBOEJUTNBJO r "i/PUJPOBM%FWFMPQNFOU"SFBuFODPNQBTTJOHBLNSBEJVT aim is to ensure the stable and efficient supply of energy to Japan. around the Van Gogh pool.

Indonesia and Australia represent Inpex’s core areas of exploration The proposed development is located within a Defined Area of the and production of oil and gas, but it also has exploration and WA-155-P(1) exploration permit area (see Figure 1.1) as a result of production interests in the Joint Petroleum Development Area in the BHP Billiton (major permit holder of WA-155-P(1)) divesting the Van Timor Sea, Middle East, Africa, North America, South America, and Gogh oil pool to Apache and Inpex from the rest of the WA-155-P(1) countries of the Caspian Sea. permit area.

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 3 Apache permits in Australian waters Apache permits in Australian Figure 1.2 Figure

4 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Apache facilities on the North West Shelf West Apache facilities on the North Figure 1.3 Figure

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 5 Table 1.2 Geographic coordinates of the Van Gogh oil pool within WA-155-P(1) Coordinates of triangular outline of the Van Gogh oil pool at the surface Latitude S Longitude E Latitude S Longitude E u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u

"(% ;POF

Outside of the Defined Area, the joint venture participants’ ownership the Theo-1 well (see Figure 1.4 XBTESJMMFECZ"QBDIFJOFBSMZ in WA-155-P(1) is: to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons and depths of hydrocarbon contacts. r #)1#JMMJUPO1FUSPMFVN "VTUSBMJB 1UZ-UE Although the Van Gogh and Vincent hydrocarbons are considered to r "QBDIF/PSUIXFTU1UZ-UE be within the same greater geophysical structure, they have different r *OQFY"MQIB-UE contacts to each other and are separated by a stratigraphic barrier. It is likely that part of the Van Gogh hydrocarbon pool extends across The Notional Development Area has been proposed because the the permit boundaries. Van Gogh development has been designed to allow any prospective fields within this area to be tied-back to the Van Gogh FPSO, should this prove economically feasible. 1.1.7 Summary of the Proposed Van Gogh Development 1.1.5 Development Objectives Apache intends to develop the Van Gogh field to full production, with first oil scheduled for March 2009. The development has The key objectives of the Van Gogh development are to: an expected commercial life of between 12 and 15 years, which r 4BGFMZNBYJNJTFUIFSFDPWFSZPGUIFDPNNFSDJBMPJMSFTFSWFTJOUIF would be extended should any additional nearby commercially Van Gogh field with minimal environmental impact. feasible fields within the Notional Development Area be tied back to the development. Planning and design of the development is at r .BOBHFBMMFOWJSPONFOUBM IFBMUIBOETBGFUZJTTVFTUPUIFIJHIFTU a mature stage, permitting the environmental assessment of the industry standards, above and beyond legislated measures. proposed development to address known parameters rather than r 1SPWJEFGPSUIFGVUVSFFYUFOTJPOPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOUCZQSPWJEJOH just a conceptual design. the capacity and infrastructure to tie-in additional prospective The proposed action, as defined under the EPBC Act, is to undertake fields within the Notional Development Area. activities associated with the installation and commissioning of r %FTJHOBOEPQFSBUFUIFGBDJMJUZUPCFBOFDPOPNJDBMMZWJBCMF various subsea well production infrastructure and the connection of project providing an additional and reliable hydrocarbon source. that infrastructure to and operation of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vesselFigure ( 1.5), which will be used to 1.1.6 Background recover, process and export oil from the Van Gogh oil pool. The Van Gogh field lies north of and within the Vincent field that was The environmental assessment of the proposal under the EPBC discovered by the drilling of the Vincent-1 well in Production Licence Act includes the installation and commissioning, production, and decommissioning activities but does not include drilling 8"-CZ8PPETJEF&OFSHZ-UEJO Figure 1.4). A further well, the production wells as these are subject to separate state and Vincent-2, was drilled in the Vincent field in 1999, also by Woodside. Commonwealth environmental approval processes. However, for The Van Gogh-1 well was drilled by BHP Billiton in 2003. After the completeness, a brief description of the drilling activities is provided divestment by BHP Billiton of the Defined Area to Apache and Inpex, in the Draft PER.

6 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Van Gogh field, showing wells already drilled wells already showing Gogh field, Van Figure 1.4 Figure

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 7 For ease of describing the proposal, it can be divided into four main - Cold and hot commissioning of the mooring system, subsea phases: drilling, installation and commissioning, production and infrastructure and FPSO processing, treatment, storage and decommissioning. These phases are summarised below, with more offloading systems. detail presented in Chapter 2. r 1SPEVDUJPO r %SJMMJOH - All subsea facilities will be designed for a 20-year life. - To take place from two drill centres (DC-A and DC-B). - Production fluids and associated gas will be gathered from the - 10 production wells (nine dual-lateral production wells and production wells via the two subsea manifolds and directed POFTJOHMFQSPEVDUJPOXFMM DPOTJTUJOHPGMPOHIPSJ[POUBM via two flexible production flowlines and their associated sections (1,500 m) to ensure adequate reservoir oil recovery. dynamic risers to the FPSO. - Two water injection wells for reinjection of produced - The double-sided FPSO vessel will receive the production formation water (PFW), which is saline reservoir water fluids (oil and water) and associated gas via the production recovered with the hydrocarbons. fluids flowlines and their associated risers. The FPSO will - One gas injection well for the reinjection of excess natural gas process the hydrocarbons to produce export-quality stabilised into the reservoir. crude oil for periodical transfer of oil to trading tankers via a - Installation of wellheads and xmas trees on the wellbores. retractable floating hose. All processing or treatment of the production fluids and associated gas will occur onboard the r *OTUBMMBUJPOBOEDPNNJTTJPOJOH TFF Figure 1.5): FPSO. The topsides infrastructure will process the hydrocarbon - Installation of the FPSO’s mooring system, consisting of a fluids to produce export-quality specifications for offloading disconnectable turret-mooring buoy (DTM buoy) and three and treat the produced formation water for reinjection into the mooring points with three anchors located at each mooring aquifer and treat the natural gas for use as fuel on board the point. FPSO or as lift gas to assist production, with excess gas to be - Installation of two subsea manifolds (one over each drill reinjected into the Van Gogh reservoir. centre) to control the production wells. - Lift gas (natural gas that has been dried and compressed on - Connection of all the production well xmas trees to the subsea the FPSO) will be returned from the FPSO via the gas flowline manifolds via a number of spool connectors. and its dynamic riser to the subsea manifolds, where it will be - Installation of two flexible 250-mm (10-inch) corrosion- reinjected into the production wells via bi-directional 200-mm resistant-alloy (CRA) production flowlines (on the seabed) JODI óPXMJOFTCFUXFFOUIFTVCTFBNBOJGPMETBOEFBDIXFMM between the two subsea manifolds and the two dynamic to assist with oil recovery. hydrocarbon risers (flowlines that extend up the water - The water and gas flexible flowlines and their dynamic column) connected to the DTM buoy. risers will return produced formation water and surplus - Installation of a flexible gas injection flowline between the two natural gas from the FPSO to the subsurface aquifer and subsea manifolds and a dynamic gas riser connected to the reservoir (respectively) via the PFW and gas injection wells DTM buoy (for supplying gas lift to the production wells and (i.e., under normal operating conditions, gas and produced for excess gas reinjection). formation water will not be discharged to the ocean or flared). - Installation of a flexible water injection flowline between Reinjection of produced formation water will be via the subsea manifold 1 and a dynamic water riser connected to the water flowline and its dynamic riser to the first PFW injection DTM buoy (for reinjection of produced formation water). well, with the second PFW injection well daisy-chained via the pipeline end termination (PLET) to the water flowline. - Installation of an electro-hydraulic umbilical line carrying Produced formation water will be reinjected into the reservoir electricity, chemicals and hydraulic fluid to the two subsea GPSNPTUPGUIFPQFSBUJOHUJNF HSFBUFSUIBOPGUIF manifolds via the DTM buoy. operating time under normal operating conditions). Surplus - Connection of the four dynamic risers from the riser bases to gas will also be routinely reinjected into the reservoir, except the bottom of the DTM buoy. during commissioning and process upsets where some flaring - Connection of the FPSO to its mooring system. may be necessary.

- Connection of the FPSO to the DTM buoy (by winching - Crude oil will be exported from the FPSO to a tandem- the buoy into the moonpool at the bottom of the hull and NPPSFEPíUBLFUBOLFSBCPVUPODFFWFSZUPEBZTJOJUJBMMZ connecting it to the turret). decreasing in frequency as field production declines.

8 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Schematic of the proposed Van Gogh development Van Schematic of the proposed Figure 1.5 Figure

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 9 - Usable crude oil storage volume on the FPSO, excluding the 1. Subsea manifolds, production wellheads and interconnecting rigid slops tanks, will be in the order of 111,000 m3 (700,000 bbls) of spools, gas injection well, the PFW injection wells, and the pipeline processed crude oil. end termination and its rigid spools (see Figure 1.5).

- Production from the field is estimated to be in the order of 2. Flexible flowline alignments and the electro-hydraulic umbilical. N3 (150,000 bbls) of fluid (water and oil) per day. 3. Mooring system for the FPSO. - The DTM buoy will hold the FPSO on its mooring location via All production and injection wells will be drilled below the seabed mooring anchors attached to the bottom of the DTM buoy surface from one or the other of the two drill centres, which will with mooring lines. The DTM buoy will be disconnected from become the locations of the two subsea manifolds, resulting in the FPSO to allow the FPSO to sail to a safe location prior to this minimal disturbance to the seabed being limited to these two the onset of a cyclone and will subsequently be reconnected locations (see Figure 1.5). The two subsea manifolds, the associated to the FPSO following the passage of adverse weather. The production wellheads and the rigid spools from the manifolds to the DTM buoy and turret have been designed to allow the FPSO wellheads are estimated to disturb 579 m2 (0.05 ha) of seabed. to weathervane in the wind while maintaining receipt of production fluids. The flexible flowline alignments begin where the dynamic risers connect to the riser bases to the first subsea manifold (approximately r %FDPNNJTTJPOJOH 2,000 m) and then continue to the second subsea manifold - All wells will be decommissioned by isolating the formation (approximately 1,700 m). The area of disturbance associated with fluids from each other and the surface. UIFóPXMJOFTPOUIFTFBCFEJTFTUJNBUFEUPCF N2 IB The electro-hydraulic umbilical runs parallel with the path of the - The well casings will be cut several metres below the seabed, óPXMJOFT#FTJEFFBDINBOJGPME UIFSFJTBOPíUBLFQPJOUBTVCTFB leaving it free from obstructions. distribution unit/umbilical termination assembly, and from this - The flexible flowlines, riser bases, rigid spools and electro- point the umbilical is connected to the manifolds by hydraulic and hydraulic umbilical line will be removed. electrical flying leads (see Figure 1.5).

- The FPSO will be disconnected from the DTM buoy and sail The FPSO mooring system will consist of three sets of three self- away. embedding stevshark anchors (5 m wide x 5 m long) with mooring - The DTM buoy, risers and manifolds will be removed from the lines connecting to the FPSO’s DTM buoy (see Figure 1.5). The area seabed. of disturbance to the seabed associated with the placement of the anchors and the mooring lines resting on the seabed is estimated at The locations of the major elements of the Van Gogh infrastructure a combined area of 700 m2 (0.07 ha). are outlined in Table 1.3 and shown schematically in Figure 1.5. All the infrastructure required for the Van Gogh development will be 5IJTHJWFTBUPUBMFTUJNBUFETJ[FPGEJTUVSCBODFUPUIFTFBCFEGSPN 2 installed on the seabed or on the FPSO. UIFEFWFMPQNFOUGPPUQSJOUPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ N IB

1.1.8 Size of the Development Footprint 1.1.9 Other Activities in the Exmouth Sub-basin The development footprint and disturbance to the seabed from the The Exmouth Sub-basin has been the focus of numerous recent Van Gogh development is limited to the: oil and gas exploration and development activities. Petroleum

Table 1.3 Locations of the major infrastructure associated with the proposed Van Gogh development Infrastructure Location Latitude S Longitude E Notional mooring position of the FPSO u u Wellhead for PFW injection well 1 u u Wellhead for PFW injection well 2 u u Wellhead for gas injection well u u Subsea manifold 1 u u Subsea manifold 2 u u Mooring Point 1 u u Mooring Point 2 u u Mooring Point 3 u u "(% ;POF

10 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 1.4 Existing and proposed petroleum developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin Proponent/ Project Permit or Licence Status Distance from Van Gogh Operator Area Development BHP Billiton Griffin oil and gas project WA-10-L 1SPEVDJOHTJODF 70 km east-northeast Stybarrow oil field development WA-255-P(2) Producing since 2007 27 km west-southwest Pyrenees oil field development WA-155-P(1) and WA-12-R Planning & Design 12 km east-southeast Woodside Vincent oil field development 8"- Construction & Installation 3 km immediately southwest Enfield oil development 8"- 1SPEVDJOHTJODF 12 km southwest developments that are operational or are in development for the r 8PSME)FSJUBHFQSPQFSUJFT Exmouth Sub-basin are listed in Table 1.4 and shown in Figure 1.6. r /BUJPOBM)FSJUBHFQMBDFT Existing oil production occurs from BHP Billiton’s Griffin oil and gas r 8FUMBOETPGJOUFSOBUJPOBMJNQPSUBODF iEFDMBSFE3BNTBSXFUMBOETu field development, consisting of an FPSO located approximately r -JTUFEUISFBUFOFETQFDJFTBOEDPNNVOJUJFT LN OPSUIXFTU PG &YNPVUI JO 1SPEVDUJPO -JDFODF 8"- 0JM QSPEVDUJPO DPNNFODFE JO +VMZ GSPN 8PPETJEFT &OñFME PJM r -JTUFENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT field development from the FPSO Nganhurra in Production Licence r /VDMFBSBDUJPOT 8"- r 5IFNBSJOFFOWJSPONFOU JF $PNNPOXFBMUINBSJOFBSFBT BHP Billiton recently commenced oil production from its Stybarrow Actions with the potential to impact on a matter of national oil field FPSO development in Exploration Permit WA-255-P(2) environmental significance trigger the Commonwealth further to the west of the Van Gogh development. Additionally, their environmental assessment and approval process. Pyrenees oil field development in WA-155-P(1) and WA-12-R (in which The EPBC Act is administered by the Commonwealth Minister for the "QBDIFIBTBOEKPJOUWFOUVSFJOUFSFTU SFTQFDUJWFMZ IBT Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, currently the Honourable received environmental approval and is currently in the detailed Peter Garrett AM MP. design phase. This document satisfies the requirements for a Draft PER as specified Woodside’s Vincent oil field development in Production Licence WA- in the EPBC Act. -IBTSFDFJWFEFOWJSPONFOUBMBQQSPWBMBOEMJLF"QBDIF UIFZBSF converting an oil export tanker to an FPSO to be located to the south of the Van Gogh FPSO. 1.2.2 Approvals Process Apache submitted an EPBC Referral to the then Department of 1.2 EPBC LEGISLATION &OWJSPONFOUBOE)FSJUBHF %&) PO/PWFNCFSGPSUIF7BO (PHIESJMMJOHQSPHSBN BQQSBJTBMESJMMJOHQIBTFPOMZ 3FG This Draft PER has been prepared in accordance the EPBC Act and its After exhibition of the referral on the DEH website for 10 working associated schedules. days for public comment, the DEH deemed the appraisal drilling ”not The drilling component of the project has been assessed and BDPOUSPMMFEBDUJPOuPO%FDFNCFS approved under the Commonwealth Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Apache then submitted an EPBC Referral to the Department of the "DU 1 4- "DU CZUIF8"%FQBSUNFOUPG*OEVTUSZBOE3FTPVSDFT Environment and Water Resources (DEW), formerly the DEH, on 3 (DoIR), acting as the Designated Authority for the Commonwealth January 2007 for the construction and operation of the Van Gogh Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) and is Oil Field Development, excluding drilling (Ref: 2007/3213). The described in this Draft PER for the purpose of completeness only. referral was exhibited on the DEW website for 10 working days for public comment, after which the DEW deemed the proposal to be a 1.2.1 EPBC Legislative Requirements “controlled action” on 15 January 2007. The controlling provisions for The EPBC Act came into force in July 2000. Under this act, all the proposal, as outlined in Part 3, Division 1, of the Act, are: activities that are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance are prohibited except r -JTUFEUISFBUFOFETQFDJFTBOEDPNNVOJUJFT 4FDUJPOTBOE" when undertaken in accordance with approval by the Minister r -JTUFENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT 4FDUJPOTBOE" who administers the Act, or when approved through a bilateral r 5IFNBSJOFFOWJSPONFOU 4FDUJPOT BOE" agreement with a state or territory, or when approved through a process accredited by the Minister. The seven matters of national The determination as a “controlled action” triggers the assessment of environmental significance are: the development by a higher level of documentation.

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 11 Existing and proposed petroleum developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin developments petroleum Existing and proposed Figure 1.6 Figure

12 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Apache submitted a Preliminary Information document to the DEW the DoIR. A production licence provides the legal title to recover in February 2007. This document provided additional information petroleum from an area, subject to the licensee meeting conditions about the development not contained within the referral and was specified by the licence. The production licence is granted for an designed to provide the DEW with enough information to determine indefinite term. what level of environmental assessment the project should be Apache has submitted an application for a production licence, which assessed at. In May 2007, the DEW determined that the level of will only be issued after the necessary environmental approval for environmental assessment for the Van Gogh Oil Field Development the development have been secured. Once the production licence is would be a public environment report. issued, the Defined Area will be excised from Exploration Permit WA- Draft guidelines for the Draft PER were prepared by the DEW, 155-P(1) and a production licence will apply over the area. published in May 2007 and available for public comment for a period of 10 working days through the DEW website (http://www. 1.3.2 Offshore Pipeline Licence environment.gov.au). The guidelines were finalised and issued to 6OEFS1BSU %JWJTJPO PGUIF1 4- "DU BQJQFMJOFMJDFODFJTSFRVJSFE Apache in June 2007 (see Appendix 1). for the flowlines within offshore petroleum production facilities. A The Draft PER was submitted to the Department of the Environment, pipeline licence provides the legal title to transport petroleum from Water, Heritage the Arts (DEWHA), formerly the DEW, in November an area, subject to the licensee meeting conditions specified by 2007 for approval for publication. Approval for publication was the licence. The pipeline licence remains in force indefinitely and is QSPWJEFEUP"QBDIFJO+BOVBSZXIFO%&8)"BEWJTFEUIBUUIF granted by the DoIR. document adequately addressed the guidelines previously issued. Apache has submitted the relevant paperwork for the pipeline 5IJT %SBGU 1&3 XBT UIFO SFMFBTFE JO 'FCSVBSZ BOE IBT CFFO licence. made widely available for public comment for a period of 20 business days (four weeks). 1.3.3 Safety Case Apache is required to address any submissions received during the The Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Safety on public review and submit a Supplemental PER to the DEWHA for their Offshore Facilities) Regulations 2000 (Safety Case Regulations) assessment. The Supplemental PER will be distributed in the same require that an operator must not construct or install a facility until fashion as this Draft PER but will not be open to public comment. The the operator has obtained a “Consent to Construct and Install”. DEWHA then prepares a recommendation report and forwards this Before this may be granted, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety to the Minister for a decision. Authority (NOPSA) must have accepted, in relation to the facility, This EPBC environmental approvals process for the Van Gogh a facility description, a formal safety assessment and those parts Development is presented in Figure 1.7. of the safety management system that relate to construction and installation. In addition, an operator must not operate a facility 1.3 OTHER COMMONWEALTH APPROVALS until the operator has obtained a “Consent to Use”. This may only be As the Van Gogh development is located entirely within granted if there is a safety case in force for the facility. For a safety Commonwealth waters, it is not subject to any state or local case to be in force, it must have been submitted by the operator to government approvals. Other than the EPBC Act (outlined in Section and be accepted by NOPSA. 1.2), the only other legislation covering environmental approvals Apache will submit a safety case to NOPSA for their approval prior to is the P(SL) Act, administered by the WA DoIR on behalf of the the commencement of the subsea installation and commissioning Commonwealth DRET. phase.

The necessary approvals for petroleum activities required under the The Van Gogh FPSO will be constructed and operated by Prosafe on P(SL) Act, and described below, are: behalf of Apache. Prosafe is a major owner and operator of FPSOs r 1SPEVDUJPO-JDFODF and currently operates a fleet of eight FPSOs around the world. As Prosafe is the designated operator of the FPSO, it will submit a safety r 1JQFMJOF-JDFODF case in conjunction with Apache requiring NOPSA’s approval prior to r 4BGFUZ$BTF the commencement of production. r &OWJSPONFOU1MBOT GPSESJMMJOH DPOTUSVDUJPOBOEUIFPQFSBUJPOBM stages of the development). 1.3.4 Environment Plans Part 2 of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of 1.3.1 Production Licence Environment) Regulations 1999 specifies that the operator of a Under Part 3, Division 3, of the P(SL) Act, a petroleum production petroleum activity must not carry out a petroleum activity unless licence is required for offshore petroleum production facilities from there is an accepted environment plan in force for the activity.

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 13 Figure 1.7 Commonwealth EPBC approvals process for the proposed Van Gogh development

Apache Submit EPBC Referral to DEW

Jan Public Exhibition & Comment Referral Phase DEW Assess Project as a ‘Controlled Action’ Feb

Mar

Apr DEW Set Level of Assessment as PER

May

DEW Publish Draft 20 Business Days Guidelines for Draft PER

Public Review & Comment 20 Business Days Jun 2007

DEW Publish & Distribute Final Guidelines for Draft PER Environmental Scoping Phase Environmental

Nov Specialist Apache Submit Draft PER Studies

Dec DEW Determine Suitability for Publishing Jan

Apache Release Draft PER for Public Comment 20 Business Days Feb

Public Submissions Received on Draft PER & Addressed by Apache Mar

Apache Prepares Supplemental PER in Response to Public Comments

Apr 2008 Apache Submit Supplemental PER to DEW for Assessment

Environmental Assesment Phase May

DEW Prepare Recommendation 30 Business Days Report for the Minister Jun

Jul Minister Makes Decision Whether to ~40 Business Days Aug Approve or Not to Approve Proposal

Report Assessment / Comment Decision GPm9852

14 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development The environment plan has an operational focus and must describe "TTPDJBUJPO "11&" 5IJT DPEF QSPWJEFT HVJEFMJOFT GPS the activity, the environment, potential impacts, environmental activities that are not formally regulated and has evolved from the performance objectives and standards, and an implementation collective knowledge and experience of the oil and gas industry both strategy to ensure risk reduction measures are implemented. The nationally and internationally. As part of its ongoing review, the code DoIR assesses and approves environmental plans as the Designated is presently being updated by APPEA. Authority for the DRET. As Apache is a member of (and currently chairs) the APPEA For the Van Gogh development, separate environment plans will be Environmental Affairs Committee, it has an excellent awareness submittted for: on the latest environmental management techniques that have been employed by the upstream oil and gas industry, and those of r %SJMMJOH BMSFBEZTVCNJUUFEBOEBQQSPWFE relevance will be applied to the Van Gogh development. r *OTUBMMBUJPO r '140PQFSBUJPO 1.4.2 Greenhouse and National Pollutant Inventory As for the safety case, Prosafe will be the responsible owner of the 5IF /BUJPOBM (SFFOIPVTF 4USBUFHZ "(0 JT UIF GSBNFXPSL FPSO Operations Environment Plan on behalf of Apache. Apache will under which the Commonwealth Government has formulated its collectively work with Prosafe to ensure its environment plan conforms response to climate change. The principles of the strategy are to: to Apache’s standards and the requirements of our Environmental Management Policy (Box 1). The Operations Environment Plan will r *NQMFNFOUBDPNQSFIFOTJWFHSFFOIPVTFSFTQPOTFUIBUSFDPHOJTFT be revised and resubmitted for approval every five years, as per Australia’s national interest and circumstances. Section 19 of the regulations. An annual environmental performance r 4FFLJOUFHSBUJPOXJUIPUIFSHPWFSONFOUDPNNJUNFOUT report detailing the FPSO’s environmental performance against the environment plan’s stated objectives and criteria will also r 1VSTVFHSFFOIPVTFBDUJPO DPOTJTUFOUXJUIFRVJUZBOEDPTU be submitted to DoIR for their review and approval, as per the effectiveness, and with multiple benefits. requirements of the regulations. r 1SPNPUFQBSUOFSTIJQTCFUXFFOHPWFSONFOUT JOEVTUSZBOE community. 1.3.5 Oil Spill Contingency Plan As outlined in Chapter 2, the Van Gogh development aims to A condition of approval of the FPSO’s Operations Environment Plan minimise the amount of natural gas flared and therefore reduce its will be the production of an Oil Spill Contingency Plan as part of its production of greenhouse gases during production by reinjecting Emergency Response Plan, as specified in Section 202 of the P(SL) produced gas into the Van Gogh reservoir. Act Schedule of Specific Requirements as to Offshore Petroleum National Pollution Inventory Exploration and Production 1995. Apache has participated in the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) Apache has a DoIR-approved Oil Spill Contingency Plan and an scheme since mandatory reporting requirements were introduced. associated resource atlas in place for the North West Shelf, along The NPI is administered by the DEWHA and provides publicly with an Emergency Response Management Manual for operational accessible information (http://www.npi.gov.au) on the types and activities and drilling rig operations. These will be updated to include amounts of 90 chemical substances being emitted to the Australian information pertaining to the Van Gogh development and submitted environment (air, land and water). to DoIR for approval. Apache reports on all emissions from all of its Australian operating 1.4 ENVIRONMENT CODES OF PRACTICE facilities. Once operational, the Van Gogh FPSO will be added to AND POLICIES Apache’s NPI reporting sites.

In addition to the offshore environmental management procedures Greenhouse Gas Reporting and reporting required under legislation, there are voluntary industry Apache reports its annual greenhouse gas emissions (from the codes and several government policies that are relevant to the Van activities outlined above) to APPEA, which in turn reports on behalf Gogh development, as discussed in this section. PG JUT JOEVTUSZ NFNCFST JODMVEFT PG VQTUSFBN PJM BOE HBT producers in Australia) to the Greenhouse Challenge Plus, run by 1.4.1 Australian Petroleum Production and the Australian Greenhouse Office, which is part of the DEWHA. There Exploration Association are currently over 700 members of this voluntary scheme, the aim of In Australia, the petroleum exploration and production industry which is to allow Australian companies to form working partnerships operates within an industry code of environmental practice with the Commonwealth Government to improve energy efficiency developed by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 15 Box 1 Apache’s Environmental Management Policy

16 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 1.4.3 Energy Efficiencies Opportunities Act 1.5.2 Environmental Record The Commonwealth Government’s Energy Efficiency Opportunities Apache has a proud record of operating in the environmentally program encourages large energy-using businesses to improve their sensitive shallow waters of the North West Shelf since it began energy efficiency by requiring businesses to identify, evaluate and operations in 1993. For example: report publicly on cost-effective energy savings opportunities. r 5IF7BSBOVT*TMBOEHBTQSPDFTTJOHBOEPJMTUPSBHFIVCJTMPDBUFE Participation in the program is mandatory (under the Energy Efficiency on an island that is a designated nature reserve set aside for Opportunities Act 2006) for the estimated 250 corporations in Australia the protection of the island’s flora and fauna by the former that use more than 0.5 petajoules (PJ) of energy per year. This is Department of Conservation and Land Management, now the approximately equivalent to the energy used by 10,000 households DEC. per year. The program applies to corporations in all sectors of the r .BOZPG"QBDIFTPíTIPSFQMBUGPSNTBOEQJQFMJOFTDPOOFDUJOH economy. Apache is one of these companies and is currently in to Varanus Island are located in or in close proximity to marine the process of identifying its energy uses, having registered for the conservation reserves, such as Montebello Islands Marine Park and Energy Efficiency Opportunities program. Barrow Island Marine Management Area. The Van Gogh FPSO will become part of Apache’s Energy Efficiency r .BOZESJMMJOHDBNQBJHOTBSFDPOEVDUFEJOPSJODMPTFQSPYJNJUZUP Opportunities annual reporting when it is operational. The design marine conservation reserves, including drilling within the Muiron of the FPSO has incorporated numerous energy-efficiency design Islands Marine Management Area northeast of Exmouth (see elements, which include, for example: Figure 1.1). r 5IFVTFPGOBUVSBMHBTBTBGVFMHBTPOUIF'140 Apache has been recognised for its efforts in protecting r 5IFSFJOKFDUJPOPGFYDFTTOBUVSBMHBTSBUIFSUIBOJUTóBSJOH environmentally sensitive areas via numerous state and national environmental awards. These have included: r 5IFVTFPGXBTUFIFBUDPMMFDUFEGSPNPOFBSFBPGUIFWFTTFMJT transferred to another area and reused as an energy source. r 5IF"VTUSBMJBO1FUSPMFVN1SPEVDUJPOBOE&YQMPSBUJPO Association (APPEA) “National Environment Award” for the 1.4.4 International Agreements Simpson oil development. The award recognised outstanding Australia is a signatory to numerous international conventions contribution towards the pursuit of continuous improvement in and agreements that obligate the Commonwealth Government to environmental management within the petroleum exploration and prevent pollution and protect specified habitats, flora and fauna. production industry. The award submission was audited by Price Those of relevance to the Van Gogh development are listed in Table Waterhouse Coopers as part of the award procedures. 1.5, which also lists all the major Commonwealth as well as state r 8JOOJOHUIF8"%P*3i(PMEFO(FDLPuBXBSEJOGPSUIF7JDUPSJB legislation and regulations to which the Van Gogh development is oil field development. The award recognised environmental subject. excellence in the construction and installation of the oil pipeline and mini-platform through minimal disturbance of sensitive 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT seabed in shallow waters dominated by coral bombies in an area that was then proposed as a marine conservation reserve. 1.5.1 Environmental Management Policy r "DLOPXMFEHNFOUBTPOFPGTJYñOBMJTUTGPSUIFi1SJNF.JOJTUFST Apache’s Environmental Management Policy (see Box 1) provides Award for Environmentalist of the Year” (Banksia Awards Program) broad guidelines for the environmental responsibilities of all for 2003 for the environmental management of the Victoria and company personnel and the conduct of company activities. Double Island oil field developments. This highly esteemed award Recognising the importance of environmental protection, Apache was open to any Australian individual, organisation or group has a separate policy for the environment that is recognised as that had made a sustained contribution to the environment by having equal importance with the other Apache policies of core providing leadership or inspiration in environmental management values, safety and integrity. or protection. The award acknowledges those Australians and Australian companies who are going beyond what is accepted Apache’s Australian operations has a separate Environment practice and are making an extraordinary effort to protect and Department distinct from the Safety Department. Apache’s method repair our unique environment. of operating environment and safety disciplines separately ensures that professional staff are appropriately qualified and experienced to r #FJOHBñOBMJTUJOUIFi8"&OWJSPONFOU"XBSETuJOGPSPJM address these issues specifically. project developments.

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 17 Table 1.5 Commonwealth & State environmental legislation and international agreements relevant to the proposed Van Gogh development

Commonwealth Legislation and Regulations Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 Navigation Act 1912 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 and delegated legislation Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act-Schedule of Specific Requirements as to Offshore Petroleum Exploration and Production 1999 Protection of the Sea (Oil Pollution Compensation Fund) Act 1983 Protection of the Sea (Powers of Intervention) Act 1981 Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 Western Australian Legislation* Acts Amendments (Marine Reserves) Act 1997 Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 Environmental Protection Act 1986 Fish Resources Management Act 1994 Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1987 Western Australian Marine (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 Western Australian Marine Act 1982 Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 International Agreements Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and 5IFJS&OWJSPONFOU DPNNPOMZSFGFSSFEUPBTUIF+BQBOm"VTUSBMJB.JHSBUPSZ#JSE"HSFFNFOU PS+".#" Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Their &OWJSPONFOU DPNNPOMZSFGFSSFEUPBTUIF$IJOBm"VTUSBMJB.JHSBUPSZ#JSE"HSFFNFOU PS$".#" #BTFM$POWFOUJPOPOUIF$POUSPMPG5SBOTCPVOEBSZ.PWFNFOUTPG)B[BSEPVT8BTUFTBOEUIFJS%JTQPTBM Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (commonly referred to as the Bonn Convention) Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (commonly referred to as CITES) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, London, 1973 (commonly known as MARPOL) *OUFSOBUJPOBM$POWFOUJPOPO$JWJM-JBCJMJUZGPS0JM1PMMVUJPO%BNBHF BOE International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (commonly known as OPRC 90) International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971 and 1992 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change,1977 (Kyoto Protocol) 1SPUPDPMUP*OUFSOBUJPOBM$POWFOUJPOPOUIF1SFWFOUJPOPG.BSJOF1PMMVUJPOCZ%VNQJOHPG8BTUFBOE0UIFS.BUUFS /PWFNCFS QSFWJPVTMZLOPXO as the London Dumping Convention) 6OJUFE/BUJPOT$POWFOUJPOPOUIF-BXPGUIF4FB 6/$-04 United Nations Framework on Climate Change, 1992 7JFOOB$POWFOUJPOPOUIF1SPUFDUJPOPGUIF0[POF-BZFS BOEUIF.POUSFBM1SPUPDPMPO4VCTUBODFTUIBU%FQMFUFUIF0[POF-BZFS

* Only relevant during the subsea installation phase of the development when vessel activities occur in Western Australian waters.

18 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 1.5.3 Environmental Monitoring and 1.5.4 Legal Proceedings Management Apache is not currently subject to any legal proceedings under state Apache is committed to protecting its personnel and the environment or Commonwealth law regarding environmental damage. in which it operates, as outlined in the Environmental Management *OJUTZFBSTPGPQFSBUJOHPOUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMG "QBDIFIBTIBE Policy (see Box 1). only a single incident associated with a large discharge of petroleum "MM EFWFMPQNFOUT VOEFSHP B IB[BSE JEFOUJñDBUJPO QSPDFTT XIJDI into the marine environment. This was a spill that occurred in July 1999 is a method of gathering all key personnel involved in a project, and resulted in the release of approximately 25 m3 (approximately 157 JEFOUJGZJOHLOPXOBOEQPUFOUJBMTBGFUZBOEFOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSET bbl) of crude oil to the marine environment over a 12-hour period. during the construction, installation and operation of the project, The incident occurred at Apache’s offshore marine loading terminal and identifying measures to eliminate, reduce or mitigate any on Varanus Island during a tanker loading operation. It stemmed JEFOUJñFE IB[BSET 5IJT QSPDFTT IBT CFFO VOEFSUBLFO GPS UIF 7BO from an export tanker’s crane pulling off a safety valve on the subsea Gogh development and forms the basis of the environmental risk load out line while attempting to recover the flexible loading hose assessment (Chapter 5). from the seabed to connect it into the tanker’s manifold. The release Environmental incidents that occur during Apache’s oil and gas resulted in no environmental damage as recorded and reported by exploration and production activities are recorded in APPEA’s the then WA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). While Environmental Incident Database, regardless of their level of impact. no prosecution was made against Apache by the then DEP under This provides APPEA, and consequently the DoIR, with up-to-date any environmental law, Apache was fined for “failing to prevent the details on Apache’s impact on the environment. The majority of FTDBQF PG QFUSPMFVN GSPN B QJQFMJOFu VOEFS 4FDUJPO PG UIF Apache’s environmental incidents recorded on the database are Western Australian Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, by the minor events, such as small spills or leaks of oil, diesel, or condensate, DoIR. Apache subsequently has taken measures to prevent a possible usually within containment areas, which resulted in no or negligible reoccurrence of this incident by installing suck-back pumps on the environmental impact. Environmental incidents that are reported subsea load out line, so oil can be quickly recovered from within the to regulatory authorities immediately after an incident, such as the line and pumped back into the onshore storage tanks. DoIR or the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), are also summarised in annual reports to these agencies.

Chapter 1 : Introduction | 19 20 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Project Description 2

This chapter provides a detailed description of the various elements r 1PTJUJPOUIF%5.CVPZBOEDPOOFDUJUUPUIFNPPSJOHMJOFT of the proposed Van Gogh development to assist in evaluating the r *OTUBMMUIFUXPTVCTFBNBOJGPMETVTFEUPDPOUSPMUIFXFMMIFBETBOE associated potential environmental impacts. The project description xmas trees on the production wells. is based on front-end engineering and design (FEED), which at the time of writing the Draft PER was well advanced. Although some r *OTUBMMUIFEZOBNJDSJTFSTGSPNUIFCPUUPNPGUIF%5.CVPZUPUIF minor details are yet to be finalised, the majority of the design for the riser bases. development is nearing completion. This has the benefit of providing r *OTUBMMUIFóFYJCMFóPXMJOFTCZDPOOFDUJOHUIFNUPUIFEZOBNJD certainty about the development description and therefore about risers at the riser bases and then to the subsea manifolds. the predicted environmental impacts. r *OTUBMMUIFFMFDUSPIZESBVMJDVNCJMJDBMMJOFCZDPOOFDUJOHJUUPUIF Many of the terms used in this chapter for equipment, processes and DTM buoy and making the necessary connections to other subsea practices are defined in the glossary Chapter( 10). infrastructure. 2.1 PROJECT OUTLINE r *OTUBMMUIFKVNQFSTQPPMTGSPNUIFTVCTFBNBOJGPMETUPUIFXFMMT The purpose of the Van Gogh development is to extract and process r *OTUBMMUIFUXPKVNQFSTQPPMTCFUXFFOUIFXBUFSJOKFDUJPOQJQFMJOF oil from the Van Gogh field and export it via offtake tankers using a end termination (PLET) to the PFW injection wells. floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. r )ZESPUFTUUIFóPXMJOFTBOEUIFFMFDUSPIZESBVMJDVNCJMJDBMMJOF

To effectively extract the oil from the Van Gogh pool, ten production The preferred method of receiving, processing, storing and exporting wells (nine dual-lateral wells and one single-lateral production the Van Gogh hydrocarbon reserves during the production phase well) will be drilled along with one gas injection and two produced is via an FPSO. An FPSO is a similar vessel to an oil storage tanker, formation water (PFW) injection wells. The Stena Clyde (Plate 2.1), but it is moored at a fixed location and has hydrocarbon processing and the Ocean Epoch, both self-propelled, semi-submersible drill rigs, equipment (pressure vessels, gas compressors, flare tower etc.) will be used to drill the wells and to install the wellheads and xmas installed on the upper deck (topsides). Plate 2.2 shows a digital trees (subsea wellhead control modules). The wells will be drilled model of the Van Gogh FPSO, and Plate 2.3 showing an existing from two drill centres located approximately 1,500 m apart. Water- FPSO similar in design to the one being proposed for the Van Gogh based drilling fluids (also called water-based muds) will be used in development. the drilling program (see Section 2.5.4). Towards the later part of the installation and commissioning phase, Plate 2.1 The Stena Clyde semi-submersible drill rig the FPSO will arrive on location to be hooked up to the DTM buoy (and thus to the subsea infrastructure), and all the FPSO onboard processing and treatment systems will be commissioned. Following the completion of this phase, the installation fleet will leave the field. This phase is expected to take three to four months to complete.

During the production phase, the FPSO will be moored above the Van Gogh field via the DTM buoy, which will be winched into a moonpool (void) in the hull near the bow, thus connecting the FPSO to both the mooring lines and the subsea infrastructure. This mooring system allows the FPSO to disconnect from the DTM buoy and sail away (for example, prior to the approach of a cyclone), then return to the site and reconnect to the DTM buoy.

On the FPSO, recovered production fluids and associated gas from the production wells will be separated into crude oil, natural gas and produced formation water, with each phase having its own Courtesy Drilling of Stena processing or treatment circuit.

The processed stabilised crude oil will be temporarily stored in The installation and commissioning phase will immediately follow the FPSO cargo tanks (in the hull of the vessel), then periodically the drilling phase. When the drill rigs leave the field, the vessels required for this phase will mobilise to the Van Gogh location. The transferred to offtake tankers via an offloading hose located at the Toisa Proteus, a dynamically positioned dive-support vessel (DPDSV), stern of the FPSO. which requires no anchoring to the seabed, will be used to: The produced formation water will be treated to remove hydrocarbons r *OTUBMMBOEMPBEUFTUUIFEJTDPOOFDUBCMFUVSSFUNPPSJOH %5. and entrained natural gas, then, under normal operating conditions, buoy mooring lines. reinjected via the PFW injection wells into the subsurface aquifer.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 21 Plate 2.3 An existing FPSO similar in design to the one being proposed for the Van Gogh development Courtesy of Prosafe

Under abnormal conditions, it will be discharged to the sea after XFMMTóVTIJOHPGUIFóPXMJOFTBOESJTFSTBOESFNPWBMPGUIF%5. being treated. buoy and the umbilical line and possibly the subsea manifolds, flowlines and risers. The dried and compressed natural gas will be used as a fuel source on the FPSO to generate electricity and provide mechanical energy The subsea infrastructure, FPSO and project phases are described in via compressors and engines and as lift gas or reinjection gas to detail from Section 2.3 onwards. maintain pressure in the wells and the reservoir respectively. Flaring The remainder of Section 2.1 focuses on the elements that make the of natural gas will only occur during commissioning, process upsets, QSPKFDUGFBTJCMFmUIFPJMSFTFSWPJS EFWFMPQNFOUUJNFMJOF DPTUTBOE production re-starts and planned maintenance. the engineering procurement for the project. Section 2.2 discusses the development alternatives. 5IF '140 XJMM IBWF UIF DBQBDJUZ UP QSPDFTT JO UIF PSEFS PG m (150,000 bbls) of fluids (water and oil) per day and produce 2.1.1 Van Gogh Reservoir Details N EBZ CCMT PG DSVEF PJM QFS EBZ 6TBCMF TUPSBHF volume on the FPSO, excluding the slops tanks, is 103,333 m The hydrocarbons associated with the Van Gogh oil pool are contained CCMT PGQSPDFTTFEDSVEFPJM$SVEFPJMXJMMCFFYQPSUFEGSPN in the Upper Barrow Group (referred to as the Pyrenees) sandstones UIF'140UPBOPíUBLFUBOLFSFWFSZUPEBZTJOJUJBMMZ EFDSFBTJOH BU B EFQUI PG N CFMPX UIF TFBCFE5IF SFTFSWPJS JT TFBMFECZ in frequency as the field production declines. the overlying Muderong and Gearle Formations. Petrophysical and formation pressure observations indicate that although drilled within Decommissioning of the facilities will occur at the end of the part of the same larger oil structure (the greater Vincent field), the commercial life (which is expected to occur 12 to 15 years after first exploration wells Theo-1 and Van Gogh-1 (see Figure 1.4) have a oil) in line with the decommissioning standards of the day. Generally, separate oil-water contact to that of the oil pool discovered by Vincent-1 JUXJMMJOWPMWFUIFSFNPWBMPGUIF'140GSPNMPDBUJPOSFNPWBMPGUIF BOE7JODFOUJO8"-UPUIFTPVUI 7JODFOUñFME "TUSBUJHSBQIJD wellheads and xmas trees and plugging and abandonment of the barrier isolates the hydrocarbon pools between Vincent-1 and Theo-1.

Plate 2.2 Model of Van Gogh FPSO Apache

22 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development An initial model indicates an oil-in-place quantity in the Defined Area fluids’ specific gravity, enabling the fluids to flow via the flowlines PG8"1 PG NJMMJPON NJMMJPOTUBOEBSETUPDLUBOL and risers to the FPSO. barrels, or MMSTB), assuming that the barrier between Vincent-1 Based on the predicted production profile, oil production from the and Theo-1 is close to Theo-1. Based on a production rate of Van Gogh oil pool alone is expected to remain economically viable N CCMT PGóVJEQFSEBZ JUJTFTUJNBUFEUIBUNJMMJPON for a 12- to 15-year period from the commencement of production. ..45# PGóVJEXJMMCFSFDPWFSFEBOOVBMMZGSPNUIFSFTFSWPJS At the later stages of the commercial life, the watercut is expected EFDMJOJOHUPBXBUFSDVU QSPQPSUJPOPGXBUFSJOUIFQSPEVDUJPO UPCFBSPVOE PJM BUXIJDIQPJOUUIFPJMSFDPWFSZSBUFXJMM fluids) over the commercial life of 12 to 15 years. be unable to cover the production costs of oil recovery. Should 5IF7BO(PHIñFMETSFDPWFSBCMFPJMSFQSFTFOUTPG"VTUSBMJBT additional nearby oil fields within the Notional Development Area be tied back to the FPSO, this would increase the development’s 992 million m total known oil reserves, based on Geoscience commercial life. "VTUSBMJB SFTFSWFT FTUJNBUFT GPS (4" 5IF FYQFDUFE total production from the Van Gogh pool over its 12- to 15-year 2.1.2 Development Schedule DPNNFSDJBMMJGFSFQSFTFOUTPGUIFUPUBMPJMQSPEVDUJPOJO"VTUSBMJB in 2005 (19.5 million m , or 123 MMSTB) (APPEA, 2007). 4JODF UIF EJTDPWFSZ PG PJM BU 5IFP JO "QSJM "QBDIF IBT maintained a tight schedule for the field’s development to meet Predicted Production Profile current and future oil supply contracts. FEED began early in the development process to allow time to procure long-lead items. The predicted production profile for the Van Gogh development is illustrated in Figure 2.1. Oil production will be at a maximum during Field development will be undertaken in three phases. As outlined in the first two years of production, with the watercut increasing to Section 1.1.6, these are: a maximum after 15 years. Maximum gas processing capacity on r %SJMMJOH UIF'140XJMMCF UIPVTBOETUBOEBSEN EBZ LTN EBZ PS r *OTUBMMBUJPOBOEDPNNJTTJPOJOH MMSCFD), with gas coning from the gas cap expected early in the field’s life (after the first five years). Gas coning refers to the change in r 1SPEVDUJPO the gas-oil contact profiles as a result of drawdown pressures during Subject to the necessary approvals, drilling is scheduled to production. Coning occurs in vertical or slightly deviated wells and DPNNFODFJO+BOVBSZBOEXJMMUBLFBQQSPYJNBUFMZEBZTUP is affected by the characteristics of the fluids involved and the ratio DPNQMFUF FOEJOHJO"VHVTU*OTUBMMBUJPOPGUIF%5.NPPSJOH PG IPSJ[POUBM UP WFSUJDBM QFSNFBCJMJUZ BOE FTTFOUJBMMZ JOWPMWFT UIF lines, the first installation activity, is scheduled to commence in preferential movement of gas into the well rather than oil. Artificial 0DUPCFS GPMMPXFECZUIFJOTUBMMBUJPOPGUIFSFNBJOJOHTVCTFB gas lift is expected to be required with the first year of production and infrastructure. First oil production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009. may also be required to start the wells during initial well start-up. Lift gas is natural gas that will be compressed on the FPSO and directed An indicative schedule for the proposed development is shown in down the well via the subsea manifolds to lower the hydrocarbon Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.1 Predicted production profile for the proposed Van Gogh development

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 23 Figure 2.2 Indicative schedule for the proposed Van Gogh development

2006 2007 2008 2009

DC-A DRILLING DC-B FEED Subsea Engineering & Planning

Manufacture of Flowlines and Risers

Manufacture of Manifolds & Controls Installation SUBSEA EQUIPMENT Manufacture of Umbilicals & Subsea Equipment

Detailed Engineering Vessel Upgrade Integration Commission Hook Up FPSO

FIRST OIL TARGET

GPm9850

2.1.3 Development Costs, Income, and Taxes developed an Australian Industry Participation Plan (AIPP) that all suppliers are required to comply with. As part of the AIPP, overseas The capital expenditure required for the development is estimated suppliers are required to: UP CF 64 NJMMJPO UP 64 NJMMJPO " NJMMJPO UP " NJMMJPO 5IJTDPTUXJMMCFTIBSFECFUXFFOUIFKPJOUWFOUVSF r *OWFTUJHBUFBSFBTPG"VTUSBMJBOJOEVTUSZUIBUDBOPíFSTVDITFSWJDFT participants according to their shareholding in the Defined Area of as engineering, validation, fabrication, packaging and assembly of WA-155-P(1). a functional unit.

The predicted annual operating expenditure for the development is r *OWJUFBOEBMMPX"VTUSBMJBOTVQQMJFSTUPUFOEFSGPSXPSLPS JOUIFPSEFSPG64NJMMJPO "NJMMJPO the supply of materials or subcomponents where they can demonstrate they have the required technical expertise, Based on the volume of recoverable oil predicted from the Van infrastructure and resources. (PHIPJMQPPMBOEBTTVNJOHBOIJTUPSJDBMPJMQSJDFPG64CCM JU is expected that, over the life of the Van Gogh field, approximately r &OTVSFTVCTVQQMJFSTEPUIFTBNFCZHJWJOH"VTUSBMJBOJOEVTUSZ "CJMMJPOXJMMCFHFOFSBUFEGSPNPJMTBMFT1FUSPMFVNSFTPVSDFSFOU the opportunity to tender for work where they have the required tax and company tax to be paid over that period is estimated to be in resources and capacity. the order of A$1.1 billion. As part of the AIPP requirements, Cameron Australia has agreed to construct and assemble the two subsea manifolds in the Henderson 2.1.4 Engineering and Procurement shipyards in Western Australia and to maintain an ongoing A multi-disciplinary team of engineers sourced from numerous maintenance and service facility in Western Australia. companies has been required to design the Van Gogh development. 2.2 DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES Consultants used to undertake environmental studies or otherwise contributed directly to this Draft PER are listed in Section 9.2. Apache considered various alternative development options for the Van Gogh field before deciding to develop the project as an FPSO Detailed equipment design and manufacturing has been awarded to operation. The key considerations for the project team in assessing the companies listed in Table 2.1. the development alternatives included:

Early procurement of these materials during FEED has been essential r &DPOPNJDWJBCJMJUZ because they are long-lead items (i.e., they will take a significant amount of time to manufacture and deliver). - Types of installations vary enormously in cost, from design, construction and procurement, through to maintenance and The majority of components associated with the development are decommissioning. currently not manufactured in Australia (e.g., flowlines and risers, r 5FDIOJDBMWJBCJMJUZ umbilical) and are therefore required to be sourced from overseas. However, Apache is committed to including maximum Australian - Deep-water installation presents greater technical challenges content in all its Australian projects. To this end, Apache has than shallower water installation.

24 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.1 Equipment suppliers Equipment Supplier Base Wellheads and xmas trees Cameron Australia United Kingdom and Malaysia Subsea manifolds Cameron Australia Perth Mooring anchors, chain and wire Prosafe Singapore Riser bases Acergy Perth Rigid Spools Acergy Perth Umbilical line JDR Umbilical Systems Limited United Kingdom and Thailand Flexible flowlines and risers Wellstream International United Kingdom DTM buoy Prosafe Singapore FPSO detailed design and refit Prosafe Singapore r 4BGFUZGFBUVSFT r 5JFCBDLUP8PPETJEFT7JODFOU'140EFWFMPQNFOU

- Located a significant distance from the mainland. r 'JYFEQMBUGPSN

- Consideration of operations personnel. r 4UBOEBMPOF7BO(PHI'140 r &OWJSPONFOUBMJNQBDUT r 5FOTJPOMFHQMBUGPSNXJUIBOBEKPJOJOHóPBUJOH TUPSBHFBOE offloading (FSO) vessel. - Sensitive coastal habitats, such as Ningaloo Reef and the Muiron Islands. 2.2.1 Assessment of Development Alternatives The development alternatives considered were: The assessment of each of these development alternatives against r /PEFWFMPQNFOU the key considerations is outlined in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Assessment of development alternatives Key consideration Advantages Disadvantages No Development Economicr No risk of financial losses r Lost revenue opportunity from crude oil sales, resulting in no financial benefit to the company and its shareholders r No revenue to the Commonwealth Government from taxes (petroleum resource rent tax and company tax) r Increased reliance on oil imports to meet national energy requirements r No creation of new jobs during fabrication, installation and operations, with a consequent lack of tax being delivered to government r No multiplier effect from indirect employment associated with the development Technicalr No technical requirements r No opportunity to develop Apache expertise in the development and operation of an FPSO r No opportunity to develop Apache expertise in deep-water developments Safetyr No exposure to safety risks r Loss of opportunity to develop and improve safety management systems associated with the operation of an FPSO Environmentalr No environmental impact r Possibility of project being developed in the future by an operator without environmental standards and procedures as rigorous as those of Apache Socialr Avoid potential negative social impacts r Loss of opportunity of Apache supporting community development r Loss of indirect benefits to the state and local community

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 25 Table 2.2 Assessment of development alternatives (cont’d)

Key consideration Advantages Disadvantages Tie-back to Woodside’s Vincent FPSO Economicr No exposure to FPSO construction and r Timing for the development of the Van Gogh operating costs pool determined by capacity constraints and availability of Vincent FPSO r Toll proposed by Woodside for processing Van Gogh’s oil economically favours stand-alone FPSO Technicalr Eliminates stand-alone FPSO design issues r Advanced design stage of Woodside FPSO limited the potential to integrate the Van Gogh development r Decision on location of Vincent FPSO not favourable to directing oil from the Van Gogh field Safetyr One, rather than two facilities, eliminates r Apache has no influence over safety systems additional safety risks on another operator’s vessel r Safety risks remain with other operator Environmentalr One less FPSO in the region, resulting in r Apache has no influence over environmental lower chance of environmental impacts and standards or procedures of another operator incidents, such as oil spills Fixed platform Economicr Economic flow-on effect from direct r Significant extra costs put the project at risk investment and indirect effects associated with of not being developed, making it a less the design, construction and operation favourable option when compared to an FPSO development Technicalr Facility not restricted to being constructed at r Water depth and foundation soil properties shipyards preclude its use Safetyr Platform operational safety risks comparable r Requires personnel to be evacuated by to FPSO helicopter when cyclone approaching rather than FPSO being able to sail away Environmentalr Platform operational environmental risks r Decommissioning more complex comparable to FPSO Stand-alone FPSO Economicr Conversion of an existing oil tanker allows for r Apache exposed to the economic risks fast-tracked development and realisation of associated with the proposed Van Gogh early crude oil sales development r FPSO scenario considered to offer best capital and operational cost option Technicalr Significant flexibility regarding potential future r Subsea wells and well control equipment not expansion from tying in more wells as accessible as surface wellheads (e.g., on a r Engineering team experience with design of platform) FPSOs in the region Safetyr FPSO operational safety risks comparable to r Requires mariners crew, as well as petroleum other development concepts operations crew Environmental r -PDBUFEBTJHOJñDBOUEJTUBODFPíTIPSFmOP r Presence of an additional FPSO facility in the sensitive seabed habitats in the vicinity region, with several nearby r Decommissioning is straightforward r Offshore oil storage and offloading represents r Minimal chance of potential oil spills reaching some (albeit minor) risk of oil spill shorelines r Produced formation water and surplus gas reinjected into reservoir r FPSO can sail away prior to cyclones, minimising the risk of oil spills

26 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.2 Assessment of development alternatives (cont’d)

Key consideration Advantages Disadvantages Tension-leg semi-submersible platform with an adjoining FSO Economicr Economic flow-on effect from direct r Significant extra costs put the project at risk investment and indirect effects associated with of not being developed, making it a less the design, construction and operation favourable option when compared to an FPSO development Technicalr Easier access to production wellhead controls r Lack of oil storage on platform and risks in r Greater room for positioning equipment designing for a cyclone-prone area r Van Gogh field needs more than one drill centre, adding complexity to the infrastructure required Safetyr Platform and FSO operational safety risks r Manage workforce at two separate locations comparable to other development concepts Environmental r -PDBUFEBTJHOJñDBOUEJTUBODFPíTIPSFmOP r Presence of two structures represents sensitive seabed habitats in the vicinity additional infrastructure that could cause r Minimal chance of potential oil spills reaching negative impacts shorelines r Offshore oil storage on FSO and offloading r Produced formation water and surplus gas represents some risk of oil spill reinjected into reservoir r FSO can sail away prior to cyclones, minimising the risk of oil spills

2.2.2 Inherent Development Constraints r 1SPWFOUFDIOPMPHZm'140WFTTFMTBSFPQFSBUFEUISPVHIPVUUIF world with several operating in the North West Shelf and Timor In addition to the advantages and disadvantages of each development Sea, including the Exmouth Sub-basin, with several more approved alternative listed in Table 2.2, a number of inherent constraints are for this area. associated with any development of the Van Gogh field. These are outlined below: r &DPOPNJDm1VSDIBTJOHBOFYJTUJOH'140 CVJMEJOHBOFX'140PS converting an existing oil tanker to an FPSO is quicker and cheaper r 5IFQIZTJDBMMPDBUJPOPGUIFPJMñFMEJTBQQSPYJNBUFMZLN than constructing and installing an offshore platform. offshore of the North West Cape. r &DPOPNJD TBGFUZBOEFOWJSPONFOUBMm"CJMJUZUPEJTDPOOFDUBOE r *OGSBTUSVDUVSFDBOPOMZCFJOTUBMMFEXJUIJO"QBDIFT%FñOFE sail away in a cyclone-prone area is of clear economic, safety and "SFBPG&YQMPSBUJPO1FSNJU8"1 QMBDJOHBGBDJMJUZJOB environmental benefit. location outside the permit area was not considered due to the complexities of commercial negotiations with adjacent permit r &DPOPNJDm%FDPNNJTTJPOJOHJTBTJNQMFSQSPDFTT holders. r &OWJSPONFOUBMm"O'140BOEJUTBTTPDJBUFETVCTFBJOGSBTUSVDUVSF have a minimal environmental footprint and low visual impact. r 1SPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFSJTUPCFSFJOKFDUFEJOUPBTVJUBCMF formation during normal operations to minimise ocean discharges. 2.2.4 Design Alternatives Assessed within the r 4VSQMVTOBUVSBMHBTJTUPCFSFJOKFDUFEJOUPUIF7BO(PHI Preferred Development Alternative field during normal operations to minimise emissions to the Within the preferred development alternative, several design atmosphere and maintain well and reservoir pressures to assist alternatives were considered before reaching the current with oil recovery. configuration as outlined inSection 2.1. These design alternatives r 5IFEJTUBODFCFUXFFOUIFEFWFMPQNFOUMPDBUJPOBOE"QBDIFT are briefly discussed in this section. nearest oil storage and offloading facility at Airlie Island Dual-lateral Wells (110 km to the northeast) makes connection with this facility an Dual-lateral wells were selected over single-lateral wells as they uneconomic option. provide the means to effectively extract the oil from the Van Gogh oil reservoir yet minimise the amount of drilling required. Dual-lateral 2.2.3 Preferred Development Alternative wells initially share a common single wellbore then branch into During the assessment of these development alternatives, the case UXPIPSJ[POUBMXFMMTJOUIFPJMSFTFSWPJS5IJTSFEVDFTUIFBNPVOUPG for a stand-alone FPSO at the Van Gogh location clearly emerged as drilling required for the well, as well as the volume of cuttings and the preferred development alternative for the reasons outlined in entrained drilling muds generated and discharged to the seabed. A Table 2.2 and summarised below: typical cross-section of a dual-lateral well is shown as Figure 2.3.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 27 While technically more challenging to drill, the dual-lateral wells As the global human population grows, an increased demand (in provide significant drilling cost reductions, as well as environmental quantity and quality) is generated for housing, transport and goods, benefits to the project. so proportionally world energy demand increases each year. Against this backdrop, however, oil fields that are easy to explore, develop Disconnectable Turret-mooring System and produce from are rapidly diminishing, and the cost of exploring Various options for the disconnectable turret-mooring (DTM) system for oil and producing it increases with the need to source oil in were reviewed, including both internal and external systems. An more remote and extreme environments. Therefore, the impetus to internal DTM system was selected over an external DTM system as it discover and develop oil fields to meet global oil demand is high. provides the advantage of reducing the FPSO’s roll and pitch motion from sea and swell conditions due to the influence of the design and *O"VTUSBMJBBMPOF DSVEFPJMQSPEVDUJPOGFMMEVSJOH XJUI forecasts suggesting that, without new major discoveries, Australia NPPSJOHTZTUFN XIJDINJOJNJTFTUIFATMPTIJOHPGMJRVJETXJUIJOUIF process. XJMMTPPOCFQSPEVDJOHMFTTUIBOPGXIBUJUDPOTVNFTDPNQBSFE XJUIJOBOEUPJOUIFEFDBEFVQUP "11&" Double-sided Hull 0JM BOE HBT BSF UIF TJOHMF MBSHFTU DPOUSJCVUPST UP 8FTUFSO A double-sided hull for the FPSO was selected over a single-sided "VTUSBMJBT HSPTT EPNFTUJD QSPEVDU 'FSEJOBOEP BOE UIJT JT hull as there are numerous advantages to the double-sided hull likely to remain the case for many years. arrangement with the predominant factors being environmental Petroleum production delivers a major injection of funds to the and safety based. A double-sided hull provides additional protection Commonwealth Government each year through the collection of for the oil stored on the FPSO from possible hull impacts that could taxes (petroleum resource rent tax). These are then directed to a eventuate in an oil spill. A double-sided hull also permits easy access multitude of government portfolios, such as health, education, to the internal steel hull structure for routine inspections and ongoing defence, transport, and environment. According to the DITR corrosion monitoring and maintenance. An added benefit of the GPSUIFñOBODJBMZFBS $PNNPOXFBMUI(PWFSONFOU double-sided hull is that it makes the vessel stiffer than a single-sided petroleum revenues were in the order of: hull and helps prevent overstressing during cargo loading. r Crude oil excise- NJMMJPO Subsea Configuration r Petroleum royalties- NJMMJPO The subsea configuration and layout for the Van Gogh field (see r Petroleum resource rent tax- $1,991 million Figure 1.5) has been designed to minimise the complexity and TOTAL petroleum taxation- $3,335 million number of flowlines required to be installed on the seabed.

The concept of centralising the surface location of the production 2.3 SUBSEA INFRASTRUCTURE and injection wells near the two subsea manifold locations limits This section describes the purpose and physical characteristics of the the connection distances for the jumper spools and flowlines and subsea infrastructure required for the Van Gogh development: reduces the amount of disturbance to the seabed from the subsea infrastructure. r 1SPEVDUJPOBOEJOKFDUJPOXFMMT

5IFNBOJGPMETAEBJTZDIBJOQIJMPTPQIZQFSNJUTUIFFBTZMJOLJOHPGUIF r 8FMMIFBETBOEYNBTUSFFT production wells from subsea manifold PM2 in the northern part of r 4VCTFBNBOJGPMET the field to subsea manifold PM1 in the central part of the field. The chosen positioning and configuration of the subsea manifolds also r %ZOBNJDSJTFSTBOESJTFSCBTF allows additional production wells to be connected into the field. r 'MFYJCMFóPXMJOFTBOEKVNQFSTQPPMT

r &MFDUSPIZESBVMJDVNCJMJDBMMJOF 2.2.5 Project Justification r %JTDPOOFDUBCMFUVSSFUNPPSJOHTZTUFN Oil is one of the key basic commodities maintaining our modern economy and is currently progressing the advancement of the All the subsea components of the Van Gogh development will be rapidly developing countries like China and India. fabricated and assembled away from the proposed development location. Figure 1.5 shows the subsea infrastructure schematically, Through the refining of crude oil from oil refineries all over the world, and Figure 2.4 shows a plan view of the subsea infrastructure and products such as liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, lubricating gives details of the flowline riser diameters and lengths. oil, fuel oil, kerosene, bitumen, synthetic rubber, fertilisers and plastics are created. These fuels provide the energy necessary for all forms of transport, heating and manufacturing processes, while 2.3.1 Production and Injection Wells the other products are the basis of numerous manufacturing and The Van Gogh development will consist of nine dual-lateral agricultural processes. production wells and one single-lateral production well (ten separate

28 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development A typical cross section A typical well cross of a dual-lateral Figure 2.3 Figure

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 29 production wellbores in total), two water injection wells, and one gas 2.3.2 Wellheads and Xmas Trees injection well. They will be drilled from two locations: drill centre A Each well will have a wellhead. The wellhead is the surface termination and drill centre B. Figure 2.5 shows a plan view of the wells. of the wellbore and incorporates facilities for installing casing hangers Production Wells during the well construction phase. The wellhead also incorporates a means of hanging the production tubing and installing the xmas tree The ten production wells will be used to extract production fluids and flow-control facilities in preparation for the production phase of (water and oil) and associated gas from the Van Gogh field. The the well. production wells have been designed for: A hydraulically controlled xmas tree will be installed on each r "ZFBSEFTJHOMJGF wellhead. The xmas trees will house the system of valves and controls r )ZESPHFOTVMñEFDPODFOUSBUJPOMFWFMTVQUPQQN that control flow from the wells.

r $BSCPOEJPYJEFDPODFOUSBUJPOMFWFMTPGNPM 5IFXFMMTXJMMCFHB[FUUFEPOUPDVSSFOUOBWJHBUJPODIBSUTUISPVHI the Australian Hydrographic Office. r DISPNJVNQJQFSFRVJSFEGPSBMMóPXXFUUFEBSFBTGPSDPSSPTJPO protection. 2.3.3 Subsea Manifolds r $IFNJDBMJOKFDUJPOQSPWJEFEBUUIFYNBTUSFFGPSIZESBUFBOETDBMF The subsea manifolds will gather production fluids and associated mitigation. gas from the production wells via the rigid spools and transfer them To maximise oil recovery, each lateral will have 1,500 m measured to the FPSO via the production fluid flowlines and risers. One of the manifolds will also direct treated gas from the FPSO to the gas EFQUIPGIPSJ[POUBMDPNQMFUJPO5PBDDPNNPEBUFBEFTJHOóPXSBUF of 3,975 kL/d (25,000 bbl/d) of fluid and potential gas cap production, reinjection well, and both manifolds will direct treated gas into the production wells for gas lift. The manifolds will control the individual BUVCJOHTJ[FPGNN JODIFT JOUIFIPSJ[POUBMTFDUJPOPGUIF flow from each of the production wells and to gas injection well. well has been selected based on well modelling. &BDITVCTFBNBOJGPMEXJMMNFBTVSFBQQSPYJNBUFMZNCZN Subsurface safety valves will be set to a depth of 100 m below the m2) by 10 m high and weigh approximately 250 tonnes. The manifolds mud-line to avoid the hydrate region in the production wells. These will be located on the seabed, and the base of each manifold will valves fail close to prevent any release of hydrocarbons from the well include an inbuilt steel mud mat to provide a stable base and to should the well controls located on top of the well fail. prevent the manifolds sinking into or sliding on the seabed. Based on visual inspection of core and sand production levels from The manifold over drill centre A (PM1) will be a ten-slot manifold, the Vincent-1 drill stem test, it has been assumed that sand control will connected to six production wells, one gas injection well and one be required for the Van Gogh production wells. Therefore, the lower subsea distribution unit (the subsea distribution unit distributes the completion section of the well will comprise a premium stand-alone hydraulic, chemical and electrical inputs from the electro-hydraulic TBOETDSFFO NNCBTFQJQF JOBNN JODI PQFOIPMF umbilical line to the manifold). The sand screens will incorporate inflow control devices to ensure oil JTFWFOMZESBJOFEBMPOHUIFFOUJSFIPSJ[POUBMTFDUJPOPGUIFXFMM 5IFNBOJGPMEPWFSESJMMDFOUSF# 1. XJMMCFBTFWFOTMPUNBOJGPME four production wells, one subsea distribution unit and two tie-in Injection Wells points for additional potential wells.

The two PFW injection wells will be used to return produced formation The manifolds will be manufactured and tested in Perth, Western water (the water portion of the production fluids extracted from the Australia. Each manifold will include the following components: production wells) to the aquifer. The gas injection well will be used to r "NBOJGPMEGSBNF BMMPXJOHUIFNBOJGPMEUPiGSFFTUBOEu JODMVEJOH return gas to the Van Gogh reservoir. pad-eyes, ROV docking points and grab rails, and a roof that Similar to the production wells, premium stand-alone sand screens has gratings and hatches to protect the manifold from dropped will be installed in the PFW injection wells to reduce the impact of objects. water hammer. r -JGUSJHHJOHTVJUBCMFGPSPíTIPSFJOTUBMMBUJPO " UVCJOH TJ[F PG NN JODIFT IBT CFFO TFMFDUFE GPS UIF r "DUVBUFEBOEOPOBDUVBUFEWBMWFT XBUFS BOE HBT JOKFDUJPO XFMMT EFTJHOFE UP JOKFDU L-E CCME PG XBUFS BOE LTN E ..4$'% PG HBT r 3FUSJFWBCMFQSPEVDUJPODIPLFT UIBUXJMMGVODUJPOBTóPX pressure control devices when bringing on and shutting in the respectively. The gas injection well will also be designed to enable gas wells). QSPEVDUJPO HBTSFDPWFSFEUPTVQQMZUIF'140JGSFRVJSFE PGVQUP ksm /d (30 MMSCFD) in the event the FPSO becomes gas-deficient. r (BTMJGUBOEQSPEVDUJPODIPLFT UPSFHVMBUFóPXT

30 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Plan view of the subsea infrastructure Figure 2.4 Figure

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 31 Figure 2.5 The plan view layout of the production wells, PFW injection wells and gas injection well

194000mE 195000mE 196000mE 197000mE 198000mE 199000mE

WA-155-P (1) 21°22'00"S

Legend 7634000mN Defined Area Boundary

Production Well

PFW Injection Well

Gas Injection Well VG-11/VG-11H 7633000mN Gas Cap

Oil Pool 21°23'00"S VG-7/VG-7HL1 Surface Drill Centre VG-6/VG-6HL2 VG-6/VG-6HL1

DC-B VG-7/VG-7HL2

7632000mN

VG13 7631000mN DC-A

21°24'00"S VG-8/VG-8HL1 VG-9/VG-9HL1 VG-4 VG12 VG-9/VG-9HL2 VG-8/VG-8HL2 VG10L2 VG10L1

7630000mN

7629000mN T3L2 VG-5/VG-5HL2 21°25'00"S VG2L1 VG2L2 VG-3/VG-3HL1 VG3L2 T3L1 VG-5/VG-5HL1

7628000mN

21°26'00"S 7627000mN

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5

Kilometres

WA-28-L 114°06'00"E 7626000mN 114°03'00"E 114°04'00"E 114°05'00"E May 2007 GPu9943

32 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development r %JWFSMFTTóPXMJOFDPOOFDUJPOTZTUFNT into the production wells to improve well production or be injected into the gas injection well. The gas flowlines will be fabricated from r 1JQJOHTZTUFNTGPSQSPEVDUJPOBOEUFTUGVODUJPOT DBSCPOTUFFMXJUIBEFTJHOQSFTTVSFPG L1BH5IFHBTóPXMJOF r 4VCTFBDPOUSPMNPEVMFTBOENPVOUJOHCBTFT GSPNUIFSJTFSUP1.XJMMCF NMPOHBOENN JODIFT JO r 4FOTPSTBOEJOTUSVNFOUBUJPO EJBNFUFS5IFHBTóPXMJOFGSPN1.UP1.XJMMCF NMPOHBOE NN JODIFT JOEJBNFUFS r 1SPEVDUJPODPOUSPMTTZTUFNJOUFSGBDFTBOEEJTUSJCVUJPOFMFNFOUT including stab-plates and hard piped tubing. PFW Injection Flowlines r .VMUJQIBTFóPXNFUFSTZTUFN GPSNFBTVSJOHUIFóPXPGBMMUISFF The PFW injection flowline will carry treated produced formation QIBTFTmHBT PJMBOEXBUFSmGSPNUIFXFMMT water from the dynamic water riser to the PLET for injection into an r 307QBOFMT aquifer via the two PFW injection wells. The PFW injection flowline will be fabricated from corrosion-resistant alloy with a design pressure of r .BSJOFHSPXUIDPWFST 22,000 kPag. The PFW injection flowline from the riser base to the r 4BDSJñDJBMBOPEFT PLET will be 250 mm (10 inches) in diameter and 2,050 m long.

5IF TVCTFB NBOJGPMET XJMM CF HB[FUUFE PO UP DVSSFOU OBWJHBUJPO Rigid Spool charts through the Australian Hydrographic Office. Twenty four rigid spools will provide the connection from the xmas 2.3.4 Dynamic Risers and Riser Base trees to the subsea manifolds and from the PFW injection wells to the PLET. They will vary in length from approximately 15 to 25 m. Spool The dynamic risers will connect the subsea flowlines to the FPSO via connectors will be installed on each end of the rigid spools to assist the DTM buoy (see Figure 1.5). The four risers (two production fluids, with the installation of the spools by an ROV to the wellheads and POF XBUFS BOE POF HBT XJMM CF NN JODIFT JO EJBNFUFS manifolds. DPOTUSVDUFEPGóFYJCMF DPSSPTJPOSFTJTUBOUBMMPZQJQFBOEFRVJQQFE with buoyancy, clamps, mid-water arch and associated buoy, tethers and foundations, bend stiffeners and protective coatings. Each 2.3.6 Electro-hydraulic Umbilical Line SJTFS XJMM CF N MPOH5IF SJTFST XJMM CF DPOñHVSFE UP BMMPX GPS The electro-hydraulic umbilical line is a collection of cables for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) assistance during installation and electric power and hoses for hydraulic control fluid, methanol and for inspection and maintenance when operational. other liquids. From the FPSO, the electro-hydraulic umbilical line will The riser base will provide the seabed support for the dynamic risers provide: and the means to connect the risers to the flowlines. r $IFNJDBMJOKFDUJPOUPUIFXFMMT EFNVMTJñFSBOETDBMFJOIJCJUPS continuously and methanol occasionally on start-up of a well). 2.3.5 Flowlines and Rigid Spools r )ZESBVMJDDPOUSPMóVJE MPXQSFTTVSFBOEIJHIQSFTTVSF UPDPOUSPM Production Fluid Flowlines the opening and closing of the valves on the manifolds and wells. The production fluid flowlines will carry the water, oil and associated gas from the subsea manifolds to the dynamic production fluid r -PXWPMUBHFQPXFSUPBDUJWBUFDPOUSPMT FMFDUSJDBMTFOTPSTBOEUIF risers. The two production fluid flowlines will be 250 mm (10 inches) multi-phase flow meters on the manifolds. in diameter and fabricated from flexible corrosion-resistant alloy 5IF VNCJMJDBM MJOF XJMM IBWF B EJBNFUFS PG BQQSPYJNBUFMZ NN NBUFSJBM XJUI B EFTJHO QSFTTVSF PG L1BH BOE B NBYJNVN (7 inches), and the wires, tubes and lines will be encased in a 5-mm- PQFSBUJOH QSFTTVSF PG L1BH SFQSFTFOUJOH XPSTUDBTF TIVU thick polyethylene outer sheath over two layers of galvanised steel in pressure). The production fluid flowlines will be approximately wire strength members. A cross-section of the umbilical line is NMPOHGSPNNBOJGPME1.UPNBOJGPME1.BOEBQQSPYJNBUFMZ provided in Figure 2.6. The purpose of each of the chemical injection 2,000 m long from PM1 to the production fluid risers. fluids is outlined inTable 2.3. Pigging of the production fluid flowlines will not be required for the life of the project. Additional future production fluid flowlines 2.3.7 Disconnectable Turret-mooring System may be required should additional production be possible within The disconnectable turret-mooring (DTM) system will connect the the Notional Development Area, and they will be connected to the subsea infrastructure to the FPSO and provide the mooring system for manifold PM2 at the spare connection points. the FPSO. An internal DTM system has been chosen to minimise the roll Gas Injection Flowlines and pitch motion of the vessel from wind and ocean swell conditions. The gas flowlines will carry the surplus natural gas from the dynamic The DTM system is broadly composed of five elements: the anchors, gas riser to the subsea manifolds where the gas will either be injected mooring lines, DTM buoy, moonpool and turret (Figure 2.7).

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 33 Anchors The DTM buoy will be located and connected to the FPSO with the assistance of a differential global positioning system (DGPS) or a The DTM buoy will be anchored to the seabed at three mooring points (see Figure 2.4). The anchors will be of the Stevshark type, transponder and will be attached to a colour-coded surface float for XIJDIBSFEFTJHOFEUPTFMGCVSZUPNCFMPXUIFTVSGBDF&BDIPG ease of visual detection from the sea surface. the three mooring points will consist of three anchors for a total of The DTM buoy has been designed for disconnection from the nine anchors, providing redundancy in the mooring system. FPSO during extreme weather events (e.g., cyclones) and for later Mooring Lines reconnection, without the need for external vessels to assist (see Section 2.7.6). A hydraulic connection/disconnection winch, installed The mooring lines will connect the anchors to the DTM buoy. They within the turret infrastructure on the FPSO, will be used to recover will be a combination of marine-grade steel chains and steel wire and reconnect the DTM buoy following a disconnection. This process (Figure 2.8). Individual mooring line lengths will vary according to will be fully automatic, requiring no manual handling or intervention. the water depth at each anchor location but will generally cover The winche and moonpool will be monitored by a closed-circuit B IPSJ[POUBM EJTUBODF PG N GSPN UIF NPPSJOH QPJOU UP UIF connection with the bottom of the DTM buoy (see Figure 2.8). Each television inked to the central control room. Prior to a disconnection mooring line will be connected to its anchor and the DTM buoy by of the DTM buoy, the production riser and flowlines will be flushed means of lockable D-type shackles or similar. with natural gas to remove any entrained liquid hydrocarbons from the lines, with all the production lines then depressurised to below DTM Buoy operating pressures. The disconnection process will not result in the The DTM buoy will collect the risers and moor them to the FPSO release of any hydrocarbons to the environment as the production (see Figure 2.7). It will be constructed of marine-grade steel, and all lines at the disconnect/reconnect point contain high-integrity valves, the submerged components will have an epoxy hard coating with preventing the loss of any liquids from the lines. cathodic protection anodes. The DTM buoy has been designed so that it can be inspected and maintained in the field without the need During connection or reconnection of the DTM buoy, the submerged for dry docking during its design life of 20 years. When disconnected DTM buoy will be retrieved through the use of the colour-coded from the FPSO, the DTM buoy will be able to support the submerged surface float and a recovery line connected to the winch located weight of the risers and mooring lines while maintaining a static within the turret infrastructure on the FPSO. The DTM buoy will be FRVJMJCSJVNQPTJUJPOPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZNCFMPXUIFNFBOPDFBO winched into the moonpool within the FPSO and locked into place, surface level. The DTM buoy has separate internal ballast chambers then rotated into the correct position to align all the risers. that permit its buoyancy to be adjusted to ensure it maintains a Table 2.4 outlines the various connection and disconnection design constant depth below the surface when disconnected from the capabilities for the DTM system during extreme weather conditions. FPSO. It has been designed modularly so that damage to any one compartment will not cause the buoy to sink. The DTM will be designed such that the maximum time required to disconnect from the FPSO from the time of production shut-in is Nine riser connections will be provided in the DTM buoy for: IPVST-JLFXJTF UIFNBYJNVNUJNFUPSFDPOOFDUUPUIF%5.BOE r 'PVSEZOBNJDQSPEVDUJPOóVJESJTFST UXPDVSSFOUBOEUXPTQBSF DPNNFODF QSPEVDUJPO XJMM OPU FYDFFE IPVST GSPN UIF UJNF UIF for possible future tie-ins). FPSO arrives within 1,500 m of the buoy and commences the re- r 0OFEZOBNJDHBTSJTFS connection procedure.

r 5XPEZOBNJDXBUFSSJTFST POFDVSSFOUBOEPOFTQBSFGPSQPTTJCMF Moonpool future tie-ins). The moonpool will house the DTM buoy within the hull of the FPSO r 5XPFMFDUSPIZESBVMJDVNCJMJDBMMJOFT POFDVSSFOUBOEPOFTQBSF when the FPSO is moored. The moonpool is a watertight void, which

Table 2.3 Functions of the chemical injection fluids in the electro-hydraulic umbilical line

Treatment Function Demulsifier Prevent emulsion formation when oil mixes with water Scale inhibitor Prevent scale formation that can build up within flowlines and risers and restrict the flow of fluids Hydrate inhibitor (methanol) Used only during start-up of a well if required to prevent hydrate formation as gas cools when rising up the wells, flowlines and risers Hydraulic control fluid (Castrol Transaqua) A water-based product that is used intermittently as the fluid in actuators to open and close valves on the manifolds and xmas trees. The fluid is discharged into the surrounding seawater when a valve is closed

34 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 2.6 Cross-section of the electro-hydaulic umbilical line

will be created within the bow area of the vessel by converting FPSOs are a proven technology and are commonly used around the forewardmost oil storage tank to a caisson during the FPSO’s the world for the extraction, processing, storage and exporting conversion (Figure 2.9). of hydrocarbons from offshore fields remote from land. The FPSO concept is an efficient design for oil recovery that minimises The moonpool will be arranged with internal inspection, access and potential impacts to the environment. It is therefore consistent escape ways. with the intended objectives of the EPBC Act and the principles of Turret ecologically sustainable development. The technology is well suited to the oil reservoirs that have been discovered in the Exmouth Sub- The turret is the topsides structure of the DTM system, sitting directly basin. Other offshore oil developments using this concept have above the moonpool (see Figure 2.7). It serves as the junction received environmental approval under the EPBC Act, including four point between the DTM buoy and the topsides production and similar FPSO oil developments proposed off the coast of Exmouth: treatment systems. Risers in the buoy will be connected to a series the Enfield, Vincent, Stybarrow and Pyrenees projects (seeSection of corresponding piping on the deck of the FPSO, leading to the 1.1.9 and Figure 1.6). The conversion of an oil tanker to an FPSO is processing and treatment facilities. a common process undertaken worldwide in the oil industry with Woodside similarly converting an oil tanker to an FPSO for their A swivel arrangement in the turret structure will allow the FPSO Vincent project. UPAXFBUIFSWBOF NFBOJOH UIBU UIF WFTTFM DBO UVSO BOE PSJFOUBUF itself into the prevailing wind, waves and current. Weathervaning Figure 2.9 shows the general arrangement of the FPSO (plan and minimises the loading forces of the environment on the FPSO. The profile views) detailing the infrastructure and its positioning on the rotating action is controlled by a complex series of bearings within deck level (topsides), as well as a plan view of the arrangement of the the turret infrastructure and the DTM buoy. Fluid paths from the cargo and other tanks within the hull of the vessel. stationary riser and buoy section will pass through the swivels located at the top of the turret and onto the FPSO. 2.4.1 Tanker Conversion An existing oil transport tanker, the MT Kudam (IMO registration The turret structure will be composed of six decks (pull-in, manifold, XBTQVSDIBTFEJOMBUFCZ1SPTBGFBOEXJMMCFDPOWFSUFE swivel and three swivel access decks), as shown in Figure 2.7. to a FPSO for the Van Gogh development (Plate 2.4). The vessel was 2.4 FLOATING PRODUCTION, STORAGE CVJMUJO+BQBOJO IBTBTUPSBHFDBQBDJUZPG N bbl) and is 102,000 dead weight tonnes. The vessel was inspected by AND OFFLOADING VESSEL Apache prior to its purchase for the development to ensure it was in This section describes the purpose and physical characteristics of a suitable condition for conversion. the FPSO. The FPSO will be used to receive and process or treat the The overall dimensions of the FPSO will be: production fluids and associated gas and to store and then export r -FOHUImN the processed crude oil. An existing oil transport tanker will be converted into the FPSO for the Van Gogh development, and the r %FQUImN tanker conversion process and the numerous vessel systems are r #SFBEUImN described below. r %SBGU GVMMZMPBEFE mN

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 35 Figure 2.7 Cross-section of the DTM buoy, moonpool and turret

36 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.4 DTM system connection and disconnection capabilities

Status Operations Connected*r Remain in the field without causing damage to the riser and umbilical system. r Prevent riser and umbilical seabed touchdown and mooring/rider/ umbilical clashing. r Safely disconnect without damage to the DTM or riser and umbilical system. r Prevent excessive riser fatigue. r Uninterrupted production operations. Disconnection criteria r #FGPSFUIFPOTFUPGHBMFGPSDFXJOET LOPUT<LNIS> NJOVUF mean average), correlating to the 1 year return period non-cyclonic condition. Disconnectedr Safely withstand 100 year return period cyclonic conditions without damage to the mooring and riser and umbilical system. %JTDPOOFDUFEmEBNBHFE r Survive the 100 year cyclonic condition with damage to the DTM buoy hull (flooded compartment) or with a single line failure. %JTDPOOFDUFEmTVSWJWBM r Survive without damage to the buoy, riser or mooring system, for conditions approaching, but not greater than the 10,000 year return period cyclonic condition. Reconnection criteria**r Wind gust up to 15 m/s. r Combined waves (sea and swell) up to 2.7 m. r 4FBXBWFQFBLQFSJPEmUPTFDPOET r 4XFMMQFBLQFSJPEmUPTFDPOET r $VSSFOUmNT TPVUIFSMZEJSFDUJPO

$POOFDUFEDPOEJUJPOTmVQUPBOEJODMVEJOHZSSFUVSOQFSJPEOPODZDMPOJDDPOEJUJPO ** Based on metocean data for summer (cyclone season).

Plate 2.4 The MT Kudam oil tanker prior to its conversion to the The vessel will be configured to meet the Flag State requirements, Van Gogh FPSO International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) class requirements (third party validation and classification by Lloyds Register of Shipping), IMO (MARPOL and SOLAS) and P(SL) Act requirements. In accordance with IACS class requirements, the rebuild of the tanker will result in an “as new condition” FPSO. It will be designed to withstand the anticipated environmental (see Section 4.3) and operating conditions for the design life of the facility.

The FPSO will be double-sided, with a single-hulled bottom. This means the sides of the vessel (around the cargo tanks) will have two layers of steel to minimise the chance of an oil spill occurring should a collision breach the external hull of the FPSO. As part of the EFWFMPQNFOUTIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTT JUXBTEFUFSNJOFEUIBU a single-hulled bottom was environmentally appropriate given the low risk of running aground and associated rupture of the bottom of the vessel, as it will be either moored on site or transiting out to sea in deep water during adverse weather conditions (i.e., it is not proposed to need to enter into a harbour or shallow-water area during bad weather).

Corrosion prevention and inspection (internal and external) are integral to maintaining the structural integrity of the vessel and its equipment. Integrity management has been designed into the FPSO and the associated DTM buoy to allow for uninterrupted service for the design life of the field without the need for dry docking and without any production interruptions due to fabric remediation.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 37 Schematic of the FPSO mooring system Figure 2.8 Figure

38 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development profile views) and fluids storage tank locations and fluids views) profile General arrangement of the FPSO (plan and Figure 2.9 Figure

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 39 The FPSO hull will be coated with an environmentally suitable non- 2.4.3 Topsides Layout UJOmCBTFEBOUJGPVMJOHDPBUJOH UPJOIJCJUNBSJOFHSPXUI TVJUBCMF The major physical structures comprising the topsides of the FPSO for use in a sensitive marine environment and a corrosion protection are illustrated in Figure 2.9. This includes: system will be fitted to the FPSO to protect the outer hull surface and mooring equipment for 15 years of uninterrupted service without r 0ðPBEJOHIPTFBOEIBXTFS r (BTEFIZESBUJPONPEVMF the need to dry dock. The FPSO will have an “In Water Survey” (IWS) and associated reels. r 0JMTFQBSBUJPONPEVMF class notation, which means the vessel has been designed so that it r )FMJEFDL r (BTDPNQSFTTJPONPEVMF can remain at its mooring location for its entire service life without r "DDPNNPEBUJPOBOEDPOUSPM r 5VSSFUJOGSBTUSVDUVSF requiring drydocking. ROV and air-diving spreads will be used facilities, including central r 'MBSFUPXFSBOELOPDLPVU for IWS. control room. module. r 4UFBNCPJMFST r *OFSUHBTWFOUT Corrosion protection will be in accordance with DNV’s Guidelines for r 4UFBNUVSCJOFT r $SBOFT $PSSPTJPO1SPUFDUJPOPG4IJQT %/731#*OPSEFSUPNJOJNJTFUIF r -BZEPXODSBOFBOETVQQMZ r &MFDUSJDBMTXJUDISPPN quantities of corrosion-inhibiting chemicals being used on the FPSO offloading area. r #VOLFSJOHTUBUJPO (such as biocides), corrosion-resistant alloys will be used in place of r $PPMJOHTZTUFNT r -JGFCPBUT corrosion inhibitors and carbon steel structures, wherever possible. r $IFNJDBMTUPSBHFBSFB r 'JSFXBUFSQVNQ The width and arrangement of internal void spaces between the r 1'8USFBUNFOUBOEJOKFDUJPO double-sided hull of the FPSO has been designed to permit safe and Most of this infrastructure is described in Section 2.7.2 and Section efficient inspection, repair and maintenance. 2.4.5. Items that are not covered in these sections are discussed Because the FPSO is a converted oil tanker design it is required to below. meet Classification Society (or class) requirements, certified by an Accommodation and Control Block independent third party. Lloyds Register has been selected as the third-party certifier and was required to verify the ultrasonic thickness The accommodation and control block will provide accommodation, (UT) testing and subsequent removal and replacement of sections of messing and amenity facilities for the vessel’s crew and visitors the FPSO hull for the life extension work. This is required to ensure and will house the vessel steering, navigation and communication the FPSO vessel’s hull is certifiable for the expected life of the field facilities and the processing and treatment control facilities. The block and with the expected operating temperatures and cargo stresses. will be located at the aft end of the FPSO, with adequate separation During the conversion of the FPSO, which will be undertaken from topsides processing and treatment equipment for safety, noise in several overseas ports, all asbestos material will be removed and vibration considerations. and appropriately disposed of in accordance with an Asbestos The five-deck accommodation and control block will consist of the Management Plan. following:

2.4.2 Fluids Storage Capacity and Tank Layout r /BWJHBUJPOBOEDPNQVUFSCSJEHF VQQFSNPTU EFDLmBXIFFM house, a battery room, a radio room, a telecommunications Total fluids storage on the FPSO is outlined inTable 2.5, with tank equipment room and a gyro room. locations shown in Figure 2.9. r A"EFDLTJOHMFPDDVQBODZDBCJOT JODMVEJOHUIF1FSTPOJO Sufficient slops tank capacity will be available to accommodate inputs Charge cabin/office), four dual-occupancy rooms (visitors), one from cargo tank cleaning, open drains, off-specification production, dual-occupancy client office, a meeting room, the central control and off-specification produced formation water. Slops tank storage room (CCR), a transit lounge and internet room, and a technical DBQBDJUZJTPGUIFUPUBMDBSHPDBSSZJOHDBQBDJUZPGUIF'140DBSHP library. tanks. r A#EFDLmBHBMMFZ UXPNFTTSPPNT B57MPVOHF BRVJFUMPVOHF B Section 2.4.5 details venting arrangements of the cargo tanks. smoking room, a dispensary and a hospital. Crude oil washing machines will be fitted to each of the cargo and r A$EFDLTJOHMFPDDVQBODZDBCJOT JODMVEJOHUXPDMJFOUPîDFT slops tanks to ensure the sides of the cargo tanks are kept clean for inspection and maintenance, as well as to prevent possible corrosion. r 6QQFSEFDLmESZBOEXFUTUPSFT GSFF[FSTBOEDIJMMFS MBVOESJFT Stabilised heated crude will be supplied to the washing machines by a drying room, a workshop, a locker room, a gymnasium and a the cargo pumps or stripping pumps. recreational room.

40 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.5 Total fluids storage capacity of the Van Gogh FPSO

Fluid No. tanks and Capacity of each Total capacity Location in names m bbl m bbl FPSO Crude oil (one tank Almost entire available for off- $BSHP Varies 103,333 length spec oil) Slops water 2 Dirty slops, clean One port side and 51,930 slops one starboard side Fuel oil One port side and 2 Fuel oil Varies one starboard side at the stern Diesel oil Centre at the stern, 2 Diesel oil aft of cargo tanks Lubricating oil Port side and 3 Lube oil Varies starboard side, aft of the bilge tanks Ballast water Perimeter of the 8BUFSCBMMBTU Varies '140mQPSUTJEF TUBSCPBSETJEF Fresh water Starboard side at 1 Fresh water 299 299 the stern Drinking water Starboard side at 1 Drinking water 159 1,000 159 1,000 the stern, aft of the fresh water tank Distilled water Port side at the 2 Distilled water Varies 792 stern Bilge liquids Port side at the 1 Bilge 93 93 stern, aft of the port diesel oil tank Separated bilge oil Starboard side at the stern, after of 1 Bilge oil 113 113 the starboard diesel oil tank Stern tube cooling Centre at the stern 1 Cooling water 100 100 water Void Near the bow 1 Moonpool 9,790 9,790 around the turret compartment TOTAL 39 171,566 1,079,031

Additional detail for the navigation and communications systems r 1SJWBUFBVUPNBUJDCSBODIFYDIBOHF 1"#9 UFMFQIPOFTZTUFN and of the central control room are provided below. r -PDBMBOEXJEFBSFBOFUXPSLTBOEDPNQVUFSXPSLTUBUJPOT Navigation and Communications r .FUFPSPMPHJDBMTZTUFN

The FPSO will be provided with the internal and external r "FSPOBVUJDBMSBEJPBOEOPOEJSFDUJPOBMCFBDPOTZTUFN communications systems required to meet regulatory requirements, r (MPCBMNBSJOFEJTUSFTTTBGFUZTZTUFNT JODMVEJOH*ONBSTBU )'7)' operating from the vessel bridge and CCR. As a minimum, this will digital selective calling radios, emergency position indicating radio include all communications systems to allow safe and efficient CFBDPO /"75&9 BTZTUFNGPSBVUPNBUJDCSPBEDBTUJOHPGMPDBMJTFE operation of the FPSO and reliable voice and data transmission to marine safety information), weather fax, and sea and rescue radar shore, including: transponder. r 7FSZTNBMMBQFSUVSFUFSNJOBM 74"5 TBUFMMJUFDPNNVOJDBUJPO r 3BDPO BSBEBSUSBOTQPOEFSDPNNPOMZVTFEUPNBSLNBSJUJNF system for high-integrity voice, data and facsimile transmission OBWJHBUJPOBMIB[BSET UPNBSLUIFQPTJUJPOPGUIF'140 and receipt. r "VUPNBUJDSBEBSQMPUUJOHBJEUPBTTJTUXJUIPCTFSWJOHTVSSPVOEJOH r 6MUSBIJHIGSFRVFODZ 6)' SBEJPTZTUFN JODMVEJOHDSBOF ship traffic. communications. r $MPTFEDJSDVJUUFMFWJTJPOTZTUFNUPNPOJUPSWBSJPVTQSPDFTTFT r 1VCMJDBEESFTTBOEHFOFSBMBMBSNTZTUFN EVQMJDBUFE including the connection and disconnection of the DTM buoy.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 41 r 1PXFSTVQQMJFTBOECBUUFSZCBDLVQ Arrangement of all controls and/or remote indicators will meet Class and other regulatory requirements. r &NFSHFODZTIVUEPXOTZTUFN Laboratory All navigation equipment and propulsion equipment will be maintained in a state of readiness for safe disconnection from the " MBCPSBUPSZ MPDBUFE PVUTJEF BOZ IB[BSEPVT BSFBT PO UIF '140 DTM buoy. A program of regular operational testing will be developed will be used to undertake the testing and monitoring of process for all key navigation and propulsion equipment to test and verify and marine systems. The laboratory will be equipped with a fume that the equipment is available. The vessel will be maintained and DBCJOFU IB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTTUPSBHFDBCJOFU BQIPUPTQFDUSPNFUFS tested as required by the Commonwealth Navigation Act 1912 and and consumables such as glass ware, storage containers, reagents the requirements of the Lloyds Register classification society, using and PPE, to test for: the vessel’s maintenance management system. r 0JMJOXBUFS Central Control Room r #BTJDTFEJNFOUBOEXBUFSNFBTVSFNFOUCZDFOUSJGVHF The CCR, located in the A-deck of the accommodation bulk head of r 3FJEWBQPVSQSFTTVSF the FPSO, will house all the main controls and remote monitoring r "1*(SBWJUZ equipment for the following systems: r Q)BOEDPOEVDUJWJUZ r .POJUPSJOHPGDBSHP JOFSUHBTBOECBMMBTUTZTUFNT JOFSUHBT r 'SFFDIMPSJOFJOQPUBCMFXBUFS system, pumping, valving, level indication, ship loading computer, hawser load monitoring and quick release, discharge hose dry r .FBTVSFNFOUPGJSPOJOXBUFSGPSDPSSPTJPONPOJUPSJOH break coupling activation). Oil samples will be disposed of via a drainage system into the slops tank.

r &YUFSOBMBOEJOUFSOBMDPNNVOJDBUJPOFRVJQNFOU Helideck r 'JSFñHIUJOHFRVJQNFOU The FPSO will have a helideck located at the aft (rear) end of the FPSO r 'JSFBOEHBTEFUFDUJPOBOEBMBSNQBOFM JOUFHSBUFEBTSFRVJSFEXJUI BOEDBQBCMFPGIBOEMJOHB4VQFS1VNB"4-PS4JLPSTLZ44 the emergency shutdown system. IFMJDPQUFS TFBUJOHDBQBDJUJFTPGBOEQFPQMF SFTQFDUJWFMZ 5IF r &NFSHFODZTIVUEPXOTZTUFN helideck will include perimeter safety netting and access stairways, an independent fire-fighting system, flood lighting and other requirements r 1SPDFTTBOEVUJMJUJFTDPOUSPMBOENPOJUPSJOHTZTUFNTGPSBMM as per the National Marine Safety Committee recommendations. topsides facilities. Helicopter refuelling will not take place on the FPSO. r "SUJñDJBMHBTMJGUTZTUFNT r 4VCTFBQSPEVDUJPO DPOUSPMBOENPOJUPSJOHTZTUFNT 2.4.4 Processing and Treatment Systems r 5VSSFUNBOJGPMEUFMFNFUSZBOEDPOUSPM The nominal design capacities of the FPSO’s processing and treatment r 1PXFSHFOFSBUJPOBOEEJTUSJCVUJPOTZTUFNT systems are outlined in Table 2.6. r 0JMJOXBUFSEJTDIBSHFNPOJUPSJOHFRVJQNFOU The FPSO topsides facilities will include the following processing and treatment systems: r .FUFSJOHTZTUFN r 0JMQSPDFTTJOHTZTUFNGPSUIFSFDPWFSFEDSVEFPJMJODMVEJOHDSVEF r 1SPEVDUJPOEBUBDPMMFDUJPOFRVJQNFOU stabilisation, dehydration, storage with inert gas blanketing. r &OWJSPONFOUBMNPOJUPSJOHFRVJQNFOU r 1'8USFBUNFOUTZTUFNGPSUIFSFNPWBMPGBOZFOUSBJOFEPJMBOEHBT r .PPSJOHDPOUSPM NPOJUPSJOHBOEJOTUSVNFOUBUJPO within the separated produced formation water followed by its r 5ISVTUFSIFBEJOHDPOUSPMT reinjection. Table 2.6 Total fluids storage capacity of the FPSO

Element Capacity Total fluids processing N EBZ CCME Oil processing N EBZ CCME 0JMTUPSBHFBUDBQBDJUZ N CCMT 5PUBMTMPQTTUPSBHFBUDBQBDJUZ N CCMT PFW reinjection L-EBZ CCME Total gas reinjection LTN EBZ ..4$'% Gas lift LTN EBZ ..4$'% JODMVEFEJOUPUBMHBTSFJOKFDUJPO

42 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development r (BTUSFBUNFOUTZTUFNJODMVEJOHEFIZESBUJPO DPNQSFTTJPOGPSHBT with steam from the deck mounted boilers fuelled by natural gas lift and reinjection, knock out drums and elevated flare tower to (with diesel backup) with the exhaust directed to seawater cooled prevent over-pressurisation conditions when compression is not vacuum condensers. available. The existing vessel generators consisting of two diesel-alternators r -BCPSBUPSZGPSRVBMJUZDPOUSPM TBNQMJOHBOEUFTUJOH will be retained to provide emergency back-up power generation r $FOUSBMDPOUSPMSPPN and black start capability. These existing generators produce power BUWPMU QIBTF DZDMF XIJDIJTEJTUSJCVUFEUISPVHIUIF These operation of the processing and treatment systems is discussed volt switchgear to the low voltage consumers. in detail in Section 2.7.2. An emergency radiator cooled low sulphur diesel driven generator 2.4.5 Ancillary Systems JT BMTP QSPWJEFE BT QFS DMBTTJñDBUJPO TPDJFUZ HVJEFMJOFT BOE TJ[FE to handle the electric load under emergency situations. This unit Ancillary systems on the FPSO support the primary function of crude oil production and storage. This section details the specific design QSPEVDFT QPXFS BU 7 XIJDI JT EJTUSJCVUFE UP UIF FNFSHFODZ and function of the following ancillary systems: switchboard, main switchboard and via stepdown transformer to the low voltage emergency switchboard. r 1PXFSHFOFSBUJPOBOEEJTUSJCVUJPO Black start (the process of restoring power after a power outage has r 1SPDFTTIFBUJOHBOEDPPMJOH occurred) is possible using the emergency generator and/or the r *OFSUHBTBOEDBSHPWFOUJOH diesel generators. r 'SFTIXBUFSQSPEVDUJPO Two uninterruptable power supplies are provided to supply critical systems as follows: r %SBJOBHF r 'JSFBOE(BTTZTUFN r $IFNJDBMJOKFDUJPO r 'JSFBOEHBTEFUFDUJPOBOEñSFñHIUJOHFRVJQNFOU r 1SPDFTT 8BUFS*OKFDUJPO$POUSPMBOE(BT$PNQSFTTPS r )B[BSEPVTBOEOPOIB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTTUPSBHF r &NFSHFODZ4IVUEPXOTZTUFN r 1VUSFTDJCMFXBTUFBOETFXBHFUSFBUNFOU r .BJOHFOFSBUPSDPOUSPMTBOEIJHIWPMUBHFTXJUDICPBSEGVODUJPOT r 8BTUFTUPSBHF r 0ðPBEJOHUFMFNFUSZ IBXTFSMPBEDFMMBOENFUFSJOH

Power Generation and Distribution r $PNNVOJDBUJPOTTZTUFNT

The power generation and distribution system(s) will be designed to r 4VCTFBDPOUSPMTZTUFN deliver a high quality and reliable supply to support the following r $$3XPSLTUBUJPOT typical main loads: Battery backup systems are installed for supporting the emergency r 5PQTJEFTQSPDFTTJOHBOEBODJMMBSZTZTUFNT genset and fire pump operation. r "SUJñDJBMMJGUTZTUFNT A power management system will operate the overall power r "DDPNNPEBUJPO generation and distribution on the FPSO, including a dynamic display of actual load and generation capacity in the control room. r 4IJQVUJMJUJFTBOENBSJOFTZTUFNT For the production facility, standby battery systems shall be provided r 0ðPBEJOHTZTUFN and installed in the production control room area. The battery systems r 5ISVTUFSQSPQVMTJPOTZTUFNT will provide uninterruptible power supplies for critical control, Main power for the vessel and process requirements is generated TIVUEPXOBOEñSFBOEHBTJOTUSVNFOUBUJPOXJUISFEVOEBODZ CZYEVUZTUFBNUVSCJOFESJWFOBMUFSOBUPST&MFDUSJDQPXFSJT Process Systems Cooling HFOFSBUFEBUL7 QIBTF DZDMFTBOEJTEJTUSJCVUFEBUUIJTWPMUBHF to the main power consumers and via step down transformers to the The cooling system on the FPSO will use a combination of sea water BVYJMJBSZDPOTVNFSTBU7PS75IFBSSBOHFNFOUQSPWJEFTBO (open once through system) and closed fresh water cooling (the adequate reserve of power to accommodate starting loads of the latter being cooled by the former), as outlined in Table 2.7. main consumers. Cooling water will be discharged from the FPSO at a temperature The high voltage consumers are the gas compressors, water injection SBOHFPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ$BUBQSFEJDUFESBUFPG N IPVS pumps and main cooling pumps. The steam turbine units are supplied N EBZ

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 43 Process Systems Heating The inert gas system will utilise a dual main line system to allow for tank purging and oxygenating (for inspection purposes when The Van Gogh oil has a high viscosity and is prone to forming tight empty) whilst other tanks are in service. Under normal operation the emulsions requiring heating of the oil in order to efficiently separate individual inert gas branch lines to each tank are open to the inert it on the FPSO. Heating systems required for the process and for the gas main line that is used as the primary means of venting the tanks. crude storage tanks, are outlined below: Each tank is fitted with an overpressure alarm with readout in the r 1SPDFTTmMPXQSFTTVSFTUFBNJOIFBUFYDIBOHFST central control room as well as over-pressure and under-pressure relief valves. r 5BOLTmTMPQT DBSHPBOEGVFMUBOLTIFBUFEVTJOHMPXQSFTTVSF TUFBNJOTUFBNDPJMT.BYJNVNUBOLUFNQFSBUVSFXJMMCF$ XJUI Each tank is also equipped with a purge pipe connected to the DBSHPOPSNBMMZNBJOUBJOFEBU$ second main line to allow purging of any tank with fresh air for tank entry or for re-inerting the tank prior to receiving crude oil. Steam Generating Plant Two inert gas vent riser outlets are located approximately 15 m 5IFTUFBNHFOFSBUJPOTZTUFNTPOUIFWFTTFMXJMMDPOTJTUPGUXP above the main deck, port and starboard side to allow venting to be new water tube type boilers mounted above the main deck for carried out when crosswinds are blowing. Intermittent discharge of supply of high pressure steam to the main generators, and reduced inert gas to atmosphere will occur from the vents as each of the tanks pressure steam for heating requirements and other duties. is progressively filled. The deck boilers will be equipped for dual fuel capability so as to A nitrogen purging system will be provided on the FPSO by the enable them to burn diesel and produced gas. The primary fuel used following equipment: will be produced gas with automatic transfer between the fuels used. r #PJMFSHBTWBMWFUSBJOTEVSJOHTIVUEPXOBOEQVSHFDZDMFT During normal operation the deck boilers will provide steam for the main turbine generators, process and tank heating and for fresh water r 1SPDFTTGBDJMJUJFTGPSQVSHJOHQSJPSUPTUBSUVQ production. Two boilers are used for the maximum expected load. r 5VSSFUQJQJOHTZTUFNTGPSQVSHJOHQSJPSUPTUBSUVQPSEJTDPOOFDUJPO The boilers may be used at reduced load during periods of vessel of risers. disconnection from the mooring so as to maintain cargo heating and The system will utilise a central pipeline laid down the FPSO’s centre for topping up the inert gas system (see below). pipe-rack and supplied with nitrogen from high pressure bottle 5IFCPJMFSGFFEQVNQTXJMMCFBSSBOHFEJOBYDBQBDJUZXJUI storage racks mounted on the aft main deck. one pump per boiler and one spare. Fresh Water Production

Inert Gas and Cargo Venting Fresh water for boiler feed and domestic use will be produced in two The FPSO will be equipped with an inert gas system providing an inert DBQBDJUZGSFTIXBUFSHFOFSBUPSTJOTUBMMFEJOUIFFOHJOFSPPN One freshwater generator will be a reverse osmosis system with the atmosphere to the crude oil cargo and slops tanks. Inert gas is an un- second one being a vacuum flash evaporator system. reactive gas (contains little or no oxygen) that is resistant to chemical reactions with other substances. Inert gas is pumped into the cargo The FPSO can also receive freshwater from bunkering points provided UBOLTUPACMBOLFUUIFTUPSFEPJMEJTQMBDJOHBOZBJS DPOUBJOJOHPYZHFO on the portside near the deck crane and aft. The evaporator type fresh in the cargo and slops tanks preventing the potential for an explosive water generator will also be connected to the main engine to utilise mixture in these areas. waste heat for freshwater production while the vessel is on voyage.

Table 2.7 FPSO Cooling Systems

Fresh Water Sea Water Main engine jacket Auxiliary machinery Deck equipment Engine room Air conditioning coolers Service area compressors Turbo-alternator condensers Main engine coolers Generator lube oil coolers Starting air compressors for diesel Air ejector condensers Central freshwater coolers engines Generator gland steam condenser Diesel generator jacket water Process facilities AC power module air conditioning Cargo and ballast pump lube oil coolers Gas compressor lube oil coolers Hydraulic power units in the engine room Water injection pump tube oil coolers

44 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Both units will convert sea water to fresh water, with an elevated total - Hydrate inhibitor (methanol) (as required). dissolved salt discharge being directed to the ocean. - Reverse Demulsifier. As outlined in Section 2.4.2, there will be four freshwater tanks built r 4VCTFB into the aft end of the FPSO. One tank will supply drinking water, one will supply water for ablutions, and two tanks will supply distilled - Demulsifier. water for boiler feed make-up. - Hydrate inhibitor (methanol) (as required).

Drainage - Scale inhibitor.

The FPSO will have an open and a closed drainage system for Injection rates and chemical storage capacities are listed in collecting, handling, and treating drainage from the open deck Table 2.8. Provision for future additional chemical injection and from processing sources respectively. The drainage systems are requirements will be made by the addition of injection points at schematically shown in Figure 2.10. locations to be nominated during the detailed design phase. The Closed Drainage System. The closed drainage system will collect fate of these chemcials, which all report to the produced formation drainage from the bunded processing areas on the topsides of the water stream, is outlined in Section 5.5.3. FPSO which are likely to contain hydrocarbons, and direct it to the Fire and Gas Detection and Fire Fighting Systems dirty slops tank (see Figure 2.10). The vessel will be equipped with a comprehensive fire and gas 5IFTMPQTUBOLT XIJDIXJMMDPOTJTUPGBA$MFBOBOEA%JSUZTMPQTUBOLT detection system in accordance with class requirement and safety IBWF B MBSHF TUPSBHF DBQBDJUZ N FBDI BMMPXJOH BOZ PJM studies, in order to protect life, equipment and the environment. residue to settle out. Chemicals such as reverse emulsion breakers, Smoke and heat, flame, and gas detectors will be fitted in relevant may be added to assist with hydrocarbon separation. areas of the FPSO.

Water will flow from the dirty slops tank to the clean slops tank via The vessel’s existing fire pumps will be retained and two additional an underflow weir. Oil is removed from the weir and directed to the DBQBDJUZ JOEFQFOEFOUMZESJWFO EFMVHFñSF QVNQT XJMM CF crude oil cargo storage tanks. installed to cater for the increased demand for fire water.

Open Drainage System. On the FPSO deck, drainage will consist Three foam concentrate storage tanks will be provided. One main mainly of washdown water, sea water spray and occasional rainwater. and one standby foam storage tank will be dedicated for supplying The open drainage system will collect surface runoff from the fire fighting foam to the process, turret and upper deck. The third open deck areas of the FPSO that do not contain any processing foam tank will be dedicated for the helideck fire fighting system. equipment and are therefore relatively free of any hydrocarbon contamination. Occasionally water collected in the open drainage 5XPDBQBDJUZñSFNBJOTXJMMCFñUUFEPOUIFNBJOEFDLBSFBJO system may contain small quantities of pollutants such as oil, grease the vicinity of the process facilities (portside and starboard). and detergents (used to clean deck areas). Other safety systems on the FPSO are outlined in detail in the Van Under normal operating conditions, the open deck drainage will Gogh development Safety Case, submitted to the National Offshore be directed to the dirty slops tank, with the scupper plugs fitted Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) for approval. at drainage points. These plugs will be kept in place during deck Hazardous and Non-hazardous Materials Storage washdowns, and removed during heavy rainfall or periods when 5IF '140 XJMM QSPWJEF TBGF TUPSBHF GPS BMM IB[BSEPVT BOE OPO there is excessive seaspray (see Figure 2.10). IB[BSEPVT TVCTUBODFT Table 2.9 outlines where and how various Water will flow from the dirty slops tank to the clean slops tank via an materials will be stored. underflow weir, where the oil is removed and directed to the crude oil 5IFTUPSBHFPGBMMIB[BSEPVTBOEOPOIB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTXJMMCFLFQU storage tanks, and the clean water either directed to the reinjection to the minimum required inventory on board the FPSO to minimise package/PFW treatment system or discharged overboard. the risks associated with storage of such goods. Chemical Injection Putrescible Waste and Sewage Treatment Various chemicals will be injected into the topsides and subsea A package sewage treatment system complying with P(SL) Act, systems as follows: MARPOL and IMO requirements will be installed in the FPSO, capable r 5PQTJEFT of treating black water (sewage) and grey water (showers, laundry, - Antifoam. kitchen) for the maximum number of people on board.

- Biocide. Putrescible wastes (e.g., food scraps) will be macerated to less than NNJOTJ[FBOEEJTDIBSHFEPWFSCPBSE TUBOEBSEXBTUFEJTQPTBM - Corrosion Inhibitor. practice). Sewage and putrescible wastes will not be discharged - Demulsifier. within 12 nautical miles (approximately 22 km) of land.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 45 Figure 2.10 FPSO drainage systems schematic

OPEN CLOSED

Open Deck Process Modules (seawater, rainwater & (potential for hydrocarbon washdown water) contaminated runoff)

Unbunded Bunded Deck Areas Process Areas

Drain Chemical addition if required Drain

Overboard Oil Free Water Scupper Contaminated Water Dirty Water Discharge (Scupper Removed) Plug (Scupper in Place) Slops Tank

Oil in Water Sampling & Monitoring

Clean Water Slops Tank Underflow Weir

Clean Water Oil Directed to Directed to Water Crude Storage Re-injection or Overboard Discharge GPm9851

Table 2.8 Subsea and topsides chemical injection and storage requirements

Chemical System Location Point of Injection Dose Rate (mg/L) Pump flow rate (L/ FPSO Storage (m ) hr) Demulsifier Subsea Production flowline 50 15 Topsides First stage separator 50 Second stage separator 50 Off-spec cargo oil tank 50 10 (tank available for the containment of off- spec oil) Scale Inhibitor Subsea Production chokes 20 25 10 Topsides Water injection 20 25 Corrosion Inhibitor Topsides Production flowlines 20 25 10 Hydrate inhibitor Subsea Production chokes * * 30** (methanol) Gas re-injection choke * * Gas lift chokes * * Topsides Topsides chokes * * Reverse Emulsion Topsides First stage separator 20 25 10 breaker Second Stage 20 25 Separator Production water 20 25 degasser Hydrocyclone 20 25 Induced Gas flotation 20 25 cell Slops 20 10 Antifoam Topsides First stage separator 10 2

* Not typically used on an ongoing basis. Assume less than 200 L for start-up of a well. ** Yet to be determined. Storage volume stated is typical of similar developments in the region.

46 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.9 4UPSBHFSFRVJSFNFOUTPGIB[BSEPVTBOEOPOIB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMT Type Storage location Storage method Hazardous Radioactive source Encased within the subsea Multi Phase Flow Source is not replaced during the life of the field Meters Solvents, paints and oils Dedicated paint store, upper-deck Secure racks Pressurised gas cylinders Gas cylinder storage location Secure bottle cages Oxygen cylinders 4FHSFHBUFEGSPNBMMñSFIB[BSETBOEJHOJUJPO Secure bottle cages sources, A-deck Chemicals Segregated from chemicals with which a reaction Bulki containers in dedicated bunded areas may occur. Port side on upper deck near laydown area Batteries Battery room, B-deck Bunded racks Acetylene Acetylene room, A-deck Secure bottle cages Non-hazardous Drums Drum storage area, A-deck Dedicated bunded area

Waste Storage NTBGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POFXJMMCFHB[FUUFEBSPVOEUIFWFTTFMVOEFS 4FDUJPOPGUIF1 4- "DU5IJTFYDMVTJPO[POFXJMMBMTPFYUFOE A range of waste materials will be generated from the FPSO during around the offtake vessel when it is in operation. its production phase. These include: All other aspects of safety and emergency response associated with r 1BDLBHJOHXBTUFTTVDIBTDBSECPBSE QBQFSBOETUSBQQJOH the installation and operations of the Van Gogh development will be r 4DSBQTUFFMGSPNNJOPSGBCSJDBUJPOXPSLTBOESFQBJSTVOEFSUBLFO assessed in the Safety Case, which is to be reviewed and approved by on the FPSO. NOPSA closer to the time of project commissioning. r 1MBTUJDT 2.5 DRILLING PHASE r %SVNT Apache, on behalf of its joint venture participants, has been engaged r 8BTUFPJM in offshore drilling in the North West Shelf since 1993. Apache drilled r 'MVPSFTDFOUUVCFTBOEHMPCFT PíTIPSFXFMMTJO UIFNBKPSJUZPGUIFTFPOUIF/PSUI8FTU 4IFMG BOE ESJMMFE XFMMT JO "OOVBMMZ "QBDIF ESJMMT NPSF r #BUUFSJFT offshore wells than any other company operating in Australia. r 'JMUFST The Exmouth Sub-basin and surrounding basins contain known or Apache’s supply and logistical requirements restrict the volume highly prospective hydrocarbon fields that have been subject to of packaging wastes likely to be produced from the delivery of exploration activity since the early 1950s. Australia’s first flowing well materials to the FPSO. Operationally the FPSO will aim to minimise XBTESJMMFEJOUIFPOTIPSFQBSUPGUIJTCBTJO 1BSSZBOE4NJUI the generation of waste material and recycle these wastes wherever Drilling at the Van Gogh field is required to install the crude oil possible. production, PFW injection and gas injection wells. A semi-submersible Solid and liquid wastes produced on the FPSO will be segregated drill rig will drill the wells, using water-based mud. All drill cuttings and stored, awaiting transfer to the mainland for final treatment and and entrained muds will be discharged to the ocean, with the disposal. Storage will include a range of facilities such as suitably recovered drill mud being re-used through the drilling process. covered waste skips and onboard dedicated holding tanks or bunded Table 2.10 summarises the proposed Van Gogh drilling program. drums. A database of waste volumes generated once operational will be 2.5.1 Drilling Program established for the development to track the quantities of waste The drilling program will consist of drilling ten production wells (nine generated and disposed of, in order to identify improvement dual-lateral wells and one single-lateral well), one gas injection well opportunities. See Sections 5.4 and 5.5 for further details regarding and two PFW injection wells. All the wells will be drilled from two waste management. drill centres, referred to as drill centre A (DC-A) and drill centre B (DC-B). The drill centres will subsequently become the locations for 2.4.6 Safety Exclusion Zone the two subsea manifolds that will be connected to the production 5IF'140XJMMCFHB[FUUFEPOUPDVSSFOUOBWJHBUJPOBMDIBSUTUISPVHI and gas injection wells (see Section 2.3.3). Geographically, DC-A the Australian Hydrographic Office. In addition, a permanent is located in the middle part of the oil pool, while DC-B is located

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 47 1,500m northeast of DC-A on the western flank of the pool as shown The rigs will be anchored via conventional means by eight anchors in Figure 2.11, which also shows the proposed anchor spread for the spread in an even radial pattern extending about 1,500 m from the drill rig at DC-A and DC-B. drill rig centre (see Figure 2.11). The support vessels will deploy the drill rig’s anchors in the predetermined positions. Once anchored The completed wells will be finished, in anticipation of future on location, the rig then be made ready to commence drilling production, with a wellhead surmounted by a xmas tree (system of valves and chokes) for later hook-up to the subsea manifolds. No operations. production testing or clean up of the wells will be undertaken during Two support vessels will be used for the duration of the drilling the drilling phase. QSPHSBN BOEUIFZXJMMUPXFBDISJHUPUIFTJUFEFQMPZBODIPSTGPS The production wells’ positioning and spacing have been designed the rig, supply the rig with fresh water, food, fuel, bulk drilling fluid to efficiently extract the oil from the Van Gogh oil pool, with their materials, and transport drilling equipment. These vessels will operate surface location restricted to the two drill centres to limit the amount to and from the Port of Dampier to the drill rig site. The shallow water of seabed disturbance and environmental impact from the drilling depth of the marine facilities in Exmouth and the minimal oil and gas program. From each of the two drill centres the surface location support services currently in Exmouth limit it being used as the main of the wells will be drilled in two parallel rows with each row being support base during the drilling phase. A separate standby vessel, or 30 m apart (so each of the manifolds can be placed between the safety vessel, will remain in close vicinity to the rig at all times. The rows) and with the wells on each row spaced approximately 15 m support and standby vessel crews will be accommodated aboard the from each other (see Figure 1.5). The layout of the production wells, respective vessels with crew changes made at quayside in Dampier. water injection wells and gas injection well are shown in plan view Apache will provide helicopter services from Exmouth (Learmonth in Figure 2.5, with Figure 2.12 providing a three-dimensional view air base), estimated at five return flights a week during the drilling of the drill paths. Table 2.11 lists the wells to be drilled from each of phase. the two drill centres. Discharges to the marine environment from each drill rig will include Drilling represents the first phase of the Van Gogh development and water-based mud and drill cuttings. Other discharges will include is scheduled to take 10 months to complete. treated sewage and grey water from the personnel on the drill rig Due to the long length of time required for the drilling program along with cooling water (once-through seawater). and the need to secure a drill rig early in the development life, Following the completion of the drilling program, the drill rig and environmental approvals for the Van Gogh drilling program were support and safety vessels will demobilise from the field. previously obtained under the P(SL) Act in September 2007 and the &1#$"DU &1#$ JO+VMZ 2.5.3 Drilling Process 2.5.2 Drill Rig, Support Vessels and Safety Vessel 5IFESJMMJOHQSPDFEVSFGPSUIFXFMMTXJMMCFUPESJMMBNN JODI IPMFTFDUJPOBOESVOBOEDFNFOUBNN JODI DPOEVDUPSPS The wells at DC-A will be drilled using the Stena Clyde drill rig (see Plate SJTFS"NN JODI IPMFTFDUJPOXJMMCFESJMMFEGSPNUIJTQPJOU 2.1). This drill rig is operated by Stena Drilling (based in Aberdeen, BGUFSXIJDIBNN -inch) surface steel casing will be run in Scotland), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stena AB (Finland). The and cemented. The casing provides structural support to maintain Stena ClydeXBTCVJMUJO JTNMPOHBOENXJEF the integrity of the hole and isolates the geological formations. The wells at DC-B will be drilled using the Ocean Epoch drill rig. This A blow-out preventer (BOP) (installed to eliminate the risk of drill rig is operated by Diamond Ofshore Drilling Inc., headquartered uncontrolled well conditions) and a marine riser will then be installed in Houston, Texas, and with a regional office in Perth, Western and pressure tested. The BOP is used to seal the well in the event Australia. The Ocean Epoch was built in 1977, upgraded in 2000, and of an unexpected fluid or gas flow exceeding the pressure control JTNMPOHBOENXJEF provided by the drilling mud fluid density. A 311-mm (12¼-inch) hole The rigs are self-propelled, semi-submersibles and have a column- TFDUJPOXJMMUIFOCFESJMMFEXJUINN -inch) casing run in and stabilised drilling unit. (A column-stabilised drilling unit is a floating DFNFOUFE"ñOBMNN JODI IPMFTFDUJPOXJMMUIFOCFESJMMFE unit with the main deck connected to the underwater hull by columns IPSJ[POUBMMZ UP UIF ñOBM QMBOOFE EFQUI " NN JODI CBTF or caissons.) The deck sits on a hull ballasted below the depth of pipe with a sand screen will then be run in the hole. A typical drill XBWFBDUJPOXIFOESJMMJOHJOPUIFSXPSET UIFCBMMBTUDIBNCFSTBSF profile for the Van Gogh wells is shown in Figure 2.13. For the dual- flooded so that the additional weight sinks the hull further below MBUFSBMXFMMT ESJMMJOHXJMMUIFOQVMMCBDLUPUIFNNDBTJOH NJMMB the waterline to stabilise the rig against tides and rough weather. XJOEPXJOUIFDBTJOHBOEESJMMUIFTFDPOEMBUFSBMBTBNNIPMF Prior to moving to a new drill site, the ballast chambers in the hull are TFDUJPO"TXJUIUIFPUIFSMBUFSBM BNNCBTFQJQFXJUIBTBOE pumped out, allowing the rig to float on the surface during the tow. screen will then be run in the hole.

Each rig will be towed to its respective drill centre using two support All the wells will be batch drilled from the two drill centres. This means vessels, with the rig’s propulsion used only to assist in positioning. that the drill rig will drill each section of the nine wells consecutively

48 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.10 Van Gogh drilling program summary

Name Drill Centre A Drill Centre B Rig Stena Clyde semi-submersible Ocean Epoch semi-submersible Locations (GDA 94, Zone 50) u4 u4 u& u& Water depth N-"5 N-"5 Reservoir depth 1,302 m total vertical depth AHD Drilling depth Maximum 1,575 m total vertical depth AHD NNFBTVSFEEFQUI")% Proposed Schedule (start date) &BSMZ+BOVBSZ &BSMZ.BZ Duration EBZT XFFLT EBZT XFFLT Drilling method and number and type of Conventional, batch drilled Conventional, batch drilled wells EVBMMBUFSBMQSPEVDUJPOXFMMT 3 dual-lateral production wells 2 water injection wells, 1 single-lateral production well 1 gas injection well Mud type Water-based muds (see Table 2.12) Drill cuttings released 3,300 m N Height of cuttings and mud discharge NBCPWFXBUFSMJOF UISPVHINN JODI EJTDIBSHFQJQF Discharge orientation Vertical Distance to nearest land or reef system /JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSLCPVOEBSZmLNTPVUI /JOHBMPP3FFGmLNTPVUI .VJSPO*TMBOET.BSJOF.BOBHFNFOU"SFBmLNTPVUI .BJOMBOE /PSUI8FTU$BQFmLNTPVUI Oil spill modelling Undertaken specifically for this program using Theo-1 oil properties (seeSection 5.9.8)

Figure 2.11 Location of drill centres 1 and 2 and the proposed anchor spreads for the drill rig

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 49 ratherUIBODPNQMFUFFBDIXFMMJOEJWJEVBMMZ JF ESJMMBMMOJOFNN holes in it), returning to the surface (along with the cuttings) via the IPMFTFDUJPOTBOESVOBOEDFNFOUBMMPGUIFNNDPOEVDUPSTGPSBMM well annulus (space) between the drill pipe and the borehole or well of the wells to be drilled from DC-A, then commence drilling the next casing. OJOFNNTFDUJPOT FUD 5IJTUFDIOJRVFSFEVDFTUIFUPUBMOVNCFS The mud has a number of significant functions during the drilling of days required to complete the drilling program and reduces the process, including: environmental effects of drilling by significantly decreasing the volume of water-based mud discharged to the ocean. r .BJOUBJOJOHEPXOIPMFQSFTTVSFJOUIFXFMMUPQSFWFOU uncontrolled flow of formation fluids, mechanical instability and The batch drilling process allows the water-based mud used from one cave-ins. section of a well to be recovered for use in the same hole section of another well, eliminating the need to discharge used mud from each r 'PSNJOHBSFMBUJWFMZJNQFSNFBCMFñMUFSUPQSFWFOUNVEMPTT hole section of each well to the ocean. It is standard industry practice r $IFNJDBMMZJOIJCJUJOHXFMMCPSFJOTUBCJMJUZBOEEJTQFSTJPOPGESJMMFE at the end of a well to discharge the residual volume of water-based cuttings. mud to the ocean as it has limited potential for reuse. Using batch r 3FNPWJOHESJMMDVUUJOHTGSPNUIFESJMMCJUBOEUSBOTQPSUJOHUIFNUP drilling on the Van Gogh drilling program, mud discharge will occur surface for separation. at the end of each hole section for each drill centre (5 hole sections x 2 drill centres = 10 discharges) as opposed to discharge occurring at r 4VTQFOEJOHESJMMFEDVUUJOHTBOEXFJHIUJOHNBUFSJBMEVSJOH the end of each hole section for each well (5 hole sections x 13 well extended periods without circulation. CPSFTEJTDIBSHFT r 5SBOTNJUUJOHIZESBVMJDQPXFSUPUIFESJMMCJUBOEEPXOIPMFUPPMT All work on the wells will be undertaken in accordance with the r $PPMJOHBOEMVCSJDBUJOHUIFESJMMTUSJOHBOECJU regulations and guidelines set out in the P(SL) Act schedule, Specific Requirements as to Offshore Petroleum Exploration and Production r *OIJCJUJOHDPSSPTJPOPGUIFESJMMTUSJOHBOEXFMMCPSFDBTJOHT m Although located in very deep waters with a featureless seabed and a significant distance from the mainland, the drilling program 2.5.4 Drilling Muds has been designed to use entirely water-based muds due to the The drilling program has been designed to use entirely water-based environmental sensitivities of the Ningaloo Marine Park, located NVETOPTZOUIFUJDCBTFENVETDPOUBJOJOHTZOUIFUJDIZESPDBSCPOT 29 km to the south. In such a deep-water environment with strong XJMM CF VTFE5IF XBUFSCBTFE NVET DPOTJTU PG CFUXFFO BOE currents, the likelihood of cuttings piles forming on the seabed is GSFTIPSTFBXBUFS5IFSFNBJOJOHUPPGUIFNVETJTNBEF minimal. up of drilling fluid additives that are either completely inert in the marine environment, naturally occurring benign minerals or organic 2.5.5 Drill Cuttings polymers with a very fast rate of biodegradation in the marine Drill cuttings are a combination of fine and coarse soil and crushed environment. The water-based mud systems and additives proposed SPDLNBUFSJBM SBOHJOHJOEJBNFUFSGSPNNJDSPOTUPUZQJDBMMZMFTT to be used in the drilling program are outlined in Table 2.12. than 10 mm) resulting from the drill bit cutting into the rock at the The drilling mud ingredients will be transferred from the support bottom of the well as the well is progressively deepened. During vessels to the storage tanks on the drill rigs. The mud is made up drilling, the water-based mud is continuously circulated to flush out in mud tanks on the drill rig and pumped by way of high-pressure cuttings. The estimated volumes of cuttings generated from the two pumps down the drill pipe and out through the drill bit (which has drill centres are detailed in Table 2.10.

Table 2.11 Van Gogh wells to be drilled at each drill centre

Drill Centre A (Stena Clyde) Drill Centre B (Ocean Epoch) Van Gogh-2 (dual-lateral well) 7BO(PHI EVBMMBUFSBMXFMM Van Gogh-3 (dual-lateral well) Van Gogh-9 (dual-lateral well) 7BO(PHI HBTJOKFDUJPOXFMM Van Gogh-10 (dual-lateral well) Van Gogh-5 (dual-lateral well) Van Gogh-11(single-lateral well) 7BO(PHI EVBMMBUFSBMXFMM Van Gogh-7 (dual-lateral well) Van Gogh-12 (PFW injection well 1) Van Gogh-13 (PFW injection well 2) Theo-3 (dual-lateral well)

50 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 2.12 Three-dimensional view of the drill paths

During the initial stages of drilling, before the marine riser and BOP 2.5.7 Drilling Personnel stack is set, cuttings are carried back up the borehole by seawater The Stena ClydeDBOBDDPNNPEBUFQFPQMF BOEUIFOcean Epoch and gel sweeps to be discharged at the seabed. After the BOPs have can accommodate 100 people. Crew changes will involve transfer by been set, cuttings are carried up the borehole or well casing and then helicopter to and from Learmonth air base, 32 km south of Exmouth, up the marine riser to the rig by the circulating water-based muds. approximately eight times per week. (Helicopter refuelling will not On the rig, the cuttings are separated from the mud by a sequence of take place on the drill rig). vibrating screens (referred to as “shale shakers”). The recovered mud is pumped to the mud tanks for reuse. The drill cuttings are then 2.6 INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING washed from the shakers and discharged to the marine environment PHASE via a simple overboard chute. Drill cuttings removed by the shakers This section describes the sequence of installation, hook-up, testing DPOUBJOTPNFSFTJEVBMNVE UZQJDBMMZJOUIFPSEFSPGMFTTUIBO and commissioning of the FPSO and subsea infrastructure. of mud per cuttings by weight), which adheres to the surface of the cuttings particles. 2.6.1 Installation and Commissioning Schedule A slipstream of the screened mud is also processed in a centrifuge to The proposed schedule for the installation and commissioning of the prevent the buildup of ultra-fine sediment in the muds. Drill muds various elements of the Van Gogh development is outlined in Figure recovered from the centrifuge are returned to the mud tanks for 2.15. The time required for installation is planned to take in the order reuse, and the separated solids are discharged to the ocean. Figure of three months to complete, once the installation vessel has arrived 2.14 provides a schematic of this process. PO TJUF FYQFDUFE UP CF MBUF 4FQUFNCFS 5IJT TDIFEVMF JT B detailed sub-section of the overall development schedule presented 2.5.6 Exclusion Zone in Figure 2.2. Installation of the DTM buoy is scheduled to begin in %VSJOHESJMMJOH BNSBEJVTUFNQPSBSZFYDMVTJPO[POFBSPVOEUIF 0DUPCFS NBSLJOHUIFCFHJOOJOHPGUIFUPNPOUITVCTFB SJHXJMMCFEFDMBSFEVOEFSMFHJTMBUJPOBOEHB[FUUFEBDDPSEJOHMZ5IF infrastructure installation and commissioning phase. Commissioning few vessels that do operate in these waters will be informed by radio is scheduled for completion by late February 2009, with first oil on approach about theFYDMVTJPO[POFBQQMZJOHBSPVOEUIFSJH production expected by March 2009.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 51 Figure 2.13 A typical drill profile for the Van Gogh wells

2.6.2 Installation Spread UPUIFMBSHFTJ[FBOEOVNCFSPGTQPPMT*OTUBMMBUJPOBDUJWJUJFTGPSUIF All of the subsea infrastructure will be installed by a DPDSV, the Van Gogh development will not overlap with FPSO installations Toisa Proteus (Plate 2.5). The vessel is a Class 3 dynamic positioning programs for the other petroleum companies (see Section 1.1.9) the vessel, meaning it has three separate systems for maintaining itself HLVs will relocate to a dedicated anchor location in the Exmouth Gulf on location by the use of its engines and thrusters, and will not be where they will progressively transfer equipment to the Toisa Proteus required to use anchors. The vessel has a heave-compensated crane as required based on the installation schedule. (lifts are not affected by swell and sea state) and it is equipped with two ROV systems. The vessel is currently undertaking installation During the drilling and installation phases of the Van Gogh work associated with other FPSO projects in the Exmouth Sub- development, marine support will be based out of the Port of basin. For the mobilisation to the Van Gogh site the vessel will sail to Dampier, involving support vessels for the installation barges. The Dampier harbour from its last installation project, where it will take shallow water depth of the marine facilities in Exmouth and the aboard an Australian crew and depart for the development location. minimal oil and gas support services currently in Exmouth limit it

Equipment required for the project, such as the subsea manifolds, DTM, being used as the main support base during the installation phase. flowlines and risers will be transported to the site on a combination of Apache will provide helicopter services from Exmouth (Learmonth air two heavy lift vessels (HLVs) and a cargo barge. The two HLVs will only base), estimated at five return flights a week during the installation be in the field together for a very brief period (1-2 weeks). A second phase. HLV is required to transport equipment manufactured in Henderson (south of Perth, WA) to the development site. The cargo barge will The installation sequence is shown conceptually in Figures 2.16 to transfer rigid spools from Henderson to the development site due 2.24 with the various steps described in the following sections.

52 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 2.12 Water-based mud systems and additives proposed for use in the Van Gogh drilling program

Hole Size (Section No.) Drilling Liquid Phase* (92% to 98%) Drilling Chemical Additives* (2% to 8%) NN JODI IPMF Sea Water / Fresh Water Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Bentonite (Gel sweeps) NN JODI IPMF Sea Water / Fresh Water Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Bentonite (Gel sweeps), Barite NN JODI IPMF Sea Water / Fresh Water / Potassium Chloride (KCl) Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Barite, Potassium Brine $IMPSJEF #JPDJEF 'MPX[BO %SJTQBD 1PMZ1MVT Calcium Carbonate, Kla-Stop NN JODI IPMF Sea Water / Fresh Water / Potassium Chloride (KCl) Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Potassium Chloride, Brine Biocide, Flovis, Flotrol, Calcium Carbonate, Glydril MC $PNQMFUJPO Sea Water / Fresh Water / Sodium Chloride Brine Sodium Chloride, Caustic Soda

* Key to drilling fluid additives:

Product Product qualities Barite "OBUVSBMMZPDDVSSJOH IJHIEFOTJUZNJOFSBMNJMMFEUPVOJGPSNQBSUJDMFTJ[FBOEVTFEUPJODSFBTFUIFóVJEEFOTJUZ$PNQMFUFMZ inert (inactive) within the environment. Bentonite (sodium "OBUVSBMMZPDDVSSJOH IJHIZJFMEDMBZDPNQPVOENJOFEBOEHSPVOEUPBVOJGPSNQBSUJDMFTJ[FBOEVTFEUPJNQBSUWJTDPTJUZUP montmorillonite clay) the drilling fluid. Readily dispersed in water. Biocide Very small quantities used to control the bacterial activity within the drilling fluids. Calcium carbonate/ /BUVSBMMZPDDVSSJOHHSPVOEBOETJ[FEMJNFTUPOFBOENBSCMFQBSUJDMFTVTFEUPJODSFBTFUIFESJMMJOHóVJEEFOTJUZBOEUPQMVH ground marble the pore spaces within the reservoir sandstones in the wellbore. Inert (inactive) and harmless within a very wide range of marine and terrestrial environments. Caustic soda (sodium A highly alkaline, fully water-soluble material. Very small quantities used to increase and control the pH of the drilling fluids hydroxide) XJUIJOUIFSBOHFUP Drispac A high-yield, cellulosic, organic polymer used to control fluid invasion into the rock matrix within the wellbore. Readily biodegradable by bacterial activity within the marine and terrestrial environments. Flotrol A modified natural starch used to control fluidinvasion into the formations. Readily biodegradable. 'MPX[BOPS'MPWJT A high yield, organic, xanthan gum polymer used to impart viscosity to the drilling fluid. Readily biodegradable by bacterial activity within the marine and terrestrial environments. Fresh water Supplied from the Port of Dampier. Glydril MC A fully water-dispersible, low-toxicity, polyglycol liquid compound used in relatively small quantities to control swelling of drilled clays and shales and to impart improved drilling fluid lubricity. Kla-Stop A liquid polyamine shale inhibitor used in polymer-base drilling and drilling fluids. Shale inhibition is achieved yb preventing water uptake by clays, and by providing superior cuttings integrity. The Kla-Stop additive effectively JOIJCJUTTIBMFPSHVNCPDMBZTGSPNIZESBUJOHBOENJOJNJ[FTUIFQPUFOUJBMGPSCJUCBMMJOH&OWJSPONFOUBMMZBDDFQUBCMF GPSCPUIPíTIPSFBOEPOTIPSFBQQMJDBUJPOTQ)SBOHFm Polyplus A long-chain polyacrylamide compound used to control swelling of drilled clays. Readily biodegradable by bacterial activity within the marine and terrestrial environments. Potassium chloride Naturally occurring common salt used to increase the fluid density and to control swelling of drilled clays and shales. Completely water-soluble. Sea water Drawn directly from the sea surrounding the rig. Soda ash (sodium A naturally occurring, fully water-soluble alkaline material. Very small quantities used to increase and control the pH of the carbonate) ESJMMJOHóVJETXJUIJOUIFSBOHFUPBOEUPSFEVDFUIFGSFFDBMDJVNXJUIJOUIFXBUFSQIBTFPGUIFESJMMJOHóVJE Sodium chloride Naturally occurring common salt used to increase the fluid density and to control swelling of drilled clays and shales. Completely water-soluble.

2.6.3 Anchors and mooring lines specifically of the DTM buoy mooring points, was completed in The first installation activity will involve the installation of the anchors %FDFNCFS #FOUIJD(FPUFDI TVSWFZNFUIPETEFTDSJCFE in Chapter 4). Table 2.13 outlines the seabed conditions at each of and mooring lines for the DTM buoy (see Figure 2.17). The DPDSV the mooring points and confirms the suitability of these locations will locate to the FPSO’s proposed mooring location. The mooring for anchoring. Figure 2.4 illustrates the locations of the mooring anchors will be stored on the DPDSV’s deck with the anchor mooring points.The DPDSV’s crane will lift the first of the nine anchors off lines (chain and wire) stored in chain lockers below deck. the vessel’s deck with the moorling line attached to the anchor and The pre-determined anchor locations will be carefully located lower it to its predetermined location on the seabed. The DPDSV will using a DGPS. A geophysical survey of the development area, and then lay away paying out the mooring line from the chain lockers as

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 53 Schematic of the treatment processes for water-based mud water-based for processes Schematic of the treatment Figure 2.14 Figure

54 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 2.15 Proposed schedule for the installation and commissioning phase

Plate 2.5 The Toisa Proteus dynamically positioned dive-support vessel Courtesy of Acergy

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 55 it moves towards the proposed location of the DTM buoy. The end method. Alterations to the installation sequence may occur, such of the mooring line will then be lowered to the seabed and marked as commencing the installation at a different starting point within with a 10- to 15-m-long marker pennant and buoy. The DPDSV will the field, as more detailed engineering and design results in some then move to the next anchor location and repeat the process for the refinement of the process. remaining eight anchors. Placement of the anchors in their correct The proposed installation sequence is as follows: positions will be assisted by the use of extra high frequency acoustic transducers secured to each of the anchors. An ROV will be deployed r 3JTFSTBOESJTFSCBTF to visually confirm the anchors are in the correct position on the r 'MPXMJOFTGSPN1.UPUIFSJTFSCBTF seabed. r 'MPXMJOFTGSPN1.UP1. 2.6.4 DTM Buoy r 3JHJETQPPMTDPOOFDUJOHUIFNBOJGPMEWBMWFUPFBDIPGUIFXFMMT While the detail for the connection of the mooring lines to the DTM A description of the steps involved in this process is provided below. buoy has not been finalised, the following description provides the With the manifolds in position on the seabed, the DPDSV will once most likely method. Once all the mooring lines and anchor chains again enter the Exmouth Gulf and transfer the risers, which will be have been deployed, the DTM buoy will be craned off a heavy-lift stored on reels, from a heavy-lift vessel onto its deck. The risers and vessel moored in Exmouth Gulf, and the DTM buoy will be towed flowlines will be stored on reels permitting them to be rolled off a to site by two anchor-handling vessels sourced from Dampier. The reel during the laying process. DTM buoy may have additional ballast water added to it for the tow The DPDSV will locate to the DTM buoy and commence the so that it travels in the vertical orientation just at or below the sea installation of the risers. The risers will either be connected to the surface. Once on location the anchor-handling vessels will maintain DTM buoy and then laid away to the ocean floor and connected to the position of the DTM buoy while the Toisa Proteus’ crane recovers the riser base, or the riser base will be installed on the risers on the one of the mooring lines from the seabed. The mooring line will then DPDSV, then the riser base will be lowered to the ocean floor with a be connected to the DTM buoy either subsea using the ROV or on the final connection then made to the DTM buoy. This will be undertaken surface. This process will be repeated until all nine mooring lines are for each of the four risers (two production fluids, one water injection connected to the DTM buoy (see Figure 2.18). and one gas injection).

2.6.5 Subsea Manifolds Risers and flowlines will be fed from their reels through a series of tensioners on the DPDSV, then lowered over the starboard side of the The DPDSV will relocate to the Exmouth Gulf and will transfer the vessel to the seabed (see Figure 2.20). subsea manifolds from either a HLV or cargo barge to the field for their installation. The DPDSV will continue to move back and forth from the Exmouth Gulf during the riser and flowline installation stage, transferring the The manifold centre locations will be: flowline reels from a HLV to the vessel. It is proposed to relocate next r 1. u4 u& to PM1 and make a flowline connection to that manifold using the ROV on the vessel. The DPDSV will then lay the flowline towards the r 1. u4 u& riser base where the ROV will be used to make the subsea connection The manifolds will be lowered into position at PM1 and PM2 with of the flowline to the riser base already installed on the seabed. This their position confirmed by the use of extra high frequency acoustic process will be repeated for the remaining production flowline, the transducers secured to each of their corners. Transducers installed water injection flowline and the 200-mm gas injection flowline, laying on each of the production wellheads during the drilling phase will one flowline at a time. A mid-point connection is required for each of be used to ensure the manifolds do not make contact with the the flowlines as they are only in 1,000 m long lengths and the distance wellheads (see Figure 2.19). from PM1 to the riser base is approximately 2,000 m (see Figure 2.21). The mid-point connection of the flowlines will be undertaken on the The ROV will then be used to undertake the metrology (distance DPDSV. measurements) from the installed manifold valves to the respective The DPDSV will then repeat the same laying process from PM2 to PM1 connection point on each of the production well trees. These installing the three remaining flowlines (two production flowlines measurements will be transferred to the fabrication workshop in and the 150-mm gas injection flowline). Perth or Karratha for the welding and fabrication of the required thirteen jumper spools. The Toisa Proteus will use a similar process for the installation of the umbilical line, which spans from PM2 to PM1 and then to the DTM 2.6.6 Risers, Flowlines, Umbilical and Rigid Spools buoy (see Figure 2.21). While the detail for the installation of the risers and flowlines has not The final activity involves the installation of the 13 rigid spools been finalised, the following description provides the most likely connecting the manifolds to the wellheads. The rigid spools will be

56 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 2.16 Wells drilled & xmas trees installed by drill rig Figure 2.17 DPDSV installs 9 anchors and chains and tensions them

Figure 2.18 DTM buoy towed to site and connected to Figure 2.19 Manifolds transferred from the HLV to DPDSV and anchor chains installed on the seabed

PM 1 PM 2 Umbilical 3JTFS#BTFT Static Flowlines

Figure 2.20 Risers and riser bases installed Figure 2.21 Flowlines and electro-hydraulic umbilical line installed and connected

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 57 Leak test flowlines & umbilicals

Function test

Figure 2.22 Rigid spools installed between manifolds and Figure 2.23 Sub-sea system leak tested and function tested xmas trees

Figure 2.24 FPSO connected to DTM buoy, with commencement of commissioning in readiness to commence full production

Table 2.13 Seabed conditions at DTM buoy anchor locations

Mooring point Water depth Latitude and longitude Seabed conditions AM1 N u4 -JHIUZFMMPXCSPXODBSCPOBUFñOFTBOEXJUITPNFTIFMMGSBHNFOUTEPXOUPN u& below seabed. Grades to grey calcarenite, moderately cemented, and carbonate silty fine sand with shell fragments traces down to 3.9 m. AM2 N u4 Light olive-grey carbonate fine tomedium sand with traces of shell fragments u& down to 3.5 m below seabed. Greyish-brown carbonate silty fine sand to medium TBOEXJUIUSBDFTPGTIFMMGSBHNFOUTEPXOUPN HSBEJOHUPBHSFFOJTIHSFZ DBSCPOBUFñOFTBOEEPXOUPN AM 350 m u4 0MJWFDBSCPOBUFTJMUZñOFTBOEXJUIGFXTIFMMGSBHNFOUTEPXOUPNCFMPX u& seabed, grading to a light grey carbonate fine sand down to 2.5 m (becoming shelly below 2 m). Light grey carbonate silty fine sand with few shell fragments exists down to N HSBEJOHUPHSFZDBSCPOBUFDMBZFZTJMUXJUIGFXTBOEQPDLFUTEPXOUPN

Source: Benthic Geotech (2007).

58 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development transferred from a cargo barge in the Gulf to the DPDSV and then 2.7 PRODUCTION PHASE taken to site. Each rigid spool will be craned separately into its location where the ROV will assist with making the connections into This section describes how the various systems will operate during the manifold (and PLET for PFW reinjection wells) and the wellheads the production phase of the Van Gogh development. Minor FPSO (see Figure 2.22). design refinements and modifications may occur between the time of the Draft PER publication and development start-up, although Following the completion of installing the subsea infrastructure, the such variations are not likely to alter the processes described in this DPDSV will undertake a leak test of the subsea system. The leak test section or their associated environmental impacts. will involve pressuring up the entire system, using either treated seawater (dosed with biocide and corrosion inhibitor) or fresh water, 2.7.1 Schedule BOENPOJUPSJOHUIFQSFTTVSFUPFOTVSFJUJTNBJOUBJOFEGPSBIPVS First oil is scheduled for March 2009, and the production phase is period to verify there are no leaks in the system. Once the leak test currently expected to continue for 12 to 15 years after that date. Tie- is completed, the treated seawater or fresh water will remain in the in of additional wells could extend the production phase for some flowlines for treatment and disposal on the FPSO at the start-up of number of years. production.

The subsea system will also be function tested to ensure all 2.7.2 Oil Processing, PFW, Gas Treatment and connections have been made in order to operate and control Crude Storage production from the wells (see Figure 2.23). The processing and treatment of the production fluids and the storage of the crude oil are discussed below and presented schematically in 2.6.7 FPSO Figure 2.25. Following the completion of the subsea installation, which is expected UPUBLFCFUXFFOBOEXFFLT UIF'140XJMMFJUIFSBSSJWFBUUIF7BO Well Fluid Reception and Distribution Gogh site or already be on temporary anchor in close proximity after The FPSO topsides facilities will receive recovered three-phase fluids its journey from Singapore ready to relocate to the site. (oil, gas and water) from the production wells through the two flowlines. Control of production rates will be through subsea chokes 2.6.8 Hook-up and Commissioning installed on each wellhead and chokes installed on each topsides On its arrival at the Van Gogh development site, the FPSO will be manifold on the FPSO. connected with the DTM buoy. The DTM system will then undergo 5IF JOUFOU PG UIF JOMFU TZTUFN JT UP OPNJOBMMZ óPX PG UPUBM commissioning, including testing the connect/disconnect system production through each production flowline and riser to two first- before permanently mooring (see Figure 2.24). stage separators under normal conditions. Subsea and topsides The FPSO topsides processing systems will then be commissioned manifolding will allow wells to be preferentially flowed to each followed by the production and injection wells, resulting in the leak separator via either flowline based on such factors as water cut, gas test fluid being processed on the FPSO and then injected into the production, flowing tubing head pressures and so forth so as to reservoir. optimise overall production.

During the commissioning phase, it is expected that extended Suitable isolation, emergency shutdown, instrumentation, control periods of gas flaring and overboard discharge of produced formation valves and topsides metering will be provided to safely and effectively water will be necessary (based on the experiences of BHP Billiton and bring the produced fluids on to the FPSO from the riser system via Woodside of their FPSO developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin) the turret. until the processing systems are running at full efficiency. Oil Stabilisation, Dewatering and Storage

Once commissioning of the subsea equipment has been completed, Upon reaching the FPSO, the well stream fluids will be separated into the DPDSV and the rest of the installation vessels will depart the field. oil, gas and water to meet the product specification.

The crude oil process circuit consists of four successive stages of 2.6.9 Installation and Commissioning Personnel crude stabilisation and dehydration along with inter-stage heating, "DSFXPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZXJMMVOEFSUBLFUIFJOTUBMMBUJPOBDUJWJUJFT these being: with personnel being transferred to the Toisa Proteus by helicopter 1. First-stage separation/slug catching (first-stage separators A/B) out of Exmouth (about two return flights per week for approximately followed by interstage heating to break any emulsions and assist 15 weeks during installation and about five return trips per week with separating the natural gas. during commissioning, excluding ad-hoc inspections of about once a month). 2. Second-stage separation and water knock out.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 59 Figure 2.25 Processing and treatment systems schematic

3. Third-stage separation and stabilisation (Stabilisation Separator). through the plant, as well as provision for adequate storage and pumping facilities. 'PVSUITUBHFXBUFSSFNPWBM &MFDUSPTUBUJDDPBMFTDFS The crude oil treatment circuit is designed to achieve a basic sediment Unstabilised crude oil is under high pressure and contains BOEXBUFS #48 MFWFMPG considerable amounts of dissolved gas. The crude stabilisation process releases the pressure and also removes the gas (separators) After passing through the stabilisation and dewatering stages, the and any entrained water (electrostatic coalescer) resulting in the crude will then be pumped to the crude storage tanks in the hull of crude oil being in a stable non-volatile condition, suitable for storage the FPSO. and export. The recovered gas is collected and directed to the gas PFW Treatment and Disposal treatment system with the water directed to the PFW treatment system. The PFW treatment system will consist of multiple stages of de-oiling to achieve oil-in-water (OIW) levels suitable for reinjection and, at The process provides for adequate heating, chemical injection and times, overboard discharge. The system consists of the following residence time to achieve effective emulsion breaking and oil-water stages: separation. The process is assisted by the addition of chemical demulisifers to induce effective oil and water separation. Injection r %FHBTTFSQSFEFPJMFS of the demulsifiers occurs at the subsea manifolds, with additional r )ZESPDZDMPOFT injection points provided in the topsides facilities. r 4BOEDZDMPOFT Inter-stage heating is provided to heat the produced fluids to the r *OEVDFEHBTóPUBUJPO required temperatures to break the predicted emulsions and to stabilise the oil to the required temporary vapour pressure (TVP) and Recovered oil will be directed back to the main production process. Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP). Waste heat recovered from other areas PFW from the final de-oiling stage will be monitored for OIW content of the process will be used so as to minimise the requirement for prior to final disposal. additional dedicated heating and cooling systems. The PFW separated from the produced well fluids will generally be Allowance for additional future chemical injection will also be treated to less than 30 mg/l OIW and reinjected below the seabed. In provided by including connections points at nominated locations the event the water reinjection system is unavailable, such as during

60 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development system start-up or process upsets, overboard discharge of PFW can r (BTEFIZESBtion (water removal) utilising a Triethylene Glycol occur for limited periods, provided the OIW content of the PFW is less (TEG) contactor and associated regeneration system to dry the than 30 mg/l (in accordance with the P(SL)(MoE) 1999 Regulations). It gas to a dewpoint, which will minimise the hydrates risk in the JTFTUJNBUFEUIBU1'8SFJOKFDUJPOXJMMCFQPTTJCMFGPSBUMFBTUPG reinjection gas system. the FPSO’s operating time. r "TFQBSBUFñMUFSDPBMFTDFSVQTUSFBNPGUIF5&(DPOUBDUPSGPS During overboard discharge of PFW, OIW levels will be instantaneously removal of oil (crude carryover or lubricating oil from reciprocating recorded and confirmed by separate analysis of oil concentration compressor sets). undertaken by photospectrometer analysis of at least one sample of Liquids recovered in the compressor scrubbers will be returned to PFW every six hours of discharge. the oil treatment system. Glycol is regenerated (water removed) In the event that PFW reinjection is not available, and the overboard in a dedicated glycol regeneration package using a reboiler and a slipstream of dried gas to achieve lean glycol concentration required OIW discharge specification is not being met, provision is made for the process. The water is recovered with the gas directed to the for directing off-spec PFW inboard to the slops tanks. Under this low pressure (LP) flare. circumstance, PFW in the slops tanks needs to be further treated prior to overboard discharge. Alternatively, PFW from the slops tanks Gas Lift can be returned to the process for reinjection. Due to the high water cut expected with the Van Gogh crude, gas lift PFW Reinjection (or artificial lift) will be required to assist the oil to reach the surface. 5IJT JT BDIJFWFE CZ SFUVSOJOH HBT UP UIF QSPEVDJOH [POFT PG UIF The PFW injection pumping and cooling system has suitable sparing production well to lower the density of the fluid so the wells can flow capacity to meet the availability requirements for reinjection (in unaided to the FPSO via the flowlines and risers. The net flow of gas conjunction with the provision for overboard discharge) of treated lift to all wells will be metered at the subsea manifold. produced formation water to the aquifer beneath the Van Gogh field. (BTMJGUJTFYQFDUFEBUXBUFSDVUTPGBSPVOEBOEBCPWF BOEBT Produced formation water from the PFW treatment system will be such can be expected to be required early in the field life (i.e., within filtered to 20 μm to prevent plugging of the PFW injection wells and the first 12 months)(seeFigure 2.1). XJMMCFDPPMFEUPMFTTUIBO$QSJPSUPEPXOIPMFEJTQPTBM#JPDJEF Gas Injection will be injected intermittently upstream of the main injection pump to control biofouling build up in the downhole PFW risers and Excess produced gas, i.e., that not used for fuel gas or gas lift, will flowlines. be reinjected into the reservoir to minimise flaring and its associated environmental impacts. Reinjected gas flow will be continuously Produced formation water from the Van Gogh field is likely to have metered. It is envisaged (and will be a production target) that gas properties similar to those measured from the Van Gogh-1 well, SFJOKFDUJPO XJMM PDDVS GPS PS NPSF PG UIF '140T DPOOFDUFE being: operating time. r Q)PG Gas Flaring r 4QFDJñDHSBWJUZPG!$ Gas flaring during abnormal operating conditions will be limited r 5PUBMEJTTPMWFETPMJETPG NH- to that essential for emergencies (depressurise system), process upsets (loss of gas compressor(s)), plant start-up and shutdown, Gas Treatment commissioning and during short term equipment unavailability.

The method of treatment and use of natural gas brought to the Where venting of natural gas is unavoidable, the method of disposal surface with the crude oil is summarised in Figure 2.25, which should will be via the flare system to minimise the generation of greenhouse be referred to in association with the following sections. gases. To limit flaring during the start-up of the FPSO, onshore Gas recovered from all stages of separation will be dehydrated commissioning of power generation units will be undertaken, and (dried) and compressed for use as fuel gas and lift gas. Dehydration is flare purge gas and pilot gas (constant small volume of gas that primarily required to remove any entrained water, minimising the risk is burnt at the flare tip to prevent air ingress into the flare and the process vessels which can result in a potential explosive mixture) will of hydrates forming at the expected subsea operating temperatures be minimised to ALARP. during reinjection and/or gas lift. Gas hydrates are ice-like solids that form when smaller, light hydrocarbon molecules contact water A principle design of the oil separation system has been to minimise molecules at elevated pressures and reduced temperatures. the volume of LP natural gas generated from the separator stages of the oil treatment system. LP gas is usually sent to the flare. For the Van The gas dehydration and compression system will consist of: Gogh FPSO a booster gas compression system will recompress the gas r .VMUJQMFDPNQSFTTJPOTFUT DPNQMFUFXJUIJOMFUBOEPVUMFU released from the second stage and stabilisation separators, directing scrubbers and suction, interstage and discharge cooling. it into the main gas compression system rather than flaring it.

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 61 Other flaring process design controls on the FPSO include: Metering of the PFW overboard discharge will be performed downstream of the OIW analyser, but prior to the shutdown valve to r $POUSPMBOEQSPUFDUJPOTZTUFNTPOUIFGVFMUSFBUNFOUTZTUFN FH divert inboard off-specification water from overboard discharge. liquid knockout and dewpoint control) to prevent generation of black smoke from fuel gas usage. Fuel and gas flaring will be metered, as required by regulations, for corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions (see Section r ,OPDLPVUWFTTFMTBOEQJQJOHTMPQFTUPQSFWFOUMJRVJETDBSSZPWFSUP 1.4.2). the flare. Sand Production r 'MBSFUJQTQFDJñFEEFTJHOFEGPSCBTFMPBEóBSJOHBOEFNFSHFODZ flaring. The design of the wells has been aimed at eliminating or reducing the generation of sands. Sands may occasionally build up in the r 'MBSFUJQUPCFFîDJFODZSBUJOHBUNJOJNVN separators (even with the use of in well sand screens). At a minimum, r #MPXEPXOWBMWFTQSPWJEFEXJUIMJNJUTXJUDIFTUPJOEJDBUFUIFZNBZ the FPSO topsides facilities design will include the following sand have failed open. Shut down valves will also have limit switches to management steps: advise of closing failure. r 4VCTFBXFMMTXJMMFBDIIBWFBTBOEEFUFDUPSGPSFBSMZOPUJñDBUJPOPG r *OUFSMPDLPOUIFóBSFQJMPU T UPFOTVSFOPQSPDFTTTUBSUVQVOUJMUIF bulk sand breakthrough at a well. flare pilot is ignited. r *EFOUJGZUIFQPUFOUJBMGPSñOFTQSPEVDUJPOJOUIFEFTJHOBOE r *OTVMBUFEóPXMJOFTUPQFSNJUGBTUFSSFTUBSUTBOENJOJNJTFóBSJOH specification of equipment upstream of the first stage separator, including process piping, allocation metering internals, control The flare tower will be located towards the starboard side of the valve trims and isolation valve seating. FPSO leaning slightly out over the ocean and to the rear of the turret assembly (see Figure 2.9). At an expected height of 55 m above r 'BDJMJUJFTXJMMCFQSPWJEFEUPDBSSZPVU NBOVBMMZ POMJOF EF the topsides of the FPSO, the flare tower design will be sufficient to sanding of all vessels in the oil treatment system, as well as the maintain radiation and noise levels within acceptable occupational skimmer/ pre de-oiler and degasser. health and safety limits. r #PUUPNFOUSZOP[[MFTPOUIFñSTUTUBHFTFQBSBUPSXJMMCFñUUFEXJUI Metering Systems an up-stand to minimise the impact of sand breakthrough or fines production on downstream vessels. Various metering devices will be installed throughout the FPSO to provide performance monitoring data to comply with regulatory 2.7.3 Offloading and contractual reporting requirements (i.e., performance The FPSO will be equipped with an offloading system to allow demonstration). Through provision of suitably located flow meters, it offloading of crude oil to a tandem-moored offtake tanker (Figure will be possible to control, produce and record a daily topsides mass 2.26 0ðPBEJOHPQFSBUJPOTBSFFYQFDUFEUPUBLFQMBDFFWFSZUP balance. days during the first years of production, decreasing as oil production As a minimum, metering will be provided for the following: from the field declines.

r 4UBCJMJTFEDSVEFSVOEPXOUPUBOLT DSVEFQSPEVDFE 5IFNBYJNVNPðPBEJOHQBSDFMTJ[FXJMMCF N CCMPS NJMMJPOMJUSFT BOEJUXJMMUBLFJOUIFPSEFSPGISTUPPðPBEUIF r 5SFBUFE1'8WPMVNFTBOESFJOKFDUJPOSBUFT crude, excluding mooring and disconnection time. r 1'8PWFSCPBSEEJTDIBSHF JGVOEFSUBLFO Marine loading procedures will comply with the Oil Companies r (BTJOKFDUJPOBOEMJGUHBTRVBOUJUJFT International Marine Forum (OCIMF) Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide, r 'VFMHBTDPOTVNFEBOEHBTóBSFE JGVOEFSUBLFO and offtake tankers will be required to comply with Apache’s ship vetting arrangements (see Section 5.9.10). r $IFNJDBMDPOTVNQUJPO Offtake Tanker Offtake tank gauging will be used to determine crude oil quantities No one offtake tanker will be solely dedicated to offloading crude from exported. This may also be supplemented with metering to assist the Van operations personnel. (PHI'140OVNFSPVTWFTTFMTXJMMVOEFSUBLFUIJTPQFSBUJPO Offtake tankers typically have a crude oil storage capacity of about Subsea flow meters will provide the primary means of monitoring well performance by routine well testing, however each of the first N NJMMJPO MJUSFT CCM FOPVHI UP PðPBE UIF Van Gogh FPSO if filled to capacity. stage separators will also be equipped with flow meters on the three product streams (oil, gas and water) to allow them to be used to Crude from the Van Gogh development is available for sale on the undertake well testing. world oil market but is generally likely to be shipped to South East

62 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Asian markets such as Japan and Korea where it will be used as a fuel mechanism and the offloading hose reel on the FPSO. Release of the stock for power generation. hawser will initiate the release sequence of the offloading hose dry break connection located at the hose reel. Apache will provide Prosafe with a vetting report prior to the acceptance of each offtake tanker, which will assess and verify the Offloading Hose suitability of each of the nominated offtake tankers and its equipment An offloading hose located at the stern of the FPSO will be used to safely carry out a crude oil transfer and shipment to its destination to transfer crude oil from the FPSO to the offtake tanker’s mid-ship point. manifold, which will direct the crude into the offtake tanker’s cargo Offloading Hawser tanks.

The offloading hawser will be a heavy rope strung between the FPSO The hose will have a double carcass, with buoyancy built into the and the offtake tanker in a tandem-mooring configuration to keep hose. The hose’s internal core will consist of two section of rubber them from moving apart. The FPSO’s mooring system (DTM buoy, with wire cord reinforcing and a protective outer polyurethane layer mooring lines and anchors) has been designed to accommodate that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation. The hose will be made up of this additional load. The Van Gogh FPSO offloading hawser will be 30-m sections that will be flanged together to give a total length of located at the stern of the vessel and will include a messenger line of N BOEJUXJMMIBWFBOJOUFSOBMEJBNFUFSPGNN JODIFT suitable material, length and circumference, with storage, securing sufficient to offload a full cargo of crude in 30 hours. and deployment facilities (e.g., a winch or reel). The offloading hawser The offloading hose will be stored on a reel when not in use. The hose will be equipped with a tension-monitoring device (load cell), and its reel will be fitted with a hose flushing system, designed to empty signal will be displayed in the CCR. the hose of crude oil before being stored. The flushed crude will be The offloading hawser will have a quick-release mechanism that will directed to the slops tank. be activated from the CCR based on the tension recorded on a load The hose will be equipped with a self-sealing dry-break disconnect cell to prevent loads exceeding the breaking strain of the hawser. coupling at the hose reel end to ensure that, in the event of undue Load cell measurements will be recorded on a chart plotter in the stress on the hose, the coupling can be disconnected without the risk CCR. Release of the hawser will also be possible from a manned of crude being spilled or damage occurring to the offloading hose. control station located in a safe location near the hawser quick release The dry-break coupling will be remotely actuated which will allow the

Figure 2.26 Offloading system

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 63 hose to be disconnected and lowered to the sea without damage. The 2.7.5 Workovers, Additional Wells and Tie-ins hose will be equipped with suitable hose lifting and hose supporting Short periods of well maintenance or repair (known as a workover) chain. Maintenance, testing and inspection of the offloading hose or additional well construction (to ensure adequate drainage of the will take place on the FPSO deck after each offloading. reservoir) are likely during the life of the Van Gogh development. Offtake Tanker Pilotage These workovers will be incorporated in Apache’s rig schedule if required. Prosafe is responsible for providing pilotage to the offtake tanker when it is within 9 km (5 nm) of the FPSO. This will be a third-party Should additional oil fields be discovered within the Notional pilot from a nearby port (e.g., Dampier). The role of the pilot is to Development Area, the feasibility of tying in to the Van Gogh take over responsibility of the offtake tanker from the master during subsea infrastructure will be investigated as a means to extend the offloading to ensure safe operations. When the FPSO and offtake commercial life of the development. The subsea infrastructure and tanker are tandem-moored, a complete safety inspection will be FPSO have been designed to accommodate additional tie-ins (see undertaken by the pilot before offloading commences and at regular Sections 2.3 and 2.4). intervals during the transfer. 2.7.6 Cyclone Response Offtake Support Vessel Having operated in the cyclone-prone North West Shelf since An offtake support vessel (OSV) will assist the offtake tanker on its 1993, Apache has developed detailed cyclone contingency plans BQQSPBDIUPUIF'140XIFOJUJTCFUXFFOBOELN BOEON and response procedures, which are constantly revised after away. The FPSO will use an OSV to transfer personnel to the offtake each cyclone-season to capture any improvements made during tanker and to connect the offloading hawser and the offloading hose their implementation. A cyclone contingency plan and response to and from the offtake tanker. procedures will be outlined in detail in the Safety Case for the During all off-take operations, when the offloading tanker is development. sufficiently close to the FPSO that a collision may be possible, the In order to avoid extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, the offtake tanker will have a static tow to the rear of the offtake tanker. FPSO will be equipped for automatic (un-assisted) disconnection The OSV will attach a tow wire to the rear of the offtake tanker pulling and reconnection with the DTM buoy, under any loading condition, the offtake tanker away from the FPSO. This will be in place throughout with the ability to sail away using its own power. The DTM has been the duration of the offloading operation while the offloading hawser designed such that the FPSO will not need to be disconnected from is connected to the offtake tanker from the FPSO. the DTM buoy during 100 year return non-cyclonic events. Never- the-less, standard operating conditions will be to disconnect and 2.7.4 Production Support Services leave the Van Gogh site should a cyclone be predicted to impact the Support services during the production phase of the Van Gogh FPSO location. The FPSO will be fitted with metocean equipment development will be both land and marine based at the local level, as capable of continuously monitoring wind speed and direction, and detailed below. Apache and Prosafe will manage the development’s wave height and direction. operations from offices in Perth.

Land-based Support 2.7.7 Production Personnel Twenty-four personnel on board are likely to be required on the Apache will provide helicopter services from Exmouth (Learmonth air FPSO for normal day-to-day operations (a day and a night shift) to base), estimated at three return flights a week during the production ensure safe operating conditions. Helicopters will be used to transfer phase. A fixed-wing aircraft will be available for medical evacuation personnel to the FPSO during production (expected to involve five and emergency response at the Learmonth air base to link with any return trips per week for the operating life of the FPSO). emergency patients transferred from the FPSO by helicopter. It is envisaged that Apache and Prosafe will use existing contracted 2.8 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE supply and logistics facilities available in Exmouth for its onshore Decommissioning of the Van Gogh development will commence supply base requirements. when production from the reservoir reaches the end of its economic Marine-based Support life. If other oil fields within the Notional Development Area are tied into the development, this will increase the development’s economic During the production phase, and in addition to the services supplied life and therefore delay decommissioning. by the OSV and offtake tanker outlined in Section 2.7.3, Apache will QSPWJEFBTDIFEVMFEXPSLTVQQMZCPBUFWFSZEBZT*UJTFYQFDUFE Current guidelines for the decommissioning of offshore petroleum that these services will be sourced from Exmouth. production infrastructure are presented in the:

64 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development r P(SL) Act 1967 1BSU*** %JWJTJPO 4FDUJPO 2.9 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL r "11&"$PEFPG&OWJSPONFOUBM1SBDUJDF 4FDUJPO "11&" DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS Numerous environmental specifications have been built into the r (VJEFMJOFGPSUIF%FDPNNJTTJPOJOHPG0íTIPSF1FUSPMFVN Van Gogh development design as described in this chapter. They are Facilities (DITR, 2002). summarised below:

The decommissioning sequence will include: r %FTJHOBOEPQFSBUJOHBDUJWJUJFTLFQUTJNQMF QSBDUJDBCMFBOE achievable. r 4UPQQJOHQSPEVDUJPOGSPNUIFñFMECZDMPTJOHJOUIFQSPEVDUJPO wells. r 1SPWFODPODFQUTBOEUFDIOJRVFTVTFE r 6TJOHUSFBUFETFBXBUFSUPóVTIUIFTVCTFBJOGSBTUSVDUVSF JODMVEJOH r *OWFOUPSJFT QSFTTVSFTBOEUFNQFSBUVSFTNJOJNJTFE the manifolds, flowlines and risers back to the FPSO. r 1PUFOUJBMIZESPDBSCPOMFBLQBUITNJOJNJTFE r 1MVHHJOHBOEBCBOEPOJOHUIFXFMMT QSPDFTTEFUBJMFECFMPX BOE r 1PUFOUJBMGPSJHOJUJPONJOJNJTFE removal of the wellheads, xmas trees and rigid spools. r /BUVSBMWFOUJMBUJPOJOIZESPDBSCPOIBOEMJOHBSFBTNBYJNJTFE r %JTDPOOFDUJPOBOEEFQBSUVSFPGUIF'140 r 3FMJBCJMJUZNBYJNJTFE Decommissioning will involve the removal of the majority of r *OTQFDUJPOBOENBJOUFOBODFSFRVJSFNFOUTNJOJNJTFE structures above the surface of the seabed as well as the DTM buoy. It is possible that flowlines will be flushed and then left on the seabed. r )VNBOGBDUPSTPQUJNJTFE However, it is technically and economically feasible to remove all r &YQPTVSFUPOPJTF WJCSBUJPO SBEJBUJPO IFBUBOEFMFDUSPNBHOFUJD infrastructure should it be required. A detailed decommissioning plan IB[BSEPVTDIFNJDBMT UPYJDWBQPVST EVTUBOEIJHIMPXWPMUBHF will be prepared and submitted to the Commonwealth Government minimised. for approval prior to any decommissioning activities commencing. r 'BJMTBGFEFTJHOTZTUFNTFOHJOFFSFE 2.8.1 Plugging and Abandonment of Wells r )FMJDPQUFSóJHIUTNJOJNJTFE The main objectives when decommissioning the wells is to: r %JTDIBSHFT FH óBSJOH 1'8BOEPJMZXBUFS BOEFNJTTJPOT FH r *TPMBUFGPSNBUJPOóVJETGSPNFBDIPUIFS MJHIU WPMBUJMFPSHBOJDDBSCPO<70$> NJOJNJTFE r 8BTUFQSPEVDUJPONJOJNJTFE r *TPMBUFGPSNBUJPOóVJETGSPNUIFTVSGBDF r )BSNGVMDIFNJDBMTBWPJEFEPSNJOJNJTFE r -FBWFUIFTFBCFEGSFFGSPNPCTUSVDUJPOT

The wells will be decommissioned according to industry regulations r &OFSHZFîDJFODZNBYJNJTFE and best practice at the time. Current well abandonment practice is These design specifications are aimed at ensuring environmental to remove the surface wellhead (and xmas tree) and plug the various impacts from the installation and operation of the Van Gogh intervals of the well with cement. The well casing is then cut several development are minimised in line with Apache’s Environmental meters below the seabed so it does not become an obstacle (e.g., for Policy (see Box 1). trawl fishing).

2.8.2 FPSO Disconnection Decommissioning the FPSO is a simple process of disconnecting the FPSO from the DTM and sailing it away, just as it would for cyclone response. The vessel will then either be: r 6TFECZBOPUIFSTJNJMBSEFWFMPQNFOU BOENPEJñFEBT appropriate). r $POWFSUFEUPBOPUIFSVTF r 4BMWBHFEGPSUPQTJEFTQBSUTBOEUIFIVMMTPMEBTTDSBQNFUBM JG deemed to be too old for re-use).

Chapter 2 : Project Description | 65 66 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Community Consultation 3

Consultation in the context of an impact assessment is a process of 3.3 APACHE’S COMMUNITY establishing two-way communication with identified stakeholders. CONSULTATION STRATEGY This chapter outlines how Apache has planned and is implementing its commitment to consultation for the Van Gogh development. 3.3.1 Identify Stakeholders 3.1 BACKGROUND Stakeholders in a project are defined as people who have an interest in or may be affected by the project, as well as those directly involved Apache’s community consultation for the Van Gogh Development in the project. They include local residents and landholders, non- commenced at a time when extensive and ongoing consultation government organisations (NGOs), representative groups, local programs for three other resources companies (Woodside, BHP government authorities, state and Commonwealth government Billiton and Straits Salt) were well progressed in the Exmouth agencies and members of the general community, as well as Apache’s community, which is the only community that may be affected by employees, contractors, customers, and suppliers. the project. Of these companies currently undertaking consultation (outlined in Appendix 3), two are proposing FPSO projects of an 3.3.2 Develop Two-Way Communication with identical nature to that of Apache’s. With a population in Exmouth of Stakeholders and Determine Stakeholder only about 2,500 permanent residents, initial inquiries (see Section Views 3.4.2) indicated that the local community was well informed This part of the strategy has two parts: formal and informal. and conversant with the aspects of an FPSO oil operation and its QPUFOUJBMFOWJSPONFOUBM FDPOPNJDBOETPDJBMJNQMJDBUJPOTBMNPTU The formal part required the establishment of a stakeholder UPUIFQPJOUPGAJOGPSNBUJPOTBUVSBUJPO consultation group (SCG) that would meet regularly to be briefed on progress of the development and the environmental assessment Nevertheless, against this potential local consultation overload, process and would provide stakeholder views on the project. Apache developed a consultation strategy, which it has employed to date, as follows. The informal part required Apache to communicate with and become involved in the local community to learn their views. 3.2 BASIS OF THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION STRATEGY 3.4 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION IMPLEMENTATION TO DATE The legislative basis for Apache’s community consultation strategy is 4DIFEVMFPGUIF&1#$3FHVMBUJPOT i.BUUFSTUPCFBEESFTTFE This section describes how the community consultation strategy by draft public environment report and environmental impact has been implemented and the consultation that has already taken TUBUFNFOUu 3FHVMBUJPO 4FDUJPO XIJDISFRVJSFT place. i. details of any consultation that has already taken place. 3.4.1 Identifying Stakeholders ii. proposed consultation about relevant impacts of the action. For the Van Gogh development, affected parties were identified iii. if there has been consultation about the proposed action - any through existing contact databases that Apache has in place for its response to, or result of, the consultation. operations on the North West Shelf. These were supplemented or amended by noting the stakeholders listed in the Draft Environmental iv. identification of affected parties, including a statement Impact Statements (EISs) for the Woodside WA-271-P and Vincent mentioning any communities that may be affected and describing FPSO developments and the BHP Billiton Pyrenees and Stybarrow their views. FPSO developments, together with the Straits Salt Yannarie Solar The corporate basis for Apache’s community consultation strategy Project Environmental Review and Management Programme (ERMP), is given in Apache’s Environmental Management Policy (Box all based in the Exmouth region. Apache also met with Woodside and 1 in Section 1.5.1): Apache is committed to maintaining open BHP Billiton representatives, together with DoIR, to confirm that the community and government consultation regarding its activities list of potential stakeholders for the Van Gogh development was and environmental performance. accurate.

In April 2007, after establishing contact with telephone calls, informal introductory meetings were held in Exmouth and Perth with potential stakeholders to provide briefings on the Van Gogh development and to gauge the level of interest in the formation of a SCG. A project brochure was handed out at these meetings and delivered to each post-office box in Exmouth (Exmouth properties do not have letterboxes). The meetings were convened at a time convenient for each potential stakeholder. Table 3.3 provides further details.

Chapter 3 : Community Consultation | 67 3.4.2 Developing Two-Way Communication Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival held in Exmouth in May 2007. Apache with Stakeholders and Determining participated in the festival by having a stall display on the Van Gogh Stakeholder Views development, where a series of posters, a DVD presentation on Apache, its operations and environmental management activities Formal Consultation in the North West Shelf, along with information brochures detailing Following the introductory meetings, letters were sent to the what was proposed. Apache staff were available to answer questions potential stakeholders that Apache met with, inviting them to about and elicit views on the project. participate in a Van Gogh Field Development SCG. An advertisement Direct Consultation with Other Stakeholders was placed in the local Exmouth paper (The Northern Guardian Other stakeholders consulted during the course of project BOE5IF&YNPVUI&YQSFTTJPO JOWJUJOHJOUFSFTUFE development to date have included: persons from Exmouth to nominate as community representatives on the Exmouth SCG (Appendix 4). Advertisements were not placed r %FQBSUNFOUPG%FGFODF in Perth newspapers as the discussions had at the informal meetings r 8PPETJEF revealed that all the Perth stakeholders had been identified. r #)1#JMMJUPO Because of Exmouth’s distance from Perth (1,270 km), where most r "VTUSBMJBO.BSJOF0JM4QJMM$FOUSF of the government stakeholders are located, two SCGs were formed: one in Exmouth and one in Perth. The Van Gogh SCG members are r &YNPVUI"WJBUJPO4FSWJDFT listed in Table 3.1. r #SJTUPX %VF UP UIF AJOGPSNBUJPO TBUVSBUJPO GSPN QSFWJPVT TJNJMBS '140 r &YNPVUI5SVDLBOE$SBOF)JSF projects, infrequent and short meetings were convened (this is r #IBHXBO.BSJOF expected to change as the development progresses). r .(,BJMJT(SPVQ Notification of SCG meetings is provided by letter and email to each SCG member. Minutes are taken by Apache at each meeting and Community and Scientific Sponsorship distributed to the SCG members via email as well as being placed During the course of formal and informal consultation, several on the Van Gogh development website (www.apachevangogh.com. community groups, organisations and research bodies approached au). Presentations made at the SCG meetings are also posted on the Apache for sponsorship of their activities. Apache noted these website. requests to financially support worthy causes and in response, developed sponsorship guidelines for the Van Gogh development, Informal Community Consultation which are posted on the project website. The aim of the guidelines The consultation strategy targeted the commencement of informal is to ensure that all requests are fairly assessed against these consultation with the wider Exmouth community at the 2007 requirements.

Table 3.1 Van Gogh SCG members (listed alphabetically)

Exmouth Perth Boeing Australia Limited (Harold E. Holt Naval Communications Station) Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) Cape Conservation Group Conservation Council of WA (CCWA)* Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Department of Fisheries (DoF) Department of Fisheries (DoF) %FQBSUNFOUPG*OEVTUSZBOE3FTPVSDFT %P*3 m1FUSPMFVN&OWJSPONFOU Branch Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) %FQBSUNFOUPG1MBOOJOHBOE*OGSBTUSVDUVSFm.BSJOF&OWJSPONFOUBM Protection Unit Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry University of WA Exmouth District High School WWF (formerly World Wildlife Fund)* Exmouth Visitors Centre Gascoyne Development Commission Local Community Representatives Ningaloo Sustainability Group North West Cape Exmouth Aboriginal Corporation Shire of Exmouth * Time constraints meant these stakeholders have not yet attended the three SCG meetings held to date (as at October 2007)

68 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development The Van Gogh development will result in Apache, and the FPSO newsletters distributed to date are included in Appendix 5. operator Prosafe, being involved with the Exmouth community The newsletters are distributed via email to the Exmouth and Perth for many years. Although being an offshore development, Apache SCG members. They are made available to the wider community of believes it has an important role to play within the community, stakeholders by sending copies for display at and distribution from namely: the Exmouth Police Station, Exmouth Shire Library, Shire of Exmouth r 4VQQPSUJOHDPNNVOJUZJOJUJBUJWFTUPJNQSPWFUPXOTFSWJDFTBOE offices, Exmouth Visitor Centre, and for general display at the Ross facilities. Street Mall noticeboard. r 4VQQPSUJOHDPNNVOJUZJOJUJBUJWFTUPGPTUFSJOEJHFOPVTBOEOPO Website: The aim of the project website (www.apachevangogh.com. indigenous cultural training and workforce participation. au), established in May 2007, is to facilitate easy and comprehensive r 4VQQPSUJOHDPNNVOJUZJOJUJBUJWFTJOTVTUBJOBCMFFOWJSPONFOUBM information exchange between Apache and its stakeholders. The management. website includes phone number, email and postal address details to r .BYJNJTJOHPQQPSUVOJUJFTGPS&YNPVUIBTBTVQQPSUCBTFGPS enable stakeholders to contact Apache with questions or concerns. the offshore development (e.g., maintenance works, workforce To date, email enquiries from the website have only been in relation accommodation). to obtaining employment on the FPSO.

Sponsorship initiatives have been put in place and will continue, Statistics on the use of the website (Table 3.2) indicate that the on an as-appropriate basis, throughout the life of the project (see website has been useful in providing information to many people, Section 3.4.4). with an average of over 900 visits per month. The photo gallery is the most viewed page and the project brochure is the most downloaded 3.4.3 Consultation Tools document on the website. Apache has developed a set of tools to use in both formal and informal consultation. These include a newsletter and a project 3.4.4 Consultation Activities website. A summary of consultation activities undertaken for the Van Gogh Newsletter: 3FHVMBS UXPQBHF " DPMPVS QSPKFDU OFXTMFUUFST BSF development is provided in Table 3.3. Photos from consultation produced and distributed on an as-required basis (which to date has activities undertaken for the Van Gogh development are shown in been every two months, but depends on project milestones). The Plate 3.1 to Plate 3.6.

Table 3.2 Statistics on the use of the Van Gogh website

Month (2007) Page Views Visits Hits June July 757 August 2,913 9,952 September October 1,213 November December 2,513 Total 24,661 7,549 81,427 Average 3,523 1,078 11,632

Key: Page views Shows how many pages have been viewed. Visits "VOJRVFWJTJUGSPNBQBSUJDVMBSDPNQVUFS'PSFYBNQMF WJTJUTGSPNPOFDPNQVUFSBSFPOMZDPVOUFEBTPOFWJTJUBOEQPUFOUJBMMZ depending on the network, if several people from the same company visit the website one or more times, it may only be counted as one visit. Hits Shows the viewing of different elements of the website (clicks on the website pages) and represents how much it is being used.

Chapter 3 : Community Consultation | 69 Plate 3.1: Apache’s Van Gogh display at the 2007 Ningaloo Plate 3.2: Apache’s sponsorship of the 2007 Ningaloo Whale Whale Shark Festival in Exmouth shark Festival

Plate 3.3: Exmouth residents reading Apache’s Van Gogh Plate 3.4: Launch of the Exmouth Sea Search & Rescue Vessel, brochure at the launch of the 2007 Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival the Ningaloo Endeavour

Plate 3.5: The first Van Gogh SCG meeting held in Exmouth at Plate 3.6: The first Van Gogh SCG meeting held in Perth at the the Novotel Ningaloo Resort Art Gallery of WA

70 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 3.3 Summary of formal and informal consultation activities to November 2007

Stakeholder Activity and Purpose Date and Location Details Exmouth Community General Exmouth Purchase of Exmouth Volunteer 0DUPCFS Apache provided $20,000 to the Exmouth Community .BSJOF4FB3FTDVF(SPVQCPBU Volunteer Marine Sea Rescue Group for the Exmouth community sponsorship purchase of their new rescue vessel, the Ningaloo Endeavour. Distribute project brochure to April 2007 Project brochures delivered to all post offices BMMQPTUPîDFCPYFTJOGPSNBM FYDMVEJOHUIPTFXJUIBAOPKVOLNBJMQPMJDZ Exmouth community consultation as Exmouth properties do not have physical letter boxes. The brochure was aimed at providing information about the Van Gogh development, together with information about the drilling program, so that residents were aware there was to be a drill rig in the region that may be visible when flaring. Advertise in local newspaper April 2007 Advertisements calling for members to for community representatives join the Exmouth SCG were placed in The Exmouth UPUIF4$(GPSNBMDPNNVOJUZ Northern Guardian newspaper on the 2nd consultation and 9th of May 2007, and in the May edition of the Exmouth Expression (see Appendix 4). Ningaloo Whale Shark UP.BZ Apache was a sponsor and exhibitor at 'FTUJWBMJOGPSNBMDPNNVOJUZ the Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival. At the Exmouth consultation exhibition, Apache provided information on the proposed Van Gogh development and handed out over 500 calico bags that included a Van Gogh Development brochure and caps, stubby holders, posters and stickers. Ningaloo Endeavour vessel .BZ Apache attended the official launch of the MBVODIDPNNVOJUZTQPOTPSTIJQ vessel, which was christened by the Shire of Exmouth marina Exmouth’s President, Ronnie Fleay. Purchase of new fire engine for July 2007 As part of the Exmouth Aviation Consortium -FBSNPOUIBJSCBTFDPNNVOJUZ member, Apache has contributed $10,000 to Exmouth sponsorship providing the first fire engine at Exmouth’s airport in Learmonth. The fire engine is available for all operations and flights at the airport and significantly enhances safety. Previously, the airport had to rely on a fire engine coming out from Exmouth. Exmouth aviation issues 4FQUFNCFS Meeting with local stakeholders to discuss NFFUJOHDPNNVOJUZ aviation concerns and future plans with Exmouth consultation Skywest. Exmouth Truck and Crane *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHJOGPSNBM April 2007 Discussed crane/truck resources in Exmouth Hire consultation to be able to support Apache’s drilling Phone program and future operations. Exmouth Chamber of *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM 12 April 2007 Outline of proposed development and Commerce and Industry consultation invitation to join the Exmouth SCG. Exmouth

Chapter 3 : Community Consultation | 71 Table 3.3 Summary of formal and informal consultation activities to November 2007 (cont’d)

Stakeholder Activity and Purpose Date and Location Details Shire of Exmouth, North *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM 13 April 2007 Outline of proposed development and West Cape Exmouth consultation invitation to join the Exmouth SCG. Exmouth Aboriginal Corporation, Cape Conservation Group Exmouth District High APPEA Schools Information 12 June 2007 Apache sponsors the APPEA Schools School 1SPHSBNDPNNVOJUZFEVDBUJPO Information Program (in conjunction Exmouth with the Petroleum Club of WA), which is a science-based competition for Year 10 students focusing on the oil and gas industry. The competition is research-centred and designed to maximise student and teacher interaction with employees in various sectors PGUIFJOEVTUSZ%VSJOH UIF4DIPPMT Information Program operated in 19 WA schools. In 2007, the program visited Exmouth District High School to provide Year 10 students with information about the oil and gas industry and how to enter it if they were interested. For further information, go to www. petroleumclub.org.au/schools.index.html. *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM 27 July 2007 Outline of proposed development and consultation and community invitation to join the Exmouth SCG. School Exmouth sponsorship principal provided Apache with a tour of the school facilities and background on various school programs and current sponsorship arrangements with other companies, and requested input from Apache to assist its marine science department. 'PMMPXVQNFFUJOHDPNNVOJUZ 19 September 2007 Follow up discussions about supporting its sponsorship marine science department. Exmouth Exmouth Limestone *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHJOGPSNBM 3 May 2007 Met with John Lewis for an overview of their consultation proposed limestone export facilities and land Exmouth at the light industrial area. Stakeholder Consultation Group Exmouth .FFUJOH/PGPSNBM 15 May 2007 Meeting provided a general project outline consultation and focused on the drilling program, with Exmouth Apache’s Drilling Superintendent giving a Perth 17 May 2007 presentation. Perth Exmouth and Perth SCG &OWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSE BOE+VMZ Apache, together with two members of members, government JEFOUJñDBUJPOXPSLTIPQ the Exmouth SCG and one member of Perth regulators, Acergy, Prosafe environmental risk assessment the Perth SCG, Apache contractors and government personnel, participated in the UXPEBZFOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPO workshop. This workshop aimed at identifying and assessing all the environmental risks from the Van Gogh development to form a basis for the Draft PER.

72 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 3.3 Summary of formal and informal consultation activities to November 2007 (cont’d)

Stakeholder Activity and Purpose Date and Location Details Exmouth .FFUJOH/PGPSNBM +VMZ Meeting provided a general project update consultation and focused on the subsea installation Exmouth activities, with Acergy, Apache’s subsea Perth 31 July 2007 installation contractor, giving a presentation. Perth Exmouth .FFUJOH/PGPSNBM 19 September 2007 Meeting provided a general project update, consultation provided members with preliminary drafts Exmouth PGDIBQUFSTPGUIF%SBGU1&3BOEGPDVTFE Perth 4FQUFNCFS on the FPSO oil spill assessment, with GEMS, Perth Apache’s oil spill modelling consultant, giving a presentation. Oil and Gas Industry Woodside, BHP Billiton *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHJOGPSNBM 30 March 2007 Discussion of approaches to community consultation consultation undertaken by Woodside and Perth BHP Billiton, and how Apache’s consultation strategy may align with these to minimise DPOTVMUBUJPOATBUVSBUJPO Oil spill response strategy for 4FQUFNCFS Discussion of oil spill response strategies for &YNPVUIJOGPSNBMDPOTVMUBUJPO the Exmouth region in the event of an FPSO Perth oil spill. APPEA *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHJOGPSNBM 10 April 2007 Outline of proposed deveklopment and consultation invitation to join the Perth SCG. Perth Australian Marine Oil Spill Oil spill response strategy for .BZ Discussion of oil spill response strategies for Centre &YNPVUIJOGPSNBMDPOTVMUBUJPO the Exmouth region in the event of an FPSO Perth oil spill. Oil spill response strategy for 27 September 2007 Discussion of oil spill response strategies for &YNPVUIJOGPSNBMDPOTVMUBUJPO the Exmouth region in the event of an FPSO Perth oil spill. Oil spill response strategy for 0DUPCFS Workshop of oil spill scenarios in the &YNPVUIGPSNBMDPOTVMUBUJPO Exmouth region and response strategies, Exmouth involving the DPI, Apache, BHP Billiton, Woodside, Boeing, Shire of Exmouth, Broome Port, Pilbara Iron and Rio Tinto. Research Organisations The University of Sydney 4&31&/51SPKFDUTDJFOUJñD 19 & 20 February 2007 Apache is involved in the Scientific and (School of Biological sponsorship Environmental ROV Partnership using Perth Sciences) Existing Industrial Technology (SERPENT), where scientists from the University of Sydney and other institutions will use the Remote Operating Vehicles (ROV) that are on stand-by on our drill rig to run scientific programs to explore for life in the deep ocean. For further information, go to www. serpentproject.com.

Chapter 3 : Community Consultation | 73 Table 3.3 Summary of formal and informal consultation activities to November 2007 (cont’d)

Stakeholder Activity and Purpose Date and Location Details Western Australian Marine Inventory of Scientific Research 3 September 2007 Apache will be a collaborating member Science Institution (WAMSI) on Western Australia’s Marine of WAMSI in a marine scientific research Email and Coastal Environments, from JOWFOUPSZQSPKFDU UJUMFEA*OWFOUPSZPG ,BMCBSSJUPUIF8"/5CPSEFS Scientific Research on Western Australia’s scientific sponsorship Marine and Coastal Environments, from Kalbarri to the WA/NT border.’ The project involves collecting and combining metadata from previous and existing projects in the area and compiling it into a common format that can be easily accessed online. Apache will contribute its environmental metadata to facilitate this strategic collaborative approach toward future marine research in Western Australia. This metadata will be delivered to QBSUJDJQBOUTCZ.BSDI Exmouth-based Contractors Bristow *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM /PWFNCFS Review of facilities for operating out of consultation Learmonth. Identified shortcomings and met Exmouth with Shire of Exmouth to discuss access and lease of old terminal buildings. MG Kailis Group *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM February 2007 Discuss about opportunities for Kailis to consultation support the oil and gas industry using their Perth resources and infrastructure. Bhagwan Marine -PHJTUJDTSFWJFXNFFUJOHGPSNBM 10 July 2007 Discussion of operational issues supporting consultation an offshore development from Exmouth. Exmouth Issues raised were water depth, yard space and so forth. Commonwealth Government DITR (now DRET) *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM 4FQUFNCFS Outline of proposed development. consultation Canberra DEW (now DEWHA) *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM 4FQUFNCFS Outline of proposed development. consultation Canberra 1SPKFDUVQEBUFGPSNBM 1 August 2007 Apache presented an update on the project consultation and sought advice from the DEW regarding Perth the environmental approvals framework and timeline. Department of Defence 1SPKFDUMPDBUJPOOPUJñDBUJPO "VHVTU Project outline and mapping outlining the Formal consultation 4FQUFNCFS location and timing of project development.

Email WA State Government DoIR Petroleum *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM "QSJM1FSUI Outline of proposed development and Environment Group consultation invitation to join the Perth SCG. Discussion of approaches to community consultation and how Apache’s consultation strategy may align with other oil and gas operators in PSEFSUPNJOJNJTFDPOTVMUBUJPOATBUVSBUJPO

74 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 3.3 Summary of formal and informal consultation activities to November 2007 (cont’d)

Stakeholder Activity and Purpose Date and Location Details DPI Marine Environmental *OUSPEVDUPSZNFFUJOHGPSNBM "QSJM Outline of proposed development and Protection Unit consultation invitation to join the Perth SCG. Fremantle Oil spill response planning 0DUPCFS Discussion of oil spill scenarios in the XPSLTIPQGPS&YNPVUISFHJPO Exmouth region and response strategies, Exmouth informal consultation involving the DPI, AMOSC, Apache, BHP Billiton, Woodside, Boeing, Shire of Exmouth, Broome Port, Pilbara Iron and Rio Tinto. Australian Institute of Research on the migratory cycle September 2007 Apache is supporting the AIMS research Marine Science (AIMS) and status of the Ningaloo aimed at identifying the migratory cycle Darwin XIBMFTIBSLTTDJFOUJñD of Ningaloo whale sharks and assessing sponsorship the status of the whale shark population. This research will relate observations of whale sharks to ocean dynamics to help explain movement patterns and develop a program of international research. Apache is supporting this research by providing $50,000 funding each year over three years to maintain this program.

3.5 RESPONSES TO AND RESULTS OF These issues are captured in SCG meeting minutes that are distributed CONSULTATION TO DATE to all members.

3.5.1 Identification of Stakeholder Issues 3.6 PROPOSED FUTURE CONSULTATION During the course of consultation activities, numerous views were Apache’s consultation strategy will continue to be implemented expressed by the SCGs and the wider community. A summary of the throughout the environmental assessment and approval process for issues raised in these views is presented in Table 3.4. These issues the project and into the installation and production phases of the have been addressed in this Draft PER, with the corresponding development. It is expected that once the FPSO is operational, the TFDUJPODSPTTSFGFSFODFEJO5BCMF frequency of SCG meetings may reduce.

Table 3.4 Stakeholder issues raised to November 2007

Issue Draft PER reference Impact the project will have on the availability of commercial airline seats to 4FDUJPO and from Exmouth Proposed helicopter flight paths during the installation, commissioning 4FDUJPO and production phases of the development Oil properties of the Van Gogh field 4FDUJPO Potential for oil spills impacting the Ningaloo Marine Park 4FDUJPO Ballast water and the potential to introduce marine species Section 5.5.1 Oil tanker vetting arrangements Section 5.9.9 Potential impact on humpback whale migration 4FDUJPOBOE Community and economic benefits for Exmouth 4FDUJPOTBOE

Chapter 3 : Community Consultation | 75 76 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Description of the Environment 4

This chapter begins by describing prior and current environmental deep-sea trawls to collect material for analysis (Heyward et al investigations that have occurred in the area, describes the regional AIMS, 2002). Samples of seabed fauna and sediments were collected conservation status and previous disturbance of the development using a combination of Ockellman sleds and Van Veen grab samplers. site, and then provides an overview of the regional physical, biological Video cameras fitted to the sleds recorded seabed habitat during the and socio-economic environment and a detailed description of the sampling. Surveys were conducted in March 2001 and 2002 covering deepwater offshore environment in which the proposed Van Gogh UIFDPOUJOFOUBMTMPQF NUPNXBUFSEFQUI BOEUIFEJTUSJCVUJPO development will be located. of seabed habitats and fauna across the Exmouth Sub-basin. 4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS AIMS was commissioned by BHP Billiton to collect video footage, sediment and faunal samples at numerous locations over the Prior to 2000, information on the deepwater marine environment 1ZSFOFFTñFME4VSWFZTXFSFDPNQMFUFEJO.BSDI VTJOHB/PNBE of the Exmouth Sub-basin was sparse. Due to increased petroleum remotely operated vehicle (ROV) launched from a drill rig during the exploration activity in this region, a number of scientific studies have drilling of exploration wells (BHPB, 2005). The ROV deployed a baited been undertaken to gain a better understanding of the biological video and digital time-lapse camera, which were used to record and physical components of this environment. A brief overview of the dominant fauna of the area. During May 2005, seabed habitat this research work that is relevant to the Van Gogh development area surveys were undertaken also using an ROV equipped with a camera is provided below. and video equipment and deployed from a boat at various locations throughout the Pyrenees development area (BHPB, 2005).

4.1.1 Geophysical and Geotechnical Survey Current Work Prior Surveys Apache undertook a seabed infauna sampling survey in December A range of geophysical and geotechnical surveys have been JODPOKVODUJPOXJUIUIFHFPUFDIOJDBMTVSWFZ4FEJNFOUTBNQMFT undertaken in the Exmouth Sub-basin. These include: were collected from the two proposed subsea manifold locations and the three DTM buoy mooring points using a Van Veen grab sampler. r )JHISFTPMVUJPOBDPVTUJDNBQQJOHVOEFSUBLFOJO"QSJMPWFS 1BSUJDMF TJ[F EJTUSJCVUJPO XBT QFSGPSNFE PO UIF TPJM TBNQMFT VTJOH Woodside’s Enfield and Vincent development locations (Woodside, laser diffraction, and infauna were preserved on board the vessel 2002, 2005). before being identified to morphological species level (Enesar, 2007). r #BUIZNFUSZ TJEFTDBOTPOBS IJHISFTPMVUJPOTFJTNJDTVSWFZTBOE Results of this survey are described in Section 4.4.7. sediment cores over BHP Billiton’s Pyrenees field in February 2005 (BHPB, 2005). 4.1.3 Seabed Video Surveys Current Work Prior Surveys

Apache undertook a geotechnical and geophysical survey over Seabed video surveys have been undertaken in the Exmouth UIF 7BO (PHI EFWFMPQNFOU BSFB CFUXFFO %FDFNCFS BOE Sub-basin by Woodside and BHP Billiton for their respective FPSO +BOVBSZ #FOUIJD(FPUFDI 5SJ4VSW B (FPUFDIOJDBM developments (see Section 4.1.2). information was acquired using a portable remotely operated drill Current Work (PROD) to obtain soil samples to support the foundation design of Apache performed an ROV survey of the seabed over the entire the development’s installation, including FPSO anchor sites, subsea manifolds, flowlines, and the riser base. The geophysical survey QSPQPTFE7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUGPPUQSJOUmBUUIFTVCTFBNBOJGPME locations, along the flowline routes and at the DTM buoy mooring acoustic mapping data (such as detailed bathymetry) was acquired QPJOUTmJO'FCSVBSZ VTJOHB4FBFZF5JHFS0CTFSWBUJPO$MBTT using a multi-beam echo sounder, digital side-scan sonar and a sub- 307 5SJ4VSW C&OFTBS bottom profiler. Results of these surveys are described inSections 4.3.3, 4.3.4, and 4.4.2. 4.1.4 Marine Megafauna 4.1.2 Seabed Biodiversity Surveys Prior Surveys Prior Surveys A two-year study (2000 to 2002) by the Centre for Whale Research and CSIRO recorded the abundance and distribution of megafauna 7FTTFMCBTFESFDPSEJOHTPG[PPQMBOLUPOBCVOEBODFBOEEJTUSJCVUJPO (large marine animals), such as whales, whale sharks, manta rays, as well as a range of other physical parameters, have been EPMQIJOTBOEUVSUMFT 8JMTPOBOE,PTMPX 8PPETJEF JO documented by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in the offshore Exmouth Sub-basin waters. The study undertook regular the offshore areas and near the North West Cape coastline (Wilson et aerial surveys along a fixed flight path that ran perpendicular to the al .D,JOOPO et al., 2002). suspected humpback whale migratory route off the North West AIMS undertook two detailed seabed biodiversity and habitat surveys Cape. Flight transects were 10 km apart, with each survey completed in the Exmouth Sub-basin using a combination of video recording and in ten-day sample blocks.

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 77 Between June to December in 2000 and 2001, the surveys Apache, as a joint venture participant in the BHP Billiton Pyrenees concentrated on whale identifications. From January to May of the development, has access to and financially contributed to this same years, the surveys focused on whale shark movements. Aerial underwater noise dataset, which was gathered in an area close to surveys undertaken during the later part of the years were flown the proposed Van Gogh project site. every two to four weeks, with trained observers from the Centre for Whale Research recording sightings and direction of migrating 4.1.6 Oceanographic Modelling whales. Aerial surveys undertaken in the early part of the years were Prior Surveys flown one to two times each month, with trained observers from CSIRO Marine Research recording sightings of whale sharks. Sightings Global Environmental Modelling Systems (GEMS) developed made of other large marine animals was also recorded. and validated a detailed three-dimensional hydrographic ocean circulation model for the region offshore of North West Cape. This *O BEEJUJPO GSPN UP UIF $FOUSF GPS 8IBMF 3FTFBSDI model has been used by both Woodside and BHP Billiton in their conducted a series of vessel surveys of whale distribution and SFTQFDUJWF'140&*4TGPSUIF&YNPVUI4VCCBTJO #)1# abundance over the area of the proposed Van Gogh development Woodside, 2002, 2005). and the greater Exmouth Sub-basin. The surveys were undertaken in a similar fashion to the megafauna aerial surveys, being in ten- Current Work day time blocks, and were undertaken between June and September This hydrodynamic model was used by Apache for the oil spill BOE+VOFBOE0DUPCFS%BUBPOXIBMFTJHIUJOHTJODMVEFE trajectory modelling for the Van Gogh development, as well as swimming direction and speed, animal behaviour (migrating or supporting the design of the DTM buoy and mooring systems. milling, active or passive on the surface) and pod composition As a part of this process, GEMS refined the model by adding several (number of adults, subadults and calves). The data was used by the more years to the dataset previously established. centre to analyse and report on humpback whales’ migratory timing and paths off the North West Cape (Jenneret al., 2005). 4.1.7 Wind and Current Recording Whale shark movements along the Ningaloo Reef were monitored Wind and current metering instruments were deployed by WNI JOBOECZ8JMTPOet al. (in press, in BHPB, 2005) using pop- Science and Engineering for a two-year period from September up tags that released from the shark and, when on the sea surface, 1997 to July 2000 inclusive, to record conditions at several offshore transmitted the recorded data to satellites. Data recorded included locations in the Exmouth Sub-basin (BHPB, 2005). stored light, depth and temperature, which were recorded at regular intervals. AIMS and CSIRO, with assistance from the DEC, have also 4.2 REGIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS monitored the movement and behaviour of whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (BHPB, 2005). 4.2.1 Threatened Species and Communities Oil and gas operators in the region have contributed significant funds Threatened and Migratory Species to these studies, the results of which have been presented in the Table 4.1 lists the nationally threatened (endangered or vulnerable) %SBGU&*4TGPS8PPETJEF BOE#)1#JMMJUPO species that may occur in and around the Van Gogh development area. Apache, as a joint venture participant in the BHP Billiton Pyrenees Many of these species and their habitats are described in Section 4.4. development, has access to and financially contributed to this past research. 4.2.2 Biogeography 4.1.5 Underwater Noise The Interim Marine and Coastal Classification for Australia (IMCRA, IBT BEPQUFE BO FDPTZTUFNCBTFE DMBTTJñDBUJPO TZTUFN GPS Prior Surveys marine and coastal environments, developed primarily for use by The Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University marine management agencies. The Van Gogh development area falls has undertaken several studies using underwater recorders to within several scales of classification, as outlined inTable 4.2. monitor ambient noise levels in the nearshore and offshore areas of the North West Cape, with these datasets analysed jointly by the 4.2.3 Existing and Proposed Marine and Centre for Marine Science and Technology and the Centre for Whale Terrestrial Conservation Reserves Research (McCauley and Jenner, 2001). The offshore and onshore environments of the Cape Range An ambient noise model was built by the Centre for Marine Science and Peninsula are biologically diverse and are protected by various Technology in conjunction with the Defence Science and Technology measures, outlined below. Management of a large portion of the Organisation (DSTO) for BHP Billiton’s Pyrenees development, using offshore part of the region falls under the Management Plan for the the inputs of averaged wind data for the region and vessel-traffic Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area noise measurements recorded from around Australia (BHPB, 2005). m $"-..13"

78 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 4.1 Database of fauna listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that may occur in the vicinity of the Van Gogh development

Common Name Scientific Name Listing under EPBC Act Likely presence in the area Seabirds Southern giant-petrel Macronectes giganteus Listed, Endangered, Migratory 6OMJLFMZmEPFTOPUCSFFEJOSFHJPO Whales Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmLOPXOGSPN/JOHBMPP Marine Park Antartic minke whale Balaenoptera bonaerensis Migratory, Cetacean Unlikely Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera edeni Migratory, Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmSFDPSEFEGVSUIFSTPVUI Blue whale Balaenoptera musculus Endangered, Migratory, Cetacean Possible Southern right whale Eubalaena australis Endangered, Migratory, Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmNBJONPWFNFOUBMPOH southern coastline Pygmy killer whale Feresa attenuate Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmOPLFZMPDBMJUJFTJO Australian waters Short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmQSFGFSTFEHFPG continental shelf Pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmVTVBMMZCFZPOEFEHFPG continental shelf Dwarf sperm whale Kogia simus Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmOPUXJUIJOLOPXOSBOHF Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae Vulnerable, Migratory, Cetacean -JLFMZmNJHSBUFTUISPVHISFHJPO Killer whale Orcinus orca Migratory, Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmBMUIPVHIPGUFOTFFO in shelf waters, assoc. with seal colonies, prefers deeper waters. Has been observed preying on humpback calves off the Exmouth coast Melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmLOPXOGSPNFBTUDPBTU occurs from continental shelf seawards Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus Migratory, Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmNPSFXJEFMZEJTQFSTFE offshore than near shelf edge False killer whale Pseudorca crassidens Cetacean Unlikely Cuvier’s beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmQSFGFSTEFFQPDFBOJD waters Dolphins Common dolphin Delphinus delphis Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmPDDVSTJOTIFMGXBUFST Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmOPLFZMPDBMJUJFTLOPXO Spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata Cetacean 6OMJLFMZmOPLFZMPDBMJUJFTLOPXO Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmEFFQXBUFSTQFDJFT Long-snouted spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmGFFETBUEFQUITHSFBUFS than 250 m Rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis Cetacean Unlikely Spotted bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus Cetacean, Migratory Possible Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Cetacean 1PTTJCMFmLOPXOGSPNNBOZ habitats Reptiles Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta Listed, Endangered, Migratory Possible Green turtle Chelonia mydas Listed, Vulnerable, Migratory 1PTTJCMFmGFFETPONBDSPBMHBFJO shallower waters Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Listed, Vulnerable, Migratory Unlikely Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Listed, Vulnerable, Migratory 6OMJLFMZmNBJOMZTIBMMPXXBUFST closer to the reef and coast for feeding and breeding

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 79 Table 4.1 Database of fauna listed as threatened or migratory under the EPBC Act that may occur in the vicinity of the Van Gogh development (cont’d) Common Name Scientific Name Listing under EPBC Act Likely presence in the area Flatback turtle Natator depressus Listed, Vulnerable, Migratory 6OMJLFMZmNBJOMZTIBMMPXXBUFST closer to the reef and coast for feeding and breeding Sharks Grey nurse shark (west coast Carcharias taurus Vulnerable Possible population) Great white shark Carcharodon carcharias Vulnerable, Migratory Possible Whale shark Rhinocodon typus Vulnerable, Migratory 1PTTJCMFmVTFTNBJOMZTIBMMPX waters closer to reef and coast Ray-finned fish 22 species of pipefish Listed 6OMJLFMZmEFQFOEFOUPOTIBMMPX water habitats TQFDJFTPGTFBIPSTF QJQFIPSTFBOE Listed seadragon Seasnakes Horned seasnake Acalyptophis peronii Listed Possible Short-nosed seasnake Aipysurus apraefrontalis Listed Possible Dubois’ seasnake Aipysurus duboisii Listed Possible Spine-tailed seasnake Aipysurus eydouxii Listed Possible Olive seasnake Aipysurus laevis Listed Possible Stokes’ seasnake Astrotia stokesii Listed Possible Spectacled seasnake Disteira kingii Listed Possible Olive-headed seasnake Disteira major Listed Possible Turtle-headed seasnake Emydocephalus annulatus Listed Possible North-western mangrove seasnake Ephalophilis greyi Listed Possible Elegant seasnake Hydrophis elegans Listed Possible Gray’s seasnake Hydrophis ornatus Listed Possible Yellow-bellied seasnake Pelamis platurus Listed Possible

4PVSDF&1#$"DU1SPUFDUFE.BUUFST3FQPSUTFBSDI 0DUPCFS

Key to EPBC categories of threatened species (as listed under Part 13, Division 1, Subdivision A, Section 179 of the EPBC Act and defined under Part 7, Division 7.1 of the EPBC Regulations 2000) : Endangered - A species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Vulnerable - A species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. Key to EPBC categories (non-threatened): Listed - -JTUFETQFDJFTDBOPOMZDPOUBJOUIFGPMMPXJOH VOEFS4FDUJPOPGUIF&1#$"DU (a) all species in the Family Hydrophiidae (sea-snakes). (b) all species in the Family Laticaudidae (sea-snakes). (c) all species in the Family Otariidae (eared seals). (d) all species in the Family Phocidae (“true” seals). (e) all species in the Genus Crocodylus (crocodiles). (f) all species in the Genus Dugong (dugong). (g) all species in the Family Cheloniidae (marine turtles). (h) the species Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback turtles). (i) all species in the Family Syngnathidae (seahorses, sea-dragons and pipefish). (j) all species in the Family Solenostomidae (ghost pipefish). (k) all species in the Class Aves (birds) that occur naturally in Commonwealth marine areas. Migratory - A species listed under the Bonn Convention, CAMBA or JAMBA. Cetacean - "OBNF PGUIF0SEFS$FUBDFB UIBUSFGFSTUPBOZPOFPGUIFTQFDJFTPGXIBMFT EPMQIJOTBOE porpoises known to occur in Australian waters.

80 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 4.2 IMCRA bioregional classification of the Van Gogh development area and surrounds

Classification Name Scale Description Meso-scale regionalisation Offshore, Ningaloo 7,339 km2 Encapsulates Ningaloo Reef, a species-rich community. bordering two regions: Characterised by interrupted fringing reefs in the south and continuous offshore reefs in the north. Pilbara (offshore) LN2 Waters seaward of the 10-m depth contour between the North West Cape and the Montebello Islands. The ocean is less turbid than inshore areas, with significant differences in the marine ecosystems. Demersal (seabed) Province and North Western Province LN2 From west of Cape Leveque to east of Cape Hotham. Weak biotone Biotone. On the slope/deep slope, with some mixing of elements of several biotones and provinces. and bordering two provinces: Transgressed by dominant suites of widespread tropical elements. Central Western Biotone 27,370 km2 From Gnaroloo Bay to just north of the North West Cape. Major [POFPGPWFSMBQCFUXFFOUFNQFSBUFBOETVCUSPQJDBMTQFDJFT Northwestern limit of a suite of widespread, eurythermal (tolerating a wide range of temperatures) southern Australian species. Pelagic (water-column) Province and Northern Pelagic 1,390,000 km2 Covers the area from just south of the North West Cape, encircling Biotone. Offshore, bordering the Province all the tropical northern waters and some of the Great Barrier Reef. northern province. Western Pelagic Biotone 119,000 km2 Extends from near Albany in the south to just south of the North 8FTU$BQF"TUSPOH[POFPGGBVOBMPWFSMBQSFQSFTFOUJOHUIFNBKPS UFSNJOBUJPO[POFGPSFBTUFSOUSPQJDBMBOEUFNQFSBUFTQFDJFT

1SPWJODFmDPBSTFTUMBZFSPGUIFQMBOOJOHGSBNFXPSL CBTFEPODMJNBUFDIBSBDUFSJTUJDTBOEUPQPHSBQIZ #JPUPOF[POFTPGUSBOTJUJPOCFUXFFODPSFQSPWJODFT5IFZBSFOPUAGV[[ZCPVOEBSJFT CVUSFQSFTFOUVOJRVFUSBOTJUJPO[POFTCFUXFFOUIFDPSFQSPWJODFTBOE are unique systems. 1SPWJODFTBOECJPUPOFTBSFBMTPCBTFEPOBDMBTTJñDBUJPOPGEFNFSTBMñTITQFDJFTEJWFSTJUZBOESJDIOFTT *.$3"

Ningaloo Reef and Marine Park r $POUBJOTPWFSTQFDJFTPGñTI

5IF /JOHBMPP .BSJOF 1BSL XBT EFDMBSFE JO .BZ VOEFS UIF r )BTTQFDJFTPGFDIJOPEFSNT TFBTUBST TFBVSDIJOT TFB National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (Cwlth). The cucumbers). QBSL DPWFST BO BSFB PG LN2, including both state and Commonwealth waters, extending to 25 km offshore (Figure 4.1). r 1SPWJEFTIBCJUBUGPSOVNFSPVTUISFBUFOFETQFDJFT JODMVEJOH It is vested in the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority (MPRA) and whales, dugong, whale sharks and turtles. managed by the DEC on behalf of the Commonwealth. The park r Provides habitat for over 25 species of migratory wading birds protects a large portion of Ningaloo Reef, which stretches for over listed in CAMBA and JAMBA. 300 km from the North West Cape south to Red Bluff. It is the largest fringing coral reef in Australia, forming a discontinuous barrier that The marine park aims to protect the ecological values of the reef after encloses a lagoon, which varies in width from 200 m to about 7 km. years of commercial whaling, turtle hunting and commercial fishing Gaps that regularly intercept the main reef line provide channels for (CALM/MPRA, 2005). The Ningaloo Marine Park forms the backbone water exchange with deeper, cooler waters (CALM/MPRA, 2005). of the nature-based tourism industry in the Exmouth region.

The following list provides a biological summary of Ningaloo Reef: Muiron Islands Marine Management Area r 5IFTPVUIFSMZóPXJOH-FFVXJO$VSSFOU QSFWBJMJOHJOBVUVNOBOE The Muiron Islands, located 15 km northeast of the North West Cape winter) and the northerly flowing Ningaloo Current (prevailing (see Figure 4.1), are composed of North and South Muiron Islands in spring and summer), result in a convergence of temperate and BOEDPWFSBOBSFBPG IB ")$ E 5IFZBSFMPXMJNFTUPOF tropical marine species. JTMBOET NBYJNVN IFJHIU PG N "4- XJUI TPNF BSFBT PG TBOEZ r 5IFSFFGJTDPNQPTFEPGQBSUJBMMZEJTTFDUFECBTFNFOUQMBUGPSN beaches, macroalgae and seagrass beds in the shallow waters of Pleistocene marine or Aeolian sediments or tertiary limestone, (particularly on the eastern sides) and coral reef up to depths of 5 m, covered by a thin layer of living or dead coral or macroalgae. This which surrounds both sides of South Muiron Island and the eastern makes it distinct from the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, which side of North Muiron Island (Figure 4.2). occurs wholly on a fossil reef basement. The Muiron Islands Marine Management Area was Western Australia’s r $POUBJOTPWFSTQFDJFTPGDPSBM SFQSFTFOUJOHHFOFSB ñSTUNBSJOFNBOBHFNFOUBSFB HB[FUUFEJO/PWFNCFS*UDPWFST r $POUBJOTPWFSTQFDJFTPGNPMMVTD DMBNT PZTUFST PDUPQVT BOBSFBPG IBBOEPDDVSTFOUJSFMZXJUIJOTUBUFXBUFST $"-. cuttlefish, snails). MPRA, 2005).

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 81 Figure 4.1 Location of Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area

82 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 4.2 Muiron Islands marine habitats

Cape Range National Park NBNNBMTQFDJFT JODMVEJOHCBUTQFDJFT BOESFQUJMFTQFDJFT PGXIJDIBSFSFTUSJDUFEUPTBOEZIBCJUBUTJOUIFBSFB ")$ C The Cape Range, which stretches from Tantabiddi Creek in the EPA, 1999). Walking tracks and camping grounds facilitate visitor north to Yardie Creek in the south, forms the spine of the Cape experiences in the area. Range Peninsula, which itself stretches from the North West Cape south to about Point Cloates on the coast. The range has weathered MJNFTUPOF QMBUFBVT SFBDIJOH VQ UP N JO IFJHIU BOE JT VQ UP 4.2.4 Current Site Disturbance LNXJEF BOEJTUIFPOMZFMFWBUFEMJNFTUPOFSBOHFPOUIFOPSUI The offshore waters of the Van Gogh development area are relatively XFTUFSODPBTUPG8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJB ")$ C8"1$ 5IF free from disturbance and considered to be in a natural state, Cape Range National Park encompasses the Cape Range and covers although the waters immediately around the proposed development about 120,000 ha, extending from Ningaloo Station in the south to location have been used for petroleum exploration and development 5BOEBCJEEJ$SFFLJOUIFOPSUI ")$ C TFFFigure 4.1). activities.

5IFSBOHFXBTSFHJTUFSFEPOUIF/BUJPOBM)FSJUBHF-JTUJOGPSJUT Various seismic and drilling activities have been undertaken in the many geological, biological and cultural values. The coastal plain west WA-155-P(1) permit area, as well as the immediately surrounding of the range contains fossil deposits representing several periods of areas. Woodside drilled the Vincent-1 and Vincent-2 wells in WA- coral reef development. The park is biologically diverse, with records - JNNFEJBUFMZ UP UIF TPVUI PG 7BO (PHI JO BOE PGQMBOUTQFDJFT FOEFNJDUPUIFSFHJPO CJSETQFDJFT respectively. Van Gogh-1 was drilled by BHP Billiton in Exploration

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 83 Permit WA-155-P(1) in 2003, and Theo-1 was drilled in WA-155-P(1) The region’s climate is controlled by the seasonal movement of CZ "QBDIF JO TFF Figure 1.4). Since then, additional wells subtropical high-pressure belts and related summer continental IBWF CFFO ESJMMFE EVSJOH XJUIJO 8"- BOE 8"1 heating. These seasonal variations do not accord directly with the Drilling activities result in short-term and temporary disturbances traditional four seasons of higher latitudes. Exmouth experiences associated with drill cuttings and mud discharges to the seabed. Drill two main seasons, with a hot summer (October to April) and a mild rig anchoring also creates temporary furrows on the seabed from the XJOUFS .BZUP4FQUFNCFS 8"1$ 4VNNFSTBSFUZQJDBMMZIPU placement and drag of anchor chains. and humid, with occasional heavy rainfall events associated with the QBTTBHFPGJOGSFRVFOUUSPQJDBMDZDMPOFTBOEXJOETBSFNBJOMZGSPN Other activities in these offshore waters include transiting cargo the southwest. Winters are cooler, with some seasonal rainfall and vessels. A significant amount of shipping traffic passes through or near with generally strong winds from the east and southeast. the proposed development location, with the Australian Maritime On average, the region experiences three to four cyclones each year, Safety Authority recording approximately 1,200 vessel transits on mainly between January and March (WNI, 1995). Climate data from average each year occurring in the offshore waters to the west of the the Bureau of Meteorology’s Learmonth weather station (BoM, 2005) Cape Range Region (Woodside, 2005) (see Section 4.5.9). has been used to describe the regional climate. 5IFTF EFFQ PíTIPSF XBUFST BSF OPU GSFRVFOUMZ VTFE GPS USBXMJOH Temperatures however, some long-line fishing has been historically undertaken. The level of fishing effort in these water depths is considered low, The mean daily maximum temperature (over 30 years) recorded at with greater fishing activity occurring in the Exmouth Gulf and the Learmonth Airfield on the eastern side of the North West Cape shallower nearshore coastal waters. JT$ XJUIUIFNFBOEBJMZNJOJNVNUFNQFSBUVSFCFJOH$ January is the hottest month of the year, and July is the coolest (BoM, There is no record of any marine pest species (species introduced to Figure 4.3). Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely the waters that occur beyond their natural distribution) occurring in to be lower offshore, due to the moderating influence of the ocean. these offshore waters or in the North West Cape region, although no Humidity detailed surveys have as yet been undertaken. The mean monthly humidity at 9.00 a.m. ranges from approximately 4.3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT JOTVNNFSUPBCPVUJOXJOUFS XJUIBOBOOVBMBWFSBHFPG 4.3.1 Climate 5IFNFBONPOUIMZIVNJEJUZBUQNSBOHFTGSPNJO TVNNFSUPBSPVOEJOXJOUFS XJUIBOBOOVBMBWFSBHFPG 5IF &YNPVUI SFHJPO MJFT JO UIF BSJE TVCUSPQJDBM [POF PG "VTUSBMJB Rainfall experiencing hot temperatures, summer droughts, and low rainfall (no wet season), with terrestrial ecosystems dominated by grasslands Rainfall in the region is generally low and associated with the &OWJSPONFOU"VTUSBMJB #P. winter months (see Figure 4.3), with evaporation exceeding rainfall

Figure 4.3 Climate of Exmouth region

84 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development throughout the year (CALM/MPRA, 2005). Intense rainfall may Visibility sometimes occur during the passage of summer tropical cyclones Due to the arid climate, daytime visibility in the area is generally (generally between January and March) and thunderstorms (NSR, greater than 5 nautical miles (9.25 km) (SSE, 1991). "OBWFSBHFPGNNPGSBJOGBMMJTSFDPSEFEFBDIZFBS BOE UIFBOOVBMFWBQPSBUJPOSBUFJTBCPVU NN #P. Tides Winds The tides of the North West Shelf have a strong semi-diurnal signal with four tide changes (two low, two high) per day (Holloway and Winters are characterised by predominantly strong east to southeast /ZF &" 5IFUJEFTSVOPOBOPSUIFBTUBOETPVUIXFTUBYJT winds. Summer winds are more variable, with strong southwesterlies Measurements of tidal currents on the mid-shelf are attain average dominating. speeds of approximately 0.25 knots (0.13 m/s) during neap tides and Extreme wind conditions may be generated in the area by tropical VQUPLOPUT NT EVSJOHTQSJOHUJEFT /43 8/* cyclones, strong easterly pressure gradients, squalls, tornados and Woodside, 2002). water spouts. Tropical cyclones generate the most significant storm conditions on the North West Shelf (SSE, 1993). Water Currents

Wind patterns for the Van Gogh development area have been Surface water currents over the North West Shelf are generated by generated from combined monthly data from meteorological buoys several components, including tidal-forcing, local wind-forcing, placed offshore from November 2000 to March 2002 (Woodside, residual drift and regional current systems, such as the Leeuwin and 2002) (Figure 4.4). This data indicates that there are four wind Ningaloo currents. Tidal-forcing and wind-forcing are the dominant ATFBTPOTUIBUDBOCFJEFOUJñFEGPSUIFPíTIPSFBSFB contributions to local surface currents. The waters of the northern sector of the Ningaloo Marine Park and the Muiron Islands Marine r +BOVBSZUP'FCSVBSZXJOETBSFQSFEPNJOBOUMZGSPNUIFTPVUIBOE Management Area are strongly influenced by the tidal flow of water TPVUIXFTU XJUIBDPNCJOFEGSFRVFODZPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ in and out of the Exmouth Gulf. r .BSDIUP.BZUIJTJTBUSBOTJUJPOQFSJPECFUXFFOUIFTVNNFSBOE The prevailing seasonal wind directions generate wind-forced winter pattern, with variable winds generally from the southwest surface currents, which are predominantly from the southwest during through to the east. summer and from the east, southeast and south during winter (see r +VOFUP+VMZXJOETBSFQSFEPNJOBOUMZGSPNUIFTPVUI TPVUIFBTU Section 4.3.1). These currents are usually in the order of about 0.2 to BOEFBTUXJUIBDPNCJOFEGSFRVFODZPGBCPVU 0.3 m/sec and occur in the direction of the prevailing wind (Woodside, r "VHVTUUP%FDFNCFSXJOETEVSJOHUIJTQFSJPECMPXGSPNUIF 2002). Stronger surface currents are generated from the stronger south or southwest for the majority of time. winds associated with any local storms and cyclones that may occur over the area. Figure 4.5 illustrates the water currents measured in Cyclones the Pyrenees development area, 11 km south of the proposed Van Tropical cyclones have been recorded in the region between October Gogh FPSO location, as measured by Metocean Engineers between and April, but they primarily occur between January and March. November 1997 and July 2000 for BHP Billiton. On average, three to four cyclones are expected to develop in the The seasonal Leeuwin Current also occurs in the waters of the Van Exmouth area each year (WNI, 1995). These cyclones can generate Gogh development area (typically seaward of the 200-m isobath). wind speeds of more than 200 km/h. Several cyclones have affected This carries warm tropical water south along the edge of Western Exmouth, with the most recent being Cyclone Vance in March 1999, Australia’s continental shelf, reaching its peak strength in winter which crossed the Exmouth Gulf about 25 km east of Exmouth, and becoming weaker and more variable in summer. The current is QSPEVDJOH NBYJNVN SFDPSEFE XJOE TQFFET PG LNI5SPQJDBM EFTDSJCFEBTBTVSGBDFDVSSFOU FYUFOEJOHJOEFQUIUPNIPXFWFS cyclones originate from the eastern Indian Ocean and the Timor and it is episodic with peak winter current speeds of approximately 0.2 Arafura seas. NTPDDVSSJOHBUUIFQSPKFDUTJUF (&.4 #)1# 8PPETJEF 4.3.2 Oceanography $"-..13" 5IF -FFVXJO $VSSFOU JT B XBSN MPX salinity, low-nutrient current responsible for the southward transport The orientation and degree of drop off the continental slope of tropical marine species (EA, 2002). influences the oceanography of the area, which is discussed in this section. Closer to the coast, the Ningaloo Current flows in a northerly direction, in the opposite direction to the Leeuwin Current, along the Temperatures outside of the Ningaloo Reef and across the inner continental shelf .FBOPDFBOTVSGBDFUFNQFSBUVSFTJOUIFSFHJPOSBOHFGSPNB$UP GSPN4FQUFNCFSUPNJE"QSJM #)1# 8PPETJEF $"-. $JOXJOUFSUP$UP$JOTVNNFS (BHPB, 2005). Shelf waters MPRA, 2005). The wind-forced Ningaloo Current likely results in the are usually thermally stratified with a marked change in water density upwelling of colder, nutrient-rich waters along the front of the reef, at a water depth of approximately 20 m (SSE, 1993). while the interaction between the two opposite-flowing currents

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 85 Figure 4.4 Wind roses for the WA-155-P(1) area

Source: BHP Billiton (2005)

86 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 4.5 Water current roses for WA-155-P(1) area

Source: BHP Billiton (2005)

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 87 (creating anti-clockwise movements) is believed to promote the continental shelf then markedly increase on the continental slope. recirculation of nutrients (primarily nitrogen) within the Ningaloo On the western side of the North West Cape, the continental shelf 3FFG #)1# 8PPETJEF &" is narrower, and water depths increase more rapidly beyond the fringing Ningaloo reef (see Figure 1.1) than they do on the broader The Indonesian Throughflow is the other important current influencing slopes that occur in the waters to the northeast of the cape on the the upper 200 m of the outer North West Shelf (Woodside, 2005). This Rowley Shelf. current brings warm and relatively fresh water to the region from the western Pacific via the Indonesian Archipelago. Initial modelling VOEFSUBLFOCZ8PPETJEF JOEJDBUFTTJHOJñDBOUFBTUmXFTUóPXT 4.3.4 Geomorphology across the North West Shelf to the north of the North West Cape, Regional Description possibly linking water masses in the area. The major geomorphological feature of the region is the North West Waves Shelf, a name given to a portion of Australia’s continental shelf and its marginal platforms and plateaus. The North West Shelf extends The normal wave climate is composed of locally generated wind from the North West Cape to the Northern Territory border and out waves (seas) and swells that are propagated from distant areas to the 2,000-m isobath, and is less than 200 metres in depth (Purcell 8/* UZQJDBMMZ GSPN UIF TPVUIXFTU 8PPETJEF #)1# BOE1VSDFMM 4FBXBSEPGUIJTQPJOU UIFBCZTTBMQMBJOSFBDIFT $"-..13" )PXFWFS XBWFTPSJHJOBUJOHGSPNUIFXFTU EFQUITPG N and northeast dominate during the period of May to October, and cyclonic events occurring during the summer period can generate The continental shelf reaches its narrowest point (approximately 5 extreme swells, usually in the north-northeast direction. The winter UPLNXJEF BMPOHUIFXFTUFSODPBTUPGUIF$BQF3BOHF1FOJOTVMB months tend to experience larger seas, while the calmest months are CVUNBZCFVQUPLNXJEFUPUIFOPSUIPGUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQF "QSJMBOE.BZ 8PPETJEF #)1# (Woodside, 2005). The continental shelf in the vicinity of the Van Gogh development area comprises three main components: Salinity 1. Exmouth Gulf to the east of the North West Cape. 4BMJOJUZJTSFMBUJWFMZVOJGPSNBUUPQBSUTQFSUIPVTBOEUISPVHIPVU the water column and across the continental shelf. Due to the low 2. Dirk Hartog Shelf to the west of the North West Cape. rainfall, there is little freshwater runoff from the adjacent mainland 3. Rowley Shelf to the northeast of the North West Cape (EA, 2000). $"-..13" ")$ B Exmouth Gulf marks the start of the shallow Pilbara coastal waters 4.3.3 Bathymetry SFHJPO XJUIXBUFSTNJOEFQUIBUJUTEFFQFTUQPJOU 4USBJUT After four decades of prawn trawling in the gulf, the seabed is largely The project site is located on the continental slope in deep offshore comprised of muddy sediments. Exmouth Gulf has two distinct waters. Bathymetry over the project site has been determined from a CBUIZNFUSJDSFHJPOTUIFEFFQFSXBUFST HSFBUFSUIBON JOUIF side-scan sonar survey undertaken by Tri-Surv Geomatics for Apache west and the shallows of the eastern part of the gulf. The shallow JO%FDFNCFS 5SJ4VSW B TFFSection 4.1.1). eastern section supports ephemeral seagrass beds, sponges and The seabed within the Van Gogh development footprint ranges NBDSPBMHBF 4USBJUT GSPNN-"5 MPXFTUBTUSPOPNJDBMUJEF BUUIF'140MPDBUJPOUP The continental shelf at the northern part of the Ningaloo Marine BNBYJNVNPGN-"5BUNBOJGPME1. TFFFigure 2.10). The Park is termed the Dirk Hartog Shelf. It is very narrow, ranging from seabed is predominantly flat and featureless, sloping gently and UPLNJOXJEUI &" CFUXFFOUIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOU VOJGPSNMZJOBXFTUOPSUIXFTUEJSFDUJPOXJUIBTMPQFPG PSB BSFBBOEUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQF UPLNXJEFTPVUIPGUIF/PSUI8FTU EFHSFFHSBEJFOU 5IJTTMPQFJTVOJGPSNBDSPTTUIFFOUJSFXJEUI $BQF #)1# 5IF %JSL )BSUPH 4IFMG PQFOT JOUP UIF CSPBEFS of the project site. Rowley Shelf (Enesar, 2007). The Dirk Hartog Shelf slopes relatively No significant seabed features, such as rock outcrops or canyons, gently and is underlain by Pleistocene limestone or mudstone, were identified within the Van Gogh development survey area. These occasionally exposed but mostly covered by a veneer of sediments features have been recorded as occurring approximately 11 km PGWBSZJOHUIJDLOFTT #)1# southwest of the Van Gogh development. The dominant component of the North West Shelf is the Rowley The regional bathymetry is defined by the island chain (Muiron, Shelf, which comprises extensive cemented calcareous sediments Serrurier, Thevnard and Airlie islands) that occurs northeast of the (limestone) and forms a shallow, gently inclining seabed extending North West Cape. Water depths landwards of this island chain and GSPNUIFDPBTUUPTPNFLNPíTIPSFXIFSFXBUFSEFQUITSFBDI within the Exmouth Gulf rarely exceed 20 m LAT. Numerous shoals 20 m. Sands derived from the erosion of the limestone and biological and shallow reefs also occur within this area. Beyond this island remains blanket the submarine Rowley Shelf in variable amounts. chain and westwards, water depths gradually increase along the Emergent islands, cays and reef structures locally interrupt the gently

88 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development sloping seabed. Seaward of the Rowley Shelf, the substrate slopes 4.3.5 Underwater Noise towards the edge of the continental shelf. Woodside (2005) reports on two underwater noise surveys to The mid-continental shelf region (nominally between the 30-m and assess noise levels within the offshore Exmouth Sub-basin marine 100-m isobaths) is characterised by a thick sequence of carbonate environment. Noise loggers were deployed at depths of 250 m rock that is overlain by thin layers of unconsolidated fine- to medium- and 305 m at Woodside’s Vincent location (the deeper site being grained, carbonate sediments with occasional shell or gravel patches approximately 10 km south of the Van Gogh site) and also at a 3"$"- site within 5 km of the western edge of Ningaloo Reef. The noise surveys recorded whale calls, fish choruses, fishing and other vessel Regional surveys on the North West Shelf indicate the seafloor traffic and background noise from ocean conditions (swell and sea composition is uniform throughout the area but with spatial state). Assessment of this data indicated that natural background WBSJBUJPO JO UIF HSBJO TJ[F BOE PSJHJO PG UIF TVSGBDF TFEJNFOUT ocean noise levels ranged from 90 decibels re micropascal (dB re 1 .D-PVHIMJO BOE :PVOH 8PPETJEF 4BJOTCVSZ et al., μPa) for calm and low-wind conditions to 110 dB re 1 μPa for windy 1992). Surface sediments in the area are predominantly composed conditions. of skeletal remains of marine fauna, with lenses of weathered sands The site close to the reef recorded predominantly humpback whale .D-PVHIMJOBOE:PVOH 3FHJPOBMMZ UIFTFBóPPSUFOETUPCF calls and fish choruses, while the deep water sites recorded a range flat, unconsolidated and sedimentary with occasional calcarenite of noise sources. Recording of humpback whales calls and songs rock outcrops. coincided with the annual humpback migration period. Exmouth Sub-basin The Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University has The Exmouth Sub-basin (combined with the Barrow Sub-basin) modelled typical noise levels generated from a bulk carrier vessel in occupy the offshore portion of the northern Carnarvon Basin, the Exmouth Sub-basin (BHPB, 2005) in a water depth comparable to extending 350 km from the North West Cape to the Montebello the Van Gogh development location. The modelling results indicated *TMBOET BOELNXJEF 1BSSZBOE4NJUI that the noise generated from a bulk carrier passing over a set point on the seabed would be audible above a calm ambient noise level of Apache’s exploration permits in the Exmouth Sub-basin are all located 100 dB re 1 μPa for approximately 30 minutes while the vessel was in water depths greater than 50 m. Seabed surveys undertaken in BQQSPBDIJOHBOEGPSBCPVUNJOVUFTBTJUEFQBSUFE the Exmouth Sub-basin in water depths ranging between 350 and 900 m have shown that the seabed is dominated by soft fine to 4.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT medium sediments (silt and sand) with limited patches of outcropping rock along scarp and canyon features in water depths greater than 4.4.1 Regional Marine Habitats N 8PPETJEF #)1# Habitats in the Exmouth Sub-basin can be categorised as follows: WA-155-P(1) Permit/Greater Vincent Field r 0DFBOJD The WA-155-P(1) permit area is located within the Exmouth Sub-basin. r $POUJOFOUBMTMPQF (FPQIZTJDBMNBQQJOHPGUIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUBSFB TPNF km2) was undertaken by Tri-Surv Geomatics for Apache in December r $POUJOFOUBMTIFMG 5SJ4VSW B TFFSection 4.1.1). The seabed in the area is r 3FFG composed of clayey silt with some fine sand and shell fragments of r -BHPPO less than 1 mm dimensions. The seabed displays a gradual change in depth from the southeast to the northwest. Some anchor scour r *OUFSUJEBMBOETIBMMPXTVCUJEBM JODMVEJOHNBOHSPWFT was noted at the nearby Theo-1 and Van Gogh-1 drill sites (see 5IFTFBSFEFTDSJCFECFMPX #)1# 8PPETJEF BOE Figure 1.4). The shallow geology of the site is relatively complex, with illustrated in Figure 4.6. the sub-bottom data showing slump or channel structures, shallow faulting and clear geologic unconformities. Oceanic

The ROV seabed survey undertaken over the entire project site in The Van Gogh development location is south of the oceanic region, February 2007 (Tri-Surv, 2007b) for Apache confirmed previous XIJDIJTBOBSFBDIBSBDUFSJTFECZXBUFSTEFFQFSUIBON XJUI warm, relatively low-nutrient waters and a seabed consisting of fine, surveys undertaken by Woodside (2005) and BHP Billiton (2005), muddy or silty sediments. which found that the seabed of the Van Gogh development footprint is dominated by pocketed soft fine to medium sediments (silt and Faunal communities in these deepwater environments feature low sand) along a consistently flat terrain. abundances of invertebrate infauna, with occasional deepwater

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 89 Figure 4.6 Coastal habitats of the Exmouth region

90 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development sponges, echinoderms, polychaetes, crustaceans and bottom- Plate 4.1 Aerial view of Ningaloo Reef dwelling fish. The water column is rich is plankton and pelagic finfish. Water depths here preclude seabed vegetation growth.

Continental Slope

The Van Gogh development is located on the continental slope, where the seabed slope increases more markedly over a relatively TIPSUEJTUBODF XJUIXBUFSEFQUITSBOHJOHGSPNUPN

The continental slope supports a sparse seabed community, with species diversity and abundance decreasing with increasing depth. Invertebrate fauna, such as polychaetes, crustaceans, molluscs and sponges, dominate the soft sediments, while outcrop areas are dominated by sponges, soft corals and gorgonians.

The water column supports highly mobile and seasonal populations of pelagic finfish, as well as megafauna, such as whales and dolphins. Seabed vegetation growth is limited in these deep waters.

Continental Shelf

The continental shelf spans water depths ranging from 10 to 200 m, also known as the Dirk Hartog Shelf in this area. The shelf varies in XJEUIGSPNUPLNOFBSUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQFUPLNGVSUIFS south. The narrow part of the shelf supports migratory species,

such as whales, turtles and fish. In the shallower parts of the shelf, Apache macroalgal vegetation communities are dominant, with filter- feeding fauna species (such as sponges, soft corals and gorgonians) Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitats dominating the deeper water. Numerous demersal and pelagic fish The diversity of habitats and the biota that they support is greater occur. around the islands of the North West Shelf and along the coast than in the offshore waters of the shelf due to the wide range of intertidal Reef and shallow subtidal habitats. Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing coral reef in Australia (CALM/ Intertidal habitats in the region include sandy beaches, rocky shores MPRA, 2005) (Plate 4.1 5IFSFFGJTTJUVBUFELNTPVUIPGUIF7BO and mangrove-lined creeks and shores. Gogh development site (see Figure 4.1). It is composed of an outer reef slope, a reef crest and an inner reef flat, with occasional breaks in the The shorelines of islands adjacent to the coastline comprise relatively reef that allow for water exchange between the lagoon and the shelf. narrow sandy beaches, intertidal and supratidal pavements and QMBUGPSNT PS DPMMBQTFE CFBDISPDLmBSNPVSFE TIPSFMJOFT *OUFSUJEBM #FDBVTF UIF SFFG JT JO B CJPHFPHSBQIJD USBOTJUJPOBM [POF XIFSF JU sandy beaches typically occur on the east-, west- and north-facing borders the Ningaloo and Pilbara meso-scale marine and coastal shorelines. regions (see Section 4.2.2), it contains a large suite of tropical species interspersed with temperate fauna characteristic of southern Exmouth Gulf and Coastal Waters Australia, with many species occurring either in their northern or Nearshore waters along the mainland coast are often characterised TPVUIFSOEJTUSJCVUJPOMJNJUT0WFSTQFDJFTPGDPSBM TQFDJFT by seaward berm ridges or cheniers, that are frequently broached of mollusc and 500 fish species occur in the Ningaloo Marine Park by tidal channels. Limestone and mobile sand shoals dominate the (CALM/MPRA, 2005). Coral reefs also fringe parts of the Muiron waters between the mainland and the coastal island chains, as well Islands (especially the eastern side of South Muiron Island) and many as between the islands themselves. of the smaller islands along the coast. The Exmouth Gulf region consists predominantly of limestone with a Lagoon sandy covering of varying thickness that rises more or less randomly to form the bases of many cays and islands in the region, such as the Landwards from the Ningaloo Reef is an extensive lagoon system, Muiron Islands that extend off the North West Cape. containing such habitats as coral bommies, exposed rocky and sandy seabeds and deep holes and channels. In stable sections of Another one of these larger islands is Serrurier Island. It is a typical sandy seabed, seagrasses and macroalgae thrive, providing food and example of these Island structures, being a sand cay that has shelter for dugongs, turtles, crustaceans and fish. developed on a much larger limestone platform (reef). It is located

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 91 on a geological structure known as the Wandage Ridge (Van der 4.4.4 Macroalgae and Seagrasses Graaff et al BQBSUPGUIF3PXMFZ4IFMGTJUVBUFECFUXFFOUIF Macroalgae and seagrasses are most prolific over the shallow Pedamullah Shelf and the Barrow Sub-basin. pavement limestone reefs (CALM/MPRA, 2005) adjacent to the Serrurier and the other nearby islands are comprised mostly of an offshore islands. Seagrasses also form extensive meadows over accumulation of Holocene sandy sediment, described as light grey some of the shallow-water sand flats, and in Exmouth Gulf, are unconsolidated calcarenite. The shoreline of the larger islands is SBSF PS BCTFOU JO XBUFST EFFQFS UIBO NFUSFT 4USBJUT *O deeper waters (greater than 50 m water depth), macroalgae are less characterised by calcarenite from coral and algal reef deposits and abundant. Some smaller species occur, but larger macroalgae need by shallow marine and minor aeolian sediments (Van de Graaffet al., secure anchorage to the limestone pavement, so their distribution is controlled and restricted by the thickness of the sand veneer overlying the pavement. Blue-green algal mats often occur on 4.4.2 Seabed Habitats in the Van Gogh intertidal flats near mangroves in this region. Development Area Macroalgae and seagrasses are important primary producers in Acoustic mapping undertaken for Apache in 2007 (Tri-Surv, 2007a) USPQJDBMJOTIPSFXBUFST4FBHSBTTFTBSFEJSFDUMZHSB[FECZEVHPOHT (see Section 4.1.1) reveals that the seabed in the development area 1SJODF BOECPUITFBHSBTTFTBOENBDSPBMHBFBSFHSB[FECZ is composed of clayey silt with some fine sand and shell fragments HSFFOUVSUMFT 8JMTPOBOE4XBO 'FXUSPQJDBMñTITQFDJFTHSB[F of less than 1 mm dimensions. The seabed is uniformly flat with directly on seagrass or macroalgae. However, both vegetation types very few features, such as depressions or sand ridges (Figure support a diverse and abundant fauna of small invertebrates that are 4.7). An elongated, shallow sand wave feature, orientated in a the principal food source for many inshore fish species (Blaber and OPSUIFBTUmTPVUIXFTU EJSFDUJPO JT FWJEFOU BU UIF OPSUIFSO FOE PG #MBCFS 4NBMMDSVTUBDFBOT TVDIBTBNQIJQPET DPQFQPETBOE the development area (Tri-Surv, 2007a). Sediments obtained during isopods, that emerge from this vegetation at night are fed upon by infauna sampling revealed that the subsea manifold one site has planktivorous fish, such as herring, sardine and anchovy (Robertson grey carbonate fine sands and the subsea manifold two site has BOE 8BUTPO %FOTF TDIPPMT PG UIFTF ñTI BSF JO UVSO GFE loose to medium light greenish-gray sands. Anchor mooring point upon by both predatory fish, such as tuna and mackerel, and diving one has light yellow-brown carbonate fine sand with some shell birds, such as shearwaters and terns. Beds of both seagrasses and GSBHNFOUTEPXOUPNCFMPXUIFTFBCFE BODIPSNPPSJOHQPJOU macroalgae support the juvenile stages of prawn species that are two has light olive-grey carbonate fine to medium sand with traces commercially important in the region (Loneragan et al of shell fragments down to 3.5 m below the seabed and anchor The most common macroalgal assemblage of the region comprises mooring point three has olive carbonate silty fine sand with few shell plants of the genus Sargassum (brown algae), dominating in terms of GSBHNFOUTEPXOUPNCFMPXUIFTFBCFE #FOUIJD(FPUFDI biomass and abundance. Other common genera on the North West Enesar, 2007) (Plate 4.2). Detailed seabed surveys undertaken by Shelf include Padina and Dictyota, Turbinaria, Cystophora, Caulerpa, AIMS for BHP Billiton and Woodside (in 2001 and 2002) in adjacent Ralimeda and coralline algae (CALM/MPRA, 2005). permit areas indicate that these conditions extend well beyond the The results of baseline monitoring of macroalgae that Apache has Van Gogh development area. DBSSJFEPVUBSPVOEUIF-PXFOEBMBOE.POUFCFMMP*TMBOETTJODF Flora in the region is dominated by plankton, macroalgae, seagrasses, *3$& JOEJDBUF UIBU NBDSPBMHBM DPWFS BOE and mangroves, which are described in Sections 4.4.3 to 4.4.5. biomass are naturally variable, both spatially and temporally.

Substantial macroalgal beds have been reported to occur on the east 4.4.3 Plankton side of Exmouth Gulf (McCook et al., 1995) and surrounding Serrurier Plankton is divided into two categories: phytoplankton (microscopic Island (LDM, 1995). The western part of the Exmouth Gulf, with its QMBOUT BOE [PPQMBOLUPO BOJNBM MBSWBF 1IZUPQMBOLUPOJD BMHBF deeper waters (greater than 10 m) does not support seagrasses support the entire primary production of the oceans and range in 4USBJUT 4FWFO EJíFSFOU TQFDJFT PG TFBHSBTTFT IBWF CFFO TJ[FGSPNUPNN;PPQMBOLUPOBSFTNBMM NPTUMZNJDSPTDPQJD recorded, with most of these occurrences in waters less than 5 m animals that drift with the ocean currents, and it has been estimated EFFQ XJUINFBEPXTJ[FTCFJOHTNBMM QBUDIJMZEJTUSJCVUFEBOETQBSTF UIBUPGUIF[PPQMBOLUPOJOXBUFSTPíUIF"VTUSBMJBODPOUJOFOUBM (McCook et al., 1995). shelf and shelf margin are the larval stages of fauna that normally MJWFPOUIFTFBCFE 3BZNPOU JO#)1# .FBTVSFNFOUTPG 4.4.5 Mangroves primary production rates near the Van Gogh development area (as Mangroves occur along the eastern shoreline of Exmouth Gulf in measured by AIMS for the BHP Billiton Pyrenees development) were extensive stretches of the intertidal area (see Figure 4.6). Mangroves found to be similar to the high productivity of the Exmouth Gulf and are recognised as being a significant habitat as they are productive along the North West Shelf (BHPB, 2005). coastal forest systems, providing shelter for birds, fish and other

92 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Seabed characteristics in the Van Gogh development area Gogh development Van Seabed characteristics in the Figure 4.7 Figure

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 93 Plate 4.2 Seabed grab samples obtained at the FPSO’s proposed anchor mooring and production manifold locations

Grab Sample DC1-1 Grab Sample DC2-1 Grab Sample AM3-1 All photos courtesyAll photos of Enesar Grab Sample DC1-2 Grab Sample DC2-2 Grab Sample AM3-2

marine species and breeding sites for juvenile fish, lobster and offshore waters, as found by BHP Billiton (2005) around the Pyrenees prawns (an important commercial fishery for the Exmouth Gulf). They development area, south of Van Gogh. are also recognised for their capacity to help protect coastal areas In the region, hard and stony corals tend to occur in relatively from the damaging effects of erosion during storms and storm surge. shallow areas of strong currents where water movements constantly The regional mangroves of the mainland and islands from Exmouth transport nutrients. Coral species can be found forming extensive to Broome represent Australia’s only “tropical-arid” mangroves. reefs, patch reefs, and isolated bomboras or in scattered colonies In Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Marine Park, at least six different across the shallow limestone pavement that dominates the shallow- mangrove species are known to occur, with the white mangrove water areas of the region. (Avicennia marina CFJOH UIF EPNJOBOU TQFDJFT 8PPETJEF /JOHBMPP3FFG LNTPVUIPGUIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOU IVHTUIF $"-..13" .BOHSPWFDPNNVOJUJFTSFQSFTFOUPGUIF western side of the Cape Range Peninsula, stretching 300 km from Ningaloo Marine Park (CALM/MPRA, 2005). the North West Cape south to Red Bluff (CALM/MPRA, 2005). Over 250 coral species have been recorded within the reef (Storie and 4.4.6 Corals .PSSJTPO &MTFXIFSF PO UIF JOUFSUJEBM BOE TIBMMPX TVCUJEBM In the deep waters of the Van Gogh development area, no hard corals platforms, which fringe much of the mainland and island shorelines, have been observed, although cnidarians (including soft corals, less well-developed coral communities may develop wherever gorgonians, sea whips, and thorny corals) may be present in the deep suitable hard substrates occur.

94 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Coral spawning usually occurs during the autumn months of March Apache undertook benthic infauna sampling at the Van Gogh and April, usually in two concentrated events, each of three to four EFWFMPQNFOU BSFB JO %FDFNCFS &OFTBS 5SJ4VSW B days duration, occurring on nocturnal, neap and ebb tides seven to 10 (see Section 4.1.1). Sediment infaunal abundance was found to be nights after the full moon. Coral recruitment also occurs throughout MPX SBOHJOH GSPN JOEJWJEVBMTN2 at subsea manifold PM1 to 170 the year, with brooding species implicated. Brooding species of individuals/m2BUNPPSJOHQPJOU". XJUIBOBWFSBHFPGJOEJWJEVBMT corals don’t need to synchronise their spawning to get their eggs m2. Abundance was slightly higher at the AM3 location, but abundance and sperm together (eggs are fertilised internally and develops to did not vary significantly across the three survey locations (these being planula stage before release). UIFUXPTVCTFBNBOJGPMEMPDBUJPOTBOEPOFPGUIF'140NPPSJOHQPJOUT the remaining mooring points were unable to be surveyed due to 3FHJPOBMMZ DZDMPOFEBNBHFUPDPSBMTNBZCFTJHOJñDBOU -%. equipment failure). Species richness was high for the low number of $"-..13" 8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJBO.VTFVN 'PSFYBNQMF JOEJWJEVBMTDPMMFDUFEJOEJWJEVBMTZJFMEJOHTQFDJFT5IFGBVOBXBT coral reefs of the Montebello Islands to the north experience EPNJOBUFECZQPMZDIBFUFT XJUIDSVTUBDFBOT UIFPOMZPUIFS extensive damage by cyclones through physical disturbance and dominant phyla. The most abundant species was a goniadid polychaete sedimentation. Fast-growing Acropora species can recover from JOEJWJEVBMT PSPGUIFUPUBM XIJMFPGUIFTQFDJFTDPMMFDUFE severe damage in a few years, while slow-growing massive species were recorded from single specimens. Species richness did not differ may take up to 30 years to recover from major damage (Western significantly across the survey locations (Enesar, 2007). Australian Museum, 1993). Plates 4.3a to 4.3r show a collection of seabed and demersal species encountered during the ROV seabed survey undertaken in February 4.4.7 Seabed Sediment Invertebrates 2007 (Enesar, 2007). Benthic infauna (small invertebrates that live within the upper layers of seabed sediments) have been surveyed in the Van Gogh 4.4.8 Sponges development area (Tri-Surv, 2007a) and several other sites within 4QPOHFTBSFTFTTJMFñMUFSGFFEJOHBOJNBMTUIBUWBSZJOTIBQFBOETJ[F and adjacent to Apache’s Commonwealth water permits in Western and are generally located in water depths of 20 to 200 m in areas with "VTUSBMJB #)1# 8PPETJEF 5IF CJPUB JT hard substrates and strong water currents. Well-developed sponge comparable to that found over similar substratum and at similar communities occur in the northern part of the Exmouth Gulf around EFQUITJOUIFSFHJPO 8BSEBOE3BJOFS 3BJOFS 4BJOTCVSZ the North West Cape (CALM/MPRA, 2005). Apache’s ROV seabed et al ,JOIJMM 6ODPOTPMJEBUFE TFEJNFOUT PO survey revealed that no sponges occur in the Van Gogh development the North West Shelf support a diverse benthic infauna consisting area. This is due to the paucity of hard substrates on which to attach. predominantly of mobile burrowing species that include: r .PMMVTDT 4.4.9 Gorgonians and Soft Corals Gorgonians (referred to as sea fans) and soft corals are cnidarians and #JWBMWFTPZTUFST DMBNTBOENVTTFMT are covered with soft small polyps. Unlike the hard corals, they do not (BTUSPQPETWBSJPVTUZQFTPGTOBJMT have a hard external exoskeleton but rather an internal one made up of many calcareous spicules. $FQIBMPQPETPDUPQVT TRVJEBOEDVUUMFñTI The seabed survey undertaken in the Van Gogh development r $SVTUBDFBOTNBMBDPTUSBDBOT JODMVEJOHMPCTUFST area (Enesar, 2007) recorded the presence of sparsely distributed crabs and shrimps. gorgonians and soft corals (see Plate 4.3p). The observations r 1PMZDIBFUFTTFHNFOUFENBSJOFXPSNT indicate that these species are typical of those expected to occur at r &DIJOPEFSNT these depths, having being represented in other offshore areas in the Exmouth Sub-basin where similar oil developments are proposed or &DIJOPJETTFBVSDIJOT PQFSBUJOH #)1# 8PPETJEF "TUFSPJETTFBTUBSTBOETUBSñTI 4.4.10 Echinoderms )PMPUIVSJBOTTFBDVDVNCFST Echinoderms are a group of mobile benthic marine invertebrates The spatial and temporal distribution and density of these organisms with pentaradial symmetry that include starfish, urchins, feather depends on such factors as substrate composition, season, depth and stars and sea cucumbers. Echinoderms are generally abundant in XBUFSUFNQFSBUVSF 8BSEBOE3BJOFS ,JOIJMM %JíFSFODFT shallow waters but decrease in abundance as water depth increases. from location to location are correlated to such factors as depth and Although abundance decreases with depth, in terms of species seafloor texture, while changes over time at any one location may diversity they are among the most diverse of the deepwater benthic be related to change in the physical environment, such as water species. Seabed surveys undertaken by AIMS in 2001 and 2002 for temperature or wave-induced currents. the BHP Billion Pyrenees development immediately south of the Van

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 95 Plate 4.3a Eel, possibly Nettastomatidae (Witch eel) Plate 4.3b Unidentified fish and seabed with large burrows (ROV umbilical visible)

Plate 4.3c Sea urchin, possibly Phormosoma bursarium Plate 4.3d Unidentified sea anemone (ROV umbilical visible) All photos courtesyAll photos of Enesar

Plate 4.3e Unidentifeid decapod crustacean making a depres- Plate 4.3f Fish, possibly family Chaumaccidae sion in the seabed

96 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Plate 4.3g Unidentified fish and rippled seabed Plate 4.3h Seabed with marked depression and bioturbation mound

Plate 4.3i Unidentified ray Plate 4.3j Seabed with sand ripples All photos courtesyAll photos of Enesar

Plate 4.3k Unidentified shark with numerous crinoid echino- Plate 4.3l Bug, Ibacus sp. derms in the seabed

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 97 Plate 4.3m Fish, possibly family Chaumaccidae Plate 4.3n 6OJEFOUJñFE"OUIP[PBODOJEBSJBO TFBQFO

Plate 4.3o Unidentified organism Plate 4.3p 6OJEFOUJñFE"OUIP[PBODOJEBSJBO TPGUDPSBM (ROV umbilical visible)

Plate 4.3q 6OJEFOUJñFE"OUIP[PBODOJEBSJBOJOUIFTFBCFE Plate 4.3r 6OJEFOUJñFE"OUIP[PBODOJEBSJBO TFBXIJQ

98 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Gogh development area revealed that echinoderms were the most depth), such as amberjack and mulloway, along with yellowbelly common species observed (BHPB, 2005). The Van Gogh ROV seabed threadfin. survey observed numerous echinoderms, including urchins, sea stars and feather stars (see Plate 4.3). 4.4.14 Sharks and Rays Whale Sharks 4.4.11 Crustaceans Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the world’s largest fish (growing up Due to the convergence of warm and cool currents in the region UPNJOMFOHUI BSFPDFBOJDBOEDPTNPQPMJUBOJOUIFJSEJTUSJCVUJPO (southerly flowing Leeuwin Current and northerly flowing Ningaloo however, they do aggregate in and near the waters of the Ningaloo Current), temperate and tropical species of rock lobster and prawn Marine Park during autumn (Plate 4.4) (CALM/MPRA, 2005). The occur in the region, along with shrimps, crayfish and crabs (CALM/ whale shark is declared a “vulnerable” species under the EPBC Act MPRA, 2005). and thus afforded protection in Australian waters. The commercially important western rock lobster is near the northern limit of its distribution at the North West Cape and decreases in abundance in water depths greater than 200 m. The fishery for this species occurs to the southeast of the project area.

Tiger, banana, king and endeavour prawns occur in a narrow range of water depths between 10 and 20 m, where they are generally associated with coral reefs. Exmouth Gulf in particular is an important prawn nursery area, with eastern and southern parts of the gulf closed to fishing (Penn et al., 2005). These prawn species are also widespread throughout northern Australian waters. Prawns, shrimps and squat lobsters were observed in the Van Gogh development area PACHE

during the ROV seabed survey (Enesar, 2007) (see Plate 4.3). A

Plate 4.4 A whale shark observed from Apache’s Stag oil 4.4.12 Molluscs production platform Molluscs are a group of invertebrates with a soft body, normally The main period of the whale shark aggregation off Ningaloo Reef protected by a shell, including clams, sea-snails, sea-slugs, oysters, is late March to June, with the largest numbers generally being NVTTFMT TRVJE BOE PDUPQVT .PSF UIBO NPMMVTD TQFDJFT IBWF SFDPSEFE JO "QSJM )PXFWFS UIF TFBTPO JT WBSJBCMF BOE JOEJWJEVBM CFFO SFDPSEFE JO UIF SFHJPO $"-..13" ")$ B whale sharks have been recorded at other times of the year. Whale 0WFSTQFDJFTXFSFDPMMFDUFEBSPVOEUIF1ZSFOFFTEFWFMPQNFOU shark presence coincides with the coral mass spawning period, area, immediately south of the Van Gogh project area, and were when there is an abundance of food (krill, planktonic larvae and considered typical of the region (BHPB, 2005). Rock oysters are schools of small fish) in the waters adjacent to the reef associated recreationally caught on the coast. During the Van Gogh ROV seabed with upwelling of nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean. The survey, a few molluscs were observed, including a heavy-shelled predictable aggregation of the whale sharks within and outside the bivalve protruding from the sediments, a few cuttlefish and many reef lagoon is known only to occur in a few other places worldwide tracks probably caused by predatory gastropods, although these $"-..13" &OWJSPONFOU "VTUSBMJB 8IBMF TIBSLT were not observed directly (Enesar, 2007). aggregating near the reef are mainly immature males between 3 and 9 m in length (CALM/MPRA, 2005). 4.4.13 Finfish AIMS, CSIRO and the Centre for Whale Research, supported by funding The demersal habitat of the North West Shelf hosts a diverse from BHP Billiton and Woodside, have carried out numerous aerial BTTFNCMBHFPGñTI XJUIVQUP TQFDJFTLOPXOUPPDDVS BHSFBU surveys and scientific research to extend existing information and proportion of these occurring in shallow coastal waters. Many of these knowledge of whale sharks and other megafauna in the North West are commercially exploited by trawl and trap fisheries, for example, Cape and continental shelf regions. Several years of data from aerial the genera Lethrinus (emperor) and Lutjanus (snapper) (Sainsbury surveys and sightings from tourism operators recorded a small number et al 1FMBHJDñTIJOUIJTBSFBJODMVEFUSFWBMMZ UVOB NBDLFSFM of whale sharks in the region, mainly close to the Ningaloo Reef, with IFSSJOH QJMDIBSEBOETBSEJOFBOEQFMBHJDHBNFñTI TVDIBTNBSMJO several spotted in waters deeper than 100 m (Figure 4.8). The above- BOETBJMñTI BMTPPDDVS ##( &OWJSPONFOU"VTUSBMJB mentioned organisations, with assistance from CALM, also undertook Recent seabed biodiversity surveys undertaken at the Pyrenees acoustic tagging and satellite tracking to trace the movements of EFWFMPQNFOU BSFB #)1# GPVOE UIBU MBSHF TDIPPMJOH XIBMF TIBSLT #)1# 8PPETJEF XIJDI JOEJDBUFT fish were present in the deep waters (between 175 and 250 m water that whale sharks have high mobility, travelling northeast along the

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 99 continental shelf before moving offshore into the northeastern Indian r 'MBUCBDLUVSUMF Natator depressus). Ocean. Tagging also indicates that whale sharks that aggregate at r )BXLTCJMMUVSUMF Eretmochelys imbricata). Ningaloo Reef may present a local population that undertakes short- distance seasonal migrations away from the reef (Woodside, 2005). r -PHHFSIFBEUVSUMF Caretta caretta).

Other Sharks r -FBUIFSCBDLUVSUMF Dermochelys coriacea).

Thirty-three other shark species were found through the region All five species are listed as threatened species (“endangered” or during the same aerial surveys funded by BHPB and Woodside, “vulnerable”) under the EPBC Act. although none were found seaward of the 300-m depth contour The across-shelf distribution, abundance and activity of turtle species 8PPETJEF #)1# *OTJEF UIF SFFG GSPOU TFWFSBM TIBSL is varied but not well known. Common to all species is that hatchlings species are known to occur, including lemon sharks (Negaprion FNFSHFUPXFFLTBGUFSUIFGFNBMFTIBWFOFTUFE brevirostris), black-tip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and wobblegongs (Orectolobidae spp.), while in deeper waters, oceanic Based on recent aerial surveys undertaken for other petroleum species, such as hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.), requiem sharks developments in the region, it is unlikely that turtles occur in any (Carcharhinus spp.), tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and blue sharks HSFBUOVNCFSTBSPVOEUIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUBSFB #)1# (Prionace glauca), are known to occur. Woodside 2003, 2005). These surveys found high densities of turtles in the shallow clear waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park (less than Rays and Skates NXBUFSEFQUI XJUI UVSUMFTTJHIUFEEVSJOHTVSWFZTJO One of the world’s largest fish, the filter-feeding devil rays (the manta and 2001 (Figure 4.9). Surveys of the Ningaloo Marine Park in the late ray, Manta birostris, and the mobulid ray, Mobula eregoodootenkee), 1990s suggest an estimated resident population of approximately congregate in the same areas at the same times as whale sharks UVSUMFT #)1# (Plate 4.5). Devil rays are widely distributed throughout the world’s A summary of current ecological knowledge of these turtle species is tropical waters and can weigh up to 2 tonnes (CALM/MPRA, 2005). outlined in Table 4.3. Most devil rays are recorded in waters less than 100 m deep, although they are known to occur in deeper waters (BHPB, 2005). Aerial Seasnakes are frequently observed in Exmouth Gulf, around the surveys undertaken by Woodside indicated that devil rays were not offshore islands and in the waters of the North West Shelf generally, found in the vicinity of the Van Gogh development area (Woodside, where they feed on fish, molluscs and crustaceans. There is no XJUIPGUIFTJHIUJOHTCFJOHJOXBUFSEFQUITMFTTUIBO information on their frequency of occurrence in deeper offshore 100 m (BHPB, 2005). Peak abundance of rays is from March to June waters, although LDM (2000) notes that individuals are often (Woodside, 2005). observed at the surface.

Skates are a common and widespread demersal species of 4.4.16 Seabirds deepwater environments and are likely to be found in the Van Gogh development area. Based on the results of two survey cruises and other unpublished records, Dunlop et al SFDPSEFEUIFPDDVSSFODFPGTQFDJFTPG seabirds over the North West Shelf waters. These included a number 4.4.15 Reptiles of species of petrel, shearwater, tropicbird, frigatebird, booby and Five species of marine turtle occur in the waters of and nest on sandy tern, as well as the silver gull. Of these, eight species occur year round, shore sites of the North West Cape region. These are the: and the remaining 10 are seasonal visitors. From these surveys, it was r (SFFOUVSUMF Chelonia mydas). noted that seabird distributions in tropical waters were generally patchy except near islands.

Apache undertakes annual surveys of the avifauna around its operating facilities on the North West Shelf, resulting in a significant amount of data for the area around the Barrow, Lowendal and Montebello islands groups, BQQSPYJNBUFMZLNUPUIFOPSUIFBTUPGUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQF*O TQFDJFTPGTFBCJSETXFSFSFDPSEFEBSPVOEUIF-PXFOEBM*TMBOET SFDPSEFE JO UPUBM /JDIPMTPO BOE 4VSNBO 4FWFOUZ TQFDJFT PG seabird have been recorded at the Montebello Islands and 112 species at #BSSPX*TMBOE /JDIPMTPOBOE4VSNBO *OBOEBSPVOEUIF&YNPVUI Gulf and further offshore, there is less quantitative data available.

The Management Plan for the Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron

Courtesy of istockphoto Islands Marine Management Area (CALM/MPRA, 2005) reports that Plate 4.5 Manta ray CJSETQFDJFTIBWFCFFOSFDPSEFEGSPNUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQF POF

100 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Turtle sightings from aerial surveys 2002) (2000 to sightings from Turtle Source: BHP Biliton (2005). BHP Biliton Source: Figure 4.9 Figure Whale shark sightings from aerial surveys (2000 to 2002) and recorded by by aerial surveys 2002) and recorded (2000 to Whale shark sightings from CPBUUPVSPQFSBUPST Figure 4.8 Figure (2005). BHP Biliton Source:

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 101 Table 4.3 Summary of marine turtle species ecology

Turtle species Food Habitat Population Green (Chelonia )FSCJWPSPVTmTFBHSBTT Found in water depths of less than 20 Most widespread and abundant turtle species in Western mydas) and algae. m. Rookery concentrated on Barrow Australia, supporting only one genetic stock. Nests (Plate 4.6) Island. Serrurier Island (northeast of between August and March at Serrurier Island and Exmouth Gulf) supports second largest between December and March in the Exmouth Gulf and rookery in the Pilbara bioregion. the Muiron Islands. Loggerhead (Caretta Mid-water plankton and Mid-shelf water depths (up to 50 m). Western Australia supports one genetic stock. Principal caretta) benthic animals (molluscs Nesting occurs from Dirk Hartog Island nesting sites and times are Muiron Islands and the and crustaceans). to Varanus Island. Ningaloo coast between September and March. Flatback (Natator Mid-water plankton and Mid-shelf water depths (up to 50 m). Endemic to the Australian continental shelf. The southern depressus) benthic animals. genetic stock nests throughout the North West Shelf and is characterised by summer nesting, with peak nesting in December and January. Hawksbill Mainly feed on sponges. Coral reef and deep waters. One genetic stock, centred on the Dampier Archipelago. (Eretmochelys One of the largest remaining populations in the world. imbricata) Breeds between July and March. Nests in a small range, from the Muiron Islands to the Dampier Archipelago. Low- density nesting known around Cape Range. Leatherback Mid-water plankton and Mid-shelf water depths (up to 50 m). Records only of occasional foraging in the region. (Dermochelys coriacea) benthic animals.

4PVSDFT1SJODF B C -JNQVT B C D 0MJWFS $"-..13"

third of which are resident and migratory seabirds, shorebirds and support breeding terns, the eastern reef egret (Egretta sacra) and the waders. Rookeries in the Ningaloo Marine Park include Mangrove Bay, pied oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris). Mangrove Point, Point Maud and Fraser Island. The Muiron Islands and Sunday and Serrurier islands provide isolated rookeries, supporting Birds using coastal mangroves as roosting and nesting habitat significant breeding colonies of wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus include herons (Ardea spp.), bar-shouldered dove (Geopelia pacificus) (Woodside, 2005). This species feeds on fish gathered up to humeralis), dusky gerygone (Gerygone tenebrosa), white-breasted 100 km offshore of their nesting colonies. Birds return to the colonies whistler (Pachycephala lanioides), mangrove grey fantail (Rhipidura in August and September each year, and their nests are constructed in phasiana), white-breasted woodswallow (Artamus leucorhynchus) lightly consolidated sands. Egg-laying starts in October and November, and the yellow white-eye (Zosterops luteus) (Woodside, 2005). with hatchlings emerging some 50 days later. The fledglings leave the OFTUJO.BZFBDIZFBS /JDIPMTPOBOE4VSNBO Seabirds known to occur in the region and the months in which they Fairy terns (Sterna nereis) and osprey (Pandion haliaetus) breed on breed are listed in Table 4.4, and known regional breeding locations Serrurier Island. Islands in the southern part of the Exmouth Gulf of seabirds known to breed in the region are listed in Table 4.5.

Plate 4.6 Green turtle Courtesy of istockphoto

102 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 4.4 Seabirds known to occur in the North West Cape region and the months in which they breed

Species name Common name J F M A M J J A S O N D Chlidonias leucoptera White-winged tern* Daption capense Cape petrel+ Daption capensis Cape pigeon* Diomedea chlorohynchus Yellow-nosed albatross+ Egreta sacra Eastern reef egret* Esacus neglectus Beach stone curlew Fregata ariel Lesser frigatebird* Haematopus longirostris Pied oystercatcher Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied sea eagle Larus novaehollandiae Silver gull Larus pacificus Pacific gull+ Macronectes giganteus Southern giant petrel+ Morus serrator Australasian gannet+ Oceanites oceanicus Wilson’s storm petrel+ Pandion haliaetus Osprey Pelagodrama marinus White-faced storm petrel+ Pelecanus conspiciatus Australian pelican^ Phalacrocorax varius Pied cormorant Pterodroma macroptera Great-winged petrel+ Pterodroma mollis Soft-plumaged petrel+ Puffinus assimilis Little shearwater+ Puffinus carneipes Flesh-footed shearwater+ Puffinus huttoni Hutton’s shearwater+ Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed shearwater Sterna anaethetus Bridled tern* Sterna bengalensis Lesser crested tern* Sterna bergii Crested tern Sterna caspia Caspian tern Sterna dougallii Roseate tern Sterna fuscata Sooty tern* Sterna hirundo Common tern+ Sterna nereis Fairy tern Sterna nilotica Gull-billed tern* Sula leucogaster Brown booby*

* No record of breeding in the region. + Do not breed in region. ^ Opportunistic breeder.

4.4.17 Marine Mammals CuSSFOU LOPXMFEHF PO UIF TJ[F BOE EJTUSJCVUJPO PG EVHPOH populations and their migratory habits in the region between the Dugongs North West Cape and the Dampier Archipelago is limited. Recent Dugongs (Dugong dugon) occur across the tropical coastal waters of aerial surveys of dugong distribution have found that a large Australia from Shark Bay, Western Australia, to Queensland and are population (about 1,000 individuals) occurs along the eastern side protected under the EPBC Act by their listing as a marine migratory of the Exmouth Gulf, with frequent sightings around the Muiron species. Dugongs are herbivorous, are generally associated with *TMBOET 4FSSVSJFS*TMBOEHSPVQBOE/JOHBMPP3FFG 8PPETJEF the seagrass beds upon which they feed, and are therefore most $"-..13" 4USBJUT 5IFTBNFBFSJBMTVSWFZTOPUFEUIBU commonly found in shallow sheltered areas (less than 5 m deep), no dugongs were observed in the waters of the proposed Van Gogh often near islands or large bays (CALM/MPRA, 2005). development site.

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 103 Table 4.5 Known regional seabird breeding sites

Species name Common name Ningaloo Exmouth Gulf Rowley Shelf Frazer Island Low Point Island Roberts Doole Island Gnandaroo Island Muiron Islands Island Serrurier Flat Island Round Island Locker Island

Egreta sacra Eastern reef egret Esacus neglectus Beach stone curlew Haematopus longirostris Pied oyster-catcher Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied sea eagle Larus novaehollandiae Silver gull Pandion haliaetus Osprey Pelecanus conspiciatus Australian pelican Phalacrocorax varius Pied cormorant Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed shearwater Sterna bergii Crested tern Sterna caspia Caspian tern Sterna dougallii Roseate tern Sterna nereis Fairy tern

Dolphins

Dolphins are relatively common in the region, with six species recorded in the area, including the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba %&) B -BSHFQPETPGEPMQIJOT NPSF than 20 individuals) are likely to occur in waters deeper than 150 m, compared with small pods of dolphins found in Exmouth Gulf (BHPB, 2005). The diet of dolphins, like most cetaceans, is composed of [PPQMBOLUPO OPOQMBOLUPOJDDSVTUBDFBOT TRVJEBOEñTI #BOOJTUFS et al

Whales

A number of whale species occur in or migrate through the region, Apache including the short-finned pilot whale Globicephala( macrorhynchus), Plate 4.7 A humpback whale observed from Apache’s Stag oil production platform false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), southern minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), killer whale (Orcinus orca), blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), sperm with aerial and boat-based surveys undertaken by BHP Billiton and whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and humpback whale (Megaptera Woodside indicating a northerly migration from early June to early novaeangliae %&) B "VHVTU #)1# 5IF TPVUIFSMZ SFUVSO NJHSBUJPO QFBLT The most commonly sighted whale is the humpback whale (Plate around early September, with pods preferring to travel in shallower 4.7). This species migrates between its feeding grounds in Antarctic waters, typically between 30 and 100 m deep (Jenner et al., 2001), waters and breeding and calving grounds in the Kimberley region confirmed by the more recent aerial and boat-based surveys. The of Western Australia. The peak of the northerly migration between migratory whale route, where most whales are observed, occurs in Exmouth Gulf and the Dampier Archipelago occurs around late July, waters within 9 nautical miles (17 km) of the coast (generally less concentrated along the 200-m depth contour (Jenner et al., 2001), than 200 m water depth) (Jenner et al., 2001).

104 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development The transition period (the crossover between the northern and "#4 EBUBDPMMFDUFECZUIFOBUJPOXJEFDFOTVTJO"VHVTU BOE southern migrations), occurs between early August and early based on place of usual residence) (ABS, 2007). 4FQUFNCFS1PETJ[FTPíUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQFEVSJOHUIJTUJNFBSF 5IF 4IJSF PG &YNPVUI -(" SFQSFTFOUT PG8FTUFSO "VTUSBMJBT IJHIFSUIBOBUBOZPUIFSUJNFPGUIFZFBS #)1# %VSJOH population. Table 4.6 shows that the Shire of Exmouth LGA population the transition period, whale pods are more dispersed, occurring in has hovered around 2,000 people for at least 10 years. The largest age shallow waters and in waters as deep as 1,100 m (Woodside, 2005), CSBDLFU JT UIPTF BHFE UP ZFBST BOE UIJT EFNPHSBQIJD HSPVQ covering the Van Gogh development area. Many cow/calf pairs use along with the older age bracket, are increasing, while there is an the Exmouth Gulf as a resting ground during the transition period on apparent decline in population for those aged 39 and younger, which their southern migration, with many males entering the gulf intent on may be related to the more abundant job opportunities present mating (Jenner et al., 2001). The shallower eastern part of the Exmouth outside the shire (Figure 4.17 5IPTFBHFEBOEBCPWFSFQSFTFOU (VMGJTOPUGSFRVFOUFECZUIFIVNQCBDLXIBMFT 4USBJUT PGUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUIQPQVMBUJPO XIJDIJTMFTTUIBOUIF Figure 4.10 illustrates the general humpback whale migration routes TUBUFXJEFñHVSF5IF4IJSFPG&YNPVUI-("SFQSFTFOUTBCPVUPG (northern and southern) across the North West Shelf. the Gascoyne regional population, and it is forecast by the DPI that The results of aerial surveys of humpback whales sightings UIFSFHJPOTQPQVMBUJPOXJMMHSPXGSPN JOUPPWFS CZ undertaken by the Centre for Whale Research and CSIRO across the 2019 as a result of increased residential development and a growth in North West Cape region from June to December 2001 and 2002 and UPVSJTN (%$ BHBJOJOBOEBSFJMMVTUSBUFEJOFigures 4.11 to 4.16. The Very few people of Aboriginal ancestry live in the Shire of Exmouth, figures show recorded sightings covering the northern, southern with most residents having Australian-born, non-indigenous parents. and transition migration periods. Those with English parents make up the next major ancestry group, followed by the Irish and Scottish, so the Shire is clearly dominated 4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT by those with a European Caucasian background. This section outlines the broad population characteristics of the Employment Profile region and its land and marine uses. Employment rates in Exmouth have been progressively increasing 4.5.1 Regional Overview over the last 15 years (i.e., the unemployment rate has decreased). In UIFVOFNQMPZNFOUSBUFXBT XIJDIXBTBSPVOEUIFTBNF The Cape Range Peninsula is located in the Gascoyne region, in as regional and state levels for all age groups other than those aged UIFNJEXFTUPG8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJB5IJTSFHJPODPWFST LN2, PWFSZFBST 8PPETJEF %FUBJMFE"#4DFOTVTEBUBJTOPU extending along the coast from Kalbarri in the south to Exmouth in yet available regarding employment rates, income levels, industry the north and a significant distance inland. of employment and qualifications. Data from the Department of The local government area (LGA) of the Shire of Exmouth encompasses Employment and Workplace Relations indicates that unemployment 2 LN of the Cape Range Peninsula, including the largest town JOUIF(BTDPZOF3FHJPOGFMMGSPNBQFBLPGJOUP in the shire, Exmouth, located in the northeast part of the Cape. JO (%$ "#4 EBUB GSPN JOEJDBUFT UIBU JO UIF Exmouth is located 1,270 km north of Perth, has a population of Shire of Exmouth, the retail trade and accommodation, cafes and BQQSPYJNBUFMZ 4IJSF PG &YNPVUI BOE JT UIF DMPTFTU SFTUBVSBOUTBDDPVOUGPSUIFIJHIFTUMFWFMTPGFNQMPZNFOUBU town to the proposed Van Gogh development. The two closest BOESFTQFDUJWFMZ SFóFDUJOHIJHIUPVSJTNJOUIFBSFB GPMMPXFE towns to Exmouth are Carnarvon, 370 km to the southeast (the major CZBHSJDVMUVSF GPSFTUSZBOENJOJOHBU Figure 4.18). The latter administrative and commercial centre of the Gascoyne region), and was the dominant industry employer in 2001 for the Gascoyne region 0OTMPX LNUPUIFOPSUIFBTU5IFTNBMMFSUPXOTJUFPG$PSBM#BZ (%$ is located on the western side of the Cape Range Peninsula, about 135 km southwest of Exmouth. The Gascoyne region’s annual income levels rose from an average of JOUP JO BSJTFPG &YNPVUI XBT PSJHJOBMMZ FTUBCMJTIFE JO UP TVQQPSU QFSTPOOFM who built and operated the US Naval Communications Station (now Housing and Accommodation named the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station). The United Table 4.7 indicates that family groups have remained stable in States vacated the station in 1993 when it was handed over to the number over the last 10 years, as have group dwellings, while the "VTUSBMJBO%FGFODF'PSDF ")$ D number of people living alone has increased slightly. This may be associated with the larger number of elderly people living in Exmouth 4.5.2 Social Profile (see Table 4.6), who may be widowed or may have relocated from Demographics elsewhere.

A basic demographic profile for the Shire of Exmouth is presented in While the number of separate dwellings has fluctuated over the last Table 4.6, based on the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics 10 years (probably due to demolitions and re-builds), as a percentage

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 105 Assumed northAssumed and southbound migratory Exmouth Gulf and the Dampier Archipelago paths of humpback whales between (2001) et al Figure 4.10 Figure Source: Jenna Source:

106 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Humpback whale sightings during the northern period migration (2005). et al Figure 4.12 Figure Jenna Source: Humpback whale sightings during the northern period migration (2005). et al (2000/2001) Figure 4.11 Figure Source: Jenna Source:

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 107 (2005). Humpback whale sightings during the southern migration period Humpback whale sightings during the southern migration et al Source: Jenna Source: (2000/2001) Figure 4.13 Figure Humpback whale sightings during the southern migration period Humpback whale sightings during the southern migration (2005). et al Figure 4.14 Figure Source: Jenna Source:

108 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Humpback whale sightings during the transition migration period Humpback whale sightings during the transition migration (2005). et al Source: Jenna Source: Figure 4.16 Figure Humpback whale sightings during the transition migration period Humpback whale sightings during the transition migration (2005). et al (2000/2001) Figure 4.15 Figure Source: Jenna Source:

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 109 Figure 4.17 %FNPHSBQIJDQSPñMFPGUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUIGSPNUP

Source: ABS (2007).

Figure 4.18 Employment sectors for the Shire of Exmouth

Health & Community Services

Manufacturing

6.5 % Other Construction 6.7 %

7.3 % 31.4 %

Government Administration 7.7 % & Defence

9.3 % 11.7 %

Property & Business 9.3 % Services 10.1 % Retail Trade

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Accommodation, Cafes

& Restaurants GPm10027 Source: ABS (2007).

110 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 4.6 %FNPHSBQIJDQSPñMFPGUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUIGSPNUP

1996 2001 2006 10-year trend Population Total 2,231 Stable NBMF 53 53 Stable GFNBMF Stable Age breakdown BOECFMPX 23 20 Declining 37 Declining 30 33 37 Increasing BOEBCPWF 7 9 Increasing Ancestry by country of birth of parents "VTUSBMJBO - 33 33 Steady "CPSJHJOBM - 0 0 Steady &OHMJTI - 30 Declining *SJTI - Declining 4DPUUJTI -3 Increasing *UBMJBO - 2 2 Steady (FSNBO -3 Steady 0UIFSOPULOPXO - 17 19 Steady Source: ABS (2007). Table 4.7 )PVTJOHBOEBDDPNNPEBUJPOQSPñMFGPSUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUIGSPNUP 1996 2001 2006 10 year trend Household types Family 527 Steady Lone 217 221 Increasing Group 20 53 33 Steady Dwelling types Separate house Steady Semi-detached house Increasing Flats, units and apartments Increasing Other (e.g., caravan, cabin) Declining Dwelling ownership 0XOFE No data No data 22 - #FJOHQVSDIBTFE No data No data 22 - 3FOUFEmQSJWBUF No data No data - 3FOUFEmQVCMJDIPVTJOH No data No data - Source: ABS (2007).

PGUIFUPUBMIPVTJOHNBSLFU UIFZSFNBJOSFMBUJWFMZTUBCMFBCPWF Community consultation undertaken in Exmouth as part of the There is a notable increase in the number of units, townhouses and Van Gogh development has indicated housing availability and apartments in the Shire of Exmouth, again possibly due to the higher affordability is an issue in Exmouth. Initial investigation by the Shire number of single occupied households. This figure is likely to increase PG&YNPVUIJOEJDBUFEUIBUBQQSPYJNBUFMZPGUIFUPXOIPVTJOH with the expected development of over 130 canal-based houses JT PXOFE CZ OPOSFTJEFOUT BOE XJUI UIF JODSFBTFE QPQVMBSJUZ landwards of the Exmouth Marina, together with mixed residential, of Exmouth as a winter holiday destination (due mostly to the commercial and public facilities at the Exmouth Marina Village, also attractions associated with the Ningaloo Marine Park), rents have within the canal development. It is estimated that the development been increased significantly to capitalise on the tourist market. This of the sites will generate over $100 million of direct investment in has consequently forced local renters out of their accommodation &YNPVUI -BOEDPSQ due to affordability issues. Unable to purchase housing that is

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 111 increasing in price disproportionately to wages, locals are resorting name and the month of May. It is now a three-day event that focuses to leaving town or moving to cheaper accommodation, such as on the Ningaloo Reef and its famous whale sharks, for which the caravan parks. town is most well known. Since 2000, the median house price in Exmouth has increased by an BWFSBHFPGBOOVBMMZ XJUIUIFNFEJBOIPVTFQSJDFJOCFJOH 4.5.4 Land Use -BOEDPSQ The predominant terrestrial-based land use in the Shire of Exmouth is pastoral activity (on Crown lease land) with numerous cattle stations 4.5.3 Regional Infrastructure and Social Services operating throughout the peninsular and eastern side of Exmouth The Shire of Exmouth is well serviced with infrastructure and social Gulf. Some of these include Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo, Bullara, Giralia, services considering its isolation and small population, as outlined Cardabia and Marrilla stations. in Table 4.8. The Cape Range National Park occupies a vast area of the western The major annual community festival in Exmouth is the Ningaloo QPSUJPOPGUIF$BQF1FOJOTVMB VQUPLNXJEFBUJUTXJEFTUQPJOU 8IBMF4IBSL'FTUJWBM XIJDIIBTHSPXOJOTJ[F QPQVMBSJUZBOETUBUVSF (Plate 4.12 5IF QBSL XBT ñSTU HB[FUUFE B i$DMBTTu DPOTFSWBUJPO in recent years. Historically called “Aquafest” and held in September, SFTFSWF JO BOE DPWFSFE IB CFGPSF CFJOH FYUFOEFE UP the festival changed its name and location in 2002 to the current IBJOBOEXBTUIFOVQHSBEFEUPBOi"DMBTTuDPOTFSWBUJPO

Table 4.8 Infrastructure and social services of the Shire of Exmouth

Element Description Services Health Exmouth District Hospital, Exmouth Community Health Service, Gascoyne Health Service, Infant Health Clinic Education Exmouth District High School, Exmouth Primary School, Exmouth Regional Library, Central West TAFE Sporting and recreation Murdoch Park Golf Course, Koobooroo Oval, Tilanjee Oval, Exmouth skate park, Exmouth tennis club, Exmouth squash club, Exmouth gymnasium, Exmouth public swimming pool, Exmouth bowling club, Exmouth Golf Club, Exmouth RSL club, Exmouth seniors club, Exmouth Cultural Arts Centre, Truscott Memorial Club, Exmouth mini golf, Exmouth Game Fishing Club Social/religious groups Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Exmouth Christian Fellowship Banking Westpac ATM, Commonwealth Bank outlet (Australia Post) Government services Australia Post, Dept. of Environment and Conservation, Dept. of Primary Industries (Fisheries), Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, police, fire brigade, courthouse Shopping facilities Concentrated in the Ross Street Mall between Maidstone Crescent and Kennedy Street in Exmouth, numerous shops including two supermarkets, newsagency, clothing, hardware, jewellery, restaurants and cafes Tourism Exmouth Visitor Centre, Milyering Visitor Centre, regional attractions such as Ningaloo Marine Park, Muiron Islands Marine Management Area, Cape Range National Park, Shothole Canyon, Yardie Creek Gorge, Mandu Mandu Gorge, Thomas Carter Lookout, Vlamingh Head lighthouse (Plate 4.8), Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival, numerous reef-based tours Accommodation Numerous hotels and motels, caravan parks and camp grounds Infrastructure Roads Main sealed roads include North West Coast Highway (from Perth to Dampier), Minilya-Exmouth Road, Murat Road (running through Exmouth), and Yardie Creek Road (western side of cape) Airports Learmonth Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base and public airport, small airstrips in Exmouth and Coral Bay, private airstrips at many pastoral stations Communications Telstra (landline and mobile telephone coverage), Internet, Exmouth Expression (Exmouth), Northern Guardian (Carnarvon), ABC radio, Harold E. Hold Naval Communications Station (Plate 4.9) Boating Exmouth Marina (Plate 4.10), Bundegi Jetty, Learmonth Jetty, Navy Pier (Point Murat Jetty), Tantabiddi boat ramp (Plate 4.11), Neds Camp boat ramp, Exmouth Yacht Club, Exmouth Sea Search and Rescue Electricity Exmouth: Gas-fired power station in Welch Street, Exmouth, replacing the diesel-fuelled power station. $PSBM#BZ)PSJ[PO1PXFSJTQMBOOJOHUPCVJMEBOFXXJOEUVSCJOFBOEEJFTFMQPXFSTUBUJPOQMBOOFEUPSFQMBDFUISFF separate private generators. A new underground electricity distribution system also planned Gas Compressed natural gas is transported by road to Exmouth from the Dampier to Bunbury Gas Natural Pipeline. Water Exmouth: supplied by the Water Corporation via artesian bores Waste disposal Waste disposal at the domestic landfill site north of the airbase, operated by the Shire of Exmouth Other State Emergency Service, Sea Search and Rescue

112 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Apache Apache Apache Plate 4.8 Vlamingh Head lighthouse and Plate 4.9 The arrays of communication Plate 4.10 Part of the Exmouth Marina Vlamingh Head beach at the base of the tower Harold E. Holt Naval with part of the Novotel Ningaloo Resort lighthouse Communications Station as seen in the background from the Vlamingh Head lighthouse Apache Apache Apache Plate 4.11 Tantabiddi boat ramp, with Plate 4.12 Cape Range National Park Plate 4.13 Shot Hole Canyon, part of the extensive carpark indicating its seen from the air, with limestone the Cape Range National Park heavy use formations and gorges obvious

SFTFSWFJO ")C C .BJOBUUSBDUJPOTPGUIFQBSLJODMVEF now operate within the Exmouth Gulf (very close to the shoreline), the deep rocky gorges, in particular Shot Hole Canyon (Plate 4.13), with eight other aquaculture sites (prawn farming) also operating or Yardie Creek and Mandu Mandu Gorge. under application (Penn et al., 2005), mainly in the southern part of the gulf (Figure 4.19). 4.5.5 Fisheries Recreational Fisheries Commercial Fisheries With the close proximity of islands to the coast and calm lagoonal and Both the offshore and coastal waters support a valuable and gulf waters, recreational fishing and boating is a popular activity in diverse fishing industry. Several commercial fisheries operate out the region for local residents and tourists, concentrated in the cooler of Exmouth and Onslow. They are managed by either the state (WA NPOUITPG"QSJMUP4FQUFNCFS 8PPETJEF #)1#JMMJUPO Fishing Industry Council) or the Commonwealth (Australian Fisheries Management Authority). These fisheries are described inTable 4.9. Shore-based angling occurs along the majority of the coastline along the western and eastern sides of the cape, with angling from dinghies Aquaculture taking place primarily within the shallower state waters of the areas Pearl oyster (primarily silver-lipped pearl, Pinctada maxima) culture permitted within Ningaloo Marine Park. Oysters are taken from rocks has expanded rapidly in the region in recent years. Eight pearl farms on sections of the rocky mainland shoreline, and rock lobsters are

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 113 Table 4.9 Commercial fisheries in and around the Van Gogh development area

Fishery Target species Catch Fishing Area description Consultative Overlap with method mechanism project area Commonwealth Managed Fisheries North West Scampi (crayfish): Australiensis Crustacean trawl. &YUFOETGSPN&UP Western Yes, on the Slope Trawl scampi, velvet scampi and UPOOFT 7 permits. BCPVU&PíUIF8" Deepwater fishery’s boschmai scampi. coast between the 200-m Trawl Fishery southern Deepwater prawns (penaeid and isobath and the outer limit Management boundary. carid): pink prawn, red prawn, of the Australian Fishing Advisory striped prawn, scarlet prawn, red Zone (AFZ). Committee carid and white carid prawn. Western Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus Indian Ocean Since 1999, The Western and Eastern Informal Yes. Skipjack pelamis) is the only target skipjack catches the pole catch Skipjack fisheries extend consultative species. Landings of species have exceeded has decreased throughout the areas of committee other than skipjack (may include .UFBDI representing the Western Tuna and bigeye and yellowfin tuna, year since 1999. POMZJO Billfish Fishery area (see frigate mackerel, sharks, mahi Peaked in 2002 at with purse seine below). mahi, rays and marlins) are .U accounting for believed to be much less than PGUIFDBUDI PGUIFUPUBMMBOEJOHT in that year.13 permits. Western A diverse range of species are Demersal fish Its northernmost point Western Trawl No vessels Deepwater caught, ranging from tropical 109.5 tonnes. trawl.11 permits is from the boundary of Fisheries active in the Trawl snappers on the shelf edge to (January 2005). UIF"';UPMPOHJUVEF Management project area orange roughy, oreo dories and A developing E, and its southernmost Advisory over the last bugs in the deeper temperate fishery. point is from the boundary Committee five years. waters. Commercial species of the AFZ to longitude are taken on the upper (200 to &%FFQXBUFS 700 m) and mid-continental off WA, from the 200-m slope but generally not in large isobath to the edge of the quantities. AFZ. Western Tuna Broadbill swordfish Xiphias( Pelagic, minor Extends westward from Western None of the and Billfish gladius), yellowfin tuna Thunnus( UPOOFT line and purse Cape York Peninsula Tuna and licensed vessels albacares), bigeye tuna (T. JODMVEFT seine. 110 permits. & Pí2VFFOTMBOE Billfish Fishery are reported to obesus), albacore tuna (T. tonnes of skipjack Operates mainly UP4PíUIF8FTUFSO Management operate around alalunga) and longtail tuna (T. tuna) between October Australian west coast. It Advisory the project tonggol). and March. also extends eastward Committee area. GSPN4PíUIFXFTU coast of Western Australia across the Great Australian #JHIUUP&BUUIF 4PVUI"VTUSBMJBOm7JDUPSJBO border. State Managed Fisheries Exmouth Western king prawns (Penaeus TFBTPO Otter trawls. Essentially the western Joint Trawl No. Gulf Prawn latisulcatus), brown tiger prawns UPOOFT Opening and half of the Exmouth Gulf Management Managed (Penaeus esculentus), endeavour closing dates (eastern part is a nursery Advisory Fishery prawns (Metapenaeus spp.) vary each year. ground). The Muiron Committee (Plate 4.14) and banana prawns (Penaeus Closures in the Islands and Point Murat merguiensis). Largest prawn early part of the provide the western fishery in Western Australia. TFBTPO "QSJMm+VMZ CPVOEBSZ4FSSVSJFS*TMBOE to avoid fishing on provides the northern TNBMMQSBXOT limit. licences. Wetline Multiple species caught. The The most-caught Mostly taken PG8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJBT Unknown Yes. Fishery most-caught species by weight species (see by vessels wetline catch was from the Average of JODPNQSJTFEHPMECBOE left) had the targeting pink Gascoyne coast bioregion between 30 snapper (Pristipomoides multidens), following catches snapper. Covers EVSJOH UPUPOOFT pink snapper (Pagrus auratus), ruby JO all coastal and caught (5-year snapper (Etelis carbunculus), and SFTQFDUJWFMZU offshore waters average, Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus U U BOEU off the Western UP commerson). Australian coast. 2002/03).

4PVSDFT"'." 1FOOFUBM -ZODIBOE(BSWFZ 8PPETJEF 8"'*$

114 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 4.19 Commercial fisheries in and around the Van Gogh development area

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 115 Table 4.10 BOEUXPZFBSBWFSBHFGPSWJTJUPSTUPUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUI Intrastate (within WA) Interstate International Overnight visitors 17,000 Visitor nights 507,000 Average nights stayed 11.1 3.7 Total visitor composition Source: Tourism WA (2007).

the total visitors to the Shire of Exmouth, and they also stayed the most number of nights. International visitors outnumbered interstate visitors but stayed a slightly shorter length of time.

Wood (2007) reports that international tourism increased from less UIBOPGUPVSJTUOVNCFSTJOUPNPSFUIBOJO

5PVSJTN8"EBUBJOEJDBUFTUIBUUPVSJTNHFOFSBUFTJOUIFPSEFSPG NJMMJPOBZFBSGPS&YNPVUI XJUIUPVSJTNPQFSBUPSTCBTFEJOUIF town (Flood pers. comm., 2007).

Table 4.11 provides a more detailed regional perspective of visitors to the Shire of Exmouth from the period 2002 and 2003 to 2005 and Plate 4.14 Prawn trawling vessels at Exmouth Marina Table 4.11 clearly indicates that overnight visitors in all categories IBWFCFFOJOBHSBEVBMEFDMJOFTJODF EPXOPWFS XJUI also caught around the reefs. Restricted fishing areas are in place in intrastate visitors accounting for over half the visitor stays. The main Ningaloo Marine Park. purpose of all stays is for holidays and leisure, which has remained Offshore angling takes place from large boats (including charter TUBCMF BU BCPVU XJUI USBWFM GPS CVTJOFTT QVSQPTFT UIF OFYU vessels) past the reef edge and around the islands of the Exmouth main reason. A large part of the business travel category may be Gulf. Such recreational fishing activities are rarely likely to extend attributable to the oil and gas industry in the region. In terms of into the Van Gogh development area. accommodation choices, Table 4.11 indicates that camping is the QSFGFSSFEGPSNPGBDDPNNPEBUJPOBOEXIJMFWJTJUPSOVNCFSTIBWF Game fishing is concentrated in the deeper waters on the reef edge declined over the trend period, camping has increased in terms of and around the islands, and target species include marlin, sailfish, the percentage of accommodation types. This may be attributable Spanish mackerel, tuna and trevally. Game fish charters operate year- to the heavily overbooked holiday accommodation in Exmouth. round but predominantly during the winter tourist season. “Gamex”, 5IFDPNQMFUJPOPGUIFGPVSTUBS SPPN/PWPUFM/JOHBMPP3FTPSU a major game fishing competition, is held in Exmouth during October BU UIF &YNPVUI .BSJOB JO %FDFNCFS JT MJLFMZ UP SFTVMU JO each year. increased hotel visitor stays reflected in future tourism surveys and will lead to increased tourism and spending in the region, attracting 4.5.6 Tourism clientele with high disposable incomes. Anecdotally, this is already 5IFQPQVMBUJPOPG&YNPVUITXFMMTUPPWFS QFPQMFXIFOUPVSJTUT occurring. escape cold winter conditions to enjoy Exmouth’s mild subtropical Almost half of all visits to the Shire of Exmouth are for the purpose climate and its numerous tourism drawcards. The primary attraction is of partaking in outdoor/nature activities and sports/active outdoor Ningaloo Reef and its associated whale, dolphin and turtle watching, activities, which includes going to the beach, visiting the national coral snorkelling, swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, and park, whale/dolphin watching, diving, fishing, going on wildlife ñTIJOH 4IJSFPG&YNPVUI tours and so forth. Clearly, the natural assets of the region are the Local residents seeking aquatic recreation, such as boating, diving key to its attraction for tourists. The Navy Pier is widely regarded as and fishing, use the coast and islands of the Exmouth Gulf, such as the second-best marine dive site in the world, the first being Sipidan the Muiron Islands and Sunday Island. The deep open waters of the (an island off Borneo in Malaysia). In June 2007, a local dive operator Van Gogh development area do not support recreational or tourism was awarded the Commonwealth Department of Defence contract activity. to operate the Navy Pier dive site and is starting to market the site around the world, aiming at the thousands of divers who regularly Broad research statistics from Tourism Western Australia for tourism in spend several weeks each year diving at the top dive sites in the UIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUIGPSBOEBSFQSPWJEFEJOTable 4.10. world (Exmouth Expression, 2007). With the release of this site to The data outlined in Table 4.10 JOEJDBUFT UIBU GPS BOE tourism ventures and its active marketing, tourism in the region is travellers from within Western Australia accounted for more than half likely to increase in coming years.

116 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 4.11 5PVSJTNUSFOETGPSUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUIGSPNUP

Annual average Annual average Annual average Annual average 2002 & 2003 2003 & 2004 2004 & 2005 2005 & 2006 Visitors % Visitors % Visitors % Visitors % Overnight visitors Intrastate 55 59,500 57 51,000 53 Interstate 20,000 15,500 15 17,500 19 17,000 20 International 30,000 27 27 Total 110,000 104,600 94,300 86,300 Purpose of visit (combining domestic and international) Holiday 75 VFR 2,200 2 7 3,200 Business 11,500 10 11,100 11 11 10 Other 1 200 0 3,200 3 3,100 Total 110,100 104,100 93,800 86,300 Accommodation (combining domestic and international) Camp* 50 52 53 Backpack** 11,200 11 9 9 11 Hotel etc. 23 21 22 21 Rent 10,000 11 9 7 FR 5,200 5 5 5 2 Other 5 5 7 Total 99,700 92,400 86,700 82,300 Leisure activities (combining domestic and international***)^ Outdoor 25 23 Sports† 25 Arts 25,300 10 27,900 11 11 31,100 12 Attractions 12 13 Social 27 27 Total 255,100 244,100 243,300 262,000 Transport (combining domestic and international) Private 57,100 55 Air 9,300 9 9 10 Hire car 9 11,700 9,900 12 Bus 17,300 11,200 12 11 13 $BNQFSWBO 5,300 5 5,300 5,900 7 Other 3 1 300 0 2,300 3 Total 98,000 93,200 86,300 81,400

4PVSDF5PVSJTN8" 7'3mWJTJUJOHGSJFOETPSSFMBUJWFT '3mGSJFOETPSSFMBUJWFT $BNQmJODMVEFTDBSBWBOOJOH ** Captures only international visitors. *** International visitor leisure activities may have also been undertaken in other parts of Australia. ^ Numbers of leisure activities vary significantly from visitor numbers as visitors may undertake more than one activity when visiting the region. † Sports also includes scuba diving, fishing, golf, etc. $BNQFSWBO TFMGESJWFWBOBOENPUPSIPNFDBQUVSFTJOUFSOBUJPOBMWJTJUPSTPOMZ

Swimming with whale sharks was enjoyFECZNPSFUIBOPGBMM Private vehicle use is four times higher among domestic visitors tourists in Exmouth during the whale shark season (March to June) than international visitors, as would be expected. The next most in 2002 (Wood, 2007). popular method of travel is by bus or coach (generally likely to be Private vehicle use is the key method of transport to, from and organised tours), which is the most popular method of transport with XJUIJOUIF4IJSFPG&YNPVUI BUHSFBUFSUIBOPf transport type. international visitors, closely followed by motor homes/campervans.

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 117 Tourist expenditure in the Gascoyne region has steadily increased and troglofBVOB PGUIF$BQF3BOHF1FOJOTVMB was spent by tourists in the region, almost $150 million of this Sites of importance include cave systems immediately south DPNJOHGSPNEPNFTUJDWJTJUPST (%$ of Exmouth (i.e., Cameron’s Cave). Ten small animals have been recorded existing in this cave (CALM, undated, a). Bundera Sinkhole, 4.5.7 Scientific Research on the western side of the Cape Range Peninsula, is home to the Aerial and Vessel Surveys Cape Range Remipede Community, containing a unique assemblage of stygobitic animals with the only known representative of the Several agencies, including AIMS, CSIRO, DEC, University of Western crustacean class Remipedia in the southern hemisphere (CALM, Australia and Curtin University, have conducted scientific research undated, b). in the greater Exmouth region (mainly reef-based) and often in conjunction with oil and gas companies that sponsor much of this A North West Cape Karst Management Advisory Committee has work as a result of their FPSO developments. Many of the results been formed, with representatives from the DEC, Shire of Exmouth, of this work, focused on investigating biodiversity, oceanography, WA Museum, WA Water and Rivers Commission, Department of megafauna abundance and distribution, seabed dynamics and coral Defence and the WA Speleological Group (Exmouth), as a recovery spawning, are presented in Section 4.4. team for the above-described communities. Interim Recovery Plans have been prepared for the communities, which are classified as a Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre “Threatened Ecological Community” and as “Critically Endangered” The Gascoyne Development Commission and the Shire of Exmouth under the EPBC Act. Threats to these unique communities include are project partners in aiming to develop a $20 million Ningaloo uncontrolled access to these areas, groundwater pollution, cave Ocean and Earth Research Centre at the Exmouth Marina. The diving and rubbish dumping. campaign for this facility is headed by the Ningaloo Research Centre Western Australian Marine Science Institution Management Committee. Funding for the centre is expected to The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) is a come from the state and Commonwealth governments, together newly formed institution, aimed at establishing research capability with private industry. Construction of the centre is expected to be for the conservation and sustainable management of Western completed in May 2009, to coincide with the Ningaloo Whale Shark Australia’s marine environment. There are 12 core parties in the 'FTUJWBM (%$ BOE 4IJSF PG &YNPVUI BOE UIF *OUFSOBUJPOBM collaborative venture, including Commonwealth and Western Whale Shark Conference, which the management committee is Australian government research organisations (e.g., the Bureau of trying to bring to Exmouth. Meteorology, CSIRO and AIMS), Western Australian universities and The Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre aims to provide a: the private sector. Two projects currently focused on the marine environment of the area involve researching the dynamics and r 8PSMEDMBTT JOEFQFOEFOU NVMUJEJTDJQMJOBSZSFTFBSDIBOE impacts of the Leeuwin Current on the marine environment of conference centre for national and international research and Western Australia and developing a model of the circulation within educational bodies, industry and other stakeholders. the Ningaloo Marine Tract (WAMSI, 2007), part of a broader WAMSI r $BUBMZTUUPFOTVSFMPOHUFSNTVTUBJOBCMFFDPMPHJDBMBOEFDPOPNJD Ningaloo Research Program (CSIRO, undated). viability of the area and the management and conservation of More information about the WAMSI can be found at world heritage value. http://www.wamsi.org.au.

r *OUFHSBMMJOLJOUIFSFTFBSDIOFUXPSLPGUIFDPVOUSZ BOBTTFUBOE Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster source of pride to the Exmouth community (Ningaloo Research, The Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster brings together the research 2007). capabilities of Murdoch University, Curtin University of Technology, The concept design and master plan for the centre incorporates the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, University laboratory and research facilities, administration and office areas, of Western Australia, Edith Cowan University, Australian National teaching and conference facilities, accommodation for researchers, University, University of Queensland and the CSIRO Wealth from students and their families, services and storage (Ningaloo Research, Oceans Flagship. 2007). Through the CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship Fund, scientists More information about the proposal can be found at in this collaboration aim to describe, understand and model key http://www.ningalooresearch.org and http://www.gdc.wa.gov.au. processes whereby humans and the reef interact in order to explore alternative scenarios for management and development of the Cape Range Caves and Groundwater unique region. The cluster program was allocated $2.3 million over The DEC (Exmouth) has undertaken studies into subterranean fauna UISFFZFBSTUISPVHIUIFGVOE XJUIQBSUOFSTDPOUSJCVUJOHNJMMJPO SFGFSSFE UP BT TUZHPGBVOB in in-kind resources (CSIRO, undated).

118 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development This work will complement the WAMSI research efforts, with free More information about SERPENT can be found at transfer of data between the cluster, WAMSI and government http://www.serpentproject.com. agencies (CSIRO, undated). 4.5.8 Military Use SERPENT The Commonwealth Department of Defence maintains the Harold E. 4&31&/5 JT UIF BDSPOZN GPS UIF A4DJFOUJñD BOE &OWJSPONFOUBM Holt Naval Communication Station and its associated facilities north ROV Partnership using Existing Industrial Technology’ and is a of Exmouth (see Plate 4.9), including the Naval Pier at Point Murat. collaborative program between scientific partners, institutions and The communication station was jointly established by the USA and a network of major oil and gas operators and contractors hosted Australian governments as a very low frequency (VLF) radio relay at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (UK). The TUBUJPOJOEVSJOHUIF$PME8BSZFBST BOEJUXBTMFBTFEUPUIF project centres around the opportunistic and ad hoc use of ROVs 64" GPS ZFBST BGUFS DPOTUSVDUJPO XBT DPNQMFUFE JO 5IF in operational settings during periods of non-essential use (standby base’s main purpose was to carry out naval communications by VLF time) and the utilisation of data collected as part of routine offshore transmitters. The employment of over 900 American and Australian work and previous environmental assessment. Essentially, the QFSTPOOFMMFEUPUIFFTUBCMJTINFOUPGUIFUPXOPG&YNPVUIJO project aims to shed more light on the underexplored deep-sea ")$ D environment that covers a vast portion of the planet. 5IF 64 /BWZ TUBSUFE WBDBUJOH UIF TUBUJPO JO BOE JO JU The SERPENT project aims to catalogue and describe new and novel reverted to the Commonwealth Department of Defence. A civilian marine species and examine global distributions of key deep-sea base operations maintenance and support contractor currently species, among others. QSPWJEFTTFSWJDFTVQQPSUUPUIFTUBUJPO ")$ D Abutting the southern boundary of the Cape Range National Park is In Australia, the SERPENT project began survey work in 2005 to explore Commonwealth Defence Land used as an RAAF bombing range. the deep ocean of the North West Shelf (Enfield and Pluto locations) and the Browse Basin. ROV deployment focused on returning data The Learmonth RAAF Base, also referred to as “Potshot”, provided on megafauna ecology, particularly abundance, diversity and protection for the US Navy’s submarine base in the Exmouth Gulf and distribution, and the impacts of drill cuttings on benthic fauna also housed a variety of RAAF radar stations providing early warning BCVOEBODF EJWFSTJUZBOEEJTUSJCVUJPO 4&31&/5 5IFJSSFTFBSDI of any enemy movements. Construction of the airbase began in suggests little difference in the diversity of organisms visiting baited ")% D "GUFS8PSME8BS** UIFBJSñFMEXBTVQHSBEFEJO traps inside and outside drill spoil areas, and rapid recolonisation of the early 1970s and today is one of the RAAF’s “bare bases” that can support operational and exercise deployments as required (Dept of disturbed drill sites and has found many novel species not previously Defence, 2007) but is not an active base. TFFOJO"VTUSBMJBOXBUFST 4&31&/5 Apache is collaborating with the SERPENT project to facilitate 4.5.9 Shipping research from the Stena Clyde semi-submersible drill rig while it is Under the Commonwealth Navigation Act 1912, all vessels operating on location at Van Gogh. This presents a unique opportunity for the in Australian waters are required to report their location on a daily project to explore the Exmouth Sub-basin by adding to the data basis to the Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra. This Australian already collected from the Woodside Enfield location. The aims of Ship Reporting System (AUSREP) is an integral part of the Australian the Apache collaboration are to: Maritime Search and Rescue system and is operated by the Australian r .BQCFOUIJDIBCJUBUTBOERVBOUJGZCFOUIJDFQJGBVOBMPSHBOJTNT Maritime Safety Authority through the Rescue Coordination Centre and their activity. ".4" No defined shipping lanes exist in the North West Cape region r 2VBOUJGZOFBSCPUUPNDVSSFOUT VTJOHBDPVTUJDEPQQMFS (Woodside, 2002). For the years 1999 to 2003, an average of 1,200 velocimeters). vessels per year passed through the North West Cape area, with over r .FBTVSFUFNQPSBMDIBOHFTJOEFNFSTBMñTIBCVOEBODF 500 passing through the Van Gogh development area each year (Woodside, 2005). r .FBTVSFUFNQPSBMDIBOHFTJOTPGUCPUUPNDPNNVOJUJFT "643&1EBUBGSPNUPJOEJDBUFTPCWJPVTTIJQQJOHSPVUFT r .BQIBCJUBUPOTVCTFBTUSVDUVSFT (Figure 4.20 XJUIBOPSUImTPVUITIJQQJOHQBTTBHFSVOOJOHQBSBMMFM r 4UVEZDPNNVOJUZTVDDFTTJPOPOTVCTFBTUSVDUVSFTBUESJMMJOHTJUFT to the Cape Range Peninsula. Woodside (2002) reports that for 1999 UP BCPVUWFTTFMTVTFEUIJTQBTTBHF r %FUFSNJOFUIFQIZTJPMPHJDBMTUSFTTSFTQPOTFPGEFFQTFBGBVOBUP drill spoil. Another shipping passage parallels the coast between the North West Cape and the Port of Dampier, with significantly fewer vessles r $IBSBDUFSJTFGBVOBDIFNJDBMEJWFSTJUZ using this on an annual basis (less than 150 annually) (Woodside, r $IBSBDUFSJTFEFFQTFBGPPEXFCT 2002).

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 119 Figure 4.20 4IJQQJOHQBUUFSOTPOUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMGGSPNUP

Source: AMSA (2007).

120 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 4.5.10 Oil and Gas Industry r /BUJPOBM)FSJtage List. The oil and gas industry has had a presence in the Exmouth region r )JTUPSJD4IJQXSFDLT3FHJTUFS since oil was first discovered by West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd The Heritage Council of Western Australia also maintains a heritage 8"1&5 JOUIFPOTIPSF3PVHI3BOHFñFMEJO LNTPVUIPG database, discussed later in this section. Exmouth. Eleven wells were subsequently drilled (Ellis and Jonasson, 2001). The Exmouth Sub-basin and surrounding basins contain Only the non-indigenous sites on lists or registers of relevance to known or highly prospective hydrocarbon fields that have been the Van Gogh development area are described in this section and subject to exploration activity since this time. Australia’s first flowing summarised in Table 4.12. Several sites are located on more than XFMMXBTESJMMFEJOUIJTCBTJO 1BSSZBOE4NJUI XJUIOVNFSPVT one list or register. wells drilled onshore in and around the Cape Range National Park World Heritage List (prior to its declaration as a conservation reserve). The Western Australian Government has written to the Other petroleum field developments that operate in or are Commonwealth Government requesting the Ningaloo Reef, Cape planned for development in the Exmouth Sub-basin are outlined in Range, Learmonth Air Weapons Range Facility and additional areas Table 1.4 and illustrated in Figure 1.6. These are all FPSO be nominated for World Heritage Listing for their natural beauty developments operating in a similar manner to that proposed for and pristine condition, their significance to Aboriginal people and the Van Gogh development. their diversity of marine life. If agreed to by the Commonwealth, the 5IF(SJîOPJMBOEHBTQSPKFDUJTMPDBUFELNPíTIPSFPG0OTMPX nomination would be assessed by the World Heritage Bureau and its and was the first FPSO in the region. Operated by BHP Billiton, oil BTTPDJBUFEPSHBOJTBUJPOT ")$ D and gas from the Griffin, Chinook and Scindian fields are produced Commonwealth Heritage List via the Griffin Venture, a disconnectable FPSO vessel. The oil is stored POCPBSE BOEUIFHBTJTQJQFEUPTIPSFWJBBLNMPOHPíTIPSF The Commonwealth Heritage List aims to protect places that reflect pipeline and then exported directly into the Dampier to Bunbury Australia’s progression to nationhood. Natural Gas Pipeline (see Figure 1.6). Work was recently completed Listings that occur in the Exmouth region include the: on the subsea systems to extend the life of the fields for many more years (DoIR, 2007). Adjacent to the BHP Billiton gas plant is the r $PNNPOXFBMUIXBUFSTPG/JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSL Tubridgi liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas plant, which was r -FBSNPOUI"JS8FBQPOT3BOHF'BDJMJUZ recently purchased by BHP Billiton from Origin Energy Ltd. r )BSPME&)PMU/BWBM$PNNVOJDBUJPO4UBUJPO 4.5.11 Other Industry The Commonwealth waters of Ningaloo Marine Park are registered as a listed place for their numerous biological values, including that Onslow Salt Pty Ltd operates a solar salt operation, which covers they is an important feeding area for whale sharks and one of the TPNF IBUPUIFTPVUIBOEFBTUPG0OTMPXBOEDPNNFODFE few places in the world where they are known to congregate close production in 2000. It has an annual production capacity of 2.5 UPUIFNBJOMBOE ")%$B NJMMJPO UPOOFT .JUTVJ FYQPSUJOH UIF TBMU UP DIMPSJOF BOE BMLBMJOFDIFNJDBMJOEVTUSJFTJO"TJB 4USBJUT The Learmonth Air Weapons Range Facility, located 30 km southwest PG-FBSNPOUIBOEDPWFSJOHBOBSFBPG IB JTBOBSFBVTFEGPS Straits Salt Pty Ltd is proposing to develop a 10 million tonne per military exercises and as a bombing range. It includes an ancient annum solar salt field (Yannarie Solar) on the eastern margin of reef complex and cave fauna of exceptional importance. It also has UIF &YNPVUI (VMG 4USBJUT 5IF QSPKFDU JT DVSSFOUMZ CFJOH historic associations with European exploration and development environmentally assessed by the WA Environmental Protection of the North West Cape and northern Western Australia, including Authority. QFBSMJOHBOEXIBMJOHBDUJWJUJFT ")$ F 4.5.12 Non-Indigenous Heritage, Social and The Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station at Cape Range is Cultural Values registered as an indicative place (no formal registration has occurred) on the Commonwealth Heritage List. This section outlines the non-indigenous heritage values of the area (predominantly terrestrial), obtained from government databases. Register of the National Estate and the National Heritage List The overarching database is the Australian Heritage Database (AHD), The Register of the National Estate (RNE) is a list of more than 13,000 maintained by the DEW. This database contains listings pertaining to: natural, historic and indigenous sites of significance and is managed r 8PSME)FSJUBHF-JTU by the Australian Heritage Council division of the DEW. From 19 'FCSVBSZ UIF 3FHJTUFS IBT CFFO GSP[FO NFBOJOH UIBU OP r $PNNPOXFBMUI)FSJUBHF-JTU QMBDFTDBOCFBEEFEPSSFNPWFE0O+BOVBSZ BOFXOBUJPOBM r 3FHJTUFSPGUIF/BUJPOBM&TUBUF heritage system was established under the EPBC Act, known as the

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 121 Table 4.12 Summary of non-indigenous heritage values around the North West Cape

Name List/Register Status ID Listed Cape Range Geological Site RNE Registered Cape Range National Park and surrounds RNE Registered Cape Range and adjacent coastal plain RNE Registered Fairy Queen shipwreck RNE Registered Exmouth Gulf and Rowley Shelf islands RNE Registered 10050 Learmonth Air Weapons Range Facility RNE Registered Commonwealth Heritage List Listed 105551 Naval Communication Station Harold Holt RNE Registered 103552 (Area A) Commonwealth Heritage List Indicative 105590 N/A

Naval Communication Station Harold Holt RNE Registered (Area B) Commonwealth Heritage List Indicative 105550 N/A

Naval Communication Station Harold Holt RNE Registered N/A (Area C) Commonwealth Heritage List Indicative 105591 N/A

Muiron Islands and adjacent marine area RNE Registered N/A /JOHBMPP.BSJOF"SFB1BSLm RNE Registered 30/05/1995 Commonwealth waters Commonwealth Heritage List Listed Place N/A Ningaloo Reef Tract RNE Registered Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Heritage List Nominated Place N/A Vlamingh Head Lighthouse RNE Registered 10795

4PVSDF")$

National Heritage List, designed to recognise and protect places of Historic Shipwrecks Register outstanding heritage to the nation. The new list was established Under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, all in line with a 1997 agreement by the Council of Australian shipwrecks older than 75 years are protected, while those dated Governments that each level of government should be responsible pre-1900 are protected by Western Australian law under the for protecting heritage at the appropriate level. As a result, there is Maritime Archaeology Act 1973. Records maintained by the WA now a significant level of overlap between the RNE and the National .BSJUJNF .VTFVN 4IJQXSFDL %BUBCBTF 8" .VTFVN BOE Heritage List (DEW, 2007a). UIF"VTUSBMJBO/BUJPOBM4IJQXSFDL%BUBCBTF %&) C JOEJDBUF A transition period of five years has been provided to allow that several ships were wrecked close to the coast around the North governments to consider whether there are places on the Register 8FTU$BQFBOEUIBUXSFDLTBSFSFDPSEFEJOUIF&YNPVUI(VMG that should receive protection under another statutory list. After this as outlined in Table 4.13. Apache’s geophysical seabed survey time (February 2012), the Register’s statutory basis will be removed indicates no wrecks are present in or around the development area. (DEW, 2007a). State Register of Heritage Places

The Cape Range National Park and surrounds, islands of the The Heritage Council of Western Australia is the state’s advisory body Exmouth Gulf and Rowley Shelf, and Ningaloo Marine Park are all on heritage matters and focuses on places, buildings and sites. It was listed on the RNE for their pristine and wilderness values, among set up under the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990. The Heritage others. Several other historic places are listed on the RNE in the area, Council’s mission is to provide for and encourage the conservation such as the Learmonth Air Weapons Range Facility and the Harold of places that have significance to the cultural heritage of Western Holt Naval Communications Tower (see Table 4.12). The Fairy Queen Australia (Heritage Council of WA, 2007). shipwreck at Point Murat was registered as a site representative of The State Register of Heritage Places includes about 1,200 registered the pearling industry at a time of social problems in regard to labour sites, including buildings, gardens, cemeteries and archaeological recruitment. sites. These sites are protected under the Heritage of Western The Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range and Exmouth Gulf areas are Australia Act 1990. Any changes or works that may affect that place’s nominated for inclusion in the new National Heritage List. significance must be referred to the Heritage Council for advice to

122 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 4.13 Shipwrecks in the vicinity of the North West Cape and Exmouth Gulf

Shipwreck Date wrecked Vessel type North West Cape region Beatrice .BSDI Wooden lugger Gem .BSDI Lugger Hampton Unknown Wooden cutter Lady Ann Unknown Ship Mildura SS (Plate 4.15) 12 March 1907 Iron screw steamer Occator 'FCSVBSZ Wooden brigantine Exmouth Gulf Agnes 6OLOPXOm Wooden lugger Airlie +BOVBSZ Wooden schooner Bell 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Blossom Unknown Wooden schooner Cossack 'FCSVBSZ Wooden cutter Cutty Sark .BSDI Wooden schooner Eclipse .BSDI Schooner &MJ[BCFUI 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Ellen 'FCSVBSZ Unknown Fairy Queen (listed on the Register of the National 0DUPCFS Brigantine Estate) Florence 'FCSVBSZ Cutter Hawk .BSDI Wooden lugger Kapala Unknown Unknown Kate Florence .BSDI Schooner Lamareaux 'FCSVBSZ Lugger Leave 'FCSVBSZ Lugger Lily of the Lake %FDFNCFS Wooden schooner Mabel 'FCSVBSZ Lugger Nellie 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Olive 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Pearl 'FCSVBSZ Cutter Rose Unknown Wooden lugger Ruby 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Sea Queen 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Smuggler 'FCSVBSZ Wooden lugger Unknown 'FCSVBSZ Lugger Veronica +VMZ Fishing vessel Wild Wave %FDFNCFS Wooden schooner

Source: WA Maritime Museum (2007). NB: The numerous wrecks south of Vlamingh Head lighthouse and north of Exmouth Gulf are not listed as they are not within the development footprint. /#5IFOVNFSPVTTIJQTXJUIUIFTBNFXSFDLEBUFT FH 'FCSVBSZBOE.BSDI BSFBUUSJCVUBCMFUPDZDMPOFT XIFSFNBOZWFTTFMTJOBóFFUXFSFXSFDLFE (SFFO QFSTDPNN

ensure that any proposed changes do not have an adverse impact the National Heritage List and the Register of the National Trust. on the significant values of a place (Heritage Council of WA, 2007). There are more than 17,500 places on the “Places Database”. Places The “Places Database” includes locations listed in the State Register, listed on this database for the Shire of Exmouth are listed in Table as well as those listed in a local government’s municipal inventory, 4.14 (Heritage Council of WA, 2007).

$IBQUFS%FTDSJQUJPOPGUIF&OWJSPONFOU] 123 Table 4.14 Places database for the Shire of Exmouth

Bundegi-Cape Well Pt Murat Pier Cape Range & adjacent coastal plain Point Cloates Lighthouse and quarters (ruins)* Cape Range No. 1 oil well RAAF Base Learmonth Cape Range No. 2 oil well Rough Range No. 1 oil well Charles Knife Road Shire Library Community Hall Shothole Canyon and Road Exmouth Fire Station Staff House Exmouth Police Station and lockup Tantabiddi Well Exmouth War Memorial Transit House F. J. Reddy’s Grave 7-'5PXFSTm/BWBM$PNNVOJDBUJPO4UBUJPO First trees planted in Exmouth Vlamingh Head Lighthouse group* Giralia Station Vlamingh Head Radar Naval Communication Station Western Australian Petroleum Jetty (ruin) Norwegian Bay Whaling Station* Yardie Creek 0QFSBUJPO1PUTIPUmTJUF Yardie Creek Homestead * Listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

4.5.13 Aboriginal Heritage, Social and Cultural It is considered highly unlikely that any Aboriginal sites or areas of Values cultural significance are located within the Van Gogh development Heritage area. Seabed surveys did not reveal any seabed artefacts (Tri-Surv, 2007a). No Aboriginal sites or areas of cultural significance are listed The foreshore and hinterland of the Cape Range Peninsula are rich for the Shire of Exmouth in the Australian Heritage Database. The in Aboriginal heritage, containing burial grounds, middens and fish Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands Heritage Protection traps. The Jinigudira and Baiyungu people, or tribes, were the first to Act 1984 protects all Aboriginal sites and artefacts of significance. occupy the area, with the former occupying most of the land adjacent to the reef and northern cape (CALM/MPRA, 2005). Tribes camped in Six Exmouth residents are of Aboriginal ancestry according to the coastal dunes and rock shelters. Archaeological records suggest UIF "#4 $FOTVT "#4 "O FOEPSTFE SFQSFTFOUBUJWF GPS occupation commenced up to 32,000 years ago and also provide the Custodian of the North West Cape, Mr Syd Dale, works for the the earliest confirmed record of Pleistocene marine resource use North West Cape (Exmouth) Aboriginal Corporation dealing with in Australia (CALM/MPRA, 2005). Both tribes are recognised as the development and other issues that may impact on Aboriginal traditional owners of this land, although these families now live in heritage sites or values in the region. Apache has liaised with his regional centres, including Onslow and Carnarvon. endorsed representative to ensure its activities do not impinge on Aboriginal sites or values.

Native Title

A Native Title claim over the entire area of the North West Cape was BQQMJFEGPSJO"QSJM SFGFSSFEUPBTUIF(OVMMJ$MBJN 8$ (National Native Title Tribunal, 2007). This claim covers an area of PWFS LN2 of the Upper West Gascoyne and Murchison regions, extending inland for about 300 km and offshore for about 30 km. The claim area does not extend to the Van Gogh development area. There are also two claims covering the land area on the eastern side PG&YNPVUI(VMGCZUIF5IBMBOZKJDMBJNBOU 8$BOE8$ Plate 4.15 The SS Mildura shipwreck, located at the tip of the (National Native Title Tribunal, 2007). North West Cape

124 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Environmental Impact Assessment 5

5.1 OVERVIEW years of oil and gas exploration and development means that the overall assigning of significance to a particular issue or impact also Environmental impact assessment (EIA) refers to a process where takes into consideration this subjective knowledge in conjunction IB[BSET BSF RVBOUJUBUJWFMZ BOEPS RVBMJUBUJWFMZ BTTFTTFE GPS UIFJS XJUIUIFIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTTVOEFSUBLFOGPSUIF7BO(PHI impact on the environment (physical, biological, and socio-economic) development (see Section 5.2.2). of a defined location. Statements on the significance of an impact are in relation to the This chapter provides an EIA of the known and potential environmental controlling provisions for the Van Gogh development as specified in impacts of the Van Gogh development as it is described in Chapter the EPBC Act Schedule for the development, these being: 2. It excludes those impacts that may arise from the drilling phase of the development, as these have been assessed in a separate (and r 4FDUJPOTBOE" -JTUFEUISFBUFOFETQFDJFTBOEDPNNVOJUJFT approved) Drilling Environment Plan. Environmental risk avoidance, (see Section 4.2.1). mitigation and management measures are also discussed in this r 4FDUJPOTBOE" -JTUFENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT chapter. The scope of environmental risks assessed is based on the (see Section 4.2.1). PER Guidelines prepared by the DEW (see Appendix 1). r 4FDUJPOTBOE" .BSJOFFOWJSPONFOU The Van Gogh development is very similar to other FPSO projects (see Sections 4.3 and 4.4). in the Exmouth Sub-basin that are operating, under construction, Where significance is not related to these EPBC Act provisions (such or have been approved for construction by the Commonwealth as socio-economic factors), then significance is based on the results Government under the EPBC Act. The engineering team working on PGBQQMZJOHUIFIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTT TFF Section 5.2.2) to the Van Gogh development has had previous experience designing each issue. other FPSO developments in the region and have brought their “lessons learned” to this development. This has resulted in design 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT improvements being incorporated into the FPSO with the aim of ASSESSMENT METHOD further improving the environmental performance of the project.

Table 5.1 compares the surrounding FPSO developments in the 5.2.1 Background Exmouth Sub-basin to the Van Gogh development. The combined As with any major activity or development that Apache undertakes, expertise of the Van Gogh engineering team has resulted in UIFIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTTJTBOJOUFHSBMQBSUPGBOBMZTJOHUIF best-practice environmental management being applied to the known and potential environmental, engineering, safety and social EFWFMPQNFOUUISPVHIEFTJHOBOEXIFSFEFTJHOIBTOPUCFJOHBCMF IB[BSET JOWPMWFE XJUI UIF 7BO (PHI EFWFMPQNFOU #Z BOBMZTJOH to eliminate environmental risks, they have been reduced to as low UIF SJTLT PG UIFTF IB[BSET EVSJOH UIF FBSMZ EFTJHO TUBHF PG UIF as reasonably practicable (ALARP). EFWFMPQNFOU BOZIB[BSEUIBUJTEFFNFEBOVOBDDFQUBCMFSJTLDBO and must be designed out or mitigated for before engineering can 5.1.1 Defining Environmental Significance continue. Throughout the environmental impact assessment presented in this Risk assessment is defined as the process of determining the section, the terms “significant” or “significant impact” are often used. frequency of occurrence of an event and the probable magnitude of These terms are used according to the definition in the EPBC Act BEWFSTFFíFDUTmFDPOPNJD IVNBOTBGFUZBOEIFBMUI PSFDPMPHJDBMm 1PMJDZ4UBUFNFOU %&) D PWFSBTQFDJñFEQFSJPEPGUJNF ,PMMVSV

A “significant impact” is an impact which is important, notable, or The process of identifying the risks and likelihood of given events of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity. Whether and the magnitude of their effects consists of several interrelated or not an action is likely to have a significant impact depends steps, including: upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment which r Risk identificationmSFDPHOJTJOHUIBUSJTLTFYJTUBOEJEFOUJGZJOHUIFJS is impacted, and upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and characteristics. geographic extent of the impacts. r Risk determinationmEFUFSNJOJOHUIFDIBSBDUFSJTUJDTPGSJTLTFJUIFS For a significant impact to be “likely”: qualitatively or quantitatively. These may include frequency, it is not necessary for a significant impact to have a greater than magnitude, spatial scale, duration and intensity of adverse DIBODFPGIBQQFOJOHJUJTTVîDJFOUJGBTJHOJñDBOUJNQBDUPO consequences. the environment is a real or not remote chance or possibility. r Risk control m TFUUJOH VQ B NBOBHFNFOU TZTUFN XJUI TUBOEBSET While the assessment in this section is as objectively based as possible, procedures, guidelines and so forth to decrease or eliminate risk Apache’s working knowledge of the North West Shelf through many and to review performance.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 125 Table 5.1 Comparison of the proposed Van Gogh development to other FPSO developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin

Design Element Apache BHP Billiton Woodside Van Gogh Pyrenees Stybarrow Enfield Vincent Development Development Development Development Development Status FEED Approved by Approved by Commenced operating Approved by Major contracts Commonwealth Commonwealth JO+VMZ Commonwealth awarded Government Government Government Sanctioned for Commenced operating Under construction development in July in November 2007 2007 Drilling expected to DPNNFODFJOMBUF Concept Subsea completions with wells connecting field to flowlines and risers arrangement development Processing and storage on FPSO with tanker export Location Permit Area WA- Permit Area WA- Permit Area WA-255-P Permit Area WA-271-P 1FSNJU"SFB8"- 155-P(1) Defined Area 155-P(1) and WA-12-R Approximately 25 km Approximately 10 km "QQSPYJNBUFMZLN Exmouth Sub-basin, Approximately 11 km west of Van Gogh southwest of Van Gogh southeast of Van Gogh part of the Southern southeast of Van Gogh Carnarvon Basin Oil characteristics "1* "1* "1* "1* "1* %FOTJUZHSBNT Density: 0.935 g/cc %FOTJUZHDD %FOTJUZHDD %FOTJUZHDD per cubic centimetre 1PVSQPJOU$ 1PVSQPJOU$ 1PVSQPJOU$ 1PVSQPJOU$ (g/cc) 7JTDPTJUZ!$ 7JTDPTJUZ!$ 7JTDPTJUZ!$ 7JTDPTJUZ!$ Pour point: <-15o C D4U D4U 55.2 cSt 399.2 cSt 7JTDPTJUZ!$ centistokes (cSt) Distance from North '140JTMPDBUFELN Fields (mid-point) are Field is located about Centre of the Enfield Field (mid-point) is West Cape north located about 25 km 50 km northwest proposed development MPDBUFEBCPVULN northwest BSFBJTBCPVULN north northwest Water depth 3BOHFTGSPNNJO Ranges from Ranges from Ranges from Ranges from 230 m in the eastern part of the approximately 170 m approximately 750 m approximately 350 m UIFTPVUIFBTUUPN ñFMEUPNJOUIF in the east to 250 m in in the east to 900 m in UPN in the northwest west the west the west Metocean Climate is sub-tropical "NCJFOUBJSUFNQFSBUVSFTSBOHFGSPNUP$EBJMZBWFSBHF 4VSGBDFTFBXBUFSUFNQFSBUVSFTSBOHFGSPNUP$ 8BUFSUFNQFSBUVSFTEFDSFBTFXJUIEFQUIUPBQQSPYJNBUFMZ$OFBSUIFTFBCFE Main current is the Leeuwin Current, which runs southwards and is strongest during winter Local wind forces create currents of up to approximately 0.2 to 0.3 m/s Tides are semi-diurnal Shipping routes Located in proximity to a number of shipping routes Lifespan Approximately 12 to Approximately 20 to Approximately 10 to Approximately 10 to Approximately 10 to 15 years, excluding 25 years, including 15 years, including 20 years 20 years tiebacks to other fields tiebacks tiebacks Production wells 9 dual-lateral 13 production wells QSPEVDUJPOXFMMT UPQSPEVDUJPOXFMMT UPQSPEVDUJPOXFMMT production wells (excluding tiebacks) (excluding tiebacks) (excluding tiebacks) (excluding tiebacks or and 1 single-lateral UPXFMMT production well Reinjection wells 2 water and 1 gas 3 water and 1 gas 3 water and 1 gas 5 to 7 water and 2 gas 1 to 2 water and 1 to 2 (excluding tiebacks) (excluding tiebacks) gas (excluding future expansion) Production rate 10,000 m3/day of crude Expected peak Between 9,500 m3/day Between 9,000 m3/day Between 9,000 m3/day oil production of 15,300 BOE NģEBZPG and 20,000 m3/day of and 20,000 m3/day of m3/day of crude oil crude oil (upper value crude oil crude oil allows for tiebacks)

126 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.1 Comparison of the proposed Van Gogh development to other FPSO developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin (cont'd)

Design Element Apache BHP Billiton Woodside Van Gogh Pyrenees Stybarrow Enfield Vincent Development Development Development Development Development Produced formation Design capacity to Design capacity to Reinject between PFW reinjected PFW reinjected water (PFW) SFJOKFDU NģEBZ reinject between 12,900 m3/day and of PFW 12,900 m3/day and 22,000 m3/day of water NģEBZPG1'8 (upper value allows for (upper value allows for subsea tiebacks) tiebacks) Gas Surplus gas reinjected Same as Van Gogh Same as Van Gogh Same as Van Gogh Same as Van Gogh EFTJHOFEGPS ksm3/d) Hull Double-sided, single- Double hulled Double hulled Double hulled Double hulled bottom hull Cargo Store 103,333 m3 of Store between Store between Capacity storage Capacity storage crude oil 135,000 m3 and 120,000 m3 and between 110,000 m3 and between 100,000 m3 and 250,000 m3 of crude oil 250,000 m3 of crude oil 175,000 m3 of crude oil 320,000 m3 of crude oil Ballast water Fully segregated Support vessels In field only to attend Same as Van Gogh Same as Van Gogh Required on-site for Same as Van Gogh offloads and transfer of most of the year supplies No permanent support vessel on site Domestic wastes 4FXBHFUSFBUNFOUQMBOUUP."310-TUBOEBSE Turret mooring Disconnectable Anchors 9 mooring lines, in a UPNPPSJOHMJOFT Same as Pyrenees UPNPPSJOHMJOFTUP Not determined 3x3 anchoring pattern to anchors (type gravity anchors (Stevshark anchors) undetermined) FPSO power Steam turbine driven Not finalised (may be Gas turbine driven Gas turbine driven Gas turbine driven generators (diesel gas-fuelled marine generators generators generators backup) engines, turbines or steam turbine generation) Manning level UPQFPQMF Normally approximately Same as Pyrenees Same as Pyrenees $SFXPGUP DBQBDJUZGPSQFPQMF 30 with capacity for 70 people people Drilling rig type Semi-submersible Not defined (semi- Semi-submersible Semi-submersible Expected to be semi- (Stena Clyde) submersible or drill submersible ship) Drilling Muds Water-based muds only Water-based muds or Water-based muds or Synthetic-based muds Combination of water- synthetic-based muds synthetic-based muds for intermediate hole based and synthetic- sections after BOP based muds installation Water-based muds for reservoir section Cuttings Discharged overboard $BQBDJUZPGBCPVU Nģ NJMMJPOMJUSFTPS CCM mUZQJDBMMZ"GSBNBYSBOHF0ðPBEJOHXJMMUBLFJOUIFPSEFSPG 0íUBLFUBOLFSTJ[F 30 hrs, with at least an additional half a day required for the connecting and disconnecting process Offtake tanker 0ODFFWFSZUPEBZT Once every 5 days at Once every week at Twice per week at peak Twice per week at peak frequency at peak production rate peak production rate peak production rate production rate production rate Offtake tanker Standard Apache Standard BHP Billiton vetting system Standard Woodside vetting system vetting system vetting system PFW disposal /PSNBMMZSFJOKFDUFE FTUJNBUFEBUPGUJNF BOEPWFSCPBSEPUIFSUJNFT Less than 30 mg/l oil-in-water content for overboard water discharge Greenhouse gas &TUJNBUFE U &TUJNBUFE U &TUJNBUFE UP Estimated 270,000 t/ Estimated 250,000 t/

emissions year carbon dioxide year CO2-e over life 310,000 t/year CO2-e year CO2-e over life year CO2-e over life equivalent (CO -e) over life 2 Surplus gas reinjected Surplus gas reinjected Surplus gas reinjected over life Surplus gas reinjected Surplus gas reinjected

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 127 5IF JEFOUJñDBUJPO PG FOWJSPONFOUBM IB[BSET JT UIF ñSTU TUFQ PGUIF workshop, participants broke the development into various phases FOWJSPONFOUBMJNQBDUBTTFTTNFOUQSPDFTT)B[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOJT of work (i.e., subsea installation, operation and decommissioning, VOEFSUBLFOUPJEFOUJGZBMMUIFFOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSETBTTPDJBUFEXJUI FPSO installation, hook-up and commissioning, production, a project likely to occur from routine and accidental activities and to decommissioning). The workshop participants used industry BTTJHOBQPUFOUJBMSJTLUPFBDIIB[BSE*UJTVOEFSUBLFOJOMJOFXJUIUIF LOPXMFEHFBOEFYQFSJFODFUPEFUFSNJOFUIFIB[BSETBTTPDJBUFEXJUI "VTUSBMJBOSJTLNBOBHFNFOUTUBOEBSE"4/;4 each aspect of the proposed development.

5IFXPSLTIPQQBSUJDJQBOUTSBOLFEBMMUIFJEFOUJñFEIB[BSETVTJOHUIF 5.2.2 Hazard Identification Method risk-ranking matrix in Table 5.2. The risk ranking is determined by 5IFPCKFDUJWFTPGUIFIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOXFSFUP NVMUJQMZJOHMJLFMJIPPEBOETFWFSJUZ DPOTFRVFODFT PGUIFIB[BSE5P categorise the relative likelihood and severity of each environmental r *EFOUJGZQPUFOUJBMFOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSETBTTPDJBUFEXJUI IB[BSE UIFRVBMJUBUJWFNFBTVSFTEFñOFEJOTables 5.3 and 5.4 were - Subsea infrastructure and FSPO installation. applied. These risk assessment tables are Apache-specific, based on - Hook-up and commissioning. UIF"VTUSBMJBOSJTLNBOBHFNFOUTUBOEBSE"4/;4

- Production. Likelihood

- Decommissioning. The workshop team made a decision by consensus as to the likelihood PGBIB[BSEPDDVSSJOHCBTFEPOSFMFWBOUEBUBCBTFTBOEQSPGFTTJPOBM r *EFOUJGZQPUFOUJBMSJTLTBTTPDJBUFEXJUIUIFJEFOUJñFEIB[BSET judgement. The decision took into consideration the controls that will r 3BOLFBDIIB[BSEJOUFSNTPGJUTMJLFMJIPPEBOETFWFSJUZ CFJOQMBDFUPQSFWFOUUIFIB[BSE UIFOBUVSFPGNBUFSJBMTPSTVCTUBODFT UIBUDPOUSJCVUFUPUIFIB[BSE BOEUIFGSFRVFODZXJUIXIJDIUIFBDUJWJUZ r 8IFSFQPTTJCMF RVBOUJGZSFMFBTFTBOEQSPCBCJMJUZPGPDDVSSFODF UIBUNBZMFBEUPUIFIB[BSENBZPDDVS"GSFRVFODZSBUJOHJTBMMPDBUFE r %FUFSNJOFXIFUIFSFBDIIB[BSEIBTUIFQPUFOUJBMUPJNQBDUUIF UPUIFIB[BSEBDDPSEJOHUPUIFDBUFHPSJFTHJWFOJOTable 5.3. environment. Consequences r 8IFSFOFDFTTBSZ QSPQPTFBDUJPOTPSSFDPNNFOEBUJPOTUPJNQSPWF 5IF DPOTFRVFODFT PG UIF JEFOUJñFE IB[BSET XFSF SBUFE BDDPSEJOH UIFEFTJHOBOETBGFHVBSETUPQSFWFOUUIFJEFOUJñFEIB[BSETPS to the matrix given in Table 5.4. The consequences are dependent mitigate them to ALARP. on the potential impact of the event in the first instance. Quantities 5IFNBKPSFOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOXPSLTIPQGPSUIF7BO and concentration released, time scale of release, and regulatory Gogh development took place over two days in early July 2007. It requirements were considered. was attended by a multi-disciplinary team of 20 people, including Risk representatives from Apache, Prosafe, Acergy, the DoIR, the DEC, and representatives from the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and the The environmental risk ranking (see Table 5.2) was determined by a Cape Conservation Group, and was facilitated by the independent DPNCJOBUJPOPGUIFFYQFDUFEGSFRVFODZPGUIFIB[BSEPDDVSSJOH TFF engineering and environmental consultancy Vanguard Enviro Pty Table 5.3) and the consequence of its occurrence (see Table 5.4). Ltd (Vanguard). Most of those attending the workshop had detailed Risk ranking helps to prioritise the risks, that is, to determine whether FPSO design and process knowledge from experience in designing the risk of an activity or incident is acceptably low or whether and operating other FPSOs and offshore oil and gas facilities, while management actions are required to reduce the risk to ALARP. others had extensive knowledge of marine ecology and/or the Table 5.5 TVNNBSJTFT UIF SJTLT BTTFTTFE EVSJOH UIF IB[BSE environmental approvals process through experience in managing identification workshop, andTable 5.6 presents the detailed PíTIPSFPJMBOEHBTGBDJMJUJFT5IFBQQSPBDIGPMMPXFEEVSJOHBIB[BSE environmental risk assessment. identification workshop is illustrated in Figure 5.1. Results from the FOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOXPSLTIPQGPSNUIFCBTJTGPSUIJT 5.3 PHYSICAL IMPACTS chapter. Environmental impacts associated with the physical presence of the 5IF FOWJSPONFOUBM IB[BSE JEFOUJñDBUJPO XPSLTIPQ XBT QSFDFEFE proposed Van Gogh development may arise as a result of one or by a coarse-scale workshop in January 2007, which was designed to more of the following: ñMUFSPVUIB[BSETUIBUBSFSPVUJOFJOUIFPíTIPSFPJMBOEHBTJOEVTUSZ and that are appropriately managed through standard procedures, r %JTUVSCBODFUPUIFTFBCFE TP UIBU UIF EFUBJMFE IB[BSE JEFOUJñDBUJPO QSPDFTT DPVME GPDVT PO r "SUJñDJBMIBCJUBU issues specific to this development. r "SUJñDJBMMJHIUJOH 5.2.3 Determining Environmental Hazards r 6OEFSXBUFSOPJTF "U UIF DPNNFODFNFOU PG UIF FOWJSPONFOUBM IB[BSE JEFOUJñDBUJPO These are assessed in detail in this section.

128 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.1 )B[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTT

Identify Specific Development Phase

Select Key Aspects of the Development Phase

*EFOUJGZ)B[BSET $BVTFTBOE$POTFRVFODFT

Identify Safeguards

"TTFTT-JLFMJIPPEBOE4FWFSJUZPG)B[BSE&WFOU6TJOH3JTL.BOBHFNFOU

"SFBMM)B[BSET*EFOUJñFEGPS&BDI"TQFDUPG No UIF%FWFMPQNFOU1IBTF

Yes

Assess Next Development Phase

Table 5.2 Apache's environmental risk ranking matrix

Consequences Serious Significant Moderate Minor Negligible Expected to Unacceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable B Negligible Occur Probably will Unacceptable Unacceptable A B Negligible Occur

Moderate Unacceptable A B B Negligible

Likelihood Unlikely to A A B Negligible Negligible occur

Rare A B Negligible Negligible Negligible

Category Description and Response Unacceptable *NNFEJBUFDIBOHFTUPEFTJHOPSQSPDFEVSFTBSFSFRVJSFE FH IB[BSEPVTEJTDIBSHF MBSHFWPMVNFTPGDPOUBNJOBOU A Risk reduction measures are required. B Acceptable risk, risk reduction measures should be considered depending on proximity to sensitive resources. Negligible Risks are sufficiently low to be acceptable.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 129 Table 5.3 (VJEBODFGPSEFUFSNJOJOHUIFMJLFMJIPPEPGBIB[BSEPDDVSSJOH Likelihood of Hazard Occurring Expected to Occur Is expected to occur in most circumstances during the life cycle of an individual item or system. Probably will Occur Will probably occur in most circumstances during the life cycle of an individual item or system. Moderate Likely to occur at sometime during the life cycle of an individual item or system. Unlikely to occur Unlikely, but possible, to occur at sometime in the life of an individual item or system. Rare May occur but only in exceptional circumstances.

Table 5.4 Guidance for determining environmental consequence Consequence Description Serious Large-scale detrimental effect that is likely to cause a highly significant effect on local ecosystem factors, such as water quality, nutrient flow, community structure and food webs, biodiversity, habitat availability and population structure (e.g., abundance, fecundity, age structure). Long-term recovery period measured in decades. Significant Detrimental effect that will cause a significant effect on local ecosystem factors. Recovery period measured in years to decades. Moderate Impact that will cause a detectable effect in local ecosystem factors. Recovery period measured in months to years. Minor Incidental changes to abundance or biomass of biota in the affected area, insignificant changes to overall ecological function. Recovery measured in months. Negligible Short-term, localised and insignificant impacts to habitat or populations. Rapid recovery measured in days to months.

Table 5.5 Number of items assessed during the HAZID workshop Environmental risk Area Negligible A B Unacceptable Subsea systems Installation 12 0 0 0 Hook-up and commissioning 5 0 0 0 Production 9 0 0 0 Decommissioning 12 0 0 0 FPSO General 11 0 0 0 Installation 2 0 1 0 Hook-up and commissioning 010 Production 35 0 3 0 Decommissioning 19 0 1 0 Transport General 10 0 1 0 Installation 3 0 1 0 Onshore General 000 Decommissioning 1 0 0 0 TOTAL 131 0 8 0

A = Risk reduction measures are required. B = Acceptable risk, risk reduction measures should be considered depending on proximity to sensitive resources.

130 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Expected to occur Expected to occur Use of dynamically positioned dive support subsea installation, of dynamically positioned dive for Use vessel Gogh site Van anchor at the it to need for avoiding ROV survey seabed habitats and low undertaken no sensitive reveals and abundance benthic fauna diversity seabed into be laid on seabed rather than trenched to Flowlines Selection of FPSO rather than platform Installation and support mooring facility in will use designated vessels Exmouth Gulf rather than randomly anchoring of similar habitats available area to compared small seabed footprint Very Shelf West on the North with the will be developed procedures handling and transfer Materials weather aim of restricting installation activities during unfavourable of minimise the chance and to threats minimise safety to conditions disturb the seabed to the potential objects, which have dropped objects dropped any ROV survey retrieve to Post-installation benthic fauna Subsea infrastructure will act for as new substrate installation following colonisation Rapid recolonisation and recovery expected following decommissioning expected and recovery following Rapid recolonisation An environmentally suitable anti-fouling coating will be applied to the will be applied to coating suitable anti-fouling An environmentally FPSO hull Avoidance r r r r r Mitigation r r r r r Mitigation r Minor temporary loss of benthic fauna habitat very for minor Potential and temporary decrease in benthic fauna within the abundance footprint development New substrates provide provide New substrates species that habitat for not otherwisewould be in colonising successful the area increased Locally productivitybiological and diversity in the Slight alteration of the composition benthic community in vicinitythe immediate predator- altered due to HSB[JOHQSFTTVSFT r r r r r Near-surface infrastructure (such as FPSO the submerged risers buoy, DTM hull, and upper sections of the mooring lines) and subsea infrastructure substrate hard provides the settlement of for marine organisms Subsea infrastructure installation (including FPSO mooring anchors) Subsea infrastructure at removal decommissioning objectsDropped Installation vessel and heavy-lift vessel mooring in Exmouth Gulf r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.3.2 Section 5.3.1 Artificial habitat (see Disturbance to seabed to Disturbance (installation and decommiss-ioning) (see Routine Physical Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 131 Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Probably Probably will occur SBMMZ MJLFMZUP FSBUJOH (cont'd) Noise modelling suggests minimal impacts humpback whales migrating to APPEA and the DEW to and forwarded Whale sightings will be recorded of distribution and abundance knowledge on the regional increase to humpback whales '140MPDBUFELNGSPNOFBSFTUUVSUMFOFTUJOHCFBDIFTBOEHFOF Installation activities timed to avoid peak southern migration period of peak southern migration Installation activities avoid timed to humpback whales High-frequency used during installation were signals transducer acoustic by whales frequencyto that used be of different to developed Learmonth and will take most direct flight path between Helicopters observed approaching whales, or FPSO and will avoid installation vessel JOBDDPSEBODFXJUI4FDUJPOPG&1#$"DU3FHVMBUJPOT Support Exmouth Gulf and between will take most direct route vessels observed approaching whales or FPSO and avoid installation vessel environmental identified sensitive avoid to paths will be routed Flight colonies Islands seabird such as the Muiron resources, and other noise-generatingFPSO engines equipment will be maintained appropriately the humpback whale from distance a significant FPSO will be located of the Exmouth Gulf grounds resting PWFSUIFIPSJ[POGSPNUIFNBJOMBOEmEJSFDUMJHIUGSPN'140OPU mainland be visible from light spill minimise overboard to FPSO deck lighting has been designed (including shielding on lights near edge of vessel) 4VSQMVTQSPEVDFEHBTXJMMCFSFJOKFDUFEGPSVQUPPGUIFPQ connected time, reducing the amount of time the intense light associated light associated the amount of time intense reducing connected time, with flaring occurs the minimum necessary will be kept to Lighting on installation vessel for working practices safe time a limited Installation on location for vessel the water onto the FPSO will not be directed lights from possible, Where surface only serve FPSO would attract to Light from from turtle away hatchlings beach (positive) performance measure against to so as recorded of flaring will be Periods target r Avoidance r Avoidance r r Mitigation r r r r r Management r Mitigation r r r r r r Management r Disorientation of turtle and seabirds hatchlings Attraction of migrating seabirds Solicits responses from from Solicits responses whales, (i.e., cetaceans dolphins) mainly behavioural to relating and physiological a beyond processes, limit generally threshold be greater to considered 1 μPa. than 115 dB re Responses depend on of noise source, strength noise from distance background source, and so forth.noise levels r r r All vessels gas FPSO non-routine flaring Installation vessel thrusters Support thrusters vessel FPSO thrusters FPSO topsides machinery and engine room Helicopters Offtake tankers Heavy-lift vessel activities r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.3.4 Section 5.3.3 Artificial lighting (see Underwater noise (see Table 5.6 Table

132 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Unlikely to Unlikely to occur Expected to occur OTm (cont'd) 'PPETDSBQTXJMMCFUSFBUFEUP1 4- "DUBOE."310-TQFDJñDBUJP Limit waste creation through tendering and contracting tendering process through creation Limit waste on board wastes and non-recyclable of recyclable Segregation the deck to secured receptacles in covered stored All wastes will be implemented all vessels management plans for Waste measuring and tracking assess quantity documentation to and fate Waste of wastes macerated to less than 25 mm and discharged more than 12 more less than 25 mm and discharged to macerated nm (22 km) land from Installation scraps within and support food will not discharge vessels Exmouth Gulf the FPSO will be collected and transported from Cooking oils and greases disposal the mainland for back to where environment, within an open ocean of discharge volumes Low action will aid rapid dispersion and wave currents Mitigation Mitigation r r r Management r r r r r r Minor localised nutrient enrichment of waters surrounding marine Attractant for fauna with the potential GPSDIBOHFTJOQSFEBUPSm interactions prey Pressure on limited on limited Pressure capacities of storage management waste facilities loss to Accidental sea, causing localised and temporary water pollution and injury or death of fauna through ingestion reduction in Potential quality groundwater leaching through in landfills process Incremental increase in land disturbance with opening associated or new landfill sites facilities treatment r r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.4.3 Section 5.4.4 Daily disposal of food Daily disposal of food scraps overboard (see Solid wastes Intermittent disposal Intermittent PGOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJE packaging, (e.g., wastes steel) wood, (see Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 133 Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Rare Moderate Negligible Unlikely to Unlikely to occur H OEJT UJFT CBUUFSJFT (cont'd) Sand and sludge generation will be avoided or minimised through the or minimised through Sand and sludge generation will be avoided in each production well sand screens installation of downhole 4BOEEFUFDUPSTXJMMCFQSPWJEFEPOFBDIQSPEVDUJPOXFMMmJGTB tanks ballast water segregated FPSO and most offtake tankers will have Support based in local ports vessels Application of Apache offtakevetting procedures tanker waters foreign from entering in the development involved All vessels entry prior to requirements into (2001) ballast water the AQIS will follow waters Australian and vessels track discharges logs to ballast water of AQIS Completion detected, the affected well/s will be shut in and scheduled for a workover for a well/s will be shut in and scheduled the affected detected, sand and sludge will not be untreated disposal of any Overboard undertaken Scale-inhibiting scale formation avoid chemicals will be used to -JNJUIB[BSEPVTXBTUFDSFBUJPOUISPVHIUFOEFSJOHBOEDPOUSBDUJO process 7PMVNFTPGIB[BSEPVTXBTUFHFOFSBUFEXJMMCF"-"31 )B[BSEPVTXBTUFTXJMMCFEJTQPTFEPGUPMJDFOTFEPOTIPSFGBDJMJ Waste management plans for all vessels will be implemented all vessels management plans for Waste measuring and tracking assess quantity documentation to and fate Waste of wastes 3FDZDMBCMFIB[BSEPVTXBTUFT TVDIBTVTFEPJMT MVCSJDBOUTBOE will be stored separately to facilitate easier retrieval for transport for the easier retrieval to facilitate to separately will be stored recycling mainland for carry on the FPSO to will be provided out de-sanding of all Facilities as the skimmer/pre- as well system, equipment in the oil treatment sand and sludge collected in the topsides Any de-oiler and degasser. on the in suitable containers and stored equipment will be separated appropriate FPSO and transported (Exmouth or Dampier) for onshore and disposal treatment and will be developed NORM handling and disposal procedures encountered if NORMS are implemented Avoidance r Avoidance r r Mitigation r r Management r r r r Mitigation r r r Management r r r r r Accidental loss to loss to Accidental sea, causing localised and temporary water pollution and injury or death of fauna through ingestion exposure Personnel naturally occurring to radioactive materials (NORMS) in scale on limited Pressure capacities of storage management waste facilities reduction in Potential quality groundwater leaching through in landfills process Incremental increase in land disturbance with opening associated or new landfill sites facilities treatment Introduction of foreign with the organisms, establish to potential with or and compete out-compete native resources species for and localised Temporary pollution water the discharge from of hydrocarbon- water contaminated r r r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impactsSummary of the environmental of potential ) Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Sections 5.4.1, 5.4.2 5.4.5 Section 5.5.1 Intermittent disposal of Intermittent IB[BSEPVTXBTUFT sludge) sand, scale, (e.g., oil-contaminated batteries, materials) (see and Liquid wastes ballast water Intermittent discharge (see Table 5.6 Table

134 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Probably Probably will occur Moderate Negligible Negligible Expected to occur EVSBUJPOT DPOOFDUFE NBDFSBUFEUP tment plants to ensure peak efficiency ensure tment plants to (cont'd) 4FXBHFXJMMCFUSFBUFEUP1 4- "DUBOE."310-TQFDJñDBUJPOTm the FPSO prior to from (UV treatment) Disinfection of sewage and greywater discharge Exmouth Gulf sewage into treated Installation will not discharge vessels of sewage trea Planned maintenance Topsides equipment (except PFW system) will be tested in shipyard to to in shipyard will be tested PFW system) equipment (except Topsides discharge ocean avoid chemicals of low-toxicity Use via FPSO slops tanks water Disposal of hydrotest for water formation can be co-mingled water with produced Hydrotest reinjection 3FJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFSGPSBUMFBTUPGUIF less than 25 mm, treated and discharged more than 12 more and discharged less than 25 mm, treated nm (22 km) land from operating time not or sulphides are in marine sediments as hydroxides Metals present uptake biological for generally available to ambient are exposed when fish of fish only occurs Tainting DPODFOUSBUJPOTPGUPQQNPGIZESPDBSCPOTJOUIFXBUFSGPS PGIPVSTPSNPSF disposal overboard for 30 mg/l oil-in-water to slops tank formation water of off-spec produced diversion Automatic sampling automatic Daily laboratory continual verify sampling to alloys of corrosion-resistant Use harm Selecting environmental injection chemicals with the lowest the reduce of production equipment to Scheduled maintenance upsets of process incidence r r Management Mitigation r r r r Mitigation Avoidance r r r r r Mitigation r r r r r r Localised biocide Localised marine to toxicity of release fauna from chemically dosed water and localised Temporary depletion of oxygen waters receiving overboard, localised overboard, reduction in water quality if oil-in-water than is greater content 30 mg/L impacts on Adverse oil visual amenity (e.g., surface)sheen on ocean and chronic Acute effects on toxicity marine fauna and micro-organisms from individual chemicals as Precipitation or metal hydroxides sulphides of heavy with metals discharged formation produced water tainting of Hydrocarbon fish species commercial Temporary and localised Temporary qualityreduction in water Localised nutrient Localised enrichment of waters surrounding oxygen Localised depletion to effects Toxicity marine biota r r r r r r r r r r r FPSO (hook-up and FPSO (hook-up installation only) Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel FPSO Offtake tankers FPSO When discharged r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, ection 5.5.3 Section 5.5.2 Section 5.5.4 Once-off hydrotest water Once-off water hydrotest discharge (see Intermittent PFW discharge Intermittent (see S sewage and Continuous discharge greywater (see Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 135 Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Expected to occur Expected to occur Expected to occur Rare Negligible Negligible OE PG$ LFQUDMFBO (cont'd) $PPMJOHXBUFSSFMFBTFUFNQFSBUVSFXJMMCFMJNJUFEUPBNBYJNVN The generation of potable water will be limited to only that which is to will be limited generation of potable water The necessary operational requirements for biocide or anti- on the FPSO will not use any desalination generators The scale chemicals discharged Small volumes biocides of batch-dosed, low-toxicity Use the minimum necessary to operational limited for volumes water Cooling requirements Rapidand dispersion cooling ocean %FTJHOPGESBJOBHFTZTUFNJODPSQPSBUFTCVOETBSPVOEIB[BSEPVTB IZESPDBSCPOTUPSBHFBSFBTBOETFHSFHBUJPOPGIB[BSEPVTBOEOPO IB[BSEPVTBSFBTGPSESBJOBHFDPMMFDUJPO connections minimise flange to (and thus minimise of pipework Design connections welded for leaks), with a preference chemicals Selection process of low-toxicity during normal FPSO deck will be bunded (scupper plugs in place operation) 4USJDUIPVTFLFFQJOHQSPDFEVSFTmEFDLTPOBMMWFTTFMTXJMMCF and spills cleaned immediately oil-in-water to will be directed Closed and open drainage systems discharge overboard prior to on most vessels separator required where will be provided Drip trays in slops tank discharges of oil-in-water monitoring Continuous fluid control hydraulic water-based of low-toxicity, Use requirements testing fluid meets DoIR ecotoxicological control Hydraulic opportunity an increased providing of fluid, discharge Not a continuous by benthic organisms to be metabolised the fluids for released of fluid the volumes reduce to Equipment designed will be regularly of usage rates instrumentation and monitoring Process the umbilical line and undertaken major leaks from detect to any in order connections and enable rapid rectification Mitigation Avoidance r r Mitigation r r r r r Avoidance r r Mitigation r r r r r r Mitigation r r r r Management r Localised elevation Localised of surface seawater temperatures of Alteration processes physiological of exposed biota Localised elevation in Localised salinity seawater Temporary, localised Temporary, reduction in water quality from in contaminants drainage water impacts on Adverse oil visual amenity (e.g., surface)sheen on ocean marine biota to Toxicity in vicinity of xmas trees and subsea manifolds reduction in Localised qualitywater r r r r r r r FPSO Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r r r r Subsea infrastructure and subsea (xmas tree valves) manifold Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.5.7 Section 5.5.6 Section 5.5.5 Section 5.5.8 Continuous cooling water water cooling Continuous discharge (see but regular Intermittent, control subsea hydraulic Continuous brine Continuous from discharge water desalination (see Intermittent overboard overboard Intermittent of hydrocarbon- release deck contaminated drainage water (see fluid discharges (see Table 5.6 Table

136 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Expected to occur Expected to occur Rare Minor Negligible JNBMSJTL FDUFE (cont'd) Produced gas used as primary fuel rather than diesel Produced human settlements large from FPSO is remote Apache NPI reporting gas reporting Apache APPEA greenhouse EfficiencyApache Energy Opportunities participationprogram efficiency maintain systems to program FPSO scheduled maintenance No well testing from FPSO from testing No well 3FJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFEHBTOPMFTTUIBOPGUIF'140hTDPOO No TBT compound will be applied to the FPSO hull or subsea will be applied to compound TBT No infrastructure Installation, support brief time in the field, and offtakevessels will have leaching TBT effects of limiting any hulls will be near (vessel column water in oxygenated down breaks TBT surface) ocean oxygenated well *.0EJSFDUJWFPOQIBTFPVUPG5#5GSPNUPFOTVSFTNJO operating time gas used as primary fuel Produced emergency generators back-up be used for sulphur diesel to Ultra-low 'MBSFUJQJTEFTJHOFEUPCFFîDJFOU Apache NPI reporting gas reporting Apache APPEA greenhouse EfficiencyApache Energy Opportunities participationprogram efficiency maintain systems to program FPSO scheduled maintenance from Van Gogh development Van from those with the for a preference Selection paints will have of anti-fouling harm while meeting operational requirements least environmental Mitigation r r Management r r r r Avoidance r Mitigation Avoidance r Mitigation r r r r r r Management r r r r r r Minor regional increase increase Minor regional in air pollution Increase in global of concentration gases and greenhouse global consequent warming potential Leaching of tributyl Leaching tin (TBT), and copper biocide from booster anti-fouling hulls from can water paint into effects toxic lead to marine on non-target species r r r Routine operation of machinery on all vessels (particularly such FPSO), as gas dehydration, gas and water crude oil, separation modules, venting boiler flue gas all exhausts from Engine and helicopters vessels pilot flame FPSO flare Abnormal FPSO flaring Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers all exhaust for Engine and helicopters vessels machinery Vessel FPSO flaring (routine and non-routine) FPSO inert gas venting FPSO boiler flue gas venting FPSO and offtake tanker emissions fugitive r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r , 2 Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential O, PFCs, HFCs, SF HFCs, PFCs, O, Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, 2 Section 5.6.2 Section 5.5.9 Section 5.6.1 , N Continuous combustion combustion Continuous emissions (other than gases), such as greenhouse particulate matter (see Minor, but continuous but continuous Minor, leaching of anti-fouling hulls and vessel paint from subsea infrastructure (see emissions Atmospheric emissions of Continuous HSFFOIPVTFHBTFTm$0 (see CH Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 137 Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Moderate Negligible Negligible UJOHUJNF actions vantage points at coastal (cont'd) Area does not clash with commercial or recreational fishing areas or recreational does not clash with commercial Area little use of public land Very relevant and other with fishing interests Ongoing consultation timing and location of activities communicate stakeholders to Distance from coast (and reef) coast from Distance FPSO visibility also (salt spray reduces masks visibility) and offshore by distance Operational lighting or flaring at night mitigated attr of night-time tourism absence Installation activities summer months and commissioning scheduled for tourism season) (off-peak operations tourism does not preclude of vessels Presence than less visually intrusive distance, of FPSO appears as a ship from Choice a platform be ALARP External to FPSO lighting designed requirements kept ALARP based on health and safety tower Flare and start-up during commissioning Flaring operations will be minimised ALARP to prior to in their fabrication yard will be precommissioned Compressors the duration of flaring reduce to arrival on site 'MBSJOHXJMMPOMZPDDVSVQUPPGUIF'140hTDPOOFDUFEPQFSB Avoidance r r Mitigation r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r r Restricted access or use Restricted access general public and by of interests commercial used frequently areas marina, boat roads, (e.g., fishing offshore ramps, etc.) areas, Increased presence of Increased presence in Exmouth Gulf vessels during installation and phases commissioning from tourists deter may Exmouth to travelling personnel Development demand increase may limited already for accommodation tourist of Increased presence in Exmouth Gulf vessels and at development reduce location may or “wilderness” value of “remoteness” visual and reduce region coastal amenity from vantage points Minor temporary loss of the visual amenity from mainland (most notably Cape West the North area) r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard and ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, ) Sections 5.8.2 Section 5.8.1 5.8.3 Impacts (and/or on tourism visual amenity) (see Socio-economic impacts with marine Interference and use and land access (see Table 5.6 Table

138 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Unlikely to Unlikely to occur Probably Probably will occur PMMJTJPO WFTTFMT BOE (cont'd) Area is too deep for trawling deep for is too Area fished is not commercially advised Apache that FPSO area have Fishers Installation impacting and support fishing prawn will avoid vessels rather the use of established moorings, in Exmouth Gulf through grounds than anchoring &TUBCMJTINFOUPGNFYDMVTJPO[POFBSPVOE'140 JOTUBMMBUJPO collision risk and offtake minimise to tankers 4NBMMFYDMVTJPO[POFSFMBUJWFUPBSFBBWBJMBCMFGPSñTIJOH Marinersthe Australian to (about the change Issue of Notice Office Charts) Hydrographic Navigational the Australian through end of prawn in Exmouth Gulf towards Installation only present vessel fishing season Operational lighting Anti-collision radar Installation activities season, outside the peak tourist will occur and charterminimising the impact activities of vessel on recreational fishing to keep them advised on with fishing interests Ongoing consultation activity timing and duration vessels FPSO or other from No fishing allowed FPSO is not located in a designated shipping lane in a designated FPSO is not located &TUBCMJTINFOUPGNFYDMVTJPO[POFBSPVOE'140UPNJOJNJTFD the FPSO) to offtake risk (and around tanker when moored 4NBMMFYDMVTJPO[POFSFMBUJWFUPBSFBBWBJMBCMFGPSTIJQQJOH (B[FUUJOHUIF'140BOEJUTNSBEJVTTBGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POF charts on navigational and manifolds subsea wells Navigational Mariners Australian to (about the change to Issue of Notice Office Charts) Hydrographic the Australian through equipment on the FPSO range of communications a complete Providing Operational lighting on FPSO Anti-collision radar on FPSO on all vessels and radio standby Bridge watch Avoidance r r r Mitigation r r r r r r r r Management r Mitigation r r r r r r r r Management r Loss of small fishing area Loss from Snag potential subsea equipment mEBNBHFUPñTIJOH subsea damage to gear, infrastructure with FPSO or Collision other vessels fish species Target being attracted the to FPSO or other vessels nearby from and away to the due fishing areas of macerated discharge and prey wastes food species being attracted the flare light from to the near-surfaceor to artificial habitat the risers, by provided mooring lines and FPSO hull Increase in regional Increase in regional shipping commercial with the activity, an increase for potential risk in collision of FPSO may Presence impact on ship routes of sea of small area Loss general shipping due for UPFYDMVTJPO[POFT r r r r r r r Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers Installation vessel Heavy-lift vessel Support vessels FPSO Offtake tankers r r r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.8.5 Section 5.8.4 Impacts on fishing (see Impacts on shipping (see Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 139 Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation (Acceptable) (Acceptable) (Acceptable) (Acceptable) Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts Minor Negligible Minor "B" Moderate "B" treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Moderate "B" Unlikely to Unlikely to occur Expected to occur Rare Negligible Negligible Expected to occur (cont'd) Ongoing consultation with relevant stakeholders with relevant Ongoing consultation Apache, and Prosafe (who will operate the FPSO), have little influence on little influence have the FPSO), (who will operate and Prosafe Apache, live choose to their employees where mitigation or management measures No avoidance, No avoidance, mitigation or management measures No avoidance, Ongoing consultation with relevant stakeholders with relevant Ongoing consultation Consortium efficiently (EAC) to of the Exmouth Aviation Development services operators helicopter operate all petroleum between to all supply companies for policyApache local content enforced to local economy maximise benefits or Southeast based in Perth Asia Most employees Village Exmouth by Marina be influenced likely to Property more prices FPSO employees than by and canal developments Geophysical survey in Van Gogh development area found no evidence of no evidence found area Gogh development Van survey in Geophysical of significance or other maritime sites shipwrecks non- have which may Range of the Cape Peninsula, areas Coastal by the will not be affected heritage significance, indigenous or Aboriginal development claim areas Title is outside of Native area Development Mitigation r r r r Mitigation r r r r r Avoidance r r r Damage to non- Damage to indigenous or cultural Aboriginal heritage sites historic Damage to shipwrecks Strained relationships Strained relationships individuals between depending on viewpoint of FPSO developments Small increase in local Small increase population Minor change in population demographics Minor increased demand on local services and infrastructure in increase Potential property prices and rent community Enhanced development etc) (sponsorships, An estimated A$1.1 An estimated billion in petroleum tax and rent resource be paid tax to company the Commonwealth to Government Job creation (direct and Job creation indirect) in Exmouth, Dampier and Perth community Enhanced (operator development etc.) sponsorships, Increase in commercial flights in and out of Exmouth r r r r r r r r r r r r Entire development Entire Entire development, development, Entire especially if FPSO production personnel in Exmouth live Production phase of Production development Production phase of Production development Entire development Entire r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) ) ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.8.10 Section 5.8.9 Section 5.8.8 Section 5.8.7 Section 5.8.6 Impacts on heritage and culture (see Impacts on community cohesion (see Impacts on Community Infrastructure and Services (see Impacts on government revenue (see Impacts on other industry and commerce (see Table 5.6 Table

140 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Moderate Negligible Negligible FTQFSZFBS VUFS (cont'd) Daytime refuelling only refuelling Daytime Manned operations only sea refuelling Calm engineer, Radio bunkering station, barge between communications and supply vessel room engine Dry-break on bunkering hose couplings Hose inspections on quantity of fuel transfer vessels between Agreement bunkering at minimum pumping rate Commence Monitor supply line pressure at is available and spill cleanup material oil absorbent material Ensure key locations boundary scenario in worst-case weather of Ningaloo Marine Park Implementation of a spill of Oil Spill Contingency Plan in the event Real-time oil and diesel spill modelling available Use of corrosion-resistant alloys instead of carbon steel minimises the of carbon steel instead alloys of corrosion-resistant Use on the FPSO chemicals required quantity of corrosion-inhibiting and utility equipment, materials Initial process integrity built into design object and operating maintenance handling and dropped studies, procedures will be ALARP all vessels on board quantityThe of chemicals stored based on safety, evaluation process, a rigorous Chemicals will undergo performance and commercial environmental technical, /POIB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTXJMMCFVTFEXIFSFWFSQSBDUJDBCMF on all vessels within bunded areas stored Chemicals will be securely using withstand collisions to designed are Bulk chemical containers and metal cages valves such as recessed features near chemical equipment will be available Chemical spill recovery on all vessels inventories and the bunds will drain to will be bunded, areas FPSO deck and internal treatment the slops tank for .JOJNBMEJFTFMVTF'140OFFETSFGVFMMJOHPOBWFSBHFPOMZUJN Refuelling procedures for all vessels, which include: all vessels, for Refuelling procedures ------Routine maintenance of refuelling equipment of refuelling Routine maintenance '140EJFTFMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHDPNQMFUFEmSJTLPGSFBDIJOHP Avoidance r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r Management r r Mitigation r r r Water pollution Water effects on Toxicity exposed marine biota Widespread and Widespread temporary toxicity effects on exposed marine biota and Widespread temporary water pollution r r Depending on the extent of the spill: r r Refuelling (bunkering) PGBMMWFTTFMTmIPTF connection failure, tank overfill, failure, impact diesel tanks to rupture leading to corrosion Tank Loss of chemicals Loss during vessel overboard chemical transfers equipment leaks Process or failures r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.9.2 Section 5.9.1 Diesel spill overboard Diesel spill overboard (see Chemical spill overboard (see Non-routine Liquid wastes Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 141 Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation (Acceptable) Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Minor "B" CZTZTUFN S BDIJOH (cont'd) Third-party offtake pilot on board tankers support by static tow vessel hose use of dry-break on crude transfer couplings flushing of exportto facility hose back after each crude transfer at is available and spill cleanup material oil absorbent material ensure key locations FPSO located a long distance from sensitive coastal habitats coastal sensitive from a long distance FPSO located Dropped-object design built into protection Shut-in systems FPSO disconnectable scenarios in worst-case weather alloys of corrosion-resistant Use 5PQTJEFTMFBLGSFRVFODZTUVEZDPNQMFUFEmUPUBMMFBLGSFRVFODZ - - - - - DBMDVMBUFEBTMFBLTZFBS Double-sided hull monitoring Corrosion protection Corrosion of field life for FPSO designed Sea stability FPSO model testing procedures and related monitoring Cyclone Double-carcass offloading hose offtake tankers for procedures Vetting 4VSGBDFDSVEFPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHDPNQMFUFEmSJTLPGPJMSF boundary in worst-case spill and weather of Ningaloo Marine Park scenario coastline from spills away drive currents Dominant winds and ocean which include: will be used, procedures Crude transfer procedures Shut-down, isolation and blowdown Implementation of a spill of Oil Spill Contingency Plan in the event Real-time oil spill modelling available /JOHBMPP3FFG BOEMFTTUIBODIBODFPGPJMSFBDIJOHPVUF Mitigation r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Management r r r r Temporary toxicity toxicity Temporary effects on exposed marine biota water Temporary pollution of coating Physical exposed marine biota Disruption of fauna processes physiological Disruption of activitiesbehavioural Depending on the extent of the spill: r r r r r hose flange failure, hose flange failure, leak or rupture deck piping leak - - Crude tank corrosion collision Vessel Offloading operations: r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.9.2 FPSO crude oil spill PWFSCPBSEmTVSGBDF (see Table 5.6 Table

142 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Risk Risk Ranking Evaluation (Acceptable) Severity Severity Predicted of Impacts treatment) (taking into account hazard hazard (taking account into Predicted of Impacts Likelihood Likelihood Moderate Minor "B" FB POXJUI H/JOHBMPP (cont'd) DBMDVMBUFEBTMFBLTZFBS buoy on DTM valves Emergency shutdown DTM buoy to and risers prior flushed out of flowlines Hydrocarbons disconnection %5.CVPZEFTJHOFEUPSFNBJOTVCNFSHFEUPNPSFUIBONCFMPXT FPSO located a large distance from sensitive coastal habitats coastal sensitive from distance a large FPSO located emergency shutdowns Fail-safe Subsurface valves safety snag loads for designed System Charts) Navigational Mariners Australian to (and change to Issue of Notice Office Hydrographic the Australian through depth means no trawling Water -FBLGSFRVFODZTUVEZDPNQMFUFEmUPUBMMFBLGSFRVFODZCZTZTUFN TVSGBDFXIFOEJTDPOOFDUFEGSPN'140mNJOJNBMDIBODFPGDPMMJTJ scenario Reef in worst-case spill and weather and gas detection system Fire procedures Shut-down, isolation and blowdown Implementation of a spill of Oil Spill Contingency Plan in the event Real-time oil spill modelling available other vessels used during workovers Blow-out preventers systems control Well Regularly scheduled ROV inspections of subsea infrastructure 4VCTFBDSVEFPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHDPNQMFUFEmSJTLPGSFBDIJO r r r Mitigation r r r r r r r r r Management r r r r r r Water pollution Water Gas plume directed FPSO towards of buoyancy in Loss passing vessels Depending on the extent of the spill: r r r Trawling impact to Trawling manifolds, wellheads, or risers flowlines Subsea subsidence blow-out Well in risers Fatigue of bend stiffener Failure Riser failure objectDropped buoy Damaged DTM while disconnected (e.g., and submerged) r r r r r r r r Environmental Hazard Identification Hazard Environmental Treatment Hazard Analysis Hazard ) Summary of potential environmental impacts of the Van Gogh Development Gogh Development Van impacts Summary of the environmental of potential Key HazardKey of Hazard Source Impacts Potential Measures and Management Mitigation Avoidance, Section 5.9.2 $SVEFPJMMFBLTm subsea infrastructure (see Table 5.6 Table

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 143 5.3.1 Seabed Disturbance Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures The environmental risk of disturbance to the seabed has been ranked The main means by which seabed disturbance will be avoided for as “negligible” during all stages of the Van Gogh development (see the Van Gogh development is through the use of a DPDSV (the Toisa Table 5.6). Proteus) during subsea infrastructure installation, resulting in no Known and Potential Impacts anchoring at the development location. The vessel’s thrusters, linked to GPS satellites, maintain the vessel’s position as required. The vessel Physical disturbance of the seabed during installation and may need to anchor in Exmouth Gulf if stationary for long periods production will mainly be associated with laying of the FPSO anchors and will do so at a designated mooring location and in accordance and mooring lines and the smothering of seabed by all of the subsea infrastructure once it is installed, together with localised turbidity with an anchor deployment procedure to avoid multiple anchoring as a result of disturbing seabed sediments. Table 5.7 sets out the locations and reduce seabed disturbance. When the vessel is ready amount of seabed disturbance caused by each element of the subsea to leave the location, the anchor will be winched directly upwards off infrastructure. the fixed mooring, using a winch-line running from a support vessel to the anchor, and will be returned to the DPDSV, resulting in little or Dropped objects, such as tools or heavy equipment, may end up on no seabed damage from the anchor retrieval process. the seabed during installation activity, again resulting in localised smothering of benthic habitats. For the FPSO, installing the mooring lines with the proper tension

Once in place, the mooring lines are likely to remain relatively will minimise line drag along the seafloor. Using an FPSO, rather than stationary, except at the “touch-down” point, where the line will move a platform, also avoids a significant amount of seabed disturbance up and down depending on the sea state and bottom currents. associated with the installation of a platform jacket (the steel lattice structure used to support an offshore platform). Impacts to the seabed during decommissioning are much the same as those during installation. The removal of subsea equipment will Flowlines will be laid directly onto the sandy seabed rather result in temporary localised disturbance to the seabed, especially than trenched, again minimising impacts to the sparse benthic increased turbidity levels as a result of stirring up the sand. communities.

Table 5.7 Area of seabed subject to direct physical disturbance during installation and production

Equipment Dimensions in contact Area (m2) Area (ha) with seabed (m) Riser base Y Gas injection line Riser base to PM1 Y PM1 to PM2 Y 0.03 Water injection line 2,135 x 0.25 533 0.05 Production lines Riser base to PM1-A 2,102 x 0.25 525 0.05 Riser base to PM1-B Y 512 0.05 PM1 to PM2-A 1,752 x 0.25 PM1 to PM2-B Y Electro-hydraulic umbilical line To PM1 Y From the subsea distribution unit near PM1 to PM2 Y 0.03 Subsea distribution units (x 2) 5 x 5 25 (50) 0.01 (0.02) Manifolds (x 2) 17 x 9 0.015 (0.03) Pipeline end termination Y 0.01 Wellheads (x 13) Y 0.001 (0.02) 3JHJETQPPMT Y 0.5 x 0.35 Anchors (x 9) 5 x 5 25 (225) 0.002 (0.022) Mooring lines (x 9) Y TOTAL 5,411 0.541

144 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Environmental impacts to the seabed are also mitigated by the very Investigation of the fouling communities on platforms on the North small seabed footprint of the subsea infrastructure compared to area West Shelf has found that complex ecosystems develop within of similar habitats available on the North West Shelf. two years of being in place (Farrell, 1992). Depending on water depth, these communities were primarily dominated by sponges, Materials handling and transfer procedures will be developed with CSZP[PBOT TFBTRVJSUT DPMPOJTJOH DSVTUBDFBOT BOE CSJUUMF TUBST5IF the aim of restricting installation activities during unfavourable rate of development of the fouling community for deepwater seabed weather conditions to minimise safety threats and to minimise the structures is likely to be somewhat slower due in part to the lower chance of dropped objects, which have the potential to disturb the temperatures and greatly reduced light availability near the seabed at TFBCFE JNQBDUEFQFOEJOHPOTJ[FBOEXFJHIUPGPCKFDU "QPTU the water depths in the Van Gogh development area (approximately installation ROV survey will be undertaken to retrieve any dropped 350 m below sea level). objects. The environmental impacts associated with the provision of artificial The benthic communities affected by habitat displacement due to habitat are locally increased biological productivity and diversity. The the installation of subsea equipment are sparse, not very diverse, provision of artificial habitat on the seabed is likely to slightly alter and well represented along the North West Shelf (see Section the composition of the benthic community in the immediate vicinity 4.4.7). This community type is expected to recover quickly from EVF UP BMUFSFE QSFEBUPSHSB[JOH QSFTTVSFT 1PMMBSE BOE .BUIFXT the localised physical disturbance. Acoustic and ROV surveys reveal )JYPOBOE#FFUT there are no rocky outcrops identified within the development area, so such habitats, usually more diverse than the unconsolidated Removal of the infrastructure during decommissioning will result in sands environment that exists at the project site, will not be affected a loss of the habitat associated with the underwater structures and a by the development. There will be a small and localised loss of return to original levels of biota over time. soft sediment habitat as a consequence of the installation of the Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures subsea infrastructure (see Table 5.7), though this is replaced by a large surface area of hard substrate for organisms to attach to No specific measures are proposed to mitigate the presence of the (see Section 5.3.2). FPSO and associated infrastructure providing artificial habitat. An environmentally suitable anti-fouling coating will be applied to the After installation activities, it is expected that the disturbed benthic FPSO hull (see Sections 2.4 and 5.5.9), selected in line with current communities in the vicinity of the subsea equipment will recover anticipated regulatory requirements. rapidly. Predicted Residual Environment Risks Predicted Residual Environment Risks The residual environmental impact associated with the introduction With avoidance, mitigation and management measurements in of artificial habitat is predicted to be “negligible” for all stages of the place, the residual environmental impact associated with physical Van Gogh development. Following the removal of infrastructure at disturbance of the seabed and seabed biological communities decommissioning, it is expected that the abundance of epifaunal during all phases of the Van Gogh development is predicted to be biota will return to the original state. The presence of artificial “negligible”. The disturbance to this small area will not cause any habitat will not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the migratory species or the surrounding marine environment. surrounding marine environment. 5.3.3 Artificial Lighting 5.3.2 Artificial Habitat The environmental risk of artificial lighting in an area of otherwise no The environmental risk of providing artificial habitat in an area of or very low night-time light has been ranked as “negligible” during all otherwise low benthic diversity has been ranked as “negligible” stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). during all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). This section assesses the impacts of light on light-sensitive marine Known and Potential Impacts fauna. Tourism impacts and visual amenity are assessed in Sections The presence of the FPSO, near-surface infrastructure (such as the 5.8.4 and 5.8.7, respectively. DTM buoy, risers and upper sections of the mooring lines) and subsea Known and Potential Impacts infrastructure provides hard substrate for the settlement of marine The transmission and visibility of light at distance depend on light organisms that would not otherwise be successful in colonising intensity and wavelength, on reflection and refraction properties the area. Further colonisation of the structures over time by other of the earth’s surface (in this case, the open ocean), on weather or species leads to the development of a “fouling” community, similar to shadowing and on interference from obstacles. that which is found on submerged shipwrecks. The presence of the structures and the fouling community also provides for predator or Installation Vessels. Lighting will be used for safe illumination of prey refuges and visual clues for aggregation (Galloway et al the DPDSV and HLVs during subsea installation activities, which

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 145 XJMM PDDVS IPVST B EBZ GPS BQQSPYJNBUFMZ EBZT /JHIUUJNF During these periods, the light intensity produced by the flare will lighting will be reduced to that required for safe operation, and non- be greater, and the flare may be visible at night from beaches at essential lights will be turned off or shielded. All vessels used during the northern tip of the North West Cape or from the Muiron Islands the installation phase will have a lighting audit undertaken before BTBHMPXPOUIFIPSJ[PO5IFJOUFOTJUZPGUIFMJHIUSFDFJWFEBUUIF commencing field activities. coastline would be very low since intensity of indirect light decreases rapidly with distance from the source. FPSO Operational Lighting. Lighting will be used to safely illuminate the FPSO work and accommodation areas during commissioning and Biological Research. FPSO operational and flare lighting may impact production (referred to as operational lighting). Light will also occur on sea turtles, particularly hatchlings. As sea turtles are migratory from flaring during these phases (discussed further below). specialists, hatchlings and adults respond to a suite of intrinsic For safe working practices, the current specification requires lighting and extrinsic signals during migration (Wyneken, 2003). Evidence levels to be 150 lux at 1 m above the deck of the FPSO (1 lux is equal suggests that brightness is an important cue used by turtle hatchlings UPMVNFONĢ 5IF'140TESBGUJTFYQFDUFEUPWBSZCFUXFFONBU in search of the ocean and for females to return to the ocean after minimum crude loading, up to 15.3 m at maximum loading, meaning nesting. Turtle hatchlings need to head to the sea immediately after deck height above sea level will vary by up to almost 7 m depending hatching to avoid predation, dehydration and exhaustion. All marine on how much crude is in the cargo tanks. This will have a bearing on turtle species hatch during the hours of darkness and have been IPXGBSMJHIUDBOCFTFFOGSPNUIF'140mUIFIJHIFSUIFEFDLBCPWF TIPXO UP NPWF UPXBSE UIF MJHIUFTU IPSJ[PO PO B WFSUJDBMMZ MPXFS sea surface, the further away light will be visible. aspect immediately after hatching (Pendoley, 2005).

Additional lighting will be required periodically on cranes and Since water has a higher albedo than land (albedo is the fraction of around the portside and stern of the FPSO to allow safe night-time light that is reflected by a body or surface), in the absence of artificial loading and unloading of support vessels and offtake tankers. The MJHIU UIFIPSJ[POJTDPOTJTUFOUMZCSJHIUFSPWFSUIFPDFBOUIBOPWFS purpose of these additional lights will be to minimise the potential land. While light may be the hatchling’s initial dominant navigational GPSTBGFUZBOEFOWJSPONFOUBMIB[BSET8IFSFQPTTJCMF MJHIUTXJMMOPU aid, wave direction, currents and magnetic cues are considered the be directed onto the water surface. Consequently, lighting levels on primary influences on hatchling movement once they have left the water are expected to be low. UIFCFBDIFTBOEFOUFSFEUIFXBUFS -PINBOOBOE-PINBOO Wyneken, 2003). %VFUPUIF'140TEJTUBODFGSPNUIFNBJOMBOE LN BOE.VJSPO Islands (39 km) and the effect of the earth’s curvature, nesting turtles Artificial lighting has been linked to disorientation in turtles, and turtle hatchlings on the beaches of the mainland or islands will particularly during periods of nesting and hatching (Lutcavage et not see operational lighting from the FPSO. It is possible that indirect al 1FOEPMFZ 5VSUMF IBUDIMJOHT IBWF CFFO TIPXO UP light from normal operational lighting may also be visible at night move toward bright artificial light sources in both laboratory and GSPN UIF NBJOMBOE BT B GBJOU HMPX PO UIF IPSJ[PO CVU CFDBVTF field settings. Studies reported by Witherington (1992) on hatchling the intensity diminishes with the square of the distance (i.e., light orientation relative to spectrally controlled light sources indicated JT SFEVDFE UP PG UIF JOJUJBM JOUFOTJUZ BGUFS N UIF SFDFJWFE that the most disruptive wavelengths were in the range of 300 to intensity of indirect illumination would be extremely low. 500 nanometres (nm). In contrast, light emitted from a natural gas -JHIUTXJMMOPUGBDFIPSJ[POUBMMZPOUIF'140EJSFDUMZPVUUPTFB"TB flare has a peak spectral intensity in the range from 750 to 900 nm worst-case scenario and assuming a light intensity of 150 lux at 1 m, (WAPET, 1995). Pendoley (2005) found that light emitted from a flare then, at the coast or nearby islands (minimum distance of 39 km), the tower at Apache’s Varanus Island hub ranged from 370 to more than intensity of direct light would be insignificant. ON#FDBVTFUIFMJHIUGSPNUIF'140UIBUXPVMECFTFFOBUUIF coastline and regional islands is of low intensity and has a limited FPSO Flare Lighting. Reinjection of produced gas is expected to spectral range, it will have a negligible impact to nesting or hatching PDDVSGPSBUMFBTUPGUIF'140TDPOOFDUFEPQFSBUJOHUJNF5IJT turtles. means that abnormal flaring (during emergencies (depressurise system), process upsets (loss of gas compressor(s)), plant start-up and Any light from the proposed FPSO that is detected by beached turtles shutdown, commissioning and short term equipment unavailability) in the region (either hatchlings or nesting females) will be offshore JTFYQFDUFEUPPDDVSGPSOPNPSFUIBOPGUIF'140TDPOOFDUFE BOEIFODFXPVMEPOMZTFSWFUPJODSFBTFUIFPDFBOIPSJ[POMJHIUBOE operating time, or 37 days in any given year. Although reinjection of enhance the light cue for the turtle to orientate toward the ocean. As surplus gas will avoid significant flaring of gas, a small quantity of discussed above, light only serves as an initial navigational cue for gas may be continuously burning at the flare tip for safety reasons turtle hatchlings when they are on the beach. Their vision is limited (as discussed in Section 2.7.2), and there may also be short periods in the water and other more dominant navigational cues take over, of process upsets that lead to more lengthy periods of flaring. Each such as ocean movements and magnetic fields. Therefore, the risk of of these significant flaring events typically lasts for several hours at a any light from the FPSO having any negative impact on nesting or time while the cause of the problem is investigated and addressed. hatching sea turtles is “negligible”.

146 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Light from offshore platforms has been shown to attract migrating at Ningaloo Reef. The DEH's Whale Shark Recovery Plan (2005a) birds. In a study of offshore oil platforms in the North Sea, Marquenie considers there to be no anthropogenic threats with an immediate BOEWBOEF-BBS TIPXFEUIBUMBSHFóPDLTPGNJHSBUJOHTFBCJSET impact to whale sharks in Australian Waters, with the main threat can be attracted to the lights and flares of offshore oil platforms, being commercial harvesting outside of Australian waters (DEH, particularly on cloudy nights and between the hours of midnight B$PMPNFS and dawn. When such offshore platforms are on long-distance bird Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures migration routes, the impact of this attraction could be considered significant as many birds cross the ocean with 12 hours of fat reserves, Surplus gas recovered on the FPSO will be reinjected, minimising for instance, for a 10-hour flight. Any delay in these flights (e.g., the amount of gas that is required to be flared during routine day- resting on a platform or circling around them) could significantly to-day operations. This will significantly reduce the quantity of light reduce the bird’s resilience and potential survival. The likelihood generated by flaring, which would otherwise be the largest source of these impacts occurring to migrating birds at the proposed Van of light associated with the development. An emergency flare is Gogh FPSO location is rare as migrating birds in the region are at or required on the FPSO to depressurise the topside process during near the end of their migration. If any are attracted to the FPSO, they any equipment failure or unplanned events and provides for the will not be facing long-distance journeys directly upon leaving the personnel safety of all onboard the facility. Flaring events are only vessel. This is combined with the few days of abnormal flaring each likely to occur for short durations. year and low levels of operational lighting. Facility design will include minimising light spill from the FPSO as It is broadly accepted that seabirds do aggregate around offshore much as practicable while meeting personnel safety requirements. production facilities in above-average numbers (Weise et al., 2001). Lighting on the DPDSV, HLVs and FPSO will be restricted to the This is predominantly attributed to the observation that structures minimum necessary for safe working practices. On the FPSO, lights in deeper water environments tend to aggregate marine life at all near the edge of the vessel will be shielded or turned inward to trophic levels, creating food sources and shelter for seabirds (Surnam, minimise light overspill to the ocean. The safe lighting levels have 2002). The light from the deck of the FPSO and the flare may also been determined as part of the Safety Case assessment submitted to provide enhanced capability for seabirds to forage at night. Some the NOPSA under the P(SL) Act requirements. studies from the Gulf of Mexico, the North West Atlantic (Weise et The installation vessels will be on location for a brief length of time, al BOEJOUIF/PSUI4FB .BSRVFOJFBOE7BOEF-BBS thereby limiting any effects of lighting to nearby areas. Installation suggest that seabirds and migrating birds may also be subject to activities, and the lighting associated with this, will overlap for only disorientation from artificial light. a short time with the breeding periods of the turtle species known There is no evidence to suggest that artificial light sources adversely to occur in the region (see Section 4.4.15) and will be distant from affect the migratory, feeding or breeding behaviours of cetaceans. these breeding locations. Cetaceans predominantly utilise acoustic senses to monitor their Periods of flaring will be recorded so as to measure performance environment rather than visual sources (Simmonds et al TP against set targets. light is therefore not considered to be a significant factor in cetacean behaviour or survival. It has been speculated (Pidcock et al., 2003) that Predicted Residual Environment Risks light may disorientate cetaceans, leading to a risk of light pollution The residual environmental impact associated with light emitted from oil and gas exploration activities causing adverse impacts on from all stages of the proposed Van Gogh development has been several whale species. However, there is no evidence to support this ranked as “negligible”. The presence of light from the vessels required speculation, and it is unlikely that light spillage from the FPSO (or for installation and production will not cause any significant impacts other vessels associated with the installation and production phases) to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the surrounding marine would cause any detectable response from cetaceans. environment. "O FYUFOTJWF MJUFSBUVSF SFWJFX %&) B C *SWJOF BOE ,FFTJOH &DPDFBO VOEBUFE $"-..13" JOEJDBUFT UIFSF JT OP 5.3.4 Underwater Noise information available about the potential impacts of offshore light on The environmental risk of underwater noise has been ranked as whale sharks, primarily because of limited records of their distribution “negligible” during all stages of the Van Gogh development (see outside of Australia and their elusive nature outside of aggregration Table 5.6). areas. Given that most whale shark sightings are close to the Ningaloo Background Reef (see Figure 4.8), the brief nature of their seasonal aggregation, and their highly mobile nature, it is considered that the impact of all The data presented below is drawn from studies commissioned development light sources on whale sharks is neglible. Installation by BHP Billiton for the assessment of the Pyrenees Development activities for the development, when there will be the most vessels Area and conducted by the Curtin University CMST. These studies and most light, will take place outside of their aggregation period included:

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 147 r "OBMZTJT PG BNCJFOU OPJTF DIBSBDUFSJTUJDT QSFWJPVTMZ NFBTVSFEJO (McCauley et al BOEE#SFɀ1BNFBTVSFEGSPNBN nearshore and offshore areas near the Pyrenees development area ñTIJOHCPBUJOUIF5JNPS4FB .D$BVMFZ (12 km east-southeast of the proposed Van Gogh FPSO location). Under normal operating conditions when a vessel is idling or r $SPTTSFGFSFODF UP EJSFDU NFBTVSFNFOUT PG VOEFSXBUFS OPJTF travelling between sites (for example, from Exmouth Gulf to the around two operating FPSO vessels (BHP Billiton’s Griffin Venture development site), vessel noise would be detectable only over a <#BSSPX4VCCBTJO>BOE8PPETJEFTCossack Pioneer<%BNQJFS4VC short distance. The noise from a vessel holding its position using bow CBTJO> thrusters and strong thrust from its main engines may be detectable above background noise levels during calm weather conditions for r .PEFMMJOHPGOPJTFQSPQBHBUJPODIBSBDUFSJTUJDTCBTFEPOUIFMPDBM 20 km or more from the vessel, although this range of audibility conditions (including bathymetry) for various potential noise will be reduced under noisier background conditions (i.e., windy or sources. stormy weather). Note that noise is propagated and measured differently in water than Noise from the DPDSV will emanate from: on land. The standard scientific approach is to describe underwater noise levels in terms of sound pressure. While a decibel (dB) is a r 'JWFEZOBNJDBMMZQPTJUJPOFEUISVTUFST relative measure of sound level, to make this measure meaningful for Y L8B[JNVUIJOHUISVTUFSTBUUIFTUFSO XJUIñYFEQJUDI underwater noise, it is referenced to a standard “reference intensity” propellers. of 1 micropascal (dB re 1μPa). Underwater noise is also measured PWFSBTQFDJñFEGSFRVFODZ VTVBMMZFJUIFSBIFSU[ )[ CBOEXJEUI - 3 x 1,335-kW variable pitch thrusters. FYQSFTTFEBTE#SF1BĢ)[ PSPWFSBCSPBECBOEUIBUIBTOPUCFFO r 'PVSEJFTFMFMFDUSJDFOHJOFT FBDIQSPEVDJOH L8BUW1I filtered. Where the frequency has not been expressed, it is assumed )[ that the measurement is a broadband measurement. r 8PSLJOH307 Naturally occurring noise levels in the ocean, as a result of wind and wave activity, may range from around 90 dB re 1μPa under very calm, - acoustic transducers (used to assist with the installation of the low wind conditions to 110 dB re 1μPa under windy conditions. subsea equipment)

Known and Potential Sources YIPSJ[POUBMBOEYWFSUJDBMUISVTUFST

Underwater noise will be generated during all stages of the Van r 5PQTJEFTEFDLFRVJQNFOU Gogh development. The main potential sources of underwater noise Noise levels on the DPDSV were measured at various locations in for the Van Gogh development are the FPSO and associated vessels August 2007 when the vessel was alongside a docking area, without (support vessels, DPDSV, HLVs and offtake tankers). the engines running. Noise levels ranged from 53 dBA (LAeq) in the Vessels used during installation include the DPDSV, its support and SFDSFBUJPO SPPN UP E#" -"FR JO UIF HFOFSBUPS SPPN XJUI safety vessels and the HLVs (the latter based in Exmouth Gulf), while one generator running at low mode (Setsco, 2007). The acoustic those used during production include the offloading support vessel, transducers that will be used on the subsea infrastructure during the supply support vessels and offtake tankers. JOTUBMMBUJPOQIBTFPQFSBUFJOUIFSBOHFPGUPL)[BOEUP L)[ EFQFOEJOHPOBQQMJDBUJPOT The noise levels and characteristics of vessels that will be present in the field over time will vary considerably between vessel types. The FPSO will generate noise from the FPSO’s topsides equipment, The particular activity being conducted by the vessel also greatly propulsion system and associated subsea infrastructure. influences the noise characteristics, for example, if it is at idle, holding The underwater noise emanating from two FPSOs in Western position using bow thrusters, or accelerating. Australian waters (the Griffin Venture and Cossack Pioneer) has Vessel propellers are primarily designed to drive the vessel at a steady been measured. The Griffin Venture represents a suitable basis for cruising speed. They are less efficient and noisier in reverse or when comparison to the Van Gogh FPSO for assessing potential underwater accelerating hard. While working, support vessels normally maintain noise impacts due to the similarity of engine and power generation position while loading and unloading supplies or conducting equipment. Underwater noise is predominantly of a low frequency installation activities using strong forward and reverse thrusts from MFTTUIBO )[ XJUITUSPOHWBSJBCMFUPOBMOPJTFGSPNUIFFOHJOF the engines and bow thrusters. This type of activity would only take spaces. The petroleum processing facilities, which are located on place for a very small portion of the time. decks above the waterline, were not found to be a major input to the underwater noise field. The maximum broadband source level of the .D$BVMFZ NFBTVSFEVOEFSXBUFSCSPBECBOEOPJTFFRVJWBMFOU Griffin ventureXBTE#SF1BBCPVUUIFCFBN #)1# UPBQQSPYJNBUFMZE#SFɀ1BBUNGSPNBESJMMSJHTVQQPSUWFTTFM holding station in the Timor Sea. This level of noise compares to The noise characteristics of BHP Billiton’s Griffin Venture FPSO, reported levels of 170 dB re 1μPa measured from whale-watching operating approximately 70 km northeast of Apache’s proposed catamarans in Hervey Bay (Queensland) during manoeuvring FPSO location, were applied to the area of the proposed Pyrenees

148 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.8 Modelled distance of audibility above background underwater noise levels for the Pyrenees FPSO

Wind conditions Frequency of wind conditions Distance of audibility above background underwater noise Calm 3BOHFTGSPNPGUJNFJO4FQUFNCFSUPJO'FCSVBSZ LN .PEFSBUF UPLOPUT &TUJNBUFEUPPDDVSGPSPGUIFUJNF UPLN development by way of a sound propagation model to predict the Other tones associated with the main and tail rotors and other engine level and attenuation of underwater noise associated with FPSO noise can result in a larger number of tones at various frequencies. operations (BHPB, 2005). Sound travelling from a source in the air, such as a helicopter, to Modelling of noise radiated from an FPSO at the Pyrenees a receiver underwater is affected by both in-air and underwater development area is presented in Table 5.8, and it can be assumed propagation processes, which are further complicated by processes to be very similar to that of the proposed Van Gogh FPSO. The data PDDVSSJOH BU UIF BJSmTFBXBUFSTVSGBDF JOUFSGBDF5IF SFDFJWFE MFWFM indicates that the FPSO would be audible above background noise underwater depends in a complex way on source altitude and GPSSFMBUJWFMZTIPSUEJTUBODFT HFOFSBMMZMFTTUIBOLN lateral distance, receiver depth, water depth, and other variables. The angle at which the line from the aircraft and receiver intersects The noisiest situation occurs when there is a support vessel using the water surface is important. In calm conditions, at angles greater main engines and bow thrusters holding station to keep an offtake UIBOGSPNUIFWFSUJDBM NVDIPGUIFTPVOEJTSFóFDUFEBOEEPFT tanker in line with the FPSO. This scenario, which would occur once not penetrate into the water (Richardson et al /3$ FWFSZUPEBZTEVSJOHUIFñSTUZFBS CFDPNJOHMFTTGSFRVFOUBT Therefore, strong underwater sounds are detectable for a period the crude oil production rate declines thereafter), has been modelled SPVHIMZDPSSFTQPOEJOHUPUIFUJNFUIFIFMJDPQUFSJTXJUIJOBDPOF for the Pyrenees FPSO (BHPB, 2005). The modelling for this scenario BCPWFUIFSFDFJWFS5IJT[POFPGFOTPOJñDBUJPODBOCFMBSHFSJOSPVHI includes conservative assumptions on the amount of thrust being TFBTIPXFWFS UIJTJTPíTFUCZIJHIFSBNCJFOUOPJTFMFWFMT used by the support vessels to hold station (i.e., it assumes a high level of thrust and maximum noise generation). The results indicate Most aircraft traffic supporting offshore installations involves turbine UIBUUIFNBYJNVNCSPBECBOETPVSDFMFWFMJTE#SF1B6OEFS helicopters flying along straight lines. Underwater sounds from very quiet ambient conditions, which are uncommon (the annual helicopters are transient events. Usually, a helicopter can be heard in BWFSBHFGPSDBMNQFSJPETJOUIFBSFBJTPGUIFUJNF UIF'140 the air well before and after the brief period it passes overhead and offtake tanker and support vessel would be audible for up to 30 to is heard underwater. Sound pressure in the water directly below a LN*OFWFONPEFSBUFMZXJOEZDPOEJUJPOT UIFEJTUBODFBUXIJDI helicopter is greatest at the surface and diminishes with increasing noise produced by the FPSO and support vessel holding station receiver depth. The peak receiver level diminishes with increasing could be detected underwater would decrease significantly to as low helicopter altitude, but the duration of audibility often increases as between 15 and 20 km. with increasing altitude. Richardson et al. (1995) report figures for a #FMMIFMJDPQUFS TUBUFEUPCFPOFPGUIFOPJTJFTU CFJOHBVEJCMFJO Noise from emergency flaring on the Van Gogh FPSO has been UIFBJSGPSNJOVUFTCFGPSFJUQBTTFEPWFSVOEFSXBUFSIZESPQIPOFT FTUJNBUFEUPCFBQQSPYJNBUFMZE# " BUPOFNFUSFGPSXPSTU CVUEFUFDUBCMFVOEFSXBUFSGPSPOMZTFDPOETBUNEFQUIBOE DBTF DPOEJUJPOT óBSJOH PG LTNģEBZ PS ..4$'% XIJDI TFDPOETBUNEFQUI is unlikely to have an effect on cetaceans. This is due to the noise source being elevated on the deck of the FPSO and of only a limited Table 5.9 provides a comparison of natural and anthropogenic duration. underwater noise sources. Highlighted cells are those most pertinent to the Van Gogh development and indicate that the sound intensities Helicopters will be used to transfer personnel to the DPDSV during and frequencies generated from anthropogenic sources do overlap installation (about two return flights per week for approximately 15 with those of cetacean species. weeks, excluding ad-hoc inspections about once a month) and to the FPSO during commissioning and production (expected to involve Known and Potential Impacts five return trips per week for the operating life of the FPSO). The main concern associated with the proposed development’s The main noise source associated with helicopters is the impulsive installation and operation is the additional noise above background noise from the main rotor, which consists of blade-vortex interaction ocean noise and above that of regular commercial shipping traffic noise in descent or level flight at low and medium velocities and and whether this extends into key cetacean (e.g., humpback whales) high-speed impulsive noise related to trans-sonic effects on the feeding, breeding, resting and migration areas along the coast. advancing blade. The rotating blades of helicopters produce tones Mysticetes, or baleen whales (humpbacks are in this category), with fundamental frequencies proportional to the rotation rate and use low-frequency calls to orientate and navigate in a way similar number of blades. Dominant tones in noise spectra from helicopters to echolocation, essential to their long migrations. Many forms of BOEñYFEXJOHBJSDSBGUBSFHFOFSBMMZCFMPX)[ .D$BVMFZ anthropogenic sounds are also produced at low frequencies, and

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 149 Table 5.9 Comparisons of various underwater sound intensities and pressures (dB re 1 μPa) at one metre from source

Source Sound Intensity (dB re 1 μPa) Frequency (Hz) Natural noises Ambient sea sound UP Varied Undersea earthquake 272 50 Seafloor volcanic eruption 255+ Varied Lightning strike on sea surface 250 Varied Bottlenose dolphin click Up to 229 Up to 120,000 Breaching whale 200 20 Humpback whale - fluke and flipper slaps UP UP NPBOT 25 to 1,900 (grunts) Humpback whale - song UP UP TPOH Humpback whale song in Exmouth region1 179 50 to 10,000 (social calls) 30 to 1,200 (flipper slaps) Sperm whale clicks Up to 235 100 to 30,000 Blue whale vocalisations/moans BWFSBHFUP UP UPEPNJOBOU Southern right whale 172 to 192 3 to 2,200 (5 to 500 dominant) Anthropogenic noise FPSO (typical) 10 to 500, up to 2,000 Seismic acoustic source 230 to 255 Less than 200 Ship sound (close to hull) 200 10 to 100 Shipping traffic 125 (depending on distance from recording) Greater than 100 Drill rig NBYJNVN HSFBUFSUIBOGPSPGUJNF 20 to 1,000 (15 to 30 dominant) at 5.1 km)2 Fishing trawler 100 7-m outboard motorboat Tanker (179 m) 4VQFSUBOLFS N 190 7 $POUBJOFSTIJQ N Helicopter flyover (Bell 212) 155 Navigation transponders UP UP Side-scan sonar 220 to 230 50 to 500 Bottom profilers 200 to 230 UP Depth sounders 12+ Military sonar: surveillance 230+ 2 to 57 Military sonar: obstacle avoidance 220+ 25 to 500 Military sonar: weapon mounted 200+ 15 to 200 4PVSDFT"11&" 3JDIBSETPOet.al )PCCT QFSTDPNN 4JNNPOETet al *"($ OPEBUF 1. McCauley and Jenner (2001). 2 .Woodside (2003).

these may interfere with whale communications and migration r "UUSaction. pathways (Simmonds et al., 2003). r *ODSFBTFETUSFTTMFWFMT The predicted maximum source levels of underwater noise that may r %JTSVQUJPOUPVOEFSXBUFSBDPVTUJDDVFT be generated by normal marine installation and production facilities r #FIBWJPVSBMDIBOHFT JTBQQSPYJNBUFMZE#SFɀ1B"USBOHFTPGNPSNPSF UIF received levels will be substantially below the levels believed r -PDBMJTFEBWPJEBODF sufficient to cause any physiological harm to marine mammals or fish r 4FDPOEBSZFDPMPHJDBMFíFDUTUIBUNBZPDDVSBTBSFTVMUPGBOFíFDU (BHPB, 2005). The primary concern arising from noise generation is on one (or more) species influencing another species, for example, the potential non-physiological effects on marine fauna including: CZBMUFSBUJPOPGBQSFEBUPSmQSFZSFMBUJPOTIJQ

150 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development For each of these possible effects there will be a gradation of severity. sounds that theZQSPEVDF UIJTCFJOHJOUIFSBOHFPG)[UPL)[ In assessing the likely impacts to the key marine groups, summarised (Richardson et al., 1995). Hence, there is an overlap between the below, it is necessary to bear in mind that the level of behavioural frequency at which baleen whales are assumed to have greatest response and stress induced by noise may decrease with habituation. hearing sensitivity and the underwater noises to be generated by Consequently, fauna will often approach or remain near a noise the FPSO and support vessels. This overlap may lead to potential source, such as an operating facility, even though the level of noise behavioural effects as the baleen whales respond to received noises. exceeds that at which behavioural changes have been observed to %PMQIJOTVUJMJTFGSFRVFODJFTGSPNUPL)[BOE BTJOEJDBUFECZ occur, if there is no corresponding threat associated with the noise. behavioural and electrophysiological audiograms, have greatest For example, there have been numerous observations of whales sensitivity to underwater sounds over a broad range from 10 to and dolphins swimming, resting and frolicking in close proximity L)[ 3JDIBSETPOet al., 1995). The FPSO and support vessels are to Apache drill rigs, the Stag platform and its FSO (Apache whale expected to generate underwater sounds with dominant frequencies sighting database). JOUIFSBOHFPGUP)[BOESBOHJOHVQUPL)[%PMQIJOTBSF Marine Mammals. Marine mammals that can be tested have an likely to be able to “hear” the FPSO and support vessels, but the extremely acute acoustic sense to monitor their environment and are received noise frequencies are outside the range of greatest hearing correspondingly sensitive to sounds below and, to a lesser extent, sensitivity, and any behavioural effects are more likely to be related above the water surface. Noise generated during the production to the physical presence of the vessels rather than their underwater phase of the proposed development may interfere with the acoustic noise characteristics. perception and communication of any marine mammals in the In modelling undertaken for the BHP Billiton Pyrenees development vicinity and may have the potential to induce stress should it exceed (BHPB, 2005), the measurements of noise generated by an FPSO and some threshold level. model predictions indicated that a whale may detect the Pyrenees The threshold noise level for behavioural changes is likely to vary for '140BUEJTUBODFTPGVQUPLNVOEFSDBMNDPOEJUJPOT EFQFOEJOH different species, different individuals and even the same individual on its respective heading to the FPSO. If the wind strengthens or if in different behavioural states as observed with dolphins and the whale approaches the FPSO from some aspect other than the humpback whales frequently approaching vessels and production aft quarter, then the range within which the FPSO is audible may facilities (Apache whale sighting database). EFDSFBTF UP CFUXFFO BOE LN TFF Table 5.8). Although the vessel may be audible at these ranges, it will not be greatly above Richardson et al. (1995) described the criteria for defining the radius background noise conditions. As the animal approaches the noise PS[POFPGJOóVFODFPGVOEFSXBUFSOPJTFBTGPMMPXT source, it will become louder. It would not be until the animal is r Zone of audibility m XJUIJO XIJDI UIF XIBMFT NJHIU EFUFDU UIF within about 900 m of the FPSO under calm conditions that the signal sound, generally where the received sound signal equals the level could be considered “loud” (120 dB re 1μPa). Very similar results were of background noise in the same band. obtained by Woodside for the Vincent development (Woodside, 2005). Because the Van Gogh FPSO will be stationary and produce r Zone of responsivenessmXJUIJOXIJDIUIFXIBMFTSFBDUCFIBWJPVSBMMZ a relatively constant noise signal, it will not produce startle or alarm or physiologically (e.g., by avoidance, duration of surfacing, diving responses and will allow habituation to the noise. and number of blows). Response may depend on sound level or on a signal to noise ratio and will vary with different species and with Richardson et al. (1995) presented summary tables of the broadband individuals within species. levels at which several species of whales exhibited avoidance behaviour, indicating that this occurred at broadband noise levels of r Zone of maskingmXIFSFOPJTFNJHIUCFTUSPOHFOPVHIUPJOUFSGFSF BQQSPYJNBUFMZUPE#SFɀ1B5IJTJTDPOTJTUFOUXJUIBTUVEZ with detection of other sounds. Theoretically, this could extend to of the response of humpback whales to noise generated by vessels the distance of audibility but varies in part with distances, directions, (McCauley et al UIBU PCTFSWFE CFIBWJPVSBM DIBOHFT XIFO relative strengths of masking noise and, to a large extent, with the humpback whales were exposed to continual broadband noise animals’ ability to adapt call intensity and frequency in response to levels in excess of 115 dB re 1μPa. Using these values, it is estimated the masking noise. that, under normal operating conditions, whales would theoretically r Zone of hearing loss, discomfort and injurymUZQJDBMMZDPOTJEFSFEBT BWPJEBQQSPBDIJOHXJUIJOBQQSPYJNBUFMZLNPGUIF'140PSXJUIJO temporary or permanent threshold shifts, depending mainly on the UPLNPGBTVQQPSUWFTTFMUIBUXBTVTJOHNBJOFOHJOFTBOECPX duration and intensity of exposure. Most quantitative understanding thrusters to assist an offtake tanker while undertaking offloading of comes from humans, with application to marine mammals inferred crude oil from the FPSO. only from observed behavioural responses. The BHP Billiton-operated FPSO Griffin Venture lies approximately 70 The hearing sensitivity of baleen whales is assumed, in the absence of LNUPUIFOPSUIFBTUPGUIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUBOECFDBVTFUIF direct measures, to be similar to dominant frequencies of underwater Van Gogh FPSO is expected to produce a similar noise footprint, the

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 151 Griffin Venture presents an opportunity to compare the theoretical aerial surveys to establish comparative whale densities in each avoidance with observed levels of avoidance. The Griffin Venture is region across the shelf. They found that, after accounting for density located directly in the humpback whale southern migration route, EJíFSFODFT TJOHJOHSBUFTXFSFUPUJNFTIJHIFSBMPOHUIFFEHF and humpback cow-calf pairs must swim past the vessel to access of Ningaloo Reef compared to rates in the proposed development their resting habitat in Exmouth Gulf. Observations of humpback area, over a comparative time period. Hence, even if some masking whale migratory movements carried out by the Centre for Whale of humpback song does occur around the development area, the Research over several years do not suggest any significant avoidance comparatively low number of singers offshore compared to closer to CFIBWJPVSJOUIFIVNQCBDLTTPVUIFSONJHSBUJPOJOEFFE XIBMFTBSF shore means that any effect on the humpback whale population will often sighted within close proximity to the FPSO (BHPB, 2005). be mitigated by the lower number of singers in the deeper offshore As part of the noise modelling study undertaken by Curtin University’s waters. Centre for Marine Science and Technology and commissioned by Noise from manoeuvring vessels occurs for short durations of up BHP Billiton for the Pyrenees development, the issue of masking to about an hour periodically during supply and crude offloading signals of interest was addressed (BHPB, 2005). Most vertebrates are operations. The level of underwater noise generated during vessel particularly good at filtering out noise so as to detect weak signals manoeuvring in the Van Gogh development area may cause localised of interest. Although little is known about the hearing capabilities of avoidance behaviour by some marine mammals, possibly out to great whales, their extensive use of sound and the high and variable as far as 5 km from the manoeuvring vessel (BHPB, 2005, based on natural levels of background noise in the sea suggest that they also .D$BVMFZ will have highly adapted capabilities for detecting signals in noise. For masking to occur, the most important factors are the: Fish. The levels of noise generated during the proposed development may cause behavioural changes or a masking of other acoustic cues r 3FMBUJWFMPDBUJPOTPGUIFTFOEFSBOESFDFJWFS necessary for normal biological and/or ecological functioning. r 'SFRVFODZBOEMFWFMPGUIFQSJNBSZTJHOBM A considerable body of fisheries literature exists on behavioural response of fish to the noise of approaching vessels (McCauley et r 'SFRVFODZDPOUFOUBOEMFWFMPGUIFNBTLJOHTJHOBM al., 2000). These studies have shown that fish do avoid approaching It was predicted that, for a humpback whale singing at 1 km from the WFTTFMTUPTPNFEFHSFF VTVBMMZCZTXJNNJOHEPXOPSIPSJ[POUBMMZ FSPO, the complete song would only be masked for other humpback away from the vessel path. whales within 100 m of the FPSO. Approximately half the song would 5IFEFHSFFPGPCTFSWFEFíFDUXFBLFOTXJUIEFQUIBOEUIFFíFDU be discernible to other humpbacks that were more than 250 m is temporary, with normal schooling patterns resuming shortly after from the FPSO, and the full detail of the song would be audible to the noise source has passed. Surface and mid-water dwelling fishes humpback whales that were more than 700 m from the FPSO. This may theoretically be adversely affected by noise generated during was estimated for the aft quarter only, which is where the loudest sound will be generated. Each of these estimated ranges from the WFTTFMNPWFNFOUTBOEOPSNBMQSPEVDUJPOPQFSBUJPOTIPXFWFS UIF FPSO would be expected to drop considerably for animals oriented high abundance of fish that congregate adjacent to offshore facilities to the FPSO on different headings (BHPB, 2005). indicates that, in the absence of any associated threats, they are able to habituate to these noises with no apparent detriment. These ranges are estimates, specific to a singing humpback at 1 km. For singers at greater ranges, the received song level near to the Unlike cetaceans, whale sharks (and other shark species) do not use '140XPVMECFMFTTIFODF UIFQSPCBCJMJUZPGNBTLJOHPGUIFTPOH sound to communicate with each other (DEH, 2005a). Sharks do, for a whale near the FPSO would be greater. But it is probable that however, sense sound as pressure through their lateral line system, humpbacks have sophisticated mechanisms for dealing with the and it is possible that high decibel sounds (unspecified) ranging detection of faint signals in noise. It must also be recognised that JOGSFRVFODZGSPNUP)[NBZJNQBDUPOXIBMFTIBSLT %&) normal sea noise levels (without any anthropogenic influences) over 2005a). The effects of loud sound on sharks are not well documented, the bandwidth for great whale songs can change by 20 to 30 dB or though it is possible they would relate to disruption to normal even more in severe weather conditions. Thus the masking effects behaviours such as feeding and migrating (DEH, 2005a). Given that of the FPSO noise must be considered as lying within the bounds of most whale sharks are sighted close to the coast (see Figure 4.8), natural variability and only significant for animals at close range to the brief nature of their seasonal aggregation and their highly motile the FPSO. nature, it is considered that all sources of underwater noise from the development would have a negligible impact on whale shark Another study from the Centre for Whale Research characterised abundance, distribution or behaviour. humpback whale singing rates within defined geographic bounds near BHP Billiton’s proposed Pyrenees development area and The DEH's Whale Shark Recovery Plan (2005a) considers there to inshore along the Ningaloo Reef edge (McCauley and Jenner, 2001). be no anthropogenic threats with an immediate impact to whale The study was carried out from October to November 2000 (prior to sharks in Australian waters, with the main threat being commercial any FPSO development occuring in the area), and used concurrent harvesting outside of AustraliaOXBUFST %&) B$PMNFS

152 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Turtles. Marine turtles have been recorded as demonstrating a Given the constant nature of the FPSO noise and the fact that it is TUBSUMF SFTQPOTF UP TVEEFO OPJTFT .D$BVMFZ BOE FMFDUSP stationary with no associated threats, it is likely that habituation to physical studies have shown that the hearing range for marine turtles its presence will occur and many animals may approach the FPSO JT BQQSPYJNBUFMZ UP )[ TVNNBSJTFE JO .D$BVMFZ UPSBOHFTXJUIJOLN*OSFMBUJPOUPNBSJOFNBNNBMT IBCJUVBUJPO However, no information is available regarding the threshold level is expected to occur to the low-energy, consistent noise generated necessary for behavioural effects. McCauleyet al. (2000) showed that from the FPSO and subsea infrastructure during routine operations. turtles respond vigorously to approaching seismic survey noise. It is The noise produced from these sources is not expected to be at a level possible that noise generated by the DPDSV, HLVs, FPSO and support that could lead to biological impacts, and therefore the process of vessels may cause turtles to avoid the area immediately adjacent to habituation will provide a benign method of reducing any associated these vessels. However, turtle numbers are relatively low in the waters behavioural impacts. PGUIFQSPQPTFE7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUBSFB #)1# 8PPETJEF Habituation is not expected to occur in relation to the infrequent 2002, 2005), and it is not likely that any such localised avoidance higher-energy noise associated with support vessels. However, due behaviour would cause an adverse impact on the turtle populations to the short duration of such noise and the transitory nature of of the area or their migratory behaviour. Turtles are often observed marine mammals in the area, it is unlikely that this noise source will approaching offshore oil and gas facilities (Apache fauna sightings have a significant impact on individuals or populations. database). The results of the noise modelling work presented in this section Seabirds. Seabirds are unlikely to be directly affected by underwater indicates that, under normal conditions, noise from the FPSO would noise generated during the proposed development. not be audible within the Ningaloo Marine Park. There are certain other types of noise, for example, large construction vessels manoeuvring Indirect effects of noise caused by a reduction in prey availability are about the site using thrusters, that will generate higher levels of difficult to quantify. Given that it is not expected that fish and other noise that, despite being substantially attenuated, may be audible prey species will be significantly impacted and that the area is not within the marine park under calm conditions. However, these are noted as being of special importance for seabird feeding, it is highly short-term activities that will occur at irregular intervals. The noise unlikely that seabirds would be indirectly affected by underwater levels received at Ningaloo Marine Park from these activities would noise. be no more than conventional shipping and less than that produced Due to the distance of the proposed development from any seabird by many commercial or recreational vessels that routinely operate nesting colonies (the closest area being the Muiron Islands, 39 km within Ningaloo Marine Park. away), the potential for airborne noise from installation and production Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures activities to cause disturbance to seabirds is extremely low. Noise impacts from helicopter movements will be minimised by Summary of Known and Potential Impacts routing the flight path to avoid identified sensitive environmental resources, such as the Muiron Islands seabird colonies. Helicopter The noise of BHP Billiton’s Griffin Venture and Woodside’s Cossack flights will be carried out during daylight hours only, unless required Pioneer was found to be directionally radiating more noise from during emergencies or for training purposes. Consistent with the the stern (aft quarter) of the vessel than from any other aspect. SFRVJSFNFOUT PG &1#$ "DU 3FHVMBUJPOT 1BSU IFMJDPQUFST XJMM 5SBOTQPTJOH UIF OPJTF GSPN UIFTF WFTTFMT #)1# 8PPETJEF OPUóZCFMPXBOBMUJUVEFPG NXJUIJOBNIPSJ[POUBMSBEJVT 2005) to the Van Gogh development, it is predicted that the produced of any observed whales (unless necessary for take off and landings noise from the proposed FPSO would be: on the FPSO), and helicopter pilots will take the most direct route r *OBSBOHFPGBVEJCJMJUZPGVQUPUPLN XJOEZBOEPíUIFCPX between Learmonth and the target vessel. during normal operation) to 20 km (calm and off the stern) to Likewise, support vessel captains will take the most direct route LN DBMNBOEPíUIFTUFSOEVSJOHPQFSBUJPOTJOWPMWJOHBTVQQPSU between Exmouth Gulf and the target vessel and avoid approaching vessel using main engines and thrusters to hold position and keep observed whales. an offtake tanker in line). The FPSO will be located a sufficient distance from the Exmouth Gulf r (SFBUFS UIBO E# SF ɀ1B XJUIJO N UP LN PG UIF WFTTFM humpback whale resting (or transition) grounds (see Section 4.4.17) during normal operations and calm conditions, depending on the whereby noise emanating from the FPSO is unlikely to impact on bathymetry, path of the animal and which part of the FPSO the resting whales. animal was approaching. Noise will be constantly emitted from the DPDSV during installation No pathological or sublethal effects on nearby marine fauna are activities. Installation activities are scheduled to commence likely from any FPSO noise. Some marine fauna may be attracted to JO 0DUPCFS BGUFS UIF QFBL PG TPVUIFSMZ IVNQCBDL XIBMF the FPSO site by the noise, and some behavioural effects may occur, migration, thus avoiding possible noise impacts to cetaceans. When XJUIJOQFSIBQTUPLm of the FPSO. it is idle in Exmouth Gulf to receive transfers from the HLVs, the

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 153 DPDSV will be anchored to a mooring and will not use its thrusters, r 4BOEs and sludge. thereby minimising the noise it generates during this time. The HLVs r 4DBMF will also be moored when on station in Exmouth Gulf. The timing of activities in Exmouth Gulf after the peak of southerly humpback r 'PPETDSBQT whale migration and after the main aggregation period will avoid r (FOFSBMOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFT possible noise impacts to cetaceans. r (FOFSBMIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFT High-frequency acoustic transducer signals will be emitted from These are assessed in detail in this section. transducers secured to each of the DTM buoy’s anchors during the installation process (see Section 2.6.3). These acoustic signals have 5.4.1 Sand and Sludge been developed to use extra high frequency signals so as not to The environmental risk from the generation and disposal of oil- interfere with the communication frequencies used by whales and DPOUBNJOBUFE TBOE BOE TMVEHF DMBTTJñFE BT B IB[BSEPVT XBTUF dolphins. has been ranked as “negligible” during all stages of the Van Gogh Equipment on the FPSO will be designed to normal oilfield practice, development (see Table 5.6). XIJDIJODMVEFTTQFDJñDBUJPOTGPSOPJTFMFWFMTBOETUBOEBSEJOTUBMMBUJPO Known and Potential Impacts and decommissioning methods will be used. FPSO engines and other noise-generating equipment will be appropriately maintained. Oil-contaminated sand and sludge may occasionally be recovered with well production fluids during commissioning, well clean-up Noisy activities, such as the use of thrusters on the offtake support (workovers), and normal operation and maintenance of topsides vessel during crude offloadings, will be short-term occurrences processing equipment, but they are not expected to be a significant _IST BOEBSFFYQFDUFEUPPDDVSFWFSZUPEBZTEVSJOHUIF ongoing source of waste. The use of downhole sand screens during first year and less frequently thereafter. Use of the FPSO thrusters the production well test on the Theo-3 well indicates that the risk of will be reduced by the FPSO’s ability to weathervane (see Section sand production from the reservoir is negligible. 2.3.7 IPXFWFS JUJTFYQFDUFEUIBU EVFUPMPDBMDMJNBUJDDPOEJUJPOT Should minor amounts of sand collect within the process over time, UISVTUFSTXJMMOFFEUPCFVTFEPGUIFZFBS EBZT XJUIPOMZ the potential environmental impact associated with the disposal of PGUIFZFBS EBZT BUGVMMUISVTU such oil-contaminated sand and sludge following removal of the oil Whale sightings from all vessels during installation, and from the are mainly: FPSO during production, will be recorded and forwarded to APPEA r %JTQPTJOHPGSFNPWFEPJMBOEDMFBOFETBOEPSTMVEHF and the DEW to increase knowledge on the regional distribution and r *ODSFNFOUBMJODSFBTFJOQSFTTVSFPOMJNJUFETUPSBHFDBQBDJUJFTPG abundance of humpback whales. onshore waste management facilities. Predicted Residual Environment Risks r *GEJTQPTFEPGPWFSCPBSE The levels of noise that are expected to occur are unlikely to cause - Alteration of seabed sediment characteristics. any significant physiological effects to marine fauna, although some temporary behavioural effects may occur. At the spatial scales at r -PDBMJTFEBOEUFNQPSBSZXBUFSQPMMVUJPOUVSCJEJUZ which all cetaceans operate (several hundred square kilometres Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures for dolphins and several hundred thousand square kilometres for Sand and sludge generation will be avoided or minimised through great whales), any biological effects of normal FPSO installation the design of the production wells along with the installation of and production activities can be expected to be low. Therefore the downhole sand screens in each of the wells. Sand detectors will also residual environmental impact associated with noise is predicted be provided on each of the production wells downstream of the to be “negligible”. The noise from the Van Gogh development will choke valves. Initial baseline measurements of sand production will not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory be commence after start-up, and monitoring of the sand detector species or the surrounding marine environment. output will be referenced against this baseline information to provide an indication of any increased sand production from each well. If a 5.4 ROUTINE SOLID WASTES IMPACTS significant increase in sand levels is detected, the affected well will Routine solid wastes will be generated during all stages of the be shut-in and scheduled for a workover to address the problem. In proposed Van Gogh development. These wastes will be produced BEEJUJPO CPUUPNFOUSZOP[[MFTPOUIFñSTUTUBHFTFQBSBUPSXJMMCF JOSFMBUJWFMZTNBMMBNPVOUTBOEXJMMDPOTJTUPGCPUIIB[BSEPVTBOE fitted with an up-stand to minimise the impact of sand breakthrough or fines production on downstream equipment. OPOIB[BSEPVT NBUFSJBMT 5IF SPVUJOF TPMJE XBTUFT FYQFDUFE UP be produced during all phases of the proposed development will Overboard disposal of any untreated sand and sludge will not be consist of: undertaken.

154 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Facilities will be provided on the FPSO to carry out de-sanding of all environmental issue, rather it is the material that can be deposited equipment in the oil treatment system, as well as the skimmer/pre- within the scale that is the main issue. de-oiler and degasser. Any sand and sludge collected in the topsides APPEA (2002) states that, when scale precipitates from a large volume equipment will be separated and stored in suitable containers on the of produced formation water, radium is concentrated within a small FPSO and transported onshore (Exmouth or Dampier) for appropriate amount of solid scale such that the radium concentration in the scale treatment and disposal. exceeds the radium concentration in the produced formation water A detailed Waste Management Plan will be developed for the by several orders of magnitude. production phase of the Van Gogh development, which will include During field development planning, the potential for scale formation disposal options for this material. was assessed, with results indicating the possibility of scale deposition Predicted Residual Environment Risks downhole (in the wells), as well as in the production and processing equipment. The environmental impacts associated with the disposal of produced sand and sludge are predicted to be “negligible”, due primarily to the Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures low volumes predicted to be generated. The disposal of sand and The primary measure for mitigating the potential effect of scale on sludge from the Van Gogh development will not cause any significant the environment is to prevent the formation of scale in the process impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the surrounding equipment by using scale-inhibition chemicals, which will be marine environment. undertaken for the Van Gogh development.

5.4.2 Scale Should scale be recovered from the production process and found to contain NORMs after testing, then management procedures The environmental risk from the generation and disposal of scale for NORM handling and disposal will be implemented. Apache is DMBTTJñFEBTBIB[BSEPVTXBTUF IBTCFFOSBOLFEBTiOFHMJHJCMFu GPS familiar with this issue, having previously dealt with it on its others the production stage of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). offshore facilities in the North West Shelf. The method employed Known and Potential Impacts includes removing NORM scale from equipment, such as tubing and heat exchangers, and concentrating it for downhole disposal in any -PXTQFDJñDBDUJWJUZTDBMF BMTPLOPXOBT/03.TmOBUVSBMMZPDDVSSJOH offshore workover wells, where the NORM-containing material is radioactive materials) may be present in the sand and sludge encased in concrete below the seabed. Such disposal options will be generated during well clean-up (workovers), topsides equipment discussed and approved with the relevant regulatory agencies and operation or maintenance. formalised in the Operations Environment Plan approvals process. Natural radiation within the environment occurs from a number Predicted Residual Environment Risk of sources, with one of the principal areas being radioactive atoms present in rocks (such as uranium, thorium, radium and, to a lesser Owing to the low volumes expected and the management measures extent, potassium). As the water in a hydrocarbon reservoir has outlined above, scale is predicted to have a “negligible” residual been in contact with rock structures over geological timeframes, the environmental impact. The disposal of scale from the Van Gogh water contains various concentrations of those materials in solution. development will not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed These formation waters will also contain various concentrations of species, migratory species or the surrounding marine environment. sulphates or carbonates. The exact chemical make-up of the water depends greatly on the reservoir rock structures and so differs from 5.4.3 Food Scraps reservoir to reservoir. When petroleum reservoirs are developed and The environmental risk from the generation and disposal of food produced to surface, it is not possible to exclude the water from the scraps has been ranked as “negligible” for all phases of the Van Gogh recovered hydrocarbons. development (see Table 5.6).

Under certain conditions (high salinity, together with the presence Known and Potential Impacts of sulphates and/or carbonates plus calcium, barium and strontium), Food scraps and other putrescible wastes, such as cooking oils and solid minerals will precipitate from the produced water to form grease, will be produced during all phases of the development from a solid mineral scale within an oil production well, in associated most vessels. Concerns associated with disposal of food scraps are subsea flowlines, surface pipework, and processing equipment. The usually related to nutrient enrichment of the surrounding waters. No most common scales consist of barium sulphate (BaSO ), strontium measurable impact to surrounding water quality is expected, based sulphate (SrSO ) and calcium carbonate (CaCO ). The most common 3 on the low volumes of discharge within an open ocean environment places for scales to form are where there is a significant pressure (i.e., currents and wave action result in rapid dispersion). drop or temperature change or where two streams with totally different chemistry mix (e.g., one high in barium and the other Some fish and oceanic seabirds may be attracted to the FPSO and high in sulphates) (APPEA, 2002). The scale itself is not a significant support vessels by the discharge of food scraps. This attraction

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 155 may be either direct, in response to increased food availability, or resulting in water pollution or injuring or killing wildlife (e.g., through secondary as a result of prey species being attracted to the vessels. ingestion). However, because the waste will be macerated prior to discharge 5IFEJTQPTBMPGOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTUPPOTIPSFMBOEñMMTJUFT and the discharge volumes will be low, the potential for impact is or treatment facilities has the potential to impact on groundwater considered negligible. quality through the leaching process, whereby rainfall entering a Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures landfill site leaches through the soil profile into the local aquifer. This generally only happens where such facilities have not adequately Food scraps and other putrescible wastes will be disposed of in lined their pits with clay or plastic lining (unlikely to occur for BDDPSEBODFXJUI."310-"OOFY7 BOE$MBVTFTBOE government-approved and licensed facilities). The disposal of waste of the Schedule of the P(SL) Act. Food scraps will be macerated to a to onshore facilities will result in a minor incremental increase in the diameter of less than 25 mm prior to overboard disposal. Macerated rate at which those facilities reach their storage capacity, at which food scraps will ensure rapid biodegradability. Macerated food scraps point other facilities need to be constructed. Associated with this is will not be discharged within 12 nm (22 km) of land (applicable to the incremental increase in land disturbance. support vessels). Cooking oils and greases from the FPSO will be collected and transported back to the mainland for disposal. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

The main mitigation measure limiting the environmental impact of A Waste Management Plan for the FPSO will be implemented for the the disposal of food scraps is the low volumes of discharge within production and decommissioning phases, while a similar plan will be an open ocean environment, whereby currents and wave action will developed covering the subsea installation by Acergy in collaboration result in rapid dispersion. with Apache. These plans will define the approved methods for the disposal of all waste. To avoid any potential issues associated with nutrient enrichment of water, the installation and support vessels will not discharge food The primary mitigation measure is to avoid or minimise wastes scraps within Exmouth Gulf. being generated in the first place. This will be achieved through the tendering and contracting process where waste minimisation will be Predicted Residual Environment Risks included in the criteria. Based on operational experience from Apache’s offshore oil and gas "MMOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTPOUIF%1%47 )-7T PUIFSTVQQPSU facilities, the environmental impacts associated with the discharge vessels and the FPSO will be segregated at the source into recyclable of small quantities of food scraps are very localised and barely and non-recyclable wastes and stored in clearly marked, covered detectable considering the low volumes of discharge, the treatment bins secured to the deck to prevent contamination of the various methods and the dispersive capacity of the receiving environment. waste streams and to prevent wind-generated pollution (Plate 5.1). The residual environmental impact associated with the discharge It will then be transported to an onshore government-approved of food scraps is predicted to be “negligible”, and this activity will recycling or waste disposal facility (e.g., Exmouth or Karratha landfill not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory sites). A compactor onboard the FPSO will be used to compress species or the surrounding marine environment. OPOIB[BSEPVT XBTUFT TVDI BT QBQFS BOE DBSECPBSE UP NJOJNJTF

5.4.4 General Non-hazardous Solid Waste The environmental risk from the generation and disposal of general OPOIB[BSEPVT TPMJE XBTUFT IBT CFFO SBOLFE BTiOFHMJHJCMFuGPS BMM stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6).

Known and Potential Impacts

(FOFSBMOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTJODMVEFTDSBQNBUFSJBMT TVDIBT scaffolding, metal cuttings, grinding waste, electrical cables, casings, metal cans), packaging and dunnage, wood, cardboard, paper and empty containers. Records from Apache’s Stag and Legendre FSO vessels on the North West Shelf, which are comparable to the proposed Van Gogh development in terms of the number of persons on board and similarity of operations, indicate that the volume of OPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFUPCFEJTQPTFEPGXJMMWBSZCFUXFFOUP UZFBSEFQFOEJOHPOUIFBDUJWJUJFTCFJOHVOEFSUBLFO Apache

The potential impacts from the generation and disposal of general Plate 5.1 Waste skip bins on the deck of Apache's Dampier Spirit OPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTBSFBDDJEFOUBMMPTTPGNBUFSJBMPWFSCPBSE FSO

156 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Predicted Residual Environment Risks

The residual environmental impact of the generation and disposal PGHFOFSBMOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFJTQSFEJDUFEUPCFOFHMJHJCMF and represents a small increase to waste quantities received by the existing waste management facilities. Disposal of these wastes will not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the surrounding marine environment.

5.4.5 General Hazardous Solid Waste The environmental risk from the generation and disposal of general IB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTIBTCFFOSBOLFEBTiOFHMJHJCMFuGPSBMMTUBHFT of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6).

Known and Potential Impacts

)B[BSEPVTXBTUFTBSFEFñOFEBTXBTUFNBUFSJBMTUIBUBSF PSDPOUBJO ingredients that are, harmful to health or the environment and include substances that are explosive, flammable, corrosive, oxidising or radioactive. Records from Apache’s Stag and Legendre FSO vessels on the North West Shelf, which are comparable to the proposed Van Gogh development in terms of the number of persons on board and TJNJMBSJUZPGPQFSBUJPOT JOEJDBUFUIBUUIFWPMVNFPGIB[BSEPVTXBTUFT

Apache UP CF EJTQPTFE PG XJMM CF BQQSPYJNBUFMZ UZFBS5IF IB[BSEPVT wastes expected to be generated on the FPSO include:

r 0JMDPOUBNJOBUFENBUFSJBMT FH TPSCFOUT ñMUFSTBOESBHT

r #BUUFSJFT

r 'MVPSFTDFOUMJHIUUVCFT

r 4DBMF TBOEBOETMVEHF QSFWJPVTMZEJTDVTTFE

5IF NBJO DPODFSO XJUI UIF VTF PG IB[BSEPVT NBUFSJBMT JT UIFJS accidental loss to sea and eventual method of disposal. Once PQFSBUJPOBM TVQQPSU WFTTFMT XJMM JOUFSNJUUFOUMZ USBOTGFS IB[BSEPVT materials to the FPSO. During crane transfers to the FPSO, there is

Apache a low risk that these materials may be dropped into the ocean. The EJTDIBSHF PG IB[BSEPVT TVCTUBODFT UP UIF PDFBO IBT UIF QPUFOUJBM Plate 5.2 "QBQFSBOEDBSECPBSEDPNQBDUPSPOUIF&OTDP to create localised and temporary water pollution (quantities of jack-up drill rig (top) and an 'elephant foot' paper, cardboard IB[BSEPVTTVCTUBODFTXJMMCFMPX BOEDBVTFJOKVSZPSEFBUIPGGBVOB and plastics compactor on Apache's Dampier Spirit FSO through ingestion of these substances. the number of waste bins required on the vessel and consequently 5IF EJTQPTBM PG IB[BSEPVT NBUFSJBMT UP POTIPSF MBOEñMM TJUFT PS minimise the number of vessels movements require to dispose of treatment facilities has the potential to impact on groundwater this material back to shore (Plate 5.2). Wastes that are generated quality through the leaching process, whereby rainfall entering a outside the proposed development area will be managed in line with MBOEñMMTJUFMFBDIFTDIFNJDBMTGSPNUIFIB[BSEPVTXBTUFUISPVHIUIF regulations applying at the location. soil profile into the local aquifer. This generally only happens where such facilities have not adequately lined their pits with clay or plastic There is currently very little onshore recycling infrastructure in the lining (unlikely to occur for government-approved and licensed Pilbara region. As part of its existing operations on the North West Shelf, Apache has recently reviewed the recycling and disposal facilities). The disposal of waste to onshore facilities will result in a options available for various wastes generated offshore, as outlined minor incremental increase in the rate at which those facilities reach in Table 5.10(FOFSBMOPOIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTHFOFSBUFEGSPN their storage capacity, at which point other facilities need to be the Van Gogh development are likely to follow the same disposal or constructed. Associated with this is the incremental increase in land treatment path as those outlined in Table 5.10. disturbance.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 157 Table 5.10 Current recycling treatment pathways for wastes generated on the North West Shelf

Resource Destination facility End use Glass Perth Glass via Cleanaway Recycled at ACI Glass South Australia into other glass containers Paper and cardboard Amcor WA forwards to paper mills in the eastern states Recycled paper and cardboard product Plastics Claw recycling, Perth Exported overseas for the production of low-grade reusable plastic base Aluminium cans Local recycler via Cleanaway Reprocessed in the eastern states to aluminium ingots Steel Simms scrap metal merchant, Karratha Scrap steel market for reuse in steel making

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 5IFSFJTDVSSFOUMZWFSZMJUUMFPOTIPSFIB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTEJTQPTBMPS recycling infrastructure in the Pilbara region. As part of its existing The primary avoidance measure will be to limit the creation of operations on the North West Shelf, Apache has reviewed the IB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFTUISPVHIBMMQIBTFTPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOUWJB recycling and disposal options available for various wastes generated the tendering and contracting process wherever practicable. In offshore, as outlined inTable 5.11(FOFSBMIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFT BMM TJUVBUJPOT OPOIB[BSEPVT TPMJE NBUFSJBMT UIBU TFSWF UIF TBNF generated from the Van Gogh development are likely to follow the QVSQPTF BOE BSF BT DPTU FíFDUJWF BT IB[BSEPVT NBUFSJBMT XJMM CF same disposal or treatment path as those outlined in Table 5.11. given preference. The FPSO design process has aimed to avoid or NJOJNJTFUIFVTFPGIB[BSEPVTDIFNJDBMTXIFSFWFSQSBDUJDBCMFBOE Predicted Residual Environment Risks cost effective to do so (for example, through the use of corrosion- The residual environmental impact of the generation and disposal resistant alloys instead of carbon steel for piping), thus minimising PSSFDZDMJOHPGIB[BSEPVTTPMJEXBTUFJTQSFEJDUFEUPCFiOFHMJHJCMFu the use of corrosion inhibitor. and represents a small increase to waste quantities received by the "MM IB[BSEPVT XBTUF NBUFSJBM WPMVNFT HFOFSBUFE EVSJOH BOZ existing waste management facilities. Disposal of these wastes will phase of the development will be measured, documented and not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory tracked, segregated from other waste streams, clearly labelled and species or the surrounding marine environment. appropriately stored in order to assess the quantity of waste and track JUT GBUF UP GBDJMJUBUF DPOUJOVBM JNQSPWFNFOU 3FDZDMBCMF IB[BSEPVT 5.5 ROUTINE LIQUID WASTES IMPACTS wastes, such as batteries, will be stored separately to facilitate easier Routine liquid wastes will be generated during all stages of the Van retrieval for transport to the mainland for recycling. Gogh development. These wastes will be produced in significant A Waste Management Plan for the FPSO will be developed and RVBOUJUZ BOE XJMM DPOTJTU PG CPUI IB[BSEPVT BOE OPOIB[BSEPVT implemented for the production and decommissioning phases, while liquids. The routine liquid wastes expected to be produced during all a similar plan will be developed covering the subsea installation by phases of the Van Gogh development will consist of: Acergy in collaboration with Apache. These plans will define the r #BMMBTUXBUFS BQQSPWFENFUIPETGPSUIFEJTQPTBMPGBMMIB[BSEPVTXBTUF r )ZESPUFTUóVJE "MM IB[BSEPVT XBTUF NBUFSJBMT XJMM CF USBOTQPSUFE UP TIPSF GPS disposal or recycling at government-approved and licensed facilities r 1SPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFS in accordance with local regulatory requirements outlined in the r 4FXBHFBOEHSFZXBUFS operational Waste Management Plan. Wastes that are generated r %FDLESBJOBHF outside the proposed development area will be managed in line with regulations applying at the location. r %FTBMJOBUJPOCSJOF

Table 5.11 $VSSFOUSFDZDMJOHUSFBUNFOUQBUIXBZTGPSIB[BSEPVTXBTUFTHFOFSBUFEPOUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMG

Resource Destination facility End use Used batteries Simms scrap metal merchant, Karratha Plastics recycled into new plastic products with lead sent to battery manufacturers. Fluorescent light tubes Advanced Recycling Australasia via Cleanaway Mercury recovered and sold as mercury amalgam. Glass recycled into glass wool for insulating homes. Phosphorus recovered and used in the manufacture of fertilisers. Solvents, paints, waste oil Cleanaway Dampier, treated at their tank farm and Water-based paints reprocessed into fence paint (Paintback then sold to Nationwide Program). Waste oils and solvents recycled into fuel and other oils.

158 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development r $PPMJng water. ballast tanks segregated from the fuel and cargo tanks (see Figure 2.14). This is also standard practice for most offtake tankers. The tank r 4VCTFBIZESBVMJDDPOUSPMóVJE walls of the FPSO have undergone a replating process to ensure that r "OUJGPVMJOHMFBDIBUF they are of “as-new” quality, as inspected, tested and certified by r )B[BSEPVTMJRVJET TVDIBTSFDPWFSFEBDJETBOETPMWFOUT VTFE Lloyd’s Register (Asia). chemicals and lubricating oils and specialised cleaning fluids). The design of the Van Gogh FPSO’s double-sided hull allows for These are assessed in detail in this section. easy access to inspect the internal tank walls, permitting regular inspection and, where necessary, allowing preventive maintenance 5.5.1 Ballast Water work to be conducted (e.g., spot repairs for corrosion). The environmental risk from the disposal of ballast water has been Apache has in place a tanker vetting system for its existing operations ranked as “negligible” for all stages of the Van Gogh development to ensure that tankers taking on crude oil from its facilities are of an (see Table 5.6). acceptable standard and suitable for the Van Gogh export system. The use of fully segregated ballast tanks is not only a requirement of Known and Potential Impacts the vetting process, it is also a MARPOL requirement that is monitored Ballast water is seawater that is pumped to and from a vessel’s ballast by way of regular statutory inspections. Tankers that do not meet this tanks to maintain the vessel’s weight and stability in the ocean, to requirement are not permitted to transport crude oil. offset the load distribution in or on the vessel. Ballast water will be Under the Commonwealth Quarantine Act 1908, AQIS is responsible discharged from the: for enforcing the Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements r DPDSV - once on arrival at the development site, and (2001). These outline the mandatory arrangements in place for the then regularly during installation. shipping industry and, at a basic level, involve the following steps: r HLVs - as required while in Exmouth Gulf to maintain stability. r 4VCNJUUJOHB2VBSBOUJOF1SF"SSJWBM3FQPSUUP"2*4CFUXFFO r DTM buoy - once on arrival at the development site (from BOEIPVSTQSJPSUPBSSJWBMJOBO"VTUSBMJBOQPSU UISFFDIBNCFST UPOOFTPGXBUFSTPVSDFE from Exmouth Gulf). r %JTDIBSHJOHCBMMBTUUBLFOVQJOGPSFJHOQPSUTPVUTJEFUIF"VTUSBMJBO 12 nm limit in water depths of at least 200 m. r FPSO - once on arrival at the development site, and then regularly during production as cargo tank levels change. r 3FQMBDJOHUIJTXJUIXBUFSGSPNXJUIJOUIF"VTUSBMJBONBSJUJNF[POF 12 nm limit. r Offtake tankers - on arrival alongside the FPSO when cargo transfer commences. r /PUEJTDIBSHJOHCBMMBTUXBUFSGSPNBOJOUFSOBUJPOBMMZUSBEJOH Issues associated with the uptake and discharge of ballast water are vessel in Australian waters without express written permission the potential for the release of aquatic organisms that are foreign to from AQIS. the point of release and for oil contamination in ballast water, which r $PNQMFUJOHUIF"2*4#BMMBTU8BUFS-PH XIJDIJODMVEFTEFUBJMT can be caused by corrosion or damage of the FPSO and offtake tanker about ballast water uptake ports, ballast water decision support cargo tank walls and subsequent leakage into ballast tanks. systems usage, ocean exchanges and intended Australian For the introduction of foreign organisms to become a concern, they discharge locations. must survive being taken up and transported in the ballast tanks, be r 6OEFSHPJOH"2*4POCPBSEWFSJñDBUJPOJOTQFDUJPOTUPFOTVSF discharged on location and have suitable numbers and conditions for compliance. breeding and establishment. Should this occur, there is the potential for such species to become invasive and alter the ecology of the local For the FPSO, water will be taken up in the Port of Singapore or regional ecosystems through competition with native species for before it sails to site, and it will follow the AQIS (2001) ballast water food and habitat, usually in the absence of natural predators. The requirements as detailed above. The risk of introducing foreign Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) declares that all species to the development location is further minimised because saltwater from ports or coastal waters outside Australia’s territorial it is unlikely that species from warm, shallow environments would seas presents a high risk of introducing foreign marine pests into survive in the cold, deep waters of the development location. Australia (AQIS, 2001). The DPDSV, HLVs and decommissioning vessels will follow the Disposal of ballast water containing traces of oil has the potential to same AQIS ballast water requirements as the FPSO. At this stage, cause temporary localised water pollution. it is unknown where these vessels will mobilise from (the DPDSV is currently undertaking installation work associated with an FPSO Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures project in the Exmouth Sub-basin, however it is likely to relocate to The main method by which the FPSO will minimise the potential for Southeast Asia before returning to commence work on the Van Gogh ballast water becoming contaminated with hydrocarbons is to have development).

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 159 Support vessels will be based in either Dampier or Exmouth and thus projects, Apache has used seawater containing a fluorescein dye will not carry the same quarantine risks as international vessels. and a combined corrosion inhibitor/oxygen scavenger chemical at a concentration of 500 mg/l as its hydrotest fluid. Predicted Residual Environment Risks

With AQIS’s strict ballast water management requirements, the The main issue associated with the discharge of hydrotest water is residual environmental impacts from the discharge of ballast water pollution of the receiving waters (Black et al 4QFDJñDBMMZ UIFSF are predicted to be “negligible”. The discharge of ballast water from may be a localised and temporary reduction in water quality, oxygen vessels associated with the Van Gogh development will not cause depletion and toxicity to marine fauna from the release of chemically any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or dosed water. the surrounding marine environment. As the hydrotest waters will remain in the various lines until the production wells are commissioned and will then have additional 5.5.2 Hydrotest Water residence time on the FPSO, the toxicity of the residual chemicals The environmental risk from the disposal of hydrotest water has been will be significantly reduced (i.e., oxygen scavenger is consumed in ranked as “negligible” for the Van Gogh development (see Table binding existing oxygen molecules in the hydrotest water). Chemical 5.6) and will only occur during the installation and commissioning sampling and analysis by Apache of hydrotest waters on other phase. projects it has completed where the waters have been contained for Known and Potential Impacts a period following the completion of hydrotesting, indicated limited chemical residue remained within the solution. The hydrotest waters To ensure the integrity of the flowlines, risers and electro-hydraulic being assessed as benign, were subsequently approved by the umbilical and the topsides infrastructure prior to commissioning, it regulator for disposal to the ocean. On discharge to the ocean, the is necessary for them to be pressure tested (referred to as hydrostatic plume, being of similar density to seawater, would disperse through testing or hydrotesting). This is an important measure for avoiding the water column. and minimising the risk associated with potential accidental releases of hydrocarbons and hydraulic control fluid. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

Hydrotesting is achieved by filling the flowlines, risers, umbilical Hydrotesting of all topsides equipment (except the PFW systems), and topsides piping with sea water (and such additives as oxygen undertaken as part of precommissioning of the FPSO topsides scavenger, corrosion inhibitor, dye and biocide), pressurising the equipment, will take place in Prosafe’s shipyard in Singapore, where water and monitoring for any change in pressure over time (usually recycling or treatment and appropriate drainage facilities are IPVST 0ODPNQMFUJPOPGUIFTVDDFTTGVMIZESPUFTUPGUIFTVCTFB available. infrastructure, the treated water will be processed through the FPSO’s The impacts of hydrotest fluid discharge will be minimised by water treatment facilities during start-up and then be directed to selecting low-toxicity chemicals and ensuring that the concentrations the slops tanks for storage. From there, it will be chemically treated of these chemicals within the hydrotest water are ALARP without if necessary and either discharged overboard after normal slops compromising the integrity of the testing. treatment or injected into the PFW injection well. For the topsides equipment, only the PFW systems need to be pressure tested at the Disposal of the hydrotest water via the FPSO’s slops tanks will ensure development site. This hydrotest water will be directed to the PFW that hydrotest chemicals are well diluted and have had an extended injection system for disposal. residence time prior to discharge, thereby minimising the potential Based on the field layout described in Section 2.3, the approximate for water pollution and any toxicity effects on exposed biota. volumes of hydrotest water are anticipated to be: An innate mitigating factor is the low abundance of pelagic biota r 1SPEVDUJPOBOEHBTJOKFDUJPOóPXMJOFTBOESJTFSTNģ MJLFMZUPCFXJUIJOUIFEJTDIBSHF[POF

r 8BUFSJOKFDUJPOTZTUFNNģ Predicted Residual Environment Risks

r &MFDUSPIZESBVMJDVNCJMJDBMNģ The residual environmental risk of the discharge of hydrotest water is predicted to be “negligible”, and it will not cause any significant r 5PQTJEFT1'8TZTUFNTDPNQMFUFEJO4JOHBQPSFTIJQZBSE OP impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the surrounding disposal at development location. marine environment. "UPUBMPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZNģPGIZESPUFTUóVJEXJMMCFHFOFSBUFE as a result of mandatory hydrotesting during commissioning. 5.5.3 Produced Formation Water In addition to sea water, the hydrotest fluid may contain a dye to aid The environmental risk from the disposal of produced formation in the detection of leaks and a combined corrosion inhibitor/oxygen water has been ranked as “negligible” for all stages of the Van Gogh scavenger to prevent corrosion of the line. In its previous offshore development (see Table 5.6).

160 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development PFW Characteristics PFW, is either reinjected to the aquifer below the oil or discharged overboard. Seawater accumulates naturally in the porous sands of a subsurface reservoir, along with hydrocarbon deposits, over a geological period Under normal operating conditions, produced formation water from of millions of years. Being denser than oil, it lies below the oil layer the Van Gogh development will be reinjected into the aquifer below and may be drawn into a well when hydrocarbons are flowed to the the Van Gogh field after treatment to 150 mg/l. Occasionally, the FPSO. Once recovered to the production process, pressure vessels treated produced formation water will be discharged overboard to (separator system) are used to separate the oil and water phases, the ocean for short periods of time, such as during commissioning, as described in Section 2.7.2 and illustrated in Figure 2.25. A low scheduled maintenance on the reinjection system, and unplanned concentration of finely dispersed and dissolved oils will typically process upsets (see Section 2.7.2). It is estimated that the reinjection remain in the water, even when applying the best available separation TZTUFNXJMMIBWFCFUUFSUIBOSFMJBCJMJUZ XIJDINFBOTUIBUUSFBUFE technology. The water, now termed produced formation water, or produced formation water will be discharged to sea for less than

Table 5.12 Average produced formation water quality parameters for Barrow, Dampier and Exmouth sub-basin oil fields

Parameter (all measurements as mg/l unless otherwise stated) Apache BHP Billiton*** Barrow Sub-basin Dampier Sub-basin Exmouth Sub-basin Harriet field* Stag field** Pyrenees pH - Total organic carbon 91 - - Chemical oxygen demand 237 510 - Ammonia-N 30 - Nitrate-N 0.1 <0.01 - Tertiary amines-N 2 3 - Total phosphorous 0.17 <0.01 - Total suspended solids 9 - - 5PUBMEJTTPMWFETPMJET TFBXBUFSDPOUBJOTBQQSPYJNBUFMZ NHMPG5%4 $ 5.2 0.02 - $ 7.1 0.02 - $ - $ - 5PUBM$ 1- #FO[FOF -- Toluene -- &UIZMCFO[FOF -- 9ZMFOF 0.97 - - Oil and grease 20 5 - Conductivity (mmho/cm) @ 250C - - Resistivity (ohm.m) - - 0.13 %FOTJUZ!$ HDD - - 1.0319 Aluminium --<1 Antimony - - <0.05 Arsenic 0.001 0.023 Barium (seawater contains 0.02 mg/l barium) 3.0 2 11 Beryllium - - <0.01

Bicarbonate (alkalinity as CaCO3)-- Cadmium 0.001 <0.001 0.005 Calcium -- Cobalt -- Chloride --

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 161 Table 5.12 Average produced formation water quality parameters for Barrow, Dampier and Exmouth sub-basin oil fields (cont'd)

Parameter (all measurements as mg/l unless otherwise stated) Apache BHP Billiton*** Barrow Sub-basin Dampier Sub-basin Exmouth Sub-basin Harriet field* Stag field** Pyrenees Chromium 0.01 <0.01 <0.5 Copper 0.001 <0.001 Lead 0.001 <0.001 <0.05 Magnesium -- Manganese 0.03 - Mercury 0.0001 <0.0001 0.0020 Nickel 0.001 0.001 1.70 Nitrate 0.1 - 20 Potassium -- Sodium - - 9,700 Soluble iron - 4USPOUJVN TFBXBUFSDPOUBJOTNHMTUSPOUJVN 17 - Sulphate -- Tin - - <0.5 Zinc 0.71

+VMZUP+VOFZFBSBWFSBHF GSPNUIF)BSSJet Alpha platform. %FDFNCFSSFTVMUT *** BHP Billiton (2005). *OEJDBUFTQBSBNFUFSOPUNFBTVSFENFBOTMFTTUIBO

PGUIF'140TDPOOFDUFEPQFSBUJOHUJNF*OBDDPSEBODFXJUIUIF Section 2.4.5). These production chemicals are soluble in produced requirements of the P(SL) Act, the concentration of dispersed oil in formation water to varying extents, and the dissolved fractions produced formation water discharged to sea will not exceed 30 mg/l are ultimately discharged with the produced formation water. The BTBIPVSBWFSBHF produced formation water that is discharged will contain dissolved The average characteristics of produced formation water from compounds from the geological formation (such as organic acids, Apache’s Harriet field and Stag field are presented in Table 5.12 low molecular weight hydrocarbons and salts), finely dispersed oils along with those from BHP Billiton’s Pyrenees development in the and production chemicals. Exmouth Sub-basin. Because of the Pyrenees field’s proximity to the The concentration of process chemicals in discharged produced Van Gogh field, the BHP Billiton data may be more representative of formation water is directly affected by the initial dosage the quality of produced formation water to be discharged from the concentration, the solubility of the chemical and the level to which Van Gogh FPSO. it decays or is neutralised during the production process. The initial A small number of chemicals are added to the production process dosage concentration range is specified by the chemical supplier for such purposes as controlling emulsion, inhibiting scale formation, and then fine tuned by the operator. The objective is to achieve reducing corrosion and preventing the growth of bacteria (see optimum performance of the chemical in combination with the other

Table 5.13 Typical range of dosage and discharge concentrations for process chemicals

Process Chemical Dosage Concentration (ppm v/v) Discharge Concentration (ppm v/v)* Corrosion inhibitor 25 to 100 7.5 to 30 Scale inhibitor 3 to 10 3 to 10 Forward demulsifier 10 to 200 1 to 20 Reverse demulsifier 5 to 15 Less than 5 Biocide 10 to 200 1 to 20 Acid treatment Variable Hydrate inhibitor (methanol) Variable

5IFEJTDIBSHFXJMMCFJOUPUIFBRVJGFSVOEFSMZJOHUIF7BO(PHIñFMEGPSBUMFBTUPGUIFUJNF v/v = volume to volume.

162 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development chemicals in the oil, as well as to achieve a low residual concentration Results of this modelling found that there was no detectable oil in discharged produced formation water. Table 5.13 provides a list of above the threshold concentration of 10 mg/l after initial dilution of the typical range of dosage and calculated discharge concentrations. the discharge (i.e., within 20 m of the discharge point). The threshold Overboard discharges will only apply when the PFW reinjection level of 10 mg/l (equivalent to about two teaspoons of crude oil for TZTUFN JT OPU PQFSBUJOH MFTT UIBO PG UIF '140T DPOOFDUFE each square metre) was chosen as it will produce a minor visible operating time). sheen and because in testing undertaken by Woodside, this threshold Produced Formation Water Modelling Results level has been found to be about 100 to 1,000 times less oil than the threshold concentration expected to cause an acute toxic effect on a The fate of PFW after discharge to sea has been predicted by computer range of tropical marine biota (GEMS, 2007). modelling undertaken for Apache by GEMS (2007). Fate and trajectory modelling was carried out using the hydrodynamic model described The reason that the modelling found no detectable oil above in Section 5.9.6 as its basis, and using the OILTRAK3D program to the threshold limit is the low concentration of oil in the produced model the behaviour of the produced formation water, to predict the formation water, which is only 0.75 m3 of oil out of 25,000 m3 of PFW dilution and area of discharge plume for produced water discharged discharge (based on an OIW content of 30 mg/l). The initial dilution from a point 2 m below sea level. The PFW impact probability analysis of the discharge further reduces the concentration and is therefore was based on the results of 500 simulation runs in each of the four well below the threshold level. defined seasons (seeSection 5.9.6) with the assumption that the oil concentration at the point of discharge was 30 mg/l at a discharge rate Known and Potential Impacts PG NģEBZ OPUFUIBUUIJTJTBDPOTFSWBUJWFFTUJNBUFBCPWF When discharged to sea, the produced formation water may contain the expected peak PFW production rate) over five continuous days. a variety of normally occurring radioactive materials from the The modelling showed that produced water dispersion is primarily formation residual volatile and non-volatile hydrocarbons, as well controlled by tidal movements, which generally flow along a as production chemicals added to the process stream. Individual northwest to southeast axis through the proposed development chemicals or materials may be taken up by micro-organisms or may area. This effect is modified by the Leeuwin Current, mainly from June be toxic to some organisms (AIMS et al., 1997). Once the produced to July, which acts to draw the produced water in a more southerly GPSNBUJPO XBUFS JT EJTDIBSHFE UP TFB JU JT TVCKFDU UP EJMVUJPO direction. EJTQFSTJPOBnd physical, chemical and biological degradation.

Table 5.14 Reported PFW acute toxicity concentrations

Group Species LC50, EC50 Toxicity Range (ppt)* Reference Algae Skeletonema costatum UPUP Flynn et al #SBOEFIBVHet al., 1992 Isochrysis tahitian P. Farrell pers comm., 2002 Echinoderms Stongylocentratus purpuratus UP Sciffet al., 1992 Polycheates Neanthes arenaceodentata UP Sciffet al., 1992 Molluscs Donex faba 10 to 150 Din and Abu, 1992 Haliotis rufus (larvae) Less than 900 Raimondi and Schmidt, 1992 Haliotis rufus (settlement) 120 Raimondi and Schmidt, 1992 Crassostrea gigas 50 Somerville et al Coelenterates Campanularia flexuosa 50 Somerville et al Acropora millepora (fertilisation) More than 900 Negris and Heyward, 2000 Acropora millepora (settlement) Negris and Heyward, 2000 Crustaceans Artemia salina UP Somerville et al Crangon crangon 20 Somerville et al Penaeus monodon 1'BSSFMMQFST$PNN Peneaus aztecus (larval) UP 3PTFBOE8BSE Peneaus aztecus (juvenile) UP 3PTFBOE8BSE Penaeus setiferus (juvenile) UP Zein-Eldin and Kaney, 1979 Penaeus setiferus (adult) UP Zein-Eldin and Kaney, 1979 Balanus tintinabulum &1'PSVN Copepods/ Amphipods Acartia tonsa UP Flynn et al 4PNFSWJMMFet al Tisbe battagliai 30 to 300 Somerville et al Gladiferens gladiferens 310 1'BSSFMM QFSTDPNN Calanus finmarchicus 100 Somerville et al

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 163 Group Species LC50, EC50 Toxicity Range (ppt)* Reference Fish Salmo gardineri 100 Somerville et al Cyprinodon variegatus UPUPUP Moffit et al 4U1F "OESFBTPOBOE 4QFBST Hypleurochilus geminatus UP Jackson et al 3PTFBOE8BSE Fundulus heteroclitus Less than 230 Black et al Lagodon rhomboides 500 Black et al Micropagoniias undulatus 350 Black et al Mugil curema 500 Black et al Gasterosteus aculeatus More than 750 Black et al Source: BHP Billiton (2005).

*LC50/EC50$PODFOUSBUJPOMFUIBMUPPGUFTUPSHBOJTNGSPNFYQPTVSF VTVBMMZFYQSFTTFEBTBUJNFEFQFOEFOUWBMVF VTVBMMZPSIPVST

Acute Toxicity. The fundamental principle of toxicity is that the FYQPTFEGPSBQFSJPEPGTJYXFFLTUPDPODFOUSBUJPOTBTMPXBTUP SFTQPOTFJODSFBTFTBTUIFEPTFJODSFBTFTUIJTJTgenerally represented QSPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFS 4UFQIBOTet al., 2000). by a dose below which no response is observed (the “threshold”) to The most commonly used formula for determining the theoretical BEPTFDBVTJOHBSFTQPOTF#FUXFFOUIFTFFYUSFNFT UIFSFJT chronic toxicity threshold (Frost et al JTUPBQQMZBTBGFUZGBDUPS usually an S-shaped dose-response curve. It is important to note the of 1,000/√n (where “n” is the number of acute toxicity measures). difference between “dose” and “exposure”. Dose is the amount that is Using this approach, the theoretical threshold concentration for known to enter the organism or to interact with a membrane of an chronic toxicity, based on reported literature values, would be organism (e.g., a fish gill) for a given exposure. The dose is specifically approximately 1.3 ppt, which is equivalent to a PFW concentration associated with the toxic response. Exposure, on the other hand, is PGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ the amount or concentration of an agent in the ambient environment in which the organism resides. Simply being in the environment does Studies investigating developmental effects (Carlset al )FJOU[ not necessarily mean that the agent is absorbed by the organism at et al., 1999) have demonstrated adverse toxic effects to salmon and a dose and for a duration of time sufficient to reach a target site and herring embryos and larvae from chronic exposure to concentrations exert a toxic effect. of OIW at as low as 0.001 mg/l. This concentration equates to a PFW DPODFOUSBUJPO PG BQQSPYJNBUFMZ BTTVNJOH UIF QSPEVDFE The PFW acute toxicity concentrations that have been reported formation water is discharged with an OIW concentration of 30 for various oil fields have been reviewed (BHPB , 2005) and are mg/l). The interpretation of these laboratory results is somewhat summarised in Table 5.14. It is important to note that these results problematic because of the difficulties associated with relating are not indicative of those that may arise from the PFW from the what effect the loss of a small portion of embryos and larvae would Van Gogh field. The toxicity of PFW can vary depending on reservoir have on a species’ population. Mesocosm studies, which more characteristics, and the type and concentration of process chemicals closely approximate “real world” conditions, have demonstrated used that remain in the PFW. marked reduction in copepod populations after chronic exposure UP DPODFOUSBUJPOT FRVJWBMFOU UP BCPVU UP QSPEVDFE The lowest reported LC50 acute toxicity (i.e., the most toxic response) was approximately 10 parts per thousand (ppt), the highest (least formation water (Black et al toxic) was more than 900 ppt, and the mean reported measure of Using these three estimates of chronic toxicity threshold (theoretical, acute toxicity was 230 ppt. Modelling results suggest that the Van direct measure and inferred from oil toxicity) provides a produced Gogh produced formation water discharged to sea would be diluted GPSNBUJPO DPODFOUSBUJPO SBOHF PG UP FRVJWBMFOU UP B to concentrations less than the threshold level of 10 mg/l (or 0.01 EJMVUJPOSBOHFPG UJNFTUPUJNFT PWFSBQFSJPEPGXFFLTUP ppt) within 20 m from the discharge point. months as the dosage required to elicit a chronic toxicity response. Chronic Toxicity. There are relatively few studies that consider the By comparing this range of chronic toxicity threshold concentrations to the predicted PFW dispersion model, it can be seen that the area chronic toxic effects of produced formation water. Black et al within which chronic toxicity due to hydrocarbon content could DJUFE B TUVEZ JO XIJDI UIF BEWFSTF DISPOJD UPYJDJUZ FíFDUT occur is limited to less than 20 m from the FPSO discharge point, but were observed for Acartia tonsa (a copepod) at concentrations only if the organism is continuously exposed (which is unlikely to FRVJWBMFOU UP CFUXFFO BOE QSPEVDFE GPSNBUJPO XBUFS A study by Cherr et al. (1993) of the chronic toxicity of produced IBQQFOCBTFEPOB1'8SFJOKFDUJPOFTUJNBUF formation water to species of sea urchin, mussel, shrimp and kelp Metals. The metals associated with produced formation water are GPVOE BEWFSTF UPYJD FíFDUT PDDVSSJOH BGUFS FYQPTVSF UP UP usually present as dissolved mineral salts. Because the reservoir water PFW concentrations. Sublethal toxic effects of produced formation has been depleted of oxygen (through microbiological activity in the water, including damage to gill lamellae and impairment of iono- reservoir), the metal ions are typically in lower oxidation states when regulatory processes, have also been detected in fish continuously discharged to the ocean as a component of the produced formation

164 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development water. Once discharged to sea, the metal ions react with the oxygen Forward demulsifiers (also known as emulsion breakers) are essentially in the surrounding seawater to form oxides. The metal oxides then detergents that are applied to the OIW emulsion to aid separation of combine with anions, such as sulphides, carbonates and chlorides, the water droplets from the oil. Black et al EFTDSJCFUIFNPTU and form insoluble precipitates. Precipitation as metal hydroxides or commonly used demulsifiers as: sulphides is the principal fate of heavy metals discharged with produced r 0YZBMLBMBUFSFTJOT GPSNBUJPOXBUFSJOUIFNBSJOFFOWJSPONFOU &1'PSVN .FUBMT present in marine sediments as hydroxides or sulphides are not r 1PMZHMZDPMFTUFST generally available for biological uptake (Jenne and Luoma, 1977) and r "MLZMBSZMTVMQIPOBUFT hence would not have any significant environmental impact. These compounds are strongly soluble in oil and very little would Process Chemicals. Numerous chemicals are used in the production be expected to be discharged with the produced formation water. process, including: The expected concentration range of forward demulsifier in the PFW r $PSSPTJPOJOIJCJUPST discharge would be 1 to 20 mg/l. r 4DBMFJOIJCJUPST Reverse demulsifiers are chemicals that are added late in the production process to aid in the coalescing of oil droplets from r &NVMTJPOCSFBLFST GPSXBSEBOESFWFSTFEFNVMTJñFST produced formation water. Most reverse demulsifiers contain r #JPDJEFT polyamines or polyamine compounds. These compounds are water- soluble. The expected concentration range of reverse demulsifier in r "DJET the PFW discharge would be in the range of 5 to 15 mg/l. r )ZESBUFJOIJCJUPS NFUIBOPM Biocides are used to prevent or control the growth of sulphur-reducing Corrosion inhibitors are intended to limit the rate of corrosion of bacteria (the by-products of sulphur-reducing bacteria are hydrogen the inner surfaces of the production process equipment. Corrosion sulphide, which is both corrosive and toxic in high concentrations, inhibition is based on the formation of a film on the internal surface and iron sulphide, which can interfere with oil separation) in recovery of the vessel or piping. Although a wide variety of corrosion inhibitors fluids, and consequently they are highly toxic. To improve biocide are available, they are mostly carboxylic acids that have had nitrogen- performance and avoid the potential for the development of biocide- containing chemicals substituted. Black et al EFTDSJCF GPVS resistant bacteria, biocides are generally applied in short batches of a generic types of corrosion inhibitor as: relatively high concentration rather than as a continuous dosage. The biocides that are used on the North West Shelf typically have either r *NJEB[PMJOFEFSJWBUJWFT aldehydes or amine salts as the active ingredients. Both of these r "NJOFTBOEBNJOFTBMUT types of biocide are soluble in water and would be discharged with the produced formation water. The expected concentration range of r 2VBUFSOBSZBNNPOJVNTBMUT biocide in the PFW discharge would be 10 to 200 mg/l. Aldehyde- r /JUSPHFOIFUFSPDZDMJDDPNQPVOET based biocides are unstable and will decay under normal conditions to formaldehydes and orthophosphoric acid over a period of days. 0GUIFTFHFOFSJDUZQFT POMZJNJEB[PMJOFEFSJWBUJWFTBSFXBUFSTPMVCMF The other three generic types are all oil soluble and therefore would Various acids may occasionally be required in maintenance activities OPUCFEJTDIBSHFEXJUIUIFQSPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFS*NJEB[PMJOF associated with wells and processing equipment (e.g., for removal derivatives are normally produced from the reaction of fatty acids of solid materials, such as calcium carbonate). These activities with amines and are readily biodegradable (Danish Environmental require different acids depending on the particular use and are used Protection Agency, 2001). The maximum expected concentration infrequently on the FPSO. range of corrosion inhibitor in the discharge would be 7.5 to A weak mixture of acetic acid (essentially the same as household 30 mg/l. vinegar) may be required to remove a buildup of calcium carbonate from any equipment associated with seawater intakes (e.g., seawater Selection of a corrosion inhibitor for the project has not been cooling system). However, the majority of the active ingredient reacts finalised, but it will either be a quaternary ammonium salt or an with, and dissolves, the solid carbonate material to form a weak almost JNJEB[PMJOFEFSJWBUF neutral solution that would be reinjected or discharged overboard Scale inhibitor is used to prevent carbonate or sulphate salts of with the produced formation water. If the undiluted material is calcium, strontium, barium or radium precipitating from the reservoir accidentally discharged overboard, the solution will rapidly disperse water and forming scale on the inner surfaces of the production into the water column. It is unlikely that any detectable change in process. The active ingredient of scale inhibitor is usually either a pH of the surrounding waters would occur because seawater has a phosphate or a phosphonate ester. These chemicals are strongly very strong buffering capacity. The effects on the environment of water-soluble. The expected concentration range of scale inhibitor in occasional discharge of dilute or undiluted acetic acid solution are the PFW discharge would be 3 to 10 mg/l. predicted to be low to non-existent.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 165 It is also possible that more persistent calcium carbonate build ups BOE 4BVFS SFWJFXFE UIF BWBJMBCMF MJUFSBUVSF GPS MBCPSBUPSZ may require treatment with stronger acids, including hydrochloric and field studies investigating the bioaccumulation of polycyclic acid (similar to that used in home swimming pools). As with the acetic aromatic hydrocarbons. They concluded that all polycyclic aromatic acid, the purpose of this acid is to react with the buildup and dissolve hydrocarbons (with the exception of naphthalenes) have a strong it, so the majority of the active ingredient will be consumed in the tendency to bioaccumulate in the tissues of marine organisms. process. It is currently estimated that the likelihood of using such a Where bioaccumulation has been reported for marine organisms, the treatment once over the life of the proposed development is in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile and tissue concentrations PSEFSPGIPXFWFS UIFXBTUFTPMVUJPOJTMJLFMZUPCFEJTQPTFEPG were highly variable. The bioconcentration values for polycyclic into the aquifer with the produced formation water. If the material aromatic hydrocarbons in marine organisms collected near PFW is discharged overboard, the effluent will rapidly disperse into the discharges in the Gulf of Mexico were investigated by Neff and Sauer water column. It is unlikely that any detectable change in pH of the BOEGPVOEUPCFHFOFSBMMZNVDIMFTTUIBOXPVMECFQSFEJDUFE surrounding waters would occur because seawater has a very strong from the POW. buffering capacity. The effects on such discharge of hydrochloric acid The potential for bioaccumulation of hydrocarbon compounds are predicted to be low. to occur at the Van Gogh development location as a result of PFW Methanol is likely to be added to the production process as a hydrate discharge is considered to be very low. This reflects the ability of inhibitor to prevent the formation of gas hydrates. Methanol is organisms to metabolise and/or purify themselves of low levels of infinitely miscible in water. If produced formation water is discharged hydrocarbons and the intermittent and brief nature of exposure, to sea, any methanol present at the time would be rapidly diluted because produced formation water will normally be reinjected. to low concentrations. At low concentrations, methanol can be The highest levels of bioconcentration, should it occur, would be in metabolised as an energy source by micro-organisms. the tissues of fouling organisms, such as molluscs and crustaceans directly attached to the FPSO hull, mooring lines and risers. It is Bioavailability, Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification. A unlikely that significant levels of hydrocarbons would bioaccumulate contaminant present in produced formation water cannot harm (or in motile fish. benefit) an organism unless the organism absorbs the chemical into its body or the chemical is bound strongly enough to a membrane Biomagnification is the process by which tissue concentrations of (such as fish gill) so that the membrane cannot function properly. a bioaccumulated substance increase as the substance passes up The bioavailability of a chemical is its ability to either gain entry the food chain through at least two trophic levels. Biomagnification into an organism by transport through a membrane or to adversely can occur with synthetic organics and with some metals, such as affect the performance of an external membrane by being strongly lead and mercury, which are discharged in minute quantities in adsorbed to it. produced formation water (see Table 5.12). Naturally occurring hydrocarbons, like those that will be discharged with the produced Bioaccumulation refers to the amount of a substance taken up by formation water, can be broken down into simpler components by an organism through all routes of exposure (water, diet, inhalation, an organism’s metabolic processes and do not biomagnify under epidermal). Bioconcentration is a sister term (with its bioconcentration normal conditions. factor) when water is the only source of exposure. The test developed Tainting. When present in foods, petroleum hydrocarbons stimulate to measure the ability of a substance to bioaccumulate, namely the an olfactory response in humans that causes a tainting of flavour octanol-water partition (POW) coefficient, is based on the preferential PSUBTUF$POOFMMBOE.JMMFS DPNQJMFEBTVNNBSZPGTUVEJFT partitioning of lipophilic organic compounds into the octanol phase. listing the threshold concentrations at which tainting occurred Partitioning into octanol can be correlated with the attraction for for hydrocarbons. The results contained in their review indicate such compounds to the fatty tissue (lipid) of organisms. that tainting of fish occurs when fish are exposed to ambient Organic chemicals with a bioconcentration factor (log POW) less DPODFOUSBUJPOT PG UP QQN PG IZESPDBSCPOT JO UIF XBUFS UIBOUPXJMM VOEFSNPTUDJSDVNTUBODFT IBWFBMPXQPUFOUJBMUP GPS EVSBUJPOT PG IPVST PS NPSF XJUI SFTQPOTF UP QIFOPMT BOE bioaccumulate (Vik et al 5IFMPH108WBMVFTGPSNPOPDZDMJD naphthenic acids being the strongest. This suggests that produced BSPNBUJD IZESPDBSCPO DPNQPVOET TVDI BT #5&9 DPNQPVOET formation water discharged to sea is highly unlikely to cause tainting (considered to be a toxic component of hydrocarbons to marine of fish except those that remain for long periods within close organisms in PFW), are reported to range from 2.13 to 3.3 (Eastcott proximity to the discharge point. et al "UUIJTSBUFPGQBSUJUJPOJOH JUJTOPUFYQFDUFEUIBUUIFTF Sheening. Sheens associated with PFW discharge occur when oil compounds will bioaccumulate in the marine environment. within the produced formation water rises to the sea surface and *O DPOUSBTU UP #5&9 DPNQPVOET QPMZDZDMJD BSPNBUJD IZESPDBSCPO forms a visible microlayer. The sheen persists until such time as the compounds (more persistent and heavier molecular weight oil has dispersed. It is likely that sheen formation will occur whenever hydrogen compounds in PFW) have high POW values, indicative the OIW concentration of the PFW discharge exceeds approximately of a higher potential for bioaccumulation (Vik et al /Fí 15 ppm. The visibility of the sheen is affected by oceanographic

166 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development conditions, such as sea state and tidal strengths. A calm sea state environmental harm (any residual chemical concentration would leads to increased visibility of the sheen, and strong tidal currents end up in the produced formation water). move the sheen greater distances and increase the area over which r 4DIFEVMFENBJOUFOBODFPGQSPEVDUJPOFRVJQNFOUUPSFEVDFUIF the sheen is visible. incidence of process upsets. The presence of a PFW sheen on the ocean surface can cause a r %BJMZMBCPSBUPSZTBNQMJOHUPWFSJGZDPOUJOVBMBVUPNBUJDTBNQMJOH negative affect on visual aesthetics of the area. This would only occur at times when the produced formation water is being discharged to Predicted Residual Environment Risks the ocean and would only be visible during daylight hours from the The environmental impacts of PFW discharge have been the subject air or from vessels in the immediate vicinity of the FPSO. of a large number of scientific studies. The majority of these studies Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures to date have focused on acute toxic effects, although some have examined the dispersion and fate of produced formation water. The The primary measure for avoiding the environmental impacts of PFW results drawn from these have generally concluded that the toxicity discharge is its reinjection into the subsurface aquifer during normal of produced formation water is low and that acute toxic effects to production operations. The proposed development includes two marine organisms are unlikely to occur. PFW injection wells, water treatment systems, reinjection pumps, OIW analysis system and a flow metering package. It is predicted The potential area within which it is predicted marine biota would be UIBU1'8SFJOKFDUJPOXJMMPDDVSGPSOPMFTTUIBOPGUIF'140T exposed to concentrations of produced formation water sufficient to connected operating time. elicit chronic toxic effects is very localised, and such exposure could only occur during prolonged continuous periods of PFW discharge Unavoidable overboard discharge of produced formation water will to the ocean. Any localised small-scale population variations that occur during: may occur as a result of this exposure would be short-term and r $PNNJTTJPOJOH reversible. r 1'8SFJOKFDUJPOTZTUFNNBJOUFOBODFEPXOUJNF Consequently, the predicted residual environmental impact of PFW EJTDIBSHFUPBTVCTVSGBDFBRVJGFSXJUIPDDBTJPOBM MFTTUIBOPG r 1SPDFTTVQTFUT the connected operating time) periods of discharge to sea has been During the commissioning of the PFW reinjection system, all predicted to be “negligible”. The reinjection and occasional discharge reasonable steps will be taken to reduce the amount of produced to sea of produced formation water from the Van Gogh development formation water discharged to the ocean. Similarly, during production, will not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, overboard discharge of produced formation water will be minimised migratory species or the surrounding marine environment. through a preventive maintenance system to ensure equipment is operating at full capacity and efficiency, thereby reducing the risk of 5.5.4 Sewage and Greywater system failures. The environmental risk from the disposal of sewage and greywater When produced formation water is discharged overboard, OIW has been ranked as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh concentrations will be measured constantly by an electronic meter development (see Table 5.6). and confirmed by sampling and OIW chemical analysis to ensure Known and Potential Impacts compliance with the regulatory requirements under the P(SL) Act PG MFTT UIBO NHM BT B IPVS BWFSBHF 8IFOFWFS QSBDUJDBCMF Treated sewage and greywater (comprising laundry, shower and the batch dosage of production chemicals will be avoided during hand-basin waters) will be discharged to the ocean from the DPDSV, periods of PFW discharge to the sea. HLVs, FPSO, and offtake tankers during all stages of the proposed Van Gogh development. Support vessels generally store their untreated The FPSO slops tanks have been designed with excess capacity, so sewage (blackwater) in holding tanks that are then transferred to that if produced formation water is not conforming to the less than sewage treatments facilities onshore via sucker tanks when the 30 mg/l OIW requirement, it will be automatically diverted to these vessels return to port. Impacts associated with the discharge of tanks rather than being discharged overboard. The slops tanks have sewage and greywater to the sea include: 9 hours of production storage capacity for any off-specification produced formation water. From here, the water will be treated as r /VUSJFOUFOSJDINFOUPGUIFTVSSPVOEJOHXBUFST normal slops water to achieve the less than 30 mg/l OIW limit. r 4BQSPHFOJDFíFDUT Other measures employed to reduce the potential for environmental r 5PYJDJUZ impact associated with PFW disposal are: Table 5.15 lists the anticipated volumes of treated sewage and r 'BDJMJUJFTEFTJHO FH TFMFDUJPOPGDPSSPTJPOSFTJTUBOUBMMPZT greywater to be discharged on a daily basis from each of the vessels r "QSPDFEVSFGPSTFMFDUJOHJOKFDUJPODIFNJDBMTXJUIUIFMPXFTU associated with the Van Gogh development.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 167 Table 5.15 Estimated daily discharge of treated sewage and greywater

Vessel Persons on Board Development Phase Estimated Daily Treated Sewage and Greywater Volumes* (Litres) DPDSV Installation and commissioning HLVs UP Installation and commissioning UP Support vessels** 10 Installation and commissioning 1,000 FPSO 50 Installation and commissioning 5,000 UP Production - continuous UP Support vessel** 5 1SPEVDUJPOmXFFLMZTVQQMZSVOT 500 Offtake tanker 25 1SPEVDUJPO m FWFSZ UP EBZT JOJUJBMMZ UIFO MFTT 2,500 frequently Support vessel** 5 1SPEVDUJPOmBTBCPWFGPSPíUBLFUBOLFS 500 *Treated sewage and greywater discharge estimates based on 100 L/person/day (WA Water Corporation Design Rates). ** Support vessels will store their untreated sewage in holding tanks that are then transferred to sewage treatments facilities onshore via sucker tanks when the vessels returns to port. Therefore, the stated volumes are what will be transferred to shore, not to sea.

Nutrient enrichment. The expected quantity of nutrient addition to Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures the ocean has been estimated to range from 0.12 to 0.25 kg/day of Sewage and greywater will be disposed of in accordance with OJUSPHFOBOEUPLHEBZPGQIPTQIPSVTEVSJOHQSPEVDUJPO ."310-"OOFY*7BOE$MBVTFTBOEPGUIF4DIFEVMFPG The addition of this quantity of nutrients entering the ocean at the the P(SL) Act. Sewage treatment plants will be in place on the FPSO, proposed FPSO location is inconsequential when compared to the DPDSV, HLVs and offtake tankers. The smaller support vessels usually daily turnover of nutrients in the immediate vicinity. do not have onboard sewage treatment facilities and will discharge Biennial water quality monitoring undertaken off Apache’s Varanus their macerated blackwater and greywater effluent either beyond the Island hub, in shallow subtropical waters with an average daily 12 nm limit from the coast or into sewage holdings tanks at the Port NBOOJOH PG QFPQMF JO BMNPTU GPVS UJNFT UIF NBOOJOH of Dampier and Exmouth Marina. Bhagwan Marine vessels, currently level proposed for the FPSO), indicates that measured levels of used by Apache for its Varanus Island operations and likely to be used for the Van Gogh development to supply support vessels, all have total nitrogen, ammonium (NH+), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), total -3 onboard sewage treatment plants. phosphorous, phosphate (PO ) and chlorophyll are close to or below the ANZECC (2000) water quality criteria. The lack of correlation As a minimum, sewage on all vessels (other than support vessels) will between chlorophyll a and other nutrient parameters across all be macerated to a diameter of less than 25 mm. On the FPSO, sewage monitoring stations indicates that there is no evidence from the will also be disinfected (UV treatment) prior to disposal. Sewage will sampling program of increased productivity due to wastewater not be discharged within 12 nm (22 km) of land. discharges. At the Van Gogh development’s deepwater location in a region with open ocean currents and a lower manning level, nutrient The main factor mitigating the potential risks of sewage and loading levels are likely to be lower than those measured off Varanus greywater discharge is the treatment of this wastewater stream and Island. the location of the development in a remote offshore area with open ocean currents and winds, which allow these discharges to be rapidly Saprogenic Effects. The addition of readily degradable biological diluted and dispersed. material contained within sewage discharged to a closed ecosystem (or one with limited exchange) can lead to the depletion of oxygen Predicted Residual Environment Risks from the water and to anoxic effects as the material decays, referred The residual environmental impact of sewage and greywater to collectively as saprogenic effects. Given that the sanitary wastes discharge during all stages of development is predicted to be will be discharged in an area of open ocean with waves and currents, “negligible”. The disposal of sewage and greywater from the Van Gogh the risk of this occurring is negligible. development will not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed Toxicity. The toxic effects of sewage discharged to the ocean have species, migratory species or the surrounding marine environment. been relatively well studied (Weis et al (SBZet al., 1992) and generally only occur where high volumes are discharged. The small 5.5.5 Deck Drainage volumes of treated sewage and greywater that will occur from the The environmental risk from deck drainage from all vessels used for development combined with the rapid dilution and dispersal in the the Van Gogh development has been ranked as “negligible” for all receiving waters mean that the potential for toxic effects is very low. phases of the development (see Table 5.6).

168 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Known and Potential Impacts

Deck drainage consists mainly of washdown water, seawater spray and rainwater and may contain small quantities of oil, grease and detergents present on the deck. Depending on the type and volume of pollutants on the deck, this has the potential to create ocean surface sheens and short-term, localised reduction in water quality.

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

The primary measure is the avoidance of spills through the initial design integrity built into processing and ancillary equipment, the

materials handling and dropped object studies, and the operating Apache and maintenance procedures. For example, bunding is required around all rotating equipment and all machinery containing hydrocarbon products (e.g., refuelling points), and hydraulic lines to machinery are required to be included in bunded areas. Sumps will also be installed within all bunds to ensure effective recovery of any liquid material contained within them.

On many vessels, deck water is routinely discharged overboard. However, the decks on the FPSO and DPDSV will be totally enclosed by coaming (also called kickboarding or freeboard), and scupper plugs will be fitted at drainage points and will only be removed before or during heavy rain storms to prevent the deck flooding (see Plate

5.3). The scupper plugs will be kept in place during deck washdowns Apache so that washdown water can be directed to the dirty slops tank for Plate 5.3 Example of main deck coaming (top) and chemical treatment. (Figure 2.10 illustrates the deck drainage pathways.) storage within a bunded area (bottom) The design of the FPSO drainage system is the main mitigation Predicted Residual Environment Risks measure in preventing hydrocarbons reaching the sea (see Section The residual environmental impact from the release of deck drainage 2.4.5). An OIW monitor will continually monitor oily water levels being is predicted to be “negligible”. The volumes of oil and/or grease that released from the dirty water slops tank OIW separator, and on-site may enter the marine environment from runoff associated with deck daily laboratory testing will validate these readings. The pipework wash-down or rainfall run-off is likely to be very low and this would on the topsides facilities has also been designed to minimise flange quickly disperse with little or no detectable environmental impact. connections (and thus minimise leaks), with a preference for welded The release of deck drainage waters from vessels associated with connections. the Van Gogh development will not cause any significant impacts Bunded areas on the FPSO will be connected to the closed drainage to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the surrounding marine system to allow appropriate treatment of fluids prior to disposal or environment. reuse.

Bunding of areas that contain bulk chemicals will be designed to 5.5.6 Desalination Brine provide the maximum practicable ability to control spills and allow The environmental risk from the discharge of desalination brine from recovery of spilled material. Drip trays will also be provided where all vessels associated with the Van Gogh development has been necessary to contain drips or leaks. assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the development (see Table 5.6). Strict house-keeping procedures will be in place to ensure that decks on all vessels will be kept clean (usually involves a daily check), with Known and Potential Impacts any spills cleaned immediately, so that the risk of hydrocarbon- The production of fresh water from seawater in the freshwater contaminated water from the deck being released overboard is generators of all vessels results in a discharge of seawater with a minimised. TMJHIUMZ FMFWBUFE TBMJOJUZ BSPVOE IJHIFS UIBO TFBXBUFS 0O Deck drainage on offtake tankers will be managed by the Oil average, seawater has a salt concentration of 35,000 ppm, while Companies International Marine Forum guidelines and the the desalination discharge is expected to have a salt concentration International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) PGBCPVU QQN5IFWPMVNFPGUIFEJTDIBSHFJTEFQFOEFOUPO guidelines to prevent any discharge of oily water. the requirement for fresh (or potable) water and for the FPSO, would

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 169 be expected to ranHFGSPNBCPVUNģEBZEVSJOHQSPEVDUJPO UP When discharged to sea, the cooling water will initially be subjected about 150 m3/day during additional activity, such as well workovers. to turbulent mixing and some transfer of heat to the surrounding Volumes of desalination brine from other vessels associated with the waters. The plume will disperse and rise to the sea surface where development are difficult to quantify, as they will vary based on the further dilution and loss of heat will occur. The plume of heated water number of people on board each vessel and their time on location. will move in accordance with the prevailing currents. Temperatures will drop swiftly with distance from the discharge point. On discharge to the sea, the desalination brine, being of greater density than seawater, will sink and disperse in the currents. The Trajectory and dispersion modelling of cooling water discharge MBSHFTUJODSFBTFPGTBMJOJUZFYQFSJFODFEXPVMECFBQQSPYJNBUFMZ IBTOPUCFFOVOEFSUBLFOGPSUIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUIPXFWFS in the immediate vicinity of the discharge point. Most marine species results from the BHP Billiton modelling (2005) can be inferred to this development. Based on a nominal discharge of 100,000 m3/ BSFBCMFUPUPMFSBUFTIPSUUFSNóVDUVBUJPOTJOUIFPSEFSPGUP 8BMLFSBOE.D$PNC BOEJUJTFYQFDUFEUIBUNPTUQFMBHJD EBZBUBXBUFSUFNQFSBUVSFPG$BCPWFUIBUPGUIFTVSSPVOEJOH species passing through the proposed development area would be TFBXBUFS UIFSFTVMUTJOEJDBUFEUIBUUIFSFJTBQSPCBCJMJUZPGUIF temperature of surface water within 25 to 50 m of the discharge able to tolerate short-term exposure to the slight increase in salinity QPJOUFYDFFEJOHBNCJFOUXBUFSUFNQFSBUVSFCZNPSFUIBO$5IF caused by the discharged brine. probability of surface water temperature exceeding the ambient Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures UFNQFSBUVSFCZNPSFUIBO$EFDSFBTFTUPXJUIJOBCPVUUP The main avoidance measure will be to limit the generation of potable NPGUIFEJTDIBSHFQPJOU EFQFOEJOHPOTFBTPOBMWBSJBUJPOTJOUIF surface currents. Although the Van Gogh development cooling water water to only that which is necessary for operational requirements. discharge will have higher temperatures and a greater volume than The salinity concentration of the discharged brine is comparable to the BHP study, the increased distances before the plume reaches the range of salinity recorded in the open ocean. Scale inhibitors ambient temperature conditions will not be significantly greater due normally used in these water treatment systems are suitable for to the vastness of the receiving water body and the ability of the human consumption and will not adversely impact on any marine plume to rapidly disperse and dilute. organisms. Elevated seawater temperatures are known to cause alteration of the Further mitigation of impacts will be achieved by the rapid dispersion QIZTJPMPHJDBMQSPDFTTFT FTQFDJBMMZFO[ZNFNFEJBUFEQSPDFTTFT PG of the brine when discharged to the ocean. FYQPTFECJPUB 8PMBOTLJ 5IFTFBMUFSBUJPOTNBZDBVTFBWBSJFUZ of effects, ranging from behavioural response (including attraction Predicted Residual Environment Risks and avoidance behaviour), to minor stress, to potential mortality for The residual environmental risk from the discharge of desalination prolonged exposure. The areal extent in which the cooling water brine to the ocean from all vessels associated with the development EJTDIBSHFXJMMDBVTFFMFWBUJPOPGUFNQFSBUVSFNPSFUIBO$BCPWF is predicted to be “negligible”. The discharge of desalination brine BNCJFOUDPOEJUJPOTGPSPSNPSFPGUIFUJNFJTQSFEJDUFEUPCF associated with the Van Gogh development will not cause any relatively small and in the order of approximately 0.1 ha. Black et al. significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the TVHHFTUUIBUDPPMJOHXBUFSEJTDIBSHFTXJMMIBWFEFUSJNFOUBM surrounding marine environment. effects on plankton that become entrained in the cooling water plume but that the impact is likely to be localised, which is supported 5.5.7 Cooling Water CZ8PMBOTLJ &BSMZTUVEJFT JOUIFT GSPNDPBTUBMPVUGBMMTPG thermal discharges found that fish avoided them in warmer months The environmental risk from the discharge of cooling water from the and entered them in colder months, phytoplankton photosynthesis FPSO has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van may increase or decrease, and the breeding patterns of various Gogh development (see Table 5.6). invertebrates can change (Black et al

Known and Potential Impacts The only biota that may be exposed for long periods would be fouling Seawater will be used as a heat exchange medium for the cooling of species (e.g., barnacles) in the immediate vicinity of the discharge machinery engines and in the production process. Seawater will be point, which will be through a caisson at the bottom of the FPSO drawn from the ocean and will flow counter current through closed- hull, or planktonic species that drift with the cooling water discharge circuit heat exchangers, transferring heat from the machinery or as it disperses and decreases in temperature. The heated water production process to the seawater. It will then be discharged to the will prevent species that are less tolerant to elevated temperatures ocean (i.e., it is a once-through system) as hot water (approximately from settling and becoming established in close proximity to the discharge point. $ UP $ XIJDI JT $ UP $ BCPWF UIF BNCJFOU TFBXBUFS UFNQFSBUVSF JO UIJT MPDBUJPO EFQFOEJOH PO TFBTPO TFF Section Seawater used for cooling will be treated with biocide at the intake 4.3.2 "CPVU NģIPVS NģEBZ PGDPPMJOHXBUFSXJMM point as a means to prevent fouling growth within the cooling system be discharged. pipework. The discharge of cooling water with residual levels of

170 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development biocide may have a toxic impact on pelagic species passing through TVCTFBNBOJGPMETBOEMJUSFTGPSFBDIDIPLFWBMWFTUFQBDUVBUJPO the proposed development area, but this would be only a short-term *UJTFTUJNBUFEUIBUBNBYJNVNPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZMJUSFTQFSEBZPG exposure. hydraulic control fluid may be discharged to the marine environment

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures PS MJUSFTQFSZFBS The impacts of these hydraulic fluid discharges near the seabed are a The potential area where marine biota may be impacted by thermal effects associated with cooling water discharge has been localised reduction in water quality and potential toxicity to benthic minimised by designing the cooling water system to limit discharge marine fauna. UFNQFSBUVSFTUPOPHSFBUFSUIBO$ Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

Cooling water volumes will be limited to the minimum necessary for The main measure for avoiding the potential effect of subsea operational requirements. Rapid ocean cooling and dispersion will hydraulic control fluids on the environment is through the design of also assist with minimising the impacts of cooling water discharges. equipment to reduce the volumes of fluids released.

Keeping the usage and dosage of low-toxicity biocide to the minimum Castrol Transaqua HT2 has met DoIR ecotoxicological testing necessary, and undertaking batch-dosing as opposed to continual requirements and complies with the National Industrial Chemicals dosing, to maintain the cooling water system in suitable condition for Notification and Assessment Scheme. In addition, it complies with operational purposes, will restrict the potential impacts of biocides the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the in the discharged cooling water on pelagic marine fauna. /PSUI&BTU"UMBOUJD 041"3 HVJEFMJOFT 041"3$PNNJTTJPO Predicted Residual Environment Risks 5IJT óVJE JT DPNQPTFE PG GSFTIXBUFS BOE FUIZMFOF HMZDPM UP JT SFBEJMZ CJPEFHSBEBCMF BOE JT VOMJLFMZ UP CJPBDDVNVMBUF The residual environmental risks associated with cooling water through the food chain (Castrol Offshore, 2007). The results of testing discharges is predicted to be “negligible”, given the rapid heat losses against the DoIR requirements are provided in Table 5.16. by convection and dilution of ocean currents. The release of cooling water from all vessels associated with the Van Gogh development will These results show that there is a significant reduction in survival not cause any significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory or growth of the tested species compared to seawater controls species or the surrounding marine environment. at exposure concentrations between 2,000 mg/l and 5,000 mg/l. For the volumes of control fluid that will be discharged on an 5.5.8 Subsea Hydraulic Control Fluids intermittent basis at the xmas trees and subsea manifolds and the The environmental risk from the discharge of subsea hydraulic low concentration of ethylene glycol (200 to 500 mg/l, well below the control fluids has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of LC50 results in Table 5.16) in the product, it is unlikely that benthic the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). fauna around the subsea equipment will be exposed to toxic levels of control fluids. Known and Potential Impacts Many water-based subsea control fluids have been tested under the A water-based subsea hydraulic control fluid (Castrol Transaqua HT2) Oslo-Paris Commission (OSPARCOM) Harmonised Offshore Chemical will be used to control wellhead valves on the xmas tree remotely Notification Format (HOCNF). The testing includes data that is used from the FPSO, and will operate as an open-loop system. Open- to determine the potential of each component of a product to loop subsea control systems are an industry standard. The main bioaccumulate and biodegrade in the environment, as well as three properties required of a hydraulic control fluid are low viscosity, low out of four possible toxicity tests that are chosen in accordance with compressibility, corrosion protection, resistance to microbiological the expected fate of the materials. Based on the results of these tests, attack, compatibility with seawater, and biodegradability. Small the UK HOCNF classification for Castrol Transaqua HT2 is Group E, amounts of control fluid are discharged to the seabed from the meaning that it is in the group of least environmental concern. subsea valves when they are open and closed. Typically, volumes of approximately 2.5 litres of hydraulic control fluid will be discharged The environmental impact of subsea hydraulic control fluid discharge during each 120-mm (5-inch) valve closure or opening on the two will be mitigated through product selection. Castrol Transaqua HT2 is

Table 5.16 Results of ecotoxicity testing on Australian marine species for Castrol Transaqua HT2

Organism Test Result

Planktonic algae (Isochrysis sp) 72-hr LC50 algal growth UP NHM

Tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) IS-$50 acute survival toxicity 2,000 to 3,000 mg/l

Juvenile marine copepod (Gladioferens imparipes) IS-$50 acute toxicity 2,000 to 3,000 mg/l 4PVSDF&YDPUPY4FSWJDFT"VTUSBMBTJB -$mNFEJBOMFUIBMDPODFOUSBUJPOPGBDPNQPVOEUIBUXJMMDBVTFEFBUIUPPGUIFUFTUQPQVMBUJPOJOBTQFDJñFEUJNFBGUFSFYQPTVSF

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 171 water soluble, has a low toxicity and is used at other Apache facilities main cause of deformities in shellfish, such as oysters. It was found in Australia, as well as internationally. In addition, as control fluid that, while TBT breaks down to less harmful products within days discharges are not continuous, the opportunity for the fluids to be in the water column, its accumulation in bottom sediments in such metabolised by benthic organisms is increased. areas as ports and marinas took much longer (i.e., decades) to break EPXO 'SFNBOUMF1PSUT #SBZ Stringent inspection and auditing of all subsea equipment will be carried out prior to installation and during commissioning to ensure *O "VTUSBMJBQSPIJCJUFEUIFVTFPG5#5CBTFEQBJOUTPOWFTTFMT that fabrication specifications have been met to minimise leak less than 25 m in length, with a maximum leaching rate of 5 μg/cm2/ potential. Process instrumentation and monitoring of usage rates day specified for vessels greater than 25 m in length. All dry docks will be regularly undertaken in order to detect any major leaks from were to become registered with the state EPAs, and all anti-foulants the umbilical line and connections and allow for rapid rectification. XFSFUPCFSFHJTUFSFE #SBZ

Predicted Residual Environment Risks In November 1999, the IMO directed the Marine Environment Protection Committee to develop an instrument, legally binding Given the low volumes of subsea hydraulic control fluid discharges, throughout the world, to address the harmful effects of anti-fouling the residual environmental risk associated with these discharges is coatings used on ships. The objective was to institute a global ban predicted to be “negligible”. The release of subsea hydraulic control on the application of TBT paints on ships by 1 January 2003 and a fluids associated with the Van Gogh development will not cause any complete prohibition on the presence of TBT paints on ships by 1 significant impacts to EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the +BOVBSZ 5IF GJWFZFBS HBQ BMMPXFE TIJQT MFHBMMZ DPBUFE XJUI surrounding marine environment. TBT before 1 January 2003 to operate until their next dry-docking for maintenance (Fremantle Ports, 2002). These conditions will apply to 5.5.9 Anti-fouling Leachate all vessels used for the Van Gogh development: the FPSO will have The environmental risk from the leaching of anti-fouling paints from its hull coated with a TBT-free anti-fouling paint while in dry dock the FPSO and other vessels has been assessed as “negligible” during before it sails to site. Australia has adopted the Convention and has all phases of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). prohibited the application of TBT-based anti-fouling paints since 1 Known and Potential Impacts June 2003. There is, however, a very small possibility that the DPDSV, HLVs and support vessels may still have TBT-based anti-fouling paint Any object submersed in marine waters for a period of time provides that was applied prior to 2003. a potential habitat for marine organisms. Vessel bottoms not protected by anti-fouling systems (typically an anti-fouling paint The most common anti-fouling paints being applied as replacements and sometimes an impressed current cathodic protection system) for TBT-based paints are formulations containing copper (ANZECC, may gather as much as 150 kg/m2 of “fouling” (unwanted growth BOE iCPPTUFS CJPDJEFTu TVDI BT *SHBSPM B USJB[JOF of biological material, e.g., barnacles) (Fremantle Ports, 2002). On a $)/4IFSCJDJEF EJVSPO BOE[JODQZSJUIJPOF#PPTUFSCJPDJEFT MBSHFPJMUBOLFSXJUI NĢPGVOEFSXBUFSIVMMTVSGBDF UIJTDBO are designed to leach slowly from the paint to prevent fouling build- BEEVQUP UPOOFTPGGPVMJOH 'SFNBOUMF1PSUT 5IF7BO up. Other formulations that are based on Teflon or silicon are also Gogh FPSO in comparison will have an underwater hull surface area BWBJMBCMFUIFTFQBJOUTBSFJOUFOEFEUPQSFTFOUBTNPPUITVSGBDFUIBU PGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ NĢ SFTVMUJOHJOBQPTTJCMFGPVMJOHXFJHIU prevents marine organisms attaching to the hull. of some 2,100 tonnes. The use of anti-fouling systems results in The proposed anti-fouling coating for the FPSO will consist of: a significant reduction in the operating costs for vessels through savings in fuel (through less drag in the water), less dry-docking and r 0OFGVMMDPBUPGUXPDPNQPVOE QPMZBNJEFDVSFEFQPYZQSJNFS reduced maintenance costs. The use of effective anti-fouling systems r 0OFGVMMDPBUPGUXPDPNQPVOE IJHITPMJE HMBTTóBLFmSFJOGPSDFE also reduces the risk of translocation of marine species, as they are epoxy. less likely to be transported on vessel bottoms. r 0OFGVMMDPBUPGCPOEJOHDPOUBDU Anti-fouling paints have already been applied on the DPDSV, HLVs, r 5XPGVMMDPBUTPGTFMGQPMJTIJOH UJOGSFFBOUJGPVMJOHQBJOU support vessels, and offloading tankers and will be applied to the FPSO during its conversion. The self-polishing, tin-free anti-fouling paint works similarly to the tributyltin paint. That is, the physical and chemical properties of Historically, the main concern associated with the application of anti- each of these paints are designed such that the resulting paint film fouling paints on vessel hulls was that the main chemical component, slowly and consistently erodes over time (1 to 5 microns per month) tributyltin (TBT), an organotin compound, had toxic effects on non- when immersed in seawater, making the paint surface polished and target marine species. TBT anti-fouling works by providing an unstable smooth and preventing attachment by marine organisms. surface so that organisms are both unable to attach for prolonged QFSJPETBOEBSFQPJTPOFECZUIFPSHBOPUJODPOUFOU "/;&$$ Table 5.17 presents the concentration of the most common anti- #SBZ %VSJOH UIF T JO &VSPQF 5#5 XBT GPVOE UP CF UIF fouling paint additives, the rates at which they are expected to leach

172 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.17 Concentrations of active anti-fouling additives in paints, their rate of leaching and their range of toxicity

Additive Minimum Rate of Leaching Toxicity to Algae (μg/L) Toxicity to Fish (μg/L) Concentration (% w/w) (μg/cm2/day)

Copper oxide 10 to 50 1 to 101 UP $V2+) 10 to 10,200 (Cu2+)

Copper thiocynate 5 to 25 1 to 101 UP $V2+) 10 to 10,200 (Cu2+) Diuron 1 to 10 0.1 to 2.5 5 to 120* UP Irgarol 1051 0.1 to 5 UP UP UP Zinc pyrithione 2 UP| | 5 to 9† UP|

4PVSDF#)1#JMMJUPO *UTTPVSDFT1MZNPVUI.BSJOF-BCPSBUPSZ 64&1" |%&'3" †Goka (1999), Okamura et al. (2002). XXUIFQFSDFOUBHFTPMVUJPOPOBXFJHIUQFSXFJHIUCBTJT from the paints and their reported range of toxicity to algae and mechanisms. However, the quantity of diuron or Irgarol 1051 from fish. anti-fouling leachate being sedimented would be extremely low, and the rate of degradation, although slow, would exceed the rate of new Copper is also included in anti-fouling paints, most commonly as copper oxide, but also as copper thiocyanate. In combination with sedimentation, thereby preventing concentrations reaching levels the copper, anti-fouling paints can also contain a booster biocide sufficient to cause detectable environmental effects. held within the structure of the paint. The erosion of the polymeric Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures binder in the paint enables the release of the incorporated copper and biocide at a constant rate, thereby preventing attachment to Anti-fouling paints containing TBT will not be applied to any of the the self-polishing hull surface and growth by poisoning any settling Van Gogh subsea infrastructure or the FPSO. Selection of alternative organisms. The amount of released booster biocide is the minimum anti-fouling paints will have a preference for those with the least required to prevent ship-hull biofouling, while avoiding detrimental environmental harm while meeting operational requirements. environmental effects caused by unnecessary biocidal over-release. Leaching of anti-fouling paint that may contain TBT on existing Copper is an essential nutrient for aquatic organisms, but it can be vessels, such as the DPDSV, HLVs, supply vessels and offtake tankers, toxic at elevated concentrations. The form the copper takes plays a is likely to represent only a very low environmental risk given the critical role in determining whether it is biologically available, toxic, deep water depths at site, the transient nature of their presence and or unavailable. In natural waters, copper and other trace metals will the absence of sensitive (and fished) organisms on the seabed, such be complexed to both organic and inorganic ligands (Erikson et al., as shellfish. Moreover, as FPSO operations will not commence until 2001). This complexing means the concentration of free copper ions, 2009, the IMO directives should ensure that the vessels used during which are the most biologically available form and likely to occur in the production phase will have been dry-docked with TBT removed surrounding water as result of anti-fouling paint leachate, is far less from their hulls during the process of hull cleaning and repainting. than the concentration at which environmental impacts may occur. Predicted Residual Environment Risks Significant copper accumulation from the erosion of the FPSO hull coating is unlikely to occur in the open ocean areas of the Van Gogh The residual environmental risk from anti-fouling paints associated development area. with the Van Gogh development is predicted to be "negligible".

The booster biocides diuron and Irgarol 1051 are both herbicides The use of non-TBT-based anti-fouling paint on the FPSO hull and that are highly toxic to phtyoplankton and other aquatic plants and subsea infrastructure will not cause any significant impacts to moderately toxic to fauna. Both herbicides will decay in the presence EPBC-listed species, migratory species or the surrounding marine PGMJHIUEJVSPOEFDBZTXJUIJOBNBUUFSPGEBZT 4QFDUSVN-BCPSBUPSJFT environment. XIJMF*SHBSPMIBTBNVDITMPXFSEFDBZSBUFPGBCPVU after 15 weeks (Okamura et al., 2000). The concentrations of diuron and 5.6 ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS Irgarol 1051 likely to occur in surrounding waters as a consequence of Atmospheric emissions will be routinely generated during the leaching from anti-fouling paints is far less than the concentrations at installation and commissioning, production and decommissioning which toxicity effects would occur. Both Irgarol 1051 and diuron will phases of the Van Gogh development. These emissions will consist absorb to suspended solids and have the potential to be sedimented. of: Once in sediments, the decay rates of both chemicals proceed at much slower rates, even under aerobic conditions (Okamura et al., r (SFFOIPVTFHBTFT 2000). There is potential for these chemicals to be deposited on r 0UIFSDPNCVTUJPOQSPEVDUT the seabed where they would remain in the sediments for a period of months before degradation through chemical and biological These are assessed in detail in this section.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 173 Table 5.18 Global warming potential of the six main greenhouse gases relative to CO2 PWFSZFBSUJNFIPSJ[PO

Gas Global Warming Potential (CO2-e)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) 1

Methane (CH) 21

Nitrous oxide (N2O) 310 Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) UP Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) UP

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF) 23,900 Source: IPCC (2007).

5.6.1 Greenhouse Gases The global warming potential of these gases varies, depending on their particular physico-chemical structure and the time span over The environmental risk from the emissions of greenhouse gases from which the effect is being considered.To be able to compare the effect the FPSO and other vessels has been assessed as “negligible” during of different gases, the global warming potential of a gas is expressed all phases of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). relative to CO2 PWFSBUJNFIPSJ[PO ZFBSTJTUIFNPTUVTVBM BOE

Known and Potential Impacts is referred to as its carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2-e. The global warming potential of the six main greenhouse gases are provided in Background. In recent times, a great deal of effort has been directed Table 5.18 (Houghton et al., 1995). at defining the change in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations In Australia, in 2005, it was estimated that 559.1 million tonnes (Mt) and mean global temperature. Since the Third Assessment Report of CO F XFSF FNJUUFE SFQSFTFOUJOH B JODSFBTF PO FNJTTJPOT (IPCC, 2001), a succession of unusually warm years, heatwaves, 2 generated in 1990 (AGO, 2007a). Of the 2005 total, oil and gas droughts, floods and cyclones has brought global warming and FYUSBDUJPODPNQSJTFE.UPG$0F PS BJODSFBTFPO DMJNBUFDIBOHFUPUIFGPSFGSPOUPGQVCMJDEFCBUF "(0 the 1990 emissions of 12.5 Mt) (Figure 5.2). This compares with a Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere. The JODSFBTFGPSDPBMNJOJOHBJODSFBTF .U$0F GPS atmosphere allows most sunlight (solar short-wave radiation) UIFFMFDUSJDJUZ HBTBOEXBUFSJOEVTUSZTFDUPSTBOEBJODSFBTF .U$0F GPSBHSJDVMUVSF GPSFTUJOHBOEGJTIJOH "(0 B to enter and warm the earth. As the surface of the earth cools, it emits infrared radiation (heat), some of which is absorbed by gases 8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJBBDDPVOUTGPS .U$0F PGUIFDPVOUSZT in the atmosphere and radiated back to earth. This is called the total greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from the extraction and greenhouse effect. The main gases responsible for this effect are EJTUSJCVUJPOPGDPBM PJMBOEOBUVSBMHBTBDDPVOUGPS .U$0F of Western Australia’s total emissions (AGO, 2007b). water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH) and nitrous oxide

(N2O). Other greenhouse gases include perfluorocarbons (PFCs), For benchmarking against Australian oil and gas industry performance, data was obtained from the 2005 APPEA Greenhouse hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF). Challenge Progress Report "11&" 5IF "11&" HSFFOIPVTF Figure 5.2 Australian greenhouse gas emissions estimates by gas totals take into account production and emissions associated economic classification, 2005 with onshore and offshore oil and gas production facilities around "VTUSBMJB5IFUPUBMFNJTTJPOTGSPN"11&"NFNCFST PGBMMPJM and gas exploration and production companies in Australia) for 2005

XFSF.U$02F5IJTJTBJODSFBTFPO CVUUIFSFXBTBMTP

BTBWJOHPG.U$02-e due to greenhouse gas abatement activities VOEFSUBLFOCZNFNCFSDPNQBOJFT "11&"

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Proposed Development. The Van Gogh development will be designed and operated to keep emissions of greenhouse gas throughout all phases of the project to ALARP.

Greenhouse gas emissions for the development have been calculated based on agreed standards for the oil and gas industry (E&P Forum, 0GUIFTJYNBJOHSFFOIPVTFHBTFT UIFSFXJMMCFOPFNJTTJPOTPG

PFCs, HFCs or SF from the Van Gogh development, and these are not discussed further. Greenhouse gases that apply to the development

include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH) and nitrous oxide (N20).

174 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.19 Calculated Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Year 1 Production (Tonnes per year) from the Van Gogh FPSO

Operation CO2*N2O* CH4*CO2-e % Power generation 221,251 90 Flare emissions 179 7.5 Tank venting 0 0 53 1,113 0.5 Fugitive emissions 0 0 199 2.0 Total (tonnes) 193,501 100

*IPCC Global Warming Potential factors (IPCC, 2007): CO2 equivalents: CO2 = 1, CH = 21, N2O = 310.

Figure 5.3 Calculated greenhouse gas emissions from the Van Values for annual performance of greenhouse gas emissions per tonne Gogh FPSO for Year 1 production of product for the proposed development will vary significantly over the project life as oil production declines, particularly considering the significant additional emissions associated with the water and gas injection systems, which will either remain constant or increase over time. Lifecycle totals have been used to moderate this effect for comparison purposes and are more representative of lifecycle impacts.

#BTFE PO BTTVNFE UPUBM SFDPWFSBCMF SFTFSWFT PG UPOOFT (59.1 million barrels), the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed Van Gogh development are estimated to be approximately

UPUPOOFTPG$02-e per tonne of product. The expected lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed development

are comparable to the average APPEA value of 0.327 tonnes of CO2-e per tonne of product (2005 calculation), particularly considering the significant additional emissions associated with the Van Gogh water and gas injection systems. They are also slightly less than the forecast lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from some of the other existing and proposed FPSO developments in the Exmouth sub-basin (BHPB 8PPETJEF

In essence, the main impact of emitting greenhouse gases is the The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the incremental build-up of these gases in the atmosphere, which, when operation of the Van Gogh development (in descending order) are: combined with greenhouse gases released from other sources, is r 1PXFSHFOFSBUJPOBOEQSPDFTTIFBUJOHPOUIF'140 considered to be the main contributor to global warming. r 'MBSJOHGSPNUIF'140 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures r &OHJOFFYIBVTUTGSPNWFTTFMTBOEIFMJDPQUFST The main means of minimising greenhouse gas emissions from the r 'VHJUJWFFNJTTJPOT OPOQPJOUTPVSDFFNJTTJPOT '140XJMMCFUISPVHIUIFSFJOKFDUJPOPGBUMFBTUPGQSPEVDFEHBT during the FPSO's connected operating time. The flare tip is designed r 7FOUJOHPGJOFSUHBTGSPNUBOLTBOEPGCPJMFSóVFHBTGSPNUIF UPCFFGGJDJFOU IJHIDPNCVTUJPOFGGJDJFODZ 1SPEVDFEHBTXJMM FPSO. be used as the vessel's primary fuel. In addition, no well testing will Fuel gas (conditioned natural gas recovered from the production be undertaken from the FPSO during the commissioning of the wells, wells and separated in the oil treatment process on the FPSO) will be avoiding the burning of significant volumes of oil. used as the primary fuel during operations for generating the power and processing requirements on the FPSO. Diesel will be used as a Ultra-low sulphur diesel will be used for the emergency back-up backup fuel source. generators (see Section 2.4.5) and the scheduled equipment maintenance schedule on the FPSO will maintain systems The greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operation of efficiencies. the Van Gogh FPSO have been calculated based on the first year’s The Commonwealth Government released the National Greenhouse QSPEVDUJPOSBUFPGBQQSPYJNBUFMZ UPOOFTQFSZFBSPG$02-e, based on an annual oil production rate of 10,017 m3/day. Table 5.19 StrategyJO "(0 XIJDIJTBENJOJTUFSFECZUIF"VTUSBMJBO and Figure 5.3 detail the breakdown of the calculated greenhouse Greenhouse Office (AGO), a division of the DEW. The strategy gas emissions for the first year of production. provides the framework for an effective greenhouse gas response

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 175 and for meeting current and future international commitments Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are part of the biogeochemical cycling of and encourages a coordinated response between all levels of OJUSPHFO %&83 B&OWJSPONFOU"VTUSBMJB 5IFZDPNQSJTF

government, stakeholders and the broader community. The nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and

strategy proposes a number of actions across all sectors to advance dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5). At low levels of exposure, NOx can irritate Australia’s greenhouse gas response, including measures to improve the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, leading to coughing, breathlessness understanding and to develop strategies for adaptation to climate and nausea. Eye or skin contact at high concentrations can lead to change. The AGO administers the Greenhouse Challenge Plus burns. Excessive levels in the atmosphere can increase the acidity of program, which provides a framework for undertaking and reporting rain (“acid-rain” effect), thereby lowering the pH of the surface water, on activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ground water and soil, and generally impact on ecosystems. Exposure is generally through air pollution in large cities or industrial areas. Apache is committed to contributing to Australia’s greenhouse gas response by investing in efficient technology and identifying Particulate matter (normally measured as 2.5 or 10 micrometres

opportunities for continuous improvement in its operations. Through <1.2.5 or PM10> JO EJBNFUFS JT SFMFBTFE GSPN OVNFSPVT TPVSDFT its membership with APPEA, Apache reports to the Greenhouse including vehicles, sea spray, wood stoves, fires, cigarette smoke, Challenge Plus Program on an annual basis. Apache will also wind-generated dust, bulk material handling, combustion, minerals incorporate the Van Gogh FPSO into its exiting annual NPI reporting processing, and refineries. High levels of particulate matter in the (see Section 1.4.2) and into its Energy Efficiency Opportunities BUNPTQIFSF DBO SFQSFTFOU B IFBMUI IB[BSE QBSUJDVMBSMZ UP QFPQMF annual reporting (see Section 1.4.3). with respiratory difficulties. These health effects can include allergic reactions, fibrosis, cancer, and general irritation, depending on the Predicted Residual Environment Risks DPNQPTJUJPOPGUIFQBSUJDVMBUFNBUUFS JUTDPODFOUSBUJPOT UIFTJ[FPG 5IF PJM BOE HBT FYUSBDUJPO TFDUPS SFQSFTFOUT BQQSPYJNBUFMZ the particle and the duration of exposure (DEW, 2007b). (599.1 Mt) of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions (AGO, 2007a). Sulphur dioxide is a by-product of the combustion process 5IFQSPQPTFE7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUXJMMQSPEVDFBCPVUPG associated with fuel sources containing sulphur. When released into UIJT GJHVSF UPOOFT XIJDI JT FRVBM UP PG "VTUSBMJBT the air as sulphur dioxide, it can be converted to corrosive sulphuric total GHG emissions). The residual environmental impact of Van acid, sulphur trioxide, and sulphates. The health effects of sulphur Gogh’s greenhouse gas emissions is predicted to be “negligible”, and dioxide pollution were exposed graphically during the "Great Smog" they will not result in any significant impact on EPBC-listed species, PG-POEPOJO5IJTSFTVMUFEJOBQQSPYJNBUFMZ QSFNBUVSF migratory species or the surrounding marine environment. deaths through heart disease and bronchitis. Since then, however, emissions have been significantly reduced through legislative 5.6.2 Other Combustion Products controls and the introduction of clean fuel technology. Research has shown that exposure for asthmatics is significantly more damaging The environmental risk from the emissions of other combustion than for normal people. Even moderate concentrations may result products from the FPSO and other vessels has been assessed as in a fall in lung function in asthmatics. Tightness in the chest and “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh development (see coughing occur at high levels, and the lung function of asthmatics Table 5.6). may be impaired to the extent that medical help is required. Sulphur Known and Potential Impacts dioxide pollution is considered more harmful when particulate and In addition to the greenhouse gases discussed above, other other pollution concentrations are high. This is known as the "cocktail effect." Initial gas samples collected from the Theo-3H well of the Van combustion products will be produced during all phases of the Gogh field indicated only traces of hydrogen sulphide (H S, a source proposed development as a result of equipment operation. These 2 of sulphur) associated with the Van Gogh reservoir and no recordable include emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter and levels of sulphur gas. sulphur oxides (SOx) to the atmosphere from: Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures r 5IFóBSFQJMPUóBNF Emissions of combustion products other than greenhouse gases will r /POPQFSBUJPOBMóBSJOH be minimised by: r (BTEFIZESBUJPO r 5IFVTFPGOBUVSBMHBTBTUIFNBJOGVFMTPVSDF r $SVEF HBTBOEXBUFSTFQBSBUJPO r 3FJOKFDUJPOPGFYDFTTOBUVSBMHBT r #PJMFSóVFHBTWFOUJOH r 3FHVMBSNBJOUFOBODFPODPNCVTUJPOFRVJQNFOU r &OHJOFFYIBVTUT The remoteness of the FPSO from large human settlements is also The generation of these substances can impact on human health a key factor in minimising potential impacts (environmental and and the environment. health) arising from combustion emissions.

176 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Metering equipment will be installed on all process equipment Underwater Noise (including composition analysis as required) on the FPSO so that Marine mammals, and in particular, cetaceans, employ an extremely atmospheric discharges can be quantified. As outlined in Sections acute acoustic sense to monitor their environment and are 1.4.2 and 1.4.3, Apache participates in the NPI scheme administered correspondingly sensitive to sounds below and, to a lesser extent, by the DEW and provides publicly accessible information (http:// above the water surface. Toothed whales and dolphins are known to www.npi.gov.au) on the types and amounts of 90 chemical frequently approach vessels and production facilities. Baleen whales substances being emitted to the environment (air, land and water). (including humpback whales, of greater relevance in the Exmouth Once operational, the Van Gogh FPSO will be added to Apache’s region) are generally considered to be more sensitive to the low- NPI reporting sites, with the aim of continual improvement in frequency noises that are generated by operational facilities. A study reducing pollution emissions. Likewise, once the Energy Efficiency of the response of humpback whales to noise generated by vessels Opportunities annual reporting commences, the Van Gogh FPSO will (McCauley et al IBT PCTFSWFE CFIBWJPVSBM DIBOHFT XIFO be added to this reporting system. humpback whales are exposed to continual broadband noise levels Predicted Residual Environment Risks in excess of 115 dB re 1μPa. However, the threshold noise level varies for different species. The quantities of emissions of combustion products other than greenhouse gases cannot be quantified at this stage of the Noise generated in the vicinity of the development area during the development, but are predicted to be relatively low and will, under installation and commissioning phase and the production phase normal circumstances, be quickly dispersed into the surrounding from installation activities, vessels, helicopters and the FPSO itself atmosphere, assisted by the region’s winds. It is also remote from may interfere with the acoustic perception and communication of human populations. Therefore, the residual environmental impact is any marine mammals in the vicinity and may have the potential to predicted to be "negligible", and combustion emissions will not result induce stress should it exceed the mammal’s threshold level. This in any significant impact on EPBC-listed species, migratory species or level of noise may also theoretically be sufficient to cause some the surrounding marine environment. marine mammal species to avoid the immediate area (at most within 1 km of the proposed development). Conversely, records of many 5.7 BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS marine mammal species approaching production facilities (such as The following section provides a summary of the potential impacts Apache’s Stag and Legendre platforms and their associated FSOs) on EPBC-listed species and the biodiversity of the area as a result suggest that this tendency for avoidance would be countered by of routine operational activities associated with the Van Gogh habituation to the noise of the FPSO and/or curiosity. Should this development avoidance occur, it is predicted that this would cause only minor impact to marine mammals, as the area of disturbance is localised 5.7.1 Marine Mammals and not within any aggregation areas, and also the main humpback whale migration takes place in shallower waters closer to the coast Twenty-three species of migratory or nationally threatened marine (see Chapter 4). The observed distribution of humpback whale pods mammals were identified via an EPBC Act Protected Matters Report during migration and transition periods indicates that approximately TFBSDIDBSSJFEPVUJO0DUPCFSBTQPUFOUJBMMZPDDVSSJOHJO PSOFBS UPPGQPEOVNCFSTNBZCFXJUIJOBLNSBEJVTPGUIF'140 to, the proposed Van Gogh development (see Section 4.4.17). The during migration and transitory periods. Other species of whales are routine activities that may potentially impact marine mammals are present in low numbers and abundance in the area of the proposed discharges to the sea, underwater noise and collisions with vessels. activities. Given the spatial scales at which most whales operate Discharges to the Sea (several hundred thousand square kilometres) any biological effects of normal FPSO operation can be expected to be negligible. Discharges to the sea of macerated food scraps, ballast water, hydrotest water, produced formation water, treated sewage and greywater, Due to the lack of suitable habitat, dugongs will not be present at untreated sewage, deck drainage, desalination brine, cooling water, the FPSO location. subsea hydraulic control fluids and anti-fouling leachate will occur Underwater noise impacts to humpback whales in Exmouth Gulf during all phases of the development. When discharged to sea, during installation activities will largely be avoided by commencing Apache’s offshore operational experience and monitoring indicates installation activities after the peak of the transitional southern that these discharges are rapidly diluted, dispersed and assimilated. migration period. No measurable impact to surrounding water quality, outside of a WFSZMPDBMJTFENJYJOH[POF JTFYQFDUFECBTFEPOUIFMPXWPMVNFT Dugongs are known to occur in Exmouth Gulf, mainly along the of discharge within an open ocean environment. Therefore, the shallow eastern side. The installation vessel and HLV activities environmental risk to marine mammals from discharges to the sea (primarily heavy-lifting activities) will occur in the deeper western has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh part of Exmouth Gulf in an area used by other petroleum companies development. and not so well frequented by dugongs. Any disturbance to dugongs

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 177 from installation activities are expected to be no different to that 5.7.3 Seasnakes created by existing vessel activity in the gulf, such as recreational The abundance of seasnakes in the development area is low. The area and commercial fishing. Negligible impact is predicted for dugongs is not known to be, or considered to represent, an important habitat as a result of routine activities associated with the proposed for seasnake species. Therefore, the environmental risk to seasnakes development. from has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Therefore, the environmental risk to marine mammals from Gogh development. underwater noise has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh development. 5.7.4 Fish Three EPBC-listed fish species may frequent the proposed Van Gogh 5.7.2 Turtles EFWFMPQNFOUBSFB BMMMJTUFEBTWVMOFSBCMF UIFTFBSFUIFXIBMFTIBSL Turtle populations in the Exmouth region are described in Section great white shark and grey nurse shark (see Sections 4.2.1 and 4.4.14). 4.4.15. The routine activities that may potentially impact turtles are The routine activities that may potentially impact fish are seabed artificial lighting and underwater noise. disturbance, artificial lighting, underwater noise, and discharges to the sea. The other EPBC-listed fish species listed in Section 4.2.1, covering Artificial Lighting pipefish, seahorses, pipehorses and seadragons, are shallow, coastal Lighting has been linked to disorientation in turtles, particularly water species, likely to be present in and around inshore reef areas and during periods of nesting and hatching (Lutcavage et al shallow parts of Exmouth Gulf and will not be impacted by any routine Pendoley, 1997, 2005). A great deal of evidence suggests that activities during any phase of the Van Gogh development. brightness is an important cue used by turtle hatchlings in search of Seabed Disturbance the ocean. Hatchlings move toward bright artificial light sources in both laboratory and field settings (Pendoley, 2005). Because the light Installation of the subsea infrastructure will disturb the seabed. This that would be received at the coastline is of low intensity and has a may decrease natural benthic habitat, but the subsea infrastructure limited spectral range, it is highly unlikely that this light will cause will provide artificial reef habitat. For those fish species preferring any disturbance to nesting or hatching turtles. The western side of some structural habitat complexity (e.g., snapper and groper), the Exmouth Gulf does not have any recorded turtle nesting beaches, presence of seabed structures are a beneficial impact. A minor loss so the impacts of light generated from installation vessels will have of natural benthic habitat is not likely to result in a decrease of no impact on turtles when the vessels are close to the coastline. fish abundance or diversity in this location that has a naturally low Therefore, the environmental risk to turtles from light associated diversity of benthic organisms (see Section 4.4.7). Therefore, the with the Van Gogh development (both during installation and environmental risk to fish from seabed disturbance has been assessed production) has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh development. the Van Gogh development. The physical presence of the proposed development in deep open Underwater Noise ocean water may indirectly affect migratory pelagic fish species, such as the shark species mentioned above. Pelagic species are commonly Marine turtles have been recorded as demonstrating a startle attracted to fixed and drifting surface structures in areas of open SFTQPOTF UP TVEEFO OPJTFT .D$BVMFZ BOE FMFDUSPQIZTJDBM ocean for a variety of reasons. Because the numbers of fish that may studies have shown that the hearing range for marine turtles be attracted by the proposed development are small relative to the JT BQQSPYJNBUFMZ UP )[ .D$BVMFZ )PXFWFS OP overall population and the portion of these that are diverted from information is available regarding the threshold level necessary for normal migration and other activities is even less, the environmental behavioural effects. Although turtles are often observed approaching risk to these shark species has been assessed as "negligible". offshore oil and gas facilities (Apache fauna sightings database), it is possible that noise generated by the proposed development may With regard to the whale shark, the presence of smaller fish close to cause some turtles to avoid the area immediately adjacent to the the FPSO is not likely to be an attractant given that it is a filter-feeder FPSO. It is unlikely that turtles occur in any great numbers around of plankton that occur in all parts of the ocean. UIF7BO(PHIEFWFMPQNFOUBSFB #)1# 8PPETJEF Underwater Noise and it is not likely that any localised avoidance behaviour would cause an adverse impact on the turtle populations of the region. The levels of noise generated during all phases of the proposed Also, the western side of Exmouth Gulf does not have any recorded Van Gogh development may cause some behavioural changes or turtle nesting beaches, so the noise generated from the installation a masking of other acoustic cues necessary for normal biological/ vessels will have no impact on turtles in this location. In summary, ecological functioning. A considerable body of fisheries literature the environmental risk to turtles from underwater noise associated exists on the behavioural response of fish to the noise of approaching with the Van Gogh development has been assessed as “negligible” vessels (e.g., McCauley et al., 2000). These studies have shown that fish during all phases of the development. do avoid approaching vessels to some degree, usually by swimming

178 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development EPXOPSIPSJ[POUBMMZBXBZGSPNUIFWFTTFMQBUI4VSGBDFBOENJE has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh water dwelling fish and migrating shark species may theoretically development. be adversely affected by noise generated during vessel movements Underwater Noise and noise from process equipment transmitted underwater via the FPSO hull, however, the clear and abundant presence of fish that Seabirds are unlikely to be directly affected by underwater noise accumulate adjacent to offshore operating facilities indicates that generated during the proposed development. Indirect effects of they are able to tolerate these noises with no apparent detriment. underwater noise caused by a reduction in prey availability are Therefore, the environmental risk to fish from underwater noise difficult to quantify. Given the environmental risk to fish and other has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh prey species from routine activities has been ranked as negligibleand development. that the area is not of special importance for seabird feeding, it is unlikely that seabirds would be indirectly affected by underwater Discharges to the Sea noise. Therefore, the environmental risk to seabirds from underwater Discharges to the sea of macerated food scraps, ballast water, hydrotest noise has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van water, produced formation water, treated sewage and greywater, Gogh development. untreated sewage, deck drainage, desalination brine, cooling water, subsea hydraulic control fluids, and anti-fouling leachate 5.7.6 Benthic Communities will occur during all phases of the development. When discharged Descriptions of the benthic infauna known to occur around the to sea, Apache’s offshore operational experience and monitoring proposed Van Gogh development area are discussed in Sections indicates that these discharges are rapidly diluted, dispersed and 4.4.7 to 4.4.12. Routine activities that could potentially affect assimilated. No measurable impact to surrounding water quality, benthic communities are seabed disturbance associated with the PVUTJEF PG B WFSZ MPDBMJTFE NJYJOH [POF JT FYQFDUFE CBTFE PO UIF installation and removal of subsea infrastructure and discharges to low volumes of discharge within an open ocean environment. the sea, discussed below. Therefore, the environmental risk to fish from discharges to the sea has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh Seabed Disturbance development. There will be a small, localised loss of benthic habitat as a direct consequence of seabed disturbance. The areas that will be potentially 5.7.5 Seabirds disturbed have been found to be of low benthic diversity, to be The southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus) is the only EPBC- well represented in the region and to contain no significant habitat listed seabird that may be expected to occur around the FPSO features (e.g., rock outcrops, canyons). The area to be disturbed location. No shorebirds or waders are listed for the area and, given represents a miniscule fraction of the total habitat area, and the loss their coastal habitats, they are not likely to be impacted by routine of this small area would not cause any significant impacts to local activities associated with the Van Gogh development. biodiversity.

The routine impacts that may potentially affect seabirds are The provision of artificial habitat on the seabed is likely to alter the discharges of macerated food scraps, artificial light and underwater composition of the benthic community in the immediate vicinity noise, discussed below. EVF UP BMUFSFE QSFEBUPSHSB[JOH QSFTTVSFT 1PMMBSE BOE .BUIFXT Food Scraps )JYPO BOE #FFUT )PXFWFS UIF PWFSBMM FOWJSPONFOUBM impact associated with the provision of artificial habitat is increased The discharge of food scraps may attract oceanic seabirds and some biological productivity and diversity. shorebirds to the proposed FPSO and associated vessels, either directly or secondarily as a result of prey species being attracted Therefore, the environmental risk to benthic communities from to the vessels. However, because the waste will be macerated prior seabed disturbance has been assessed as “negligible” during all to discharge and the discharge volumes involved will be small, the phases of the Van Gogh development. environmental risk to seabirds from discharges of food scraps to the Discharges to the Sea sea has been assessed as “negligible” during all phases of the Van Gogh development. Discharges to the sea of ballast water, hydrotest water, produced formation water, treated sewage and greywater, untreated sewage, Artificial Lighting deck drainage, desalination brine, cooling water, subsea hydraulic Lighting has been linked to attraction and possible disorientation control fluids, and anti-fouling leachate are unlikely to impact on of seabirds (Weise et al., 2001). Seabirds are often observed to benthic communities, as ocean currents will dilute and disperse approach and circle and occasionally rest on FPSOs and production them before they have the opportunity to settle to the seabed, which platforms in much the same way as they approach ocean-going JTBQQSPYJNBUFMZNCFMPXUIFTFBTVSGBDF.BDFSBUFEGPPETDSBQT vessels. The environmental risk to seabirds from artificial lighting discharged to the sea are likely to be consumed by pelagic species

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 179 in the water column and not lead to any nutrient enrichment of the The manner in which Apache has approached community seabed in the vicinity of the FPSO. consultation for the Van Gogh development is detailed in Chapter 3. Discussions and observations by Apache staff involved in this No significant environmental impact is anticipated as a result of consultation have assisted in the preparation of this social-economic operational discharges due to the relatively low biological abundance impact assessment. The socio-economic aspects associated with the and the wide distribution of similar community types throughout Van Gogh development are broadly outlined as: the region. Therefore, the environmental risk to benthic communities from discharges to the sea has been assessed as “negligible” during r .BSJOFBOEMBOEBOENBSJOFBDDFTTBOEVTF all phases of the Van Gogh development. r *OEVTUSZBOEDPNNFSDF 5.8 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS r $PNNVOJUZDPIFTJPO

This section assesses the potential impacts of the Van Gogh r 5PVSJTN development on the socio-economic environment of the Exmouth r 'JTIJOH region (defined as the Shire of Exmouth), as well as on Western Australia and the Commonwealth where applicable. r 4IJQQJOH

Oil and gas production activities can have both impacts on the human r "NFOJUZ populations involved in, or located near, a proposed development. r 4JUFTPGIJTUPSJDBMPSDVMUVSBMTJHOJñDBODF The nature and extent of these impacts are shaped by such factors These aspects are discussed in detail in the following sections. as the existing economic, demographic and cultural characteristics of the community or communities, as well as the type and scale of activity proposed or already occurring. 5.8.1 Impacts on Marine and Land Access and Use The risk from impacts associated with marine and land access and These social impacts (positive and negative, direct or indirect, use has been ranked as “negligible” during all stages of the Van Gogh independent or cumulative) can influence the way in which development (see Table 5.6). communities or individuals live, relate to one another and cope as members of society (World Bank, 2001). Known and Potential Impacts

Social impacts may occur as soon as a project is announced. One of the potential impacts of the proposed Van Gogh development From this point, interest groups can become active in presenting relates to short-, medium- or long-term changes, interruptions, their arguments, and tensions can mount even before economic alterations or curtailments of marine and land activities and uses. investment begins. For this very reason, Apache commenced Most of these activities and uses are associated with onshore or its stakeholder consultation program soon after the project was shallow coastal areas of the North West Cape, particularly around announced, in order to inform the community about the proposed Ningaloo Reef and in Exmouth Marina. There are few existing users development, elicit feedback, incorporate environmental and social of the deepwater oceanic area where the proposed development will concerns into the project design wherever practicable, and ultimately be located. The main activities that are currently carried out in the operate the oil field with the support (or “social licence”) of the local proposed development area are commercial shipping and petroleum community. exploration and production.

Stakeholders may be affected groups or individuals that: 'PS TBGFUZ BOE TFDVSJUZ SFBTPOT B N FYDMVTJPO [POF XJMM CF established around the proposed FPSO (and connected offtake r -JWFOFBSUIFSFTPVSDF tanker) under Commonwealth legislation. This will prohibit any r "SFGPSDFEUPSFMPDBUFBXBZGSPNUIFSFTPVSDF unauthorised activities occurring in the area. The potential impact associated with the loss of access to the area is considered slight r )BWFBOJOUFSFTUJOUIFQSPQPTFEBDUJPOPSDIBOHF CFDBVTFPGUIFMPXVTBHFPGUIFBSFBBOEJUTTNBMMTJ[FJOSFMBUJPOUP r 6TFPSWBMVFUIFSFTPVSDF UIFBSFBBDDFTTJCMFPVUTJEFUIFFYDMVTJPO[POF

r "SFJOUFSFTUFEJOJUTVTF During the development's production phase, there will be some additional use of the Exmouth Marina facilities during the weekly As outlined in Section 4.5 of this PER, much of the economic loading of goods (i.e., food) on to support vessels. prosperity of Exmouth and nearby towns relies on the marine environment (primarily tourism and commercial and recreational During the installation and commissioning phase, there will be fishing). It is therefore of paramount importance that oil and gas movement of HLVs and the DPDSV in and out of Exmouth Gulf, exploration and production activities are conducted in a manner which may impact on the navigational routes of recreational and that preserves this environment. commercial (i.e., prawn) fishers.

180 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures to Exmouth, and based on public feedback during consultation activities that Apache has undertaken in Exmouth, this can be viewed as a positive Impacts to land use activities will largely be avoided during all impact, whereby more tourism job opportunities can be created. phases of the Van Gogh development. All subsea infrastructure will be delivered from their place of manufacture to the site by Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures ships. Personnel movements will be by helicopter, with personnel There are not expected to be any significant impacts to tourism transferred from Learmonth airport to either the DPDSV, HLVs or the associated with the various phases of the proposed development. FPSO. Therefore, there will be extremely low levels of traffic generated by the development with very minor road (truck) transport. It is located in deep offshore waters, 39 km from the nearest coastline Based on the distances between the proposed Van Gogh FPSO and (the Muiron Islands), well away from the shallow-water areas other operating or proposed FPSOs, there is unlikely to be any impact associated with tourism activities. to the operations of other petroleum companies. The presence of The low profile that the proposed development (and other similar other FPSOs has been taken into consideration for the drilling and nearby developments) has in the general Australian or overseas subsea installation phases. population means that the presence of additional vessels in Exmouth The distance of the proposed development from shore, the lack of Gulf is unlikely to deter tourists from travelling to Exmouth. The vessels recreational fishing in the area, the very low (or absent) commercial most likely to be seen by tourists once they arrive will be larger and fishing use in the area and the small “footprint” of the development more obvious than vessels currently operating in Exmouth, but they are the main mitigating measures for any potential impacts to other will be in the area temporarily and their numbers will be low: one marine users. Ongoing consultation with fishing interests and other support vessel, one or two HLVs and the DPDSV during installation stakeholders in accordance with the consultation strategy will also and commissioning (which is scheduled to occur during the off-peak mitigate potential impacts. tourist season) and one weekly support vessel during production).

Predicted Residual Risks Installation, commissioning and production personnel will not The residual risk to marine and land use is predicted to be require hotel accommodation in Exmouth (see Section 5.8.6). "negligible". Predicted Residual Risks

5.8.2 Impacts on Tourism The restricted tourism season (during the cooler months) limits the duration of potential impacts, particularly given that installation and The risk from impacts on tourism has been ranked as “negligible” for commissioning will take place during the off-peak season. Therefore, all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). the residual risk to tourism in the Exmouth region from the Van Gogh Known and Potential Impacts development is predicted to be "negligible". As discussed in Section 4.5.6, tourism plays an important economic role for Exmouth and the greater region. Most tourism activities occur 5.8.3 Impacts on Visual Amenity during the winter months and are associated with shallower waters The risk from impacts on visual amenity has been ranked as closer to the coast (e.g., Ningaloo Reef) or are land-based. “negligible” for all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table The presence of additional vessels, particularly the larger ones, in the 5.6). waters of the Exmouth region during all phases of the proposed Van An assessment of visual amenity incorporates three key factors: Gogh development could deter tourists from travelling to Exmouth, and the number of additional vessels may impinge on visitor 1. Views (areas that can be seen). enjoyment of the marine environment or on the “remoteness” or 2. Distance from views. “wilderness” value of the Exmouth region and may have a secondary 3. Landscape (the context of a view, such as its physical setting taking impact on tourism via their visual impact (see Section 5.8.3). into account topography, land cover and land use). During all phases of development, but particularly during installation and commissioning, intermittent visits to Exmouth by The assessment of visual amenity is essentially a subjective one, Apache personnel, its contractors Acergy and Prosafe, and their sub- in that each person has a different perspective on what is or is contractors, will help maintain hotel occupancy rates in the off-peak OPU WJTVBMMZ BQQFBMJOH BOE XIBU NBZ CF JODPOHSVPVT XJUI UIF season at a higher level than they would be without the proposed surrounding landscape to some may not be to others. development, but will also increase demand for the already limited In the context of the Van Gogh development, it can generally be tourist accommodation available in Exmouth. accepted that the current visual context of the area is one that is The formation of the Exmouth Aviation Consortium (EAC) and the dominated by a rugged natural coastline in an arid, outback setting resultant increase in flights to Exmouth is likely to boost tourist numbers with an open ocean background.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 181 Apache Apache

Plate 5.4 View of Exmouth Gulf from the Charles Knife Road Plate 5.5 Woodside's EnfieldNganhurra FPSO visible from the within the Cape Range National Park (view east) Vlamingh Head lighthouse carpark as a faint object on the hori- [POPOBDMFBSEBZ WJFXOPSUIXFTU

Known and Potential Impacts This is therefore a logical location from which to assess worst-case land-based visual amenity impacts. The presence of the vessels associated with the Van Gogh development, both in the Indian Ocean and within Exmouth Gulf, Installation and Commissioning. During the installation and may have potential impacts to visual and aesthetic values of the commissioning phase, the presence of the DPDSV, HLVs and support area for residents and tourists. This may result in secondary adverse vessels in Exmouth Gulf is not likely to have more than a low impact effects on the use of the area for tourism. on the area’s visual amenity, as they will simply be additional vessels in an area already frequented by many vessels. They will be visible The only publicly accessible vantage points that look toward the from elevated parts of Charles Knife Road (Plate 5.4) , from some development area are the Vlamingh Head lighthouse (carpark western beaches (though not those immediately near Exmouth) <NBCPWFTFBMFWFM>BOEMJHIUIPVTFQSPQFS<NBCPWFTFBMFWFM> and from elevated parts of Minilya-Exmouth Road not shielded by and the Thomas Carter Lookout, accessed from Charles Knife Road vegetation. These vessels will only be visible from the lighthouse via Minilya-Exmouth Road on the eastern side of the Cape Range when they are steaming in or out of Exmouth Gulf along its western National Park. Line of sight to the ocean from the northernmost shoreline. The vessels will not be visible from the beaches below the section of Yardie Creek Road is mostly obscured by tall vegetated sand lighthouse. dunes. The western part of Exmouth Gulf is visible from the western During commissioning of the Van Gogh FPSO, when flaring is likely beaches, Exmouth Marina, elevated parts of Minilya-Exmouth Road to be continuous for 3 to 5 weeks, the impact of flaring on visual and elevated parts of Charles Knife Road. amenity will be somewhat greater than during production. However, Vlamingh Head beach is considered the closest, most accessible this is scheduled to take place during the off-peak tourism season (in beach to the proposed FPSO and is also close to popular visitor areas, February and March) when visitor numbers are low and the vantage such as the Vlamingh Head lighthouse, Jurabi Coastal (Caravan) Park, points along the coast are not well frequented. Light from flaring will the Lighthouse Caravan Park, and the Jurabi Turtle Discovery Centre. not be visible from the beaches below the lighthouse.

182 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.4 Effect of the Earth's cuvature on FPSO visibility

Production. During daytime, on clear days, the Van Gogh FPSO may be visible from the eastern shore of Cape Range peninsula at a slight FMFWBUJPO BCPWF TFB MFWFM )PXFWFS TJODF UIF '140 JT LN GSPN the coastline, it may just be visible as a very distant object on the IPSJ[PO8PPETJEFTNganhurra FPSO, located approximately 35 km from the mainland coast, is identifiable by the naked eye from the 7MBNJOHI)FBEMJHIUIPVTFDBSQBSL NBCPWFTFBMFWFM BTBTNBMM vessel during calm weather conditions (Plate 5.5), but becomes more visually intrusive when it is flaring. During windy conditions when salt spray is generated, the FPSO is not visible from the same carpark. The proposed Van Gogh FPSO will be located 12 km north- northeast of the Nganhurra FPSO, which means it will either be over UIFIPSJ[POBOEUIFSFGPSFOPUWJTJCMFGSPNUIJTQSPNJOFOUWBOUBHF point or appear smaller than the Nganhurra FPSO and thus less visually intrusive (Figure 5.4). The Nganhurra FPSO cannot be seen Apache from the beaches below the lighthouse. Plate 5.6 Binoculars at the Vlamingh Head lighthouse carpark

At night-time and in calm conditions, the lighting on the Nganhurra while light from flaring will be visible for a radius of 35 km. These FPSO makes it clearly visible to the naked eye from the Vlamingh Head visibility radii are calculated at sea level. Elevated parts of the Cape lighthouse carpark. However, from the beaches below the Vlamingh Range Peninsula will be able to see these lights. Figure 5.5 and Head lighthouse, the Nganhurra cannot be seen at night because it Figure 5.6 illustrate this. JTPWFSUIFIPSJ[PO OPSJTBOZMJHIUHMPXWJTJCMF 5IFQSPQPTFE7BO Binoculars were installed at the car park at the Vlamingh Head Gogh FPSO is likely to mimic this scenario. Lighthouse in mid-2007 (Plate 5.6). While the intent of this may be to Based on the FPSO lighting study undertaken by BHP Billiton for the enable visitors to obtain an “aerial” view of Ningaloo Reef or migrating Pyrenees development (BHPB, 2005) and assuming the same light humpback whales at closer range, it also currently provides a good levels for the Van Gogh FPSO, Apache has estimated that operational view of Woodside’s Nganhurra FPSO and BHP Billiton's Stybarrow light from the Van Gogh FPSO will be visible for a radius of 20 km, Venture FPSO from the coast (and may enable the Van Gogh FPSO to

Table 5.20 Potential visual amenity impacts of the Van Gogh development

Vantage point Installation and Commissioning Production Exmouth Gulf FPSO site Operations Flaring Day Night Day Night Day Night Day Night Minilya-Exmouth Road 9 888888 Charles Knife Road 9 888888 Yardie Creek Road 88888888 Exmouth 88888888 Exmouth Marina 99888888 Vlamingh Head lighthouse carpark 888 99 Valmingh Head beach 88888888

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 183 Figure 5.5 Areas with line of sight to FPSO deck operational lighting only

Figure 5.6 Areas with line of sight to FPSO flare

184 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development be seen), which may in itself prove a drawcard for inquisitive tourists r *TTVFPG/PUice to Mariners (notifying of the change to Australian and, at the least, is not likely to deter tourists from visiting this Navigational Charts) through the Australian Hydrographic Office. vantage point or to impact on their enjoyment of visiting the area. r 5IF'140XJMMOPUCFMPDBUFEJOBEFTJHOBUFETIJQQJOHMBOF

Table 5.20 summarises the potential visibility of the proposed Van r 1SPWJEJOHBEFRVBUF'140MJHIUJOHGPSTBGFUZQVSQPTFT BTBQQSPWFE Gogh Field Development from various vantage points. by the NOPSA.

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures r 1SPWJEJOHBDPNQMFUFSBOHFPGDPNNVOJDBUJPOTFRVJQNFOUPOUIF The main measures by which impacts of the FPSO to visual amenity FPSO (see Section 2.5.3). will be minimised are its distance from the shore and reef and the r 1SPWJEJOHBOUJDPMMJTJPOSBEBSPOUIF'140 similarity of its profile to the larger commercial shipping vessels that r 0QFSBUJPOBMMJHIUJOHPOUIF'140 BOEBMMPUIFSWFTTFMT routinely pass through the area. In addition, because Exmouth is located on the eastern side of the North West Cape, the FPSO will not r #SJEHFXBUDIBOESBEJPTUBOECZPOBMMWFTTFMT be visible from the town. The impact to shipping represented by the safety and exclusion Mitigation measures have included designing external lighting to be [POFTBSPVOEUIFQSPQPTFEEFWFMPQNFOUJTNJUJHBUFECZUIFTNBMM as ALARP, keeping in mind safety requirements. While engineers have TJ[FPGUIFTF[POFTSFMBUJWFUPUIFPDFBOBSFBSFNBJOJOHGPSTIJQTUP transit through the region. designed the flare tower based on processing and human health (noise and radiant heat) requirements, they have also been cognisant Predicted Residual Risks of keeping the height of the flare tower as low as practicable so as to The potential impact of the loss of shipping access to the small area minimise the impacts on visual amenity. PGUIFTBGFUZFYDMVTJPOBOEDBVUJPOBSZ[POFTJTDPOTJEFSFEOFHMJHJCMF 5IFDPNNJUNFOUUPSFJOKFDUBUMFBTUPGQSPEVDFEHBTJOUPUIF It is predicted that most ships on a northwest/southeast trip along Van Gogh reservoir will significantly reduce the generation of light the coast will detour to the west of the FPSO, which, in the context during operations, thereby minimising the intrusion on land-based of a long ocean journey, will not represent a significant increase in visual amenity. Flaring during commissioning and start-up operations time or fuel. Therefore, the residual risk to shipping is predicted to will be minimised to ALARP. Compressors will be precommissioned be "negligible". in their fabrication yard prior to arrival on site to reduce the duration of flaring. 5.8.5 Impacts on Fishing The risk from impacts on fishing has been ranked as “negligible” for Predicted Residual Risks all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). The residual risk of the proposed Van Gogh development to the Known and Potential Impacts visual amenity of the area is predicted to be "negligible". The extent and intensity of commercial and recreational fishing around the proposed Van Gogh FPSO location is very low, as 5.8.4 Impacts on Shipping described in Section 4.5.5. No designated shipping lanes exist off the North West Cape region, Potential impacts to deep-sea fisheries include: but ships do use a range of paths to skirt Ningaloo Reef as they move through the area (see Section 4.5.9). r 5IF MPTT PG TPNF ñTIJOH HSPVOET BT B SFTVMU PG UIF NSBEJVT TBGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POFBOE NSBEJVTDBVUJPOBSZ[POFBSPVOE Known and Potential Impacts the FPSO, with a consequent loss in catch and income. The physical presence of the proposed Van Gogh development as a r $PMMJTJPO XJUI UIF %1%47 )-7T '140 PíUBLF UBOLFST PS TVQQPSU fixed facility in a busy shipping area may represent a navigational and vessels. WFTTFMDPMMJTJPOIB[BSEGPSUIFMJGFPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOU5IFBEEJUJPOBM vessel traffic posed by the installation and support vessels and r 4OBHHJOHPGUSBXMJOHHFBSPOTVCTFBJOGSBTUSVDUVSF SFTVMUJOHJOMPTT PGGUBLFUBOLFSTBMTPJODSFBTFTUIFOBWJHBUJPOBMBOEDPMMJTJPOIB[BSE of income from loss of catch and the cost of replacing lost or fixing of the area when they are present. damaged fishing gear.

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures r 5BSHFUñTITQFDJFTCFJOHBUUSBDUFEUPUIF'140PSPUIFSWFTTFMTBOE away from nearby fishing areas due to the discharge of macerated A range of measures will be in place to mitigate potential navigational food wastes and prey species being attracted to light from the and vessel collision risk, including: flare or to the near-surface artificial habitat provided by the risers, mooring lines and FPSO hull. r (B[FUUJOHUIF'140BOEJUTNSBEJVTTBGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POFBOE NSBEJVTDBVUJPOBSZ[POF BOETVCTFBXFMMTBOENBOJGPMETPO Given the very low levels of commercial fishing in the vicinity of the navigational charts. proposed FPSO, these impacts are not likely to be realised.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 185 Impacts to prawn fishing in Exmouth Gulf may arise from installation r 4VCTFBJOGSBTUSVDUVSF BTEFTDSJCFEJOSection 2.8) will be removed vessel activities, whereby the physical presence of the DPDSV and during decommissioning. HLVs in the gulf (which will overlap with the latter end of the prawn r *OTUBMMBUJPO BDUJWJUJFT XJMM PDDVS PVUTJEF UIF QFBL UPVSJTU TFBTPO fishing season) may interfere with the established trawling paths minimising the impact of vessel activities on recreational and of prawn trawlers. If food scraps and sewage are disposed within charter fishing. Exmouth Gulf from the DPDSV and HLVs, there may be alterations to nutrient loads, prawn habitat quality and fauna (particularly prawn) Gulf-based field development activities will only overlap with the abundance and distribution, thereby impacting on commercial FOE PG UIF QSBXO USBXMJOH TFBTPO GPS UP XFFLT SFQSFTFOUJOH prawn catches. BCPVUPGUIFUSBXMJOHTFBTPO UIFSFCZNJOJNJTJOHJNQBDUTUP this fishery. Vessel traffic in Exmouth Gulf associated with the proposed Van Gogh development may have a minor impact with recreational or Predicted Residual Risks charter fishing activities (e.g., increased collision potential, additional The potential risk of the loss of a small area of low-productivity noise and light), however this will be predominantly limited to the fishing ground is assessed as negligible. Likewise, the short duration installation and commissioning phases (occurring outside the peak of installation-related activities in the Exmouth Gulf is likely to have a tourism period), when there is more vessel activity in the gulf than negligible impact on the prawn fishery. Therefore, the residual risk to the weekly vessel movements associated with the production stage. fishing is predicted to be "negligible". Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

A range of measures will be in place to mitigate potential impacts to 5.8.6 Impacts on Other Industry and Commerce fisheries, including: The risk from impacts to other industry and commerce has been r $PMMJTJPOBOETOBHHJOHNJUJHBUJPO ranked as “acceptable” during all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). (B[FUUJOH UIF '140 BOE JUT NSBEJVT TBGFUZ FYDMVTJPO BOE NSBEJVT DBVUJPOBSZ [POFT BOE TVCTFB XFMMT BOE Potential impacts on other industry and commerce have been manifolds on navigational charts, through the Australian considered at the local (Exmouth), state and national levels. Hydrographic Office. To achieve full production of the proposed development, capital - Including the subsea wells and manifolds on navigational FYQFOEJUVSFJOUIFPSEFSPG"CJMMJPOUP"CJMMJPOJTCFJOH charts. committed by the joint-venture participants. The annual operating expenditure for the proposed development is calculated to be in the - Adequate lighting for safety purposes on all vessels, as approved order of A$103 million per year over an expected commercial life of by the NOPSA. 12 to 15 years. The direct employment cost of FPSO personnel during - A complete range of communications equipment on the FPSO production is estimated to be A$7million to A$9 million per annum. (see Section 2.5.3). At this stage in the development’s planning, it is not possible to - Anti-collision radar on the FPSO and offtake tankers. quantify the direct and flow-on impacts from capital and operating expenditure associated with the development. - Local fishers have advised Apache that the development area is not commercially fished. Known and Potential Impacts

- Development area is too deep for trawler fishing. The known and potential impacts on other industry and commerce are related to: r $POTVMUJOH XJUI SFMFWBOU ñTIFSJFT QBSUJDVMBSMZ .( ,BJMJT (SPVQ operating out of Exmouth Gulf) prior to installation and production r 1FSTPOOFMUSBOTQPSU commencing to keep them informed on activity timing and r 4VQQMJFTXBSFIPVTJOHBOEUSBOTQPSU duration. r *OGSBTUSVDUVSFBOETVQQMJFTQSPDVSFNFOU r 8IJMFJO&YNPVUI(VMG UIF%1%47BOE)-7TXJMM r "DDPNNPEBUJPO /PUEJTDIBSHFTFXBHFJUXJMMCFEJSFDUFEUPIPMEJOHUBOLTPO the vessels. r &OHJOFFSJOH NBOBHFNFOUBOEBENJOJTUSBUJWFQFSTPOOFMIJSJOH

/PUEJTDIBSHFGPPEXBTUFJUXJMMCFCBHHFEBOETFOUUPTIPSF r 0JMBOEHBTJOEVTUSZQFSTPOOFMIJSJOH for disposal. Personnel Transport: Exmouth. Apache will require personnel - Anchor at a designated mooring in consultation with MG Kailis transport during all phases of the project from existing services Group (owners of the prawn trawling licences) to minimise (domestic airline carriers, such as Skywest and Qantas) and facilities disturbance of prawn habitats and trawling activities. (such as the Learmonth air terminal, managed by the Shire of

186 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Exmouth and Exmouth Aviation Services, and Perth domestic and The permanent and expanded Bristow helicopter service from international airports, managed by Westralia Airports Corporation). the airport also supports sustained employment opportunities in Exmouth, with its associated flow-on economic benefits. A helicopter service will be used to transport personnel (and light goods) to the DPDSV, HLVs and FPSO. In addition, some additional demand for local car hire and shuttle r Installation and Commissioning. It is estimated that during bus services has occurred and will continue to occur. installation and commissioning, helicopters will operate about two At this stage in the development’s planning, it is not possible to return flights per week to the DPDSV and HLVs during installation quantify the number of jobs and economic flow-on effects that will and about five return flights per week during commissioning. be created or sustained by the operation of the EAC. These personnel will work on a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) basis. Typical travel arrangements during a crew rotation will involve personnel There will be other positive direct and indirect employment benefits travelling to Perth airport to take a fixed-wing commercial flight to the town of Exmouth from the project, such as the EAC formation. to Learmonth and then a helicopter flight to the DPDSV or FPSO. Apache, in conjunction with Woodside and BHP Billiton Petroleum, Depending upon shift rosters, these personnel will then reverse has established the Exmouth Aviation Consortium to manage the air their journey to Learmonth and then to Perth. Crew members not transportation requirements of the offshore oil operations. Helicopter living in Perth will fly to Perth for their connecting flight. operations will occur out of the old Learmonth airport terminal. Already, many people are using the facility and local people have r Production*UJTFTUJNBUFEUIBUUPQFSTPOOFMXJMMCFFNQMPZFE been employed to service the centre. Bristow manages Exmouth UP NBO UIF '140 PO B '*'0 CBTJT XJUI BQQSPYJNBUFMZ UP Aviation Services, including the airport and heliport, and contracts employees on each rotation. Typical travel arrangements during a ground staff as well as pilots, mechanics and support staff. DSFXSPUBUJPOGPSUIF'140XJMMJOWPMWFUPFNQMPZFFTUSBWFMMJOH to Perth airport to take a fixed-wing commercial flight to Learmonth Personnel Transport: Perth. Most FPSO personnel reporting for and then a helicopter flight to the FPSO. Two weeks later (or more their rotation are expected to travel via Perth Airport to Learmonth depending upon final shift rosters selected), these employees air base. Apache personnel and other Prosafe personnel may also will reverse their journey to Learmonth and then to Perth. Crew travel from Perth Airport to Learmonth air base on an occasional members not living in Perth will fly to Perth for their connecting basis during all phases of the development. This will create additional flight. Any crew members who choose to live in Exmouth will simply demand for fixed-wing flights from Perth to Learmonth (as discussed make their way to the Learmonth air base and take a helicopter above) and may create additional demand for taxi, hire car or shuttle flight to the FPSO. bus services in Perth. This service is managed by the EAC, comprising Apache, BHP Billiton Supplies Warehousing and Transport: Exmouth. Existing supply and Woodside. The service is operated by Bristow Helicopters Australia base and transport services in Exmouth will be utilised to warehouse Pty Ltd (Bristow). It is anticipated that, for Apache, the service would goods intended to be transported to the FPSO during the production operate about two return flights per week to the DPDSV and HLVs phase via support vessels based in Exmouth. during installation and about five return flights per week during commissioning and production. Up to four people from Exmouth may be employed during the production phase of the proposed development to coordinate day- The increased demand for fixed-wing and helicopter flights to and to-day land-based support activities. from Learmonth Airport as a result of current and proposed FPSO developments in the region resulted in the formation of the EAC. EAC In Exmouth in 2001, industries related to water transport had an flight requirements have provided an increased demand for fixed- output of $10.9 million and employed an estimated 29 people wing flights to and from Exmouth since March 2007, when the EAC (BHPB, 2005). This is expected to increase as a result of the Van Gogh was formed. Passenger numbers to and from Exmouth have almost development. tripled since then. Skywest, the sole commercial airline flying into and out of Learmonth, has now committed to deliver an extra daily Supplies Procurement: Exmouth. Apache intends to maximise flight on Mondays and Fridays as of mid-October 2007 as a result Australian content on the Van Gogh development. Apache's AIPP of this increased demand. There has been significant speculation stipulates that all suppliers for the development are required in Exmouth that EAC personnel were limiting the number of seats to maximise local content. In Exmouth, this may result in new available to the general public, thus limiting travel opportunities for opportunities for local suppliers during all phases of development. local residents. Skywest data (Figure 5.7) indicates that available Infrastructure and Supplies Procurement: Western Australia. seat capacity has always exceeded demand during 2007. As part of the AIPP requirements, Cameron Australia (who is The additional flights proposed by Skywest are a positive impact supplying wellheads, xmas tress and the subsea manifolds) has for Exmouth and have the potential to increase tourism to the agreed to construct and assemble the two subsea manifolds in region throughout the entire year, creating more local employment the Henderson shipyards in Western Australia and to maintain an opportunities. ongoing maintenance and service facility in Western Australia.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 187 Figure 5.7 Skywest seat availability on flights to Exmouth between March and September 2007

More opportunities for local work opportunities similar to this may the Dampier supply base. Most of this activity will decline during eventuate with Apache's other equipment suppliers (see Section the production phase, as these services will then be utilised out of 2.1.4). Exmouth.

During the installation and commissioning phase, goods for the Engineering, management and administrative personnel hiring: DPDSV, HLVs and non-Exmouth-based supply vessels are likely to be Perth. Apache’s personnel dedicated to the design, installation, sourced from near their ports of departure (e.g., Singapore, Dampier), commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the proposed and supplemented throughout their operations from Exmouth (food development are principally located in Perth, totalling about 30 and other consumable items delivered here are likely to have been people. sourced from Perth by road). During production, all goods for the 1SPTBGFXJMMPQFOBOPGGJDFJO1FSUI QMBOOFEGPS"VHVTU QSJPS FPSO will be purchased in Perth and taken to Exmouth once a week to FPSO production commencing and will employee up to seven by Apache’s road transport contractor, Toll Logistics. Australians and relocate one to two of their Singaporean staff. The office will provide the day-to-day administrative and management Accommodation: Western Australia. Marine pilots for the offtake support to the FPSO, such as technical integrity, health, safety UBOLFSTBSFOPUMJLFMZUPCFCBTFEJO&YNPVUIUIFZXJMMCFTPVSDFE and environment services, and business performance during the from nearby ports (e.g., Dampier). Depending on the schedule of the production and decommissioning phases. marine pilots, regional accommodation and transport services may be required. The additional employment demand from the development may cause a shortage of personnel in these categories. Accommodation: Perth Area. The small increase in residents in the Perth area that may occur due to the proposed development is Oil and Gas Industry Personnel Hiring.*UJTFTUJNBUFEUIBUUP unlikely to have any effect on rental or property prices in that area. 72 people will be employed to crew the FPSO. Given the technical FPSO personnel in transit may create some additional demand for nature of the employment associated with the FPSO, it is most likely hotel or motel accommodation in the Perth area. that these personnel will be either from Prosafe’s existing pool of trained employees or be recruited from other existing oil or gas Supplies Warehousing and Transport: Dampier. The primary operations or from industries in which relevant skills are developed, supply base for the installation and commissioning phase and the such as marine engineering. This may lead to a shortage of personnel decommissioning phase of the project will be Dampier, due to its with these skills. deep port facilities. There is likely to be limited direct employment opportunity aboard %VSJOH UIF JOTUBMMBUJPO BOE DPNNJTTJPOJOH QIBTF MBUF BOE the FPSO for people who do not have suitable oil and gas technical early 2009), the majority of activity will be directed in and out of skills or experience.

188 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 5.8.8 Impacts on Community Infrastructure and The impacts of the proposed Van Gogh development to other industry Services and commerce are positive. Ongoing consultation with the Exmouth The risk from impacts to community infrastructure and services community and relevant stakeholders in Perth will enable targeted has been ranked as “negligible” during all stages of the Van Gogh support and investment in the local community to enure that positive development (see Table 5.6). impacts are maximised wherever practicable (e.g., through the use of Known and Potential Impacts local facilities or development of new or expanded facilities that will In general, infrastructure refers to a physical place or object from employ Exmouth residents). The formation of the EAC will aid in the which a service can be delivered. In the context of the Van Gogh efficient operation of the fixed-wing and helicopter services required development, community infrastructure refers to the infrastructure for the offshore operations for Van Gogh (and other FPSOs), with the in Exmouth provided for the good of the community, such as roads, aim of minimising interruptions to the aviation services used by the public housing, utilities (water pipelines, sewage pipelines, electricity general public. Apache will enforce its local content policy for all transmission lines), schools, hospitals, emergency services facilities, supply contracts in order to maximise the benefits to the Exmouth shopping facilities, sporting grounds, boat ramps, and so forth. economy. Community services refers to services provided to the Exmouth Predicted Residual Risks community, such as health (general practitioners), education The direct spending by the joint-venture participants and production (teachers, counsellors), justice (police, courts), emergency services personnel will have direct economic benefits for Exmouth. The (fire brigade, ambulance), utilities (water, sewage, electricity, gas), residual risk to other commerce and industry is predicted to be shopping, recreation clubs, council services and so forth. "negligible". Impacts to community infrastructure and services from the Van Gogh development may arise if some FPSO personnel choose to reside in 5.8.7 Impacts to Government Revenue Exmouth and may include: Known and Potential Impacts r 4NBMMJODSFBTFJOMPDBMQPQVMBUJPOmJODSFBTFEEFNBOEPOIPVTJOH Based on the predicted volumes of oil produced from the Van Gogh supply, utility services, health services. GJFMEBOEBTTVNJOHBOIJTUPSJDBMBWFSBHFPJMQSJDFPG64CCM PJM r .JOPSDIBOHFJOQPQVMBUJPOEFNPHSBQIJDTmBEEJUJPOBMGBNJMJFTJO TBMFT GSPN UIF QSPQPTFE EFWFMPQNFOU DBO CF FTUJNBUFE BU " town will impact on school resources, such as the need for increased billion. Of this gross income, an estimated A$1.1 billion will be paid as teachers, and health services. A recent decline in student numbers petroleum resource rent tax and company tax to the Commonwealth as a result of several families moving out of town means that the Government. Exmouth District High School has capacity for more students.

National. Positive economic impacts will accrue to the r .JOPS JODSFBTFE EFNBOE PO MPDBM TFSWJDFT BOE JOGSBTUSVDUVSF Commonwealth Government via company tax and petroleum m SFDSFBUJPOBM BOE TIPQQJOH GBDJMJUJFT BSF MJLFMZ UP FYQFSJFODF resource rent tax, estimated to be in the order of A$1.1 billion over increased demand, which they may not be able to cater for with the development’s life. the existing resources of a small town. Increased demand for water State. The State Government will benefit from this revenue through and electricity may require the upgrading of these services if it is the distribution of Commonwealth funds to the State. It is then at beyond the current capacity to deliver increased output. the State's discretion as to how to allocate this revenue (e.g., to r 1PUFOUJBMJODSFBTFJOQSPQFSUZBOESFOUQSJDFTmJODSFBTFEEFNBOE health, education, transport, environment and so forth). It cannot be for housing may place upward pressure on house prices and weekly determined how taxes paid from the Van Gogh development will be rents, pushing low paid workers into other towns. allocated. In general, the more people who choose to live in Exmouth because Exmouth. It cannot be determined how taxes paid from the Van of the Van Gogh development requires more people to deliver Gogh development may or may not benefit Exmouth. services and maintain, upgrade or build new infrastructure to cope with the demands of an increasing population. In turn, small towns Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures such as Exmouth may then lose the very thing that attracted many There are no avoidance, mitigation or management measures relating SFTJEFOUTUIFJSTNBMMTJ[FBOESFMBYFEMJGFTUZMF to the generation of taxes paid to the Commonwealth Government. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures Apache has no influence on how these taxes are distributed. Apache, and Prosafe (who will operate the FPSO), have little influence Predicted Residual Risks on where their employees choose to live. Discussions that Apache The taxes generated by the production of oil from the Van Gogh field has had with the Shire of Exmouth indicates that the town would will have positive impacts on the Australian economy. The residual encourage and welcome additional residents related to the Van risk to government revenue is predicted to be "acceptable". Gogh development.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 189 Predicted Residual Risks proposals. While this increased understanding of oil operations does not necessarily imply acceptance of the proposed Van Gogh With the small number of personnel required to work on the FPSO, development by the Exmouth community, it has resulted in a and the small percentage of these workers who may choose to reside lower level of resistance to the proposal and less division within the in Exmouth, the residual risk to the community infrastructure and community about the proposal. services in Exmouth resulting from the Van Gogh development is predicted to be "negligible". Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

Community sentiment about the Van Gogh development has been 5.8.9 Impacts on Community Cohesion addressed in several ways, as follows (see also Chapter 3): The impact on community cohesion has been ranked as an r 4UBLFIPMEFSDPOTVMUBUJPOHSPVQNFFUJOHTJO&YNPVUIBOE1FSUI “acceptable” risk for all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table 5.6). r *OGPSNBUJPOCPPUIPOUIFQSPKFDUBUUIF/JOHBMPP8IBMF4IBSL Festival. Known and Potential Impacts r 1SPKFDUXFCTJUF In the context of the Van Gogh development, community cohesion refers to the manner in which the Exmouth community residents r 1SPKFDUFNBJM band together to form a united whole, or the tendency to do so, r *OWJUBUJPOUPNBLFDPNNFOUTBUBOZUJNFPGUIFBQQSPWBMTQSPDFTT particularly in support of or protest against community issues r .FFUJOHTXJUIWBSJPVTJOUFSFTUFEMPDBMCPEJFT FH 4IJSFPG&YNPVUI or activities (actual, perceived or proposed). It can also refer to Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry). the general morale of the population. Small populations, such as Exmouth, tend to have greater cohesion than larger populations Ongoing consultation will assist with gauging community sentiment (e.g., city suburbs or large regional centres) because most residents and ensuring that the development does not negatively influence are reliant on each other on a day-to-day basis (e.g., for business, community cohesion through the creation of pro- and anti- commerce, leisure) and therefore know a greater portion of the development factions. This is especially important for a “lifestyle” town’s population than residents do in larger populations. town like Exmouth, which does not have the same level of acceptance of industrial activities that towns like Karratha and Dampier, further The impacts on community cohesion are difficult to assess, given north, have because they were established to service the mining and that most of the impacts are intangible, may apply to the whole oil and gas industries. community or just to some individuals, and will occur over different timeframes. Predicted Residual Risks

The potential community cohesion impacts that might be caused by The residual risk to the cohesion of the Exmouth community is an influx of new residents are expected to be relatively minor. Most of predicted to be "acceptable". the employment associated with the proposed FPSO will be offshore, and most people employed for these offshore positions are not likely 5.8.10 Impacts on Heritage and Culture to decide to live in Exmouth. The risk from impacts on heritage and culture has been ranked as The Exmouth residents that will be employed by the development “negligible” for all stages of the Van Gogh development (see Table and the local business people who will provide supplies to the 5.6). development may experience negative reactions from other Known and Potential Impacts residents who are strongly opposed to the development. As discussed in Section 4.5.13, there are no Aboriginal heritage sites This less tangible impact of the proposed Van Gogh development, in or near to the proposed Van Gogh development. As the Native Title namely, community sentiment about the development, is difficult claim area does not extend to the proposed development location, to measure. Offshore oil and gas activity can noticeably impact no issues pertaining to Native Title are triggered. the cultural and social cohesion of nearby communities. Proposals As discussed in Section 4.5.12, there are no known shipwrecks in the may “divide” opinion (based on the project’s perceived benefits and proposed development area, and the potential for impacts to known drawbacks) and may cause friction between individuals who may shipwrecks in or near Exmouth Gulf is considered to be negligible. otherwise be on good terms. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures The Van Gogh development is the fifth FPSO that has been proposed Potential impacts on sites of non-indigenous or Aboriginal cultural for the region in the last five years, and community consultation for heritage sites are avoided due to the location of the proposed this proposal indicates that local residents are familiar with (and development in deep offshore waters. The geophysical survey more accepting of) FPSO operations and potential environmental undertaken in the Van Gogh development area confirmed no issues as a result of consultation activities undertaken for these shipwrecks or Aboriginal seabed artefacts are present.

190 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development On land, heritage sites identified in Sections 4.5.12 and 4.5.13 will materials handling and dropped object studies, and operating and not be accessed by project personnel (except perhaps for private maintenance procedures. recreational or tourist endeavours), so no damage will occur to those Areas on the FPSO that are more likely to have chemical leaks or spills sites as a result of the development. will be bunded and drained to the dirty slops tank, so that any spills Predicted Residual Risks are recovered and treated. On all other vessels, chemicals will be securely stored within bunded areas. No impact to any marine or terrestrial site of non-indigenous or Aboriginal cultural significance is expected. Therefore, the residual Predicted Residual Environment Risks risk to heritage and culture is predicted to be "negligible". The residual environmental impact of an accidental chemical spill is predicted to be "negligible". 5.9 NON-ROUTINE LIQUID WASTES IMPACTS 5.9.2 Marine Hydrocarbon Spills Sources and Risk In the context of the Van Gogh development, the discharge of non- General Sources routine liquid waste is defined as spills of chemicals and hydrocarbons "CPVUNJMMJPOUPOOFTPGPJMGJOETJUTXBZJOUPUIFXPSMETPDFBOT (oil and diesel), with hydrocarbons being the main focus in this FBDIZFBS XJUIOBUVSBMTFFQTBDDPVOUJOHGPSBCPVUPGUIJT %1* section. The main sources of marine oil vary widely according to different 5.9.1 Chemical Spills authors, but those cited by the Western Australian Department for The environmental risk of chemical spills has been ranked as 1MBOOJOH BOE *OGSBTUVDUVSF %1* BSF PVUMJOFE JO Table 5.21. “negligible” during all stages of the Van Gogh development (see What is evident is that human activities account for a significant Table 5.6). portion of the oil that is discharged to the marine environment, associated with industrial and vessel discharges and urban runoff. Known or Potential Impacts Tankers and FPSOs Chemical spills may result from the accidental leakage of hydraulic fluid or chemical inhibitors used in the umbilical line or accidental The largest oil spill off the Australian coast resulted from the tanker release during bulk chemical transfers between vessels. Such an Kirki PGG $FSWBOUFT JO 8FTUFSO "VTUSBMJB XIFSF UPOOFT event would likely result in a localised and transient change to water N3 PSNJMMJPOMJUSFT XBTTQJMMFEJOBTBSFTVMUPG quality near the FPSO because the spill volume would be small. TUSVDUVSBMGBJMVSFPGUIFWFTTFM ".04$ %1*

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 5IFNBKPSJUZ PGPQFSBUJPOBMUBOLFSPJMTQJMMTBSFTNBMM MFTTUIBO 7 m3), based on data collected from more than 10,000 incidents The main avoidance measure will be to avoid the use of chemicals CFUXFFOBOE )VJKFS 5IFOVNCFSPGBDDJEFOUBMPJM through appropriate design where practicable, for example, the use of spills has decreased in each successive 10-year period over the last 30 corrosion-resistant alloys instead of carbon steel, which will minimise years, and on average, the incidence of large spills (more than 700 t) the quantity of corrosion inhibitor required. Various chemicals will JTUISFFUPGPVSUJNFTMPXFSUIBOUIPTFJOUIFUPUPOOFTQJMMTJ[F be required throughout the life of the proposed development, and in each 10-year period (Huijer, 2005). There has been a continuing each will undergo a rigorous evaluation process, based on safety, USFOEUPXBSETBEFDSFBTFJOUIFOVNCFSBOETJ[FPGPJMTQJMMTGSPN technical, environmental and commercial performance, and non- UBOLFSTIJQTTJODFUIFNJET EFTQJUFBTUFBEZJODSFBTFJOUBOLFS IB[BSEPVTNBUFSJBMTXJMMCFVTFEXIFSFWFSQSBDUJDBCMF traffic (Huijer, 2005).

The minimisation of chemical spills will be achieved through the A study carried out by DNV as part of the 1999 review of the initial design integrity built into process and utility equipment, National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious

Table 5.21 Sources of marine oil pollution

Source Percentage Industrial discharge and urban runoff Vessel operations Tanker accidents Atmosphere Natural seeps Petroleum exploration and production

4PVSDF%1*

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 191 Table 5.22 Primary risk of oil spill and Apache risk ranking for the Van Gogh development

Volume (m3) Size Potential Source Maximum Potential Apache Risk Ranking Frequency (years) Less than 1 Small Small leaks or spills One in 1 to 2 years Negligible 1 to 10 Small offloading spill One in 5 More than 10 to 50 Medium Spill of diesel day tank One in 50 "B" (Acceptable risk) More than 50 to 100 Large offloading spill One in 100 to 1,000 More than 100 to 1,000 Large Large subsea infrastructure One in 1,000 to 10,000 "A" (Risk reduction measures failure or cargo tank failure required) More than 1,000 Very large Major subsea infrastructure One in 200,000 to 1,000,000 Unacceptable failure or cargo tank failure Based on Australian and international oil spill history analysis undertaken by BHP Billiton Petroleum.

and Hazarous Substances (NATPLAN) predicted 1.53 spills/year been determined by BHP Billiton Petroleum (Table 5.22) from in Australian water greater than 10 tonnes (with ports being the Australian and international oil spill history analysis. This information highest risk areas), with offshore activities (including oil production) JOEJDBUFTUIBUUIFMJLFMJIPPEPGTQJMMTEFDSFBTFTBTUIFTJ[FPGUIFTQJMM QSFEJDUFE UP BDDPVOU GPS TQJMMTZFBS 8FTUFSO "VTUSBMJB DBSSJFT increases. Apache has used this information and the leak frequency PGUIFOBUJPOBMSJTLPGTQJMMTPDDVSSJOH ".4" data in Section 5.9.3 to rank the risk of a hydrocarbon spill associated with the Van Gogh development. There is a paucity of data regarding oil spill risks specifically from FPSOs. One study commissioned by DeepStar found that the largest TQJMMGSPNBO'140PDDVSSFEJOUIFMBUFT XIFON3 (3,900 5.9.3 Leak Frequency Assessment bbl) of oil were spilled from the Texaco Captain FPSO during field Apache commissioned Vanguard Enviro Pty Ltd to undertake start-up due to human error. Oil spills from all other FPSO operations topsides and subsea infrastructure leak frequency assessments for XPSMEXJEFUPUBMMFEMFTTUIBON3 CCM PWFSBDVNVMBUJWF the Van Gogh development (Vanguard, 2007a, b). The results of this years of operation and 1 billion m3 CJMMJPO CCM PG QSPEVDUJPO work are presented in this section. (MPCBM4FDVSJUZ 3FTFBSDICZUIF*OUFSOBUJPOBM5BOLFS0XOFST Topsides Pollution Federation (ITOPF) into oil spills from FPSOs indicates that GFXIBWFPDDVSSFEBOEUIBUUIFZBSFNBJOMZTNBMMJOTJ[F )VOU Leak sources for the FPSO topside process infrastructure were XJUIUIFSJTLUZQJDBMMZCFJOHMPX /JDPMBV identified using process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagramsand general arrangement drawings. The determination Risk of leak frequency was based on historical data (1992 to 2001) from The primary risk, or maximum potential frequency of oil spills, has UIF )FBMUI BOE 4BGFUZ &YFDVUJWF PG UIF 6, )B[BSEPVT *OTUBMMBUJPOT

Table 5.23 4VNNBSZPGUIFUPQTJEFTUPUBMMFBLGSFRVFODZCZTZTUFNBOEMFBLTJ[F

Isolatable Section Minor Major Massive First Stage Separator Y-3 Y 1.55 x 10-3 Second Stage Separator Y-2 Y-3 Y-3 Stabilisation separator and electrostatic coalescer 2.70 x 10-2 Y-3 Y-3 Turret Y Y 1.97 x 10-5 Cargo tank explosion - - - Cargo tank structural failure - - - Cargo tank (ship collision, 2 tanks fail) - - - Cargo tank (ship collision, 1 tank fails) - - - Crude oil pumps Y-2 Y-3 3.29 x 10-3 Crude oil offloading 7.50 x-3 10 1.50 x 10-3 1.00 x 10-3 Offloading hose leak Y Y-5 Y-5 TOTAL 1.25 x 10-1 2.12 x 10-2 1.55 x 10-2

Key:

10-1= 0.1 10-2= 0.01 10-3= 0.001 10= 0.0001 10-5= 0.00001 10= 0.000001

192 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.24 Potential topsides and cargo oil releases to sea ranked by leak frequency

System and leak size Volume (m3) Frequency (leaks/yr) % of Total Leak Frequency IP separator - minor <1 Y-2 PODFFWFSZZFBST Crude oil pumps - major 10-100 3.27 x 10-2(once every 31 years) Stabilisation separator and electrostatic coalescer - minor <1 3.12 x 10-2(once every 32 years) Crude oil offloading - minor <1 7.5 x-3 10 (once every 133 years) Inlet separator - minor <1 Y-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Crude oil pumps - massive 100-1,000 Y-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST IP separator - major 1-10 Y-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Stabilisation separator and electrostatic coalescer - major 1-10 Y-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Turret - major N/A 1.97 x 10-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Inlet separator - massive 1-10 1.55 x 10-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Crude oil offloading - major 1-10 1.50 x 10-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Crude oil offloading - massive 100-1,000 1.00 x 10-3 (once every 1,000 years) 5VSSFUmNJOPS N/A Y PODFFWFSZ ZFBST Cargo tank (explosion) >1,000 Y PODFFWFSZ ZFBST Offloading hose leak <1 Y PODFFWFSZ ZFBST Cargo tank (structural failure) >1,000 1.72 x 10 PODFFWFSZ ZFBST Cargo tank (ship collision, 1 tank fails) >1,000 1.20 x 10 PODFFWFSZ ZFBST Cargo tank (ship collision, 2 tanks fail) >1,000 1.20 x 10-5 PODFFWFSZ ZFBST TOTAL: 1.63 x 10-1 100%

Directorate. The topsides leak sources identified included: Directorate. The subsea leak sources identified are:

r 1JQJOH r 7BMWFT r 'MBOHFT3JTFST r 7BMWFT r 'MBOHFT r 1VNQT r 'MBOHFT'MPXMJOFT r 3JHJETQPPMT r )FBUFYDIBOHFST r $PBMFTDFST r 'MBOHFT4VCTFBNBOJGPMEQJQJOH r 9NBTUSFFTBOEXFMMIFBET r 4UPSBHFUBOLT r 0GGMPBEJOHTZTUFN r 'MBOHFT'MBOHFT .

5IFUPUBMUPQTJEFTMFBLGSFRVFODZXBTDBMDVMBUFEUPCFY-01 The total subsea leak frequency was calculated to be: MFBLTQFSZFBS PSPODFFWFSZTJY'140PQFSBUJOHZFBST r 4VCUPUBMGPSPJMTZTUFNTmY-01 PODFFWFSZZFBST 5ISFFMFBLTJ[FTXFSFNPEFMMFEGPSUIFBTTFTTNFOU UIFTFCFJOH r 4VCUPUBMGPSHBTTZTUFNTmY-02 (once every 20 years) r.JOPSmUPNNIPMF Ædetectable by fire and gas system. r.BKPSmUPNNIPMF Ædetectable by fire and gas system. r 505"-TVCTFBmY-01 PODFFWFSZZFBST r.BTTJWFmUPNNIPMF Ædetectable by variations in process 'PVSMFBLTJ[FTXFSFNPEFMMFEGPSUIFBTTFTTNFOU UIFTFCFJOH flow data within one minute.

5IFUPUBMMFBLGSFRVFODZCZTZTUFNBOEMFBLTJ[FJTTVNNBSJTFEJO r7FSZNJOPSmUPNNIPMF Ædetectable by annual ROV Table 5.23, while Table 5.24 ranks potential oil spills by frequency. survey. The results indicate that the process areas with the highest leak r.JOPSmUPNNIPMF Ædetectable visually within frequencies only give rise to low spill quantities, whereas large or 12 hours. catastrophic spills are from events with low frequencies (e.g., 1 in r.BKPSmUPNNIPMF Ædetectable by variations 1,000 plus year events). For example, a catastrophic event such as in process flow data within the loss of one cargo tank is calculated as having a leak frequency of one hour. PODFFWFSZ ZFBST r.BTTJWFmUPNNIPMF Æas above.

Subsea 5IF MFBL GSFRVFODJFT GPS FBDI TVCTFB TZTUFN BOE MFBL TJ[F BSF Leak sources for the subsea infrastructure were identified using illustrated in Figure 5.8. From this figure, it is obvious that the process and instrumentation diagrams. The determination of subsea majority of leaks for all systems will be very minor leaks (0 to 2 mm) leak frequency was based on historical data (1992 to 2001) from and that leak frequency decreases (number of years until event may UIF )FBMUI BOE 4BGFUZ &YFDVUJWF PG UIF 6, )B[BSEPVT *OTUBMMBUJPOT QPTTJCMZPDDVSJODSFBTFT XJUIJODSFBTJOHIPMFTJ[F

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 193 The potential subsea oil releases based on frequency and volume are tested and are based on real oil characteristics (Sections 5.9.7 and presented in Table 5.25. 5.9.8) and measured local current and weather conditions (Section 5.9.6). The negligible risk is primarily due to the forecast of very low 5.9.4 Summary of Environmental Risk of likelihoods of accidental release, the direction of prevailing winds Hydrocarbon Spills and currents and the very low toxicities of the crude oil involved. The environmental risk assessment of accidental hydrocarbon spills The risk assessment was conducted using conservative factors, so indicates that the overall risk to sensitive environmental resources the real risk is likely to be lower than presented in Section 5.9.8. (e.g., Ningaloo Reef) is negligible. This assessment has been aided by the use of spill modelling techniques that have been extensively For example, the unlikely situation where oil spills were not

Figure 5.8 Leak frequencies from each subsea system

Table 5.25 Potential subsea oil releases to sea ranked by leak frequency

System and Leak Size Volume (m3) Frequency (leaks/yr) % of Oil System Leak Frequency Production wells and rigid spools

2 mm 221 Y-2 (once every 17 years)

10 mm 132 Y-2 PODFFWFSZZFBST

25 mm 70 Y-3 (once every 137 years)

50 mm 277 Y-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST Production flowlines

2 mm Y-3 (once every 121 years)

10 mm 5.31 x 10-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST

25 mm 259 Y-3 PODFFWFSZZFBST

50 mm Y (once every 1,019 years) TOTAL: 1.1 x 10-1 100%

194 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development responded to was used as the initial case for assessment, and then r "SPNBUJD SJOHT PG TJY DBSCPO BUPNT XJUI BMUFSOBUJOH TJOHMF response measures (i.e., oil dispersant) were included so that the and double bonds called conjugated double bonds). Aromatic effect of controls could be measured. DPNQPVOET DBO CF HSPVQFE BT iTNBMMu POF PS UXP CFO[FOF Small hydrocarbon spills are infrequent events. Large spills have an SJOHT POMZ PSiMBSHFu NPSF UIBO CFO[FOF SJOHT (FOFSBMMZ UIF extremely remote probability of occurring. This is supported by the small aromatic compounds are fairly soluble in water and rapidly offshore oil and gas industry’s history in Australia: over the last 30 years FWBQPSBUF EVSJOH PJM TQJMMT UIF MBSHF BSPNBUJDT DBO TIPX TJNJMBS of offshore operation, there has been a total volume of accidental oil behaviour but to a much lower degree. 3 spills from all facilities estimated at under 1,000 m , and there has Crude oil components can be grouped according to molecular 3 never been a spill of more than 135 m recorded in Australian waters weight as: from an offshore oil production facility (Woodside, 2005). r -JHIU DPNQPOFOUT VQ UP DBSCPO BUPNT XIJDI BSF IJHIMZ Oil spill modelling for the Van Gogh development shows that, volatile. throughout the year, hydrocarbon spills are most likely to move into deepwater, offshore areas, away from Ningaloo Marine Park r .FEJVN DPNQPOFOUT UP DBSCPO BUPNT XIJDI BSF MFTT and coastal areas. The probability of a hydrocarbon spill reaching volatile. /JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSLPSBDPBTUBMBSFBWBSJFTEFQFOEJOHPOUIFTJ[F r )FBWZDPNQPOFOUT PSNPSFDBSCPOBUPNT XIJDIIBWFBMPX of spill and time of year (as wind and currents change). June to July is volatility. the period when spills have the highest probability of moving toward Crude oils are composed of various combinations of these components, /JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSLPSUIFDPBTU EVFUPOPSUIFSMZXJOET CVUFWFO which can be separated by distillation through the refining process in this period, there is a far greater probability that spills will move into various fractions with specific boiling-point ranges. away from these areas. The most probable direction of movement for large spills of crude Various classification systems have been developed for crude oils and oil (more than 100 to 1,000 m3) at any time of the year is toward refined petroleum products. Those used by oil spill responders are deepwater, offshore areas. based on specific gravities and anticipated persistence at sea, while other systems are based on relative proportions of hydrocarbon The efficiency of dispersants on the Van Gogh crude oil has been types and the formation or presence of key compounds. UFTUFEBOEXBTTIPXOUPCFWFSZIJHI HSFBUFSUIBOPOGSFTI oil in summer). The application of dispersants immediately following The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) classifies oils into five a spill further reduces any risk to Ningaloo Marine Park and coastal categories based primarily on specific gravity and relative persistence habitats. Following application of dispersants, oil is rapidly broken in the environment, similar to the classification used by the ITOPF down into very small particles that are diluted throughout the and the US Code of Federal Regulations (Table 5.26). water column, and concentrations of oil are consequently very low. Van Gogh Oil Environmental risk to sensitive biota from dispersed oil is negligible in deep water environments. Apache commissioned Leeder Consulting to undertake physical and chemical testing (along with a range of other tests) on Theo-1 5.9.5 Properties of Van Gogh Oil and Diesel PJM ESJMMFECZ"QBDIFJOBOEMPDBUFENUPUIFXFTUPGUIF Oil is composed of thousands of mainly liquid carbon-based proposed location of subsea manifold PM1). This oil is from the Van chemical substances (hydrocarbons) of different molecular weights, Gogh pool and will be the same as that encountered during the with the composition of these substances influencing its chemical drilling program. The results of this work are summarised in this and physical properties. No one oil is identical to another (i.e., oil section (Leeder, 2007). GSPNEJíFSFOUñFMETXJMMIBWFEJíFSFOUQSPQFSUJFT JOUIFTBNFXBZ Table 5.27 summarises the physical and chemical characteristics of that finger prints are unique. Oils are generally classified according to fresh Theo-1 oil. their chemical characteristics as: Based on the parameters outlined in Table 5.26 and Table 5.27, oil r 1BSBîOCBTFE from the Van Gogh pool is classified as a Group III (persistent) oil, r "TQIBMUCBTFE and: r .JYFECBTFE r *TBMPXHSBWJUZ iIFBWZuDSVEF UIJDLBOECMBDLJODPMPVS Hydrocarbons can also be categorised according to their molecular structure as: r )BTBIJHIóBTIQPJOUUIBUQSFTFOUTBMPXñSFBOEFYQMPTJPOIB[BSE even when fresh. r "MJQIBUJD - Alkanes (chains of single carbon-carbon bonds). r *TóVJEBUXJOUFSBOETVNNFSTFBUFNQFSBUVSFT - Cycloalkanes (ring of carbon atoms with single bonds). r *TBSFMBUJWFMZWJTDPVTPJMBUBNCJFOUTFBUFNQFSBUVSFT - Alkenes (chains of carbon atoms with some double bonds). r 8JMMOPUGPSNBOFNVMTJñDBUJPO BTGSFTIPJM

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 195 Table 5.26 Oil classification categories

Category Persistence Specific Gravity Typical Examples Group I Non-persistent* N/A Condensates Motor spirit (Gasolene) Group II Persistent** Light crude oils Temperate (cold climate) diesel Group III Persistent Most diesel fuel oils Medium crude oils Intermediate products Group IV Persistent 0.95 < 1.00 Heavy crude oils Heavy fuel oils (bunkers) Residual products Group V Persistent > 1.00 Low API gravity products (heavier than pure freshwater)

* Non-persistent: an oil that consists of hydrocarbon fractions: BUMFBTUPGXIJDICZWPMVNFEJTUJMBU$ BUMFBTUPGXIJDICZWPMVNFEJTUJMBU$ ** Persistent: An oil that does not meet the distillation criteria for a non-persistent oil. N/A: As Group 1 oils have low specific gravity, no range is listed.

Table 5.27 Fresh oil properties for Theo-1 (from the Van Gogh field)

Parameter Unit Theo-1 Density g/ml Specific gravity - API gravity Flash point $ Greater than 110 Pour point $ ,JOFNBUJDWJTDPTJUZ!$ cSt Wax content XFJHIU 0.0 #PJMJOHQPJOU PGPGPJM $ 571 #FO[FOF UPMVFOF FUIZMCFO[FOFBOEYZMFOF #5&9 mg/kg Less than 50

Definitions Density The physical property of oil defined as the weight of unit volumeat a given temperature (e.g., reservoir temperature). API gravity American Petroleum Institute gravity. API gravity is a standard method of measuring the density of crude oils: - the less dense the oil, the higher the API gravity, known as “light” crude. - the more dense the oil, the lower the API gravity, known as “heavy” crude. - the API of water is 10. Flash point The lowest temperature at which a liquid will generate sufficient vapour to produce a flash when exposed to an ignition source. Many freshly spilled crudes have a low flash point untilthe lighter components have evaporated or dispersed. Pour point 5IFUFNQFSBUVSFCFMPXXIJDIUIFPJMXJMMOPUóPX0JMXJUIBQPVSQPJOUPG$JTBTPMJEBU$ Viscosity "NFBTVSFPGSFTJTUBODFUPóPXVTVBMMZEFDSFBTFTXJUISJTJOHUFNQFSBUVSFBOEJODSFBTFTXJUIMPXFSUFNQFSBUVSF7JTDPTJUZBíFDUT the rate at which spilled oil will spread and the degree to which it will penetrate shorelines substrates. Expressed in centistokes (cSt). Oils with higher viscosity values are less likely to flow than lower viscosity oils. Wax content Solid hydrocarbon that may be present in some crude oils. High wax oils tend to be more viscous than low wax oils and tend to change rapidly in character as they approach their pour point. Waxes are predominantly straight-chain saturates with melting points BCPWF$

196 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Van Gogh Oil Weathering r 0JMEFOTJUZTUFBEJMZJODSFBTFTPWFSUJNF

Leeder Consulting undertook a weathering analysis of the Theo-1 r 7JTDPTJUZ TUFBEJMZ JODSFBTFT PWFS UJNF XJUI B NPSF SBQJE DIBOHF oil under average summer and winter conditions (Leeder, 2007). occurring in summer. The assumed weather conditions based on field data are outlined in r 1PVSQPJOUSFNBJOTCFMPXBNCJFOUUFNQFSBUVSFTUISPVHIPVUUIF Table 5.28, with the weathering results presented in Table 5.29. weathering process.

The general pattern of Van Gogh oil weathering, based on the above r 5IFPJMCFDPNFTiTUJDLJFSuBTJUXFBUIFST JOEJDBUJOHJUXJMMCFDPNF data is that: difficult to clean from impacted substrates in the event of a spill. r )JHIFSUFNQFSBUVSFTSFTVMUJOBNPSFSBQJEMPTTPGUIFWPMBUJMF Figure 5.9 shows the difference between summer and winter on the components and a higher total loss of oil. percentage of oil lost during natural weathering. Any Van Gogh crude spilled into the ocean will undergo significant r /PFNVMTJPOTBSFGPSNFE weathering prior to reaching distant shorelines and is therefore r 5IFSFJTBOJOJUJBM IPVS MPTTPGPGWPMVNFJOTVNNFS XJUIB unlikely to seriously impact on any sensitive marine habitats, such smaller loss in winter. as the Ningaloo Reef.

Table 5.28 Average weather conditions used for weathering tests of Theo-1 crude oil

Sea temperature (C) Air temperature (C) Wind speed (knots) Salinity (%) Average summer 30 20 31 Average winter 22 20 31

Table 5.29 Change in Theo-1 crude oil physical and chemical properties after weathering

Parameter Season Weathering Time 0 4 hrs 8 hrs 1 day 2 days 3 days 10 days Summer 0 15 52 7PMVNF-PTT Winter 0 5 15 27 Summer 0.959 0.973 Density (g/mL) Winter 0.951 0.957 0.973 Summer Specific Gravity Winter 0.957 Summer 15.9 15.0 13.9 13.2 12.3 12.1 "1*(SBWJUZ Winter 17.2 15.9 Summer 1001 Winter 57.7 Summer 20.7 219 7JTDPTJUZ $ Winter 20.7 55.5 Summer 10.7 21.7 33.5 72.7 79.7 100 Winter 10.7 17.5 20.7 Summer -11 -5 3 15 1PVS1PJOU $ Winter -15 -11 -9 -3 Summer 37.0 Adhesion (mg/cm2) Winter 5.0 7.3 9.5 9.9 Summer <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 "TQIBMUFOF XX Winter <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Summer <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 8BY XX Winter <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Summer <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 "SPNBUJDT XX Winter <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Summer <50 <50 <50 <50 <50 <50 <50 #FO[FOF NHLH Winter <50 <50 <50 <50 <50 <50 <50

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 197 Figure 5.9 Natural weathering of fresh Theo-1 crude oil under summer and winter conditions

Diesel Fuel Oil Dispersant Chemistry

%JFTFM GVFM JT B NJEEMF EJTUJMMBUF GVFM XJUI BO "1* HSBWJUZ PG Once oil has been spilled, urgent decisions need to be made about Studies on the weathering and dispersability of Australian marine the options available for cleanup, so that potential impacts are kept diesel spilt in North West Shelf conditions show that approximately to a minimum. Crude oils vary widely in their physical and chemical PGUIFNBTTPGEJFTFMTQJMMFEXPVMEFWBQPSBUFXJUIJOIPVST characteristics, which influence the fate and behaviour of oil when on the sea surface (Woodside, 2005). During evaporative weathering, released into the environment. These characteristics also influence low molecular weight aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and spill control techniques, including application of chemical treating phenols are lost from the oil, leaving higher concentrations of less agents. These agents typically work best on fresh oil, and their volatile, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. Diesel does not effectiveness declines over time as the oil weathers. Dispersants have form a stable OIW emulsion and is amenable to dispersants. been found to be most effective when used within the first few hours Toxicity testing has identified diesel as being toxic to the marine of a spill. Oil characteristics may alter markedly in the first few hours species tested, with some species of sea urchin larvae and crustaceans on the sea (see Table 5.29), and spill control methods that work well being the most sensitive. Diesel fuel appears to retain its toxicity initially may rapidly become ineffective. during weathering due to the slow loss of light ends. In addition, the additives used to improve certain properties of diesel (e.g., ignition Understanding the factors that impact on the performance of these quality, flow improvers) contribute to the toxicity of the diesel oil. See products permits selection of the proper chemical treatment agent, Section 5.9.8 for diesel spill modelling results. application technique, and period during which performance can be optimised. Dispersants are chemical formulations with surface-active 5.9.6 Van Gogh Oil Dispersant Study ingredients called “surfactants”. Surfactants are specifically designed Apache commissioned Leeder Consulting to undertake a study into chemicals that have both hydrophilic (water-liking) and oleophilic the suitability of several chemical oil dispersants. The results of this (oil-liking) groups in the chemical compound. These chemicals reduce work are presented in this section (Leeder, 2007). the interfacial tension between the oil and the water and help with

198 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development the creation of small oil droplets, which move into the water column and the results were reported as a percentage of the total oil added and facilitate faster, natural biological breakdown (biodegradation) to the system. A high value indicates that a high percentage of the oil BOEEJTQFSTJPO#ZEFDSFBTJOHUIFTJ[FPGUIFPJMESPQMFUTJOUIFXBUFS has been dispersed into the water column. column, the oil surface area exposed to the water increases, and For the Van Gogh study, the Mackay chamber dispersant testing was natural breakdown of the oil is enhanced. The mixing of the oil into conducted at two different environmental conditions (“summer” the water column reduces the volume of oil on the sea surface. The and “winter”) and with two different dispersants (“Corexit 9527” and chemically dispersed oil droplets are still buoyant and tend to remain “Slickgone”). Both fresh oil and weathered oil were tested. near the sea surface. They are retained in the water column by wave These dispersants were chosen for testing as they are among the action and sea conditions generally and will resurface under calm most readily available in stockpiles near the Van Gogh development, conditions. The depth to which dispersed oil will penetrate into the including Exmouth, Dampier and Varanus Island, and are approved water column and the concentrations of oil produced depend on a for use in Australian waters by AMSA. number of variables such as wave energy, oil type, and dispersant efficiency. Additional dispersants used for studies for BHP Billiton’s Pyrenees oil BOE8PPETJEFT7JODFOUPJM $PSFYJU 4IFMM7%$BOE5FSHP3 Besides surfactants, chemical dispersants usually also contain were not used for the Van Gogh study as they were shown not to solvents, although in some “concentrates” the solvent component have as great an effectiveness as the above two dispersants. may be quite small. These solvents may be either hydrocarbon or non- Dispersant Testing Results hydrocarbon, water-miscible compounds, such as ethylene glycols or isopropyl alcohols. Corrosion inhibitors, dyes, pH modifiers, and The results of the Van Gogh oil dispersant testing are presented in other compounds may also be added to increase dispersant shelf life Table 5.30 and presented graphically in Figure 5.10 and Figure or ease of use. 5.11.

Not all oils are dispersible. It is generally accepted that non- This testing indicates that Corexit 9527 performs better than dispersible oils are non-spreading (with a pour point greater than the Slickgone in summer and winter conditions, dispersing more oil in sea temperature) and highly viscous (more than 2,000 cSt) and form a the water column. OIW emulsion, or “mousse”. For the purposes of determining the use of The figures for summer show a typical decline in dispersant efficiency dispersants at various sea temperatures, the most important physical as the oil weathers, largely attributable to the increase in viscosity of properties of the oil in question are specific gravity (or API gravity), the weathered oils. pour point, and viscosity. Specific gravity, for example, provides *G XF UBLF FGGFDUJWFOFTT BT UIF QPJOU CFMPX XIJDI UIF VTF PG information regarding the possibility of oil sinking, particularly after chemical dispersants is not advised, the “window of opportunity” weathering. Together with wax content and pour point, specific GPS CPUI $PSFYJU BOE 4MJDLHPOF JO TVNNFS JT BCPVU UP IPVST gravity can also provide an indication of the potential for evaporative This is compatible with the predicted weathered oil viscosities at loss. Viscosity is also important because high viscosities limit a number ambient temperatures (see Table 5.29). However, lesser dispersant of clean-up options. Pour point may indicate the likely behaviour of efficiencies may still be of use during a spill response. semi-solid or solid oils at sea and onshore. In addition to the above *GXFUBLFFGGJDJFODZBTBDDFQUBCMF UIFOUIFTVNNFSiXJOEPXT properties, wax content and asphaltene content determine the rate PGPQQPSUVOJUZuCFDPNFTBQQSPYJNBUFMZIPVSTGPS$PSFYJUBOE of emulsification of oil with seawater, and these in turn influence the hours for Slickgone. evaporation rate of the slick.

Dispersant Testing Method 5.9.7 Hydrodynamic Model for Exmouth Region The dispersant testing method undertaken for the Van Gogh Apache commissioned Global Environmental Modelling Systems development is outlined as follows. Crude oil was added to a (GEMS) to undertake oil and diesel spill modelling for the Van Gogh Mackay chamber containing sea water. A dispersant was then development (GEMS, 2007). added in a dropwise fashion to the oil surface from a pipette at a The GEMS modelling system has been used to model the trajectory height of approximately 10 mm over a period of approximately 10 and the fate of hydrocarbon spills and operational discharges in the to 30 seconds to achieve a ratio of dispersant to oil of 1:25. Agitation ocean. The system combines a fully three-dimensional (3-D) ocean XBTUIFOBQQMJFEUPUIF.BDLBZDIBNCFSBOEBGUFSNJOVUFTPG circulation model (GCOM3D) with a suite of ocean discharge models agitation, a 500-mL aliquot of the water was collected for analysis. The to predict the fate of oil spills and other discharges: system was then left to stand for 5 minutes. After this time, a second 500-mL aliquot of water was taken. The water samples were solvent r ($0.%TJNVMBUFTUIFóPXPGPDFBODVSSFOUTPWFSBNPEFMSFHJPO extracted, and the extracts were analysed by gas chromatography. generated by astronomical tides, wind stress, atmospheric pressure The amount of oil dispersed into the water column was determined, gradients and ocean thermal structure.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 199 Table 5.30 %JTQFSTBOUFîDJFODZPO5IFPDSVEFPJMmTVNNFSBOEXJOUFSXFBUIFSJOHTJNVMBUJPOTPWFSEBZT

Percentage Corexit 9527 Slickgone dispersed 10 mins agitation 10 mins agitation + 5 mins 10 mins agitation 10 mins agitation + 5 mins after: at rest at rest SWSWSWSW

Fresh 72 77 IPVST 55 53 55 15 29 1 day 25 100 10 31 2 days 11 11 735 10 days 5 30 3 17 2 2

S = summer, W = winter.

Figure 5.10 %JTQFSTBOUFîDJFODZPO5IFPDSVEFPJMmTVNNFSBOEXJOUFSXFBUIFSJOHTJNVMBUJPOTPWFSEBZT

r 0*-53",%TJNVMBUFTUIFNPWFNFOUBOECSFBLEPXOPGIZESPDBSCPO Bathymetric Grids spills under the influence of ocean circulation (provided by The models were established on appropriate bathymetric grids for GCOM3D) and prevailing weather conditions. UIFTUVEZSFHJPO FBTUXFTUCZOPSUITPVUI UIFHSJETXFSF An important feature provided by the GEMS modelling system is its chosen so as to both cover the likely extent of the discharges under ability to quantify the risks associated with a spill of a specified type consideration and, of equal importance, ensure the environmental and volume of oil by applying a stochastic (or randomised) sampling processes described in Sections 4.3.1 to 4.3.3 were adequately approach. captured. The primary source of bathymetric data was derived from a

200 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.11 %JTQFSTBOUFîDJFODZPOGSFTI5IFPDSVEFmTVNNFSBOEXJOUFSXFBUIFSJOH

combination of GEMS data (accumulated over the past 12 years from Meteorological Forcing survey data and chart digitisation) and the Geosciences Australia During the studies for the Woodside and BHP Billiton FPSO (formerly AGSO) Australian dataset. installations, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) operational Tidal Data atmospheric model for the Australian region was run on a 35-km grid (the Limited Area Prediction System, or LAPS). It was shown in Tidal data for the modelling was derived from the GEMS Australian the Woodside study that the LAPS winds produced the most reliable region 1-km gridded tidal database, which was originally developed wind field of all possible sources. for Australian Search and Rescue (AUSSAR) from an extensive tidal modelling program assimilating all available tidal data. This Since those studies have been completed, a much higher resolution (10-km grid) atmospheric model has been developed over the modelling program was iterated for each of ten tidal constituents Australian region (the Mesoscale Limited Area Prediction System, through a process of: or MesoLAPS). The MesoLAPS winds have been proven to be even r %FñOJOHCPVOEBSZDPOEJUJPOT JOJUJBMMZGSPNHMPCBMUJEBMNPEFM more accurate than LAPS winds and were used in the Van Gogh data). development study to drive GCOM3D and OILTRAK3D. Winds and atmospheric pressures for the 5-year period 2001 to 2005 were r .PEFMMJOHUJEFTGPSTFWFSBMNPOUIT extracted for the study region and interpolated to the bathymetric r 'PVSJFSBOBMZTJTBUFBDIHSJEQPJOU and tidal grid databases. r %FUFSNJOBUJPOPGSPPUNFBOTRVBSFFSSPSTBHBJOTUTUBUJPOEBUB Ocean Currents r 3FEFñOJOHCPVOEBSZDPOEJUJPOT To establish ocean currents for the region, GCOM3D was run for each month for the five-year period, driven by the specified winds, tides r *UFSBUJOHVOUJMUIFFSSPSTXFSFNJOJNJTFE and ocean surface heights inferred from satellite altimeter data. This This data has been extensively validated over the past 12 years and approach has been adopted to ensure that the environmental forcing provides an accurate source of tidal constituent amplitudes and covers the wide range of wind, tide and broad ocean conditions that phases for ocean modelling in this region. may be expected to affect discharges in the region.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 201 Processes for the assimilation of the altimeter data were originally to 2005 were used, as the MesoLAPS model only became operational developed for the earlier Woodside Enfield study. This work has after 2000 (post-Olympics). been refined further during the development of the AUSSAR system To represent seasonal variability in the risk of exposure from specified for AMSA. This work, which has included extensive validation and spills or discharges, it is first necessary to identify periods of (wind) testing, has shown that the CSIRO-derived currents in the vicinity of similarity. This process involved assigning each model analysis wind DPBTUBMTIFMGBSFOPUSFMJBCMFBDDPSEJOHMZ ($0.%BTTJNJMBUFTUIF “observation” to a direction-speed “bin” on a monthly basis and then raw height data and derives currents dynamically. comparing (by root mean square analysis) the characteristics of each Winds month with every other month. By defining a threshold of similarity, months with similar wind characteristics were defined. In earlier studies of the fate of oil spills and other discharge plumes from FPSOs in the Exmouth region, GEMS used best available The controlling synoptic influences described above apply to meteorological station winds to drive GCOM3D. However, a the entire region off the Northwest Cape, ensuring that the same subsequent review and refinement of the wind model has highlighted “seasonal” groupings apply for the Van Gogh field. These groupings the limitations of adopting these winds. are summarised in Table 5.31, and polar wind diagrams for the In the early modelling work undertaken for the Exmouth Sub-basin, it nearest MesoLAPS output location to the Van Gogh site, grouped was shown that using coastal winds from Exmouth, Thevenard Island into the four seasonal groups, are shown in Figure 5.12. or Barrow Island leads to major errors in the predicted fate of oil spills Hydrodynamic Model Validation during the winter months and strongly over-predicts the potential (&.4IBTVOEFSUBLFONPEFMWFSJGJDBUJPOGPSUIFTUVEZBSFB LN impact on the Ningaloo Reef. east to west, 120 km north to south). Verification of the hydrodynamic Even when winds measured on site were used, the errors were still model involved: significant because: r "TTJNJMBUJPOPGTFWFOZFBSTPG$4*30TBUFMMJUFBMUJNFUFSEBUBGPS r 5IFTFXJOETBSFPOMZBDDVSBUFBUUIFSFMFBTFTJUF geotrophic currents.

r "TUIFQMVNFESJGUTPOUIFDVSSFOUT JUNPWFTJOUPBSFBTJOóVFODFE r "TTJNJMBUJPOPGUXPBOEBIBMGZFBSTPGPOTJUFXJOEBOEXBUFS by winds that are different to those at the release site. current data from buoys deployed in the BHPB Pyrenees r &WFOBUUIFSFMFBTFTJUF UIFDVSSFOUTBSFOPUKVTUESJWFOCZUIFMPDBM Development Area (12 km east-southeast of Van Gogh). wind but are also a result of currents flowing into the area that are r 4BUFMMJUFUSBDLJOHCVPZUFTUT GPVSCVPZTSFMFBTFE UPDPNQBSF driven by different winds to those at the release site. modelled and real data.

To overcome this problem, GEMS has accessed and archived the r $PNQBSJTJPOPGBDUVBMESJGUUSBDLTGSPNUIFCVPZTXJUI.FTP-"14 twice-daily gridded wind data from the BoM operational forecast model wind predictions. models since 1995. The correlation between predicted MesoLAPS wind speed and As previously mentioned, further improvements to the BoM direction and buoy data was extremely close. The results of the atmospheric model, undertaken for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, have model verification indicate that the hydrodynamic model provides shown that the MesoLAPS winds have been proven to be even more a reliable prediction tool for the fate and trajectory of oil spills from accurate than the LAPS winds, and the former were used for the Van the proposed development location, with MesoLAPS data proving to Gogh oil spill modelling. MesoLAPS winds covering the period 2001 be far more accurate than LAPS data. The use of drifting buoys that

Table 5.31 Wind seasons for the Van Gogh development area

Season Description January and February Generally persistent south-southwest winds with some westerlies under the influence of the heat trough (presenting greater threat to the Muiron Islands). A single significant “northerly” event resulting from the passage of Tropical Cyclone Jacob in March 2007. March to May 5SBOTJUJPOQFSJPEXJUITIJGUUPXBSETFBTUFSMZRVBESBOUXJOETmJODMVEJOHTJHOJñDBOUOPSUIFBTUFSMZFWFOUT through May. June and July 5IF+VOFm+VMZQFSJPESFQSFTFOUTUIFQFSJPEPGNPTUDPOTJTUFOUSJTL UP/JOHBMPP3FFG XJUIBTJHOJñDBOU percentage of north-northeast winds. August to December Dominated by southwest to southeast wind flow and the general absence of winds from the north to northeast quadrant (except towards late December) imply lower risk for spill trajectories.

202 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.32 Summary of oil and diesel spill scenarios for the Van Gogh development

# Volume^ Release Release Intervention Scenario Plots Point Duration Diesel (specific gravity = 0.90) Diesel tanks are inboard with very low chance of rupture 1 10 m3 Surface Instant None Small spill of fuel during refuelling .FEJVNTJ[FTQJMMPGGVFMEVSJOH Until concentration reaches 0.1 g/m2 2 100 m3 Surface 1 hr None refuelling Crude (specific gravity = 0.943) 3 2 hrs None .FEJVNTJ[FTQJMMGSPNMPTTPGDBSHP 100 m3 Surface Dispersant at 2 hrs during transfer IST Until concentration reaches 10 g/m2 5 2 hrs None .FEJVNTJ[FMFBLGSPNXFMMIFBETPS 100 m3 Seabed Dispersant at 2 hrs flowlines IST 7 IST None -BSHFTJ[FTQJMMGSPNSVQUVSFPGPOF 1,000 m3 Surface Dispersant at IST cargo tank )PVSMZCBTJTGPSñSTUIPVST IST UIFSFBGUFS IPVSMZVQUPIST 9 IST None -BSHFTJ[FMFBLGSPNóPXMJOFTPSXFMM then at 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days or until heads (total release volume based concentration reaches 10 g/m2 1,000 m3 Seabed Dispersant at 10 IST on maximum potential release from IST 50mm hole in one production line)

^ No spill greater than 135 m3 has occurred in Australian waters from an offshore oil production facility. * Scenarios based on PER Guidelines. simulate the movement of an oil slick in the water to verify ocean The oil spill plume model can be used in a stochastic mode to models is a stringent test since the buoy is sampling constantly simulate a large number of random events over time or can be used changing wind, tide and geostrophic influences across a given for specific case studies in a deterministic mode. The stochastic mode region. AMSA has subjected the GCOM3D to extensive verification requires the determination of the range of environmental forcing in real time search and rescue (SAR) operations and with drifting impacting on the region through which the plume can move. SAR buoys and found the model to be extremely reliable around the Australian coastline. The hydrodynamic model forms part of Apache’s oil spill contingency plan and response system. Should a spill occur, the model would be 5.9.8 Oil & Diesel Spill Modelling Method run in conjunction with field surveillance to provide forewarning of This section details how the various oil and diesel spill scenarios were the habitats that may be affected. For the purpose of assessing the BQQMJFEUPUIFIZESPEZOBNJDNPEFMEFTDSJCFEJO4FDUJPO environmental risk associated with a spill, modelling is used to make Modelling Criteria predictions regarding the trajectory and fate of spilled oil under various scenarios. The 3-D oil spill model, OILTRAK3D, was used to model the fate of surface and subsurface components of oil spills over periods ranging Oil Spill Modelling Scenarios from 5 to 15 days. The processes included in the oil spill modelling are: A number of oil and diesel spill scenarios have been modelled for the Van Gogh FPSO location, based on potential credible scenarios. r 1SFEJDUFETVSGBDFDVSSFOUT GSPN($0.% EVFUPUIFQSFWBJMJOH These included a range of surface diesel and crude oil spills and winds, tides and geostrophic currents. subsea discharges of crude oil. The oil spill scenarios (carried out over r 8JOEBHFEVFUPUIFQSFWBJMJOHXJOE UPBDDPVOUGPSNFUFPSPMPHJDBM all four seasons) are outlined in Table 5.32. forcing on the surface of an oil slick). r 4VSGBDFTQSFBEJOH Application of Dispersants to Crude Oil Spills r )PSJ[POUBMEJíVTJPO Because OILTRAK3D is a 3D oil spill model it can simulate the effects r &WBQPSBUJPO of applying chemical dispersants to the oil spill. To be effective the dispersant needs to be applied soon after the spill occurs and can r /BUVSBMEJTQFSTJPO UZQJDBMMZ EJTQFSTF PS NPSF PJM JOUP UIF XBUFS DPMVNO 4UVEJFT r $IFNJDBMEJTQFSTJPO have shown that the dispersed droplets of oil are present in the r &OUSBJONFOU upper 10 metres of the water column with most oil droplets in the r &NVMTJñDation. VQQFSNFUSFT

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 203 Figure 5.12 Polar wind diagrams for the four seasonal groupings for the Van Gogh development area

204 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 'PS UIJT TUVEZ JU XBT BTTVNFE UIBU PG UIF PJM XBT EJTQFSTFE The 500-metre range was arbitrarily chosen to give meaning to the into the water column after the application of chemical dispersants probability of oil impact. If a single point in the ocean was chosen, (in keeping with the results of oil dispersant testing performed by then the probability of oil impact would be very low as the oil might Leeder Consulting, see Section 5.9.5). pass only 10 metres away (as an example) and not register as an impact. It is therefore more meaningful to choose a region of impact Defining a Threshold Concentration around each point in the ocean. The probability results are then In analysing the outcomes of oil spill fate simulations, it is essential WJFXFEJOUFSNTPGUIFTJ[FPGUIJTSFHJPOCFDBVTFJGJUXBTDIPTFOUP to nominate a threshold concentration, below which it is considered be larger then the probabilities would increase and vice versa. there is no (or acceptable) risk to the marine environment. If a The probability of impact at each grid point location, given that a minimum threshold concentration is not defined, the results would spill occurs from a particular site, expressed as a percentage is: show probabilities of oil impact for miniscule concentrations of oil over very large areas, which could lead to misinterpretation of the n1/N x 100 results. The results of such analyses, carried out over the whole grid domain, Ideally, the threshold concentration value is defined among key can then be linked by a process of contouring. Such contours show stakeholders, including the government regulator and the operator. regions of similar probability of oil impact that occur over the range In the absence of a specified threshold concentration, GEMS used the of environmental conditions that may be expected to occur during concentrations established for the first oil development proposed for the season of interest, given that a spill actually occurred. The results the Exmouth Sub-basin, Woodside’s Enfield project. The reason for shown for various spill scenarios are discussed in Section 5.9.8. this approach is that Woodside has carried out extensive research Realistic Probability Analysis into establishing realistic threshold concentrations for diesel and for crude oils based on toxicity issues for a wide range of species. The approach described above calculates the probability of impact, above the defined threshold concentration, given that a spill occurs. Crude. In the case of the Van Gogh crude oil modelling, the threshold To calculate the actual probability of oil impacting a particular region, concentration sensitivity for the maximum oil spill boundary was the probability of the spill occurring in the first place must also be set at 10 g/m2 (equivalent to about two teaspoonfuls of crude oil included. The primary risk, or maximum potential frequency of spills, for each square metre), which might cause a minor visible sheen. given in Table 5.22 was used as the probability of the various spill This threshold concentration has been chosen as a conservative scenarios occurring. The maximum potential frequency decreases as factor that is around 100 to 1,000 times less oil than the threshold the volumes of the spill scenarios increase. concentration expected to cause an acute toxic effect on a range of The spill modelling results produced show the combined probability tropical marine biota. of the spill scenarios (listed in Table 5.32) occurring in the first Diesel. Because diesel is substantially more toxic than crude (due instance (maximum potential frequencies listed in Table 5.22) to other chemicals added to diesel during the refining process), the multiplied by the probability of the oil occurring at a given location threshold concentration for the maximum diesel spill boundary was (determined by the model's stochastic calculations within 500 m of set at a much lower concentration of 0.1 g/m2 (or about four drops each grid point and at a concentration above a defined threshold) of diesel for each square meter). This concentration is approximately once the oil has been released to sea. three to ten times less diesel than tests have shown is required to cause an acute toxic effect on marine biota. 5.9.9 Oil Spill Fate and Trajectory Modelling Stochastic (Probability of Impact) Analysis Results Plot results of crude and diesel oil spill fate and trajectory modelling To calculate the simulation of the possible area of movement of for the scenarios outlined in Table 5.32, as undertaken by GEMS spills under different environmental conditions, the model randomly (2007), are summarised in this section. These modelling plots are sets off the specified spill scenario and tracks its movement and grouped by type, season and release volume. dilution. This process is repeated a number of times, and the number of simulations, N, needs to be large enough to ensure that The stochastic spill modelling plots indicate that, for by far the a representative range of environmental conditions (for the season majority of the year, spills of any type from the Van Gogh development, of interest) is considered. For the Van Gogh development, N was set whether subsea or surface, diesel or oil, for the modelled spill to 500. scenarios (Table 5.32), predominantly move offshore and away from the Ningaloo Marine Park, Muiron Islands Marine Management Area The results of each simlulation are stored over the model region and the North West Cape coastline. at preset time-steps. By counting the number of times (n1) that oil passes within 500 metres of each grid point at a concentration above The colour-coded lines on plots in the following subsections are the defined thresholds for crude oil and diesel, the frequency of contours of probability that indicate the locations where the oil encounter over all the simulations can be computed. has a chance of occurring above the threshold concentrations

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 205 Figure 5.13 'SFRVFODZBOEEVSBUJPOPGOPSUIFSMZXJOET UPEFHSFFT CMPXJOHDPOUJOVPVTMZBCPWFNTJOUIF&YNPVUISFHJPO

(10 g/m2 for crude oil and 0.1 g/m2 for diesel) based on the 500 Surface Diesel Spills modelled simulations of spills for the given spill scenario volume at Figures 5.14 and 5.15 detail the modelling results showing oil spill that particular season (and associated oceanographic conditions) of impact probability plots for 10 m3 and 100 m3 (worst-case volume) the year. These modelled plots do not represent the area over which oil would spread (i.e., they do not represent the extent of an 'oil slick'). surface diesel spills after 12 hours, one, two, three and five days for The actual spill spread would be a far smaller area than the area the months of June and July (most favourable wind conditions for a indicated by the probability contours on the individual plots. spill to move towards the coastline).

The seasonal wind and current conditions representative of the As discussed in Section 5.9.4 BQQSPYJNBUFMZ PG BOZ EJFTFM months of June and July can occasionally result in oceanographic spilled on the sea surface would evaporate after 10 hours. The risk conditions that increase the probability of transporting any diesel of a diesel spill occurring is a low probability event (one in five years or oil spill towards the coast (see Table 5.31). This is predominantly for a 10 m3 spill and one in 1,000 years for a 100 m3 spill). Based a function of the north-northeast and to a lesser degree easterly on the modelling result (conditional probability) and without any winds that occasionally occur during these months (see Figure intervention to minimise the spill (conservative conditions) there 5.12). However, persistent northerly winds (i.e., having a duration is a very low predicted combined probability risk (Figure 5.14 less FYDFFEJOH UP IPVST XJUI B XJOETQFFE UISFTIPME BCPWF 3 m/s are required in order to result in any diesel or oil spill moving than one in 1,000 years) of any diesel from a 10 m spill reaching the into Ningaloo Marine Park or impacting on the coastline. As shown Marine Park outer boundary at all times of the year (for January to in Figure 5.13 XIJDIJTBOBOBMZTJTPGXJOETGSPNUPEFHSFFT February and March to May, all spills move offshore). that exceed 7.5 m/s), north and northeast wind events above 7.5 m/s Figure 5.15 shows the modelling results for a 100 m3 diesel spill, BSFSBSFMZQFSTJTUFOU FYDFFEJOHIPVST which indicate, by the changes in the probability contours over time The probability of impact contours presented in the diesel and oil spill that any diesel would tend to stay offshore where it would undergo modelling plots generally reflect the prevailing wind directions for weathering and evaporation. During June to July there is a small each of the defined seasons. Accordingly, the prevailing southwest increased chance (combined probability of less than one in 100,000 to southerly flow of the August to December period generally tends years) of some diesel mixing with waters on the outer boundary to push any spills northwards, while in contrast, a higher proportion PG /JOHBMPP .BSJOF 1BSL XJUIJO B IPVS QFSJPE )PXFWFS EVF of spills are likely to move southwards during the June to July season under the influence of the northerly and, to a lesser extent, the easterly to weathering and evaporation of the diesel, the probability of oil quadrant winds (as mentioned above). In general, the January to JNQBDU JT TJHOJGJDBOUMZ SFEVDFE CFZPOE UP IPVST XIFSF JU February season is not markedly different from the August to December represents no further risk to Ningaloo Marine Park. As for a 10 m3 TFBTPOUIFSFGPSF NPEFMMJOHQMPUTGPSUIF"VHVTUUP%FDFNCFSTFBTPO diesel spill, the modelling predicts that, for all other times of the year, have been omitted to reduce the number of plots. diesel for a 100 m3 spill would move offshore.

206 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Surface and Subsea Crude Oil Spills 'PSTQJMMTPGUIJTTJ[FPDDVSSJOHJO+BOVBSZUP'FCSVBSZ PSMJLFXJTFUIF months of August to December), there is no risk to Ningaloo Marine As the modelling for the 10 m3 diesel spill (see Figure 5.14) has Park or the coastline, as the spill moves offshore and disperses (see TIPXOUIBUUIFJNQBDUGSPNUIJTTJ[FTQJMMPOBOZFOWJSPONFOUBMMZ Figure 5.22), being restricted to the deep offshore waters. During sensitive marine or terrestrial resources is negligible, modelling of March to May, there is also a very low probability of Ningaloo Marine UIFTBNFTJ[FDSVEFPJMTQJMMXBTOPUVOEFSUBLFO Park or the coastline being impacted during the first 12 hours to 5 For both surface and subsea oil spills, release volumes of days after the spill. Seven days after the initial spill and without any 100 m3 (referred to as a medium spill) and 1,000 m3 (large spill) intervention, there is a low probability of crude oil at concentrations were modelled. As shown in Table 5.22 UIFTF TQJMM TJ[FT IBWF B exceeding the 10g/m2 threshold mixing with waters of the outer very low probability of occurring, with a potential frequency of one portion of Ningaloo Marine Park. However, the model predicts in 1,000 years for a 100 m3 spill volume and one in 10,000 years for further exposure and weathering will result in the spill dispersing 1,000 m3 spills. Very large spills would only result from a major failure with no risk to the reef or the coastline (see Figure 5.23). During in infrastructure. June and July, without any intervention, the modelling predicts a small probability (ranging from 5:1,000,000 to 2:1,000,000) of crude Figures 5.16, 5.17 and 5.18 show the oil spill impact probability oil at concentrations exceeding the 10 g/m2 threshold entering plots for a 100 m3 surface oil spill 12 hours and 1, 2 and 3 days /JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSLXJUIJOIPVSTUPEBZTBGUFSUIFJOJUJBMTQJMM after a release during the entire year (represented by the January with the potential for some shoreline impact on a small section of the to February, March to May and June to July seasons), assuming coastline around Winderabandi Point extending south to Point Edgar. the worst-case conditions of no intervention to minimise the spill. These areas are north of Point Cloates (located near the Ningaloo As mentioned above, there is a low potential for a crude oil spill of Homestead). However, after 10 days, the spill model results indicate UIJTTJ[FUPPDDVS POFJO ZFBST 5IFNPEFMMJOHSFTVMUTQSFEJDU that the oil moves offshore and disperses (Figure 5.24). UIBU GPSBMMUJNFTPGUIFZFBS TQJMMTPGUIJTTJ[FXPVMEOPUJNQBDUPO Ningaloo Marine Park or any other coastal areas. The oil spill modelling conditional probability contours indicate that the overall risk of crude oil entering Ningaloo Marine Park and Figures 5.19, 5.20 and 5.21 show the oil spill impact probability impacting the coastline during the months of June to July (worst- 3 plots for a 100 m subsea oil spill 12 hours and 1, 2 and 3 days after a case wind conditions) is an extremely unlikely event being less than release for the modelled representative seasons, assuming the worst- 2:1,000,000 years, or less than once in 500,000 FPSO operational case conditions of no intervention to minimise the spill. The plots ZFBST5IFNPEFMMJOHQSFEJDUTUIBUDSVEFPJMGSPNBTQJMMPGUIJTTJ[F 3 show that the modelling predicts crude oil from a 100 m subsea if it occurred outside the months of June and July, would not impact release has limited movement throughout all seasons of the year and on the coastline or reef areas. would not enter Ningaloo Marine Park nor contact any coastal areas. Worst-case Oil Spill While the impact probability plots for seabed oil leaks are again based The oil spill modelling undertaken for the Van Gogh development on the probability of impact above the threshold concentration, in also included single-trajectory plots, which, unlike the probability this case it includes the maximum concentration through the water plots, provide an indication of the dimensions, distribution and column. During the early hours of a subsurface leak, the impact concentration of oil resulting from a hypothetical spill scenario. contours are much more concentrated around the release point Single-trajectory plots differ from the conditional probability plots compared with the surface spills. This is because the oil is initially in that they show the spatial distribution of oil concentrations within dispersed through the lower water column where currents are weaker the spill, rather than depicting the probability of a given threshold than they are at or near the surface. Once the oil reaches the surface concentration occurring at a given location. layers of the ocean, the stronger surface currents have a greater impact on its trajectory. The subsurface impact contours generally Figure 5.25 shows a single-trajectory model output for a hypothetical GPMMPXBIPVSUJNFMBHDPNQBSFEXJUITBNFTJ[FTVSGBDFPJMTQJMMT “worst-case” single spill without any intervention, to illustrate what a 0ODFUIFTQJMMSFBDIFTUIFTVSGBDF JUUIFOTQSFBETPVUIPSJ[POUBMMZ large-volume oil spill would look like. The conditions for the “worst- and disperses further as per a surface spill, moving either out to sea case” scenario included: (January to February) or staying offshore (March to May and June to r " N3 surface spill (far in excess of any recorded spill from an July) where it weathers and disperses. offshore oil production facility in Australian waters).

The potential for a credible large volume spill is based on the r 4QJMMFEEVSJOH+VOFUP+VMZ XIFOOPSUIFSMZXJOETBSFNPSFGSFRVFOU 3 scenario of a 1,000 m surface oil spill. The modelled oil spill impact mDPOEJUJPOTMJLFMZUPGPSDFBTQJMMPOTIPSF conditional probability plots for a 1,000 m3 surface oil spill 12 hours and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after a release during the entire year are r 8JUIPVUEJTQFSTBOUBQQMJDBUJPO OPJOUFSWFOUJPO shown on Figures 5.22, 5.23 and 5.24. The risk of a 1,000 m3 spill Modelling for this scenario indicated that persistent northerly of crude oil is an extremely unlikely event (conservatively, maximum wind events are very infrequent. In the non-cyclone period (May to potential frequency of once every 10,000 years). September), only two such events were found during the June to July

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 207 period over the five-year analysis (see Figure 5.13). Cyclonic wind and water. This results in the formation of finely dispersed oil droplets, data was excluded for this modelling on the basis that the FPSO will SFEVDJOHUIFTMJDLTJ[FBOEJOIJCJUJOHBOZPJMESPQMFUTSFGPSNJOHPO disconnect and sail away before the onset of cyclonic winds. The two the surface as a slick. The oil droplets are then dispersed into the top main meteorological events that produce northerly quadrant winds surface section of the water column where they are further broken are: down by the processes of sedimentation and biodegradation (see Section 5.9.5 for further information on dispersants). r "TUSPOHIJHIQSFTTVSFSJEHFBMPOHUIF1JMCBSBDPBTU XIJDIPDDVST in winter when there is a surge of cold south easterlies from higher Dispersant application to offshore areas once a spill has occurred latitudes across the western part of the continent resulting in XPVMESFTVMUJOBSFEVDUJPOPGUIFTJ[FPGUIFTVSGBDFTMJDLBOEGVSUIFS rising pressure. The ridge can then generate northerly winds on its reduce the risk of oil contacting the coastline. Such application western flank over the Van Gogh area, but the ridge will generally would also result in a lowering of the peak concentration of oil at the not persist for long as it begins eroding due to warm air flow from surface at all times of the year so that, should any oil reach sensitive the east. areas, it would be below acute toxicity levels.

r 5IFJODVSTJPOPGBDPMEGSPOUGSPNMPXFSMBUJUVEFTNPWJOHVQUIF The contour plots have not shown the effect of dispersant application west coast. as it is not greatly beneficial in reducing the conditional probability of an oil spill as the plots are not related to the spatial extent of a 5IFNPEFMMJOHPGUIJTTDFOBSJPJOEJDBUFEUIBUCFUXFFOUPPGB spill. While the application of dispersants will reduce the surface 1,000 m3 spill in June to July would enter Ningaloo Marine Park, but area occupied by the spill and therefore the overall exposure of none would reach the coast (or reef). the offshore area, the same probability contour may still overlap a To create a “worst-case” event whereby oil does reach the reef or coast particular location. within about 72 hours (3 days), a situation has to be constructed so Summary of Modelling Results that the 1,000 m3 oil spill occurs exactly at the commencement of a very unusual period of persistent fresh northerly winds (averaging Modelling results show that oil and diesel spills, under all scenarios, around 20 knots for the period). Each of the 500 surface crude oil spill do not reach the coast, Ningaloo Reef or the Muiron Islands Marine simulations for the June to July months were individually reviewed Management Area. The only scenario where a crude oil spill may to determine how many actually entered Ningaloo Marine Park at enter the Ningaloo Marine Park is associated with an extremely concentrations above the threshold concentration. The modelled unlikely event, being a large volume spill, with persistent northerly results in Figures 5.25 show a 1,000 m3 oil spill travelling along the winds averaging 20 knots. The results illustrate that: western side of the North West Cape as far south as Yardie Creek and r "MMPUIFSTDFOBSJPTXIFSFDSVEFPJMSFBDIFT/JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSL Winderabandi Point after 3 days. It is estimated that winds of 7.7 to are for the June to July period only. NT UPLOPUT XPVMEOFFEUPQFSTJTUGPSIPVSTCFGPSFPJM would enter Ningaloo Marine Park. r 5IFSFJTOPSJTLPGBN3 oil spill entering the Ningaloo Marine Park. Dispersant Effects r 5IF DIBODF PG BO PJM TQJMM FOUFSJOH /JOHBMPP .BSJOF 1BSL GSPNB In the review of the oil spill modelling results, no allowance was made 1,000 m3 surface spill is no greater than 5 in 1,000,000 years (after 7 for intervention or response measures to combat or minimise any oil days). spill. One such measure is the application of chemical dispersants. These dispersants are commonly referred to as surfactants and, when A summary of the diesel and crude oil spill fate and trajectory results sprayed onto the oil spill, reduce the interfacial tension between oil is presented in Table 5.35.

Table 5.35 Summary of diesel and crude oil spill fate and trajectory results

# Volume Release Point Intervention Modelling Results – chance of reaching Ningaloo Marine Park at concentrations above the threshold Diesel oil 1 10 m3 Surface None Zero probability 2 100 m3 Surface None Zero probability Crude oil 3 None Zero probability 100 m3 Surface Dispersant Zero probability 5 None Zero probability 100 m3 Seabed %JTQFSTBOUBUIST Zero probability 7 None 5 in 1,000,000 years* 1,000 m3 Surface %JTQFSTBOUBUIST 5 in 1,000,000 years*

* Applicable to the June to July period only.

208 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.14 Impact probability contours for a 10 m3 diesel surface spill during June to July, no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000 years 2 in 1,000 years 5 in 1,000 years 10 in 1,000 years 20 in 1,000 years

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 209 Figure 5.15 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 diesel surface spill during June to July, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

210 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.16 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil surface spill during January to February, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 211 Figure 5.17 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil surface spill during March to May, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

212 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.18 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil surface spill during June to July, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 213 Figure 5.19 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil subsea leak during January to February, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

214 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.20 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil subsea leak during March to May, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 215 Figure 5.21 Impact probability contours for a 100 m3 crude oil subsea leak during June to July, no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

216 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.22 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface spill during January to February, no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 217 Figure 5.23 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface leak during March to May, no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

218 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.24 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface spill during June to July, no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 219 Figure 5.24 Impact probability contours for a 1,000 m3 crude oil surface spill during June to July, no intervention (cont'd)

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

220 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 5.25 Concentrations for a worst-case spill scenario of 1,000 m3 of crude oil at surface during June to July with no intervention

Oil Concentration 10 grams per sqm 20 grams per sqm 50 grams per sqm

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 221 5.9.10 Known or Potential Biodiversity Impacts Long-term mesocosm experiments, which more closely approximate Associated with Hydrocarbon Spills “real world” conditions, have demonstrated a marked reduction in copepod populations after chronic exposure to hydrocarbon A combination of many factors influence the extent and severity of the biodiversity impacts associated with a hydrocarbon spill, concentrations as low as 0.015 mg/l. Oviatt et al GPVOEUIBU/P including: GVFMPJMIBEBTJHOJGJDBOUFGGFDUPOQIZUPQMBOLUPOBOE[PPQMBOLUPO community structure at concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/l. More recent r 5ZQFPGPJM studies investigating developmental effects (Carls et al )FJOU[ r 5PUBMTQJMMWPMVNF et al., 1999) have demonstrated adverse toxic effects to salmon and herring embryos and larvae from chronic exposure to hydrocarbon r #JPMPHJDBMBOEQIZTJDBMDIBSBDUFSJTUJDTPGBOBSFB concentrations in produced formation water of 0.001 mg/l. r 4QFDJFTQSFTFOU Toxicity testing undertaken by various organisations has identified r 5JNFPGZFBS TFBTPO diesel as being toxic to a variety of marine species. The typical range r 4QJMMSFTQPOTFVOEFSUBLFO of reported toxic concentrations for a range of standard toxicological

testing protocols (LC50, EL50 and IL50) varies from approximately 3 to Depending on the extent and severity of a hydrocarbon spill, the NHM $0/$"8& %JFTFMGVFMBQQFBSTUPSFUBJOJUTUPYJDJUZ impacts on biodiversity can include: during weathering due to the slow loss of light ends. In addition, the r -FUIBMPSTVCMFUIBMUPYJDFíFDUTPOóPSBBOEGBVOB additives used to improve certain properties of diesel (e.g., ignition quality and flow) contribute to the toxicity of the diesel oil. r 1IZTJDBMFíFDUT TVDIBTTNPUIFSJOHPGóPSBBOEGBVOB Biomagnification is the process by which tissue concentrations of r 1IZTJDBMBOEDIFNJDBMBMUFSBUJPOPGIBCJUBUT a bioaccumulated substance increase as a substance passes up the r $IBOHFTJOFDPTZTUFNDPNQPTJUJPOBOEBCVOEBODF food chain through at least two trophic levels. Biomagnification is Many of these impacts are only realised if the oil reaches a coastline. a concern for synthetic organics and for some metals, such as lead The major impacts of hydrocarbon spills on biodiversity are discussed and mercury. Bioaccumulation of hydrocarbon compounds has been in this section. observed to occur in the laboratory but only at concentrations far in FYDFTTPGUIBUMJLFMZUPPDDVSJOUIFGJFME #FSSZ 5IJTJTCFDBVTF Toxicity and Bioavailability naturally occurring hydrocarbons can be broken down into simpler Numerous studies have been published describing the toxicities components by an organism’s metabolic processes. It is very unlikely of crude oils and hydrocarbon compounds. The common theme that biomagnification of the crude oils of the type found in the repeated in the findings of these is that observed toxicity of crude and Exmouth Sub-basin would occur. refined oils is primarily due to the volatile and water-soluble aromatic Physical Effects IZESPDBSCPOT CFO[FOFT OBQIUIBMFOFTBOEQIFOBOUISFOFT BOEUIF higher molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to toxic effects, the physical effects of hydrocarbons can result in mortality and sublethal impacts to marine biota. Physical The most toxic components in oil have the highest solubility in water effects include coating or smothering by oil, leading, in cases of but also tend to be those that are lost rapidly through evaporation when oil is spilt. Because of this, lethal concentrations of toxic severe contamination, to death through the prevention of normal components leading to large-scale, toxicity-induced mortalities of functions, such as feeding, insulation, respiration and movement. As marine life are relatively rare, localised and short-lived and are only damage is caused by physical contact, the animals and plants at most likely to be associated with spills of light refined products or fresh risk are those that could come into contact with a contaminated sea crude. At particular risk are animals and plants living in areas of poor surface. Within this category are: water exchange or where special conditions, such as incorporation of r 1MBOLUPO fresh oil in stable sediments, cause high concentrations of the toxic components to persist for a longer period than normal. r .BSJOFNBNNBMTBOESFQUJMFT

The sublethal effects of hydrocarbons in impairing the ability of r .BSJOFSFQUJMFT UVSUMFTBOETFBTOBLFT individual marine organisms to reproduce, grow, feed or perform r 'JTI other functions have been demonstrated experimentally by numerous controlled laboratory studies and a smaller number of r $PSBM controlled field studies. The interpretation of these laboratory results r .BOHSPWFT"MHBFBOETFBHSBTTFT is somewhat problematic because of the difficulties associated with r 3PDLZTIPSFCJPUJDBTTFNCMBHFT relating what effect the loss of a small portion of embryos and larvae would have on a species’ population. r 4FBCJSds.

222 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Plankton. The effects of oil on plankton (the term used to describe Small doses of oil have been shown to cause acute fatal pneumonia small plants and animals of many species that float or drift in the in mammals when aspirated. Studies on effects of petroleum vapours water, especially at or near the surface, such as algae and coral on terrestrial mammals and seals showed (in cases of prolonged larvae) have been well studied in controlled laboratory and field exposures and high concentrations) absorption of hydrocarbons in situations. The different life stages of a species often show widely organs and other tissues, as well as damage to the brain and central different tolerances and reactions to oil pollution (Harrison, 1999). nervous system. However, short-term inhalation of petroleum Usually the eggs, larval and juvenile stages will be more susceptible vapours at concentrations similar to those found in oceanic oil spills than the adults. may not be necessarily detrimental either in terms of structural tissue Impacts on plankton can have wide ranging repurcussions, as damage or respiratory gas exchange. they form the basis of most marine food webs, although plankton Ingested oil, particularly the lighter fractions, can be toxic to marine exhibit high natural mortality and are very patchy both spatially and mammals. Ingested oil can remain within the gastro-intestinal tract temporally. and be absorbed into the bloodstream and thus irritate or destroy Post-spill studies on plankton populations are few, but those that epithelial cells in the stomach and intestine. Dispersed oil is unlikely have been done have shown either no effects or temporary minor to cause any effect to whales or dolphins due to the low toxicity of FGGFDUT ,VOIPME 5IFQSJNFSFBTPOQVUGPSXBSEUPFYQMBJOUIF dispersed oils, low period of exposure that could occur and the low lack of observed effects is that many marine species produce very dosage of oil that may be received. Oiled seagrass may be ingested by large numbers of eggs and larval stages to overcome natural losses dugongs, , but this vegetation community restricted to the southern (such as through predation by other animals, adverse hydrographic and eastern margins of the Exmouth Gulf in waters less than 2.5 m and climatic conditions, or failure to find a suitable habitat and EFFQ 4USBJUT XIFSFPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHJOEJDBUFTOPJNQBDUXJMM BEFRVBUF GPPE 3BZNPOU 5IFSFGPSF JU JT VOMJLFMZ UIBU BOZ occur. localised losses of eggs or larvae caused by a single oil spill event in the open ocean, such as from the Van Gogh development, would have The way whales and dolphins consume their food may well affect BEJTDFSOJCMFFGGFDUPOUIFTJ[FPSIFBMUIPGGVUVSFBEVMUQPQVMBUJPOT the likelihood of their ingesting oil. Baleen whales, which skim the in the area. In open waters, populations may return to normal within surface, are more likely to ingest oil than toothed whales, which are days of a spill. “gulp feeders”. Spilled oil may also foul the baleen fibres of baleen whales, thereby impairing food-gathering efficiency or resulting in A possible exception to this would be if the oil spill slick were to the ingestion of oil or oil-contaminated prey. Baleen whales may coincide with and be transported to a mass synchronous spawning therefore be vulnerable to oil if feeding. Weathered oil residues from event, such as that which is known to occur for corals over a four to an oil spill event may persist for long periods, causing a potential GJWFEBZQFSJPEJO.BSDI"QSJMJO8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJB 4JNQTPO Recently spawned gametes and larvae would be especially vulnerable risk to baleen whales’ feeding systems. It should be noted that adult to oil spill effects since they are generally positively bouyant and humpback whales, which are seasonally present and relatively would be exposed to surface slicks (Farrell, 1993). However, given abundant in the region, are not thought to feed during their the remote likelihood of this event, the predicted environmental risk migration through the region. to plankton from hydrocarbon spills is negligible even for large oil Some whale and dolphin species live, feed and migrate in small spills. groups while others are predominantly solitary. These feeding and Marine Mammals. Marine mammals in the region, including whales, behavioural differences mean that oil spill impacts will vary and may dolphins and dugongs, surface to breathe air. They are therefore be very seasonal. theoretically vulnerable to exposure to oil spill impacts caused by Studies of bottlenose dolphins, a species common throughout JOUFSTFDUJOH BO BSFB PG PJM TMJDL PO UIF TFB TVSGBDF ".4" the region, found that this species was able to detect and actively These mammals are smooth-skinned and hairless, so oil tends not to avoid a surface slick after a few brief contacts and that there were stick to their skin and since they do not rely on fur for insulation, they no observed adverse effects of the brief contacts with surface slick will not be sensitive to the physical effects of oiling. (Smith et al Marine mammals may suffer eye infections after direct contact with oil, together with surface fouling, as well as impacts related There are no humpback whale breeding or feeding areas in the to direct and indirect ingestion and inhalation of toxic fumes (NRC, vicinity of the proposed development area. The nearest resting area 7PMLNBOet al 5IJTNBZSFTVMUJOUIFEFBUIPGJOEJWJEVBM is Exmouth Gulf, which is used during the southern migration, with animals and local population decline. activity peaking in September each year. The modelling of worst-case oil spills (see Section 5.9.8) indicates that oil will not reach this area. Whales and dolphins have been observed to avoid surface oil slicks (with dugongs presumed to do the same). Being highly mobile The predicted environmental risk of hydrocarbon spills to whales and species, they would not experience prolonged or sustained exposure dolphins is predicted to be "negligible" for small to medium spills to oil and it is unlikely to result in any significant impact at the local (less than or equal to 100 m3), and "minor" for large spills (less than population level. or equal to 1,000 m3).

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 223 Turtles. There is little documented evidence of the effect of oil on Fish mortality is attributed to toxic effects of ingesting tainted food turtles. Should turtles make contact with a spill, the impact is likely PSXBUFSPSUPTVGGPDBUJPODBVTFECZDMPHHJOHPGUIFHJMMT $MBSL to include oiling of the body as well as irritations caused by contact +POFT 5IFHSFBUFTUEBNBHFUPGJOGJTIXPVMECFEVSJOHBOE with eyes, nasal and other body cavities and possibly ingestion or just after the spawning period when the more sensitive eggs and JOIBMBUJPOPGUPYJDWBQPVST +POFT 1PTUNPSUFNJOWFTUJHBUJPOT larvae may float on the sea surface. The literature and observations on dead loggerhead turtles from the Mediterranean Sea implicated from oil spills indicate that mortalities among pelagic fish and larvae PJMBTBDBVTFPGEFBUIJOBOVNCFSPGDBTFT (SBNFOU[ *OUIFTF BSFMJNJUFEJOTJ[FBOEXJMMIBWFOPNFBTVSBCMFJNQBDUPOGJTITUPDLT cases, tarballs were found in the mouth and gastro-intestinal tract This has generally been attributed to the possibility that pelagic of the turtles, suggesting ingestion of tarballs as a possible cause of fish are able to detect and avoid waters underneath oil spills by death. swimming away from the affected area. For example, 10 months after the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska, there was a record catch of pink Turtles are very vulnerable at beach nesting sites during the salmon, attributable to the oil acting as a fertiliser, which prolonged breeding season. There are several known areas of turtle nesting in the algal bloom that provided food for the fry (Anon, 1990). However, the region of high conservation value. Nesting sites are typically on the oil spill did kill many diving seabirds that would have fed on the sandy beaches, which, if oiled, can lead to the following problems for salmon fry. UVSUMFT ".4" It is not known whether whale sharks would be able to detect and r 0JMNBZCFJOHFTUFEPSBCTPSCFEUISPVHIGPPEDPOUBNJOBUJPOPS avoid oil slicks as has been shown for other fish species. Whale sharks direct physical contact, leading to damage to the digestive tract occasionally feed on plankton near or on the water surface and it and other organs. is possible that they may come into direct contact with oil or even ingest oil if a large-scale spill occurred when they are seasonally r .VDPVTNFNCSBOFT TVDIBTUIPTFJOUIFOPTF UISPBUBOEFZFT present. Given the remote likelihood of an oil spill, the predicted may be irritated, leading to inflammation and infection. environmental risk to fish (including whale sharks) from hydrocarbon r &HHTNBZCFDPOUBNJOBUFE FJUIFSCFDBVTFUIFSFJTPJMJOUIFTBOE spills is predicted to be "negligible" for all spill volumes (less than or high up on the beach at the nesting site or because the adult turtles equal to 1,000 m3). are oiled as they make their way across the oiled beach to the Corals. Experimental studies and field observations have found all nesting site. Oiling of eggs may inhibit their development. species of corals to be sensitive to the effects of oil, although there are r /FXMZ IBUDIFE UVSUMFT BGUFS FNFSHJOH GSPN UIF OFTU NVTU NBLF considerable differences in the degree of tolerance between species their way over the beach to the water and may become oiled, or the (Jackson et al 5IFFGGFDUTPGPJMPODPSBMTSBOHFGSPNTIPSUPS oil may act as a barrier preventing them from reaching the sea. long-term sublethal effects to irreversible tissue necrosis and death. The timing of an oil spill event in relation to other potential sources Hatchlings are at greater risk from an oil spill than adult turtles. They of stress, such as ambient temperature or reproductive stage could are known to ingest oil, and swimming while oiled is likely to affect also have significance in that corals are likely to be more sensitive to their offshore migration after hatching. Hatchlings leaving natal oil spill events at times of physiological stress. beaches disperse quickly, and the density of hatchlings in the open ocean is likely to be very low. In an experiment to observe the effect of direct oiling, Johannes et al. (1972) exposed the upper half of 22 coral species to crude oil for one The environmental risk to turtles from hydrocarbon spills is predicted and a half hours. Oil adhered to the exposed surfaces of most species, to be "negligible" for small to medium diesel spills (less than or equal and tissue death ensued in these areas but not where there was no oil 3 to 100 m ) and "acceptable" for large crude oil spills (less than or adhesion. Branching corals, such as Acropora and Pocillopora, appear equal to1,000 m3). to be more sensitive than other morphological types. Differences in Seasnakes. No information is available regarding the susceptibility or sensitivities may be due to the ease with which oil adheres to the sensitivity of seasnakes to oil spills. Seasnakes surface to breathe air coral structures, the degree of mucous production and self-cleaning and may be vulnerable to oil spills. However, it is considered that even or simply different physiological tolerances. taking a precautionary approach, the predicted environmental risk The water-accommodated fractions of oil can produce lethal and to seasnakes from hydrocarbon spills is expected to be "negligible" TVCMFUIBMFGGFDUTJODPSBMT -PZBBOE3JOLFWJDI %PDVNFOUFE for all spill volumes (less than or equal to 1,000 m3). sublethal effects for adult colonies include increased mucous Fish. The toxicity of dissolved hydrocarbons and dispersed oil to fish production, decreased growth rates, changes in feeding behaviours species has been the subject of a large number of laboratory studies. BOEFYQVMTJPOPG[PPYBOUIFMMBF 1FUFSTet al ,OBQet al (FOFSBMMZ DPODFOUSBUJPOTJOUIFSBOHFPGUPNHMEJTQFSTFE Adult coral colonies impacted by oil may also be more susceptible oil have been shown to cause fish deaths in laboratory experiments to colonisation and overgrowth by algae or to epidemic diseases

IPVS -$50), while a range of sublethal responses have been (Jackson et al 5IF SBOHF PG DPODFOUSBUJPOT PG XBUFS illustrated at concentrations down to about 0.01 μg/l. accommodated hydrocarbons reported to cause lethal responses

224 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development in corals are, however, generally higher than would occur in field Mangroves are considered to be an important component of tropical situations. This perhaps explains why subtidal coral communities are ecosystems as they provide nursery areas for a wide range of marine not usually affected by single-impact, oil spill events (Greenpeace, species and are a source of organic matter and nutrients. The isolated %PXOJOHBOE3PCFSUT *OPOFFYQFSJNFOU (SBOU stands of mangroves at Mangrove Bay, although relatively small, crude oil was floated over several species of coral in aquaria for seven would be of high ecological importance because they are one of the days. At the conclusion of the experiment, the corals were alive and few stands of mangroves on the coast of Ningaloo Marine Park. apparently unaffected. Under field conditions, subtidal corals have been found to be less sensitive to oil, with corals at depths greater Given the remote likelihood of an oil spill occurring and reaching than 3 m exhibiting no significant differences in cover over time this isolated stand of mangroves, the environmental risk from when compared to control sites (Jackson et al hydrocarbon spills is predicted to be "negligible" for small to medium spills (less than or equal to 100 m3) and "acceptable” for large spills The larvae of corals are more sensitive to dissolved oils than are (less than or equal to 1,000 m3). adult colonies. Lethal and sublethal effects of water-accommodated fractions of oils have been reported for coral gametes at much lesser Algae and Seagrasses. The effect of hydrocarbons on algae and concentrations than predicted for adult colonies (Heyward et al., seagrasses is largely dependent on the degree of direct exposure )BSSJTPO &QTUFJOet al., 2000). and how much of the hydrocarbon adheres to them. Seagrass beds and algae will survive an oil spill provided there is no actual coating. Corals on the reef front and reef edge and in deeper lagoonal areas would not be exposed to direct oiling and consequently are The morphological features of the algae, such as the presence of considered unlikely to suffer any significant impacts. Should a spill a mucilage layer or the presence of fine “hairs” will influence the occur, corals on the reef flat and intertidal areas may be exposed amount of hydrocarbon that will adhere to the algae. A review of to direct oiling, but only if the spill reaches coastal areas and if the GJFMETUVEJFTDPOEVDUFEBGUFSTQJMMFWFOUTCZ$POOFMMBOE.JMMFS oil becomes stranded as the tide falls. In such circumstances, major JOEJDBUFE B IJHI EFHSFF PG WBSJBCJMJUZ JO MFWFM PG JNQBDU CVU JO BMM impacts may occur to these corals. instances, the algae appeared to be able to recover rapidly from even Given the remote likelihood of an oil spill, the environmental risk very heavy oiling. They attributed the rapid recovery of algae to the to corals from hydrocarbon spills is predicted to be "negligible" for fact that, for most algae, new growth is produced from near the base small to medium spills (less than or equal to 100 m3) and "acceptable" of the plant, while the distal parts (which would be exposed to the oil for large spills (less than or equal to 1,000 m3). contamination) are continually lost. Rapid regeneration of seagrass has also been observed after oil spills (AGC Woodward-Clyde, 1992). Mangroves. The sensitivity of mangroves to oil spills has been well recorded, with extensive defoliation and sometimes mortality being A heavy oiling of medium crude oil in Panama resulted in the loss of OPUFEBUBOVNCFSPGTQJMMT5IFTFTQJMMTIBWFWBSJFEJOTJ[F PJMUZQF algae on coastal reefs. Within two months, algal cover had “recovered” degree of oiling and mangrove species. to a level in excess of the seasonal average, although species In general, damage occurs through the smothering of lenticels composition had changed (Cubit et al 5IFUJNFOFDFTTBSZGPS (mangrove breathing pores) on pneumatophores, or prop roots, or recovery of species diversity and community structure is not known. by the loss of leaves due to chemical burning (Duke et al., 1999). A Laboratory tests have illustrated the sensitivity of seagrasses to comprehensive review of the literature on the impacts of oil spills both surface oil and dissolved or physically dispersed hydrocarbons on mBOHSPWFT XBT DPOEVDUFE CZ 5IPSIBVH GSPN XIJDI JU )BUDIFSBOE-BSLVN #BDBBOE(FUUFS 4USFTTSFTQPOTF was concluded that, while defoliation of mangroves was a common has also been demonstrated for seagrass at low hydrocarbon occurrence, massive mortality was not always the ultimate outcome. concentrations similar to that expected to occur in oil spill situations .BOHSPWFEFBUIJTQSFEJDUFEXIFOFWFSNPSFUIBOPGUIFMFBWFT (Thorhaug et al., 1991). The susceptibility of seagrass to hydrocarbon BSF MPTU &WBOT *U JT BMTP LOPXO UIBU NBOHSPWFT UBLF VQ spills will depend largely on their distribution. Deeper communities IZESPDBSCPOTGSPNPJMUIBUJNQBDUTMFBWFT SPPUTPSTFEJNFOUTBOEJU will be protected from oiling under all but the most extreme weather is suspected that this uptake causes defoliation through leaf damage conditions. Shallow seagrasses are more likely to be affected by and tree death (Wardrop et al dispersed oil droplets or, in the case of seagrasses that emerge Mangrove communities typically occur in sheltered area of low wave above the sea surface, direct oiling. Intertidal seagrass communities energy, making retention of oil within the sediments a potentially would theoretically be the most susceptible because the leaves and long-term problem. Retention of oil in the substrate may result in SIJ[PNFTNBZCPUICFBGGFDUFE chronic exposure to oil due to the flushing of retained oil out of Given the remote likelihood of an oil spill occurring and reaching the sediment over each tidal cycle. The burrows of organisms and coastal areas, the environmental risk to algae and seagrasses from the roots of trees also act as a conduit for light oils, allowing the hydrocarbon spills is predicted to be "negligible" for all spill volumes penetration of oil deep into the sediment. (less than or equal to 1,000 m3).

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 225 Rocky Shore Biotic Assemblages. Algae and immobile benthic shoreline feeding or resting species are generally a less common, but animals that colonise intertidal rocky shores are vulnerable to oil still frequent, outcome of oil spill impact. spills. Filter feeders, such as molluscs, are especially liable to ingest There are many examples of oil spills having caused large bird oil with lethal and sublethal effects. The latter include alteration in mortalities, leading to concern for the survival of populations. respiration rates, decreases in filter feeding activity, reduced growth Many seabirds have long lives, delayed maturity and low rates of rates, biochemical effects, increased predation, reproductive failure reproduction. The combination of these factors can act to hinder the and mechanical destruction by waves due to inability to maintain rate of population recovery following mass mortalities caused by their hold on substrates (Ballou et al $POOFMM BOE .JMMFS a spill event (Lance et al., 2001). Seabird populations from isolated colonies with limited potential for recolonisation from elsewhere and The effect of oil on rocky shores tends to be minor, and recovery rates those exposed to other stresses, for example those at the limit of their BSFSBQJE UPZFBST EVFUPUIFIJHIFOFSHZMFWFM GSPNXBWFT geographical range or suffering the loss of habitat in other areas of which helps break down the oil, and the fact that oil does not stick their migratory range, would be expected to be most vulnerable to easily to rock surfaces (IPIECA, 2000). severe population impacts.

Given the remote likelihood of an oil spill occurring and reaching The potential exists for a large number of mortalities of seabirds in coastal areas, the environmental risk to rocky shore and limestone the event of a large to very large oil spill occurring. The species with platform biotic assemblages from hydrocarbon spills is predicted to highest potential to be impacted are those that feed at sea near or on 3 be negligible for all spill volumes (less than or equal to 1,000 m ). UIFXBUFSTVSGBDF4FWFSBMPGUIFTFTQFDJFT OPUBCMZUIFXFEHFUBJMFE Seabirds. Birds that congregate in large numbers on the sea or shearwater, bridled tern and petrels) have relatively long fledgling shorelines to breed, feed or moult are particularly vulnerable to periods and low rates of reproduction and are under stress from loss oil pollution. Although oil ingested by birds during preening may of habitat in other parts of their migratory range. be lethal, the most common cause of death is from drowning, loss Consequently, the environmental impact of an oil spill event on local of body heat and starvation following damage to the plumage by populations of these seabirds should they be exposed to a large or oil. Birds rely on the air trapped within their feathers to provide very large oil spill may be significant. However, given the remote insulation and bouyancy. Feathers and down matted with oil lose likelihood of a large oil spill event occurring, the environmental risk their bouyancy and insulating properties often leading to death by to seabirds from hydrocarbon spills is predicted to be negligible for drowning or hypothermia. all crude and diesel spill volumes (less than or equal to 1,000 m3). A seabird’s immediate response to oiling is to preen itself. It has been Summary of Oil Impacts on Biodiversity shown that seabirds are able to preen themselves to remove small amounts of adhered oil (Birkhead et al., 1973). But, as it preens at its A summary of the impact of diesel and crude oil impacts on the oily feathers, the bird also inhales or swallows toxic compounds that biodiversity outlined in this section is presented in Table 5.36. may damage its liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines, and other internal organs, causing lethal or sublethal effects (Piatt et al., 1990). The 5.9.11 Mitigation and Management Measures for effect of oil on the different life stages of seabirds has been the Hydrocarbon Spills subject of several studies. Oil ingested by nesting birds may reduce The main measures to mitigate diesel and crude oil spills are: the fertility of eggs that are laid (Grau et al., 1977). In addition, small quantities of oil from the feathers of an incubating bird may pass r 5IFGBDJMJUZJOUFHSJUZ through the pores in eggshells and either kill the embryos or induce - Initial design (e.g., double-sided hull). BCOPSNBMJUJFT "MCFST 1JBUU et al., 1990). The rate of weight gain by young chicks has been found to be reduced for gull chicks - Sea stability FPSO model testing. exposed to oil (Peakall et al - Shutdown systems.

Within the proposed development area, seabirds may be exposed - Double-carcass offloading hose. to oil, in the event of an oil slick occurring, through feeding or - Corrosion protection. contact with oil adhered to other surfaces. Many seabirds found in the proposed development area feed by picking or snatching prey %5.CVPZUPCFTVCNFSHFENCFMPXTFBTVSGBDFEVSJOH from, at or near the water surface (for example, frigate birds and disconnections to avoid vessel collisions. noddies) or while paddling on the water (wedge-tailed shearwaters r 5IFJNQMFNFOUBUJPOPGTPVOEDPNNJTTJPOJOHBOEPQFSBUJOH and petrels are examples) and in doing so can contact oil on the sea procedures: surface. Accounts of seabird mortalities from oil spill events indicate that seabirds with these types of feeding habits are the most likely - Cyclone monitoring and related procedures. to be severely affected (Leighton, 1995). Other seabirds, such as the r 0OHPJOHNBJOUFOBODF pied oystercatcher and common seagull, may contact oil adhered to algae or the shoreline during feeding or resting. Mortalities among - Integrity testing of equipment.

226 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.36 Summary of the impacts of spilled oil on biodiversity

Resource Importance Impact Recovery Time Plankton Component of marine food chain. Primary Major impact will be to plankton on surface of water where Immediate. producers. Many marine species have larval oil is located. Plankton in water column may be affected, as Spatial movement and form in plankton. light crude oil is somewhat soluble. effective reproductive strategies will result in rapid recovery. Subtidal seabed Potentially high biological productivity. Effect minimal except in shallower waters where oil may 1 year. areas Feeding grounds for turtles, dugongs and fish. reach the seabed. Toxic components in oil may affect flora Rapid recovery due and fauna. Heavier oil may persist in sand sediment for to spatial movement period of time. of animals and high reproductive capacity of colonising species. Rocky intertidal Dominated by oysters and barnacles. Includes Damage by smothering or toxic effects. Oil does not stick UPZFBST shores array of other fauna and flora. Rock platforms easily to rock for long periods of time. Low potential for used by birds. oil accumulation except in crevices and pools. Natural cleansing by waves reduces persistence of oil. Tidal mud flats Supports mangrove communities. High Oil may not penetrate very deep due to fine sediment. 2-10 years. productivity. Feeding grounds for wading Burrows of animals may act as pathways for oil, assisting Dependent on birds. penetration. Severe impact to fauna may lead to reduced penetration of oil and food supply for wading birds. tolerance of animals. Sandy beaches Turtle nesting grounds, associated fish species Accumulated oil may affect nesting turtles or hatchlings on 2 to 10 years. in shallow waters off sandy beaches. their way to the ocean. Some oil may penetrate into sand Dependent on and persist for a period of time. Seepage of accumulated oil penetration and may impact fauna. accumulation of oil. Algae and Stabilise shoreline and seabed. Highly Algae is considered to be relatively resilient to oil. Intertidal Algae: 1 year. seagrass beds productive. Food source for turtles and seagrass beds most prone to damage. Tolerance to oil varies Seagrass: 1 year to dugongs. Nursery grounds for marine amongst species. Depressed growth rate, leaves turning decades. invertebrates. Provide shelter. Important brown, covering by algae are reported responses. Animals primary producer in the food chain. associated with seagrasses could be heavily impacted. Corals Provide habitat for high density and diversity Minimal impact if coral remains submerged and oil is mixed 1 year to decades. of animals. Nurseries for many fish. Basis of in the water column. Localised tissue rupture, increased local tourism industry. algae growth, excessive mucous production are potential responses. If coral dies, habitat composition may change to predominantly algae. Some corals long lived and slow growing. Recovery dependent on recruitment success. Mangroves Highly productive. Source of food and shelter Oil may persist for a long time in sediment, especially where Trees: 10 to 50 years. for wide diversity of organisms. Nursery penetration has occurred (i.e., down animal burrows). Fauna: 2 to 5 years. grounds for some marine species. Stabilise Response range from defoliation, chlorosis and death of shoreline. trees due to toxic impact. Infauna may be decimated by oil due to its toxicity. Fish Commercial and recreational value. Low risk of impact to adults in open water due to mobility. Years in enclosed Contribute to food chain. Toxic component may cause tainting or death to fish in waters. sheltered waters. Larvae and eggs floating on surface prone to impact. Oil that contacts fin fish or invertebrate fisheries (crabs, crayfish, prawns) can cause direct mortality or sublethal effects that may inhibit growth and reproduction. Decimation of stocks may result in economic impact. Seabirds Important higher level consumer in the food Damage to plumage and ingestion. Slow to medium chain. recovery depending on reproductive potential. Turtles Add to conservation status and biodiversity to May be prone to eye infections if contact made with oil. Slow recovery. area. Food source to indigenous people. Mobile and can therefore avoid oil. Greatest impact will be to nesting turtles and hatchlings. May ingest oil while feeding. Marine animals Add to conservation status and biodiversity Appear to be able to avoid oil. However, if come into Slow recovery. of area. contact, may suffer eye infections, skin irritations, inhalation of fumes, ingestion of oil. Dugongs may be affected if food source impacted.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 227 - Regular ROV inspection of subsea infrastructure. navigation and communication systems designed to avoid collisions (see Section 2.4.3) will be in place. The offloading hawser will be - Corrosion monitoring. fitted with a quick-release mechanism and load-monitoring cell. - Blow-out preventers to be used during workovers. In the unlikely event of an oil spill occurring, the prevailing wind and Once installation of the subsea infrastructure and FPSO is completed, current conditions and the distance of the proposed development Apache will notify the Australian Hydrographic Office of the locations from Ningaloo Marine Park, Muiron Islands Marine Management of all subsea and surface infrastructure, who in turn will provide an Area and the coast will mitigate the potential environmental effect Issue of Notice to Mariners and change the Australian Navigational of any crude oil or diesel spill. Crude oil and diesel spill modelling has Charts to reflect the new infrastructure. This will minimise the chances been undertaken for various potential spill scenarios to examine the of passing vessels not being aware of the development. risk to the environment and to develop response plans.

Offtake tankers will be subject to Apache’s vetting procedures, which The P(SL) Act requires that an accepted Emergency Response Plan, review the technical, operational and maintenance practices on which includes an Oil Spill Contingency Plan, must be in place before the trading tanker prior to it being chartered. In addition, crude oil any petroleum activities commence. offloading operations will be monitored by a marine pilot onboard Apache’s priorities in the event of an oil spill associated with the Van the offtake tanker. Crude oil offloading procedures will be developed, Gogh development, or any of the support services, are to: with the main elements being: r &OTVSFUIFTBGFUZPGBMMQFSTPOOFM r 5IFDPOUSPMPGUIFPíUBLFUBOLFSCZBUIJSEQBSUZNBSJOFQJMPU r .JOJNJTF UIF JNQBDU PO UIF FOWJSPONFOU UISPVHI UJNFMZ BOE r 6TFPGTUBUJDUPXCZBTVQQPSUWFTTFM effective management.

r 6TFPGESZCSFBLDPVQMJOHTPODSVEFUSBOTGFSIPTFT r .JOJNJTFQPUFOUJBMMPTTFTPSEBNBHFUPFRVJQNFOUBOEBTTFUT

r 'MVTIJOHPGUIFDSVEFUSBOTGFSIPTFCBDLUPUIF'140BGUFSFBDI r .JOJNJTFEJTSVQUJPOUPXPSLBDUJWJUJFT crude transfer. Content of Oil Spill Contingency Plan r &OTVSJOHPJMBCTPSCFOUNBUFSJBMBOETQJMMDMFBOVQNBUFSJBMJT The purpose of an Oil Spill Contingency Plan is to provide details of available at key locations on all vessels. organisational responsibilities, actions, reporting requirements and There will be minimal use of diesel on the FPSO, with diesel refuelling resources available to ensure effective and timely management of an anticipated to be in the order of three times per year. Refuelling oil spill. Apache will modify its existing Oil Spill Contingency Plan for procedures will be developed for all vessels, with the main elements the North West Shelf to include information relevant to the Exmouth being: region. This plan as it currently stands is already DoIR-approved and is consistent with the NATPLAN and the Western Australian Marine r %BZUJNFSFGVFMMJOHPOMZ Oil Pollution Management Plan. The plan will be updated for the r $BMNTFBSFGVFMMJOHPOMZ Exmouth region to include:

r 3BEJPDPNNVOJDBUJPOTCFUXFFOCVOLFSJOHTUBUJPO CBSHF r &NFSHFODZQSPDFEVSFTGPSOPUJñDBUJPOBOEJNNFEJBUFSFTQPOTFJO engineer, engine room and supply vessel. the event of a spill.

r 'JUUJOHESZCSFBLDPVQMJOHTPOCVOLFSJOHIPTFT r %FñOJUJPOTPGUIFSPMFTBOESFTQPOTJCJMJUJFTPGQFSTPOOFMJOUIFFWFOU of a spill response. r 3FHVMBSMZJOTQFDUJOHCVOLFSJOHIPTFT r 1SPDFEVSFTUPEFBMXJUIBOPJMTQJMM r 6OEFSUBLJOHSPVUJOFNBJOUFOBODFPGSFGVFMMJOHFRVJQNFOU r %FTDSJQUJPOPGUIFFYUFSOBMSFTPVSDFTBWBJMBCMFGPSVTFJODPNCBUJOH r "HSFFNFOUCFUXFFOWFTTFMTPORVBOUJUZPGGVFMUSBOTGFS an oil spill and how these resources are to be contacted. r $PNNFODFNFOUPGCVOLFSJOHBUBNJOJNVNQVNQJOHSBUF Oil Spill Response Resources r .POJUPSJOHPGTVQQMZMJOFQSFTTVSF Stocks of absorbent material and spill response equipment, including r &OTVSJOHPJMBCTPSCFOUNBUFSJBMBOETQJMMDMFBOVQNBUFSJBMJT dispersants, will be located on the FPSO and at Exmouth and available at key locations on all vessels. Dampier. The FPSO’s support vessel will also have oil spill response equipment. Apache has the capability to initiate real-time oil spill Industry standard subsea infrastructure, such as wellheads and fate and trajectory modelling as part of its Oil Spill Contingency Plan flowlines, and an industry standard mooring and FPSO will be so that the spill can be monitored and responses optimised. employed, together with third-party auditing and verification. Each component of the proposed development will be designed to meet The Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC) is a wholly owned the environmental conditions of the area described in Chapter 4, and subsidiary of the Australian Institute of Petroleum Ltd and is totally

228 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 5.37 Triggers for determining Oil Spill Response Tier

Spill size Tier 1 (less than 10 tonnes) Tier 2 (11 to 1,000 tonnes) Tier 3 (greater than 1,000 tonnes) Potential for Low (not significant) Moderate (local or short-term High (regional or long-term environmental significance) significance) damage Resources mobilised to respond to spill Local facility or port Regional State National (AMOSC) National (AMSA) International

4PVSDF%1* Key: Possibly or partially mobilised Mobilised or likely to be mobilised managed and funded by the Australian oil industry. There are - 300 m self-buoyant boom (e.g., structure flex). nine participating oil companies, including Apache. AMOSC was NTFMGJOóBUJOHCPPN FH [PPNCPPN established in 1990 to provide the equipment and trained personnel required to respond to a major oil spill off the Australian coast. This - 20 m beach guardian boom. FRVJQNFOUBOEUIFUSBJOFETUBGGBSFPODBMMIPVSTBEBZ BOEUIFZ NTPSCFOUCPPN can be at the scene of a spill anywhere off Australia’s coasts within 12 r "TTPSUFEBTTPDJBUFEFRVJQNFOU UPIPVSTPGCFJOHDBMMFEPVU5IFTUBOECZGJYFEXJOHBJSDSBGUGPSVTF in dispersant spraying in Western Australia is located in Ballidu, about This equipment can be rapidly deployed by Boeing personnel trained IPVSTGMZJOHUJNFGSPN&YNPVUI*OUIFFWFOUUIBUUIFBQQMJDBUJPOPG in an oil spill response. This is not likely to be required unless there dispersant is required for an oil spill, this aircraft and others would be is a Tier 3 oil spill that is heading towards the coast, in which case all mobilised through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). available resources will be deployed to combat the spill (see Figure 5.37), including additional oil spill equipment from Dampier and The Australian NATPLAN, managed by AMSA, maintains resources at Fremantle. a number of locations around the coastline. AMSA coordinates large stockpiles of Tier 2 and Tier 3 oil spill response resources (Table 5.37) Small spills at the development's location would be recovered using located in Dampier and Fremantle. A collaboration between AMOSC, oil spill response equipment that will be kept on board the FPSO and Apache, BHP Billiton and Woodside has also established greater the offtake tankers, including boom, absorbent padding and empty oil spill response capability in Exmouth through the purchase and drums to store recovered oil. combined storage of oil spill response equipment. Further ongoing Assistance is also provided by the WA DPI for spills that may impact discussions between these operators, the WA DPI and AMOSC has state waters. AMSA also has a coordinating role in the case of major recently taken place with a view to developing a combined regional spills in Commonwealth waters. response strategy. In the unlikely event that dispersant application is required to The AMSA maintains a state-by-state inventory of oil spill equipment combat an oil spill, the lead combat agency will consult with the LOPXO BT .04&4 NBSJOF PJM TQJMM FRVJQNFOU TZTUFN &RVJQNFOU DEC's Marine Ecosystem Branch to seek approval to do so. Dispersant currently stored in Exmouth, in at Boeing's base, which would suffice would not be applied if it was considered that the dispersed oil would for a Tier 1 spill, includes: become entrained in any reef habitats (the impacts of oil on coral are discussed in Section 5.9.9) based on oil spill trajectory modelling. r -óFYJEBNT UPTUPSFSFDPWFSFEPJM If additional back-up is needed, the AMOSC can call on its international r %JTQFSTBOU UPGh4MJDLHPOFhBOEUPGh$PSFYJUh counterpart based in Singapore (East Asia Response Ltd, or EARL) as r 3PQFNPQ well as the world’s largest spill organisation (Oil Spill Service Centre, or OSSC) located in Southampton, England. Both EARL and OSSC r %JTD4LJNNFS have their own cargo planes on standby and can be at most locations r #PPN XJUIJOIPVSTPGSFDFJWJOHBDBMM

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 229 Exercises and Plan Maintenance Refuelling Spills

Regular emergency response exercises will be carried out as part of The following control and mitigation measures will be implemented the Van Gogh development, including training exercises in Perth, to avoid or reduce the risk of spills and potential environmental as well as on site. The Oil Spill Contingency Plan will be regularly impacts during refuelling at sea. These include: revised and updated as necessary. Improvements in oil spill response methods and equipment types will be taken into account and r '140 EFTJHO FH MFWFM EFWJDFT MPDBUJPO PG PWFSóPXT GSPN UBOLT implemented where practicable. and drainage systems).

Outline of Response r .BOBHFNFOUUISPVHI'140 %1%47 )-7 PSESJMMJOHSJHDPOUSBDUPST All response activities will be integrated with existing Commonwealth marine operations and operating procedures. and Western Australian government and industry response plans. r 3FGVFMMJOH XJMM UBLF QMBDF BXBZ GSPN TFOTJUJWF SFTPVSDFT TIBMMPX A number of options exist for the treatment of oil that has been waters and islands. released into the marine environment. All may be effective to a r 7JTVBMNPOJUPSJOHPGIPTFT DPVQMJOHTBOEUIFTFBTVSGBDFEVSJOH degree depending on the conditions prevailing, type of oil and sensitivity of the receiving environment. The response implemented refuelling. needs be adaptable to the specific conditions of the spill event. r .POJUPSJOHPGGVFMóPXHBVHFTPOCPUISJHBOETVQQPSUWFTTFM Treatment measures include: r 3BEJPDPOUBDUCFUXFFOUIFTVQQPSUWFTTFMBOEUIFSJH r 4VSWFJMMBODF r 6TFPGESZCSFBLDPVQMJOHTEVSJOHSFGVFMMJOH r $POUSPMBOESFDPWFSZ r 6TFPGVOJRVFDPVQMJOHTUPBWPJEDSPTTPWFSPGMJOFT r "QQMJDBUJPOPGEJTQFSTBOU UPCFBCMFUPSFTQPOEFíFDUJWFMZ "QBDIF intends to have dispersants and procedures for their use pre-agreed r %SJQUSBZTVOEFSBMMPOCPBSEDPVQMJOHQPJOUT by AMSA and DoIR as part of the Oil Spill Contingency Plan). r 3FGVFMMJOH POMZ XIFO TFB DPOEJUJPOT BSF TVîDJFOUMZ DBMN BT r 4IPSFMJOFDMFBOVQ determined by both the master of the refuelling vessel and the r #JPSFNediation. marine master aboard the FPSO.

Table 5.38 Summary of predicted residual environmental risks from a hydrocarbon spill from the Van Gogh FPSO

Aspect Diesel Crude Oil 100 m3 ≤ 100 m3 ≤ 1,000 m3 Plankton B B B Whales N N B Dugongs N N B Turtles N N A Sea snakes N N N Fish N N N Corals N N A Mangroves N N A Algae and Seagrasses N N N Rocky Shore and Limestone Platform N N N Seabirds N N N

Key

#mBDDFQUBCMF "mSJTLSFEVDUJPONFBTVSFTSFRVJSFE /mOFHMJHJCMF U - unacceptable Risks takes into account likelihood of spill, potential spill direction of flow, and susceptibility of flora, fauna or habitat to an oil spill, based on their location relative to the Van Gogh FPSO and oil spill modelling.

230 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 5.9.12 Predicted Residual Environmental Risk of an The visual amenity of an offshore oil spill is unlikely to be an issue, Oil Spill given the almost non-existent risk of it coming ashore or being so close to shore that it becomes visible from vantage points, such as The predicted environmental risk to each of the main biological the Vlamingh Head lighthouse. groups from potential hydrocarbon spills is summarised in Table 5.38 below. The range of assessed risks is due primarily to difference In the event of an oil spill large enough to warrant response personnel in likelihood of exposure at different times of the year and secondarily being flown to Exmouth (e.g., Tier 2 or 3), the town will benefit to seasonal differences in sensitivity. economically from a brief injection of funds related to expenditure on accommodation, food and other supplies by companies and 5.9.13 Socio-economic Impacts of Oil Spills personnel involved in cleaning a spill. If this were to occur in the winter period, when tourism is at its peak, the influx of numerous additional A large oil spill could have significant effects on local fisheries or people may stretch the resources of the town and affect it's ability aquacultural operations, but because most fishing activity in the to adequately meet tourists' needs. The impact on future tourism region occurs in the Exmouth Gulf, this risk is negligible. from a spill, due to (negative) media coverage, is difficult to quantify, An oil spill spreading along the western front of the Ningaloo Reef as such coverage may or may not influence a person’s decision to or outer reaches of Ningaloo Marine Park may have a temporary visit the region. If such media coverage resulted in negative public effect on the operations of charter boats and recreational fishing, perception of the region, this is likely to result in a decline in the local although outside the winter period (when an oil spill is likely to tourism-based economy, in that fewer tourists in town (who may move north rather than south), this impact is likely to be negligible. deem that wilderness values have been compromised by an oil spill) Nevertheless, these impacts could range from loss of or impinged may have flow-on effects (likely to be short- to medium-term) to all access to amenities (such as boat ramps), reduction or loss of income industries servicing those tourists (e.g., tourism operators and their from reduced tourist numbers or in fish catch. The actual recreational suppliers, air services and associated industries, restaurants, hotels/ target fish species are unlikely to be affected, as game fish are highly motels, supermarkets and so forth). Impacts on Exmouth residents mobile and so are able to avoid the effects of a spill. If beaches were who may be involved in an oil spill response (directly or indirectly) oiled (a highly unlikely scenario), access to those beaches would are likewise very difficult to determine and may relate to short-term be restricted until such time as oil was removed. This would have loss of income, fatigue, low morale and so forth. negative implications for tourism in the region, which is based on the region's wilderness values. Beaches within Exmouth Gulf would be unaffected.

Chapter 5 : Environmental Impact Assessment | 231 232 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Cumulative Impact Assessment 6

6.1 INTRODUCTION joint venture partner and other proponents in the vicinity), should also be identified and addressed (and include but 6.1.1 Background not be limited to disturbance area, noise, liquid and solid discharges, greenhouse gases, spills and marine pests). Where Stemming from Apache’s consultation process, stakeholder issues relevant to the potential impact, risk assessment should be raised have included concern about the environmental impacts that conducted and documented. To the extent practicable the risk may arise as a result of the proposed Van Gogh development along evaluation should include known potential future expansions with the four other proposed and current FPSO developments in its or developments by Apache Energy, its joint venture partner near vicinity, these being the: and other proponents. r 8PPETJEF&OñFMENganhurra FPSO (operating). A fundamental element of cumulative EIA is to set the scope for the r 8PPETJEF7JODFOU'140 VOEFSDPOTUSVDUJPO assessment. The scope relates to the type of activities, the spatial scale and the time span that will be considered. r #)1#JMMJUPOStybarrow Venture FPSO (operating). Activities. For the purpose of this assessment, the type of activities r #)1#JMMJUPO1ZSFOFFT'140 QMBOOJOHBOEEFTJHO to be considered in the cumulative EIA were determined according These developments have been environmentally approved by the to the following criteria: DEW. By the time the Van Gogh development is in its production r 0OMZUIPTFBDUJWJUJFTUIBUFYJTUPSIBWFBIJHIEFHSFFPGDFSUBJOUZPG phase all but the Pyrenees FPSO will be on location, meaning there proceeding in the future, such as those with construction activities will be five operating FPSOs located in the Exmouth Sub-basin, underway or for which approvals and budget have been obtained, including BHP Biliton's Griffin Venture, about 70km to the northeast have been included. Apache recognises that cumulative impacts can influence the general r )ZQPUIFUJDBMBDUJWJUJFTPSUIPTFBDUJWJUJFTUIBUBSFDPODFQUVBMJO condition or sensitivity of matters protected by the EPBC Act, such as nature have been excluded. listed threatened species, even though the impacts of the proposed activity, when assessed independently, are considered negligible. r "DUJWJUJFTGPSXIJDI"QBDIFIBTMJNJUFEJOGPSNBUJPO JOTVîDJFOUUP conduct reasonable EIA, have been excluded.

6.1.2 Definitions r /POPJMBOEHBTSFMBUFEBDUJWJUJFT TVDIBTñTIJOH UPVSJTN TIJQQJOH Cumulative environmental impacts are defined, for the purpose of and recreational use, are considered to be outside the scope of this this assessment, as changes to the environment that are caused by an Draft PER and have been excluded from the assessment. action in combination with other past, present or foreseeable future Activities that are located a significant distance from the proposed developments. Three different sources of cumulative environmental Van Gogh development, whereby interaction with or influences of impacts have been considered in this assessment, these being: the development are unlikely, have been excluded. These activities "EEJUJWFJNQBDUTmXIFSFTUSFTTPSTGSPNPOFPSNPSFTPVSDFTBDU located either onshore or nearshore in the Exmouth region are additively to increase the level of stress to the environment. outlined in Table 6.1.

*OUFSBDUJWFJNQBDUTmXIFSFTUSFTTPSTGSPNPOFPSNPSFTPVSDFT Spatial Scale. Based on these elements, the following statements interact to produce a new or elevated level of stress to the clarify the spatial scale of this cumulative EIA: environment. r 0OMZUIF7BO(PHI 7JODFOU &OñFME 1ZSFOFFTBOE4UZCBSSPX'140T 4QJOPíJNQBDUTmXIFOPOFUZQFPGBDUJWJUZMFBETUPUIF BSF DPOTJEFSFE JO UIJT BTTFTTNFOU UIFZ BMM PDDVS XJUIJO B LN introduction of another source of stress (unrelated to the project) radius of a point centred on the Ravensworth oil field). to the environment. r #FTJEFT UIF QPUFOUJBM GPS GVSUIFS FYQMPSBUJPO BOE EFWFMPQNFOU within the Notional Development Area (see Figure 1.1) resulting 6.1.3 Scope of the Cumulative Environmental in any possible tie-backs to the Van Gogh FPSO, neither Apache Impact Assessment or its joint venture participant Inpex have any current or future expansions or developments planned for the Exmouth Sub-basin. The scope of the cumulative environmental impact assessment (EIA) is based on the PER Guidelines issued by the Commonwealth DEW. r "QBDIF JT OPU BXBSF PG BOZ GVUVSF FYQBOTJPOT PS EFWFMPQNFOUT Section 5(a)(point 11) of the guidelines states: planned for the Exmouth Sub-basin by the current petroleum operators in the region. The PER must include…Cumulative impacts where potential project impacts are in addition to existing impacts of r 5IF(SJîO7FOUVSF'140JTMPDBUFELNOPSUIFBTUPGUIFQSPQPTFE other activities, (including those known potential future Van Gogh development and is not considered in this assessment expansions or developments by Apache Energy and its because of its significant distance from this new cluster of FPSOs.

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 233 Table 6.1 Proposals in the Exmouth region not considered in the cumulative environmental impact statement

Proponent Proposal Location Proposal Details Strike Oil (Operator, Rivoli gas field 7 km southeast of %FWFMPQNFOUPGUIF3JWPMJHBTñFMEUPTVQQMZQFUBKPVMFT 1+ PGHBTQFSZFBS PWFS XJUIJOUFSFTU Exmouth, in the 20 years) via an onshore pipeline to the Harold E. Holt Defence Communication Exmouth Gulf in EP Station for power generation. First gas targeted for 2009. Status of environmental 325. approvals process is uncertain. Straits Salt Yannarie Solar 50 km east of Construction and operation of a 10 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) solar salt Project Exmouth, on the salt field. Seawater will be pumped into a series of large, shallow concentration ponds flats of the eastern where the water will evaporate, leaving salt, with the aim of not discharging the side of Exmouth resultant brine to the Exmouth Gulf. Stages 1 and 2 will take at least 10 years to Gulf. fully establish. The project footprint covers much of the supratidal salt flats on the eastern side of the gulf. The Environmental Review and Management Program (ERMP) is currently being assessed by the WA EPA.

The location of these five FPSO developments in relation to each other r 1IZTJDBMQSFTFODF and the coastline, and thus the spatial scale at which the cumulative - Surface and subsea footprint. EIA is set, is presented in Figure 6.1. The distances between each of the FPSOs are provided in Table 6.2. - Introduction of marine pests.

Time Span. The time span for the assessment of cumulative r "SUJñDJBMMJHIU environmental impacts has been set from installation of Van Gogh r /PJTF JOGSBTUSVDUVSF UIFGPVSUIRVBSUFSPG VOUJMUIFFOEPGUIF7BO r -JRVJEEJTDIBSHFT Gogh decommissioning process (~ 2020 to 2021). r 4PMJEEJTDIBSHFT

6.1.4 Method r (SFFOIPVTFHBTFTBOEPUIFSBJSFNJTTJPOT The Commonwealth government does not have any published r 0JMTQJMMT guidelines for conducting an assessment of cumulative environmental impacts. The method applied in conducting this assessment of r 4PDJPFDPOPNJD cumulative impacts is based primarily on combining the residual A summary of the cumulative risks is provided in Section 6.10. risks associated with the BHP Billiton and Woodside developments (as outlined in their respective EISs) with those of the proposed Van 6.2 PHYSICAL PRESENCE Gogh development, so that: 5IFQIZTJDBMQSFTFODFPGñWF'140TPQFSBUJOHXJUIJOUPLN Cumulative environmental impact assessment = of each other (see Table 6.2) may have a cumulative physical impact on the region, including such aspects as the surface and subsurface residual environmental impacts of Van Gogh + footprints, visual amenity, shipping traffic, and marine pests. These Vincent + Stybarrow + Enfield + Pyrenees. are discussed in this section. The risk assessment then follows the same method as outlined in Section 5.2. 6.2.1 Surface and Subsea Footprints Potential Cumulative Impacts Consideration of environmental risks for this cumulative EIA has been limited to those with the potential to cause significant impact The area of seabed subject to direct disturbance during the Van to matters of national environmental significance (as outlined in the (PHIEFWFMPQNFOUIBTCFFOFTUJNBUFEUPCFJOPSEFSPGIB TFF 1&3(VJEFMJOFTm"QQFOEJY PSUIPTFUIBUIBWFCFFOUIFTVCKFDUPG Section 5.3.1). The other developments have estimated their seabed community concern. This includes: footprints to be:

Table 6.2 Distances (km) between each of the FPSOs in the cumulative impact assessment area

Van Gogh Vincent Enfield Pyrenees Stybarrow Van Gogh 2.9 11.9 27.7 Vincent 2.9 9.1 25.5 Enfield 11.9 9.1 Pyrenees Stybarrow 27.7 25.5

234 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.1 Location of all the FPSOs and boundary of cumulative impact assessment area

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 235 r #)1#JMMJUPO1ZSFOFFTmIB Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

r #)1#JMMJUPOStybarrow VenturemVOTQFDJñFE Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for ballast water and fouling are the same as those discussed in Section 5.5.1 and r 8PPETJEF&OñFMENganhurramVOTQFDJñFE Section 5.5.9. r 8PPETJEF7JODFOUmIB Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact Assuming an average area of disturbance for each FPSO of 2.7 ha (based on the average of the known disturbance areas outlined The location of the FPSOs in deep water, the vetting processes for above), then the total area of seabed subject to direct disturbance offtake tankers undertaken by all the operators, the application of from all five developments is estimated to be approximately 13.5 ha AQIS quarantine processes to offtake tankers, and IMO guidelines on (0.135 km2). the application of anti-fouling hull paints all ensure that the predicted residual cumulative impact of anti-fouling paints and ballast water is When considered in the context of available seabed habitat in a “negligible”. TJNJMBSEFQUISBOHFPGUPNXBUFSEFQUI FTUJNBUFEUPCF 2 approximately 1,100 km ), the portion of seabed directly affected 6.3 Artificial Light SFQSFTFOUTPOMZPGUIFTFBCFEPGBTJNJMBSEFQUISBOHFXJUIJO the region. Disturbance to this very low portion of the region's seabed This section discusses the impacts of artificial light in the context will not result in any significant impact to any EPBC-listed species. of impacts to marine fauna rather than on visual amenity (which is addressed in Section 6.2.3). The surface footprint of the five FPSOs, ranging in dimension from BQQSPYJNBUFMZUPNJOMFOHUIBOEBCPVUNXJEF JTVOMJLFMZ to present an obstacle to migrating megafauna (such as humpback 6.3.1 Potential Cumulative Impacts whales and whale sharks) and other fauna, such as turtles, given the The impacts of artificial lighting on marine species are discussed in large distance between each FPSO and the wide migration corridors. Sections 5.3.3, 5.7.2 and 5.7.5. Lighting only becomes an issue at Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures night and when it is very close to the coast, in terms of impacts on turtles and to a much lesser extent, avian fauna (such as migrating Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for the development seabird species). footprints are the same as those discussed in Section 5.3.1. Lighting from installation vessels and barges during subsea Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact installation and commissioning activities is not likely to be any The surface and subsea footprints associated with the five FPSOs are greater than that described in the various sections of Chapter 5 predicted to have a “negligible” residual cumulative environmental given the staggered schedules for FPSO installation. impact, due largely to their temporary nature and their very small During the simultaneous production phases of the FPSOs, it is likely surface and subsea footprints (especially in comparison to the that, from a distance, there may be some spatial overlap from FPSO vastness of similar open ocean and seabed habitat surrounding the operational lighting, particularly from the Enfield, Vincent, Van Gogh developments). and Pyrenees FPSOs, which are more tightly “clustered” than the 6.2.2 Introduction of Marine Pests outlying Stybarrow FPSO. However, their distance from the coast means that, at ground level on the mainland and island beaches, Potential Cumulative Impacts this lighting should not be visible to nesting turtles or hatchlings. As discussed in Section 5.5.1 and Section 5.5.9, the introduction The low chance of more than one FPSO undertaking flaring at night- of marine pests has the potential to occur through ballast water UJNF XIJDIXPVMESFTVMUJOBHMPXPOUIFIPSJ[PO BMTPSFEVDFTUIF discharge (from the numerous offtake tankers scheduled to visit the potential impacts on nesting turtles or hatchlings. FPSOs to collect oil) and from the hulls of vessels not properly treated Any light from the FPSOs that is detected by beached turtles in the to prevent fouling. region (either hatchlings or nesting females) will be offshore and The increased number and frequency of offtake tankers visiting the IFODF XPVME POMZ TFSWF UP JODSFBTF UIF PDFBO IPSJ[PO MJHIU BOE region may increase the risk of introducing foreign marine species, enhance the light cue for the turtle to orientate toward the ocean. but the risk of such species establishing and becoming pests is negligible. While the simultaneous discharge of ballast water from The likelihood of lighting from these multiple closely located offshore multiple visiting tankers and/or from the FPSOs may overlap in time, FPSOs impacting on migrating birds is low as birds migrating they are not likely to overlap spatially given the distances between to the region are at or near to the end of their migration and, if each FPSO. Even if this were to occur, this does not increase the odds they are attracted to the FPSO, will not be facing long over-water of foreign organisms surviving and establishing themselves in the journeys directly upon leaving the FPSO. The southern giant-petrel area, because the receiving environment is not significantly altered (Macronectes giganteus) is the only migratory seabird listed for the by the discharges in favour of foreign organisms. region under the EPBC Act.

236 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 6.3.2 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures Measures Numerical modelling was carried out by BHP Billiton (2005) to Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for the impacts of determine the total area affected by differing levels of underwater artificial lighting are the same as those discussed inSections 5.3.3, noise from the Pyrenees, Enfield and Stybarrow FPSOs. Similar 5.7.2 and 5.7.5. The main mitigating factors are the distances of each patterns can be expected from the Vincent and Van Gogh FPSOs, FPSO from the coast and the low levels of flaring expected (majority situated slightly northeast of the Enfield FPSO. Figure 6.2 and of the time natural gas will be reinjected). Figure 6.3 show the predicted underwater noise radiated from these three FPSOs, with the same (unmodelled, indicative only) data applied 6.3.3 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact to the Van Gogh and Vincent FPSOs to represent noise levels for all The long distance between the FPSOs and turtle nesting beaches, FPSOs under calm and moderate ambient (background) underwater combined with low levels of operational night-time lighting and the noise conditions. These figures illustrate that, under both scenarios, very low likelihood of simultaneous night-time flaring, combine to UIFSFJTBMBSHF[POFPGOPJTFJOóVFODFHFOFSBUFECZUIFñWF'140T create a “negligible” predicted residual cumulative impact to sensitive with the Van Gogh and Vincent noise spectra converging at about marine species. 110 dB re 1μPa. Cetaceans, and baleen whales in particular, are considered to be 6.4 NOISE the most sensitive of the listed species to underwater noise. The The various sources of underwater noise in the region include oil and threshold for causing an observable change in behaviour varies gas exploration and production activities, shipping, and fishing and considerably between species, individuals and even individuals at tourism vessels as described in Section 5.3.4. different times, but it is generally taken to occur when the continual broadband noise levels exceeds of 115 dB re 1μPa.

6.4.1 FPSOs The general ensonified areas around each FPSO operating under Potential Cumulative Impacts normal conditions and independently (i.e., no other sources considered) were modelled using two-dimensional grids of received Should all five FPSOs be operating (i.e., have their propellers running levels created for each source to generate contours of 115, 120, 125 or have offtake tankers holding station) simultaneously and the and 130 dB re 1μPa around each FPSO. The mean range from the received noise level from one source is more than 10 dB louder than any other, then the louder source masks the quieter sources. The source location to these contours and the area encapsulated by each resultant noise levels produced will be the same as if the louder source primary contour were then calculated and are shown on Table 6.3. were operating alone. For example, at a location where the received Similar sound fields are expected to apply to the Van Gogh FPSO as it noise level from Van Gogh was 100 dB re 1μPa and the received noise has similar design parameters (i.e., topside equipment, stern thruster MFWFMGSPNOFBSCZ7JODFOUXBTE#SF1B UIFOPJTFMFWFMBUUIF FUD BMCFJUTNBMMFSJOTJ[FBOEDBQBDJUZ UPUIFPUIFS'140TPQFSBUJOH receiver would still be 100 dB re 1μPa. In this situation, because the and proposed for the Exmouth Sub-basin (see Table 5.1). decibel units are logarithmic, there is no additive increase in the received noise level. The same modelling undertaken by BHP Billiton (2005) plotted the received noise levels against known humpback whale migration When the received noise level from the two sources are within 10 dB (e.g., if a receiver is approximately midway between two FPSOs), they corridors. These plots showed that, while the increase in noise level combine to produce a cumulative noise level. To calculate the total above ambient may extend for considerable ranges, the region of received signal, it is necessary to first convert each signal to intensity, rapidly increasing and high noise levels extends over between 5 and add them together and then convert back to decibels. Under most 10 km, with half this on the approach leg to a source and half on circumstances, this results in the final combined received noise level departure. The inshore humpback track for southerly travelling animals being approximately three decibels above the received noise level of shows almost no noise input from the FPSOs under calm sea conditions either single source by itself. and no input from the FPSO under normal sea state conditions.

Table 6.3 Calculated mean range and ensonified areas for broadband noise levels

Noise Level Vincent* Pyrenees** Enfield** Stybarrow** (dB re 1μPa) Mean range Area Mean range Area Mean range Area Mean range Area (km) (km2) (km) (km2) (km) (km2) (km) (km2) 115 1.30 5.15 7.35 1.50 1.37 5.97 120 0.90 2.39 2.3 1.01 2.50 125 0.51 0.71 0.51 0.33 130 0.25 0.15 0.30 0.23 < 0.1 0.13* * Vincent Development EIS (2005), ** BHP Billiton Pyrenees Development EIS (2005).

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 237 Figure 6.2 Predicted combined underwater noise from the five FPSOs under calm ambient noise conditions (95 dB re1μPa)

Figure 6.3 Predicted combined underwater noise from the five FPSOs under moderate ambient noise conditions (100 dB re1μPa)

238 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development The presence of the FPSOs is unlikely to significantly disrupt the 6.5.2 Cooling Water lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting) behaviour of an Potential Cumulative Impacts FDPMPHJDBMMZ TJHOJñDBOU QSPQPSUJPO PG UIF IVNQCBDL QPQVMBUJPO furthermore, it is unlikely to cause any significant change in migratory As discussed in Section 5.5.7, the discharge of cooling water will behaviour of humpback whales. impact the surface water temperature of the waters surrounding the FPSOs, which may cause alteration of the physiological processes At the spatial scales at which all cetaceans operate (hundreds of square kilometres for dolphins and hundreds of thousands of square FTQFDJBMMZFO[ZNFNFEJBUFEQSPDFTTFT PGFYQPTFECJPUB kilometres for great whales), the cumulative effects of underwater Based on the EISs for the other FPSO developments, it is estimated noise from five FPSOs in a confined region is unlikely to cause any UIBUGSPN UP N3 NJMMJPOUPNJMMJPOMJUSFT PG significant behavioural impacts to cetaceans. cooling water will be discharged per day per FPSO (including Van Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact Gogh). In total, that equates from 250,000 to 500,000 m3 (250 million to 500 million litres) of cooling water discharge per day for all five The increase in underwater noise as a result of all five FPSOs operating FPSOs. simultaneously is predicted to have a “negligible” residual cumulative impact on humpback whales (as there is no interference to feeding Modelling conducted for the Enfield Development (Woodside, 2002) or breeding) and “negligible” impact on other marine fauna. indicated that, around 1 km from the discharge point, the plume XBUFSUFNQFSBUVSFXPVMECFBSPVOE$IJHIFSUIBOUIFUFNQFSBUVSF 6.4.2 Helicopters of the surrounding water and that, within 2.5 km of the discharge The cumulative impact of helicopter noise for all five operating FPSOs point, it would have mixed and cooled to the same temperature as is predicted to be negligible, due to the intermittent and temporary the surrounding water. nature of this activity, the seasonal presence of humpback whales in Given that none of the five FPSOs is located within 2.5 km of the other, the region, the mitigation measures outlined in Section 5.3.4 and it is not likely that the cooling water plumes will converge and create the fact that the Exmouth Aviation Consortium helicopter flights a plume at elevated temperature above that of seawater. In the event will be undertaken by only two helicopters. So while there may be more flights in the region, there will not be more helicopters flying this should occur, mobile biota that can’t tolerate the increased water simultaneously in the region. Consequently, the cumulative noise temperature are able to either move deeper down the water column impact from helicopters is predicted to be “negligible”. or swim out of the surface plume. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures 6.4.3 Offtake Tankers and Supply Vessels Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for cooling water The potential noise impacts from offtake tankers and supply vessels are the same as those discussed in Section 5.5.7. are outlined in Section 5.3.4. The cumulative impact of increased tanker and support vessel traffic, particularly around the more Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact tightly clustered Van Gogh, Vincent, Enfield and Pyrenees FPSOs, is The residual cumulative impact of all five FPSOs continually likely to result in underwater sound extending up to 7 km from each discharging large volumes of cooling water is predicted to be vessel (Woodside, 2005), which when combined, results in an area “negligible”, due to the distance between each FPSO, dispersion PGBQQSPYJNBUFMZLN2 where avoidance behaviour in cetaceans may be observed. modelling results indicating a negligible impact and the vast body of receiving water available to cool the warmer water plumes. Because offtake tanker traffic will decrease dramatically after the first 2 to 3 years of operation of each FPSO, and given the seasonality 6.5.3 Deck Drainage of humpback whale migration through the region, the residual cumulative impact of underwater noise from offtake tankers and Potential Cumulative Impacts supply vessels is considered to be “negligible”. As discussed in Section 5.5.5, the discharge of deck drainage water 6.5 LIQUID DISCHARGES overboard can have a localised pollution impact if the deck water is contaminated with hydrocarbons. Given the small volumes of The liquids that will be discharged from each of the five FPSOs deck drainage likely to be generated and consequently the highly include ballast water, cooling water, deck drainage, desalination localised nature of such discharges, these impacts will not overlap brine, hydrotest water, PFW, sewage and grey water and subsea spatially. Thus, any cumulative impacts will be the simple addition of control fluids. These are discussed in this section. the individual impacts from each of the five FPSOs.

6.5.1 Ballast Water Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures The predicted cumulative environmental impacts associated with Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for deck drainage ballast water are described and assessed in Section 6.2.2. are the same as those discussed in Section 5.5.5.

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 239 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

The residual cumulative impact of deck drainage from the five FPSOs Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for hydrotest water is predicted to be “negligible” due to the highly localised nature of discharge are the same as those discussed in Section 5.5.2. However, the discharges and the distances between each of the FPSOs. the main avoidance measures against cumulative impacts are the lag time between the commissioning of each development and the vast 6.5.4 Desalination Brine expanse of ocean in which the discharge water will be diluted. Potential Cumulative Impacts Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact

As discussed in Section 5.5.6, the discharge of desalination brine to The residual cumulative impact of the discharge of hydrotest water the ocean can result in a localised increase in salinity levels. Being more is predicted to be “negligible” due to the lack of overlap in activity saline (and thus heavier) than surrounding seawater, this desalination timing for each development and the diluting and dispersion brine generally sinks rapidly through the water column. The tendency capacity of the ocean. for the discharge to behave in this manner means that discharges from the five FPSOs are not likely to converge and create a large plume of 6.5.6 PFW Discharge saline water. Thus, any cumulative effects are the simple addition of Potential Cumulative Impacts the individual impacts from each of the five FPSOs. "MM UIF '140T QSPQPTF UP SFJOKFDU 1'8 GPS BU MFBTU PG UIFJS Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures connected operating time. Using the PFW design figures Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for desalination from Table 5.1 (Section 5.1), it’s estimated that slightly over brine are the same as those discussed in Section 5.5.6. 100,000 m3 of combined PFW may be generated each day. "TTVNJOH SFJOKFDUJPO BOE JG BMM ñWF '140T XFSF EJTDIBSHJOH Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact PFW simultaneously (which is extremely unlikely to occur), about The residual cumulative impact of desalination brine discharge 10,000 m3 of PFW would be discharged to the sea on a daily basis from the five FPSOs is predicted to be “negligible” due to the highly by 2009/10. localised nature of the discharges, their tendency to sink rather than The fate and trajectory of simultaneous PFW discharges from the five form plumes, the marginal increase in salinity over background levels, FPSOs has been modelled by GEMS (2007), based on a discharge of the diluting and dispersion capacity of the ocean and the distances 25,000 m3 each over five consecutive days. Most of the FPSOs will between each of the FPSOs. HFOFSBUF BQQSPYJNBUFMZ CFUXFFO BOE MFTT UIBO UIJT PO average, thus the results presented below represent a worst-case 6.5.5 Hydrotest Water scenario. Potential Cumulative Impacts Results of this modelling found that there was no detectable oil As discussed in Section 5.5.2, the discharge of hydrotest water above the threshold concentration of 10 mg/l after initial dilution of (containing chemical additives) can result in localised water pollution the discharge (i.e., within 20 m of the discharge point). The reason and oxygen depletion during the installation and commissioning for this is the low concentration of oil in the PFW, being 0.75 m3 of oil phase of the development. This once-off impact is the same for each out of 25,000 m3 of PFW discharge (based on an oil-in-water content development and is not likely to become a cumulative impact due of 30 mg/). to the different installation and commissioning schedules associated Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures with each FPSO. Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for PFW discharge Based on the EISs for the other FPSO developments, it is estimated that are the same as those discussed in Section 5.5.3. The main avoidance between 700 and 2,000 m3 (0.7 million to 2 million litres) of hydrotest measure employed by all the FPSO operators is a commitment to water will be discharged by each FPSO during commissioning. Each SFJOKFDU1'8GPSBUMFBTUPGUIFDPOOFDUFEPQFSBUJOHUJNFBOE of these discharge events will occur either as a single batch or several minimise OIW content of the PFW. smaller ones. Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact The time between hydrotesting of the various developments’ infrastructure and the distance between each of them means that The combination of the low likelihood of simultaneous (and long-term) any cumulative impacts are the simple addition of the individual PFW discharges by all five FPSOs, the lack of overlap between PFW impacts from each of the five FPSOs (remembering that the Enfield plumes from each FPSO, the low OIW content of the PFW combined and Stybarrow FPSOs are already operating and will not undertake with its rapid dilution and dispersion once discharged, means that any more hydrotesting unless other fields are tied in to them). The the residual cumulative impact of PFW discharge from all five FPSOs is cumulative impact is the increased frequency of this event occurring predicted to be “negligible” and will not result in any significant impacts in a given region over a given time period. to any EPBC-listed species or the marine environment.

240 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 6.5.7 Sewage and Greywater Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures Potential Cumulative Impacts Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for subsea hydraulic control fluid discharges are the same as those discussed in As discussed in Section 5.5.4, the discharge of sewage and greywater Section 5.5.8. While the use of these fluids cannot be avoided, the from the FPSOs, offtake tankers and support vessels can result in main measure to mitigate impacts of their use is the selection of low- localised water pollution through nutrient enrichment, oxygen toxicity chemicals at all the developments. depletion and toxicity. Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact Each FPSO is estimated to discharge in the order of 1 to 2 m3 of sewage and 2 to 3 m3 of greywater each day (discharge volumes for The residual cumulative impact of the discharge of subsea control associated vessels are based on estimated manning levels), equating fluids at all FPSO subsea locations is predicted to be “negligible” due to a total of approximately 10 m3 of sewage and 15 m3 of greywater to the small volumes of discharge, the lox-toxicity nature of the fluids, the distance between each FPSO and the diluting and dispersion for the five FPSOs combined. Although these discharges will occur capacity of the ocean. simultaneously, the small volumes of these discharges mean they are not likely to overlap spatially. Thus any cumulative effects are 6.6 SOLID DISCHARGES the simple addition of the individual impacts from each of the five FPSOs. The cumulative impact is the increased frequency of this 6.6.1 Potential Cumulative Impacts activity occurring in a given region. As discussed in Section 5.4, the routine discharge of solid wastes, Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures JODMVEJOHTBOETBOETMVEHF TDBMF GPPETDSBQTBOEIB[BSEPVTBOE Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for sewage and OPOIB[BSEPVTXBTUFTXJMMHFOFSBMMZIBWFWFSZMJUUMFFOWJSPONFOUBM greywater discharges are the same as those discussed in Section impact in the vicinity of the development given that most solid waste (except food scraps) is disposed of to onshore facilities rather 5.5.4. than disposed of overboard. The exception to this is the accidental Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact loss of solid waste overboard, which is not likely to occur.

The residual cumulative impact of the discharge of sewage and Based on the EISs for the other FPSOs, the quantities of solid waste greywater is predicted to be “negligible” due to the small volumes of likely to be generated at each location are similar and include: discharge, the biodegradability of the discharge, the lack of overlap r UPUPOOFTEVSJOHJOTUBMMBUJPOBOEDPNNJTTJPOJOH between discharge plumes from each FPSO, and the diluting and UPOOFTDPNCJOFEUPUBM

6.5.8 Subsea Hydraulic Control Fluids r UPUPOOFTZFBSEVSJOHQSPEVDUJPO UPUPOOFTZFBS combined total). Potential Cumulative Impacts r UP UPOOFTEVSJOHEFDPNNJTTJPOJOH UP As discussed in Section 5.5.8, the intermittent discharge of subsea tonnes combined total). hydraulic control fluids by the subsea valves can have a highly localised toxicity effect on any fauna that may be present during Much of this waste will be recycled, such as scrap metal, wood and cardboard (being associated with waste generated during the these releases. installation and decommissioning phases). Discharge volumes of subsea hydraulic control fluids are similar Although waste generation and disposal will be a simultaneous for all five developments in the Exmouth Sub-basin, ranging from activity at each FPSO location, accidental waste losses overboard an estimated 15 to 100 m3 per year during production, for each will not be. Thus, any cumulative effects of accidental losses are the development. simple addition of the individual impacts from each of the five FPSOs Although the production discharges will occur simultaneously at on the ocean in distinct disjunct locations (rather than one large each development’s subsea locations, the small volumes of these area). The cumulative impact is the potentially increased frequency discharges and the distance between each means they will not of this event occurring. overlap spatially. Thus, any cumulative impact is the simple addition The cumulative impact of routine onshore waste disposal is the of the individual impacts from each of the five FPSOs on the biota incremental addition of wastes to onshore waste disposal facilities and around each subsea system, that is, biota in distinct disjunct locations the potential this creates to need additional waste disposal facilities to (rather than one large area) may be impacted by these discharges. deal with increasing levels of waste. This in turn has the potential to The cumulative impact is the increased frequency of this event impact on land use, terrestrial ecosystems and so forth. The cumulative occurring in a given region. impact is the increase in waste quantities in a given region.

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 241 6.6.2 Avoidance, Mitigation and Management r 7BO(PHIm UPG$02-e/yr. Measures r &OñFMEm UP UPG$02-e/yr. Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for dealing r 1ZSFOFFTm UPG$0 -e/yr. with the disposal of solid wastes are the same as those discussed 2 in Section 5.4. While the generation of solid wastes cannot be r 4UZCBSSPX UPG$02-e/yr. avoided, the commitment by each FPSO operator to send all waste r 7JODFOUm UP UPG$0 -e/yr. (food scraps excepted) onshore and recycle as much as possible is 2 the main means by which to mitigate the cumulative solid waste The annual output of greenhouse gas emissions from all five FPSOs disposal impact. in operation is likely to be in the order of 1,102,000 t of CO2-e. On 2005 figures, this represents a cumulative increase of approximately 6.6.3 Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact JOPJMBOEHBTJOEVTUSZHSFFOIPVTFHBTFNJTTJPOTBOEJO The residual cumulative impact of routine onshore disposal and Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. accidental loss to sea of solid wastes is predicted to be “negligible”, Figure 6.4 illustrates the share of greenhouse gas emissions by due to the low frequency of accidental losses, the use of onshore the upstream oil and gas sector that will be attributable to the five facilities specifically designed to recycle waste or dispose of non- FPSO developments and also shows the share of greenhouse gases recyclable waste, and the distance between each FPSO. emissions by all sectors nationally, based on 2005 data.

6.7 AIR EMISSIONS Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures

6.7.1 Greenhouse Gases Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for minimising greenhouse gas emissions are the same as those discussed in Section Potential Cumulative Impacts 5.6.1. The primary means by which each operator will minimise As outlined in Section 5.6.1, greenhouse gas emissions from oil and greenhouse gas emissions is by reinjecting surplus gas back into gas exploration and production activities in Australia are quantified their respective reservoirs. and reported annually by the APPEA and the AGO. In Australia Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact EVSJOH PJMBOEHBTFYUSBDUJPOBDDPVOUFEGPS.UPG$02-e PGHSFFOIPVTFHBTFNJTTJPOT PGUIFDPVOUSZTUPUBMHSFFOIPVTF The residual cumulative impact of the five FPSOs emitting greenhouse gas emissions for that year) (AGO, 2007a). gas is predicted to be “negligible” on a regional and national scale The peak production figures of the FPSOs operating in or proposed compared to Australia’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions (on for the Exmouth Sub-basin are: an “oil and gas industry” basis and “all other sources” basis).

Figure 6.4 Greenhouse gas emissions from the five FPSOs, based on national emissions for 2005

242 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 6.7.2 Other Combustion Products environmental impact has assumed that the primary risk, or maximum Potential Cumulative Impacts potential frequency of a spill (see Table 5.22), would be the same for each FPSO. To calculate the maximum potential frequency for a As outlined in Section 5.6.2, combustion product emissions specified spill from any of the five FPSOs, the primary risk at each other than greenhouse gases will also occur during all phases of facility is summed. In other words, the approach considered that a the proposed development as a result of combustion machinery spill could occur from any one of the five FPSOs with a probability of operations. These include emissions of sulphur oxides (SO ), nitrogen x a single event being the sum of the individual event frequencies for oxides (NO ) and particulate matter. x the possible scenarios.

The quantities of gaseous emissions are relatively small and The scenario of large and very large surface crude oil spills from two will, under normal circumstances, be quickly dispersed into the or more FPSOs occurring simultaneously is not considered a credible surrounding atmosphere, assisted by the region’s winds. It is also scenario and was therefore not required to be modelled, as the remote from human populations. Therefore, it is not expected that resultant maximum potential frequencies (the multiplication of the these emissions will result in any significant environmental or human maximum potential frequencies from each single spill event) would health effects. be too low to be probable. Therefore, the oil spill modelling focused The simultaneous operation of the FPSOs is unlikely to result in on a large spill occurring at any given time from any one of the five any spatial overlap in the air shed of gaseous emissions given the FPSOs in the area. small volumes of emissions, so any cumulative effects are the simple As shown from the oil spill modelling in Section 5.9.8, small oil spills addition of the individual impacts from each of the five FPSOs. (less than 1 to 10 m3) resulted in a very low predicted combined Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures probability risk of impacting on Ningaloo Marine Park or the coastline. Therefore, only medium and large spills (i.e., 100 m3 and 1,000 m3 Avoidance, mitigation and management measures for combustible crude oil) have been considered in this cumulative risk assessment. products are the same as those discussed in Section 5.6.2. The primary means by which these impacts are mitigated is through the The cumulative oil spill modelling assessed both surface and subsea distance of each FPSO from populated areas and their location in an oil spill volumes for a 100 m3 oil spill and a surface spill of 1,000 m3 area where prevailing winds disperse emissions offshore (away from of crude oil. As indicated in Section 5.9.8 UIFTFTQJMMTJ[FTIBWFB potentially sensitive receptors). The use of low-sulphur fuel in all very low probability of occurring. The impact probabilities for

FPSOs also minimises the generation of SOx. random surface crude oil spills from any of the five FPSOs during all seasons are presented in Figures 6.5 to 6.13. In general, the January Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact to February season is not markedly different from the August to The residual cumulative impact of emissions generated by the December season, therefore, only modelling plots for the January to burning of combustible products is predicted to be “negligible” due February season have been provided below to reduce the number to the small volumes of emissions, the dilution and dispersal of the of plots. emissions offshore away from sensitive receptors and the distance Figures 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 show the modelled oil spill impact between each FPSO. probability plots for a 100 m3 surface oil spill 12 hours and 1, 2, 3 and 6.8 OIL SPILLS 5 days after a spill from any of the five FPSOs during the entire year (represented by the January to February, March to May and June to The cumulative environmental impact of a hydrocarbon spill July seasons), assuming the worst-case conditions of no intervention from the five FPSOs (Enfield, Stybarrrow, Vincent, Van Gogh and to minimise the spill. The modelling results predict that, for the Pyrenees) located in the Exmouth Sub-basin that have the potential January to February (see Figure 6.5) and March to May seasons (see to impact on Ningaloo Marine Park and the coastline is based on the Figure 6.6 TQJMMTPGUIJTTJ[FXPVMEOPUJNQBDUPO/JOHBMPP.BSJOF same method used in Section 5.9 (particularly Section 5.9.7) for Park or any other coastal areas, tending to move offshore. For the assessing single oil spill events (the BHP Billiton Griffin Venture FPSO months of June to July, which represent a “worst-case” season, when is located too far northeast to be considered as contributing to any wind conditions are more likely to move an oil spill towards the cumulative impacts). shore, the model predicts crude oil from a 100 m3 surface spill would The impact probabilities for the case of five FPSOs existing in the parallel the coastline, with a very low probability of crude oil at region were derived on the basis that an independent oil spill might concentrations exceeding the 10 g/m2 threshold entering Ningaloo occur from any one of the five FPSOs at a given time in keeping with Marine Park within 2 to 3 days of the initial spill. However, there is no the individual probability of the event happening in the first place (as risk to Ningaloo Reef, and the spill moves offshore after 7 days (see described in Section 5.9.7). Figure 6.7).

As the design concepts and operating processes on the five FPSOs Figures 6.8, 6.9 and 6.10 show the modelled oil spill impact are considered to be similar, the assessment of the cumulative probability plots for a 100 m3 subsea oil spill 12 hours and 1, 2, 3, 5 and

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 243 Figure 6.5 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in January to February with no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

244 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.6 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in March to May with no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 245 Figure 6.7 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in June to July with no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

246 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 7 days after a spill from any of the subsea infrastructure associated assessment, hypothetical spills arising from any of the five FPSOs have with the five FPSOs during the entire year (represented by the January been assessed as independent events, resulting in any potential effects to February, March to May and June to July seasons), assuming being the same as for a single oil spill event scenario (see Section the worst-case conditions of no intervention to minimise the spill. 5.9). The oil spill modelling has demonstrated that the process and The plots show that the modelling results predict crude oil from a pathways by which oil may affect different environmental resources subsea spill from any of the five developments’ subsea infrastructure in the region will be very similar for single and cumulative FPSO spill would not impact on Ningaloo Marine Park or any other coastal scenarios. areas. These results illustrate that: Figures 6.11, 6.12 and 6.13 show the modelled oil spill impact r 5IFDIBODFPGBOPJMTQJMMGSPNBOZPOFPGUIFñWF'140TPQFSBUJOH probability plots for a 1,000 m3 surface oil spill 12 hours and 1, 2, 3, 5 in the region impacting Ningaloo Marine Park is only possible and 7 days after a spill from any of the five FPSOs during the entire year during the June to July season. (represented by the January to February, March to May and June to July seasons), assuming the worst-case conditions of no intervention r 5IFDIBODFPGBOPJMTQJMMFOUFSJOH/JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSLGSPNB to minimise the spill. The risk of a 1,000 m3 surface spill of crude oil 1,000 m3 spill at concentrations exceeding 10 g/m2 threshold is no is an extremely unlikely event (conservatively, a maximum potential greater than 5 in 1,000,000 years (or 1 in 200,000 years). GSFRVFODZPGPODFFWFSZ ZFBST 'PSTQJMMTPGUIJTTJ[FPDDVSSJOHJO r 5IFDIBODFPGBOPJMTQJMMDPOUBDUJOHUIFDPBTUMJOFGSPNB N3 January to February (or similarly the months of August to December), spill is no greater than 2 in 1,000,000 years (or 1 in 500,000 years). there is no risk to Ningaloo Marine Park or the coastline as the spill moves offshore and dissipates (seeFigure 6.11), being restricted to 6.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS the deep offshore waters. During the months of March and May, there is also a very low probability of Ningaloo Marine Park being impacted An assessment of the impact of the Van Gogh development on during the first 12 hours to 2 days of the spill. After 3 days of the the socio-economic profile of the Exmouth region is presented in initial spill and without any intervention, there is a low probability (1 Section 5.8. The cumulative impacts of five FPSO developments in in 1,000,000 years) of crude oil at concentrations exceeding the 10g/ the region on the socio-economic aspects of marine and land access m2 threshold mixing with the outer waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. and use, tourism, visual amenity, shipping, fishing, other industry However, the model predicts further exposure and weathering would and commerce, community cohesion, and heritage and culture are result in the spill dispersing with no risk to the reef or the coastline presented in this section, based on the information contained in the (see Figure 6.12). During June and July, without any intervention, EIS documents for the other developments. the modelling predicts a small probability (ranging from 5:1,000,000 to 2:1,000,000) of crude oil at concentrations exceeding the 10 g/m2 6.9.1 Marine and Land Access and Use UISFTIPMEFOUFSJOH/JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSLXJUIJOIPVSTUPEBZT Potential Cumulative Impacts of the initial spill, with the potential for some shoreline impact on a small section of the coastline around Winderabandi Point extending As outlined in Section 5.8.1, there will be few impacts to marine and south to Point Edgar after 10 days (see Figure 6.13). land use or to shipping associated with the Van Gogh development or from the installation and operation of the five FPSOs. The oil spill modelling conditional probability contours indicate that the overall risk of crude oil entering Ningaloo Marine Park and The main cumulative impact from these FPSO developments would impacting the coastline during the months of June to July (worst- arise if each was being installed at the same time, in turn potentially case wind conditions) is an extremely unlikely event, being less than creating: 2:1,000,000 years or less than once in 500,000 FPSO operational r *ODSFBTFEWFTTFMUSBîDBUUIF&YNPVUINBSJOB ZFBST5IFNPEFMMJOHQSFEJDUTUIBUDSVEFPJMGSPNBTQJMMPGUIJTTJ[F if it occurred outside the months of June and July, would not impact r *ODSFBTFEWFTTFMUSBîDJO&YNPVUI(VMG on the coastline or reef areas. r $PNQFUJUJPOGPSNPPSJOHTQBDFJOUIFHVMGGPSUIF)-7T The oil spill modelling shows that the combined probability from r $PNQFUJUJPOGPSNPPSJOHTQBDFJOUIFNBSJOBGPSTVQQPSUWFTTFMT a large oil spill reaching Exmouth Gulf from any of the FPSOs is a very low risk event with the combined probability risk not being Because the installation and operation of the FPSOs and the subsea significantly different from the single-spill scenario results shown infrastructure rely very little on onshore support, the only foreseeable in Section 5.9.8 and that the probability was not altered by the impacts on land use and access are a minor increase in road vehicle inclusion of a potential additional source (the Van Gogh FPSO). traffic.

The potential and predicted biodiversity impacts of exposure to an The installation of the FPSO developments will not restrict the use of oil spill are detailed in Section 5.9.9 with reference to spills from local roads, marinas, boat ramps, beaches or other publicly accessible the Van Gogh FPSO. Based on the approach used for this cumulative areas.

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 247 Figure 6.8 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 subsea oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in January to February with no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

248 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.9 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 subsea oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in March to May with no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 249 Figure 6.10 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 100 m3 subsea oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in June to July with no intervention

Probability 1 in 100,000 years 2 in 100,000 years 5 in 100,000 years 10 in 100,000 years 20 in 100,000 years

250 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.11 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 1,000 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in January to February with no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 251 Figure 6.12 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 1,000 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in March to May with no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

252 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.13 Modelled probability contours for a random crude 1,000 m3 surface oil spill from any of the five FPSOs in June to July with no intervention

Probability 1 in 1,000,000 years 2 in 1,000,000 years 5 in 1,000,000 years 10 in 1,000,000 years 20 in 1,000,000 years

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 253 The staggered installation of each development means the potential 6.9.3 Visual Amenity impacts outlined above will not be realised. Any cumulative impacts Potential Cumulative Impacts are the simple addition of the individual impacts from each of the three yet-to-be-installed developments. The areas with line of sight to the Pyrenees, Enfield and Stybarrow FPSOs have been calculated by BHP Billiton, taking into account Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures curvature of the earth surface and onshore topography. The results of The staggered installation of each development is the primary means this calculation are illustrated by Figures 6.14 and 6.15 (extrapolated of mitigating impacts that may be caused by competition for land to include Van Gogh and Vincent), which indicate areas within line of and marine access and use. At current scheduling, this staggered sight to the FPSO decks and flare tips. It should be noted that having approach is evident by first-oil target dates of: line of sight to an object does not necessarily mean that you can r &OñFMEmCFHBOJO+VMZ see that object, as visibility depends on a range of factors, including r 4UZCBSSPXmCFHBOJO/PWFNCFS FZFTJHIU PG UIF PCTFSWFS PCTUSVDUJPOT TJ[F PG UIF PCKFDU DPOUSBTU with the background, and atmospheric conditions. While the BHP r 7JODFOUm TVCTFBJOTUBMMBUJPODPNNFODFE"VHVTU Billiton assessment considers only three FPSOs, these are the three r 7BO(PHIm'JSTURVBSUFSPG that are located closest to the mainland shore. So while the inclusion of the Vincent and Van Gogh FPSOs may add to the possible “clutter” r 1ZSFOFFTm4FDPOERVBSUFSPG of vessels visible offshore, their inclusion does not increase the area Should any delays with these schedules eventuate, each company within line of sight of the FPSOs (see Figures 6.14 and 6.15). will conduct a simultaneous operations analysis, in cooperation with the other relevant operators, to ensure that works being undertaken The FPSOs will not be visible from the nearest mainland beaches in close proximity are properly planned so as to avoid safety and during the day or night due to the influence of the curvature of the environmental incidents. earth. Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact During the day, from the Vlamingh Head lighthouse carpark lookout, The residual cumulative impact on land and marine access and the three nearest FPSOs (Pyrenees, Enfield and Stybarrow) will be use is predicted to be “negligible” due to the staggered installation visible (based on the current visibility of the EnfieldNganhurra FPSO), schedules for the developments and because all installation work is while the Vincent and Van Gogh FPSOs may be visible as small faint undertaken a significant distance offshore. JOEJTUJOHVJTIBCMFPCKFDUTPOUIFIPSJ[PO*GUIF7JODFOUBOE7BO(PHI FPSOs are visible from the lookout, the short distance between them 6.9.2 Tourism NBZDBVTFUIFNUPBQQFBSBTBTJOHMFPCKFDUPOUIFIPSJ[PO As discussed in Section 5.8.2, the main impact to tourism associated At night, operational lighting (and glow) from the five FPSOs will be with the proposed Van Gogh development is the potential loss of visible to the naked eye from the lighthouse carpark lookout but is visual amenity as a result of having a permanently moored vessel unlikely to be visible from the beaches. It is highly unlikely that more PO UIF EJTUBOU IPSJ[PO 8IFO DPNCJOFE XJUI UIF PUIFS '140T JO than one FPSO will be flaring at the same time at night, so impacts the region, that are closer to the coastline, this could impact on to visual amenity from combined flaring are unlikely. Also unlikely the perceived “wildnerness” or “aesthetic” value of the region. The is that visitors will be visiting areas within line of sight of the FPSOs visual amenity aspects of tourism impacts are discussed in Section (i.e., the lighthouse carpark lookout or elevated portions of the Cape 6.9.3 and are not repeated in this section. The predicted residual Range National Park) at night, further reducing any potential impact cumulative impact from the FPSOs on the potential for loss of on visual amenity. “wilderness” tourism appeal is expected to be “negligible”. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures The developments will in no way negatively impact on the terrestrial and shallow water or reef tourism activities. If significant numbers The impact of being able to see one or more FPSOs may be positive of FPSO personnel choose to live in Exmouth, there is in fact the or negative depending on the attitude and opinion of the individual potential for tourist numbers to increase as a result of friends and concerned. Perceived negative aesthetic impacts of the FPSOs will families visiting these new residents (a visitor category recognised by be moderated because of their considerable distance offshore and Tourism WA, see Section 4.5.6 BOEQBSUJDJQBUJOHJOUPVSJTUBDUJWJUJFT because their ship-like appearance is aligned with what a viewer however, this is not considered to lead to a significant increase in expects to see in an oceanic vista. tourist visits to Exmouth. Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact In terms of the impact on airline flights and seat availability to and from Exmouth, the residual cumulative impact on tourism is The distance of the FPSOs from the shore and the commitment by predicted to be positive based on the increased flights resulting from BMM EFWFMPQNFOUT UP JOKFDU QSPEVDFE HBT GPS OP MFTT UIBO PG the formation and operation of the Exmouth Aviation Consortium their connected operating time (thus limiting flaring), results in a and the demand from FPSO employees commuting back and forth predicted “negligible” residual cumulative impact to visual amenity to Exmouth. from the coast.

254 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 6.14 Areas with line of sight to all FPSOs - operational lighting only

Figure 6.15 Areas with line of sight to all FPSOs - flare lighting and operational lighting

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 255 6.9.4 Shipping associated with the FPSOs has the cumulative impact of excluding Potential Cumulative Impacts deep-sea commercial and recreational fishing activity to a total area of some 15.7 km2. The removal of this fishing area has the potential 5IFSF BSF OP EFñOFE TIJQQJOH SPVUFT JO UIF SFHJPO IPXFWFS UIF impact on a loss in fishing catch and income. Given that these deep- five FPSOs are located on the eastern edge of a general corridor that sea areas presently have little or no commercial and recreational is followed by ships as they pass the North West Cape (see Figure fishing activity, these cumulative impacts are not likely to eventuate. 4.19). The shipping corridor is in the order of 100 km wide. Each FPSO XJMMIBWFBTBGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POFXJUIBSBEJVTPGN IB For construction activities associated with the installation phase of SFQSFTFOUJOH B DPNCJOFE FYDMVTJPO [POF BSFB PG IB LN2). the FPSOs, these activities are of a short duration with no projects 5IFSF JT BMTP B N DBVUJPOBSZ [POF SBEJVT OPNJOBUFE BSPVOE scheduled to coincide their activities within the Exmouth Gulf. each FPSO where navigating, anchoring or fishing is to be avoided, Similarly they do not pose a possible cumulative impact to the gulf's which potentially increases the exclusion area around each FPSO to prawn fishery. IB LN2 or a combined area of some 15.7 km2). The safety Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures FYDMVTJPOBOEDBVUJPOBSZ[POFTPGFBDI'140EPOPUPWFSMBQ Figure As with shipping, this very small cumulative area of exclusion is 6.16). This means that any cumulative impact is simply the addition of unlikely to cause significant disruption to any deep-sea commercial TFWFSBMTBGFUZFYDMVTJPOBOEDBVUJPOBSZ[POFTXJUIJOBHJWFOSFHJPO or recreational fishing activities and the installation schedules Offtake tanker traffic in the area will increase with the presence of associated with construction activities in the Exmouth Gulf for the five FPSOs, with the peak number of tanker visits to the region likely proposed FPSOs do not coincide (they occur as individual events). to be in the order of 130 each year (or about one every 2 to 3 days) Therefore the management and mitigation of potential cumulative from 2009. The frequency of tanker visits then declines each year fishing impacts are the same as those measures outlined inSection from that point, to a total of about twice a week by 2010. Even at the 5.8.5. peak number of tanker visits, this represents a very low increase in overall shipping for the region, particularly compared with shipping Predicted Residual Risks corridor traffic in other parts of Australia and overseas. The increase This minor loss of a small area of low-productivity commercial and in offtake tanker shipping represents a minor increase in the risk of recreational fishing ground associated with the safety exclusion shipping collisions, either between offtake tankers and FPSOs or [POFTBOEDBVUJPOBSZ[POFTGPSFBDIPGUIF'140TJTQSFEJDUFEUPIBWF between offtake tankers themselves. a negligible residual cumulative impact on deep sea fishing activities, Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures given the vast area available outside of these areas for this activity.

This very small cumulative area of exclusion is unlikely to cause Likewise, the short duration of installation-related activities in the significant disruption to shipping traffic movements. The fact that Exmouth Gulf will not become a cumulative impact due to the each FPSO is located in close proximity to each other means that, different installation and commissioning schedules associated with for the purposes of commercial shipping, the area may be treated as each FPSO and is likely to have a negligible impact on the prawn BTJOHMFiFYDMVTJPOu[POFBOECZQBTTFECZTIJQQJOHVOSFMBUFEUPUIF fishery. Therefore, the residual risk to fishing is predicted to be developments. "negligible".

The management and mitigation of shipping collision risk are the 6.9.6 Other Industry and Commerce same as those measures outlined in Section 5.8.4. Potential Cumulative Impacts Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact As outlined in Section 5.8.6, there are numerous positive impacts This minor loss of area for general shipping and low increase in to industry and commerce arising from the Van Gogh development offtake tanker shipping is predicted to have a “negligible” residual at the local, regional, state and national levels. These relate to the cumulative impact on shipping traffic or collision risk given the vast creation of new jobs during construction, installation and operation. area available for ocean transit, especially when combined with standard maritime safety regulations. These positive impacts are compounded by the development of five FPSOs. Their presence will increase the demand for support 6.9.5 Fishing services provided in the nearby towns of Exmouth and Dampier, such as fixed-wing and helicopter travel, marine support services, Potential Cumulative Impacts restaurants, accommodation and so forth, helping to sustain As discussed in Section 6.9.4, the safety exclusion and cautionary regional employment. This is especially important in Exmouth where [POFT PG FBDI '140 EP OPU PWFSMBQ BOE BOZ DVNVMBUJWF JNQBDU additional work will assist in providing year-round employment, JT TJNQMZ UIF BEEJUJPO PG UIF JOEJWJEVBM [POFT TFF Figure 6.16). possibly helping to smooth the transition between peak and non- 5IFFíFDUPGUIFDPNCJOFETBGFUZFYDMVTJPOBOEDBVUJPOBSZ[POFT peak tourist season. For example, the services required of several

256 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 4BGFUZFYDMVTJPO[POFTBOEDBVUJPOBSZ[POFTBSPVOEFBDI'140 Figure 6.16 Figure

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 257 support companies in Exmouth (such as transport and logistics or owned by local residents, upwards pressure on rent has forced, and marine services) during the production phases of all the FPSOs will may continue to force families to move out of the town to more result in additional employment of local residents and the subsequent affordable areas. While the Shire of Exmouth sees benefits in having flow-on effects associated with this. personnel from the FPSOs take up residence in the town (because of the increased demand for local services that in turn increases Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures employment), many locals do not share the same views due to the Measures to manage any potential negative impacts if personnel aforementioned reason. associated with these developments decide to reside in Exmouth Based on Apache’s recent consultation activities in Exmouth, this will be dealt with through ongoing consultation between the Shire sentiment relates largely to local perceptions that highly paid of Exmouth and the FPSO operators. professionals may force up the price of local housing property and Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact rents further (as either owner-occupiers or investors), thereby making it more difficult for lower-paid residents to purchase property or pay The proposed developments will result in a substantial input into the increasingly higher rents. Significant property and rental increases Australian economy through both direct and indirect multipliers in have already started to take place in Exmouth over the last two to the Commonwealth, State and local community. This cumulative three years, however they appear to be the result of a combination impact will benefit the Shire of Exmouth and its residents through of speculative investors and existing landlords who had provided direct spending by the proponents and operations personnel. The long-term rental accommodation switching to supplying the short- predicted residual cumulative impact on industry and commerce is term holiday accommodation demand generated by tourism, due considered to be “positive”. to the higher yields provided. This has resulted in upward pressure on property values, reducing the availability of long-term rental 6.9.7 Government Revenue properties as well as placing upward pressure on long-term rental Potential Cumulative Impacts prices.

At the national level, the combination of all five FPSOs operating will Due to the location of the FPSOs being offshore, the associated HFOFSBUFJOUIFPSEFSPGCJMMJPOJODPNQBOZUBYBOEQFUSPMFVN demand on community infrastructure and services resulting from resource rent tax for the Commonwealth Government over the life of their day to day operation is expected to have a minimal cumulative the developments, which has numerous benefits for the State and all impact. Australians through the provision of public services. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures The flow on effects from this to the Western Australian State The impact of rising property and rent prices is an issue that is not Government will occur through the distribution and allocation attributable to the petroleum operators and proponents in the of these funds to the State's budget and infrastructure funding region. The supply of affordable housing is the key measure to programs, which in turn can be directed to regional programs mitigate this impact, and this can only be influenced by state and proposed and administered by the Shire of Exmouth. local government planning strategies and policies. Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures The various companies associated with the operation of the FPSOs As mentioned in Section 5.8.7, there are no avoidance, mitigation are cognisant of the existing constraints on available residential or management measures relating to the generation of taxes paid to accommodation within Exmouth. They however, have little influence the Commonwealth Government. Apache has no influence on how on the decision their employees make on where they choose to live. these taxes are distributed within the State and Local Government. The operation of the FPSOs results in the workforce being employed on a rotational shift basis, with the majority, if not all employees, Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact relocated back to their residential address following the completion The generation of taxable income from the FPSO developments will of their shift. This is usually elsewhere to their place of work being have a positive impact on the nation’s revenue base which in turn either the Perth metropolitan region, other parts of regional Western has positive flow on effects to the Australian economy. The residual Australia, interstate or overseas. It is therefore not anticipated that impact to Commonwealth Government revenue is predicted to be avoidance, mitigation and management measures will be required to "positive". address any additional residential accommodation demand on the town of Exmouth as this cumulative impact is not expected to occur.

6.9.8 Community Infrastructure and Services Predicted Residual Risks Potential Cumulative Impacts The percentage of employees working on the FPSOs who may A potential negative impact of the oil and gas development in the choose to reside in Exmouth in expected to be very low, resulting Exmouth region is the potential to add indirectly to the increased in any residual cumulative impact on the community’s infrastructure EFNBOE GPS IPVTJOH 8JUI VQ UP PG &YNPVUI IPVTFT OPU and services to be predicted as "negligible".

258 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 6.9.9 Community Cohesion Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures Potential Cumulative Impacts Shipwrecks in the Exmouth Gulf or around other parts of the coastline will not be impacted by vessel traffic associated with the As discussed in Section 5.8.9, the influx of oil and gas personnel installation, commissioning, operation or decommissioning of the (not from one, but five developments) can have an impact on the developments. The installation of infrastructure on the seabed at community cohesion of a small town like Exmouth. While this impact the proposed development locations and their associated routine is not likely to be great or obvious for intermittent and temporary liquid and air emissions will not impact on heritage or cultural sites land-based activities associated with the developments, if personnel of significance. working on the FPSOs decide to reside in Exmouth, community sentiment may become more obvious. In the event of an oil spill from any of the FPSOs (an extremely unlikely event), there is the a very low risk for heritage sites, such as Ningaloo The potential for pro-development and anti-development sentiment Marine Park and the Muiron Islands, to be impacted. This is discussed to create division in the community may impact on personal or in Section 6.8. CVTJOFTTSFMBUJPOTIJQTXJUIJO&YNPVUIUIJTJNQBDUJTJOUBOHJCMFBOE cannot be measured. Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact

Avoidance, Mitigation and Management Measures It is predicted that there will be "negligible" residual cumulative impacts to any marine or terrestrial sites of heritage or cultural Apache, together with BHP Billiton and Woodside, will continue significance as a result of the installation or simultaneous operation consulting with the Shire of Exmouth on ways in which any of the five FPSOs. concerns about community cohesion can be managed. Likewise, the operators will continue their consultation programs with their 6.10 SUMMARY OF PREDICTED respective stakeholders to ensure that correct information about CUMULATIVE IMPACTS the developments is reaching the stakeholders and to listen to their concerns and work cooperatively with them to address community The predicted cumulative impacts associated with the five FPSOs are cohesion issues as they arise. summarised in Table 6.4. It can be seen from this table that there are no risks ranked as "A" or "unacceptable". Predicted Residual Cumulative Impact

The residual cumulative impacts on the cohesion of the Exmouth community is predicted to be “negligible”, and more closely linked with the positive residual cumulative impacts of industry and commerce, as discussed in Section 6.9.6.

6.9.10 Heritage and Culture Potential Cumulative Impacts

As discussed in Section 5.8.10, there are no Aboriginal or non- Aboriginal heritage or culturally important sites in or near the Van Gogh development area nor are there any in or near the other four development locations, as verified by detailed seabed surveys.

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 259 Gogh alone Compared to Van Van to Compared impact residual residual Predicted cumulative cumulative impacts Predicted residual risk residual of cumulative of cumulative impacts Predicted severity of severity cumulative cumulative impacts Predicted cumulative cumulative likelihood of likelihood Unlikely to occurUnlikely to NegligibleExpected occur to Negligible Negligible occurUnlikely to Negligible Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible change No significant occurUnlikely to Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant Unlikely to occurUnlikely to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant five FPSOs in the region FPSOs in the five Disorientation of nesting turtles or hatchlings Increased number of noise sources Increased number of noise sources impact to with potential on cetacean communication pest for Increased potential introduction (no spatial overlap) subject thermal in area Increase to impacts (no spatial overlap) pollution Localised subject elevated Increase in area to impactssalinity level on marine fauna (no spatial overlap) marine fauna of chemicals to Toxicity marine fauna of chemicals to Toxicity Increased ballast water exchange in exchange Increased ballast water pest for potential increases region introduction Minor loss of seabed incremental habitat r r r r r r r r r r Installation and commissioning Production commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning Installation and commissioning Production r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Summary impacts FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin of the cumulative of five Aspect Phase impacts of cumulative Potential NoiseLiquid Discharges Ballast water Installation and waterCooling Installation and Deck drainage Installation and Installation and Desalination brine Production waterHydrotest Installation and Light (in relation to to Light (in relation marine fauna) Introduced marine Introduced pests Physical Surface and subsea footprint Routine Table 6.4 Table

260 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Gogh alone Compared to Van Van to Compared impact residual residual Predicted cumulative cumulative impacts Predicted residual risk residual of cumulative of cumulative impacts Predicted severity of severity cumulative cumulative (cont'd) impacts Predicted cumulative cumulative likelihood of likelihood Moderate Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Probably will occurProbably Negligible will occurProbably Significant will occurProbably Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to Positive - Moderate Positive Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant change No significant Expected occur to NegligibleExpected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible NegligibleExpected occur to change No significant Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible change No significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant five FPSOs in the region FPSOs in the five Minor increase in deepwater marine Minor in deepwater increase subject permanent restrictions area to or commercial or use for on access purposes recreational Potential for loss of “wilderness” appeal “wilderness” loss of for Potential Increased flights to Exmouth Increased flights Increase in permanently moored vessels vessels Increase in permanently moored BOEMJHIUJOHPOIPSJ[PO available Minor loss of area incremental general shipping to in increase incremental Possible DPMMJTJPOIB[BSE Increase in area subject potential Increase in area to chemicals (no spatial low-toxicity overlap) Moderate incremental increase in waste in waste increase Moderate incremental disposal facilities waste handled by in global Minor increase incremental warming potential Increase in area subject nutrient Increase in area to enrichment (no spatial overlap) Increase in area subject PFW Increase in area to (no spatial overlap) discharges marine to of hydrocarbons Toxicity fauna r r r r r r r r r r r r Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning Installation and commissioning Production commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production Decommissioning Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Summary impacts FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin of the cumulative of five Aspect Phase impacts of cumulative Potential Tourism Installation and Visual amenityVisual Shipping Production Installation and Solid discharges Solid wastesAtmospheric discharges Installation and Air emissionsSocio-economic Installation and Marine and land and use access Subsea hydraulic Subsea hydraulic fluids control PFW Production Sewage and grey Sewage and grey water Table 6.4 Table

$IBQUFS$VNVMBUJWF*NQBDU"TTFTTNFOU] 261 Gogh alone Compared to Van Van to Compared No significant change No significant change change No significant change No significant ) impact residual residual Acceptable Predicted cumulative cumulative PDDVSmOPTJUFT offshore found ) "B" ( impacts Acceptable Predicted residual risk residual of cumulative of cumulative "B" ( impacts Predicted severity of severity cumulative cumulative (cont'd) impacts Predicted cumulative cumulative likelihood of likelihood Unlikely to occurUnlikely to Minor will occurProbably Negligible Negligible AcceptableRare Negligible Negligible change No significant Negligible Moderate change Negligible Will None. not Unlikely to occurUnlikely to SignificantRare Negligible Significant Negligible significant change No Expected occur to SignificantPositive - Moderate Positive - Moderate positive Significant Expected occur to SignificantPositive - Moderate Positive - Moderate positive Significant Expected occur to Negligible Negligible Negligible change No significant five FPSOs in the region FPSOs in the five Increased demand for housing in Increased demand for Exmouth Increased population Increased property costs purchase costs Increased house rental pro- and anti- basis for Greater factionsdevelopment or sites Incremental loss or damage to of cultural significance areas Incremental increase in risk of spills that Incremental increase effects in localised toxicity result would on marine flora and fauna in risk of spills Incremental increase toxicity in widespread result that would effects on marine flora and fauna Additional employment for locals for employment Additional phases during all development Increased State and Commonwealth tax and Commonwealth Increased State reveuue Minor incremental loss of area available available Minor loss of area incremental fishing and recreational commercial to r r r r r r r r r r r Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production commissioning Installation and commissioning Production Installation and commissioning Production Installation and commissioning Production Decommissioning commissioning Production Decommissioning r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r Summary impacts FPSOs operating in the Exmouth Sub-basin of the cumulative of five ) ) 3 3 Aspect Phase impacts of cumulative Potential Community cohesionCommunity Installation and Heritage and culture Installation and 0JMTQJMMTmMBSHF (>100 m Government revenueGovernment Production Community infrastructure and services Fishing Installation and Non-routine 0JMTQJMMTmTNBMMUP moderate (<100 m Other industry and commerce Table 6.4 Table

262 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Environmental Management Framework 7

7.1 INTRODUCTION Apache will fulfil the commitments made throughout this Draft PER through the preparation and implementation of an Installation This chapter describes the environmental management framework Environment Plan and an Operations Environment Plan for the Van that will be applied to the Van Gogh development to manage Gogh development. environmental risks to ALARP. These measures will be applied within The broad objectives of the Van Gogh development environment the environmental framework illustrated in Figure 7.1. The framework plans will be to: described in this chapter follows that of the Australian/New Zealand r "DIJFWFBOEEFNPOTUSBUFCFTUQSBDUJDFFOWJSPONFOUBM Standard (AS/NZS) International Organisation for Standardisation management of any aspect of the development that may have an *40 Environmental Management Systems – Specification impact on the environment. with guidance for use. r .JOJNJTFBOENBOBHFUIFDPOTFRVFODFTXIFSFBOJNQBDUJT unavoidable. Apache recognises the environmental sensitivities of the North West Cape and Exmouth Gulf and will carry out the commitments made 7.3 PLANNING throughout this Draft PER to ensure minimal environmental harm. Planning to fulfil Apache’s Environmental Management Policy entails Apache is well placed to undertake this task, given its background several components, detailed below. of successfully managing oil and gas exploration and production in sensitive environments on the North West Shelf. 7.3.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts This Draft PER forms the most comprehensive environmental 7.2 COMMITMENT AND POLICY planning element of the proposed Van Gogh development. The Draft PER identifies the environmental aspects of the development, Apache is committed to protecting the environment in all its its potential impacts and the measures to avoid, mitigate or manage exploration and production activities. This commitment is outlined in those impacts (see Table 5.6). the Apache Environmental Management Policy, provided in Section 1.5.1, as endorsed by the Managing Director. The policy sets out the 7.3.2 Legal Requirements company’s environmental management objective and provides the A review of the environmental legislative requirements of the Van overarching guidance for all environmental management activities. Gogh development is presented in Chapter 1.

Figure 7.1 Apache’s environmental management framework

Apache Core Values, Mission Statement & Environmental Management Policy

Environmental Management System

Environment Plans

Operational Procedures

GPm9854

Chapter 7 : Environmental Management Framework | 263 7.3.3 Performance Standards, Objectives and Environmental education typically takes the form of inductions, Targets which cover the following information as a presentation to all personnel associated with the development: The environmental performance of the proposed Van Gogh development can be measured, benchmarked and reported by r "OPWFSWJFXPGUIFFOWJSPONFOUBMDPNNJUNFOUTPGUIFSFMFWBOU the development of environmental performance standards. These environment plan. standards are objective and verifiable and are measured, calculated r 3FHVMBUPSZBOEQSPDFEVSBMSFRVJSFNFOUT or estimated, providing Apache with the means of: r 5IF"QBDIF&OWJSPONFOUBM.BOBHFNFOU1PMJDZ r %FNPOTUSBUJOHDPNQMJBODFXJUISFHVMBUPSZSFRVJSFNFOUTBOE standards. r &OWJSPONFOUBMTFOTJUJWJUJFTPGUIFEFWFMPQNFOUBSFB

r "TTFTTJOHQFSGPSNJOHBHBJOTUUIFTUBOEBSET r &OWJSPONFOUBMSFTPVSDFTBUSJTL

r "DIJFWJOHBOEEFNPOTUSBUJOHCFTUQSBDUJDFBOEDPOUJOVBM r &OWJSPONFOUBMNBOBHFNFOUQSPDFEVSFT improvement to the regulators and the public. including the following:

The broad environmental performance standards developed - Waste management. for the Van Gogh development are outlined in Table 7.1. These management commitments along with the measures listed in - Fluids management. Table 5.6 are a combination of industry best practices (i.e., natural - Oil and chemical spill response. gas and produced formation water injection, double-sided hull, - Cetacean observation recording. etc.) as well as Apache standards that are implemented as part of the Company’s Environmental Management Policy (i.e., minimising Permanent environmental educational material will be displayed seabed disturbance, impact to marine fauna and discharges to the prominently onboard each vessel contracted to Apache (in the mess environment, etc.). Further detailed standards will be developed in the room, corridors and other appropriate areas), in the form of: Installation Environment Plan and the Operations Environment Plan. r *OGPSNBUJPOQPTUFSTPOSFTPVSDFTTFOTJUJWJUJFT GPSFYBNQMF Audits of the development during the installation, commissioning and operations phases will be undertaken against the performance - Nearby coastal and island sensitivities. standards listed in the relevant environment plans (see Section 1.3). - Marine parks and reserves.

7.4 IMPLEMENTATION - Whale migration routes.

Effective implementation of the environment plans requires that the - Turtle conservation. appropriate capabilities and support mechanisms are in place. This - Impacts of oil spills. section outlines how these capabilities and support mechanisms have been or will be developed. r %PUQPJOUTVNNBSZPGFOWJSPONFOUBMDPNNJUNFOUTUPQSPWJEFUIF crew with an easy-to-understand list of their obligations.

7.4.1 Roles and Responsibilities Appendix 6 provides a copy of the environmental educational poster It is important that the roles and responsibilities of Apache personnel to be supplied to the drill rigs for the Van Gogh drilling program. and relevant contractors are understood and followed during all Practical onboard education will include minor oil spill response and phases of the development. The key roles and responsibilities for weekly safety training exercises. ensuring that environmental objectives are met are outlined in Table 7.2. These roles and responsibilities will evolve further in consultation with the relevant contractors (specifically Acergy, the subsea 7.4.3 Communication installation contractor, and Prosafe, the FPSO owner and operator) External Communication during detailed planning for the installation and production phases During the preparation of this Draft PER, consultation occurred with of work. a number of stakeholders as detailed in Chapter 3. This consultation will continue through the production phase albeit via a possibly 7.4.2 Environmental Education different forum and schedule. Government stakeholders will be The responsibilities outlined in Table 7.2 will be reinforced by provided with copies of audit reports, as required. Apache to all project personnel prior to the commencement of each development phase through onshore and/or offshore environmental During the development of the relevant environment plans, education. All personnel are included, from management level to consultation will take place with these and other stakeholders as field operations and contractor staff. appropriate.

264 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 7.1 Van Gogh development key environmental performance objectives, standards and targets

Apache Management Performance Objective Standards and Procedures Performance Target Commitments

Vessel audit (DPDSV, HLVs, Ensure compliance with audit r "QBDIFDPNNJUNFOUGPSUIF Management audit shows audit reports FPSO) schedule requirements. DPDSV, HLVs and FPSO to be have been made on schedule for each audited against commitments vessel under contract to Apache. made in the installation and operation environment plans at least once at the beginning of the contract and then annually thereafter while contracted to Apache.

Operational environmental Make all personnel involved in r &OWJSPONFOU1MBOJOQMBDF Audit shows: awareness the development aware of the r 0OTJUFFOWJSPONFOUBM IFBMUIBOE r 1FSTPOOFMBOEWJTJUPSTBSFGBNJMJBS environmental sensitivities of the safety induction required for all with the environmental requirements region and of their environmental personnel and visitors. of the Environment Plan, and all obligations. guidelines and procedures are being followed. r "MMQFSTPOOFMBOEWJTJUPSTIBWFTJHOFE off the register book confirming their environmental, health and safety induction.

Incident reporting Report any incidents that may r "QBDIFJODJEFOUSFQPSUJOH Audit shows: impact the environment. procedure (AE-91-IF-002). r *ODJEFOUSFQPSUTBSFCFJOHHFOFSBUFE r 1 4- "DU .BOBHFNFOUPG as appropriate. &OWJSPONFOU 3FHVMBUJPO r "QBDIF&OWJSPONFOU%FQBSUNFOUJT receiving incident reports. r /PODPNQMJBODF OPODPOGPSNBODF and corrective action reports are generated as appropriate and reported within the correct timeframe (see Section 7.4.4). r $PSSFDUJWFBDUJPOTBSFDBSSJFEPVUBOE closed out.

Seabed characterisation Characterise the seabed at the r (FPUFDIOJDBMTVSWFZBOECFOUIJD Site survey report containing seabed and monitoring development location prior to work fauna survey undertaken prior to characterisation maps and geotechnical commencing and continue regular development. information on substrate characteristics monitoring during production. r .POJUPSJOHSFRVJSFNFOUTUPCFTFU is available. out in the Operations Environment Plan.

Megafauna observations Collate data on the presence and r 8IBMFBOETFBUVSUMFPCTFSWBUJPO Audit shows: behaviour of EPBC-listed species, sheets provided to FPSO. r 0CTFSWBUJPOEBUBTIFFUTBSFCFJOH such as whales, whale sharks, r $SFXJOEVDUFEPOIPXUPJEFOUJGZ compiled. dolphins and sea turtles in the such fauna and how to report vicinity of the FPSO. r "QBDIF&OWJSPONFOU%FQBSUNFOUJT sightings. receiving observation data sheets.

Once the various environment plans are approved by the DoIR, they r $PNNPOXFBMUI'JTIFSJFT"TTPDJBUJPO will be distributed to the following organisations for information: r 4VQQPSUWFTTFMDPNQBOJFT r %P*3m1FSUI r "DFSHZ r %&$m1FSUIBOE&YNPVUI .BSJOF$POTFSWBUJPO#SBODI r 1SPTBGF r %&8)" Contact details are provided with the environment plans in the r 8FTUFSO"VTUSBMJBO'JTIJOH*OEVTUSZ$PVODJM event that any of the organisations have questions, comments or suggestions. r $BQF$POTFSWBUJPO(SPVQ During the production phase, procedures will be in place for r %FQBSUNFOUPG'JTIFSJFT managing external communications and addressing environmental issues raised by stakeholders.

Chapter 7 : Environmental Management Framework | 265 Table 7.2 Environmental roles and responsibilities for the Van Gogh development

Role Responsibilities Apache Managing Director r &OTVSFTDPNQMJBODFXJUI"QBDIFT&OWJSPONFOUBM.BOBHFNFOU1PMJDZ r 1SPWJEFTBEFRVBUFSFTPVSDFTGPSFOWJSPONFOUBMNBOBHFNFOU r *NQMFNFOUTUIFFNFSHFODZSFTQPOTFTUSBUFHZJOUIFDBTFPGBOJODJEFOU r .BJOUBJOTDPNNVOJDBUJPOXJUIDPNQBOZQFSTPOOFM HPWFSONFOUBHFODJFTBOEUIFNFEJB Apache Operations r &OTVSFTDPNQMJBODFXJUI"QBDIFT&OWJSPONFOUBM.BOBHFNFOU1PMJDZ Superintendent r &OTVSFTPWFSBMMDPNQMJBODFXJUIUIF0QFSBUJPOT&OWJSPONFOU1MBOXJUIBEWJDFBOEHVJEBODFGSPNUIF Environmental Manager. r 3FQPSUTFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUTUPUIF&OWJSPONFOU.BOBHFS r "TTJTUTUIF.BOBHJOH%JSFDUPSJOUIFJNQMFNFOUBUJPOPGUIFFNFSHFODZSFTQPOTFTUSBUFHZJOUIFFWFOUPGBTQJMM incident. Apache Installations Manager r &OTVSFTDPNQMJBODFXJUI"QBDIFT&OWJSPONFOUBM.BOBHFNFOU1PMJDZ r &OTVSFTPWFSBMMDPNQMJBODFXJUIUIF*OTUBMMBUJPO&OWJSPONFOU1MBOXJUIBEWJDFBOEHVJEBODFGSPNUIF&OWJSPONFOU Manager. r 3FQPSUTFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUTUPUIF&OWJSPONFOU.BOBHFS r "TTJTUTUIF.BOBHJOH%JSFDUPSJOUIFJNQMFNFOUBUJPOPGUIFFNFSHFODZSFTQPOTFTUSBUFHZJOUIFFWFOUPGBTQJMM incident. Prosafe Person in Charge (FPSO) r &OTVSFTDPNQMJBODFXJUIBMMSFMFWBOUFOWJSPONFOUBMMFHJTMBUJWFSFRVJSFNFOUT DPNNJUNFOUT DPOEJUJPOTBOE procedures as provided in the Operations Environment Plan. r .BJOUBJOTDMFBSDPNNVOJDBUJPOXJUIUIF0QFSBUJPOT4VQFSJOUFOEFOU r 3FQPSUTFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUTUPUIF0QFSBUJPOT4VQFSJOUFOEFOUBOEFOTVSFTDPSSFDUJWFBDUJPOSFQPSUTBSF prepared, provided to the Environment Manager and follow-up actions are carried out. r 4VQFSWJTFTUIFPOTDFOFPQFSBUJPOTJOUIFFWFOUPGBOPJMTQJMMJODJEFOU r &OTVSFTDPSSFDUJWFBDUJPOTGSPNFOWJSPONFOUBMBVEJUTBSFVOEFSUBLFO r -JBJTFTXJUIUIF0íTIPSF4VQFSWJTPSUPEFWFMPQBDPSSFDUJWFBDUJPOSFQPSUJOUIFFWFOUPGBOFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOU Prosafe Offshore Supervisor r *NQMFNFOUTBOEFOTVSFTDPNQMJBODFXJUIBMMSFMFWBOUFOWJSPONFOUBMMFHJTMBUJWFSFRVJSFNFOUT DPNNJUNFOUT conditions and procedures as provided in the Operations Environment Plan. r $PNNVOJDBUFTIB[BSETBOESJTLTUPUIFXPSLGPSDFBOEUIFJNQPSUBODFPGGPMMPXJOHHPPEXPSLQSBDUJDFT r "QQMJFTBQQSPQSJBUFFOGPSDFNFOUNFDIBOJTNTUPQSFWFOUCSFBDIFTPGUIF0QFSBUJPOT&OWJSPONFOU1MBO r %FWFMPQTBDPSSFDUJWFBDUJPOSFQPSUJOUIFFWFOUPGBOFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUJODMPTFMJBJTPOXJUIUIF1FSTPOJO Charge. r *NQMFNFOUTDPSSFDUJWFBDUJPOTGSPNFOWJSPONFOUBMBVEJUT Apache Environment Manager r -JBJTFTXJUIBOEQSPWJEFTBEWJDFBOEHVJEBODFUPUIFSFMFWBOUNBOBHFSTUPFOTVSFDPNQMJBODFXJUIBMMBTQFDUTPG the environment plans. r $BSSJFTPVUFOWJSPONFOUBMFEVDBUJPOBOEJOEVDUJPOT r %FWFMPQTBOEQBSUJDJQBUFTJOUIF0JM4QJMM$POUJOHFODZ1MBOBOEFNFSHFODZSFTQPOTFTUSBUFHZ r %FWFMPQTBOEJNQMFNFOUTBSFMFWBOUFOWJSPONFOUBMNPOJUPSJOHQSPHSBNBOESFQPSUTUIJTUPUIF.BOBHJOH Director. r 1SPWJEFTSFTPVSDFTGPSDPOEVDUJOHFOWJSPONFOUBMBVEJUTPGUIFSFMFWBOUWFTTFMTUPFOTVSFDPNQMJBODFBHBJOTUUIF relevant environment plan. r 3FWJFXTFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUSFQPSUTBOEQSFQBSFTPSBTTJTUTUIFSFMFWBOUQFSTPOOFM FH '1401FSTPOJO$IBSHF to prepare corrective action reports. r 3FQPSUTBMMJODJEFOUTUPUIF%P*3 Vessel Masters r *NQMFNFOUBOEFOTVSFBEIFSFODFUPBMMSFMFWBOUFOWJSPONFOUBMMFHJTMBUJWFSFRVJSFNFOUT DPNNJUNFOUT DPOEJUJPOT and procedures onboard the vessel. r &OTVSFUIBUBMMQMBOT DPNNJUNFOUTBOEQSPDFEVSFTBSFBWBJMBCMFUPQFSTPOOFM r .BJOUBJODMFBSDPNNVOJDBUJPOXJUIUIFDSFX r $PNNVOJDBUFIB[BSETBOESJTLTUPUIFXPSLGPSDFBOEUIFJNQPSUBODFPGGPMMPXJOHHPPEXPSLQSBDUJDFT r .BJOUBJOUIFWFTTFMJOBTUBUFPGQSFQBSFEOFTTGPSFNFSHFODZSFTQPOTF r 3FQPSUFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUTUPUIFJS"QBDIFNBOBHFSBOEFOTVSFGPMMPXVQBDUJPOTBSFDBSSJFEPVU r "QQMZBQQSPQSJBUFFOGPSDFNFOUNFDIBOJTNTUPQSFWFOUCSFBDIFTPGUIFSFMFWBOUFOWJSPONFOUQMBO Vessel personnel and visitors r "EIFSFUPUIFSFMFWBOUFOWJSPONFOUQMBOJOMFUUFSBOEJOTQJSJU r 'PMMPXHPPEIPVTFLFFQJOHQSPDFEVSFTBOEXPSLQSBDUJDFT r 4VHHFTUBOEFODPVSBHFJNQSPWFNFOUXIFSFWFSQPTTJCMF r 3FQPSUFOWJSPONFOUBMJODJEFOUTUPUIF1FSTPOJO$IBSHFPSUIF0íTIPSF4VQFSWJTPS

266 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Internal Communication marine fauna. All such incidents will be reported in the first instance Communicating the environmental sensitivities of the development’s to the Vessel Master (in the case of support vessels), FPSO Person in location and the management measures to be taken to minimise Charge and Prosafe’s Offshore Supervisor. Recordable incidents will risks to the area will take place and will be tailored to each specific be reported to the DoIR in a written report every calendar month group of employees. Such communication will demonstrate Apache’s by Apache’s Environment Manager (by the 15th of the following commitment to environmental protection and raise awareness of the month). objectives the company must meet in order to continue operating As a minimum, the written incident reports will include: with the approval of the public and the government. r %FTDSJQUJPOPGUIFJODJEFOU The main methods of communicating environment plan requirements r "DUJPOUBLFOUPBWPJEPSNJUJHBUFBOZBEWFSTFFOWJSPONFOUBM internally, to Apache staff and contractors, are outlined inSection impact. 7.4.2. r %FUBJMTPGQFSGPSNBODFTUBOEBSEPSPCKFDUJWFTCSFBDIFE r $PSSFDUJWFBDUJPOUIBUIBTCFFOUBLFO PSJTQSPQPTFEUPCFUBLFO 7.4.4 Recording and Reporting to prevent similar incidents. The processes for recording and reporting environmental incidents Reportable incidents include, but are not limited to, those that are described below. have been identified through the risk assessment process as Internal Incident Recording and Reporting having a “moderate to catastrophic” risk (i.e., a moderate to serious consequence in Apache’s risk matrix) or those listed in the Petroleum All environmental incidents will be reported in the first instance (Submerged Lands)(Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 to the relevant supervisor, who will then report to the Apache (2005 amendments), which are: Environment Manager. A delegate of the Environment Manager will enter all incidents into Apache’s Incidents Database as per Apache’s r "OVODPOUBJOFETQJMMPGPJMPSEJFTFMHSFBUFSUIBOMJUSFT )B[BSE3FQPSUJOH *ODJEFOU/PUJñDBUJPOBOE*OWFTUJHBUJPO1SPDFEVSF r "OVODPOUSPMMFESFMFBTFPGIZESPDBSCPOT (Document AE-91-IF-002, October 2007). r "OVOQMBOOFEHBTFPVTSFMFBTFPWFSN3. Internal incident reports will be electronically documented and r *OKVSZPSEBNBHFUPPSEFBUIPGBUISFBUFOFETQFDJFT FH MJTUFE stored on Apache’s server. On the offshore vessels, the Person in cetaceans or turtles). Charge is responsible for maintaining an on-site copy of internal r &YDFFEFODFPGUIFNH-PJMJOXBUFSMJNJUEVSJOH1'8EJTDIBSHF records and reports, which are filed using standard office protocols. to the ocean. External Incident Recording and Reporting r #SFBDIFTPGUIF"2*4#BMMBTU8BUFS.BOBHFNFOU3FRVJSFNFOUT

Reporting to Government. The Petroleum (Submerged Lands) r "EWFSTFJNQBDUTXJUIDPNNFSDJBMPSSFDSFBUJPOBMñTIJOHBDUJWJUJFT (Management of Environment) Amendment Regulations 2005 In accordance with the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)(Management defines incidents to be recorded and, where appropriate, reported PG &OWJSPONFOU "NFOENFOU 3FHVMBUJPOT 3FHVMBUJPOT to the DoIR as follows: " # BOE"QBDIFT)B[BSE3FQPSUJOH *ODJEFOU/PUJñDBUJPOBOE Recordable incident: for an operator of a petroleum activity, Investigation Procedure (AE-91-IF-002), Apache will notify the DoIR (as the Designated Authority) of any reportable incident (those that means an incident arising from the activity that: have a moderate to catastrophic environmental consequence) within (a) breaches a performance objective or standard in the 2 hours of becoming aware of the reportable incident, either verbally FOWJSPONFOUQMBOUIBUBQQMJFTUPUIFBDUJWJUZBOE POUIF1FUSPMFVN&OWJSPONFOUBM#SBODIQBHFS PSJO writing (by email). The DEWHA will also be notified of a reportable (b) is not a reportable incident. incident. Reportable incident: for an operator of a petroleum activity, The initial report to the DoIR and DEWHA will be followed up by a means an incident mentioned in the environment plan for written report from the Environment Manager, as soon as practicable the activity that has caused, or has the potential to result in, and not later than 3 days following the incident. As a minimum, the moderate to catastrophic environmental consequences as written incident reports will include: categorised by the risk assessment process undertaken as part of the preparation of the environment plan. r "EFTDSJQUJPOPGUIFJODJEFOU r "DUJPOUBLFOUPBWPJEPSNJUJHBUFBOZBEWFSTFFOWJSPONFOUBM Recordable incidents are breaches of or non-conformance with impact. environmental performance standards described in the installation and operations environment plans, including, but not limited to, all r %FUBJMTPGUIFQFSGPSNBODFTUBOEBSECSFBDIFE spills to the environment, uncontrolled emissions to the atmosphere, r $PSSFDUJWFBDUJPOUIBUIBTCFFOUBLFO PSJTQSPQPTFEUPCFUBLFO breach of regulatory conditions, and injury to or interference with to prevent similar incidents reoccurring.

Chapter 7 : Environmental Management Framework | 267 Incident reports submitted to government will be stored electronically r "MMJOWFTUJHBUJPOTXJMMUBLFQMBDFBTTPPOBTQSBDUJDBCMFBGUFSUIF for future reference. incident.

Reporting to Industry. A report is generated from Apache’s Incident r 8JUOFTTTUBUFNFOUTXJMMCFUBLFOBTTPPOBTQSBDUJDBCMFBGUFSUIF Database and submitted to DoIR on a monthly basis and to APPEA on incident to ensure the statements are as accurate as possible. a quarterly basis, providing government and the oil and gas industry The sequence of systematic investigation involves: representative with accurate data on the type and number of incidents occurring within Apache. With other oil and gas operators r $POñSNBUJPOPGUIFJODJEFOUPVUDPNFT doing likewise, this allows the DoIR and APPEA to assess and report r *EFOUJñDBUJPOPGUIFJODJEFOU industry-wide environment performance.

A summary of external recording and reporting requirements for r *EFOUJñDBUJPOPGUIFDBVTBMGBDUPST environmental incidents is provided in Figure 7.2. r *EFOUJñDBUJPOPGUIFSPPUDBVTFT

External Compliance Recording and Reporting r "TTFTTNFOUPGUIFGBDUPSTPGDPOUSPM

Apache produces annual environmental compliance reports for its r 3FDPNNFOEBUJPOTGPSSFNFEJBMBDUJPO facilities in Commonwealth waters to the DoIR, and for its facilities in State waters to the DEC, in addition to the external incident Analysis of all incident reports will be conducted periodically to assist reports outlined in the previous section. These reports describe in the identification of any trends or common factors. how the various facilities have met the commitments made in the In some instances the lessons learned from an incident have value environment plans (or equivalent) for each facility. for other areas within Apache and to the wider industry. This In addition, air, water and greenhouse gas emissions are reported to information can be conveyed via an “Alert” process. Anyone who the DEWHA as part of the annual NPI and Greenhouse Challenge Plus believes the lessons learned from an incident would be of value to a reporting schemes (see Section 1.4.2). Apache is also in the process wider audience may initiate this process. of commencing its reporting for the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program (see Section 1.4.3). 7.4.6 Documentation Once operational, the Van Gogh FPSO will require the same suite of Apache documents and stores all procedures and guidelines on its environmental compliance reporting that Apache’s existing facilities intranet (and other locations on its server) for ease of access to all staff are subject to. This reporting will be based largely on metered and contractors in all locations. Relevant documents are provided to recording of its air and water emissions and waste discharges to the contractors as hard-copy documents where access to the intranet is mainland, and include: not practical or warranted. r "PODFPíDPNQMJBODFSFQPSUBHBJOTUUIF*OTUBMMBUJPO Specialist Apache document control personnel coordinate the Environment Plan (including a summary of any incidents). production, peer review, sign-off, distribution and updating of r "OBOOVBMDPNQMJBODFSFQPSUBHBJOTUUIF'1400QFSBUJPOT any procedural documents, as well as the identification, storage, Environment Plan (including a summary of any incidents). protection, retrieval and retention of documents. An update of the FPSO operations Environment Plan every five years. For the proposed Van Gogh development, all environmental management documents will be provided to the relevant members r *ODMVTJPOJO"QBDIFTBOOVBM/1*SFQPSUJOH of the management team (e.g., managers, superintendents, persons r *ODMVTJPOJO"QBDIFTBOOVBM(SFFOIPVTF$IBMMFOHF1MVTSFQPSUJOH in charge and supervisors) and made readily available to other r *ODMVTJPOJO"QBDIFT&OFSHZ&îDJFODZ0QQPSUVOJUJFTSFQPSUJOH personnel, typically through the Apache intranet or from the FPSO’s Person in Charge. 7.4.5 Incident Investigation Onshore and offshore management will participate in any incident 7.4.7 Emergency Preparedness and Response JOWFTUJHBUJPOT JO BDDPSEBODF XJUI "QBDIFT )B[BSE 3FQPSUJOH The effective planning, management and implementation of Incident Notification and Investigation Procedure (AE-91-IF-002). emergency preparedness and response plans is essential for the The purpose of the incident investigation is to identify the action successful installation and operation of the Van Gogh development, required to prevent a recurrence of the incident. At Apache the especially in the cyclone-prone Exmouth region. Apache has several following principles apply: emergency response plans in place, including:

r "MMJODJEFOUTBSFBTTFTTFEBOEBOJOWFTUJHBUJPONBZUBLFQMBDF r /84 /PSUI8FTU4IFMG 0QFSBUJPOT$POTPMJEBUFE$ZDMPOF dependent on the circumstances. Response Plan (AE-91-IF-010).

r *ODJEFOUJOWFTUJHBUJPOTBSFBJNFEBUDPMMFDUJOHGBDUT r &NFSHFODZ3FTQPOTF.BOBHFNFOU.BOVBM "&;'

268 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Figure 7.2 External enviromental incident recording and reporting framework

%! # #

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)$ !%" ! ! $ ## " * Advice Available From #"5 !# ! Apache Environmental 5 ! Department in Perth

REPORTABLE INCIDENT RECORDABLE INCIDENT

%! #! $ !## !" %# !&! #" !#")3!' %! #! # #(# !# 4!## 4#*! !&!"# # $!# 1# ** Preferred Route - If %# !&! #" Unavailable, PIC to # !# !&!"# Contact DoIR Directly # $!# " 6 # #(# Within 2hr Window !# !&!"# # %! #!#!' $ !%" ! $#" "26 # !# # %"## ' !&!"# %! # # ! %! #!#!'#' !# " #' !# %! #!"" ! #" 4!## !## 4#+ $#"# '## # '" # & #

# #!# ! " #! #" #" 0/.-, r &NFSHFODZ3FTQPOTF1MBO .0%6<.PCJMF0íTIPSF%SJMMJOH6OJU> outlined in the Installation Environment Plan, the Operations Operations NWS Area) (AE-00-ZF-010). Environment Plan and other procedural documents are being adhered to while offshore, various measures will be put in place, as r 0JM4QJMM$POUJOHFODZ1MBO "&&' outlined in this section. Most of these documents are linked to Apache’s environment plans and are readily available to all personnel. The response plans 7.5.1 Monitoring and Measurement are regularly updated with the revised contact details of relevant Environmental management monitoring can be considered to occur organisations and individuals. They are also regularly tested to at three separate, but interrelated levels, these being: determine where they can be improved, and Apache staff regularly attend industry training events and workshops to keep abreast of the r 4ZTUFNTBOEQSPDFEVSFT latest information. For example, Apache: r "DUJWJUJFT r &OWJSPONFOUBMTUBíBUUFOEFEUIF%1*0JM4QJMM3FTQPOTF1MBOOJOH r 1IZTJDBM DIFNJDBMBOEPSCJPMPHJDBMBTQFDUTPGUIFSFDFJWJOH and Exercise Workshop in October 2007 in Exmouth. environment. r &OWJSPONFOUBMBOEPQFSBUJPOTTUBíBUUFOEFEi4QJMMDPOu The environmental monitoring program that will be in place for the (environmental pollution prevention and response conference) in proposed Van Gogh development will encompass all three levels of Perth in March 2007. monitoring and is described below. r &OWJSPONFOUBMBOEPQFSBUJPOTTUBíQBSUJDJQBUFEJOUIF1PSUPG Systems and Procedures Monitoring Dampier Authority “Exercise Troubled Waters” oil spill field exercise Performance standards for the implementation of systems and JO0DUPCFSJO%BNQJFS procedures will be developed for each phase of the Van Gogh r &OWJSPONFOUBMTUBíBUUFOEFEUIF1PSUPG%BNQJFS"VUIPSJUZ0JM development and built into the contracts of the major contractors, 4QJMM8PSLTIPQJO"VHVTUJO,BSSBUIB such as the drilling, installation and production contracts. Apache r 5FTUFEUIF&NFSHFODZ3FTQPOTF1MBOJOIBMGEBZPîDFFYFSDJTFT will quantitatively monitor how these performance standards are JO.BSDIBOE4FQUFNCFS JOWPMWJOHNBOBHFNFOU being met, through supervision, inspections and audits. personnel from all departments. Performance standards will be linked to key performance indicators 7.5 CHECKING for the contractor or operator. For example, Prosafe, the FPSO operator, will be required to reinject produced formation water To determine whether the environmental management measures into the reservPJSGPSBUMFBTUPGUIFDPOOFDUFE PQFSBUJOHUJNF

Chapter 7 : Environmental Management Framework | 269 Failure to achieve this key performance indicator will result in a An annual compliance report will be prepared and submitted to the financial penalty. DoIR to report against commitments provided in the Operations An example of systems and procedures monitoring is outlined in Environment Plan. The compliance report will include the results of Table 7.3, which outlines the survey frequencies for assessing vessel monitoring and measurement activities, reporting on the volumes integrity. of produced gas flared and injected, volumes of produced formation water discharged and injected, and volumes of sewage and cooling Activities Monitoring water discharged overboard. Volumes of solid waste discharged to The Logistics Coordinators, or equivalent, representing each offshore the mainland will also be reported. The annual compliance report contracting party, will be responsible for the internal reporting of will summarise any environmental incidents that occured during the various aspects of monitoring and measurement, including overboard reporting year and outline environmental management activities discharges, wastes sent ashore, quarantine checks, cetacean that were undertaken. observations and so forth. This data will provide Apache environmental personnel with an indication of whether environmental commitments 7.5.3 Non-conformity, Corrective and are being met and whether there are opportunities for improvements. Monitoring and measurement records will also provide valuable input Preventative Action into the Installation Environment Plan close-out report and the annual The findings and recommendations of the audits are documented and Operations Environment Plan compliance reports . distributed to relevant personnel for comments. It is almost certain that an audit is likely to result in recommendations for improvement Environmental monitoring and reporting requirements for the proposed Van Gogh development are outlined in Table 7.4. opportunities and, occasionally, breaches of environmental commitments. There are two types of breaches, as outlined below: Receiving Environment Monitoring r Non-conformance: a breach of environment plan commitments, The objective of monitoring the receiving environment is to measure the relating to internal procedures and guidelines. effect of the FPSO’s operations on the physical (e.g., seabed, underwater noise), chemical (e.g., water quality) and biological (e.g., megafauna, r Non-compliance: a breach of commitments, relating to legislative benthic species) environments. The results of this monitoring can then requirements. be compared to information gained from the surveys conducted as All breaches of the environment plans are treated as non-compliances, part of the environmenal impact assessment process. because government approval of the development is conditional Detailed receiving environment monitoring requirements will be upon fulfilling all the commitments outlined in this Draft PER and developed upon project approvals and outlined in the Operations other documents, regardless of whether those commitments have a Environment Plan. legislative basis or are strictly industry- or company-based. 7.5.2 Evaluation of Compliance Any non-compliances are noted and communicated immediately to the vessel master or equivalent while the auditor is on board, as well Compliance evaluations are best undertaken as audits. Apache as being documented in the audit report. environmental staff undertake audits of vessels contracted to Apache at the commencement of each contract and yearly thereafter, unless A non-compliances report is issued by the Apache auditor to the vessel more frequent audits are required (e.g., working in particularly master or equivalent, and a corrective action request is generated by sensitive locations). The audits are conducted against the relevant the vessel master. The corrective action request specifies the remedial environmental document (e.g., environment plan, management plan, action required to fix the breach and prevent its reoccurrence and is procedure) that can be modified as appropriate. Feedback from the issued to the relevant manager, who then delegates to the person audit is provided to the vessel master and the vessel’s shore-based deemed most appropriate to fulfil the corrective action request. management at the end of the audit to enable immediate actioning The corrective action request is closed out only when the remedial of identified non-conformances or non-compliances. A formal audit action has been verified by the relevant manager and signed off. This report is later distributed to the relevant personnel. process is maintained by Apache’s Environment Department through Audits also determine whether the daily and weekly environmental an electronic database. inspections that the vessel master or equivalent (usually delegated crew member) must undertake are being appropriately carried out, Most non-compliances, and indeed all major ones, are communicated through direct interviews and reviewing records. to the offshore crew during daily “tool-box” meetings before each shift and at weekly safety meetings on board the respective vessels. In the case of the proposed Van Gogh development, environmental audits will take place when the vessels are on location (in conjunction 7.6 MANAGEMENT REVIEW with inductions) and every year thereafter, to ensure that the commitments outlined in this Draft PER and the installation and Periodic reviews of the overall effectiveness of the offshore Operations operations environment plans are being adhered to and that any Environment Plan will be undertaken by senior management to non-conformances or non-compliances are rectified. ensure continual improvement, sustainability and effectiveness.

270 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Table 7.3 Vessel integrity survey frequencies under statutory and classification survey certification requirements

Certification Year 12345 Statutory Survey Safety Construction Statutory (SAFCON) Annual Intermediate Annual Renewal Safety Equipment Annual Intermediate Annual Renewal Safety Radio Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention) Annual Intermediate Annual Renewal Loadline Annual Annual Annual Annual Renewal International Tonnage Initial Only Classification Survey Hull Special Survey* Annual Intermediate Annual Renewal Docking/Bottom Survey Intermediate Continuous Machinery Survey (CMS)* $POUJOVPVT4VSWFZ PG*UFNT1FS:FBS Tail Shaft With CMS Intermediate With CMS Renewal Electrical Renewal Boiler (Auxiliary Boiler Survey) Intermediate Renewal

* Hull and machinery surveys for classification are to the standard required for safety construction statutory certification forFlag State.

Table 7.4 Environmental monitoring and reporting summary for the proposed Van Gogh development

Aspect Monitoring Method Phase Reporting Waste Waste transfer log (quantities and types of All phases Noted in daily and weekly checklists by Logistics Coordinator waste) maintained by Logistics Coordinator. and forwarded to Apache Environment Department for incorporation in to relevant external reports. Spills Visual observations from any crew members All phases Noted in daily and weekly reports by Logistics Coordinator Reported in Apache incident database and forwarded to Apache Environment Department for Compiled as monthly and quarterly reports incorporation in to relevant external reports. to DoIR and APPEA. Cetaceans Visual observations from helicopters and all All phases Observations noted on fauna observation sheet by relevant vessels. offshore crew and forwarded to Apache Environment Department for incorporation in to relevant internal and external reports. Quarantine Visual inspection of vermin traps All phases Noted in daily and weekly checklists by Logistics Coordinator Audit of AQIS ballast water logs to ensure and forwarded to Apache Environment Department for compliance with AQIS ballast requirements. incorporation in to relevant external reports. Diesel consumption Diesel purchase invoices from logistics All phases Invoices forwarded to Apache Environment Department to company for all vessels. enable calculations of greenhouse gas emissions. Turtles Visual observations from all vessels. All phases Observations noted on fauna observation sheet by offshore crew and forwarded to Apache Environment Department for incorporation in to relevant internal and external reports. Lighting Visual inspection for excess night-time All phases Audit reports by Apache environmental staff for internal and lighting. external reporting. Seabed disturbance ROV deployed to survey seabed for debris. All phases Reports as required from ROV operator forwarded to Apache Environment Department for incorporation in to relevant internal and external reports. Hydrotest water Volume of water and chemicals measured. Commissioning Report submitted to Apache Environment Department at the completion of commissioning for incorporation in to relevant internal and external reports. Machinery exhausts Calculated based on fuel composition and Production Annually via NPI and greenhouse gas reporting. emissions combustion efficiencies. Sewage and grey Metering. All phases Daily data fed into Apache’s Production Reporting System (PRS) water and accessible via intranet, from which data is used for relevant external compliance reports.

Chapter 7 : Environmental Management Framework | 271 Table 7.4 Environmental monitoring and reporting summary for the proposed Van Gogh development (cont’d)

Aspect Monitoring Method Phase Reporting PFW injection Metering. Production Daily data fed into PRS and accessible via intranet, from which data is used for relevant external compliance reports. Gas injection Metering. Production Daily data fed into PRS and accessible via intranet, from which data is used for relevant external compliance reports. Oil in water $POUJOVBMNPOJUPSJOHBOEIPVSMZ Drilling Daily data fed into PRS and accessible via intranet, from which for produced laboratory testing. Production data is used for relevant external compliance reports. formation water discharged overboard Flaring Metering. Commissioning Daily data fed into PRS and accessible via intranet, from which Production data is used for relevant external compliance reports.

272 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Conclusions 8

This chapter provides concluding comments on the environmental 1(a) To provide for the protection of the environment, 9 acceptability of the proposed Van Gogh development and is based especially those aspects of the environment that are on: NBUUFSTPGOBUJPOBMFOWJSPONFOUBMTJHOJñDBODFBOE r "QBDIFTFYUFOTJWFFYQFSJFODFJOPíTIPSFPJMBOEHBT (b) To promote ecologically sustainable development 9 developments on the North West Shelf. through the conservation and ecologically r &OHJOFFSJOHFYQFSUJTFHBJOFECZXPSLJOHPOOFJHICPVSJOH'140 TVTUBJOBCMFVTFPGOBUVSBMSFTPVSDFTBOE developments and brought to this development. (c) 5PQSPNPUFUIFDPOTFSWBUJPOPGCJPEJWFSTJUZBOE 9 r "OFYUFOTJWFMJUFSBUVSFSFWJFXPGUIFJNQBDUTPGPíTIPSFBDUJWJUJFT (ca) To provide for the protection and conservation of 9 on marine fauna (specifically cetaceans). IFSJUBHFBOE r 4QFDJBMJTUTUVEJFTPOPJMTQJMMNPEFMMJOHXJUINPSFSFñOFEXJOE (d) To promote a co-operative approach to the 9 data than has been used on previous FPSO developments in the protection and management of the environment Exmouth Sub-basin. involving governments, the community, land-holders r $POTVMUBUJPOXJUIUIFDPNNVOJUZ HPWFSONFOUSFHVMBUPST BOE BOEJOEJHFOPVTQFPQMFTBOE other stakeholders in Exmouth and Perth. (e) To assist in the co-operative implementation 9 of Australia’s international environmental 8.1 COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES SFTQPOTJCJMJUJFTBOE OF ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE (f) To recognise the role of indigenous people in the 9 DEVELOPMENT conservation and ecologically sustainable use of This Draft PER provides a detailed assessment of potential impacts "VTUSBMJBTCJPEJWFSTJUZBOE to the environmental, social and economic values of the offshore (g) To promote the use of indigenous peoples’ 9 and onshore Exmouth region. It demonstrates that planning and knowledge of biodiversity with the involvement of, and in co-operation with, the owners of the design of the Van Gogh development has embraced the principles of knowledge. ecologically sustainable development, in that: r %FDJTJPONBLJOHQSPDFTTFTIBWFJOUFHSBUFEMPOHUFSNBOE 8.3 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MANNER short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable PROPOSED considerations. Undertaking the development in the manner described in r "MBDLPGGVMMTDJFOUJñDDFSUBJOUZSFHBSEJOHBOZUISFBUTPGTFSJPVT Chapter 2 is environmentally justified based on the conclusions or irreversible environmental damage has not prevented Apache outlined below. committing to implement measures to prevent environmental degradation. 8.3.1 Marine Environment r 5IFQSJODJQMFPGJOUFSHFOFSBUJPOBMFRVJUZ JF UIBUUIFQSFTFOU Overall impacts to the marine environment from the proposed Van generation should ensure that the health, diversity and Gogh development are negligible because: productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the r *NQBDUTUPNBSJOFGBVOB MFUIBMPSQBUIPMPHJDBM GSPNVOEFSXBUFS benefit of future generations) has been upheld. noise are unlikely outside of the immediate vicinity of the source. r 5IFDPOTFSWBUJPOPGCJPMPHJDBMEJWFSTJUZBOEFDPMPHJDBMJOUFHSJUZ The majority of species display avoidance behaviour, thereby has been a fundamental consideration in decision-making. This minimising physiological impacts. is supported by on-site investigations, taking on board concerns r "EPVCMFTJEFEIVMMNJOJNJTFTUIFQPUFOUJBMGPSPJMTQJMMTDBVTFECZ raised by environmental interests, and sponsoring activities aimed vessel collision or tank corrosion. at improving our knowledge of the marine environment for the purposes of its conservation. r 5IFDIBODFPGBDDJEFOUBMPJMTQJMMTFOUFSJOH/JOHBMPP.BSJOF1BSL from the FPSO location are extremely remote, with the June to 8.2 COMPLIANCE WITH THE OBJECTIVES July period carrying the only risk (in the order of 1 in 1,000,000 OF THE EPBC ACT years probability). In the event a spill does occur, Apache’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan will be implemented. 5IFADIFDLMJTUCFMPXEFNPOTUSBUFTUIBUUIFPCKFDUJWFTPGUIF&1#$ Act (Volume 1, Part 1, Section 3) have been met through the Van r "OPJMTQJMMBUUIF'140MPDBUJPOIBT[FSPQSPCBCJMJUZPGSFBDIJOH Gogh development environmental impact assessment process. the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area.

$IBQUFS$PODVMTJPOT] 273 r %JFTFMTQJMMTBUUIF'140MPDBUJPOXJMMOPUSFBDI/JOHBMPP.BSJOF 8.3.2 Socio-economic Environment Park or the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area. Overall impacts to the socio-economic environment of the Exmouth r /PEJTDIBSHFTPGXBTUF TFXBHF HSFZXBUFS TPMJET XJMMPDDVS region from the proposed Van Gogh development are positive within Exmouth Gulf from installation vessels (DPDSV, heavy-lift because, in no particular order of merit: vessels, or support vessels). r *ODPOTVMUBUJPOBDUJWJUJFTVOEFSUBLFOUPEBUF OPNBKPSPQQPTJUJPO r %FTJHOBUFENPPSJOHTXJMMCFVTFEJO&YNPVUI(VMGUPNJOJNJTF to the development has been evident. There has been some seabed damage from vessel anchoring. support of the use of local services to support the proposed development during the installation and production phases. r *OTUBMMBUJPOWFTTFMTXJMMCFQSFTFOUJO&YNPVUI(VMGPOMZBGUFSUIF peak humpback whale transition (or rest) period. r 'JTIJOHJOUFOTJUZBSPVOEUIFQSPQPTFEEFWFMPQNFOUMPDBUJPOJT minimal and is not likely to result in disruption to commercial r 5IFQSPKFDUTGPPUQSJOU TVCTFBBOEBUUIFTVSGBDF JTFYUSFNFMZ fishers or a loss of catch. small and will be removed at the end of the development’s life. r 5IFGPSNBUJPOPGUIF&YNPVUI"WJBUJPO$POTPSUJVNIBTSFTVMUFE r #FOUIJDMJGFXJUIJOUIFEFWFMPQNFOUGPPUQSJOUIBTBMPXBCVOEBODF in additional commercial airplane flights into Exmouth, which has and diversity. the potential to increase regional tourism and therefore economic r 1FMBHJDNBSJOFTQFDJFTJOUIFBSFBBSFIJHIMZNPCJMFBOEBCMFUP prosperity. avoid routine liquid discharges (e.g., cooling water, sewage). r 5IFGPSNBUJPOPGUIF&YNPVUI"WJBUJPO$POTPSUJVNIBTBMSFBEZ r 5IFEFWFMPQNFOUTMPOHEJTUBODFGSPNUIFOFBSFTUDPBTUMJOFT resulted in increased jobs connected with helicopter services to NJOJNJTFTNBOZQPUFOUJBMFOWJSPONFOUBMJNQBDUT NPTUOPUBCMZ drill rigs, FPSOs and large construction vessels in the region.

- Lighting impacts on turtles. r 5IFQPUFOUJBMGPSTPNFQFPQMFEJSFDUMZFNQMPZFEPOUIF'140 to take up residence in town exists, and this would bring with it - Noise impacts on cetaceans. positive flow-on effects to Exmouth, such as reversing the town’s - Physical presence on cetacean migration movements. population decline and increased demand for local services, with concomitant positive impacts on local employment. - Oil and diesel spills on sensitive coastal environments. r 4QPOTPSTIJQTQSPWJEFECZ"QBDIFIFMQUPFOTVSFUIBUWBMVBCMF - PFW discharge. community, educational and environmental programs can be - Sewage and greywater discharges in shallow waters. established and sustained to provide tangible social outcomes.

- Ballast water exchange in shallow waters. r 5IF'140JTOPUMPDBUFEJOBEFTJHOBUFETIJQQJOHMBOFBOEXJMM have minimal impact on commercial shipping activities. r "NJOJNVNUBSHFUPGSFJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFEHBTNJOJNJTFT greenhouse gas emissions. r 5IFQSPQPTFEEFWFMPQNFOUXJMMOPUJNQBDUBOZLOPXO"CPSJHJOBM or non-indigenous sites of cultural or historic significance. r "NJOJNVNUBSHFUPGSFJOKFDUJPOPGQSPEVDFEGPSNBUJPOXBUFS minimises impacts associated with this discharge. r 5IFEFWFMPQNFOU EVSJOHBMMQIBTFT XJMMIBWFMJUUMFJGBOZOFHBUJWF impact on tourism. Any impacts on visual amenity will generally r %FDLESBJOBHFTZTUFNTBOECVOEJOHEFTJHONJOJNJTFUIF appear to simply be additional large vessel traffic, which is not to discharge of contaminated water overboard. be unexpected along this part of the Western Australian coastline. r -PXUPYJDJUZXBUFSCBTFETVCTFBIZESBVMJDDPOUSPMóVJETNJOJNJTF r 5BYFT TVDIBTDPNQBOZUBYBOEQFUSPMFVNSFTPVSDFSFOUUBY impacts to seabed benthic communities. generated through the sale of crude oil over the life of the r *NQBDUTUP&1#$MJTUFETQFDJFTBOENJHSBUPSZTQFDJFT BUUIF development, will benefit Australia as a whole by funding public individual and population level) will not be significant. services and facilities (e.g., schools, hospitals, roads, defence, conservation and so forth). r 5IFQSPWJTJPOPGBOFYUFOTJWFTUPDLQJMFPGPJMTQJMMSFTQPOTFNBUFSJBM in Exmouth, together with local training in oil spill response, means Overall, it has been demonstrated that the Van Gogh development there is a greater chance of minimising environmental harm from will have negligible impacts on the environment (sea, land and an oil spill (which is more likely to be from passing tankers than atmosphere) and positive socio-economic impacts at the national, from an FPSO). state and local scale.

274 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Bibliography 9

9.1 Study Team This Draft PER was prepared by Apache's internal Environment Department, comprising:

Myles Hyamsm&OWJSPONFOU.BOBHFS $POUSJCVUJOH"VUIPSBOE&EJUPS

Giulio Pinzonem&OWJSPONFOUBM4DJFOUJTU -FBE"VUIPS &*"$PPSEJOBUPSBOE%SBGU1&3QSPEVDUJPO

Michael Cobbm&OWJSPONFOUBM4DJFOUJTU $POUSJCVUJOH"VUIPS

Ian Rossm4VQFSWJTJOH%SBGUTQFSTPO (*4NBOBHFNFOU

Graham Murraym%SBGUTQFSTPO

Bristal Daviesm%SBGUTQFSTPO

Several Apache personnel and contractors working on the Van Gogh development provided technical input and reviews of the Draft PER, including:

Simon Bingham m4VCTFBBOE'140.BOBHFS

Ian Sigsworthm5PQTJEFT'BDJMJUZ.BOBHFS

HK Chiamm*OTUBMMBUJPO.BOBHFS

Mitch Elkinsm%SJMMJOH.BOBHFS

Brett Lawrencem%SJMMJOH&OHJOFFS

Martin Kuhnm)VMMBOE$POWFSTJPO/BWBM"SDIJUFDU

Paul Burrenm1SPDFTT&OHJOFFS 9.2 Consultants The following consultants were contracted by Apache to assist in the EIA for the Van Gogh development, and their contribution and expertise is gratefully acknowledged.

Study Consultant Geophysical survey Tri-Surv Sediment grab sampling Benthic Geotech Sediment sampling analysis Coffey Natural Systems (formerly Enesar Consulting) Seabed ROV survey i-Tech7 Seabed ROV survey analysis Coffey Natural Systems (formerly Enesar Consulting) Subsea leak frequency assessment Vanguard Solutions Topsides leak frequency assessment Vanguard Solutions Environmental HAZID facilitation Vanguard Enviro Oil weathering and dispersant testing Leeder Consulting Oil spill modelling Global Environmental Modelling Systems (GEMS) Technical editing -J[+BDPCTFO Desktop publishing Linc Integrated

9.3 Technical Reviews External reports produced for Apache by consultants have been reviewed for completeness, accuracy and content by the responsible consultant and by the relevant personnel at Apache through a review and document control process.

The Draft PER has been reviewed by the relevant technical personnel designing the Van Gogh development and by the DEW against the Final PER Guidelines for approval to publish.

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7JL &" #BLLF %3BOE7FSCVSHI + A5IF/PDUBOPMXBUFSQBSUJUJPODPFîDJFOUBDSJUJDBMQBSBNFUFSJOFOWJSPONFOUBMSJTLBTTFTTNFOU of offshore E&P chemicals’ InProduced water: technological/environmental issues and solutions. Plenum Press, New York. Edited by Ray, J.P. and Engelhardt, F.R.

7PMLNBO +, .JMMFS (+ 3FWJMM "5BOE$POOFMM %8 h&OWJSPONFOUBMJNQMJDBUJPOTPGPíTIPSFPJMBOEHBTEFWFMPQNFOUJO"VTUSBMJB oil spills.' In Environmental implications of offshore oil and gas development in Australia - The findings of an independent scientific review. Edited by Swan, J.M., Neff, J.M. and Young,P.C. Australian Petroleum Exploration Association. Sydney.

8"'*$ 'JTIJOH *OEVTUSZ "888 QVCMJDBUJPO BDDFTTFE JO %FDFNCFS BU IUUQXXXXBñDDPNBV8FTUFSO "VTUSBMJBO 'JTIJOH Industry Council. Perth.

284 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Walker, D.I. and McComb, A.J. (1990). Salinity response of the seagrass Amphibolus antartica: an experimental validation of field results.Aquatic Botanym

WAMSI. (2007). WAMSI Research Projects Update May 2007. A WWW publication accessed in July 2007 at http://www.wamsi.org.au/research.

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8BSE5+BOE3BJOFS4' %FDBQPEDSVTUBDFBOTPGUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMG BUSPQJDBMDPOUJOFOUBMTIFMGPG/PSUIXFTUFSO"VTUSBMJBAustralian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research

8BSESPQ +" #VUMFS "+BOE+PIOTPO +& "ñFMETUVEZPGUIFUPYJDJUZPGUXPPJMTBOEBEJTQFSTBOUUPUIFNBOHSPWFAvicenni. Marine Biology m

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8/* .FUPDFBO$POEJUJPOTPOUIF/PSUI8FTU4IFMGPG"VTUSBMJB $BQF-BNCFSUUPUIF/PSUI8FTU$BQF3FMBUJOHUP+BDLVQ%SJMMJOH Operation. Report prepared by WNI Science & Engineering, Perth, for Apache Energy Ltd., Perth.

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8ZOFLFO + 5IFNJHSBUPSZCFIBWJPVSPGIBUDIMJOHTFBUVSUMFTCFZPOEUIFCFBDI"888QVCMJDBUJPOBDDFTTFEJO%FDFNCFSBU http://www.arbec.com.my/sea-turtles/art13julysept01.htm.

Chapter 9 : Bibliography | 285 286 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Glossary and Acronyms 10

A$ Australian dollars. ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics. Acoustic transducer A device that converts one type of energy (in this case acoustic) into another. Actuator A device responsible for putting into motion a mechanical device, such as one connected to a computer by a sensor link. Aeolian Relating to, caused by, or carried by the wind. AFMA Australian Fisheries Management Authority. AHD Australian Height Datum. AIPP Australian Industry Participation Plan. ALARP As low as reasonably practical. Albedo The fraction of light that is reflected by a body or surface (e.g., the ocean). AMOSC Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre. AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority. "1*(SBWJUZ American Petroleum Institute measure of density for petroleum that is inversely related to specific gravity. APIo gravity = TQFDJñDHSBWJUZ!' APPEA Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association. AQIS Australian Quarantine Inspection Service. Artificial lift When additional measures are required if a fluid will not flow from the reservoir to the surface under normal reservoir pressures. Various means are available in a hydrocarbon production system (e.g., injecting gas). AS Australian Standard. AUSSAR Australian Search and Rescue. Bathymetry 3FMBUFEUPXBUFSEFQUImBCBUIZNFUSZNBQTIPXTUIFEFQUIPGXBUFSBUBHJWFOMPDBUJPOPOUIFNBQ Benthos/benthic Relating to the seafloor, and includes organisms living in or on sediments/rocks on the seafloor. #FO[FOF A volatile organic compound (VOC) that occurs naturally in petroleum and is produced by the combustion of petroleum products. It is used in the production of synthetic materials and consumer products such as synthetic rubber, plastics, nylon, insecticides, paints, dyes, resins and cosmetics. BFPD Barrels of fluid per day. Bioaccumulate Bioaccumulation refers to the amount of a substance taken up by an organism through all routes of exposure (water, diet, inhalation, epidermal). Bioavailability The bioavailability of a chemical entity is its ability to gain entry into an organism by being transported through a membrane or the ability of a chemical entity to adversely affect the performance of an external membrane by being strongly adsorbed to it. Biocide A chemical agent that is capable of destroying living organisms. Biodiversity Relates to the level of biological diversity of the environment. The EPBC Act defines biodiversity as: “the variability among living organisms from all sources (including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part) and includes: B EJWFSTJUZXJUIJOTQFDJFTBOECFUXFFOTQFDJFTBOE (b) diversity of ecosystems”.

Biogeography The study of the patterns of distribution of animals and plants. Biomagnification A phenomena whereby contaminants in a lower trophic level organism are transferred to and magnified in a higherrophic t level organism. Biota Collective term for all of the flora and fauna of a region or area. Bivalves Molluscs that have two shells, including oysters, clams and mussels. Black start The process of restoring power after a power outage has occurred. In the absence of mains power, a so-called 'black start' needs to be performed to bootstrap the power grid into operation. To provide a black start, small diesel generators can be used to start larger generators, which in turn can be used to start the main power station generators. Blowout An uncontrolled flow of hydrocarbons from a reservoir to the surface, but can also mean from one reservoir to another. Blowout preventer (BOP) A series of devices used to prevent a blowout. The blowout preventer (BOP) is located on the seafloor while drilling a subsea well, or on a platform if drilling a surface well. One device within a BOP consists of an inflatable ring-shaped bladder XIJDIJTBCMFUPTFBMBSPVOEBOZTIBQFPSTJ[FPGQJQFXIJDINJHIUCFQBTTFEUISPVHIJU*GSFRVJSFEUIJTEFWJDFDBOQSFWFOU material flowing between the outside of the pipe and the hole. Another device consists of a guillotine which is able to cut through any pipe which passes through the hole, and which is able to stop all flow of fluids to the surface. A subsea BOP usually has several of these devices, and other similar intervention devices, so that there is redundancy in case one fails to operate effectively when required. Bombies Massive, spherical boulders of coral, whose shape ensures a maximum surface area for their coral polyps to filter food from the water.

Chapter 10 : Glossary and Acronyms | 287 Breakaway coupling A coupling in a hose which is designed to part if excessive strain is placed on the hose before the hose itself is ruptured, and which also closes instantly to minimise the amount of material lost from the hose. Broadband Relating to noise measurements, refers to noise energy levels measured across the full range of frequencies, as opposed to OPJTFFOFSHZMFWFMTNFBTVSFEBDSPTTBEFñOFEGSFRVFODZSBOHF FH )[ #5&9 #5&9SFGFSTUPBHSPVQPGDPNQPVOET CFO[FOF UPMVFOF FUIZMCFO[FOFBOEUPUBMYZMFOFT XIJDIBSFOBUVSBMMZPDDVSSJOH DPNQPOFOUTPGQFUSPMFVN#5&9BSFBNPOHUIFNPTUIB[BSEPVTDPOTUJUVFOUTPGQFUSPMBOETPMWFOUT Bunker fuel/oil "OZEJFTFMPSGVFMPJMTVQQMJFEUPGVFMBTIJQTFOHJOFTJF UPSVOUIFTIJQSBUIFSUIBOBTDBSHPUPCFUSBOTQPSUFEGPSTBMF5IF ACVOLFSUBOLTBSFUIFQMBDFXIFSFJUJTTUPSFEPOUIFTIJQ Buoy A float moored in water to mark a location, warn of danger, or indicate a navigational channel. Bycatch Bycatch refers to all non-targeted catch during commercial fisheries operations, including animals that are caught and then discarded, and any animals killed as a result of the commercial fishing activities. Calcarenite 3PDLGPSNFECZUIFQFSDPMBUJPOPGXBUFSUISPVHIBNJYUVSFPGDBMDBSFPVTTIFMMGSBHNFOUTBOERVBSU[TBOEDBVTJOHUIF dissolved lime to cement the mass together. The calcareinite material is often a conglomerate varying from little shell material to nearly all fossil shells with little sand. CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Birds Agreement. Carnarvon Basin A major sedimentary basin along the North West Shelf, extending from Geraldton to Karratha along the western and northwestern coastline of WA, covering onshore and offshore areas. It has two distinct parts: a southern, onshore, north- USFOEJOH HSPVQ PG TVCCBTJOT UIBU DPOUBJO VQ UP LN PG QSFEPNJOBOUMZ 1BMBF[PJD TFEJNFOUT BOE B OPSUIFSO MBSHFMZ PíTIPSF OPSUIFBTUUSFOEJOHHSPVQPGTVCCBTJOTUIBUBSFVQUPLNEFFQBOEDPOUBJOUIJDL.FTP[PJDBOE$BJOP[PJD TFRVFODFTBTXFMMBT1MBFP[PJDTFEJNFOUT Casing Steel pipe used to support a rock structure from collapsing, once a hole has been drilled. CCR Central control room. Cephalopods Molluscs with tentacles or arms, including the nautilus, cuttlefish, squid and octopus. Cetacean Whale and dolphin species. CITES Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Cnidarians Any of various invertebrate animals of the phylum Cnidaria, characterised by a radially symmetrical body with a saclike internal cavity, and including the jellyfishes, hydras, sea anemones and corals.

CO2 Carbon dioxide. A non-toxic gas produced from decaying materials, respiration of plant and animal life and combustion of

PSHBOJDNBUUFS JODMVEJOHIZESPDBSCPOT$02 is the most common greenhouse gas produced by human activities.

CO2-e CO2-equivalent. A measure of the global warming potential of individual greenhouse gases on an equivalent-weight basis

to CO2. Commission(ing) The process by which a facility is confirmed to operate as expected. It is the testing of equipment that is being operating in the particular configuration for the first time. Conductor pipe A short string of large-diameter casing used to keep the top of the well bore open and to provide a means of conveying the up-flowing drilling fluid from the well bore to the mud tank. Continental shelf The comparatively shallow sea area surrounding the continents, extending seawards to the continental slope. Continental slope The steeply sloping part of the sea floor between the continental shelf and the bottom of the ocean. Copepod Any of numerous minute marine and freshwater crustaceans of the subclass Copepoda, having an elongated body and a forked tail. Coral "SPDLMJLFEFQPTJUDPOTJTUJOHPGUIFDBMDBSFPVTTLFMFUPOTTFDSFUFECZWBSJPVTBOUIP[PBOT$PSBMEFQPTJUTPGUFOBDDVNVMBUF UPGPSNSFFGTPSJTMBOETJOXBSNTFBT"OZPGOVNFSPVTDIJFóZDPMPOJBMNBSJOFQPMZQTPGUIFDMBTT"OUIP[PBUIBUTFDSFUF such calcareous skeletons. Corrosion The progressive breakdown of a metal structure by chemical or electrolytic attack, e.g., rusting. Crude oil A general term for unrefined petroleum or liquid petroleum. Crustacean A large and variable group of mostly aquatic invertebrates which have a hard external skeleton (shell), segmented bodies, with a pair of often very modified appendages on each segment, and two pairs of antennae (e.g., crabs, crayfish, shrimps, wood lice, water fleas and barnacles). Cumulative Increasing or enlarging by successive addition. Current 8BUFSPSPUIFSóVJETJOFTTFOUJBMIPSJ[POUBMNPUJPO Cuttings Cuttings are inert pieces of rock, gravel and sand removed from the well during the drilling process. dB Decibel. Measure of noise/sound level. dB re 1 mPa Measure of underwater noise, in terms of sound pressure. Because the dB (decibel) is a relative measure, rather than an absolute measure, it must be referenced to a standard “reference intensity”, in this case 1 micro Pascal (1mPa), which is the standard reference that is used. The dB is also measured over a specified frequency, which is usually either a one )FSU[CBOEXJEUI FYQSFTTFEBTE#SFN1B)[ PSPWFSBCSPBECBOEUIBUIBTOPUCFFOñMUFSFE8IFSFBGSFRVFODZJTOPU specified, it can be assumed that the measurement is a broadband measurement.

288 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development DC-A Drill Centre A. DC-B Drill Centre B. DEC Department of Environment and Conservation. DEH Department of Environment and Heritage (former). Decommissioning The process of removing the facility from useful service. Defined Area In relation to permit area WA-155-P(1), it is the boundary of the Van Gogh oil pool at the seabed. Demersal Living on or near the seabed (e.g. demersal fish are those fish that feed and swim mainly near the seabed). Demographics Description of the structure and characteristics of populations (e.g., age, gender, etc.). Density The physical property of oil defined as the weight of unit volumeat a given temperature (e.g., reservoir temperature). DEP Department of Environmental Protection (former). DEW Department of the Environment and Water Resources (former). DEWHA Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Differential Global Positioning An enhancement to GPS that uses a network of fixed ground based reference stations to broadcast the difference between System (DGPS) the positions indicated by the satellite systems and the known fixed positions. These stations broadcast the difference between the measured satellite pseudoranges and actual (internally computed) pseudoranges, and receiver stations may correct their pseudoranges by the same amount. Directional The ability to drill a hole and steer it through the layers of rock to the desired location. The technology is similar to that used to make holes for and lay underground power cables without digging up a road or footpath. DoE Department of Environment. DoIR Department of Industry and Resources. Double-hulled, or double- "TUSVDUVSBMDPOñHVSBUJPOPGBTIJQUIBUJTFTTFOUJBMMZBIVMMDPNQMFUFMZFODMPTFECZBOPUIFSIVMMmUIFJOOFSIVMMTUPSFTUIF skinned oil, while the space between the two “hulls” may be empty or used for ballast water. Refer also to “single skin” and “double side”. The advantage of this configuration is that if the outer skin is penetrated, then the cargo tanks are provided with a buffer, and the chance of an oil spill is reduced. This configuration also provides some protection for trading tankers if they were to run aground on a reef, as there is a buffer underneath as well as on the sides. Double-sided hull A structural configuration of a ship that is similar to a double hull, only the vessel has a double side (as above) and a single- skin bottom. Such a configuration for an FPSO is possible because the facility remains moored in one location for the majority of its life and so running aground is not a significant risk. DPI Department for Planning and Infrastructure. DRET Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. Dry dock The facility which allows a ship to be removed from the water for the external portion of the hull (which is normally underwater) to be accessed and maintained. Dry-break coupling A hose connection which allows disconnection without spilling any fluid, similar to those used by fuel tankers delivering fuel to service stations. DSTO Defence Science and Technology Organisation. DTM Disconnectable turret mooring. Dual lateral well "TJOHMFXFMMCPSFUIBUCSBODIFTJOUPUXPXFMMTJOUIFIPSJ[POUBMTFDUJPOPGUIFXFMMPODFXJUIJOUIFSFTFSWPJS DWT Dead Weight Tonnes. Dynamically positioned dive- A support vessel that is kept on location at sea without the use of anchors, by using computer-controlled propellers (or support vessel (DPDSV) thrusters) around the vessel's hull. EARL East Asia Response Ltd. Ecologically Sustainable A term that refers to development that includes consideration of social, economic and environmental issues and the needs Development of current and future generations. Ecotoxicity A measure of the effect (immediate or delayed) of substances or preparations on one or more sectors of the environment. EHU Electro-hydraulic umbilical. EIA Environmental Impact Assessment.

EL50 &íFDUMPBEJOH5IFDPODFOUSBUJPOPGBTVCTUBODFUIBUDBVTFTBOiFíFDUuJOPGUFTUPSHBOJTNT DPNQBSFEUPBTFUPG control organisms. Effects may include a reduction in fertilisation success, or a decrease in the rate of larval development PWFSBñYFEQFSJPEPGUJNF VTVBMMZPSIPVST Electrostatic coalescer A purpose-built device that uses electricity to assist the separation of water droplets from oil. Emulsion A stable mixture of two phases, such as hydrocarbons and water. An emulsion can consist of mainly water with oil trapped, or mainly oil with water trapped. Endemism Characteristic relating to the number of species native to, or confined to an area or region.

Chapter 10 : Glossary and Acronyms | 289 Environment %FñOFEJO4FDUJPOPGUIF&1#$"DUBT (a) ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities (b) natural and physical resources (c) the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas, and (d) economic and cultural aspects of any item mentioned in (a), (b) or (c) Environment Plan Prepared in accordance with the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 2000, which must be assessed and accepted by the Designated Authority before any petroleum-related activity can be carried out. EPBC Act Environmental Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999. &UIZMCFO[FOF Used mostly as a gasoline and aviation fuel additive. It may also be present in consumer products such as paints, inks, plastics and pesticides. Exmouth Sub-basin Occupies the largely offshore portion of the northern Carnarvon Basin. The area (combined with the Barrow Sub-basin) extends 350 km from the North West Cape to the Montebello Islands and is about 100 km wide. Australia's first flowing oil well (Rough Range-1) was discovered in the onshore Exmouth Sub-basin in 1953. Exploration Permit The prime title for exploration under the Commonwealth and State Petroleum codes. Areas for this type of title are periodically released on a work-programme oriented, competitive bid process. The maximum area that can be held under BTJOHMFQFSNJUJTCMPDLT Flaring A process in which gas is burnt in a safe and controlled manner, usually from an elevated flare tower. Flash point The lowest temperature at which a liquid will generate sufficient vapour to produce a flash when exposed to an ignition source. Many freshly spilled crudes have a low flash pointuntil the lighter components have evaporated or dispersed. Floating hose Refer to Offloading hose. Flowline "QJQF FJUIFSTPMJEPSóFYJCMF UIBUBMMPXTóPXUPCFDPOUBJOFECFUXFFOUXPQMBDFTmJOUIJTDPOUFYUCFUXFFOBXFMMBOE the FPSO. Fluorescein dye An orange-red compound, C20H12O5, which exhibits intense fluorescence in alkaline solution and is used in oceanography as a tracer. FPSO Floating production, storage and offloading vessel. Essentially an oil tanker with an oil processing facility located on the deck. In the processing facilities, the fluid from the reservoir is separated into water, oil and gas. The separated oil is pumped into the tanks on the vessel where it is stored for a short period (i.e. several days) before an offtake tanker comes alongside and oil from the FPSO is offloaded. Gas is used as fuel and surplus gas is compressed and reinjected into a suitable geological formation, flared, or exported via a pipeline. Water can be discharged overboard or back into a reservoir. Front end engineering and The process that provides definitive costs and technical data on a proposed project to enable a decision on final design (FEED) commitment to construction. FSO Floating storage and offloading vessel. Similar to an FPSO, but there are no processing facilities on the ship. The processing facilities are located on a different structure, often a platform. Gas A compressible fluid that completely fills any container in which it is confined. Gas lift A process by which additional gas is introduced into a well containing hydrocarbons and water to assist the oil to reach the surface. Gastropod Snails and slugs, in this document referring to marine snails and sea slugs. GCOM3D GEMS Three-dimensional Ocean Circulation Model. GDP Gross Domestic Product. GEMS Global Environmental Modelling Systems. Geographic Information "DPNQVUFSmCBTFETZTUFNVTFEUPJOUFHSBUF NBOBHFBOEBOBMZTFEBUBTQBUJBMMZ System (GIS) Geophysical Concerning the physical processes of the earth, and the use of non-invasive techniques (e.g., acoustic surveys of rocks) for study. Geotechnical Relating to engineering study of subsurface soils, involving specialised drilling or sampling for soil analysis and testing. Global Positioning System A system of satellites, computers and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth (GPS) by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver. Gravity-based structure (with The facility is usually made of reinforced concrete, sits on the sea floor and uses large hollow columns to store oil. A central internal storage) column (or several columns) is used to support a deck above the water line. On this deck is located accommodation facilities, and oil processing facilities. The oil is pumped down into the columns, where it is stored for a short period (i.e. several days) before a trading tanker comes alongside and the oil from the structure is offloaded. Processing facilities are similar to those described above under FPSO. Greenhouse Gas A wide variety of gases that trap heat near the Earth’s surface, preventing its escape into space. Greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour occur naturally or result from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.

H2S Hydrogen sulphide. Habitat The area or environment where an organism or ecological community normally lives or occurs.

290 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Hawser A heavy rope or cable strung between two vessels to keep them from moving apart. HAZID "GPSNBMIB[BSEJEFOUJñDBUJPOQSPDFTTUPJEFOUJGZTVCTUBODFTPSTJUVBUJPOTUIBUSFQSFTFOUBIB[BSE BOEFWFOUTUIBUNBZ MFBEUPUIFTFIB[BSETCFJOHSFBMJTFE Heavy fractions (heavy ends) The high-molecular-weight, high-boiling-point fractions that emerge from the lower part of a fractioning column during the oil refining process. Heavy-lift vessel (HLV) A large vessel used to hold and transfer large and heavy parcels of equipment to an installation vessel. During operation, it is normally moored to a dedicated anchor location. Heterogeneity The degree of unevenness or patchiness of distribution. HF High frequency. HFC Hydrofluorocarbons. HOCNF Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format. )PSJ[POUBMXFMM " XFMM JO XIJDI UIF QPSUJPO XIJDI QBTTFT UISPVHI UIF SFTFSWPJS TFDUJPO JT IPSJ[POUBM " IPSJ[POUBM XFMM DBO CFESJMMFE UISPVHIUIFSFTFSWPJS[POFBOEDPMMFDUóPXJOUPUIFXFMMPWFSBMPOHTFDUJPO5IJTHSFBUMZJNQSPWFTQFSGPSNBODFPGUIFXFMM and reduces the number of wells. HP High pressure. Hydrocarbon A large class of liquid, solid or gaseous organic compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen, the basis of almost all petroleum products (e.g., gas, condensate and oil). Hydrocyclone A device which uses a spinning action to separate oil and water. Hydrographic Scientific study of seas (and lakes and rivers), especially the charting of tides and changes in bathymetry. )[ )FSU["NFBTVSFPGGSFRVFODZFRVBMUPPOFDZDMFQFSTFDPOE IACS International Association of Classification Societies.

IL50 *OIJCJUJPOMPBEJOH5IFDPODFOUSBUJPOPGBTVCTUBODFUIBUDBVTFTBOJOIJCJUJPOPGUPUIFHSPXUIPGBTFUPGUFTUDVMUVSFT DPNQBSFE UP B TFU PG DPOUSPM DVMUVSFT .FBTVSFNFOUT PG HSPXUI BSF NBEF BGUFS B ñYFE QFSJPE PG UJNF VTVBMMZ PS IPVST IMCRA Interim Marine and Coastal Classification for Australia. IMO International Maritime Organisation. In situ In its location, on-site. Inert Unreactive. Resistent to chemical reactions with other susbstances. Infauna Small invertebrate animals, living within the sediments of the seafloor (e.g., small worms, crustaceans). Divided into meiofauna (pass through a 0.5 mm sieve, but not through a 0.1 mm sieve) and macrofauna (don’t pass through a 0.5 mm sieve). Inflow control device "EFWJDFUPFOTVSFPJMJTFWFOMZESBJOFEBMPOHUIFFOUJSFIPSJ[POUBMTFDUJPOPGUIFXFMM Interfacial tension The surface free energy that exists between two immiscible liquid phases, such as oil and water. (Surface tension is the term for the energy barrier between a liquid and air.) The energy barrier produced by interfacial tension prevents one liquid from becoming emulsified into the other. To form an emulsion, surface free energy must be lowered by adding a third component (an emulsifier) that seeks the interface. Spontaneous emulsification does not typically occur just by adding an emulsifier. Mechanical and heat energy are usually needed to break bulk liquid into droplets. Very low interfacial tension requires less external energy to form a stable emulsion. Intertidal Of or being the region between the high tide mark and the low tide mark. Invertebrate Fauna lacking a spinal column (e.g., crabs, jellyfish, starfish, sponges, corals). In-water survey The process by which a facility (including those portions which remain underwater) is inspected or maintained in its normal location, without having to move away into a dry dock. IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. ISO International Standards Organisation. *40 *40JTBOJOUFSOBUJPOBMTUBOEBSEUIBUTQFDJñFTBQSPDFTT DBMMFEBO&OWJSPONFOUBM.BOBHFNFOU4ZTUFNPS&.4 for controlling and improving a company's environmental performance. An EMS provides a framework for managing environmental responsibilities so that they become more efficient and more integrated into overall business operations. *UDPOTJTUTPGUIFGPMMPXJOHDPSFDPNQPOFOUTHFOFSBMSFRVJSFNFOUTFOWJSPONFOUBMQPMJDZQMBOOJOHJNQMFNFOUBUJPOBOE PQFSBUJPODIFDLJOHBOEDPSSFDUJWFBDUJPOBOENBOBHFNFOUSFWJFX JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. Lagoon A shallow body of water, especially one separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs. LAPS Limited Area Predicted System. Bureau of Meteorology modelled winds system. LAPS Limited Area Prediction System. LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide.

Chapter 10 : Glossary and Acronyms | 291 Lateral well "CSBODIPOBXFMM6TVBMMZBXFMMJTESJMMFEXJUIPOMZPOFQBUIGSPNTVSGBDFUPUIFCPUUPN JF UIFSFTFSWPJS[POFUIBUJTUP be drained). However, it is now possible to drill the majority of the way to the reservoir with a single hole, and then split JUJOUPNPSFUIBOPOFCSBODIJOUIFSFTFSWPJS[POF*GNPSFUIBOPOFCSBODIJTVTFE UIFOUIFUFSNMBUFSBMSFGFSTUPFBDI branch, and the term multi-lateral refers to the combined well, without specifying the actual number of branches. LC Lethal Concentration. LGA Local Government Area. Light fractions (light ends) The low-molecular-weight, low-boiling point fractions that emerge from the upper part of a fractioning column during the oil refining process.

LL50 -FUIBMMPBEJOH5IFDPODFOUSBUJPOPGBTVCTUBODFUIBUDBVTFTEFBUIJOPGUFTUPSHBOJTNT DPNQBSFEUPBTFUPGDPOUSPM PSHBOJTNT.FBTVSFNFOUTPGNPSUBMJUZBSFNBEFBGUFSBñYFEQFSJPEPGUJNF VTVBMMZPSIPVST LNG Liquefied Natural Gas. Natural gas that has been liquefied byefrigeration r or pressure in order to facilitate storage or transport, consisting mainly of methane. LP Low Pressure. LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas. A mixture of light hydrocarbons derived from oil-bearing strata that is gaseous at normal temperatures but which has been liquefied by refrigeration or pressure in order to facilitate storage or transport. LPG generally consists mainly of propane and butane, and can be referred to as condensate. Macroalgae Macroscopic (visible to the naked eye) and multicellular algae (e.g., seaweed, kelp), in contrast with microscopic algae. Macrobenthos Animals associated with the seabed, which are large enough to be easily seen with the naked eye (e.g., starfish, crabs, crayfish, sponges, etc.). Macrofauna Small invertebrates found in the surface layers of seabed sediments. Macrofauna are infauna that won’t pass through a 0.5 mm sieve. Manifold A device used to combine flows from more than one source into a single pipe, or used to take flow from one pipe and distribute it into several streams. Marine Management Area Under the CALM Act (Section 13C(1((2)), a Marine Management Area is established for the purpose of managing and protecting the marine environment so that it may be used for conservation, recreational, scientific and commercial purposes. 6OEFSUIF$"-."DU 4FDUJPO JODMVEFT B UIFBJSTQBDFBCPWFTVDIXBTUFSTPSMBOE (b) in the case of waters, the seabed or other land beneath such waters and the subsoil below the seabed or other land UPBEFQUIPGNBOE (c) in the case of land other than waters, the subsoil below such land to a depth of 200 m. Marine Park Under the CALM Act (Section 13C(1((2)), a marine park is established for the purpose of allowing only that level of recreational and commercial activity which is consistent with the proper conservation and restoration of the natural environment, the protection of indigenous flora and fauna and the preservation of any feature of archaeological, historic or scientific interest. 6OEFSUIF$"-."DU 4FDUJPO JODMVEFT B UIFBJSTQBDFBCPWFTVDIXBTUFSTPSMBOE (b) in the case of waters, the seabed or other land beneath such waters and the subsoil below the seabed or other land UPBEFQUIPGNBOE (c) in the case of land other than waters, the subsoil below such land to a depth of 200 m. Megafauna Large animals. In this Draft PER the term is used to refer to large marine animals, including turtles, dugongs, whales, dolphins, sharks and whale sharks. Meiofauna Very small invertebrates found in the surface layers of seabed sediments. Meiofauna are infauna that will pass through a 0.5 mm sieve, but not through a 0.1 mm sieve. Mesocosm experiments An experimental system that simulates real-life conditions as closely as possible, whilst allowing the manipulation of environmental factors (i.e., a large enclosure that can be manipulated). Metrology The scientific study of units of measurement, or a system of measurement. Miscible Descriptive of substances, usually liquids, which mix together to form a homogenous mixture. MMSCFD Million standard cubic feet per day. MMSTB Million standard stock tank barrels. Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit A mobile unit used to drill wells. For drilling in deep water, these are mounted on a structure which floats, and which (MODU) requires anchors to remain in place. The structure may also be a ship that can propel itself, or more similar to a barge, which must be towed from one location to another by tugs. Molluscs Animal phylum comprising a range of groups including snails, slugs, clams, oysters, barnacles, bivalves, squid and octopus. Monocyclic aromatic $PNQPVOETDPOTJTUJOHTPMFMZPGDBSCPOBOEIZESPHFOBOEDPOUBJOJOHPOFCFO[FOFSJOH5IFNPTUDPNNPO.")TBSF hydrocarbon (MAH) CFO[FOF UPMVFOF FUIZMCFO[FOFBOEYZMFOF #5&9 XIJDIBMMFYJTUBTDMFBS DPMPVSMFTT OPODPSSPTJWF WPMBUJMFMJRVJETXJUI compounds a sweet odour. Moonpool The open hole in the centre of the hull of a vessel through which equipment or product is deployed.

292 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Mooring A place or structure to which a vessel can be attached and used to provide stability. Motile Moving or having the power to move spontaneously. mSv .JMMJ4JFWFSUmFíFDUJWFEPTF0OF4JFWFSUIBTUIFTBNFCJPMPHJDBMFíFDUJOIVNBOTBTUIFFOFSHZVQUBLFPGPOFKPVMFQFS kilogram of gamma radiation (1 mSv = 1/1000th of 1 Sievert).

N2O Nitrous oxide. Potent greenhouse gas that has a large number of natural sources and is a secondary product of the burning of organic material and fossil fuels. NATPLAN /BUJPOBM1MBOUP$PNCBU1PMMVUJPOPGUIF4FBCZ0JMBOE0UIFS/PYJPVTBOE)B[BSEPVT4VCTUBODFT Natural gas A highly compressible, highly expandible mixture of hydrocarbons having a low specific gravity and occurring naturally in gaseous form. Besides hydrocarbon gases, natural gas has may contain appreciable quantities of nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and water vapour. Although gaseous at normal temperatures and pressures, the gases comprising the mixture that is natural gas are variable in form and may be found either as gases or as liquids under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure. Naturally occurring radioactive Naturally occurring radioactive materials. Materials typically found in certain types of barium or strontium scales that may material (NORM) be deposited in the wellbore or production tubulars. NGO Non-government organisation. A collective term usually used to refer to conservation groups and other community groups in this document. NOPSA National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority. North West Shelf *UJTBHFPHSBQIJDQSPWJODFSBUIFSUIBOBQIZTJPHSBQIJDGFBUVSF5IF/PSUI8FTU4IFMGFYUFOETBCPVU LNBMPOHUIF northwest margin of the continent, and includes the continental shelf proper and the marginal platforms and plateaus, out to about the 2,000 m isobath. The entire region lies within the tropics. Notional Development Area The area encompassing the Van Gogh development to include nearby prospective hydrocarbon reserves that may be incorporated into the proposed development in the future, and potential sites for reinjection of surplus gas.

NOx Nitrogen oxides. A range of compounds which contain nitrogen and oxygen, such as NO, NO2, etc. which result from combustion of fuels. NOx is often associated with photochemical smog when mixed with hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. NPI National Pollution Inventory. Oceanographic Data related to the physical aspects of the ocean, including water temperatures, tides, currents, chemical characteristics, etc. Offloading Hose The flexible purpose-built hose used to transfer oil from the FPSO to an offtake tanker. Offtake Support Vessel (OSV) "TTJTUTUIFPíUBLFUBOLFSPOJUTBQQSPBDIUPUIF'140XIFOJUJTCFUXFFOBOELN BOEON BXBZ*UUSBOTGFST personnel to the offtake tanker and connects the offloading hawser and the offloading hose to and from the offtake tanker. Offtake tanker A tanker that offloads crude oil from the FPSO, generally with a capacity of 100,0003 m NJMMJPOMJUSFT CCM GPS transport to the customer (e.g., oil refinery). Oil See 'crude oil.' Oil Spill Contingency Plan A plan prepared by a petroleum operator that details how the proponent will respond to an oil spill. It outlines response (OSCP) strategies and details the responsibilities of individuals within the company. Detailed mapping is often undertaken to map environmental sensitivities. OSPAR The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (Oslo and Paris Commissions in Paris on 22 September 1992). OSPARCOM Oslo-Paris Commission. OSV Offtake Suport Vessel. P(SL) Act Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967. P(SL)(MoE) Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations. Pelagic Living in the open sea (e.g., pelagic fish are fish that swim and feed in the open ocean, near the surface or well abovehe t seabed, such as tuna). PER Public Environment Report. Petroleum A complex mixture of naturally occurring hydrocarbon compounds found in rock. Petroleum can range from solid to gas, but the term is generally used to refer to liquid crude oil. Impurities such as sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen are common in petroleum. There is considerable variation in colour, gravity, odour, sulfur content and viscosity in petroleum from different areas. PFC Perfluorocarbons. Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are small (often microscopic), free-floating plants (usually single-celled algae) that form the basis of ocean food chains. Pilot gas A small jet of gas that is kept burning in order to ignite the gas flare. Pipeline licence Under the P(SL) Act, a pipeline licence provides the legal title to transport petroleum from one area to another via a pipeline. Pipelines are defined as including storage tanks and ancillary works. Offshore, a pipeline licence remains in force indefinitely.

Chapter 10 : Glossary and Acronyms | 293 Plankton .JDSPTDPQJDNBSJOFQMBOUT QIZUPQMBOLUPO PSBOJNBMT [PPQMBOLUPO PM Production manifold. Pod A group of two or more marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins or seals. Polychaete A broad group of worms, mainly marine, with paired segmented appendages. Polycyclic aromatic A generic name for a group of over 100 different, very stable organic molecules that are made up of only carbon and hydrocarbons (PAH) IZESPHFOBOEDPOUBJOUXPPSNPSFDPOOFDUFECFO[FOFSJOHT/BQIUIBMFOFJTUIFTJNQMFTU1")1")TBSF BOEIBWFCFFO historically, ubiquitous in the environment. They occur in smoke from burning wood and vegetation, from fossil fuel combustion and on burnt meat. They are present in much higher concentrations when a wood or coal fire is starved of adequate air or the petrol or diesel engine is emitting smoke. They are usually adsorbed onto particulates in the smoke from the above sources. Polyhexamethylene biguanide A chemical often used in hydrotest water as a biocide. hydrochloride (PMBH) Portable Remotely Operated A small drill rig deployed from the back of a vessel to obtain seabed samples in deep water. The PROD is attached kept Drill (PROD) connected with the vessel by umbilical lines, used to control its movement. Pour point 5IFUFNQFSBUVSFCFMPXXIJDIUIFPJMXJMMOPUóPX0JMXJUIBQPVSQPJOUPG$JTBTPMJEBU$ POW Octanol-water partition. Primary producer An organism that forms the base of the food chain, also known as an autotroph. In terrestrial ecosystems, these are mainly plants, while in aquatic ecosystems algae are primarily responsible. Primary production is the production of organic compounds from atmospheric or aquatic carbon dioxide, principally through the process of photosynthesis. All life on earth is directly or indirectly reliant on primary production. Produced formation water Water component separated from reservoir fluids brought to surface during the production process. (PFW) Production licence Under the P(SL) Act, a production licence is granted by the DoIR and provides the legal title to recover petroleum from an area and is granted for an indefinite period. A production licence is only issued once environmental approval has been obtained. Purge gas Natural gas, fuel gas, inert gas, or nitrogen. Purge gas serves to keep air out of the flare stack, thus preventing formation of certain mixtures of air and gas which, when ignited, can result in explosions within the flare stack. This purging usually consists of flowing a purge gas through the flare system at a rate sufficient to prevent backflow of air down the stack. RAAF Royal Australian Air Force. Recoverable volumes Hydrocarbon reserves recoverable under current technology and in present and anticipated economic conditions, specifically proved by drilling, testing or production. Reef Sedimentary features, built by the interaction of organisms and their environment, that have synoptic relief and whose biotic composition differs from that found on and beneath the surrounding sea floor. A reef lies beneath the surface of the water. Reefs are held up by a macroscopic skeletal framework. Coral reefs are an excellent example of this kind. Corals and calcareous algae grow on top of one another and form a three-dimensional framework that is modified in various ways by other organisms and inorganic processes. Reinjection The process by which gas or water is pumped back into the ground, either into the reservoir from where it came, or into BOPUIFSTJNJMBS[POF Remotely operated vehicle "NFEJVNTJ[FEVOEFSXBUFSUPPM BCPVUUIFTBNFTJ[FBTBQFSTPOFMFWBUPSDBS 307TBSFVTFEXJEFMZJOUIFPJMBOE (ROV) gas industry for deep-water work including pipeline and seabed surveys. It usually has a video camera and one or two “arms” which can be used to manipulate objects or fitted with tools such as cutters or welders. The ROV is controlled from the surface through an umbilical control cable or tether, which also limits the distance that it is able to travel from its base vessel (usually either a drilling rig or purpose-built vessel). Reservoir 5IF[POFPSMBZFSJOUIF&BSUIUIBUDPOUBJOTUIFIZESPDBSCPOT BOVOEFSHSPVOEBDDVNVMBUJPO Riser A section of flexible pipe that connects equipment on the seafloor to equipment on the ocean surface. Risk The probability that consequences will occur. Traditionally this is interpreted as unwanted consequences although the definition strictly allows for upside potential. It necessarily includes at least the two dimensions of probability and consequence. RNE Register of the National Estate. Rookery A colony of breeding animals, or the nesting place of birds or marine mammals or turtles. Saprogenic Effects associated with decay and breakdown of organic material. SCG Stakeholder Consultation Group. Seagrass A flowering plant from one of four plant families (Posidoniaceae, Zosteraceae, Hydrocharitaceae, and Cymodoceaceae) that grow in the marine environment. Most species superficially resemble terrestrial grasses of the Family Poaceae. Because UIFTFQMBOUTNVTUQIPUPTZOUIFTJTF UIFZBSFMJNJUFEUPHSPXJOHTVCNFSHFEJOUIFQIPUJD[POFPGXBUFS BOENPTUPDDVSJO shallow and sheltered coastal waters anchored in sand or mud bottoms. They undergo pollination while submerged and complete their entire life cycle underwater. Seagrass beds (or meadows) are highly diverse and productive ecosystems.

294 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Seismic Relating to the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth. Seismic waves produced by explosions or vibrating controlled sources towed behind vessels are the primary method of marine petroleum exploration. Controlled source seismology has been used to map geologic traps in petroleum-bearing rocks. Semi-submersible drill rig Mobile vessels with superstructures supported by columns sitting on hulls or pontoons ballasted below the depth of wave action for drilling mode. During transport to a drill site, the hulls are de-ballasted to the surface. These vessels can be used in medium to deep waters (up to about 700 m water depth). SERPENT Scientific and Environmental ROV Partnership using Existing Industrial Technology. Shelf break The transition from continental shelf to continental slope. Shoal A somewhat linear landform within or extending into a body of water, typically comprised of sand, silt or small pebbles. Alternatively termed sandbar or sandbank, a bar is characteristically long and narrow (linear) and develops where a stream or ocean current promotes deposition of granular material, resulting in localised shallowing (shoaling) of the water. Bars can appear in the sea, in a lake, or in a river. The term shoal can be applied to larger geological units that form off a coastline as part of the process of coastal erosion. Single hull, Single side A structural configuration of a conventional ship, in which the hull separates the oil cargo and the sea. Slops Deck water contaminated with hydrocarbons or other materials that drains to a slops tank for treatment before being discharged overboard. Species richness The number of different species that are present in a given area. Specific gravity The density of a substance divided by the density of water. Since the density of water is 1 gram/cm3 and since all of the units cancel, specific gravity is the same number as density but without any units. Stabilised crude Crude oil that has been through a treatment process whereby impurities such as formation water and gas are removed through a heating process, which releases the pressure caused by the gas and water, leaving a flat (stabilised) liquid. Stakeholder Someone with an interest in the outcome of a project. Stochastic Of, relating to, or characterised by conjecture and randomness. A stochastic process is one whose behaviour is non- deterministic in that a state does not fully determine its next state. Stygofauna Small fauna living in groundwater. Sub-surface safety valve (SSSV) A safety device which is installed in a well, and is located (usually hundreds of metres) below the seabed. It is kept open by supplying hydraulic pressure through a line from the surface. If the hydraulic pressure falls, such as by the operator bleeding off the pressure or if the line is cut, then the valve is designed to close. This valve also activates if a well-head ailsf or is severely damaged and prevents, or significantly restricts, the flow from the well until it can be repaired. Subtidal Areas in shallow coastal areas that are below the low tide mark. Subtropical "TVCUSPQJDBMDMJNBUFJNQMJFTUIBUOPBWFSBHFNPOUIMZBJSUFNQFSBUVSFHPFTCFMPX$JOXJOUFS5IFTVCUSPQJDTBSFUIF [POFTPGUIF&BSUIJNNFEJBUFMZOPSUIBOETPVUIPGUIFUSPQJD[POF XIJDIJTCPVOEFECZUIF5SPQJDPG$BODFSBOEUIF 5SPQJDPG$BQSJDPSO BUMBUJUVEFOPSUIBOETPVUI5IFUFSNhTVCUSPQJDThEFTDSJCFTUIFDMJNBUJDSFHJPOGPVOEBEKBDFOU to the tropics. Supratidal Above the normal influence of the tide (e.g., rocks that are usually not submerged). Synoptic Observations that give a broad view of a subject at a particular time (e.g., weather patterns). Synthetic organics Encompass a wide range of commercially manufactured chemicals, including petroleum products, detergents and pesticides. Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that evaporate or volatilise easily. Synthetic-based mud (SBM) A drilling mud that uses a synthetic material as the base mud. TBT Tributyltin. Temporal Of or relating to time. Thermocline A layer in the water column that sharply separates regions differing in temperature, sothat the temperature gradient across the layer is abrupt. Tie-back/tie-in A subsea connection of a new field to the FPSO using flowlines. Toluene A naturally occurring component of many petroleum products. Toluene is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, gums, oils and resins. Topsides All the process equipment on or above the deck of the FPSO. Total dissolved solids (TDS) An expression for the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid that are present in a molecular, ionised or micro-granular (colloidal sol) suspended form. Generally the operational definition is that the TPMJETNVTUCFTNBMMFOPVHIUPTVSWJWFñMUSBUJPOUISPVHIBTJFWFTJ[FPGUXPNJDSPNFUSFT N 5PUBMEJTTPMWFETPMJETBSF normally only discussed for freshwater systems, since salinity comprises some of the ions constituting the definition of TDS. The principal application of TDS is in the study of water quality for streams, rivers and lakes, although TDS is generally considered not as a primary pollutant (it is not deemed to be associated with health effects), but it is rather used as an indication of aesthetic characteristics of drinking water and as an aggregate indicator of presence of a broad array of chemical contaminants.

Chapter 10 : Glossary and Acronyms | 295 Total suspended solids (TSS) A water quality measurement. TSS of a water sample is determined by pouring a carefully measured volume of water UZQJDBMMZPOFMJUSF UISPVHIBQSFXFJHIFEñMUFSPGBTQFDJñFEQPSFTJ[F UIFOXFJHIJOHUIFñMUFSBHBJOBGUFSESZJOHUP remove all water. The gain in weight is a dry weight measure of the particulates present in the water sample expressed in units derived or calculated from the volume of water filtered (typically mg/l). Toxicity Inherent potential or capacity to cause adverse effects in a living organism. Troglobitic 'BVOBMJWJOHQFSNBOFOUMZVOEFSHSPVOEBOEHFOFSBMMZCFZPOEUIFEBZMJHIU[POFPGBDBWF Troglofauna A general term for all cave fauna. Tropics/tropical The geographic region of the Earth centered on the equator and limited in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the northern IFNJTQIFSF BUBQQSPYJNBUFMZh /MBUJUVEF BOEUIF5SPQJDPG$BQSJDPSOJOUIFTPVUIFSOIFNJTQIFSFBUh 4MBUJUVEF5IFUFSNUSPQJDBMDBOBMTPSFGFSUPBDMJNBUFUIBUJTXBSNUPIPUBOENPJTUZFBSSPVOE PGUFOXJUIUIF sense of lush vegetation. Turret The topsides structure of the DTM system, sitting directly above the moonpool. It serves as the junction point between the DTM buoy and the topsides production and treatment systems. UHF Ultra high frequency. UK United Kingdom. Umbilical A collection of cables for electric power and hoses for hydraulic control fluid, methanol and other liquids. From the PSO,F the (electro-hydraulic) umbilical line will provide chemical injection to the wells, hydraulic control fluid to control the opening and closing of the valves on the manifolds and wells, and low-voltage power to activate controls, electrical sensors and the multi-phase flow meters on the manifolds. Upwelling A process in which cold, nutrient-rich waters from the ocean depths rise to the surface. US United States of America. US$ US dollars. Vertical well A well in which the portion which passes through the reservoir section is vertical. VHF Very high frequency. Viscosity A measure of the resistance to flow and is a measure of the fluids adhesive/cohesive or frictional properties. The resistance is caused by intermolecular friction exerted when layers of fluids attempts to slide by another. Oils with higher viscosity values are less likely to flow than lower viscosity oils. Volatile organic compounds Organic substances with low molecular weight that will evaporate at normal atmospheric temperatures and pressures. (VOC) WA Western Australia. WAMSI Western Australian Marine Science Institute. WAPET West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd. Water-accommodated fraction *OFDPUPYJDJUZ UIBUQPSUJPOPGBTVCTUBODF FH PJM UIBUJTSFBEJMZBCTPSCFEJOUPUIFXBUFSDPMVNOmVTFEBTBOBOBMPHVF for bioavailability. Water-based mud (WBM) A type of mud that can be used to drill a well. The main component of the drilling mud is water, with chemical additives to provide the necessary properties. Wax content Solid hydrocarbon that may be present in some crude oils. High wax oils tend to be more viscous than low wax oils and tend to change rapidly in character as they approach their pour point. Waxes are predominantly straight-chain saturates XJUINFMUJOHQPJOUTBCPWF$ Weathervane The ability to rotate freely in the direction of the dominant wind. Well "IPMFESJMMFEJOUPUIFPJMCFBSJOHSFTFSWPJS5IFQVSQPTFPGBIZESPDBSCPOXFMMJTUPDPOOFDUUIF[POFDPOUBJOJOHUIF hydrocarbons to the surface and provide a means to control flow. Wellhead A series of valves that sit on top of a hydrocarbon production well or a reinjection well to control flow from the well. Workover The process by which maintenance is undertaken on a well. 9NBTUSFF The set of valves, spools and fittings connected to the top of a well to direct and control the flow of formation fluids from the well. 9ZMFOF There are three forms of xylene: ortho-, meta-, and para-. Ortho-xylene is the only naturally occurring form, the other two CFJOHTZOUIFUJD9ZMFOFTBSFVTFEJOHBTPMJOFBOEBTBTPMWFOUJOQSJOUJOH SVCCFS BOEMFBUIFSJOEVTUSJFT Zooplankton 4NBMM PGUFONJDSPTDPQJDBOJNBMTUIBUHFOFSBMMZGPMMPXUIFPDFBODVSSFOUT GFFEJOHPOQIZUPQMBOLUPOPSPUIFS[PPQMBOLUPO They are often larval stages of larger marine animals, and typically include krill, copepods, polychaetes, amphipods, shrimps, jellyfish, and fish, crab, squid or octopus larvae. Zooxanthellae (PMEFOCSPXO JOUSBDFMMVMBS FOEPTZNCJPOUT PG WBSJPVT NBSJOF BOJNBMT BOE QSPUP[PB FTQFDJBMMZ BOUIP[PBOT 5IFZ BSF members of the phylum Dinoflagellata and are typically dinoflagellate algae, although algae such as diatoms can also CF[PPYBOUIFMMBF5IFZNBZCFBDRVJSFECZEJSFDUJOHFTUJPO BOETVCTFRVFOUMZSFQSPEVDFCZTQMJUUJOHBQBSUBQSPDFTT LOPXOBTCVEEJOH*OPUIFSDBTFT [PPYBOUIFMMBFNBZCFUSBOTNJUUFECZUIFDPSBMFHHTBOEQMBOVMBF.PTUBSFBVUPUSPQIT and provide the host with energy in the form of translocated reduced carbon compounds derived from photosynthesis. ;PPYBOUIFMMBFDBOQSPWJEFVQUPPGBDPSBMTFOFSHZSFRVJSFNFOUT*OSFUVSO UIFDPSBMQSPWJEFTUIF[PPYBOUIFMMBFXJUI protection, shelter, and a constant supply of the carbon dioxide required for photosynthesis.

296 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Units of Measurement $ degrees Celsius B billion bbl/d barrels per day bbl barrel cm centimetre (10 mm) cm3 cubic centimetre cP centipoise cSt centistokes dB decibels dB re 1μPa decibles re micropascals Gl gigalitre g/cc gram/cubic centimetre ha hectare )[ IFSU[ kL kilolitre (1,000 litres) kL/d kilolitre per day km kilometre (1,000 m) km2 square kilometre ksm3 thousand standard cubic meters L)[ LJMPIFSU[ POFUIPVTBOEIFSU[ kPa kilopascals kW kilowatt L litre (1,000 mL) m metre (100 cm) m2 square metre m3 cubic metre mcf million cubic feet mD millidarcy mg/l milligrams per litre mL millilitre ML megalitre mol mole (usually limited to measurement of subatomic, atomic, and molecular structures) mm millimetre mmho micromho (same as microsiemen) M thousand MM million MMboe million barrels of oil equivalent MMSTB million standard stock tank barrels MPa megapascals Mt megatonnes (1,000 tonnes) nm nautical mile ohm.m ohm-metre (a measure of electrical resistivity) ppm parts per million ppt parts per thousand psi pounds per square inch psig pounds per square inch gauge scf standard cubic feet

Chapter 10 : Glossary and Acronyms | 297 Units of Measurement stb stock tank barrels T trillion t tonne (1,000 kg) TJ terrajoules TDS total dissolved solids TSS total suspended solids μg micrograms μm micrometre, or micron V volt w/w weight per weight (a measurement of the percentage solution) 3-D three-dimensional per cent 2-D two-dimensional

Multiplication Factors 102 hecto (h) = 100 103 kilo (k) = 1,000 10 mega (M) = 1,000,000 109 giga (G) = 1,000,000,000 10-2 centi (c) = 0.01 10-3 milli (m) = 0.001 10 micro (μ) = 0.000001 10-9 nano (n) = 0.000000001

Conversion Factors 1 kilolitre CBSSFMT 64HBMMPOT 1 tonne 1 cubic metre 1 kilolitre (1,000 litres) 1 tonne 35.315 cubic feet CCM 1 barrel MJUSFT 64HBMMPOT 0.159 cubic metres UPOOFT 1 cubic foot DVCJDNFUSFT 1 US gallon CCM MJUSFT 1 megajoule #SJUJTIUIFSNBMVOJUT #56 LJMPXBUUIPVST L8I 1 mmho/cm 1 dS/m 1 knot LNIS 1 nautical mile LN 1 kilometre ON

298 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 1

Appendices 300 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Appendix Appendix 1

Chapter 9 : Appendices | 301 302 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 303 304 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 305 306 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 307 308 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 309 310 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 311 312 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 313 314 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 315 316 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 317 318 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 319 Appendix 2 Attached as appendices Attached on DEWR PER available Gogh Van and website website Yes Yes Yes 9 Chapter 9 Chapter Appendix 1 3 Chapter 1 Chapter 9 Chapter Yes Section 1.1.1 Section 1.1.2 Section 1.1.5 Section 1.2 Section 1.1.3 4FDUJPO Section 1.1.9 4FDUJPOT Chapter 2 Chapter $IBQUFST Chapter 9 : Appendices | 9 : Appendices Chapter "DU PO"PS"TJ[FBOEJODPMPVSXIFSFQPTTJCMF FSFHJPOBíFDUFECZUIFBDUJPO FEJOUIF1&35IF1&3TIPVMECFQSPEVDFEPO" SPECIFIC CONTENT GENERAL ON GUIDELINES ADVICE Cross reference to PER guideline requirements PER guideline to reference Cross UIFUJUMFPGUIFBDUJPO UIFGVMMOBNFBOEQPTUBMBEESFTTPGUIFEFTJHOBUFE1SPQPOFOU BDMFBSPVUMJOFPGUIFPCKFDUJWFPGUIFBDUJPO 3 of the EPBC Act under Part protected including the NES matters the proposal, for background legislative BOEBOZPUIFSSFRVJSFNFOUTBOEBQQSPWBMTOFFEFEVOEFSUIF&1#$ UIFMPDBUJPOPGUIFBDUJPO UIFCBDLHSPVOEUPUIFEFWFMPQNFOUPGUIFBDUJPO that be aware) should reasonably other actions any the Proponent (of which to the actionhow relates IBWFCFFO PSBSFCFJOH UBLFOPSUIBUIBWFCFFOBQQSPWFEJOUI UIFDVSSFOUTUBUVTPGUIFBDUJPOBOE with the action. of not proceeding the consequences UIFFYFDVUJWFTVNNBSZ the main text of the document, and that can be made publicly and other information information detailed technical containing appendices available. Harvard using the standard. referenced must be appropriately all sources pages used as data sources. web internet of any list should include the address the reference BDPQZPGUIFTFHVJEFMJOFT BMJTUPGQFSTPOTBOEBHFODJFTDPOTVMUFEEVSJOHUIF1&3 DPOUBDUEFUBJMTGPSUIF1SPQPOFOUBOE the PER. in preparing involved the persons done by and work the names of, This should provide the background and context of the action including: the background should provide This r r r r r r r r r as appendices to the PER. It is recommended that any additional supporting the PER. It that any reports to documentation and studies, as appendices is recommended has been extracted which information be made available from the public to normally available not or literature should make the PER proponent The of the PER. display locations during the period of public at appropriate available Web. on Wide the World r r r r r r r r r .BQT EJBHSBNTBOEPUIFSJMMVTUSBUJWFNBUFSJBMTIPVMECFJODMVE TJ[FQBQFSDBQBCMFPGCFJOHQIPUPDPQJFE XJUINBQTBOEEJBHSBNT A general location map should be provided that illustrates the distances of the development Area and Area of the development the distances that illustrates A general location map should be provided The of NW Cape. and the shoreline Ningaloo Gogh production Marine facilities from Park Van proposed and other known in the region developments map should include the location of the existing petroleum and other Ltd Apache Energy by expansions (including gas pipelines) or new developments future potential Developments and Pyrenees the BHP Stybarrow such as the Enfield development, in the vicinity, proponents is available). (if public information Development Vincent Woodside’s and All construction and operational components of the action should be described in detail. This should This All construction of the action and operational components should be described in detail. be undertaken, to include the location of all works be built or elements of the action structures to that may The description should include the use of significance. impacts of national environmental on matters have to detailed should be made Reference appropriate. where and diagrams, figures maps, aerial photographs, relevant. where in appendices information technical 2.THE ACTION DESCRIPTION OF (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) 2.2.1 AND STYLE FORMAT namely: elements, three PER should comprise The 1.1 necessary support to or investigations studies information, the main text be included should Detailed technical 2.2 a glossary containing: text main and appendices include a list of abbreviations, of the PER should The of terms 2.3 1. GENERAL CONTENT 1. GENERAL INFORMATION SPECIFIC CONTENT The above information must include details on the design, and how the works are to be undertaken (including construction methods, stages of development and their timing), including details of: (a) r UIFNPPSJOHTZTUFNGPSUIF'140 Section 2.3.7 (b) r the flexible flowline alignments, sub-sea manifolds with provision for tie-backs, production wellheads and Section 2.3 JOUFSDPOOFDUJOHóPXMJOFKVNQFST (c) r UIFQSPQPTFEQSPEVDUJPOXFMMT Section 2.3.1 (d) r UIFQSPQPTFE'140BOEJUTPQFSBUJPOJODMVEJOHPðPBEJOHUPFYQPSUUBOLFST 4FDUJPO (e) r the construction activities including deployment of construction vessels and barges 4FDUJPO (f) r IZESPUFTUJOH QSFTTVSFUFTUJOH PGUIFóPXMJOFTBOEDPOOFDUJPOT 4FDUJPO (g) r discharges to the marine environment including sewage, grey water, sub-sea control fluids and cooling Sections 2.5, 2.7 XBUFS (h) r BOZóBSJOHQSPQPTFE Section 2.7.2 (i) r TPMJEXBTUFTUPCFQSPEVDFEBOEUIFJSEJTQPTBM 4FDUJPOT (j) r UIFVTFPGQSPDFTTDIFNJDBMTBOEUIFJSGBUF 4FDUJPO (k) r BUNPTQIFSJDFNJTTJPOTQSPEVDFE 4FDUJPO (l) r EFDPNNJTTJPOJOH 4FDUJPO (m) r UIFUSFBUNFOUPGCBMMBTUXBUFS Section 5.5.1 (n) r UIFQPUFOUJBMGPSBOZPJMTQJMMTBOE Section 5.9 (o) r marine access to the site. 4FDUJPO

3. FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES Any feasible alternatives to the action to the extent reasonably practicable, including: Section 2.2 (a) r JGSFMFWBOU UIFBMUFSOBUJWFPGUBLJOHOPBDUJPO (b) r a comparative description of the impacts of each alternative on the NES matter protected by Part 3 of the &1#$"DUBOE (c) r sufficient detail to make clear why any alternative is preferred to another. Short, medium and long-term advantages and disadvantages of the options should be discussed. Section 2.2 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT The section should provide a description of: r the marine physiography, 4FDUJPO r flora and fauna, 4FDUJPO r relevant socio-economic characteristics (including heritage social or cultural values) 4FDUJPO r and include oceanographic conditions especially those which may have a bearing on the proposal and 4FDUJPO seasonal variation and extreme weather conditions. The description should focus on the NES matters protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act, including, but not restricted to, the following. (a) r The likely presence of threatened and migratory species including Humpback and Southern Right 4FDUJPOT Whales, the Whale Shark and turtles, particularly Green turtles which nest off the Ningaloo coast and the .VSJPO*TMBOET MJTUFENBSJOFTQFDJFTVOEFS%JWJTJPOPGUIF&1#$"DUBOEUIFIBCJUBUWBMVFTUIBUNBZCF affected. An evaluation of the significance of their occurrence including conservation status, distribution, population viability, migratory pathways and habitat requirements). (b) r Migratory species listed under the Bonn Convention and CAMBA or JAMBA and any migratory pathways 4FDUJPOT that may be affected. (c) r Description of sensitive environments and key ecological relationships and interdependencies (e.g., coral 4FDUJPO spawning and flora and fauna relationships). (d) r The extent of existing disturbance to flora and fauna and the incidence of introduced pest species. 4FDUJPO (e) r Protected or habitat conservation areas in the region of the proposed development, in particular Ningaloo 4FDUJPO Marine Park and Ningaloo Reef. (f) r A description of government planning policies and statutory controls which will influence the project, 4FDUJPOT surrounding areas of future, planned and current use. All applicable jurisdictions and areas of responsible authorities within the area should be listed and shown on maps at appropriate scales.

320 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development SPECIFIC CONTENT 5. RELEVANT IMPACTS The PER must include: (a) r a description of all the potential relevant impacts of the action on the ecology and functioning of the marine environment of the project area and its surrounds as it relates to the NES matters protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act, during the construction operational and decommissioning phases, including but not restricted to: r The impacts to the sea floor through anchoring and direct placement, sediment disturbance as well as Section 5.3.1 BOZJNQBDUTPGSFNPWBMJODMVEJOHJEFOUJñDBUJPOPGUIF[POFPGTFBCFEEJTUVSCBODF r Potential impacts to fauna and flora species (composition and population densities) considering 4FDUJPOTm changes to overall communities, community types, propagation of species and potential barriers r Potential impacts on rare, threatened, or otherwise valuable flora and fauna communities (particularly 4FDUJPOTm listed threatened species and communities, listed marine species including whales and other cetaceans and listed migratory species) and habitat, conservation areas and protected areas, in particular Ningaloo Marine Park and Ningaloo Reef. r Potential impacts arising from the introduction and/or spread of exotic pest species. Sections 5.5.1 & 5.5.9 r 5IFQPUFOUJBMJNQBDUPGTPMJE MJRVJEBOEHBTFPVTFNJTTJPOTBOEXBTUF JODMVEJOHIB[BSEPVTXBTUF 4FDUJPOTm produced by the development including annual greenhouse gas emissions (as specified in Attachment BOEUIFFWFOUVBMGBUFPGUIFXBTUF r 5IFJNQBDUTPGTIJQNPWFNFOUT MJHIUJOHBOEOPJTF 4FDUJPOT r Impacts that may arise through the transportation, storage and use of dangerous goods (if any), fuels 4FDUJPOT BOEDIFNJDBMTTVDIBTBDDJEFOUBMTQJMMT r In discussing potential impacts, consider how the interaction of extreme environmental events and any Section 5.9 SFMBUFETBGFUZSFTQPOTFNBZJNQBDUPOUIFFOWJSPONFOU r Produced Formation Water (PFW) discharge including anticipated composition, modelling of the Section 5.5.3 NJYJOH[POFTBOEUIFQPUFOUJBMJNQBDUT TQBUJBMBOEUFNQPSBM PG1'8PONBSJOFCJPUB r Discuss impacts of potential spillage of hydrocarbons related to construction, production, storage and Section 5.9 shipping. Modelling of spills should take into account seasonal variations. Discuss the inputs, rationale and reliability of the model used. For the most critical season and event (in terms of potential impacts) USBKFDUPSZNPEFMMJOHPOBOIPVSMZCBTJTGPSUIFñSTUIPVST UIFSFBGUFSPOBUXPIPVSMZCBTJTVOUJM hours) for a worst case spill should be addressed. Modelling should also take into account proximity to sensitive marine areas, in particular Ningaloo Reef. The evaluation of the potential impacts of oil spills is to be carried out using a thorough risk-assessment methodology. r Cumulative impacts where potential project impacts are in addition to existing impacts of other $IBQUFS activities, (including those known potential future expansions or developments by Apache Energy and its joint venture partner and other proponents in the vicinity), should also be identified and addressed (and include but not be limited to disturbance area, noise, liquid and solid discharges, greenhouse gases, spills and marine pests). Where relevant to the potential impact, risk assessment should be conducted and documented. To the extent practicable the risk evaluation should include known potential future expansions or developments by Apache Energy, its joint venture partner and other proponents. r Socio-economic and cultural impacts (both positive and negative) caused by any changes, interruption, 4FDUJPOT alteration or curtailment of activities and uses of the area including changes affecting traditional, recreational, industry and commercial activities, conservation and tourism uses. r Details of any consultations carried out and responses made by potentially affected parties. Chapter 3 r Impacts on visual and aesthetic values. 4FDUJPOT r Impacts on sites of historical or cultural significance including on historic shipwrecks. 4FDUJPO (b) r EFUBJMFEBTTFTTNFOUPGUIFOBUVSFBOEFYUFOUPGUIFMJLFMZTIPSUUFSNBOEMPOHUFSNSFMFWBOUJNQBDUT $IBQUFS5BCMF (c) r BTUBUFNFOUXIFUIFSBOZSFMFWBOUJNQBDUTBSFMJLFMZUPCFVOLOPXO VOQSFEJDUBCMFPSJSSFWFSTJCMF $IBQUFST (d) r BOBMZTJTPGUIFTJHOJñDBODFPGUIFSFMFWBOUJNQBDUTBOE $IBQUFS (e) r any technical data and other information used or needed to make a detailed assessment of the relevant $IBQUFST impacts. 6. PROPOSED SAFEGUARDS AND MITIGATION MEASURES The PER must provide information on mitigation measures, with a particular focus on matters protected $IBQUFST under Part 3 of the EPBC Act. Specific and detailed measures must be provided and substantiated, based on 5BCMF best available practices and must include the following elements. (a) A consolidated list of mitigation measures proposed to be undertaken to prevent, minimise or compensate 5BCMF for the relevant impacts of the action, including: r a description of proposed safeguards and mitigation measures to deal with relevant potential impacts of the action r BEFTDSJQUJPOBOEBOBTTFTTNFOUPGUIFFYQFDUFEPSQSFEJDUFEFíFDUJWFOFTTPG UIFNJUJHBUJPONFBTVSFT r BOZTUBUVUPSZPSQPMJDZCBTJTGPSUIFNJUJHBUJPONFBTVSFTBOE r the cost of the mitigation measures.

Chapter 9 : Appendices | 321 SPECIFIC CONTENT (b) Particular focus should be given to: r EFUFSNJOJOHGBDUPSTJOUIFQMBOOJOHPGUIFQSPQPTBMTPBTUPBWPJEEBNBHFUPUIFFOWJSPONFOU Chapter 5 r NFBTVSFTUPBWPJEPSNJOJNJTFEBNBHFUPUIFNBSJOFFOWJSPONFOU Chapter 5 r measures to avoid or minimise disturbance to fauna found around and within the proposal area Chapter 5 (particularly listed threatened species, listed marine species and communities and listed migratory TQFDJFT r measures to minimise atmospheric emissions, with particular reference to greenhouse emissions (refer to Chapter 5 "UUBDINFOUGPSNPSFEFUBJM BOE r staff training, including training in relation to environmental issues. Chapter 7 r operational and management systems to be used for vetting export tankers throughout the lifetime of Section 5.9.10 the development, and r requirements for emergency and oil spill response and security planning. 4FDUJPOT (c) An outline of Environmental Management System should be provided including: Chapter 7 r An Environmental Management Plan Outline that sets out the framework for both short and long- term management, and addresses the construction and operational phases. The EMP must state the environmental objectives, performance criteria, mitigation and monitoring and reporting of relevant impacts of the action including any provisions for independent environmental auditing and feedback of monitoring results into project management. Responsibility and timing for each environmental issue should be described. It should also describe contingencies for events such as system failures. r Details of requirements for the preparation of Environmental Management Plans under other relevant legislation should be provided. To minimise duplication, areas of consistency between separate requirements should also be highlighted. 7. OTHER APPROVALS AND CONDITIONS Information must be given on any other requirements for approval or conditions that apply or that the Section 1.3 Proponent reasonably believes are likely to apply including: (a) r a description of any approval that is required from a State, Territory or Commonwealth agency or BVUIPSJUZBOE (b) r a description of the monitoring, enforcement and review procedures that apply , or are proposed to apply to the action. 8. CONSULTATION Any consultation about the action including: Chapter 3 (a) r BOZDPOTVMUBUJPOUIBUIBTBMSFBEZUBLFOQMBDF (b) r QSPQPTFEDPOTVMUBUJPOBCPVUSFMFWBOUJNQBDUTPGUIFBDUJPO (c) r if there has been consultation about the proposed action, any documented response to, or result of, the DPOTVMUBUJPOBOE (d) r identification of affected parties, including a statement mentioning any communities that may be affected and describing their views. 9. INFORMATION SOURCES PROVIDED IN THE PER For information given in a draft Public Environment Report, the draft must state: Chapter 9 (a) r UIFTPVSDFPGUIFJOGPSNBUJPO (b) r IPXSFDFOUUIFJOGPSNBUJPOJT (c) r IPXUIFSFMJBCJMJUZPGUIFJOGPSNBUJPOXBTUFTUFEBOE (d) r what uncertainties (if any) are in the information. 10. ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD OF PERSON PROPOSING TO TAKE THE ACTION Details of any proceedings under a Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the Section 1.5.2 environment or the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources against: (a) r UIFQFSTPOQSPQPTJOHUPUBLFUIFBDUJPOBOE (b) r for an action for which a person has applied for a permit, the person making the application. If the person proposing to take the action is a corporation, also include details of the corporation’s Section 1.5.2 environmental record, policy and planning framework.

322 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development SPECIFIC CONTENT 11. ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS 4FDUJPO C PGUIF&1#$"DUSFRVJSFTUIF.JOJTUFSUPDPOTJEFSFDPOPNJDBOETPDJBMNBUUFSTXIFO 4FDUJPOT deciding whether to grant approval to the proposed action under Part 9 of the EPBC Act. The requirements VOEFST C FODPNQBTTBCSPBEFSSBOHFPGNBUUFSTUIBUNBZCFDPOTJEFSFEUIBOUIPTFBEESFTTFE during the assessment of the potential impacts of a controlled action. Accordingly, information may be provided on the broader social and economic impacts (positive or negative) of the proposals for the purposes of the Part 9 approval decision. Any information provided for this purpose should be in a separately identified section or appendix of the PER. This information will not be addressed in the preparation of the assessment report by the Department of the Environment and Water Resources, but it will CFDPOTJEFSFECZUIF.JOJTUFSBMPOHTJEFPUIFSNBUUFSTVOEFSTFDUJPO4VDIJOGPSNBUJPOQSPWJEFENBZ address: 1. r 5IFCSPBEFSFDPOPNJDCFOFñUTPGUIFQSPQPTFEBDUJPOHPJOHBIFBE 2. r Any effects on employment that may occur beyond the immediate scope of the proposed action. Any NFUIPEPMPHZVTFEUPDBMDVMBUFNVMUJQMJFSFíFDUTBTTPDJBUFEXJUIFNQMPZNFOUTIPVMECFQSPWJEFE 3. r *OGPSNBUJPOPOUIFBNPVOUPGEPNFTUJDBOEPSPWFSTFBTJOWFTUNFOUGPSDBQJUBMJOGSBTUSVDUVSFBOE r Any other social or economic issues that may relate directly or indirectly to the proposed action. As the matters protected by the controlling provisions for this action include "the environment", there is the 4FDUJPOT potential for an overlap between the information provided in response to this appendix and the information requested in the main body of the guidelines in relation to social, economic and cultural aspects within the definition of the environment. The latter set of information need not be repeated if it will be contained in the body of the EIS. 12. CONCLUSION An overall conclusion as to the environmental acceptability of the proposal should be provided, including $IBQUFS discussion on compliance with principles of ESD and the objects and requirements of the EPBC Act (Attachment 1). Reasons justifying undertaking the proposal in the manner proposed should also be outlined. Measures proposed or required by way of offset for any unavoidable impacts on NES matters, and the N/A relative degree of compensation, should be highlighted.

Chapter 9 : Appendices | 323 324 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 325 F TQPSU Appendix BZHSPVOE 3 ogram in collaboration with in collaboration ogram astructure for salt production. astructure for Chapter 9 : Appendices | 9 : Appendices Chapter satellite-linked pr radio tagging DEC. a three-yearperiod including visual funded for Program Humpback whale whale surveys determine and acoustic to distribution patterns. )VCCT4FBXPSME3FTFBSDI*OTUJUVUFT8IBMFTIBSL -Whale Monitoring Humpback Whale Research’s for Centre WA in Exmouth. District High School. turtleto with the Ningaloo trackers associated Community (NCTP), gather to a community-based Program initiative Turtle Cape on nesting marine turtlesWest information in the North region. projects off conduct to marine research of Marine (AIMS) Science hyper-spectral One of the first projects is a Cape. West the North detailed habitat produce survey to of the Ningaloo Marine Park the region. maps for program. and humpback whale monitoring program ST OUT evaporation ponds and associated infr evaporation ponds and associated in Exmouth program its community consultation Straits commenced BOE 0OTMPX JO MBUF XJUI&YNPVUIJO%FDFNCFS UIF ñSTU QVCMJD NFFUJOH IFME JO in Exmouth and Onslow (SLGs) Straits used Stakeholder Liaison Groups key community comprising as its main method of consultation, departments. government stakeholders and local and state r "TVTUBJOBCMFEFWFMPQNFOUFEVDBUJPOQSPHSBNBUUIF&YNPVUI r 4QPOTPSJOHBNJOJCVTGPSBUISFFZFBSQFSJPEUPQSPWJEFUSBO has sponsored that BHP Billiton programs research Environmental include: r "GVOEJOHBHSFFNFOUPWFSZFBSTXJUIUIF"VTUSBMJBO*OTUJUVU r "TQFS8PPETJEF DPOUSJCVUJPOTUPUIFXIBMFTIBSLUBHHJOH Salt Straits of Exmouth shores along the eastern solar salt development A large project This Straits Salt Pty by (Straits). Ltd Gulf has been proposed JT LOPXO BT A:BOOBSJF 4PMBS BOE DPOTJTUT PG DPOTUSVDUJOH TBMU BHP Billiton community consultation Woodside’s (BHPB) has replicated BHP Billiton Groups Reference on their Community similarly focusing strategy, communicating as the methods of updates and regular (CRGs) and the more both the Stybarrow stakeholders on to information consultation oil project. BHP Billiton’s Pyrenees proposed recently QSPHSBNIBTCFFOPOHPJOHTJODFJUTDPNNFODFNFOUJOFBSMZ has supported sponsorships that BHP Billiton Community in Exmouth includes: r "EPOBUJPOUPJOTUBMMTIBEFTUSVDUVSFTBUUIF'BMMT4USFFUQM PO BZ MBUJPO Existing consultation programs in the region the in programs consultation Existing which uses an ROV to record video and still photographs as video and still photographs record which uses an ROV to drill rigs. as taking the seabed from well samples from supported Earthwatch a program Institute. by sharks, WJBFNBJM JOUFSOFUBOEUIFQPTU NPOUIMZJOUFSWBMTTJODF. 2005). (local newspaper) and regional media. and regional (local newspaper) information. and requesting information (e.g., the annual Whale shark Festival). the annual (e.g., of the project. and community awareness raising environmental Billiton). - of Sydney, the University managed by the SERPENT program, - of whale photo-identification of the movements ECOCEAN r %JTTFNJOBUJOHXSJUUFOVQEBUFTPOUIFQSPKFDUUPUIF43(NFNCF Woodside for the Exmouth a FPSO to propose company first was the Woodside project, subsequently known as the WA-271-P sub-basin with their communityconsultation operational). A (now 'Enfield Development' was program The this project was established in 1997. for program other FPSO project, Woodside’s subsequently extended include to UIFh7JODFOU%FWFMPQNFOUh QSPQPTFEJO$POTVMUBUJPOJOSF Community consultation program for resource development projects development resource for program consultation Community the Exmouth and Straits Salt for BHP Billiton Woodside, by proposed in Exmouth. established and ongoing currently are region an overview section of the knownThis provides aspects of the being undertaken program these community consultation by companies. ongoing. projects both is currently to (SRG), one Groups Stakeholder Reference two formed Woodside key community comprising based in Exmouth and the other in Perth, SRGs The departments. government stakeholders and local and state opportunities information obtain the stakeholders to provide for the about each project to and views their concerns and express process. the consultation throughout proponent Woodside and communityOther involvement of consultation forms has undertaken include: r 1SPWJEJOHBEWFSUJTFNFOUTBOEBSUJDMFTJOUIF&YNPVUI&YQSFTTJ r 0QFSBUJOHBUPMMGSFFUFMFQIPOFOVNCFSGPSTPVSDJOH r .BOOJOHJOGPSNBUJPOEJTQMBZTBOEQBSUJDJQBUJPOJO&YNPVUIFWF r "EWFSUJTJOHPGQVCMJDDPNNFOUPQQPSUVOJUJFTJOOFXTQBQFST r &TUBCMJTIJOHQSPKFDUTQFDJñDJOUFSOFUTJUFT r %POBUJPOTBOETQPOTPSTIJQTUPDPNNVOJUZHSPVQTBOEQSPKFDUT r 8PSLTIPQTIFMEJO&YNPVUIJOBOEUIBUGPDVTTFEPO r 0JMTQJMMSFTQPOTFUSBJOJOHJO&YNPVUI KPJOUFíPSUXJUI#)1 r 4VQQPSUJOHFOWJSPONFOUBMSFTFBSDIQSPKFDUT JODMVEJOH In addition to the SLGs, Straits also employed the following methods of engaging with the community:

r "QBSUUJNFPîDFJO&YNPVUI PQFOFEGPSPOFXFFLFBDINPOUI

r "QSPKFDUCSPDIVSF

r .POUIMZQSPKFDUVQEBUFT

r 3FHVMBSMZQVCMJTIFEGBDUTIFFUT

r *OGPSNBUJPOEJTQMBZTJOUIF3PTT4USFFU.BMMJO&YNPVUI

r 1SFTFOUBUJPOTUPWBSJPVTPSHBOJTBUJPOT TIJSFTBOEDPNQBOJFT

r .FFUJOHTXJUIBRVBDVMUVSFMFBTFIPMEFSTXJUIJO&YNPVUI(VMG

r 1SPKFDUJOGPSNBUJPOPOUIF4USBJUT4BMUXFCTJUF

Straits has also committed to a range of environmental research programs including:

r 'VOEJOHBñWFZFBSIVNQCBDLXIBMFSFTFBSDIQSPHSBNNPOJUPSJOH habitat use in the Exmouth Gulf and whale response to vessel movements in this area. The study is being undertaken by the Centre for Whale Research (CWR).

r "EVHPOHTVSWFZJODPOTVMUBUJPOXJUIUIF%FQBSUNFOUPG Environment & Conservation (DEC) to gain a better understanding of dugong habitat use. The Company is also funding several PhD students for projects investigating the link between benthic habitat and dugongs and terrestrial and coastal habitats of the Exmouth Gulf.

r %FWFMPQJOHB/PO*OEJHFOPVT.BSJOF4QFDJFT /*.4 QSPUFDUJPO plan for the Exmouth Gulf using a number of surveys and ongoing monitoring in order to detect and eliminate any invasive species (EPA recommendation in State of the Environment Report).

r 'VOEJOHBDPNNVOJUZUVSUMFNPOJUPSJOHQSPHSBNGPSUIFFBTUFSO part of the Exmouth Gulf.

r $PNNVOJUZTFBHSBTTNPOJUPSJOH

They have also sponsored several community initiatives including:

r 4QPOTPSTIJQGVOEJOHUP&YNPVUI4FBSDIBOE3FTDVF

r 4QPOTPSTIJQPGBOVNCFSPGMPDBMTQPSUJOHPSHBOJTBUJPOT

326 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 327 Appendix 4 Chapter 9 : Appendices | 9 : Appendices Chapter Stakeholder Consultation Group Consultation Stakeholder Advertisements in Exmouth media for participationAdvertisements for media Exmouth in in Northern 2007 2 May Guardian, Northern Guardian, 9 May 2007

328 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Exmouth Expression, May 2007

Chapter 9 : Appendices | 329 330 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development 331 Appendix 5 Chapter 9 : Appendices | 9 : Appendices Chapter April 2007 Newsletter1 as cooling water and drill cuttings (sediment Development Newsletters Development visible from the mainland, especially at night, but is no cause for concern. visible from the mainland, especially at metre safetyWhile the drill rig is in location, a 500 zone willand be gazetted around it vesselsby other access within this zone is not permitted. and of Industry from the Department has been obtained Approval to drill the wells or a request the Environmental Plan (EP) is available upon A copy of Resources (DoIR). www.doir.wa.gov.au/environment. at summary can be viewed at the DoIR website Van Gogh wells The Van Gogh drilling campaign is expected to start in July 2007 production and continue (DC1 and DC2) will be used to drill ten production for about 12 months. Two drill centres field. Thethe wells in Muiron north of the 35 km to the approximately wells are located surface) are normal. The discharges are approved and managed under the EP. surface) are normal. The discharges are approved and managed under the EP. two days at the end of drilling (end May/early June), resulting in flaring. The flare may be the end of drilling (end May/early in flaring. two days at June), resulting Islands Marine Management Area, and 45 km north of the Ningaloo Reef, in water depths ranging between 360 m and 370 m. The location of the Van Gogh wells is illustrated on the map overpage. The Van Gogh from the drilling of the well) and mud (used to cool the drill bit and return the cuttings to the and return from the drilling of the well) and mud (used to cool the drill bit drilling EP will be submitted to the DoIR for approval before any activity commences. drilling EP will be submitted to the DoIR for approval before any activity commences. Drill Rig and Support Vessels The wells will be drilled by the 'Stenaby Clyde' semi-submersible rig, towed into position from Learmonth Airport. Drilling Operations and Discharges During drilling, discharges from the rig such drilled to confirm the extent of the Van Gogh oilfield. Production testing will take place for drilled to confirm the extent of the Van two support vessels – the Pacific Frontier and Pacific Ariki – which will operate between the rig and the Port of Dampier. The Stena Clyde will be held in position by eight anchors extending 1,500 m from the rig. Crew changes will be undertaken by helicopter to and are well informed about up-coming activity. about up-coming are well informed Theo-2/3H wells Theo-3H, will be Theo-2 and known as wells From early May to early June, two appraisal information about the progress of the proposed developmentinformation about the progress of the to ensure that stakeholders proposing to develop an oilfield, known as Van Gogh, off the Exmouth coast. an oilfield, known proposing to develop a series of communityThis is the first in newsletters designed to provide up-to-date Apache Energy Limited (Apache), on behalf of the Van Gogh joint venture participants, is participants, Van Gogh joint venture (Apache), on behalf of the Apache Energy Limited More Information

For more information about Apache's activities in the region, please contact:

Myles Hyams Caroline de Mori Environment Manager Public Affairs Manager Telephone: 08-9422 7421 Telephone: 0418 919 064 Email: [email protected] www.apachevangogh.com.au www.apachecorp.com Apache Energy Limited Level 3, 256 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000 PO Box 477, West Perth, WA 6872 Telephone: 08-9422 7421

332 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Newsletter 2 June 2007

Apache Energy Limited (Apache), on behalf of the Van Gogh joint venture participants, is proposing to develop an oilfield, known as Van Gogh, off the Exmouth coast.

Theo-2/3H Wells

The 'Stena Clyde' semi-submersible drill rig began drilling (spudded) the Theo-2/3H wells on the 21st of May. Drilling will continue for about a month, with production testing to take place for two days at the end of drilling (late-June), resulting in flaring. The flare may be visible from the mainland, especially at night, but is no cause for concern.

Apache's information booth in the corporate tent at the festival

Exmouth Volunteer Marine Sea Rescue Group

Apache proudly provided financial support, to the tune of $20,000, to the Exmouth Volunteer Marine Sea Rescue Group for the purchase of their new rescue vessel, the 'Ningaloo Endeavour'.

Apache attended the official launch of The Stena Clyde semi-submersible drill rig the vessel at the Exmouth marina on the 6th of May, which was christened by the Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival 2007 Shire of Exmouth's new President, Ronnie Fleay. Apache was a proud sponsor of this year's Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival, and congratulates the festival's organising committee on a tremendous effort. This was Apache's first year of involvement at the festival, and we are keen to return next year. Apache manned a booth at the corporate tent, and we were run off our feet explaining the project to locals and distributing promotional material. Apache also sponsored the successful sponsors' cocktail function on the Friday night, which was a great event. Christening of the 'Ningaloo Endeavour' rescue vessel

Chapter 9 : Appendices | 333 While Apache does not directly employ Stakeholder Consultation Meetings personnel for the drill rig or the FPSO (rig and vessel contractors are The first of Apaches' Stakeholder responsible for recruitment), it has Consultation Group (SCG) meetings took identified the relevant avenues through place on the 15th of May in Exmouth, and which locals may seek offshore work, was attended by a diverse group of 15 either with the petroleum industry in people, comprising local and state general, Apache or the Van Gogh Field government representatives, the Cape Development specifically. Please see the Conservation Group, Exmouth Chamber of Van Gogh website for details. Commerce and the North West Cape Exmouth Aboriginal Corporation among Van Gogh Field Development Update others. Likewise, the first of the Perth SCG meetings took place on the 17th of May, On the 3rd of May, a major project attended by government representatives. milestone was reached when Apache Informative discussions were enjoyed at signed the contract with ProSafe to build both meetings. The next SCG meetings and operate the proposed FPSO. An are likely to take place in late June. existing tanker, the 'MT Kudam', will be converted into the FPSO in Singapore. It will take in the order of 14 months to complete this conversion, which when finished, will be able to store 650,000 barrels (bbl) of oil (103,000 m3). More information about ProSafe is available on the Van Gogh website.

The first Exmouth SCG meeting at the Novotel Ningaloo Resort

Employment Opportunities

Significant interest from the Exmouth community has been expressed regarding the potential to work offshore with the Apache signs the contract with ProSafe to build and operate the FPSO development.

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334 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Newsletter 3 October 2007

Apache Energy Limited (Apache), on behalf of the Van Gogh joint venture participants, is proposing to develop an oilfield, known as Van Gogh, off the Exmouth coast.

Consultation Apache presented preliminary drafts of Apache has continued its public the first four chapters of the PER to the consultation activities on the project, with SCGs to enable early comments to be the second and third Stakeholder provided. The remaining three chapters Consultation Group (SCG) meetings taking will be provided as they become place in Exmouth and Perth during late available. July and late September. The meetings have been well attended by government, Drilling Environment Plan conservation, industry and business representatives, with many local issues The Drilling Environment Plan (EP) was discussed. The second meeting focused submitted to the WA Department of on project installation activities while the Industry and Resources (DoIR) for third meeting included a detailed approval in early September. This presentation on the FPSO oil spill document provides the environmental modelling. impact assessment for the development's drilling activities. SCG members were provided a copy of this document, which is not normally circulated to the public. The Drilling EP was approved by the DoIR on the 5th of October 2007.

Community Sponsorships

Apache has continued its discussions with various organisations in Exmouth regarding sponsorship opportunities. Recent sponsorship arrangements have been put in place with the: The second Exmouth SCG meeting at the Novotel Ningaloo Resort x Learmonth airport – contribution to the purchase of a fire engine. Public Environment Report x WA Marine Science Institute (WAMSI) – support of their Apache is making solid progress on the research programme with Apache Public Environment Report (PER) for the providing its environmental Van Gogh Field Development. A monitoring database. preliminary draft of the PER is almost x Australian Institute of Marine ready for submission to the Science (AIMS) – supporting 3 year Commonwealth Department of the whale shark tagging programme. Environment and Water Resources (DEW) for their determination on its suitability for public release.

Chapter 9 : Appendices | 335 x Exmouth District High School – providing funding for the school's Van Gogh Field Development Update maritime and marine studies programme Drilling of the Theo-3H appraisal well took place during June. The two day flow Detail on these sponsorships, together test returned excellent results of 1,500 with Apache's sponsorship policy, is m3/day of oil (9,694 barrels per day), available on the project website. firming up the oil reserve estimates of the Van Gogh field. Oil Spill Modelling Drilling of the 10 production wells is Global Environmental Modelling Systems scheduled to commence in mid- (GEMS) has finalised its oil spill modelling December 2007 and continue until late- study for the Van Gogh Development. September 2008, dependent on weather These results were discussed at the latest conditions. SCG meetings. These results will be included in the PER, and show that: The FPSO is currently in dry dock in the Philippines with life extension work x the chance of any sized oil or diesel (replacement of 2,000 t of steel) and spill entering the Ningaloo Marine asbestos removal being undertaken by Park is less than a 1 in 1,000,000 some 210 personnel. It is expected to year risk. arrive in Singapore in January 2008 to x this risk is mainly restricted to the complete the conversion work and June-July period when seasonal wind commence the installation of topside conditions provide a slightly process modules. increased probability for any oil spill to move south. x there is no risk of spills entering the Muiron Island Marine Management Area (MMA) or Exmouth Gulf.

Furthermore, the modelling results indicate that the presence of five FPSOs off the North West Cape does not significantly increase the risk of oil spills reaching the Ningaloo Reef or coastline, with probabilities still as low as 1 in 1,000,000 years during the June-July period. The 'Kudam' oil tanker in dry dock in the Philippines undergoing conversion works

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336 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Appendix Drill Rig Environmental Poster 6 %9

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Chapter 9 : Appendices | 337 338 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development Chapter 9 : Appendices | 339 340 | Van Gogh Oil Field Development

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