Gorgon Emp Gorgon Gas Development Drilling and Completion Program

Environment Plan
Gorgon Gas Development Drilling and

Completion Program
Document No:
G1-NT-PLNX0001023
Revision:
Revision Date:
9 June 2011
Copy No:
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Public
Chevron Australia Pty Ltd
Document No:
DMS ID:
Revision Date:
G1-NT-PLNX0001023
00391225
9 June 2011
Environment Plan:
Gorgon Gas Development Drilling and Completion Program
Revision: 0
Table of Contents
Terminology, Definitions and Abbreviations .................................................................................................. 9
Executive Summary..................................................................................................................................... 18
1.0
2.0
3.0
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 19
1.1
Proponent................................................................................................................................ 19
1.2
Project ..................................................................................................................................... 19
1.3
Location ................................................................................................................................... 19
1.4
Gorgon Gas Development Environmental Approvals ............................................................. 23
1.5
Purpose of this Plan ................................................................................................................ 24

1.5.1
Scope of this Environment Plan .............................................................................. 24
1.5.2
Requirements .......................................................................................................... 24
1.5.3
Hierarchy of Documentation .................................................................................... 26
1.5.4
Relevant Standards and Guidelines ........................................................................ 28
1.5.5
Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................................................ 29
1.5.6
Public Availability ..................................................................................................... 30
Drilling Activities ................................................................................................................................ 31

2.1
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 31
2.2
Well Design and Drilling Details .............................................................................................. 32

2.2.1
Design ...................................................................................................................... 32
2.2.2
Drilling Fluids and Chemical Additives .................................................................... 33
2.2.3
Drilling Fluids and Cuttings Handling and Disposal................................................. 34
2.2.4
Cleaning the SBM Holding Tanks ........................................................................... 35
2.2.5
Cementing Operations ............................................................................................. 35
2.2.6
Pre- and Post-drilling Seabed Surveys ................................................................... 35
2.2.7
Logging .................................................................................................................... 36
2.2.8
Well Testing and Clean-Up...................................................................................... 36
2.2.9
Well Suspension and Completion ........................................................................... 36
2.2.10
Marine and Support Operations .............................................................................. 36
2.2.11
Time Frame ............................................................................................................. 37
Existing Marine Environment ............................................................................................................ 38

3.1
3.2
3.3
Physical Environment ............................................................................................................. 38

3.1.1
Bathymetry and Seabed Features ........................................................................... 38
3.1.2
Metocean Conditions ............................................................................................... 38
Marine Biological Environment ............................................................................................... 38

3.2.1
Benthic Flora and Fauna ......................................................................................... 39
3.2.2
Macrofauna .............................................................................................................. 39
Social and Economic Environment ......................................................................................... 43

3.3.1
Petroleum Activities ................................................................................................. 43
3.3.2
Fisheries .................................................................................................................. 43

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3.3.3
Shipping .................................................................................................................. 44
3.3.4
Recreational and Tourism Activities ....................................................................... 45
3.3.5
Marine Protected Areas .......................................................................................... 45
3.3.6
Shipwrecks.............................................................................................................. 45
3.3.7
Defence Practice Areas .......................................................................................... 45
3.3.8
Cultural Heritage ..................................................................................................... 45
3.3.9
Particular Issues or Sensitivities ............................................................................. 45
Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................................. 46

4.1
Overview ................................................................................................................................ 46
4.2
Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 46
4.3
Key Outcomes ........................................................................................................................ 61

4.3.1
Routine and Operational Discharges ...................................................................... 61
4.3.2
Noise ....................................................................................................................... 66
4.3.3
Positioning and Presence of the Rig ...................................................................... 67
4.3.4
Quarantine .............................................................................................................. 67
4.3.5
Contingency Plan and Management of Unplanned Operations ............................. 68
Objectives, Performance Standards and Relevant Documentation ................................................. 72

5.1
Overview ................................................................................................................................ 72
5.2
Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 72
5.3
Performance Standards ......................................................................................................... 72
5.4
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5.3.1
Discharge of Drilling Fluid and Cuttings ................................................................. 72
5.3.2
Underwater Noise ................................................................................................... 73
5.3.3
Oil/Chemical Spill .................................................................................................... 73
5.3.4
Fuel (Diesel Spill) .................................................................................................... 73
5.3.5
Loss of Well Control ................................................................................................ 73
5.3.6
Quarantine .............................................................................................................. 73
5.3.7
Discharge of Domestic Wastes............................................................................... 73
Relevant Documentation ........................................................................................................ 73
Implementation ................................................................................................................................. 78
6.1
Environmental Policy .............................................................................................................. 78
6.2
Environmental Management Documentation ......................................................................... 78
6.3
6.2.1
Overview ................................................................................................................. 78
6.2.2
Chevron ABU OE Documentation .......................................................................... 78
6.2.3
Gorgon Gas Development and Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline Documentation ............ 79
6.2.4
Project-specific Documentation .............................................................................. 79
6.2.5
Project-specific Plans and Procedures ................................................................... 80
Environmental Management Measures ................................................................................. 80

6.3.1
Rig and Vessel Wastes, Discharges and Emissions .............................................. 80
6.3.2
Vertical Seismic Profiling ........................................................................................ 81
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Air Emissions ........................................................................................................... 82
6.3.4
Quarantine and Ballast Water ................................................................................. 83
6.3.5
Onboard Storage and Handling of Chemicals ......................................................... 83
6.3.6
Interaction with Other Users of the Area ................................................................. 83
6.3.7
Resupply Operations ............................................................................................... 84
6.3.8
Well Control ............................................................................................................. 85
6.3.9
Emergencies and Accidental Discharges ................................................................ 86
Training and Inductions ........................................................................................................... 86
6.5
Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 87
6.5.1
Chain of Command .................................................................................................. 87
6.5.2
Roles and Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 87
Maintenance of Emergency Response and Marine Oil Pollution Plan ................................... 90
Auditing, Reporting and Review ........................................................................................................ 92

7.1
7.2
7.3
8.0
6.3.3
6.4
6.6
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Auditing ................................................................................................................................... 92
7.1.1
Internal Auditing ....................................................................................................... 92
7.1.2
External Auditing ..................................................................................................... 92
Reporting ................................................................................................................................. 93
7.2.1
Compliance Reporting ............................................................................................. 93
7.2.2
Environmental Performance Reporting ................................................................... 93
7.2.3
Routine Internal Reporting ....................................................................................... 93
7.2.4
Monitoring and Audit ................................................................................................ 93
7.2.5
Incident Response and Reporting ........................................................................... 94
7.2.6
Reportable Incidents ................................................................................................ 95
7.2.7
Recordable Incidents ............................................................................................... 96
7.2.8
Record Keeping ....................................................................................................... 96
Review of this Plan ................................................................................................................. 97
References ........................................................................................................................................ 98
Appendix 1
Identification of Marine Matters of National Environmental Significance .............. 104
Appendix 2
EPBC Act Protected Matters Report ..................................................................... 105
Appendix 3
Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix ........................................................ 106
Appendix 4
Oil Spill Operational Response Plan (OSORP) ..................................................... 108
Appendix 5
Chevron Corporate Operational Excellence Policy 530 ........................................ 109
Appendix 6
Computer Modelling of Noise Generated by VSP Source .................................... 110
Appendix 7
Compliance Reporting Table ................................................................................. 111

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List of Tables
Table 1-1 Requirements of this Plan ........................................................................................................ 24
Table 2-1 Coordinates of the Development Wells .................................................................................... 31
Table 2-2 Gorgon Development Well Design Details ............................................................................... 32
Table 2-3 Gorgon Development Well Total Cuttings Volumes (per well) ................................................. 33
Table 2-4 SBM Composition ..................................................................................................................... 34
Table 3-1: EPBC Act Listed Threatened Species that may Occur within the Permit Area ...................... 39
Table 4-1 Summary of Environmental Risks, Management and Mitigation Measures ............................ 48
Table 4-2 NOVATEC Saraline 185V-based SBM Ecotoxicity Results for Western Australian
Species ................................................................................................................................ 61
Table 4-3 Component Assay Data ........................................................................................................... 69
Table 5-1 Objectives, Performance Standards and Relevant Documentation ......................................... 74
Table 6-1 Well Controls and Mitigation/Recovery Measures ................................................................... 85
Table 7-1 Incident Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................. 94
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Location of the Gorgon Gas Field ........................................................................................... 20
Figure 1-2 Proposed Well and Manifold Locations ................................................................................... 21
Figure 1-3 Gorgon Development Manifold Locations: Associated Environmental and Socioeconomic Sensitive Areas ................................................................................................... 22
Figure 1-4 Hierarchy of Gorgon Gas Development Environmental Documentation ................................ 27
Figure 1-5 Deliverable Development, Review and Approval Flow Chart ................................................. 30
Figure 2-1 Bathymetry at Manifold and Well Locations ............................................................................ 32
Figure 6-1 Gorgon Gas Development Drilling Organisation Chart ........................................................... 91
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Terminology, Definitions and Abbreviations

Terms, definitions and abbreviations used in this document are listed below. These align with
the terms, definitions and abbreviations defined in Schedule 2 of the Western Australian Gorgon
Gas Development Ministerial Implementation Statement No. 800 (Statement No. 800) and the
Commonwealth Gorgon Gas Development Ministerial Approvals (EPBC Reference: 2003/1294
and 2008/4178).
C
Degrees Celsius
3D
Three-dimensional
ABS
American Bureau of Shipping
ABU
Australasia Business Unit
ADIOS
Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills
AFMA
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
AFZ
Australian Fishing Zone
AHTSV
Anchor Handling, Tug and Supply Vessel
ALARP
As Low As Reasonably Practicable

Defined as a level of risk that is not intolerable, and cannot be reduced
further without the expenditure of costs that are grossly disproportionate to
the benefit gained.
AMOSC
Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre
AMSA
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Annulus
The space between two concentric objects, such as between the wellbore
and casing or between casing and tubing, where fluid can flow.
APASA
Asia-Pacific Applied Science Associates
APPEA
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
AQIS
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
ARI
Assessment on Referral Information (for the proposed Jansz Feed Gas

Pipeline dated September 2007) as amended or supplemented from time
to time.
ARPA
Automated Radar Plotting Aid
AS
Australian Standard
AusRep
Australian Ship Reporting
AusSAR
Australian Search and Rescue
Ballast water
Any water and associated sediment used to trim and stabilise a vessel.

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Bathymetric
Relating to measurements of the depths of oceans or lakes.
bbl
Barrel
Benthic
Living upon or in the sea floor.
Bentonite clay
Clay formed from volcanic ash which can absorb large amounts of water
and expands to many times its normal volume.
Biocide
Any substance that can destroy living organisms.
Biota
All the plant and animal life of a particular region.
Bioturbation
The displacement and mixing of sediment particles by benthic fauna

(animals) or flora (plants).
BOP
Blow Out Preventer
BP
Boiling Point
Bund
An area of containment, such as a dam, wall, or other artificial

embankment.
CaCl2
Calcium Chloride
CAMBA
China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Carbon
(CO2)
System
Dioxide The mechanical components required to be constructed to enable the

Injection injection of reservoir carbon dioxide, including but not limited to
compressors, pipelines and wells.
CCSBT
Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna
CCTV
Closed Circuit Television
CEFAS
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Cetacean
Various aquatic (mainly marine) mammals of the order Cetacea, (including

whales, dolphins and porpoises) characterised by a nearly hairless body,
front limbs modified into broad flippers and a flat notched tail.
CGR
Condensate/Gas Ratio
CHARM
Chemical Hazard Assessment and Risk Management
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
Coaming
A raised rim or border around an opening, as in a ship's deck, designed to

keep out water.
Commonwealth
Marine Areas
Zoned areas of waters of the sea, the seabed and the airspace above the
waters of the sea, defined under section 24 of the EPBC Act (Cth).
cP
Centipoise; a unit of dynamic viscosity equal to 1 millipascal second
Cth
Commonwealth of Australia
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D&C
Drilling and Completion
dB
Decibel; a unit to measure sound
dB re 1 Pa
Decibels relative to one micro pascal; the unit used to measure the
intensity of an underwater sound
Deadman
A function to a safe mode that is automatically activated if all power and

controls are lost to the equipment.
DEC
Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation
DEH
Former Department of the Environment and Heritage (now SEWPaC)
Demersal
Living on the seabed or just above it.
DEWHA
Former Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage

and the Arts (now SEWPaC)
Diurnal
Daily
DMP
Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum (formerly DoIR)
DNV
Det Norske Veritas; independent foundation that provides services for

managing risk
DoIR
Western Australian Department of Industry and Resources (now DMP)
DP
Dynamic Positioning; a computer controlled system to automatically

maintain a vessel's position and heading by using her own propellers and
thrusters
DP Class 2
Dynamic positioning equipment Class 2 has redundancy so that no single

fault in an active system will cause the system to fail. Loss of position
should not occur from a single fault of an active component or system
such as generators, thruster, switchboards, remote controlled valves etc.
but may occur after failure of a static component such as cables, pipes,
manual valves etc.
DSM
Drill Site Manager
EC50
Concentration or dose yielding biological effects in 50% of test species.
EIS/ERMP
Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Review and Management

Programme (for the Proposed Gorgon Gas Development dated
September 2005) as amended or supplemented from time to time.
EMP
Environmental Management Plan
EP
Environment Plan
EP Act
Western Australian Environmental Protection Act 1986
EPA
Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority

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EPBC Act

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Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

1999
EPBC Reference: Commonwealth Ministerial Approval (for the Gorgon Gas Development) as
2003/1294
amended or replaced from time to time
EPBC Reference: Commonwealth Ministerial Approval (for the Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline) as
2005/2184
amended or replaced from time to time.
EPBC Reference: Commonwealth Ministerial Approval (for the Revised Gorgon Gas
2008/4178
Development) as amended or replaced from time to time.
EPCM
Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management
EPS
Environmental Performance Standard
ERP
Emergency Response Plan
Finfish
A term used to distinguish fish with fins and gills, from shellfish, crayfish,
jellyfish, etc.
G&G
Geology and Geophysics
g/m2
Grams per square metre
gal/100 bbl
Gallons per 100 barrels
GDA94
Geocentric Data of Australia
GM
General Manager
Gorgon
Gas The Gorgon Gas Development as approved under Statement No. 800 and
Development
EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 as amended or replaced
from time to time.
GU
Global Upstream
HAZID
Hazard Identification
HAZOP
Hazard and Operability Study
Helideck
Helicopter platform
Helifuel
Helicopter fuel
HES
Health, Environment and Safety
HPU
Hydraulic power unit
HSE
Health, Safety and Environment
HTB
High Temperature Blend
Hydrocarbons
A large class of organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon.

Crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas condensate are all mixtures of
various hydrocarbons.
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IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods
IMO
International Maritime Organization
IMS
Invasive Marine Species
Infauna
Benthic fauna (animals) living in the substrate and especially in a soft sea
bottom.
IP
Intellectual Property
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
Isobath
A line on a chart joining places of equal depth of water; a depth contour.
JAMBA
Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
Jansz Feed Gas The Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline as approved in Statement No. 769 and
Pipeline
EPBC Reference: 2005/2184 as amended or replaced from time to time.
kcal/h
Kilocalories per hour
kg/m3
Kilograms per cubic metre
km
Kilometre
Litres
L/h
Litres per hour
LAO
Linear Alpha Olefin
lb
Pound
LC50
Concentration or dose found to be lethal in 50% of a group of test species.
LMRP
Lower Marine Riser Package
LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas
LOEC
Lowest Observed Effect Concentration
LOT
Leak Off Test
Metre
m/s
Metres per second
m3
Cubic metres
Macrofauna
Animals whose shortest dimension is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and

that can be seen without the aid of magnification; includes polychaetes,
snails and amphipods.
Macrophytes
A large aquatic plant, visible to the unaided eye, that grows in or near
water and is either emergent, submergent, or floating (e.g. kelp).

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Marine Facilities

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In relation to Statement No. 800 and EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and

2008/4178, the Marine facilities are the:
Materials Offloading Facility (MOF)
LNG Jetty
Dredge Spoil Disposal Ground
Offshore Feed Gas Pipeline System and the marine component of the
shore crossing
Domestic Gas Pipeline.
Marine Turtles
Sea turtles of families Cheloniidae (Green, Flatback, Hawksbill,

Loggerhead and Olive Ridley) and Dermochelyidae (Leatherback).
MARPOL
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships,

1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978.
Also known as MARPOL 73/78.
(MARPOL is short for marine pollution)
Metocean
Meteorological and oceanographic conditions.
MFO
Marine Fauna Observer
mg/L
Milligrams per litre
Migratory Species
Species listed as migratory under section 209 of the EPBC Act (Cth).
mm
Millimetre
MMO
Marine Mammal Observer
MMscf/day
Million standard cubic feet per day. 1 MMscf/day = 1180 Sm3/h (Standard
cubic metres per hour).
MOF
Materials Offloading Facility
MOPP
Marine Oil Pollution Plan
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet. A widely used system for cataloguing

information on substances, such as chemicals, chemical compounds, and
chemical mixtures. MSDS information may include instructions for the
safe use and potential hazards associated with a particular material or
product.
MTPA
Million Tonnes Per Annum
N/A
Not Applicable
Nearshore
Close to shore; or within 3 nautical miles of Barrow Island.
Neritic
The neritic zone, also called the sublittoral zone, is the part of the ocean
extending from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, with
a relatively shallow depth of <150 m in north-western Australia.
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NES
[Matters of] National Environmental Significance, as defined in Part 3,

Division 1 of the EPBC Act (Cth).
NGER Act
Commonwealth National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007
nm
Nautical Miles
NOEC
No Observable Effect Concentration
NPI
National Pollution Inventory
NZS
New Zealand Standard
OE
Operational Excellence
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
OEMS
Operational Excellence Management System
OIM
Offshore Installation Manager
OPGGS (E)
Regulations
Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage

(Environment) Regulations 2009
OPGGS Act
Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act

2006
OSORP
Oil Spill Operational Response Plan
Pelagic
Living in the open sea rather than in coastal or inland waters.
PER
Public Environmental Review
Performance
Standards
Are matters which are developed for assessing performance, not

compliance, and are quantitative targets or where that is demonstrated to
be not practicable, qualitative targets, against which progress towards
achievement of the objectives of conditions can be measured.
PGPA
Policy, Government and Public Affairs
Photic Zone
The depth of the water in a lake or ocean that is exposed to sufficient

sunlight for photosynthesis to occur. The depth of the photic zone can be
greatly affected by turbidity.
POB
Persons on Board
ppm
Parts per million

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Practicable

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Practicable means reasonably practicable having regard to, among other

things, local conditions and circumstances (including costs) and to the
current state of technical knowledge.
For the purposes of the conditions of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and
2008/4178 that include the term practicable, when considering whether
the draft plan meets the requirements of these conditions, the
Commonwealth Minister will determine what is practicable having regard
to local conditions and circumstances including but not limited to
personnel safety, weather or geographical conditions, costs,
environmental benefit and the current state of scientific and technical
knowledge.
psi
Pounds per square inch
QC
Quality Control
RAAF
Royal Australian Air Force
ROC
Retention on Cuttings
ROKAMBA
Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
ROV
Remotely Operated Vehicle
SAFE
Safety Analysis and Functional Evaluation
SBM
Synthetic-based Mud
SBT
Southern Bluefin Tuna
SCSSV
Surface-controlled Subsurface Safety Valve
SEWPaC
Commonwealth Department of Sustainability,

Population and Communities (formerly DEWHA)
Significant Impact
An impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance, relevant to

EPBC Reference: 2003/1294, 2005/2185 and 2008/4178 that is important,
notable or of consequence having regard to its context or intensity.
Slug Pit
Tank for storing drilling fluid
SOPEP
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
Statement No. 748
Western Australian Ministerial Implementation Statement No. 748 (for the

Gorgon Gas Development) as amended from time to time [superseded by
Statement No. 800].
Statement No. 769

Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline) as amended from time to time.
Statement No. 800

Gorgon Gas Development) as amended from time to time.
Substrate
The surface a plant or animal lives upon. The substrate can include biotic
or abiotic materials. For example, encrusting algae that lives on a rock
can be substrate for another animal that lives above the algae on the rock.
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TAPL
Texaco Australia Pty. Ltd.
TDF
Terrestrial Disturbance Footprint
Threatened
Species
Species listed as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered,

endangered, vulnerable or conservation dependent under section 178 of
the EPBC Act (Cth).
Turbidity
The cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by individual particles

(suspended solids) that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to
smoke in air. The measurement of turbidity is a key test of water quality.
UK CAA
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
VMS
Vessel Management System
VP
Vice President
VSP
Vertical Seismic Profile
WA
Western Australia
WAFIC
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council
WAPET
West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd.
WAPET Landing
Proper name referring to the site of the barge landing existing on the east
coast of Barrow Island prior to the date of Statement No. 800.
WBM
Water-based Mud
WMP
Waste Management Plan
WOMP
Well Operations Management Plan

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Executive Summary
This document provides a Plan (Environment Plan (EP)) for managing the potential impacts of a
proposed drilling program in Commonwealth waters of the North West Shelf, which is scheduled
to commence mid 2011 and is anticipated to be completed by mid to late 2013. This EP fulfils
the relevant requirements of Conditions 16A of the Variation Decision for the Gorgon Gas
Development (EPBC Reference: 2003/1294), Condition 3.2 of EPBC Reference 2003/1294 and
2008/4178, as well as those of the Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act).
Eight Gorgon Gas Development wells will be drilled within Exploration Permit WA-37-L by
Chevron Australia Pty Ltd (Chevron Australia) using the Atwood Osprey semi-submersible rig.
Environmental management for the drilling and completions program will be conducted in
accordance with this EP and a specific Waste Management Plan. This EP describes the
following:
the area of operations, the proposed drilling activities, and the expected time frame
the existing natural, social and economic environments of the region, including issues and
sensitivities particular to the drilling activities
the possible risks to the environment from both planned (normal) and unplanned (abnormal)
operations
Chevrons Environmental Policy and the environmental performance objectives derived from
the Policy
the standards and criteria that will be used to measure environmental performance
the Implementation Strategy, including key roles and responsibilities, that will be applied to
achieve the programs environmental performance goals
a system for documenting, monitoring, and reviewing the success of the Implementation
Strategy, to facilitate improvement of environmental performance.
Assessment of the environmental risks and effects of the drilling program indicates that the
likely impacts are temporary and/or localised, and are limited to:
physical disturbance of the seabed and benthic communities from the anchoring of the rig,
discharge of the cuttings, and drilling of wells
reduction in water quality from waste discharges (including drilling fluid, cuttings, greywater,
and sewage wastes)
disturbance to marine macrofauna and benthic communities from the presence, artificial
lighting, and/or movements of the rig, support vessels, and helicopters
disturbance to marine fauna species from noise and vibration emissions from the rig and
vessels
reduction in air quality from atmospheric emissions resulting from the flaring of hydrocarbons
and engine emissions.
Due to the remote location of the drilling program and the comprehensive management that will
be implemented, risks to the environment are all considered to fall within the low or lowmedium
category.
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1.0
Introduction
1.1
Proponent
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Chevron Australia Pty Ltd (Chevron Australia) is the proponent and the person taking the action
for the Gorgon Gas Development on behalf of the following companies (collectively known as
the Gorgon Joint Venturers):
Chevron (TAPL) Pty Ltd
Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited
Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited
Osaka Gas Gorgon Pty Ltd
Tokyo Gas Gorgon Pty Ltd
Chubu Electric Power Gorgon Pty Ltd
pursuant to Statement No. 800 and EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178.
1.2
Project
Chevron Australia proposes to develop the gas reserves of the Greater Gorgon Area (Figure
1-1).
Subsea gathering systems and subsea pipelines will be installed to deliver feed gas from the
Gorgon and JanszIo gas fields to the west coast of Barrow Island. The feed gas pipeline
system will be buried as it traverses from the west coast to the east coast of the Island, where
the system will tie in to the Gas Treatment Plant located at Town Point. The Gas Treatment
Plant will comprise three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trains capable of producing a nominal
capacity of five Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) per train. The Gas Treatment Plant will also
produce condensate and domestic gas. Carbon dioxide (CO2), which occurs naturally in the
feed gas, will be separated during the production process. As part of the Gorgon Gas
Development, Chevron Australia will inject the separated CO2 into deep formations below
Barrow Island. The LNG and condensate will be loaded from a dedicated jetty offshore from
Town Point and then transported by dedicated carriers to international markets. Gas for
domestic use will be exported by a pipeline from Town Point to the domestic gas collection and
distribution network on the mainland.
Proposed drilling activities in support of the Gorgon Gas Development will comprise eight
development wells to be drilled within Permit Area WA-37-L. Drilling operations are scheduled
to commence in June 2011 and will extend until all the Gorgon wells are drilled and completed,
which is anticipated to be by the end of 2013.
1.3
Location
The Gorgon gas field is located in Production Licence WA-37-L, in Commonwealth marine
waters of the North West Shelf, off Western Australia (Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2). Production
Licence WA-37-L is located approximately 130 km off the north-west coast of Western Australia,
and 65 km north-west of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is located off the Pilbara coast 85 km
north-north-east of the town of Onslow and 140 km west of Karratha. The Island is
approximately 25 km long and 10 km wide and covers 23 567 ha. It is the largest of a group of
islands, including the Montebello and Lowendal Islands (Figure 1-3).

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Figure 1-1 Location of the Gorgon Gas Field

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Figure 1-2 Proposed Well and Manifold Locations

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Figure 1-3 Gorgon Development Manifold Locations: Associated Environmental and

Socio-economic Sensitive Areas
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Gorgon Gas Development Environmental Approvals
The initial Gorgon Gas Development was assessed through an Environmental Impact
Statement/Environmental Review and Management Programme (EIS/ERMP) assessment
process (Chevron Australia 2005, 2006).
The initial Gorgon Gas Development was approved by the Western Australian State Minister for
the Environment on 6 September 2007 by way of Ministerial Implementation Statement No. 748
(Statement No. 748) and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water
Resources on 3 October 2007 (EPBC Reference: 2003/1294).
In May 2008, under section 45C of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Act 1986
(EP Act), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved some minor changes to the
Gorgon Gas Development that it considered not to result in a significant, detrimental,
environmental effect in addition to, or different from, the effect of the original proposal
(EPA 2008). The approved changes are:
excavation of a berthing pocket at the Barge (WAPET) Landing facility
installation of additional communications facilities (microwave communications towers)
relocation of the seawater intake
modification to the seismic monitoring program.
In September 2008, Chevron Australia sought both State and Commonwealth approval through
a Public Environment Review (PER) assessment process (Chevron Australia 2008) for the
Revised and Expanded Gorgon Gas Development to make some changes to Key Proposal
Characteristics of the initial Gorgon Gas Development, as outlined below:
addition of a five million tonnes per annum (MTPA) liquefied natural gas (LNG) train,
increasing the number of LNG trains from two to three
expansion of the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Injection System, increasing the number of injection
wells and surface drill locations
extension of the causeway and the Materials Offloading Facility (MOF) into deeper water.
The Revised and Expanded Gorgon Gas Development was approved by the Western Australian
State Minister for the Environment on 10 August 2009 by way of Ministerial Implementation
Statement No. 800 (Statement No. 800). Statement No. 800 also superseded Statement
No. 748 as the approval for the initial Gorgon Gas Development. Statement No. 800 therefore
provides approval for both the initial Gorgon Gas Development and the Revised and Expanded
Gorgon Gas Development, which together are known as the Gorgon Gas Development.
On 26 August 2009, the then Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the
Arts issued approval for the Revised and Expanded Gorgon Gas Development (EPBC
Reference: 2008/4178) and varied the conditions for the initial Gorgon Gas Development
(EPBC Reference: 2003/1294).
Since the Revised and Expanded Gorgon Gas Development was approved, further minor
changes have also been made and/or approved to the Gorgon Gas Development and are now
also part of the Development. Further changes may also be made/approved in the future. This
Plan relates to any such changes, and where necessary will be specifically revised to address
the impacts of those changes.
The Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline was assessed via Environmental Impact Statement/Assessment
on Referral Information (ARI) and EPBC Referral assessment processes (Mobil Australia 2005,
2006).
The Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline was approved by the Western Australian State Minister for the
Environment on 28 May 2008 by way of Ministerial Implementation Statement No. 769
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(Statement No. 769) and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water
Resources on 22 March 2006 (EPBC Reference: 2005/2184).
This Plan covers the Gorgon Gas Development as approved under EPBC Reference:
2003/1294 and 2008/4178.
1.5
Purpose of this Plan
1.5.1
Scope of this Environment Plan
This Plan has been prepared to ensure that drilling activities for the Gorgon Gas Development,
as described in Section 2.0, are conducted in a manner that protects environmental values and
reduces impacts to the environment to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
1.5.2
Requirements
For the proposed drilling program, this Plan satisfies the relevant requirements of Condition 16A
of the Variation Decision for the Gorgon Gas Development (EPBC Reference: 2003/1294) for
the Management of Offshore Impacts, which is quoted below:
Prior to commencement of construction of offshore facilities in Commonwealth waters, the
person taking the action must submit for the Ministers approval a plan (or plans) for
managing the impacts of the action....
Offshore construction may not commence in Commonwealth marine areas until the plan is
approved.
This Plan also addresses the relevant requirements of Condition 3.2 of EPBC Reference:
2003/1294 and 2008/4178. Table 1-1 summarises the specific requirements of the relevant
conditions of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and where they are addressed in this Plan.
This Plan is also required under the Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum Gas and Greenhouse
Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPPGS Act) and associated Offshore Petroleum Gas and Greenhouse
Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 (OPGGS (E) Regulations), to be approved by the
Designated Authority the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP).
This Plan is being submitted for approval only for the scope of works outlined in Section 2.0. In
accordance with Condition 16A of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294, approval of other plans to
manage the impacts of additional offshore construction activities will be obtained before
construction commences for those specific activities.
The process for development, review and approval of this Plan is shown in Figure 1-5.
Table 1-1 Requirements of this Plan
Ministerial Condition
Document
No.
Requirement
Section Reference
in this Plan
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
and
2008/4178
3.2.1
Provide a description of the EPBC listed species

and their habitat likely to be impacted by the
components of the action which are the subject of
the plan.
Section 3.2, Appendix

1, and Appendix 2
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
and
2008/4178
3.2.2
Provide an assessment of the risk to these species

from the components of the action the subject of
that plan, relevant to the plan.
Section 4.0 and

Appendix 3
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
and
3.2.3
Provide details of the management measures

proposed in relation to these species if it is a
requirement of the condition requiring that plan.
Section 6.3.2 and

Appendix 6
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Requirement
Section Reference
in this Plan
2008/4178
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.i
Design and construction of facilities to allow for the

complete removal of all structures and components
(except flowlines) above the sea floor
Section 2.0
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.ii
Sea floor surveys around proposed flowline paths

and well sites to identify sensitive marine
ecosystems such as reefs, sponge beds and sea
grasses and historic shipwrecks
Sections 2.2.6, 3.1.1,

and 4.3.3.1
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.iii
Selection of flowline paths and well sites to avoid

impacts on sensitive marine ecosystems and
historic shipwrecks as referred to in 16A.1ii
Sections 2.2.6 and

3.2.1
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.iv
Establish baseline information to inform a riskbased approach to environmental management

and monitoring of action-attributable impacts to
water quality, benthic flora and fauna and keystone
species from the installation and operation of
marine facilities.
Sections 2.2.6 and 3.2
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.v
A schedule of works
Section 2.0
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.vi
Managing the impacts on cetaceans, including

interaction procedures for aircraft, supply and
construction vessels that are consistent with part 8
of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Regulations 2000
Sections 4.3.3, 5.3.2,

and 6.3.2
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.vii
Cetaceans sightings reporting
Sections 7.2.4 and

7.2.6
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.viii
Hydrotest fluid type, handling and disposal
Not Applicable see

Section 2.1
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.ix
Ballast water management for international

construction vessels arriving in Australia in
accordance with Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service Australian Ballast Water
Management Requirements
Sections 4.3.4, 5.3.6,

6.3.4, and 7.2.6.1
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.x
The use and disposal of drilling muds
Sections 2.2, 4.3.1.1,

6.3.1.1, and 7.2.6.2
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.xi
The monitoring and disposal of produced formation

water, if it is planned to dispose of it to the
Commonwealth marine environment
Not Applicable see

Section 2.1
EPBC Ref:
2003/1294
16A.1.xii
A plan for contingencies and the management of

unplanned events such as oil or gas leaks or spills
Sections 4.3.5, 5.3.3,

5.3.4, 5.3.5, 6.3.5,
6.3.7, 6.3.8, 6.3.9, and
Appendix 4
Any matter specified in this Plan is relevant to the Gorgon Gas Development only if that matter
relates to the specific activities or facilities associated with that particular development.
The sections in this Plan which are noted in the above table to meet the conditions of EPBC
Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 shall be read and interpreted as only requiring
implementation under EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 for managing the impacts of
the Gorgon Gas Development on, or protecting, the EPBC Act matters listed in Appendix 1
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Hierarchy of Documentation
This Plan will be implemented for the Gorgon Gas Development via the Chevron Australasia
Business Unit (ABU) Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS). The OEMS is the
standardised approach that applies across the ABU in order to continuously improve the
management of safety, health, environment, reliability and efficiency to achieve world-class
performance. Implementation of the OEMS enables the Chevron ABU to integrate its
Operational Excellence (OE) objectives, processes, procedures, values, and behaviours into the
daily operations of Chevron Australia personnel and contractors working under Chevron
Australias supervision. The OEMS is designed to be consistent with and, in some respects, go
beyond ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management Systems Requirements with Guidance
for Use) (Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2004).
Figure 1-4 provides an overview of the overall hierarchy of environmental management
documentation within which this Plan exists. Further details on environmental documentation
for the Gorgon Gas Development are provided in Section 6.1 of this Plan.
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Figure 1-4 Hierarchy of Gorgon Gas Development Environmental Documentation

Note: The above figure refers to all Plans required for Ministerial Statement No. 800. The Plans are only relevant to EPBC Reference: 2003/1294, if required for those Conditions of
those approvals.

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Relevant Standards and Guidelines
The following standards and guidelines, including applicable legal, environmental, and other
requirements, have been taken into account in the development of this Plan:
Code of Environmental Practice (Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration
Association [APPEA] 2008)
Commonwealth Quarantine Act 1908
Commonwealth Quarantine Regulations 2000
Commonwealth Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
Commonwealth Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981
Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976
Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993
Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act)
Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and
Regulations 2009 (OPGGS (E) Regulations)
Greenhouse
Gas
Storage
(Environment)
Commonwealth Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983
Commonwealth Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975
Commonwealth Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism Guidelines for the
Preparation of an Environment Plan
Western Australian Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) Petroleum Guidelines
Drilling Fluids Management (DoIR 2006)
The principal international agreement governing petroleum operations in both State and
Commonwealth waters is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Australia
is also a signatory to a number of international conventions of relevance to the proposed
project:
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention)
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat
(RAMSAR)
International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 1990
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as modified by the
Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78)
Protocol to International Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of
Waste and Other Matter 1972 (London Dumping Convention).
JapanAustralia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)
ChinaAustralia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA)
Republic of KoreaAustralia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA).
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Stakeholder Consultation
Consultation with stakeholders has been undertaken by Chevron Australia on a regular basis
throughout the development of environmental impact assessment management documentation
for the Gorgon Gas Development and Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline. This has included
engagement with the community, government departments, industry operators and contractors
to Chevron Australia via planning workshops, risk assessments, meetings, teleconferences, and
the PER and EIS/ERMP formal approval processes.
In December 2010, additional consultations specifically regarding the proposed drilling and
completions program were undertaken. A detailed written description (letter) of the drilling
program, including the water depths of the permit area, the distance of the permit area from
Barrow Island and North West Cape, the number of wells to be drilled and the specific
coordinates for each well location, was provided to each stakeholder. Attached to the letter was
a figure showing the permit areas, well locations, bathymetry, other oil and gas permit areas,
and distances to land. This letter (with attached figure) was emailed to these stakeholders:
Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
Western Australian Department of Fisheries
Commonwealth Department of Defence
Commonwealth Fisheries Association
Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association
A. Raptis and Sons
JAMACLAN Marine Services
Northern Fishing Companies Association
TunaWest
Recfishwest
Western Australian Fishing Industry Council
Western Australian Northern Trawl Owners Association
Western Australian Seafoods.
The key outcomes of this consultation were that:
Low levels of commercial shipping traffic are expected near the permit area.
Southern Bluefin Tuna spawning occurs north of the survey area between September and
April with a peak in December through to March, and the Leeuwin Current may entrain
juveniles through the permit area during operations.
Fishing activity for the State fisheries is likely to be very low in the area of proposed drilling.
The Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) (response through the Department of Defence)
requires information on whether the wells are left suspended, or plugged and abandoned on
completion of the drilling.
Chevron Australia will maintain communications with relevant agencies, fishery groups, and port
authorities to ensure that they are informed of any aspects of the drilling program that may
affect other users of the area.
The process for development, review and approval of this Plan is shown in Figure 1-5.

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Figure 1-5 Deliverable Development, Review and Approval Flow Chart
1.5.6
Public Availability
This Plan will be made public as and when determined by the Minister under Condition 22 of
EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178.
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2.0
Drilling Activities
2.1
Overview
Environment Plan:
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As part of the Gorgon Gas Development, Chevron Australia proposes to conduct drilling and
well testing activities within Production Licence WA-37-L for eight development wells,. All
operations will be conducted in accordance with relevant Acts and Regulations to meet the
requirements of the OPGGS Act. The wells will be drilled using the Atwood Oceanics Pacific
Pty Ltd (Atwood) Atwood Osprey semi-submersible rig.
Proposed drilling activities in support of the Gorgon Gas Development will comprise eight
development wells to be drilled within Permit Area WA-37-L. Drilling operations are scheduled
to commence in June 2011 and will extend until all the Gorgon wells are drilled and completed,
which is anticipated to be by the end of 2013.
Table 2-1 Coordinates of the Development Wells
Well Name
GOR-1C
GOR-1D
GOR-1E
GOR-1F
GOR-2B
GOR-2C
GOR-3B
GOR-3C
Latitude (GDA94)
20 24 28.372 S
20 24 28.611 S
20 24 29.171 S
20 24 30.019 S
20 27 36.535 S
20 27 37.095 S
20 31 11.275 S
20 31 11.835 S
Longitude (GDA94)
114 50 56.841 E
114 50 57.734 E
114 50 58.313 E
114 50 58.543 E
114 50 31.386 E
114 50 31.964 E
114 49 25.845 E
114 49 26.424 E
Water Depth (m)

215
215
215
215
199
199
199
199
To minimise environmental impact, and to maximise drilling efficiency, safety, and operations
management, the batch drilling will follow this schedule of works:
At Manifold 3, the top-hole section on GOR-3B will be drilled and cased before the rig moves
to GOR-3C. GOR-3C will then be drilled through to partial completion (cemented casing
strings) and well suspension. The rig will then move back over GOR-3B and partially
complete the wells through to suspension before moving to subsea Manifold 1.
At Manifold 1, the top-hole sections on all four wells (GOR-1C, GOR-1D, GOR-1E and GOR1F) will be drilled before the rig commences partial completion and well suspension on GOR1E, followed by GOR-1C, GOR-1D, and GOR-1F. The rig will then move to subsea
Manifold 2.
At Manifold 2, the top-hole sections of GOR-2B and GOR-2C will be drilled. Well GOR-2C
will then be partially completed and suspended before the rig moves back to GOR-2B to
complete the drilling of the well to completion.
Well GOR-2B will be the first well completed, following the batch drilling phase. The batch
completion of the Gorgon wells will proceed in the reverse order in which they were drilled.
Each well will be terminated at the seabed by a horizontal subsea tree. See Figure 1-2 for well
and manifold locations. Coordinates of the proposed wells are given in Table 2-1.
The batch drilling phase for each well is scheduled for 52 days, and the batch completion phase
is scheduled for 38 days. The scheduled days are estimates and are exclusive of additional
timing that could result from adverse weather, equipment delays, rig downtime or well problems
etc.
The program does not include any post-completion tie-in or other operations, and hence does
not involve hydrotest fluid or produced formation water handling or disposal.
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Figure 2-1 Bathymetry at Manifold and Well Locations
2.2
Well Design and Drilling Details
The wells have been designed in accordance with Chevron Corporate and Chevron Australia
Standards, accepted industry practices, and DMP regulatory requirements. Wells will be
suitable for all conditions that might be expected during drilling operations.
2.2.1
Design
The eight Gorgon development wells will be designed as shown in Table 2-2 and Table 2-3. All
wells will be of similar design.
Table 2-2 Gorgon Development Well Design Details
Hole size
Casing size
Depth Below
Seabed
Length of
Hole Section
Volume of
cuttings
3
Inch
mm
Inch
mm
bbl
42
1067
36
914
70
70
590
95
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Drilling Fluid
Sea water with

high viscosity
sweeps

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Hole size
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Casing size
Depth Below
Seabed
Length of
Hole Section
Volume of
cuttings
Drilling Fluid
Inch
mm
Inch
mm
bbl
26
660
20
508
400
330
950
151
Sea water with

high viscosity
sweeps
17
444
14
340
1800
1,400
1549
246
Synthetic-based
Mud (SBM)
13
343
10
244
3200
1,400
813
129
SBM
222
178
5200
2,000
540
86
SBM
Table 2-3 Gorgon Development Well Total Cuttings Volumes (per well)
Volume (bbl)
Volume (m3)
Water-based Mud (WBM)
1540
246
Synthetic-based Mud (SBM)
2902
461
Total
4442
707
Cuttings Volumes
The upper sections of each well (42 and 26 hole sections) will be drilled riserless, using sea
water with high viscosity sweeps. The remaining sections of each well will be drilled with a
marine riser and Blow-Out Preventers (BOP) installed and using a synthetic-based drilling fluid
(SBM), namely NOVATEC.
Drilling will be conducted to a target depth of approximately 5200 m below the seabed. Cores
will also be taken in targeted reservoirs in the well.
Cuttings volumes provided in Table 2-3 are indicative of volumes to be generated and
discharged for each well.
2.2.2
Drilling Fluids and Chemical Additives
Shallower sections of the wells will be drilled using sea water with high viscosity gel sweeps.
The remaining sections of the well will be drilled using SBM in a closed-fluid system. The
selected SBM NOVATEC, provided by MI Swaco has been chosen for improved safety,
environmental, operational, and economic performance (reduced time on location, better well
control).
NOVATEC is a Saraline 185V based SBM. This SBM has been assessed to be non-toxic to
almost non-toxic and has previously been approved by DMP for drilling operations in Western
Australia (WA). Characteristics of the drilling fluids to be used during the drilling operations,
including ecotoxicity information, are described briefly below.
2.2.2.1
Water-based Drilling Fluids (WBM)
The proposed WBM will be a sea water/high viscosity sweeps (bentonite) mixture, which is
considered to have minimal environmental effect (see Section 4.3.1.1).
2.2.2.2
Synthetic-based Drilling Fluids (SBM)
The preferred fluid system for the drilling program is the NOVATEC fluid system, previously
approved by DMP for other drilling operations in WA, which contains a Saraline 185V base fluid.
According to the DMPs toxicity ratings system (DoIR 2006), the components of NOVATEC
(whole mud) are considered non-toxic to almost non-toxic and biodegradable (see Section
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4.3.1.1). The biodegradation of drilling fluids in the environment influences exposure, and
therefore is a key parameter for estimating the potential for long-term effects on biota. The
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] test for biodegradation in
sea water (Test 306) showed a biodegradation rate of 62% after 28 days. A biodegradation rate
exceeding 60% after 28 days is regarded as an indication of ready biodegradability (OECD
1992).
Chevron Australia has also previously received DMP approval to use a NOVATEC fluid
system that contains a linear alpha olefin (LAO) base fluid, or a NOVATEC SBM blend
(Saraline 185V and LAO base fluid) from MI Swaco. These formulations of the SBM may be
used as an alternative drilling fluid in the event of any supply issues for the preferred SBM or
high downhole losses during drilling.
Table 2-4 details the SBM composition.
Table 2-4 SBM Composition
Product
Saraline 185V, LAO or blend
Carb-Gel/RheoClay Bentone 38
Lime
NOVATEC P
NOVATEC S
Econtrol RD
NOVATEC F
CaCl2
Barite
2.2.2.3
Function
Base Fluid
Viscosifier
Alkalinity Control
Primary Emulsifier
Secondary Emulsifier / Primary Filtrate Control
Agent
Fluid Loss Control
Fluid Loss Control
Salinity Additive
Weighing Agent
Concentration
(lb/bbl)
141.7
4.5
5
8
8
2.5
5
24.7
228
Chemical Additives
Other additives may be used in small amounts for bacterial control, corrosion inhibition, or when
special fluid properties are required. In the event of downhole losses of drilling fluids, lost
circulation materials may be added to the drilling fluid.
The small amounts of additives, if used, would be SAFE-CIDE (Biocide) for bacterial control
added at 5 gal/100 bbl, and SAFE-COR (corrosion inhibitor) added at up to 55 gal/100 bbl.
These additives meet UK Chemical Hazard Assessment and Risk Management (CHARM)
standards (Gold status) under the UK Revised Offshore Chemical Notification Scheme.
2.2.3
Drilling Fluids and Cuttings Handling and Disposal
The upper hole sections drilled with sea water and high viscosity gel sweeps will be drilled
riserless, with cuttings circulated back to the seabed.
After installation of the riser, drilling fluids will be recovered from the well and recirculated. At
the completion of drilling, WBMs may be discharged to the sea, while SBMs will be stored for reuse or disposed of at an appropriate facility on the mainland.
SBM recovery during drilling will be maximised with the use of vibrating screens (shale
shakers), desanders, and desilters. The shakers will be continuously monitored and cleared to
avoid blockage. A range of shaker screens will be held on the rig to allow fine tuning of mesh
size and optimise fluid recovery rates. Cuttings from the shale shakers will be processed
through a vertical cuttings dryer prior to overboard discharge. The fluid content of the cuttings
will be measured and the results forwarded daily to the Chevron Australia Lead Drill Site
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Manager (DSM) onboard. For SBMs, the target recovery will be <10% by dry weight of base
fluid on drilled cuttings (averaged over each hole section) (pers. comm. Z. Jones), in
accordance with the guidelines for drilling fluids (DoIR 2006).
Cuttings are expected to range from very fine to very coarse (<1 cm diameter) particulates
following separation from the drilling fluid. The cuttings will be discharged near the sea surface
to maximise dispersion and dilution of the minor volumes of fluid adhering to the cuttings. The
volume of cuttings generated per well is expected to be approximately 700 m3 (Table 2-3).
2.2.4
Cleaning the SBM Holding Tanks
Cleaning of the SBM tanks on the rig will be undertaken at the completion of drilling operations,
once the SBM has been removed from the tank. Any residual SBM will be recovered from the
tank floor and walls by an automated tank wash system. After adding sea water and detergent,
the tank wash will be collected in a slug pit. From the slug pit, the wash water can be recycled.
The wash water with residual SBM in the slug pit can either be:
discharged overboard to sea if it contains less than 1% residual SBM
or
transferred to a supply vessel for transport and disposal at an approved onshore waste
disposal in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management Plan (Chevron
Australia 2011).
2.2.5
Cementing Operations
On completion of the upper hole sections, casing will be inserted, and the annulus between the
casing and the hole will be sealed with cement. Cementing fluids will consist of cement and
additives such as surfactants, defoamers, lignins, inorganic salts, and bentonite.
Cements are carefully selected and tested before use. Cements are sampled during
displacement in the well and are further tested to verify performance. After cementing, a Leakoff Test (LOT) is conducted once the float shoe is drilled out to ensure well integrity. Pressure
testing, including negative testing, is conducted following cementing of the production liner.
Class G or Class G blends cement will be used in all cementing operations. Class G cement is
used in petroleum well cementing operations as it provides superior performance over a wider
temperature range and at greater depths than regular cement. The addition of silica increases
performance. Class G blends are also known as Class G High Temperature blends (HTB),
which are used in deeper wells where higher temperatures are encountered. A HTB may
include the addition of fine silica flour (up to 30%) for increased performance.
The cement pump and rig piping used during cementing operations will be flushed with water
following cementing operations, and the washings will be discharged to the sea.
Wherever possible, the cement line flush volumes are included in the planned cement jobs, so
the norm is zero slurry discharge. However, where this is not possible, the maximum line
volume of cement wash fluid discharged overboard is approximately 5.4 bbl. In the rare case of
a failed cement job, there may be a need to empty the batch mixer, which could involve volumes
of up to 50 bbl being discharged.
2.2.6
Pre- and Post-drilling Seabed Surveys
Prior to drilling at each designated well site, surveys of the seabed at and immediately
surrounding the drill site will be undertaken using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and/or
other subsurface imaging techniques to confirm the absence of significant environmental
features; these surveys will be used to determine specific well locations and flowline paths so as
to avoid sensitive marine ecosystems.
Following the completion of drilling at each site, seabed surveys of the well locations will be
conducted by ROV where subsea conditions permit, to check for (and recover, where
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practicable) any debris in the drilling area and to provide a record of the size and position of any
cuttings piles (if present).
The results of the surveys will be included in close-out environmental reporting.
2.2.7
Logging
The wells will be evaluated with a standard wireline logging suite, including sidewall cores,
formation samples, and, on some wells, Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP). The VSP acoustic
source will consist of a 750 cubic inch three airgun array. The airgun array will generate
acoustic pulses five times at 20 second intervals every five to seven minutes for each depth
level, and is expected to take between six and 12 hours per well. The maximum noise level
expected to be generated is approximately 195 dB re 1 Pa @ 1m. VSP operations will be
undertaken in accordance with cetacean interaction procedures, discussed in Section 6.3.2.
2.2.8
Well Testing and Clean-Up
The wells will be subject to a clean-up well flow test to 60 to 75 MMscf/day at the end of the
completion phase, prior to production. Well flow clean-up is planned to be no longer than
12 hours per well, commencing in daylight but possibly continuing into the night. Rates of flared
gas and liquids will be recorded, and reported as per the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI)
requirements and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) (NGER Act)
guidelines (Commonwealth Government of Australia 2008).
2.2.9
Well Suspension and Completion
At the completion of the batch drilling phase of development, wells will be cased and cemented,
and will be suspended (or, in the event a dry hole, plugged and abandoned) in accordance with
the requirements of the OPGGS Act and industry best practice. A tested retrievable packer will
be set in the well bore, which will later be recovered during the completion phase.
When all eight wells are batch drilled, the wells will be batch completed in the reverse order that
they were drilled. After the Horizontal Trees have been fitted, and the BOPs and riser have
been landed out, tubing will be run in the well, the reservoir zones will be perforated, and cleanup flows undertaken ready for production. The wells will be fitted with a surface-controlled
subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) designed to slam shut in the event of wellhead or tree
damage. An exclusion zone will be established around the manifolds and subsea infrastructure.
Completion brine will be discharged during well completion when the fluid will be displaced from
the well. Approximately 500 bbl of sodium bromide (solution of 27% mixed with fresh water) will
be discharged per well.
Seabed surveys of the well location will be conducted by ROV to check for (and recover where
practicable) any debris in the vicinity of the well, and to provide a record of the size and position
of any cuttings piles (if present).
2.2.10
Marine and Support Operations
2.2.10.1
Rig and Support Vessels
The Atwood Osprey rig is a semi-submersible, moored drilling rig. The Atwood Osprey was
constructed in the Jurong Shipyard in Singapore and was towed into Australian Commonwealth
waters for Chevron Australias drilling program in May 2011. The Atwood Osprey has a 12-point
anchoring system, comprising three anchors off each corner of the main deck of the rig. The
footprint of each anchor on the seabed is 5.5 m (length) by 6.0 m (wide).
The rig is supported by two dedicated Anchor Handling, Tug and Supply Vessels (AHTSV)
supplied by Farstad Shipping, the Far Shogun and Far Saracen. Both support vessels are
Class 2 Dynamic Positioning (DP2) vessels. The rig may also share, as required, support
vessels for the Atwood Eagle rig, namely the Maersk Supporter and the Maersk Searcher,
mobilised for exploration drilling activities in nearby exploration permits. All support vessels will
operate out of the Port of Dampier.
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The two support vessels will be used primarily to supply the rig, support drilling operations, and
tow the rig between drilling sites, but they will also provide search and rescue functions. All
support vessels will be fitted with Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) equipment
in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 requirements.
The rig will be serviced by helicopters based on Barrow Island. Helicopter flight frequency will
be on average one per day and will primarily be used for passenger transfers/crew changes,
and minor supplies. All crew changes for the rig will be conducted by helicopter, with rotations
scheduled every 21 to 28 days. The rig has the capacity for a maximum Persons on Board
(POB) of 200 personnel, with an operational personnel capacity of 145 to 160 POB. Crew
changes for the support vessels will be conducted in the Port of Dampier, with rotations
scheduled every 28 to 35 days. The support vessels are capable of a maximum POB of
40 personnel each, with an operational personnel capacity of 16 POB for each vessel.
2.2.10.2
Refuelling
Refuelling will be conducted for the Atwood Osprey rig from the two AHTSVs in accordance with
the Atwood Diesel Fuel Oil Bunkering procedures outlined in the Atwood Osprey Operations
Manual, Section 6.3 (in prep). Dedicated transfer hoses with dry break couplings and safety
breakaway fittings will be used. Pressure tests (120 psi hose integrity test) will be conducted
prior to transfers to verify the integrity of the hoses and piping. Refuelling may occur
approximately twice a week for the duration of the drilling program.
2.2.11
Time Frame
The drilling program will commence in June 2011. Drilling each Gorgon well will take
approximately 90 days (52 days drilling and 38 days well completion), including relocation
between sites. The program is expected to continue until all wells are drilled and completed,
which is anticipated to be by the end of 2013. Drilling operations will be conducted 24 hours a
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3.0
Existing Marine Environment
3.1
Physical Environment
3.1.1
Bathymetry and Seabed Features
The eight Gorgon development wells are located in waters off the Australian continental shelf,
with water depths ranging from 199 to 215 m. These wells are located approximately 60 km
from Barrow Island and 155 km from the mainland (North West Cape is the closest point). The
northernmost portion of the Gorgon gas field is gently sloping and dissected by a north-west to
south-east aligned ridge (Chevron Australia 2005). The southern extent of the gas field is
characterised by deeply undulating valley terrain (Chevron Australia 2005). Benthic marine
habitats were surveyed for the Gorgon Gas Development using a combination of side-scan
sonar and video transect. Survey results indicated the seabed of the gas field would be
expected to comprise bioturbated soft sediments, and benthic habitats of the field are likely to
be widespread throughout the Montebello-Lowendal-Barrow Island region (Chevron Australia
2005). Surveys conducted just north of the proposed drilling area in similar water depths (238
to 264 m) showed the substrate to be predominantly silty muds (RPS 2009). There was
evidence of burrow holes in soft sediment, likely from worms, small fish or crustaceans, and
occasional sparse communities of crinoids, sponges and gorgonians associated with areas of
consolidated sediments and scattered rubble (RPS 2009). Based on current knowledge, no
sensitive ecosystems have been identified.
3.1.2
Metocean Conditions
The region is generally characterised by two seasons: summer (SeptemberApril) and winter
(MayAugust) (Pearce et al. 2003). The climate in winter is dominated by intense anti-cyclonic
belts (high pressure systems), which generate strong winds (predominantly from the east and
south-east) and infrequent rain. Summer conditions are more variable, with varying wind
directions (although south-westerly winds are the most common) (Pearce et al. 2003).
The area typically experiences a persistent winter swell of around 2 m, generated by low
pressure systems in the southern latitudes (Pearce et al. 2003). During winter, strong easterly
winds can also generate 2 m seas. Both swell and seas tend to be smaller during summer.
Tropical cyclones occur in the region, with an average of five per year (Bureau of Meteorology
2011). According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian region tropical cyclone season
runs from 1 November to 30 April (Bureau of Meteorology 2011). Tropical cyclones are
unpredictable in occurrence, intensity and behaviour, but are most common between December
and March, and can generate extreme seas and swell.
Water circulation in the area is influenced by the southward-flowing oceanic Leeuwin Current.
The Leeuwin Current is strongest in winter, flowing steadily to the south-west at up to 0.3 m/s
(Holloway and Nye 1985).
Tides are strongly semidiurnal, with four tide changes per day. The dominant tidal current flows
in summer are east-north-east and west-south-west, with speeds generally ranging from 0.1 to
0.3 m/s (Pearce et al. 2003).
Near-surface water temperatures of the North West Shelf range from 31 C maximum in
summer, to 22 C minimum in winter (Chevron Australia 2005), with an average of 26.8 C and
a mixed layer of 35.7 m.(Brewer et al. 2007). The mean water temperature for depths between
200 and 250 m is around 10 C (Chevron Australia 2003).
3.2
Marine Biological Environment
Condition 3.2.1 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 requires a description of the
EPBC Act listed species and associated habitats likely to be impacted by the components of the
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action that is the subject of this Plan. The EPBC Act listed species and associated habitats are
described in Appendix 1.
Condition 3.2.2 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 requires an assessment of the
risk to EPBC Act listed species (detailed in Appendix 1) from the components of the action. An
EPBC Act Protected Matters search was also conducted specifically for Permit Area WA-37-L
(Appendix 2).
3.2.1
Benthic Flora and Fauna
Marine biological surveys indicate that subtidal habitats near the Gorgon gas field, which lies in
200 m of water, comprise soft, bioturbated sediments (Chevron Australia 2005). The benthos in
this area is well below the photic zone so there are no marine macrophytes (marine flora). Fine
organic particles settle from the water column to form deep silt and mud.
The sea floor at specific well locations is likely to be typical of those across the permit area and
across broad expanses of the North West Shelf, comprising predominantly unconsolidated soft
sediments inhabited by sparse communities of relatively large benthic species (crustaceans,
molluscs, and sponges). Infaunal communities are likely to be predominantly smaller burrowing
invertebrates. Any areas of exposed hard substrate that occur may support more diverse
assemblages, including deepwater filter-feeding organisms, such as hydroids and sponges.
Prior to the commencement of drilling, surveys, using ROV and/or other subsurface imaging
techniques, will be used to confirm the absence of significant environmental features and
identify any sensitive marine ecosystems at drilling locations. Specific well locations and
flowline paths will be selected to avoid sensitive marine ecosystems, and wells will be
directionally drilled from three subsea manifold locations, reducing the impact and footprint on
the seabed.
3.2.2
Macrofauna
The offshore environment of the permit area is typical of wide expanses of the continental slope
and does not represent habitat of particular significance for any macrofauna.
Some marine migratory species with broad distributions, such as cetaceans, fish, sharks,
marine turtles and seabirds, may traverse the permit area occasionally (Commonwealth
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities [SEWPaC]
2010a). Under the EPBC Act, nine species listed as Threatened and 16 listed as Migratory may
occur in Permit WA-37-L (Table 3-1; Appendix 2). However, the permit area does not contain
recognised critical habitat for any Threatened or Migratory fish, sharks, marine turtles,
cetaceans, or seabirds.
Further details regarding the main fauna groups that might occur in the area are provided in the
following sections.
Table 3-1: EPBC Act Listed Threatened Species that may Occur within the Permit Area
Common Name
Scientific Name
EPBC Act Status
Rhincodon typus
Isurus paucus
Isurus oxyrinchus
Vulnerable; Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Natator depressus
Chelonia mydas
Eretmochelys imbricata
Fish
Whale Shark
Longfin Mako Shark
Shortfin Mako Shark
Reptiles
Flatback Turtle
Green Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle

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Common Name
Scientific Name
EPBC Act Status
Leatherback Turtle
Loggerhead Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
Caretta caretta
Endangered; Migratory
Macronectes giganteus
Balaenoptera bonaerensis
Balaenoptera musculus
Balaenoptera edeni
Megaptera novaeangliae
Orcinus orca
Physeter macrocephalus
Tursiops aduncus
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Birds
Southern Giant-Petrel
Mammals
Antarctic Minke Whale
Blue Whale
Brydes Whale
Humpback Whale
Killer Whale
Sperm Whale
Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin
(Arafura/Timor Sea populations)
3.2.2.1
Fish
A number of sharks and pelagic finfish, including mackerel, tuna and billfish, occur in the waters
of the North West Shelf and would be expected to occur in the permit area. The deep offshore
environment of the permit area is typical of the continental slope of north-western Australia and
is not expected to represent habitat of particular significance to sharks and finfish.
Whale Sharks have a broad distribution in tropical and warm temperate seas. They feed on
phytoplankton, macro-algae, plankton, krill and small nektonic life, such as small squid or
vertebrates. Whale Sharks undertake a well-known annual migration to aggregate at Ningaloo
Reef (140 km from the closest development well) between March and July each year (Wilson et
al. 2006). Yearly numbers of Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef are estimated to vary from 200 to
400 individuals. This seasonal aggregation is thought to be linked to localised seasonal peaks
of productivity, likely associated with a mass coral spawning event that occurs around March to
April each year. After July, the Whale Sharks disperse widely, mainly in a north-east direction
towards Indonesian waters. Whale Sharks are expected to occur only in very low numbers
within the permit area, due to the distance between the proposed wells and Ningaloo Reef.
The Longfin Mako Shark is a widely distributed, but rarely encountered, oceanic tropical shark.
This species can grow to just over 4 m and is found in Western Australian waters north of
Geraldton. The Shortfin Mako Shark is a pelagic species with a circumglobal, wide-ranging,
oceanic distribution in tropical and temperate seas (Mollet et al. 2000), and is widespread in
Australian waters.
Given their wide-ranging habitat and highly transient nature, Shortfin and Longfin Mako Sharks
may occur within the permit area. However, there are no bathymetric features or aggregation
areas of importance for these species within the permit area. Therefore, these species are only
likely to occur in very low numbers.
3.2.2.2
Seabirds
The Southern Giant-petrel is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and may be found in the
permit area. The Southern Giant-petrel is widely distributed; it breeds in sub-Antarctic waters
during the summer, while in winter most disperse north from 50 S to the Tropic of Capricorn
(Environment Australia 2001).
There are no important feeding grounds known for this species near the permit area, and given
the distance from land, foraging activity is likely to be low. Due to the widespread distribution of
the Southern Giant-petrel, numbers at any given location are likely to be low.
There are no islands or other areas of known seabird breeding significance, or important
feeding grounds for seabirds, within or close to the permit area.
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Reptiles
Five species of marine turtles may occur in the permit area: Flatback, Green, Hawksbill,
Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles.
Flatback Turtles are found only in the tropical waters of northern Australia, Papua New Guinea,
and Irian Jaya. All recorded nesting beaches are in Australia (Limpus et al. 1989). The
Kimberley region of Western Australia, Cape Dommett, and Lacrosse Island are important
nesting areas (Bowlay and Whiting 2007). The nearest Flatback Turtle aggregation and nesting
sites are located on Barrow Island (SEWPaC 2010b), approximately 60 km from the closest
development well. In Western Australia, most nesting occurs during the summer months, with
peak nesting between December and January.
Green Turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the world. They feed on
shallow benthic habitats containing seagrass and/or algae, including coral and rocky reefs, and
inshore seagrass beds. Peak nesting for the Green Turtle occurs between November and
March. According to SEWPaC (2010c), important Green Turtle nesting and internesting areas
in proximity to the permit area are located at:
Ningaloo coast (140 km from the closest development well)
North West Cape (155 km from the closest development well)
Muiron Islands (130 km from the closest development well)
Barrow Island Nature Reserve (60 km from the closest development well)
Montebello Conservation Park (60 km from the closest development well).
Hawksbill Turtles live in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters in all oceans of the world.
They feed mainly on benthic habitats, which include coral and rocky reefs. In Western Australia,
the major nesting sites include the Dampier Archipelago (approximately 170 km away), along
the Ningaloo and Jurabi coasts (approximately 150 km away) and the Barrow-LowendalMontebello Island complex (approximately 60 km away) (SEWPaC 2010d). Hawksbill Turtles
nest all year round in Western Australia, with a peak in October and January (SEWPaC 2010d).
Leatherback Turtles are found in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters throughout the
world (SEWPaC 2010e). They are known to feed in pelagic and coastal waters, and throughout
the water column from the surface layer to depths of more than 200 m. Nesting sites have been
found in the Northern Territory (Chatto and Baker 2008); however, there are no confirmed
nesting sites in WA.
Loggerhead Turtles are found throughout tropical, subtropical and temperate waters, occurring
in the waters of coral and rocky reefs, seagrass beds and muddy bays. They feed primarily on
benthic invertebrates in habitat ranging from the nearshore zone to 55 m water depth. The
Loggerhead Turtle undertakes well-known reproductive migrations (more than 2600 km)
between foraging and nesting areas. Nesting is concentrated from Shark Bay to North West
Cape, with major nesting occurring at Dirk Hartog Island (>550 km away), Muiron Islands
(approximately 100 km away), and on the beaches of North West Cape (approximately 125 km
away). Nesting occurs between October and February, with a peak in December (SEWPaC
2010f). Occasional nesting activity as late as April (RPS 2010) has been recorded as far north
as Barrow Island, the Lowendal Islands, and Dampier Archipelago.
All five marine turtle species are known to undertake long migrations between foraging grounds
and nesting beaches. Both Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles have been documented to
migrate up to 2400 km and 2600 km respectively (Miller et al. 1998; Limpus et al. 1992).
Leatherback Turtles are known to migrate from Australian waters to breed at larger rookeries in
neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (SEWPaC 2011c).
Migration and nesting activities of all species of marine turtles in Western Australia generally
occur between September and April (Pendoley 2005). The permit area does not contain any
emergent land or shallow subtidal features, which is a requirement for nesting and feeding. The
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nearest known breeding or feeding site of importance to marine turtles is located at Barrow
Island, 60 km south-east of the closest development well. Therefore, it is unlikely that
significant numbers of marine turtles will occur within the permit area at any time during the
drilling program.
After leaving the nesting beaches, turtle hatchlings undertake a seaward migration to offshore
oceanic regions, travelling with oceanic currents. It is possible that hatchlings may transit
through the permit area.
3.2.2.4
Mammals
Two marine mammal species, the Humpback Whale and the Blue Whale, listed as Threatened
under the EPBC Act, are expected to occur within the proposed permit area.
The Humpback Whale is the most common whale species in the north-west region of Western
Australia; it migrates annually between its summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to its winter
breeding and calving grounds in the subtropical and tropical inshore waters of north-west
Australia (Jenner et al. 2001). Peak northbound migration occurs around the end of July in the
Pilbara region. Peak southbound migration occurs between late August and early September,
though Humpback Whale mothers and calves are expected to transit throughout the region until
early October (Jenner et al. 2001).
The Humpback Whale migration pathway passes through the permit area (Figure 1-3).
Therefore, Humpback Whales are likely to be encountered during the migration period.
However, there are no known feeding or breeding areas within or close to the permit area. The
nearest known Humpback Whale resting area is in Exmouth Gulf, which is 190 km from the
closest development well.
Blue Whale migration patterns are considered similar to those of the Humpback Whale, feeding
in mid-to-high latitudes (south of Australia) during the summer months and migrating to
temperate/tropical waters in the winter for mating and calving (Bannister et al. 1996). Blue
Whale sightings in Australia are widespread, and it is likely that the Australian continental shelf
and coastal waters are used primarily for migration and opportunistic feeding (Department of the
Environment and Heritage [DEH] 2005). The only known feeding area in Western Australia is
the Perth Canyon off Rottnest Island (1273 km from the closest development well), where Blue
Whales aggregate to feed between November and July (DEH 2005). There are no identified
breeding areas in Australian waters for this species. As the permit area does not overlap with
recognised Blue Whale feeding areas, the likelihood of encountering significant numbers of Blue
Whales in the permit area is low.
Five additional cetacean species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act may occur in the
permit area: Antarctic Minke Whales, Brydes Whales, Killer Whales, Sperm Whales, and
Spotted Bottlenose Dolphins.
Antarctic Minke Whales have a worldwide distribution and are recorded in waters around all
Australian states, except the Northern Territory (Bannister et al. 1996). Antarctic Minke Whales
are known to undertake extensive migrations between Antarctic feeding grounds and
temperatetropical waters for breeding during the Australian winter, although the exact location
of breeding grounds is not known (Bannister et al. 1996). Their distribution along the west coast
of Australia remains unknown, although, based on information from other areas, it is likely that
they prefer oceanic waters beyond the continental shelf break (Perrin and Brownell 2002). The
dwarf form of Minke Whale is known to migrate as far north as 20 S along the west coast of
Australia, around the Ningaloo Marine Park, 140 km from the closest development well. Very
low numbers of this species are expected to occur in the permit area.
Brydes Whales have been recorded off all Australian states, except the Northern Territory, in
both oceanic and inshore waters. The nearest known key locations for Brydes Whales are the
Abrolhos Islands and north of Shark Bay in Western Australia (Bannister et al. 1996), over
400 km from the permit area. The permit area is not recognised as critical habitat for Brydes
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Whales (Bannister et al. 1996) and significant numbers are not expected at any time in the
permit area during the drilling operations.
Killer Whales have a widespread distribution in polar to equatorial waters and have been
recorded along the Australian continental shelf (Bannister et al. 1996). The preferred habitat of
Killer Whales includes oceanic, pelagic, and neritic (relatively shallow waters over the
continental shelf) regions, in both warm and cold waters (SEWPaC 2010g). In Australia, Killer
Whales have been recorded from all state waters. However, no areas of importance (breeding,
feeding) have been identified in Australian waters for this species. Due to the wide-ranging
distribution of the Killer Whale, this species is not likely to be present in significant numbers in
the permit area.
Sperm Whales are found worldwide in deep (>200 m) waters off the Australian continental shelf
(Bannister et al. 1996). Detailed information on the distribution of Sperm Whales off Western
Australia is not available, but this species is known to reside where the continental shelf slopes
less steeply along the Western Australia coast. Sperm Whales appear to be less concentrated
close to the shelf edge and more widely dispersed offshore. Male Sperm Whales migrate north
in winter and south in summer, while the females are restricted to warmer waters (generally
north of approximately 45 S) (Bannister et al. 1996). Recognised Sperm Whale habitats in
Western Australia are between Cape Leeuwin and Esperance (over 1000 km away from the
permit area) (Bannister et al. 1996). Therefore, the permit area is unlikely to represent
important habitat for this species, and the probability of encountering this species during the
drilling operations is extremely low.
Spotted Bottlenose Dolphins (Arafura/Timor Sea populations) occur throughout the north-west
waters of Australia. This species is normally found close to shore (within 1 km of the coastline)
or in water less than 30 m depth (Reeves et al. 2002). Therefore, while this species may transit
through the permit area on occasion, significant numbers are not expected.
Other cetacean species listed under the EPBC Act that are widespread or have tropical deep
water distributions may also occur in the permit area. These include: the Dwarf Minke Whale
(B. acutorostrata), Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa
attenuata), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens), Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala
macrorhynchus), Rissos Dolphin (Grampus griseus), Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps),
Dwarf Sperm Whale (K. simus), Frasers Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), Melon-headed Whale
(Peponocephala electra), Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), Striped Dolphin
(S. coeruleoalba), Long-snouted Spinner Dolphin (S. longirostris), Rough-toothed Dolphin
(Steno bredanensis), Cuviers Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris), and Blainvilless Beaked
Whale (Mesoplodon densirostris). Given their widespread distribution (Bannister et al. 1996)
and the absence of notable bathymetric features in the area, the permit area is unlikely to
represent an important habitat for any of these species.
3.3
Social and Economic Environment
3.3.1
Petroleum Activities
The North West Shelf supports extensive petroleum exploration and production activities. The
petroleum industry has developed major production operations on Thevenard, Airlie, Barrow
and Varanus islands. The nearest land-based production facility is situated on Barrow Island,
which is 60 km south-east of the closest development well.
3.3.2
Fisheries
The permit area overlaps with several commercial fishing zones, but consultations indicate
fishing activity in the area is low due to water depths, distance offshore, and often unpredictable
weather.

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The following Commonwealth-managed fisheries are authorised to operate in the area:

North West Slope Trawl Fishery
Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery
Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery
Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery.
Through consultation, it was confirmed that the permit area is located within the extent of the
North West Slope Trawl Fishery, which extends from 114 E to 125 E and targets scampi and
deepwater prawns using a deepwater trawl, just outside the 200 m isobath. There are currently
seven fishing permits operating in this fishery; therefore, the fishing effort in the permit area is
likely to be low.
The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association confirmed that the Southern Bluefin
Tuna Fishery is not active in the permit area; Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) are fished in the
Great Australian Bight and waters off south-eastern Australia. SBT are highly migratory and
widely distributed throughout waters of the southern oceans, including the Australian fishing
zone (AFZ). Migrating adult SBT and juveniles transported by the Leeuwin Current may pass
the permit area during the period of drilling operations. The main SBT spawning area is located
north of the North West Cape, and the southern edge of the spawning grounds overlaps with
the permit area (Matsuura et al. 1997). The known spawning period in the region is from
September through to April, with a peak between December and March.
The Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery extends from 141 E (the South AustraliaVictoria
border), around western and northern Australia, to Cape York in Queensland (AFMA 2009).
However, commercially valuable tuna and billfish species are rare in the shallow northern region
of the AFZ. Therefore, the fishing intensity is concentrated in oceanic waters along the western
and southern coasts and is not likely to occur with any substantial effort in the permit area.
The Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery extends mostly through the same areas as the Western
Tuna and Billfish Fishery, but also into the open waters of the Indian Ocean. Although Skipjack
Tuna are widely distributed throughout the AFZ, the main Australian fishing grounds have been
historically located off south-eastern Australia and in the Great Australian Bight.
Some State-managed fisheries are also permitted to operate in waters within and adjacent to
the permit area. These include:
the Western Australia Northern Shark Fishery
the Mackerel Managed Fishery.
The Western Australia Northern Shark Fishery extends from 114 06 E (North West Cape) to
123 45 E (Koolan Island). However, the fishery is closed indefinitely from North West Cape to
120 E, restricting the fishery operations in this area, primarily to protect the breeding stock of
Sandbar Sharks (Fletcher and Santoro 2010). For that reason, no effort by this fishery has
been recorded in the permit area.
The main operational area of the Mackerel Managed Fishery is from Perth to Dampier, including
the Pilbara area from 114 E to 121 E (Fletcher and Santoro 2010), which includes the permit
area; however, fishing operations are generally located in coastal areas around reefs, shoals,
and headlands, away from the permit area.
3.3.3
Shipping
Commercial vessels traverse the waters of the permit area. The development wells are located
within the shipping route between Australia and the Ombai/Wetar/Alor Straits in Indonesia. An
AMSA 19992009 AusRep data plot of shipping densities on the North West Shelf shows
shipping movements in the vicinity of the proposed Gorgon development wells to be relatively
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low density (approximately one vessel every two days). There are no bathymetric features or
navigational hazards that would restrict vessels from avoiding the rig.
3.3.4
Recreational and Tourism Activities
Recreational fishing activity along the north-west Western Australian coastline is increasing,
mostly as a result of the seasonal winter peak for local tourism in the Onslow, Dampier
Archipelago, and Broome areas (Fletcher and Santoro 2010). While some recreational fishing
occurs near offshore islands and continental shelf waters, it is unlikely that the drilling
operations will interact with recreational fishing and tourism activities near the development
wells. Consultation has not identified any recreational activities in the permit area.
3.3.5
Marine Protected Areas
There are no marine protected areas within the permit area. The nearest marine protected
areas are the Barrow Island Marine Management Area (60 km from the closest development
well location) and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area (130 km from the closet
development well location).
3.3.6
Shipwrecks
No shipwrecks were found during the seabed surveys.
3.3.7
Defence Practice Areas
The permit area overlaps with the Learmonth military restricted airspace area. The Learmonth
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base is maintained in an operational condition to allow it to
receive an operational squadron at short notice (Department of Defence 2011). The base also
regularly serves as a refuelling station for RAAF aircraft.
Any plans by the Department of Defence to re-activate Learmonth Airport to a fully operational
military condition during drilling and completions operations will be managed by Chevron
Australia through regular liaison with the Department of Defence.
3.3.8
Cultural Heritage
No features of cultural heritage importance were identified within the proposed permit area or
any area that may be affected by the drilling program.
3.3.9
Particular Issues or Sensitivities
The nearest locations supporting sensitive environmental resources are the Barrow, Lowendal
and Montebello Islands complex (Figure 1-3).
Drilling operations may coincide with the periods when cetaceans and turtles migrate through
the region, and the locations of the development wells overlap with the known Humpback Whale
migration pathway through the region.
Appropriate management procedures, including those for minimising acoustic disturbance to
whales, will ensure the potential for disturbance to sensitive marine fauna is reduced.
Commercial shipping traverses the permit area and potential interactions with shipping vessels,
as well as fishing operations, will require appropriate management to reduce the likelihood of
interference between the drilling operations and other users of the area.

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4.0
Risk Assessment
4.1
Overview

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Chevron Australia has prepared the HES Risk Management: ABU Standardized OE Process
(Chevron Australia 2011) to assess and manage health, environment and safety (HES) risks,
which internally requires compliance from its employees and contractors.
A number of environmental risk assessments have been completed for the Gorgon Gas
Development. A strategic risk assessment was undertaken during the preparation of the Draft
EIS/ERMP to determine the environmental acceptability of the Development, and identify key
areas of risk requiring mitigation (Chevron Australia 2005).
This original assessment was reviewed as part of the development of the Gorgon Gas
Development Revised and Expanded Proposal PER (Chevron Australia 2008), in light of the
changes to the Gorgon Gas Development (described in Section 1.4). The outcomes of these
assessments have been reviewed and considered during the preparation of this Plan.
An additional detailed risk assessment has been undertaken for the specific scope of work
covered by this Plan, using Chevrons RiskMan2 Procedure (Chevron Corporation 2009). This
assessment incorporated the outcomes of a hazard identification workshop, along with reviews
of literature, past experience, and statistics from previous drilling operations to evaluate the
risks associated with the drilling program.
4.2
Methodology
The methodology for the environmental risk assessments undertaken during the EIS/ERMP
assessment process is documented in Chapter 9 of the Draft EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia
2005).
The risk assessments were undertaken in accordance with the following standards:
Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) International Organisation for
Standardization (ISO) 31000:2009 Risk management Principles and guidelines (Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand 2004a)
AS/NZS Handbook 203:2006 Environmental Risk Management Principles and Process
(Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2006)
AS/NZS 3931:1998 Risk Analysis of Technological Systems Application Guide (Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand 1998).
The main components of the RiskMan2 risk assessment methodology include:
Hazard Identification: Identifying potential hazards that are applicable to Gorgon Gas
Development activities and determining the hazardous events to be evaluated.
Hazard Analysis: Determining the possible causes that could lead to the hazardous events
identified; the consequences of the hazardous events; and the safeguards and controls
currently in place to mitigate the events and/or the consequences.
Risk Evaluation: Evaluating the risks using the Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix
(Appendix 3). The risk ranking is determined by a combination of the expected frequency of
the hazard occurring (likelihood) and the consequence of its occurrence. Note that when
assessing the consequence, no credit is given to the hazard controls; hazard controls are
taken into account in determining the likelihood.
Residual Risk Treatment: Reviewing the proposed management controls for each of the
risks identified and proposing additional controls or making recommendations, if required.
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Using the Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix (Appendix 3), identified risks are
categorised into four groups high, medium, low and very low (outlined in Appendix 3) which
determine the level of response and effort in managing the risks. The risk-ranking categories
have been used in the development of this Plan to determine whether the residual risks were
acceptable or whether further mitigation was required.
Table 4-1 summarises the environmental risks associated with the drilling and completions
program and the management and mitigation measures that will be implemented.

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Table 4-1 Summary of Environmental Risks, Management and Mitigation Measures

Aspect
(Stressor)
Event/
Incident
Potential
Environmental
Impact
Management and Mitigation

Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Compliance with Petroleum Guidelines

Drilling Fluids Management (DoIR
2006) and DoIR guidance averaged
over hole section (pers. comm. Z
Jones 11 Sept 2008).
Discharge at surface to maximise
dispersion.
Incidental (6)
Water depths preclude
presence of
photosynthetic biota.
No sensitive/significant
benthic habitats expected
at well locations.
Seldom (3)
High dispersion rates
for surface discharges
due to water depths and
action of water currents.
Very
Low
(8)
Incidental (6)
presence of
Small area involved.
Seldom (3)
No sensitive/ significant
benthic habitats at well
locations.
Very
Low
(8)
Incidental (6)
presence of
locations.
Rare (6)
WBM is sea water and
sweeps with no toxicity.
No discharge of whole
SBM to sea.
Very
Low
(10)
PLANNED OPERATIONS
Routine and
Operational
Discharges/
Emissions
Discharge of
cuttings
Smothering of
sensitive or
ecologically important
benthic communities.
Drilling of wells
Loss of sensitive or
Discharge of
whole drilling
fluid
Acute/chronic toxicity
effects to marine life.
Reduction in water
quality leading to
adverse effects on
marine life.
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Sea water with high viscosity sweeps

discharged at sea during riserless
drilling.
Selection of fluids with acceptable
toxicity and biodegradation
characteristics, as approved by DMP.
Recycling or return of recovered SBM
to shore-based storage, no discharge
of whole SBM to sea.
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Potential
Environmental
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Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Discharge of
cuttings with
adhered
drilling fluid
effects to benthic
communities.
Use of cuttings dryer to achieve <10%

by dry weight of base fluid on
discharged cuttings (averaged over
each hole section).
Selection of drilling fluids with
acceptable toxicity and biodegradation
characteristics, as approved by the
DMP.
Incidental (6)
presence of
locations.
Occasional (2)
Cuttings dryers reduce
percentage of SBM on
cuttings to a minimum.
Very
Low
(7)
Discharge of
soapy SBM
tank wash
effects to benthic
communities.
Reduction in water
quality leading to
adverse effects on
marine life.
Automated tank wash system for

cleaning of SBM tanks to ensure
minimal loss of SBM.
Selection of drilling fluids with
acceptable toxicity and biodegradation
characteristics, as approved by the
DMP.
Discharge overboard only if residual
SBM less than 1% in tank wash,
otherwise return to shore for
appropriate disposal. Recycling water
and separation through drain systems
where possible.
Incidental (6)
presence of
locations.
High dispersion rates for
surface discharges due to
water depths and action of
water currents.
Occasional (2)
Limited volume of SBM
residue in soapy wash.
Short time period and/or
low frequency of
discharge.
Very
Low
(7)
Disposal of
domestic
waste sewage and
putrescible
(galley) wastes
Reduction in water
quality leading to
adverse effects on
marine life.
Galley waste to be macerated to less

than 25 mm before discharge to sea, in
accordance with MARPOL 73/78.
Sewage to be treated on board prior to
discharge, in accordance with
MARPOL 73/78.
No discharge of sewage or putrescible
domestic wastes from either the drilling
rig or the support vessels within
12 nautical miles of any coastline.
Incidental (6)
Localised and temporary
increase in nutrient levels.
Oceanic location. No
sensitive habitats/fauna at
well locations.
Unlikely (4)
Low volumes of
discharge.
Very
Low
(9)

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Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Disposal of
greywater
Reduction in water
quality leading to
adverse effects on
marine life.
Greywater passed through treatment

plant prior to discharge.
Incidental (6)
well locations.
Unlikely (4)
Low volumes of
discharge.
Very
Low
(9)
Disposal of
deck drainage
Reduction in water
quality leading to
adverse effects on
marine life.
No treatment required for discharge of

open deck drainage water.
Incidental (6)
Unlikely (4)
No sensitive/significant
habitats at well location.
Low volume of
discharge.
Very
Low
(9)
Short time period during

which discharge will occur.

Drill floor drainage treated and

discharged in accordance with
MARPOL 73/78.
Disposal of
solid and
hazardous
wastes
Reduction in
habitat/water quality.
Mainland recycling or disposal of

wastes in accordance with the Waste
Management Plan (Chevron Australia
2011) and MARPOL 73/78.
Waste segregation on board.
Incineration of solid waste and sludge.
No disposal at sea.
Incidental (6)
Surface debris, and/or
debris on seabed.
location.
Remote (5)
No disposal at sea.
Rapid dispersal of
emissions from waste
incineration.
Very
Low
(10)
Discharge of
BOP hydraulic
fluid
Reduction in
habitat/water quality
Use of biodegradable, low toxicity,

highly diluted, hydraulic fluids.
Incidental (6)
Unlikely (4)
habitats at well location.
Relatively low volume of

product discharge.
Very
Low
(9)
Effects restricted to
immediate vicinity.
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Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Discharge of
cooling water
Effects on marine life

from elevation in sea
temperature.
Rig design.
No sensitive habitats
Discharged at height to add dispersion
and cooling.
Incidental (6)
water currents.
well locations.
Remote (5)
Discharge water
temperature only
slightly (1520 C)
above ambient and is
discharged from height
so cools on descent to
sea surface.
Small volumes.
Very
Low
(10)
Discharge of
oily water from
bilge water
and drainage
effects to marine life.
Compliance with MARPOL 73/78 for

oily water discharge.
Bilge water passed through oil-water
separator to <15 ppm oil in water.
Closed drainage system.
Incidental (6)
well locations.
water currents.
Unlikely (4)
Bilge treated to
<15 ppm oil in water.
Low potential discharge
volume.
which discharge would
occur.
Very
Low
(9)
Compliance with MARPOL 73/78 and

current guidelines (United Kingdom
Civil Aviation Authority [UK CAA] 2010)
for oily water discharge.
Drainage collection system maintained
operational.
Coaming around refuelling tanks.
Drain holding tanks fitted with
individual high and low level alarms
linked to the Vessel Management
System (VMS).
All potentially contaminated drainage
to be collected via closed drainage
system and treated to <15 ppm oil in
water.
Incidental (6)
well locations.
water currents.
Unlikely (4)
Contaminated drainage
and bilge treated to
<15 ppm oil in water.
Low potential discharge
volume.
which discharge would
occur.
Very
Low
(9)

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Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Cementing
Discharges
Reduction in
habitat/water quality.
Smothering of
sensitive or
Cements are carefully selected and

tested before use.
Incidental (6)
well locations.
Seldom (3)
Low discharge volume.
Highly localised extent
of effect.
Very
Low
(8)
Discharge of
completion
brine
Reduction in
habitat/water quality
Use of low toxicity sodium bromide

(27%) solution.
Incidental (6)
well locations.
Rare (6)
Completion brine is
non-toxic to marine
species and is
biodegradable.
Very
Low
(10)
Use of
incinerator
Reduction in air
quality.
Incinerator has ISO, Det Norske

Veritas (DNV) and American Bureau of
Shipping (ABS) certification.
Compliance with MARPOL 73/78
Annex VI (air pollution) requirements.
Incidental (6)
Insignificant contribution to
overall greenhouse gas
levels in atmosphere.
Unlikely (4)
Limited volume of
emissions.
Very
Low
(9)
Flaring of
hydrocarbons
Reduction in air
quality.
Alteration in sensitive
marine fauna
behaviour due to
attraction to and/or
deterrence of light
from flare.
Use of green type burners and flaring

procedures to optimise
combustion.Compliance with
MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI (air
pollution) requirements.
Incidental (6)
Unlikely to involve
significant numbers of
fauna of conservation
significance.
Unlikely (4)
Limited flaring
operations and volume
of emissions,
procedures and
requirements maximise
combustion efficiency,
rapid dispersion.
Drilling is remote from
areas of importance to
light-sensitive fauna.
Very
Low
(9)
Emissions
from engines
Reduction in air
quality.
Engines maintained in accordance with

manufacturers specifications.
Incidental (6)
Unlikely (4)
Low volumes of
emissions, rapid
dispersion.
Very
Low
(9)
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Aspect
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Physical
Interaction
Rig, Support
Vessel and
Helicopter
Noise
Event/
Incident
Environment Plan:
Revision:
0
Potential
Environmental
Impact

Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Artificial
lighting from
rig and support
vessels
Alteration in sensitive
marine fauna
behaviour due to
attraction to and/or
deterrence of artificial
lighting.
Lighting minimum required for safe

operational requirements and safety
regulations.
Compliance with APPEA Code of
Environmental Practice 2008 (APPEA
2008).
Incidental (6)
Unlikely to involve
significant numbers of
fauna of conservation
significance.
Lighting minimum required
by safety regulations and
operational requirements.
Unlikely (4)
Drilling is remote from
areas where sensitive
fauna are known to
occur.
Very
Low
(9)
Movement of
rig/support
vessels/
helicopter
Potential localised
disturbance, collision
with cetacean or turtle,
loss of sensitive or
Adherence to procedures for moving

the rig.
Cetacean watch is maintained on all
transits to/from port and during drilling
activities.
All vessels to maintain adequate
separation distances from cetaceans.
Minor (5)
Very low numbers of
animals expected in the
area.
Seldom (3)
Drilling operations are
remote from areas
where sensitive fauna
are known to occur.
Minor increase in traffic
for region.
Very
Low
(7)
Presence of
rig at well site
Displacement/
disruption of other
users in marine
environment (i.e.
commercial fishing
and/or shipping).
Liaison with relevant authorities,

fishermen and other commercial
mariners to minimise conflict.
Notice to Mariners posted.
Compliance with APPEA Code of
2008).
Minor (5)
Low levels of fishing,
shipping and recreational
activities.
Unlikely (4)
Minor increase in traffic
for region.
Very
Low
(9)
Noise from
drilling
operations
Disruption to
behaviour patterns
(attraction/deterrence)
of sensitive marine
fauna.
Report sightings of cetaceans to

SEWPaC.
Incidental (6)
Short duration of drilling.
Low numbers of sensitive
fauna involved.
No breeding, feeding or
resting areas located
within potentially affected
area.
Occasional (2)
Drilling noise typically
low and unlikely to
disturb fauna beyond
500 m of rig (McCauley
1998).
Very
Low
(7)

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Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Noise from
rig/support
vessel
movements/
positioning
Disruption to
behaviour patterns of
sensitive marine
fauna.
Report sightings of cetaceans to

SEWPaC.
Compliance with EPBC
Regulation 8.07.
Adherence to APPEA Code of
2008).
Incidental (6)
Short duration of drilling at
any location.
fauna involved.
Occasional (2)
Support vessels
maintaining position can
be heard approximately
3 to 4 km from source
(McCauley 1998).
Well locations coincide
with migratory routes for
sensitive marine fauna.
Very
Low
(7)
Noise from
helicopter
Behavioural
disturbance to
sensitive bird species.
Compliance with EPBC

Regulation 8.07.
Adherence to APPEA Code of
2008).
Incidental (6)
No features that would
prevent birds moving
away from helicopter.
No recognised
aggregation areas within
permit areas.
Seldom (3)
Helicopter flight paths
mostly over water.
Incidental increase over
existing flight traffic in
region.
Very
Low
(8)
Noise from
VSP
Disruption to
behaviour patterns of
sensitive marine
fauna.
No VSP operations start if cetaceans

observed within 3 km of rig within
30 minutes prior to soft-start.
Soft-start procedures implemented
over 20 minutes.
VSP operations stop if a whale is seen
within 500 m of acoustic source.
Day-time start for VSP where possible.
Night-time VSP (if unavoidable) must
be preceded by 2 hours of cetacean
free observations during daylight.
Minor (5)
Very limited use/short
duration of VSP.
fauna involved.
Unlikely (4)
Modelling of VSP shows
noise output unlikely to
exceed 160 dB at
distances >350 m from
the rig.
Very limited use and
short duration of VSP.
VSP only anticipated to
be carried out on up to
two wells.
Marine Fauna
Observers (MFOs) on
vessel during VSP.
Very
Low
(8)
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Aspect
(Stressor)
Positioning
and Presence
of the Rig
Event/
Incident
Anchoring of
rig

Environment Plan:
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Potential
Environmental
Impact

Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Physiological damage
to sensitive marine
fauna.
No VSP operations start if cetaceans

observed within 3 km of rig.
Soft-start procedures implemented
over 20 minutes.
VSP operations stop if a whale is seen
within 500 m of acoustic source.
Day-time start for VSP where possible.
Night-time VSP (if unavoidable) must
be preceded by 2 hours of cetacean
free observations during daylight.
Incidental (6)
Maximum sound levels
<195 dB re 1 Pa at 1 m.
fauna potentially exposed.
Unlikely (4)
Modelling of VSP shows
noise output unlikely to
exceed 160 dB at
distances >350 m from
rig.
Very limited use and
short duration of VSP.
VSP only anticipated to
be carried out on up to
two wells.
Soft-start procedures
will be implemented and
should deter sensitive
marine species from the
zone of potential
physiological impacts.
Very
Low
(9)
Potential localised
disturbance/loss of
sensitive or
benthic communities
from anchoring.
Adherence to anchoring procedures.

Mooring analysis undertaken to ensure
correct anchor type for seabed
conditions to prevent excessive anchor
drag once set. Batch drilling and batch
completion from subsea manifold will
reduce the number of anchor moves
and settings, reducing impact on
benthic environment.
Only the rig will be moored; the
support vessel will be dynamically
positioned.
Minor (5)
presence of
Unlikely (4)
benthic habitats
expected at well
locations.
Very
Low
(8)
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Quarantine
Event/
Incident
Movement of
rig into
Australian
waters
Potential
Environmental
Impact

DMS ID: 00391225

Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Introduction of exotic
marine species.
Compliance with Australian Quarantine

and Inspection Service (AQIS)
Australian Ballast Water Management
Requirements 2001.
Adherence to National Biofouling
Management Guidance for the
Petroleum Production and Exploration
Industry 2009 (Commonwealth
Government of Australia 2009.).
Moderate (4)
Remote drilling locations
but support vessels will
traverse areas of sensitive
environmental resources.
Remote (5)
Compliance with
Australian quarantine
laws and regulations.
Rig newly built (2011)
and all vessels subject
to inspection and/or
cleaning upon arrival in
Australia.
Very
Low
(8)
Smothering of sensitive

2006) and DoIR guidance averaged
over hole section (pers. comm. Z
Jones 11 Sept 2008).
Minor (5)
Selection of drilling fluids
with acceptable toxicity
and biodegradation
characteristics.
Remote (5)
Cuttings shakers will be
continuously monitored
and cleared to avoid
blockage.
Redundancy in seals on
marine riser telescopic
joint.
Very
Low
(9)
UNPLANNED OPERATIONS
Physical
disturbance
of the seabed
Failure in
drilling fluid
system
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Aspect
(Stressor)
Leaks and
spills
Event/
Incident
Environment Plan:
Revision:
0
Potential
Environmental
Impact

Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Spill of
chemicals to
sea
Acute toxic effects to

marine fauna.
Compliance with storage and handling

procedures and spill contingency plan.
Chemical selection to minimise
impact. Relatively small volumes on
board.
Drilling fluids pre-mixed onshore.
Absorbent materials available onboard
and any spills cleaned up immediately.
Using Safety Analysis and Functional
Evaluation (SAFE) or CHARMapproved chemicals where possible.
Minor (5)
well locations.
Limited volume.
High rates of dispersion
due to water depths.
Rare (6)
All materials stored and
handled in accordance
with relevant
procedures and Material
Safety Data Sheets
(MSDSs).
Liquid chemicals stored
in bunded area.
Closed drain system on
rig.
Absorbent materials
available on board and
any spills cleaned up
immediately.
Limited volumes on
board.
Very
Low
(10)
Failure in
drilling fluid
system

marine fauna.

2006).
Minor (5)
Selection of drilling fluids
with acceptable toxicity
and biodegradation
characteristics.
Remote (5)
Cuttings shakers will be
continuously monitored
and cleared to avoid
blockage.
Very
Low
(9)

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Event/
Incident
Potential
Environmental
Impact
Loss of drilling
fluid during
transfer

marine fauna/reduction
in water quality.
Selection of low toxicity,

biodegradable drilling fluids.
Transfer operations to commence in
daylight and only continue into night
as agreed by Chevron Australia and
Atwood.
All transfers in accordance with
relevant procedures.
Reinforced hoses with dry break
couplings and safety breakaway
couplings.
Continuous monitoring of pressures
and flow rates.
Moderate (4)
Drilling fluids with low
toxicity and high
biodegradation.
Limited volumes involved.
well locations.
Rare (6)
Transfer operations
conducted in
accordance with rigspecific Bulk Fluid
Transfer Procedures.
Very
Low
(9)
Loss of diesel
during
refuelling

in water quality.
Strict adherence to rigs refuelling

procedure.
Transfer operations to only commence
in daylight. Approved Marine Oil
Pollution Plan (MOPP) and Oil Spill
Operational Response Plan (OSORP).
Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre
(AMOSC) oil spill resources available
offsite.
Reinforced hoses with dry break
couplings and safety breakaway
couplings.
Continuous monitoring of pressures
and flow rates.
Incidental (6)
Small volumes.
No sensitive resources in
the vicinity.
Oil spill modelling of large
(80 000 L) diesel spill
indicates rapid
evaporation of toxic
components and very low
probability (1%) of
contacting sensitive
marine habitat.
Unlikely (4)
Strict refuelling
management measures
in place.
Very
Low
(9)
Aspect
(Stressor)
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Measures
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Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level

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Potential
Environmental
Impact

Measures
Consequence
Likelihood
Risk
Level
Loss of diesel
through
rupture of
support vessel
or rig fuel
tanks

marine fauna/habitat/
reduction in water
quality.
Compliance with approved MOPP and

OSORP.
AMOSC oil spill resources available
offsite.
Rig brightly lit and all vessels use
navigation lighting at night.
Issue of Notice to Mariners.
Refuelling operations conducted in
strict accordance with refuelling
procedure.
Rig fuel tanks located in-board of
ballast tanks.
Moderate (4)
Limited volumes.
No sensitive habitats in
the vicinity.
Extended period to reach
nearshore areas, allowing
weathering, leaving
minimal residues.
Remote (5)
Strict refuelling
management measures
in place.
Oil spill modelling of
large (80 000 L) diesel
spill indicates rapid
evaporation of toxic
components and very
low probability (12%)
of contacting sensitive
marine habitat.
Supply vessels rated
Clean Class internal
fuel tanks with ballast
water tanks between
fuel tanks and hull.
Very
Low
(9)
Loss of
hydrocarbon to
sea during
flaring

in water quality.

OSORP.
offsite.
Operation reviewed via Hazard
Identification (HAZID)/Hazard and
Operability Study (HAZOP).
Continuous monitoring and test shut-in
if fallout observed.
Minor (5)
Low volumes of
hydrocarbons involved.
Rapid
evaporation/dispersal.
well locations.
Unlikely (4)
Flaring management
measures in place.
Use of green-type
burners to optimise
efficiency and minimise
potential for fallout.
Very
Low
(8)

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Loss of well
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Potential
Environmental
Impact
in water quality.

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Measures
Compliance with Offshore Petroleum
and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2006 (Cth) requirement for adequately
rated and tested BOPs.
OSORP.
offsite.
Public
Consequence
Likelihood
Major (3)
No sensitive
habitats/fauna at well
locations.
Weathering of the oil
during transport would
have substantially reduced
toxicity reaching
nearshore areas.
Modelling of 11 week
blowout indicates low
worst-case mean
entrained and dissolved
aromatic concentrations.
Unlikely (4)
Low likelihood of
-5
occurrence (7.0 10 ).
Strict well management
measures in place.
Additional rig available
nearby, would allow for
rapid mobilisation to drill
relief well.
Spill modelling for
11 week blowout
indicates most spills
would remain offshore,
with <36% probability of
surface slicks reaching
surrounding coastline.
Extended (78 day)
minimum period to
reach nearshore areas
would facilitate spill
response and promote
weathering.
Risk
Level
Low
(6)

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4.3
Key Outcomes
4.3.1
Routine and Operational Discharges
4.3.1.1
Drilling Fluids and Cuttings Discharge
Discharge of drilling fluids and drill cuttings into the marine environment has the potential to
affect marine life. Discharged cuttings also create a turbid plume at the point of discharge,
which has the potential to reduce light penetration to the sea floor (in relatively shallow waters),
to settle over existing benthic communities, and subsequently to affect the recruitment of
planktonic larvae to the benthos through alterations in the substrate.
The drilling fluids to be used in the upper hole sections will be a sea water/high viscosity
sweeps (bentonite) mixture. Bentonite is an inert natural clay of very low toxicity, and these
fluids are considered to have minimal offshore environmental effect (Swan et al. 1994).
For deeper sections, SBM will be used. The volumes of drilling fluid discharged on cuttings will
be minimised through recovery and re-use during drilling. Recovery will be maximised by the
use of vibrating screens (shale shakers), desanders, and desilters. A range of shaker screens
will be available to optimise fluid recovery rates.
Cuttings from wells drilled with SBM will also be processed through one of two vertical cuttings
dryers prior to overboard discharge. Residual SBM will be <10% dry weight of base fluid on
cuttings (averaged over each hole section), in accordance with the relevant guidelines (DoIR
2006). The volumes of fluid adhered to the cuttings is likely to be further reduced as they settle
through the water column. There will be no discharge of whole SBM, with remaining drilling
fluids at the completion of each well either stored for use on subsequent wells or transferred to
the mainland for appropriate onshore disposal or recycling.
The SBM proposed for the drilling program (NOVATEC), has previously been approved by
the DMP. No other product has been identified as an alternative for the drilling program, and
Chevron Australia is currently using NOVATEC in the Greater Gorgon area.
According to the DMPs toxicity ratings system (DoIR 2006), the components of NOVATEC
are non-toxic to almost non-toxic to tested species, and biodegradable (OECD 306: 62% after
28 days). Ecotoxicity tests on the SBM base fluid were conducted in February 2005
(Geotechnical Services Pty Ltd 2005) and included organisms considered to have ecological
relevance to the North West Shelf. A summary of these results is shown in Table 4-2. Given
the general absence of sensitive environmental receptors at the drilling locations, the potential
for significant acute/chronic impacts from the relatively small volumes of SBM discharged is very
low.
Table 4-2
NOVATEC Saraline 185V-based SBM Ecotoxicity Results for Western
Australian Species
Test
EC50/LC50
LOEC
NOEC
(mg/L)
(mg/L)
(mg/L)
Toxicity
Classification
Algal growth
(Nitzschia closterium),
72-hour EC50
>83 300
>83 300
83 300
Almost non-toxic *
Larval pink snapper

(Pagrus Auratus) growth,
7-day EC50
Larval pink snapper
(Pagrus Auratus) survival,
96-hour LC50
>100 000
100 000
50 000
Non-toxic
>100 000
100 000
<100 000
Non-toxic
Notes:
* No significant changes in algal growth compared to control. Unable to calculate EC50.
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EC50 Effective Concentration for 50% of population (Concentration resulting in a 50% less algal growth compared
with control growth)
LC50 Lethal Concentration for 50% of population (Concentration lethal to 50% of population of larval pink
snappers)
LOEC Lowest Observable Effect Concentration (Lowest concentration causing a significant growth decrease)
NOEC No Observable Effect Concentration (The concentration showing no significant decrease in growth)
Following treatment with the solids control equipment (including cuttings dryers) proposed for
the program, it is anticipated that the disposed cuttings will comprise predominantly fine
powders, which would be effectively dispersed by water currents prior to settling on the sea
floor. The surface plume created by discharged cuttings (with adhered SBM) will be diluted
quickly (generally by a factor of at least 10 000 at 100 m of the discharge point). Larger
sediment components are expected to settle to the seabed closer to the wellhead (Hinwood et
al. 1994).
Cuttings discharge may result in a decrease in water quality and smothering of benthic
communities at the well locations. Due to the expected dilution rate of the smaller components
of the discharge, the associated reduction in water quality at the well locations will be temporary
and localised. The water depths in the permit area preclude the presence of significant benthic
photosynthetic communities. Residing infauna are likely to rapidly recolonise the veneer of
cuttings that will result from discharge once the residual adhered drilling fluids have degraded.
Physical effects to the benthos from cuttings disposal are therefore expected to be very limited.
The overall risk to benthic communities from cuttings discharge is considered to be very low.
4.3.1.2
Other Rig and Vessel Wastes, Discharges and Emissions
The rig and support vessels may be crewed with a combined maximum of 240 persons at any
one time. It is anticipated there will be a total of approximately 50 000 litres per day of domestic
discharges, including sewage, greywater, and ground kitchen (putrescible) scraps.
Sewage and Putrescible waste
All sewage and domestic wastes will be treated via a sewage treatment plant in accordance with
MARPOL 73/78 requirements prior to discharge. Waste will be macerated to less than 25 mm
diameter prior to discharge. All greywater will pass through the treatment plant prior to
discharge. There will be no discharge of sewage or putrescible domestic wastes from either the
drilling rig or the support vessels within 12 nautical miles of any coastline.
Disposal of the treated wastes to the ocean may cause some temporary, localised nutrient
enrichment of the surface waters around the discharge point. Dilution and dispersion of the
discharges will result in a rapid return to normal nutrient levels away from the vessels, and no
build-up during drilling is anticipated.
An increased nutrient content in the water column over a localised area may stimulate a
corresponding increase in local population numbers of some planktonic organisms. However,
given the relatively small volumes of discharge, combined with the high dispersion and low
persistence of the wastes, and the very localised area of potential effect, the risk of significant
impact from routine discharges is very low.
4.3.1.3
Bilge Water
Bilge water will be passed through an oilwater separator to ensure that hydrocarbon levels are
less than 15 ppm. Separated oil will be directed to the incinerator or waste oil tank. At the
oceanic drilling locations, dispersal of the discharged treated water would be rapid and the
residual hydrocarbon levels would have minimal environmental effect. Therefore, the risk
associated with the discharge of bilge water is deemed to be very low.
4.3.1.4
Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Solid wastes will be segregated and disposed of or recycled in accordance with the rigs Waste
Management Plan (Chevron Australia 2011) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
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requirements. Solid wastes will either be incinerated on board or transferred to the mainland for
onshore disposal or recycling at an appropriate waste treatment facility. On board the rig, waste
skips will be provided for wood, scrap steel, general waste, and prescribed waste. Waste skips
will be fitted with either lids or cargo nets to prevent the escape of waste materials. Plastic Sulo
bins (wheelie bins) for segregation will be provided for oily rags/gloves, oil filters, cans,
fluorescent tubes, cardboard, etc. A 4000 litre Det Norske Veritas (DNV) tank will be used on
the rig to collect waste oil.
The drilling rig is equipped with an incinerator with a capacity of 500 000 kcal/h, which equates
to a maximum sludge oil burning capacity of 65 L/h. This unit allows for the simultaneous
burning of both solid waste and sludge and meets with IMO requirements. The unit has ISO,
DNV, and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certification. No toxic discharges shall occur
from this unit.
This unit will also be compliant with MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI (air pollution) requirements. The
risk associated with the disposal of solid wastes will be negligible.
4.3.1.5
Drainage
The drill floor is provided with a drip pan and drain collection system of gutters, which surround
the working areas of the drill floor, including the set back areas. The helideck and helideck
refuelling system areas will be fitted with a drain collection system compliant with current
guidelines (UK CAA 2010). Coamings will be provided around the refuelling storage tanks to
contain all spilled fluids. No helifuel will be kept on the rig during the drilling program. Drainage
from areas that are not subject to contamination by oily liquids, fuels, or chemicals will be piped
to the clean drain holding tanks. Drainage from areas that are subject to contamination by
spillage or leakage of oily liquids, fuels, chemicals, or non-biodegradable liquid will be piped to
the contaminated drain holding tanks. Liquid collected in the drain holding tank will be pumped
back to active pits or transferred to support vessels for onshore disposal. All drain holding tanks
are fitted with individual high- and low-level alarms linked to the Vessel Management System
(VMS).
An oilwater separator will be used to clean up contaminated drainage and reduce oil content to
less than 15 ppm. Once treated, drainage will be discharged overboard. Overboard discharge
is monitored electronically and if the oil content exceeds 15 ppm, a control valve redirects
discharge back to the oilwater separator. Extracted oil will be pumped to the dirty oil tank,
where it can be pumped to the incinerator or discharge station for offloading to a supply vessel
for onshore disposal.
The risk associated with drainage water discharge is expected to be very low.
4.3.1.6
Flared Hydrocarbons
The wells will be subject to a clean-up well flow test to 60 to 75 MMscf/day at the end of the
completion phase in readiness for production. This testing will result in the flaring of
hydrocarbons at the burner boom. The Gorgon Gas Development is targeting multiple gas
reservoirs, which are known to have a very low condensate to gas ratio of approximately 6 bbl
of condensate to 1 MMscf/day of gas. However, there is the potential for release of liquid
hydrocarbons to the sea surface, due to incomplete combustion. Flaring also has the potential
to affect marine fauna if undertaken during hours of darkness, primarily by altering the
behaviour (attraction or deterrence) of light-sensitive fauna.
Flaring operations (and associated procedural controls) will be reviewed via one or more HAZID
workshops to ensure risks are adequately addressed procedurally. Testing will be conducted in
strict accordance with well-testing procedures and green-type (i.e. high efficiency) well test oil
burners will be used, which are designed to maximise burning efficiency by ensuring continuous
and backup ignition. Water screens will be used to minimise heat emissions, and the flaring
efficiency will be continuously monitored during testing. All flaring operations will be undertaken
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With the management proposed, the volume of condensate that could be released through
flaring is small. Given the Gorgon gas condensate/gas ration (CGR) of 6, a volume of 180 to
225 bbl of condensate is expected to be flared per well. This low volume would be unlikely to
result in a significant impact to the areas environmental resources. Therefore, the risk
associated with the flaring of hydrocarbons is considered to be very low.
Flaring operations will be limited in frequency and duration (only during well testing operations
for a duration of 12 hours), and the drilling area is remote from areas of significant habitat for
light-sensitive fauna. The likelihood that the light produced during flaring operations will
adversely impact marine fauna is very low.
Therefore, the risk associated with flaring of hydrocarbons is considered to be very low.
4.3.1.7
Cementing Discharges
While cementing fluids are not routinely discharged to the environment, very small amounts may
be unavoidably released when the cement mixture is circulated to the seabed during grouting of
the surface casing strings or when surplus fluids require disposal after cementing operations.
The volumes involved would typically be low (<6 bbl) and the effects would likely be restricted to
benthic fauna in the immediate vicinity of the well locations. In the highly unlikely event of a
failed cement job resulting in discharge of up to 50 bbl of green cement from the rig, a
temporary and localised increase in turbidity would be expected around the discharge point.
Some deposition may occur at the sea floor, although most of the discharge would likely
disperse through the water column. There are no benthic communities at the well locations
likely to be affected by turbidity, and cement residues are essentially inert.
The risk of significant impact at local or regional scales will be negligible given the minor
quantities involved and the highly localised extent of effect.
4.3.1.8
Completion Brine Discharges
Completion brine will be discharged during well completion. Approximately 500 bbl of sodium
bromide (27% solution mixed with fresh water) will be discharged per well. The brine discharge
has the potential for temporary and localised affects on water quality and fauna in the
immediate vicinity. At the oceanic locations of the well sites, dilution and dispersion are
expected to be rapid; potential effects are expected to be limited to the immediate vicinity of the
well and for a very short period following discharge.
Sodium bromide brines (of less than 50% concentration) used in well completions are reported
to have no acute or chronic aquatic toxicity and no potential for bioaccumulation (International
Maritime Organization [IMO] 2008).
Given the low toxicity of sodium bromide completion brines and the rapid dilution/dispersion
expected, the risk of significant impact from brine discharge is considered to be very low.
4.3.1.9
Hydraulic Discharges
The BOP control systems are designed to discharge control fluid into the sea on BOP stack
operation, which is tested every 7 days. A full function test to close and open all rams and
annulars will discharge approximately 1700 litres of hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is a
water-soluble product (Stack Magic); it has a toxicity rating of E under the Centre for
Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) (non-CHARM) classification scheme,
and is diluted to 1 to 2% with potable water for use. The fluid is fully biodegradable and is
expected to readily disperse following discharge from the BOP. Given the absence of
significant demersal communities at the drilling locations, the low toxicity, and the high
biodegradability of the hydraulic fluid, discharge of the volumes of diluted Stack Magic involved
with BOP testing are unlikely to result in significant environmental effects.
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Storage and Handling of Oils and Chemicals
There is a risk of impact to the marine environment if chemicals or oils are lost overboard during
resupply of the rig, or during use or storage on board. The potential risk of loss is greatest
during resupply operations.
The materials involved include:
diesel fuel
SBM
drilling fluid additives, such as biocides, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity, weighting, and fluid
loss control chemicals
spotting pill fluid and additives, such as diesel, emulsifiers, and barite weighted gelling
agents
cementing fluid chemicals, such as cement, surfactants, defoamers, lignins, inorganic salts,
bentonite, and barite
miscellaneous chemicals, such as lubricating oils, cleaning and cooling agents.
There is a low possibility of minor hydrocarbon loss during fuel transfer, particularly during
refuelling of the rig. However, apart from accidental spills, this would only involve very low
volumes of diesel and specific refuelling equipment and practices will be applied to reduce the
environmental risk. The risk assessment for larger hydrocarbon spills, such as a spill resulting
from the rupture of a diesel fuel tank, is discussed in Section 4.3.5.1. Diesel is a relatively light
oil and evaporation rates, particularly of the toxic components, would be rapid in the permit
area. The potential for damage would be mostly limited to the period immediately following a
spill, while the aromatic components of the hydrocarbons are evaporating. Given the low
volumes likely involved in such spills, the risk of significant effects from a minor loss of diesel is
very low.
Drilling fluids will be pre-mixed onshore and transported to the drilling rig by the support vessels.
The drilling fluid is pumped from the support vessel directly into the rigs liquid storage tanks.
Dry cement and mud chemicals are transported and stored in bulk storage tanks. Transfer of
these materials from the support vessel to the drilling rig will comply with strict management
procedures similar to those applied to fuel transfer (including restricting SBM transfer
commencement to daylight hours), as outlined in the Chevron Global Upstream (GU) Offshore
Drilling Fluid and Cuttings Environmental Performance Standard (EPS) (24 October 2007). The
SBM has low to no toxicity (Table 4-2). The risk assessment for SBM spills is discussed in
Section 4.3.5.2.
All other materials involve small volumes and any loss would be expected to result only in a
localised, temporary decrease in water quality. Consequently, the risk associated with a spill of
these materials into the marine environment is very low.
4.3.1.11
Discharge of Soapy SBM Tank Wash
There is a possibility that SBM soapy residue will be infrequently discharged to the marine
environment. This discharge could cause a reduction in water quality locally, and lead to toxic
effects to marine life if it contained high concentrations of SBM. SBM tanks will be properly
drained to ensure minimal loss of SBM, and an automated tank wash system will be used to
clean the tanks. The wash water will be circulated to a slug pit for disposal overboard if the
SBM content is <1%, or transported for onshore disposal at an incineration facility.
Due to the limited volume of SBM residue in the soapy wash, the low to no toxicity of the SBM,
and the high dispersion rates for surface discharges, the risk associated with a discharge of
SBM tank wash water is deemed to be very low.

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Discharge of Cooling Water
Cooling water will be discharged at the surface in small volumes throughout the drilling and
completion program and may cause very localised changes in water temperature. The
discharge water temperature is expected to be between 15 and 20 C, only slightly above the
ambient water temperature. The cooling water will be discharged from height so it cools on
descent to the sea surface.
Due to the small volumes expected, the temperature of the cooling water, and the rapid
dispersion in the drilling area, the risk associated with the discharge of cooling water is deemed
to be very low.
4.3.2
Noise
4.3.2.1
Rig and Support Vessel Noise
The rig and support vessels will generate noise during drilling and through their movements and
positioning. The noise from a support vessel holding its position using bow thrusters and strong
thrust from its main engines has been recorded at levels of up to 182 dB re 1 Pa at 1 m, but
this is an intermittent short-duration activity. In comparison, underwater noise levels generated
by trawlers are around 160 dB re 1 Pa, and large ships can produce levels exceeding
180 dB re 1 Pa.
Activities that generate underwater noise can affect marine fauna by interfering with aural
communication, eliciting changes in behaviour or, in extreme cases, by causing physiological
damage to auditory organs. The underwater noise generated through routine well operations
(including support vessel movements) does not have the intensity and characteristics likely to
cause physiological damage in marine fauna.
In the permit area, the species most at risk from acoustic disturbance are cetaceans, particularly
Humpback Whales. Studies on Humpback Whales suggest that migration behaviour can be
disturbed by levels of sound at 150 dB re 1 Pa. Whales in feeding, breeding, or resting areas
may be sensitive to levels of 140 dB re 1 Pa (Richardson et al. 1995). Continuous industrial
noise levels of below 120 dB re 1 Pa are considered unlikely to cause avoidance or
behavioural changes in marine mammals (APPEA 2005).
McCauley and Duncan (2003) recorded underwater noise 5 km from a rig and found broadband
levels of noise during drilling were normally below 110 dB re 1 Pa, with support vessel noise
exceeding 120 dB re 1 Pa at 5 km for only 0.7% of the time. Another study of drilling activity
(drilling and supply vessel movements) found that noise levels 2 km from the rig exceeded
120 dB re 1 Pa for only 2% of the time and estimated that significant effects on underwater
noise may be confined to within 3 km of the rig (APPEA 2005).
The permit area does not contain any physical features that would restrict avoidance behaviour,
and any minor changes in fauna movements through the permit area to avoid noise generated
by the rig are expected to have minimal ecological implications. Support vessels will comply
with Part 8 of the EPBC Act Regulations 2000, reducing the risk of cetaceans being affected by
support vessel noise. The risk of significant adverse effects on cetaceans from underwater
noise generated by the rig and support vessels is considered to be low.
4.3.2.2
Vertical Seismic Profiling
The walk-away vertical seismic profiling (VSP), planned for up to two wells, will generate higher
intensity noise, with peak output in the order of 195 dB re 1 Pa at 1 m. However, the
management proposed for VSP operations, including soft start (ramping) of acoustic
discharges prior to VSP, makes it very unlikely that sensitive species would be present in the
area; therefore, it is extremely unlikely that physiological impacts would occur.
Modelling of VSP shows noise output unlikely to exceed 160 dB at distances more than 350 m
from the rig. VSP is only anticipated to be carried out for a maximum of two wells, and will be
conducted for a short duration and in accordance with stringent management measures.
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Therefore, the risk of VSP operations significantly affecting cetaceans that may be encountered
is considered to be very low.
The permit area is located adjacent to known SBT spawning grounds, which are reported to
extend over a very extensive area of the adjacent North West Shelf (Commission for the
Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna [CCSBT] 2009). There is a very low risk of injury to any
life stage (eggs to adults), during or after exposure to airguns in normal operational use
(Turnpenny and Nedwell 1994). A number of studies of the impacts of seismic activities on fish
suggest little impact on eggs and juveniles. Studies found no egg injuries 10 m from a seismic
source generating 230 dB re 1 Pa, which is greater than the sound levels expected from VSP
operations (<195 dB re 1 Pa at 1 m), and that noticeable impacts on eggs and larvae would
only result from large numbers of multiple exposures to full seismic arrays (Turnpenny and
Nedwell 1994). Therefore, the proportion of SBT affected by VSP operations will be very small
and insignificant, compared to the overall population size and natural mortality rates. Therefore,
the risk of significant effects to SBT from noise generated by the drilling program is considered
to be very low.
4.3.3
Positioning and Presence of the Rig
4.3.3.1
Anchoring
Anchoring of the rig at each site will involve the deployment of 12 anchors. A mooring analysis
will be undertaken to ensure the correct anchor type for the seabed conditions to prevent
excessive anchor drag once set. Because of the need to maintain exact positioning for the
duration of well operations, tensions on each anchor will be continuously monitored and
adjusted to reduce the possibility of anchor dragging. Consequently, the physical impacts
associated with anchoring will be limited to the relatively small area contacted by each anchor
and its associated chains during deployment.
Anchoring will result in localised disturbance to the seabed and associated benthic
communities. However, given the widespread distribution of the habitat involved, the overall risk
is considered very low, with negligible impacts on a regional scale.
4.3.3.2
Navigation Hazard
As the Atwood Osprey will be anchored during well operations and will be under tow when
relocating between sites, it is restricted in its ability to manoeuvre and thus will have right-of-way
over other vessels. A standard 500 m radius exclusion zone will be established around the rig,
and a Notice to Mariners will be broadcast warning of the presence of the rig. The rig and
support vessels are required to comply with applicable international maritime laws when
underway.
Although low levels of vessel traffic traverse the permit area, there are no bathymetric features
or other navigational hazards in the area that would restrict other vessels from avoiding the rig
and support vessels. The rig will be well lit, including all required navigation lighting, reducing
risks of interaction between the drilling operations and other users of the area. The rig is also
fitted with Automated Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) radar.
4.3.4
Quarantine
The Atwood Osprey was mobilised to Australia for the drilling and completions program from the
Jurong Shipyard in Singapore in April 2011. The support vessels, the Farstad Far Shogun and
Far Saracen will also be mobilised from overseas for the program. These support vessels were
constructed in 2010 and are currently operating in the North Sea.
The movement of the rig and vessels from foreign waters to Australia poses the potential risk of
introduction of exotic marine species, transferred either via attachment to the hull or in ballast
water.
Exotic marine species can cause long-term ecological impact in the marine environment if they
become established following introduction, particularly in habitats of ecological and/or
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conservation importance such as the nearshore areas of Barrow Island, the Montebello
Conservation Park, and the Muiron Islands.
Prior to arrival in Australia, the rig and support vessels will be inspected and cleaned, with an
emphasis on detecting the presence of organisms considered by AQIS to be of particular
quarantine concern. The Atwood Osprey rig will be newly built and is not expected to have
significant marine growth attached to its hull, but it will undergo underwater inspection and
cleaning while at anchorage in Singapore. The hull cleaning will take place immediately before
the rig departs for Australia to minimise the potential for re-establishment of organisms. The
average tow speed for the rig will be about 7.5 knots, comparable to ocean-going vessels,
which considerably reduces the risk of re-establishing marine growth during transit. The rig will
initially drill the deepwater Zagreus-1 exploration well in the Greater Gorgon area in Australian
Commonwealth waters prior to mobilising to WA-37-L for the Gorgon Gas Development.
The support vessels will be mobilising from cold temperate waters, and with dry-dock cleaning
and in-water inspection, the likelihood of them carrying organisms that could persist in tropical
areas is low. Support vessel hulls will be cleaned and inspected during dry-docking in
Singapore, and an underwater hull inspection will be conducted prior to their departure from
Singapore. The underwater cleaning and inspection of the rig and support vessels will be
assisted by engaging the services of an Invasive Marine Species (IMS) Inspector who will
provide documentation and photographs that will be made available to AQIS.
All vessels associated with the program that enter Australian waters from overseas will be
required to exchange ballast en route, in accordance with the AQIS Australian Ballast Water
Management Requirements 2001.
Given the remote location and water depths involved with the drilling program, as well as the
measures undertaken to reduce the likelihood of introducing exotic species, the risk of an exotic
marine species becoming established in the permit area and affecting ecological communities is
considered low.
4.3.5
Contingency Plan and Management of Unplanned Operations
The potential for significant environmental impacts from unplanned operations relates primarily
to the spillage to sea of hydrocarbons or SBM. Possible sources of loss comprise well
emergencies or accidental spills during transfer operations, including:
loss of bulk SBM during transfer/handling
loss of well control (uncontrolled blowout)
vessel collision
fuel tank/transfer hose rupture
single point failures (e.g. total power loss) on the drilling fluid handling system
drilling fluid tank/hose rupture
loss of SBM from slip-joint.
4.3.5.1
Accidental Hydrocarbon Spill
Accidental hydrocarbon spillage could involve gas or liquid hydrocarbons (condensate) during
drilling and completions operations (due to a loss of well control), or marine diesel fuel lost
during transfer or following tank rupture (due to a collision involving the rig or a supply vessel).
The management and mitigation of accidental hydrocarbon spills is discussed in Section 6.3.
Diesel and condensate are both light oils and the potential for adverse environmental effects
relates primarily to the acute toxicity of fresh hydrocarbons rather than physical smothering.
This toxicity weakens rapidly as the spill weathers from exposure to the warm sea and air
temperatures of the tropical marine environment of the permit area, limiting the potential
duration and extent of effects to marine biota.
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The likely composition of diesel is derived from data from a similar climatic region, the southern
USA, obtained from the Automated Data Inquiry for Oil Spills (ADIOS) database, which provides
estimates of the physical properties of oils and products. The composition of Gorgon
condensate has been obtained from previous sampling and testing of the Gorgon reservoirs on
earlier appraisal wells. Analysis of the chemical characteristics of diesel and Gorgon
condensate confirms that both contain only a low (<6%) proportion of persistent hydrocarbons
(see Table 4-3).
Table 4-3 Component Assay Data
Oil type
Initial
density
3
(kg/m )
Viscosity
(cP)
Component
Volatiles
Semivolatiles
Low
Volatility
(%)
Residual (%)
BP (C)
<180
180265
265380
>380
Diesel Fuel
Oil
(southern
USA, 1997)
836.8
766
(at 25 C)
% of total
34.6
54.4
<5
Gorgon
Condensate
847.8
2.404
(at 20 C)
% of total
33.3
28.5
32.3
5.9
NON-PERSISTENT
PERSISTENT
A range of potential accidental hydrocarbon release scenarios associated with the Gorgon Gas
Development were assessed and described in the EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia 2005). Risks
from smaller spills (<10 m3), such as might result from a refuelling incident, were considered to
be possible to likely, with minor to serious consequences. Larger spills were considered to
potentially have serious to major consequences, but were unlikely to occur. The resultant
level of risk was evaluated as low to medium for both scenarios.
Following the Montara incident and to provide further input to contingency planning for a worstcase scenario during this drilling program, additional assessment of the potential for impact from
a major diesel spill and an extended (11 weeks) duration subsea blowout has been undertaken.
The assessment included numerical 3D modelling at a representative drilling location in the
permit area to determine the likely trajectories and fates of an 80 000 L spill of diesel resulting
from a collision, and an 820 500 L/day release of condensate resulting from a blowout. The
supply vessel spill was modelled from Gorgon well site GOR-3C.
The modelling shows that a large (80 000 L) spill of diesel of, which would require the rupture
and complete loss of a supply vessel fuel tank, would have only a very low probability (<2%) of
reaching shorelines during any season. The largest spill extent shown in the modelling results
following a diesel spill showed a low probability (<10%) of a surface sheen (>1 g/m2) 60 km
south-west and 25 km north-east of the drilling area. The supply vessels are rated Clean Class
with internal fuel tanks and with ballast water tanks between the fuel tanks and hull, reducing
the likelihood of tank punctures in the event of a collision.
To determine the likelihood of affects to nearshore areas from an extended blowout, the
frequency of an incident occurring was reviewed and the likely trajectories and fates of both
surface and subsurface hydrocarbon plumes were modelled for the four climatic seasons of the
region. The modelling accounted for physical transport and weathering processes. The latter
are important for accounting for the partitioning of the spilled mass over time between the water
surface (surface slick), water column (entrained oil and dissolved compounds), atmosphere
(evaporated compounds), and land (stranded oil). The model also accounts for the interaction
between weathering and transport processes (Asia-Pacific Applied Science Associates [APASA]
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2011). Nearshore areas considered in the modelling were Barrow Island, Montebello Islands,
Muiron Islands, and the North West Cape.
Based on historical blowout frequencies for development drilling and the results of the
modelling, the likelihood of condensate release occurring and resulting in a surface sheen (0.15
to 1 micron thickness) reaching nearshore areas ranged from 7.0 10-7 in winter to 2.5 10-5 in
summer. In all seasons, the spill was predicted to take an extended period to travel to
nearshore areas, with the shortest time to arrive at any shoreline being 174 hours (7 to 8 days)
for the North West Cape in autumn. No shoreline contact was expected at Barrow Island or the
Montebello Islands during autumn, and contact at the Muiron Islands was predicted to take
approximately 532 hours (22 days). During the winter and summer months, shoreline contact
was not expected at any of the nearshore areas; during spring, shoreline contact was only
expected to reach Barrow Island after 1400 hours (58 days) and the Montebello Islands after
1390 hours (57 days).
Subsurface plumes took a similarly long minimum period to reach sensitive areas, taking
>268 hours (11 days) to reach the Muiron Islands during summer. The maximum worst-case
concentrations of 3.8 ppm for entrained condensate was predicted at the Montebello Islands in
summer, taking approximately 668 hours (28 days) to reach this location.
Weathering of the condensate during transport would substantially reduce its toxicity, as
confirmed by the low worst-case mean dissolved aromatic concentrations (1.6 ppm) predicted
for nearshore areas by the modelling. The volume of the slick would also decrease rapidly as
the volatile components evaporated, leaving minimal residues and reducing the potential for
physical coating (oiling) affects on biota.
The 11 week release duration modelling is considered to provide conservative predictions (i.e.
overestimates) of the possible extent of effect from a blowout since Chevron Australias
contingency planning for this program, as documented in the Oil Spill Operational Response
Plan (OSORP) (Appendix 4), includes the option to rapidly mobilise rig(s) operating in adjacent
permit areas to kill and seal the well, which may reduce the period over which the release
continued.
The modelling also does not account for any other intervention in response to a spill. In
practice, within the time frames predicted for condensate to reach shorelines, Chevron Australia
would have initiated a comprehensive response and be able to mobilise extensive containment
and clean-up resources to reduce the potential for adverse impacts to sensitive environmental
areas. Through AMOSC, Chevron Australia will be able to mobilise the personnel and
equipment necessary to combat a major oil spill.
With the contingency planning and management proposed for emergency incidents, the risk of a
blowout resulting in condensate reaching nearshore areas and causing significant impacts is
considered to be low.
4.3.5.2
Accidental SBM Spill
SBM spilled into the sea has the potential to cause temporary acute effects to marine life in the
vicinity of the spill and chronic effects to benthic communities if large volumes persist on the
seabed. Spillage of SBM to the sea could occur during the transfer of SBM from the support
vessel to the rig. However, the use of reinforced hoses with dry break couplings and safety
breakaway couplings, and the continuous monitoring of pressures and flow rates throughout the
procedure, reduce this risk. Similarly, monitoring of equipment and processes during drilling,
along with redundancy in the seals on the marine riser telescopic joint and low pressure alarms,
makes the probability of loss during operations very low.
The maximum volume held by an SBM tank is 300 m3. However, the specific transfer
procedures for SBM would restrict the volume of an SBM spill to less than 10 m3, and as the
SBM tanks are located in the centre of the vessel, the risk of rupture and loss to the sea is
minimal. The volumes for single point failure incidents, such as temporary rig power or air
pressure loss, are considerably lower than this and procedures are in place to reduce the risk of
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these events occurring, e.g. the seals on the marine riser telescopic joint have redundancy and
low pressure alarms.
Spill volumes associated with slip joint packer failure, should they occur, may range from 0.5 to
10 litres, based on previous drilling operations. The likelihood of a spill due to slip joint packer
failure is low, due to three independent packers on the slip joint that are independently
energised by two energy sources, hydraulic and pneumatic. The slip joint will be monitored by
two CCTV cameras in the moon pool, and is new with a coated barrel.
The risk associated with a loss of SBM containment during displacement operations is
considered to be low. Displacement operations are undertaken in accordance with both
operator and drilling fluid suppliers procedures, which incorporate the requirement for
circulation and conditioning of the mud prior to the start of displacement activities.
In addition, the drilling fluids proposed to be used on the Atwood Osprey are DMP-approved,
with acceptable biodegradation and ecotoxicity characteristics. Given the remoteness and
water depth of the well locations, the benthic communities expected at the well locations, and
the low to nil toxicity and ready biodegradability of the drilling fluids, the risk associated with an
accidental spill of SBM is considered very low.

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5.0
Objectives, Performance Standards and Relevant

Documentation
5.1
Overview
This section summarises the environmental objectives, performance standards, measurement

criteria and relevant documentation that have been developed as part of a systematic approach
to the management of environmental risks. Specific objectives, performance standards,
measurement criteria, and documentation will be used to assess the overall environmental
performance for the Gorgon Gas Development against the stated environmental objectives.
Table 5-1 contains the objectives, performance standards, measurement criteria, and
documentation that relate to this Plan. These will provide input into the Environmental
Performance Reports required under Condition 4 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and
2008/4178.
5.2
Objectives
Chevron Australia is committed to conducting activities associated with the Gorgon Gas
Development in an environmentally responsible manner and aims to implement best practice
environmental management as part of a program of continual improvement. To meet this
commitment, objectives have been defined that relate to the management of the identified
environmental risks for the Gorgon Gas Development. These objectives are those in
Condition 16A of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178, and where necessary,
additional, more specific objectives have been developed.
Chevrons overall environmental objective for the drilling and completions program is to avoid or
minimise environmental risks to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Chevron aims for
incident-free operations and manages routine operations to minimise environmental impacts, to
minimise the risk of accidents, and to limit any impacts to the environment from such incidents,
should they occur. The specific performance objectives for each aspect of the drilling program
are described in Table 5-1.
5.3
Performance Standards
Performance standards are the measures Chevron Australia will use to assess whether or not it
is meeting its objectives. For each objective and element of each objective, Chevron Australia
has described a matter (description) that will be measured, and a quantitative target or, where
there is no practicable quantitative target, a qualitative target, which is to be measured against
when assessing whether the objective has been met. These targets have been developed
specifically for assessing performance, not compliance, and so failure to meet the target does
not represent a breach of this Plan. Rather, it indicates that an objective may not have been
met and there may be a need for management action or review of this Plan.
The performance standards specific to this Plan and the measurement criteria for each aspect
of the drilling operations are listed in Table 5-1. Criteria relevant to key aspects of the drilling
program are described in the following sections.
5.3.1
Discharge of Drilling Fluid and Cuttings
The criteria for drilling fluid and cuttings disposal will be compliance with the Chevron GU
Offshore Drilling Fluid and Cuttings EPS (24 October 2007), use of DMP-approved low toxicity
drilling fluids, and a residual amount of SBM on cuttings of <10% (expressed as dry weight of
base fluid on cuttings averaged over each hole section drilled).
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Underwater Noise
The criteria for underwater noise will be that the soft-start and cetacean procedures are
implemented (Section 6.3.2) and the VSP operations will cease if whales are seen within 500 m
of the rig during the procedure. There will be a marine fauna observer (MFO) positioned on the
bridge of the supply vessel to sight marine fauna during VSP operations.
5.3.3
Oil/Chemical Spill
The environmental performance criterion for containment of oil/chemical spills will be that no
oil/chemical spill to the sea occurs.
5.3.4
Fuel (Diesel Spill)
The environmental performance criterion for diesel spill is that no loss of fuel to sea occurs
during mobilisation, drilling operations, refuelling, resupply, or demobilisation.
5.3.5
Loss of Well Control
Procedures for routine operations will minimise the risk of a loss of well control. These
procedures include the installation and regular scheduled testing of BOPs, and the
implementation of an approved OSORP and MOPP. The success of those procedures will be
assessed against the environmental performance criterion, which is that no loss of well control
occurs.
5.3.6
Quarantine
The performance criteria will be that the Atwood Osprey rig is subject to a biofouling inspection
prior to entering Australian waters and that all vessels comply with AQIS requirements and the
National Biofouling Management Guidance for the Petroleum Production and Exploration
Industry (Commonwealth Government of Australia 2009). Ballast water exchange, if required,
will be in accordance with AQIS Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements 2001.
5.3.7
Discharge of Domestic Wastes
The criteria for the discharge of domestic wastes will be that all domestic waste (including
macerated food <25 mm) is discharged further than 12 nautical miles from land. Greywater will
be passed through the sewage treatment plant prior to discharge. No solid waste will be
disposed overboard. All discharge of domestic wastes will be managed in accordance with
MARPOL 73/78 and the Waste Management Plan (Chevron Australia 2011).
5.4
Relevant Documentation
Chevron Australia has defined the relevant documentation that contains information about
whether the performance standards have been met.
Relevant documentation specific to this Plan is detailed in Table 5-1.

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Table 5-1 Objectives, Performance Standards and Relevant Documentation

Objectives
PLANNED OPERATIONS
Reduce the risk of adverse
effects to benthic
communities from the
physical disturbance of
seabed (through drilling
and discharge of cuttings
and anchoring)

effects to marine ecology
from discharges of whole
drilling fluid and cuttings
with adhered drilling fluid
This EP
Petroleum Guidelines Drilling Fluids
Management (DoIR 2006) and DoIR
guidance averaged over hole
section (pers. comm. Z. Jones 11 Sept
2008)
Anchoring procedures
Mooring analysis

Management (DoIR 2006) and DoIR
guidance averaged over hole
section (pers. comm. Z. Jones 11 Sept
2008)
Chevron GU Offshore Drilling Fluid and
Cuttings EPS
Requirements for discharge of soapy SBM

tank wash, including:
Management (DoIR 2006)
Chevron GU Offshore Drilling Fluid and
Cuttings EPS
Reduce the risk of affecting

marine water quality
through routine discharges
(including soapy SBM tank
wash, sewage and
putrescibles wastes,
greywater, solid wastes,
and oily water)
Measurement Criteria
OPGGS Act (E) Regulations

MARPOL 73/78 requirements for the
disposal of sewage and putrescibles
wastes
Waste Management Plan (Chevron
Australia 2011)
ROV surveys show that size of the

cuttings piles near the wellheads are
3
<700 m each.
Cuttings discharge near the surface to
maximise dispersion
ROV footage
Retention on Cuttings Report
Volume of base SBM on cuttings <10%

by dry weight (measured and recorded
daily) averaged over each hole section
drilled
No discharge of whole SBM to sea

SBM disposal records
Discharged water to sea contains <1%

residual SBM
Discharge records
Oilwater separator records
No discharge of untreated sewage

No discharge of non-macerated
putrescibles
No discharge of galley wastes closer
than12 nm to shore
No discharge in proximity of marine
protected areas
Adherence to MARPOL 73/78 and
WMP
Waste manifest
Discharge records
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OPGGS (E) Regulations

disposal of greywater
Greywater passed through treatment

plant.
Discharge records
WMP
disposal of solid wastes
No solid waste disposed overboard

No debris found during ROV seabed
survey at program completion
ROV footage
Discharge records
Waste manifest records
MARPOL 73/78 standard for oily water

discharge
No discharge of oily (>15 ppm

hydrocarbons) bilge water
Oilwater separators maintained to
manufacturer specifications
Oilwater separator records
No collisions with marine turtles,

mammals or birds
Any collisions logged and reported to
SEWPaC
Incident reporting
Lighting minimum required to meet

safety regulations
Non-essential lights turned off
Audit reports confirming all nonessential lighting is maintained off
Sightings of cetacean and marine

turtles recorded and sent to SEWPaC.
Helicopter does not fly lower than
500 m when in the vicinity of a
cetacean
Helicopter does not hover within 500 m
radius of a cetacean
Flight plan records

Cetacean sightings records
Cetacean sightings records
SEWPaC requirements implemented

during VSP operations
VSP ceased if whales seen within
500 m of rig during procedure Section
6.3.2
Operation reviewed via HAZID/HAZOP
Flaring records

effects to marine fauna
through vessel presence

through light emissions

through noise emissions
from support vessels and
helicopters
Rig Move Plan

EPBC Regulation 8.07
APPEA Code of Environmental Practice

2008 (APPEA 2008)
EPBC Regulation 8.07

through VSP operations
Reduce the risk of effect to

air quality from flaring

SEWPaC requirements for VSP

operations as agreed with Chevron
Flaring procedures
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Reduce the risk of
impacting biodiversity and
ecological function through

the introduction of exotic
species
UNPLANNED OPERATIONS
caused by potential failure
in drilling fluid system
This EP
Use of green-type burners

Adherence to flaring procedures
Quarantine Act 1908 (Cth)

Australian Ballast Water Management
Requirements 2001
Compliance with AQIS requirements

Atwood Osprey rig subject to biofouling
inspection and hull cleaning prior to
entering Australian waters
AQIS clearance certificate

Hull cleaning report
Biofouling inspection report

Management (DoIR 2006)
No chemicals spilled at sea

No failure in drilling fluid system that
results in volumes of SBM on
discharged cuttings being >10% by dry
weight averaged over each hole section
drilled
No whole SBM discharged overboard
Daily operations report

Reduce the risk of affecting

marine water quality
through loss of drilling fluid
during transfer
from hydrocarbon loss
(through refuelling, collision
resulting in tank rupture,
flaring and loss of well
control)
Bulk Fluid Transfer Procedure
No spills of drilling fluid to sea during

transfer

Bunkering records
MOPP consistent with AMSA 1990

Rig refuelling guidelines and
procedures
No loss of hydrocarbons to sea during

refuelling

Bunkering records
Maritime standards requiring

notification of rig presence via Notice to
Mariners
Seagoing movements of vessel will
comply with maritime standards
MOPP consistent with AMSA 1990 and
the State Emergency Management
Plan for Western Australia (Westplan)
Notice to Mariners posted

No collisions or near misses with other
vessels
Approved MOPP in place and
supplemented by OSORP
Well Operations Management Plan
(WOMP)
Notice to Mariners
No collisions or near misses reported
MOPP and OSORP approval by DMP
Flaring procedures
MOPP consistent with MARPOL 73/78
and AMSA 1990
Operation reviewed via HAZID/HAZOP

Use of green-type burners
HAZID workshop minutes

Flaring monitoring records
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Objectives

offsite
Adherence to flaring procedures
MOPP consistent with MARPOL 73/78

and AMSA
Well integrity standards/best practice
DMP/Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
(Cth) requirement for blowout
preventers (BOPs)
BOP systems and procedures
Rated BOPs installed for all wells

BOP stack tested as per schedule
Approved MOPP in place and
supplemented by OSORP

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MOPP and OSORP
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Implementation
6.1
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Chevron Australias commitment to environmental excellence is documented in ABU Policy 530

(Appendix 5). This Policy guides the development and implementation of all other Operational
Excellence (OE) processes.
6.2
Environmental Management Documentation
6.2.1
Overview
Figure 1-4 in Section 1.5.3 of this Plan shows the hierarchy of environmental management
documentation within which this Plan exists. The following sections describe each level of
documentation in greater detail.
6.2.2
Chevron ABU OE Documentation
As part of the Chevron ABU, the Gorgon Gas Development is governed by the requirements of
the ABU Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS), within which a number of
Operational Excellence (OE) Processes exist. The Gorgon Gas Development will implement
internally those OE Processes (and supporting OE Procedures) that apply to the Gorgon Gas
Development activities, where they are appropriate and reasonably practicable.
The key ABU OE Processes taken into account during the development of this Plan, with a
description of the intent of each Process, are:
HES Risk Management Process (Chevron Australia 2011): Process for identifying,
assessing and managing HES, operability, efficiency and reliability risks related to the
Gorgon Gas Development
Environmental Stewardship Process (Chevron Corporation 2007): Applies during the
Operations Phase of the Gorgon Gas Development and Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline. Process
for ensuring all environmental aspects are identified, regulatory compliance is achieved,
environmental management programs are maintained, continuous improvement in
performance
is
achieved,
and
alignment
with
ISO 14001:2004
(Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand 2004) is achieved.
Hazardous Communication Process (Chevron Australia 2006a): Process for managing and
communicating chemical and physical hazards to the workforce.
Management of Change Process (Chevron Australia 2008a): Process for assessing and
managing risks stemming from permanent or temporary changes to prevent incidents.
Contractor Health, Environment and Safety Management Process (Chevron Australia
2010a): Process for defining the critical roles, responsibilities and requirements to effectively
manage contractors involved with the Gorgon Gas Development Competency Development
Process (Chevron Australia 2010b): Process for ensuring that the workforce has the skills
and knowledge to perform their jobs in an incident-free manner, and in compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
Incident Investigation and Reporting Process (Chevron Australia 2010c): Process for
reporting and investigating incidents (including near misses) to reduce or eliminate root
causes and prevent future incidents.
Emergency Management Process (Chevron Australia 2010d): Process for providing
organisational structures, management processes and tools necessary to respond to
emergencies and to prevent or mitigate emergency and/or crisis situations.
Compliance Assurance Process (Chevron Australia 2009): Process for ensuring that all HES
and OE-related legal and policy requirements are recognised, implemented and periodically
audited for compliance.
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ABU Marine Oil Pollution Plan (OE-11.01.101)

ABU Emergency Response Management Plan (OE-11.01.11)
ABU Incident Classification and Notification Requirements (OE-09.00.10)
ABU Crisis Management Plan (OE-11.01.10)
ABU Barrow Island and Offshore Activities Interface Emergency Response Plan (One Island
Plan) (OE-11.01.15)
ABU Blowout Contingency Plan (Document ID: 090500933)
6.2.3
Gorgon Gas Development Documentation
6.2.3.1
Ministerial Plans and Reports
In addition to this Plan, a number of other plans and reports have been (or will be) developed for
the Gorgon Gas Development that are required under State and/or Commonwealth Ministerial
Conditions (refer to Figure 1-4). These documents address the requirements of specific
Conditions and provide standards for environmental performance for the Gorgon Gas
Development.
6.2.3.2
Environmental Management Plans
A number of activity-specific Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) are required under

Ministerial Conditions (refer to Figure 1-4); however, other internal work scope EMPs are also
being developed to effectively manage specific work scopes for the Gorgon Gas Development.
These work scope EMPs will be developed and implemented such that any requirements
specified in higher level documents (such as this Plan) are met.
Gorgon personnel, including contractors and subcontractors, involved in a particular scope of
work for the Gorgon Gas Development are internally required to comply with the work scope
EMP associated with that work scope, where reasonably practicable.
6.2.3.3
Impact Mitigation Strategies
Impact Mitigation Strategies are aspect-based management standards that accompany the
activity-specific EMPs (refer to Figure 1-4). The Impact Mitigation Strategies document the
detailed management requirements associated with potential impacts for the Gorgon Gas
Development. Each Impact Mitigation Strategy covers a particular environmental aspect that
requires management (e.g. light, noise and vibration, atmospheric emissions, etc.).
Personnel (including contractors and subcontractors) involved in that particular scope of work
are internally required to comply with the Impact Mitigation Strategies where reasonably
practicable. The Impact Mitigation Strategies also document requirements for contractors to
develop internal work scope EMPs for the Gorgon Gas Development, which include work
procedures to mitigate their impacts (such as step-by-step procedures and work method
statements)
The drilling contractor has documentation and work procedures that comply with the Impact
Management Strategies where reasonably practicable. Documents include
Atwood Osprey Emergency Response Plan (AO-HSE-OSP-ERP-056)
Environmental Management Plan (AO-HSE-AUS-EMP-4002)
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) (OSP-HSE-PD-4011a)
Atwood Osprey Waste (Garbage) Management Plan (AO-HSE-OSP-WMP-056)
6.2.4
Project-specific Documentation
The drilling contractor (Atwood) will develop several documents for the drilling operations,
including task-specific work procedures, work method statements, and Job Safety Analyses.
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These detailed documents will specify the way activities shall be performed in a step-by-step
manner.
Drilling program-specific documents include (but are not limited to):
Incident Management Procedures (AO-HSE-PD-1026)
Diesel Fuel Oil Bunkering (Atwood Osprey Operations Manual, Section 6.3)
Fuel Oil Transfer Checklist (AO-HSE-FM-8030e)
Bunkering SBM (Atwood Osprey Operations Manual, Section 6.4)
Emergency Drills Procedure (AO-OPS-0001)
Waste Management Manual (AO-HSE-PG-4102).
6.2.5
Project-specific Plans and Procedures
Additional project-specific documents prepared by Chevron Australia include:

Exmouth Plateau/Greater Gorgon OE Plan (ABU110200627)
This Environment Plan (G1-NT-PLNX0001023)
Emergency Response Plan 201113 Gorgon Development Drilling and Completion
Program Atwood Osprey (ABU101200056)
Waste Management Plan 201113 Gorgon Development Drilling and Completion Program
Atwood Osprey (ABU101200055) (Chevron Australia 2011)
Oil Spill Operational Response Plan (OSORP) (ABU110200642)
Gorgon Well Operations Management Plan Offshore Drilling, Completion and Clean-up
20112014 (G1-PP-DLR-PRC-004).
6.3
Environmental Management Measures
This section includes environmental management measures required in respect of the matters
of National Environmental Significance (NES) listed in Appendix 2, as required by Condition 3.2
of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178.
The management measures, objectives, and performance criteria required for each aspect of
operations are summarised in Table 4-1 and Table 5-1. This section provides further detail of
the specific management measures that will be applied to key aspects of operations.
6.3.1
Rig and Vessel Wastes, Discharges and Emissions
6.3.1.1
Drilling Fluid and Cuttings
Management of the potential effects of drilling fluids will be achieved through selection of fluids
with high environmental performance, and by minimising the volumes of fluids lost to sea during
operations.
The SBM used in the drilling will have low toxicity to local species, is biodegradable under
prevailing conditions with limited bioconcentration potential, and has previously been approved
by the DMP for other drilling operations in Western Australia.
Following the installation of the BOPs and riser, drilling fluid will be circulated from the well to
the rig and recycled. There will be no discharge of whole SBM to the sea. The volume of
drilling fluid residues on the cuttings will be minimised through the use of vibrating screens and
shakers, and cuttings dryers. The shakers will be continuously monitored and cleared to avoid
blockage. A range of shaker screens will be held on the rig to allow fine tuning of mesh size
and to optimise fluid recovery rates. Cuttings from the shale shakers will be processed through
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a vertical cuttings dryer prior to discharge overboard. Residual base fluid on cuttings
discharged is not to exceed 10% of dry weight, averaged over each hole section drilled with
SBM.
Cuttings will be dispersed near the surface to maximise dispersion and reduce effects on the
benthos.
A daily log Retention on Cuttings (ROC) report is maintained to record the percentage of
base oil on cuttings discharged overboard, the calculated volumes of cuttings discharged, and
the volume of SBM lost.
6.3.1.2
Sewage, Greywater and Putrescible Galley Wastes
No sewage or putrescible wastes (food scraps) will be discharged within 12 nm of any land. All
sewage and putrescible wastes will be treated in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV
requirements prior to discharge.
Sewage and greywater will be treated in an onboard treatment plant (with valid certification as
per MARPOL 73/78) prior to discharge to the ocean. Galley wastes will pass through a kitchen
waste disposal (macerated to <25 mm) and grease interceptor, prior to discharge. Only
biodegradable detergents will be permitted on the rig.
6.3.1.3
Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Solid wastes disposal will be managed in strict accordance with the Waste Management Plan
(Chevron Australia 2011) to meet MARPOL 73/78 requirements. Wastes will be collected and
segregated using clearly marked and covered/netted skips prior to onshore disposal or
recycling. Solid wastes and sludge may be incinerated on the rig or onshore.
In accordance with MARPOL 73/78 requirements, no plastics or plastic products of any kind will
be disposed overboard. Styrofoam cups will not be permitted aboard the drilling rig and support
vessels. Wastes will be stored in designated areas, then transported to Dampier for disposal at
an approved waste disposal or recycle facility, or incinerated.
A waste manifest will be maintained on the drilling rig. The waste manifest will be incorporated
into waste tracking records at the Dampier Supplybase; this manifest will detail the quantities of
solid wastes generated aboard the drilling rig and incinerated or returned to shore for disposal
or recycling.
6.3.1.4
Oily Wastes
The Atwood Osprey has a closed deck drainage system. Drains from areas that are subject to
contamination by spillage or leakage of oily liquids, fuels, chemicals, or non-biodegradable
liquid, are piped to the contaminated drain collecting tanks areas. All drain holding tanks are
fitted with individual high- and low-level alarms linked to the Vessel Management System
(VMS).
The drill floor is fitted with a drip pan and a drain collection system of gutters, which surround all
working areas of the drill floor. An oilwater separator is used to clean up contaminated water
from the bilges or drains. The contaminated water is recycled through the oilwater separator
until the contamination level of the water in the clean drain holding tank is reduced to less than
15 ppm, when it can be discharged overboard. Extracted oil is pumped to the dirty oil tank,
where it can be pumped to the incinerator, or discharge station for offloading to a supply vessel.
6.3.2
Vertical Seismic Profiling
Walk-away VSP operations will be conducted on a maximum of two wells in accordance with
the following measures for minimising acoustic disturbance to whales, as previously agreed
between Chevron Australia and SEWPaC, based on results of computer modelling of noise
generated by a VSP source (Appendix 6).
Walk-away VSP uses the same energy source as conventional rig-based VSP, except the
energy source is suspended from the back or side of a vessel, moving away from the rig.
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Pre Start-up Visual Observations
At least 30 minutes prior to commencement of VSP operations, a visual check will be

undertaken from a high point on the rig to see if there are any whales within 3 km of the rig.
Sightings will be logged on the standard SEWPaC Whale and Dolphin Sighting and Reporting
online form. Logs will record both location and duration for each watch and (separately) details
of any sightings made. Whale watches will be continuous during VSP.
The details of all whale observations recorded in Australian waters during the drilling program
will be compiled and forwarded to SEWPaC within two months of the completion of VSP
operations.
6.3.2.2
Delay Procedures
VSP will not be commenced if a whale is observed within 3 km of the rig. Start-up of the
acoustic array will be delayed until at least 30 minutes after the last sighting of a whale moving
out of the 3 km zone.
6.3.2.3
Soft-start Procedures
Sequential increase in intensity of warning pulses over 20 minutes, initiated at the lowest
setting at the commencement of operations, will be used to deter fauna from entering the 500m
shut down zone. These pulses will also serve as a warning for other marine biota, such as
pelagic fish and marine turtles that may be in the area.
6.3.2.4
Whale Watch/Stop Procedure during VSP
Within the 3 km observation zone, a 1 km (from the acoustic source) prepare to shut down
zone will be observed. The observer will alert the VSP operator of the presence of a whale and
the possible need to shut down VSP operations if the whale moves within 500 m of the vessel.
If whales are seen within 500 m of the vessel during VSP, operations will cease immediately
and the delay procedures will be followed for recommencement of the VSP operations.
6.3.2.5
Night-time Operations
Night-time VSP will be avoided where practicable. However, if night-time commencement is

required (assuming no operations within the previous 24 hours), visual observations will be
conducted for two hours prior to sunset. If no whales are seen within the 3 km zone during this
two-hour period, operations can commence using the soft-start procedures.
6.3.3
Air Emissions
6.3.3.1
Engines
All internal combustion engines will be maintained and tuned for optimal operating efficiency in
accordance with Atwoods maintenance standards and manufacturers operating and
maintenance requirements, as required by the rig-specific Power Management Plan.
6.3.3.2
Flaring
Flaring of produced gas and associated liquid hydrocarbons during well clean-up operations will
be undertaken strictly in accordance with the relevant procedure(s), and will use green-type
burners to optimise efficiency. The potential for environmental impacts from air emissions
during flaring will be minimised by:
maximising burning efficiency through the use of interchangeable burner-head nozzles
according to required burn rates
maintaining a smoke- and fallout-free burn operation
using water screens to reduce heat emissions.
Continuous monitoring of the well flow test will be undertaken, and if at any time the flaring fails
to meet Chevron Australias test criteria, the test will be shut down.
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Quarantine and Ballast Water
The drilling contractor will ensure that the rig and support vessels are compliant with Australian
quarantine requirements. Documents that demonstrate quarantine compliance will be provided
to the relevant authorities before each vessel arrives in Australia. Management of the potential
risk of introduction of invasive marine pests into Australian waters from rig biofouling comprises
the following:
The rig and support vessels hulls will be inspected and cleaned before departing Singapore
to remove as much marine growth as practicable.
The average tow speed for the rig will be 7.5 knots. This speed is comparable to oceangoing vessels and considerably reduces the risk of marine growth re-establishing during
transit.
On arrival in Australia, the rig will be towed directly to the location in Commonwealth waters.
There is no intention for the rig to enter State waters. However, if the rig is required to enter
State waters, prior AQIS clearance would be required.
All vessels entering Australian waters for the drilling program will have to exchange ballast
water outside the Australian 12 nm limit before arriving in Australian waters, in strict accordance
with AQIS requirements and Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements 2001.
6.3.5
Onboard Storage and Handling of Chemicals
All chemicals used or stored on board the rig will be contained and managed as per
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods
(IMDG) Code standards, to prevent damage to the containers and/or leakage/spillage on to the
deck or in to the ocean. Oils and hazardous liquid materials will be stored in bunded areas, or
on bunded pallets, so that any spills or leaks can be contained and recovered. Scuppers are
also available for additional closed drain isolation, where required for chemical storage or use.
Where possible, CHARM-approved chemicals will be used.
Onboard spills will be cleaned up immediately using absorbent materials held on the rig.
Recovery chemicals and used absorbent materials will be placed in appropriately marked drums
for recycling or onshore disposal. Larger spills will be contained and processed in the closed
deck drain system, minimising the likelihood of spills reaching the ocean.
The deck drains will be closed (plugged) in areas where SBM is used, and drains and bunds on
the rig will be regularly inspected (including prior to the commencement of drilling) to ensure
their integrity.
Rig and support vessel management measures will include:
MSDSs will be held on board for all hazardous materials and all chemicals; hazardous
materials and chemicals will be handled in accordance with their MSDS.
All materials will be clearly labelled.
Segregated and contained storage areas will be used for different classes of substances.
Handling procedures will be available via the rig intranet and reviewed prior to transfer of
materials.
Specific procedures will be followed for handling, transferring, and mixing chemicals, and for
drilling fluid tank cleaning.
6.3.6
Interaction with Other Users of the Area
A 500 m exclusion zone will be established around the rig and a Notice to Mariners will be
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The location of the wells and the drilling and completion program schedule will be
communicated to commercial fishers (via AFMA and Western Australian Fishing Industry
Council [WAFIC]) and other commercial mariners (via AMSA and the port authorities) that may
operate in the area.
The rig and support vessels will display all required navigation lighting to minimise any
navigation hazard to passing vessels. All vessels will be operated by accredited seamen
maintaining 24-hour visual, radio, and radar watch for other vessels.
6.3.7
Resupply Operations
6.3.7.1
Refuelling
All refuelling operations will be conducted in strict accordance with relevant procedures; these
operations include the support vessel refuelling procedures for bunkering in port and the
Atwood Osprey procedures for refuelling the rig. Specific measures to minimise the risk of fuel
leaks or spill during refuelling at sea include:
Transfer operations are to commence in daylight and only continue into night as agreed by
Chevron Australia and Atwood. Sea conditions should be sufficiently calm, as determined by
the Master of the support vessel, in agreement with the Atwood Osprey Offshore Installation
Manager (OIM) and the Chevron Australia Lead DSM on board the drilling rig.
The Master of the vessel, OIM, and the Chevron Australia DSM must agree to refuel.
Continual radio contact is to be maintained between the support vessel and the rig during
refuelling.
Reinforced hoses with flotation collars, dry break couplings and safety breakaway couplings
are to be used.
Hoses are to undergo pressure integrity testing before transfers.
Drip trays are to be used under all onboard coupling points.
Continual visual monitoring of hoses, couplings, and the sea surface is to be undertaken
during refuelling.
Continual monitoring of fuel flow gauges/tank soundings on both the rig and support vessel is
to be undertaken.
6.3.7.2
Rig Resupply
Vessel-to-rig transfer operations required to supply drilling fluid components, or other drilling
materials, will be undertaken in strict accordance with the relevant Atwood Osprey procedures.
These procedures aim to minimise the potential for loss of material to the marine environment
during transfer and include specific requirements for the management of the bulk transfer of
materials between the rig and the supply vessel, as well as for the bulk transfer of materials on
the rig.
SBM transfer will be conducted in accordance with rig-specific SBM transfer procedures. SBM
transfer operations will be restricted to daylight hours wherever possible, but may continue into
the night with agreement between Atwood and Chevron Australia. Transfer operations will
include continuous monitoring, the use of dry break couplings, safety breakaway fittings, and
floating hoses to minimise the potential for a spill. During transfer operations, the overboard
discharge valves on the tanks containing SBM will be closed. Mud tanks containing SBM will
have the overboard dump valves locked closed. Scuppers will also be on board to minimise the
potential for a spill to the marine environment.
Continual radio contact between the support vessel and the rig will be maintained during SBM
resupply procedures.
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Well Control
In accordance with safety considerations, all legislative requirements, and DMP regulations, the
proposed wells have been planned and engineered to minimise the likelihood of loss of well
control.
The rig is fitted with a new 15 000 psi Hydril Blowout Preventer (BOP) with two 10 000 psi
annular preventers, and five 15 000 psi rams, dual control pods, triple surface control panels,
and redundant Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) supply. The BOPs, in conjunction with the casing
design, are designed to prevent any releases of drilling or formation material to the marine
environment in the event of loss of hydrostatic pressure control. In addition, the following well
control equipment will be used to provide assurance of BOP functionality and reliability to
prevent a well control incident if control from the rig is compromised or completely lost:
dual rigid hydraulic lines from the surface to the stack to provide redundancy in hydraulic
control to operate the BOP stack
a flying lead off the subsea BOP-mounted accumulator bottles for ROV-assisted BOP
operation
an ROV fitted with a hot stab and a bladder with control fluid to operate the BOP rams
a deadman system that will activate the blind shears to sever the drill pipe and seal the well,
if all electrical and hydraulic control is lost from the rig to both control pods.
Testing of the BOPs will include:
stump test of the complete stack and valves to an agreed maximum working pressure prior to
running the stack
additional testing during operations as per the agreed well control procedures.
Table 6-1 summarises the barriers (safeguards or controls) that will be implemented to minimise
the chance of a loss of well control incident occurring, or provide mitigation or recovery, in the
unlikely event a well control event does happen. All these measures are specified in the
Gorgon Well Operations Management Plan (WOMP) Offshore Drilling, Completion and Cleanup 20112014 (Doc No. G1-PP-DLR-PRC-004 Rev 1 09 Feb 2011).
Table 6-1 Well Controls and Mitigation/Recovery Measures
Engineering Controls
Blow Out Preventer (BOP)

Well control systems
Mud column
Riser analysis
Mooring analysis
Well control equipment
pressure testing (within
21 days)
Function testing (weekly)
Well design
Preventative maintenance

Administrative Controls
Well planning
Well control procedures
Well control training
Kick and pit drills
Hole monitoring
Pit volume monitoring
Flow checks
Trip tank monitoring
Shale shaker monitoring
Mud weight monitoring
Supervision
Bubble watch
Leak Off Tests (LOTs)
Riser inspection with ROV
BOP inspection with ROV
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Diverter system
Control of ignition sources
Ventilation
Emergency shut downs
Emergency Lower Marine Riser
Package (LMRP)
ROV intervention on BOP
Two ROVs on the rig
Deadman system
Reserve drilling fluid
Mud gas separator
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The fluid flow rates, bit penetration rate, and pressure parameters will be continuously
monitored during drilling, to provide for early warning and correction of potential well control
problems. Gas levels in returned fluids will be recorded via gas sensors in flowline and fluid
pits. The sensors will be continuously monitored by trained personnel and by an automated
alarm system.
6.3.9
Emergencies and Accidental Discharges
6.3.9.1
Well Emergencies or Major Fuel Spills
In an emergency incident or accidental oil spill to the ocean, Chevron Australia and Atwood will
respond in accordance with the drilling program-specific Emergency Response Bridging Plan
and OSORP, in conjunction with Chevron Australias MOPP and the rigs SOPEP and
Emergency Response Plan (ERP). These documents assign responsibilities, specify response
procedures, and identify resources available in the event of an oil spill or other incident. The
MOPP and SOPEP are subject to regular review and update to ensure they are current.
The OSORP will provide direction for immediate onsite response for the most likely spills and
detail the notification and response procedures to coordinate the control of a larger spill. The
drilling program will have access to the extensive resources of the Australian Marine Oil Spill
Centre (AMOSC). AMOSC operates Australia's major oil spill response equipment stockpile on
24-hour stand-by for rapid response anywhere around the Australian coast. Through AMOSC,
Chevron Australia will be able to mobilise the personnel and equipment necessary to combat a
major oil spill. Testing of these response procedures, detailed in Section 6.4, will be carried out
as per Regulation 14(8A) of the OPGGS (Environment) Regulations.
In the unlikely event of an uncontrolled blowout during the drilling and completion of the
development wells, the OSORP for this drilling program includes the option to immediately call
upon a backup rig operating in adjacent areas, the Atwood Eagle, which would allow for the
drilling of a relief well to commence within approximately 3 weeks of a blowout occurring.
Chevron Australia would mobilise the Atwood Eagle rig after safely securing the well it was
drilling.
Additional resources for oil spill containment are detailed in the MOPP and OSORP.
6.3.9.2
Deck Spills
Any minor spills aboard the rig or support vessels, such as engine oil and below deck spills, will
be captured (catchment lips around potential spill areas), mopped up, contained, and sent to the
mainland for onshore recycling/disposal. Spills will not be discharged to the ocean.
Spills of fluids, mud, and chemicals on the rig will be managed in accordance with Atwood
Osprey SOPEP procedures. Stocks of absorbent materials aboard the rig and support vessels
will be checked for their adequacy, and replenished as necessary prior to the commencement of
operational activities in the well drilling area.
6.4
Training and Inductions
All personnel (including contractors and subcontractors) are required to attend environmental
inductions and training relevant to their role on the Gorgon Gas Development. Training and
induction programs facilitate the understanding personnel have of their environmental
responsibilities, and increase their awareness of the management and protection measures
required to reduce potential impacts on the environment.
Chevron Australia has prepared the ABU Competency Development Process (Chevron
Australia 2010b) to deal with the identification and assessment of required competencies for
environmental roles, which it internally requires its employees, contractors, etc. to comply with.
The environmental induction will include:
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the Chevron Corporate Operational Excellence Policy 530

an outline of the material presented in this Plan
the environmental objectives for the program and the management strategies that will be
applied to achieve those objectives
a description of environmental responsibilities.
The purpose of this induction is to encourage and foster environmental responsibility among all
personnel and ensure that, prior to the commencement of operations, personnel are made fully
aware of the measures implemented to minimise the potential impact on the environment.
Personnel with responsibilities in specific environmental practices will be adequately trained to
ensure effective implementation of the Work Instructions and Procedures for which they will
have responsibilities.
Induction and training of personnel will be augmented through supervisory review and practical
drills during the drilling program.
The response arrangements in the oil spill contingency plan will be tested as per
Regulation 14(8A) of the OPGGS (Environment) Regulations. A desktop oil spill exercise will be
carried out before running the BOPs, or as soon after as is practicable, at the start of the drilling
program, and Chevron Australias Lead DSM will maintain a record of this exercise. The
purpose of this exercise is to test the initial communications response and the Western
Australian operations response. The exercise will not involve the deployment of any equipment.
The desktop exercise shall be repeated every six months after the first exercise. The logbooks
of this exercise will be kept for inclusion in the environmental close-out report to the DMP.
6.5
Responsibilities
6.5.1
Chain of Command
Chevron Australias organisation chart for the drilling program is shown in Figure 6-1.
6.5.2
Roles and Responsibilities
Environmental responsibilities for key personnel are summarised in the following sections.
6.5.2.1
Chevron Australia Drilling & Completions Drilling Manager
Assumes responsibility for resourcing and compliance with the OEMS.

Communicates Chevron Australias operating HES policies and procedures.
Commits necessary resources to facilitate an emergency response strategy in the event of
an incident.
6.5.2.2
Chevron Australia Drilling & Completions Operations Manager
Ensures overall compliance with the Environment Plan.

Ensures that the following documents are in place:
Environment Plan (EP)
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Oil Spill Operational Response Plan (OSORP).
Manages Chevron Australias emergency response strategy in the event of an environmental

incident.

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Chevron Australia Drilling Superintendent
Assumes responsibility for communication with the DMP/AMSA in the event of a reportable
incident.
Assumes responsibility for submitting recordable incident reports to the DMP.
Ensures that all relevant regulatory approvals are in place.
Maintains clear communications on environmental requirements and responsibilities between
the Perth office, Chevron Rig Lead DSM, and the workforce.
Ensures that Atwoods policies, procedures and operations are consistent with:
Chevron Australias Operational Excellence Policy 530
the Environment Plan
relevant environmental legislative requirements or regulatory conditions.
Reviews results of HES audits undertaken on the rig, and is responsible for ensuring any rigbased corrective actions are actioned and closed.
Assumes responsibility for the submission of an annual report to the DMP detailing
compliance and performance in accordance with Regulation 15B of the OPGGS (E)
Regulations.
Ensures that the close-out report is prepared for DMP at the end of the drilling program.
6.5.2.4
Atwood Osprey Operations Manager
Ensures that the following documents are in place:
Atwood Osprey Emergency Procedures Manual
Waste Management Plan
Atwood Osprey Fuel/SBM Transfer Procedures
Bulk Fluid Transfer Procedure.
Ensures that the drilling operations are consistent with:
6.5.2.5
Chevron Australia Drilling & Completions HES Manager
Ensures that all drilling operations comply with legislative environmental requirements.
Ensures that drilling operations comply with the Environmental Plan.
Ensures that drilling operations comply with Chevron Australias Operational Excellence
Policy 530.
6.5.2.6
Chevron Australia Lead Drill Site Manager (DSM)
Works with the Atwood Osprey OIM to ensure that drilling operations are consistent with:
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Ensures that the Atwood Osprey environmental procedures and emergency response
procedures are in place and are communicated to, and understood by, all operations
personnel.
Ensures the environmental audits against the criteria of this Environment Plan are conducted
and communicates the results to the Chevron Australia Drilling Superintendent.
Ensures that records of the desktop oil spill exercise, daily logs, environmental incidents,
waste inventory, and whale sightings are maintained and submitted to Regulatory Authorities
where required.
6.5.2.7
Chevron Australia Materials and Logistics Coordinator
Records material inventory and waste inventory, and forwards to the Chevron Dampier
Shorebase.
Forwards waste inventory and relevant reports to the Chevron Australia Lead DSM for
inclusion in the close-out report.
Ensures all wastes are disposed of in accordance with the Waste Management Plan
(Chevron Australia 2011).
Liaises with Rig Deck Supervisor when the waste bins are full.
6.5.2.8
Chevron Australia HES Advisor
Prepares daily HES reports, whale sightings, and incident reports.

Carries out environmental duties in accordance with the Environment Plan as directed by the
Chevron Australia Lead DSM.
Incorporates environmental responsibilities and awareness for this Environment Plan in rig
inductions.
6.5.2.9
Atwood Osprey Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
Works with the Chevron Australia Lead DSM to ensure that drilling operations are consistent
with:
Communicates operating policy and procedures to all rig-based personnel and ensures their
compliance.
Develops task-specific procedures or work instructions for environmental compliance, where
required.
Ensures that emergency response procedures are communicated to, and understood by, all
operations personnel.
Coordinates the environmental education and induction of the drilling workforce, including
communicating the project hazards and risks and the importance of following good work
practices.
Reports incidents immediately to the Chevron Australia Lead DSM.
Provides daily log reports and incident reports to the Chevron Australia Lead DSM.
6.5.2.10
Atwood Osprey Barge Engineer
Ensures that fuel oil, SBM and Base Oil transfers are undertaken in accordance with written
Atwood Osprey procedures.
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Ensures that waste is managed on the rig in accordance with the Atwood Osprey Waste
Management Plan (Chevron Australia 2011) and Waste Management
ProceduresDrilling Workforce
Follows all written operating procedures and good environmental stewardship.
Follows good housekeeping procedures and work practices.
Encourages improvement wherever possible.
Immediately reports any environmental incidents to the Atwood Osprey OIM.
6.5.2.11
Vessel Masters
Ensures marine operations comply with all relevant environmental legislative requirements
(e.g. AQIS, MARPOL 73/78, AMSA), including those relating to quarantine, navigation and
waste management.
Ensures that environmental requirements for the program, including this Environment Plan,
are understood and implemented by the crew, including marine fauna watches and
separation distances.
Ensures strict adherence to procedures during transfer operations, including refuelling,
drilling fluid resupply, and bulk materials transfers.
Communicates to the crew hazards and risks, responsibilities for environmental
management, and the importance of following good working practices.
Maintains the vessel in a state of preparedness for an emergency response.
Reports any environmental incidents to the Atwood Osprey OIM and Chevron Australia Lead
DSM, and ensures that follow-up actions are implemented.
6.5.2.12
Chevron Australia Dampier Shorebase
Receives waste from the rig in the Dampier yard and contacts the contractor for pick-up and
appropriate disposal.
Maintains records to track waste from the rig to recycle/disposal.
6.6
Maintenance of Emergency Response and Marine Oil Pollution

Plan
In an emergency incident or accidental oil spill to the ocean, Chevron Australia and Atwood will
respond in accordance with the project-specific Emergency Response Bridging Plan and
OSORP, which integrates with Chevron Australias MOPP and the rigs SOPEP and ERP.
These documents will be revised by Chevron Australia if and when there are any major changes
to well operations. Response arrangements will be tested on an (at least) 12-monthly basis
during the drilling program.
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Chevron Australia.
2011-13 Drilling Campaign Organisation
Atwood Osprey
Roy Krzywosinski
Managing Director
Chevron Australasia
(Perth)
Dave Payne
Corporate VP
Drilling & Completions
(Houston)
Gerry Flaherty
GM Asset Dev
Gerry Flaherty
Gen Mgr Asset
Development
Kent Springer
Drilling Manager
Matt Duke
Res Management
Service Mgr
Roger Bartlett
Gorgon Subsurface
Manager
Colin Beverley
D&C HES
Manager
AJ Ross
Operations
Manager
Bob Warman
D&C Eng Manager
John Connor
Drilling Supt
Graeme Beacher
G&G Ops Execution
Team Leader
Ben Sloan
Gorgon Field Team
Leader
John Meath
Operations
Geologist
Geologists
Steve Ovens
HES Specialist
Tom Jobin/John
Buchan
Snr Drilling Engs.
Matt Postage
HES Advisor
Larry Punchard / Roger Moore

Senior Drill Site Managers
Reservoir
Engineers
Wellsite
Geologists
Geophysicists
HSE Advisors
Gorgon Development
DSMs and Drilling

Representatives
Materials & Logistics

Coordinators
Wellsite Team
Figure 6-1 Gorgon Gas Development Drilling Organisation Chart

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7.0
Auditing, Reporting and Review
7.1
Auditing
7.1.1
Internal Auditing
Chevron Australia has prepared the internal ABU Compliance Assurance Process (Chevron
Australia 2009) to manage compliance, and which it internally requires its employees,
contractors, etc to comply with. This Process will also be applied to assess compliance of the
Gorgon Gas Development against the requirements of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and
2008/4178 where this is appropriate and reasonably practicable.
An internal Audit Schedule has been developed and will be maintained for the Gorgon Gas
Development (with input from the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management
[EPCM] Contractors) that includes audits of the Developments environmental performance and
compliance with the Ministerial Conditions. A record of all internal audits and the audit
outcomes is maintained. Actions arising from internal audits are tracked until their close-out.
Under EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178, Condition 24 also requires that the person
taking the action must maintain accurate records of activities associated with or relevant to the
Conditions of approval and make them available on request by SEWPaC. Such documents
may be subject to audit by SEWPaC and used to verify compliance with the Conditions of
approval. Any document that is required to be implemented under this Plan will be made
available to the relevant SEWPaC auditor.
In addition, an environmental/HES audit of the rig is scheduled upon its arrival in Australia. The
Chevron Australia Lead DSM will be responsible to ensure that an environmental audit is
conducted on the rig at least every six months. The results of audits will be forwarded to the
Chevron Australia Drilling Superintendent and remedial actions that are identified in the
assessment will be carried out immediately.
Chevron will undertake a review of environmental performance, including the results of the
audits, upon completion of the drilling program; this review will include:
review of environmental performance
review of the Environment Plan.
The results of the review and any recommended modifications to procedures will be
incorporated into future Environment Plans for similar operations. The Chevron Australia Lead
DSM will include the outcomes of the review in the close-out report to the DMP.
7.1.2
External Auditing
Audits and/or inspections undertaken by external regulators will be facilitated via the Gorgon
Gas Developments Regulatory Approvals and Compliance Team. The findings of external
regulatory audits will be recorded and actions and/or recommendations will be addressed and
tracked. Chevron Australia may also undertake independent external auditing during the
Gorgon Gas Development.
Under EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178, Condition 23 also requires that upon the
direction of the Minister, the person taking the action must ensure that an independent audit of
compliance with the Conditions of approval is conducted and a report submitted to the Minister.
The independent auditor must be approved by the Minister prior to the commencement of the
audit. Audit criteria must be agreed to by the Minister and the audit report must address the
criteria to the satisfaction of the Minister.
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7.2
Reporting
7.2.1
Compliance Reporting
Environment Plan:
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Condition 2 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 requires Chevron Australia to

submit a Compliance Assessment Report annually to address the previous 12-month period. A
compliance reporting table is provided in Appendix 5 to assist with auditing for compliance with
this Plan for EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178.
7.2.2
Environmental Performance Reporting
Condition 4 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178 requires that Chevron Australia
submits an Environmental Performance Report to the Commonwealth SEWPaC on an annual
basis, for the previous 12-month period.
In addition, under Condition 4.2 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178, every five
years from the date of the first annual Report, Chevron Australia shall submit to the
Commonwealth Minister for the Environment an Environmental Performance Report covering
the previous five-year period.
Specific details on the content of the Environmental Performance Report are provided in
Schedule 3 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178.
7.2.3
Routine Internal Reporting
The Atwood Osprey OIM will provide a written daily report to the Chevron Australia Lead DSM,
including details of any incidents, all relevant technical and operational data, a list of all
personnel on board the rig, operational and stand-by activities to the nearest 30 minutes, repair
time due to breakdown, and other non-operational activities.
The Chevron Australia Lead DSM, based on the rig, will record a daily log of activities and any
environmental (and safety) incidents. The Materials and Logistics Coordinator will maintain a
record of all waste oils and chemicals and any other waste materials removed from the rig.
During drilling, drilling fluid use will be continuously monitored and recorded for each 24-hour
period.
7.2.4
Monitoring and Audit
An annual report detailing environmental performance and compliance will be submitted to the
DMP, in accordance with Regulation 15B of the OPGGS (E) Regulations.
All cetacean sightings will be recorded using the online database available from the SEWPaC
Whale and Dolphin Sighting web page (http://data.aad.gov.au/aadc/whales/report_sighting.cfm).
All sightings reports will be added to the National Sightings and Strandings database
(http://data.aad.gov.au/aadc/whales/).
A report detailing any whale sightings during the program, particularly during VSP, will be
compiled by the Chevron Australia Lead DSM and submitted to SEWPaC within two months of
the completion of each well. This report shall include a summary of drilling operations, whale
observations, and details of any operational responses as a result of a whale encounter. The
report on the conduct of the drilling operations will be sent to:
Director
Ports and Marine Section
Approvals and Wildlife Division
Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Or emailed to:
post.approvals@environment.gov.au

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Following the completion of the wells, the Chevron Australia Lead DSM will submit a close-out
report to the DMP, summarising the overall environmental performance of the drilling program,
along with any recommended changes to future Environment Plans for subsequent drilling
programs in the permit area.
7.2.5
Incident Response and Reporting
Chevron Australia has prepared the ABU Emergency Management Process (Chevron Australia
2010d) and Incident Investigation and Reporting Process (Chevron Australia 2010c), which it
internally requires its employees, contractors, etc., to follow in the event of environmental
incidents. These processes are applied internally to environmental incidents identified in this
Plan, where this is appropriate and reasonably practicable.
The environmental incidents, reporting requirements and timing specific to this Plan are
provided in Table 7-1.
Note that under Condition 3.2.7 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178, reports will be
made in respect of significant impacts detected by the monitoring programs under this Plan,
whether or not the impact is caused by the Gorgon Gas Development.
Table 7-1 Incident Reporting Requirements
Incident
Reporting to
Timing
Unplanned impacts detected

by the monitoring program for
matters of National
Environmental Significance
during an activity
SEWPaC
Within 48 hours of detection
DMP:
petroleum.environment@dmp.wa.gov.au
Duty officer: 0419 960 621
Harm or mortality to EPBC Act

Listed Fauna
SEWPaC:
protected.species@environment.gov.au
Notified no later than two

hours after occurrence;
written report submitted
within three days of
occurrence
Within 24 hours of detection
DMP:
Reportable Incidents (refer to
Section 7.2.6)
DMP:
Recordable Incidents (refer to

Section 7.2.7)
DMP:
Case officer
SBM or hydrocarbon spill

>80 L
SEWPaC:
post.approvals@environment.gov.au
An uncontrollable escape or
ignition of petroleum or any
other flammable or
combustible material causing a
potentially hazardous situation
Any discharge or probable
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DMP:
Duty officer: 0419 960 621.
DMP:
AMSA:

occurrence
occurrence
Written report submitted no
th
later than the 15 of the
following calendar month
Within 2 hours
As soon as practicable
Within 24 hours
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Incident
discharge in excess of
MARPOL 73/78 discharge
rates
Any spills greater than ten
tonnes in Commonwealth
waters
7.2.6
Reporting to
Timing
1800 641 792 or +61 2 6230 6811
AMSA
(via Australian Search and Rescue
[AusSAR]) through the national 24-hour
emergency notification.
Within 1 hour
Reportable Incidents
The DMP will be notified of all reportable incidents, in accordance with Regulation 26 of the
OPGGS (E) Regulations. Under these regulations, a reportable incident is defined as an
incident relating to the activity that has caused, or has the potential to cause, moderate to
significant environmental damage, as categorised by the risk assessment process undertaken
as part of the preparation of this Environment Plan.
The DMP, through its Duty Officer, will be notified of reportable incidents no later than two hours
after occurrence. A formal written report will be submitted within three days of the incident
occurring. The report will contain all material facts and circumstances concerning the reportable
incident, actions taken to avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts, and corrective action taken.
This report will be forwarded to the relevant case officer in the Petroleum and Environment
Group at DMP and copied to:
petroleum.environment@dmp.wa.gov.au.
Under the EPBC Act, in the event a cetacean, Threatened, or Migratory species is injured or
killed as a result of the drilling operations, the Secretary (as detailed below) must be notified
within seven days, either by writing, by telephone, or by email. The notification must include the
time, place, circumstances, species affected, and the consequences of the action (Division 7.3
of the EPBC Act Regulations).
Notifications should be sent to:
The Secretary
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
John Gorton Building
King Edward Terrace
PARKES ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6274 1111
Fax: +61 2 6274 1666
Email: protected.species@environment.gov.au
7.2.6.1
Breach of Quarantine Procedures
Any breach in the quarantine regulations, including exchange of ballast water within the 12 nm
limit or failure to comply with AQIS requirements, will be reported to AQIS and to the DMP at the
above details.
7.2.6.2
Accidental SBM Spill
Any significant accidental release (>80 L) of SBM to the marine environment as a result of the
drilling operations (vessel movement resulting in collision, loss during transfer, or displacement)
shall be deemed a reportable incident and reported to the DMP at the above details.

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Accidental Hydrocarbon Spill
Any significant accidental release (>80 L) of hydrocarbons to the marine environment shall be
deemed a reportable incident and reported to the DMP at the above details.
7.2.7
Recordable Incidents
The DMP will be notified of all recordable incidents, in accordance with Regulation 26B of the
OPGGS (E) Regulations. A recordable incident is defined as an incident arising from the
activity that breaches a performance objective or standard in the Environment Plan that applies
to the activity and is not a reportable incident. Performance objectives and standards for the
program are detailed in Table 5-1.
Specifically the following are considered recordable incidents:
failure of a vessels greywater or sewage disposal system to allow adherence to
MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV
failure to manage putrescible waste in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV
failure to adhere to the vessels Waste Management Procedure, as per MARPOL 73/78
Annex V
failure of oilwater separator to adhere to MARPOL 73/78 Annex I
complaint about drilling operations from other users
spill of chemicals (<80 L) to sea
failure to comply with AQIS requirements
an escape or discharge into the sea of a mixture of petroleum and water in which the
petroleum concentration was greater than 15 mg/L (15 ppm)
any non-compliance with conditions for VSP operations, as agreed between Chevron
Australia and SEWPaC, based on computer modelling results for VSP (Appendix 6)
Chevron Australia will submit a written report to the DMP of all recordable incidents that
occurred in a calendar month, no later than 15 days after the end of that calendar month. The
report will contain a record of all incidents that occurred during that month, all material facts and
circumstances known about the incidents, and the corrective actions taken or proposed to be
taken to prevent similar recordable incidents. Reportable incidents will not be included in these
reports.
7.2.8
Record Keeping
For a period of five years, Chevron Australia will store and maintain accurate records including,
but not limited to, the following items:
internal environmental performance monitoring
records of routine and non-routine emissions and discharges to the environment
reportable and recordable incidents
records of calibration and maintenance of monitoring devices used
induction records
waste records
hazardous goods manifests
bunkering records
bilge and ballasting records
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non-compliances and corrective action records

internal audits and inspection records
any records included as part of reporting information.
Chevron Australia will make these records available to regulatory authorities upon written
request.
7.3
Review of this Plan
Chevron Australia is committed to conducting activities in an environmentally responsible

manner and aims to implement best practice environmental management as part of a program
of continuous improvement. This commitment to continuous improvement means Chevron
Australia will review this Plan after one year, and then approximately every year thereafter, or as
required (e.g. in response to new information).
Reviews will address matters such as the overall design and effectiveness of the Plan, progress
in environmental performance, changes in environmental risks, changes in business conditions,
and any relevant emerging environmental issues.
If the Plan no longer meets the aims, objectives or requirements of the Plan, if works are not
appropriately covered by the Plan, or measures are identified to improve the Plan, Chevron
Australia may submit an amendment or addendum to the Plan to the Minister for approval. Any
changes to this plan will also need to be approved by the DMP.
If Chevron Australia wishes to carry out an activity otherwise than in accordance with the Plan,
Chevron Australia will update the Plan and submit it for approval by the Minister in accordance
with Condition 25 of EPBC Reference: 2003/1294 and 2008/4178. The Commonwealth Minister
may also direct Chevron Australia to revise the Plan under Condition 26 of EPBC Reference:
2003/1294 and 2008/4178.

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Mobil Australia. 2006. Referral of Proposed Action Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline. [Referral under
EPBC Act to Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts]. 17 June 2005,
Mollet, H.F., Cliff, G., Pratt, Jr., H.L. and Stevens, J.D. 2000. Reproductive Biology of the female
shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1820, with comments on the embryonic
development of lamnoids. Fishery Bulletin. 98: 299318.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 1992. OECD Guideline for Testing
of Chemicals, Section 3: Degradation and Accumulation. OECD Publishing, 17 July 1992.
Pearce, A., Buchan, S., Chiffings, T., DAdamo, N., Fandry, C., Fearns, P., Mills, D., Phillips, R.,
and Simpson, C. 2003. A review of the oceanography of the Dampier Archipelago, Western
Australia. In: Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I. and Jones, D.S. (eds.). Proceedings of the Eleventh
International Marine Biological Workshop: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western
Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth, Western Australia.
Pendoley, K.L. 2005. Sea turtles and the environmental management of industrial activities in
north-west Western Australia. PhD Thesis, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia
Perrin, W.F. and Brownell, Jr., R.L. 2002. Minke Whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata and B.
bonaerensis. In: Perrin W.F., Wrsig B. & H.G.M. Thewissen, eds. Encyclopedia of Marine
Mammals. Academic Press. 750754.
Reeves, R.R., Stewart, B.S., Clapham, P.J. and Powell, J.A. 2002. National Audubon Society
Guide to Marine Mammals of the World. (National Audubon Society Field Guide Series).
Knopf, New York.
Richardson, W.J., Greene, C.R., Malme, C.I. and Thomson, D.H. 1995. Marine Mammals and
Noise. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, USA.
RPS. 2009. ROV Survey of Proposed Feed Gas Pipeline: Gorgon. Unpublished report prepared
for Chevron Australia. Perth, Western Australia.
RPS. 2010. Technical Appendix: Marine Turtles. Wheatstone Project EIS/ERMP. Chevron
Australia, Perth, Western Australia
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. 1998. AS/NZS 3931:1998 Risk Analysis of
Technological Systems Application Guide. Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand,
Sydney/Wellington.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. 2004. ISO 14001:2004 Environmental
Management Systems Requirements with Guidance for Use. Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand, Sydney/Wellington.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. 2004a. ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, Sydney/Wellington.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. 2006. HB 203:2006 Environmental Risk
Management Principles and Process. Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand,
Sydney/Wellington.
Swan, J.M., Neff, J.M. and Young, P.C. (eds). 1994. Environmental Implications of Offshore Oil
and Gas Development in Australia The Findings of an Independent Scientific Review.
Australian Petroleum Exploration Association, Sydney.
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Thatcher, M., Robson, M., Henriquez, L.R., Karman, C.C. and Payne, G. 2004. A User Guide
for the Evaluation of Chemicals Used and Discharged Offshore. A CHARM Implementation
Network Revised CHARM III Report. Needs more publication details
Turnpenny, A.W.H. and Nedwell, J.R. 1994. The effects on marine fish, diving mammals and
birds of underwater sound generated by seismic surveys. Fawley Aquatic Research
Laboratories Consultancy Report. No. FCR 089/94. Report prepared for United Kingdom
Offshore Operators Association.
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. 2010. CAP 437: Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas
Guidance on Standards. UK Civil Aviation Authority, West Sussex.
Wilson, S.G., Polovina, J.J., Stewart, B.S. and Meekan, M.G. 2006. Movements of whale sharks
(Rhincodon typus) tagged at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Marine Biology. 148:11571166.

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Identification of Marine Matters of National

Environmental Significance
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Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline:
Appendix: Identification of Marine Matters of
National Environmental Significance (NES) and
their Habitat
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Appendix: Identification of Marine Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) and their Habitat
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Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (Cth) Listed Species ................ 4
1.1
Threatened and Migratory Marine Mammals and Habitat ........................................................ 7
1.2
Threatened and Migratory Marine Reptiles and Habitat ........................................................... 8
1.3
Threatened and Migratory Fish and Habitat ............................................................................. 9
1.4
Threatened and Migratory Marine Avifauna and Habitat .......................................................... 9
Marine Matters of National Environmental Significance Risk Assessment ........................... 11

2.1
Overview ................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2
Methodology............................................................................................................................ 11
2.3
Risk Assessment Outcomes ................................................................................................... 12
2.4
Material or Serious Environmental Harm to Marine Matters of National Environmental

Significance ............................................................................................................................. 16
2.4.1
Overview .................................................................................................................. 16
2.4.2
Material or Serious Environmental Harm Impacts to Threatened and Migratory

Marine Mammals ..................................................................................................... 17
2.4.3
Material or Serious Environmental Harm to Threatened and Migratory Marine

Turtles ...................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.4
Material or Serious Environmental Harm to Threatened and Migratory Marine

Avifauna ................................................................................................................... 19
References ....................................................................................................................................... 20
List of Tables
Table 1.1 EPBC Act Listed Threatened Fauna Species and Listed Migratory Species that may
occur in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities, Barrow Island .................................................... 4
Table 2.1 Risk Assessments Relevant to this Appendix ........................................................................... 11
Table 2.2 Medium and High Risks to Threatened and Migratory Species from the Construction and
Operation of the Marine Facilities......................................................................................... 13
Table 2.3 Significant Impact Criteria ......................................................................................................... 16

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Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

(Cth) Listed Species
A number of marine species that occur in Barrow Island waters in the vicinity of the Marine
Facilities of the Gorgon Gas Development and Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline are protected under
the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Cth). EPBC
Act listed species were identified in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental
Review and Management Programme (EIS/ERMP) (Chevron Australia 2005) and were
reviewed during the preparation of the Public Environmental Review (PER) (Chevron Australia
2008) for the Revised and Expanded Gorgon Gas Development. The marine species identified
to date fall within a number of different protection categories under the EPBC Act; however, only
those listed as threatened fauna species or listed as migratory species are identified in this
Appendix. The threatened species categories are stated in section 179 of the EPBC Act as
being:
Extinct
Extinct in the wild
Critically endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Conservation dependent.
There are 81 marine species that may occur in the waters surrounding the Gorgon Gas
Development and Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline Marine Facilities on the east and west coasts of
Barrow Island and are listed under the EPBC Act as either threatened and/or migratory species.
The 81 protected species include nine species of marine mammals, six species of marine
reptiles, three species of fish and 63 species of birds. These species have been identified via a
review of journal articles, survey reports, the Draft EIS/ERMP, the PER and searches of the
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHAs) Current List of
Threatened Fauna Species and Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) database
(Chevron Australia 2005, 2008; DEWHA 2009, 2010).
The EPBC Act listed threatened fauna species and listed migratory species that may occur
within the vicinity of the Marine Facilities are listed in Table 1.1 and described in Section 1.2
(marine mammals), Section 1.3 (marine reptiles), Section 1.4 (fish) and Section 1.5 (avifauna).
Section 2.0 describes the risk assessment process used to determine which listed threatened
fauna species and listed migratory species and their habitat, are at risk of Material or Serious
Environmental Harm from construction and operation of the Marine Facilities.
Table 1.1 EPBC Act Listed Threatened Fauna Species and Listed Migratory Species that
may occur in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities, Barrow Island
Species
Scientific Name
EPBC Act (Cth) Status
Marine Mammals
Humpback Whale
Blue Whale
Brydes Whale
Killer Whale
Dusky Dolphin
Irrawaddy Dolphin
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
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Balaenoptera edeni
Orcinus orca
Lagenorhynchus obscurus
Orcaella heinsohni
Sousa chinensis
Tursiops aduncus
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Vulnerable, Migratory
Endangered, Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
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Scientific Name
Species
Dugong

Dugong dugon
Migratory
Lepidochelys olivacea
Caretta caretta
Natator depressus
Chelonia mydas
Rhincodon typus
Carcharodon carcharias
Carcharias taurus
Vulnerable
Marine Reptiles
Olive Ridley Turtle
Loggerhead Turtle
Leatherback Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle
Flatback Turtle
Green Turtle
Fish
Whale Shark
Great White Shark
Grey Nurse Shark
Marine Avifauna
Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans)
Black Swan
Australian Wood Duck
Grey Teal
Procellariidae (shearwaters)
Cygnus atratus
Chenonetta jubata
Anas gibberifrons
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Diomedeidae (albatrosses)
Puffinus pacificus
Migratory
Yellow-nosed Albatross
Hydrobatidae (storm-petrels)
Diomedea chlororhynchos
Migratory
Wilsons Storm Petrel

Sulidae (gannets and boobies)
Oceanites oceanicus
Migratory
Masked Booby
Brown Booby
Fregatidae
Sula dactylatra
Sula leucogaster
Migratory
Migratory
Lesser Frigatebird
Ardeidae (herons and egrets)
Fregata ariel
Migratory
Ardea (Egretta) sacra

Eastern Reef Egret
Ardea (Egretta) alba
Great Egret
Accipitridae (kites, hawks and eagles)
Migratory
Migratory
Osprey
Black-shouldered Kite
Square-tailed Kite
Black-breasted Buzzard
Whistling Kite
Brahminy Kite
White-bellied Sea-eagle
Spotted Harrier
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Falconidae (falcons)
Pandion haliaetus
Elanus notatus
Lophoictinia isura
Hamirostra melanosternon
Haliastur sphenurus
Haliastur indus
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Circus assimilis
Aquila audax
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Brown Falcon
Australian Hobby
Nankeen Kestrel
Falco berigora
Falco longipennis
Falco cenchroides
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory

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Species
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Scolopacidae (sandpipers)
Limosa limosa
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica
Bar-tailed Godwit
Numenius minutus
Little Curlew
Numenius phaeopus
Whimbrel
Numenius madagascariensis
Eastern Curlew
Tringa stagnatalis
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa nebularia
Common Greenshank
Tringa glareola
Wood Sandpiper
Xenus cinerea (Tringa terek )
Terek Sandpiper
Tringa hypoleucos
Common Sandpiper
Tringa brevipes
Grey-tailed Tattler
Arenaria interpres
Ruddy Turnstone
Calidris tenuirostris
Great Knot
Calidris canutus
Red Knot
Calidris alba
Sanderling
Calidris ruficollis
Red-necked Stint
Calidris acuminata
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
Curlew Sandpiper
Recurvirostridae (stilts and avocets)
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Himantopus himantopus
Black-winged Stilt
Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Banded Stilt
Charadriidae (lapwings and plovers)
Migratory
Migratory
Pacific Golden Plover

Grey Plover
Red-capped Plover
Lesser Sand Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Oriental Plover
Glareolidae (waders)
Oriental Pratincole
Laridae (gulls and terns)
Pluvialis fulva
Pluvialis squatarola
Charadrius ruficapillus
Charadrius mongolus
Charadrius leschenaultia
Charadrius veredus
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Glareola maldivarum
Migratory
Lesser Crested Tern

Roseate Tern
Common Tern
Little Tern
Bridled Tern
Caspian Tern
White-winged Black Tern
Sternidae (terns)
Australian Lesser Noddy
Cuculidae (cuckoos)
Sterna bengalensis
Sterna dougallii
Sterna hirundo
Sterna albifrons
Sterna anaethetus
Sterna caspia
Chlidonias leucoptera
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Migratory
Anous tenuirostris melanops
Vulnerable
Oriental Cuckoo
Strigidae (hawk-owls)
Cuculus saturatus
Migratory
Southern Boobook Owl

Apodidae (swifts)
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Migratory
Fork-tailed Swift
White-throated Needletail
Apus pacificus
Hirundapus caudacutus
Migratory
Migratory
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Scientific Name
Species
Motacillidae (pipits and true wagtails)

Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flava
Migratory
Sources: Chevron Australia (2005), DEWHA (2009, 2010).
1.1
Threatened and Migratory Marine Mammals and Habitat
The Pilbara region supports migratory, transient and resident marine mammals such as whales,
dolphins and dugong (Chevron Australia 2005). There are nine species of marine mammals
that are listed as threatened fauna species and/or migratory species under the EPBC Act and
under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) (Bonn Convention) that are likely to be found
in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities (Table 1.1). These are the Humpback Whale (Megaptera
novaeangliae), Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Brydes Whale (Balaenoptera edeni),
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca), Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscures), Irrawaddy Dolphin
(Orcaella heinsohni), Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis), Spotted Bottlenose
Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) (the Arafura/Timor Sea populations only) and Dugong (Dugong
dugon). All of these species are listed as migratory species (Table 1.1), with the exception of
the Blue Whale, which is also listed as Endangered, and the Humpback Whale, which is also
listed as Vulnerable.
The regional distribution of many whale species is not well understood and while many species
may occur in the Pilbara region, most are likely to be transient (Chevron Australia 2005). The
Blue Whale and the Brydes Whale are generally more abundant in deeper waters and are
expected to be rare visitors to the shallow, inshore waters in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities
on the east or west coasts of Barrow Island (Chevron Australia 2005). Humpback Whales are
regular visitors moving through Barrow Island waters between June and October on their annual
migration between their feeding grounds in Antarctic waters and their calving grounds in Pilbara
and Kimberley waters (Chevron Australia 2005). Humpback Whales are more common in
waters on the west coast of Barrow Island but do visit the east coast of the Island (Chevron
Australia 2005).
Dolphins may occasionally visit the subtidal marine areas associated with the Marine Facilities
(Chevron Australia 2005). Similar to whales, the regional distribution of most dolphin species is
poorly known and while many species may occur in the Pilbara region, most are likely to be
transient (Chevron Australia 2005). In Australia, Killer Whales are generally most often seen in
relatively deeper waters along the continental slope and on the continental shelf, particularly
near seal colonies (DEWHA 2010). Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins have resident populations
within the shallow waters of the inner Rowley Shelf, including Barrow Island (Chevron Australia
2005). Irrawaddy Dolphins mainly occur in shallow coastal or estuarine waters (Beasley et al.
2002), which suggest they are more likely to occur in the waters between the east coast of
Barrow Island and the mainland, rather than in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities on the west
coast of Barrow Island. Dusky Dolphins are not well surveyed in Australian waters and are
known from only 13 reports since 1828, with two sightings in the early 1980s (DEWHA 2009a).
The Dusky Dolphin occurs mostly in temperate and sub-Antarctic waters, primarily inhabiting
inshore waters (Ross 2006). As their distribution in Australia is uncertain, they may occur in the
vicinity of the Marine Facilities during construction and operation of the Gorgon Gas
Development, although this is considered unlikely. The Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin inhabits
warmer coastal areas, in waters less than 10 m (Bannister et al. 1996). The populations of
Spotted Bottlenose Dolphins in the Arafura/Timor Sea are listed in Appendix II of the Bonn
Convention. Since the Arafura/Timor Sea populations are listed as migratory and their
distribution is thought to extend as far south as Exmouth, they may occur in Barrow Island
waters.
Dugongs occur throughout the shallow waters between the Pilbara offshore islands and the
mainland (Chevron Australia 2005). Dugongs are generally associated with shallow seagrass
meadows on which they feed and have been observed in the shallow waters over the Barrow
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Shoals, along the east coast of Barrow Island and over the Lowendal Shelf (Chevron Australia
2005). They are likely to be occasional visitors to any area of subtidal seagrass in the vicinity of
the Gorgon Gas Development Marine Facilities (Chevron Australia 2005).
1.2
Threatened and Migratory Marine Reptiles and Habitat
Six species of marine turtle occur in Western Australian waters, all of which are listed as
threatened and migratory species under the EPBC Act (Table 1.1). These are the Green Turtle
(Chelonia mydas), Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys
olivacea), Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Of these species, only Flatback Turtles, Green
Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles have been recorded in Barrow Island waters and on Barrow Island
beaches (Chevron Australia 2009). Barrow Island is a regionally important nesting area for
Green Turtles and Flatback Turtles, whilst Hawksbill Turtles nest at low densities around the
Island (Chevron Australia 2005).
Flatback Turtles nest only in northern Australia and the rookeries at Mundabullangana Station,
Barrow Island, Lacepede Islands, Dampier Archipelago, Port Hedland, the Montebello Islands
and the Lowendal Islands are considered regionally important (Chevron Australia 2005). The
annual mean reproductive population of Flatback Turtles tagged nesting at Barrow Island is
currently estimated to be 1397 (Pendoley Environmental 2009), which is comparable to the
rookery at Mundabullangana on the Western Australian mainland, which is estimated to be
1700 (Pendoley et al. 2008) and is smaller than the rookery at Cape Domett in far north-western
Australia, which supports approximately 3250 nesting females per year (Whiting et al. 2008).
Flatback Turtle nesting on Barrow Island is concentrated on the mid-east coast on deep sandy,
low sloped beaches with wide shallow intertidal zones (Pendoley 2005). The highest average
number of tracks per night occurs on Mushroom Beach, approximately 2 km from Town Point
(Chevron Australia 2009). The majority of nesting on these beaches occurs between November
and February (Pendoley 2005).
Flatback Turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests six to eight weeks after eggs are laid and are
present on the beaches and in the waters around the nesting beaches between December and
April (Chevron Australia 2008). Little is known about the behaviour of Flatback Turtle hatchlings
after they leave their natal beaches (Chevron Australia 2009); however, it is known that they
grow to maturity in shallow coastal waters close to their natal beaches, remaining within the
continental shelf waters (Musick and Limpus 1996). Flatback Turtles are carnivorous and
forage primarily on soft-bodied invertebrates such as soft corals, sea pens and holothurians
The north-western Australian population of Green Turtles is considered regionally important due
to high predation pressures on nesting and internesting turtles in other parts of the Indo-Pacific
region (Chevron Australia 2005). The estimated size of the Green Turtle reproductive
population at Barrow Island is in the order of 20 000 females, which may therefore represent a
substantial component of the Pilbara region population (Prince 1994). However, this is less
substantial than the Lacepede Island rookery, where nightly nesting effort is known to number in
the thousands (Chevron Australia 2009). Green Turtles tend to nest on the west and north-east
coasts of Barrow Island where beaches are high energy, deep, steeply sloped, sandy and have
an unobstructed foreshore approach (Pendoley 2005). The nesting period for Green Turtles on
the west coast of Barrow Island is between November and February (Pendoley 2005).
Green Turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests after eggs are laid and are present on the
beaches and in the waters around the nesting beaches between October and May (Chevron
Australia 2009). After the hatchling stage, juvenile Green Turtles typically use a number of
nursery habitats located away from their natal beach (Musick and Limpus 1996). Green Turtles
are herbivorous and graze on algae growing on intertidal rock platforms on the west coast of
Barrow Island (Chevron Australia 2008, 2009).
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Barrow Island is not considered a regionally important nesting site for Hawksbill Turtles. The
estimated size of the Hawksbill Turtle reproductive population at Barrow Island is 100 per year,
which is smaller than the reproductive populations at the Lowendal Islands and the Montebello
Islands (1000 and 1300 respectively) (Pendoley 2005). Hawksbill Turtle nesting on Barrow
Island typically occurs in low numbers on beaches that are small, shallow and characterised by
coarse-grained sand or coral grit interspersed with rocks and beach wrack (Pendoley 2005).
1.3
Threatened and Migratory Fish and Habitat
Numerous species of shark are present in the offshore waters of the North West Shelf; however,
only the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), the Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) and the
Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) are listed as threatened and/or migratory species
under the EPBC Act (Table 1.1). To date, none of these species has been recorded during
baseline marine surveys conducted since 2007 in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities (Chevron
Australia 2009a).
Whale Sharks have a broad distribution in tropical and warm temperate seas (Chevron Australia
2005). They congregate annually off Ningaloo Reef, approximately 150 km south-west of
Barrow Island between March and April (Chevron Australia 2005). Whale Sharks leave
Ningaloo Reef between May and June, travelling north-east along the continental shelf (Wilson
et al. 2006). Whale Sharks may pass through the deeper waters off Barrow Island occasionally;
however, they do not aggregate there (Woodside Energy 2008).
Grey Nurse Sharks have a broad inshore distribution around Australia (Environment Australia
2002). The Grey Nurse Shark has been recorded as far north as the North West Shelf in
Western Australia; however, distribution is generally confined to predominantly the coastal
waters of the south-west (Environment Australia 2002).
Great White Sharks have a distribution from the southern coastline of Australia to the Northwest
Cape and have been recorded just north of Exmouth (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation [CSIRO] 2006). Barrow Island is the northern extreme of the
documented distribution for Great White Sharks (Chevron Australia 2005). Great White Sharks
are highly mobile, but generally more abundant in temperate waters and around seal and sea
lion colonies of which there are none in the Barrow Island area (Chevron Australia 2005). Great
White Sharks are unlikely to be encountered in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities, except on
rare occasions (Chevron Australia 2005).
1.4
Threatened and Migratory Marine Avifauna and Habitat
Numerous species of littoral birds (or shorebirds), migratory seabirds and raptors are found on
Barrow Island (Chevron Australia 2005). There are 63 species of marine avifauna (Table 1.1)
that may be present from time to time near the Marine Facilities, all of which are listed as
migratory species under the EPBC Act .
Migratory shorebird abundances increase on Barrow Island as the birds arrive from the north
during September and December (Chevron Australia 2005). The abundances of some
migratory shorebirds continue to increase during January and February, suggesting local
movements of birds from the mainland to Barrow Island (Chevron Australia 2005). Abundances
decrease as the migratory species leave the region to return north at the end of summer
Barrow Island is both a staging site and an important non-breeding site for migratory shorebirds
(Chevron Australia 2005). The greatest abundances of shorebirds on Barrow Island (over twothirds of records for most species) are associated with the south-eastern and southern coasts of
the Island, from the existing Chevron camp to Bandicoot Bay (Chevron Australia 2005). These
concentrations appear to be associated with the extensive tidal mudflats in these areas
(Chevron Australia 2005). North Whites Beach on the west coast of Barrow Island (where the
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Feed Gas Pipeline Shore Crossing is located) does not provide significant shorebird habitat and
abundances are generally low in these areas (Chevron Australia 2005).
The Montebello/Lowendal/Barrow Island region has significant rookeries of a number of
migratory species including the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus), the Bridled Tern
(Sterna anaethetus) and the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) (Chevron Australia 2005). Double
Island, approximately 5 km north of Town Point off the east coast of Barrow Island, is a
regionally significant rookery for Bridled Tern and a locally significant rookery for Wedge-tailed
Shearwater (Chevron Australia 2005). However, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater rookery is small
compared to other rookeries in the immediate region (Chevron Australia 2005). Other species
that may nest on Double Island from time to time include the Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia),
Roseate Tern and Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis) (A. Burbidge pers. comm. 2008,
cited in Chevron Australia 2009b).
The Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis), Grey-tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes), Ruddy Turnstone
(Arenaria interpres), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius
mongolus), Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultia) and the Common Tern (Sterna
hirundo) are the most abundant migratory species of shorebirds that forage at Town Point on
the east coast of Barrow Island (Chevron Australia 2005). Other migratory species such as the
Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus), the Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) and the Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus) may nest in the general area, but were not observed to nest there during
surveys conducted in 2003/2004 for the Draft EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia 2005). Town Point
is not considered of local importance to any EPBC Act listed migratory species of shorebird
Ruddy Turnstones are seasonally abundant on Barrow Island and the Island is an
internationally important site for this species (Chevron Australia 2005). While Ruddy
Turnstones are one of the more abundant species at Town Point during spring and summer,
their densities in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities are much lower than in the south and southeastern areas of Barrow Island (Chevron Australia 2005). These are highly mobile birds that
are not restricted to any of the habitats near Town Point on the east coast of Barrow Island
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Marine Matters of National Environmental Significance Risk

Assessment
2.1
Overview
A number of environmental risk assessments have been completed and are reported for the
Gorgon Gas Development. A strategic risk assessment was undertaken during the preparation
of the Draft EIS/ERMP to determine the environmental acceptability of the Gorgon Gas
Development and identify the key areas of risk requiring mitigation (Chevron Australia 2005).
This Draft EIS/ERMP assessment was reviewed as part of the development of the PER for the
Revised and Expanded Proposal (Chevron Australia 2008), in light of the changes to the
Gorgon Gas Development. The outcomes of these assessments have been reviewed and
considered during the preparation of this Appendix.
A summary of the risk assessments that have been undertaken to date and that have provided
input into this Appendix and the documents that support it, are provided in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Risk Assessments Relevant to this Appendix
Scope of Risk Assessment
Method(s)
Documentation
Entire Scope of the Approved

Development
Entire Scope of the Revised and
Expanded Proposal
Long-term Marine Turtle
Management Plan Risk
Assessment
State Marine Facilities Construction
Environmental Management Plan
(EMP) Risk Assessment
Dredge and Spoil Disposal
Management and Monitoring Plan
Risk Assessment
Horizontal Directional Drilling
(HDD) Management and
Monitoring Plan Risk Assessment
AS/NZS
4360:2004
AS/NZS
4360:2004
RiskMan2
Draft EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia 2005)
2005
Gorgon Gas Development PER (Chevron

Australia 2008)
Long-term Marine Turtle Management
Plan (Chevron Australia 2009)
2008
RiskMan2
State Marine Facilities Construction EMP

(Chevron Australia 2009a)
2009
RiskMan2
Dredging and Spoil Disposal Management

and Monitoring Plan (Chevron Australia
2009c)
HDD Management and Monitoring Plan
(Chevron Australia 2010)
2009
2.2
RiskMan2
Year
2009
2010
Methodology
The methodology for the environmental risk assessments undertaken during the EIS/ERMP and
PER assessment processes is documented in Chapter 9 of the Draft EIS/ERMP and Chapter 5
of the PER, respectively (Chevron Australia 2005, 2008). The EIS/ERMP and PER risk
assessments were undertaken in accordance with the following standards:
Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 4360:2004 Risk Management

(Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2004a)
AS/NZS Handbook 203:2006 Environmental Risk Management Principles and Process

(Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2006)
AS/NZS 3931:1998 Risk Analysis of Technological Systems Application Guide

(Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 1998).
The main components of the RiskMan2 risk assessment methodology include:
Hazard Identification: Identifying potential hazards that are applicable to Gorgon Gas
Development activities and determining the hazardous events to be evaluated.

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Hazard Analysis: Determining the possible causes that could lead to the hazardous
events identified; the consequences of the hazardous events; and the safeguards and
controls currently in place to mitigate the events and/or the consequences.
Risk Evaluation: Evaluating the risks using the Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization
Matrix. The risk ranking is determined by a combination of the expected frequency of
the hazard occurring (likelihood) and the consequence of its occurrence. Note that when
assessing the consequence no credit is given to the hazard controls; Hazard controls
are taken into account in determining the likelihood of the event.
Residual Risk Treatment: Reviewing the proposed management controls for each of
the risks identified and proposing additional controls or making recommendations, if
required.
Using the Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix, identified risks are categorised into four
groups, which determine the level of response and effort in managing the risks. The riskranking categories have been used in the development of this Appendix to determine whether
the residual risks were acceptable or whether further mitigation was required.
2.3
Risk Assessment Outcomes
The marine fauna listed as threatened fauna species and/or migratory species under the EPBC
Act that were considered at risk of some level of impact from the Gorgon Gas Development
were identified in the Draft EIS/ERMP (Chevron Australia 2005). Subsequent risk assessments
have since been conducted (as described in Section 2.1). The risk profile of these species and
their habitat has been updated based on the outcomes of these more recent risk assessments.
Of the species identified in Table 1.1, those that are considered to be at risk of impacts that are
categorised as medium (RiskMan2 residual risk ratings of 5 or 6) or high (RiskMan2 residual
risk ratings of 1-4) are listed in Table 2.2. Also included in the table are the stressors and a brief
summary of the scenarios associated with the risk ratings.
No high risks were identified for EPBC Act listed threatened and/or migratory species. A total
of 12 medium risks are summarised in Table 2.2 comprising; five risks to whales, dolphins and
dugong; five risks to Flatback Turtles, Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles; and two risks to
migratory species of shorebirds, seabirds and raptors. These risks were all related to activities
associated with construction and operation of the Marine Facilities on the east coast of Barrow
Island. Given that no medium or high risks were identified for marine fish, and that none of
the three species listed in Table 1.1 have been recorded in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities,
marine fish are not at risk of Material or Serious Environmental Harm and are therefore not
discussed further in this Appendix.
All of the risks identified for EPBC Act listed threatened and migratory marine fauna species that
were associated with HDD activities conducted on the west coast of Barrow Island were rated
as low and are therefore not discussed further (Chevron Australia 2010). Information on
impacts associated with HDD activities is provided in the HDD Management and Monitoring
Plan (Chevron Australia 2010).
The potential for the risks summarised in Table 2.2 to result in Material or Serious
Environmental Harm to EPBC Act listed threatened and/or migratory marine fauna is discussed
in Section 2.4.
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Table 2.2 Medium and High Risks to Threatened and Migratory Species from the Construction and Operation of the Marine Facilities
Fauna
Stressor
Context
Whales,
Dolphins and
Dugongs
Physical Interaction
Changes in localised distribution of marine fauna due to vessel collision/strike

on the east coast of Barrow Island.
Change in local abundance/distribution of mobile fauna through construction
of Marine Facilities on the east coast of Barrow Island, causing localised
changes in fauna behaviour/movement, i.e. restricting preferential patterns of
movement or access to certain waters.
Presence of the Materials Offloading Facility (MOF) and Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG) Jetty on the east coast of Barrow Island causes localised changes
in fauna behaviour/movements, i.e. restricting preferential patterns of
movement or access to certain waters.
Change in local abundance/distribution of mobile marine fauna through either
attraction or avoidance of development areas on the east coast of Barrow
Island.
Increased feeding opportunities for adaptable species leading to reduced
numbers of prey species attracted to light.
Increased incidents of marine fauna collisions/interactions with vessels and
equipment (e.g. bottlenose dolphins known to congregate in lit areas at night
to assist in hunting).
Vibration and noise emissions generated by construction and dredge vessels,
rock armouring activities and land-based excavator movements on the east
coast of Barrow Island results in avoidance behaviour.
Shock waves, noise and vibration from underwater blasting and drilling on the
east coast of Barrow Island results in mortality or injury (permanent and/or
temporary hearing loss).
Physical Presence
Light Spill
Noise and Vibration
Marine Water and

Sediment Quality

Turbid plume generated by the dredging and spoil disposal program on the
east coast of Barrow Island results in a reduction in water quality causing
avoidance of area by fauna and/or reduced health or mortality.
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Risk Rating (Sources)

Medium
Marine Facilities Construction EMP (Chevron
Australia 2009a)
Medium
Australia 2009a)
Medium
2009c)
Australia 2009a)
Medium
2009c)
Australia 2009a)
Medium
2009c)
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Fauna
Flatback
Turtles,
Green
Turtles and
Hawksbill
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Stressor
Context
Physical Interaction
Vessel strike during construction and operation of the Marine Facilities on the
east coast of Barrow Island (Flatback Turtles and Green Turtles are
considered at greater risk than Hawksbill Turtles).
Dredge-strike during construction and operation of the Marine Facilities on
the east coast of Barrow Island (Flatback Turtles are considered at greater
risk than Hawksbill Turtles and Green Turtles).
Potential for the presence of the MOF and LNG Jetty on the east coast of
Barrow Island for the duration of the Operations Phase to influence:
nesting and mating adults and hatchlings on the beaches adjacent to
Town Point, e.g. due to beach erosion/accretion (Flatback Turtles are
considered at greater risk than Hawksbill Turtles and Green Turtles)
foraging juveniles and adults of Flatback Turtles, Green Turtles and
Hawksbill Turtles in the waters near Town Point.
Impacts to turtle nesting, breeding, mating and hatching from both marine
vessels and Terrestrial Facilities during the marine construction period on the
east coast of Barrow Island.
Impacts to mating adults and hatchlings from marine vessels and impacts to
nesting adults and hatchlings from Terrestrial Facilities during the Operations
Phase on the east coast of Barrow Island (Flatback Turtles are considered at
greater risk than Hawksbill Turtles).
Impacts to hatchlings from marine construction light sources during the
construction period on the west coast of Barrow Island (Green Turtles and
Hawksbill Turtles are considered at greater risk than Flatback Turtles).
Impacts to mating and foraging adults and juveniles from marine vessels
during the marine construction period on the west coast of Barrow Island
(Green and Hawksbill Turtles are considered at greater risk than Flatback
Turtles).
Impacts during the marine construction period on the east coast of Barrow
Island.
Physical Presence
Light Spill
Noise and Vibration
Blasting
Liquid Waste
Discharges
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Turbidity during marine construction activities on the east coast of Barrow

Island impacts foraging juveniles and adults and breeding adults of Flatback
Turtles and Green Turtles. Impacts considered here include disorientation
due to low visibility, covering of foraging grounds, etc.
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Long-term Marine Turtle Management Plan
Medium
Medium
Medium
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Fauna
Migratory
species of
shorebirds,
seabirds
and/or
raptors
Stressor
Light Spill
Noise and Vibration


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Context
Attraction of insects to artificial lighting on the east coast of Barrow Island
may result in changes to community composition (e.g. an increase in Silver
Gulls), and competition with threatened or migratory species.
Increased incidents of avifauna collisions/interaction with vessels and
equipment on the east coast of Barrow Island due to light attraction (e.g.
juvenile Wedge-tailed Shearwaters known to be attracted to light).
Temporary displacement/attraction of avifauna due to temporary land-based
lighting attracting insects at night on MOF and LNG Jetty.
Vibration and noise emissions generated by construction and dredge vessels,
rock armouring activities and land based excavator movements on the east
coast of Barrow Island results in avoidance behaviour.
Shock waves, noise and vibration from underwater blasting and drilling on the
east coast of Barrow Island results in mortality or injury (permanent and/or
temporary hearing loss).
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2009c)
Australia 2009a)
Medium
2009c)
Australia 2009a)
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2.4
Material or Serious Environmental Harm to Marine Matters of

National Environmental Significance
2.4.1
Overview
The DEWHA provides guidance on the criteria used in determining whether certain activities are
likely to have a Significant Impact on EPBC Act listed species (DEWHA 2006). The Significant
Impact criteria for the listed threatened fauna species and listed migratory species that are
relevant to this Appendix are provided in Table 2.3. These Significant Impact criteria were
considered in conjunction with the outcomes of the risk assessments conducted (and
summarised in Table 2.2), in order to determine whether any listed threatened fauna species
and listed migratory species are at risk of Material or Serious Environmental Harm due to
construction and operation of the Marine Facilities.
It should be noted that in the guidance on Significant Impact criteria (DEWHA 2006), habitat
that is considered critical to the survival of a threatened fauna species refers to areas that are
necessary for:
activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal
the long-term maintenance of the species (including the maintenance of species

essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators)
maintaining genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development
the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species.
Table 2.3 Significant Impact Criteria

EPBC Act (Cth)
Category
Threatened
(Endangered) species
Threatened (Vulnerable)
species
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Significant Impact Criteria

An action is likely to have a Significant Impact on a Critically Endangered or
Endangered species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:
lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population
reduce the area of occupancy of the species
fragment an existing population into two or more populations
adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
disrupt the breeding cycle of a population
modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or
endangered species becoming established in the endangered or critically
endangered species habitat
introduce disease that may cause the species to decline
interfere with the recovery of the species.
An action is likely to have a significant impact on a Vulnerable species if
there is a real chance or possibility that it will:
lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population of a
species
reduce the area of occupancy of an important population
fragment an existing important population into two or more populations
adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species
disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population
modify, destroy, remove or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of
habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline
result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species
becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat
introduce disease that may cause the species to decline
interfere substantially with the recovery of the species.
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EPBC Act (Cth)

Category
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Significant Impact Criteria

An action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there
is a real chance or possibility that it will:
substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes,
altering nutrient cycles or altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate
an area of important habitat for a migratory species
result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species
becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory
species
seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting
behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a
migratory species.
Source: DEWHA (2006).
2.4.2
Material or Serious Environmental Harm Impacts to Threatened and

Migratory Marine Mammals
EPBC Act listed threatened fauna species and/or listed migratory species of whales, dolphins
and dugongs are not at risk of Material or Serious Environmental Harm from the stressors and
associated risks identified in Table 2.2. All these species are listed as migratory species (Table
1.1), with the exception of the Blue Whale, which is also listed as Endangered, and the
Humpback Whale, which is also listed as Vulnerable.
When considering the Significant Impact criteria in Table 2.3 in conjunction with the risks in
Table 2.2, the Blue Whale and the Humpback Whale are not at risk of Material or Serious
Environmental Harm from noise and vibration during construction activities such as drilling and
blasting, light spill to the marine environment, changes to marine water and sediment quality
during dredging, or the physical presence of the MOF and LNG Jetty. These risks are
associated with temporary construction activities, with the exception of the presence of the MOF
and LNG Jetty. However, Blue Whales and Humpback Whales are unlikely to occur in
significant numbers in the vicinity of the east coast Marine Facilities, therefore the presence of
the MOF and LNG Jetty are unlikely to obstruct their movements to such a degree that would
result in Material or Serious Environmental Harm to those species.
The risks presented in Table 2.2 would not result in any long-term decreases in the size of the
Blue Whale or the Humpback Whale populations, would not fragment the existing populations or
reduce the area of occupancy of the species since they are mobile marine fauna anyway.
There is no habitat critical to the survival of the species that would be disturbed due to
construction and operation of the Marine Facilities on the east coast of Barrow Island and the
potential impacts are not anticipated to disrupt the breeding cycle of their populations.
Furthermore, these risks should not result in the introduction of invasive species or diseases
that would result in adverse impacts to these species. The risks presented in Table 2.2 are
unlikely to interfere with the recovery of the Blue Whale and the Humpback Whale.
The remaining seven species of whales, dolphins and the Dugong are listed as migratory
species. The risks identified in Table 2.2 should not result in Material or Serious Environmental
Harm to these species. The marine habitats in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities are not known
to represent important habitat for the Brydes Whale, the Killer Whale, the Dusky Dolphin, the
Irrawaddy Dolphin, the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, the Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin or the
Dugong. Furthermore, the risks identified in Table 2.2 should not result in the introduction of
invasive species or diseases that would result in adverse impacts to these species. The
populations of these species present in the vicinity of the Marine Facilities on the east coast of
Barrow Island during construction and operation do not represent ecologically significant
proportions and therefore impacts to breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviours would
be limited to individuals of these species.
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Material or Serious Environmental Harm to Threatened and Migratory

Marine Turtles
All six species of marine turtles are listed as migratory, with Olive Ridley and Loggerhead
Turtles also listed as Endangered and Leatherback, Hawksbill, Flatback and Green Turtles also
listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. Of the six species, the Flatback Turtle is considered
at risk of Material or Serious Environmental Harm from construction and operation of the Marine
Facilities on the east coast of Barrow Island and Green Turtles are considered to be at risk of
Material or Serious Environmental Harm from construction of the Marine Facilities on the west
coast of Barrow Island.
The Olive Ridley Turtle and Leatherback Turtle have not been recorded and the Loggerhead
Turtle has rarely been seen in Barrow Island waters and on Barrow Island beaches and are
therefore not at risk of Material or Serious Environmental Harm from the construction and
operation of the Marine Facilities. When considering the Significant Impact criteria in Table 2.3
in conjunction with the risks in Table 2.2, the Hawksbill Turtle is also not at risk of Material or
Serious Environmental Harm. The risks in Table 2.2 are unlikely to lead to long-term decreases
in the size of the Hawksbill Turtle population, would not fragment the existing population and are
unlikely to reduce the area of occupancy of this species since they are only found in low
numbers on Barrow Island and in surrounding waters. There is no habitat critical to the survival
of Hawksbill Turtles that would be disturbed due to construction and operation of the Marine
Facilities and the potential impacts should not disrupt the breeding cycle of their population.
Furthermore, these risks are unlikely to result in the introduction of invasive species or diseases
that would result in adverse impacts or declines in this species. The risks presented in Table
2.2 are unlikely to interfere with the recovery of the Hawksbill Turtle and would not seriously
disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically
significant proportion of the population of the species.
As Barrow Island is considered a regionally important nesting site for Flatback Turtles, Material
or Serious Environmental Harm to their breeding activity has the potential to affect the Western
Australian population of this species. The beaches either side of Town Point where the MOF
and LNG Jetty are located (Terminal Beach and Bivalve Beach), are important components of
the Barrow Island rookery, with almost 30% of Flatback Turtle tracks occurring on these
beaches (Chevron Australia 2005). The risks identified in Table 2.2 may disrupt the breeding
cycle of Flatback Turtles and there is a chance that over time, the physical presence of the MOF
and the LNG Jetty could lead to a decrease in the size of the rookery over the longer term. The
risk also exists (and is identified in Table 2.2) that changes to the beach profile or sediment
characteristics arising from the physical presence of the MOF and LNG Jetty could lead to a
decrease in the availability or quality of nesting habitat for Flatback Turtles. It is for these
reasons that Flatback Turtles and their habitat (the nesting beaches adjacent to Town Point at
Terminal Beach and Bivalve Beach) are considered at risk of Material or Serious Environmental
Harm during construction and operation of the Marine Facilities on the east coast of Barrow
Island.
Similar to Flatback Turtles, the north-western Australian population of Green Turtles is
considered regionally important. According to Prince (2004), the estimated size of the Green
Turtle reproductive population at Barrow Island may represent a substantial component of the
Pilbara region population, despite this rookery being smaller than the rookery at the Lacepede
Islands. Therefore, Material or Serious Environmental Harm to breeding activity of the Barrow
Island rookery has the potential to affect the Pilbara region population of this species. Green
Turtle nesting on Barrow Island is concentrated on the west and north-east coasts of Barrow
Island (Pendoley 2005), therefore although nesting activities are unlikely to be disrupted as a
result of construction and operation of Marine Facilities on the east coast of Barrow Island,
construction on the west coast of Barrow Island does have the potential to cause Material or
Serious Environmental Harm to the population. The shore crossing at North Whites Beach is
not a locally important Green Turtle nesting site because the shallow sand and limestone reef,
including a large limestone shelf along the waterline, make the beach unsuitable for nesting
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(Pendoley 2005, Pendoley Environmental 2008). However, the potential impact of light spill on
Green Turtle hatchlings and potential impacts on mating and foraging adults and juveniles from
vessel-related noise and vibration during construction (Table 2.2) were recognised as potential
threats during the west coast construction period (Chevron Australia 2009) that may cause
Material or Serious Environmental Harm to the Green Turtle population.
In terms of habitat for Green Turtles, the national Recovery Report for Marine Turtles in
Australia (Environment Australia 2003) identifies Barrow Island and waters within a 20 km
radius of the Island as critical (Chevron Australia 2005). This is most likely due to their
utilisation of this habitat for foraging and mating (Chevron Australia 2009). Whilst the physical
presence of the MOF (Table 2.2) will result in the loss of an area of macroalgae-dominant
limestone reef, this will not significantly reduce the feeding and pre-nesting areas for Green
Turtles as data indicates that Green Turtles mate in greatest numbers in the shallow nearshore
waters off the west coast of Barrow Island (Pendoley 2005). The waters off the west coast will
not be affected by construction and operation of the MOF, the LNG Jetty, or by activities
associated with the Dredge Spoil Disposal Ground and baseline marine surveys show that
macroalgae-dominant limestone reef habitat is extensive in the region (Chevron Australia 2008,
2010a). The benthic habitats used by Green Turtles are well represented around Barrow Island
and in the broader region; therefore, the disturbance of the habitat associated with the MOF and
LNG Jetty is unlikely to lead to a decline in the Green Turtle population at Barrow Island.
2.4.4
Material or Serious Environmental Harm to Threatened and Migratory

Marine Avifauna
Of the marine avifauna listed as threatened fauna species and/or migratory species in Table
1.1, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater and the Bridled Tern are considered at risk of Material or
Serious Environmental Harm from construction and operation of the Marine Facilities. This is
because Double Island, off the east coast of Barrow Island, is a regionally significant rookery for
Bridled Terns and a locally significant rookery for Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Chevron Australia
2005). Whilst the Wedge-tailed Shearwater rookery is small compared to other rookeries in the
region (Chevron Australia 2005), fledging Wedge-tailed Shearwaters have been documented as
being attracted to the night lighting of the Gas Treatment Plant on nearby Varanus Island
(Nicholson 2002). Therefore, this species has the potential to be impacted by lighting
associated with construction and operation of the Marine Facilities on the east coast of Barrow
Island.
Whilst Barrow Island is considered an important non-breeding site for many species of migratory
shorebirds, the highest abundances (over two-thirds of records for most species) are associated
with the south-eastern and southern coasts of the Island (Chevron Australia 2005). Therefore,
whilst the risks presented in Table 2.2 may have some impact on migratory species of
shorebirds, seabirds and raptors, the impacts are not anticipated to result in modification or
disturbance of important habitat, nor are they expected to result in the introduction of a harmful
invasive species. The potential impacts are also not expected to impact the breeding, feeding,
migration and resting behaviours of an ecologically significant proportion of the populations of
these migratory species of shorebirds, seabirds and raptors.

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References
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Cetaceans. Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
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Chevron Australia. 2005. Draft Gorgon Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Review
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Chevron Australia. 2009. Gorgon Gas Development and Jansz Feed Gas Pipeline Long-term
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Dolphin Sightings and Strandings Database. Available from:
http://data.aad.gov.au/aadc/whales/. [Accessed: 21 June 2009].
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Lists in Species Profile and Threats Database. Department of the Environment, Water,
Heritage and the Arts, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Available from:
http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat [Accessed 14 May 2010].
Environment Australia. 2002. Recovery Plan for the Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias Taurus) in
Australia. Environment Australia. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Available at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/grey-nurse-plan/pubs/greynurseshark.pdf
[Accessed 21 June 2009].
Environment Australia. 2003. Recovery Plan for Marine Turtles. Environment Australia,
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. . Available at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/turtle-recovery/pubs/marine-turtles.pdf.
[Accessed: 21 June 2009].
Musick, J.A. and Limpus, C.J. 1996. Habitat utilisation and migration in juvenile sea turtles. In:
P.L. Lutz and J.A. Musick (eds) The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. 1: 137163. CRC Press,
Boca Raton, Florida.
Nicholson, L. 2002. Breeding Strategies and Community Structure in an Assemblage of Tropical
Seabirds on the Lowendal Islands, Western Australia. PhD Thesis, Murdoch University,
Pendoley, K. 2005. Sea Turtles and Industrial Activity on the North West Shelf, Western
Australia. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia.
Pendoley, K., Chaloupka, M. and Prince, R. 2008 in press. A positive conservation outlook for
the most atypical marine turtle species in the world: the endemic Flatback. Endang. Sp. Res.
Pendoley Environmental. 2009. Gorgon Gas Development: Barrow Island and
Mundabullangana Flatback Turtle Tagging Program 2005/6 to 2008/9. Unpublished Report to
Chevron Australia, Perth, Western Australia. (G1-NT-REPX0002360).
Preen, A.R., Marsh, H., Lawler, I.H., Prince, R.I.T. and Shepherd, R. 1997. Distribution and
abundance of dugongs, turtles, dolphins and other megafauna in Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef
and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Wildlife Research, 24: 185-208.
Prince, R.I.T. 1994. Status of the Western Australian Marine Turtle Populations: The Western
Australian Marine Turtle Project 1986-1990. In: R. James (ed) Proceedings of the Australian
Marine Turtle Conservation Workshop, Gold Coast 14-17 November 1990. p 14. Queensland
Department of Environment and Heritage. Australian Nature Conservation Authority (ANCA),
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
Ross, G.J.B. 2006. Review of the Conservation Status of Australia's Smaller Whales and
Dolphins. Report to the Australian Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra,
Australian Capital Territory. Available from:
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/pubs/conservation-smaller-whalesdolphins.pdf [Accessed 21 June 2009].
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. 1998. AS/NZS 3931:1998 Risk Analysis of
Technological Systems Application Guide. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand.

Business
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0

DMS ID: 003818185
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. 2006. HB 203:2006 Environmental Risk

Management Principles and Process. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand..
Whiting, A.U., Thomson, A., Chaloupka, M. and Limpus, C.J. 2008. Seasonality, abundance
and breeding biology of one of the largest populations of nesting Flatback Turtles, Natator
depressus: Cape Domett, Western Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 56:297-303.
Wilson, S.G., Polovina, J.J., Stewart, B.S. and Meekan, M.G. 2006. Movements of Whale
Sharks (Rhincodon typus) tagged at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Marine Biology 148:
11571166.
Woodside Energy Ltd. 2008. Enfield M3 4D MSS, Vincent 4D MSS and HCAO8x Trial Survey
Environment Plan. Woodside Energy Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
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Business

Document No:
DMS ID:
Revision Date:
G1-NT-PLNX0001023
00391225
9 June 2011
Appendix 2

Environment Plan:
Revision: 0
EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
Public
Page 105
Protected Matters Search Tool
EPBC Act Protected Matters Report: Coordinates

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters
protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.
Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained
in the caveat at the end of the report.
You may wish to print this report for reference before moving to other pages or websites.
Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details
can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html
Report created: 05/01/11 15:45:17
Summary
Details
Matters of NES
Other matters protected by
the EPBC Act
Extra Information
Caveat
Acknowledgements
This map may contain data which are
Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience
Australia), PSMA 2010
Coordinates
Buffer: 10Km
Summary
Matters of National Environmental Significance
This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in,
or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report,
which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an
activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance
then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance - see
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/guidelines/index.html.
World Heritage Properties:
None
National Heritage Places:
None
Wetlands of International
None
Significance (Ramsar
Wetlands):
Great Barrier Reef Marine
None
Park:
Commonwealth Marine Areas: Relevant
Threatened Ecological
Communitites:
Threatened Species:
None
Migratory Species:
16
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you
nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on
Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere
when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth
or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the
environment anywhere.
The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken
on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As
heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the
Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place and the heritage values of a place on
the Register of the National Estate. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html
Please note that the current dataset on Commonwealth land is not complete. Further information on
Commonwealth land would need to be obtained from relevant sources including Commonwealth
agencies, local agencies, and land tenure maps.
A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a
listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and
other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species. Information on EPBC Act permit requirements
and application forms can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/permits/index.html.
Commonwealth Lands:
None
Commonwealth Heritage
Places:
Listed Marine Species:
None
50
Whales and Other Cetaceans: 25

Critical Habitats:
None
Commonwealth Reserves:
None
Report Summary for Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.
Place on the RNE:
None
State and Territory Reserves: None

Regional Forest Agreements: None
Invasive Species:
None
Nationally Important
Wetlands:
None
Details
Matters of National Environmental Significance
Commonwealth Marine Areas
[ Resource Information ]
Approval may be required for a proposed activity that is likely to have a significant impact on the
environment in a Commonwealth Marine Area, when the action is outside the Commonwealth Marine
Area, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken within the Commonwealth Marine Area.
Generally the Commonwealth Marine Area stretches from three nautical miles to two hundred nautical
miles from the coast.
EEZ and Territorial Sea
Threatened Species
Name
BIRDS
Southern Giant-Petrel [1060]
MAMMALS
Blue Whale [36]
Humpback Whale [38]
Status
Type of Presence
Endangered
Species or species habitat may occur within area
Endangered
Vulnerable
Species or species habitat known to occur within area
REPTILES
Caretta caretta
Loggerhead Turtle [1763]
Endangered
Species or species habitat likely to occur within area
Chelonia mydas
Green Turtle [1765]
Vulnerable
Endangered
Vulnerable
Leatherback Turtle, Leathery
Turtle, Luth [1768]
Hawksbill Turtle [1766]
Natator depressus
Flatback Turtle [59257]
Vulnerable
SHARKS
Rhincodon typus
Whale Shark [66680]
Vulnerable
Migratory Species
Name
Migratory Marine Birds
Migratory Marine Species
Antarctic Minke Whale,
Dark-shoulder Minke Whale
[67812]
Balaenoptera edeni
Bryde's Whale [35]
Blue Whale [36]
Caretta caretta
Chelonia mydas
Green Turtle [1765]
Leatherback Turtle, Leathery
Turtle, Luth [1768]
Status
Type of Presence
Endangered

Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Endangered
Vulnerable
Isurus oxyrinchus
Shortfin Mako, Mako Shark
[79073]
Isurus paucus
Longfin Mako [82947]
Humpback Whale [38]
Vulnerable
Natator depressus
Vulnerable
Orcinus orca
Killer Whale, Orca [46]
Sperm Whale [59]
Rhincodon typus
Whale Shark [66680]
Vulnerable
Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)

[78900]
Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species
Name
Status
Birds
Endangered
Fish
Acentronura larsonae
Helen's Pygmy Pipehorse
[66186]
Bulbonaricus brauni
Braun's Pughead Pipefish,
Pug-headed Pipefish [66189]
Campichthys tricarinatus
Three-keel Pipefish [66192]
Choeroichthys brachysoma
Pacific Short-bodied Pipefish,
Short-bodied Pipefish [66194]
Choeroichthys latispinosus
Muiron Island Pipefish [66196]
Choeroichthys suillus
Pig-snouted Pipefish [66198]
Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus
Banded
Pipefish,
Ringed
Pipefish [66210]
Doryrhamphus janssi
Cleaner Pipefish, Janss' Pipefish
[66212]
Doryrhamphus multiannulatus
Many-banded Pipefish [66717]
Doryrhamphus negrosensis
Flagtail Pipefish, Masthead
Island Pipefish [66213]
Festucalex scalaris
Ladder Pipefish [66216]
Filicampus tigris
Tiger Pipefish [66217]
Halicampus brocki
Brock's Pipefish [66219]
Halicampus grayi
Mud Pipefish, Gray's Pipefish
[66221]
Halicampus nitidus
Glittering Pipefish [66224]
Halicampus spinirostris
Spiny-snout Pipefish [66225]
Haliichthys taeniophorus
Ribboned Pipehorse, Ribboned
Type of Presence





Seadragon [66226]
Hippichthys penicillus
Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed
Pipefish [66231]
Hippocampus angustus
Western
Spiny
Seahorse,
Narrow-bellied
Seahorse
[66234]
Hippocampus histrix
Spiny
Seahorse,
Thorny
Seahorse [66236]
Hippocampus kuda
Spotted Seahorse, Yellow
Seahorse [66237]
Hippocampus planifrons
Flat-face Seahorse [66238]
Micrognathus micronotopterus
Tidepool Pipefish [66255]
Phoxocampus belcheri
Black Rock Pipefish [66719]
Solegnathus hardwickii
Pallid Pipehorse, Hardwick's
Pipehorse [66272]
Solegnathus lettiensis
Gunther's Pipehorse, Indonesian
Pipefish [66273]
Solenostomus cyanopterus
Robust
Ghostpipefish,
Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish,
[66183]
Solenostomus paegnius
Rough-snout Ghost Pipefish
[68425]
Syngnathoides biaculeatus
Double-end
Pipehorse,
Double-ended
Pipehorse,
Alligator Pipefish [66279]
Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus
Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick
Pipefish, Short-tailed Pipefish
[66280]
Trachyrhamphus longirostris
Straightstick
Pipefish,
Long-nosed Pipefish, Straight
Stick Pipefish [66281]
Reptiles
Acalyptophis peronii
Horned Seasnake [1114]
Aipysurus duboisii
Dubois' Seasnake [1116]
Aipysurus eydouxii
Spine-tailed Seasnake [1117]
Aipysurus laevis
Olive Seasnake [1120]


Astrotia stokesii
Stokes' Seasnake [1122]
Caretta caretta
Endangered
Chelonia mydas
Green Turtle [1765]
Vulnerable
Leatherback Turtle, LeatheryEndangered
Turtle, Luth [1768]
Disteira kingii
Spectacled Seasnake [1123]
Disteira major
Olive-headed Seasnake [1124]
Emydocephalus annulatus
Turtle-headed Seasnake [1125]
Ephalophis greyi
North-western
Mangrove
Seasnake [1127]
Vulnerable
Hydrophis czeblukovi
Fine-spined Seasnake [59233]
Hydrophis elegans
Elegant Seasnake [1104]
Hydrophis ornatus
a seasnake [1111]
Natator depressus


Vulnerable
Pelamis platurus
Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091]
Whales and Other Cetaceans

Name
Status
Mammals
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Minke Whale [33]
Antarctic Minke Whale,
Dark-shoulder Minke Whale
[67812]
Balaenoptera edeni
Bryde's Whale [35]
Blue Whale [36]
Endangered
Delphinus delphis
Common Dophin, Short-beaked
Common Dolphin [60]
Feresa attenuata
Pygmy Killer Whale [61]
Type of Presence


Globicephala macrorhynchus
Short-finned Pilot Whale [62]
Grampus griseus
Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64]
Kogia breviceps
Pygmy Sperm Whale [57]
Kogia simus
Dwarf Sperm Whale [58]
Lagenodelphis hosei
Fraser's Dolphin, Sarawak
Dolphin [41]
Humpback Whale [38]
Vulnerable

Mesoplodon densirostris
Blainville's Beaked Whale,
Dense-beaked Whale [74]
Orcinus orca
Killer Whale, Orca [46]
Peponocephala electra
Melon-headed Whale [47]
Sperm Whale [59]
Pseudorca crassidens
False Killer Whale [48]
Stenella attenuata
Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical
Spotted Dolphin [51]
Stenella coeruleoalba
Striped Dolphin, Euphrosyne
Dolphin [52]
Stenella longirostris
Long-snouted Spinner Dolphin
[29]
Steno bredanensis
Rough-toothed Dolphin [30]
Tursiops aduncus
Indian Ocean Bottlenose
Dolphin, Spotted Bottlenose
Dolphin [68418]
Tursiops aduncus (Arafura/Timor Sea populations)
[78900]
Tursiops truncatus s. str.
Bottlenose Dolphin [68417]
Ziphius cavirostris
Cuvier's Beaked Whale,
Goose-beaked Whale [56]
Extra Information
Caveat
The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at
the end of the report.
This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in
determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It
holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of
International Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and
marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not
complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.
Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a
general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined
from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to
consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.
For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from
recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened
ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data
are used to produce indicative distribution maps.
For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery
plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are
indicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations are
collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimatic
distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps are
based solely on expert knowledge.
Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped:
- migratory and
- marine
The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports
produced from this database:
- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants
- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed
- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area
- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers.
The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:
- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites;
- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent.
Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.
Coordinates
114.83444
-20.24861,114.91778
-20.24861,114.91778
-20.49861,114.83444
-20.49861,114.83444
-20.74861,114.66778
-20.74861,114.66778
-20.49861,114.75111
-20.49861,114.75111
-20.41528,114.83444
-20.41528,114.83444 -20.24861
Acknowledgements
This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the
following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:
-Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales
-Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria
-Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania
-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia
-Parks and Wildlife Service NT, NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts
-Environmental and Resource Management, Queensland
-Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia
-Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water
-Birds Australia
-Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
-Australian National Wildlife Collection
-Natural history museums of Australia
-Museum Victoria
-Australian Museum
-SA Museum
-Queensland Museum
-Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums
-Queensland Herbarium
-National Herbarium of NSW
-Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria
-Tasmanian Herbarium
-State Herbarium of South Australia
-Northern Territory Herbarium
-Western Australian Herbarium
-Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra
-University of New England
-Ocean Biogeographic Information System
-Australian Government, Department of Defence
-State Forests of NSW
-Other groups and individuals
Environment Australia is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided
expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.
Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.
Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | Commonwealth of Australia | Help

Last updated: Thursday, 16-Sep-2010 09:13:25 EST
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
+61 2 6274 1111 ABN
| Australian Government |
Environment Plan:
Revision:
0
Appendix 3

DMS ID: 00391225
Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix
The categories of risk likelihood and consequence are applied to determine the level of
environmental risk for each aspect of operations via the risk matrix included in the Chevron
Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix (Table A3-1).
Page 106
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Document No:
DMS ID:
Revision Date:
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Environment Plan:
Revision: 0
Table A3-1 Environmental Risk Categories

Chevron Risk Prioritization Matrix Index
Environmental Risk Category
1,2,3,4
High
Medium
Low
7, 8, 9, 10
Very low

Public
Page 107
Environment Plan:
Revision:
0
Appendix 4
Page 108

DMS ID: 00391225
Oil Spill Operational Response Plan (OSORP)
Public

Document No:
DMS ID:
Revision Date:
G1-NT-PLNX0001023
00391225
9 June 2011
Appendix 5

Environment Plan:
Revision: 0
Chevron Corporate Operational Excellence Policy 530
Public
Page 109
Environment Plan:
Revision:
0
Appendix 6
Page 110

DMS ID: 00391225
Computer Modelling of Noise Generated by VSP

Source
Public

Appendix 6: Description of Vertical Seismic Profiling

Conventional surface seismic data, used to explore for suitable prospects and choose well
locations, result in images that have some levels of uncertainty and are open to different
interpretations. When a well is drilled the true geological details are revealed. It is
necessary to be able to link what is found in a well with the surface seismic images. To do
this it is normal practice to perform a VSP (vertical seismic profile). This reveals much
useful information about how the seismic waves evolve during their journey into the Earth
and it links the geological details with the surface seismic data. For example, it reveals
how long it takes for the waves to travel down to a point in the well.
A VSP survey measures the seismic waves received at a number of regularly spaced
points down the well, for example every 7.5m over a depth interval of interest. The waves
are typically detected using geophones (or accelerometers) which measure the particle
velocity (or particle acceleration) suffered by the rocks as the waves pass. In the simplest
case, the receiver is lowered down to the bottom of the hole and moved up to each
regularly spaced point in turn. At each point a source is fired close to the well near the
surface to generate the seismic waves. See Figure 2. More sophisticated tools, such as the
one planned in this case, allow several points in the well to be recorded at once. This
reduces, by several-fold, the number of times the source is fired, the time needed, the cost
and the exposure of marine organisms to the sounds.
The sources used at sea are, almost without exception, airguns. An airgun consists of a
strong metal chamber that is initially pressurised with air. When the airgun is fired, the
ports of the chamber open very quickly allowing the air to escape and form and
expanding bubble in the water. The bubble subsequently oscilates in size until it reaches
the surface. The initial bubble expansion and the following oscillations radiate acoustic
energy into the sea and subsequently into the Earth. The configuration of the source for a
VSP is typically several medium sized airguns (say 150-250 cu in. each) in close
proximity to each other, all fired simultaneously. The use of several guns in close
proximity reduces the oscillatory bubble behaviour and consequently provides a short
sharp seismic signal, which is very desirable to produce the best VSP quality. This source
is usually deployed in some form of frame from a winch over the side of the rig at a depth
of around 5m below the seas surface.
A VSP survey normally takes between 6 and 12 hours. At each level, the source will be
fired 5 times with about 20s between each shot. Then there will be a pause of 5-7 minutes
while the receivers are moved to the next level in the well. Over a 6 hour period this
source would be fired 200-250 times.
Airgun signature for VSP
3 x 250 cu. inch G-gun total 750 cu. inch @ 5 m gun depth
Peak pressure 9.3 Bar.m (0-12,500Hz band)
Amplitude spectrum peak 190 dB re Pa/Hz @ 1m (0-12,500Hz band)
Comparison of VSP with Marine Seismic Exploration Survey

Surface seismic data has a different purpose and higher sound levels. Surface seismic data
is collected with a seismic vessel which tows the source and 1 to 10 6km long streamers
through the water at a depth of 5-12m. It moves along a series of regularly spaced lines at
a speed of around 5 knots. It will be present in an area of several hundred square
kilometres for 1-3 months. During about 60% of that time it will fire its airguns
approximately every 10s. Furthermore, surface seismic data sources are usually 4-10
times larger (by total volume), spread over an area of 20m by 40m and contain 30-40
airguns.
Such vessels have reduced visibility, compared to rigs, because their wheelhouses are
typically about 40 ft above the sea, whereas drilling rigs are about 80 ft above the sea.
Since surface seismic vessels are mobile, they are potentially more likely to move into the
pathways of cetaceans, unlike VSP sources, which are stationary.
Comparison between VSP and a conventional 3D marine seismic survey
Aspect
Location
Period of noise exposure
Number of guns in source
Spatial size
Firing sequence
VSP
3D marine seismic survey
Stationary
Moving (5 knots)
6 12 hours
Typically 1-3 months
1-3
28-42
1m-2m 1m-2m 20m40m
Fired approx 5
10 second intervals
times @ 20 sec
intervals. Then
5-7 minute gap
until tool is set at
next depth.
Total shots fired in 6 hours
~250 times
~2160
Depth below water surface (m)
~ 5m
5 12m
Peak pressure
< 10 Bar.m
~50 Bar.m
3
Total source volume
300-750 inch
3,000 8,000 inch3
Air pressure
1800 psi
1,900 - 2,000 psi
Minimum soft start pressure (psi) 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000. 1 shot/min with 5 shots
at each stage. 20 minutes for full soft start.
Broadband sound source level
190
215 230
(dB re 1Pa/Hz @1m)
6dB down bandwidth
6-96 Hz
6-96 Hz
For a detailed description of the airgun source and propagation modelling to predict sound
levels for environmental purposes please see Appendix 2 VSP airgun source modelling
and pressure level modelling
VSP airgun source modelling and pressure level modelling

Gary Hampson - Chevron ETC, San Ramon, California
hampsg@chevron.com
Airgun source details

The source is a cluster of 3 g-guns, each at the corner of a rigid equilaterally triangular
frame. The guns are 0.9m apart and deployed in a vertical plane (z=down) with the centre
at 5m depth. Figure 1 below shows a photograph of the source array.
Figure 1 - Photograph of the 3 g-gun cluster in its frame.
The details of the array are detailed in Table 1 below.

Table 1 - airgun array details
Gun
1
2
3
Pressure
(psi)
1800.0
1800.0
1800.0
Volume
Type
x(m.) y(m.)
(cuin)
250.0
G-GUN 0.000 0.000
250.0
G-GUN 0.000 0.450
250.0
G-GUN 0.000 -0.450
z(m.)
4.480
5.260
5.260
Airgun physics modelling

The individual ghost-free notional sources (Ziolkowski et al, 1982) were modelled using
GUNDALF ( www.oakcomp.co.uk ) which models the physics of the airgun ports, the air
being released into the water and the subsequent bubble interaction and evolution. The
resulting notional sources are theoretical constructions which may be combined using
linear superposition to determine the pressure signature of the array at any radiation angle
from the array.
The free surface was modelled as a perfect mirror; although this was only used calculate
interactions, not to construct ghosted notional signatures. The modelling was computed in
time steps of 0.00004 s which produces frequencies as high as 12,500 Hz. It should be
noted that most airgun modelling is not performed to these higher frequencies, therefore
these particular results might appear louder than typical comparable modelling. It was
assumed that each airgun was fired in precise synchronisation which will give a slightly
stronger high frequency response than would occur in reality.
The total energy converted to acoustic waves for this source is 3,701.6 J.
Airgun pressure level modelling
The notional signatures produced by the physics modelling may be filtered, shifted and
added to produce the pressure signature travelling in any direction away from the source.
They may also be scaled to simulate the spherical or cylindrical spreading of the wave
front.
The traditional picture of the vertically travelling pressure disturbance that is projected to
be at 1m from the centre of the source is shown in Figure 2 below.
vertical far field signature
15
10
p (Bar.m)
0
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
-5
-10
-15
t (s)
Figure 2 vertical far field signature at 1m from the source
Its amplitude spectrum is shown in Figure 3 below and a frequency zoomed copy is
shown in Figure 4 below.
amplitude spectrum of vertical far field signature

200
dB rel 1 Pa/Hz @ 1m
180
160
140
120
100
80
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
f (Hz)
Figure 3 - Amplitude spectrum of vertical far field signature at 1m from the source.
amplitude spectrum of vertical far field signature

200
dB rel 1 Pa/Hz @ 1m
180
160
140
120
100
80
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
f (Hz)
Figure 4 - Frequency zoomed amplitude spectrum
The standard metrics used to summarise the output from the array are given in Table 2
below.
Table 2 - standard metrics of vertical far field signature
Array parameter
Total volume (cu.in).
Peak to peak
Zero to peak in bar-m
RMS pressure in bar-m.
Maximum spectral value
Array value
750.0 ( 12.3 litres)
18.6 Bar.m(1.86MPa, 245dB re.1Pa @ 1m)
9.33 Bar.m(0.93 MPa, 239dB re.1Pa @ 1m)
0.66 ( 0.066 MPa, 216 dB re.1Pa @ 1m)
190.17 dB re 1Pa/Hz @ 1m
-6dB band
Total acoustic energy
6-96 Hz
3701 J
We can see from these figures that the VSP source is of modest output compared to a
normal seismic airgun array which would typically produce pressures 4-5 times greater.
Airgun pressure modelling as a function of azimuth, dip and distance
Normal airgun arrays have some significant lateral spatial extent with all guns at the same
depth. As a result such arrays have strong main beams parallel to the z-axis. This array is
unusual in that it has no spatial extent in x-direction and small finite extent in the y and z
direction. As a result we find that the dominant directivity effect is the free-surface effect,
that is, essentially a di-pole radiation pattern parallel to the z-axis (down).
In this work, it was assumed that the wave front spreading was spherical hence all
pressures were scaled by 1 / r , in which r denotes the radial distance from the source. No
losses by absorption were modelled. This gives a stronger high frequency response than
observed in reality. Pressures were calculated on a hemisphere of 1000m radius. All dB
values may easily be converted to other distances by adding 60 20 log r ' , i.e.,
dB r ' = dB1000 + 60 20 log r ' .

Normally pressure signatures would be computed at all azimuths and dips (measured from
the vertical). However, in this case the airgun source has 2 planes of symmetry (x,z and
y,z planes) which means it is only necessary to consider 1 quadrant of the hemisphere, the
others being implied by symmetry.
A number of characteristic metrics were calculated. Three of these are presented here,
1. Peak pressure - defined as the absolute maximum pressure deviation from ambient
pressure,
p peak = max p (t ) .
This is presented as dBpeak rel. 1Pa, where dBpeak = 20 log( ppeak )
2. Energy flux density an indicated metric in EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1. It
is undefined in that document, however a units analysis indicates it is likely
defined as,
T
EFD = p(t ) dt
2
This is presented as dBEDF rel. 1Pa2s, where dB EDF = 10 log(EDF )

3. 90% energy window defined as the width of the time window that contains 90%
of the energy. This is useful to determine the duration of the sound.
In Figure 5 below, the peak pressure is shown as a function of azimuth and dip. Typical
values are 190dBpeak, weakening markedly towards a dip of 90 where they become
vanishingly small. The array has very weak directivity mostly dominated by the di-pole
effect of the free-surface. The array has slightly increased directivity in the y-direction.
Using the conversion formula mentioned earlier, we may note that typical values at 100m
and 500m are dB100 = 210 , dB500 = 196 .
Peak pressure @ 1000m

ut
im
az
dB re 1Pa
di
Figure 5- Peak pressure, as a function of dip and azimuth, 1000m from the source. The colour scale is
clipped below 180dB to help show the variation. At a dip of 90 the peak pressure is vanishingly
small.
Figure 6 below shows the energy flux density as a function of azimuth and dip. The
strongest values are around 150 dBEFD weakening towards a dip of 90 where they
become vanishingly small. Again the weak array directivity is noticeably dominated by
the di-pole effect of the free-surface. Using the conversion formula mentioned earlier, we
may note that typical values at 100m and 500m are dB100 = 170 , dB 500 = 156 .
The EDF values at 1000m (or indeed 500m) do not exceed 160 dB re 1Pa2s.
Furthermore, it does not matter how frequently the source is fired because it is does not
exceed 160 dBEDF for 100% of the time. Clearly this satisfies the EPBC regulatory
requirement that: .. the received acoustic signal at 1km will not likely exceed 160dB re
1Pa2s for 95% of the time which means that the smaller low power zone may be
used, namely,
Observation zone: 3+ km horizontal radius from the acoustic source.

Low power zone: 1 km horizontal radius from the acoustic source.
Shut-down zone: 500m horizontal radius from the acoustic source.
Energy flux density @ 1000m

ut
im
az
dB re 1Pa 2 s
di
Figure 6- Energy flux density, as a function of dip and azimuth, 1000m from the source. The colour
scale is clipped below 150dB to help show the variation. At a dip of 90 the energy flux density is
vanishingly small.
The 160 dBEDF distance
The EPBC guidelines conservatively use 160 dBEDF to set a low power zone. In the
guidelines this appears to have been done in anticipation of typical surface seismic energy
levels. They do not appear to have anticipated the lower energy levels that might occur for
a VSP source. It is interesting to determine at what distance the 160 dBEDF level would
occur as a function of the direction from the source. This is simply calculated by rearranging the earlier equation to solve for r which gives,
r ' = 10
3+
1
(dB1000 dBr ' )
20
Here, r is the distance sought and dBr=160. This distance as a function of dip and
azimuth is shown in Figure 7 - 90% energy time window, as a function of dip and
azimuth, 1000m from the source.below. Firstly it is easily seen that the largest distance at
which the 160dBEDF level is reached is about 350m vertically downwards. In the more
horizontal directions the distance is between zero (at the surface) and say 150m (at depths
from about 10 to 20m (depending upon azimuth)).
Distance to 160dB point

ut
im
az
160dB radius (m)
di
Figure 7 - 90% energy time window, as a function of dip and azimuth, 1000m from the source.
Time window for 90% of the energy

ut
im
az
di
Figure 8 - The time duration of the pressure disturbance that contains 90% of the energy.
On this iso-EDF surface one can also look at the fraction of time the 160dB level occurs.
The duration of the pressure disturbance that contains 90% of the energy was calculated
and is shown in Figure 8 above. The longest duration is 0.0176s. This indicates the source
could be fired as frequently as every 0.352s before it constituted 95% of the time.
Therefore it is not unreasonable to suggest that the 1000m low power zone should be
superseded by a much smaller low power zone as calculated above because it
completely meets the exposure criteria used to construct the published guidelines. It is
therefore proposed conservatively that the low power zone should be at a radius of
350m for this source.
Conclusions
The VSP source has been computer modelled simulating the received pressures at 1000m
at all azimuths and dip angles. Its energy flux density characteristics easily demonstrate
that a 1000m low power zone is applicable. However, because this source is weaker
than normal sources, a low power zone radius of 350m is entirely appropriate because it
adheres to the exposure criteria that the EPBC guidelines are based upon.
References
Ziolkowski, A., G. Parkes, L. Hatton, and T. Haugland, 1982, The signature of an air-gun
array - Computation from near-field measurements including interactions: Geophysics, 47
, no.10, 1413-1421.
EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and
whales, Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Water Resources
May 2007
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Appendix 7
Environment Plan:
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Compliance Reporting Table
Section No.
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Timing
Executive
Summary
Environmental management for the drilling program will be

conducted in accordance with this EP and a specific Waste
Management Plan.
Construction
phase
1.5.5
Chevron Australia will maintain communications with relevant

agencies, fishery groups, and port authorities to ensure that they
are informed of any aspects of the drilling program that may affect
other users of the area.
Construction
phase
3.2.1
Specific well locations and flowline paths will be selected to avoid

sensitive marine ecosystems, and wells will be directionally drilled
from three subsea manifold locations, reducing the impact and
footprint on the seabed.
Construction
phase
Table 4.1
The drilling and completions program will comply with all

management and mitigation measures listed in the Table.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.1
The volumes of drilling fluid discharged on cuttings will be

minimised through recovery and re-use during drilling
Construction
phase
4.3.1.1
At the completion of each well, there will be no discharge of whole

SBM, with remaining fluids either stored for use on subsequent
wells or transferred to the mainland for appropriate onshore
disposal or recycling.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.2
Waste will be macerated to less than 25 mm diameter prior to

discharge.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.2
All greywater will pass through the treatment plant prior to

discharge.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.2
There will be no discharge of sewage or putrescible domestic

wastes from either the drilling rig or the support vessels within
12 nautical miles of any coastline.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.3
Bilge water will be passed through an oilwater separator to ensure

that hydrocarbon levels are less than 15 ppm.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.4
Solid wastes will be segregated and disposed of or recycled in

accordance with the rigs Waste Management Plan and Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) requirements.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.4
Solid wastes will either be incinerated on board or transferred to the

mainland for onshore disposal or recycling at an appropriate waste
treatment facility.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.4
On board the rig, waste skips will be provided for wood, scrap steel,
general waste, and prescribed waste.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.4
Waste skips will be fitted with either lids or cargo nets to prevent the
escape of waste materials.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.4
Plastic Sulo bins (wheelie bins) for segregation will be provided for
Construction

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oily rags/gloves, oil filters, cans, fluorescent tubes, cardboard, etc.
phase
4.3.1.4
A 4000 litre Det Norske Veritas (DNV) tank will be used on the rig to
collect waste oil. No toxic discharges shall occur from this unit.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
The helideck and helideck refuelling system areas will be fitted with
a drain collection system compliant with current guidelines (UK CAA
2010).
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
Coamings will be provided around the refuelling storage tanks to

contain all spilled fluids.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
No helifuel will be kept on the rig during the drilling program.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
Liquid collected in the drain holding tank will be pumped back to

active pits or transferred to support vessel for onshore disposal.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
An oilwater separator will be used to clean up contaminated

drainage and reduce oil content to less than 15 ppm.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
Once treated, drainage will be discharged overboard.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.5
Extracted oil will be pumped to the dirty oil tank, where it can be
pumped to the incinerator, or discharge station for offloading to a
supply vessel for onshore disposal.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.6
The wells will be subject to a clean-up well flow test to 60 to

75 MMscf/day in readiness for production.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.6
Flaring operations (and associated procedural controls) will be

reviewed via one or more HAZID workshops to ensure risks are
adequately addressed procedurally.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.6
Testing will be conducted in strict accordance with well testing

procedures and green-type (i.e. high efficiency) well test oil
burners will be used, which are designed to maximise burning
efficiency by ensuring continuous and backup ignition.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.6
Water screens will be used to minimise heat emissions, and the

flaring efficiency will be continuously monitored during testing.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.6
Flaring operations will be undertaken in accordance with Reference

Well Testing Procedures and the Well Test Program.
Construction
phase
4.3.1.10
Transfer of these materials from the support vessel to the drilling rig
will comply with strict management procedures similar to those
applied to fuel transfer (including restricting SBM transfer
commencement to daylight hours), as outlined in the Chevron
Global Upstream (GU) Offshore Drilling Fluid and Cuttings
Environmental Performance Standard (EPS) (24 October 2007).
Construction
phase
4.3.1.11
The wash water will be circulated to a slug pit for disposal

overboard if the SBM content is <1%, or transported for onshore
disposal at an incineration facility.
Construction
phase
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4.3.4
The rig and support vessels will be inspected and cleaned, with an
emphasis on detecting the presence of organisms considered by
AQIS to be of particular quarantine concern.
Construction
phase
4.3.4
The Atwood Osprey rig will be newly built and is not expected to
have significant marine growth attached to its hull, but it will
undergo underwater inspection and cleaning while at anchorage.
Construction
phase
4.3.4
The hull cleaning will take place to minimise the potential for reestablishment of organisms.
Construction
phase
4.3.4
The underwater cleaning and inspection of the rig and support

vessels will be assisted by engaging the services of an Invasive
Marine Species (IMS) Inspector who will provide documentation
and photographs that will be made available to AQIS.
Construction
phase
4.3.4
All vessels associated with the program that enter Australian waters
from overseas will be required to exchange ballast en route, in
accordance with the AQIS Australian Ballast Water Management
Requirements 2001.
Construction
phase
5.3.1
The criteria for drilling fluid and cuttings disposal will be compliance
with the Chevron GU Offshore Drilling Fluid and Cuttings EPS (24
October 2007), use of DMP-approved low toxicity drilling fluids and
use of a residual amount of SBM on cuttings of <10% (expressed
as dry weight of base fluid on cuttings averaged over each hole
section drilled).
Construction
phase
5.3.6
Ballast water exchange, if required, will be in accordance with AQIS

Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements 2001.
Construction
phase
5.3.7
No solid waste will be disposed overboard.
Construction
phase
6.3
The management measures, objectives and performance criteria

required for each aspect of operations are summarised in Table 41
and Table 51. This section provides further detail of the specific
management measures that will be applied to key aspects of
operations.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.1
Management of the potential effects of drilling fluids will be

achieved through selection of fluids with high environmental
performance, and by minimising the volumes of fluids lost to sea
during operations.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.1
Following the installation of the BOPs and riser, drilling fluid will be
circulated from the well to the rig and recycled.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.1
The volume of drilling fluid residues on the cuttings will be

minimised through the use of vibrating screens and shakers, and
cuttings dryers.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.1
The shakers will be continuously monitored and cleared to avoid

blockage.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.1
A range of shaker screens will be held on the rig to allow fine tuning
of mesh size and to optimise fluid recovery rates.
Construction
phase

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6.3.1.1
Cuttings from the shale shakers will be processed through a vertical

cuttings dryer prior to discharge overboard.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.1
Cuttings will be dispersed near the surface to maximise dispersion

and reduce effects on the benthos (with the exception of riserless
drilling). Construction phase
Construction
phase
6.3.1.2
Galley wastes will pass through a kitchen waste disposal

(macerated to <25 mm) and grease interceptor, prior to discharge.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.2
Only biodegradable detergents will be permitted on the rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.3
Wastes will be collected and segregated using clearly marked and

covered/netted skips prior to onshore disposal or recycling.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.3
Styrofoam cups will not be permitted aboard the drilling rig and
support vessels.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.3
Solid and hazardous wastes (other than sewage and food waste)
will be stored in designated areas, then transported to Dampier for
disposal at an approved waste disposal or recycle facility, or
incinerated.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.3
A waste manifest will be maintained on the drilling rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.1.3
The waste manifest will be incorporated into waste tracking records

at the Dampier Shorebase; this manifest will detail the quantities of
solid wastes generated aboard the drilling rig and incinerated or
returned to shore for disposal or recycling.
Construction
phase
6.3.2
Walk-away VSP operations will be conducted on a maximum of two

wells in accordance with the following measures for minimising
acoustic disturbance to whales, as previously agreed between
Chevron Australia and SEWPaC, based on results of computer
modelling of noise generated by a VSP source (Appendix 6).
Construction
phase
6.3.2.1
At least 30 minutes prior to commencement of VSP operations, a

visual check will be undertaken from a high point on the rig to see if
there are any whales within 3 km of the rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.1
Sightings will be logged on the standard SEWPaC Whale and

Dolphin Sighting and Reporting online form.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.1
Logs will record both location and effort for each watch and
(separately) details of any sightings made.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.1
Whale watches will be continuous during VSP.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.1
The details of all whale observations recorded in Australian

waters during the drilling program will be compiled and
forwarded to SEWPaC within two months of the completion of
VSP operations
Construction
phase
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6.3.2.2
VSP will not be commenced if a whale is observed within 3 km of

the rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.2
Start up of the acoustic array will be delayed until at least

30 minutes after the last sighting of a whale moving out of the 3 km
zone.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.3
Sequential increase in intensity of warning pulses over 20 minutes

initiated at the lowest setting at the commencement of operations
will be used to deter fauna from entering the zone of influence.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.4
Within the 3 km observation zone, a 1 km (from the acoustic

source) prepare to shut down zone will be observed.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.4
The observer will alert the VSP operator of the presence of a whale
and the possible need to shut down VSP operations if the whale
moves within 500 m of the vessel.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.4
If whales are seen within 500 m of the vessel during VSP,

operations will cease immediately and the delay procedures will be
followed for recommencement of the VSP operations.
Construction
phase
6.3.2.5
Night-time VSP will be avoided where practicable. However, if

night-time commencement is required (assuming no operations
within the previous 24 hours), visual observations will be conducted
for two hours prior to sunset.
Construction
phase
6.3.3.1
All internal combustion engines will be maintained and tuned for

optimal operating efficiency in accordance with Atwoods
maintenance standards and manufacturers operating and
maintenance requirements, as required by the rig-specific Power
Management Plan.
Construction
phase
6.3.3.2
The potential for environmental impacts from air emissions during

flaring will be minimised by:
Construction
phase
maximising burning efficiency through the use of

interchangeable burner-head nozzles according to required burn
rates
maintaining a smoke- and fallout-free burn operation
using water screens to reduce heat emissions.
6.3.3.2
Continuous monitoring of the well flow test will be undertaken and if

at any time the flaring fails to meet Chevron Australias test criteria,
the test will be shut down.
Construction
phase
6.3.4
The drilling contractor will ensure that the rig and support vessels
are compliant with Australian quarantine requirements.
Construction
phase
6.3.4
Documents that demonstrate quarantine compliance will be

provided to the relevant authorities.
Construction
phase
6.3.4
Management of the potential risk of introduction of invasive marine

pests into Australian waters from rig biofouling comprises the
following:
Construction
phase

The rig and support vessels hulls will be inspected and cleaned
before departing Singapore to remove as much marine growth
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as practical.
The average tow speed for the rig will be 7.5 knots. This speed
is comparable to ocean-going vessels and considerably reduces
the risk of marine growth re-establishing during transit.
On arrival in Australia, the rig will be towed directly to the
location in Commonwealth waters. There is no intention for the
rig to enter State waters. However, if the rig is required to enter
State waters, prior AQIS clearance would be required.
6.3.5
All chemicals used or stored on board the rig will be contained and
managed as per International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code standards,
to prevent damage to the containers and/or leakage/spillage on to
the deck or in to the ocean.
Construction
phase
6.3.5
Oils and hazardous liquid materials will be stored in bunded areas,

or on bunded pallets, so that any spills or leaks can be contained
and recovered.
Construction
phase
6.3.5
Where possible, CHARM-approved chemicals will be used.
Construction
phase
6.3.5
Onboard spills will be cleaned up immediately using absorbent

materials held on the rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.5
Recovery chemicals and used absorbent materials will be placed in

appropriately marked drums for recycling or onshore disposal.
Construction
phase
6.3.5
The deck drains will be closed (plugged) in areas where SBM is

used, and drains and bunds on the rig will be regularly inspected
(including prior to the commencement of drilling) to ensure their
integrity.
Construction
phase
6.3.5
Rig and support vessel management measures will include:
Construction
phase
MSDSs will be held on board for all hazardous materials and all
chemicals; hazardous materials and chemicals will be handled in
accordance with their MSDS.
All materials will be clearly labelled.
Segregated and contained storage areas will be used for
different classes of substances.
Handling procedures will be available via the rig intranet and
reviewed prior to transfer of materials.
6.3.5
Specific procedures will be followed for handling, transferring, and

mixing chemicals, and for drilling fluid tank cleaning.
Construction
phase
6.3.6
A 500 m exclusion zone will be established around the rig and a

Notice to Mariners will be broadcast warning of the presence of the
rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.6
The location of the wells and the drilling program schedule will be
communicated to commercial fishers (via AFMA and Western
Australian Fishing Industry Council [WAFIC]) and other commercial
mariners (via AMSA and the port authorities) that may operate in
the area.
Construction
phase
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6.3.6
The rig and support vessels will display all required navigation
lighting to minimise any navigation hazard to passing vessels.
Construction
phase
6.3.6
All vessels will be operated by accredited seamen maintaining 24hour visual, radio and radar watch for other vessels.
Construction
phase
6.3.7.1
All refuelling operations will be conducted in strict accordance with

relevant procedures; these operations include the support vessel
refuelling procedures for bunkering in port and the Atwood Osprey
procedures for refuelling the rig.
Construction
phase
6.3.7.1
Specific measures to minimise the risk of fuel leaks or spill during

refuelling at sea include:
Construction
phase
Transfer operations are to commence in daylight and only

continue into night as agreed by Chevron Australia and Atwood.
Sea conditions should be sufficiently calm, as determined by the
Master of the support vessel, in agreement with the Atwood
Osprey Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) and the Chevron
Australia Lead DSM on board the drilling rig.
The Master of the vessel, OIM and the Chevron Australia DSM
must agree to refuel.
Continual radio contact is to be maintained between the support
vessel and the rig during refuelling.
Reinforced hoses with flotation collars, dry break couplings and
safety breakaway couplings are to be used.
Hoses are to undergo pressure integrity testing before transfers.
Drip trays are to be used under all onboard coupling points.
Continual visual monitoring of hoses, couplings and the sea
surface is to be undertaken during refuelling.
Continual monitoring of fuel flow gauges/tank soundings on both
the rig and support vessel is to be undertaken.
6.3.7.2
Vessel-to-rig transfer operations required to supply drilling fluid

components, or other drilling materials, will be undertaken in strict
accordance with the relevant Atwood Osprey procedures.
Construction
phase
6.3.7.2
SBM transfer operations will be restricted to daylight hours

wherever possible, but may continue into the night with agreement
between Atwood and Chevron Australia; transfer operations will
include continuous monitoring, the use of dry break couplings,
safety breakaway fittings, and floating hoses to minimise the
potential for a spill.
Construction
phase
6.3.7.2
During transfer operations, the overboard discharge valves on the

tanks containing SBM will be closed.
Construction
phase
6.3.7.2
Mud tanks containing SBM will have the overboard dump valves
locked closed.
Construction
phase
6.3.7.2
Scuppers will be on board to minimise the potential for a spill to the

marine environment.
Construction
phase
6.3.8
The following well control equipment will be used to provide

assurance of BOP functionality and reliability to prevent a well
control incident if control from the rig is compromised or completely
Construction
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lost:
6.3.8
dual rigid hydraulic lines from the surface to the stack to provide
redundancy in hydraulic control to operate the BOP stack
a flying lead off the subsea BOP-mounted accumulator bottles
for ROV-assisted BOP operation
an ROV fitted with a hot stab and a bladder with control fluid to
operate the BOP rams
a deadman system that will activate the blind shears to sever
the drill pipe and seal the well, if all electrical and hydraulic
control is lost from the rig to both control pods.
Testing of the BOPs will include:
stump test of the complete stack and valves to an agreed

maximum working pressure prior to running the stack
additional testing during operations as per the agreed well
control procedures.
Construction
phase
6.3.8
Table 6 1 summarises the barriers (safeguards or controls) that will

be implemented to minimise the chance of a loss of well control
incident occurring; or provide mitigation or recovery, in the unlikely
event a well control event does happen.
Construction
phase
6.3.8
The fluid flow rates, bit penetration rate, and pressure parameters
will be continuously monitored during drilling, to provide for early
warning and correction of potential well control problems.
Construction
phase
6.3.8
Gas levels in returned fluids will be recorded via gas sensors in

flowline and fluid pits. The sensors will be continuously monitored
by trained personnel and by an automated alarm system.
Construction
phase
6.3.9.1
Testing of these response procedures, detailed in Section 6.4, will

be carried out as per Regulation 14(8A) of the OPGGS
(Environment) Regulations.
Construction
phase
6.3.9.2
Any minor spills aboard the rig or support vessels, such as engine
oil and below deck spills, will be captured (catchment lips around
potential spill areas), mopped up, contained, and sent to the
mainland for onshore recycling/disposal.
Construction
phase
6.3.9.2
Spills will not be discharged to the ocean.
Construction
phase
6.3.9.2
Spills of fluids, mud and chemicals on the rig will be managed in

accordance with Atwood Osprey SOPEP procedures.
Construction
phase
6.3.9.2
Stocks of absorbent materials aboard the rig and support vessels

will be checked for their adequacy and replenished as necessary
prior to the commencement of operational activities in the well
drilling area.
Construction
phase
6.4
The environmental induction will include:
Construction
phase
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the Chevron Corporate Operational Excellence Policy 530

an outline of the material presented in this Plan
environmental objectives for the program and the management
strategies that will be applied to achieve those objectives
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a description of environmental responsibilities.
6.4
Personnel with responsibilities in specific environmental practices

will be adequately trained to ensure effective implementation of the
Work Instructions and Procedures for which they will have
responsibilities.
Construction
phase
6.4
Induction and training of personnel will be augmented through

supervisory review and practical drills during the drilling program.
Construction
phase
6.4
A desktop oil spill exercise will be carried out before running

the BOPs, or as soon after as is practicable, at the start of the
drilling program, and Chevron Australias Lead DSM will
maintain a record of this exercise
Construction
phase
6.4
The desktop exercise shall be repeated throughout the drilling

program.
Construction
phase
6.4
The logbooks of this exercise will be kept for inclusion in the

environmental close-out report to the DMP.
Construction
phase
6.6
In an emergency incident or accidental oil spill to the ocean,

Chevron Australia and Atwood will respond in accordance with the
project-specific Emergency Response Bridging Plan and OSORP,
which integrates with Chevron Australias MOPP and the rigs
SOPEP and ERP.
Construction
phase
6,6
These documents will be revised by Chevron Australia if and when

there are any major changes to well operations.
Construction
phase
6,6
Response arrangements will be tested on an (at least) 12monthly basis during the drilling program
Construction
phase
7.1.1
Any document that is required to be implemented under this Plan

will be made available to the relevant SEWPaC auditor.
Construction
phase
7.1.1
Chevron will undertake a review of environmental performance,

including the results of the audits, upon completion of the drilling
program; this review will include:
Construction
phase
review of environmental performance

review of the Environment Plan.
7.1.1
The results of the review and any recommended modifications to

procedures will be incorporated into future Environment Plans for
similar operations.
Construction
phase
7.1.1
The Chevron Australia Lead DSM will include the outcomes of the
review in the close-out report to the DMP.
Construction
phase
7.1.2
The findings of external regulatory audits will be recorded and

actions and/or recommendations will be addressed and tracked.
Construction
phase
7.2.4
An annual report detailing environmental performance and

compliance will be submitted to the DMP, in accordance with
Regulation 15B of the OPGGS (E) Regulations.
Construction
phase

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7.2.4
A report detailing any whale sightings during the program,

particularly during VSP, will be compiled by the Chevron
Australia Lead DSM and submitted to SEWPaC within two
months of the completion of each well. This report shall
include a summary of drilling operations, whale observations,
and details of any operational responses as a result of a
whale encounter.
Construction
phase
7.2.4
Following completion of the wells, the Chevron Australia Lead DSM

will submit a close-out report to the DMP, summarising the overall
environmental performance of the drilling program, along with any
recommended changes to future Environment Plans for subsequent
drilling programs in the permit area.
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
Unplanned impacts detected by the monitoring program for matters

of National Environmental Significance during an activity will be
reported to SEWPaC and DMP; within 48 hours of detection; and
Notified no later than two hours after occurrence; written report
submitted within three days of occurrence
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
Harm or mortality to EPBC Act Listed Fauna will be reported to

SEWPaC and DMP; within 24 hours of detection; and notified no
later than two hours after occurrence; written report submitted
within three days of occurrence will be notified and a written report
submitted.
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
Reportable Incidents (refer to Section 7.2.6) will be reported to DMP

notified no later than two hours after occurrence; written report
submitted within three days of occurrence
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
Recordable Incidents (refer to Section 7.2.7) will be reported to

DMP in a written report submitted no later than the 15th of the
following calendar month
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
SBM or hydrocarbon spill >80 L will be reported to DMP and

SEWPaC within 2 hours
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
An uncontrollable escape or ignition of petroleum or any other

flammable or combustible material causing a potentially hazardous
situation will be reported to DMP as soon as practicable
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
Any discharge or probable discharge in excess of MARPOL 73/78

discharge rates will be reported AMSA within 24 hours
Construction
phase
Table 7-1
Any spills greater than ten tonnes in Commonwealth waters will be

reported to AMSA within one hour
Construction
phase
7.2.6
The DMP will be notified of all reportable incidents, in accordance

with Regulation 26 of the OPGGS (E) Regulations. No later than
two hours after occurrence
Construction
phase
7.2.6
The DMP, through its Duty Officer, will be notified of reportable

incidents No later than two hours after occurrence
Construction
phase
7.2.6
The DMP, through its Duty Officer, will be notified of

reportable incidents no later than two hours after occurrence.
A formal written report will be submitted within three days of
Construction
phase
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the incident occurring. The report will contain all material

facts and circumstances concerning the reportable incident,
actions taken to avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts, and
corrective action taken.
7.2.6
Under the EPBC Act, in the event a cetacean, Threatened, or

Migratory species is injured or killed as a result of the drilling
operations, the Secretary must be notified within seven days, either
by writing, telephone or by email. The notification must include the
time, place, circumstances, species affected and the consequences
of the action (Division 7.3 of the EPBC Act Regulations).
Construction
phase
7.2.6.1
Any breach in the quarantine regulations, including exchange of

ballast water within the 12 nm limit or failure to comply with AQIS
requirements, will be reported to AQIS and to the DMP.
Construction
phase
7.2.6.2
Any significant accidental release (>80 L) of SBM to the marine

environment as a result of the drilling operations (vessel movement
resulting in collision, loss during transfer, or displacement) shall be
deemed a reportable incident and reported to the DMP. .
Construction
phase
7.2.6.3
Any significant accidental release (>80 L) of hydrocarbons to the

marine environment shall be deemed a reportable incident and
reported to the DMP and SEWPaC. .
Construction
phase
7.2.7
Chevron Australia will submit a written report to the DMP of all

recordable incidents that occurred in a calendar month. The report
will contain a record of all incidents that occurred during that month,
all material facts and circumstances known about the incidents and
the corrective actions taken or proposed to be taken to prevent
similar recordable incidents. Reportable incidents will not be
included in these reports.
Construction
phase
7.2.8
For a period of five years, Chevron Australia will store and Construction
maintain accurate records including, but not limited to, the phase
following items:
7.2.8
internal environmental performance monitoring

records of routine and non-routine emissions and discharges to
the environment
reportable and recordable incidents
records of calibration and maintenance of monitoring devices
used
induction records
waste records
hazardous goods manifests
bunkering records
bilge and ballasting records
non-compliances and corrective action records
internal audits and inspection records
any records included as part of reporting information.
Chevron Australia will make these records available to regulatory

authorities upon written request

Public
Construction
phase
Page 121

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Environment Plan

Gorgon Gas Development Drilling and

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Gorgon Gas Development Environmental Approvals ............................................................. 23

Purpose of this Plan ................................................................................................................ 24

Scope of this Environment Plan .............................................................................. 24

Hierarchy of Documentation .................................................................................... 26

Relevant Standards and Guidelines ........................................................................ 28

Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................................................ 29

Public Availability ..................................................................................................... 30

Drilling Activities ................................................................................................................................ 31

Well Design and Drilling Details .............................................................................................. 32

Drilling Fluids and Chemical Additives .................................................................... 33

Drilling Fluids and Cuttings Handling and Disposal................................................. 34

Cleaning the SBM Holding Tanks ........................................................................... 35

Cementing Operations ............................................................................................. 35

Pre- and Post-drilling Seabed Surveys ................................................................... 35

Well Testing and Clean-Up...................................................................................... 36

Well Suspension and Completion ........................................................................... 36

Marine and Support Operations .............................................................................. 36

Time Frame ............................................................................................................. 37

Existing Marine Environment ............................................................................................................ 38

Physical Environment ............................................................................................................. 38

Bathymetry and Seabed Features ........................................................................... 38

Metocean Conditions ............................................................................................... 38

Marine Biological Environment ............................................................................................... 38

Benthic Flora and Fauna ......................................................................................... 39

Social and Economic Environment ......................................................................................... 43

Petroleum Activities ................................................................................................. 43

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Recreational and Tourism Activities ....................................................................... 45

Marine Protected Areas .......................................................................................... 45

Defence Practice Areas .......................................................................................... 45

Cultural Heritage ..................................................................................................... 45

Particular Issues or Sensitivities ............................................................................. 45

Risk Assessment .............................................................................................................................. 46

Key Outcomes ........................................................................................................................ 61

Routine and Operational Discharges ...................................................................... 61

Positioning and Presence of the Rig ...................................................................... 67

Contingency Plan and Management of Unplanned Operations ............................. 68

Objectives, Performance Standards and Relevant Documentation ................................................. 72

Performance Standards ......................................................................................................... 72

Document No.: G1-NT-PLNX0001023

Discharge of Drilling Fluid and Cuttings ................................................................. 72

Underwater Noise ................................................................................................... 73

Oil/Chemical Spill .................................................................................................... 73

Fuel (Diesel Spill) .................................................................................................... 73

Loss of Well Control ................................................................................................ 73

Discharge of Domestic Wastes............................................................................... 73

Relevant Documentation ........................................................................................................ 73

Environmental Policy .............................................................................................................. 78

Environmental Management Documentation ......................................................................... 78

Chevron ABU OE Documentation .......................................................................... 78

Project-specific Documentation .............................................................................. 79

Project-specific Plans and Procedures ................................................................... 80

Environmental Management Measures ................................................................................. 80

Rig and Vessel Wastes, Discharges and Emissions .............................................. 80

Vertical Seismic Profiling ........................................................................................ 81

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Air Emissions ........................................................................................................... 82

Quarantine and Ballast Water ................................................................................. 83

Onboard Storage and Handling of Chemicals ......................................................... 83

Interaction with Other Users of the Area ................................................................. 83

Resupply Operations ............................................................................................... 84