ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES FOR A PERMIT-WIDE DRILLING PROGRAM IN A SENSITIVE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

An integrated program of environmental studies was undertaken in support of an application to conduct permit-wide exploratory drilling in a shallow, sensitive marine environment. The program comprised permit and well site specific work which was carried out in parallel with a corporate due diligence program established by the permit Operator.

Scientific studies undertaken for permit area EP 341 off the north west coast of Western Australia comprised underwater surveys, aerial video reconnaissance, surface current tracking surveys and oil spill trajectory modelling to characterise the local environment and identify sensitive resources at risk of impact from oil spills. Survey data were used to prepare an environmental impact assessment report and an oil spill contingency plan, which provide a set of site-specific environmental management guidelines for use by field and office personnel involved with the drilling program. A 3D oil spill trajectory model successfully predicted current flows in the complex hydrodynamic environment of the permit areas, demonstrating its usefulness as a real time tool for oil spill response planning.