An integrated approach to environmental assessment for decommissioning outcomes
Louise Mayboehm A * , Katie Martin A and Sheela Veluayitham AA Esso Australia Pty Ltd, Level 9, 664 Collins Street, Docklands, Vic. 3008, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 62 S317-S320 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ21151
Accepted: 26 February 2022 Published: 13 May 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of APPEA.
Abstract
As the Esso/BHP infrastructure in Bass Strait is prepared for decommissioning, it is imperative to develop an enhanced understanding of the environment that has evolved around the infrastructure over the past 50 years of production operations. To meet this need, Esso is progressing an integrated environmental assessment program. The first stage of the program recognised that Esso held a wealth of underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) imagery collected over many decades of routine inspections. Working in partnership with third-party marine scientists and biologists, the ecological value of this imagery was assessed. Approximately 1000 h of subsea imagery was analysed to identify species to the lowest possible taxa. To supplement this information, Esso then undertook comprehensive offshore environmental surveys, collecting further underwater imagery to assess marine biota, fish and benthic communities during the summer of 2020/2021. Esso also engaged a leading Australian research organisation to design an environmental survey for the collection and analysis of sediment samples around targeted infrastructure, including reference sites, to increase our understanding of the potential impacts different decommissioning options may have, including disturbance and resuspension of sediments. This integrated approach to environmental assessment has enabled industry, leading marine scientists and research organisations to work collaboratively to better understand the ecological role of oil and gas infrastructure in Bass Strait. This knowledge will assist in identifying optimal decommissioning outcomes for all infrastructure types.
Keywords: decommissioning, ecological value, environmental assessment, field survey, impact, integrated approach, research organisations, specialist knowledge, visual imagery.
Louise Mayboehm holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), with a specialisation in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). Louise commenced with Esso Australia in 2001 and has held a number of roles within the organisation. Louise spent 4 years based at the Esso/BHP Longford Plants and then moved to Projects where she has provided Safety, Security, Health and Environment (SSHE) and regulatory support for over $5 billion in capital investments. Louise is now supporting the planning for the decommissioning of the Esso/BHP facilities in Bass Strait. |
Katie Martin has over 20 years’ experience in the environmental field, including the provision of regulatory compliance and strategic environmental advice to both offshore and onshore oil and gas operators, in both Australia and the UK. Katie holds a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Social Science (Environment and Planning) from RMIT. She is currently working as an Environment and Regulatory Advisor on the Esso Bass Strait Decommissioning team. |
Sheela Veluayitham has more than 25 years of experience in the petroleum industry, joining Mobil Oil Australia in 1996. Sheela has held a number of roles within the organisation and she is currently working as an Environment and Regulatory Advisor in the Esso Bass Strait decommissioning team. Sheela holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, Australia. |
References
Sih T, Cure K, Yilmaz IN, Macreadie PI, McLean D (2021a) Ecological Assessment from Industrial Remotely Operated (ROV) Inspection Footage: Platforms and Pipelines Lookbook. Internal document (Esso).Sih T, Cure K, Yilmaz IN, Macreadie P, McLean D (2021b) Marine biota associated with oil and gas infrastructure of the Gippsland coast. Final report for Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd. (Deakin University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science). 113 p.
