Offshore South Australia
Case study: Offshore South Australia
BP was awarded the four permits after submitting bids for them in April 2010. During the initial three year term for each permit, BP’s primary work programme commitments consist of undertaking a 3D marine seismic survey as well as drilling four exploration wells.
A seismic survey uses the reflection of a sound pulse to create an image of the rocks beneath the seabed. From this image geoscientists can identify structures which may contain hydrocarbons. The process requires a ship to tow a sound source, followed by a long cable of listening hydrophones which pick up the reflections. The ship contracted to carry out the survey, the Ramform Sterling, is one of the world’s most modern seismic ships and can survey an area of more than 60km2 per day. BP’s survey in the Great Australian Bight is scheduled to begin after October 2011 and conclude by May 2012.
During 2011, BP applied for the requisite regulatory approvals for the seismic survey, which included the submission of an Environment Plan as required under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009, and a referral to the Federal Environment Minister in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Copies of the Environment Plan Public Summary and the referral have been placed on the web-sites of the relevant regulators. Additional approval was required from the Governor-General because part of the survey overlaps the Benthic Protection Zone of the Great Australian Bight Marine Park. Final approval was given by the Governor-General in early September 2011.
BP has consulted broadly with stakeholders in the State and Federal Governments, research agencies, environmental researchers and NGOs, and industry associations and participants, especially in the fishing industry. BP has also conducted its own environmental risk assessment before preparing its application for regulatory approvals. Measures to avoid and control any potential impacts on whales, a Southern Bluefin Tuna stock assessment survey and the Great Australian Bight Marine Park have been agreed with the relevant regulators as part of the regulatory approvals process.
Stakeholder engagement will continue to be a key feature of BP’s work in the exploration permits, both during the seismic survey and as planning for drilling exploration wells begins to progress during 2012. To assist in this process, BP has established a representative office in Adelaide.
Stakeholder engagement will continue to be a key feature of BP’s work in the exploration permits, both during the seismic survey and as planning for drilling exploration wells begins to progress during 2012. To assist in this process, BP has established a representative office in Adelaide.
Attestation note
