Hurricane-3 Environment Plan Summary€¦ · INTRODUCTION Apache Energy Ltd (Apache) proposes to drill the exploration well vertical Hurricane-3 located in permit area WA-208-P in

Hurricane-3 Environment Plan Summary 1 of 29

Hurricane-3 Environment Plan Summary


CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Schedule ............................................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Compliance......................................................................................................................................... 4

2. LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ................................................................................................................. 5

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................ 7

3.1 Physical Environment ......................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Biological environment ...................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Socio-economic environment ............................................................................................................. 8

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION .............................................................................................................. 9

4.1 Drilling Activities ................................................................................................................................ 9

4.2 Abandonment Activities ..................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Well Testing........................................................................................................................................ 9

5. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND CONTROLS ...........................................................................10

6. MANAGEMENT APPROACH .................................................................................................................11

7. CONSULTATION ...................................................................................................................................12

8. CONTACT DETAILS ...............................................................................................................................13

9. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS, IMPACTS AND CONTROLS .......................................................................14

10. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................29


1. INTRODUCTION

Apache Energy Ltd (Apache) proposes to drill the vertical exploration well Hurricane-3 located in permit area WA-208-P in Commonwealth Waters on behalf of the WA-208-P Joint Venture.

The WA-208-P Joint Venture comprises:

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd (25.85%) Operator

Apache Northwest Pty Ltd (34.03%)

ENI Australia Pty Ltd (18.66%)

Santos Ltd (11.46%)

Beach Energy Ltd (10.00%)

Apache has agreed to operate the drilling of Hurricane-3 instead of the permit operator under a Drilling Management Agreement (DMA). This arrangement has been entered into because Apache is the party to the Ensco 104 rig contract, and because of Apache’s greater experience of drilling wells in this general area.

1.1 Schedule

Drilling of the Hurricane-3 well is scheduled to commence in late October 2012 and is expected to take approximately 30 days. The Hurricane-3 EP comes into effect at the commencement of mobilising the drilling rig from Apache’s Stag facility in permit area WA-208-P, to the Hurricane-3 well location and will remain in effect until the drill rig has demobilised from the site (nominally 1km from drill centre).

1.2 Compliance

The Hurricane-3 EP has been prepared to comply with the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 (OPGGS (E)) under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act) (Cmlth). The EP has been reviewed and accepted by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

This EP summary has been prepared as per the requirements of Regulation 11 (7) and (8) of the referenced OPGGS(E) Regulations.


2. LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY

The proposed Hurricane-3 well surface location is approximately 84 km north of the Dampier Archipelago and 129 km northwest of the Montebello Islands Marine Park in approximately 60 m water depth (Table 2-1, Table 2-2 and Figure 1.

Table 2-1: Surface location for Hurricane-3 well

Parameter Hurricane-3 Surface location

(GDA 94 Zone 50)

19˚ 41’ 00.07”S (Lat) 116˚ 37’ 52.81”E (Long)

461359.00 (Easting) and 7823516.50 (Northing)

Table 2-2: Distances from surface location to key regional features

Regional Feature Distance from Hurricane-3 Location Dampier Archipelago 84 km Closest boundary to Montebello Marine Park 129 km Closest Montebello Island 135 km Varanus Island 153 km Barrow Island 164 km Distance to Ningaloo World Heritage Area 313 km


Figure 1: Location Map for Hurricane-3 well


3. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Physical Environment

The proposed Hurricane-3 well is located in the North-West Marine Bioregion in the NWS Province (DEWHA, 2008a). The region lies within the arid tropics experiencing high summer temperatures with periodic cyclones. The region has two distinct seasons, a mild, dry winter from May to September and a hot summer from October to April. Winters are characterised by clear skies, fine weather, predominantly strong east to south-east winds and infrequent rain. Summer winds are more variable, with strong south-westerlies dominating. Rainfall in the region is generally low with evaporation exceeding rainfall throughout the year. Intense rainfall may sometimes occur during the passage of summer tropical cyclones and thunderstorms (NSR, 1995). Three to four cyclones per year are typical, primarily between December and March (WNI, 1995) and can generate wind speeds of 50-120 knots within the region.

The wind direction in the area of the Hurricane-3 well location is most commonly from the southwest during summer months, covering the proposed time of drilling for Hurricane-3. Winds during transition period (April - May) tend to swing between southwesterly and easterly, tending predominantly southeasterly mid-transition to east-southeasterly in winter (APASA, 2012a).

The dominant surface offshore current (typically seaward of the 200 m isobath) in the Exmouth Sub-basin is the Leeuwin Current, which carries warm tropical water south along the edge of WA's continental shelf, reaching its peak strength in winter and becoming weaker and more variable in summer. The Indonesian Throughflow is the other important current influencing the upper 200 m of the outer NWS (Woodside, 2005). This current brings warm and relatively fresh water to the region from the western Pacific via the Indonesian Archipelago. Seasonal current roses for the Hurricane-3 location show, current directions swing predominantly towards the southeast and north west during the period of drilling (APASA, 2012a).

A recent survey of the seabed at the proposed Hurricane-3 drilling location indicates that the seabed topography is essentially flat lying with very gentle shoaling (less than one degree) to the northeast, with no bathymetric hazards. The seafloor is approximately 57m deep at the Hurricane-3 well location, comprising low relief unconsolidated medium to coarse calcareous sands with patches of fine sandy silt. The surficial sediments are less than 0.1 to 3.1m thick. Sand ripples approximately 1.0 m in height and with wave lengths of approximately 1.0 m are evident across the entire survey area. The sand ripples have an overall northeast-southwest orientation, indicating a predominant northwest- southeast current direction (Neptune Geomatics, 2012).

3.2 Biological environment

The benthic infauna has been surveyed at several sites within and adjacent to Apache’s Commonwealth water permits. Unconsolidated sediments in this habitat support a diverse benthic infauna consisting predominantly of mobile burrowing species which include molluscs, crustaceans (crabs, shrimps and smaller related species), polychaetes, sipunculid and platyhelminth worms, asteroids (sea stars), echinoids (sea urchins) and other small animals.

The nearest Benthic Primary Producers to the Hurricane-3 well location are hard corals, macroalgae, seagrass and mangroves associated with the shorelines and shallow waters (<10 m) of the Dampier Archipelago (including Burrup Peninsula) and the Montebello/Barrow/Lowendal Island group.

Within the Dampier Archipelago and the Montebello/Barrow/Lowendal Island group, the main marine habitats comprise subtidal sediments; intertidal and subtidal reefs (rocky and coral); macroalgal and seagrass beds; intertidal sand shoals and beaches; mangroves; and mud flats.


The EPBC Act Protected Matters Database (DSEWPaC, 2012a) identified 12 species of marine organisms found in the survey area listed as threatened species (endangered or vulnerable), nine of which are also listed as migratory. A further five species are listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. The species listed include 5 cetaceans, 5 sharks, 5 turtles, 1 seabird and 1 seasnake. The timing of the activity overlaps with the southern migration of blue whales (November-December) and turtle nesting season (November to January). The nearest turtle nesting sites to the proposed Hurricane-3 well location are located in the Dampier Archipelago region (84 km south of the drilling location). It is possible any of the EPBC protected species could be seen at the drilling location. The Hurricane-3 well location is not near key nesting, feeding, breeding or aggregation areas of the listed fauna.

3.3 Socio-economic environment

Oil Exploration and production and commercial fisheries are the two main activities operating in the NWS Region. Tourism, prawn fisheries and defence-related activities are key commercial activities within the NWS/Pilbara region. The proposed drilling activity is unlikely to impact on tourism activities in the Pilbara region given the distance from the coastline where most of the tourism activities usually occur. In addition, although ships have been known to pass through the nearby area, no recognised shipping lanes pass through the drilling location. There are two shipping fairways at approximately 50 km south and 25 km east of the proposed drilling location.

There are three commercial fisheries managed by the Commonwealth AFMA that overlap either part or all of the proposed survey area: the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery (North of 34° South), Southern Bluefin Tuna and the Skipjack Tuna Fishery. In addition, seven State managed fisheries have boundaries that overlie or are in close proximity to part or all of the survey area (Apache, 2010; Woodside, 2006). Given the distance offshore and depths at the proposed drilling location, it is unlikely that any recreational fishing occurs in the area.

Due to the high environmental value of the Pilbara coast, an extensive network of existing and proposed conservation areas along the entire Pilbara coast exists. Distances to the nearest marine parks and reserves are given in Table 2-2.

The Pilbara region is becoming an increasingly popular visitor destination for Australian and international tourists and tourism contributes significantly to the local economy in terms of both income and employment. The large majority of these activities occur within 2 nm of the shoreline. The proposed drilling location is expected to have little interaction with tourism and recreation.

There are no listed Commonwealth Heritage Places or National Heritage Places within, or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed Hurricane-3 drilling location. No registered Aboriginal heritage sites are located within or in close proximity to the proposed drilling location. Given the activity is located in deeper offshore waters it is unlikely to have been an indigenous heritage area. There are also no historic shipwrecks listed near the drilling location (DSEWPaC, 2012b).


4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION

The objective of drilling the Hurricane-3 well is to intersect and appraise the Late Jurassic Eliaseen Sandstone and establish if there are any recoverable hydrocarbon reserves present. There is only one hydrocarbon target for this well. Commencement of drilling for Hurricane-3 well is scheduled to commence in November 2012, and is expected to take approximately 30 days. The Ensco 104 jack-up drilling rig, operated by Ensco Plc (Ensco) will be used to undertake the Hurricane-3 well. Three support vessels sourced from Farstad Shipping and Mermaid Marine will be used to supply fresh water, food, bulk drilling fluid materials and transportation of the equipment used during the drilling activity. Helicopter transfers, operated by Bristow Australia, will transfer personnel between the rig and Karratha airport.

Once the drill rig has arrived on location and jacked the legs down, drilling activities will commence. Operations will be conducted 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the activity.

4.1 Drilling Activities

The 406 mm hole will be drilled using seawater and sweeps before the casing is run and cemented. Then the wellhead and BOP will be installed and pressure tested. Next, the 311 mm and 216 mm holes will be vertically drilled using water based mud (WBM). During drilling Logging While Drilling (LWD) logs will be run, upon positive logs, check shot and Vertical Seismic profiling (VSP) will be run. Dependent on net pay, rotary sidewall cores will also be taken.

4.2 Abandonment Activities

Once drilled to target depth and all logging requirements have been met, in the event of a dryhole case Hurricane-3 will be permanently abandoned in accordance with Apache and government regulations. A total of 3 zone isolation plugs will be set. The 1st cement plug isolating the hydrocarbon zone then the 244mm casing cut and retrieved from approximately 300m measured depth below rotary table (MDRT). The 2nd cement plug isolating the 244mm casing cut and 344mm casing. The 3rd cement plug isolating surface. Casing will then be cut and retrieved and all seabed obstructions will be removed. The rig will then be jacked down and moved off location.

In the event that hydrocarbons are encountered, well testing will be utilised to evaluate the reservoir. Following completion of well testing, the well will be plugged and abandoned as described above and in Ensco 104 Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033 Rev 6, section 2.2). As the well is proposed to be abandoned, no infrastructure is left on the seabed.

4.3 Well Testing

Well testing is required for Hurricane-3 to evaluate if the reservoir can produce at commercial rates. The well test activity will involve the controlled flow of hydrocarbons from the target reservoir to the surface through a dedicated test string. Hydrocarbons will be directed through a surface well test package that will separate the produced fluids into gas, condensate and water of which samples will be taken and flow rates will be measured. The produced fluid will then be directed to and disposed of by flaring downwind of the Ensco 104.


5. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND CONTROLS

Apache undertook an environmental risk assessment for routine and non-routine events for Hurricane-3 drilling activities centres around a hazard identification workshop attended by a subset of Apache’s environmental scientists and drilling personnel, held on 9 August 2012. The outcomes of a broader scale hazard identification workshop on Apache’s drilling activities across the NWS (Oracle, 2011), independently facilitated by risk consultants using the combined experience of Apache’s Drilling, Environment and Logistics Departments, was used to inform the Hurricane-3 workshop.

The purpose of the risk assessment was to understand and identify the potential environmental risks to ensure they are reduced to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) utilising Apache’s management and mitigation actions which have been developed from experience in the environmental management of offshore exploration in Australia and are based on Australian petroleum industry best practice environmental management guidelines, as defined by the APPEA Code of Environmental Practice (2008).

The key environmental hazards and control measures to be applied to the Hurricane-3 drilling activities are shown in Section 9. These are consistent with Apache corporate and project specific performance objectives, standards and criteria. All commitments associated with these will be used to reduce environmental risk to ALARP and will be of an acceptable level.


6. MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The Hurricane-3 drilling activity will be managed in compliance with the Hurricane-3 Environment Plan (EA-00-RI-209/1) accepted by NOPSEMA under the OPGGS(E) Regulations, other environmental legislation and Apache’s Management System (e.g. Apache Environmental Management Policy).

The objective of the EP is to ensure that potential adverse environmental impacts associated with the Hurricane-3 drilling activity during both routine and non-routine activities, are identified and assessed and to stipulate mitigation measures to avoid and/or reduce any adverse impacts to the marine environment to ALARP.

The EP details for each environmental impact identified (and assessed in the Environmental Risk Assessment) specific performance objectives, standards and procedures and identifies the range of controls to be implemented (Section 9) to be implemented (consistent with the standards) to achieve the performance objectives and also identifies the specific measurement criteria and records to be kept to demonstrate the achievement of each performance objective.

The goal of the environmental implementation strategy, detailed in the EP, is to direct, review and manage activities so that environmental impacts and risks are continually being reduced to ALARP, and performance objectives and standards are met over the duration of the drilling activity. It includes the following;

1. Details on the systems, practices and procedures to be implemented 2. Key roles and responsibilities 3. Training and competencies for all personnel (Apache and contractors) 4. Monitoring, auditing, management of non-conformance and review 5. Incident Response including Oil Spill Contingency Plan 6. Record Keeping

The reporting requirements for routine activities and environmental incidents (recordable and reportable) and reporting on overall compliance of the activity with the EP (e.g. close out reports submitted to NOPSEMA within 4 months of drilling completion) are also detailed.


7. CONSULTATION

The proposed Hurricane-3 drilling activity is located in waters approximately 60m deep, approximately 84km north of the nearest WA coastline at Dampier Archipelago. At this location, the proposed activity falls within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth government.

Relevant interested parties for consultation of the proposed drilling activity were identified based on the extent of the modelled zone of potential impact (ZPI) and identified sensitive resources. Each identified stakeholder was initially emailed a summary of the proposed Hurricane-3 drilling activities in September 2012 which was followed up by emails and phone calls in October 2012.

Further to the consultation strategy adopted Apache has commenced with issuing quarterly updates to relevant stakeholders. These updates consist of details for the ongoing, plus proposed upcoming activities on the NWS for the next 3-6 months. This update provides the stakeholders with information inclusive of proposed activity, activity location and the activity duration, and gives the stakeholders an opportunity to request additional information on the specific activities that may be of interest to them. The first quarterly update was issued in October 2012 and included details on the Hurricane-3 activity.

Of the key stakeholders contacted prior to commencement of drilling activities three stakeholders responded, their feedback is given in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1: Stakeholder feedback received for Hurricane-3 drilling activity

Stakeholder Relevant Feedback from Hurricane-3 drilling activity

Assessment

Pearl Producer Association

No impact to Pearl Producer industry. No further action required.

AMSA Local vessel traffic will pass through WA-208-P during the proposed 30 day drilling program.

Information regarding vessel traffic was provided to relevant Apache personnel.

DMP DMP has reviewed the notification and does not require any further information at this stage.

It is not a requirement under DMP’s Consultation Guidance Note to provide the OSCP. As such, the draft OSCP will not be reviewed by DMP and no comments will be made. DMP notes that the OSCP (as well as the Environment Plan) will be assessed under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 by the National Offshore Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

Apache has determined that under the guidance from DMP that the OSCP is not required to be reviewed by them.

All correspondence with external stakeholders is recorded in the stakeholder database and Apache will remain available before, during and after completion of the drilling activity to listen to the concerns of stakeholders, as contact details of the relevant project personnel are provided in consultation material.

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/ENV-PEB-176.pdf

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/ENV-PEB-176.pdf


8. CONTACT DETAILS

Further information about the Hurricane-3 drilling activity can be obtained from:

Libby Howitt

Environment Manager

Apache Energy Limited

100 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000

Phone: 08 6218 7181

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


9. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS, IMPACTS AND CONTROLS

The following tables (Table 9-1 and Table 9-2) provide a summary of potential environmental impacts that could be expected from the drilling of Hurricane-3. It lists the activities which might give rise to the environmental impact and controls and measures which eliminate or ensure the residual risk is reduced to ALARP.


Table 9-1: Environmental risk summary for Hurricane-3 – Routine activities

Hazard Cause Potential Impacts Risk Treatment Avoidance, Mitigation & Management Measures

Introduction of invasive marine pest species to permit area

Contaminated ballast water exchange. Pests on hull and/or submersible equipment of rig and support vessels.

Introduction and possible establishment and spread of marine pests.

• No environmentally sensitive seabed features/ habitat identified in proximity of proposed drilling (300m radius)

• Any vessels imported into Australian waters will meet AQIS quarantine requirements. • All vessels will comply with AQIS Aus. Ballast Water Management Requirements and the National

Biofouling Management Guidance for the Petroleum Production and Exploration Industry • Will only use support vessels that, after IMPS risk assessment (in accordance with AQIS guidelines), are

deemed to pose negligible risk. • Ensco 104 is being mobilised from the Stag facility located on the northwest shelf of Australia (in Australian

waters) approximately 70 km southwest of Hurricane-3 • The Ensco 104 and support vessels will not be working in , and as far as practicable will avoid, marine

protected areas Hydrocarbon spill resulting from vessel collision

Breakdown in navigation equipment. Poor weather (reduced visibility). Poor communications. Tow vessel or line (bridle) failure. Human error (lack of crew competency)

Damage to rig and/or platform, leading to oil spill.

• Hurricane-3 not located in a major shipping route (very low intensity transient shipping traffic) • Rig move procedures in place (including 2 support vessels for final positioning of rig) – refer Apache-Ensco

104 Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) Section 2.1 and Rig Tow Plan Ensco 104 (Hurricane-3) • Adherence to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)’s marine notices and marine orders (maritime

safety measures) - Notice to Mariners will be issued prior to rig moving to site. • 500m gazetted exclusion zone monitored by support vessels. • Qualified tow master to move the rig and on board for all transits. • Certified towing equipment. • Radio and radar communications adopted on vessels. • Vessel illumination at night and during times of low visibility to assist navigation and make rig visible. • Support vessel crew experienced and competent (International Convention of Standards of Training,

Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers, 2010) • Ensco 104 has an Automatic Identification System (AIS) which allows tracking of the rig by surrounding

vessels. • Hurricane-3 Site survey (seabed characterisation, substrate geotechnical information) undertaken prior to

rig arriving on site, and incorporated into the positioning analysis for Hurricane-3. • Support vessel radar watch during mobilisation of rig • Tanks on the Ensco 104 do not abut the side of the rig, and are located immediately under the engine room

– cannot be damaged through side impact. • Consultation with relevant fisheries prior to drilling, on proposed activities and dates. • Incident response - Ensco 104 HSE Case (EN104-HSE-001) – emergency response procedures (section 4.3.1). • Implementation of Hurricane-3 Oil Spill Contingency Plan (EA-00-RI-209/2) as the control in event of spill to



minimise impact.

Marine Fauna interaction resulting from collision with vessel

Poor weather (reduced visibility). Human error (lack of crew competency)

Impact to marine fauna or marine fauna death

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna • Ensco 104 personnel will complete the Apache/ Ensco 104 environmental induction that details VSP

operations and marine fauna interaction mitigation measures • Cetacean observations to be logged in AEL’s Marine Fauna database and record sent to DSEWPaC. • Adherence to Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (DEH 2005)

Seabed disturbance

Rig positioning, jack up legs, spud can depressions, grounding of vessels/rig, support vessel anchoring

Localised disturbance to seabed (re-suspension of sediments), potential loss of or change in benthic habitat.

• No environmentally sensitive seabed features/ habitat identified in proximity of proposed drilling (300m radius)

• Rig Tow Plan Ensco 104 (Hurricane-3) • Post ROV survey within vicinity of well to check for and retrieve objects on seafloor (if relevant). • No anchoring planned by support vessels. • Utilising a jack-up rig (minimises seabed impact compared with rig that has to anchor). • Hurricane-3 Site survey (seabed characterisation, substrate geotechnical information) undertaken prior to

rig arriving on site. • Avoidance of potentially sensitive seabed surveys identified in the site survey. • Once on location legs will be lowered and spud cans placed on seabed; no drag across the seafloor is

proposed

Damage to existing subsea infrastructure

Rig positioning and Dropped Objects

Release of hydrocarbons to the marine environment

• Nearest production facilities located 20-25km away (northwest): o Wandoo Production Platforms located in Exploration Permit WA-14-L; o Angel Production Platform located in Exploration Permit WA-3-L; and o OKHA FPSO located in Exploration Permit WA-11-L o Gas pipelines run from the North Rankin platform to the mainland, to the west of the proposed

well. The closest proximity is approximately 30 km to the southwest of the proposed well location • Adherence to AMSA’s marine notices and marine orders • Radio and radar communications adopted on vessels. • Adherence to Ensco Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) – Section 2.1 and Rig Tow Plan Ensco 104

(Hurricane-3) • No anchoring planned by support vessels. Hurricane-3 Site survey (seabed characterisation, substrate

geotechnical information) undertaken prior to rig arriving on site, and incorporated into the positioning analysis for Hurricane-3.

• Implementation of Hurricane-3 Oil Spill Contingency Plan (EA-00-RI-209/2) as the control in event of spill to minimise impact.



Continuous lighting in the same location for an extended period of time

Lighting required for safety purposes on the rig and vessels.

Attraction of fauna such as migratory birds and turtles, leading to possible increased predation. Attraction of turtle hatchlings during nesting season.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna • Lighting levels are not significantly different from lighting levels on other vessels, platforms etc. operating

on the NWS. • Minimum safe lighting requirements for vessels and rigs to meet relevant Safety and Industry Regulations. • Adherence to Ensco Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) • Distant from sensitive habitats and shorelines (>80km). • Non-essential lighting will be switched off when possible without compromising safety. • Flaring operations will be kept to the minimum required to achieve well objectives. • Should migratory shorebirds be attracted; there is the ability for them to land on the rig

Underwater noise generated by drill rig, VSP, vessels and helicopters

Standard drilling operations – VSP, drill bit motion and vessel propellers and helicopter rotors.

Potential negative physiological or behavioural effects to some threatened cetaceans, fish and other marine fauna.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • Helicopters will fly at a minimum altitude of 150 m (except for take offs, landings and adverse weather). • Optimisation of the number of helicopter flights in accordance with safety requirements and project

planning • Cetacean observations to be logged in AEL’s Marine Fauna database and record sent to DSEWPaC. • VSP operations will comply with DSEWPaC EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 (2008) – Part A. • Adherence to Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (DEH 2005) • All noise generating equipment is serviced and maintained in accordance with Ensco’s maintenance

program and support vessel owners planned maintenance systems. • VSP activity will last for only several hours. Apache’s VSP mitigation measures are applied as described in

the Apache/ Ensco 104 environmental induction (incorporating VSP operations and marine fauna interaction mitigation



Discharge of drill cuttings and WBM drilling fluids

Routine drilling activity from rotation of drill bit below seabed.

Temporary and localised water column turbidity and seabed deposition potentially causing benthic fauna smothering in some situations.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • No environmentally sensitive seabed features/ habitat identified in proximity of proposed drilling (300m

radius) • The well is designed to minimise the generation of drill cuttings within the technical constraints of

achieving the well’s target depth safely. • Drill cuttings shaker system maintenance included in Ensco 104 Planned Maintenance System • Apache Fluid Selection Process to determine most appropriate choice of drilling fluids (in this case

biodegradable water based drilling fluids will be used wherever practicable) • Risk based approach to select products that reduce the potential impacts to the marine environment (i.e.

CHARM gold and silver rated or non-CHARM rated D and E) and achieve the technical requirements. • Approved contractors will control the storage and handling of drilling fluid chemicals in conjunction with

National Code for the control of Workplace Hazardous Substances • Drill cuttings from upper hole sections drilled with seawater and high viscosity gel sweeps will be disposed

of directly to seabed, minimising water column turbidity. • During the use of WBM, drilling fluid volumes are digitally recorded from the mud logging units. Drilling

fluid volume balance calculations are made daily to determine where fluid losses are taking place in the system (These calculations are recorded on the daily WBM report)

• Shaker screen selection is made by the Consultant Mud Engineer on location and reviewed by the Apache Fluid Coordinator daily.

• Screens are inspected a minimum of once a day during drilling operations to check for wear and tear. • Mud logging units are scheduled on Geoservices (a Schlumberger company) planned maintenance system

and are maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s maintenance specifications. • Mud logging units are calibrated before each well is spud and at the start of each hole section. • Where practicable re-use of drilling fluids on subsequent wells.

Discharge of cement

Drilling of cement downhole, or liquid or semi liquid cement returned to surface Disposal of bulk cement during or at the end of a well. Cementing surface pipe when riserless, returns to the sea-bed.

Temporary and localised water column turbidity and seabed deposition causing benthic fauna smothering. Toxic effects to marine fauna

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • Typical benthic habitat, well represented across the Northwest Shelf • Cement additives ranked highly under the North Sea OCNS will be selected (Gold/Silver or D/E), where not

OCNS rated Apache’s own risk ranking procedure will be used • Cement volume requirements are calculated using the volume of cement necessary plus industry accepted

excess volumes to meet the downhole requirements and minimise surface discharges. Calliper logs will be used for this calculation when available.

• Majority of cement is mixed and used as required minimising left over product • Left-over bulk dry cement materials will not be disposed overboard unless in an emergency, it will be

returned to a supply vessel for re-use or will be sent back to shore for storage or appropriate onshore disposal.

• Cement options for disposal considered (re-injection and ship to shore) but disposal offshore considered



During tank or pipework cleaning

best option • Hard cement which returns to surface and is removed at the shale shakers will be diverted overboard, the

OOC will be measured and included in the interval totals. • If liquid or semi-liquid cement is returned to the surface during the use of WBM, it will be diverted

overboard. • When riserless, cement will be discharged to seabed. An ROV or downhole camera is used where available

and visibility allows, to cease pumping cement when cement is observed at surface. Disposal of non-hazardous wastes (brine, cooling water)

Hypersaline water created as waste product during osmosis process for potable water production. Hot water produced from the once-through water cooling system.

Localised increase in surface water temperature. Thermal impacts to pelagic species (e.g. plankton). Localised increased water salinity levels.

• Potable water system will be maintained in line with the manufacturer’s specifications. • Chemical (biocide) dosage is maintained at the minimum dosage required to maintain the system. • Waste water stream from RO plant is pumped down a chute, and has time to cool to ambient temperature

before entering the marine environment.

Release of combustion emissions to the atmosphere

Operation of machinery and engines, well testing

Temporary and localised decrease in air quality. Global contribution to greenhouse effect.

• Equipment fuel consumption monitored by barge engineer. • All emission producing equipment and machinery maintained in accordance with the Planned Maintenance

System. • MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI – air pollution prevention certificate • No waste incineration. • Records of diesel usage maintained by Ensco 104 operators. • Use of marine diesel, which is low in sulphur content, minimising the generation of SOx. • Rapid dispersion of emissions by offshore winds. • Flaring operations will be kept to the minimum required to achieve well objectives. • Burners use compressed air to atomise produced condensate and allow for a more efficient and clean

burn. • Records of flared gas and condensate maintained.



Release of treated and macerated sewage and putrescible waste

Routine rig and vessel discharges as a result of accommodating personnel.

Temporary and localised decrease in water quality due to nutrient enrichment. Modification in feeding habits of pelagic fish species and seabirds. Increased suspended sediment load in water column.

• Rig and support vessels will use approved Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and compliant organic waste macerator in accordance with MARPOL Annex IV.

• STPs and macerator will be maintained in line with manufacturers’ specifications. • Food waste will be macerated to 25 mm or less and only discharged when >12 nm from the nearest

shoreline • All non-food galley wastes will be bagged and shipped to shore for recycling or disposal in accordance with

Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004.

Discharge of contaminated water to the ocean consists of wash down water, occasional rainwater which may contain oil, grease, chemicals or detergent (Areas include deck drainage, machinery space spillage and drainage, enclosed storage area drainage, drill floor, moon pool and pipe

Poor house-keeping practices, washdown or rainwater. Corrosion of bunds.

Temporary and localised reduction of water quality. Physiological damage to marine fauna ingesting contaminated water.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • Ensco’s procedures for the collection and treatment of drainage ensure that no contaminated waste

streams are routinely discharged from the drainage system to the marine environment. • Drainage and discharge in accordance with MARPOL Annex I • Biodegradable washdown detergents used. • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all chemicals used on the Ensco 104 (which includes

spill response requirements). • The oily water system is routinely monitored and regularly maintained. • Bulk hydrocarbon and chemicals will be stored in designated storage areas, which are bunded. • Drainage from bunded areas will be collected through a closed drain system and processed to ensure

discharge water has less than 15 ppm OIW. Over-spec fluids will be re-directed through the separator again or held for future offloading.

• Fully stocked spill kits, located in accessible location, on board to clean deck spills. • Spill exercises are to be conducted quarterly and recorded on daily report. • Minor oil/lubricant spills will be mopped up immediately with absorbent materials that will then be

disposed of onshore as hazardous waste, and not washed overboard. • Main deck drain scuppers closed in the event of a spill on deck. • Recovered oil from spills etc. stored onboard rig for onshore disposal. • Used lubricants will be stored in bunded areas aboard the rig and subsequently transported onshore for

recycling or disposal at approved locations. • In non-drill floor areas, drainage to MARPOL Annex I requirements. • Daily inspections will ensure that deck areas are clean of spillages and accumulations of oil/grease and

chemicals, and that all spills and leaks are recorded / reported. • Produced water from well test operations will be recombined with the condensate and flared off. If

produced water volume prohibits its clean disposal then it will be stored in bunded areas onboard and



deck drainage and drainage from support vessels).

transported onshore for disposal at approved locations.

Interference with commercial shipping or fishing vessels

Breakdown in navigation equipment. Poor weather (reduced visibility). Poor communications. Human error (lack of crew competency)

Vessel collision. Fuel spill (see hydrocarbon spill above). Fishing gear snags.

• Hurricane-3 not located in a major shipping route (very low intensity transient shipping traffic) • Rig move procedures in place (including 2 support vessels for final positioning of rig) – refer Apache-Ensco

104 Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) Section 2.1 and Rig Tow Plan Ensco 104 (Hurricane-3) • Adherence to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)’s marine notices and marine orders (maritime

safety measures) - Notice to Mariners will be issued prior to rig moving to site. • 500m gazetted exclusion zone monitored by support vessels. • Qualified tow master to move the rig and on board for all transits. • Certified towing equipment. • Radio and radar communications adopted on vessels. • Vessel illumination at night and during times of low visibility to assist navigation and make rig visible. • Support vessel crew experienced and competent (International Convention of Standards of Training,

Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers, 2010) • Ensco 104 has an Automatic Identification System (AIS) which allows tracking of the rig by surrounding

vessels. • Hurricane-3 Site survey (seabed characterisation, substrate geotechnical information) undertaken prior to

rig arriving on site, and incorporated into the positioning analysis for Hurricane-3. • Support vessel radar watch during mobilisation of rig • Tanks on the Ensco 104 do not abut the side of the rig, and are located immediately under the engine room

– cannot be damaged through side impact. • Consultation with relevant fisheries prior to drilling, on proposed activities and dates. • Incident response - Ensco 104 HSE Case (EN104-HSE-001) – emergency response procedures (section 4.3.1). • Implementation of Hurricane-3 Oil Spill Contingency Plan (EA-00-RI-209/2) as the control in event of spill to

minimise impact.


Table 9-2: Environmental risk assessment for Hurricane-3 – Non-routine activities

Hazard Cause Potential Impacts

Risk Treatment Avoidance, Mitigation & Management Measures

Spill of hydro-carbons to the sea (excluding vessel-to-rig refuelling)

Equipment malfunction, corrosion, inadequate bunding. Human error. Liquid fallout from flare during well test operations Incorrect flushing of lines during rig down of well test equipment

Short-term impact to water quality. Impact on pelagic fauna.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna • Equipment maintained in accordance with Planned Maintenance System. • Adherence to Ensco Safety Case HSE System (EN104-HSE-001) - section 2.7 and Apache-Ensco104 Safety Case Revision

(DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) – Section 4 • Ensco 104 SOPEP • MARPOL 73/78 Annex I • Ensco 104 and Support Vessels International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate • Burners use compressed air to atomise produced condensate and allow for a more efficient and clean burn which

significantly reduces risk of any liquid fallout • Use marine diesel rather than HFO • Drip trays used under portable equipment and when refuelling portable equipment. • Rig decks bunded. Scupper plugs available to prevent liquid discharges from decks. • Chemicals and hydrocarbons stored within continuously bunded areas. • Spill kits placed strategically around Ensco 104 and support vessel work areas. • Weekly inspection of spill kits is undertaken and recorded to ensure they are intact, clearly labelled and contain

adequate quantities of absorbent materials. • Oily water discharged in accordance with Marpol requirements • Flaring operations will be kept to the minimum required to achieve well objectives. • Dedicated flare watcher on station to immediately communicate any liquid fallout to the Driller who will instruct the

well to be shut in. • Pilot light continuously lit on each burner to assist in continuous burn. • Well Test Programme stipulates role and responsibility for flare watcher • Well Test Contractor procedures stipulate the correct procedure to follow when rigging down equipment to ensure

lines are flushed clean prior to breaking connections. • Spills cleaned up immediately and clean up material contained, and not washed overboard. • Spill exercises conducted quarterly and recorded on daily report. • All Ensco 104 personnel to complete the Ensco 104 environmental induction that includes response to spills.




Dropped objects (e.g., BOP, anchor, drill pipe, bulkis, tools).

Equipment failure. Human error. Adverse weather.

Oil leak from subsea equipment. Seabed disturbance.

• No environmentally sensitive seabed features/ habitat identified in proximity of proposed drilling (300m radius) • Lack of infrastructure for objects to potentially rupture/ damage (Subsea pipelines approximately 30km southwest) • Ensco Safety Case HSE System (EN104-HSE-001) includes Lifting Equipment Management System (LEMS). • ROV survey at completion of drilling campaign to retrieve any dropped objects. • Planned maintenance undertaken on lifting equipment. • Apache’s Drilling and Completions Standards Manual (AE-91-004) • PTW system for lifts between the support vessel and the rig. • Offloading procedures. • Use of competent, trained rig and support vessel crew. • Certification of lifting equipment.

Overboard loss/ accidental disposal of solid non-hazardous wastes

Waste not properly contained. Waste management procedures not in place and/or not communicated.

Marine pollution. Injury or death of marine fauna through ingestion or entanglement

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna • Procurement and contract process will ensure only essential items brought on board the rig in line with well design

requirements. • MARPOL 73/78 Annex V • All recyclable and general wastes to be collected in labelled, covered bins (and compacted where possible) for

appropriate onshore disposal. • All scrap metal to be collected in bins for appropriate onshore disposal. • Apache and Ensco 104 waste management procedure. • The volume of concrete mixed will be calculated to ensure only that which is necessary for drilling requirements is

mixed. Liquid non-hazardous waste discharges (e.g. cement)

Burst hose during bunkering. Tank or pipework failure/rupture. Human error.

Marine Pollution. Increased water turbidity. Toxic effects on marine fauna.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna • Procurement and contract process will ensure only essential items brought on board the rig in line with well design

requirements. • MARPOL 73/78 Annex V • Use of competent, trained rig and support vessel crew. • The volume of concrete mixed will be accurately calculated to ensure only that which is necessary for drilling

requirements is mixed. • All hoses used for pumping and transfers are maintained and checked as per rig’s planned maintenance schedule

(PMS). • Hoses are inspected prior to transfer operations. • Rig and supply vessel follow bunkering procedures during bunkering operations. • Emergency pump stop is available in the event of unforeseen circumstances. • Ensco 104 waste management procedures • Apache Refuelling and Chemical Transfer Management Procedure (AE-91-IQ-098) for bunkering of non-hazardous

materials.




Over-board loss of hazardous chemicals and waste.

Hazardous chemicals and waste not properly contained. Waste management procedures not in place and/ or not communicated.

Death or injury of marine fauna through ingestion. Short-term reduction in water quality.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • MARPOL 73/78 Annex V • Adherence to Ensco Safety Case HSE System (EN104-HSE-001) - section 4.6.1 • Environment Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004. • Waste segregation and onshore disposal of hazardous waste • MSDS and handling procedures for hazardous goods will be available in locations nearby to where the wastes are

stored. • Onshore disposal of controlled waste will follow DEC requirements for transportation and disposal. • OCNS will be used in chemical selection to select products that have the least environmental impact. (chemicals that

are either ranked Gold and Silver using the OCNS CHARM model or non-CHARMable E and D). • Bunding around stored bulk wet chemicals or hazardous waste storage areas are continuous around the entire area. • Spill kits placed strategically around Ensco 104 and support vessel work areas. • All hazardous wastes are documented, tracked and segregated from non-hazardous wastes (via waste tracking

records). • Minor spills will be mopped up immediately with absorbent materials that will then be disposed of onshore as

hazardous waste, and not washed overboard. • If spillage occurs in bunded area it will be removed, and treated as hazardous or oil waste. • Ensco 104 Oil Record Book is up to date and records waste oil disposal. • Weekly inspection of spill kits is undertaken and recorded to ensure they are intact, clearly labelled and contain

adequate quantities of absorbent materials. • Spill exercises are to be conducted quarterly and recorded on daily report.




Spill of diesel oil to sea during refuelling

Equipment failure. Loss of hose control during at-sea refuelling. Support vessel runs over refuelling hose.

Widespread surface water diesel slick, with death or physiological impacts on sensitive species such as planktonic crustaceans. Decrease in surface water quality.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna • Fully manned operation • Diesel storage tanks and fuel transfer hoses will be maintained on the rig and vessels in line with the planned

maintenance systems. • Ensco Safety Case HSE System (EN104-HSE-001) - section 2.7 and Apache-Ensco104 Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-

033, Rev 6) – Section 4 • MARPOL 73/78 Annex I • Ensco 104 and support vessel SOPEPs • Use of marine diesel rather than HFO. • Adherence to Ensco 104 refuelling procedure, including:

o Fuel transfer hoses fitted with dry break couplings. o PTW system must be used to commence refuelling. o ESD must be tested prior to refuelling. o Hoses must be fitted with floatation equipment. o Refuelling to occur under suitable weather conditions.

• Vessels equipped with sophisticated navigation aids and competent marine crew. • Implementation of Hurricane-3 Oil Spill Contingency Plan (EA-00-RI-209/2) as the control in event of spill to minimise

impact. • Weekly inspection of spill kits is undertaken and recorded to ensure they are intact, clearly labelled and contain

adequate quantities of absorbent materials. • Spill exercises are to be conducted quarterly and recorded on daily report. • Drains closed in fuel transfer area to contain spills.




Loss of containment during well testing operation

Well test equipment failure. Incorrect well test design. Human error.

Release of hydrocarbon into the pelagic environment, with death or physiological impacts to sensitive species. Shoreline exposure to condensate. Reduction in air quality due to hydrocarbon emissions.

• No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • Ensco Well Operations Management Plan (WOMP) approved by NOPSEMA and readily available to all personnel • Apache-Ensco 104 Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) • Only trained, certified and experienced senior personnel will be supervising well test operations. • 3rd party validation of proposed well test design against industry standards and practices. • Dedicated well test HAZID assessment • Dedicated well test HAZOP assessment • Apache verification of all well test equipment certification • QA/QC of pressure relief valves prior to rigging up well test equipment • Well Test Package – safety systems

o 24hr manning of process system to monitor pressures and walk flowlines for gas leaks o Computer data acquisition system to automatically monitor system properties and alert personnel to system

upsets o Emergency shutdown system installed to automatically activate and shut-in the well during specific system

upsets • Spill exercises are to be conducted quarterly and recorded on daily report. • Implementation of Hurricane-3 OSCP (EA-00-RI-209/2) as the control in event of spill to minimise impact




Well blowout.

BOP failure. Casing failure. Riser failure. Human error.

Release of hydrocarbon into the pelagic environment, with death or physiological impacts to sensitive species. Shoreline exposure to oil.

• Located approximately 84km north of the Dampier Archipelago • No nearby breeding, nesting, feeding or aggregation areas for marine fauna. • Ensco Well Operations Management Plan (WOMP) and abridged drilling programme (DR-00-LD-149) approved by

NOPSEMA • Apache-Ensco104 Safety Case Revision (DR-00-RF-033, Rev 6) – Section 2.3 • Ensco 104 OIM, Tool pusher, drillers and assistant drillers hold valid well control certificates (IWCF certificates) and are

competent in well control manual requirements • NOPSEMA accepted WOMP is readily available to all personnel and the drilling program confirms with the WOMPs

requirements. • BOP installed and pressure tested on all wells prior to entering first potential hydrocarbon zone • Well control drill to be conducted and reported in daily report prior to drilling through the first hydrocarbon zones • Casing and riser pressure tested with BOP. • AEL spill response procedures and OSCP. • Appropriate drilling fluid weight will be used specific to known reservoir pressure, and continually monitored. • BOP test is conducted every 14 days and recorded in daily drilling report • Increased drilling fluid logging in formations behaving in unexpected manner. • Maintenance records show BOP has regular maintenance scheduled on the planned maintenance system and is

maintained in accordance with manufacturers maintenance specifications. • Mud logging equipment to be in place and tested weekly. • Perform stress analysis to select appropriate casing material for the proposed well bore. • Implementation of Hurricane-3 OSCP (EA-00-RI-209/2) as the control in event of spill to minimise impact.

Oil Spill Response

Spill to marine environment

Increased emissions Reduction in water quality Continued release of hydrocarbon into the pelagic environment, with death or physiological impacts to sensitive species.

• Refer existing controls for above risks relating to routine activities • NEBA incorporated in the planning stages and part of the response strategy process. Monitoring of the spill and

response strategy. • Undertake lessons learnt on oil spill exercises and response activities • Hurricane-3 OSCP (EA-00-RI-209/2) details further information


10. REFERENCES

APASA (2012a). Hurricane-3 Spill Risk Assessment (J0164). Report prepared for Apache Energy Limited August 2012, Asia-Pacific Applied Science Associates.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2008a) Chapter 2 - The Marine Environment of the North-west Marine Region in The North-west Marine Bioregional Plan Bioregional Profile. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra, Australia.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) (2012a). Protected matters search tool. Database of fauna listed as Threatened and Migratory Marine Species under the EPBC Act. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Last accessed for this proposed activity on 15 August 2012.

DSEWPaC 2012b. National Shipwreck Database – online. Accessed on 02 February 2012 https://apps5a.ris.environment.gov.au/shipwreck/public/wreck/searchSubmit.do

Neptune Geomatics (2012). Hurricane-3 Site Survey Final Report. Report to Apache Energy Ltd by Neptune Geomatics Pty Ltd, May 2012.

NSR (1995). Wandoo full field development. Public Environmental Report for Ampolex Ltd, NSR Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd. November 1995.

Oracle Risk Consultants (Oracle) (2011). North West Shelf Drilling Environmental Impact Identification Workshop Report (EA-00-RI-190). Report for Apache, 31 October 2011.

Woodside (2005). The Vincent Development. Draft EIS. EPBC Referral 2005/2110.

WNI (1995). Preliminary report on ambient and non-cyclonic design criteria for the Stag location. WNI Science & Engineering. December 1995.

https://apps5a.ris.environment.gov.au/shipwreck/public/wreck/searchSubmit.do

Documents

Hurricane-3 Environment Plan Summary€¦ · INTRODUCTION Apache Energy Ltd (Apache) proposes to drill the exploration well vertical Hurricane-3 located in permit area WA-208-P in