STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES Petroleum Exploration Activities in the Simpson ... · 2020-06-10 · Tri-Star Energy Company Statement of Environmental Objectives – Petroleum

STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

Petroleum Exploration Activities in the Simpson and Pedirka Regions

DRAFT

May 2020

Tri-Star Energy Company Statement of Environmental Objectives – Petroleum Exploration Activities in the Simpson and Pedirka Regions

Tristar Drilling SEO Rev0

Prepared by:

Tri-Star Energy Company Level 35 Riverside Centre 123 Eagle Street Brisbane, Q 4000 T: (07) 3236 9800 F: (07) 3221 2146 E: [email protected] W: http://www.tri-starpetroleum.com.au

and

JBS&G Australia Pty Ltd ABN 62 100 220 479 100 Hutt St Adelaide SA 5000 T: +61 8 8431 7113 F: +61 8 8431 7115 W: http://www.jbsg.com.au

Document Status

Version Purpose of Document Original Review Review Date

QA Review Release Approval

Issue Date

A Draft for Tri-Star review / discussion RS/AM/AC AC/SM 6/4/2019 SM SM 16/4/2019

B Updated draft following Tri-Star input. Issued for preliminary government agency consultation

DC AC/SM 9/8/2019 SM SM 9/8/2019

0 Updated based on DEW, DPTI and SAAL NRM Board initial comments

AC DC/AC 8/3/2020 CB/RU/SH JB 28/5/2020

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.tri-starpetroleum.com.au/

http://www.jbsg.com.au/


Tristar Drilling SEO Rev0 i

Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose ....................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope ........................................................................................................... 1

2 Environmental Objectives .................................................................................. 5

3 Assessment Criteria ........................................................................................... 5

4 Reporting ........................................................................................................... 6

4.1 Incident Definitions ..................................................................................... 6

4.2 Reporting to the EPA ................................................................................... 6

5 Glossary ............................................................................................................. 8

6 References ......................................................................................................... 9

Appendix A: Environmental Objectives and Assessment Criteria ................................ 10

Appendix B: GAS Criteria for Wellsite Construction and Restoration .......................... 23

Appendix C: GAS Criteria for Borrow Pit Construction, Management and Rehabilitation ........................................................................................................................ 26

Tables

Table 4.1: Incident definitions ........................................................................................... 7

Figures

Figure 1.1: Location of Tristar’s Licence Area .................................................................... 3 Figure 1.2: Location of Goyder Lagoon, Kallakoopah Creek and Kalamurina Pastoral Lease

.......................................................................................................................... 4


Tristar Drilling SEO Rev0 1

1 Introduction

This Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO) has been prepared to meet the requirements of Sections 99 and 100 of the South Australian Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 (the Act) and Regulations 12 and 13 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Regulations 2013 (the Regulations).

1.1 Purpose

The intent of the SEO is to outline the environmental objectives to which the petroleum exploration activities will conform.

The objectives of this SEO have been developed on the basis of information and issues identified in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Tri-Star, 2020) and are in keeping with the objectives defined in the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act, which include:

▪ to minimise environmental damage from the activities involved in exploration and recovery or commercial utilisation of petroleum and other regulated resources

▪ to establish appropriate consultative processes involving people directly affected by regulated activities and the public generally

▪ to protect the public from risks inherent in regulated activities.

1.2 Scope

Tri-Star Energy Company (Tri-Star) hold several Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) in the South Australian Simpsonand Pedirka Regions. Tri-Star’s PELs 160, 288, 289 and 290 (henceforth referred to as the licence area) cover a continuous area of approximately 33,150 km2. Figure 1.1 shows the location of Tri-Star’s licence area.

This SEO (and the EIR) have been written to address exploration drilling activities in Tri-Star’s licence area (PELs 160, 288, 289 and 290) in the South Australian Simpson and Pedirka Regions.

Tri-Star proposes to exclude drilling exploratory wells in Goyder Lagoon1 and the area within 500 m of the main channel of Kallakoopah Creek2 from the scope of this SEO and accompanying EIR. However, activities reasonably necessary for, or incidental to, exploratory well drilling operations are not excluded from being undertaken in these areas (e.g. road/track construction and maintenance).(see Figure 1.2).

Furthermore, the southern boundary of PEL 288 overlaps the Kalamurina pastoral lease (see Figure 1.2). Kalamurina is held by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and is operated as a private sanctuary. The overlapping area represents approximately 60 km2. Tri-Star proposes to exclude undertaking petroleum activities in Kalamurina from the scope of this SEO and accompanying EIR.

Petroleum activities covered by this SEO include:

▪ well site and access track construction, maintenance and restoration ▪ aircraft landing area construction, maintenance and restoration (if required) ▪ well operations (drilling, completions and workovers) ▪ fracture stimulation ▪ well production testing (drill stem tests and initial production testing); and

1 Goyder Lagoon, as defined by the Wetlands of National Importance 3rd Edition (Spatial GIS Layer) (DEEH, 2001).

2 Kallakoopah Creek, as defined by the DEW Watercourses in South Australia dataset (GDA94) (DEW, 2019).



▪ well and zonal decommissioning.

These operations are described in detail in the EIR (Tri-Star, 2020). This SEO and accompanying EIR do not apply to petroleum activities such as:

▪ seismic exploration activities ▪ production and processing operations beyond initial well production testing ▪ permanent field production and processing equipment installation, operation, decommissioning

and rehabilitation; and ▪ pipeline construction, operation and decommissioning.



Figure 1.1: Location of Tristar’s Licence Area



Figure 1.2: Location of Goyder Lagoon, Kallakoopah Creek and Kalamurina Pastoral Lease



2 Environmental Objectives

Potential environmental hazards and consequences associated with drilling and fracture stimulation activities in the Simpson and Pedirka Regions have been identified in the Environmental Impact Report (Tri-Star, 2020). Tri-Star is committed to achieving a range of environmental objectives in regard to these potential hazards.

The objectives for the environmental management of drilling and fracture stimulation activities are provided in Appendix A.

3 Assessment Criteria

The environmental objectives identified above are subject to an assessment to measure the level of achievement. The assessment criteria for each objective will be one of the following:

▪ Defined conditions - objectives for operational activities that can only be managed through the prevention of unacceptable actions (e.g. ‘No unauthorised clearing of native vegetation’).

▪ Defined requirements - the achievement of an objective can be assessed against the implementation of specific procedures or actions required for an activity (e.g. ‘All regulated activities are located and constructed to maintain pre-existing water flows as far as practicable’).

▪ Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) criteria - environmental objectives requiring visual assessment are likely to be prone to uncertainties of subjective judgement. GAS is applicable to measuring objectives related to minimisation of disturbances to natural vegetation, soil and to rehabilitation of well sites, access tracks and borrow pits. GAS criteria are provided in Appendices B and C).

▪ Scientific studies / monitoring - in some cases, the assessment of the environmental objectives may not be possible in the shorter-term and may require longer-term monitoring and scientific evaluation. In such cases, assessment criteria may be in the form of longer-term data and information gathering (for example, the objective “Avoid the introduction or spread of weeds, pest animals and pathogens as a consequence of regulated activities and undertake control measures where required” may require weed control and ongoing monitoring of weed infestations).

Appendix A tabulates the objectives and details management measures considered appropriate to meet the objectives and the appropriate assessment criteria to determine if compliance with the objectives has been achieved.

The management measures listed in ‘Guide to How Objectives can be Achieved’ column in Appendix A provide a high-level overview of systems, activities and / or procedures that Tri-Star propose to develop or implement to achieve the environmental objectives.



4 Reporting

It is a requirement under Section 85 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act that any Serious and Reportable incidents as defined under that Act must be reported to the Minister.

Serious Incidents must be reported to the Minister as soon as practicable after the occurrence, as per Section 85 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act and Regulation 32 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Regulations.

Reportable Incidents must be reported to the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) on a quarterly basis within one month of the end of the quarter, as per Regulation 32 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Regulations.

4.1 Incident Definitions

Regulation 12 (2) requires an SEO to identify events that could, if not properly managed or avoided, cause a Serious Incident or a Reportable Incident within the meaning of Section 85 of the Act. Table 4.1 identifies potential Serious and Reportable incidents. These definitions are based on standard definitions developed by DEM, which are intended to expand on definitions provided in Section 85(1) of the Act and Regulation 32(1), and provide consistency for Licensee reporting.

In accordance with Section 85 of the Act and Regulation 32(1):

Serious Incident means an incident arising from activities conducted under the licence in which:

(a) a person is seriously injured or killed; or

(b) an imminent risk to public health or safety arises; or

(c) serious environmental damage occurs or an imminent risk of serious environmental damage arises; or

(d) security of natural gas supply is prejudiced or an imminent risk of prejudice to security of natural gas supply arises; or

(e) some other event or circumstance occurs or arises that results in the incident falling within a classification of serious incidents under the regulations or a relevant statement of environmental objectives.

Reportable Incident is defined in Section 85(1) of the Act as incidents (other than a Serious Incident) arising from activities conducted under a licence that are classified under the Regulations as a Reportable Incident. Regulation 32(1) classifies the following as Reportable Incidents:

(a) an escape of petroleum, a processed substance, a chemical or a fuel that affects an area that has not been specifically designed to contain such an escape;

(b) an incident identified as a Reportable Incident under the relevant statement of environmental objectives.

4.2 Reporting to the EPA

Where applicable, incidents causing or threatening serious or material environmental harm under the Environment Protection Act 1993 must be reported to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in accordance with Sections 83 and 83A of the Environment Protection Act 1993.



The Environment Protection Act and its reporting obligation do not apply to:

▪ petroleum exploration activity undertaken under the Act; and ▪ wastes produced in the course of an activity (not being a prescribed activity of environmental

significance) authorised by a licence under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act when produced and disposed of to land within the area of the licence.

Table 4.1: Incident definitions

Serious Incidents Reportable Incidents

1. A person is seriously injured3 or killed.

2. An imminent risk to public health or safety arises.

3. Serious environmental damage occurs or an imminent risk of serious environmental damage arises. For example:

a. Damage, disturbance or interference to sites of cultural and / or heritage significance without appropriate permits and approvals4.

b. An escape of petroleum, process substance, a chemical or a fuel to a water body, or to land in a place where it is reasonably likely to enter a water body by seepage or infiltration, or onto land that affects the health of native flora and fauna species.

c. Identification of cross flows between aquifers in natural hydraulic isolation, or uncontrolled flows to the surface.

d. Any well incident or failure that threatens or poses an imminent risk to safety or a risk of serious damage to environmental values whether or not those values are referred to in State or Commonwealth legislation.

e. Detection of a declared weed, animal / plant pathogen or plant pest species that has been introduced or spread as a direct result of activities.

f. Any removal of rare, vulnerable or endangered flora and fauna or threatened ecological community without appropriate permits and approvals5.

4. A regulated activity6 being undertaken in a manner that involved or will involve a serious risk to the health or safety of a person emanating from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard.7

5. An uncontrolled release resulting in the activation of emergency response and / or evacuation procedures of an area in or adjacent to the release, and / or fire or explosion.

1. An escape of petroleum8, processed substance, a chemical or a fuel that affects an area that has not been specifically designed to contain such an escape9 (other than a Serious Incident).

2. An event that has the potential to compromise the physical integrity of an asset or facility. For example:

▪ An unapproved excursion outside of critical design or operating conditions / parameters.

▪ Identification of a critical barrier failure that could lead to the potential for cross flows between aquifers in natural hydraulic isolation, or uncontrolled flows to the surface.

▪ Failure of a critical procedural control in place to reduce a credible threat to low or as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)10.

3. Malfunction or failure of critical plant or equipment that had (or still has) potential to cause a serious incident.

4. Unresolved reasonable complaints from stakeholders regarding operations.

5. Any event where an incursion outside a culturally cleared area has occurred or the conditions of a cultural heritage clearance have not been complied with (other than a Serious Incident).

3 As per the definition in Section 36 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

4 Pursuant to Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 and Heritage Places Act 1993.

5 Pursuant to Native Vegetation Act 1991 (flora) and National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (fauna). 6 Regulated activity as defined in Section 10 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act.

7 Resulting in the issuing of a prohibition notice by SafeWork SA pursuant to Section 195 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012.

8 In gaseous, liquid or solid state, as per Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act definition.

9 An area assigned during a Hazard and Operability Process (HAZOP) study as a hazardous area for the purpose of gas venting, and designed as such, is considered to be an area specifically designed to contain a gas escape.

10 As per the Safety Management System process articulated in AS 2885.1-2012, or similar risk assessment process.



5 Glossary

ALARP as low as reasonably practicable

ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (in reference to the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality 2000)

AS 1940 Australian Standard AS 1940 Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

BOP blowout preventer

contamination As defined by the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure (1999) amended in 2013

DEM Department for Energy and Mining (regulator of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act)

DEW Department for Environment and Water

DPC Department of Premier and Cabinet – Energy Resources Division (now DEM)

DPTI Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

DSD Department of State Development (now DEM)

EIR Environmental Impact Report prepared in accordance with Section 97 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 and Regulation 10

EPA Environment Protection Authority (South Australia)

ERP Emergency Response Plan

GAB Great Artesian Basin

GAS Goal Attainment Scaling

HDPE high density polyethylene

HSEMS Health, Safety and Environment Management System

minimise To reduce as far as reasonably practical, considering all other factors e.g. requirements for safe operations and accessibility

NEPM National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure (1999) amended in 2013

NRM Natural Resources Management

SEO Statement of Environmental Objectives prepared in accordance with Section 99 and 100 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 and Regulations 12 and 13

WAC Work Area Clearance



6 References

ANZECC (2000). Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council.

DEEH (2001). A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia 3rd ed. GIS dataset obtained from Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra. Accessed March 2019, Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/fed/catalog/search/resource/details.page?uuid=%7BED248FC1-7237-4A74-91AC-2DA3FC277E0A%7D

DEW (2019). Watercourses in South Australia dataset (GDA94), GIS dataset obtained from the Department for Environment and Water, South Australia, Adelaide. Accessed March 2019 at: https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/watercourses-in-south-australia

DSD-ERD (2016). Field Guide for the Environmental Assessment of Abandoned Petroleum Well Sites in the Cooper Basin, South Australia. Prepared by the Department of State Development, Energy Resources Division. 204795, June 2016.

Tri-Star (2020). Environmental Impact Report Petroleum Exploration Operations in the Simpson, and Pedirka Regions. March 2020. Tri-Star Energy Company, Brisbane.

Wiltshire, D. and Schmidt, M. (2003). Field Guide to the Common Plants of the Cooper Basin (South Australia and Queensland). Santos Ltd, Adelaide.

http://www.environment.gov.au/fed/catalog/search/resource/details.page?uuid=%7BED248FC1-7237-4A74-91AC-2DA3FC277E0A%7D

http://www.environment.gov.au/fed/catalog/search/resource/details.page?uuid=%7BED248FC1-7237-4A74-91AC-2DA3FC277E0A%7D

https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/watercourses-in-south-australia



Appendix A: Environmental Objectives and Assessment Criteria



Environmental Objectives and Assessment Criteria

Objective Assessment Criteria Guide to How Objectives can be Achieved

1. Avoid damage, disturbance or interference to sites, objects, remains or places of Aboriginal and/or non-Aboriginal heritage significance

In the event the conditions of a Work Area Clearance are not complied with, the incident is appropriately reported11, investigated and remediated in consultation with the relevant native title holders and in accordance with any applicable native title agreement.

Damage, disturbance or interference to any Aboriginal sites, objects and remains (all as defined under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988) is avoided unless authorisation has been obtained under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Non-Aboriginal heritage sites identified and avoided.

No impact to non-Aboriginal heritage places and related objects protected under the Heritage Places Act 1993 unless approval has been obtained under the Heritage Places Act 1993.

Any Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage sites, objects and remains discovered during operations have been appropriately reported and responded to, consistent with the applicable native title agreement and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988

0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria are attained under construction of borrow pits to protect sites of natural scientific or heritage significance (see Appendix C).

All petroleum operations are contained within areas subject to a cultural heritage Work Area Clearance (WAC) and undertaken in accordance with conditions of the WAC

Training and induction for all personnel to educate them on the importance of remaining within designated / approved areas, and of their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988, and the applicable native title agreement

Where necessary, areas of cultural and heritage significance or exclusion zones in the vicinity of work site flagged and / or fenced off to prevent damage, disturbance and interference

Procedures consistent with the relevant obligations under the native title agreement and Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 are in place to appropriately report and respond to any areas of significance discovered during operations

Consultation with stakeholders (i.e. native title holders, government agencies, landholders etc.) in relation to the possible existence of heritage sites.

Records relating to sites of cultural heritage significance kept and available for audit.

Assessment undertaken during the planning and WAC processes to identify potential presence of fossils of significance and appropriate avoidance and / or mitigation measures are implemented.

2. Minimise disturbance to native vegetation and native fauna.

No unauthorised clearing of native vegetation.

No rare, vulnerable or endangered flora or fauna removed without appropriate permits

No native fauna casualties that could have reasonably been prevented through management measures described in the guide

No uncontrolled fires initiated as a result of regulated activities.

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under well site construction (Appendix B) for:

Consider alternate routes, locations and construction methods during planning and scouting phase to minimise environmental impacts.

Minimise environmental impact by appropriate site selection to avoid sensitive land systems and vegetation.

Suitably qualified personnel have inspected and assessed infrastructure locations to identify and flag significant (or rare, vulnerable or endangered) species and communities.

Well sites will be located and orientated so as to take into account natural drainage patterns and to minimise soil and vegetation removal, avoid significant cut and fill and consider accessibility to the public.

11 This may include compliance with reporting obligations pursuant to s20 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.




▪ minimising impact to soil; and

▪ minimising impact on native vegetation and native fauna.

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under borrow pit construction (Appendix C) for:

▪ minimising impacts on soil; and

▪ minimising impacts on vegetation.

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under borrow pit management (Appendix C) for:

▪ minimising water retention in the pit

▪ minimising impacts to soil; and

▪ minimising impacts on vegetation.

Fuel and Chemical Storage and Handling

Refer to Assessment Criteria for Objective 4.

Waste Management


Remediation and Rehabilitation


Use existing tracks and disturbed areas where practicable in consultation with landholders and DEW.

Liaise with DEM, DEW, the Wangkangurru / Yarluyandi People, and relevant landholders to develop appropriate access to the licence area.

Native vegetation clearance minimised by locating well sites and access tracks appropriately.

Removal of large trees (including dead trees with hollows) is avoided except in exceptional circumstances (e.g. if unavoidable for airstrip construction).

Where possible trim vegetation rather than clearing.

If threatened species are likely to be impacted, specialist advice is sought regarding measures to mitigate potential impacts. Undertake detailed assessments and EPBC Act referral where necessary.

Utilise existing borrow pits where practicable and appropriate.

Borrow pits are located in areas which are naturally devoid of vegetation as far as possible. Clearance of vegetation, especially the removal of trees and larger shrubs, will be avoided wherever possible or minimised.

Borrow pits are not established in locations which pose an unacceptable hazard to stock or fauna.

Manage borrow pits in accordance with industry-wide standards for borrow pit management developed by DEM (2014), including minimising water-holding capacity.

Facilities (e.g. well cellars) are designed and constructed as far as practicable to minimise impacts to fauna.

Ponds securely fenced to exclude stock and large native fauna.

Excavations checked regularly for trapped fauna.

Measures to facilitate escape of smaller fauna from storage ponds, sumps or excavations provided where required (e.g. ramps, geofabric or textile matting ‘ladders’).

Driving on designated areas only (e.g. lease and access tracks).

Signage to indicate public versus private roads and access tracks to discourage third party access to infrastructure.

Routine surveillance monitoring undertaken to detect fauna incursions into well sites or ponds. Fauna mortality (if it occurs) to be captured by incident reporting system and advice from an ecologist sought if required.

Protocols implemented to ensure landing area is clear of wildlife (e.g. pre-landing inspection).

Ongoing liaison with relevant stakeholders (e.g. DEW and Wangkangurru / Yarluyandi People) to minimise potential impacts to the values of the Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert Regional Reserve.


Refer to Objective 4.

Waste Management





3. Avoid the introduction or spread of weeds, pest animals and pathogens as a consequence of regulated activities and undertake control measures where required.

The presence of weeds, pest animals or pathogens is consistent with or better than pre-disturbance conditions and adjacent land or where this is not the case, a management plan is implemented promptly

Declared plants1 occurring as a result of regulated activities are reported and managed in accordance with relevant regulations

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under management and rehabilitation of borrow pits for minimise impacts on vegetation (weeds) (Appendix C).

1Declared plants as listed under the South Australian Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act).

All reasonable and practical endeavours taken to minimise the risks of introducing weeds and exotic pest fauna into the licence area.

Appropriate consultation regarding weeds carried out with landholders and DEW/SAAL NRM Board.

Environmental assessment undertaken during the planning process to identify specific issues at infrastructure locations e.g. infrastructure locations will be subject to site inspection and assessment by a suitably qualified person to identify the potential presence of weeds, and appropriate avoidance or mitigation strategies are implemented.

Consultation with landholders and DEW where appropriate to identify any potential issues or specific management requirements.

Vehicles and equipment entering the licence area must be clean and free of soil and plant material.

Vehicles and equipment entering the region or moving between sites (especially from weed infested areas into non-infested areas) will be assessed for the risk of transporting weeds and cleaned down where appropriate.

Weed identification training for grader operators and other relevant personnel to facilitate identification of track-side weeds and prevent spread along access routes.

All records of vehicle or equipment inspections and cleaning will be kept for auditing.

Sites and access tracks will be monitored for new weed species / infestations and treated as necessary in accordance with requirements of the landholder, and if appropriate DEW / SAAL NRM Board.

Records of detection, monitoring or eradication of weeds introduced by activities are kept and available for review.

No domestic pets allowed at camps or worksites.

Feeding of wildlife is prohibited by employees/contractors.

Appropriate fencing installed to prevent or discourage feral animal and wildlife access to turkeys nests and sumps.

4. Minimise disturbance and avoid contamination of soil.

Construction and Restoration Activities

The extent of soil erosion as a result of regulated activities is consistent with or less than surrounding land.

The attainment of GAS criteria for well site construction (see Appendix B).

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria for borrow pit construction, management and rehabilitation (see Appendix C).

Construction and Restoration Activities

Refer to measures under Objective 2.

Sensitive gibber terrain is protected through appropriate construction and maintenance practices wherever practicable.

Erosion at borrow pits is controlled by appropriate placement, batter slopes and construction of water flow diversion banks.




Drilling; Fuel and Chemical Transport, Storage and Handling; Production Testing / Flaring; Fracture Stimulation

Any escape of petroleum, processed substance, chemical or fuel is either immediately contained and removed or assessed in accordance with NEPM12 guidelines and remediated in accordance with relevant guidelines in a timely manner.

No impact to rare, vulnerable or endangered flora and/or fauna, or important vegetation (as defined in Appendix B) due to an escape of petroleum, processed substance, chemical or fuel.

No overflow, spill or seepage of completions fluids from temporary holding ponds.

Waste Management




Drilling Operations

Overflow of drill cuttings, muds and other drilling fluids from mud sumps, pits or tanks avoided (e.g. by adequate sizing, maintenance of freeboard and management of runoff / drainage from the well lease).

Camp and drill rig generators to be appropriately located to contain any spills (e.g. in bunded areas or with suitable alternative spill containment).

Any escape of petroleum, processed substance, chemical or fuel to soil is either immediately contained and removed or assessed in accordance with NEPM guidelines and remediated in a timely manner.

Conduct regular inspections of pits and sumps.

Mud tank level sensors with continuous monitoring to detect small changes in fluid volumes.

In the event of a spill or leak follow appropriate emergency response procedures.

Competent site personnel and contractors on site at all times.

Refer to additional measures under Objective 6.

Fuel and Chemical Transport, Storage and Handling

Transportation of chemicals, fuels and oils in accordance with ADG Code and AS 1940.

Construction and operation of filling systems, storage tanks and tankers in accordance with AS 1940.

Continued competency assessment, review and monitor chemical and fuel transportation, including signage / labelling, storage, proper packing and tie downs.

Appropriate areas (e.g. storage tanks, fuel and chemical storage) bunded and lined to contain spills in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines including AS 1940, EPA guideline 080/16 Bunding and Spill Management.

All hazardous materials including fuels, oils and chemicals are to be stored in approved containers in polythene lined bunded areas or on bunded pallets.

Hazardous materials stored, used and disposed of in accordance with relevant legislation on dangerous substances.

No refuelling outside designated refuelling or servicing areas.

Appropriate drip capture / spill capture methods implemented in refuelling areas (e.g. use of drip trays or liners).

Appropriate spill response equipment is available on site.

Personnel have received training in the use of spill response equipment.

12 National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure (1999) amended in 2013




Spills or leaks are contained, cleaned-up, reported and cause investigated and corrective and / or preventative action implemented.

Assessment and remediation of uncontained spills with larger scale impact (e.g. release of fluid to land outside fenced areas, or any volume to water) is consistent with the NEPM and relevant SA EPA guidelines.

Contaminated soil treated on site in accordance with EPA guidelines or removed for treatment / disposal at an EPA approved facility.

Fencing of affected areas if threat is posed to stock or wildlife, and consult with landholders to ensure appropriate practices are developed and implemented to mitigate risks and impacts to properties that are organic certified.

Maintain a register of spills and / or leaks and implement corrective actions based on analysis of spill events.

Logged incidents are reviewed and areas for improvement are identified for inclusion in future improvement plans.

Production Testing / Flaring

Production tanks to be located in lined bunded areas.

Production lines and tanks to be inspected prior to use.

No fluids are disposed to the flare pit.

Flare pit is only used for emergency well control situations while drilling and operated to avoid carry-over of unburnt hydrocarbons; immediate clean up implemented if it occurs.

Fracture Stimulation

Flowback fluids securely contained in tanks, or ponds lined with UV stabilised material.

Ponds located to minimise consequences of a potential failure (e.g. not in close proximity to significant watercourses such that failure would result in direct release to these watercourses).

Where well leases have potential for infrequent flooding, measures undertaken to ensure ponds are not vulnerable to flooding (e.g. location on higher ground, construction of higher pond walls, removal of flowback fluids off-site either during testing or at completion of operations).

Ponds with above-ground walls that prevent surface runoff into ponds.

Quality control on pond construction and liner installation to minimise risk of compromised liner integrity.

Maximum pond fill level not exceeded (allow for rain events and wave effects).

Pond operation monitored (e.g. pond wall integrity, visual inspections, regular water balance calculations) and repair / remediation / decommissioning undertaken where appropriate (e.g. if leak evident, create drainage channel, recover fluid, repair or decommission pond).

Chemical utilisation during stimulation kept to the lowest possible to achieve necessary stimulation outcome.




Lower toxicity chemicals used where practicable and suited to the stimulation design required.

Flowback lines from wellhead rated and pressure tested to appropriate pressure and emergency shut-down system installed on well-head.

Flare pit cleaned up and remediated as required following completion of operations.

Waste Management




5. Minimise loss of reservoir and aquifer pressures and avoid aquifer contamination.

There is no uncontrolled flow to surface

Appropriate barriers exist to protect separate aquifer systems and / or hydrocarbon reservoirs that are typically in natural hydraulic isolation from each other.

No contamination of non-target / non-hydrocarbon bearing aquifers as a result of fracture stimulation operations.

No unauthorised discharge or escape of any liquids (including water, petroleum, processed substance, chemical or fuel), or solid wastes to groundwater.

Relevant government approval obtained for abandonment of radioactive tools if left downhole.

No impact on third-party groundwater users or groundwater dependant ecosystems (e.g. aquifers that may provide base flow to nearby waterholes or GAB springs) as a result of groundwater extraction or contamination.

Drilling Operations

Aquifers isolated behind casing string(s) cemented in place.

Effective barriers exist to maintain well control and prevent crossflow between separate aquifer systems or hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Operational reports verify that barriers have been set and/or remedial cement work carried out in accordance with the work program.

Water based drilling muds are used.

Chemical selection process demonstrates preferential selection of low toxicity chemical alternatives where appropriate.

Well design in accordance with leading practice.

Cement slurry and pumping schedule designed by qualified and competent engineers and confirmed by senior engineers.

Casing and well head designed to meet pressure, temperature, operational stresses and loads.

Observed volumes of cement return to surface match calculations.

Casing will be centred with centralisers to assist full radial cement coverage, mud cake will be removed to maximise cement bond to formation and excess cement volumes will be pumped to cater for unforeseen cavities and over-gauge hole.

Casing seating depths will be designed to cover formations at risk and the cementing programme will allow for sufficient cement returns at surface to ensure bond to the formation.

Casing set in accordance with design parameters.

Cement bond logs run on production casing where necessary to confirm quality of cement.

Where there is evidence of insufficient isolation, remedial action to be conducted.

Competent site personnel and contractors on site at all times.

Drill rig, ancillary and any testing equipment to comply with Regulations, meet relevant industry standards and be ‘Fit for Purpose’.

Blow out prevention precautions in place in accordance with defined procedures and appropriate to the expected downhole conditions. Regular BOP drills, testing, certification, and maintenance.




Well control equipment used during coiled tubing, wireline and workover activities where necessary.

Work is performed as set out in the Drilling Program.

Appropriate emergency response procedures in place.

Safety, testing, maintenance and inspection procedures are implemented.

Ongoing well integrity monitoring.

Well Decommissioning Activities

Well decommissioning program to be submitted to DEM with wireline logs for prior approval.

Downhole decommissioning is carried out to meet worst case expected loads and downhole environmental conditions.

Isolation barriers to be set in place to ensure that crossflow, contamination or pressure reduction does not occur.

Effective isolation maintained between any potential aquifers to prevent crossflow.

Abandonment plugs must be set to ensure long term isolation of any potential aquifers intersected to avoid shallow zones becoming over-pressurised.

Records of plug depths and intervals are kept.

Fracture Stimulation Operations

Well pressure tested prior to fracture stimulation.

Trip systems installed to shut off stimulation pumping units if pre-set operational maximum pressure is reached.

Assessment of geological and geomechanical settings undertaken where appropriate (e.g. Eromanga targets) during design of fracture stimulation treatments to avoid growth into undesired strata.

Fracture design (including pressures, injection rate, fluid makeup and proppant concentration) undertaken where appropriate (e.g. Eromanga targets) to provide confidence that the fracture treatment remains within the hydrocarbon target.

Fracture stimulation treatments modelled prior to treatment where appropriate (e.g. Eromanga targets).

Fracture stimulation candidates are excluded where aquifer contamination risk is apparent due to close proximity to overlying and / or underlying aquifers

Real time pressure monitoring during treatment

Injection pressures compared to expected fracture initiation pressure. If a pressure anomaly is observed on surface, the injection is stopped, and casing integrity is assessed

Hydraulic fracturing diagnostics may be used to assess fracture height growth where appropriate. Specific diagnostic tools (e.g. proppant tracers, chemical tracers and sonic anisotropy logging) will be selected for each fracture stimulation treatment based on parameter of interest.




Groundwater use

Minimisation of groundwater use during drilling and workover operations (e.g. by minimising sump sizes and recirculating water).

Lining of all temporary storage ponds to reduce the potential for loss of water to seepage.

Installation of any new water bores will be in accordance with NRM Act requirements.

Impact assessment if proposed groundwater bore(s) are in the vicinity of surface water systems that may be baseflow dependent.

Consultation with other groundwater users/bore owners where relevant.

Water supply wells reviewed to ensure that their use does not impact adversely on existing users of groundwater

Options for alternative water supplies investigated / used where possible (e.g. recycling, reuse)

Monitoring of water extraction volumes

Extraction of large volumes of water from aquifers that provide baseflow to nearby waterholes will be avoided

6. Minimise disturbance to drainage patterns and avoid contamination of surface waters and shallow groundwater resources.

All regulated activities are located and constructed to maintain pre-existing water flows as far as practicable (e.g. channel contours are maintained on floodplains and at creek crossings and overland flows diverted around site if required).

No ‘water affecting activities’ (as defined under the NRM Act and regional NRM Plan) are undertaken unless relevant permits have been obtained.

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under well site construction for minimising disturbance to drainage patterns (Appendix B).

No unauthorised discharge or escape of petroleum, processed substance, chemical, fuel or solid wastes to surface water and/or groundwater.

Any escape of petroleum, processed substance, chemical or fuel is either immediately contained and removed or assessed in accordance with NEPM and remediated in accordance with relevant guidelines in a timely manner.

Waste Management


Well leases, camp sites, airstrips and access tracks are located and constructed to maintain pre-existing water flows (e.g. channel contours are maintained on floodplains and at creek crossings).

Sensitive land systems avoided wherever possible. Where activities are undertaken in or near these areas, appropriate review, assessment and mitigation measures are in place to ensure that natural surface water flows are maintained, and contamination of surface water and groundwater is avoided.

Flooding risk is considered in well lease location and construction and additional measures implemented if required (e.g. a small berm around the sump to prevent floodwater entering the sump).

Sediment and erosion control measures installed where necessary.

Restoration of natural contours to minimise impacts to natural drainage patterns.

Manage borrow pits in accordance with industry-wide standards for borrow pit management developed by DEM (2014).

Refer to additional measures in Objective 4.



Waste Management





7. Minimise risks to the health and safety of the public.

Reasonable measures implemented to ensure no injuries or health risks to the public.

No injuries, incidents or adverse health impacts involving the public from regulated activities that could have been reasonably prevented by the operator.

A traffic management plan will be provided to DPTI (as part of the Stage 3 approval process) for review prior to commencement of drilling activities^

^the traffic management plan will address the headings listed in the Guide to How Objectives Can Be Achieved

Well sites will be located and orientated to consider accessibility to the public.

Warning signage and traffic management measures installed where appropriate indicate public versus private roads and access tracks to discourage third party access to infrastructure.

Access to sites restricted during operations. “No Entry” signs warning of dangers associated with drilling operations placed at the entry to the site access track.

Necessary measures (e.g. fencing, signage, gates) taken to prevent the public accessing the well head equipment or waste relating to the well.

Ponds securely fenced.

Borrow pit locations have adequate clearance from infrastructure (e.g. facilities, fences, homesteads, roads) to minimise risk associated with livestock, safety concerns, erosion, and visual impacts.

Landholders and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. DEW) will be informed of significant activities such as rig mobilisation and demobilisation.

Compliance with relevant speed restrictions on access roads and tracks.

Induction of employees and contractor personnel with respect to road use and driver behaviour, conservation and tourism.

Driver awareness training for all company and contractor personnel.

Any required authorisations (e.g. DPTI, SAPOL) obtained where required for movement of rig along public roads.

Reporting systems in place for recording injuries and accidents.

Appropriate traffic safety measures (e.g. pilot vehicles during rig moves) implemented.

Traffic management plan developed in consultation with DEW for activities in Regional Reserve.

The DPTI traffic management plan will address the following criteria (where relevant):

- Type and volume of vehicles for each stage of the proposed drilling activities;

- The final access route used during drilling campaigns;

- Details of any DPTI road upgrades or routine inspections and maintenance required to facilitate the ongoing activities;

- Details of delivery times i.e. survey schedule (if known);

- Details of proposed road closures (i.e. exclusion periods) and their management;

- Details of any permits required;

- Details of all required road signs and advisory signs;

- Where required, details of any approvals/permits (from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) for Restricted Access Vehicles (including oversize and over mass components);

- Where required, a route risk assessment for roads intended for any oversize/over mass vehicles (as per the requirements of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator).




8. Minimise disturbance to landholders, associated infrastructure and to the values of the Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert Regional Reserve

No disturbance to landholder activities as a result of regulated activities unless by prior arrangement.

Adverse impacts of accidental or unforeseen disturbance to infrastructure or land use resolved to the reasonable satisfaction of the landholder / owner or as near as practicable to the undisturbed condition.

Timely consultation and notification of proposed activities with relevant landholders and stakeholders (e.g. DEW) can be demonstrated.

Landholder / stakeholder complaints are documented, and reasonable steps taken to resolve them can be demonstrated.

No uncontrolled fires initiated as a result of regulated activities.

Appropriate site selection to reduce potential impacts to wildlife or tourist sites.

Well sites are subject to environmental assessment in the planning process to ensure that any issues are identified, and appropriate avoidance or mitigation strategies are developed.

Liaise with DEM, DEW, the Wangkangurru / Yarluyandi People, and relevant landholders to develop appropriate access to the licence area.

Landholders consulted regarding the location, management and timing of proposed activities. Ongoing landholder liaison during and following operations.

Ongoing liaison with relevant stakeholders (e.g. DEW and Wangkangurru / Yarluyandi People) to minimise potential impacts to the values of the Regional Reserve.

Wherever practicable, infrastructure will be located away from areas that are heavily used by visitors to the Regional Reserve.

Activities are restricted to agreed / defined areas.

All gates left in the condition in which they were found (open / closed).

Any lighting required is positioned to minimise light emanating from the well site.

Equipment operated and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Flaring during production testing kept to minimum length of time necessary.

Airstrip located to minimise disturbance to landholders and the public.

Dust suppression measures carried out where required (e.g. road watering).

Maintain a high standard of housekeeping to minimise visual impact.

Induction of Employee and Contractor personnel with respect to pastoral and Regional Reserve operations including issues such as use of gates and infrastructure and restricted areas and activities.

Any deterioration of property tracks or infrastructure as a result of drilling-related traffic is rectified.

Systems are in place for logging landholder/stakeholder complaints to ensure that issues are addressed as appropriate.

Compliance with Part 10 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act (Notice of Entry requirements).

Fire prevention

Fire and Emergency Services Act requirements complied with (e.g. permits for ‘hot work’ on total fire ban days).

Ready access to suitable fire-fighting equipment.

Where necessary fire break constructed around well lease.

Flare pits (if required) will be located to avoid radiant heat impacting or burning vegetation.

Response to fire included in Emergency Response Plan.




Fire risk is included in the induction and all personnel are fully informed on the fire danger season and associated restrictions.

Hazardous area management / equipment spacing criteria is followed.

No smoking or safe smoking areas away from equipment or well.

Ongoing liaison with relevant stakeholders regarding fire conditions and management in the region e.g. DEW.

If well sites are in close proximity to the boundaries of Witjira NP or Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert CP and indirect impacts are likely, consultation is undertaken with DEW to determine appropriate mitigation measures.

9. Minimise the visual impact of operations.

Operations are restricted to agreed / defined areas.

Landholder / stakeholder complaints are documented, and reasonable steps taken to resolve them can be demonstrated.


Operational sites maintained in clean and tidy condition.

Refer to measures outlined in Objective 2 and 8 regarding site selection, liaison and minimising disturbance to landholders and stakeholders (e.g. DEW)

Refer to Objective 11 for well site restoration measures.

10. Minimise impacts on the environment from waste storage, handling and disposal.

Wastes are segregated and transported to an EPA licensed facility for recycling or disposal.

Reasonable steps are taken to securely contain waste at operational sites, and prior to removal from site.

No waste material disposal to sumps and flare pits (with the exception of drilling fluids, drill cuttings, and other benign fluids produced during well clean-up).

Any fracture stimulation flowback solids disposed of on site meet appropriate criteria (e.g. EPA waste fill guidelines).

All wastewater disposed of in accordance with the South Australian Public and Environmental Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013.

Application of the waste hierarchy (avoid, minimise, reuse, recycle, recover, treat, dispose).

Covered bins are provided for the collection and storage of wastes. All loads of rubbish are covered during transport to an approved waste facility.

Waste streams are segregated on site and transported to appropriate facilities to maximise waste recovery, reuse and recycling.

Hazardous wastes handled in accordance with relevant legislation and standards.

Appropriately licensed contractors used for waste transport.

All wastewater disposed in accordance with the South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013 or to the satisfaction of the Department of Health) and consistent with the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015.

High standards of housekeeping implemented.

11. Remediate and rehabilitate operational areas to agreed standards.

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under well site and access track restoration (Appendix B) for:

▪ minimising visual impact

▪ revegetation of indigenous species

▪ site left in a clean tidy condition.

The attainment of 0, +1 or +2 GAS criteria under rehabilitation of borrow pits (Appendix C) for:

▪ minimising water retention in pit

▪ minimise impacts to soil

Rehabilitate roads and well leases where no longer required.

Reinstate temporary construction areas (e.g. laydown) as soon as possible.

Well sites are rehabilitated following drilling, or the lease area reduced to the minimum size necessary if the well is successful.

Any soil removed during the construction of the well lease will be respread over the disturbed area during restoration. Topsoil and subsoil will be stored separately.

Borrow pits are restored as soon as practicable after material extraction is complete, to a standard consistent with the surrounding land use.




▪ minimise impacts on vegetation

▪ minimise visual impacts.

▪ site to be left in a clean and tidy condition.

Contaminated sites rehabilitated in accordance with Objective 4.

Well decommissioning in accordance with Objective 5.

No unresolved reasonable stakeholder complaints.

Where infrastructure (e.g. well leases) is being restored, borrow capping material returned to borrow pits where practicable.

Borrow pits are restored to minimise water holding capacity, where arrangements are not in place with relevant stakeholders.

Rehabilitate access tracks when no longer required to prevent unauthorised use by the public, in consultation with DEM, DEW, the Wangkangurru / Yarluyandi People, and relevant landholders.

Refer to measures in Objectives 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.



Appendix B: GAS Criteria for Wellsite Construction and Restoration



Table B1: GAS Criteria for Assessing Well Site Construction

Measure and Associated Goals

Goal Exceeded

+2

Goal Exceeded

+1

Goal Attained

0

Minor Shortfall

- 1

Significant Shortfall

- 2

Minimise impacts on soil

Minimise erosion in gibber

Gibber rolled Blading has occurred in gibber and tableland environments in areas where erosion risk is high or unmanageable, or with no drainage or erosion control structures in other areas.

Uncontrolled erosion has occurred.

Avoid highly sensitive landforms

No construction activities are carried out on salt lakes.

Construction activities are carried out on salt lakes

Topsoil stockpiling Topsoil and any cleared vegetation stockpiled at well lease and campsite. Stockpiled material is separated and easily identified.

No stockpiled topsoil or cleared vegetation evident.

Minimise impact on native vegetation and native fauna

Minimise native vegetation clearance and impacts to fauna and/or fauna habitat

Well site is located to avoid clearance of or significant disturbance to trees and other native vegetation, fauna and/or fauna habitat.

Well site is located to avoid clearance of or significant disturbance to important vegetation1.

Native vegetation, fauna and/or fauna habitat removed in area where could not have been avoided.

Impact to important1 vegetation, fauna and/or fauna habitat has occurred where could have been avoided.

Extensive removal of important1 vegetation, fauna and/or fauna habitat in area where could have been avoided.

1 ‘Important’ vegetation typically includes:

▪ plants of Priority 1 or 2 species as defined in Wiltshire, D. and Schmidt, M. (2003) (which predominantly include tree and larger shrub species that are long lived and/or do not regenerate readily from seed or rootstock)

▪ vegetation that is restricted in distribution and/or is locally important (e.g. for habitat or for land stability)

▪ vegetation communities identified as conservation priorities in the South Australian Arid Lands Biodiversity Strategy (DEH 2009)

▪ vegetation that provides important habitat for rare or threatened fauna Whether vegetation is ‘important’ at a particular site needs to be considered in the context of the land system and the local and regional environmental setting. Rare, vulnerable or endangered flora would also fall within the definition of ‘important vegetation’, however additional avoidance requirements are specified under Objective 2 of the SEO (i.e. necessary permits and approvals must be obtained if removal of rare, vulnerable and endangered species is unavoidable).



Table B2: GAS Criteria for Assessing Well Site Restoration

Objective Goals Expected Goal Exceeded

+2

Goal Exceeded

+1

Expected Goal Attained

0

Minor Shortfall

- 1


- 2

Minimise visual impact

Access tracks The track contours and colour blend with the surroundings and the earthworks disturbance is indistinguishable

The track contours and colour blend with the surroundings and the earthwork disturbance is beginning to blend also

The track contours and colour blend with the surroundings, but the earthwork disturbance is still prominent (e.g. ripping, rolling, respreading or original material)

The track surface has been contoured into the surrounding landscape, but the colour of foreign material contrasts with the surroundings

The track is prominent because of scaped surface, windrows along its edges or gully erosion

Interdune and floodplain sites

The site contours and colour blend with the surroundings and the earthworks disturbance is indistinguishable

The site contours and colour blend with the surroundings and the earthwork disturbance is beginning to blend also

The site contours and colour blend with the surroundings, but the earthwork disturbance is still prominent (e.g. ripping, rolling, respreading or original material)

The site surface and edge have been contoured into the surrounding landscape, but the colour of foreign material contrasts with the surroundings

The site remains as a prominent consolidated surface with a distinct edge

Dune Sites The edge and colour of the site blend with the surroundings. The site contours are indistinguishable whether viewed from the top or base of the dune

The edge and colour of the site blend with the surroundings. The site contours are visible only when viewed from the top of the dune; they cannot be seen from the base. Erosion gullies are present down the face of the dune, but they are not extensive or prominent

The edge and colour of the site blend with the surroundings. The site contours are visible only when viewed from the top of the dune; they cannot be seen from the base. Erosion gullies are present down the face of the dune, but they are not extensive or prominent

The site has been restored to the natural contour of the dune, but the contour of foreign material contrasts with the surroundings

Extensive gully erosion down the face of the dune and / or steep site edge are prominent

Gibber Sites Site is indistinguishable from the surrounds

Site matches adjacent contours and the gibber is uniformly spread with no imported material evident

Site matches adjacent contours with some imported material that is still evident within the gibber spread

Site matches adjacent colours, but is visible due to inconsistent spreading of the gibber and some bare areas

Site is poorly formed and predominantly bare due to incomplete spreading or loss of gibber

Revegetation of indigenous species

Predictive rehabilitation on abandonment

N/A N/A There has been appropriate preparation of the ground surface to promote revegetation

The restored surface is inconsistent with the surroundings

No attempt has been made to restore the site

Less than five years since abandonment

The revegetation is extensive and mostly consists of annuals and biennials; perennials are beginning to establish which is consistent with surroundings

The revegetation is extensive and consists of annuals and biennials; in contrast to the surroundings there are no perennials

Colonisation of the original species is starting to occur

Revegetation with inappropriate species

No revegetation is occurring

At least five years since abandonment

The revegetation type, density and maturity is indistinguishable from the surroundings

The revegetation, mostly perennials, is consistent with the surroundings; but there is contrast in maturity between them

The revegetation consists of annual, biennials and perennials; but there are some bare patches which are inconsistent with the surroundings

The revegetation mostly consists of annuals and biennials; in contrast to the surroundings there are few perennials

There is no revegetation

Note: This tables is consistent with DSD-ERD (2016) Field Guide for the Environmental Assessment of Abandoned Petroleum Wellsites.



Appendix C: GAS Criteria for Borrow Pit Construction, Management and Rehabilitation



Objectives Goals Goal Exceeded

+2

Goal Exceeded

+1

Goal Attained

0

Minor Shortfall

- 1


- 2

Minimise impacts to soil Pit sited to minimise erosion and facilitate rehabilitation

Gibber plain and tableland

- - Pit located on flat terrain

Gibber mantle around pit intact

No wind rows on tracks

Pit located on sloping terrain (<1% slope)

Gibber mantle around pit intact (rolling only)

No wind rows on tracks

Pit located on sloping terrain (>1% slope)

Or:

Pit located in any terrain where gibber mantle around pit removed and/or wind rows or tracks

Dunefields

Pit located on terrain less than 1% slope

Pit located on sloping terrain (between 1 and 2% slope)

Pit located on sloping terrain (greater than 2% slope)

Flood Plain

- - Pit located more than 200 meters away from any creek channel, waterhole, terrace of levee

Pit located within 200 meters of any creek channel, waterhole, terrace of levee

Pit located within 100 meters of any creek channel, waterhole, terrace or levee

Minimise impacts on vegetation

Perennial vegetation clearance minimised

Pit located in bare area – no clearance required

No trees or shrubs removed

Trees or shrubs removed where clearance could not have been avoided

No trees or shrubs with hollows removed

Moderate trees or shrubs (between 15 and 30cm diameter) removed where clearance could have been avoided

No trees ort shrubs with hollows removed

Large trees (over 30cm diameter) removed

and/or

Trees or shrubs with hollows removed

Topsoils and seed source retained

Topsoil and vegetative material stockpiles and stable

No topsoil and vegetative material stockpile evident

Protect sites of natural, scientific or heritage significance

Avoid sites Sites avoided Sites disturbed

Minimise visual impacts – public roads

Pits sited appropriately Pits not visible from public road

Pit screened by vegetation

Pit clearly visible – not screened




+2

Goal Exceeded

+1

Goal Attained

0

Minor Shortfall

- 1


- 2

Minimise water retention in pit

Minimise or no water retention in pit footprint

- - No evidence of water retention or minor retention – pit retains water for less than 1 month following rainfall event or drawdown of floodwaters (max depth up to 0.2meters)

Pit retains water for up to 3 months following rainfall event or drawdown of floodwaters (max depth < 1 meter)

Pit holds water for water more than 3 months following rainfall event or drawdown of floodwaters (max depth > 1.0 meters)

Minimise impacts on soil Minimise soil erosion Gibber plain and tableland

Gibber layer in situ (apart from pit base and sides)

Pit footprint soil surfaces stable

No accelerated erosion on pit footprint

Gibber layer insitu, run-off minimised

Tracks rolled with no wind rows

Localised minor erosion (typically pit sides)

Gibber layer disturbed or removed in areas

Run-off controlled

Minor gullying around pit and/or access tracks

Widespread disturbance of Gibber Layer

Run-off uncontrolled

Moderate to sever gullying

Other land units

Soil surface stable

No accelerated erosion on pit footprint

Run-off controlled

Minor erosion of pit sides or up-slope from pit

Areas of pit footprint unstable with some uncontrolled run-off

Moderate erosion

Uncontrolled run-off

Large areas of pit footprint unstable

Active severe erosion


No weed infestations No weeds on pit footprint Weeds present on pit footprint

Declared weeds present on pit footprint

Minimise water retention in pit

Minimal or no water retention in pit footprint

- - No evidence of water retention or minor retention – pit retains water for less than 1 month following rainfall event or drawdown of floodwaters (max. depth up to 0.2 meters)

Pit retains water for up to 3 months following rainfall event or drawdown of floodwaters (max. depth < 1 meter)

Pit holds water for more than 3 months following rainfall event or drawdown of floodwaters (max depth > 1.0 meters)




+2

Goal Exceeded

+1

Goal Attained

0

Minor Shortfall

- 1


- 2

Minimise impacts on soil Minimise soil erosion Soil surfaces stable

No accelerated erosion

Minor erosion of pit sides or up-slope from pit

Moderate erosion

Areas of pit footprint unstable with some uncontrolled run-off

Active severe erosion

Uncontrolled run-off

Large area of pit footprint unstable


Pit footprint revegetated with indigenous species

Vegetation community re-established with species and cover typical for land unit

Pit footprint revegetated with perennial species mix and cover levels typical for land unit

Pit footprint revegetated with species mix similar to surrounding area, some bare patches still present

Revegetation confined to base of pit, pit sides bare, species mix differs from surrounding areas, annual species dominate

No revegetation evident

No weed infestations on pit footprint

No weeds on pit footprint Weeds present on pit footprint

Declared weeds present on pit footprint

Minimise visual impacts Borrow pit effectively contoured and ripped

Pit contours indistinguishable from surrounding landscape

Access tracks ripped

Pit contours blend in with surrounding landscape, although still evident

Pit sides battered and ripped along contours but pit outline visible

Topsoil and vegetative material re-spread over disturbed area

Pit visible

Pit sides battered but not ripped

No re-contouring of pit has occurred – pit sides very steep

Top soil and vegetative material not re-spread

Site to be left in a clean and tidy condition

Litter and other man-made materials removed

No litter and other man-made materials on pit footprint or surrounds

Scattered litter and/or other man-made materials on pit footprint or surrounds

Litter and/or other man-made materials common on pit footprint or surrounds

Documents

STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES Petroleum Exploration Activities in the Simpson ... · 2020-06-10 · Tri-Star Energy Company Statement of Environmental Objectives – Petroleum