Wheatstone Project Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan

Wheatstone Project
Wheatstone Oil Spill Environmental

Response Plan
Document No:
WS0-0000-HES-PLN-CVX-000-00092-000
Revision Date:
30 October 2013
IP Security:
Public
Revision:
Please note that prior to being published, some information in the approved Oil Spill
Environmental Response Plan has been redacted, as approved by the Minister on
27/11/2013, on the basis that it is company confidential.
Chevron Australia Pty Ltd
Wheatstone Project
Wheatstone Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan
Document No:
Revision:
Revision Date:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY ....................................................... 6
1.0 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................ 9
1.1 Project Overview .................................................................................................. 9
1.2 Proponent ............................................................................................................ 9
1.3 Scope and Objectives .......................................................................................... 9
1.4 Environmental Approvals ................................................................................... 12
1.5 Public Availability ............................................................................................... 12
1.6 Review, Approval and Revision of this Plan ....................................................... 12
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 14
2.1 Onshore Footprint .............................................................................................. 14
2.1.1
LNG Plant............................................................................................. 14
2.1.2
Domgas Plant ....................................................................................... 14
2.2 Offshore and Nearshore ..................................................................................... 14
2.2.1
Shipping Channel ................................................................................. 14
2.2.2
Materials Offloading Facility.................................................................. 15
2.2.3
Product Loading Facility ....................................................................... 15
2.2.4
Dredging and Dredge Spoil Disposal .................................................... 15
2.2.5
Platform ................................................................................................ 15
2.2.6
Subsea System .................................................................................... 16
2.2.7
Trunkline and Shore Crossing .............................................................. 16
2.2.8
Discharge Lines.................................................................................... 16
2.2.9
Construction Vessels ............................................................................ 17
3.0 HYDROCARBON SPILL SCENARIOS....................................................................... 18
3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................ 18
3.2 Spill Modelling .................................................................................................... 18
3.2.1
Rationale .............................................................................................. 18
3.2.2
Methodologies ...................................................................................... 19
3.2.3
Results ................................................................................................. 20
3.3 Zone of Potential Influence................................................................................. 22
4.0 POTENTIAL HYDROCARBON EFFECTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL RECEPTORS .... 25
4.1 Impact Factors ................................................................................................... 25
4.1.1
Sensitivity ............................................................................................. 25
4.1.2
Toxicity ................................................................................................. 25
4.1.3
Cumulative Effects................................................................................ 26
4.2 Ecological Effects ............................................................................................... 26
4.2.1
Habitat Effects ...................................................................................... 26
4.2.2
Fauna Effects ....................................................................................... 33
5.0 RESOURCES AT RISK .............................................................................................. 41
5.1 Overview ............................................................................................................ 41
5.2 Identified Sensitive Receptors ............................................................................ 41
5.2.1
Matters and species of NES ................................................................. 41
5.2.2
Provincial Bioregion Ecosystem............................................................ 48
5.2.3
Oil Spill Response Atlas ....................................................................... 52
5.3 Resource Protection Prioritisation ...................................................................... 65
5.4 Net Environment Benefit Analysis ...................................................................... 66
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE STRATEGIES ......................................................... 68
6.1 Overview ............................................................................................................ 68
6.2 Source Control ................................................................................................... 71
Printed Date: 28/11/2013
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6.2.1
Single Point, Transfer Equipment and Ruptured Vessel Control ........... 71
6.2.2
Well Capping (Stack) ............................................................................ 71
6.2.3
Well Intervention ................................................................................... 72
6.3 Monitoring and Evaluation .................................................................................. 73
6.3.1
Aerial Surveillance ................................................................................ 73
6.3.2
Vessel Surveillance .............................................................................. 74
6.3.3
Surface Plume Tracking ....................................................................... 74
6.3.4
Satellite Surveillance ............................................................................ 74
6.3.5
Spill Trajectory Modelling...................................................................... 75
6.4 Containment and Recovery ................................................................................ 75
6.4.1
Boom Selection and Deployment.......................................................... 76
6.4.2
Skimmer Selection and Deployment ..................................................... 78
6.5 Assisted Natural Dispersion ............................................................................... 79
6.6 Chemical Dispersant Application ........................................................................ 80
6.6.1
Surface Application............................................................................... 82
6.6.2
Sub-surface Application ........................................................................ 82
6.7 Fauna Protection Measures ............................................................................... 84
6.7.1
Exclusion, Hazing and Deterrents......................................................... 84
6.7.2
Pre-emptive Capture and Removal ....................................................... 84
6.8 Oiled Fauna Response ...................................................................................... 84
6.8.1
Capture, Collection and Holding of Oiled Fauna ................................... 85
6.8.2
Fauna Rehabilitation............................................................................. 86
6.8.3
Carcass Disposal ................................................................................. 87
6.9 Shoreline Protection and Deflection ................................................................... 87
6.9.1
Shoreline Protection ............................................................................. 87
6.9.2
Shoreline Deflection ............................................................................. 87
6.10 Shoreline Clean-up ............................................................................................ 88
6.10.1 Natural Recovery .................................................................................. 91
6.10.2 Absorbents ........................................................................................... 91
6.10.3 Sediment Relocation ............................................................................ 91
6.10.4 Manual Clean-up .................................................................................. 92
6.10.5 Mechanical Clean-up ............................................................................ 92
6.10.6 Pumps and Vacuums ........................................................................... 92
6.10.7 Low-pressure Flushing ......................................................................... 93
6.10.8 High-pressure Flushing ........................................................................ 93
6.10.9 Flooding/Deluging ................................................................................ 94
6.11 Waste Management ........................................................................................... 94
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ................................................................................ 96
7.1 Overview ............................................................................................................ 96
7.2 Emergency Management Structure .................................................................... 96
7.3 Tiered Spill Response Approach ........................................................................ 97
7.4 Division of Responsibility.................................................................................... 98
7.5 Response Arrangements.................................................................................... 99
7.5.1
Initiation ................................................................................................ 99
7.5.2
Response Actions, Support and Escalation .......................................... 99
7.5.3
Termination ........................................................................................ 100
SPILL RESPONSE CAPABILITIES.......................................................................... 101
8.1 Minimum Training and Competency Levels ...................................................... 101
8.2 Current Manning Capacity................................................................................ 102
8.3 Equipment and Materials.................................................................................. 103
8.4 Chemical Dispersants ...................................................................................... 103
8.5 Waste Facilities ................................................................................................ 105

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8.6 Response Timing ............................................................................................. 106

8.7 Simulated Response Testing ........................................................................... 106
8.8 Insurances ....................................................................................................... 108
9.0 REPORTING ............................................................................................................. 110
9.1 Annual Compliance Reporting .......................................................................... 110
9.2 Non-compliance Reporting ............................................................................... 110
9.3 Other Reporting ............................................................................................... 110
10.0 REFERENCES.......................................................................................................... 111
TABLES
Table 1.1: Requirements of Commonwealth Ministerial Conditions: EPBC 2008/4469
relevant to this Plan ......................................................................................... 13
Table 3.1: Worst-case Hydrocarbon Spill Scenarios ............................................................. 19
Table 3.2: Dissolved Aromatic In-water Threshold Values Applied as Part of the Modelling
Study ............................................................................................................... 23
Table 3.3: In-water (entrained) Threshold Values Applied as part of the Modelling Study..... 23
Table 5.1: Sensitive Resources and Key Receptors within and adjacent to the combined
ZPI ................................................................................................................... 42
Table 5.2: Description of Provincial Bioregions within and adjacent to the combined ZPI ..... 49
Table 5.3: Protection Priority Ranking .................................................................................. 65
Table 6.1: Overview of Spill Response Strategies to be employed in first 24 hours .............. 69
Table 6.2: Overview of Spill Response Strategies to be employed after first 24 hours.......... 70
Table 6.3: Boom Selection Matrix ......................................................................................... 77
Table 6.4: Skimmer Selection Matrix .................................................................................... 79
Table 6.5: Recommended Clean-up Methods ...................................................................... 89
Table 7.1: Chevron Emergency Response Organisation ...................................................... 96
Table 7.2: Hydrocarbon Spill Tiers ....................................................................................... 97
Table 7.3: Emergency Response Team and Tier Level ........................................................ 98
Table 8.1: Current Manning Capabilities (as at August 2013) ............................................. 102
Table 8.2: Dispersant Resource Capability ......................................................................... 104
Table 8.3: Third Party Waste Facilities and Capacities to Receive Oily Wastes ................. 105
Table 8.4: Emergency Response Arrangement Testing ..................................................... 106
Table 8.5: Exercise Categories .......................................................................................... 107
Table 8.6: Response Times to and from various locations within the Chevron Operational
Area ............................................................................................................... 109
FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Location of Wheatstone Project Infrastructure .................................................... 10
Figure 1.2: Nearshore Project Infrastructure ......................................................................... 11
Figure 3.1: Minimum Time for Potential Shoreline Exposure (Scenario 4) ............................ 21
Figure 3.2: Zone of Potential Influence developed from combined modelling outputs
Scenarios 1-4................................................................................................... 24
Figure 4.1: Oil Spill related Threats to Sea Turtles ............................................................... 37
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Figure 4.2: Impact Pathways ................................................................................................ 38

Figure 5.1: State and Commonwealth Marine Reserves and Project Marine Facilities ......... 46
Figure 5.2: Key Ecological Features ..................................................................................... 47
Figure 5.3: Provincial Bioregions within and adjacent to the ZPI........................................... 51
Figure 5.4: Overview over the Oil Spill Response Atlas Figures ........................................... 53
Figure 5.5: Oil Spill Response Atlas Montebello Islands .................................................... 54
Figure 5.6: Oil Spill Response Atlas Barrow Island ............................................................ 55
Figure 5.7: Oil Spill Response Atlas South Barrow Island.................................................. 56
Figure 5.8: Oil Spill Response Atlas Airlie Island ............................................................... 57
Figure 5.9: Oil Spill Response Atlas Thevenard Island ...................................................... 58
Figure 5.10: Oil Spill Response Atlas Peak to Bessieres Islands ....................................... 59
Figure 5.11: Oil Spill Response Atlas Muiron Islands ........................................................ 60
Figure 5.12: Oil Spill Response Atlas North West Cape .................................................... 61
Figure 5.13: Oil Spill Response Atlas Turquoise Bay to Torpedo Bay................................ 62
Figure 5.14: Oil Spill Response Atlas Sandy Point to Turquoise Bay ................................. 63
Figure 5.15: Oil Spill Response Atlas Beacon Point to Sandy Point .................................. 64
Figure 5.16: NEBA Process for Selecting Protection Priorities and Response Strategies ..... 67
Figure 6.1: Decision Guidelines for use of Dispersants on the Sea Surface ......................... 83
Figure 7.1: Tier 1 Spill Response Plans Initiation ................................................................. 99
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E

ENVIRONMENTAL RECEPTORS AND PROTECTION PRIORITY ... 120

INCIDENT ACTION PLANS ............................................................... 124
TRAINING AND COMPETENCY MATRIX ......................................... 136
SPILL RESPONSE EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS ........................ 143
ACTION TABLE ................................................................................. 149
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ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

ABU
Australasia Business Unit
AEMT
Asset Emergency Management Team
AMOSC
Australian Marine Oil Spills Centre
AMSA
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
ANSIA
Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area
APASA
Asia Pacific Applied Science Associates
APPEA
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
bbl
Barrel(s)
BOP
Blow-out Preventers
BHD
Backhoe Dredge
BPPH
Benthic Primary Producer Habitat
Chevron
CMT
Crisis Management Team
Construction
Phase
For the purposes of this plan, the Construction Phase will encompass any
proposal-related construction activities within the terrestrial and marine
disturbance footprints, excluding commissioning activities and investigatory
works such as, but not limited to, geotechnical, geophysical, biological and
cultural heritage surveys, baseline monitoring surveys and technology trials.
CSD
Cutter suction dredge
Cth
Commonwealth
DBNGP
Dampier-to-Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline
DMP
Department of Minerals and Petroleum (WA)
Domgas
Domestic gas
DoT
Department of Transport (WA)
DOTE
Department Of The Environment (Cth) formerly Department of Sustainability,

Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC)
DPA
Dampier Port Authority (WA)
DPaW
Department of Wildlife and Parks (WA) - formerly Department of Environment

and Conservation (WA)
Draft EIS/ERMP
The Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Review and Management

Programme
EMP
Environment Management Plan
eNGO
Environmental Non-Government Organisation
EP Act (WA)
Environmental Protection Act 1986
EPBC
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
EPBC Act (Cth)
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
EPBC 2008/4469
The Commonwealth Primary Environmental Approval and conditional

requirements for the Wheatstone Project. Commonwealth Government of
Australia, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and
Communities, Hon. Tony Burke, 22 September 2011, as amended from time to

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time.
ERO
Emergency Response Organisations
ESI
Environmental Sensitive Index
ft
Feet
ha
hectare(s)
HES
Health, Environment and Safety
HFO
Heavy Fuel Oil
HMA
Hazard Management Agency
HR
Human Resources
IBC
Intermediate Bulk Container
IC
Incident Commander
ICS
Incident Command System
IEMT
Installation Emergency Management Team
km
Kilometre(s)
kn
Knot(s)
kPa
Kilopascal(s)
Litre(s)
LAT
LAT means lowest astronomical tide
LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas
Metre(s)
mAHD
Metres above Australian Height Datum (approximately the height above mean
sea level)
MARPOL
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
MDO
Marine Diesel Oil
MOF
Materials Offloading Facility
MSCF
Thousands of Standard Cubic Feet
MTPA
Million tonnes per annum
Nearshore
Marine habitat from the 20 m contour to the shoreline
NEBA
Net Environmental Benefit Analysis
NES
National Environmental Significance
NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOPSEMA
National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority
OE
Operational Excellence
Offshore
Marine habitat beyond the 20 m contour to the shoreline
OIM
Offshore Installation Manager
OPGGSA
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
ORT
Onsite Response Team
OSA
Oiled Shoreline Assessment

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OSCAR
Online System for Comprehensive Activity Reporting
OSERP
Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan
OSRL
Oil Spill Response Limited
OSRO
Oil Spill Response Organisation
PIC
Person In Charge
PIN
Pilbara Inshore bioregion
PIO
Pilbara Offshore bioregion
(The) Plan
The Wheatstone Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan
PLF
Product Loading Facility
ppb
Parts Per Billion
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
ppm
Parts Per Million
Project
Nearshore and offshore marine facilities, trunkline, and Onshore Facility
Practicable
Means reasonably practicable having regard to, among other things, local
conditions and circumstances (including costs) and to the current state of
technical knowledge (taken from the EP Act)
Proponent
RORO
Roll-on, Roll-off
SERT
Site Emergency Response Team
SIA
Strategic Industrial Area
SIC
Shared Infrastructure Corridor
SOPEP
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
SPOC
Single Point of Contact
SWRP
Subsea Well Response Project
Tonnes
TPH
Tonnes Per Hour
TSHD
Trailing suction hopper dredge
TVI
Thevenard Island
WA
Western Australia
ZPI
Zone of Potential Influence

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1.0
BACKGROUND
1.1
Project Overview
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Chevron Australia Pty Ltd (Chevron) will construct and operate a multi-train Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG) and domestic gas (Domgas) plant near Onslow on the Pilbara Coast, Western
Australia. The Wheatstone Project (the Project) will process gas from various fields located
offshore in the West Carnarvon Basin. Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area (ANSIA) is
the approved site for the LNG and Domgas plants.
The Project requires installation of gas gathering, export and processing facilities in
Commonwealth and State waters and on land. The initial Project will produce gas from
Production Licences WA-46-L, WA-47-L, WA-48-L and WA-49-L, located 145 km offshore
from the mainland, approximately 100 km north of Barrow Island and 225 km north of Onslow,
and will also process gas to be produced from other offshore production licences located
nearby operated by Apache Corporation. Figure 1.1 shows the location of the Wheatstone
Project.
The ANSIA site is located approximately 12 km south-west of Onslow along the Pilbara coast
within the Shire of Ashburton. The initial Project will consist of two LNG processing trains,
each with a capacity of approximately 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Environmental
approval was granted for a 25 MTPA plant to allow for the expected further expansions. The
Domgas plant will be a separate but co-located facility and will form part of the Project.
Development of the Domgas plant also covers onshore pipeline installation by DBP
Development Group under a pipeline contract to build, own and operate the pipeline to
transport gas to the existing Dampier-to-Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP)
infrastructure. Figure 1.2 shows the onshore and nearshore project footprint.
1.2
Proponent
Chevron Australia is the proponent and the company taking the action for the Project on
behalf of its joint venture participants Apache Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Company
(TEPCO), Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), Shell and Kyushu
Electric Power Company (Kyushu).
1.3
Scope and Objectives
The Plan has been prepared with the objective of demonstrating Chevrons preparedness for
and response to, any hydrocarbon spills, including from offshore wells and infrastructure,
pipelines, the onshore facility, construction vessels and operation vessels associated with the
Wheatstone Project, including the capacity to respond to a spill and mitigate the environmental
impacts on the Commonwealth marine area and habitat of Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) listed species.
This Plan provides a high level framework for a response to a hydrocarbon spill and details the
processes and strategies which may be considered, where relevant and practicable. The
detailed response and implementation of strategies are covered in individual Oil Spill
Operational Response Plans or similar documents.
The scope of this Plan is limited to Commonwealth marine area and habitats of listed species,
with priority given to identified sensitive areas and habitats and the construction phase of the
project. The Operation Phase of the Wheatstone Project is not included within the scope of
this Plan. The spill scenarios related to the Operations Phase of the Project will be dealt with
in an update to this Plan, or a separate Plan. The staged approval of this Plan does not in any
way affect the environmental risks, management or performance of Chevrons hydrocarbon
spill response preparedness and capacity detailed within this Plan.

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Figure 1.1: Location of Wheatstone Project Infrastructure

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Figure 1.2: Nearshore Project Infrastructure

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1.4
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Environmental Approvals
The Wheatstone Project was assessed through an Environmental Impact Statement under the
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The Commonwealth Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities approved the Wheatstone Project on 22 September 2011 (EPBC 2008/4469)
with a variation to EPBC 2008/4469 Conditions 44, 45, 55, 56 and 66 made pursuant to
section 143 of the EPBC Act. Other amendments may be made from time to time and if so will
be reflected in the next revision of this Plan. This Plan has been prepared to meet the
requirements of EPBC 2008/4469 Condition 47 (Table 1.1).
1.5
Public Availability
EPBC 2008/4469 Condition 2 requires that Chevron retains information relevant to the
implementation of the Wheatstone Project. In the event that this Plan, or parts of this Plan, is
required to be implemented, the final reports from the implemented Plan will be made
available to DOTE and the public. EPBC 2008/4469 Condition 8 requires Chevron to publish
this Program on its website within one month of being approved, unless otherwise agreed to in
writing by the Minister.
1.6
Review, Approval and Revision of this Plan
Chevron is committed to conducting activities in an environmentally responsible manner and

aims to implement reviews of its environmental management actions as part of a program of
continuous improvement. This commitment to continuous improvement means that the
Proponent will review the Plan to address matters such as the overall effectiveness,
environmental performance, changes in environmental risks and changes in business
conditions on an as needed basis (e.g. in response to new information).
EPBC 2008/4469 Conditions 5 and 6 requires that Chevron may only implement the
Wheatstone Project otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Plan which
regulate the matters of national environmental significance (NES) relevant to this Plan from
the date of approval of any variation to this Plan by the Commonwealth Minister. Amendments
to activities and management may be made without an amendment to the Plan where those
amendments do not increase the risk level, and where the regulator is notified of those
amendments before being implemented.

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Table 1.1: Requirements of Commonwealth Ministerial Conditions: EPBC 2008/4469

relevant to this Plan
No.
Condition
Section
47
The person taking the action must develop and submit to the Minister for
approval, an Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan (OSERP) that
demonstrates the response preparedness of the person taking the action for
any hydrocarbon spills, including from offshore wells and infrastructure,
pipelines, the onshore facility, construction vessels and operation vessels.
This must include the capacity to response to a spill and mitigate the
environmental impacts on the Commonwealth marine area and habitat of
EPBC listed species. The OSERP must include, but is not limited to:
This Plan
47a
Identification of sensitive areas or habitats that may be impacted by a

potential spill, as determined by site-specific modelling of worst case
scenario spills, including an eleven week uncontrolled release.
5.2
47b
Specific response measures for those sensitive areas or habitats and

prioritisation of those areas during a hydrocarbon spill response.
5.3
47c
A description of resources available for use in containing and

minimising impacts in the event of a spill and arrangements for
accessing them.
8.0
47d
A demonstrated capacity to respond to a spill at the site and measures

that can feasibly be applied within the first 48 hours of a spill occurring.
7.0
47e
Details of the insurance arrangements that have been made in respect

of paying the costs associated with operational and scientific
monitoring, as outlined in the Oil Spill Operational and Scientific
Monitoring Program required under condition 50 and repairing
environmental damage arising from potential hydrocarbon spills, as
determined necessary from the results of the Operational and Scientific
Monitoring Program.
8.8
47f
Training of staff in spill response measures and identifying roles and

responsibilities of personnel during a spill response.
8.1;
47g
Procedures for reporting oil spill incidents to the department.

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The description of key characteristics which follows has been included for the purpose of
contextualising the management and monitoring measures which are required under this Plan.
Project characteristics may be amended from time to time, for example under section 45C of
the EP Act. The key Project characteristics which are detailed in this Plan should therefore be
read as subject to any project amendments which are made from time to time.
2.1
Onshore Footprint
The onshore Project Footprint totals approximately 3300 ha. The Project comprises the initial
construction of a LNG processing facility, Shared Infrastructure Corridor (SIC) and
accommodation village. The LNG processing facility covers an area approximately 1010 ha
and will be constructed on a raised pad. The accommodation village pad and SIC covers an
area approximately 1000 ha and will be designed predominantly above a 1:100 year flood
event.
Infrastructure will be designed to retain natural drainage through engineering and design
solutions such as culverts, sedimentation ponds, a silt fence around the construction area and
placement of rock at surface water release points to reduce erosion. Roads and fill sources
cover an area approximately 980 ha. Access roads will be sealed. Part of the Accommodation
Village Construction Road has been altered to align with the current pastoral tracks. The
Domgas pipeline covers an area of approximately 320 ha.
2.1.1
LNG Plant
The LNG Plant located in Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area (ANSIA) will initially
comprise of two LNG trains operating at a capacity of approximately 9 MTPA, expanding to its
maximum capacity of 25 MTPA with up to six LNG trains in operation. LNG will be initially
stored in two 180 000 m3 LNG tanks, expanding up to four 180 000 m3 tanks. For export, the
LNG is pumped from the storage tanks to the loading arms at the LNG carrier berths and into
LNG carriers for delivery to foreign or domestic markets.
Condensate will also be stored in tanks of approximately 120 000 m3 and pumped to the
condensate berth to transfer to tankers via the loading arms. Initially, two tanks are proposed
with additional tanks being added as throughput increases over time, up to a maximum of four
condensate storage tanks. The LNG plant will operate with up to eight elevated flare
structures; three high pressure flares with approximate height of 125 m, three low pressure
flares with approximate height of 45 m and two marine flares with approximate height of 45 m.
2.1.2
Domgas Plant
Initially one domgas plant is proposed for the two-train Foundation Project. Up to four domgas
plants may be required when the Project reaches capacity. The domgas plant will operate at a
capacity of approximately 15% heating value of LNG produced. The domgas pipeline will
connect to the existing DBNGP via an onshore pipeline which is to be built, owned and
operated by DBP Development Group under a pipeline contract to Chevron.
2.2
Offshore and Nearshore
2.2.1
Shipping Channel
The shipping channel extends up to 18 km across the inner continental shelf, passing Saladin
Shoal, Hastings Shoal, Gorgon Patch and Weeks Shoal. The channel will allow LNG and
condensate tankers access to the Product Loading Facility (PLF). A navigation channel and a
turning basin will enable the LNG and condensate carriers to safely access and depart the

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berths at the PLF. The channels and basin may need to be dredged periodically to maintain
the required depth.
2.2.2
Materials Offloading Facility
The Materials Offloading Facility (MOF) provides an offloading facility for heavy-lift ships, Rollon, Roll-off (RORO) vessels, heavy-lift carriers and barges delivering pre-fabricated modules,
equipment and bulk material (steel fabricated pipe, piles and other construction bulk materials)
and vessel access for marine contractors during construction. Pilot boat and tug movements
associated with the arrival and departure of the LNG and condensate carriers are berthed at
the MOF. The MOF provides a base for marine operations craft such as tugs, security and line
handling vessels. Breakwater(s) at the MOF entrance, extending from the shoreline, create a
safe operating environment inside the basin during normal conditions and during a cyclone.
An access channel and turning basin provides access to the main navigation channel.
2.2.3
Product Loading Facility
The PLF at up to 2.5 km in length provides export facilities for up to three LNG tankers, or up
to two LNG tankers and one condensate tanker. It includes a jetty and mooring dolphins. The
PLF has the potential to carry wastewater discharge pipe(s). There may be up to two waste
water discharge lines from the onshore facilities to the PLF or within the area designated as
Moderate level of Environmental Protection. The PLF is likely to carry a roadway and a double
pipe rack from the shore to the PLF operations platform from where loading operations will be
controlled. The pipe rack will accommodate LNG and condensate loading lines, an LNG
vapour return line, fire water pipework and communications cabling.
2.2.4
Dredging and Dredge Spoil Disposal
Initial dredging will take place to create the temporary access channel which will become part
of the MOF and approach channel. The channels and basin may need to be dredged
periodically to maintain the required depth. In total, the dredging of the shipping channel,
turning basin, tanker berths and MOF will create up to approximately 45 Mm3 of dredge spoil
and up to approximately 3 Mm3 dredge spoil for the trunkline. The dredge spoil will be
disposed at up to five designated sites- three near-shore and two offshore (see Figure 1.2).
The bulk of the material will be placed at spoil ground C with smaller volumes potentially being
placed at sites A, B, D and E.
2.2.5
Platform
The Wheatstone Platform will be a manned facility 145 km offshore located in the West
Carnarvon Basin in approximately 70 m water depth (LAT). The Platform provides the initial
treatment of gas and natural gas condensate to be transported via trunkline to the onshore
LNG processing facility.
The platform comprises a steel gravity based structure. Located on the Platform facility are:
Separation trains that separate the gas and liquids from the well fluids for processing
Gas compressors, including associated coolers
Gas dehydration trains
Condensate dewatering trains
PW treatment and overboard disposal
Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) storage, and regeneration
Living Quarters
Associated utilities such as the seawater cooling system, chemical storage, firewater,
power generation and drainage systems.
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Subsea System
The Project will utilise an all subsea concept for wells and manifolds with currently up to 35
subsea production wells drilled during the life of the Project.
Each well will be fitted with an arrangement of valves, controls and instrumentation referred to
as a christmas tree located on the seafloor. Safety valves are proposed to be installed in
each well to enable isolation of the gas reservoir that will close automatically in the event of a
mechanical failure or loss of system integrity. A choke valve will also be included to control
the fluid flow and pressure from the well to the flowline.
Each group of wells will use well jumpers to connect them to their cluster manifolds. Each
cluster manifold will serve between one and eight wells. From these cluster manifolds, tie-in
spools will transfer fluids to the feed gas flowline(s). Production fluids will be transported along
the feed gas flowline(s) to the Platform.
An umbilical bundle connected to the platform will support the operation of the wells and
manifolds. These umbilicals will comprise of electrical power and signal lines, control lines and
chemical injection lines.
2.2.7
Trunkline and Shore Crossing
The trunkline transports treated gas and condensate subsea from the offshore facilities to the
onshore processing facilities. It consists of one pipeline extending approximately 225 km from
the Wheatstone platform (see Figure 1.1 for location of the Wheatstone platform) to the shore
crossing (see Figure 1.2 for shore crossing location). Nearshore the trunkline may be
stabilised, to prevent movement. This is done by the use of trenching and engineered backfill
in order to minimise impact on shipping, stabilise the pipeline under cyclonic conditions and
protect the pipeline from hazards.
Micro-tunnelling allows the trunkline to cross the shore and connect to the onshore plant
facility with the least impact on coastal processes and mangrove habitat. A tunnel diameter of
approximately 2 m will be created close to the onshore plant location and will exit
approximately 1 km from the shoreline at 2 m water depth. The trunkline is pulled through the
tunnel underneath the beach.
2.2.8
Discharge Lines
There may be up to two waste water discharge lines from the onshore facilities to the PLF or
within the area designated as Moderate level of Environmental Protection. During operations
waste water including reverse osmosis (RO) brines and filter backwash water, stormwater
contaminated with hydrocarbons, clean stormwater and hydrostatic test water will be treated
at an onshore treatment facility prior to being discharged to the sea via the outfall pipeline.
There will be one Produced Water (PW) pipeline up to 50 km long that will discharge offshore
at 20 m depth contour.

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Construction Vessels
There are a number of vessels associated with the dredging, trenching, pipelay, and backfill,
materials transport and offshore installation activities. These may include:
Trailing Suction Hopper Dredges (TSHDs)
Cutter Suction Dredges (CSDs)
Backhoe Dredges (BHDs)
Hopper barges
Fourth generation pipelay vessel (dynamic positioning)
Second generation pipelay barge
Side stone dumping vessel or Fall pipe vessel
Heavy-lift and Roll-on/Roll-off vessels
A range of ancillary equipment including support tugs, crane and work barges/pontoons,
multicats and or supply vessels and various support launches.

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HYDROCARBON SPILL SCENARIOS
3.1
Overview
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Construction activities for the Wheatstone Project are divided into three distinct construction
scopes as listed below:
1. Drilling and Completions
a. Production Drilling and Well Site Completions.
2. Upstream:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Trunkline and flowlines installation

Secondary stabilisation of the trunkline
Dewatering and drying of the trunkline
Microtunnel activities
Jacket and topsides installation.
3. Downstream:
a. Dredging of the shipping channel, PLF and MOF
b. PLF Construction
c. MOF Construction
d. Module delivery
e. Onshore Construction.
As it is not feasible for spill modelling to be undertaken for every possible spill scenario
associated with the project, and as modelling can only provide a prediction of the
hydrocarbons fate, the scenarios chosen to be modelled was selected to provide an indication
of the scale of impact and types of receptors that may be affected should a spill occur. This
approach is taken as a means to demonstrate Chevrons ability to deal with any spill at any
location within the permit areas or otherwise associated with construction activities.
To determine the worst case spill modelling scenarios the scope of works for each work
activity were reviewed and a spill scenario which reflected the most likely impact to
Commonwealth marine waters, Matters of NES or habitat of EPBC listed species were
selected. An overview of the four scenarios that were selected from this process is detailed in
the Section 3.2.
3.2
Spill Modelling
3.2.1
Rationale
A worst case credible spill scenario is defined for the purpose of this Plan as a hydrocarbon
spill scenario with the potential to cause the most significant environmental impacts to habitats
of EPBC listed species or Matters of NES in order to identify specific sensitive areas or
habitats. Modelled Spill scenarios include:
Scenario 1: Diesel fuel spill within the MOF, was selected as it represented a greatest
possible Standard Diesel spill close to shore and with the potential to impact on
Mangroves and other sensitive intertidal receptors.
Scenario 2: Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) spill at a location in Western Australia (WA) State
waters approximately 10 km off the coast, represents the greatest potential loss of MDO
which might occur during bunkering of the dredging fleet in the nearshore zone and at a

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location with the greatest risk of impact to nearshore habitats such as coral reefs and
offshore islands.
Scenario 3: Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) spill at the boundary of Commonwealth/State waters
represents the largest potential loss of HFO and is associated with bunkering the offshore
pipelay vessel.
Scenario 4: 11 week uncontrolled well blow-out at the IAG-1E production was selected as
it has the highest identified hydrocarbon flow rate, is located in relatively shallower water is
located relatively closer to sensitive shorelines and therefore has the potential to cause the
greatest shoreline impacts in comparison to the other Wheatstone production wells.
The four scenarios identified as the worst case potential spills for the Wheatstone project
during construction were chosen due to the type and volume of hydrocarbon that could
potentially be released and the proximity to potentially sensitive areas or habitats. Details of
the hydrocarbon spill scenarios are provided in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1: Worst-case Hydrocarbon Spill Scenarios
Scenario
Location
Type
Spill Event
Volume/ rate
3
Materials Offloading
Facility
Standard Diesel
Fuel
Instantaneous
release
2.55 m
WA state waters
(10 km from shore)
Marine Diesel Oil
Surface release over

6 hours
265.5 m
WA state /
Commonwealth
waters boundary
Heavy Fuel Oil
Surface release over

6 hours
850 m
Iago Production Well:

IAG -1E
Gas Condensate
11 week well blowout
26 300 (bbl/day)
3.2.2
(condensate gas
ratio = 24.1
bbl/MSCF)
Methodologies
Standard but separate modelling techniques were used for the selected spill scenarios
subject to the hydrocarbon type, volume released and location of the spill in question. The
methodologies used are briefly described below.
Scenario 1: Standard Diesel Spill at the MOF was modelled as part of the Environmental
Impact Statement/Environmental Review and Management Program and the results have
been used to inform this Plan. Modelling was completed using the MIKE 21/3 SA model (DHI
2009) which describes the spreading and weather of hydrocarbon spill in an aquatic
environment under the influence of local hydrodynamic properties. The model provides
information on spill location and trajectory, hydrocarbon thickness on the sea surface, and the
evolution of the spill hydrocarbons physiochemical properties. Model results are presented as
a series of probability maps which show the likelihood of the spill trajectory combined with the
likelihood of the potential impact on a specific receptor. The outputs from the model include
likely maximum hydrocarbon surface thickness (mm), minimum time of arrival at the receptor
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location (hours) and the probability (percentage) of hydrocarbon of 0.001 mm (~1 g/m2) or
more reaching any given area.
Scenarios 2, 3 and 4: Probabilistic modelling of sea surface and shoreline exposure was
conducted using a three-dimensional trajectory and fates model; SIMAP. The SIMAP model is
able to track hydrocarbons at very low concentrations/thickness; however, biological relevant
modelling thresholds were determined for the three scenarios modelled on the basis of a
detailed literature review (APASA 2013), see Section 3.3.
3.2.3
Results
3.2.3.1
Scenario 1 - Diesel Spill at the MOF
The model was run for multiple simulations for each season over three years with the results
indicating that a diesel spill at the MOF poses a risk, if uncontained, to nearshore habitats
along the coastline extending from Coolgra Point to the Ashburton Delta.
3.2.3.2
Scenario 2 - Nearshore MDO Spill
Simulations were run during all seasonal conditions. The minimum time for the first
hydrocarbon to contact was one hour at the Southern Group of Islands 1. The Southern Group
also recorded the greatest probability of shoreline contact during all seasons. The highest
probability of contact was determined for a spill occurring during the winter.
3.2.3.3
Scenario 3 - Offshore HFO Spill
Simulations were run during all seasonal conditions. The minimum time for the first
hydrocarbon to contact the shorelines was seven hours at the Southern Group of Islands. The
Southern Group also had the greatest probability of shoreline contact during all seasons.
3.2.3.4
Scenario 4 - Well Blow-out
Simulations run during all seasons identified:

No shoreline exposure during winter season
During the summer season, there is a 16% probability of shoreline contact occurring at
both Barrow Island and the Montebello islands. During the transitional season there is a
14% probability of shoreline contact at the Montebello islands
The predicted minimum time before hydrocarbon exposure of any shoreline was 358 hours
(~15 days) under any conditions
Zones of high or moderate exposure to dissolved hydrocarbon (aromatics) in the upper
water column (top 10 m) are not predicted to occur within waters adjacent to sensitive
coastal environmental receptors including islands and the Ningaloo Coast
Zones of moderate exposure to entrained hydrocarbon are predicted to occur in coastal
waters adjacent to the Montebello Islands, Barrow Island, Ningaloo Coast, Southern
Group of Islands and Muiron Islands under all seasonal conditions.
Where the spill models predicted hydrocarbons had the potential to wash ashore,
accumulation models were then used (Shoreline near shore intertidal exposure) to determine
which shorelines had the potential to be affected. Based upon the credible worst case
scenario Figure 3.1, depicts the minimum time for shoreline exposure associated with the
shorelines predicted to have the potential of accumulations greater than 100 g/m2.
1
The Southern group comprises Thevenard Island, Bessier Island, Serrurier Island, Airlie Island and the Rivoli Islands

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Figure 3.1: Minimum Time for Potential Shoreline Exposure (Scenario 4)

Note: Timing for spill contact with receptors for other relevant scenarios (Scenario 2 and 3) are
expected to occur within 48hrs though over a much smaller area than Scenario 4 shown above.
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Zone of Potential Influence
The hydrocarbon spill modelling assessed the probability of hydrocarbon contact with the sea
surface, subsurface and shorelines at a given set of thresholds which were selected based on
published scientific data. This information was subsequently used to determine the Zone of
Potential Influence (ZPI). A probability of hydrocarbon exposure to the environment of greater
than 10% has been selected for the purposes of determining the extent of the ZPI for the Plan.
The probability of exposure of 10% and above defines the area which has a potential for
environmental impact for up to 90% of the simulated conditions. This is considered to be a
reasonable representation of the likelihood of exposure of the environment to hydrocarbons in
the event of a spill due to the following:
The ZPI represents a series of credible worst case scenarios across the project and the
modelling outputs do not consider any spill prevention, mitigation or response.
The ZPI represents a composite of the modelling information for surface, entrained and
dissolved hydrocarbons across all three seasons (summer, winter and transition); and all
described spill scenarios.
Figure 3.2 shows the predicted ZPI resulting from combined modelling outputs at relevant
threshold criteria. Thresholds of exposure (surface, dissolved, entrained) used within the spill
modelling runs in the assessment of ecological impact are based on a review of relevant
literature. The dosage level (threshold value duration) was used to assess the potential for
exposure to subsea habitats and species by entrained and dissolved aromatic hydrocarbons.
A threshold of 1025 g/m2 thickness was selected to define the ZPI for surface exposure. This
is based on literature reviews of hydrocarbon effects on aquatic birds and marine mammals by
Engelhardt (1983), Clark (1984), Geraci and St. Aubin (1988), and Jenssen (1994)
(referenced within APASA 2013), that suggest the threshold thickness of hydrocarbon
required to impart a lethal dose to an intersecting wildlife individual is 10 g/m2. Scholten et al.
(1996) indicates that a hydrocarbon layer of 25 g/m2would be harmful for birds that contact the
slick. This surface slick threshold was chosen as it defines the lower parameters at which
there may be a potentially significant impact to marine mammals and sea birds should the
event occur (APASA 2013).
A threshold of 50400 parts per billion (ppb) was selected to define the ZPI for dissolved
aromatics. This is based on global data from French et al. (1999) and French-McCay (2002,
2003) (referenced within APASA 2013) which showed species sensitivity (fish and
invertebrates) to dissolved aromatics exposure greater than four days (96-hour LC50) under
different environmental conditions varied from 6400 g/l (ppb). A range of 50400 ppb was
identified to cover 95% of aquatic organisms tested, which included species exposed during
sensitive life stages (eggs and larvae). This dissolved aromatics threshold reflects the
hydrocarbon concentration at which there may be a potentially significant impact to the marine
environment (refer to Table 3.2).

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Table 3.2: Dissolved Aromatic In-water Threshold Values Applied as Part of the
Modelling Study
Trigger Value for
Dissolved Aromatic
Concentrations for a 96hour LC50 (ppb)
Equivalent Dosage
of Dissolved
Aromatics
(ppb.hrs)
576
Very sensitive species

th
(99 percentile)
Low exposure
50
4800
Average sensitive species

th
(95 percentile)
Moderate
exposure
400
38 400
Tolerant sensitive species

th
(50 percentile)
High
exposure
Range of Sensitive Species

Potentially Impacted from
Acute Exposure
Potential
Level of
Exposure
The ZPI for entrained exposure was defined at 100500 ppb as APASA (2013) suggest this
range could serve as an acute lethal threshold to 95% and 50% of biota respectively. Although
the ANZECC guidelines (2000) have the lowest trigger levels for total hydrocarbons in water
set at 10 ppb, a relatively long exposure time is required for these concentrations to be
significant. The threshold of 100 ppb was set here to indicate the zones where acute exposure
could potentially occur over shorter durations should the event occur (refer to Table 3.3).
Table 3.3: In-water (entrained) Threshold Values Applied as part of the Modelling Study
Trigger Value for
Entrained Oil
Concentrations (ppb)
Equivalent Dosage of
Entrained Oil
(ppb.hrs)
10
960
Very sensitive species

th
(99 percentile)
Low exposure
100
9600
Average sensitive species

th
(95 percentile)
Moderate
exposure
500
48 000
Tolerant sensitive species

th
(50 percentile)
High
exposure

Range of Sensitive Species

Potentially Impacted from
Acute Exposure
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Level of
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Figure 3.2: Zone of Potential Influence developed from combined modelling outputs
Scenarios 1-4.
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POTENTIAL HYDROCARBON EFFECTS ON

ENVIRONMENTAL RECEPTORS
A number of different factors determine the degree of effects that can be expected from a
hydrocarbon spill. These can be grouped into degrees of severity, such as heavy, longlasting effects, intermediate levels of effects, and comparatively little or no effects (NAS
1985). The following factors are important in determining the levels of impact on biota:
Geographic location
Hydrocarbon dosage and impact area
Application of dispersants
Oceanographic and meteorological conditions
Hydrocarbon type.
4.1
Impact Factors
4.1.1
Sensitivity
Sensitivity to toxic compounds varies greatly by species, by life stage within a particular
species, and by individuals. In general, younger stages are more sensitive than adults (for
example, eggs and larvae are often more sensitive than adult fish), but some exceptions
exist (NAS 1985).
Hydrocarbon impacts between species groups, and within species, vary. Within species,
individual characteristics may determine the degree of impact, including age, sex and
contamination history. As an example, a study on kelp shrimp found that animals that had
been previously exposed to naphthalene (a component of hydrocarbon) had less tolerance to
the compound. In contrast, pink salmon exhibited the opposite effect; fish that were
previously exposed to naphthalene had significantly greater tolerance when tested later with
bioassays (Rice and Thomas 1989).
4.1.2
Toxicity
Toxicity is defined as, "The inherent potential or capacity of a material to cause adverse
effects in a living organism" (Rand and Petrocelli 1985). Concentration, duration of exposure,
and sensitivity of the receptor organism all determine the toxic effect.
4.1.2.1
Acute Effects
Acute toxicity refers to immediate impacts that result in death of the organism. One acute
effect of hydrocarbon on shoreline organisms is the physical process of smothering (NAS
1985). Intertidal invertebrates and some plants may be especially sensitive to smothering.
Acute effects can also result from the toxic components of the hydrocarbon. Acute toxicity is
dependent on the toxic properties of the hydrocarbon (a combination of the hydrocarbon type
and weathering), and the concentration and dose that the organism receives.
4.1.2.2
Chronic Effects
Some toxic effects may not be evident immediately, or may not cause the death of the
organism. These are called chronic or sub lethal effects, and they can impact an organisms'
physiology, behaviour, or reproductive capability. Chronic effects may ultimately impact the
survival rates of species affected. Chronic effects are harder to detect than acute effects and
may require more intensive studies conducted over a longer period of time.

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Many chronic effects result from stress responses in the physiology of an organism, such as
increased metabolism, increased consumption of oxygen, and reduced respiration rate.
These can be short term responses, but over extended periods of time, may cause other
impacts to the organism. A common chronic response is reduced growth rates, for example
in benthic organisms that live in chronically oiled sediments.
For plants, primary productivity or photosynthesis may be affected. Effects on reproduction
from chronic exposure to hydrocarbon in sediments have been documented for benthic fish
species. Changes in behaviour have also been noted for several species of fish and
invertebrates when exposed to hydrocarbon. One mechanism of impact of a sub lethal effect
is the disturbance of an organism's chemosensory ability.
4.1.2.3
Bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation can be defined as the uptake of a contaminant by an organism from water

directly or through consumption of contaminated food. Organisms that live in a contaminated
environment, for example, mussels in oiled sediments, may appear to be healthy but still
contain elevated levels of petroleum compounds in their tissue. Some components of
hydrocarbon can be bioaccumulated by marine organisms, particularly the group of longer
lasting compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAHs are found in
HFO, MDO and condensate at varying concentrations.
4.1.2.4
Biomagnification
Biomagnification is defined simply as the magnification of concentrations of a contaminant

over two or more trophic levels. One concern with bioaccumulation is that contaminated
organisms (such as oysters) may be eaten by higher trophic level organisms (such as birds).
If biomagnification was occurring, the higher level predator (the bird) could concentrate
contaminants to a level which would cause toxic effects. In the case of organisms that are
harvested by humans, concerns about biomagnification may cause restrictions on collecting
shellfish or other items consumed by humans. However, biomagnification is not usually a
major concern with petroleum compounds originating from hydrocarbon spills (Hayes et al
1992).
4.1.3
Cumulative Effects
The potential exists for cumulative impacts associated with the toxicity of both spilled
hydrocarbons and subsequently applied chemical dispersant, which may account for the
higher levels of impacts that are observed for some species in comparison to the presence of
hydrocarbon or dispersant along, however, there are limited studies comparing these effects
where hydrocarbon concentrations in the exposure medium have been well quantified.
4.2
Ecological Effects
Some ecological effects that alter predator-prey interactions may result from a spill and result
in changes in species composition or relative numbers of species in an area. This may be
caused by the elimination of predators due to mortality.
4.2.1
Habitat Effects
4.2.1.1
Water column
Hydrocarbons in or on the water column have the potential to impact free-living organisms as
well as subtidal/intertidal habitats. The level of impact is determined by the type of
hydrocarbon (e.g. its toxicity/persistence), as well as the duration and intensity of exposure
(e.g. weathered hydrocarbon compounds are less toxic than fresh) and the presence of
dispersants. The presence of hydrocarbons can occur as (i) surface slicks, (ii) dispersed into
the water column (commonly termed entrained); or (iii) dissolved into the water column.
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Hydrocarbons in the water column are small droplets (<100 m) and result from the mixing of
surface hydrocarbon by wave action or are due to subsurface releases of hydrocarbon
(blowouts, pipeline leaks). Entrained hydrocarbons are generally considered a short term
phenomenon as hydrocarbons either become diluted within the water column; or return to the
surface when mixing energy (wave action) is reduced (Oceans Studies Board, 2003).
Circulation patterns play an important part in transporting hydrocarbon compounds which
when transported may result in contact with resources and sensitive receptors. Empirical
evidence has demonstrated that surface hydrocarbons move downwind at a rate of about 3%
of the wind velocity. In the presence of surface water currents, an additional movement at
100% of the current velocity also occurs. Close to land, the strength and direction of any tidal
currents should also be considered when predicting oil movement, whilst further out to sea
the contribution of other ocean currents predominate over the cyclic nature of tidal movement
(International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited 2011).
While the biomass of plankton in the North-West Marine Region is not high, there is a
relatively high diversity of some planktonic species (Hallegraeff 1994). Oil slick episodes
have the possibility to induce mass mortality events in zooplankton and in copepods in
particular. Sub-lethal effects induced by the PAH water-soluble fraction are known to affect
copepod physiology, feeding and fecundity, which can lead onto abundance and diversity
impacts (Varela et al. 2006). It is also known that hydrocarbons affect copepod
chemosensory abilities resulting in induced behaviour stresses and the subsequent feeding,
mate seeking and predator avoidance adaptive responses (Barry 2000). Hydrocarbons are
known to have non-lethal effects on plankton and then bioaccumulate through the food chain
to toxic levels in apex predators (Seuront 2010).
Impacts to water quality may also occur from the presence of dispersants and associated
dispersed hydrocarbons which become entrained in the water column as these become more
bioavailable to pelagic and benthic species (NRC 2005).
4.2.1.2
Seabed
Habitats considered to be at greatest risk to hydrocarbon contamination are located within

the coastal zone. However, in the event of a subsurface spill, or where dispersants are used
in response activities, habitats in deeper waters may be at risk of exposure and should also
be considered. The extent to which a spill affects seabed habitats in any area depends on a
complex suite of interacting physical, chemical and biological factors. For all marine seabed
primary producer habitats, mortality can result from hydrocarbon covering photoreceptors
and pores for oxygen exchange (NOPSEMA 2012). All other organisms can still be wholly or
partially smothered by hydrocarbon which can inhibit normal breathing, feeding and
reproducing activities (NOPSEMA 2012).
Deep-water Hard Substrate
Impacts on submerged banks and shoals are expected to be similar to those described for
other seabed habitats from a hydrocarbon spill. Because of the depth of some of the
regionally significant habitats (e.g. escarpments along the North West Shelf), these habitats
are considered to be at a lower risk to hydrocarbon contamination. However, these habitats
support sizable populations of commercially important bottom feeding species as well as
resident populations of protected marine species and there is a need to consider the effects
of oil on deep-water hard substrates. Many previous assessments conducted following major
oil spills have shown benthic distribution patterns reflective of oceanographic conditions,
rather than exhibiting toxicity effects (Feder & Blanchard, 1998). Hydrocarbon stress in deepwater corals was identified as varying degrees of tissue loss, sclerite enlargement, and
excess mucous production, bleaching and covering of a brown flocculent material.

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Subtidal Pavement
Few studies have been made on hydrocarbon spill impacts on epibenthic communities or
rocky subtidal habitats (Law et al. 2011). The lack of substrate that could retain a persistent
hydrocarbon contamination means that impacts are only likely to be due to the acute effects
of the dispersed hydrocarbon. Small crustacean (i.e. small crabs), some bivalves and surface
grazing snails have been identified as the main casualties in hydrocarbon spills (Gesteria
and Dauvin 2000, Kingston et al. 1997).
Studies on sub lethal effects on subtidal pavement species are limited. It may be assumed
that the bioaccumulation described for intertidal species, may also be relevant to shallow
subtidal species (e.g. Reid and MacFarlane 2003, Pendoley 1992). There have been very
few studies of the effects of clean-up activities on subtidal rock habitats. Potential effects
may occur from increased concentrations of dispersed hydrocarbon in water following
dispersant spraying or intertidal flushing operations.
Soft-substrate communities
Dispersed hydrocarbons in water and hydrocarbon bound to shoreline sediments can make
its way to the seabed and contaminate subtidal sediments. High concentrations of dispersed
hydrocarbon can affect sediment epifauna and filter feeders without becoming bound within
the sediment (Law et al. 2011). Some groups of sediment fauna are more sensitive to
hydrocarbon that others. Amphipods, filter-feeding bivalves and burrowing urchins have been
identified as main casualties at a number of hydrocarbon spills (e.g. Dauvin & Ruellet, 2007;
1998, Moore et al. 1987). Studies of impacts from hydrocarbon spills on subtidal sediment
meiofauna have not shown a consistent response (Citiation cf. Moore et al. 1987), although
reductions in abundance or diversity are possible.
Coral Reefs
Spilled hydrocarbons can adversely affect subtidal coral communities through the dispersal
of hydrocarbon into the shallow subtidal areas or by dissolution of toxic hydrocarbons into the
water column. Corals may be killed by exposure to hydrocarbon and there are differences in
the tolerance by coral species. Branching corals appear to be among the most susceptible,
whereas massive corals are more tolerant.
There are three primary modes of exposure for coral reefs in oil spills:
1) Direct oil contact is possible when surface oil is deposited on intertidal corals that live
near the surface of the water and become exposed with the tides.
2) Rough seas and light, soluble oil can combine to mix the oil into the water below the
surface, where it can impact corals. Corals are exposed to less oil beneath the water
surface, but the lighter oil components that mix easily are often the most toxic.
3) Subsurface oiling can occur when heavy oils weather, or mix with sediment material.
This increases the density of the oil to the point where it may actually sink, potentially
smothering corals.
Direct contact with spilled oil can lead to coral death, but depends on coral species, growth
form, life stage, and type/duration of oil exposure. Longer exposure to lower levels of oil may
kill corals, as well as shorter exposure to higher concentrations. Death may not be
immediate, but rather take place long after the exposure has ended. Notably, only few coral
reefs are routinely exposed during normal low tides and as such both surface exposure and
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Biological toxic impacts to the associated community can be severe. Smothering and
contamination leads to mortality or shifts in density of the rich coral reef fauna and flora, and
associated marine predators. Hydrocarbon and dispersant may affect coral reproduction
through exacting a high energy cost causing a reduction in fecundity of adult corals (NOAA
2010). In addition, early developmental forms (like coral larvae) are particularly sensitive to
toxic effects, and oil slicks can significantly reduce larval development and viability (Lane and
Harrison 2000, Negri and Heyward 2000, Mercurio et al. 2004). It is likely that oil effects
occur in sub lethal forms, such as reduced photosynthesis and growth making corals more
susceptible to natural disturbances such as coral bleaching (NOAA 2010). In addition to coral
themselves, hydrocarbons may also adversely affect the associated fish, invertebrates and
plants in the coral reef community.
Clean-up activities, such as placement of booms and use of dispersants may impact coral
reefs (NOAA 2010). Boom anchors can physically impact corals and the use of dispersants
over shallow submerged reefs may have more of an impact than the hydrocarbon exposure
(NOAA 2010).
A number of dispersants have been identified as being potentially toxic to corals. Ardrox
6120 was found to be toxic to planula larvae of the scleractinian corals Acropora tenuis,
Platygyra sinensis and Goniastrea aspera with very high rates of larval mortality at
dispersant concentrations of 75 ppm within 12 to 24 hours (Lane and Harrison 2000),
however it is noted that this concentration is relatively high in comparison to except
dispersant concentratios in the field.
The potential toxicity of dispersants to early life history stages of coral have also been
reported including the potential inhibition of fertilization success in Acropora tenuis (EC50 1.
7 ppm) (Harrison 1999). While Ardrox 6120 appeared to be more toxic to coral gametes than
HFO alone (Harrison 1994). Settlement and survival of the larvae of P. astreoides and
M. faveolata have been shown to decrease with exposure to high concentrations (50 ppm
and 100 ppm) of Corexit 9500 (Goodbody-Gringley et al. 2013) and in Acropora millepora
exposed to Corexit 9527 (Negri & Heyward 2000).
In studies on symbiotic zooxanthallae, no impacts on cell density were found where corals
were exposed to Corexit 9527, and the zooxanthellae cells appeared undamaged even when
their host tissue was damaged severely during short-term exposure (Scarlett et al. 2004).
Macroalgae Communities
Little data exists with regard to the impact of oil to macroalgae beds in tropical intertidal
areas (Volkman et al. 1994). Studies conducted in temperate waters off Rhodes Island
following the World Prodigy spill of marine diesel (Peckol et al. 1990) identified no significant
impacts on subtidal macroalgae communities and mixed effects on growth rates of intertidal
macroalgae communities. The study identified a strong correlation with distribution patterns
where macroalgae in low energy, sheltered intertidal areas were most strongly affected as
compared to higher energy intertidal areas.
Macroalgae are generally able to withstand the effects of oil more effectively than susceptible
animals. Volkman et al. 1994 demonstrated the ability of algae to be exposed to high
volumes of hydrocarbon pollution and recover that was likely due to the new growth that
originates from the base of the organism. In addition, a layer of mucilage is present on most
species, preventing the penetration of toxic aromatic fractions (Volkman et al. 1994). This
was also reported by Connell et al. (1978), who suggested that fine hairs, complex frond
arrangement, and the thickness of the mucilage covering may determine how much oil is
trapped within or on the surface of the algae, thus determining its chance of survival.
However, direct application experiments have shown that exposure to oil causes a
depressive effect on algal photosynthesis. Aquatic biota of reduced diversity have been
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proposed (Velasquez, et al. 1973) and documented (McCauley, 1966; Straughan, 1970,
1972; Straughan & Abbott, 1971; Cooper & Wilhm, 1975) to result from chronic exposure to
oil or refinery effluents. Conversely, there are numerous reports of algal proliferation
following contamination (Perkins, 1968).
A number of dispersants have been identified as being potentially toxic to macroalgae.
Slickgone NS was tested on macroalgae germination (Hoormosia banksii), with a reported
EC50 >100 ppm (AMSA 2013). A review by Lewis and Pryor (2013) reports a range of
toxicities to different dispersants from 0.7 ppm of Corexit 9500, 20 ppm of Corexti 9527 and
up to 27 000 ppm for other products impacting on germination of brown algae. Studies on
adult plants only report sublethal impacts
Seagrass Communities
There are little data available with regard to the interaction between seagrass and petroleum
hydrocarbons within a tropical intertidal environment, with most data describing impacts in
temperate areas on seagrass communities from crude oil, rather than lighter hydrocarbons
including MDO and condensate (Volkman et al. 1994). Potential direct impacts identified
include mortality due to smothering and chemical toxicity. Indirect impacts could include a
reduction of photosynthesis due to reduced light, decrease in suitable habitat, accumulation
of potentially carcinogenic or mutagenic substances and a reduction in seagrass tolerance to
other stress factors (Peters et al. 1997 and Zieman et al. 1984). The degree of impact is
dependent on the seagrass species, the type of hydrocarbon spilt and the degree of contact
(Taylor & Rasheed 2011). Studies have found that seagrasses are able to withstand shortpulsed direct contact events with oil without prolonged negative impacts, provided that
successive contact events are minimised (Taylor & Rasheed 2011).
Seagrass disperses predominantly through vegetative (clonal) growth, and secondarily
through sexual reproduction and seed dispersal, carried by tides and currents. Halophila spp.
are able to regenerate quickly from seeds stored in the sediments (Longstaff and Dennison,
1999) and are often the first species to colonise disturbed areas (Waycott et al., 2004;
Waycott et al., 2005). A study by Nakaoka and Aioi (1999) found that it took two months for a
patch within a seagrass bed that was removed of H. ovalis to reach the same state of
colonisation prior to disturbance. Provided that the sediments are not contaminated,
seagrass beds should be able to be recolonised after an oil-related mortality event of
seagrasses by seagrass populations in surrounding areas providing that sufficient natural or
anthropogenic remediation has occurred.
Seagrass-dependant fauna such as epifauna, crustaceans, molluscs and fish, may also be
impacted (NOPSEMA 2012). The decline in cover of seagrass may have indirect impacts on
the juvenile life stages of recreationally and commercially important fish and crustacean
species that utilise seagrass meadows as a nursery ground (Skilleter et al. 2005). Dugongs,
which feed on seagrass meadows, may also be potentially affected by consumption of
hydrocarbon-contaminated seagrass.
A number of dispersants have been identified as being potentially toxic to seagrasses.
Testing of Corexit 9527 and Ardrox 6120 both resulted in impacts on seagrass
photosynthesis within the first hour of exposure, at concentrations between 1 and 2% w/v,
however this concentration range is relatively high compared to anticipated field
concentrations. For Thalassia testudinum, the 96-h LC50 concentration for Corexit 9527 was
reported as 200 ppm (Baca and Getter 1984) and a 48-hour EC50 value of 55 ppm was
reported for Zostera marina (Scarlett et al. 2005). Moderate effects on seagrass
photosynthesis were also observed for Slickgone LTSW and Corexit 9500 over a 4 hour
exposure while Shell VDC was reported to result in photosynthetic stress after 10 hours of
exposure (Macinnis-Ng and Ralph 2003, Wilson & Ralph 2012).

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Clean up activity can have impacts on macroalgae and seagrass beds, particularly physical
damage from trampling and boat activity in shallow water (Law et al. 2011). Dispersants can
also encourage the breakdown of the waxy cuticle of seagrasses, allowing greater
penetration of hydrocarbons into leaves and increasing phytotoxicity.
Rock Pavement
Intertidal rock pavement constitute habitats for a variety of marine flora and fauna, typically
microalgae and invertebrate species, these organisms have adapted to high stress levels,
with periods of desiccation, predation and sometime strong wave energies. This highly
stressful environment creates zonation, especially in high energy environments (IPIECA
2012).
The impact of a potential oil spill on a rock pavement environment depends on its topography
and flora and fauna communities which inhabit the substrate. Steep or vertical rock faces on
a wave exposed coast is unlikely to have any impact from an oil spill event, while a gradually
sloping rock platform in low energy environments, sheltered bays and inlets can trap oil
(IPIECA 2012).
4.2.1.3
Shorelines
Observations of previous oil spills have provided the foundation for determining the potential
impacts from hydrocarbons on shorelines and their associated biological communities.
Previous spills have shown that the potential impact of oil on intertidal habitat is influenced by
the following:
Shoreline type
Exposure to wave and tidal energy
Analysis of the natural persistence of the oil
Productivity and sensitivity of biological resources
The ease of facilitating clean-up operations.
The potential impacts from hydrocarbons on each of the four coastal shoreline habitats are
summarised below.
Rocky Shore
The immediate effects of an oil spill on rocky shores are typically toxicity effects on the
benthos and high mortalities of associated wildlife (Yamamoto et al. 2003). The severity,
distribution and persistence of rocky shore impacts can differ widely depending on the type
and volume of oiled spilled, characteristics of the affected shore and the tide and weather
conditions (Stevens et al. 2008).
Rocky shores which are exposed to wave action and the scouring effects of tidal currents are
amongst habitats most resilient to the effects of a spill, and they tend to self-clean relatively
rapidly. Oil can be held offshore by waves reflecting off exposed steep shorelines and
deposited oil is rapidly removed on exposed shorelines from rock faces. On sheltered rocky
shorelines oil adhere readily around the high tide mark; forming a distinct band where the
lower part of the rock face stays wet, that could impact the communities of the upper zone.
Topographically complex rocky shoreline habitats that encompass a range of microhabitats
such as cracks, crevices, rock pools and overhangs are at a heightened risk of impact from a
spill as they often provide sites of oil pooling and persistence. These complex microhabitats
tend to retain water during low tides and so are populated by diverse fauna assemblages;
including communities of highly adapted species of grazers and filter-feeders. Impacts to
organisms inhabiting these areas may include death from smothering, chronic toxicity and
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sub lethal effects from the exposure to hydrocarbons and their toxic fractions (Holdway et al.
1997).
Sheltered rocky rubble slopes have the greatest potential for long-term persistence of oil,
causing long-term contamination of the subsurface sediments due to the potential for oil to
penetrate and persist in surficial sediments, if present. Impacts to the rich biological
communities of the lower intertidal zone would be largely dependent on the level of entrained
hydrocarbon in the water column.
The greatest impacts are likely to be encountered by birds when present at nesting colonies
or feeding in nearshore waters (Michel and Hayes 1992). The impact of response activities to
mitigate hydrocarbon damage, such as cleaning with detergents, high pressure or hot water
washing or scrubbing may also have impacts.
Sandy Beaches
The natural processes and physical characteristics of sandy beaches determines their
susceptibility to an oil spill. Natural processes such as extent of tidal range and wave energy
influence the extent of spread and layering of oil on beaches: a high energy, wave dominated
beach typically experience more spread and less layering than a low energy beach. Physical
characteristics, such as capillary action, grain size and permeability influence the depth of
penetration into the sand. Fine grained sandy beaches are less sensitive to oil pollution than
other sandy substrates due to their comparably sparse infauna and/or epifauna and oil
cannot penetrate too deeply, also making the beach relatively easy to clean. Biological
impacts from exposure to spilled oil or toxic fractions of oil on sandy beaches include
temporary declines in infaunal and epifaunal populations, which can also affect feeding
shorebirds and seabirds (Michel and Hayes 1992).
Mangroves and Depositional Shorelines
Mangroves are particularly susceptible to the impacts of a hydrocarbon spill as they are
dependent on oxygen-supplied via pores in their aerial roots (Getter et al. 1984). The toxic
components of hydrocarbons can also damage cell membranes in the subsurface roots,
impair the normal salt exclusion process and the resulting influx of salt interferes with the
plants ability to maintain osmotic balance (IPIECA 2011).
Oil adheres readily to the vegetation in mangrove habitat and may form multiple bands of
coating, depending on the tidal stage at the time of exposure to the oil. Large surface slicks
typically persist through multiple tidal cycles smothering vegetation. The oil may also pool
within sediments at the base of vegetation and deeply into burrows and prop root cavities.
Thick vegetation can restrict contamination to the shoreward fringe depending on the type of
oil; heavier refined products penetrate vegetated areas to a lesser extent.
Biological impacts can be severe. Smothering and contamination may lead to mortality of
plants, seedlings and propagules. The associated rich fauna and flora may suffer mortality or
shifts in density. Where oiling is heavy and high mortality follows, natural recovery can take
several decades (NOAA 1997). Mangroves are also highly susceptible to damage from
cleaning, and scientific evidence suggests that they may be best left undisturbed (Law et al.
2011).
Long term studies of a mangrove site impacted by oil and dispersed oil found no significant
differences in tree and seedling parameters between clean reference sites and dispersed oil
sites (Ward et al. 2003). Experimental field exposures found that fresh dispersed crude had
significantly less impact on mangroves than undispersed oil. Although there were short term
impacts on seedling survival and growth in dispersed oil treatments, long-term growth and
survival were not different to controls and there were no measurable effects on adult
mangrove trees (Ballou et al. 1987). These findings were consistent with planthouse studies
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of Australian mangrove species, in which chemically dispersed oil had lesser impact on
seedling mortality than untreated oils. It is thought that this lesser toxicity is related to the
reduced persistence in sediments of dispersed oils and the reduced risk of smothering which
is achieved by the effective dispersion of heavy oils (Duke et al. 1999).
Tidal Flats
Tidal flats are usually found in more sheltered areas, are generally comprised of fine
sediments and tend to be highly productive, particularly in estuaries. They support large
populations of birds, and also function as foraging habitat and nursery areas for fish species.
Whilst hydrocarbons can exert immediate toxic and smothering effects, penetration of the
hydrocarbons to deeper layers is rare, especially if sediments remain waterlogged during low
tide. However, there have been cases of hydrocarbons penetrating into animal burrows, and
once hydrocarbons are incorporated within the sediment it can delay natural recovery.
Direct contact of hydrocarbons with tidal mudflats usually results in concentration of
hydrocarbons on the surface of the mudflat due to the presence of a thin mobile surface layer
of water-saturated mud and extracellular polymeric substances that is largely impermeable to
oil. Oil can penetrate the mudflat sediments through animals burrowing holes, which along
with sediment anoxia, can lead to an increased likelihood of toxic oil persistence (Coulon et
al. 2013). Lighter oils, such as MDO and condensate, have a greater tendency to penetrate
into sediments than heavier oils and vegetation that occurs on the mudflats (samphire and
mangroves) can often trap oil in sheltered sections (IPIECA 2012).
Similar to mangroves, the greatest impacts of oil spills comes from smothering. Lighter oils
such as diesel fuel oils have a greater likelihood of penetrating sediments and producing
initial acute effects whereas heavier fuels are not as likely to penetrate sediments. However,
smothering is more likely from heavier oils, as viscosity increases with weathering allowing
greater retention of oil on plant tissues and substrates. Lighter oils have a physical limit to the
amount that they adhere to plants and sediments thus smothering is less likely (Egres et al.
2012). Species in tidal mudflats that are most at risk from smothering are molluscs and
crustaceans in the benthos. Shorebirds utilising tidal mudflats may also be severely affected
due to smothering, ingestion of toxic substances and reduction in forage availability.
4.2.2
Fauna Effects
4.2.2.1
Shorebirds and seabirds
The risk of hydrocarbon pollution impacts on shorebird and seabird species from accidents in
the offshore petroleum industry is assessed by the DOTE as of potential concern (SEWPaC,
2012). An oil spill is an unpredictable event and the likelihood is low based on past
experience, however their consequences, especially for threatened species at important
areas, can be severe.
Shorebirds are likely to be exposed to hydrocarbons when it directly impacts the intertidal
zone and onshore due to their feeding habitats. Shorebird species foraging for invertebrates
on exposed sand flats at lower tides may be at potential risk of both direct impacts through
contamination of individual birds (ingestion or soiling of feathers) and indirect impacts
through the contamination of foraging areas that may result in a reduction in available prey
items (Clarke 2010).
Breeding seabirds may be directly exposed to hydrocarbons via a number of potential
pathways. Birds foraging at sea have the potential to directly interact with hydrocarbon on the
sea surface some considerable distance from breeding sites in the course of normal foraging
activities. Species most at risk include those that readily rest on the sea surface (such as
shearwaters) and surface plunging species such as terns and boobies. As seabirds are top

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order predators any impact on other marine life (e.g. fish kills) may disrupt and limit food
supply both for the maintenance of adults and the provisioning of young. Any direct impact of
hydrocarbon on terrestrial habitats, including the shorelines of islands and sandbanks has
the potential to contaminate birds present at the breeding sites (Clarke 2010).
Birds exposed to hydrocarbons may suffer a range of external and internal health effects.
Direct contact with hydrocarbons may cause the following:
Feathers to collapse and matt and change the insulation properties of feathers and down
(hypothermia)
Matting of feathers hampering the ability of birds to fly (easy prey)
Oiled feathers; may cause the birds to lose buoyancy, sink and drown because of
increased weight or lack of air trapped in the feathers (drowning)
Body weight decreases quickly as the metabolism attempts to counteract low body
temperature (starvation)
Severe irritation of the skin
Irritation or ulceration of the eyes, skin, mouth, or nasal cavities
Ingestion of oil via their prey if their food chain becomes contaminated (toxic effects)
Ingestion of hydrocarbons in an attempt to preen (toxic effects)
Poisoning or intoxication
The food searching instincts such as diving and swimming are inhibited.
Internal effects from exposure to hydrocarbons may include the following:
Destruction of red blood cells, important for the immune response
Alterations of liver metabolism
Adrenal tissue damage
Pneumonia
Intestinal damage
Reduced reproduction ability
Reduction in the number of eggs laid
Decreased fertility of eggs
Decreased shell thickness
Disruption of the normal breeding and incubating behaviours.
(AMSA, 2013)
There are no reports in the literature of experimental exposures of sea or shore birds to
chemical dispersants, however the use of dispersants to dispersed crude oil has been found
to have a greater impact on feather structure than oil accommodated fractions alone (Duerr
et al. 2011).
4.2.2.2
Cetaceans
Although all share the same marine environment, cetaceans are considered less vulnerable
to a spill incident than shorebirds and seabirds (Law et al. 2011). Data from available studies
suggest that cetaceans are able to detect oil, but that they may not necessarily avoid contact

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with it. A number of cetacean species have been recorded within oil slicks, with no apparent
abnormal behavioural patterns with the physical presence of the oil. Establishing longer-term
effects however is more difficult to investigate given the mobility of his group. For the shorttime period that they persist, vapours from the spill are considered the most significant risk to
cetacean health given their exposure can be significant. Vapours inhaled have the potential
damage to mucous membranes of the airways and the eyes which can reduce the health and
potential survivability or an animal, and if sufficient numbers affected, population viability.
Inhaled volatile hydrocarbons are transferred rapidly to the bloodstream and may accumulate
in tissues such as brain and liver resulting in neurological disorders and liver damage
(Gubbay & Earll, 2000).
Studies under experimental conditions suggest that surface slicks of lighter fraction oils
(which tend to spread quickly as a thin sheen) are less likely to be detected as compared to
heavier oils. It is likely that cetaceans rely predominantly on vision (and to some extent
echolocation where the optical properties of the surface of the water are altered) and
cutaneous (skin) detection of a spill (Gubbay & Earll, 2000).
Impacts to cetaceans are more likely where there is continued exposure/contact to
hydrocarbon compounds, such as in bays and estuaries, and where these populations are
resident. Cetaceans that habitually force schools of prey to the surface may also be at risk,
directly and indirectly from food source contamination. Most cetacean species are
considered to have some capability of making adjustments to their diet, so the intensity and
geographical scale of the oil determines the potential detrimental impact on a species from
food contamination.
The epidermis of cetaceans is considered to provide some protection against hydrocarbons,
even highly volatile compounds in the oil, as well as being relatively smooth which reduce the
risk of physical coating (Geraci et al. 1990). However adherence can occur to barnacles,
calluses and eroded areas often found on larger whales.
Humpback whale adult female/calf pairs are likely to be more vulnerable to a spill due to the
potential presence of these individuals in greater numbers in the combined ZPI during the
annual humpback whale southward migration (approximately September November) and
also due to the longer duration juveniles spend at the surface compared to adults, increasing
the likelihood of inhalation or ingestion of oil. Baleen plates have the potential to be fouled
where foraging occurs in an oil slick. Lighter hydrocarbons, such as MDO and condensate,
have less fouling potential but may damage tissue, resulting in damage to the structural
integrity of the plan or horny tubes which are used to filter food. Impact from the ingestion of
hydrocarbons to humpback whales is currently unknown, however, whale species feeding on
zooplankton are likely to be at greater risk of impact due to direct ingestion of oil droplets.
Detoxification capabilities of cetaceans are not known, so uncertainty exists as to whether
hydrocarbon metabolites persist in tissue resulting in sub-lethal impacts.
Disruption of reproductive behaviours is considered remote for offshore cetacean species but
may have consequences for inshore species. Oil in the pathway of migratory species such
as humpback whales may result in modifications to the movement pattern, but are unlikely to
override the impulse to migrate.
The NOAA (2012) reported unusual cetacean mortality events in the Gulf of Mexico during
and after the Deepwater Horizon spill 2010. A total of 600 cetaceans (mostly bottlenose
dolphins) were observed stranded, with most of these dead (NOAA 2012). Bottlenose
dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, have also shown signs of poor health with low levels of
hormones to help them cope with stress response, metabolism and immune function. This
area received prolonged and heavy exposure to hydrocarbons from the spill event (NOAA,
2012a). Passive acoustic monitoring of sperm whales has also indicated activity to have
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decreased at the listening station nine miles from the well by a factor of two and acoustic
activity to have increased at the 25-mile site (Ackleh et al. 2012). This may potentially
indicate relocation from the spill.
Little data exists on the potential effect of dispersants used on oils. The use of dispersants
reduces the volume of oil on the waters surface but results in increased concentrations of
hydrocarbon compounds in the water column potentially resulting in increased hydrocarbon
volumes ingested by cetaceans foraging in this zone. However, use of dispersant in open
ocean settings is intended to increase the rate of dispersal, reducing the potential impact on
cetaceans. Marine mammals may also be indirectly affected by any alterations to the key
features of their habitat e.g. reductions in prey; contamination of prey.
There are no reports in the literature of experimental exposures of marine mammals to
chemical dispersants. However based on information relevant to human exposure, exposure
by marine mammals to undiluted dispersant may result in irritation to internal and external
exposed surfaces including mouth, nostrils, eyes, skin and the respiratory system.
4.2.2.3
Dugong
There is little information available documenting sensitivity of dugongs to hydrocarbons spills.

However, it is likely they would be affected in a similar way to whales and dolphins, directly
through toxicity via inhalation, ingestion and skin irritations and indirectly through seagrass
deterioration or contamination. In the event of a worst-case spill occurring offshore, the high
evaporation rates of MDO and condensate reduce the extent of effects at increasing
distances from the source due to weathering. Dugongs are likely to be present in the
nearshore area of the combined ZPI including shallow (<5 m depth) seagrass beds and
intertidal areas surrounding islands throughout the year, with possible seasonal variations in
densities (CWR 2010 and Hodgson et al. 2013).
4.2.2.4
Marine Turtles
Sea turtles are vulnerable to the effects of hydrocarbons at all life stageseggs, posthatchlings, juveniles, and adults in nearshore waters. Several aspects of sea turtle biology
and behaviour place them at particular risk, including a lack of avoidance behaviour,
indiscriminate feeding in convergence zones, and large pre-dive inhalations. Hydrocarbon
effects on turtles include increased egg mortality and developmental defects, direct mortality
due to oiling in hatchlings, juveniles, and adults; and negative impacts to the skin, blood,
digestive and immune systems, and salt glands.
Hydrocarbon exposure affects different turtle life stages in different ways (refer Figure 4.1).
Each turtle life stage frequents a habitat with notable potential to be impacted during an oil
spill. Thus, information on oil toxicity needs to be organized by life stage. Turtles may be
exposed to chemicals in oil (or chemicals used to treat oil spills like dispersants) in two ways:
internally (eating or swallowing oil, consuming prey containing oil based chemicals, or
inhaling of volatile oil related compounds) and externally (swimming in oil or dispersants, or
oil or dispersants on skin and body). Additionally turtles may experience oiling impacts on
nesting beaches and eggs through chemical exposures resulting in decreased survival to
hatching and developmental defects in hatchlings.

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Source: Wilson E.G. 2010. Potential Impacts of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Sea Turtles. Oceana, USA
Figure 4.1: Oil Spill related Threats to Sea Turtles

Direct effects can occur to marine turtle eggs and nests; hatchlings and to adults/juvenile
marine turtles. Nest temperature, gas exchange, and moisture all affect hatching success.
Hydrocarbons can potentially impact a nesting beach by interfering with gas exchange within
the nest (oil-filled interstitial spaces, for example, would prevent oxygen from diffusing
through the sand into the nest); altering the hydric environment (sea turtle nests need sand
that is not too wet or too dry); and altering nest temperature by changing the colour or
thermal conductivity of the sand. Once hatchling turtles successfully reach the water, they
are subject to the same kinds of hydrocarbon spill exposure hazards as adults which are
presented in Figure 4.1. Their relative size, lack of motility, and swimming and feeding habits
increase their risk. There are no reports in the literature of experimental exposures of marine
turtles to chemical dispersants
Juveniles/adults marine turtles indiscriminately eat anything that registers as being an
appropriate size for food, including tar balls (Carr, 1987). Consumption of oil-covered food
and tar balls can lead to blockages causing the animal to float, damage to the digestive and
reproductive systems and bioaccumulation in the food chain.
Sea turtles diving behaviour also puts them at risk. They rapidly inhale a large volume of air
before diving and continually resurface over time. Adults doing this in an oil spill would
experience both extended physical exposure to the oil and prolonged exposure to petroleum
vapours, the most acutely harmful phase of a spill. Inhaling evaporated petroleum vapours
close to the water surface are suggested to affect the respiratory system and reduce diving
time (i.e. increased risk of predation and reduced growth). Generally, vapours presents risks

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related to fresh unweathered spills, and there are reports of turtles becoming apnoeic in the
presence of vapours (Milton 2003).
Source: NOAA. 2010. Oil and Sea Turtles: Biology, Planning, and Response
Figure 4.2: Impact Pathways

Response activities have the potential to impact marine turtles, both on the water and on the
beach. Cleanup activities can be harmful, particularly if conducted at night using lights or if
mechanical equipment that penetrates the beach surface is used. Unintended adverse
impacts to turtles may include:
Compressing sand in the upper intertidal and dune areas by foot and equipment traffic in
nesting areas. Compression makes it more difficult for females to dig nests and for
hatchlings to dig themselves out. Equipment and personnel also can crush eggs in nests.
Vibrations from heavy machinery may result in hatchlings emerging from their nests
during the day, timing that would leave them more vulnerable to predators
Artificial lighting associated during the nesting season may inadvertently attract nesting
females and hatchlings causing disorientation. Witherington and Martin (2000) provide
extensive, detailed information and guidance on lighting considerations that affect sea
turtle behaviour
Artificial barriers on the beach, including berms, sorbents, and booms preventing
hatchlings from reaching the water and adult females from reaching potential nesting
sites. For hatchlings, temporary entrapment by a boom can increase the risk of predation
during their migration to the water, when they are especially vulnerable to predators
Small boat traffic increasing collision risk.
4.2.2.5
Sea snakes
Sea snakes occur in shallow water coral reef and seagrass habitats, deep water soft bottom
habitats away from reefs, and surface water pelagic habitats (Guinea 2007). Sea snakes
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depend on air and are required to surface at a maximum of 80 minutes; they also have the
ability to breathe through cutaneous respiration (Heatwole, 1999). Surface oil may coat the
skin, impairing respiration and having toxic effects due to the increased permeability. They
may also breathe in evaporated petroleum vapours close to the water surface which may
affect the respiratory system. Some species have very limited home ranges and require
suitable habitat corridors to relocate. If a spill causes significant mortality to sea snakes in a
remote location, that location may remain unpopulated until a storm or other infrequent event
transports sea snakes from a nearby inhabited reef (Heatwole 1999). There are no reports in
the literature of experimental exposures of marine snakes to chemical dispersants
Populations of sea snakes are known to inhabit Ningaloo Marine Park and the Montebello
Islands Marine Park and are widely distributed across the NWS, with no endemic species
present in the combined ZPI. While impacts to individual snakes make occur as a result of a
hydrocarbon spill associated with the Wheatstone project, the potential impacts to the
population of any single species is likely to be negligible given the predicted ZPI.
4.2.2.6
Saltwater Crocodile
There is limited literature with regards to specific impacts of oil on saltwater crocodiles.
Saltwater crocodiles, an apex predator, may be impacted through indirect oil-related food
chain collapse (such as major mortality rates of fish, birds and turtles) or direct ingestion of
prey covered in hydrocarbons. A characteristic behaviour of all crocodile species is to hold its
eyes and nostrils out of the water while keeping the rest of the body submerged. Surface oil
slicks could potentially be inhaled or block airways and irritate eyes resulting in asphyxiation
and blindness (Ekpubeni and Ekindayo, 2002). An oil spill could also cause disruption to
behavioural or reproduction patterns. Saltwater crocodiles are predominantly territorial and
solitary animals. Although saltwater crocodiles can potentially be found in the combined ZPI,
they are uncommon. There are no reports in the literature of experimental exposures of
saltwater crocodiles to chemical dispersants
4.2.2.7
Sharks, Rays and Sawfish
Observations of whale sharks, like cetaceans, have indicated that they do not appear to try
and avoid hydrocarbon spills (Hoffmayer, 2011). As these animals are primarily surface
swimmers, feeding on small pelagic fish and plankton, they may also ingest hydrocarbons,
which in turn may foul their gills, reducing their ability to obtain oxygen.
Initial findings from the Gulf of Mexico indicate a potential shift in the distribution and/or
abundance in whale sharks during 2011. During the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon
spill, sightings of whale sharks suggested around one third of the whale shark observations
were observed within the hydrocarbon spill extent. During 2011 fewer sightings of whale
sharks were noted in the Gulf of Mexico post the Deepwater Horizon spill, compared to
numbers collected between 2003 and 2009 (Hoffmayer, 2011).
No empirical evidence exists on potential impacts to sawfish or white sharks. No exposures
or sensitivity ranges for cartilaginous fish are reported in the literature, however due to their
size and lack of a sensitive larval life stage it is expected that these species would not be at
risk from likely dispersant concentrations during a spill response.
4.2.2.8
Finfish (Teleosts)
The uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons into the sea, along with dispersant chemicals used
in operational response to spills has the potential to affect finfish communities in a number of
ways (Heyward et al. 2011). Potential impacts of hydrocarbon spill on fish include direct
effects associated with in-water contact or ingestion of hydrocarbon or dispersant or
secondary effects related to contaminated food sources and/or habitats.

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Direct effects may include: gill contamination, genotoxicity in adults, enlarged livers, fin
erosion (Theodorakis et al. 2012), metabolic stress (Giari et al. 2012, Cohen et al. 2001),
reduced production survival of eggs and larvae (Nicolas 1999, Incardona et al. 2012;
Couillard et al. 2005) and reduced survival and growth of recruits. These factors may have
subsequent population level effects (Heintz et al. 2000), potentially effecting long term
population viability. In the event that dispersant chemicals are used; resulting in an increased
concentration of hydrocarbons within the water column, direct contamination may render
some fisheries species unfit for human consumption (tainting) (US EPA, 1999). Ingested
hydrocarbons by adult fish, both directly and via contaminated food sources, generally
metabolise in the fish liver and are accumulated in the bile before elimination via urine or
faeces (Lee and Page 1997). Secondary effects may occur in the absence of direct
exposure, through deleterious effects on food resources and/or important habitat.
The use of dispersant is likely to result in a higher concentration of hydrocarbons in the water
column where fish, including sharks, may be exposed. As with corals, the degree of
exposure will depend on the water depth and the proximity of the animal to the point of
application.
Fish balance tests for a 96 hour exposure to Slickgone NS and Slickgone EW showed
variable results, with reported EC50 of 23.8 ppm and 2,288 ppm respectively. The difference
in toxicity of these two products was also observed in tests for other taxa (AMSA 2013). The
LC50 value of dispersant acute toxicity tests with the inland silverside Menidia beryllina was
25.20 ppm for Corexit 9500 and 14.57 mg -1 for Corexit 9527 (US EPA 2013).
Studies of dispersant-hydrocarbon mixtures, including crude oil and Corexit 9500, on fish
species have shown similar results to tests using the water accommodated fraction of oil
alone (Hemmer et al. 2011, Wetzel & Van Fleet 2001). While a published set of exposure
concentration states the following thresholds for dispersed oil on adult fish of as little as 0.5
ppm for a 96 hour exposure (NRC 2005).
For a surface spill fish populations are considered to be at greatest risk to hydrocarbon
contamination in shallow waters (<10 m) or enclosed waters (e.g. lagoon, estuaries and
embayments) (Law et al. 2011). However, in the event of a subsurface spill, or where
dispersants are used in response activities, populations in deeper waters may be at risk of
impact and should also be considered.
The extent to which pelagic (and relatively mobile) fishes are able to avoid contaminated
locations during a spill event is uncertain, but they are considered less likely to be affected as
they are highly motile, better able to detect and avoid discharges and have a metabolic
capability to degrade oil (NOAA 1996). The more likely source of potential impact to pelagic
fish is through ingesting contaminated food sources, but the consequences of this, both in
relation to tissue contamination and longer term impacts on individuals and populations is
poorly understood. There is also the potential for pelagic populations to be impacted if there
is a reduction in survival of early life stages due to direct contamination, but, this is poorly
understood and is likely to be dependent on the extent and severity of a spill event.
Demersal fish are likely to be at the greatest risk of impacts from a spill, through both direct
and indirect means. Although larger demersal fish species, such as commercially targeted
species, are relatively mobile and may move away from affected areas, many demersal
species exhibit site attached behaviour that may limit their capacity to move out of affected
locations until conditions become favourable (Munday & Jones 1998, Wilson, 2010). In
addition, the general low mobility and small home ranges of small demersal fishes can
restrict decolonization of depleted areas, as an example in the event of the demise of a coral
reef (Vincent 1996). Such effects may be compounded for rare demersal fish species
because of relatively low population densities and/or sparse distributions.
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5.0
RESOURCES AT RISK
5.1
Overview
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To understand the resources at risk within the combined ZPI, a range of detailed scientific
surveys and studies have been undertaken by the Proponent. Information on the resources
at risk has also been obtained through information gathered from literature reviews and
publicly available information including the use of outputs generated from the Protected
Matters Search Tool and the Conservation Values Atlas. The following section provides a
general description and overview of EPBC Act listed threatened and migratory species and
Commonwealth Marine Areas found within and adjacent to the ZPI.
5.2
Identified Sensitive Receptors
5.2.1
Matters and species of NES
The combined ZPI supports internationally significant populations of a number of threatened

and migratory marine animals. Thousands of humpback whales migrate through the region
each year to give birth along the Kimberley coast. Coastal beaches and offshore islands
within and adjacent to the region support significant rookeries of endangered and vulnerable
marine turtles. The region also marks the endpoint of the East-Australasian Flyway for
millions of shorebirds that migrate every year from breeding grounds in the Northern
Hemisphere. The area supports dugong populations and annual aggregations of whale shark
at Ningaloo Reef every autumn are also internationally significant as they are the largest
density of whale sharks in the world (Martin 2007). The following lists the matters and
species of NES identified within the ZPI.
5.2.1.1
World Heritage Property
A declared World Heritage property is an area that has been included in the World Heritage
List or declared by the Minister to be a World Heritage property. The Ningaloo Coast is the
only declared World Heritage Property in the combined ZPI.
5.2.1.2
National Heritage
The National Heritage List includes natural, historic and Indigenous places of outstanding
heritage value. The Ningaloo Coast is the only natural national heritage listed property found
within the combined ZPI.
5.2.1.3
Commonwealth marine areas
The Commonwealth marine area is any part of the sea, including the waters, seabed, and
airspace, within Australia's exclusive economic zone and/or over the continental shelf of
Australia, that are not State or Northern Territory waters. The Commonwealth marine area
stretches from 3 to 200 nautical miles from the coast surrounding the Australian continent
and Tasmania. Marine protected areas are marine areas which are recognised as having
high conservation value. The offshore facilities for the Project, other than part of the
Trunkline, will be located within the North-west Marine Region of the Commonwealth marine
area.
The closest current Commonwealth marine protected area is the Ningaloo Commonwealth
Marine Reserve. However, the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network,
declared in November 2012, includes a total of 13 Commonwealth Marine Reserves. New
management plans for these marine reserves are scheduled to come into effect in July 2014.

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Listed threatened species
The EPBC Act provides listing of nationally threatened species and ecological communities,
migratory species and marine species. Within the combined ZPI 33 species have been
identified as listed threatened . In accordance with Section 158A of the EPBC Act only the
listed species at the date of approval of this Plan are considered relevant to this Plan.
5.2.1.5
Listed migratory species
Migratory species are those animals that migrate to Australia and its external territories, or
pass through or over Australian waters during their annual migrations. Examples of migratory
species are species of birds (e.g. albatrosses and petrels), mammals (e.g. whales) or
reptiles. Within the combined ZPI 56 species have been identified that are listed as migratory
species.
Notably, both wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands) and listed threatened
ecological communities are also matters of NES; however, none of these have been
identified within the combined ZPI. Table 5.1 provides a broad overview over the sensitive
resources and key receptors identified within, and adjacent to, the combined ZPI.
The combined ZPI overlaps with:
2490 km2 of the Montebello Marine Park Multiple Use Zone (IUCN VI)
192 km2 of the Ningaloo Marine Park Recreational Use Zone (IUCN II).
Table 5.1: Sensitive Resources and Key Receptors within and adjacent to the
combined ZPI
Protected Area
Description and Values
(Status)
Commonwealth Protected Marine Reserves
Montebello
Commonwealth Marine
Reserve
(Indicative)
The Montebello Commonwealth Marine Reserve is classed as a Multiple

Use Zone (IUCN VI). The Reserve is an area of 3413 km 20 kilometres
north of Barrow Island and 125 kilometres west of Dampier. The reserve
abuts the Western Australian Barrow Island and the Montebello Islands
Marine Parks
Values:
Examples of seafloor habitats and communities of the Northwest shelf
Province, Ancient coastline ecological feature. Shipwreck of the Trial (see
Figure 5.2).
Important Marine Species:
Foraging areas for migratory seabirds, foraging areas for whale sharks,
foraging areas and adjacent to important nesting sites for marine turtles,
part of migratory pathway for humpback whales.

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Protected Area
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(Status)
Ningaloo
Commonwealth Marine
Reserve
(Proclaimed)
The Ningaloo Commonwealth Marine Reserve is classed as a

Recreational Zone (IUCN II). The Reserve is an area of 2326 km along
the west coast of the Cape Range peninsula. It abuts the Western
Australian Ningaloo Marine Park and Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
Values:
High water quality, Shallow shelf environments & seafloor features,
Diversity of habitats support high density and diversity of marine species,
Major recreational fishing/boating/nature-based tourism destination, Long
association of Aboriginal people with adjacent coastal marine environment
Foraging and breeding areas for migratory Seabirds, Foraging areas for
whale sharks, Foraging areas and adjacent to important nesting sites for
marine Turtles, part of migratory pathway for Humpback Whales.
Gascoyne
Commonwealth
Marine Reserve
(Indicative)
The reserve comprises three areas which are designated different IUCN
categories: IUCN category II (National Park), IV (Habitat Protection Zone)
and VI (Multiple Use Zone).
Values:
Provides connectivity between the inshore waters of the existing Ningaloo
Commonwealth marine park and the deeper waters of the area. Overlaps
three key ecological features, including canyons linking the slope between
the Cuvier Abyssal Plain and the Cape Range Peninsula, the Exmouth
Plateau, and continental slope demersal fish communities (Section 5.2.1).
Provides foraging area for threatened and/or migratory marine fauna
including migratory seabirds, hawksbills and flatback marine turtles and
whale sharks.
State Protected Marine Parks/Management Areas

Montebello/Barrow
Islands Marine
Conservation Reserves
(Registered)
The Montebello/Barrow Islands Marine Conservation Reserves comprises

three separately vested reserves: the Montebello Islands Marine Park,
Barrow Island Marine Park and Barrow Island Marine Management Area.
The reserves cover areas of approximately 58,331 ha, 4,169 ha and
114,693 ha respectively.
Values:
The reserve provides a diversity of habitats including rocky shores and
reef platforms, as well as support benthic communities, flora (i.e.
macroalgae and seagrass) and fauna (i.e. burrowing invertebrates and
filterfeeding communities).
Mangrove communities of the Montebello Islands complex comprise six
species of mangrove and are scientifically very important as it is unusual to
find mangroves growing within lagoons on oceanic islands.
Numerous EPBClisted threatened and migratory fauna are known to
occur within the reserves including marine turtles, marine mammals,
seabirds and migratory and resident shorebirds. The area is a significant
rookery for marine turtles.

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(Status)
Ningaloo Marine Park
(Registered 1987,
Extended 2004)
(Registered)
Ningaloo Marine Park protects the renowned 300-kilometre-long Ningaloo

Reef, the largest fringing coral reef in Australia. It is the only large reef in
the world found so close to a continental land mass, about 100 metres
offshore at its nearest point and less than seven kilometres at its furthest.
Values:
Coral reefs, marine species biodiversity, marine habitat diversity,
mangroves, federally protected Mildura wreck at NW Cape
Foraging and breeding areas for migratory Seabirds, Foraging areas for
whale sharks, foraging areas and nesting sites for marine turtles, part of
migratory pathway for humpback whales
Muiron Islands Marine

Management Area
(Registered)
A 28 000-hectare marine management area at the Muiron and Sunday

islands, approximately 15 kilometres north of North West Cape.
Values:
Shallow shelf environments, diversity of habitats support high density and
diversity of marine species
Foraging and breeding areas for migratory seabirds and shorebirds,
foraging areas and nesting sites for marine turtles, resting area for
humpback whales.
State National Parks/ Nature Reserves

Montebello/Barrow
Islands Conservation
Reserves
(Registered)
Barrow Island is classified as a Class A Nature Reserve and it is Western

Australias second largest island at approximately 23,600 hectares. The
Montebello/Barrow Islands Marine Conservation Reserves include a
number of islands, including the Montebello Islands (174 islands),
Lowendal Islands (34 islands), Boodie, Double and Middle islands that are
vested in the Conservation Commission as Class C Nature Reserves and
all are managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Values:
No established introduced vertebrates. At least 24 endemic terrestrial
species and significant subterranean fauna have resulted from thousands
of years of isolation and genetic differentiation.
Important Species:
No established introduced terrestrial vertebrates. At least 24 endemic
terrestrial species and significant subterranean fauna have resulted from
thousands of years of isolation and genetic differentiation. Significant
rookery for marine turtles and an internationally significant site for
migratory and resident shorebirds. Significant rookeries of seabirds are
found on Lowendal, Boodie and Double islands.

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Protected Area
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(Status)
Cape Range National
Park
(Registered)
Lying predominantly on the western side of North-West Cape Peninsula,

Cape Range National Park protects an area of 50 581 hectares.
Values:
Flora and fauna abundance and diversity, elevated rugged limestone
range, deep rocky gorges and canyons, karst system forming over 700
sinkholes and caves, pristine beaches and coral reef.
Important Species:
Endemic and protected subterranean fauna such as troglobites and
stygofauna.
Southern Islands Group

(Registered)
The Southern group comprises Muiron, Thevenard, Bessieres, Serrurier,

Locker, Airlie Islands and the Rivoli Islands. The marine environment
around the islands forms part of the Rowley Shelf.
Values and Important Species:
The islands are known to be valuable nesting grounds for a variety of
seabirds and shorebirds, providing important undisturbed nesting and
refuge sites protected from introduced ground predators common on the
mainland (CALM 2000). Sandy beaches on the islands may be used as
rookeries by turtle species known to nest within the area.
Jurabi & Bundegi

Coastal Park
The Jurabi (reserve 40729) and Bundegi (reserve 40728) Coastal Parks
are jointly vested in the Shire of Exmouth and the DEC as reserves with
purpose of Recreation and Coastal Management.
Values and Important Species:
Samphire flats of significance to migratory birds, troglodytic fauna, and
turtle and seabird rookeries. Two unique species of subterranean
troglodytic fish and Shrimp, turtle & seabird rookeries
Further information on sensitive resources or receptors can be found in the North West
Marine Bioregional Plan Bioregional Profile (DEWHA 2008), the Marine Bioregional Plan for
the North-west Marine Region (Commonwealth of Australia 2008) and regional marine park
management plans. A more detailed account of this information, relative to the study
methods proposed, is found within the respective monitoring plans.
Figure 5.1 provides an overview of State and Commonwealth Marine Reserves and Project
marine facilities. Figure 5.2 provides an overview of key ecological features within and
adjacent to the combined ZPI including physical features such as canyons, ancient coastline
and shoals together with geographical extents of continental slope demersal fish
communities and State (DEC) managed areas and provincial bioregions. The key ecological
features of the North-west Marine Region were identified by the Australian Government
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on the basis of advice from
scientists about the ecological processes and characteristics of the Region. The Marine
bioregional plan for the North-west Marine Region (Commonwealth of Australia 2012)
defines key ecological features as elements of the Commonwealth marine environment in
the North-west Marine Region that, based on current scientific understanding, are considered
to be of regional importance for either the regions biodiversity or ecosystem function and
integrity. Notably, the assessment provided by the Marine bioregional plan for the Northwest Marine Region (Commonwealth of Australia 2012) concludes that only the
Commonwealth waters adjacent to the Ningaloo Reef are of Potential Concern from oil
pollution. The following section provides a description of the provincial bioregions.
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Figure 5.1: State and Commonwealth Marine Reserves and Project Marine Facilities
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Figure 5.2: Key Ecological Features

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Provincial Bioregion Ecosystem
The Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA) is an ecosystem

based classification of Australias marine and coastal environments that has been developed
by the Commonwealth Government as a regional framework for planning resources
development and biodiversity protection (DEC 2006). The IMCRA divides Australias oceans
into five Marine Regions with 41 provincial bioregions, which are biogeographical areas
defined by similar physical and ecological characteristics useful for regional conservation
planning and management (DEWHA 2008).
Provincial bioregions within the combined ZPI are described within Table 5.2 and are
presented in Figure 5.2. The combined ZPI is predominantly within Commonwealth waters
on the continental shelf; however, parts of the combined ZPI also extend across the state
boundary. Shoreline contact, of the combined ZPI, is predicted to be likely at several islands
including:
Southern Group of Islands
Middle Group of Islands
Barrow Island
Montebello islands
and including:
Parts of the mainland coast at Ningaloo.
The combined ZPI is distinguished by its predominantly wide continental shelf, high tidal
regimes, very high cyclone incidence, unique current systems and warm, low-nutrient surface
waters. The region supports high species-richness of tropical Indo-west Pacific biota, but low
levels of endemism. The region consists primarily of continental slope and continental shelf.
The region also contains abyssal plains and a small area of continental rise. Other features
such as canyons, plateaux, terraces, ridges, reefs, banks and shoals occupy less space in
the region but have relatively high importance for productivity and biodiversity (DEWHA
2008). Extensive carbonate banks and coral reefs are important focal points for biodiversity
in the region. Reefs of the inner shelf, including those in state waters, are dominated by hard
corals and include Ningaloo Reef and the reefs of the Dampier Archipelago (Baker et al.
2008).

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Table 5.2: Description of Provincial Bioregions within and adjacent to the combined ZPI
Bioregion
Area Description
Ecological Environments
Key Receptors
North West Marine Region

North West
Shelf Province
Offshore waters primarily on

the shelf between North
West Cape and Cape
Bougainville, encompassing
much of the area commonly
known as the NWS. Water
depths range from 0 m to
approximately 200 m.
Highly diverse fish communities
Montebello Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Supports numerous resident and

migratory cetacean species
The Montebello and Barrow Island Marine Conservation

Reserves (State Waters)
Significant breeding populations of

marine avifauna
Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area including the Muiron

Islands Marine Management
Diverse and productive coastal habitats
Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour
Sparse, sporadic areas of enhanced

primary production at the shelf break.
Canyons linking the Cuvier Abyssal Plain and Cape Range

Peninsula
Commonwealth Waters Adjacent to Ningaloo Reef
Glomar Shoals
Biologically important areas (BIAs)* for marine protected
species including marine sharks, marine mammals, marine
reptiles and marine avifauna.
Commercial fisheries.
North West
Province
Offshore waters between

Exmouth and Port Hedland,
occurring entirely on the
continental slope. Water
depths are predominantly
between 1000 m and
3000 m.
Localised high biological productivity
Gascoyne Commonwealth Marine Reserve
High endemism in demersal fish

communities.
Demersal Fish Communities

Exmouth Plateau
Peninsula
BIAs* for marine protected species including marine
sharks, marine mammals and marine avifauna.
North West
Transition
Offshore waters beyond the

shelf between the Dampier
Archipelago and Lacepede
Islands. Water depths range

Printed Date: 28 November 2013
Supports rich demersal fish

assemblages
Argo Rowley Terrace Commonwealth Marine Reserve
High diversity and endemism of fish

fauna
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Mermaid Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Mermaid Reef and Commonwealth waters surrounding the
Rowley Shoals
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Bioregion
Area Description
from approximately 200 m to
> 1000 m.
Central
Western Shelf
Transition
Central
Western
Transition
Located almost entirely on

the continental Shelf
between the Northwest
Cape and Coral Bay Depths
range from 0 m to 106 m.
Offshore waters extending

from the shelf break to the
Australian EEZ. 40% of the
bioregion occurs in water
depths >4000 m.
Ecological Environments
Hot spots of shallow reef rich in corals.
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Key Receptors
BIAs* for marine avifauna
High biodiversity including numerous

coral and fish species
Ningaloo World Heritage Place including the Muiron

Islands Marine Management Area in State Waters
Supports a number of migrating marine

megafauna including annual
aggregations of Whale Sharks
(Rhincodon typus) and Manta Rays
(Manta birostris).

sharks, marine mammals, marine reptiles and marine
avifauna
Seasonal sporadic upwelling and

associated primary productivity
Gascoyne Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Some species endemism among the

demersal fish communities although
lower than other bioregions.
Carnarvon Canyon Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Abrolhos Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Exmouth Plateau
Peninsula
Wallaby Saddle
BIAs* for marine mammals and marine avifauna
Central
Western Shelf
Province
Includes State and

Commonwealth waters
between Kalbarri and Coral
Bay. Depth range 0 m to
100 m.
Diverse and productive coastal habitats

including coral reefs and seagrass beds
Shark Bay World Heritage Area including the Marine Park

(State Waters), and Commonwealth Marine Reserve
High benthic primary production

sharks, marine mammals, marine reptiles and marine
avifauna
High diversity and productivity of benthic

invertebrate fauna
Supports numerous species of marine
megafauna including dugongs (Dugong
dugon) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta
caretta).
* Work has been undertaken through the marine bioregional planning program to identify, describe and map biologically important areas (BIAs) for protected species under the
EPBC Act. BIAs spatially and temporally define areas where protected species display biologically important behaviours (including breeding, foraging, resting or migration),
based on the best available scientific information. These areas are those parts of a marine region that are particularly important for the conservation of protected species.

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Figure 5.3: Provincial Bioregions within and adjacent to the ZPI

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Oil Spill Response Atlas
Figure 5.4 provides an overview over the range of maps that can be accessed from the Oil
Spill Response Atlas (OSRA) in the event of a hydrocarbon spill. The details held within the
OSRA are presented in Figure 5.5 to Figure 5.15.
The OSRA is held by the Western Australian Department of Transport and in the event of a
hydrocarbon spill Chevron will access the OSRA for use in relevant emergency and
environmental response actions. The OSRA contains a high level of detailed environmental
information that is updated regularly by the contributors to this application. Due to the
number of contributors to this application, and their respective contractual limits on data
sharing, the information provided within this Plan can only provide a visual presentation of
the environmental survey data that collectively generate these maps.

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Figure 5.4: Overview over the Oil Spill Response Atlas Figures

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Figure 5.5: Oil Spill Response Atlas Montebello Islands

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Figure 5.6: Oil Spill Response Atlas Barrow Island

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Figure 5.7: Oil Spill Response Atlas South Barrow Island

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Figure 5.8: Oil Spill Response Atlas Airlie Island

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Figure 5.9: Oil Spill Response Atlas Thevenard Island

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Figure 5.10: Oil Spill Response Atlas Peak to Bessieres Islands

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Figure 5.11: Oil Spill Response Atlas Muiron Islands

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Figure 5.12: Oil Spill Response Atlas North West Cape

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Figure 5.13: Oil Spill Response Atlas Turquoise Bay to Torpedo Bay

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Figure 5.14: Oil Spill Response Atlas Sandy Point to Turquoise Bay
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Figure 5.15: Oil Spill Response Atlas Beacon Point to Sandy Point
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Resource Protection Prioritisation
Following the completion of modelling and the definition of the environment that may be
affected, the sensitive receptors have been assigned sensitivity ratings, which indicate their
sensitivity to a spill. This sensitivity rating has been combined with the timeframe for a spill to
impact on a shoreline or sensitive receptor (determined during the spill modelling) to produce
a protection priority ranking (Table 5.3). This protection priority ranking is used during spill
response to determine which receptors have the highest priority for protection, and assign
resources and spill response capability according to the priority.
For example, in the event of a spill those receptors that are ranked as having extreme
sensitivity would have a higher protection priority assigned than those receptors that are
ranked low sensitivity. It is expected that resources and personnel would be directed towards
protection of the receptors that are ranked extreme sensitivity, with remaining resources and
personnel directed towards the receptors of decreasing sensitivity ratings.
Table 5.3: Protection Priority Ranking
Timeframe to
Impact
Sensitivity Rating
Extreme
High
Medium
Low
<24 hours
24 48 hours
48 72 hours
>72 hours
Sensitive receptors have been allocated a protection priority ranking in the Sensitive
Receptors and Protection Priority Matrix (Appendix A), using the sensitivity rating and the
likelihood of impact. The matrix is based on the following criteria, where known, for each
receptor:
Season
Presence
Abundance
Activity.
The Sensitive Receptors and Protection Priority matrix will be used to determine which
sensitive receptors are present in the event of a spill and subsequently inform protection
priorities, and inform the NEBA.

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Net Environment Benefit Analysis
Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) will be used to assess and compare the risk to the
environment associated with available oil spill response options for spill events identified as
Tier 2/3 events 2. (See Figure 5.16.) This analysis will be undertaken prior to conducting spill
response strategies to:
Confirm that planned response strategies will mitigate the consequence of an oil spill
Confirm or amend the protection priorities of the response
Support the choice of response strategies described in this Plan
Determine locations where the event response activity is considered to have a net
environmental benefit
Ensure there is a net benefit to the environment by undertaking the response strategy, i.e.
further environmental harm will not be caused by the strategy itself.
The NEBA framework aims to make informed decision to decrease the overall effect of oil on
environmental and economic resources whilst achieving an acceptable standard of clean up.
The evaluation process involves the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Collect information on physical characteristics, ecology and human use of

environmental and other resources of the area of interest.
Review previous spill case histories and experimental results which are relevant to
the area and to response methods which could possibly be used.
On the basis of previous experience, predict the likely environmental outcomes if
the proposed response is used, and if the area is left for natural clean-up.
Compare and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of possible responses with
those of natural clean up.
The NEBA process factors in common sense and scientific data and will consider relevant
stakeholder expectations. During the evaluation process oil spill specialists and all interest
groups such as local authorities, environmental groups, fishermen and business groups may
be involved as appropriate.
NEBA uses information gathered on the spill (including type of hydrocarbon, volume, and
location), modelling of hydrocarbon weathering and spill trajectory, time of the year, presence
of sensitive receptors (Appendix A), and potential response strategies that are appropriate for
the situation. This helps determine the available appropriate response strategies for the spill
event. This process is illustrated in Figure 5.16. The NEBA will be revised as required
throughout the spill response based on a number of factors, including information on the longrange weather forecast, the spill trajectory, weathering of the hydrocarbons, and protection
priorities.
Tier 1 Hydrocarbon Spills are of small volume and by definition do not impact on sensitive receptors.
As such NEBA is not required prior to activation of relevant response activities .

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Figure 5.16: NEBA Process for Selecting Protection Priorities and Response Strategies

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6.0
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE STRATEGIES
6.1
Overview
Response strategies to be considered and potentially implemented (either solely or in

combination) in the event of a hydrocarbon release include:
Source Control
Monitoring and Evaluation (including Natural Recovery)
Containment and Recovery at Sea
Assisted Natural Dispersion
Chemical Dispersant Application
Fauna Protection Measures
Oiled Fauna Response
Shoreline Protection and Deflection
Shoreline Clean-up.
Table 6.1 and Table 6.2 provide an overview of Spill Response Strategies to be employed in
first 24 hours and after the first 24 hours, respectively. The suitability or applicability the spill
response strategies for specific spill scenarios and environmental receptor protection are
described in Sections 6.2 to 6.7. The specific timing for particular response measures and or
mobilisation of personnel and equipment required to execute response activities is described
in Section 8.6.

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Table 6.1: Overview of Spill Response Strategies to be employed in first 24 hours

Hydrocarbon
Type (I)
Type (II)
Type (III)
Type (IV)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
Source Control
Monitor and Evaluate
Natural Recovery
Containment and Recovery at

Sea
Surface Chemical Dispersant

Application
Subsurface Chemical
Dispersant Application
Shoreline Protection and

Deflection
Shoreline Clean-up
Oiled Wildlife Response
Response Option
Key
R
Recommended preferred option
Not recommended either not feasible or not applicable
Note: The selection of response strategies to be implemented in the first 24hrs will be based on the NEBA process prior to any response action, other than Source Control, being
undertaken.

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Table 6.2: Overview of Spill Response Strategies to be employed after first 24 hours
Hydrocarbon
Type (I)
Type (II)
Type (III)
Type (IV)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
NEARSHORE
(within 3nm)
OPEN SEA
(beyond 3nm)
Source Control
Monitor and Evaluate
Natural Recovery
Containment and Recovery at

Sea
Surface Chemical Dispersant

Application
Subsurface Chemical
Dispersant Application
Shoreline Protection and

Deflection
Shoreline Clean-up
Response Option
Key
R
1
2
3
Recommended preferred option

Only recommended where deployment of a capping stack is to be used
If trajectory shows that there is a possible chance of shore / wildlife contact
May not be effective after 48 hours
Not recommended either not feasible or not applicable
Note: The selection of response strategies to be implemented in the first 24 hrs will be based on the NEBA process prior to any response action, other than Source Control,
being undertaken.

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Source Control
Source control should be implemented immediately wherever possible. Source control is to be

implemented when a spill may be physically or mechanically controlled. Potential Source
control activities include:
1. Single Point Control
2. Transfer Equipment Control
3. Ruptured Vessel Control
4. Well Capping (Stack)
5. Well Intervention.
Source control methods 13 are relevant for Spill Scenarios 1 to 3, while source control
methods 4 and 5 are considered relevant to Scenario 4 only.
A risk assessment of all source control activities identified that drilling a relief well and
deployment of a capping stack have potential environmental risks and will therefore be subject
to NEBA prior to implementation.
All other source control activities including single point, transfer equipment, ruptured vessel
source control would not directly impact any sensitive receptors and therefore NEBA is not
required prior to activation of this response strategy.
6.2.1
Single Point, Transfer Equipment and Ruptured Vessel Control
Source control is the primary response technique and should be conducted according to the
vessel-specific Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) for vessels, as required
under International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
Source control is to be conducted by the Vessel Master and must consider human health and
safety as well as environmental, cultural, and commercial resources.
Source control activities can be widely varied and may include closing valves, isolating
pipework, and shutting down pumps to stop the flow of hydrocarbons at the source.
Temporary patches or bungs may be used to cover holes in vessels to prevent further release
of product. Transfer of product between tanks on the vessel or listing of the vessel may also
help prevent the further release of hydrocarbons. The vessel SOPEP identifies spill response
equipment located around the vessel, generally including small booms, spill absorbent pads,
spill absorbent litter, and spill recovery containers.
6.2.2
Well Capping (Stack)
Traditionally, the industry has relied on relief wells as the standard approach to dealing with
any blow-out situation. Recently capping stacks have been developed that under certain
situations, allow a subsea well to be capped, staunching any hydrocarbon release pending a
subsequent well kill operation performed through either a bullheading operation or a dynamic
kill utilising a relief well.
The suitability of a capping stack solution to a specific blow-out scenario depends on variables
such as water depth, flow rate, hydrocarbon type and the resultant gas plume, surface
dispersion, and associated VOCs. While the use of capping stacks can minimise
environmental impact when circumstances allow their use, the relief well remains the most
reliable means of dealing with a well blow-out. On shallow water wells (<800 m), capping
stack deployment is likely not feasible due to gas levels at surface and therefore health and
safety considerations. It should be noted that if a restricted flow rate from a partial loss of
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control (e.g. BOP leak, partial packing off of the wellbore) is experienced, this may still allow a
capping stack to be used.
The closest Subsea Well Response Project (SWRP) 3 capping stack for Chevrons Australian
operations is located in Singapore. While the equipment is air transportable, it would require
five 747 cargo aircraft deployments runs to stage the equipment into Perth, followed by either
shipping or road transport to the North West area of operations, in the later case staging
through Dampier port. Stripping the stack down for air transport would take four days in
Singapore and reassembling it for deployment another two days in Australia.
All of the wells associated with this program are located within shallow waters (<230 m).
Subsequently a gas plume from any unrestricted loss of containment is likely to reach the
surface, resulting in a diffused gas cloud in the vicinity of the well location. The associated
explosive limits of the diffused gas would likely preclude the running of a capping stack from
directly over the wellhead and in these circumstances (until a remote capping stack
deployment system is available), Chevrons primary response plan to a loss of well
containment would be to vent gas (with or without surface flaring) until a relief well(s) can be
drilled.
6.2.3
Well Intervention
A relief well plan will be developed for every well to be drilled in the Wheatstone program prior
to undertaking drilling activities. These plans will be developed in accordance with Chevrons
ABU Blowout Contingency Plan (ABU120100104) and ABU Well Integrity and Well Control
Standard Operating Procedure (ABU110200657). These relief well plans cover the following
areas:
Surface / spud location
Shallow hazards
Seabed bathymetry
Seabed infrastructure
Mooring pattern
Relief well trajectory
Wellbore ranging and survey uncertainty
Casing design
Dynamic well kill modeling
Rig availability
Equipment and services availability.
In general, the relief well is designed to be drilled from an adjacent rig with the surface location
based on wind / current direction, water depth, subsurface hazards, and rig capabilities. The
directional plan of the relief well is to target the deepest casing string. This would provide the
best opportunity for well identification and intersection of the existing wellbore for remedial
action.
Chevron is to have two deepwater semi-submersible rigs on contract for the duration of
Wheatstone drilling. As such in the unlikely event of a well blowout scenario, the other
3
Chevron is a member of the SWRP, a global consortium of nine founding oil & gas producers, which
have developed and are deploying a series of capping stacks and dispersant deployment toolkits at
strategic locations around the globe.

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available rig would secure the well it was working on and mobilise to the relief well location.
The time estimated to mobilise an alternate rig to a relief well location is approximately three
weeks. This time estimate is conservative, given both rigs would be working within relative
close proximity of each other.
At the time of writing this Plan, Chevron proposed to have the following semi-submersible drill
rigs under contract:
Atwood Osprey
Diamond Ocean America.
In the event that Chevron do not have an additional rig available, a standing Mutual
Assistance Memorandum of Understanding is in place with other Petroleum Operators
enabling Chevron to utilise available rigs in the region to drill a relief well.
6.3
Monitoring and Evaluation
Irrespective of the final response strategy selected monitoring will commence immediately and
will continue until the operation is terminated. The information gathered through monitoring
and evaluation will be used by the Incident Management Team to steer the response, inform
revision of the NEBA where required, and ensure that the most effective and efficient
response strategies are being used.
Five monitoring and evaluation methods are discussed in this section:
Aerial Surveillance
Vessel Surveillance
Surface Plume Tracking
Satellite Surveillance
Spill Trajectory Modelling.
6.3.1
Aerial Surveillance
Aerial surveillance is the first response for any ongoing reportable incident as it allows the
Incident Management Team to quickly gather initial information about the incident and
formulate tactical plans to combat the spill. Aerial surveillance is carried out throughout the
incident management process to provide feedback to the command centre on daily progress
and to help evaluate the success of the response strategies.
A trained aerial observer, deployed onboard either a fixed winged aircraft or helicopter at a
flying altitude between 300 feet (ft) and 3000 ft (subject to nature, scale and type of
hydrocarbon spill), is needed to perform an accurate surveillance monitoring task.
A written or verbal flight task is given to the aerial observer detailing the purpose of the
mission, such as:
Confirming the location of the spill using ladder or spiral search path
Quantifying the amount of oil on the water and verifying the results from modelling
Directing response operations such as directing vessels/aerial dispersant application
planes onto the thickest part of the oil
Conducting shoreline surveys to identify areas that may have been, or may be impacted.

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There are nine Australian Marine Oil Spills Centre (AMOSC) trained Chevron personnel who
are able to conduct aerial surveillance. These personnel can be mobilised from Barrow Island
(BWI), Karratha, Onslow and Perth and are trained in the following:
How to conduct aerial surveillance
Health and safety
Planning considerations
Navigation
Basic hydrocarbon theory
Spill quantification
Spill identification
Processing post flight information.
There is a grab bag and a helicopter available on BWI for this task while fixed-wing aircraft
can be mobilised within one hour from Karratha Airport. Aerial surveillance training has been
provided to Chevron Australia personnel by AMOSC and OSRL.
6.3.2
Vessel Surveillance
Before the arrival of aircraft for aerial surveillance, vessels available on the scene can help to
conduct initial visual surveillance by following the leading edge of the slick. This location
information can then be communicated to the Incident Management Team to guide the aerial
surveillance aircraft to the slick. This is only a temporary measure as the vessels visibility
range is restricted and there is a risk of secondary contamination of the vessel.
6.3.3
Surface Plume Tracking
Tracking buoys (or drifters) provide essential real-time sea surface current and (temperature)
data and are designed to be deployed from a vessel or an oil platform to track the movement
of the hydrocarbon surface plume under the influence of current and wind. The standard
operating life of the buoy is approximately 180365 days. Chevron has access to two buoys
that will be stored on board offshore drilling and completion rigs to provide an immediate
response, if required..
During a spill the buoy is deployed into the hydrocarbon plume and then follows the movement
of the plume on the sea surface. In addition to providing surveillance, tracking buoys can also
be used to provide verification on the trajectory modelling and thus allow the Incident
Management Team to direct the responding agencies to the right location to combat the spill.
6.3.4
Satellite Surveillance
There are two types of imaging satellites used for hydrocarbon spill surveillance:
SAR (Synthetic Aperture RADAR) an active sensor that sends out a microwave pulse
and reads the return
Optical Relies on reflected energy (e.g. sunlight).
RADAR imagery is the preferred option as the active pulse from space reacts with surface
textures giving all-weather day/night imaging. Generally in most places, there would be two
imaging opportunities per day (i.e. maximum 12 hours lead time).

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In the offshore environment, key information available includes:

Oil on water detection
Ship and rig detection even at coarse spatial resolutions
Analysis of wind patterns both speed and direction.
This service may be engaged through Oil Spill Response Limited* (OSRL) who work with
MDA Geospatial Services. MDA operates two RADAR satellites, but have agreements with
other satellite operators to acquire optical imagery if needed. Continuous imagery or one-off
imagery is available on request.
* Chevron Australia is a participant member of OSRL, which allows for immediate and
guaranteed access to their services, equipment, and personnel 24/7 in the event of an
incident.
6.3.5
Spill Trajectory Modelling
Hydrocarbon spill trajectory modelling is a predictive tool that allows the Incident Management
Team to determine the likely fate of a released hydrocarbon. In order to enable the effective
implementation of environmental protection strategies information on the hydrocarbon plume
regarding the likely fate and time to contact with sensitive receptors is critical.
Modelling results provide:
Spill concentration (ppm)
Viscosity (cP / cSt)
Thickness (mm) 3D model only
Vertical cross section 3D model only
Surface exposure (km2/days)
Mass balance (tonnes/days)
Mass balance (%/days)
Spill overlays inputted
Model graphic output.
Modelling results depend on the quality of the environmental parameters and scenario inputs
used. Hence, they should be used in combination with in-field surveillance. OSRL can be
engaged to run either a 2D or 3D model depending on the incident needs. OSRL may also
subcontract Asia Pacific Applied Science Associates (APASA) to run 2D OILMAP trajectory,
while 3D Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) model can be used to provide
technical support from Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research, Norway (SINTEF).
The typical lead-time of OILMAP trajectory is two hours, while OSCAR can take up to seven
hours depending on the difficulties in obtaining 3D current and wind data.
6.4
Containment and Recovery
In a containment and recovery operation, a booming system is used to gather and concentrate
oily waste while a skimmer is used to pick up and remove the waste from the sea surface
before any impact onto sensitive resources and habitats. Containment and Recovery is highly
suitable and effective technique for spills which occur within the MOF.

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This booming and skimming technique is recommended for:

Calm seas (wave height <1 m). In rough seas, booming can fail and the safety of
responders may be compromised
Group 3 and above oil, as light oil tends to evaporate within the first 24 hours
Long duration operations
Patchy slicks.
Containment and recovery operations are most successful when the most suitable
containment and recovery device for the oil type and weather conditions is selected. It is also
important that the boom is well-maintained and deployed by trained operators and effective
communication is implemented. Refer to Section 6.11 for further information on waste
management.
6.4.1
Boom Selection and Deployment
The most important characteristics of a boom are its oil containment or deflection capability in
relation to water movement. All booms normally incorporate the following features to enhance
this behaviour:
Freeboard to prevent or reduce splash over
Subsurface skirt to prevent or reduce the escape of oil under the boom
Floatation in the form of air, foam, or other buoyant material
Longitudinal tension chain or wire to withstand forces from wind, waves, and currents
Ballast to maintain the vertical aspect of the boom.
The performance of a boom depends on the operating environment in which the boom is
deployed. Choosing the wrong type of boom for an operation may result in boom failures. The
boom selection matrix listed in Table 6.3 classifies the effectiveness of the boom based on the
operating environment, performance, and convenience characteristics of the boom.

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Table 6.3: Boom Selection Matrix

Type of boom
Self-inflatable
Pressureinflatable
External
Tension
Boom Bags
350 EP
Heavy Duty Zooom
Harbour Buster
NO-1000-R
Fair
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Poor
Fair
Fair
Excess
buoyancy
Fair
Good
Good
Fair
Wave Response
Fair
Fair
Good
Good
Strength
Fair
Poor
Good
Good
Ease of handling
Fair
Good
Fair
Good
Ease of cleaning
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Compactability
Poor
Good
Good
Fair
Selection Criteria
Internal Foam
Flotation
Operating Environment
Offshore
Hs > 1 m
V < 1 kt
Harbour
Hs < 1 m
V < 1 kt
Calm water
Hs < 0.3 m
V < 0.5 kt
High current
V >1 kt
Ease of Use
Performance
Operations in
debris
The optimum deployment of a boom is highly dependent on weather conditions and sea state.
The conventional way of deploying a boom is having two vessels holding one end of the boom
each. With the new booming technology, systems such as the buster boom (developed by
NOFI) can be coupled with a boom vane for effective single vessel operation.
The Pilot or Vessel Master generally decides upon the configuration to be used. If wind
speeds and current velocities are too high for the use of fixed boom arrays, or if the oil has
spread over a wide area, mobile boom arrays can be used. Booms can be towed at low speed
(i.e. less than 1 knot or 0.5 m/s) through the water. U and J configurations can be used.

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Skimmer Selection and Deployment
The principles for skimming operations are based on the fluidity properties of oil and oil/water
mixture, density differences between oil or oil/water mixtures and water, or differences in
adhesion to materials. Skimmers are often deployed in combination with oil containment
booms. To maintain a high performance, the skimming speed should be adjusted to suit the
conditions and to match the rate at which oil is arriving at the collection site.
The recovery element of a skimmer diverts or skims the oil from the sea surface, where it
flows to the inlet side of a pumping system for transfer to storage. The mechanisms through
which oil is removed from the water surface include:
Oleophilic system relies on the adhesion of oil to a moving surface, e.g. rope mop
Weir system relies on gravity, e.g. mini max
Suction system relies on pressure difference, e.g. ro vac.
The skimmer selection matrix is listed in Table 6.4 which classifies the effectiveness of the
skimmer based on the operating environment, oil viscosity, and performance characteristics.
Oil is collected at the apex of the boom, therefore the skimmer should be deployed into the
apex where the maximum thickness of oil can be expected, though contact between the
skimmer and the boom should be avoided to protect the boom from abrasion and other
mechanical damage.
Skimmers operating near the shore should have high tolerance to debris in the water. Where
possible, it is usually easier to operate skimmers from the shore, particularly if road access,
hard standing, or a flat working area is available close to the point where the oil is to be
recovered. Skimmers can be operated from a crane on dock walls and jetties.
Suitable types and quantities of temporary storage may be required when conducting
containment and recovery operations. It is important that a realistic volume of storage is
provided prior to commencing recovery operations. It is likely that a quantity of oily water is
recovered (not purely oil) which may increase the amount of storage required.
Suitable storage may be temporary, such as:
Inflated barges that can be towed e.g. Trellcone towable floating tank
Tanks, e.g. Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) loaded onto the vessels deck
Using the vessels internal tanks or a storage barge.
As oil floats on water, a good way to maximise storage is to decant the oily water back into the
sea. Local regulations must be taken into consideration with respect to the discharge of oily
water whilst conducting recovery operations. Some authorities may allow oily water that has
settled in tanks to be discharged back into the apex of the boom to reduce the storage need
and to reduce the amount of liquid that has to be treated on return to shore.

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Table 6.4: Skimmer Selection Matrix

Oleophilic
Selection Criteria
Brush/
Disc
Weir
Selflevelling
Rope
Screw
Vacuum
with Weir
Head
Offshore
Hs > 1 m
Fair
Fair
Poor
Good
Poor
Good
Good
Fair
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Fair
Poor
Fair
Poor
Good
Good
Poor
Fair
Poor
Good
Fair
Poor
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Good
O/W pick-up ratio
Good
Good
Poor
Fair
Poor
Pick-up rate
Fair
Poor
Fair
Fair
Fair
Ease of deployment
Good
Fair
Good
Fair
Good
V < 1 kt
Operating Environment
Harbour
Hs < 1 m
V < 1 kt
Calm water
Hs < 0.3 m
V < 0.5 kt
High current
V > 1 kt
Operations in debris
Viscosity
High viscosity
> 1000 cst
Medium viscosity
1001000 cst
Low viscosity
Performance
<100 cst
Notes:
2
If dispersant has been used, oil does not adhere to the oleophilic surface.
Hs Significant wave height

V Velocity of surface current
O/W picked up ratio - % of oil in skimmed product
6.5
Hydrocarbons undergo natural dispersion as part of the weathering process, with microbial
degradation taking place as the hydrocarbon disperses into the water column. Assisted
Natural Dispersion promotes the weathering process by creating mixing energy through
physical agitation of the water body and can be useful for Group 1 or 2 oils (API gravidity >35)
such as Diesel. Assisted Natural Dispersion can be implemented by manoeuvring a vessel
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through the slick, using propeller wash to create agitation to the water body; this can be
enhanced by spraying water from the vessels onboard fire fighting system. Both methods
break the slick into smaller particles so that they can be more easily dispersed.
Assisted Natural Dispersion is a suitable response strategy during calm seas (wave height
<1 m) where natural mixing energy is low, where the hydrocarbon presents a low risk to
environmental, community, commercial, and industrial receptors and where the surface sheen
is too thin for chemical dispersant application to be effective.
Assisted Natural Dispersion is not suitable, or needs to be considered carefully for Group 4
oils (API<17.5) such as HFO and Intermediate Fuel Oil as physical agitation increases the rate
of emulsification making it harder to recover or to apply chemical dispersant. Assisted Natural
Dispersion is also not suitable where the release is:
In shallow water (<10 m) as agitation may cause disturbance to the sediments or
secondary emergency incidents such as vessel grounding
In large spills (required Tier 2 support)
Light volatile components of oil may cause a fire or explosion hazard. It is important to
obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet or Crude Data Assay of the oil. Gas monitoring is
recommended prior to the start of the activity
In rough seas (wave height >2.5 m), as natural wave energy is most likely be sufficient for
dispersion and safety of the responders may be compromised
Further offshore and assessed as unlikely to hit any shoreline. As the strategy is used for
light thin oil, the slick is likely to vaporise or disperse within 24 hours.
Assisted Natural Dispersion is easily achieved by using any vessel of opportunity on site and
under the clear instruction of the Incident Management Team. As such vessels working in the
vicinity may be engaged to assist with this operation. Vessel operations will be managed to
ensure that manoeuvring vessels maintain a safe distance between each other, a safety
vessel is engaged to warn/direct vessels transiting the work zone and appropriate gas
monitoring is undertaken to ensure crew safety. Assisted Natural Dispersion operations will be
stood down when no sheen is observed or when continuation of the operations is considered
no longer effective (i.e. oil continues to remain on the water or the resurfacing of submerged
oil) by the emergency management team.
6.6
Chemical Dispersant Application
The purpose of chemical dispersants is to assist in the breakdown of the hydrocarbon into the
water column. Chemical dispersants are designed to enhance natural dispersion by reducing
the surface tension at oil/water interface, making it easier for wave motion to break up the
surface slick and entrain the hydrocarbon where microbial degradation can occur.
Generally, dispersants are not used to treat spills of marine diesel, gas oil, kerosene, or similar
light oil types as these types of hydrocarbon are likely to evaporate, for the most part, from the
sea surface naturally with a relatively small proportion of persistent oil remaining. Chemical
dispersants may be feasible subject to physical characteristics such as the sea surface and
hydrocarbon temperature, weathering properties of the hydrocarbon, time since spill, water
depth and distance to sensitive receptors and shorelines.
Chemical dispersion as a response tool can decrease the risk of shoreline impacts as well as
fouling of birds and marine mammals. However, there is also potential for this response tool to
increase the risk of impacts to biota in the water column as well as present inherent H&S risks
to responders operating in the viscinity of the dispersant. All dispersants currently listed on the
OSCA Register contain surfactants as the active ingredients but in general, the solvent
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component is a light hydrocarbon, or mixture of hydrocarbons. The relative toxicity of

dispersant use on marine biota is discussed in Section 4.2 and will be considered in
determining the potential application of chemical dispersants.
The decision to apply chemical dispersant is therefore subject to the following selection
criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The type, location, depth and trajectory of the spill.

The response objective: i.e. to protect the shoreline.
Safety factors for responders.
Environmental Conditions.
Net Environmental Benefit Analysis.
NEBA considers the following factors:

Properties of the spilled hydrocarbon and its suitability for dispersant use
Choice of dispersant and its likely effectiveness under expected metocean conditions
Potential impacts to water quality and marine biota from both the proposed dispersant
itself as well as chemically dispersed hydrocarbons
Estimated exposure profile.
Depending on the location of the incident in State or Commonwealth waters, dispersant use is
subject to approval by:
Chevron Australia
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
Department of Transport (DoT)
Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)
National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority
(NOPSEMA).
Within State Waters, written authorisation will be sought from the Minster or appropriate
Hazard Management Agency (HMA), as described in the Emergency Management Act 2005
(WA). The Department of Transport (DoT) will be contacted and supplied with the information
required such as spill location, quantity, and oil type and characteristics. If dispersant is
required to be used in Commonwealth Waters, National Offshore Petroleum Safety and
Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) will be contacted. If the potential exists
that dispersant may cross jurisdictions, the relevant statutory agency will be contacted.
Chevron Australia would consider dispersant application after considering the factors relevant
factors such as regulatory approval requirements; weathering; proximity to sensitive receptors;
likelihood of contacting the shoreline; Operational constraints due to weather; and a NEBA
which considers the potential toxicity of the dispersant as well as other factors.
Chemical dispersants are classified as Oil Spill Control Agents (OSCA) by AMSA and only
dispersant products listed on AMSAs OSCA Register, that have passed the necessary toxicity
and efficacy testing, or existing stocks of dispersants approved and purchased prior to 1
January 2012 are available for use for both surface and sub-surface spills as detailed in the
following sections.

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Surface Application
Chemical dispersants may be applied to surface spills by aircraft or vessel. Application by

vessel is constrained by sea condition and becomes ineffective/unnecessary once the sea
state exceeds four on the Beaufort scale. This includes a moderate to fresh breeze
(11-21 knots [kn]), and small waves (12 m) with some spray. Conditions above these
increase natural dispersion rates and make chemical dispersant application ineffective, while
calmer conditions may require additional action such as physical agitation. Aircraft application
may occur for a sea state up to six on the Beaufort scale, which is considered a wind speed
2227 KN and many moderate breaking waves (up to 3 m). See Figure 6.1. Termination of
surface dispersant application will be decided in conjunction with the relevant regulatory
agency (NOPSEMA, DoT) once successful dispersion has been achieved or chemical
dispersion is not being effective, or further efforts no longer are having a net environmental
benefit.
6.6.2
Sub-surface Application
Sub-surface chemical dispersant application may be implemented in the event of a well blow
out scenario where a subsea first response toolkit can be deployed. The objective of using
dispersants on spills from a well blow out is to prepare the site for safe implementation of a
source control (capping stack) response strategy. As such the objective of using dispersants
isnt to promote the distribution of the oil from the surface into the water column but to enable
the safe deployment of a capping stack.
To manage the risks associated with sub-surface application, the following mitigation will be
implemented:
Dispersants will only be used at the source to enable safe deployment of a capping stack.
Dispersants will only be used as a preparation activity for source control, and only to
commence prior to capping stack being onsite and be terminated once source is
successfully capped.

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Consider alternative response methods:
Source control
Monitor, evaluate and surveillance
Assisted natural dispersion
Offshore containment and recovery
DECISION TREE FOR THE USE OF DISPERSANTS

Have alternative
response methods
been considered?
No
Yes
Does the response

objective support
dispersant application?
Environment team to advise if oil trajectory threatens receptors.
i.e. prevent
shoreline
impact
No
Yes
No
Suitable conditions include:

Are conditions
suitable for
dispersant
application?
Safe to operate vessel, aircraft and/or subsea equipment

Water temperature > 15C
Wind speed approx. 4 to 27 knots (Beaufort Scale 2 to 6)
Wave height approx. 0.2 to 4 m
In calm conditions mixing energy can be supplied by vessel propellers.
Yes
No
Does Net Environment Benefit
Analysis (NEBA) indicate that
dispersant application is viable
within the 20 m bathymetry
contour?
No
Is the spill
outside the
20 m bathymetry
contour?
Environment team to advise if dispersant application threatens receptors

sensitive to chemically dispersed oil based on oil trajectory, literature, ecotox
testing and mapping of resources at risk.
Yes
Yes
No
Is this oil dispersible?
Yes
Based on literature & lab test results.

Undertake basic field test for dispersant effectiveness (shake jar test).
Consider timing of response and changing oil properties (weathering etc.)
Approval to use dispersants is required from:
No
Have necessary
approvals
been given?
Chevron Australia (State and Commonwealth Waters)

DMP (State Waters); or
DoT (State Waters as delegated Hazard Management Agency)
NOPSEMA (Prior approval granted in Commonwealth Waters on acceptance of
Environment Plan)
AMSA (only approved/listed dispersants can be used in accordance with National
Plan. AMSA to advise on spills that occur in Commonwealth waters if vessel was
not conducting a petroleum activity).
Yes
Conduct spray test using equipment and dispersant. If determined to be successful by
visual monitoring, commence wider dispersant application at leading edge of slick.
Apply dispersant
Additional dispersant, equipment and responders can be supplied by AMOSC and OSRL.
Aerial dispersant application can be implemented by OSRL or AMSAs Fixed Wing Aerial
Dispersant Capability (FWADC) activated through AMOSC emergency response.
Commence SMART Protocol for dispersant effectiveness monitoring.
Is dispersant
Effective?
No
Yes
Re-evaluate response method

If conditions change, return to
start of decision tree.
Signs of effectiveness include:

Coffee-colour in underlying waters
Loss of distinct edge of slick and replacement with more diffuse edge
Change in colour of oil
Subsurface oil
Positive Fluorometry results
Positive water sampling results
Signs that dispersant is not working include:
Milky white colour in water
Immediate break-up of spill into thick dark bands

Negative Fluorometry results
Negative water sampling results
Application of dispersant ceases

when monitoring demonstrates the
surface spill has decreased in size to
the point that the sensitive receptor(s)
being protected are no longer
threatened by surface oil.
Figure 6.1: Decision Guidelines for use of Dispersants on the Sea Surface

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Fauna Protection Measures
Fauna protection activities involve a number of potential techniques including:

Exclusion, Hazing and Deterrents
Pre-emptive Capture and Removal.
6.7.1
Exclusion, Hazing and Deterrents
Onshore exclusion barriers, such as fencing, will be used to stop shorebirds and terrestrial
fauna gaining access to an area affected by the hydrocarbon spill, where practicable. Fauna
exclusion activities may be carried out in combination with hazing/deterrents, which are
intended to discourage fauna away from the impacted area.
Hazing will be used where practicable and in consultation with the DPW and DOTE as
appropriate to deter the animals such as cetaceans, dugongs and seabirds from entering the
slick. Hazing techniques may involve a combination of visual and auditory devices such as
herding with aircraft or helicopters and boats, using gas canons or installing effigies (e.g.
scarecrows) on impacted shorelines.,.
6.7.2
Pre-emptive Capture and Removal
Pre-emptive capture and removal of fauna from potential impact areas is a response measure
that may be employed to avoid impacts to fauna caused by a hydrocarbon spill. This
technique involves the capture and removal of fauna that may otherwise come into contact
with a hydrocarbon spill as a result of remaining in the area where they are encountered, or
that may be otherwise be impacted by general spill response and clean-up activities.
Capture and removal of fauna will be conducted by, or under the supervision of, trained fauna
handlers or personnel that have been authorised by DPW to do so. The most likely scenarios
for pre-emptive capture and removal are considered to be for unhatched turtle eggs and newly
emerged hatchlings. Unhatched turtle eggs will be relocated only when there is no other
option and a significant percentage of a single species population may be at risk from oiling.
Where practicable, nests will be relocated within 12 hours of egg deposition, or after 14 days
of incubation. Permits will be sought from the DPW, where required, for specialists handling of
turtles and turtle nests. Eggs will be handled gently and any unnecessary movement
(especially rotation) will be avoided, where practicable. If relocation is adopted as an option
during a spill, only trained, experienced, and authorised personnel will be permitted to disturb
nests or move eggs.
An alternative mitigation technique is to leave the eggs to hatch naturally from the affected
nests, and then to capture the turtle hatchlings before they migrate to the water. Hatchlings
can then be released at an alternative location unaffected by the spill.
Where practicable, and only if approved by the DPW, shorebirds will be captured, held and or
relocated away from the pathway of the slick or from shorelines which are likely to be
impacted by the spill.
6.8
Oiled Fauna Response
In the event of a hydrocarbon spill, NEBA will be used to determine the priorities for oiled
fauna response and determine the appropriate strategies for capture and treatment of oiled
fauna. This will include an assessment of the most suitable location for cleaning oiled fauna,
onsite or offsite, and longer-term rehabilitation facilities.

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Oiled fauna response involves a number of activities aimed at the capture and treatment of
fauna that have, or are likely to, come into contact with spilled hydrocarbons. Activities
associated with oiled wildlife response include:
Establishment of a staging, treatment and rehabilitation areas
Capture of oiled fauna
Treatment of fauna to remove oil
Identification of appropriate external rehabilitation facilities, if required
Collection and disposal of dead fauna.
Oiled fauna capture, handling, and treatment activities will be directed by trained Oiled Fauna
Responders, with a team of trained fauna handlers or by personnel that have the appropriate
licences, qualifications, or authority. The most likely fauna that may come in contact with
hydrocarbon spilled as a result of Wheatstone project activities are marine turtles, seasnakes,
birds, cetaceans, whale sharks and dugongs and benthic invertebrates. Specific guidance is
not given for the treatment of oiled megafauna such as cetaceans, sharks and dugongs as
there is limited information on this subject. Due to the lack of knowledge and difficulty in safely
handling oiled megafauna. Chevron does not propose to undertake treatment for oiled
megafauna, but where practicable will retain carcasses or collect samples to assist in the
determination of fauna mortality where the species are encountered during spill response
activities.
Guidance will be sought from the DPW and DOTE to ensure fauna handling activities are
managed correctly. If Chevron Australia and the DPW have insufficient resources to deal with
the scale of oiled wildlife, additional oiled fauna response resources will be initiated through
the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and AMOSC. Additional information can be
found in the Oiled Fauna Response Plan Sub-Plan (WestPlan-MOP) (DoT 2010) and National
Guideline for the Development of Oiled Fauna Response Contingency Plans (AMSA 2002).
6.8.1
Capture, Collection and Holding of Oiled Fauna
The capture of oiled wildlife for treatment and rehabilitation is often required in response to a
hydrocarbon spill. The establishment of staging, treatment and rehabilitation areas may also
be required subject to the number, type and location of oiled fauna. The purpose of the
staging area is to allow preliminary assessment of oiled fauna to be conducted, prior to
transportation to treatment and/or rehabilitation areas. The staging area is usually being
located close to oiled fauna or shoreline contact. The location of these areas should be
determined through NEBA, taking into account the presence of other sensitive receptors
otherwise not impacted by the spill, such as beaches, mangroves, and bird and turtle nesting
areas.
If required, oiled fauna will be captured, transported and held in a manner such that, where
practicable, the risk of further impact or injury is minimised. Oiled fauna capture and removal
will be undertaken by trained fauna handlers. Captured oiled fauna will be transported from
the initial collection area, likely to be the impacted shoreline, to a holding area where initial
treatment and cleaning may occur here. The treatment, rehabilitation and/or euthanasia of
oiled fauna will only be conducted by personnel who have the appropriate licences,
qualifications, or authority for these activities.

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Treatment
For oiled fauna requiring physical treatment, fauna will undergo the following treatment within
the Handling Area:
Surface oiling will be removed, avoiding direct contact with the head and oral cavities,
using a very mild dishwashing detergent, along with copious amounts of warm water.
Head, salt glands and oral cavities will be cleaned using cloth dampened with food oils,
such as olive, sunflower, or soy, which have been found to be effective in breaking up and
removing petroleum hydrocarbons.
To treat potential hydrocarbon ingestion organic fats (such as mayonnaise) may be forcefed to the animal to facilitate clearance of oil or tar fouling in the oesophagus and
gastrointestinal tract. Charcoal-containing compounds may also decrease absorption of
hydrocarbons which can cause organ damage. Alternatively material which coats the
gastrointestinal lining such as olive oil or Pepto-Bismol may be administered orally to
provide the animal relief from irritation.
The animal will be moved to a holding enclosure and monitored closely for 2448 hours.
Dependent on the health status of the animal, the cleaning cycle may need to be repeated
until all physical oiling is removed and the animal is showing no further signs associated
with hydrocarbon ingestion.
Where practicable, and required, rehabilitated animals will be held for up to 14 days at an
appropriate holding facility. The health status of rehabilitating turtles will be reassessed
daily.
Under the direction of the DPW animals determined to be unlikely to survive following
release will be euthanased by trained, licensed and authorised personnel.
Oiled turtle response measures will be managed to mitigate any potential adverse impacts of
the response actions. Such mitigation and control may include:
Ensuring that only permitted foot and equipment traffic enter nesting areas, and that heavy
or vibrating machinery are prohibited from entering turtle nesting areas, where practicable
Managing artificial light, including the use of flashlights, to avoid disorientating hatchlings
which emerge from their nests during adjacent response actions
Ensuring artificial barriers such as berms, sorbents, and booms do not prevent hatchlings
from reaching the water and adult females from reaching potential nesting sites
Managing vessel traffic to reduce the risk of vessel and propeller strike of turtles in the
water.
An assessment as to whether the affected animal will require rehabilitation will be conducted
prior to release.
6.8.2
Fauna Rehabilitation
If long-term rehabilitation is required for oiled or injured fauna, appropriate external

rehabilitation facilities will be identified, in consultation with DPW/DOTE. This identification
process will also involve an assessment of logistics on transporting the fauna to the
rehabilitation facility, and an assessment of the permanent housing or release location of
fauna.

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Carcass Disposal
Collection and disposal of dead fauna will be conducted, where practicable, to prevent
secondary poisoning of scavengers, provide evidence for damage assessment, provide the
numbers of known deaths, and allow determination as to which deaths are due to oil
exposure.
In some cases fauna deaths, including large numbers of fauna, may occur from natural
causes or at specific times of the year or lifecycle. Naturally occurring carcasses may become
oiled following a hydrocarbon spill and the deaths incorrectly attributed as being caused by oil
exposure. In some cases, autopsies will be conducted on oiled fauna carcases to determine
the cause of death.
All oiled animal carcasses are classified as bio-hazardous and clinical waste, therefore special
requirements apply to their handling and disposal, including:
Collection of dead fauna will be performed by trained fauna handlers or by personnel that
have the appropriate licences, qualifications or authority, and are equipped with
appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Collected carcasses will be identified and recorded, then sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags
and labelled accordingly. The transfer of carcasses will be tracked, to allow cataloguing,
storage, investigation, and eventual disposal.
Bagged and labelled carcasses will be segregated from other waste streams, and
transferred as soon as practicable to a refrigerated storage for future autopsy or disposal.
6.9
Shoreline Protection and Deflection
Protection of sensitive shorelines or areas will be considered where practicable to protect

unaffected habitats from contact with spilled hydrocarbons. Based on the priority ranking, the
site with the highest sensitivity rating will be protected first. A combination of protection and
deflection booming can be used. Deflection booming can be added as a backup for protection
booming. Multiple booms may be used to ensure effectiveness. After the oil is redirected to a
collection point, skimming/absorbent operations to recover the oil can commence.
6.9.1
Shoreline Protection
Protection booming will be used to protect sensitive sites including small bays, inlets, and
harbour entrances, where practicable. This technique is effective only where currents are
relatively weak otherwise entrainment under the boom is likely. This technique can also be
used to contain hydrocarbon spilling from the shoreline, such as from a pipeline or a grounded
vessel.
6.9.2
Shoreline Deflection
Deflection booming redirects oil away from sensitive sites or resources to less sensitive sites
that can easily facilitate shoreline clean-up techniques, or to sites that have natural mixing
energy, such as wave zones. Deflection booming requires exact placement and securing.
Where practicable either Chevron-Booming or Cascade Booming, will be used for shoreline
deflection activities as considered appropriate by the AEMT.

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Shoreline Clean-up
Where shoreline protection or deflection is not possible or unsuccessful, shoreline clean-up

activities will be instigated. Shoreline clean-up involves physical removal of oil from shorelines
via a range of techniques including:
Natural Recovery
Absorbents
Sediment Relocation
Manual Clean-up
Mechanical Clean-up
Pumps & Vacuums
Low-pressure Flushing
High Pressure Flushing
Flooding.
Prior to commencing shoreline clean-up, an Oiled Shoreline Assessment (OSA) team will be
deployed to survey the affected sites and collect and document real-time data on oil and
shoreline conditions. OSA surveys can be conducted to respond to range of hydrocarbon spill
scenarios and shoreline oiling conditions. These surveys are useful as they enable a rapid,
accurate, systematic and consistent collection of data to support decision making and provide
a flexible and adaptable response technique for addressing spill conditions.
OSA teams provide information of the shoreline for decision making. The OSA process uses
eight steps:
Segment the shoreline
Conduct reconnaissance survey
Assign teams and conduct shoreline surveys
Develop clean-up guidelines and endpoints
Submit reports and sketches to planning sections
Monitor effectiveness of clean-up
Post clean-up inspections
Do final evaluation of clean-up activities.
In addition to its primary objective, OSA surveys may be used for the development of
treatment or clean-up recommendations, development of treatment or clean-up standards or
criteria, net environmental benefit analysis, post-treatment inspection and evaluation and
provision of long-term monitoring.
Recommended clean-up methods for identified sensitive receptors are listed in Table 6.5 in
the order of Environmental Sensitive Index (ESI). Each of these areas is further divided based
on the impacted oil type and the degree of oiling. Details regarding the implementation of
these techniques are provided in Sections 6.10.1 to 6.10.5. Prior to commencing any
shoreline clean-up activities at conservation or culturally significant sites, Chevron will seek
the relevant approvals from DPW and/or the Department of Indigenous Affairs, respectively.

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Table 6.5: Recommended Clean-up Methods

Shoreline Type
ESI: 1-2
Exposed Rocky
Shores
Type of
Oil
Degree of
Oiling
Response Strategies
NR
ABS
SR
MC
P&V
LPF
HPF
FLD
MR
Light
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Medium
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Heavy
Moderate
Heavy
ESI: 3-6
Sandy Shores and
Beaches
Light
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Medium
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Heavy
Moderate
Heavy
ESI: 6B, 8B
Artificial Structures
Light
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Medium
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Heavy
Moderate
Heavy
ESI: 8A
Sheltered Rocky
Shores
Light
Light
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Medium
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Heavy
Moderate
Heavy

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Shoreline Type
ESI: 7, 9
Mud and Tidal Flats
Type of
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Response Strategies
NR
ABS
SR
MC
P&V
LPF
HPF
FLD
MR
Light
Moderate
Light
Heavy
Light
Medium
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Heavy
Moderate
Heavy
ESI: 10A-D
Mangroves and
Wetlands
Light
Moderate
Light
Heavy
Light
Medium
Moderate
Heavy
Light
Heavy
Moderate
Heavy
Legend
NR:
Natural Recovery
ABS: Absorbent
SR:
Sediment Relocation
Degree of oiling
Oil Distribution
MC:
P&V:
LPF:
Manual Clean-up
Pump & Vacuum
Low Pressure Flushing
HPF:
FLD:
MR:
High Pressure Flushing

Flooding
Mechanical Removal
Width of oiled areas
Continuous (91 100%)
Wide
Heavy
Medium
Heavy
Narrow
Medium
Very Narrow
Light
Broken (51 90%)
Heavy
Heavy
Medium
Light
Patchy (11 50%)
Medium
Medium
Light
Light
Sporadic (1 10%)
Light
Light
Light
Light

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Natural Recovery
Natural recovery, as the name suggests, makes use of the natural degradation and
weathering processes to breakdown and remove stranded hydrocarbons. Effectively, this
method means that no direct action is taken other than to monitor the rate of recovery.
Monitoring of habitats following a hydrocarbon spill is described in the Wheatstone Oil Spill
Operational and Scientific Monitoring Program (WS0-0000-HES-PLN-CVX-000-00093-000).
Natural recovery may not be appropriate for areas where high numbers of mobile animals
(turtles, birds, marine mammals, crabs, etc.) use the affected area and may come into contact
with unremoved hydrocarbons. Naturally recovery will be employed where direct intervention
may result in greater impacts to the environment than those caused by the presence of the
hydrocarbon; where there is no proven, effective method for clean-up; or where the shoreline
is remote or inaccessible and pose a safety risk to clean-up teams.
6.10.2
Absorbents
Absorbents can be used to collect hydrocarbons by placing oleophilic materials on the surface
of the shoreline substrate, as it is released by tidal or wave action. The effectiveness of this
technique depends on the capacity of the particular absorbent, the energy available for lifting
hydrocarbons off the shoreline, and the degree of weathering. Absorbents are designed for
use with light to medium hydrocarbon products.
This technique is suitable for all shoreline types but may be specifically employed on rocky
shorelines that have rip-rap morphology or where intertidal vegetation requires clean-up or
protection. Shoreline access is required for light motor vehicles, shallow craft, or helicopters to
support work crews and therefore this method may pose a risk to turtle or bird nesting
beaches.
The technique is labour intensive and can be slow, and as a result stranded hydrocarbons can
potentially remain in critical habitats for relatively long periods of time. The effectiveness of
absorbents may also decrease over time as the volume of hydrocarbon capture by the
material increases.
Where practicable, absorbents will primarily be used as a secondary treatment method after
bulk hydrocarbon removal techniques have been implemented for sensitive shorelines where
intertidal vegetation is found, or where access is restricted. Care will be taken, where
practicable, to prevent secondary impacts to the environment as a result of vehicle and foot
traffic.
6.10.3
Sediment Relocation
Sediment relocation involves reworking oiled sediments to break up the hydrocarbon deposits
and increase the exposed hydrocarbon surface area in order to enhance the natural
degradation and removal processes and rate of recovery. Tilling-type activities work best on
beaches containing a significant quantity of sand. Large equipment can be used to relocate
sediments (up to boulder size). The oiled sediments in the upper beach area may also be
relocated lower on the beach to enhance natural clean-up (berm relocation). The technique is
effective on beaches with significant amounts of subsurface oil where sediment removal is not
feasible (due to erosion concerns or disposal problems) or where surface oil deposits have
started to form pavements or crusts.
As the technique typically requires heavy machinery such as bulldozers, tractors and roto-tills
the technique is not suitable for turtle or bird nesting beaches. Additional risks include the
potential to expose burrowing intertidal and subtidal fauna to hydrocarbons by deliberately
mixing contaminated and uncontaminated sediment layers. Relocation of sediments may also

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result in short term localised beach destabilization which in turn could result in contaminated
sediments being mobilised to uncontaminated areas via wave and current energy.
Sediment relocation will only be employed on beaches which are exposed to wave energy and
which are not identified as turtle or bird nesting beaches. OSA assessment will include
consideration of secondary contamination of unaffected sediments/beaches following
sediment relocation activities.
6.10.4
Manual Clean-up
Manual clean-up involves the removal of stranded surface hydrocarbons and contaminated
debris with hand tools and manual labour for offsite disposal. This technique can be used on
all shoreline types where safe access is available but is generally used for small volume, light
hydrocarbon spills where the oiled material can be easily removed without mechanical
equipment.
This technique is most suitable for shorelines that cannot be accessed by vehicles or which
support receptors which are sensitive to physical disturbance such as intertidal corals,
seagrass, mangroves and turtle and bird nesting beaches. Manual clean-up will be used for
sensitive shorelines and where vehicle access is prohibited. Foot traffic will be managed over
sensitive areas such as turtle and bird nesting to minimise potential secondary impacts from
manual clean-up activities.
6.10.5
Mechanical Clean-up
Mechanical clean-up involves the removal of stranded surface hydrocarbons and

contaminated sediment and debris for offsite disposal using heavy equipment and machinery.
Hydrocarbons and contaminated sediments are collected and removed using excavation
equipment such as graders, bulldozers, backhoes and haul trucks. In some cases temporary
storage facilities maybe required as a staging area for transportation and treatment and final
disposal. Mechanical clean-up is suitable for shorelines wherever surface sediments are both
amenable to, and accessible by, heavy equipment. This technique may also be used for
intertidal or subtidal areas by using barge or platform mounted excavators and dredges.
The technique is preferred when large amounts of contaminated materials must be removed.
In some cases, removed contaminated sediments may be replaced by clean over-burden
sediments which have been taken from an uncontaminated donor location. Due to the nature
of this technique there is a high risk that impacted and adjacent habitats may be physically
disturbed which may be result in secondary impacts such as levelling of dunes, erosion of
beaches and loss of coastal vegetation, . There is a high risk that buried or burrowing
organisms may be affected. This technique may also result in resuspension of exposed
hydrocarbons and fine-grained, contaminated sediments which might in turn affect adjacent
marine or estuarine areas.
Where mechanical clean-up is implemented, OSA teams will assess the site prior to
commencement so that excavation teams can be properly directed. Where practicable,
sediments will only be removed to the depth of hydrocarbon penetration, and excessive
sediment removal will be avoided to prevent beach or shore erosion. Heavy equipment will be
managed to minimise potential impacts to sensitive habitats (e.g., mangroves, dunes, and
seagrass). Chevron will seek permission from the DPW and DIA prior to implementing
mechanical clean-up operations in or adjacent to conservation or culturally significant sites.
6.10.6
Pumps and Vacuums
Pumps and vacuums can be used to remove free oil pooled on the surface of substrates or
water bodies in sheltered areas. Equipment can range from small portable units that fill
200 litre drums to large vacuum trucks. Water spray systems are also often used to flush free
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hydrocarbons towards the suction head of the vacuum. Equipment may be mounted on
vessels and barges for use in marine areas, or on vehicles and trucks, for onshore and
intertidal use.
This technique can be used on any shoreline type where adequate access is available but is
most effective when free-flowing oil is stranded on the shoreline (usually along the high-tide
line) or trapped in vegetation that is readily accessible, or contained in sheltered water ways
such as estuaries, creeks and small bays. Where vacuums and pumps are mounted on
vehicles there is a risk to sensitive habitats from physical disturbance during clean-up
operations. In addition, small or burrowing animals are at risk of being removed, damaged or
killed using this technique.
If required, Chevron will use vacuums and pumps to collect free-flowing surface hydrocarbons
subject to access restrictions and proximity to sensitive habitats or fauna. Where practicable,
traffic and vacuum operations will be managed to minimise potential impacts to sensitive
areas (such as mangroves) or vulnerable fauna (such as turtle hatchlings).
6.10.7
Low-pressure Flushing
Low-pressure flushing is used to remove liquid hydrocarbons that have adhered to the
substrate or artificial structures, pooled on the surface or become trapped in vegetation. Lowpressure washing uses ambient sea water sprayed via hoses at pressures typically less than
350 kilopascals (kPa). This technique is often to flush hydrocarbons from high on the shore to
the waters edge for recovery and disposal. Equipment required for this technique includes a
flushing unit (pump and hoses) and collection equipment such as booms, skimmers,
absorbents and vacuums. Low-pressure flushing can also be used with a deluge system on
beaches to prevent released hydrocarbons from re-adhering to the substrate.
This technique is effective on heavily oiled gravel beaches, riprap, and seawalls where the oil
is still liquid and in tidal creeks, intertidal mudflats and mangroves where free oil is trapped.
Low-pressure flushing can also be used to move free-flowing hydrocarbons away from
sensitive areas to locations where they are more easily contained and removed.
Risks associated with this technique include release of hydrocarbons into uncontaminated
areas or water bodies and sensitive habitats or recontamination of cleaned areas if flushed
hydrocarbons are not contained and removed. This technique can be implemented from a
vessel or a vehicle. The use of vehicles may result in secondary impacts to sensitive habitats
through physical disturbance.
If required, Chevron will use low-pressure flushing in suitable habitat to redirect free-flowing
hydrocarbons away from trapped areas and sensitive receptors or to remove hydrocarbons
from adhered surfaces. The use of low pressure flushing will be managed so as to ensure
that the oil/water effluent does not drain across sensitive intertidal habitats.
6.10.8
High-pressure Flushing
High pressure flushing works similar to low-pressure flushing, except that water pressure may
be up to 700 kPa. High-pressure flushing can be more effective than low-pressure flushing for
hydrocarbons which have adhered to hard surfaces such as rocks and concrete. As this
technique typically requires relatively low water volumes the placement of absorbents directly
below the treatment area can be utilised to collect free hydrocarbons.
This technique is effective for rocky shores, shelfs, ripraps and seawalls and can also be used
to flush floating oil or loose hydrocarbons out of enclosed water bodies such as tide pools.
This technique may also be used to remove persistent oil that has adhered to artificial
structures or when low-pressure washing is not effective. Due to the force created by high
pressure water, this technique poses a risk to intertidal vegetation and intertidal avifaunal
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which can be dislodged from natural and man-made substrates. It may also result in
hydrocarbons being driven below the surface if used on soft sediments or in released
hydrocarbons affecting clean or sensitive areas if they are not contained and removed.
If required, Chevron will utilise high-pressure flushing to remove adhered and trapped
hydrocarbons from hard surfaces or areas where they may otherwise persist without removal.
The use of high pressure flushing will be managed so that the hydrocarbon contaminated
water does not drain across sensitive habitats or uncontaminated areas.
6.10.9
Flooding/Deluging
Flooding or deluging involves release large volumes of low energy water from high on the
shore to flush hydrocarbons stranded on land to the waters edge for collection and disposal.
This technique often involves the use of a perforated header pipe or hose placed above the
oiled shore or bank, ambient water is then pumped through the header pipe at low pressure
and flows down slope to the water where any oil released can be trapped by booms and
recovered by skimmers or other suitable equipment.
Flooding or deluging is suitable for all shoreline types where the equipment can be effectively
deployed thought are not effective in steep intertidal areas. On porous sediments, the
technique works by causing water flows through the substrate, pushing loose hydrocarbons
ahead of it. On saturated, fine-grained sediments, the technique does not penetrate the
sediment but rather acts to flush hydrocarbons which are located on the surface. Flushing can
also be effective in heavily oiled areas providing the oil is still fluid and adheres loosely to the
substrate, and where oil has penetrated into gravel sediments. This method is frequently used
with other washing techniques (low- or high-pressure flushing).
If containment methods are not sufficient, hydrocarbons and contaminated sediments may be
flushed into adjacent sensitive areas and may result in smothering of vegetation of fauna by
sediments which are washed down slope. This technique may also cause sediment loss and
erosion of the shoreline and around shallow rooted vegetation and intertidal vegetation such
as mangroves.
Where practicable, Chevron will use flushing in conjunction with other clean-up methods such
as low- and high-pressure flushing. Where practicable, care will be taken during flushing to
recover hydrocarbons adjacent to sensitive nearshore habitats to prevent further
contamination or re-oiling. Intertidal vegetation will be monitored to ensure the smothering and
or erosion is minimised, where practicable.
6.11
Waste Management
Collected hydrocarbons and contaminated wastes are likely to be generated during spill
response activities such as Containment and Recovery, Shoreline Clean-up, and Oiled
Wildlife Response. Key actions in the management of spill response wastes are:
Identify and forecast the types and quantities of waste generated by activity and location
Establish and support the operation of temporary waste management areas
Source and deploy appropriate receptacles and resources to appropriately contain wastes
Facilitate the safe and efficient transport and tracking of oiled waste to appropriate
management areas and facilities
Facilitate the appropriate storage, treatment or recycling/disposal of waste.
Chevron will establish temporary waste management areas, and coordinate the deployment of
available waste assets (i.e. receptacles, equipment and personnel) and recovery and disposal
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of wastes. Spill response activities will adopt the waste hierarchy strategy by reducing, reusing, recycling, treating and recovering waste, where practicable.
In addition to the waste management facilities within Chevron Australias operating sites, there
are currently ten waste management facilities in WA that are licensed to receive, treat,
process, store and/or dispose of hydrocarbon contaminated solid and liquid wastes. These
comprise three facilities in the Pilbara Region, one facility in the South West region, and five
facilities in the Perth metropolitan area. Implementation Strategy
This section defines the roles and responsibilities for hydrocarbon spill response measures
and the associated clear chain of command.

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7.0
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
7.1
Overview
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The Wheatstone LNG Project comprises of three distinct marine construction scopes which
are managed by separate Delivery Teamsthese are Drilling and Completions, Upstream and
Downstreameach of which has their own detailed spill response plans. The spill response
plans detail the spill response strategies and management related to each specific scope of
work, including key implementation information such as roles and responsibilities, chain of
command and commencement and termination criteria.
Chevrons oil spill response support arrangements available for a Tier 1, 2 or 3 oil spill event
are integrated into existing Drilling and Completions, Upstream, Central and Downstream oil
spill response plans.
7.2
Emergency Management Structure
The Chevron Emergency Management structure follows the Australasian Interservice Incident
Management System (AIIMS). The interface compatibility of the AIIMS with other spill
response systems used in Australia, such as Oil Spill Response Incident Control System
(OSCRICS) enables a seamless integration of activities and resources of multiple agencies in
dealing with spill incidents of any scale. Specifically Chevron utilises a four tiered emergency
response organisation (refer Table 7.1).
Table 7.1: Chevron Emergency Response Organisation
Team
Onsite Response
Team
Incident
Emergency
Management
Team
Description
Onsite Response Teams (ORTs) are usually staffed and managed by
Contractor Organisations conducting work for Chevron. The ORT role is to:
Organise and manage site-based tactical response operations (i.e. offensive

and/or defensive actions taken at the site of an incident to respond to the
incident), regardless of nature or size of incident
Ensure site-based tactical response operations are carried out in a safe,

well organised, and effective fashion
Access internal and external support and resources as required.
The Wheatstone Project utilises the Barrow Island (BWI) and/or the Thevenard
Island (TVI) Installation Emergency Response Team (IEMT), dependent on
event location, to support the Wheatstone marine activities. In these instances
the IEMTs role is to:
Asset
Emergency
Management
Team

Assist in the provision of additional resources that are in the region e.g.
Helicopters, Vessels, Medical Personnel, and Oil Spill Response
Equipment etc.
The AEMT is based in Perth and is made up of rostered ABU personnel

covering all aspects of the business. The AEMT members are trained to fill
specific Emergency Management roles. The role of the AEMT is to:
Liaise with and support Contractor EROs.
Provide strategic direction and determine response priorities for the overall
response effort where Chevron assets are at risk.
Requisition and procure additional resources necessary to carry out

operations.
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Crisis
Management
Team
7.3
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Interact with government agencies, public and media on matters relating to

the emergency response operations.
Initiate a planning cycle for protracted or longer term emergencies
The CMT is based in Perth and is headed by Chevron ABU most Senior staff.
The CMT role is to:
Assess the potential impact of an incident or event on the companys

reputation, viability, and operability
Develop strategies and define actions to avoid potential or mitigate actual

adverse business impacts
Address the concerns of strategically important government officials,

shareholders, and other outside parties
Evaluate the strategic objectives of the AEMT to ensure they are aligned
with those of the CMT
Keep Chevron Corporation informed about the event.
Tiered Spill Response Approach
To establish oil spill response arrangements that can be scaled up or down depending on the
nature of the incident by integrating with other local, regional national and industry plans and
resources, Chevron has adopted a tiered-response approach into its response system. The
criteria determining Hydrocarbon Spill Tiers for the purposes of this plan have been adapted
from WestPlan - MOP guidelines, (DoT 2010) and are described in Table 7.2.
Table 7.2: Hydrocarbon Spill Tiers
Tier 1
Spill size (010 tonnes)
Potential for Environmental Damage / Harm = Low (not significant)
Spill incident is within Tier 1 capability
Tier 2
Spill size (101000 tonnes)
Potential for Environmental Damage / Harm = Moderate (local or short-term significance)
Spill incident exceeds Tier 1 capability
Tier 3
Spill size (>1,000 tonnes)
Potential for Environmental Damage / Harm = High (regional or long-term significance)
Spill incident exceeds Tier 2 capability
Typically, Tier 1 spill responses can be resourced using shipboard or harbour located spill kits.
All vessels over 400 tonnes gwt are required to have an onboard SOPEP and appropriate spill
kits, response capabilities and trained personnel. Likewise, designated ports and harbours are
required to have as a minimum Tier 1 spill response capabilities on site.
For Tier 2 and Tier 3 spills, Chevron will maintain a broad set of spill response capabilities.
Current response capabilities are maintained at Barrow Island, Thevenard Island and
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Ashburton North. Chevron also has contracts with a number of National and International
thirdparty spill response providers to ensure response capabilities can be drawn upon in the
unlikely event of a Tier 3 spill.
This structured approach is consistent with the Oil Prevention, Response and Cooperation
Convention (OPRC) and enables Chevron to provide an effective response to oil spills of any
scale. Table 7.3 describes the response tiers and resources that may be mobilised for an oil
spill incident within Chevron Australia.
Table 7.3: Emergency Response Team and Tier Level
Emergency Teams
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Site Emergency Response Team (SERT)

Wheatstone Incident Emergency
Management Team
Chevron Asset Emergency Management
Team
Chevron Crisis Management Team
Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre
(AMOSC)
WA Department of Transport (DoT)
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
(AMSA)
Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL)
Not mobilised
Possibly or partially mobilised
Mobilised or likely to be mobilised
7.4
Division of Responsibility
The division of responsibility for hydrocarbon spill response with external organisations is
summarised below:
AMSA is the National body responsible for management of oil spills in Commonwealth
Waters
AMSA designate management of oil spills that may impact land to the relevant
Government body
DoT is the Government body responsible for management of oil spills in State Waters
The DoT has designated the DPA as the agency responsible for combating a Tier 2 and
Tier 3 oil spill in the Port of Ashburton
Chevron has been designated by the DPA as the organisation responsible for managing a
Tier 1oil spill in the Port of Ashburton; (The DPA may take control of a Tier 1 oil spill
response if they deem it necessary)
Upstream and Downstream Contractors have been designated by CVX as the
organisations responsible for combating a Tier 1 oil spill originating from their own
activities as represented in Figure 7.1.

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7.5
Response Arrangements
7.5.1
Initiation
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Delivery team spill response plans will be initiated subject to the origin of the spill. Figure 7.1
shows the cascading nature of the spill response initiation based on spill origin. The
information provided as part of the initial pollution report (POLREP) performed by the SERT
will be used to determine/confirm the Spill Response Plan to be initiated.
Figure 7.1: Tier 1 Spill Response Plans Initiation

7.5.2
Response Actions, Support and Escalation
Incident Action Plans have been developed by Chevron to support Delivery Team response
plans in relation to any hydrocarbon spill to commonwealth marine waters or which may
impact on EPBC listed Species or Matters of NES. The action plans are detailed in Appendix
B but may be updated from time to time as considered appropriate by Chevron.
The incident actions plans are arranged sequentially to ensure any unplanned event is
appropriately assessed and classified and that the event response activities are correctly
implemented.
Action plans have been broken into the following categories:
1. Initial Response.
2. Initial Control.
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3. Spill Assessment.
4. Incident Classification.
5. Tier Response Action Plans.
In the event of a spill initial action plans will be activated immediately. In the unlikely event that
a Tier 1 oil spill event requires additional support beyond immediate capability additional
support will be mobilised and provided from Onslow, BWI or TVI, subject to the location and
originating activity of the spill.
In the event that an oil spill is classified or escalates to a Tier 2 or Tier 3 event, Chevron will
escalate its response and mobilise its applicable State, National and International response
resources which will be managed by the Chevron AEMT. These resources will be combined
with those from AMSA, the DPA and DoT. Depending on the location and size of the oil spill
event, the DPA or DoT may assume the Incident Controller role.
7.5.3
Termination
The decision to terminate response activities will be made when the efforts are not returning
any net environmental benefits. Termination Criteria for the individual response strategies will
include, but are not limited to:
The continued effectiveness of the current monitoring and/or clean up procedures
An assessment of whether further response actions action will increase environmental
damage (Net Environmental Benefit Analysis assessment)
Water quality sampling results
If the prevailing weather conditions will be effective in removing oil deposits.
Responsibilities for terminating the oil spill response are as follows:
Tier 1
(Not involving the Chevron AEMT) will be terminated on site by the Chevron DSM
(PIC) without consultation with external stakeholders.
Tier 2
(Or Chevron AEMT controlled responses) will be terminated by the Person In

Charge (PIC) in consultation with the Perth AEMT IC and relevant identified
stakeholders.
Tier 3
(Or External Combat Agency (Government) controlled responses) will be stood

down by the Perth AEMT IC in consultation with the Incident Commander of the
nominated Combat Agency and relevant identified stakeholders.
Relevant stakeholders who will be consulted on criteria for terminating the response may
include: NOPSEMA; AMSA; AMOSC; DOTE; AFMA and others as appropriate.

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SPILL RESPONSE CAPABILITIES
8.1
Minimum Training and Competency Levels
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Chevron Australia will maintain sufficient response team competencies to enable all functional
requirements for activities and processes described in Section 6.0 to an appropriate
commercial or government mandated standard. Such competencies and the selected
standards are detailed below. Chevron maintains the right to alter or amend the level of
competencies required of response team personnel where these are not otherwise mandated
by government regulation. Competencies and standards maintained by Chevron include, but
are not limited to the following:
Operations Minimum manning standard of eight trained personnel per field location is
based on the ability of Chevron to mount and sustain first strike response techniques using
the equipment immediately available to them. These personnel may either be based on
Barrow Island or Ashburton North to fulfil existing Emergency Response Team or
environmental advisor roles. This arrangement provides complimentary skill sets relevant
to on-scene oil spill response operations. These personnel are responsible for initial
access and deployment of oil spill equipment as well as periodic maintenance and testing
of the equipment.
Management Minimum manning standard of four trained personnel is based on ability of
Chevron to immediately man up the IEMT and AEMT with personnel who can make
competent assessments and decisions on first strike response techniques. Personnel who
have received this training may either based on Barrow Island to fulfil the roles of
Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance functions within the IEMT at BWI or
Ashburton North / Onslow, and Perth within the AEMT. This provides for competent
decision making personnel near the scene of the incident (IEMTs) and/or in Perth if a
more serious event where the AEMT assumes Command and Control of response
operations. This structure allows scalability and flexibility depending on the location,
seriousness and complexity of the incident.
Command and Control Minimum manning standard of one person per field location is
based on ability of Chevron to immediately man up the IEMT and AEMT with personnel
who can lead an emergency management team and make strategic decisions to manage
first strike response to an oil spill. Personnel who have received this training may either
based within the IEMT at BWI or Ashburton North / Onslow, and Perth within the AEMT.
This provides for competent decision making near the scene of the incident and/or in Perth
if a more serious event where the AEMT assumes Command and Control of response
operations. This structure allows scalability and flexibility depending on the location,
seriousness and complexity of the incident.
Core Group Responders Chevron maintain a minimum of eight personnel to support
the AMOSC Plan, which in turn supports Chevron with oil spill responders from other
participating organisations. AMOSC require Refresher training every two years to maintain
registration. Refer to AMOSC Plan for details of the AMOSC Core Group support
arrangements.
Aerial Surveillance Minimum manning standard of two trained personnel is based on
ability of Chevron to sustain ongoing aerial observation using our BWI helicopters for one
full day until more highly trained support arrives from Hazard Management Agencies
(HMA) or Oil Spill Response Organisations (OSROs These training competencies provide
Chevron with a quick first strike capability by using Chevron contracted helicopters on
Barrow Island to quickly inform the IEMT and AEMT on the behaviour of oil spills
(confirming location, movement, quantity, weather conditions, assessment of impacted
and potential sensitive receptors etc.) so that appropriate response measures can be
mounted.

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Oiled Shoreline Assessment Minimum manning standard of three personnel per field
location is based on ability of Chevron to conduct immediate assessments of shorelines
that guide tactical direction of first strike response techniques in the first 24 hours until
more highly trained support arrives from HMAs or OSROs.
WA Oiled Shoreline Response Course (DoT) Minimum manning standard of 1 trained
OSRC person available in either Perth or Barrow Island is based on ability of Chevron to
sustain a quick first strike capability prior to engagement of on contract personnel for this
task.
Oiled Wildlife Responders Minimum manning standard of two trained personnel based
in either Barrow Island or Perth is based on ability of Chevron to mount and sustain first
strike response techniques using the equipment immediately available to them and to
provide strategic direction to other assisting. Relevant personnel have undertaken a
comprehensive three day training event including theoretical and practical activities.
Fauna Handlers Chevron provides a dedicated three day Fauna Handling Training
course to personnel that have a role that may require them to assist with fauna handling
related events for Chevron in relation to Barrow Island and mainland business activities.
This course provides extensive fauna handling theory and practical handling techniques
focusing on taxonomic groups most likely to be encountered through work related activities
i.e. reptiles, mammals and birds.
Fauna Euthanasia - Euthanasia Training is provided in the three day Fauna Handling
Training. This provides extensive training for the undertaking of fauna euthanasia and
assessment and competency in the use of administering sedative.
8.2
Current Manning Capacity
Chevron Australia maintains a group of trained oil spill responders who will be mobilised
during response operations. Based on the different response options, the current capability as
of August 2013 is shown in Table 8.1. The total number of responders available may fluctuate
over time; however, a minimum manning standard for each specific competency and
recommended position is to be maintained, as detailed in Appendix C. Training records for
these personnel are maintained by the Emergency Management Department.
Table 8.1: Current Manning Capabilities (as at August 2013)
Response options
Training Standard
Personnel
Aerial Surveillance
Aerial Observers
AMOSC Aerial Surveillance Course
Field supervisors
In house training
Field responders
Onsite training
Dispersant Operations
On contract
Containment and Recovery

AMOSC Oil Spill Operators Course / In house training /
Field supervisors
AMOSC Core group training
In house training
Field responders
Onsite training

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Training Standard
Personnel
Shoreline Clean-up
Field supervisors
Field responders
OSA

Onsite training
OSRL Shoreline Spill Response & SCAT training / In house
training
30
On contract
24
Shoreline Protection
Field supervisors
Field responders

In house training

Oiled Wildlife
Specialised fauna handling training and strategic training
Responders
Fauna handlers
Specialised fauna handling training
10
20
5
On contract
Spill Management
Planning section chiefs
AMOSC Oil Spill Management Course / In house training
Logistics section chiefs

Operations section
chiefs
10
18
AMOSC Oil Spill Management Course, AMOSC Incident

Command & Control / In house training
22
Incident Commander
8.3
Equipment and Materials
The spill response equipment and materials maintained by Chevron (as of May 2013) are
presented in Appendix D. Chevron maintains sufficient equipment to ensure that the response
strategies outlined in Section 6.0 can be rapidly and effectively implemented in the unlikely
event of a spill.
8.4
Chemical Dispersants
Table 8.2 details the dispersant stocks, aircraft, and vessels available to Chevron Australia.

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Table 8.2: Dispersant Resource Capability

Dispersant
Stocks
Chevron-held dispersant:
Slickgone EW- 5 M at BWI
3
Slickgone EW 5M held at Thevenard island (TVI)

3
Dispersant stock held by AMOSC in Exmouth:

Dasic Slickgone NS 1000 L IBC (total volume 30 m )
3
Corexit 9500 1000 L m IBC 16 m

3
Dispersant stock held by AMOSC in Geelong:

Corexit 9500 1000 L IBC containers (total volume 70 m )
3
Dasic Slickgone NS 1000 L IBC containers (total volume 71.4 m )

3
Shell VDC 1000 L IBC containers (total volume 7 m )

3
Dispersant stock held by OSRL

Corexit 9500 (m ) 78 78 0 0 100%
3
Corexit 9527 (m ) 74 74 0 0 100%

3
Finasol OSR52 (m ) 62 62 0 0 100%

3
Slickgone EW (m ) 29 29 0 0 100%
3
Slickgone LTSW (m ) 29 29 0 0 100%

3
Slickgone NS (m ) 411
3
Aircraft
AMSA has established Fixed Wing Aerial Dispersant Capability (FWADC) for the
application of oil spill dispersants. The contract with Australian Maritime Resources
(AMR) ensures six aircraft are available to leave base within four hours of mobilisation,
one each located as follows:
Eastern Zone Moree NSW, New South Wales
North Eastern Zone Emerald, Queensland
Northern Zone Bachelor, NT
Western Zone Ballidu, WA
Southern Zone Adelaide, South Australia
South Eastern Zone Ballarat, Victoria
Allow 24 hours for the FWADC to be on site
OSRL has a Hercules aircraft based in Singapore specially equipped to fit the Rapid
3
Installation and Deployment Spray System (RIDSS) which can carry approx 13 m of
dispersant.
Allow for approximately 16 hours for the aircraft to arrive in the North West ready for
application.
Vessel
Chevron Australia maintains a vessel based first strike dispersant capability as

described below.
Thevenard Island
5 m of Dasic Slickgone EW is stored on Thevenard Island.
3
Deployed onto the Mermaid Resource (also based at TVI) which is equipped with an
Ayles Fernie AFEDO spraying system. Supplementary dispersant is available from
Exmouth.
Barrow Island:
Chevron Australia is currently contracting an additional support vessel to be based at
Barrow Island which should also be equipped with Ayles Fernie AFEDO spraying
3
system and 5 m of Dasic Slickgone EW.

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Waste Facilities
Third party waste facilities that may be used in oil spill response and the respective capacity to
receive oily wastes is provided in Table 8.3.
Table 8.3: Third Party Waste Facilities and Capacities to Receive Oily Wastes
4
Maximum Waste Acceptance Capacity ( tonne / annum)
Cleanaway-Transpacific
[Dampier]
ERS Australia [Welshpool]
Non Oily Solids
Oiled
biodegradable
material
Oiled nonbiodegradable
material
Oiled sand /
cobble
Solids
Tars / Oils
Non Oily Liquids

(inert &
hazardous)
Waste Management Facilities
Oils & Oily

Water
Liquid
Oiled
Fauna
Carcasses
1,000
750
Henderson Landfill
[Henderson]
Undefined
Undefined
Red Hill Landfill [Red Hill]
Undefined
Undefined
Sita Medicollect [Welshpool]
Toxfree [Port Hedland]
2,000
Undefined
5
Toxfree [Henderson]
10,000 6
Toxfree [Karratha]
40,000 7
Toxfree [Kwinana]
Undefined
Undefined
200 500 (kg / hour)
40,000
Undefined
TPI Nationwide Oil

[Welshpool]
Undefined
WRR [Welshpool]
50,000
Wren Oil [Picton]
40,000
2,000
2,000 10
500
4,000
The acceptance of waste at a facility must comply with the criteria as defined in the waste facilities license conditions as per the
Landfill Waste Classification and Waste Definitions 1996 (as amended)
5
Daily processing capacity of 50,000-100,000 Litres in an oil spill scenario
6
7
8
Daily processing capacity of 50,000 Litres in an oil spill scenario
9
Combined tonnage of 2,000 tonnes / annum.
10
Combined tonnage of 2,000 tonnes / annum.

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Response Timing
As time window of opportunity is crucial is every response, the time taken to mobilise a
resource to site to assist with the operation has to be taken into considerations when deciding
on the possible response option.
A typical activation time of one to two hours is required to make the necessary logistics
arrangement prior to departure of the resource to site. When using vessels of opportunity, the
activation time may be longer as the more time may be required for the vessel to report to port
for loading after the last activity. The total time required is the sum of the transit time and the
site specific activation time. Response timing is provided in Table 8.6
8.7
Simulated Response Testing
In accordance with the requirements of Regulation 14(8A) of the OPGGS (E) R 2009, Chevron
tests its Oil Spill response arrangements as follows:
When they are introduced
When they are significantly amended
Not later than 12 months after the most recent test
When a new location for an activity is added to an Oil Spill Operational Response Plan
required by NOPSEMA, DMP, DoT or AMSA.
When a new facility or structure becomes operational.
Emergency response arrangements will be tested regularly, in accordance with Table 8.4.
Table 8.4: Emergency Response Arrangement Testing
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
A Level 1 emergency is
small in size and short in
duration and can usually
handled exclusively by the
Vessel ORT(s)
A Level 2 emergency has

broader impacts and
requires the acquisition of
resources not immediately
available to the Vessel
Emergency Response
Team(s). A moderate
incident results in the
activation of the ABU
AEMT
A Level 3 emergency has

broad impacts on the
facility. A major incident
requires the activation of an
AEMT, and may trigger the
activation of Crisis
Management Team (CMT)
Relevant
Team(s)
Vessel ORT(s)
Vessel ORT(s) and AEMT
Vessel ORT(s), AEMT and

CMT
Plan
Tested
Vessel SOPEP
Flowline Installation
Management Plan OSORP
Emergency Response Plan

(Chevron Australia 2011a)
and the Flowline Installation
Management Plan OSORP
Annual for each facility
When the OSORP

response arrangements are
initially introduced,
whenever a new facility is
introduced, if/when the
OSORP response
arrangements are
Annually, based on risk

assessment, work scope,
and schedule of wider ABU
activities (e.g. production,
export shipping, offshore
drilling, offshore
construction)
Description
Frequency

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Level 2
Level 3
significantly amended, and

not later than 12 months
after the most recent test
for the facility
Table 8.5 describes the levels of testing through notification, desk top, equipment deployment
and incident management exercises and defines how the exercise would be typically
undertaken, what its purpose and objectives are, and how it would be evaluated.
Table 8.5: Exercise Categories
Notification
Exercise
(Level 1)
Purpose
Verify
communication
systems
Confirm
accuracy of
information
Demonstrate
availability to
respond
Objectives
Personnel
notified and
ready to
respond
Desktop Exercise
(Level 1 and 2)
Equipment
Deployment
Exercise
Incident
Management
Exercise
(Level 2 and 3)
(Levels 1, 2, and 3)
Test emergency
management
knowledge and
capability
Test equipment
deployment
procedures and
strategies
Demonstrate
spill response
management
and capabilities
Acquaint
personnel with
roles and
responsibilities
Practice
individual skills
and team
interaction
Test integration
of roles of
different parties
Test
communication
Response
strategies agreed
Resources
identified
Equipment
mobilised and
working
Implementation
complete
Evaluation
Reports on
efficiency and
speed of
communication
Recommendations
Reports from
facilitators and
evaluators
Feedback from
players
Recommendations
Test overall
incident
management
aspects
Personnel
mobilised
Response
strategy agreed
Crisis being
managed
Reports of
individual and
team
performances
Reports of
individual and
team
performances
Team member
feedback
Team member
feedback
Recommendations
External party
feedback
Recommendations
Adapted from Guide to Oil Spill Exercise Planning (IPECA 1994)

Note:
Level 3 exercises are to be observed and assessed by independent observers who are qualified to make judgments as
to the effectiveness and capability of the emergency response teams at all levels. These observers will provide feedback
to each of the teams at the conclusion of the exercise, with key learning and observations relayed to the Chevron ABU
Security and Emergency Management Advisor to action and update the OSORP where required.

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Insurances
[Redacted as approved by the Minister]

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Table 8.6: Response Times to and from various locations within the Chevron Operational Area
Transit Time
Required via
From
To
Distance in
nautical
miles (sea)
Distance in
nautical
miles (air)
Vessel (hours)
Helicopter
Truck
8 knots
(Barge)
11 knots
17 knots
25 knots
140 knots
60 km/h
Barrow Island
Thevenard Island
63
47
7.9
5.7
3.7
2.5
20 mins
Barrow Island
Onslow
63
51
7.9
5.7
3.7
2.5
22 mins
Barrow Island
Dampier
80
77
10.0
7.3
4.7
3.2
33 mins
Barrow Island
Exmouth
110
105
13.8
10.0
6.5
4.4
45 mins
Thevenard Island
Barrow Island
63
47
7.9
5.7
3.7
2.5
20 mins
Thevenard Island
Onslow
12
12
1.5
1.1
0.7
0.5
5 mins
Thevenard Island
Dampier
116
107
14.5
10.5
6.8
4.6
46 mins
Thevenard Island
Exmouth
54
65
6.8
4.9
3.2
2.2
28 mins
Dampier
Exmouth
187
168
23.4
17.0
11.0
7.5
1.2 hrs
Dampier
Barrow Island
80
77
10.0
7.3
4.7
3.2
33 mins
Dampier
Thevenard Island
Dampier
Onslow
116
131
107
110
14.5
16.4
10.5
11.9
6.8
7.7
4.6
5.2
46 mins
48 mins
5.3 hrs
Exmouth
Barrow Island
110
105
13.8
10.0
6.5
4.4
45 mins
Exmouth
Thevenard Island
54
65
6.8
4.9
3.2
2.2
28 mins
Exmouth
Onslow
60
65
7.5
5.5
3.5
2.4
28 mins
6.7 hrs
Exmouth
Dampier
187
168
23.4
17.0
11.0
7.5
1.2 hrs
9.3 hrs
Onslow
Barrow Island
63
51
7.9
5.7
3.7
2.5
22 mins
Onslow
Thevenard Island
12
12
1.5
1.1
0.7
0.5
5 mins
Onslow
Dampier
230
238
28.8
20.9
13.5
9.2
1.7 hrs
9 hrs
28 mins
6.7 hrs
Onslow

Exmouth
60
65
7.5
5.5
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2.4
9.3 hrs
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REPORTING
This section provides a framework for external reporting to regulatory authorities relevant to
this Program, including scheduled and unplanned reporting.
9.1
Annual Compliance Reporting
A Commonwealth annual Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) is required by

EPBC 2008/4469 Condition 3. The report assesses compliance against ministerial conditions
within the compliance reporting period being 31 August to 30 August of each compliance year,
with each CAR due by the 30 November of each year. As part of the pre-mediation of the
annual CARs, Chevron will assess its compliance status against this Program, which will be
guided by the action table provided in Appendix E.
9.2
Non-compliance Reporting
EPBC 2008/4469 Condition 3 requires non-compliance with this Program to be reported to

DOTE at the time the CAR is published on Chevron Australias website.
9.3
Other Reporting
Reporting of the results of the implemented OPS and SCI plans is specified within the
respective plans.

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APPENDICES
CONTENTS
APPENDIX A
ENVIRONMENTAL RECEPTORS AND PROTECTION PRIORITY ... 120
APPENDIX B
INCIDENT ACTION PLANS ............................................................... 124
A.1.0 Initial Control Action Plan ................................................................................. 124
A.2.0 Spill Assessment Action Plan ........................................................................... 125
A.3.0 Incident Classification Action Plan .................................................................... 126
A.4.0 Tier Response Action Plans ............................................................................. 127
A.4.1
Tier 1 Action Plan ............................................................................... 127
A.4.2
Tier 2 Action Plan ............................................................................... 128
APPENDIX C
TRAINING AND COMPETENCY MATRIX ......................................... 136
APPENDIX D
SPILL RESPONSE EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS ........................ 143
APPENDIX E
ACTION TABLE ................................................................................. 149
TABLES
Table A 1: Oil Spill Responder Training .............................................................................. 137
Table A 2: Emergency Management Training..................................................................... 141
Table A 3: Oil Spill Equipment at Barrow Island (as at August 2013) .................................. 144
Table A 4: Oil Spill Equipment at Thevenard Island (as at August 2013) ............................ 146
Table A 5: Oil Spill Equipment Located at Onslow (Wheatstone Upstream Project) ........... 147

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Appendix A

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Environmental Receptors and

Protection Priority
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Status2
Sensitive Environmental Receptors
Protection Priority1
Seasonal Presence4
Summer
Cth3
D
Whale Shark
Medium; migrating oceanic and

coastal waters
V, M
Humpback Whale
Medium; migrating, resting, calving
V, M
Blue Whale
Medium; migrating
E, M
Other whales (such as Short-finned Pilot

Whale, Killer Whale, Minke, Sei Whale,
Brydes Whale, Sperm Whale)
Medium; oceanic
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
Medium; oceanic
Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin
Medium; oceanic and coastal

waters
Dugong
Medium; transitory, foraging in

seagrass habitat
Turtles (all species listed below)
High; foraging residents in

surrounding coastal waters all
species, all ages classes
Flatback Turtle
High; nesting and internesting

females on beaches and in
surrounding waters
V, M,
Ma
High; hatchlings on beaches and in

surrounding waters
V, M,
Ma
High; mating aggregations, nesting

and internesting females on
beaches and in surrounding waters
V, M,
Ma

surrounding waters
Green Turtle
Loggerhead
Hawksbill Turtle

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Transition
F
Winter
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Transition
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
Mi
M, Ma
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
V, M,
Ma

surrounding waters
E, M,
Ma
M/N
R/O
R/O

surrounding waters
E, M,
Ma

surrounding waters
V, M,
Ma
M/N
M/N
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H
R/O
R/O
M/N
R/O
M/N
R/O
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
M/N
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Seasonal Presence4
Summer
Cth3
Transition
Winter
M
Transition
A

surrounding waters
V, M,
Ma
Leatherback Turtle
Medium
E, M,
Ma
Sea Snakes/kraits
Low
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
R/O
Dwarf Sawfish,
Medium; estuarine
Shortfin Mako, Mako Shark
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
Fork-tailed swift
High; migratory
Bridled Tern
High; foraging, breeding (eggs on

beach)
M, Ma
Roseate Tern

beach)
Ma
Various Tern species (e.g. Lesser Crested

Tern, Caspian Tern, Crested Tern)

beach and nearshore habitat)
Southern Giant Petrel
High; migratory
E, Ma
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
Soft-plumed Petrel
High; migratory
V, Ma
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
Flesh-footed shearwater
High; migratory
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
O/Mi
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
High
Ma
Longfin Mako
Low; rarely reported in Australia
Porbeagle, mackerel shark
Low; migratory
Grey nurse shark (west coast population)

Great white shark
Nearshore and offshore demersal finfish
communities
Low; resident and transitory species
Pelagic fish communities
Low; resident and transitory species

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Status2
Seasonal Presence4
Summer
Cth3
D
Sandy beaches
Extreme
Transition
F
Winter
M
Transition
A
n/a
High
n/a
Medium; coral spawning
n/a
Seagrass and macroalgae
Medium
n/a
Rocky shores
Low
n/a
Open waters
Low
n/a
Conservation reserves/areas
Extreme
n/a
Intertidal and shallow subtidal coral reef

communities
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Key:
1.
Sensitivity Index (SI):
1 = Very Low
2 = Low;
3 = Medium;
4 = High;
5 = Very High;
2.
Status under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

(WA):
1 = Listed on Schedule 1 Fauna that

is rare or is likely to become extinct;
3 = Listed on Schedule 3 Migratory

birds protected under an international
agreement;
4 = Listed on Schedule 4 Other

specially protected fauna; = Not
listed under Specially Protected Fauna

3.
Status on DEC Current Threatened and Priority

Fauna Ranking:
VU = Vulnerable;
EN = Endangered;
P1 =Taxa with few, poorly known

populations on threatened lands,
P2 =Taxa with few, poorly known

populations on conservation lands,
P3 =Taxa with several, poorly known

populations on conservation lands,
P4 = Priority Four: Taxa in need of

monitoring,
P5 = Taxa in need of monitoring

(conservation dependent)
4.
Status under the EPBC Act (Cth):
V = Vulnerable;
E = Endangered;
M = Migratory;
Ma = Marine
Public
5.
Seasonal Presence:
Dark grey shading: peak

activity/abundance/presence or
significant periods of vulnerability
Light grey: shoulder period, lower level

of activity/ abundance/ presence
White: out of season period or low

level of activity/ abundance/ presence
R: Resident;
T: Transient;
B: Breeding ;
M: Mating;
Mi: Migratory;
N: Nesting;
O: Occasional;
H: Hatching
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Incident Action Plans
Initial Control Action Plan
Initial controls are to be implemented in the event of all spills following a health and safety risk
assessment of the spill situation. If deemed safe to implement, the control measures are to be
assessed as appropriate to the nature and scale of the unplanned release.
IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS OF WELL CONTROL INITIATE:
ABU Blowout Contingency Plan (ABU120100104)
Implement Initial Response Action Plan
A summary of the possible measures to stop and control the spill are included below
Potential source and
scenario
Container leak
Possible measure to stop or control the spill

Turn the leak container over to prevent any more material leaking out
Move the container to a bunded and safe location
Apply temporary patch
Pipe/ hose leak
Shut down pumps

Close pipe, hose or other valves
Isolate source
Rupture of bunker fuel oil

tank
Transferring cargo from damaged tanks to undamaged tanks

Re-ballasting
Applying temporary patch
Loss of well control
Emergency shut-shown
Regaining control of the blowout through mechanical means as
necessary
Initiate Chevron Blowout Contingency Plan (ABU120100104)

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Spill Assessment Action Plan

Spill Assessment Form
Gather information and evaluate the incident:

1. Spill Location
2. Type of oil obtain MSDS if available
3. Weather condition and sea state
The phase of tidal cycle (neap or spring)
Current / tidal streams speed, direction and period
Wind speed, direction and period
speed and direction
Determine the boundary of the spill

If spills can be contained on the rig/ support vessels without spillage to the sea the following
applies:
Activate and follow:
1. MARPOL Requirement
and
2. Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
or
Clean the spill using the spill kit on deck
Obtain additional resources through Chevron as required.
If spill impacting the sea:
1. Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan (this Plan)
and
Follow through the action plans detailed in this Plan.
If Tier 3 Spill:
1. Oil Spill Operations and Scientific Monitoring Plan
2. Contact Commonwealth Marine Reserves Manager, Department of Environment (0419
293 465) where spill is likely to enter a Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
Determine the spill volume by:

Calculating Pipeline/Hose Loss:
Volume loss (barrels) = Pump rate x Time elapsed until shutdown + Static line & hose
contents
Visual estimate
Determine Incident classification

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Incident Classification Action Plan
Tick the boxes.

Tier level is set by most severe level of box ticked.
Example = If a box in Tier 3 is ticked then the response Tier level is Tier 3.
Tier 1
Spill size (010 tonnes).
Potential for Environmental Damage / Harm = Low (not significant).
Potential for Economic Damage / Harm = Low (not significant).
Pollution incident is within Tier 1 capability.
Tier 2
Spill size (101000 tonnes).
Potential for Environmental Damage / Harm = Moderate (local or short-term significance).
Potential for Economic Damage / Harm = Moderate (local or short-term significance).
Pollution incident exceeds Tier 1 capability.
Tier 3
Spill size (>1000 tonnes).
Potential for Environmental Damage / Harm = High (regional or long-term significance).
Potential for Economic Damage / Harm = High (regional or long-term significance).
Pollution incident exceeds Tier 2 capability.
NOTES:
In allocating a spill into a Tier and Classification level, always assume the worst case
possible scenarios and assess the potential for escalation.
The Tier and Incident classification levels may change as a situation escalates. Where
there is doubt as to the exact level of an emergency, the higher tier and incident
classification should be used until a definitive tier and incident classification can be made.
For uncontrolled well blow out go immediately to Tier 3.

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Tier Response Action Plans
A.4.1
Tier 1 Action Plan
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Tier 1 (<10 tonnes)

Stop the flow if safe to do so
Track the spill and keep under surveillance
Ensure any evidence such as correspondence, receipt of sent correspondence is captured to
show compliance with this Action Plan
Actions
Strategies
Responsibility
Source
Control
Implement immediate source control
Chevron Senior DSM /

OIM / Vessel Master
Notification
Gather/send initial incident information/notification.
Chevron Senior DSM

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Tier 2 Action Plan

Tier 2 (101000 tonnes)
Stop the flow if safe to do so

Deploy tracking buoy
Track the spill and keep under surveillance
Deploy helicopter or fixed wing aircraft if required
Break up spill with vessel propellers if feasible
AMOSC Activation procedure:
Staff are on call 24 hours per day / 365 days of the year
First call as early as possible to the 24 hour emergency number 0438 379 328
AMOSC to assess and take next steps based on the first early call to the centre
Ensure any evidence such as correspondence, satellite tracking data, monitoring results,
receipt of sent correspondence is captured to show compliance with this Action Plan
Actions
Strategies
Responsibility
Source Control
Initial On-Site
Response
Call for assistance.
Chevron Senior
DSM
Render first aid.
Chevron Senior
DSM
Account for personnel.
Chevron Senior
DSM
Evacuate/Medivac injured personnel.
Chevron Senior
DSM
ORT
Initiate and keep logs:
Chevron Senior
DSM / OIM / Vessel
Master
Chevron Senior
DSM
1. Event log
2. Fire watch
Initial Off-Site
Response

Chevron Senior
DSM
Deploy tracking buoy as per work instruction
Chevron Senior
DSM
Receive/distribute initial incident information.
AEMT
Assemble and brief ORT / AEMT.
AEMT
Assign unit leaders.
AEMT
Establish Command Centre.
AEMT
Establish exclusion zone.
AEMT
Activate pollution control/ spill response strategies.
AEMT
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Tier 3 Action Plan

Tier 3 (> 1000 tonnes)
Deploy tracking buoy.

Track the spill and keep under surveillance.
Deploy helicopter or fixed wing aircraft.
Activate the AEMT to provide support and liaison with Government agencies NOPSEMA and AMSA,
and mobilise equipment as required.
Engage subject matter experts to model spill trajectory and fate from observations.
Engage Stakeholders. i.e. Port Authorities, Regional Response Teams, AMOSC as required.
Initiate initial pre-emptive monitoring programs.
Assess and mobilise available assets if a relief well is required. Rigs, equipment and resources
subject to availability can be attained through an Operator agreed Mutual Aid Memorandum of
Understanding undertaken through APPEA/AMOSC.
Activate Wheatstone Oil Spill Operational and Scientific Monitoring Plan (WS0-0000-HES-PLN-CVX000-00093-000)
AMOSC Activation procedure:
Staff are on call 24 hours per day / 365 days of the year
First call as early as possible to the 24 hour emergency number 0438 379 328
AMOSC to assess and take next steps based on the first early call to the centre
Ensure any evidence such as correspondence, satellite tracking data, monitoring results,
receipt of sent correspondence is captured to show compliance with this Action Plan

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Source Control
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Strategies
Responsibility
Chevron Senior DSM /
OIM / Vessel Master
IMPLEMENT Chevron BLOWOUT CONTINGENCY PLAN

(FOR WELL BLOW-OUT) (ABU120100104)
Chevron BLOWOUT CONTINGENCY PLAN - Immediate Response (First 1224 hours)
Initial On-Site
Response
ORT
Call for assistance.
Chevron Senior DSM
Secure rig.
Chevron Senior DSM
Render first aid.
Chevron Senior DSM
Account for personnel.
Chevron Senior DSM
Evacuate/Medivac injured personnel.
Chevron Senior DSM
Initiate and keep logs:
Chevron Senior DSM
1. Event log
2. Fire watch
Chevron Senior DSM
(Section 7.5 of the EP)
Initial Shore
Base
Response
Initial Off-Site
Response

Deploy tracking buoy as per work instruction
Chevron Senior DSM
Assist with evacuation and medical aid.
AEMT
Provide aircraft and marine vessel status report.
AEMT
Assist with personnel debriefing.
AEMT
Receive/distribute initial incident information.
AEMT
Assemble and brief ORT / AEMT.
AEMT
Assign unit leaders.
AEMT
Establish Command Center.
AEMT
Establish exclusion zone.
AEMT
Activate pollution control / spill response strategies.
AEMT
Set up communications chain.
AEMT
Mobilise Well Control Specialists.
AEMT
Mobilise drilling contractor representative.
AEMT
Provide Human Resources (HR) assistance.
AEMT
Initiate external notifications.
AEMT
Source local equipment
AEMT
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A.4.2.1.1 Immediate Response Steps On-Site (First 12 to 24 Hours)

Call for Assistance Initial Notification
In the event of a well control emergency, the Senior Site Manager to assume the role of OnScene Commander. The call for assistance/initial notification process includes the following
steps:
The On-Scene Commander initiates the response by communicating details of the
emergency to the AEMT Operations Section Chief in the Chevron office
The AEMT Operations Section Chief assesses the situation and determines the need for
and level of activation of the AEMT and specialist support staff. Arranges call out as
decided
Additional internal Chevron notifications and all external notifications should follow the
guidelines defined in the Chevron Emergency Response Plan.
Source Control
Perform source control activities as relevant. In the event of a well blow-out, where well control
is not possible, secure the rig by implementing the Drilling Contractors emergency shutdown
procedures.
Render First Aid to All Injured Personnel
Provide first aid to all personnel injured in the incident. Required aid may range from minor
scrapes to broken limbs, burns, respiratory problems, and major trauma. Processes
associated with rendering first aid include:
Inform the on-site medic
Ensure the continuing safety of the injured person
Stay with and monitor the injured person until the medic arrives
Carry out the instructions issued by the medic.
Account for All Personnel On Location
The status of all on-site personnel must be ascertained immediately following the source
control event. For vessels and rigs, the persons on board (POB) list should be submitted to
the Chevron office daily.
Evacuate All Injured Personnel
All personnel who receive injuries that require evacuation should be transported immediately
to the nearest medical facilities, as defined in the Emergency Evacuation Procedure. The onsite medic to:
Stabilise the injured person
Move to the injured person to an appropriate medical facility
Assess the persons injuries
Advise the IC of the status of the injured person.
Evacuated personnel should be asked to remain at the pre-designated site until they have
been debriefed by Chevron personnel.
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Event Log and Fire Watch

A 24-hour watch should be initiated immediately and maintained throughout the event. All
significant variations in the well or blowout conditions and the time of occurrence should be
recorded in the event log for future use and review.
In addition, significant changes should be reported immediately to the Operations Section
Chief. Establish a 24-hour fire watch to observe the well. The fire watch should notify the OnScene Commander of any fire or situation that could lead to a fire.
Gather and Send Initial Information
The On-Scene Commander to be responsible for gathering and transmitting the initial
information regarding the situation. The initial information should include the following:
The general nature of the situation, extent of injuries, and threat to personnel and the
environment
A surface and subsurface assessment of any damage to the site
The nature and amount of personnel and equipment required for the initial mobilization
The likelihood of significant deterioration of the situation during the initial mobilization
(such as explosion, fire damage, and broaching)
Possible options for a quick resolution of the well control problem (such as bullheading or
replacing accessible well control equipment)
The initial decision about whether or not to initiate an emergency disconnect process.
The information typically used to determine the appropriate well control equipment and
personnel mobilisation includes:
General situation, including surface flow, underground flow, pressure situation (no flow)
Nature of the flow, including an estimate of total flow and amount of gas, oil, condensate,
and solids
Point of exit of the blowout, such as through DP, tbg, csg, failed BOPs, diverter, flange, or
wellhead connector
Extent of damage, including a description of fire or explosion damage to site equipment
and facilities
Accessibility and competency of source control equipment.

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A.4.2.1.2 Immediate Response Steps Shore Base (First 12 to 24 Hours)

Shore base personnel should perform the following actions within the first 12 to 24 hours.
Assist with Evacuation and Medical Aid
Refer to the Chevrons Emergency Evacuation Procedure in the event that evacuation
becomes necessary.
Provide adequate marine and air support for evacuation.
Coordinate search and rescue operations.
Coordinate medivac operations.
Provide Aircraft and Marine Vessel Status (if applicable)
The logistic staff at the shore base to provide a report to the Logistics Section Chief and
Operations Section Chief that includes the status of all aircraft and marine vessels on hire to
the Chevron and all other vessels available in the region, as well as the fire fighting
capabilities of all available vessels.
Assist with Debriefing Arrangements
The shore base personnel to assist with debriefing by doing the following:
Assist with arrangements to collect the evacuated personnel.
Await the arrival of the debriefing team.
Arrange space to accommodate evacuated personnel.

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A.4.2.1.3 Immediate Response Steps AEMT (First 12 to 24 Hours)

Receive and Distribute Initial Information
The Operations Section Chief to forward the initial incident information to the Deputy IC.
Assemble and Brief Staff
Designated members of the AEMT should gather at the Command Center. This is a dedicated
room on Level 1 of the QV1 building in Perth. The IC to:
Contact and assemble the necessary members of the AEMT.
Assume control of the incident.
Notify the CMT and appropriate Chevron corporate entities.
Ensure that the Chevron Public Affairs media relations designee is briefed and engaged
with the media.
Assign Unit Leaders
Unit leaders, if not previously designated by Chevron, to be assigned by the off-site staff at the
beginning of the incident.
Establish Exclusion Zones
In all situations involving the release, or potential for release, of significant amounts of
combustibles, all vessels should be evacuated to a safe distance until the situation has been
evaluated and/or stabilised. This includes the establishment of aircraft no-fly zones. Exclusion
zones to be established by the HES Officer, with assistance from the Public and
Governmental Affairs Officer.
Activate Pollution Control Measures
If pollution is associated with the emergency or if there is a significant threat of pollution, the
IC should activate this Plan (OSERP). Note that in a deepwater environment, a subsea
blowout plume can emerge at a considerable distance from the location of the well and spread
over a wider area when it reaches the surface.
Set Up Communications Chain
The IC to establish the communications chain needed for the effective communications and
flow of information between the various functions of the AEMT (Planning, Operations,
Logistics, Finance, HES, HR, Legal, and Public Affairs), including designating point of contact
for external communications (from governmental agencies, media, families and relatives). The
Documentation Unit Leader to establish a system for documentation of events and
communications.
Contact and Mobilise Well Control Specialists/Equipment
At his or her discretion, the IC (or designee) to contact the well control company as soon as
possible following the occurrence of a Level 2 or Level 3 well control event and establish a
single point of contact (SPOC) for response and intervention matters. After contact is
established, the well control company can offer valuable advice on courses of action, provided
that adequate information is available.

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In addition, the IC to:

Establish the composition, itinerary, and ETA of the well control team in cooperation with
the well control specialist contractor SPOC.
Establish update intervals and provide initial information to the well control contractor
SPOC.
Establish an SPOC with the well control specialist contractor for logistic arrangements.
Mobilise Drilling Contractor Representative

If a drilling rig is involved in the source control incident, a senior representative from the drilling
contractor (typically the Rig Manager) should be requested to come to the Command Center.
The Rig Manager to coordinate with the on-site OIM and the drilling contractors area office to
provide information and assistance to the mobilization and intervention effort. The Rig
Manager should be prepared to furnish:
As-built drawings of the rig
BOP and surface pressure control equipment information
Other information that may be used during the intervention
Provide Human Resources Support
The Human Resources Officer to contact families of injured and missing personnel. To assist
the Human Resources Officer in this task, the on-site staff:
Provide relevant information about the injured/missing personnel to HR.
Arrange assistance, as required, for Chevron personnel.
Coordinate with the employer of the injured/missing person if he or she is not Chevron
personnel.
External Notifications
In addition to the internal notifications, external notifications should be made to governmental
entities, partners, and insurance representatives.
Governmental Notifications
Governmental and regulatory agency notifications will be handled by the Public Information
Officer and should follow the guidelines defined in the Chevron Emergency Response Plan.

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Appendix C

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Training and Competency Matrix
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Table A 1: Oil Spill Responder Training

Oil Spill Training
Competency
AMOSC Incident
Command and
Control
Training Standard
PMAOMIR444B
Develop incident
containment tactics
Learning Outcomes
(5 days)
AMOSC Oil Spill

Management
Course
(5 days)
PMAOMIR418B
Coordinate incident
response.

Recommended
Position
Minimum
Manning Standard
Establish and communicate oil

PICs of Field
spill response objectives
Operations e.g.
BWI, TVI, and
Develop appropriate oil spill
Ashburton North
response strategies taking
account of socio- economic,
AEMT Command
environmental and insurance
Staff
considerations
Lead a multi-agency oil spill
management team to develop and
implement ongoing response
Monitor and evaluate the
effectiveness of oil spill response
strategies and implement alternate
strategies if necessary
Communicate technical details of
an oil spill response to
stakeholders including
government and media
Make decisions under pressure of
changing situations and
timeframes
At least
1 person at
Barrow Island
at all times
Work within a multi-agency oil spill IEMT and AEMT

management team in an oil spill
General Staff (i.e.
response incident control centre
Operations,
Planning and
Within a defined structure
Logistics Officers)
contribute to the development and
implementation of an incident
action plan
Using a variety of sources,
identify, analyse and evaluate
information to select, locate and
coordinate oil spill response
equipment and other resources
Coordinate the logistics to
At least
4 people at
Barrow Island
or Ashburton
North at all
times
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Current Pool of
Personnel Across
All Assets
(August 2013)
Training
Frequency
Currently
6 personnel
available
Retrain every
3 years
Currently
15 personnel
available
Retrain every
3 years
At least
1 person in the
AEMT
organisation
At least
4 personnel in
the AEMT
organisation
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Training Standard
Learning Outcomes
AMOSC Oil Spill

Operators Course
(5 days)
PMAOSHS211B
Prepare equipment
for emergency
response.
AMOSC Core
Group Members
Aerial Surveillance
Observers (2 days)

Pre-requisite for
members to have at
least one of the
above
competencies
Not recognised
under the ATQF.
Based on BONN
Agreement and
Recommended
Position
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Minimum
Manning Standard
Current Pool of
Personnel Across
All Assets
(August 2013)
Training
Frequency
manage the temporary storage

and disposal of oil spill waste
Fulfil ICS roles within an ICS
responding to marine oil spills.
Identify, inspect, prepare and

operate oil spill response
equipment
Deploy equipment as outlined in
the incident action plan
Ensure equipment is operational
and ready for emergency use
Liaise with incident control centre
to assess and plan layout of an oil
spill response incident site.
including staging area, temporary
storage and removal of recovered
oil spill waste
Ensure outcomes identified in an
incident action plan are met by the
work team
All full-time ERT

members
Selected parttime ERT
personnel
Selected Field
personnel
Currently
30 personnel
available
Retrain every
3 years
Chevron
Australia to
maintain
minimum of
8 Core Group
Members per
AMOSC
Membership
requirements
Currently 8
personnel within
Chevron.
Attend AMOSC
Core Group
Workshop every
2 years
At least 2
personnel at
Barrow Island
at all times.
Currently 9
personnel
Selected Field
Supervisors
Variety of the above competencies Selected

personnel from
competencies
listed above
Recognise and evaluate surface

oil spill and Bonn Agreement
levels.
Report observations using Aerial
Surveillance Form to the
At least
8 people at
Barrow Island
or Ashburton
North at all
times
ERT personnel
Selected HES
personnel
Selected Field
Public
Another 84 across
other AMOSC
Mutual Aid Members
Retrain every 3
years.
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Training Standard
Learning Outcomes
emergency command network
internationally
recognised
standards and
techniques
Oiled Shoreline
Assessment (1.5
days)
Not recognised
under ATQF.
Based on
internationally
recognised
standards and
techniques
WA Oiled
Shoreline
Response Course
(DoT facilitated)
PUAOIL402 Apply
oiled shoreline
assessment
strategies in an oil
spill response
(3 days)
PUAOIL403 Lead a
team in oiled
shoreline clean-up
Recommended
Position
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Minimum
Manning Standard
Current Pool of
Personnel Across
All Assets
(August 2013)
Training
Frequency
Personnel
Collect and document real-time

Selected HES
data on oil and shoreline
personnel
conditions.
Report observation using
Shoreline Assessment Forms into
the emergency command network
At least 3
trained OSA
personnel
available in
either Perth or
Barrow Island.
Currently 24
personnel
Retrain every 3
years
Lead and coordinate teams of

Selected HES
oiled shoreline responders
personnel
Report observations using
Shoreline Assessment Forms into
the emergency command network
Advise emergency command
network in selecting appropriate
response strategies
At least 1
trained OSRC
person
available in
either Perth or
Barrow Island
Currently 1.
Retrain every 3
years
Oiled Wildlife response strategies Selected HES

personnel Barrow
Fauna handling techniques
Island/Perth
Hazing and pre-emptive capture
Transport and housing
Assessment, triage, treatment and
euthanasia
At least 2
trained OWR
personnel
available in
either Perth or
Barrow Island.
Currently 6
personnel
Aiming to increase
internal capability by
end of Q4, 2013
PUAOIL301 Apply
health safety and
risk controls when
working on oiled
shorelines
Oiled Wildlife
Responder
(2 days)

Not recognised
under ATQF.
Based on
internationally
recognised
standards and
techniques
Retrain every 3
years
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Competency
Fauna Handlers
(3 day)
Training Standard
Units associate with

Cert III Companion
Animal Services
Units S3984,
S3985, S3999,
S4008, S3993
Fauna Euthanasia
(half day)

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Not recognised
under ATQF.
Specialised training
Learning Outcomes
Recommended
Position
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Minimum
Manning Standard
Current Pool of
Personnel Across
All Assets
(August 2013)
Training
Frequency
Provide basic first aid for animals

Rescue animals and apply basic
animal care
Rehabilitate and release native
wildlife
Capture, restrain and assist
moving animals
Selected BWI
Field Personnel
At least 10
trained Fauna
Handlers
Currently 100 plus
Only initial
training. Then
maintenance of
competency is
established
through
frequency of
task in normal
work duties
Conduct euthanasia techniques

Handle and dispose of deceased
fauna
Selected BWI
Field Personnel
5 Fauna
Euthanasiatrained
personnel on
Barrow Island
at any time
Currently 30 plus
Only initial
training. Then
maintenance of
competency is
established
through
frequency of
task in normal
work duties
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Table A 2: Emergency Management Training

Emergency
Management
Competency
CMT Core Staff
(2 hours)
AEMT Command
and General Staff
(2 Days)
Training
Standard
Learning Outcomes
Recommended
Position
Minimum
Manning Standard
Current Pool of
Personnel Across
All Assets
(August 2013)
Training
Frequency
Not competency
based training
Understand, apply and work within the

Chevron Upstream Emergency
Management System
General and Senior

Managers of the
Chevron Leadership
Team
At least 1 person
per CMT core role
17 Personnel
Only initial
training. Then
competency
maintenance
through
participation in
one exercise
per year
PMAOMIR650B
Manage a Crisis

Management System
Selected Perth
personnel who would
typically be a
Manager or Senior
Manager for the
organisation
At least 2
personnel per core
role
56 Personnel
Only initial
training. Then
competency
maintenance
through
participation in
one exercise
per year
Selected Perth
personnel with skills
and knowledge
appropriate to the
function.
At least 2
personnel per role
58 Personnel
Only initial
training. Then
competency
maintenance
through
participation in
one exercise
per year
PMAOMIR320B
Manage Incident
Response
Information
minimising escalation of the major

emergency or crisis
Establish strategic objectives
establishing contingency plans for dealing
with the crisis
sourcing and managing of resources
required
manage communication within and
outside the organisation
optimise the organisational response to
minimise impact of the crisis
AEMT Support
Staff (2 days)
PMAOMIR320B
Manage Incident
Response
Information

Management System
capturing and retaining all information
coming in from the incident
sorting and prioritising of information
analysing and interpreting information for
trends and impacts
forwarding key information to those who
require it

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Emergency
Management
Competency
Training
Standard
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Learning Outcomes
Recommended
Position
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Minimum
Manning Standard
Current Pool of
Personnel Across
All Assets
(August 2013)
Training
Frequency
keeping track of people, activities and

follow-up actions
maintaining a chronological record of
events for future reference
IEMT Training (1
Days)
PMAOMIR320A
Manage Incident
Response
Information
PMAOMIR 418A
Coordinate
Incident
Response
On-Scene
Commander

Management System
Selected Managers
and Supervisors in
the Field
At least 2
personnel per core
role
58 Personnel on
BWI (on rotation)
Only initial
training. Then
competency
maintenance
through
participation in
one exercise
per year
Appointed
emergency response
professionals
At least 1 per field

Asset
7 on BWI
(depending on asset
affected)
Re-train every
3 years
Identify incident information needs and

sources
Develop / review incident reporting
system
Collect and analyse data
Record and report information
PMAOMIR 346A
Lead a team of emergency responders
Assess and
Secure and
Incident Site
Secure and preserve the scene

Record details of the incident site
2 on TVI
Gather information and communicate

within the emergency command network
2 at Ashburton North
Ensure safety when responding to an

incident

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Spill Response Equipment and

Materials
The following tables provide oil spill equipment listings for the following locations, as at August
2013:
Table A 3 current listing of the oil spill equipment at Barrow Island.
Table A 4 current listing of equipment at Thevenard Island
Table A 5 current response equipment at Wheatstone Onslow location.
The equipment listed constitutes minimum levels as at August 2013. Any changes to
equipment type will be for an increased capability.

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Table A 3: Oil Spill Equipment at Barrow Island (as at August 2013)

Type
Booms
Barrow Island Equipment
Quantity
Boom Self-inflating Versatech Zooom
400 m
Boom Beach Structurflex Land Sea
20 m
Boom Beach Tidal Boom 500
200 m
Heavy Duty GP 500 Boom
100 m
NOFI Boom Bags 350 EP
300 m
NOFI Harbour Buster
NOFI Current buster 6 with boom vane
Norlense NO-1000-R
Terminator Skimmer
Desmi Mini-Max Weir Skimmer and Selwood Spate PD75 Pump
Brush Skimmer Unit
Temporary storage tank Fol-Da-Tank (5500 L)
Temporary storage tank Canflex (5500 L) Open Top
Temporary storage tank Fastank 2000 (10 000 L)
Temporary storage tank Canflex Towable Floating Tank (25T)
Transfer pump Spate pump
AFEDO nozzles spray system
Slickgone EW (1 000L)
Sampling kit
Diesel-powered water pump for low pressure flushing
Long-handled bulldog nail rakes
50
Long-handled round mouth shovels
50
Long-handled square mouth shovels
100
Plastic sandbags
Poly liner sheet (16 m 16 m)
Portable containment bund SCB 450
Shoreline response kit trailer (Absorbent)
500 m
Absorbent pom-pom
50 m
Absorbent roll
150 m
Tracking
buoy
Isphere
PPE and
Misc
Heavy Duty Tyvex Suits (various sizes)
260
Impervious long PVC gloves (large)
130
Wellington boots (various sizes)
130
Safety goggles
130
Wildlife hazing system
20 ml syringe
50
10 ml syringe
100
Skimmers
Storage
Tanks
Dispersant
Application
Shoreline
Response
Kits
Absorbents
Oiled
Wildlife
Response

1
300 m
2
10 000
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Barrow Island Equipment
Quantity
5 ml syringe
100
3 ml syringe
100
Feeding tubes 8FR, 16 inch long
20
Feeding tubes 10FR, 21 inch long
10
Cotton tip box 100
10
KY Gel tubes
10
Activated charcoal tablets 250 mg (60 tablets)
In a wink 15 ml
Spark liquid concentrate 125 ml
Sterile water vials for injection
50
Hexawash 5 L
Providone iodine solution 100 ml
Spiral leg bands Size 6 = 10 mm White pack50, #150
Spiral leg bands Size 7 = 12 mm Green pack50, #51100
Spiral leg bands Size 9 = 15 mm Blue pack50, #150
Spiral leg bands Size 12 = 20 mm Yellow pack50, #51100
Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Sav Chicken Entree Minced, 156 g
can, pk 24
Pet carrier Xsmall 50 34 32 cm AP514001
10
Pet carrier Small 61 40 39 cm AP514004
10
Pet carrier Med 68 51 47 cm AP514002
10
Pet carrier Large 80 56 59 cm AP514003
10
Netting 1 cm mesh, 5 m wide, 10 m long
Calico bags side tie 600 900, Qty 100 CB69ST
Calico bags side tie 350 600, Qty 100 CB356ST
Bird guard kites (effigies)
Mylar Irri Tape 500 ft roll
Coleman folding wash basin
10
LED lantern 190 Lumens
Alfresco gazebo 13 foot square (206772)
Wanderer aluminium folding table
Collapsible 20 L water container
Kookaburra plastic whistle
Telescopic net long reach net 3 fixed 43 48 cm, telescoping

203 and 361 and 528 cm Fine super mesh up to 11 kg
Telescopic net medium reach 45 446 cm, Mac 273 cm long

variable telescopic handle 10 mm mesh
Sliding handle net 44 445 cm, 165 cm long, sliding handle

10 mm mesh
Storage box 7179 L clear and black with lid
20
Indicates equipment currently in the process of being procured by Chevron Australia

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Table A 4: Oil Spill Equipment at Thevenard Island (as at August 2013)

Type
Thevenard Island Equipment
Quantity
Self-Inflating Zooom Boom
300 m
Pressure Inflation Beach Shore Guardian
75 m
NOFI Current buster 4 with boom vane
Rope mop OM 140
Suction Ro-Vac Mini with tandem axle trailer suction
GT-185
Terminator1
Temporary storage tank Trellcone Towable Floating Tank (10T)
Temporary storage tank Fol-Da-Tank (5500L)
Temporary storage tank Canflex (5500L) Open Top
Oil water separator
Temporary storage tank Canflex Towable Floating Tank (25T)
Transfer pump Spate pump
AFEDO nozzles spray system
Slickgone EW (1 000L)
Sampling kit
Skid-mounted vacuum loader
High pressure water pump
Long-handled bulldog nail rakes1
20
Long-handled square mouth shovels1
20
Plastic sandbags1
Absorbent boom
Absorbent pad
Tracking
buoy
Isphere
PPE and
Misc
Heavy Duty Tyvex Suits (various sizes)1
50
Impervious long PVC gloves (large) 1
20
Wellington boots (various sizes) 1
20
Safety goggles1
20
Booms
Skimmers
Storage
Tanks
Dispersant
Application
Shoreline
Response
Kits
Absorbents
5 000
1000 m
200

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Table A 5: Oil Spill Equipment Located at Onslow (Wheatstone Upstream Project)

Type
Onslow Wheatstone Upstream Equipment
Quantity
Boom Self-inflating Versatech Zooom
200 m
NOFI Boom Bags 350 EP
300 m
Pressure Inflation Beach Shore Guardian
100 m
Push broom
Push squeegee
Ultra Spill mop with replacement pads
Portable containment bund
Pressure washer
Plastic sand bags
2 500
Long-handled bulldog nail rakes
50
Long-handled square mouth shovels
50
Portable shelters
Sieves for tar balls separation
20
Skimmers
Foliex TDS150
Storage
Tanks
Temporary storage tank Vikoma Towable Floating Tank (25T)
Absorbents
Oil socks
36
Oil pillows
32
Oil marine boom
200
Oil roll perforated
600
Oil pad
200
Absorbent sweep roll, bonded to polypropylene rope
Absorbent roll
150 m
Absorbent pom-pom
300 m
Disposable coveralls
Nitrile chemical-resistant glove with Cauntlet cuff
Boot covers
Gumboots
Booms
Shoreline
Response
Kits
PPE and
Misc
1000
20
Chevrons live oil spill equipment register is maintained at http://dfbsgdc.chevron.com/webtop/drl.html?objectId=09024afe80adf399. This register also includes
equipment from other providers that Chevron Australia has access to, including from:
AMSA
AMOSC
DoT
OSRL.
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AMOSC oil spill equipment is located at Exmouth, Geelong, and Fremantle. For a current
version of AMOSC spill equipment listings, refer to the MOSES database. Contact AMSA
[(02) 6279 5000] for access to the MOSES database.
OSRLs current capability, equipment and resources are publicly available at
http://www.oilspillresponse.com/activate-us/equipment-stockpile-status-report.

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Action Table
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1.3
The Operation Phase of the Wheatstone Project is not included

within the scope of this Plan. The spill scenarios related to the
Operations Phase of the Project will be dealt with in an update to
this Plan, or a separate Plan. The staged approval of this Plan
does not in any way affect the environmental risks, management
or performance of Chevrons hydrocarbon spill response
preparedness and capacity detailed within this Plan.
Construction
1.4
The Wheatstone Project was assessed through an Environmental

Impact Statement under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The Commonwealth Minister for Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities approved the Wheatstone
Project on 22 September 2011 (EPBC 2008/4469) with a variation
to EPBC 2008/4469 Conditions 44, 45, 55, 56 and 66 made
pursuant to section 143 of the EPBC Act. Other amendments may
be made from time to time and if so will be reflected in the next
revision of this Plan.
Construction
1.5
EPBC 2008/4469 Condition 2 requires that Chevron retains

information relevant to the implementation of the Wheatstone
Project. In the event that this Plan, or parts of this Plan, is required
to be implemented, the final reports from the implemented Plan
will be made available to DOTE and the public.
Construction
1.6
Chevron is committed to conducting activities in an

environmentally responsible manner and aims to implement
reviews of its environmental management actions as part of a
programme of continuous improvement. This commitment to
continuous improvement means that the Proponent will review the
Plan to address matters such as the overall effectiveness,
environmental performance, changes in environmental risks and
changes in business conditions on an as needed basis (e.g. in
response to new information).
Construction
5.2.3
The OSRA [Oil Spill Response Atlas] is held by the Western

Australian Department of Transport and in the event of a
hydrocarbon spill Chevron will access the OSRA for use in
relevant emergency and environmental response actions.
Construction
5.3
The Sensitive Receptors and Protection Priority matrix will be used

in conjunction with the Oil Spill Operational and Scientific
Monitoring Plan (ABU130400579) to determine which sensitive
receptors are present in the event of a spill and subsequently
inform protection priorities, and inform the NEBA.
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Actions
Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) will be used to assess
and compare the risk to the environment associated with available
oil spill response options for spill events identified as Tier 2/3
events. This analysis will be undertaken prior to conducting spill
response strategies to:
Confirm that planned response strategies will mitigate the

consequence of an oil spill
Confirm or amend the protection priorities of the response
Support the choice of response strategies described in this

Plan
Determine locations where the event response activity is

considered to have a net environmental benefit
Ensure there is a net benefit to the environmental by

undertaking the response strategy, i.e. further environmental
harm will not be caused by the strategy itself.
Timing
Construction
5.4
The NEBA process factors in common sense and scientific data

and will consider relevant stakeholder expectations.
Construction
5.4
The NEBA will be revised as required throughout the spill

response based on a number of factors, including information on
the long-range weather forecast, the spill trajectory, weathering of
the hydrocarbons, and protection priorities.
Construction
6.2
A risk assessment of all source control activities identified that

drilling a relief well and deployment of a capping stack have
potential environmental risks and will therefore be subject to NEBA
prior to implementation.
Construction
6.2.3
A relief well plan will be developed for every well to be drilled in

the Wheatstone program prior to undertaking drilling activities.
These plans will be developed in accordance with Chevrons ABU
Blowout Contingency Plan (ABU120100104) and ABU Well
Integrity and Well Control Standard Operating Procedure
(ABU110200657).
Construction
6.3
The information gathered through monitoring and evaluation will

be used by the Incident Management Team to steer the response,
inform revision of the NEBA where required, and ensure that the
most effective and efficient response strategies are being used.
Construction
6.3.3
Chevron has access to two buoys that will be stored on board

offshore drilling and completion rigs to provide an immediate
response, if required
Construction

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6.5
Vessel operations will be managed to ensure that manoeuvring

vessels maintain a safe distance between each other, a safety
vessel is engaged to warn/direct vessels transiting the work zone
and appropriate gas monitoring is undertaken to ensure crew
safety.
Construction
6.5
Assisted Natural Dispersion operations will be stood down when

no sheen is observed or when continuation of the operations is
considered no longer effective (i.e. oil continues to remain on the
water or the resurfacing of submerged oil) by the emergency
management team.
Construction
6.6
The relative toxicity of dispersant use on marine biota is discussed

in Section 4.2 and will be considered in determing the potential
application of chemical dispersants.
Construction
6.6
Within State Waters, written authorisation will be sought [for the

application of chemical dispersants] from the Minster or
appropriate Hazard Management Agency (HMA), as described in
the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA). The Department of
Transport (DoT) will be contacted and supplied with the
information required such as spill location, quantity, and oil type
and characteristics. . If dispersant is required to be used in
Commonwealth Waters, National Offshore Petroleum Safety and
Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) will be
contacted. If the potential exists that dispersant may cross
jurisdictions, the relevant statutory agency will be contacted.
Construction
6.6.1
Termination of surface dispersant application will be decided in

conjunction with the relevant regulatory agency (NOPSEMA, DoT)
once successful dispersion has been achieved or chemical
dispersion is not being effective, or further efforts no longer are
having a net environmental benefit.
Construction
6.6.2
To manage the risks associated with sub-surface application, the

following mitigation will be implemented:
Construction
Dispersants will only be used at the source to enable safe

deployment of a capping stack.
Dispersants will only be used as a preparation activity for
source control, and only to commence prior to capping stack
being onsite and be terminated once source is successfully
capped.
6.7.1
Onshore exclusion barriers, such as fencing, will be used to stop

shorebirds and terrestrial fauna gaining access to an area affected
by the hydrocarbon spill, where practicable.

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6.7.1
Hazing will be used, where practicable, and in consultation with

the DPW and DOTE as appropriate to deter the animals such as
cetaceans, dugongs and seabirds from entering the slick.
Construction
6.7.2
Capture and removal of fauna will be conducted by, or under the

supervision of, trained fauna handlers or personnel that have been
authorised by DPW to do so
Construction
6.7.2
Unhatched turtle eggs will be relocated only when there is no other

option and a significant percentage of a single species population
may be at risk from oiling. Where practicable, nests will be
relocated within 12 hours of egg deposition, or after 14 days of
incubation. Permits will be sought from the DPW, where required,
for specialists handling of turtles and turtle nests. Eggs will be
handled gently and any unnecessary movement (especially
rotation) will be avoided, where practicable. If relocation is
adopted as an option during a spill, only trained, experienced, and
authorised personnel will be permitted to disturb nests or move
eggs.
Construction
6.7.2
Where practicable, and only if approved by the DPW, shorebirds

will be captured, held and or relocated away from the pathway of
the slick or from shorelines which are likely to be impacted by the
spill.
Construction
6.8
In the event of a hydrocarbon spill, NEBA will be used to

determine the priorities for oiled fauna response and determine the
appropriate strategies for capture and treatment of oiled fauna.
This will include an assessment of the most suitable location for
cleaning oiled fauna, onsite or offsite, and longer-term
rehabilitation facilities.
Construction
6.8
Oiled fauna capture, handling, and treatment activities will be

directed by trained Oiled Fauna Responders, with a team of
trained fauna handlers or by personnel that have the appropriate
licences, qualifications, or authority.
Construction
6.8
Chevron does not propose to undertake treatment for oiled

megafauna, but where practicable will retain carcasses or collect
samples to assist in the determination of fauna mortality where the
species are encountered during spill response activities.
Construction
6.8
Guidance will be sought from the DPW and DOTE to ensure fauna
handling activities are managed correctly. If Chevron Australia
and the DPW have insufficient resources to deal with the scale of
oiled wildlife, additional oiled fauna response resources will be
initiated through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
and AMOSC.
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6.8.1
If required, oiled fauna will be captured, transported and held in a

manner such that, where practicable, the risk of further impact or
injury is minimised. Oiled fauna capture and removal will be
undertaken by trained fauna handlers. Captured oiled fauna will be
transported from the initial collection area, likely to be the
impacted shoreline, to a holding area where initial treatment and
cleaning may occur here. The treatment, rehabilitation and/or
euthanasia of oiled fauna will only be conducted by personnel who
have the appropriate licences, qualifications, or authority for these
activities.
Construction
6.8.1
For oiled fauna requiring physical treatment an assessment as to

whether the affected animal will require rehabilitation will be
conducted prior to release.
Construction
6.8.1
For oiled fauna requiring physical treatment, fauna will undergo

the following treatment within the Handling Area:
Construction
Surface oiling will be removed, avoiding direct contact with the

head and oral cavities, using a very mild dishwashing
detergent, along with copious amounts of warm water. Head,
salt glands and oral cavities will be cleaned using cloth
dampened with food oils, such as olive, sunflower, or soy,
which have been found to be effective in breaking up and
removing petroleum hydrocarbons.
To treat potential hydrocarbon ingestion organic fats (such as
mayonnaise) may be force-fed to the animal to facilitate
clearance of oil or tar fouling in the oesophagus and
gastrointestinal tract. Charcoal-containing compounds may
also decrease absorption of hydrocarbons which can cause
organ damage. Alternatively material which coats the
gastrointestinal lining such as olive oil or Pepto-Bismol may
be administered orally to provide the animal relief from
irritation.
The animal will be moved to a holding enclosure and monitored
closely for 2448 hours. Dependent on the health status of the
animal, the cleaning cycle may need to be repeated until all
physical oiling is removed and the animal is showing no further
signs associated with hydrocarbon ingestion.
Where practicable, and required, rehabilitated animals will be
held for up to 14 days at an appropriate holding facility. The
health status of rehabilitating turtles will be reassessed daily.
Under the direction of the DPW animals determined to be
unlikely to survive following release will be euthanased by
trained, licensed and authorised personnel.
6.8.1
Oiled turtle response measures will be managed to mitigate any

potential adverse impacts of the response actions.
Construction
6.8.1
An assessment as to whether the affected animal will require

rehabilitation will be conducted prior to release.
Construction

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6.8.2
If long-term rehabilitation is required for oiled or injured fauna,

appropriate external rehabilitation facilities will be identified, in
consultation with DPW/DOTE. This identification process will also
involve an assessment of logistics on transporting the fauna to the
rehabilitation facility, and an assessment of the permanent
housing or release location of fauna.
Construction
6.8.3
Collection and disposal of dead fauna will be conducted, where

practicable, to prevent secondary poisoning of scavengers,
provide evidence for damage assessment, provide the numbers of
known deaths, and allow determination as to which deaths are due
to oil exposure.
Construction
6.8.3
In some cases, autopsies will be conducted on oiled fauna

carcases to determine the cause of death.
Construction
6.8.3
All oiled animal carcasses are classified as bio-hazardous and

clinical waste, therefore special requirements apply to their
handling and disposal, including:
Construction
Collection of dead fauna will be performed by, or under the

supervision of, trained fauna handlers or by personnel that
have the appropriate licences, qualifications or authority, and
are equipped with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE).
Collected carcasses will be identified and recorded, then
sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags and labelled accordingly.
The transfer of carcasses will be tracked, to allow cataloguing,
storage, investigation, and eventual disposal.
Bagged and labelled carcasses will be segregated from other
waste streams, and transferred as soon as practicable to a
refrigerated storage for future autopsy or disposal.
6.9
Protection of sensitive shorelines or areas will be considered

where practicable to protect unaffected habitats from contact with
spilled hydrocarbons. Based on the priority ranking, the site with
the highest sensitivity rating will be protected first.
Construction
6.9.1
Protection booming will be used to protect sensitive sites including

small bays, inlets, and harbour entrances, where practicable.
Construction
6.9.2
Where practicable either Chevron-Booming or Cascade Booming,

will be used for shoreline deflection activities as considered
appropriate by the AEMT.
Construction
6.10
Where shoreline protection or deflection is not possible or

unsuccessful, shoreline clean-up activities will be instigated.
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6.10
Prior to commencing shoreline clean-up, an Oiled Shoreline

Assessment (OSA) team will be deployed to survey the affected
sites and collect and document real-time data on oil and shoreline
conditions.
Construction
6.10
Prior to commencing any shoreline clean-up activities at

conservation or culturally significant sites, Chevron will seek the
relevant approvals from DPW and/or the Department of
Indigenous Affairs, respectively.
Construction
6.10.1
Naturally recovery will be employed where direct intervention may

result in greater impacts to the environment than those caused by
the presence of the hydrocarbon; where there is no proven,
effective method for clean-up; or where the shoreline is remote or
inaccessible and pose a safety risk to clean-up teams.
Construction
6.10.2
Where practicable, absorbents will primarily be used as a

secondary treatment method after bulk hydrocarbon removal
techniques have been implemented for sensitive shorelines where
intertidal vegetation is found, or where access is restricted. Care
will be taken, where practicable, to prevent secondary impacts to
the environment as a result of vehicle and foot traffic.
Construction
6.10.3
Sediment relocation will only be employed on beaches which are

exposed to wave energy and which are not identified as turtle or
bird nesting beaches. OSA assessment will include consideration
of secondary contamination of unaffected sediments/beaches
following sediment relocation activities.
Construction
6.10.4
Manual clean-up will be used for sensitive shorelines and where

vehicle access is prohibited. Foot traffic will be managed over
sensitive areas such as turtle and bird nesting to minimise
potential secondary impacts from manual clean-up activities.
Construction
6.10.5
Where mechanical clean-up is implemented, OSA teams will

assess the site prior to commencement so that excavation teams
can be properly directed. Where practicable, sediments will only
be removed to the depth of hydrocarbon penetration, and
excessive sediment removal will be avoided to prevent beach or
shore erosion. Heavy equipment will be managed to minimise
potential impacts to sensitive habitats (e.g., mangroves, dunes,
and seagrass). Chevron will seek permission from the DPW and
DIA prior to implementing mechanical clean-up operations in or
adjacent to conservation or culturally significant sites.
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6.10.6
If required, Chevron will use vacuums and pumps to collect freeflowing surface hydrocarbons subject to access restrictions and
proximity to sensitive habitats or fauna. Where practicable, traffic
and vacuum operations will be managed to minimise potential
impacts to sensitive areas (such as mangroves) or vulnerable
fauna (such as turtle hatchlings).
Construction
6.10.7
If required, Chevron will use low-pressure flushing in suitable

habitat to redirect free-flowing hydrocarbons away from trapped
areas and sensitive receptors or to remove hydrocarbons from
adhered surfaces. The use of low pressure flushing will be
managed so as to ensure that the oil/water effluent does not drain
across sensitive intertidal habitats.
Construction
6.10.8
If required, Chevron will utilise high-pressure flushing to remove

adhered and trapped hydrocarbons from hard surfaces or areas
where they may otherwise persist without removal. The use of
high pressure flushing will be managed so that the hydrocarbon
contaminated water does not drain across sensitive habitats or
uncontaminated areas.
Construction
6.10.9
Where practicable, Chevron will use flushing in conjunction with

other clean-up methods such as low- and high-pressure flushing.
Where practicable, care will be taken during flushing to recover
hydrocarbons adjacent to sensitive nearshore habitats to prevent
further contamination or re-oiling. Intertidal vegetation will be
monitored to ensure the smothering and or erosion is minimised,
where practicable.
Construction
6.11
Chevron will establish temporary waste management areas, and

coordinate the deployment of available waste assets (i.e.
receptacles, equipment and personnel) and recovery and disposal
of wastes. Spill response activities will adopt the waste hierarchy
strategy by reducing, re-using, recycling, treating and recovering
waste, where practicable.
Construction
7.3
For Tier 2 and Tier 3 spills, Chevron will maintain a broad set of
spill response capabilities. Current response capabilities are
maintained at Barrow Island, Thevenard Island and Ashburton
North. Chevron also has contracts with a number of National and
International thirdparty spill response providers to ensure
response capabilities can be drawn upon in the unlikely event of a
Tier 3 spill.
Construction
7.5.1
Delivery team spill response plans will be initiated subject to the

origin of the spill. The information provided as part of the initial
pollution report (POLREP) performed by the SERT will be used to
determine/confirm the Spill Response Plan to be initiated.
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7.5.2
In the event of a spill initial action plans will be activated

immediately. In the unlikely event that a Tier 1 oil spill event
requires additional support beyond immediate capability additional
support will be mobilised and provided from Onslow, BWI or TVI,
subject to the location and originating activity of the spill.
Construction
7.5.2
In the event that an oil spill is classified or escalates to a Tier 2 or

Tier 3 event, Chevron will escalate its response and mobilise its
applicable State, National and International response resources
which will be managed by the Chevron AEMT. These resources
will be combined with those from AMSA, the DPA and DoT.
Depending on the location and size of the oil spill event, the DPA
or DoT may assume the Incident Controller role.
Construction
7.5.3
The decision to terminate response activities will be made when

the efforts are not returning any net environmental benefits.
Termination Criteria for the individual response strategies will
include, but are not limited to:
Construction
The continued effectiveness of the current monitoring and/or

clean up procedures
An assessment of whether further response actions action will
increase environmental damage (Net Environmental Benefit
Analysis assessment)
Water quality sampling results
If the prevailing weather conditions will be effective in removing
oil deposits.
7.5.3
Relevant stakeholders who will be consulted on criteria for

terminating the response may include: NOPSEMA; AMSA;
AMOSC; DOTE; AFMA and others as appropriate.
Construction
8.1
Chevron Australia will maintain sufficient response team

competencies to enable all functional requirements for activities
and processes described in Section 6.0 to an appropriate
commercial or government mandated standard.
Construction
8.2
Chevron Australia maintains a group of trained oil spill responders

who will be mobilised during response operations.
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8.7
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In accordance with the requirements of Regulation 14(8A) of the
OPGGS (E) R 2009, Chevron tests its Oil Spill response
arrangements as follows:
When they are introduced
When they are significantly amended
Not later than 12 months after the most recent test
When a new location for an activity is added to an Oil Spill

Operational Response Plan required by NOPSEMA, DMP,
DoT or AMSA.
When a new facility or structure becomes operational.

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Emergency response arrangements will be tested regularly, in

accordance with Table 8.4.
Construction
Table 8 - 4: Emergency Response Arrangement Testing

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
A Level 1
emergency is small
in size and short in
duration and can
usually handled
exclusively by the
Vessel ORT(s)
A Level 2
emergency has
broader impacts
and requires the
acquisition of
resources not
immediately
available to the
Vessel Emergency
Response
Team(s). A
moderate incident
results in the
activation of the
ABU AEMT
A Level 3
emergency has
broad impacts on
the facility. A
major incident
requires the
activation of an
AEMT, and may
trigger the
activation of Crisis
Management
Team (CMT)
Relevant
Team(s)
Vessel ORT(s)
Vessel ORT(s) and

AEMT
Vessel ORT(s),
AEMT and CMT
Plan
Tested
Vessel SOPEP
Flowline
Installation
Management Plan
OSORP
Emergency
Response Plan
(Chevron Australia
2011a) and the
Flowline
Installation
Management Plan
OSORP
Frequency
Annual for each

facility
When the OSORP

response
arrangements are
initially introduced,
whenever a new
facility is
introduced, if/when
the OSORP
response
arrangements are
significantly
amended, and not
later than
12 months after the
most recent test for
the facility
Annually, based on
risk assessment,
work scope, and
schedule of wider
ABU activities (e.g.
production, export
shipping, offshore
drilling, offshore
construction)
Description
8.8
[Redacted as approved by the Minister]

Public
Page 159
Wheatstone Project
Section
9.1
Document No:
Revision:
Revision Date:
WS0-0000-HES-PLN-CVX-000-00092-000
1
30/10/2013
Actions
As part of the pre-mediation of the annual CARs, Chevron will
assess its compliance status against this Program, which will be
guided by the action table provided in Appendix E. [This Table]

Public
Timing
Construction
Page 160

Wheatstone Project Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan

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Wheatstone Project

Wheatstone Oil Spill Environmental

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

8.6 Response Timing ............................................................................................. 106

Figure 4.2: Impact Pathways ................................................................................................ 38

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

ENVIRONMENTAL RECEPTORS AND PROTECTION PRIORITY ... 120

ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

Australasia Business Unit

Asset Emergency Management Team

Australian Marine Oil Spills Centre

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area

Asia Pacific Applied Science Associates

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association

Benthic Primary Producer Habitat

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Crisis Management Team

Cutter suction dredge

Dampier-to-Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline

Department of Minerals and Petroleum (WA)

Department of Transport (WA)

Department Of The Environment (Cth) formerly Department of Sustainability,

Dampier Port Authority (WA)

Department of Wildlife and Parks (WA) - formerly Department of Environment

The Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Review and Management

Environment Management Plan

Environmental Non-Government Organisation

Environmental Protection Act 1986

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

EPBC Act (Cth)

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Commonwealth Primary Environmental Approval and conditional

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Emergency Response Organisations

Environmental Sensitive Index

Health, Environment and Safety

Heavy Fuel Oil

Hazard Management Agency

Intermediate Bulk Container

Incident Command System

Installation Emergency Management Team

LAT means lowest astronomical tide

Liquefied Natural Gas

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

Marine Diesel Oil

Materials Offloading Facility

Thousands of Standard Cubic Feet

Million tonnes per annum

Marine habitat from the 20 m contour to the shoreline

Net Environmental Benefit Analysis

National Environmental Significance

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority

Marine habitat beyond the 20 m contour to the shoreline

Offshore Installation Manager

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act

Onsite Response Team

Oiled Shoreline Assessment

Chevron Australia Pty Ltd

Online System for Comprehensive Activity Reporting

Oil Spill Environmental Response Plan

Oil Spill Response Limited