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Exploration Document Number

MAO-EXP-PN-0005-055S Revision

2.0 Revision Date

19 February 2013 Page

2 of 21 Document Title

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN, WA-481-P MARINE SEISMIC SURVEY 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3

2. LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY ............................................................................................................ 4

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................ 7 3.1. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................... 7 3.2. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................................... 7 3.3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................. 9 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY .................................................................................................... 10 4.1. SURVEY VESSELS .................................................................................................................................. 10 5. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND CONTROLS .............................................................. 11

6. MANAGEMENT APPROACH ............................................................................................................. 18

7. CONSULTATION ................................................................................................................................ 19

8. CONTACT DETAILS .......................................................................................................................... 21

FIGURES

Figure 1. Perth Basin MSS location map (Zones A, B and C are Rock Lobster fishing zones) ....................... 5

TABLES

Table 1. Coordinates for the Perth Basin MSS activity .................................................................................... 6 Table 2. Summary of environmental hazards and control measures to be applied to the Perth Basin 3D & 2D Marine Seismic Survey .................................................................................................................................... 12

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SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN, WA-481-P MARINE SEISMIC SURVEY 2013

1. INTRODUCTION

Murphy Australia WA-481-P Oil Pty Ltd (Murphy), a subsidiary of Murphy Oil Corporation, on behalf of its joint venture partners, will undertake a marine seismic survey (MSS), in offshore Commonwealth waters, within the petroleum exploration licence area WA-481-P in the Perth basin (see Section 2 for further location details; Figure 1). The MSS is estimated to last for 60-80 days and is scheduled to commence in February 2013.

This document provides a summary of the Environment Plan (EP) that was accepted by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) in accordance with Regulation 11(1) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 (Environment Regulations). This EP summary has been prepared as per the requirements of Regulation 11 (7) and (8) of the Environment Regulations.

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2. LOCATION OF THE ACTIVITY

The MSS will comprise 2550km2 of 3D and 610km of 2D data acquisition, entirely within petroleum exploration permit WA-481-P.

Two blocks of 3D surveying are planned, plus a number of 2D lines. These are referred to as:

• Geelvink 3D MSS

• Turtle Dove Ridge 3D MSS

• 2D MSS Well Tie Lines

No acquisition of seismic data will be undertaken in State waters (i.e. never closer than 3 nautical miles from land). More than 90% of the MSS will be undertaken in water greater than 50m deep. The shallowest water depth that will be surveyed is 29m.

In addition to the survey locations, Figure 1 shows the overall 3D operations area, which would be utilised for vessel manoeuvring. Reefs and shoals present in the permit area will be avoided for navigational safety reasons.

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Figure 1. Perth Basin MSS location map (Zones A, B and C are Rock Lobster fishing zones)

The boundary coordinates for the 3D blocks and the 2D lines, within the WA-481 permit area are given in Table 1 below (and also shown in Figure 1).

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Table 1 Coordinates for the Perth Basin MSS activity

3D Operations Area, inclusive of Run outs and Line Turns

Point Latitude Longitude A 30° 5' 28.933" S 114° 24' 34.748" E B 30° 3' 41.701" S 114° 15' 56.311" E C 29° 24' 44.420" S 114° 3' 31.728" E D 29° 18' 16.843" S 114° 7' 37.363" E E 29° 16' 53.365" S 114° 13' 17.588" E F 28° 58' 30.739" S 114° 6' 40.951" E G 28° 44' 37.095" S 114° 7' 10.848" E H 28° 43' 18.555" S 114° 12' 1.057" E J 28° 49' 39.093" S 114° 16' 39.240" E K 29° 24' 21.036" S 114° 28' 44.452" E L 29° 25' 0.018" S 114° 31' 8.510" E M 30° 0' 53.173" S 114° 42' 59.567" E

Geelvink 3D (Data Acquisition Area) Point Latitude Longitude

A 28°53'23.701"S 114°15'59.680"E B 29°07'07.520"S 114°20'50.124"E C 29°10'57.036"S 114°19'36.095"E D 29°12'42.146"S 114°13'36.915"E E 28°58'07.539"S 114°08'30.771"E F 28°51'55.425"S 114°09'28.415"E G 28°50'59.985"S 114°12'56.437"E

Turtle Dove 3D (Data Acquisition Area)

Point Latitude Longitude A 29°30'20.277"S 114°07'15.403"E B 29°25'35.486"S 114°10'11.137"E C 29°24'06.466"S 114°16'07.967"E D 29°34'45.977"S 114°32'18.310"E E 29°54'17.492"S 114°38'57.695"E F 29°57'55.170"S 114°24'53.835"E G 29°56'14.494"S 114°15'28.395"E

2D Well Tie (Data Acquisition Lines) Line No . Latitude Longitude

501 SOL 29°07'36.456"S 114°41'16.347"S 501 EOL 29°06'21.273"S 114°14'46.127"S 502 SOL 29°32'32.372"S 114°14'54.181"S 502 EOL 29°32'36.206"S 114°52'20.695"S 503 SOL 28°40'59.773"S 114°16'43.160"S 503 EOL 28°54'43.926"S 114°11'10.442"S 504 SOL 29°11'59.424"S 114°48'16.848"S 504 EOL 29°49'55.705"S 113°57'15.602"S 505 SOL 30°12'54.435"S 114°41'57.652"S 505 EOL 29°55'19.579"S 114°29'31.930"S 506 SOL 29°29'38.197"S 113°35'52.147"S 506 EOL 29°13'48.679"S 114°49'49.905"S 507 SOL 30°13'12.152"S 114°26'55.605"S 507 EOL 30°19'34.787"S 114°50'13.446"S 508 SOL 29°22'06.939"S 114°46'53.504"S 508 EOL 30°08'31.472"S 114°17'16.367"S 509 SOL 29°32'41.411"S 114°18'17.095"S 509 EOL 29°28'14.542"S 114°15'23.247"S

Datum: GDA 94, EPSG reference 4938

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SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN, WA-481-P MARINE SEISMIC SURVEY 2013 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

3.1. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The Perth Basin 3D & 2D MSS operational area is in Commonwealth waters and located in the province of the south west marine region (SWMR).

In terms of its geological context, the MSS area resides in the Perth basin, which is a large (172,300km2) and elongated, north to northwest-trending sedimentary basin extending about 1,300km along the south-western coast of Australia. There is a series of medium-sized, offshore limestone islands with well-developed intertidal rock platforms and these afford protection from swell waves and provide sheltered, inshore lagoonal environments, developing ecologically important limestone shoals for example, the Turtle Dove shoal. The western margin of the permit area coincides with the 1000m isobath, but a small area of the permit area exceeds 2000m in depth. The permit area covers parts of the Abrolhos, Houtman and Vlaming sub-basins, and the Beagle and Turtle Dove ridges.

The Northern Perth Basin lies in the path of the Leeuwin Current, which draws warm, low-salinity water of a tropical origin southwards along the coast of Western Australia. There is no large-scale coastal upwelling associated with the Leeuwin Current, and the area can be termed as an oligotrophic environment, dominated by localised effects, where surface and subsurface current systems, strong winds, and a combination of topographic features (headlands, islands, submarine canyons) can produce regions of high productivity. This system is present in the Perth basin where peak productivity is found in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands (Abrolhos Marine Reserve, 10km west) and the Jurien Bay Marine Reserve (60km south east). The islands and surrounding reefs are renowned for their high levels of endemism and biodiversity and are also important in geological terms. Their high level of biodiversity is attributed to the mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life with temperate species carried into the area by the southward flowing Leeuwin Current.

3.2. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The complex geomorphology of the area supports a wide diversity of habitats and ecological niches that in turn contribute to the high marine biodiversity of the area. The four main nearshore habitats found within the survey area are limestone reefs with algae, reef walls and caves, seagrass meadows and bare sand. Reefs generally have attached macroalgae, filter feeders (sponges, ascidians, soft corals) and occasional hard corals in places exposed to the Leeuwin current and clear water, such as around the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. The Houtman Abrolhos Islands have a high diversity of hermatypic coral, fleshy macroalgae, macrophyte communities, and other faunal groups consisting of mixed southern temperate, west-coast endemic and northern tropical species. The nearshore areas in the Jurien region are known to contain seagrass meadows that are comprised of a variety of species, and are found in varying densities.

A review of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Database search identified 22 Threatened (endangered or vulnerable) species, of which 18 are also migratory; there are 33 Listed Migratory Species in total that may occur within a 10km radius of the seismic survey area. No threatened ecological communities or recorded sensitive environments within the survey area were identified.

Three threatened cetacean species were identified in the search that may occur within, adjacent to or migrate through the MSS area; the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) and blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) are listed as endangered or vulnerable. The MSS area is located in offshore waters that are used for feeding, migrating and resting.

Humpback whales migrate annually between their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to their tropical and subtropical breeding grounds in winter. In general they are sighted in southern Australian waters in May and migrate slowly up the east and west coast. By October, most whales have started their southward migration and sightings are rarer after November. At some points along their migratory route there are narrow corridors from physical barriers where the majority of the population passes close to the shore (within 30km). One such corridor exists between the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and the coast near Geraldton. Resting areas are used by cow-calf pairs and attendant males during the southern migration. Sheltered bays appear to be used opportunistically for this purpose.

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The northern migration is generally further offshore along the 200m depth contour, while the southern migration, especially of cow/calf pairs, is typically much closer to the coastline typically 30-100m deep. Humpback whales may be encountered in the survey area, however Murphy has planned the timing of the survey to avoid the annual migration period(s).

The southern right whale is a migratory species listed as endangered and generally travels north from Antarctica to breed in sheltered areas along the southern coast of Australia between May to the end of September. The species is pelagic, in summer foraging in the open Southern Ocean between 40° and 65°S and migrates from the sub Antarctic to southern Australian coastal waters to calve and mate. Pregnant females generally arrive between May and June and depart with calves in September - October. Key breeding areas on the WA south coast where a high density of calving occurs includes Doubtful Island Bay, Israelite Bay and Head of Bight. During calving, the whales are generally within 2km of the shoreline with calving occurring in waters less than 10m deep. The timing of the MSS will avoid southern right whale migratory period(s). Additionally the calving period in winter (outside the planned survey period), occurs in coastal water – the survey will not be in coastal waters.

The blue whale is a migratory species listed as endangered and is present in waters off Australia’s Antarctic Territory. They are widespread in all Australian waters at various times of the year and may transit through the MSS area. There are two sub species of blue whale, the Antarctic blue whale and the pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda). Antarctic blue whales feed predominantly in polar waters and are likely to occur infrequently in the region. The majority of blue whales sighted in Australian waters are pygmy blue whales. These whales feed in the Perth Canyon (at depths of 200-300m) from January to May with peak feeding occurring between March and May. They then continue up the coast from April through to August and their southern migration is from October to late December. As Blue Whales are widespread in all Australian waters, and exact migratory patterns and breeding locations are not known, they may be present at various times of the year and may be encountered in low numbers within the MSS area. However no biologically significant areas (i.e. resting, feeding or breeding) for the blue whale are recorded within, or in proximity to, the MSS area. It is possible that the species may transit through the MSS area on their northern migration after feeding in the Perth Basin.

An additional six other migratory cetacean species including five whales and one dolphin may occur in and/or transit through the survey area, which include Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), killer whale (Orcinus orca), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata) and the dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus).

Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) are listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. There are currently 76 known pupping locations along the coast and offshore islands between the Houtman Abrolhos Islands in Western Australia to the Pages Islands in South Australia. The survey area incorporates the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and Jurien Bay marine reserves where Australian sea lions have breeding colonies. This species will be present in the region year round and therefore may be present in or transiting through the survey area; however, maximum utilisation of their islands and strong site fidelity occurs during their breeding season. It is likely that the sea lions will be based on or near the islands in Jurien Bay during their breeding season (which for most occurs between January to June), reducing the likelihood of sea lions traversing through the operational location during the MSS.

Twelve species of marine birds listed as endangered or vulnerable on the EPBC Protected Matters Database may occur within the proposed MSS area. A large variety of seabirds either passes across the region or use the waters within and near to the permit area as their main habitat. The majority of the species identified utilise the Houtman Abrolhos Islands for breeding and the surrounding waters for foraging. These islands are used year round, therefore it is possible that this species may fly over and forage within the proposed MSS area. However the likelihood of encounter and/or potential impact is considered low throughout the survey area.

A search of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Database found three species of endangered/vulnerable marine turtle that may occur in the survey area are the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The MSS area is considered to be a nesting migration pathway for reproductive adults as

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loggerhead turtles are known to breed on Dirk Hartog Island over 100km to the northeast of the survey area therefore they may transit through the survey area. There are no biologically significant areas (i.e. feeding, breeding or migratory pathways) for the green and leatherback turtle recorded within, or in proximity to the MSS area. These species would, at most, transit through the area during the proposed MSS activities and has a low likelihood of encounter during the MSS.

Five species of shark were identified that may transit through the operational area, three of these as migratory: Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), Longfin Mako (Isurus paucus) and Porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and two of the species are listed as vulnerable: Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and Great White Shark (Carcharadon carcharias).

A seasonal aggregation of whale sharks occurs in the waters off the Ningaloo coast each year between late March and July, with the highest frequency of sightings occurring in April. Whale sharks are highly migratory and generally depart Ningaloo Reef sometime between May and June, travelling northeast along the continental shelf and then moving offshore into the north-eastern Indian Ocean. No critical habitat for whale sharks has been designated in the South West Marine Region. As a result of their widespread distribution and highly migratory nature, whale sharks may occur, albeit in very low numbers, in the survey area.

Great white sharks can be found from close inshore around rocky reefs, surf beaches and shallow coastal bays to outer continental shelf and slope areas. They also make open ocean excursions and can cross ocean basins (for instance from South Africa to the western coast of Australia and from the eastern coast of Australia to New Zealand). Due to their migratory nature and the presence of Australian sea lion colonies, great white sharks may be present in the survey area. White sharks are considered temporary residents of the area; however, they do return on a seasonal basis and would hence appear to have a degree of fidelity to certain areas. It is therefore expected that species will occur on a transitory basis in the proposed MSS area as they transit to potential feeding grounds.

Fish species present in the area are expected to range from transient pelagic species to demersal fish associated with benthic habitats in the area, to a diverse and abundant range of coral reef species on the reefs around the Abrolhos Islands. Pipefish and seahorses occur widely in association with reefs, seagrass beds, rubble and deepwater sponge, sea whip and gorgonian gardens. The species that may occur in the vicinity of the survey area are likely to be widely associated with suitable habitats throughout the region.

Approximately eight species of rock lobster live in WA waters but the most abundant by far is the western rock lobster. They are a temperate species, only found on the continental shelf with most occurring between Perth and Geraldton. In addition to many pelagic and Demersal species, rock lobsters are considered a significant resource in terms of commercial fishing.

3.3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

There are a number of Commonwealth and State administered fisheries that are known or may have fishing permit areas/zones that intersect with the MSS operational area. Commonwealth administered fisheries which may operate in the permit area include the Western Tuna and Billfish, Western Deepwater Trawl, Western Skipjack Tuna and Southern Bluefin Tuna. State administered fisheries which may operate in the permit area include the Western Rock Lobster, Mackerel, West Coast Inshore Demersal incorporating the West Coast Demersal Scalefish, the West Coast Demersal Gillnet and West Coast Demersal Longline and Charter Boat Industry, the Abrolhos Islands and Mid-West Trawl, the Marine Aquarium, Specimen Shell and West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean. The greatest potential for impact from MSS activities is considered to be to the Western Rock Lobster Fishery, as its operating area is smaller in comparison to the other fisheries and fishing activity more intense in the permit area.

Traffic plots provided by AMSA, specifically for the permit area, show a relatively low level of traffic in the 3D operations area, with an average of 1.7 vessel movements per day across both the Geelvink and Turtle Dove MSS areas. More traffic is expected for the western extremities of the 2D tie lines, however time spent in these areas will be minimal for 2D surveys.

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4. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY

The MSS will be conducted using a purpose-built seismic survey vessel with a dedicated support vessel and up to four guard vessels. The MSS proposed is similar to most others conducted in Australian marine waters, in terms of technical methods and procedures. No unusual equipment or operations are proposed.

During the proposed activities, the survey vessel will traverse a series of pre-determined sail lines within the MSS area at a speed of approximately 4-5 knots. As the vessel travels along the survey lines, and once cetacean observation procedures have been satisfied (i.e. ensuring that no cetaceans are within a defined radius), a series of noise pulses (every 8-10 seconds) will be directed down through the water column and seabed. The released sound is attenuated and reflected at geological boundaries and the reflected signals are detected using sensitive hydrophones arranged along a number of cables (streamers) towed behind the survey vessel. The reflected sound is then processed to provide information about the structure and composition of geological formations below the seabed; this data can then be interpreted by Murphy exploration specialists in order to identify potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. The equipment used will create a peak source sound pulse of 210-220 dB re 1μPa2.s at 1 m, with a frequency range of between 0 and 128 HZ.

During the 3D MSS, 12 streamers of 7.5km active length will be towed, with a nominal overall width of 1.1km. During the 2D MSS, a single streamer of 7.5km active length will be utilised. Because of the size of the array and the limited manoeuvrability of the vessel during the MSS, in order to protect the safety of the crew, equipment and other sea users, a range of measures has been applied to minimize potential impacts; these include:

• Identification of users of the marine area within the permit;

• Appointment of a fisheries liaison officer (from September 2012);

• Extensive consultation with – and ongoing provision of information to - recreational and commercial fishermen and other sea users

• Use of guard vessels to manage potential interactions between the seismic vessel and other sea users.

• Issuing of notices to mariners prior to the survey.

The survey vessel will deploy the streamers upon arrival at the first survey location and then proceed to complete the entire survey (all 3D and 2D surveying) in one sequence. Unless an emergency occurs or significant damage to equipment, such as a streamer breaking, the vessel will keep moving at all times in order to maintain the effectiveness of the seismic array and the efficiency of the survey, minimising the time the vessel is in the area and causing a potential obstruction. Upon completion, the streamers will be reeled in and the vessel will leave the permit area.

4.1. SURVEY VESSELS

The MSS will be conducted by the geophysical contractor WesternGeco, using a 2D & 3D capable vessel, the Western Trident. Murphy is proposing to use one dedicated support and three to four guard vessels to accompany the main seismic survey vessel. The seismic survey vessel will be escorted at all times to maintain a safe distance between the survey array and other vessels, and also to manage interactions with shipping and fishing activities, if required.

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SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN, WA-481-P MARINE SEISMIC SURVEY 2013 5. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND CONTROLS

Murphy undertook an environmental risk assessment to compile the potential environmental risks associated with the MSS to ensure they are reduced to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) and will be of an acceptable level consistent with Murphy standards. The key environmental hazards and control measures to be applied to the Perth Basin MSS activities are highlighted in Table 2 below.

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Table 2 Summary of environmental hazards and control measures to be applied to the Perth Basin 3D & 2D Marine Seismic Survey

Event Potential environmental impact Key Controls & Mitigation Measures

Marine Fauna

Acoustic Noise (Discharge of underwater seismic pulses)

Adverse disturbance / alarm behaviour and/or physiological damage to marine mammals

• Timing of survey to avoid known cetacean migration periods (no known breeding/calving areas in operational areas)

• Compliance with EPBC Policy Statement 2.1 and associated measures including: Trained marine fauna observers Delay procedures Soft Starts Stop/Proximity procedures

• Avoidance behaviour of animals and distance from acoustic noise source • Reporting of Marine Mammal (sighting) to regulator

Adverse disturbance / alarm behaviour and/or physiological damage to marine turtles

• No known nesting areas in operational areas, may transit /migrate through area • ‘Soft starts’ will be utilised • Slow speed and logical course enables avoidance behaviour

Adverse disturbance / alarm behaviour and/or physiological damage to fish

• Consultation with fishing industry groups and fishers • Ability of fish to move from the immediate vicinity of the vessel / equipment • Water depth and distance from noise source

Adverse disturbance / alarm behaviour and/or physiological damage to marine invertebrates (e.g. rock lobsters)

• Consultation with fishing industry groups and fishers • Distance of rock lobsters from source of acoustic noise (organism sensitivity and perception) and water

depth

Light generation from vessels Disturbance to behaviour/physiology of marine mammals

• Lighting on vessel and for navigation/safety purposes only (some projected light onto arrays) • No known nesting sites in/around operational area • Likelihood for potential impact to marine turtle (either from lighting source or presence of animals) is

low for operational area Disturbance to behaviour/physiology of marine turtles

Vessel Collisions Injury or death to marine fauna (cetaceans) • Slow speed and logical course enables avoidance behaviour of fauna. • Compliance with EPBC Policy Statement 2.1 and associated measures including:

• Trained marine fauna observers • Delay procedures • Soft Starts • Stop/Proximity procedures

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• Reporting of Marine Mammal (sighting) to regulator

Injury or death to other marine fauna (e.g marine turtles, seabird)

• Slow speed and logical course enables avoidance behaviour of fauna. • No known nesting areas in operational areas, may transit /migrate through area Turtle guard on

tailbuoys in place to avoid the turtle trap on the tailbuoys

Vessel Interactions/Proximity Disturbance to behaviour (cetaceans) • Slow speed and logical course enables avoidance behaviour of fauna. • Compliance with EPBC Policy Statement 2.1 measures including:

• Trained marine fauna observers • Delay procedures • Soft Starts

• Stop/Proximity procedures • Reporting of Marine Mammal (sighting) to regulator

Benthic habitat

Loss or dragging of equipment Physical disturbance to seabed, potential localised damage or loss of infauna; impacts on lobster fishing activity

• Following of predetermined course / coordinates • Use of depth sounding equipment • Automatically inflating streamer flotation devices if lost • Consultation with fishermen to prevent setting of pots • Recovery of dropped equipment

Vessel anchoring Physical disturbance to seabed, potential localised damage or loss of infauna

• No planned anchoring, only deployed in emergencies within operational area • No sensitive seabed habitat identified within area • 2 main and 2 ancillary engines (and 2 x propellers) to aid manoeuvrability; and bow thrusters and

onboard navigation systems on survey vessel • Availability of support vessels with capacity to tow • Avoidance areas around shoals less than 15m depth (~500m) as survey area is >29m

Invasive Marine Species/Quarantine

Discharge of ballast water from vessels (and/or bio-fouling of hulls)

Introduction and/or spread of invasive marine species (and potential displacement/impact to native species)

• Follow AQIS guidelines and undertaken Vessel Risk Assessment (VRAS) including hull inspection and cleaning prior to entry to Australian waters

• Develop and implement IMS risk assessment procedure • Vessel records for ballast water (exchange/discharges) and biofouling

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Routine discharges

Emissions of exhaust gases and particulate matter from fossil fuel combustion (CO2, CO, SOx, NOx) – vessels and helicopter, and incinerator on survey vessel

Contribution of greenhouse gas (CO2) to climate change; localised acidification of atmosphere (oxides of sulphur and nitrogen); haze (oxides of nitrogen) and potential human health impacts from particulates

• Survey vessel uses approx 30m3 fuel per day • Use of marine gas oil (diesel) rather than intermediate or heavy fuel oil on vessels, results in lower

pollutant levels • Planned maintenance systems on vessels and helicopter ensures optimal efficiency • Incinerator used will be suitably maintained, MARPOL approved and operated by trained personnel

Discharge of greywater/sewage and /or putrescibles within legal limits (e.g <25mm maceration)

Reduction in water quality with potential impacts to marine fauna and benthic habitat

• Treatment of sewage and greywater through MARPOL approved equipment and specifications

Discharge of greywater/sewage and /or putrescibles outside legal limits (e.g >25mm maceration)


Discharge of deck drainage and treated oily water (bilge water) within legal limits (<15ppm oil in water)


• Treatment of oily water through MARPOL approved separator with retention tanks for out of spec effluents.

Discharge of deck drainage and treated oily water (bilge water) outside legal limits (>15ppm oil in water)


Accidental/Non-routine discharges

Release of solid or hazardous wastes overboard

Reduction in water quality. Possible toxic effects to marine habitat and fauna. Potential ingestion or entanglement and physiological harm to fauna

• Garbage management plans and /or waste management procedures on vessels • All wastes containerised and backloaded for onshore disposal • Fixed and portable waste storage receptacles • Bunding for hazardous liquids

Loss of Containment : Refuelling – Diesel Spills, from hose / connection failure

Reduction in water quality;. Toxic effects to marine habitat and fauna

• Vessel has fuel capacity for a duration well in excedence of Activity duration (135 days versus 60-80); refuelling therefore unlikely

• In the unlikely event of the need to refuel, the support vessel will only provide top-ups i.e maximum 200m3 – spills if they do occur will be small (<1m3) before flow is shut off by operators (supervised

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transfers at all times) • Use of dry break couplings if refuelling occurs • No refuelling within 50km of land or any water <15m deep. • Support vessels will refuel in port • No helicopter refuelling on seismic vessel • Documented procedures and checklist exist for bunkering activities (and Vessel SOPEP) • Compliance with local fishing/port authority guidelines (e.g. Port Denison and Geraldton) • Radio communication with vessels approaching seismic vessel • Support and Guard Vessels in place during all activities • Display of nav. beacons and lights • Evaporative nature of diesel in air/water

Loss of containment (Kerosene) from streamers

Reduction in water quality Toxic effects to marine habitat and fauna

• Solid streamer used in preference to kerosene filled – with Kerosene volume restricted (maximum volume e.g. ~1L/per 3.125m of streamer) and isolated around hydrophones on streamers

• Use of streamer recovery devices

Loss of containment: deck spills of oil and chemicals to sea

Reduction in water quality Toxic effects to marine habitat and fauna

• Bunded areas/ Chemical storage areas and dedicated deck drainage systems • Small quantities (5-25 litres) • Onboard Spill Kits (3 x set – absorbency pads and booms, granules and dispersants)

Loss of containment of diesel from vessel fuel tanks due to collision, grounding, sinking, or bunkering overflow

Reduction in water quality

Toxic effects to marine habitat and fauna

• Inter-vessel communication navigation aids, beacons, lighting, depth sounding equipment, charts • Guard vessels and support vessel protection • Consultation with other sea users and pre-notification to mariners (i.e. Notices to Mariners via the

Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS) • All vessels under control of qualified vessel master, crew and lookouts • Maximum of 200m3 diesel transfer volume into tanks with levels well below potential maximum

capacity to eliminate risk of overfilling • Survey vessel will travel at slow speeds of 4 – 5 knots during the Activity • AMSA traffic plots indicate very low levels of vessel activity in 3D survey locations (1.7 vessel

movements per day) • Survey vessel spend <12 hours at a time in the 2D survey areas where vessel traffic more frequent • Survey vessel will not pass through water of less than 15m depth at any time during the Activity

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IN THE EVENT OF A MAJOR SPILL /LOSS OF CONTAINMENT OF HYDROCARBON (DIESEL as identified in Risk Assessment above) – Implementation of Response Strategies and Potential Impacts

In event of a loss of containment / hydrocarbon release: activation of OSCP and implementation of spill response strategies

Continued release of hydrocarbons into the pelagic environment, with toxicity (harm, injury or death) or physiological impacts to sensitive species

Increased emissions and wastes, including generation of hydrocarbon contaminated wastes from clean-up

Potential modification and/or reduction in water quality

Toxic effects to marine habitat and fauna from deployment of dispersant (if deployed as response strategy)

Inappropriate management of diesel contaminated flora, fauna and surfaces

• Activation and implementation of SOPEP and MAO Incident Management Plan (IMP) procedures and processes, with • Interface and implementation as required of AMSA NATPLAN • Interface and implementation as required of the DoT Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan which

prioritises strategies for managing Type II hydrocarbons in open sea, inshore and near shore locations and shoreline responses for different shoreline types

• Management of wastes in compliance with the NATPLAN document Management and Disposal of Oil Spill Debris

• Activation of oiled wildlife response as required and liaison with WA DEC as per the WA Oiled Wildlife Response Plan (DEC)

• Monitoring of the spill and response strategy and environment (baseline and impacts) • Master service agreement (between Murphy and AMOSC) in place for mobilisation of necessary

resources to support the oil spill response by AMSA and DoT • Notification and engagement/liaison with stakeholders identified in this EP

Social and/or Community Activities and Impacts

Disturbance to heritage values/sites Disturbance to archaeological/historical sites • No protected shipwrecks in operational area (baseline studies) • No recognised heritage sites in operational area

Disturbance to aboriginal cultural heritage sites and/or values

• Baseline indicates no aboriginal/cultural heritage sites/values in vicinity

Disturbance to Commercial Fishing Impact to commercial fishing activities (including fish take, damage to equipment etc) from timing/placement of survey array

• Rock Lobster fishery is the main fishery which might be impacted • Early and extensive consultation underway with fisheries bodies to identify optimum timing and

approach / zoning of operational area • Fisheries liaison officer appointed to provide ongoing dialogue • Timing of survey to minimise impacts • Flexibility around timing of areas acquisition (specific areas) – microtiming • Community Information sessions to raise awareness

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• Website to be used for updating users on vessel location • Guard and Support Vessels (to scout areas and remove pots if necessary) • Information leaflets to be provided at ports • Notices to mariners to be issued • Compensation scheme in place

Disturbance to Recreational Fishing Impact to recreational fishing activities from timing/placement of survey array

• Consultation with recreational fishermen • Community information sessions • Leaflets at ports and launching points • Consultation with Recfishwest to raise awareness • Guard boats to prevent interactions • Notice to Mariners • Timing of activities

Disturbance to Tourism Impact to tourism activities from timing/placement of survey array

• Consultation with tourism operators • Community information sessions • Leaflets at ports and launching points • Guard boats to prevent interactions • Notice to Mariners • Timing of activities to avoid peak whale watching season

Defence activities (e.g.WAXA) Coordination of survey around DOD activities - potential conflict with defence activities

• Early consultation indicates no conflicting activities

Shipping activities Disturbance to commercial and recreational shipping activities

• Early consultation with AMSA to understand risk of interaction eg review of traffic plot • 3D areas are in low activity areas; 2D may cross busier areas but for short periods only • Guard vessels to prevent interactions • Notice to Mariners

Community concern Public concern (including media coverage) over seismic activities and potential impacts to fishing, tourism and marine fauna.

• Early and extensive consultation with community bodies (shire councils) • Community information sessions • Avoidance of peak whale migration period

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6. MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The Perth Basin 3D & 2D MSS will be managed in compliance with the EP accepted by NOPSEMA under the Environment Regulations, other relevant environmental legislation and Murphy’s corporate policies for example, Murphy Oil Corporation Environmental Health and Safety Policy.

The objective of the EP is to ensure that potential adverse impacts on the environment associated with the MSS, during both routine and non-routine operations, are identified, and will be reduced to ALARP and will be of an acceptable level. The EP includes specific performance objectives and standards, and identifies the key controls and mitigation measures (Table 2) to be implemented to achieve the performance objectives. These various commitments are communicated to all personnel involved in the MSS. The implementation strategy detailed in the EP identifies the roles/responsibilities and competency/training requirements for all personnel (Murphy and contractors) in relation to implementing controls, managing non-conformance, emergency response and meeting reporting requirements during the seismic activity. The EP also details the types of auditing that will be undertaken and the reporting requirements for environmental incidents, and reporting for overall compliance of the MSS.

The vessel master(s) will be responsible for the day to day operation of the MSS vessels, including any potential emergency situation. In the event of a fuel or oil spill to sea, the vessel Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) will be activated. For larger spills, the WA State and Commonwealth oil spill plans will be activated as appropriate.

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SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN, WA-481-P MARINE SEISMIC SURVEY 2013 7. CONSULTATION

Consultation regarding the Activity commenced in September 2012, and to date has involved more than 40 organisations.

Organisations were contacted if it was considered possible that their functions, interests or activities might be affected by the Activity. Potential organisations were identified through:

• discussion with other oil and gas operators with experience in the area, including ROC Oil who operate the nearby Cliff Head installation and who have conducted seismic surveys which had potential to impact the same organisations;

• research by, and a workshop with a specialist public relations consultant with experience of working on projects in the area; and

• Murphy’s own in-house environmental and operations personnel who have experience both of operating in the Perth Basin and of consultation in relation to other EPs.

Organisations consulted during the planning of the survey have included:

• A Raptis and Sons

• Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)

• Australian Institute of Marine Science

• Australian Hydrographic Service (RAN)

• Australian Marine Mammal Centre

• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

• Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association

• Border Protection Command (incl. Coastwatch)

• City of Geraldton

• Commonwealth Fisheries Association

• Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

• Dept of Defence (DoD) - Property Management Branch

• Dept of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) - Offshore Petroleum Branch

• Dept of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) - Director of National Parks

• Dongara Professional Fishermen's Association (DPFA)

• Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative

• Geraldton Port Authority

• Geraldton Professional Fishermen's' Association (GPFA)

• Jurien Charters

• Mid West Development Commission

• Northern Fishing Companies Association, Austral Fisheries Pty Ltd

• Recfishwest

• Seasport Tackle Fishing Charters

• Shire of Carnamah

• Shire of Chapman Valley

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• Shire of Coorow

• Shire of Dandaragan

• Shire of Irwin

• Shire of Northampton

• WA Department of Environment and Conservation

• WA Environmental Protection Authority

• WA Dept of Fisheries (DoF) - head office

• WA Department of Fisheries (DoF) - Geraldton office

• WA Department of Mines and Petroleum - Environment Branch

• WA Dept of Mines and Petroleum - Petroleum Tenure and Land Access Branch

• WA Department of Transport

• WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC)

• WA Marine Parks and Reserves Authority

• WA Northern Trawl Owners Association (WANTOA)

• Western Rock Lobster Council (WRLC)

• WestMore Seafoods

Organisations were initially either contacted in writing or directly via telephone. Generally, fishing organisations were approached directly (in person), as these were considered to have the greatest potential to be affected by the MSS. To this end, a Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) was engaged by Murphy – an individual with experience of supporting oil and gas operators in a similar capacity in the area. Seismic surveys have been carried out successfully in this area before. A number of meetings were attended by Murphy exploration personnel and/or the FLO, with presentations given on the proposed MSS, seeking feedback and questions from attendees. The meetings included fisheries annual general meetings and pre-season gatherings for members.

By discussing the planned survey with the fishermen in advance, supported by frequent information updates during the survey regarding the vessel location including a plot of the survey area over bathymetric charts and 72 hours notice of changes to the proposed zoning, impacts on the fishing industry will be reduced to an acceptable level which is as low as reasonably practicable. Notices to Mariners will be issued by the Australian Hydrographic Office prior to and during the survey, notifying other sea users of the presence and location of the vessels. Other means of informing sea users include the distribution of leaflets and posters at harbours and launching points and the use of guard vessels.

A compensation scheme will be in place should losses be incurred by fishers as a result of the survey’s activities. As a further precautionary measure, Murphy has sought permission from the WA Department of Fisheries to enable the guard vessels to scout ahead of the survey vessel and lift and subsequently re-bait and return any lobster pots to their original location or return the pots to shore (in consultation with the pot owner); this will minimise potential damage and loss of pots as well as the vessels and their equipment. The fishing organisations consulted on this measure have responded positively to this proposal.

Murphy received feedback on the proposed activity from a range of stakeholders, including government agencies and fishing organisations and conservation groups ranging from issues of interest or concern which for example, included the potential impact on fishing activities. Murphy considered (and will continue to consider) this feedback in its development of management measures specific to the MSS. Murphy will continue dialogue with key stakeholders before, during and after the MSS.

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SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN, WA-481-P MARINE SEISMIC SURVEY 2013 8. CONTACT DETAILS

For further information about this activity, please contact:

Murphy Australia Oil Pty Ltd

Derrick O’Keeffe

Country Manager

Level 1 London House

216 St Georges Terrace

Perth WA 6000

T: +61 8 6313 5200

E: [email protected]

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