Guidance Material and Publications

The Department of Industry and Resources' (DoIR) Environment Division is responsible for the environmental assessment, evaluation and approval of petroleum operation proposals in Western Australia.

DoIR also administers native vegetation clearing permits which is a requirement under the Environmental Protection Act (WA) 1986.
The document Petroleum Guidelines -  Environmental Assessment Processes for Petroleum Activities in Western Australia (available for download in the Document links on the right of this page) provides detailed information on:

• The role of DoIR
• Legislation and Jurisdiction
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Requirements for carrying out petroleum activities
• Assessment of petroleum proposals
• Interaction with other Government agencies

Process Maps

Petroleum Environment Approval and Administration Processes can be viewed as PDF documents below:

Assessment of EP/EMP

Referral Process

Oil Spill Contingency Plan Assessment

OSCP Approval

EP/EMP/OSCP Revision

Assessment of Bridging Documents

Audit Process

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To carry out petroleum activities, proponents are required to submit an application to the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR).

Proposals under State jurisdiction should be accompanied by an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and in Commonwealth waters, accompanied by an Environment Plan (EP).

Proposals under State jurisdiction will require an EP in place of an EMP when legislation has been enacted to mirror the new Commonwealth regulations. The discussion below refers to both EMPs and EPs to reflect this transitional stage.

The difference between requirements for environmental documentation relates primarily to the legislative jurisdiction of a petroleum activity.

EMPs are required for proposed petroleum activities in areas of State jurisdiction, i.e. under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 (WA), Petroleum Act 1967 (WA) (P(SL)A 1967) or Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 (WA).

EPs are required for proposed petroleum activities in areas of offshore Commonwealth jurisdiction (regulated under the P(SL)A 1967) as a result of the enactment of Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth) in October 1999.

The legislation cited above can be viewed online at the Australian Legal Information Institute's website.

Bridging Document to Existing Environmental Management/Environment Plans

The acceptance of a proposal under an existing Environmental Plan (EP) may be acceptable subject to the operator providing to the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) a Bridging Document for each specific and subsequent activity that falls within the scope of the existing EP. For example, a bridging document would be appropriate to support a specific activity within an exploration permit that has similar operational parameters and environmental characteristics as described within the existing EP.

The Bridging Document should contain specific information such as proposed activity name, specific location, timing and whether or not there are any significant increased risks not already identified and managed under the existing EP.

For further information please contact us.

Content of Environmental Management Plan / Environment Plan

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP)/Environment Plan (EP) should identify any potential or actual environmental aspects and effects their activities may have and provide the proponent’s commitments and procedures to manage, monitor and mitigate potential and actual effects.

A comprehensive EMP/EP will facilitate the assessment process by providing sufficient information required for setting the level of assessment.

If the EMP/EP demonstrates that the environmental risks are low and that adequate management measures are in place, then the probability of the EMP/EP being formally assessed may be reduced.

The content and level of detail of an EMP/EP will depend on the number and significance of environmental aspects and effects associated with the proposal.
Some petroleum activities may require additional or specific information or a different emphasis, depending on the nature of the activity and its location. For example, an EMP/EP for onshore seismic activities may emphasise waste management, rehabilitation commitments and provide aerial photography and maps to aid environmental assessment. An EMP/EP for an offshore seismic operation may emphasise aspects related to vessel waste management and whale-watch procedures, whereas for an offshore drilling or production operation may emphasise management of drilling fluids or oil spill response procedures.

Identification of Environmental Aspects (Activities)

Environmental aspects are defined as elements or activities of a project or operation that may result in an impact upon the environment. Emissions or discharges of waste materials are included in this definition.

Environmental effects are defined as the resulting changes to the environment caused by the identified environmental aspects. These definitions are adapted from those given in ISO 14001, and ISO 14004 (see Standards Australia for more information).

It is important that all environmental aspects are identified at this stage as any aspects overlooked may impede the assessment process and result in unnecessary delays in obtaining environmental approval.

All of the environmental aspects of the operation should be identified irrespective of whether or not they are under the control of the proponent. A number of techniques may be used to identify the environmental aspects of an operation including checklists, judgements based on experience, brainstorming, flow charts, and scenario analysis. Environmental aspects may be identified through consultation with government agencies, specialist consultants and industry bodies.

In an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) or Environmental Plan (EP), the environmental aspects of a proposed operation may be effectively presented in a table that details each aspect, describes the associated potential effects and proposes management procedures to avoid, reduce or ameliorate the effects. An assessment of the likelihood of the impact and severity of the consequences of the impact should also be included. More information on the identification of environmental aspects is available in the Australian standard for risk management AS/NZS 4360:1995 (see Standards Australia for more information).

Environmental aspects differ between different petroleum activities, and between different phases within an operation. For example, environmental aspects associated with seismic surveys differ from those associated with exploration or production drilling. Environmental aspects will change during the life of a facility, during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project. The more common environmental aspects that require attention in seeking approval for petroleum activities are provided in the document Common Environmental Aspects for Petroleum Operations with the Potential for Environmental Impact, available to download from the Document links to the right of this page.

Identification of Environmental Effects

The identification of potential environmental effects allows the development of management procedures and strategies to manage those specific effects.

This impact identification and assessment process is a key requirement of an Environmental Management Plan or Environment Plan.

The operation may impact on the physical, biological or social environments.

Further information on potential effects can be obtained from the Document links on the right of this page.

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A basic framework for the structure and content of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) or Environment Plan (EP) is shown below:

Introduction

• Identification of the proponent
• Organisation’s corporate environmental policy
• Purpose and scope of the EMP/EP
• Applicable State, Commonwealth and international legislation
• Description of the proposal’s environmental objectives
• Distribution list of the EMP/EP

Description of the activity

• Description of the facility or operation
• Geographic location of the proposed operation
• Operational methodology
• Timing and duration of key stages of the proposed operation

Description of the receiving environment

• Description of regional landform and climate
• Ecological environment
• Proximity of activities to sensitive areas or terrestrial and marine reserves
• Socio-economic environment
• Cultural environment
• Maps of the extent of ecological, social and cultural environments

Environmental aspects and assessment of environmental effects and risks

• Identification of the frequency, severity and duration of the effects and their consequences caused by potential disturbances, discharges and emissions
• Identification of the direct and indirect effects and risks associated with the proposal
• Physical environmental aspects
• Biological environmental aspects
• Social environmental aspects
• Pre-operational aspects e.g. clearing of land
• Operational aspects e.g. commissioning, waste management
• Post-operational aspects e.g. decommissioning, rehabilitation
• Emergency events e.g. oil spills
• Site-specific considerations

Environmental performance objectives and standards

• Setting of objectives and standards against which to measure environmental effects and risks
• Setting of measurable criteria to measure performance against standards and objectives

Procedures for managing and mitigating risks

• Waste management
• Chemicals and hazardous materials management
• Drill cuttings and drilling fluids management
• Produced formation water management
• Oil spill prevention
• Gaseous emissions including Greenhouse emissions
• Noise, dust and light management
• Decommissioning
• Management of physical, biological or social disturbances
• Rehabilitation program

Roles and responsibilities

• Set out a chain of command outlining roles and responsibilities of personnel in relation to implementation, management and review 

Training and education

• System to ensure employees and contractors are aware of responsibilities in relation to environmental performance and have appropriate skills and training 

Monitoring, audit and reporting requirements

• Schedule of monitoring programs required to detect and reassess risk during project life
• Schedule of compliance auditing
• System of review incorporating monitoring and audit results to improve environmental performance
• System to ensure records of emissions and discharges are kept
• System to identify and ensure required information is reported (internally and externally)

Emergency events and contingency planning

• Identify sources of risk and develop and implement procedures to minimise risks and potential effects
• Oil spill trajectory modelling
• Identification of oil-sensitive resources and priority protection areas
• Identification of emergency organisations, responsibilities, resources and call-out details
• Spill response and cleanup strategies

Consultations

• Details on consultation undertaken during development of documentation
• Ongoing consultation with appropriate organisations

Environmental commitments

• Summary of the environmental commitments made to manage potential environmental effects

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Information on the Commonwealth environmental approval process is provided in the document Commonwealth Jurisdiction Assessment Process which is available for download from the Document Links to the right of this page. This document provides information on:

• Actions required by the proponent
• Actions carried out by the Department of Industry and Resources and the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
• Commonwealth Jurisdiction Assessment Process Flowchart
• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) Flowchart
• Oil Spill Contingency Plan Flowchart

Additional information can be obtained from the Links section on the right of this page.

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Information on State environmental approval processes is provided in the document Approval Flowchart which is available for download from the Document Links to the right of this page. This document provides information on:

• Actions required by the proponent
• Actions carried out by the Department of Industry and Resources
• Triggers for referral to Environmental Protection Authority

Additional information can be obtained through the Links to the right of this page.

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The primary focus of oil spill management is spill prevention, provisions for which should be incorporated into all relevant operating procedures. The secondary focus is the development of oil spill response procedures through the development and maintenance of an Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP).

The OSCP is a project-specific plan, outlining the response structure, response strategy and relevant information needed for decision making in the event of a spill. The OSCP is an important part of an application to carry out offshore petroleum activities because the proponent must demonstrate that they have the resources, management structure and relevant skills available for the prevention, containment and clean up of oil spills.

Contingency planning for onshore activities is desirable, but not required under current petroleum legislation. The development and approval of an OSCP is required for offshore exploration drilling and production activities under the following petroleum legislation:

• Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 (WA), for offshore activities in State waters
• Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 (Cwlth), for offshore activities in Commonwealth waters

Under the new Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth), an OSCP is required as part of the proposal’s Implementation Strategy (see Contents of an Environmental Management Plan/Environmental Plan on this page).

OSCPs and subsequent updates are submitted to the Department of Industry and Resources for review and approval before exploration drilling or production activities commence within a permit area. The approval process includes a review of the OSCP by the WA (National Plan) Marine Pollution Committee (‘State Marine Pollution Committee’; SMPC).

Review and approval of OSCPs typically take 1 – 2 weeks, providing that amendments to the document are not required. The submission of a comprehensive and detailed OSCP will facilitate the assessment process.

Structure and Content

The following guidelines focus on oil spill contingency planning for offshore activities only. Guidelines for the management of onshore spills can be obtained from the Code of Environmental Practice (APPEA, 1996). The structure of an Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) is at the discretion of the company. However, in developing an OSCP it is important to note:

• An OSCP is an operational document for an emergency situation, requiring that the responsibilities of key personnel, response actions and reporting requirements be made clear
• Relevant environmental, meteorological, oceanographic and oil characteristic information will be used for on-site decision making, and so should be accessible
• Response strategies should be clear
  The OSCP should be subject to regular training simulation and real-time exercises, review and updating
• Relevant information or procedures within other company documents (e.g. Emergency Response Plans), these documents should be clearly referenced

Recommended content of an OSCP includes the following components:

• Objectives of the plan
• Statutory requirements
• Scope: all permit areas and activities covered by the OSCP should be clearly identified
• Interface with adjacent response plans i.e. NATPLAN, State Plan, AMOSC
• Interface with other relevant company documents e.g. EMS, other emergency response documents
• Jurisdictional responsibilities of company, government departments and Oil Spill Response agencies
• Triggers for implementation: the OSCP should be set into action on the release of any hydrocarbon-based substance, including drilling fluids

Planning and strategy development

• Initial response priorities consistent with Emergency Response procedures
• Response team structure and responsibilities, with reference to other company documents where relevant
• Structure of a tiered response: the system developed should be clear and consistent with that outlined in the State Plan
  Incident risk assessment: including the likely source of spill and potential volumes spilled
• Environmental risk assessment: incorporating the mapping of sensitive and high risk areas, and formulation of priority protection areas
  Trajectory modelling: outlining modelling resources available and their limitations
• Tracking of oil movement: for different classifications of spills
• Treatment and clean-up strategy: identified for offshore, near shore and onshore scenarios and habitats
• Use of dispersants: the policy and approval process for dispersant use should be clear
• Disposal of oily wastes

• Call out mechanism
• Notification Plan: particularly useful in a schematic form
• Key contacts register: these contact details should be given up-front
  Reporting requirements and format
• Oil Spill Response Action Plan: in schematic form
• Treatment strategy

• Key company personnel
• Spill response agencies
• Commonwealth Government authorities
• State Government authorities
• Local Government authorities
• Regional emergency institutions
• Disposal sites
• Contractors
• Support resources

• Response equipment available from a number of sources, combining AMOSC and NATPLAN resources
• Identification of company resources available on-site
• Equipment appraisal and serviceability

• Oceanographic and climatic information
• Environmental resources e.g. specific locations of sensitive resources
• Oil characteristics and behavior
• Predicted oil spill trajectory information
• Dispersant characteristics and data
• Occupational Health and Safety issues, including material safety data sheets

Maintenance of the OSCP

• Schedule for OSCP maintenance and reviews
• Schedule for oil spill response exercises and training
• Responsibilities for maintenance of the OSCP

Interface with other Plans and Documents

When developing an Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) it must be consistent with other plans which may also cover such an event.

These are:

• The National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances
• The Western Australian Marine Oil Pollution Emergency Management Plan (WAMOPEMP)
• The WA (National Plan) Marine Pollution Committee, 2000

The OSCP should be developed in consultation with relevant agencies such as the State Combat Committee, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Department of Industry and Resources.

National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances (NATPLAN)

NATPLAN (AMSA 1996, 1998) has been developed by Commonwealth and State governments, and is administered by AMSA. This plan combines the efforts and resources of the Commonwealth and State Governments and the oil and shipping industry to combat oil spills in the marine environment.

Western Australian Marine Oil Pollution Emergency Management Plan (WAMOPEMP)

Supporting the NATPLAN for WA is WAMOPEMP (WA (National Plan) Marine Pollution Committee, 2000). The State Marine Pollution Committee administers this plan. The plan details the arrangements between State government agencies and industry to combat marine oil pollution within Western Australia. It prescribes responsibilities and procedures, and provides a basis for coordination of resources in responding to oil spill events.

Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC)

AMOSC is an initiative of the Australian oil industry, providing part of the oil pollution response arrangements in Australia. AMOSC identifies its principal roles as including:

• Provision of oil spill response personnel and equipment on 24 hour stand-by
• Provision of oil spill training services at the training centre in Geelong
• Administration of the oil industry mutual aid arrangements where industry oil spill response resources are available to the NATPLAN, through AMOSC

Further information to assist with the development of an OSCP can be obtained in A Guide to Contingency Planning for Oil Spills on Water (IPIECA, 1991).  See IPIECA's website.

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State

The submission of an Environmental Management Plan is required for surveys conducted:

• Onshore
• Offshore water under State jurisdiction

Commonwealth

The submission of an Environmental Plan required for surveys under Offshore Commonwealth jurisdiction.

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