A0782_r0694_cer.pdf

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LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) EXTRACTION PROJECT CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

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THIS CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW for ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TO LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) EXTRACTION PROJECT WITHIN EXISTING ONSHORE TREATMENT PLANT BURRUP PENINSULA (782) was prepared for WOODSIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PTY LTD by HALPERN GLICK MAUNSELL PTY LTD Consulting Engineers and Environmental Scientists 1 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005

LIBRARY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECT WESTRALIA SQUARE 141 ST. GEORGES TERRACE, PERTH

Cover Photograph (Courtesy of Kevron Aerial Surveys Pty Ltd): A view of the W'oodside Onshore Gas Treatment Plant looking east from Mermaid Sound. It is proposed to establish the liquefied petroleum gas export facility on the foreground shoreline.

Woodside Document No: ENV-0221

INVITATION

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) invites people to make a submission on this proposal. This Consultative Environmental Review (CER) covers the extension of Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd's existing domestic gas (Domgas)/iiqucfied natural gas (LNG) facility to incorporate the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as part of the phased construction of the Burrup Peninsula Onshore Gas Treatment Plant. In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act a CER has been prepared which describes this proposal and its likely effects on the environment. The CER is available for a public review period of 4 weeks from Tuesday 27 April 1993 and closing on Tuesday 25 May 1993. Following receipt of comments from government agencies and the public, the EPA will prepare an assessment report with recommendations to the government, taking into account issues raised in the submissions. Why write a submission? A submission is a way to provide information, express your opinion and put forward your suggested course of action - including any alternative approach. it is useful if you indicate any suggestions you have to improve the proposal. All submissions received by the EPA will be acknowledged. Submissions may be fully or partially utilised in compiling a summary of the issues raised or, where complex or technical issues are raised, a confidential copy of the submission (or part thereof) may be sent to the proponent. The summary of issues raised is normally included in the EPA's assessment report. Submitters would not be identified to the proponent without the submitter's permission. Why not join a group? If you prefer not to write your own comments, it may be worthwhile joining with a group interested in making a submission on similar issues. Joint submissions may help to reduce the workload for an individual or group, as well as increase the pool of ideas and information. If you form a small group (up to 10 people) please indicate all the names of the participants. If your group is larger, please indicate how many people your submission represents.

Developing a submission You may agree or disagree with, or comment on, the general issues discussed in the CER or the specific proposals. It helps if you give reasons for your conclusions, supported by relevant data. You may make an important contribution by suggesting ways to make the proposal environmentally more acceptable.

When making comments on specific proposals in the CER: clearly state your point of view; indicate the source of your information or argument if this is applicable; and suggest recommendations, safeguards or alternatives.

By keeping the following points in mind, you will make it easier for your submission to be analysed: Attempt to list points so that the issues raised are clear. A summary of your submission is helpful. Refer each point to recommendation in the CER.

the

appropriate

section,

chapter

or

If you discuss sections of the CER, keep them distinct and separate, so there is no confusion as to which section you are considering. Attach any factual information you wish to provide and give details of the source. Make sure your information is correct. Remember to include: your name your address date. The closing date for submission is Tuesday 25 May 1993 Submissions should be addressed to: Chairman Environmental Protection Authority Westralia Square 141 St George's Tee PERTH WA 6000 Attention: Mr Shanc Sadleir

If you have any questions on how to make a submission please phone the Project Officer, Mr Shane Sadleir, on (09) 222 7034.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

I.

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9

SPECIAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

1

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

3

INTRODUCTION

5

Background Proponent Responsible Authority Scope of Proposed Project Location Timing Alternatives Considered Purpose and Structure of the CER Approvals Process

PROPOSED LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

4.5 4.6

Location Zoning Nearest Urban Areas Site Description 4.4.1 Terrestrial Flora and Fauna 4.4.2 Marine Biotic Assemblages 4.4.3 Aboriginal Heritage Effects of Historic Dredging Operations Current Marine Monitoring Programme

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 5.1 5.2

5.3 5.4

5.5 5.6

9

Description of Process Proposed Construction Activities 5.2.1 Construction Timetable and Site Layout 5.2.2 Construction of LPG Facilities 5.2.3 Construction of the Jetty Workforce Services 5.4.1 Water Supply 5.4.2 Transport Effects 5.4.3 Electricity 5.4.4 Effluent Greenhouse Gas Emissions Buffer Zones

13

TABLE OF CONTENTS (conlinued) Page

QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5

Introduction Risk Standards and Criteria Objectives of the Quantitative Risk Assessment Discussion of Major QRA Findings Main QRA Conclusions POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

7.1 7.2

21

Identification of Issues 7.1.1 Construction Phase 7.1.2 Operation Phase Management of Potential Environmental Impacts 7.2.1 Construction Phase 7.2.2 Operation Phase COMMITMENTS

8.1 8.2 8.3

17

29

Preconstruction During Construction Post Construction REFERENCES

APPENDICES Consultative Environmental Review Guidelines Aboriginal Site Survey Separately bound Quantitative Risk Assessment (Prepared by DNV Technica, North Sydney, Australia) LIST OF FIGURES Location Plan and Proposed Facilities for LPG Export Onshore Plant Complex. Main Biotic Assemblages Chemical and Ecological Monitoring Mermaid Sound (CHEMMS) Sampling Sites Onshore Gas Plant Schematic LPG Export Project Facilities - General Layout Onshore Treatment Plant and Buffer Zone Lease Cumulative Quantitative Risk Assessment - LNG and LPG Plants

31

1.

SPECIAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CER

Consultative Environmental Review

CFCs

Chioro-Fluoro-Carbons. A class of chemicals which are suspected of being major contributors to the destruction of the atmospheric ozone layer.

CHEMMS

Chemical and Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound.

Domgas

Domestic Gas - scheme gas for Western Australia.

EEMUA

Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association.

EIS/ERMP

Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Review and Management Programme.

EPA

Environmental Protection Authority.

FAR/SS

Field Auxiliary Room/Substation for power distribution.

Fractionation A process used to separate the light hydrocarbon mixture into its component compounds by fractional distillation. Unit ha

Hectare.

Hydrostatic Test

A procedure where a vessel is filled with a fluid, normally water, and raised to its design pressure. The purpose of the test is to assure that the vessel will safely withstand the operating pressure when it is put into service.

LNG

Liquefied Natural Gas. LNG is the name given to the methane portion of natural gas which has been liquefied by cooling to minus 1610C.

LO-X Foam

Low expansion foam for fire fighting.

LPG

Liquefied Petroleum Gas. LPG is the name given to the propane and/or butane fraction of natural gas that is collected as a by-product in the production of LNG. Butane is used as a raw material for manufacturing synthetic rubber, an additive to high octane liquid fuels, a fuel, a propellant in aerosols, and as a food additive. Propane is used as a household, industrial and automotive fuel and as an aerosol propellant.

m

Metre.

Mangal

Mangrove system.

Page 1

Pickle Liquors

A solution used to clean a metal of all oxide layers and welding scale.

Propagule

Seed of a mangrove.

ppm

Parts per million (milligram per litre)

QRA

Quantitative Risk Assessment.

Scrub Column

A device for separating methane from heavier hydrocarbons.

Slugcatcher

A horizontal separator which allows the separation of a liquid/gas mixture into two phases - liquid and gas.

Stabiliser

A vertical column which allows the removal of dissolved gases from a liquid stream.

Woodside

Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd is the Operator Company for the North West Shelf Joint Venture, the Participants of which are: Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd, BHP Petroleum (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd, BP Developments Australia Ltd, Chevron Asiatic Ltd, and Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd.

Page 2

2.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The existing liquefied natural gas/domestic gas (LNG/Domgas) facility on the Burrup Peninsula will be extended for the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The addition of this unit operation was envisaged when the Woodside facility was originally proposed, and it was disclosed by 1980 addenda to the EIS/ERMP"2'3'4'5. In 1980 the offshore field was not producing sufficient propane or butane to justify the installation of the LPG facility. This phase was therefore deferred. Offshore development has continued and the Goodwyn field is about to come 'on line'. In the near future Woodside is planning to add the Wanaea and Cossack fields. This increase in gas production have made the installation of the LPG facility economically viable. Woodside considers this project as a continuation of its phased construction at the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant located at Withnell Bay on the Burrup Peninsula. The Project will involve the installation of two storage tanks, a chiller unit, fire protection equipment, an auxiliary substation and associated infrastructure within the existing process area and a new ship jetty parallel with, and to the north of, the existing jetty. No extension of the Plant boundary is required. The core portions of this phase of development at the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant were described in 1980' and subjected to public review6. In 1980 it was suggested that LPG would be loaded to ships from the LNG/ condensate jetty and that the process equipment would be water cooled. It is now envisaged that a new jetty will be required and that air cooled process equipment will be used. The core portions of the process remain unchanged. In recognition of the significant time lag between the 1980 submissions and the proposed beginning of construction, the change from sea water to air cooling and the addition of a new jetty to the scope, the Project has been presented for public review through the submission of this Consultative Environmental Review (CER). The existing Gas Treatment Plant occupies 231ha on a lease at Withnell Bay, near Dampier on the Burrup Peninsula about 1,300km north of Perth. During construction more than 12 years ago some 6.28 million cubic metres of rock and soil were moved to make the site level, so the area within the lease has undergone major disturbance. The portions of Plant constructed to date consist of a Domgas Plant, an LNG Plant, LNG storage facilities, condensate storage facilities, a ship jetty, ship loading equipment, and administration buildings. Construction of the existing Plant required the installation of a 'construction camp' that has subsequently been removed and the area rehabilitated. The work force for the proposed LPG extension project will be housed in existing accommodation in either Karratha or Dampier. No construction camp is envisaged. The marine biotic assemblages in the vicinity of the proposed new jetty are oyster-barnacle, coral and mollusc-cchinoderm. The potential impacts identified are physical damage to corals as a result of construction activities and an increased siltation on corals through dredging operations and increased shipping activity. These potential impacts are considered to be localised and minor.

Page 3

Since 1985 Woodside has undertaken regular monitoring of the marine environment in the vicinity of the Gas Treatment Plant. To date this chemical and ecological monitoring programme (CHEMMS) has found only minor project-related effects. It is proposed to monitor the effects of the LPG development as part of this programme. An Aboriginal Site Survey, commissioned for this CER (Appendix II), confirmed the location of two 'heritage sites' that were previously identified. The intention is to install the LPG Unit process and jetty without damaging these sites. The risk associated with the existing Gas Treatment Plant's operation is well within acceptable limits38'39. A risk study, commissioned for this CER (Appendix III), indicates that the installation of the LPG process will cause little change in the overall risk to the public arising from the Gas Treatment Plant. The cumulative risk is well within EPA criteria for the categories of land use currently designated for the area. No change to the existing buffer zones surrounding the plant will be required. Other potential environmental impacts of the development are identified together with their proposed management. A number of commitments are made by Woodside with respect to the Project including the preparation of a management plan for the onshore disposal of dredge spoil. It is concluded that the potential environmental impacts of this project are minor. Besides the special measures mentioned, other potential impacts can be adequately monitored and managed within Woodside's current operating procedures and environmental management programme.

Page 4

3.

INTRODUCTION

3.1

BACKGROUND

In May 1979 Woodside Petroleum Development Pty Ltd submitted an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Review and Management Programme (EIS/ ERMP)', for the phased construction of a natural gas production and processing facility at Withnell Bay on the Burrup Peninsula. Environmental impacts were assessed and as a result of these stud jes an environmental management programme was established by Woodside from that time. In March 1980 the EIS/ERMP was amended to include the possibility of producing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at the site. The first phase of the Project began in early 1982 with the construction of the domestic gas train (Domgas). The LNG phase of the work was begun in late 1985 with additional capacity installed from late 1989. Installation of the LPG facilities was deferred as it was not economically viable at the time. The facility currently consists of: a Domgas Plant providing scheme gas to Western Australia; an LNG Plant and storage facilities capable of providing 7 million tonnes of LNG for export; condensate (liquid hydrocarbon) storage facilities for domestic and overseas markets; a ship jetty and ship loading equipment; and administration buildings. At the moment, LPG is separated out of the LNG gas stream and used in the LNG refrigeration process. Excess LPG is mixed with the Domgas stream for consumption in Western Australian scheme gas. When the Goodwyn field comes on line in early 1994 the capacity of the existing Plant to utilise all of the LPG components of the hydrocarbon stream will be limited. It is now the intention of Woodside to implement the construction and operation of the LPG portion of the facility.

3.2

PROPONENT

Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd GPO Box D188 PERTH 6001 Inquiries should be directed to: Mr Adrian Chegwidden Principal Environmental Scientist (09) 224 4111

Page 5

3.3

RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY

Environmental Protection Authority 141 St George's Terrace PERTH 6000 Inquiries should be directed to: Mr Shane Sadleir Environmental Officer (09) 222 7034

3.4

SCOPE OF PROPOSED PROJECT

Woodside proposes to construct an LPG storage and shipping facility that consists of the following components: pipework to connect the new unit process to the existing LNG facility; pipework to connect the existing condensate system to the new jetty; two double walled storage tanks of 50,000m3 each; a refrigeration unit for cooling the LPG vapours; a ship jetty for berthing ocean going LPG carriers; pipe work for delivery of product to the ship jetty; ship loading and vapour collection equipment; connection to the existing LNG protection equipment (LO-X); and

jetty low expansion foam fire

a field auxiliary room for instrumentation and a substation for power supply. In summary, the proposed LPG facility will not separate and produce LPG because this is already done within the existing LNG plant. The new facility will only store and ship the excess LPG that is already being produced in the LNG plant.

3.5

LOCATION

The proposed facilities are to be built within the existing Onshore Gas Treatment Plant lease on the Burrup Peninsula (Figure 1).

3.6

TIMING

Start Date: late 1993 Duration of construction phase: 2 years

Page 6

Proposed export jetty Proposed LPG storage I facilities

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Proposed LPG chiller unit

Refer Figure 5 for more detail

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LOCATION PLAN AND PROPOSED FACILITIES FOR LPG EXPORT I

Environment A. Chegwidden

VÔVWOODSIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PTY. LTD. A.C.N. OO8SO97

January 1993 I 100.8093s1

C21

Rev. 0

3.7

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Since commencing gasfield operations at North Rankin, Woodside has proceeded with the offshore developments (Goodwyn, Wanaea, Cossack) which will increase the quantity of LPG fractions which must be processed. The processing options which have been examined are to: produce commercially viable quantities of LPG by installing the LPG facility in the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant; flare the LPG fraction. Woodside considers the flaring option to be both economically and environmentally unsound; and reinject the LPG fraction into the North Rankin 'A' reservoir for future use. This is expensive through the need to 'double handle' the fraction. Woodside has elected to proceed with the LPG processing facility as proposed in the 1980 addenda to the EIS/ERMP.

3.8

PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE OF THE CER

The purpose of this CER is to describe the existing environment and the LPG process in sufficient detail to allow the potential impacts of the Project to be identified and assessed and to allow formulation of proposals for the mitigation or management of such impacts. Descriptions of the environment, including biological, ethnographic and social, are restricted to the area of potential impact, namely: the proposed development area within the confines of the existing LNG facilities; the seabed in the vicinity of the proposed new LPG berth including areas that may be impacted by sediment plumes originating during dredging operations; the area between the existing LNG/condensate export jetty and the proposed LPG jetty, particularly in relation to areas of Aboriginal heritage; the dredge spoil disposal area at No Name Creek; and the area immediately adjacent to the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant where some additional risk may be experienced. Comprehensive descriptions of the local and rqgional environment can be found in a number of publications covering the area l,r,s,ls,lr. Section 4 of this CER provides a description of the development area, Section 5 details the LPG process and associated works and Section 6 provides a summary of the Quantitative Risk Assessment conducted for the Project. Potential environmental impacts and their management are discussed in Section 7 and a list of proponent's commitments is provided in Section 8.

Page 7

EPA Guidelines applicable to this CER are provided in Appendix I and the Aboriginal site survey is provided in Appendix II. The Quantitative Risk Assessment is separately bound in Appendix III.

3.9

APPROVALS PROCESS

After submission to the EPA the CER is made available for public review. Written submissions from interested or involved groups and from relevant Government agencies are sought during a four week public review period. At the conclusion of this period the EPA collates the submissions and provides the proponent with an opportunity to respond to the issues raised. Both the public submissions and the proponent's responses are then incorporated into the EPA's assessment of the proposal. The EPA's assessment report provides advice to the Minister for the Environment who then sets ministerial conditions, usually based on the EPA's recommendations. In addition to obtaining approval from the Minister under the Environmental Protection Act (1986) the proposal will have to comply with various other legislation including: Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972-1980); Mines Regulation Act (1974); Dampier Port Authority Act (1985); Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act (1984); and North West Gas Development (Woodside) Agreement Act (1979).

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4.

PROPOSED LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION

4.1

LOCATION

The existing Onshore Gas Treatment Plant occupies 231ha on a lease at Withnell Bay, near Dampier on the Burrup Peninsula about 1,300km north of Perth (Figure 1).

4.2

ZONING

The Burrup Peninsula is classified under two Ministerial Temporary Reserves over which the Minister for Resources Development has effective control. Woodside leases are all prescribed under a Ratified Agreement - which is an Act of Parliament. The Department of Land Administration considers that the tenure of all land adjacent to the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant and not under specific lease to Woodside (laydown area lease and quarry lease) is vacant Crown Land. The Pilbara 21 Report9 has been prepared and presents concepts for land use on the Burrup Peninsula. It is currently unclear as to how this study will be considered by Government as a basis for future planning. The construction of LPG facilities will not change the impact of the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant on the current or proposed land uses of the Burrup Peninsula.

4.3 Dampier: Karratha:

NEAREST URBAN AREAS 10km SSW 14km SSE

4.4

SITE DESCRIPTION

4.4.1

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

The site proposed for construction of the LPG facilities is within the existing plant boundary and is situated on fill material. It is designated for industrial development and consequently no formal flora or fauna surveys were required.

4.4.2

Marine Biotic Assemblages

In the vicinity of the project area a number of biotic assemblages exist which have the potential to be affected by the proposed construction of the LPG berth"13. The location of these assemblages, shown in Figure 2, are:

Page 9

LEGEND Inter - tidal assemblages sand

10 oyster barnade assemblage; rock & limestone [] mollusc - coral assemblage; rock

Sub - tidal assemblages mollusc - coral assemblage; limestone coral assemblage; rock

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[j] mollusc - echinoderm assemblage; shell grit

200m

LNG LOADP4G JE1TY -

MERMAID SOUND SLUGCATCHER

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oyster-barnacle: occurring on intertidal solid substrates between mean sea level and high neap tide. This is the main intertidal assemblage along the western shore of Burrup Peninsula; mollusc-coral: colonises low tidal rock substrates but is not a major assemblage in the project area; coral: inhabits subtidal rock substrates and is another of the major assemblages along the west coast of Burrup Peninsula; and mollusc-echinoderm: on unconsolidated sediments in shallow subtidal and low intertidal areas in protected embayments. It is composed of a wide diversity of organisms and is the main assemblage in the project area. A number of other biotic assemblages also occur in proximity to the project area: crustacea-mollusc: on unconsolidated intertidal sediments. Occurs in embayments and on beaches along the west coast of Burrup Peninsula; mangal: in protected embayments in the intertidal zone between mean sea level and the high tide mark. These occur at only four localised areas along the west coast of Burrup Peninsula; mollusc-coral: colonises low tidal limestone substrates and is not a major assemblage in the vicinity of the project area; and seagrass: colonises shallow subtidal unconsolidated sediments. These occur sparsely in nearshore sediments along the west coast of Burrup Peninsula. Of the biotic assemblages identified above the mollusc-echinoderm assemblage may be affected the most as a result of direct habitat removal during dredging. The mollusc-coral and coral assemblages could also be affected through an increased sediment load in the water. The mollusc-echinoderm assemblage is widespread throughout the Dampier Archipelago and the removal of a relatively small area through dredging will not noticeably affect the ecology of the Archipelago. Studies conducted in association with past dredging operations (Section 4.5 and documentS22'25'26'27'28) have shown that corals can affected be through an increase in turbidity (sediment) levels resulting in direct siltation. However it has been found that impacts were minor, temporary and localised, restricted to a distance of 1.5km from the nearest point of operation, and relatively insignificant when compared with the physical damage associated with cyclones36 such as Orson in 1989.

4.4.3

Aboriginal Heritage

An Aboriginal Site Survey was undertaken at the Gas Treatment Plant during February and March 199316. The full report is included in Appendix II and summarised below.

Page 10

The survey covered an area of approximately 30ha within Woodside's LNG lease. A total of 13 archaeological sites have been previously recorded from the survey area. Eleven of these sites have been cleared and all of Woodside's obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act have been met. Two archaeological sites remain in the survey area, namely P1561 and P1601, both of which are located on the coastline. P1561 is considered of high significance consisting of 165 engravings, 4 grinding patches and 1 standing stone. It is recommended by the Consultants that the site be preserved. P1601 is considered to be of moderate to high significance consisting of 65 engravings and one grinding patch. The LNG jetty approaches were constructed on the southern boundary of site P1601 and consequently the site has been partially cleared. The Consultant has recommended that the Western Australian Museum be consulted if any disturbance to the sites is required. Both sites are well protected by a cyclone fence with access gained only through a padlocked gate. Mindful of the need to preserve Aboriginal sites whenever possible, Woodside intends to locate the LPG jetty and associated infrastructure in such a manner that damage to the above two sites is avoided.

4.5

EFFECTS OF HISTORIC DREDGING OPERATIONS

Dredging and spoil dumping operations for the LNG shipping channel commenced in October 1986 and ceased in April 1988. Between October 1986 and June 1987 approximately 1.65 million m3 of dredge spoil was pumped to the No Name Creek reclamation area. It was anticipated that the total suspended solids concentration in the dredge spoil tailwater passing through the settlement pond into No Name Bay would not exceed 25,000ppm. This level was exceeded and a quantity of spoil was unintentionally deposited into No Name Bay. During 1988 and early 1989 cyclonic activity caused localised collapse of the shipping channel which required maintenance dredging during August and September 1989. This dredge SDoil was disnosd nffshnrt' The expected environmental effects of dredging operations can be implied from environmental monitoring associated with the above dredging programmes25 ' 26,27,28

In summary22, the results of dredging and marine spoil disposal showed that: all dredging and offshore spoil dumping activities caused only temporary and localised increase in water turbidity levels; recolonisation of spoil grounds by benthic biota occurred within a few months of completion of dredging; dredging and dumping operations carried out between 1986 and 1988 resulted in a minor reduction in coral numbers and percentage Cover of live corals within a 1.5km radius of dredging activities; and

Page 11

during the period of maintenance dredging and dumping, no sedimentation on corals or coral mortality was observed at any of the monitored sites. An environmental assessment of dumping spoil in No Name Creek and the impact of spoil deposition on the macrofauna and mangroves of No Name Bay has been carried out since January 1986. All results are presented in various reports 29,3031,32 Natural regeneration of mangroves is occurring and Woodside is augmenting this with a rehabilitation programme involving the planting of Rhizophora propagules.

4.6

CURRENT MARINE MONITORING PROGRAMME

Since 1985 Woodside has undertaken regular monitoring of the marine environment in the vicinity of the Gas Treatment Plant'8"9'20'21'22'23'24. This chemical and ecological monitoring programme (CHEMMS) is a Woodside initiative. Figure 3 shows the location for CHEMMS and associated monitoring sites around the Dampier Archipelago. The original programme as defined in 1985 was developed to monitor any effects that effluents originating from the Plant may have on the chemistry and biota of Mermaid Sound. This programme ran from June 1985 to November 1987 and culminated in a final report in March 198818. The programme was subsequently reviewed with modifications, such as increasing the number of sampling stations. The revised programme was carried out for a further two years with a technical report being submitted in December 199019. Review of the first five years of data indicated that plant effluent had little or no effect on the chemistry or biota of Mermaid Sound. Monitoring did indicate that increased sedimentation, originating from No Name Bay, past dredging operations and increased shipping activities, was having a localised adverse effect on subtidal corals in the immediate vicinity of the Plant. Based on this information the objective of the CHEMMS programme was redefined with greater focus being placed on determining the effects of sedimentation on subtidal coral assemblages. This revised programme commenced in July 1991 and is due to run for three years on a bi-annual basis. Results of the November 1991 and May 1992 survey are provided in the second annual report23 and summarised in the 1992 Interim Report24. Currently the CHEMMS programme monitors corals, rocky shore animals, trace metals and hydrocarbons in rock oysters, trace metals in sediments, and hydrocarbons and nutrients in sea water. Metal concentrations in sediments and oysters from the Woodside King Bay Supply Base are also determined. To date the CHEMMS programme has found only minor project-related effects. Of relevance in this context is the effect of increased sedimentation in the immediate vicinity of the shipping channel and turning basin and in No Name Bay.

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SITE LEGEND: CHEMMS - A range of investigations including corals, rocky shore animals, sediments and oysters for metals and hydrocarbons and water for nutrients. C — - Coral growth study transects K - Oysters for metals and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Most sites have been occupied since 1985.

Indian Ocean

KENDRFW ISLAND

Mermaid Sound

IN

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CHEMMS 2 K5 CHEMMS 1

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FIGURE 3

CHEMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL MONITORING MERMAID SOUND (CHEMMS) SAMPLING SITES Environment A. Chegwidden

VAYWOODSIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PlY. LTD. U

A.C.N.oO85OG7

April 1993 C21 100-4997s

Rev

I

5.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

5.1

DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS

Woodside is currently processing liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons from the North Rankin field. These products are piped from the field 134km to the Onshore Gas Treatment Plant through a one metre diameter subsea pipeline. When the Goodwyn field comes on line its hydrocarbons will be directed by subsea pipeline to the North Rankin 'A' Platform and combined with the North Rankin field products for processing in the Gas Treatment Plant (Figure 4). The product from a gas well is a mixture of water, gaseous hydrocarbons and liquid hydrocarbons. The water is removed from the mixture at the offshore facility and 'dried' hydrocarbons are directed onshore for processing. When the two phase product (liquid and gas mixed together) arrives at the Gas Treatment Plant it first goes to a 'slugcatcher' where the gas and liquid are allowed to separate. The liquid portion is further processed in a unit called a 'stabiliser' where an additional small quantity of gas is collected. The liquid product from the stabiliser, 'the condensate', is one of the products of the Gas Treatment Plant. The gaseous product from the 'slugcatcher' is a mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbons; primarily methane, ethane, propane and butane, some carbon dioxide and traces of water vapour. After treatment to remove the traces of water and some of the heavier hydrocarbons, the gas is distributed through a pipeline network to Western Australia as scheme gas. The Gas Treatment Plant was designed to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) as one of its primary products. LNG is primarily the methane portion of the 'slugcatcher' gas. To produce LNG it is necessary to remove almost everything that is not methane. First carbon dioxide and water vapour are removed. The gas is then cooled to a temperature where some of the heavier hydrocarbons (ethane and above) condense but the methane remains a gas. The gas is further treated in the 'scrub column' to remove the heavier hydrocarbons. The methane is then cooled to minus 161°C where it condenses. The liquid methane is the LNG product. The heavier hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, butane) are separated from each other in a 'fractionation unit'. The fractionation unit produces several main products: a mixture of ethane and methane which is combined with the Domgas; ethane which is used as refrigerant in the process. Excess ethane is combined with the Domgas; liquid propane. Part of the propane product is used as refrigerant in the process and part is blended back into the Domgas to maintain specifications. In future, excess propane will be sold as LPG;

Page 13

From Offshore

Condensate Domgas Product Product

LPG Product

LPG Product

(Proposed for Export)

(Proposed for Export)

LNG Product FIGURE 4

ONSHORE GAS PLANT SCHEMATIC I Environment A. Chegwidden

Ty W000SIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PTY. LTD. A.C.N.008945097

ApnI 1993 I C21 100-8188s Rev.O

liquid butane. Part of the butane is blended with the Domgas to maintain specifications. In future excess butane will be sold as LPG; and small quantities of condensate. Woodside does not envisage the installation of equipment which would allow the loading of road tankers with LPG. All transport of LPG in this proposal will be by ship.

5.2

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

5.2.1

Construction Timetable and Site Layout

Construction is due to commence during late 1993 with Plant commissioning targeted for late 1995. As yet no details are available on the phasing of the individual components of the project. The proposed site layout is shown in Figure 5. Woodside currently uses the LNG jetty to load condensate to tankers. The proposed LPG jetty is also being designed with the capacity to load condensate. This will afford Woodside added flexibility in organising the logistics of product loading. The risk assessment conducted for the LPG project has included the option of condensate loading from the LPG jetty.

5.2.2

Construction of LPG Facilities

Preparation of the construction site will require the removal of a small rock outcropping and final levelling of the construction area. It is believed that all of this work can be accomplished with standard earth moving equipment. The LPG facility will Contain two cryogenic storage tanks (50m diameter; 25m high). The tanks consist of a concrete containment shell surrounding a steel tank with an aluminium roof. The space between the concrete containment shell and the metallic inner shell will be insulated with either formed in-place foam or prefabricated shapes. No special construction techniques will be required. The chiller, interconnecting piping, electrical and instrumentation wiring and minor buildings will be installed using standard construction techniques. All construction will be conducted in accordance with EEMUA Standards.

Page 14

5.2.3

Construction of the Jetty

The jetty will be approximately 500m long. Several construction options have been reviewed with the most favoured being a - piled trestle jetty similar to the existing product (LNG and condensate) loading jetty. Preliminary design indicates approximately 12 spans and 60 piles will be required. An advantage of this open structure is that it allows unrestricted flow of water along the coast compared to a back-filled earth and rock jetty. Piles of about 0.5m diameter will be driven into drilled pilot holes. No blasting will be required. A cutter-suction dredge will be used to prepare the berthing pocket. Approximately 700,000m3 of spoil will be removed and disposed of onshore at the No Name Creek reclamation area.

5.3

WORKFORCE

During construction approximately 300 people will be employed. No construction camp will be needed since the construction workforce will be housed in Karratha or Dampier. Once commissioned it is not envisaged that there will be any increase in the permanent staff at the Gas Treatment Plant.

5.4

SERVICES

5.4.1

Water Supply

it is anticipated that the need for additional usage of water from the existing public supply will be minimal.

5.4.2

Transport Effects

There will be a minimal increase in onshore transport. Offshore there will be approximately 20 additional ship visits per year.

5.4.3

Electricity

The increase in electricity requirements will be generated by existing Onshore Gas Treatment Plant equipment.

5.4.4

Effluent

The area of new pavement from which stormwater could flow will be very small and any rainwater runoff that could contain hydrocarbons will be appropriately treated prior to discharge to Mermaid Sound. No additional process or sewage effluent will be generated.

Page 15

5.5

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

The existing facility uses a number of gas turbines to drive process compressors. Other gas turbines are used to generate electricity on-site. These two components make up the total plant power demand. The proposed LPG facility will not require the installation of any new electrical power generation facilities. There will however be an increased load on the existing electricity generation facilities. This increased load represents a 1% increase on the present total plant power demand. Consequently, there will be an incremental increase of approximately 1% in the generation of greenhouse gas emissions.

5.6

BUFFER ZONES

The existing 231ha lease at Withnell Bay is uniformly surrounded on its southern and eastern perimeters by a 93ha buffer zone. The northern and western perimeters are surrounded by water, as illustrated in Figure 6. Currently a 500m exclusion zone exists around the LNG jetty, and a similar exclusion zone will be required around the new jetty.

Page 16

N MERMAID SOUND

t

Withnell Bay

CD

-

Boat Launching Area

Protected Area 500m from Loading Jetty \

'S S.

-.

TREATMENT PLANT COMPLEX LEASE 231ha

I ,,

//

Woodside Visitors Centre No Name Bay

- ____ - ____ -

/ / 4' ,

TREATMENT PLANT BUFFER ZONE LEASE / 93ha -

BURRUP PENINSULA

500m Figure 6

ONSHORE TREATMENT PLANT AND BUFFER ZONE LEASE I

environment A. Chegwidden

'Jf WOODSIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PTY. LTD. A.C.N.008945097

April 1993 Bli 100-8218s I Rev.O

6.

QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

6.1

INTRODUCTION

A Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) is a systematic approach to the analysis of what can go wrong in complex industrial systems. The normal conditions of operation of the system are defined and then the following questions asked: What accidental events can occur in the system? How frequently could each event occur? What are the consequences of each event? What are the total risks (frequencies x consequences) of the system? What is the significance of the calculated risk levels? Once a system has been analysed, if the risks are assessed to be too high according to some criteria, the system can be modified in various ways to attempt to reduce the risks to a more tolerable level, and the risk levels recalculated. The process may therefore be viewed as iterative, where the design of the system may be changed until it complies with the needs of society. By objectively quantifying the risks from each part of the system, QRA enables the most effective measures to reduce risks to be identified. In its overall scheme, the methodology used follows the 'classical' form of quantitative risk analysis and involves the following steps: system definition: information on the facility is collected and assimilated; hazard identification: site events and external identified which may lead to the release of hazardous material;

events

are

frequency estimation: the frequency (ie likelihood per year of occurrence) of each of the accidental events is estimated, based on historical failure data; consequence modelling: all the possible consequences of each event are estimated; risk calculation: the frequencies and consequences of each event are combined to determine the risk of fatality, arising from the facility, at a number of locations; risk assessment: the risks calculated are compared with the EPA risk criteria. If required, measures which reduce the risks are developed at this stage. The details of the QRA are presented in Appendix III and summarised below.

Page 17

6.2

RISK STANDARDS AND CRITERIA

The EPA uses the following criteria for the assessment of the risk of statistical fatality outside the plant boundary of a new industrial installation: Risk Criteria for New Facilities a risk level in residential zones of one in a million or less is so small as to be acceptable to the EPA; a risk level in 'sensitive developments' such as hospitals, schools, child care facilities and aged care housing developments of between one half and one in a million per year is so small as to be acceptable to the EPA; risk levels from industrial facilities should not exceed a target of fifty in one million per year at the site boundary for each individual industry, and the cumulative risk level imposed upon an industry should not exceed a target of one hundred in a million per year; and a risk level for any non-industrial activity located in the buffer zones between industrial facilities and residential zones of ten in a million per year or lower is so small as to be acceptable to the EPA.

Cumulative Risk Criteria As can be seen the criteria apply not only to the risk arising from the proposed new LPG facility but also to the cumulative risk arising from the LPG and the existing facilities. The EPA states that "no extra risk would be acceptable where the cumulative risk of existing industry, combined with assessed risk of the proposed new industry, exceed the risk levels proposed for new industry". Hence, when building a new facility it is necessary to show that all industry (new and old) in the area meets the new industry criteria. The Onshore Gas Treatment Plant currently in operation is the existing facility to consider when looking at cumulative risk.

6.3

OBJECTIVES OF THE QUANTITATIVE RISK ANALYSIS

The specific objectives of the Project to be addressed by the Consultant were to: identify the hazardous incidents which relate to the proposed LPG facilities and their operation, and which have the potential to cause far field effects; assess the significance of each incident in terms of its offsite impact; Assess and quantify the offsite levels of fatality risk due to the plant and its operation, presenting imposed iso-risk levels for fatality (risk contours) for the criteria set by the EPA;

Page 18

assess the cumulative risk for any major industry in the area (ie the proposed LPG facilities and existing Onshore Gas Treatment Plant); consider the tolerability of the risk levels versus the EPA criteria; and provide clear, concise report of the analysis which includes an interpretation of the results in terms of land use. The Project objectives are fully discussed in Appendix III.

6.4

DISCUSSION OF MAJOR QRA FINDINGS

The results of the analysis are presented in Appendix III as risk Contours. Onsite risk incidents that do not impact beyond the plant boundaries have not been included as these incidents cannot impact upon the public under normal circumstances. Only two of the criteria Contours extend from the main Treatment Plant Lease into the Buffer Lease (see Figure 7). The first, the one half in a million per year (5x10 7) risk Contour, is the EPA's criterion for the maximum tolerable level of risk for 'sensitive developments' such as hospitals, schools, child care facilities and aged care housing developments. The second, the one in a million per year (lx10 6) risk contour, is the EPA's criterion for the maximum tolerable level of risk for residential zones. There are no residences, areas zoned for residential use nor 'sensitive developments' in the vicinity on the site and none falls within the risk contours. The closest residential area is Dampier which is 10km away. The EPA's criterion for industrial activities is such that the risk at the site boundary should not exceed fifty in a million per year (5x10 5). This requirement is met at Woodside's site. For non-industrial use areas between industry and residential zones the EPA's criterion is that the risk should not exceed ten in a million per year (1x10 5). Again this requirement is met by Woodside's site.

6.5

MAIN QRA CONCLUSIONS

The main conclusions of the study as they relate to the CER are: the site meets the EPA's published risk criteria; the offsite risk from the proposed new LPG extraction facilities is small compared with that of the existing facilities. It contributes about 17% of the total risk, from the LPG and Onshore Gas Treatment Plant facilities, at the Visitors' Centre (the nearest public access);

Page 19

IX

-,'

MERMAID

'•'

SOUND

\ N

\c••

N

4.

N4 '?9 N

CD

N •: S

.'..

N

I /K

Withnell Bay Boat

Launctiing

Area

Protected Area , 500m from Loading Jetty/( ,.

* Propos

1/2 in a Million per year (5x10 .7)

-,—

/ -

°

COMP LEX LEASE

-

z

1 in a Million per year (5x10) BaY

V

Vise /

n a Million year (5x10 5 )

J

100 in a Million per year (5x10)

50 in a Million per year (5x10 5 )

I

Port Authority Jetty

/1

N

BURRUP PENINSULA

Supply Base

500m

Figure 7

CUMULATIVE QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT LNG & LPG PLANTS Environment A.Chegwidden

W& WOODSIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PTY. LTD. A.CN.008945097

April 1993 1311 100-8219s

Rev.0

the proposed new LPG extraction facilities produce no offsite risk (on land) above the lowest EPA risk criterion level (1/2 in a million per year, 5x10 7); the risk levels at the boat launching area in Withnell Bay are too low to be of any concern, below 1/2 in a million per year; and the risk to fishermen fishing in Mermaid Sound is negligible. The risk along the ship channel is between 1/2 and 1 in a million per year which is tolerable.

Page 20

7.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

A review of the environmental consequences of the proposed facility has been undertaken. The following items have been identified as being potential concerns and these will be addressed individually in this section.

7.1

IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES

7.1.1

Construction Phase Disposal of rock and soil generated from site preparation. Disposal of construction. Disposal of fabrication.

solid

wastes,

insulating

Release of gases storage tanks.

from

primarily

wastes, the

steel

scrap,

generated

generated

during

'formed-in-place'

during

construction

insulation

used

on

or the

Disposal of sanitary wastes generated by the construction force. Disposal of the fluids (water, possibly containing inhibitors) used to hydrostatically test the storage tanks.

corrosion

Disposal of pickle liquors used to clean the small diameter pipework. Disposal of ship jetty.

dredge

spoil

generated

Disturbance of corals and other vicinity of the jetty construction.

during

the

construction

biotic assemblages

in

the

of

the

immediate

An increase in the road traffic going to the construction Site. An increased risk of accident during the an increased workforce in the production area.

construction

phase

due

to

Disturbance of Aboriginal Sites. Noise generated by the construction nuisance levels in Dampier or Karratha.

and

piling

activities

reaching

Page 21

7.1.2

Operation Phase Increases in the quantity of flaring of storage tank 'boiloff'.

combustion

products

Increases in the quantity of combustion flaring of vapours collected during ship loading. Increases in plant.

the amount of

products

flue gas released

Increases in the quantity of silt entering or leaving the loading jetty.

generated

from

the

generated

from

from the on-site

power

generated by the propwash of ships

Modification of the near shore water flow patterns. Increased sound pressure levels on the Plant site. Increased risk of accident due to an combustible-containing storage vessels increase in the amount of ship traffic. Increased risk of and infrastructure.

hydrocarbon

release

increase in the and transfers, due

to

an

number and

increase

in

of an

plant

Generation and disposal of aqueous effluent and solid waste from the process. Impact on social activities in the areas adjacent to the Plant site.

7.2

MANAGEMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

7.2.1

Construction Phase

Disposal of Rock and Soil Generated from Site Preparation The area that is proposed for the installation of the LPG storage tanks contains a small quantity of rock which must be removed. In addition, small amounts of soil will be removed while routing piping under the site roads. All surplus fill removed from this area will go to an area of No Name Creek which Woodside currently uses for storage of fill material. Disposal of Solid Wastes, Primarily Steel Scrap, Generated during Construction (see Commitment 8.2.4) Woodside envisages the production of a quantity of construction debris that will require disposal off-site. As the fabrication plan for the LPG facility has not been finalised it is not possible to estimate the quantity of 'inert' scrap that will be generated during the construction. A majority of the debris will be high quality steel or aluminium scrap that is suitable for recycle. There will be a lesser quantity of steel, aluminium, wood, paper and plastic

Page 22

debris that is not suitable for recycle and these will be disposed of in accordance with existing procedures. Woodside has always committed to consult with the local Roebourne Shire authorities and follow their guidelines in the disposal of all waste. Disposal of Insulating Wastes, generated during Construction or Fabrication (see Commitments 8.2.5, 8.2.6) Woodside envisages the use of significant quantities of low temperature insulating material such as polyurethane foam shapes and fibreglass. Some of the insulation will be cut to size on-site while other insulating materials will be shipped to site 'pre-formed'. The insulating materials are inert and non-toxic but they are persistent in that they do not degrade under landfill conditions. As the fabrication plan for the LPG facility has not been finalised it is not possible, at this time, to estimate the quantity or location of insulating scrap that will be generated during construction and fabrication. Woodside commits to follow existing procedures, consult with local authorities and follow guidelines in the disposal of insulating waste. Woodside further commits to work with its suppliers and subcontractors to minimise the quantity of waste and assure that the wastes generated are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Release of Gases from the 'Formed-in-Place' Insulation used on the Storage Tanks (see Commitment 8.1.2) Woodside is committed to the Draft Environmental Protection (Ozone Protection) Policy'0 and will specify insulating materials that do not use CFCs as the foaming agent. Disposal of Sanitary Wastes generated by the Construction Force The Gas Treatment Plant uses a packaged sewage plant for the treatment of sanitary wastes generated by the permanent work forcc. The increased Site population during the construction phase of the project could overload the capacity of this unit. Woodside will therefore contract with a local supplier of portable sanitation units for use by the construction work force. Disposal of the Fluids (water, possibly containing corrosion inhibitors) used to Hydrostatically Test the Storage Tanks (see Commitments 8.1.3, 8.2.7) At this time it is not certain if the storage tanks will be hydrostatically tested with potable or sea water, nor is it clear if the water will require treatment with corrosion inhibitors to protect the tanks. Woodside therefore commits to develop a plan, in consultation with the EPA, for treatment (if required) and disposal of the hydrostatic test water. Upon acceptance of this plan, Woodside will seek authorisation from EPA for the one time discharge of these waters.

Page 23

The disposal plan is envisaged to be similar to the plan successfully executed during the hydrostatic testing of the LNG tanks constructed during 'Phase III'. Disposal of Pickle Liquors used to Clean the Small Diameter Pipework (see Commitment 8.2.8) Small diameter piping on and around the compressor units will require 'pickling' before being placed in service. The pickle solution is envisaged to be ammoniated citric acid. Woodside commits to work with its subcontractors to assure that spent pickle liquor is either recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. During the previous 'Phase III' construction disposal of undiluted spent pickle liquors directly into the environment is reported to have caused a 'fish kill'. In recognition of past problems Woodside favours the recycle of pickle liquors where possible. If this is not feasible or practical the liquors will be pretreated in a manner which makes them suitable for disposal.

Disposal of Dredge Spoil generated during the Construction of the Ship Jetty (see Commitments 8.1.1, 8.1.4, 8.1.5) The preparation of the berthing pocket at the end of the jetty will require the removal of approximately 700,000m3 of spoil. This spoil will be disposed of onshore. Woodside proposes to use an area adjacent to No Name Creek as a dredge spoil disposal area. This is the same area that was used to receive the dredge spoil from the construction of the LNG shipping channel. The physical characteristics of the dredge spoil were studied for the construction of the LNG jetty" and the effects of fines escape from the spoil area documentedl2,22,25,26,27,28. has been Woodside commits to develop and implement a dredge spoil management plan in consultation with EPA. The dredge spoil management plan will address the causes for the escape of fines that occurred from the impoundment area during the dredging for the LNG jetty and propose methods to assure that a similar accident does not occur during the dredging for the LPG jetty. Woodside considered the offshore disposal of dredge spoil but has rejected this idea on two grounds: With offshore disposal it is difficult to manage the environmental impacts; and The dredge spoil is a useful commodity. From time to time Woodside has a requirement for clean inert fill. The nearest source of clean fill is from the bed of the Fortescue River approximately 100km south of the Gas Treatment Plant. This material has, in the past, been trucked to site. Woodside proposes to store the dredge spoil in No Name Creek and reclaim clean fill from this stockpile as required, thus eliminating the need to disturb sensitive habitats.

Page 24

Disturbance of Corals and other Biotic Assemblages in the Immediate Vicinity of the Jetty Construction (see Commitments 8.2.1, 8.3.1, 8.3.3) Corals have the potential to be affected in two ways: Through physical disturbance as a result of pile driving activities: the coral assemblages (mollusc-coral on rock and coral on rock, see Figure 2) in the vicinity of the jetty are confined to a narrow zone, less than lOOm wide, immediately adjacent to the shore. Physical disturbance to corals is unavoidable but has been minimised through the selection of a piled jetty over the Construction of, say, a solid limestone causeway. Through an increase in sedimentation during dredging activities: studies conducted in association with past dredging operations (Section 4.5) have shown that sedimentation has a relatively minor effect on coral numbers and percentage cover. Effects are temporary and restricted to a radius of 1.5km from the point of operation. During this dredging programme, which will occur over a period of approximately 12 weeks, the effects of a temporary increase in suspended sediment load will be monitored as part of the CFIEMMS programme. The major assemblage that will be impacted by dredging operations will be the mollusc-echinoderm assemblage. Impacts centre on the physical removal of substrate and the continued reworking of the top layer of sediment as a result of shipping activities. This assemblage dominates the project area and Mermaid Sound and the localised loss of a small portion is minor in ecological terms. An Increase in the Road Traffic Going to the Construction Site The construction work force is envisaged to be approximately 300 people. There will be an increased traffic load on the sealed highway leading from Karratha to the construction site. It is believed that the environmental impact of the road use will be minimal. An Increased Risk of Accident during the Increased Workforce in the Production Area

Construction Phase due to an

Woodside has established safety and work practice procedures for performing construction or maintenance work while the Gas Treatment Plant is operating. The effectiveness of these procedures were demonstrated during the construction of the third LNG train and other facilities during the recent 'Phase III' construction. These procedures will be implemented during the construction of the LPG facility.

Page 25

Disturbance of Aboriginal Sites (see Commitment 8.2.2) An Aboriginal Site Survey16 identified two archaeological sites at or near the proposed construction area. Woodside has exercised due care in planning the site layout to preserve the archaeological sites in the development area. Initially the jetty was to have been constructed further south. The take-off point of the jetty from the shore has currently been selected so that disturbance to these sites can be avoided. However, should disturbance to any sites be required or should additional Sites be uncovered during construction activities then Woodside commits to consult with the Aboriginal Sites Department of the Western Australian Museum and with appropriate Aboriginal custodians.

Noise generated by the Construction and Piling Activities reaching Nuisance Levels in Dampier or Karratha (see Commitment 8.2.3) The anticipated noise level during the construction phase will be minimal with the possible exception of 'pile driver noise'. Pile driver noise tends to be a sharp repetitive sound which after a period of exposure can be quite annoying. It is felt that the physical distance between the construction site and the nearest residential area, which is Dampier 10km away, will attenuate the noise to negligible levels. This was not a problem during construction of the LNG jetty. If the noise levels prove to be a problem Woodside is obligated, under the noise abatement statutes of Western Australia40, to devise corrective action.

7.2.2

Operation Phase

Increases in the Quantity of Combustion Products generated from the Flaring of Storage Tank 'Boiloff' (see Commitment 8.3.2) It is planned that boiloff from the new storage tanks will be collected and recycled into the process. Flaring of the boiloff under normal operating conditions is not required. If a plant upset occurs boiloff will be directed to one of the existing flares. This will be a short duration episode which is not expected to occur for more than a few hours per year. Increases in the Quantity of Combustion Products generated from Flaring of Vapours collected during Ship Loading (see Commitment 8.3.2) It is envisaged that vapours collected during ship loading will be collected and recycled into the process. Flaring of the vapours under normal operating conditions is not required. If a plant upset occurs the vapours will be directed to one of the existing flares. This will be a short duration episode which is not expected to occur for more than a few hours per year.

Page 26

Increases in the Amount of Flue Gas released from the On-Site Power Plant The LPG facility uses several electrically driven compressors in the gas handling train. The electricity is produced on-site in gas turbine generators which have sufficient reserve capacity to supply the proposed unit operations. No new power generation capacity will be installed. The existing equipment will be operated at a capacity that is closer to its design and permitted capacity and will result in an incremental increase in the actual (not the permitted) emissions from the facility. Increases in the Quantity of Silt generated by the Propwash of Ships entering or leaving the Loading Jetty (see Commitments 8.2.1, 8.3.1, 8.3.3) The operation of the LPG facility will result in an additional 20 LPG shipments per year with a concomitant increase in sediment being re-entrained by prop wash. Woodside currently operates an on-going monitoring programme to access the health of marine organisms in Mermaid Sound33'34'35'36 and concludes from these studies that seabed damage from periodic natural events (cyclonic activity) greatly exceeds the minor effect of shipping induced turbidity. Woodside will continue the monitoring programme (CHEMMS) to assess the health of the seabed in Mermaid Sound. Modification of the Near Shore Water Flow Patterns The seabed in the immediate vicinity of the proposed LPG jetty has been thoroughly studied"13'14'15 and various jetty construction options have been reviewed. The most favoured option is a piled trestle jetty similar to the existing LNG loading jetty. This design would mean the minimum disturbance to the local environment during installation and allow continued free near shore water flow.

Increased Sound Pressure Levels on the Plant Site (see Commitment 8.3.2) Engineering specifications will be used to limit noise from equipment. The resultant noise levels will have no significant impact on the noise profile of the existing facility.

Increased Risk of Accident due to an Increase in the Number of CombustibleContaining Storage Vessels and Transfers, and an Increase in the Amount of Ship Traffic (see Commitments 8.3.2, 8.3.5) The risk assessment conducted for this CER37 addresses this problem with the conclusion that the cumulative risk for the proposed new LPG facility and for the existing LNG facility is acceptable when compared with the EPA's risk criteria.

Page 27

Increased Risk of Hydrocarbon Release due to an increase in Plant and infrastructure (see Commitment 3.3.4) The new shipping berth and associated infrastructure will be covered by Woodside's oil spill contingency plan. Generation and Disposal of Aqueous Effluents and Solid Wastes from the Process No waste of these types will be generated from this process. Impact on Social Activities in the Areas Adjacent to the Plant Site No significant impact is envisaged because no additional risk will be transferred from the site leases to the adjacent offsite areas.

Page 28

8.

COMMITMENTS

The following commitments are made by Woodside with respect to this project: 8.1

PRECONSTRUCTIoN

8.1.1

Develop and implement a dredge spoil management plan in consultation with EPA. The dredge spoil management plan will address the causes for the escape of fines that occurred from the impoundment area in No Name Creek during the dredging for the LNG shipping channel and propose methods to assure that a similar accident does not occur during the dredging for the LPG jetty.

8.1.2

Specify insulating materials that do not use CFCs as the foaming agent.

8.1.3

Develop a plan in consultation with the EPA for treatment (if required) and disposal of the hydrostatic test water.

8.1.4

Jetty design will be in accordance with Department of Marine and Harbours regulations.

8.1.5

Dredging operations will be conducted at all times to the satisfaction of the Dampier Harbour Master and the EPA.

8.2

DURING CONSTRUCTION

8.2.1

Monitor the environmental impacts of the proposed dredging operation to the satisfaction of the EPA through the existing CHEMMS programme.

8.2.2 Exercise due care in planning the Site layout and during construction to preserve the archaeological sites in the development area and to consult with the Western Australian Museum and appropriate Aboriginal custodians should site disturbance be required or new sites identified. 8.2.3

If the construction noise levels prove to be a problem to the adjacent residential areas, Woodside recognises its obligation to devise corrective action under the noise abatement statutes of Western Australia. This will be to the satisfaction of the EPA.

8.2.4

Consult with the local authorities and follow local guidelines in the landfill disposal of inert construction waste.

8.2.5

Consult with local authorities and follow local guidelines in the disposal of insulating waste.

8.2.6

Work with its suppliers and subcontractors to minimise the quantity of waste and assure that the wastes generated are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Page 29

8.2.7 Upon acceptance of the hydrostatic test water disposal plan, Woodside will seek authorjsation from EPA for the discharge of these waters. 8.2.8

Work with its subcontractors to assure that spent pickle liquor is either recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This will be conducted to the satisfaction of the EPA.

8.3

POST CONSTRUCTION

8.3.1

Results of the CHEMMS programme will be forwarded for review to EPA in accordance with existing reporting procedures.

8.3.2

Operate the new equipment using established practices and procedures including those for environmental management and safety to the satisfaction of the Department of Minerals and Energy and the EPA.

8.3.3

Continue the monitoring programme (CHEMMS) to assess the impact of Woodside's activities in Mermaid Sound.

8.3.4 The new jetty and infrastructure will be incorporated into Woodside's emergency response plan.

8.3.5

The exclusion zone around the existing LNG jetty is 500m and the new LPG jetty will have a similar exclusion zone.

Page 30

9.

REFERENCES

Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Review and Management Programme Woodside Petroleum Development Pty Ltd, May 1979 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Woo (907745) North West Shelf Development Project: Report and Conclusion WA EPA, 1979 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Wes Supplement to Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Review and Management Programme Woodside Petroleum Development Pty Ltd, June 1979 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Woo Environmental Implications of Producing Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG): Addendum to Draft EIS, May 1979 Woodside Petroleum Development Pty Ltd, March 1980 EPA File Reference No 665.59 Woo (907888) Safety of Onshore and Marine Operations at Withnell Bay: Implications of the Production of LPG Woodside Petroleum Development Pty Ltd, 1980 EPA File Reference No 662.59 Woo (907887) North West Shelf Development Project Production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas: Report and Recommendations WA EPA, 1980 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Wes Vegetation & Floristics of the Burrup Peninsula Blackwell & Cala, 1979 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Woo Vertebrate Fauna Study of Burrup Peninsula Tingay, A and SR, 1979 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Tin Pilbara 21 Final Strategy Report, June 1992 Draft Environmental Protection (Ozone Protection) Policy Environmental Protection Authority, January 1993 Report on Dredge Spoil Stability and Advection Studies Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd, November 1986 EPA File Reference No 627.74(941) Woo (901270) The Effect of Dredge Spoil on the Sedimentology and Biology of No Name Bay Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd EPA File Reference No ENV-0122 (910453)

Page 31

Marine Environmental of Dampier Archipelago Meagher & LeProvost 1979 EPA File Reference No 662.69 Woo Marine Biological Monitoring Programme Burrup Peninsula, WA, Phase 1 LeProvost, Semeniuk & Chalmer 1980 EPA File Reference No 577.472(26) Lep Marine Biological Monitoring Programme Burrup Peninsula, WA, Phase 2 LeProvost, Semeniuk & Chalmer 1981 EPA File Reference No 577.472(26) Lep Report on an Archaeological Investigation at LNG Plant, Burrup Peninsula Harris and Quartermaine, March 1993 Appended to this CER A Surveillance of Birds Utilising the Intertidal Flats of King Bay, Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia in February 1982 LeProvost Semeniuk & Chalmer 1982 Chemical and Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound, Final Report LeProvost, Semeniuk & Chalmer, March 1988 Chemical and Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound, Annual Report Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd, December 1990 The Chemical and Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound, Triennial Report, September 1988-1991 Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd The Chemical and Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound, Annual Report, September 1991-1992 Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd Detailed Report on Environmental Investigations and Monitoring North West Shelf Development (Woodside) Agreement, September 1991 Chemical and Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound, November 1991 and May 1992 Surveys, Second Annual Report LeProvost Environmental Consultants, October 1992 Interim Report on Environmental Investigations and Monitoring North West Shelf Development (Woodside) Agreement, September 1992 State Environmental Monitoring Programme Final Report - LNG Shipping Channel Dredging Report LeProvost Semeniuk & Chalmer, December 1988 Environmental Monitoring Programme LNG Shipping Channel - Spoil Dumping Permit LeProvost Semeniuk & Chalmer, December 1988 EPA File Reference No 143177, Vol 29

Page 32

Maintenance Dredging 1989, Mermaid Sound, Western Australia. State Environmental Monitoring Programme LeProvost Semeniuk & Chalmer, March 1990 LNG Shipping Channel - Spoil Dumping Permit, Mermaid Sound, Western Australia. Environmental Monitoring Programme to November 1989 LeProvost Semeniuk & Chalmer, March 1990 Monitoring the Physical Environment of No Name Bay. The Surveys of January and July 1986 LeProvost Semeniuk & Chalmer, December 1986 The Effects of Dredge Spoil on the Sedimentology and Biology of No Name Bay Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd, January 1989 The Effects of Dredge Spoil on the Sedimentology and Biology of No Name Bay, September 1988 - December 1989 Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd, December, 1989 Sedimentology and Biology of No Name Bay, January - December 1990 Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd, December 1990 Chemical Ecological Monitoring of Mermaid Sound: Second Annual Report LeProvost, Semeniuk & Chalmer, 1986 EPA File Reference No 622.271.5.004.8(941) Lep Annual Reports to EPA Dispersion of Turbidity Clouds induced by Shipping Activities in Mermaid Sound: A Preliminary Assessment van Senden and Button, July 1992 The Environmental Monitoring of Natural Events and Industry Activity in Mermaid Sound, Dampier Archipelago Iva Stejkal, The APEA Journal, pg 420-427, 1992 Quantified Risk Assessment for the Proposed LPG Extraction Facilities on the Burrup Peninsula Technica, March 1993 Appended to this CER Criteria for the Assessment of Risk from Industry. Environmental Protection Authority, Bulletin 611, February 1992 Proposed Gas Reception, LPG Production and Shipment at South Withnell Bay, Western Australia. Assessment of Site Suitability with respect to Safety. Report prepared for the Minister for Industrial Development, Government of Western Australia. L4062 Cremer and Warner Ltd, August 1979 Environmental Protection Act (1986) Noise Abatement (Neighbourhood Annoyance) Regulations

Page 33

APPENDIX I CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW GUIDELINES

GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSULTATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW for LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) EXTRACTION PROJECT within the EXISTING ONSHORE TREATMENT PLANT LEASE ON THE BURRUP PENINSULA by WOODSIDE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PTY LTD OVERVIEW In Western Australia all environmental reviews are about protecting the environment. The fundamental requirement is for the proponent to describe what it proposes to do, to discuss the potential environmental impacts of the proposal, and then to describe how those environmental impacts are going to be managed so that the environment is protected. If the proponent can demonstrate that the environment will be protected then the proposal will be found environmentally acceptable. If the proponent cannot show that the environment would be protected, then the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will recommend against the proposal. Throughout the process it is the aim of the EPA to advise and assist the proponent to improve or modify the proposal in such a way that the environment is protected. Nonetheless, the environmental review in Western Australia is proponent driven, and it is up to the proponent to identify the potential environmental impacts and design and implement proposals which protect the environment. The main environmental impact for this proposal is the level of risk imposed on the surrounding land uses. GENERAL COMMENTS FOR DOCUMENT PREPARATION The Consultative Environmental Review (CER) should facilitate public review of the key environmental issues. These guidelines identify issues that should be addressed within the CER. The CER is intended to be a brief document: its purpose should be explained, and the contents should be concise and accurate as well as being readily understood. The risk assessment should be a separate appendix to the CER. The CER should have the following objectives: to place this project in the context of the regional environment and the progressive development of resources in the region, including any cumulative impact of this development: to explain the issues and decisions which led to the choice of this project at this place at this time; to set out the environmental impacts that the project may have; and for each impact, to describe any environmental management steps the proponent believes would avoid, mitigate or ameliorate that impact. The primary function of a CER is to provide the basis for the EPA to advise the Government on protecting the environment. An additional function is to communicate clearly with the public so that EPA can obtain informed public comment. The CER should focus on the major issues for the area and anticipate the questions that members of the public will raise. Data describing the environment should be directly related to the discussion of the potential impacts of the proposal and should then relate directly to the actions proposed to manage those impacts.

Where specific information has been requested by a Government Department or the Local Authority, this should be included in the document. Guidelines on the format and content of the report given below are for guidance to the proponent. The responsibility for the identification of all environmental impacts rests primarily with the proponent as is the responsibility to demonstrate how the impacts will be managed so that the environment is protected. Changes to the format which will enhance the proponent's ability to demonstrate that the environment will be protected are acceptable. SUMMARY The CER should contain a brief summary of: salient features of the proposal: tech no logy/storage options considered; description of receiving environment , both biophysical and social; analysis of potential impacts and their significance; environmtnta1 reporting, management programmes, safeguards and commitments: and conclusions. 2. INTRODUCTION The CER should include in the introduction an explanation of the following: identification of proponent and responsible authorities: background and objectives of the proposal; brief details of the scope and timing of the proposal; relevant statutory requirements and approvals; and scope, purpose and structure of the CER. NEED FOR THE PROPOSAL The CER should set out the reasons for developing this proposal at this place and time. including evaluation of alternative locations. 4.

PROPOSED LOCATIONS For all components of the proposal, proposed locations are to be described, including: cadastral information; adjacent land uses detailing existing land uses together with actual and future planned land uses, including the Pilbara 21 Study land use proposal; location of structures to be built on the sites; location of proposed jetty and pipeline routes for the export of LPG; a description of the Aboriginal heritage of the project areas; and a description of any significant biological attributes of the project areas. PROCESS DESCRIPTION There should be a clear description of the project. Diagrams should be used where appropriate. A process flowsheet for the operation should be included.

6.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT This section should describe the overall effect on the environment by the proposal. Impacts should be quantified where possible, and criteria for making assessments of their significance should be discussed. Issues to be addressed in the CER include:

risk levels - risk assessment conducted in accordance with the EPAs Bulletin 611 and the EPA's "Guidelines for a Preliminary Risk Analysis". air emissions: - fugitive, operating and plant upset emission controls; management of impacts of the LPG export facilities including: -

port facilities and shipping channel; and LPG export pipeline.

extent of buffer zones and methods for conu-ol of land uses within the buffer zones to prevent incompatible land uses occurring in the future. 7. CONCLUSION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION GUIDELINES A copy of these guidelines should be included in the document. REFERENCES All references should be listed. COMMITMENTS Where an environmental problem has the potential to occur the proponent should cover this potential problem with a commitment to rectify it. Where appropriate, the commitment should include: who will do the work; what is the nature of the work; when the work will be carried out; to whose satisfaction the work will be carried out; and (when appropriate) where the work will be carried out. Commitments should be numbered. GLOSSARY A glossary should be provided in which all technical terms, and unfamiliar abbreviations and units of measurement are explained in everyday language. HOW TO MAKE A PUBLIC SUBMISSION The CER should include instructions to the public how it can make a submission. These instructions should be at the beginning of the document. 23/93 1 10293GPE-Woodside LPG plant guidelines

WESTERN AUSTRALIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY GUIDELINES FOR A PRELIMINARY RISK ANALYSIS General: The Environmental Protection Authority may, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, require the proponent for a proposal which may have a significant impact on the environment, to undertake an environmental impact assessment. If that proposal has associated hazards which present risks to life (hereinafter referred to as risk) the Authority may request as part of the environmental impact assessment a 'Preliminary Risk Analysis' (PRA) be conducted. The PRA will be an integral part of the decision making process used by the EPA to determine the suitability of a proposal. Proposals for which a PRA may be required include those which involve the manufacture, storage or transport of dangerous goods, rezoning of land which may result in the exposure of more people to higher risks or for any other proposal which may increase the risk to an individual. These guidelines provide an overview of the issues to be addressed in a PRA. The guidelines primarily address a proposal for the construction of a new hazardous industry. however the approach can be used for other types of proposals (rezoning of land etc). The guidelines are not comprehensive or prescriptive and it is the responsibility of the proponent to ensure that any risk consultant employed by the proponent addresses all associated issues. The amount of detail required by the EPA for a particular proposal will vary with the nature and complexity of the proposal. For a proposal for a small factory handling a highly toxic chemical may require a more detailed PRA than a large development in which materials of low hazard are to be handled. The proponent and the appointed risk consultant should discuss and agree on the details of the PRA to be completed with the EPA and its advisers both before and during the preparation of the PRA. The analysis must be transparent to the extent that the EPA and its advisers can both judge the adequacy of the analysis and are also in a position to be able to audit the analysis. This will often require the provision of commercially sensitive information, and arrangements will be made to ensure the confidentiality of that information is maintained. The proponent, and risk consultants, should be aware that the PRA is a legally binding document. Should Government approval be given for a proposal to proceed, the "as-built" plant, operation or development, must achieve essentially the same or lower levels of risk than presented in the PRA. The risk analyst must be independent of the proponent and have demonstrated experience with the type of plant being proposed. The analyst must demonstrate this autonomy and capability to the satisfaction of the EPA prior to accepting the commission. The consultant must include a formal certification of the accuracy and veracity of work completed in the PRA. All PRA's submitted to the EPA must as a minimum have the following contents in the order specified below. This will simplify the review of submissions and result in faster review times.

PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT 1. SUMMARY The document must contain a clear and concise summary of the PRA, and include a statement on whether the results of the analysis comply with the EPA risk criteria or, if relevant, other criteria. 2.

INTRODUCTION Background. Aims and objectives. Description and analysis of the project. Description of the risk analysis techniques used. Risk standards and criteria used.

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Location and environment of the proposed site, including: - Map of the location of the proposed site, detailing existing, actual and future planned land use of the site and surrounding area as defined by the District Town Planning Scheme of a Local Authority and or the Metropolitan Regions Scheme - Susceptibility to natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, cyclones, sink holes etc); Location with respect of other hazardous industry; Location of required and existing transportation routes; and - Proposed route of services to the site (including electricity lines, fuel pipelines and process liquid and gas pipelines). The extent of service supply route information should be commensurate with the development stage of the proposal. However the EPA consider that preliminary discussions with the supply Authority and necessary easements should have been determined in principle prior to submission to the EPA. Process description, including: -

Brief description of the process;

-

General arrangements showing plant layout; and

-

Simplified process flow diagrams.

Hazards associated with the proposal, including: -

Hazardous materials (list of materials and their hazardous properties):

-

Hazards associated with the plant technology;

-

History of safety performance of similar facilities; -2-

- Statement of the engineering codes and standards proposed by the company and used by the consultant to assess the likely reliability of the plant; and - Review and report on the safety standards incorporated into the conceptual engineering design. (iv) Any other factors or concerns of the consultant that are in the potential impact zone of the proposed development shall be considered in the risk analysis and included in the report. 4.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT The techniques of a hazard assessment differ in detail from one proposal to another, however, the following approach must always be followed: - Hazard identification (of a complete set of failure cases which could cause death); - Consequence analysis (to determine the area which may result in death due to over pressure, radiation exposure or toxic gas exposure as a consequence of a failure); - Frequency analysis (to estimate the probability of each failure case); and - Quantified Risk Assessment (to cumulatively add the probabilities of failures which may result in death at varying distances and directions to produce contours of levels of imposed risk). In the presentation of the hazard analysis the following information should be detailed in either the body of the report or as appendices: Hazard identification - Failure cases of major process vessels (including details of operating temperature and pressure, inventory, storage and bunding details. types of failure considered, release rate, duration of the release, release mass etc): - Failure cases of storage vessels (including details of operating temperature and pressure, inventory, storage and bunding details, types of failure considered, release rate, duration of the release, release mass etc): - Failure cases of piping, including service pipes including details of operating temperature and pressure, inventories, types of failures considered. release rate, duration of the release, release mass etc); and Details shall be provided of the methods used for grouping of failure cases. Domino effects must be be considered. By the end of this section potential sources of release shall be identified. itemised (and if appropriate grouped) and summarised. Consequence analysis - Description of methods/models used in calculating consequences of incidents, including input data and assumptions. The Appendices should contain a more comprehensive description of the methods including values of and references for all coefficients;

-3.

Where the consequence analysis involves gas dispersion modelling, details are required on topography and meteorology (wind speed and direction, atmospheric stability, surface roughness length and any other parameter relevant to risk analysis). If the wind speed-direction-stability information used has been condensed from more detailed information, the method of reduction should be described and justified in an Appendix; and - Details are required on toxicity, radiation exposure or over pressure values (together with references) used in the consequence analysis. Probit equations (and references) are also to be presented. Computer printouts of the results should be included in the Appendices. Frequency analysis -

A table provided of generic or unit failure frequencies used Lfully referenced. The EPA may request that the proponent provides the relevant literature to verify the applicability of failure frequencies used;

-

If the PRA incorporates the use of safety devices the failure rate per demand must be included in the analysis; and

Quantified Risk Assessment -

A table of incidents should be presented;

-

Individual risk contours should be presented for the following risk values 10' 10' 10-6' 10-7 and 10-8 deaths per person per year; and

An error analysis should be included in the Appendix indicating the accuracy or range of all of the input variables and models used, including, failure frequency data, impact or toxicity data, consequence models and fmaliy confidence limits on the risk contours. 5. RISK ANALYSIS Incorporation of the risk levels from this proposal into any cumulative risk analysis for the area is required. This applies particularly to the Kwinana Industrial Area, the Kemerton Industrial Park, and North Fremantle. The state government has historically in some cases assisted in this matter. Report the results of the risk values determined in the hazard assessment and compare them to the EPA guidelines on risk criteria or other relevant criteria. Regardless of whether there is compliance with the EPA or other risk criteria discuss how the incidents contributing most to risk, or having the most serious consequences, may be controlled. Relevant factors to consider may include the installation of safety devices, alternative methods and volumes of storage, modified layout, specific recommendations on aspects to be incorporated in emergency planning, etc. Any risk reduction measure which was incorporated as part of the analysis shall be fully documented. 6. CONCLUSIONS Summary of results of risk analysis and conclusions as to site acceptability with special mention of any recommendations and assumptions which influence acceptability.

10/07/9 1 144/87 10079 IGPE

me

APPENDIX II ABORIGINAL SITE SURVEY

ABORIGINAL SITE SURVIEr] REPORT ON AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AT LNG PLANT, BURRUP PENINSULA

Prepared for Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd By Jacqueline Harris and Gary Quartermaine March, 1993

ENV - 0220

REPORT ON AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AT LNG PLANT, BURRUP PENINSULA

Prepared for Woodside Offshore Petroleum Ply Ltd By Jacqueline Harris and Gary Quartermaine March, 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. tO

INTRODUCTION 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5

2.0

Background to Survey Location Environment Ethnography Previous Archaeological Research

I I 1 3 3

METHODS 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

Obligations under the Act Survey Methodology Site Definitions Classifications of sites

3.0

RESULTS

4.0

CONCLUSIONS 4.1 4.2

Discussion Recommendations

5.0

BIBLIOGRAPHY

6.0

APPENDICES 6.1 6.2

7 7 8 8 10

13 14 15

Obligations under the Act Notes on the Recognition of Aboriginal Sites

FIGURE 1 : Locality Plan FIGURE 2 : Project Area FIGURE 3 Location of Previously Recorded Sites

lB IN11(ODUCI1ON

An archaeological site identification and avoidance study and survey for Aboriginal heritage significance was commissioned by Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd (WOP) at the Onshore Treatment Plant Lease on Bun-up Peninsula The archaeological research and survey was conducted in Februaiy/ March, 1993 by Jacqueline Harris on behalf of Quartermaine Consultants. Fieldwork was undertaken in the company of Adrian Chegwidden, Principal Environmental Scientist and Jenny Millar, an Honours student worker in Environmental Studies. The purpose of this study was to facilitate an investigation into locating a proposed Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Extraction Prcject as an extension of the existing Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Plant. This study is to form part of a Consultative Environmental Review proposal. WOP is proposing to establish an LPG Extraction Project consisting of a chilling plant, two LPG storage tanks and a jetty within the existing LNG Plant lease, using LNG's infrastructure. The work was done in two phases: The assemblage of data from previous studies in the region, including information from Western Australian Museum (WAM) Aboriginal site files, previous survey and salvage reports, maps and environmental data A survey of the project area in order to locate and identify previously recorded sites within the designated survey area.

Bun-up Peninsula lies 1650 kms north of Perth on the northwest coast in the Pilbara region. The survey area lies on the western side of the Peninsula within the LNG plant lease of WOP between Withnell and No Name Bays. (Fig. 1) In WAM's Dampier Salvage Programme, the area is referred to as the coastal, coastal plain and near coastal uplands of Tartaruga. The survey area consists of some 30 hectares bounded by the coastline running from the jetty to the northernmost point of Skinny Dip Beach, Road 65 and Road 1. (Fig. 2)

An Environmental Review and Management Report, produced by Woodside Petroleum Development in 1979, contains comprehensive detail of the local environment. A brief summary pertinent to this report follows.

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2 Climate Situated in an arid-tropical semi-desert region, the climate of Burrup Peninsula is characterised by a tropical cyclonic system of rainfall in summer and a southern rainfall system in winter. Winter is moderately warm with average temperatures of 23° while summer is hot with average temperatures of 31°. As a result of low rainfall per annum averaging 350 mm and rapid run-off due to impermeable rock and shallow soil, there is a deficit of water on the Peninsula Thus rockholes and freshwater soaks provide the most reliable but ephemeral water source for humans and animals (WPD 1979, Vinnicombe 1987). Geoloi The rugged rocky terrain of Burrup Peninsula consists of Proterozoic igneous bedrock The numerous boulder outcrops, the signature of the Burrup, have been formed as result of erosion of overlying sediment, exposing the igneous rock to intense fracturing and weathering. Granophyre outcrops tend to occur on the western side of the Peninsula while dolerite, diorite, greenstone and gabbro occur on the the eastern side (WPD 1979). While the coastline is characterised by rock platforms and storm boulder beaches interspersed with sandy embayments in protected areas, the hinterland exhibits steep-sided valleys and ephemeral watercourses which culminate at sand dunes and mudflats. Rockpools frequently occur at the watersheds of deep valley systems. (WPD 1979, Green 1982). Vegetation Located in the Fortescue Botanical District and classed as Eremaean, Burrup Peninsula contains vegetation from both Southwestern and Northern Kimberley Provinces (Beard 1975, WPD 1979). Generally the vegetation can be considered predominantly Hussock Grasslands mixed with Tall Open Shrublands; however the area supports a diversity of micro-habitats (WPD 1979). In coastal areas calcareous beach sands, interspersed with sand and mudflats, support succulent low shrubland communities, including seven species of mangals, while the shallow siliceous sands of the coastal plain support tussock and hummock grass steppe. Within the inland valleys sits taller vegetation such as Coolibah, Kurrajong and native fig trees while inland plains support trees, shrub steppes, acacias and spinifex (WPD 1979, Green 1982, Beard 1975). Land Integrity The survey area, LNG lease or Tartaruga, has been used extensively for infrastructure and plant works associated with the collection and processing of gas. While the majority of the survey area bounded by access roads has been bulldozed, flattened or severely altered, there nevertheless remains a few small pockets of natural rock outcrops. On the coastal side of the perimeter road, the

3 landscape displays numerous pipelines, some buildings, and heaps of rock debris. Adjacent to these workings is a high security fence protecting the immediate rocky coastline.

A comprehensive account of the ethnography and ethnohistory of Dampier Archipelago has been described in an unpublished paper by Gara (n.d) as well as in relevant chapters of Green's (1982), Turner's (1981) and Harris' (1988) theses. A brief note pertinent to this study follows. A small clan of Aborigines, named Yaburara, formerly inhabited the Dampier Archipelago and part of the adjacent mainland at the time of European contact. In a short period of some 30 years alter 1840, when Europeans commenced development in the form of whaling pearling and pastoralism, the Yaburara were either scattered, acculturated, subjected to labour raids, intmduced diseases or massacred. It is now assumed that the clan is extinct. The neighbouring groups adjoining Yarburara territoly, the Mardudunera and Ngaluma, used to periodically visit the islands in accordance with cultural traditions for the purpose of trade, reciprocal rights and seasonal movement. The descendants of these two Aboriginal groups, some of whom live in Roebourne and Onslow, have assumed responsibility for Burrup Peninsula and are regularly consulted by W.A.M. in matters of Aboriginal heritage within the area

Numerous archaeological investigations have been conducted in the Dampier Archipelago as a result of industrial development. The first survey was conducted in 1962 by Crawford when the area was under consideration as an industrial port. Eight years later Dix and Wright surveyed construction sites in the southwest of Burrup Peninsula for Hammersley Iron and Dampier Salt. Their work culminated in a salvage programme including excavation by Lorbianchet and Jones (Lorblanchet 1977). In the 70s Vinli (1977) and Randolph conducted archaeological reconnaissances in the northern, southern and western portion of Burrup Peninsula as well as in several other islands in the Archipelago. With the discovery of natural gas in the North West shelf, W.A. Museum undertook several preliminary surveys for Woodside Offshore Petroleum (DAS 1979a, DAS 1979b, DAS 1979c, DAS 1980a, DAS 1980b).

4 In 1980 WOP commissioned Department of Aboriginal Sites (DAS) to conduct a Dampier Salvage Programme which entailed recording and mapping sites in priority areas of Burrup Peninsula where development would occur as well as salvaging sites that would be impacted by development (DAP 1984, Vinnicombe 1987). As a consequence of the natural gas project, several other studies occurred (Kirkby 1981, Pickering 1982a, Pickering 1982b). Furthermore, as a biproduct of the vast amount of research material collected from Dampier Salvage Programme, several unpublished archaeological theses have been produced on the area (Green 1982, Turner 1981, Veth 1982, Harris 1988, Mattner 1989). The major archaeological investigation, Dampier Salvage Programme, which concentrated in areas to be directly affected by Woodside operators, covered 15010 of Burrup Peninsula. For archaeological survey purposes, the areas to be affected were divided into 7 catchment areas. Of these, No.3 Tartaruga, where it was proposed to locate the LNG plant, was subject to an intensive, total survey. Tartaruga encompassed 5 sq kms and extended from Withnell Bay to No Name Bay and inland to the commencement of the drainage system which flows into Noname Creek A total of 720 Aboriginal sites were located in the survey area Of these, 113 sites were found in Tartaruga of which the majority, 89, were engraving sites. Overall, engraving sites were the most numerous sites recorded numbering 544 separate sites. Apart from engravings, other cultural features found in descending order of frequency were occupation sites displaying flaked stone or shells, stone features such as standing stones, walls or pits, grinding grooves and rockshelters. Many of the sites contained more than one cultural component. Vinnicombe (1987) concludes that a locational analysis demonstrates that site distribution patterns are determined by accessibility to food and water resources. When each geographic zone is compared separately grinding activity has a higher proportion at Tartaruga than in the other zones. This may reflect the extensive area of Near Coastal Plain where Triodia (spinifex) is in abundance. Seeds from spinifex were ground for flour by Aboriginal people (Vinnicombe 1987). However, grinding patches in association with engravings may have been used to sharpen stone implements that were used in the execution of the engravings (O'Connor 1987).

5 Of the total area surveyed, the majority of engravings, open artefact sites, grinding patches and stone features are located on the inland plain. Vinnicombe (1987) feels that the inland plain occupies a transition between the two principal ecotones, coastal and inland, and thus the high number of habitation camps located in the inland plain, are best situated to exploit all resourtes from each zone. While the density of sites is particularly high, i.e. 34 per km sq, Vinnicombe (1987) stresses that excepting for some middens, habitation sites suggested transient occupation. As is the case throughout Western Australia, the major habitation sites are located near seasonal water sources. Thus the scenario suggested by the evidence is of Aboriginal people moving throughout the landscape in all ecological zones in search of food and raw material. Furthermore, the comprehensive gallely of engravings, depicting a variety of themes and styles, serve to reflect on a complex religious system that was incorporated in the Aborinal peoples' daily lives. Thirty-two radiocarbon dates taken from excavations and auger samples give a range of Aboriginal habitation from 7,000 B.P. years to 100 B.P. years. This span coincides with the last sea level rise around 6.000-7,000 years ago (Vinnicombe 1987). Archaeological sites recorded at Burrup Peninsula are consistent with the types of sites documented in the wider Pilbara region. The earhest dated occupation from the Pilbara region is in excess of 20,000 years BP. The evidence was retrieved from two rockshelter deposits near Newman (Maynard 1980, Troilett 1982) and one at Pannawonica (Hughes & Quartermaine 1992). In Carnarvon region a rockshelter at North-West Cape (Morse 1988) and a stratified open site at Shark Bay (Bowdler 1990a, 1990b) have recently recovered evidence for occupation dated 34,000 years BP and 25,000 years BP respectively. Other dates obtained from the region are more recent and have provided a temporal marker for specific tool types. These indude a date of 2,500 years BP from a trapezoidal microlith (Brown & Mulvaney 1983), 3,800 years BP for a gum backed elouera (Troilett 1982) and 3,600 years BP from a midden dating microliths in association with shellfish (Lorblanchet 1977). Prehistoric stone tool industries in the South-West have been classified into eaiiy and late phases. (Dortch 1977). The early phase industries have only been documented from a few well-dated sites. They include small thick flake scrapers, bipolar cores, notched dentio.ilated pieces, flakes from discoidal cores, and single and multi-platform cores. These artefacts have been manufactured from a variety of lithic materials.

Later phase stone industries, generally found in archaeological contexts dating from 4,000 years ago, include the addition of geometric microliths, backed blades, and a variety of adze flakes, which are part of the Australian "small tool tradition" (Dortch 1977, Mulvaney 1975). However, within the Dampier Salvage Programme, the small tool tradition was little evident in artefact assemblages collected (Vinnicombe 1987, Veth 1982). This serves to support the transient nature reflected at occupation sites.

7 211 MIffHOL

The Western Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act, 1972-80, makes prosion... for the preservation on behalf of the community of places and objects customarily used by or traditional to the original inhabitants of Australia or their descndants, or associated therewith, and for other purpose inddental thereto." The Act defines the obligations of the community relating to sites (see Appendices). An archaeological survey is aimed at identifying the effects of proposed disturbance of the physical environment on historic and prehistoric Aboriginal sites. The consultant is obliged to submit site documentation on appropriate forms for lodgement and submission to the Department of Aboriginal Sites, W.A. Museum, for any newly recorded Aboriginal sites. 1k'a ' ;•;-A

The survey design involved the following stages of operation. I) Background research - This involved familiarisation with W.A. Museum site files, survey reports, plus maps and environmental information for the area to be surveyed. It also entailed establishing the staus of previously recorded archaeological sites from Museum and Woodside files. ii) Survey strategy - opportunistic and systematic sampling stategies were implemented within the proposed area of development. (Fig. 2) Firstly, a general reconnaissance was undertaken over the total area in a slow moving vehicle with the vehicle stopping at each vantage point or cleared area. Secondly, within the area bounded by sealed roads where industrial development was intense, an opportunistic sampling strategy was implemented. This involved purposive meandering over small plots of partially disturbed land in between the industrial plant structures. Outside the boundary fence on the coastline, purposive meandering strategies were again employed over the rocky outcrops. WAM 1:2,000 archaeological site plans assisted the purposive meandering strategies. Visibility was high throughout as, within the disturbed industrial plant area, there was little to no vegetation and on the coastline there was only a narrow stretch of spinifex between the cyclone fence and the rock strewn coast as the majority of previously recorded sites were engraving sites, the ground visibility factor played a minor role.

2.3 5Le Defirdkxm Aboriginal material culture is based, to a large extent, on non-durable materials, such as wood, bark, fibre and skins, that have a limited life in the archaeological record. Stone tools, conversely, remain as often the only evidence of prehistoric activity. Bone, either as a tool, as refuse, or as a burial falls somewhere between these extremes. Lofgren (1975) describes spears, spearthrowers and clubs for men and digging sticks, wooden carrying dishes and grindstones for women, as the basic implements of Aboriginal life. Therefore, stone artefact sites reflect only one aspect of Aboriginal material culture which utilised a wide range of materials from the natural environment. For the purpose of this investigation, an archaeological site is defined as" any place containing traces of past human activity" (Fagan 1980). This is manifested in a number of different site components which may occur singularly or with one or more of the others to form an archaeological site. The most common of these are surface artefact scatters, quarries, art sites, stone arrangements, rockshelters with evidence of occupation, grinding patches, shell middens, burials and marked trees. An artefact scatter is recorded as a site if it contains three or more artef acts in association. Areas of solitary artefacts, called Isolated Finds, are reported but not recorded as Aboriginal sites. The above definition of archaeological sites is a scientific definition. The assessment as to whether such sites are covered by the provisions of the WA. Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972-80, Section 5, is made for the Trustees of the W.A. Museum by the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee. Such assessment is undertaken as part of a Section 18 application for site disturbance. When sites are discussed in this report, it is in the context of the scientific definition and not Section 5 of the above Act

• The significance of an archaeological site is determined by its ability to address regional and specific research questions and by its representativeness (Raab & Klinger 1977). For example, unique sites are more significant than commonly occurring sites, and sites with stratified deposits are more significant than unstratified sites. Significance is a mutable quality, changing as more sites are recorded, questions are answered or new directions in research arise. In the major salvage programme of 1981 all archaeological sites in the survey area were given an appropriate significance assessment. Thence, according to the special requirements of Woodside's industrial programme and/or the

archaeological significance of the site (DAP 1984), each site was classified as Preserved In Situ, Cleared or Partially Cleared At a meeting dated 10/11th April, 1984 between Woodside and W.A.M. the following definitions were agreed to in relation to the classification terminology applied to the sites by WAM

complex is preserved in situ and Preserved in Situ (PIS] means that site/ that formal application to disturb is required under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. In most cases, these sites are behind protective fences erected by W.O.P. ed Cleared and Partially Clear These terms mean that all of W.O.P.'s obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act have been met and that the area can legally be utilised by Woodside. In those areas where sites or parts of site complexes remain WOP undertakes to endeavour to retain all such sites and that in the event that disturbance may be necessary, WOP undertakes to consult with WAM. hi WOPki4iCIV hc Cleared and partially cleared means that WOP has met its obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. The site, if disturbed, has been done with WAM approval. Part of the site or site complex may be extant and WOP will endeavour not to disturb the site during the completion of construction. Any disturbance will only be done after consultation with WAM. When the temporary lease reverts to its previous vesting then that part of the site remaining effective reverts to PIS and formal application must be made under the Aboriginal Heritage Act before it can be disturbed. QuEmdeaRWOPkases Cleared means that the site has been surveyed, salvaged (if possible) and then used as part of the early survey and construction access. All WOP obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act have been met Partially cleared means that approval to disturb part of the site was given (as part of early access requirement) but that some of the site/ site complex is extant The remaining portion is effectively Preserved in Situ to all parties and formal application must be made under the Act for any future disturbance.

10 31) R1Ut1S

Thirteen archaeological sites have been previously recorded in the survey area. (Fig. 3) Nine of these sites have an engraving component solely or in association with other cultural features. A description of each site follows with its present status according to DAS and Woodside files and reports (DAP 1984). P1561 Stahn FIS Map Ref. 12,000 Sheet No. 25.04 Grid 476 000 7 723 200 This site consists of 165 engravings, 4 grinding patches and I standing stone. The features are located along a granophyre outcrop aligned NE-SW on the coastline. The extent of the site is 130 m long x 40m wide. The engravings exhibit a wide variety of forms and motifs. As a result of the sit&s proximity to the sea some of the engravings are somewhat weathered. All features have been fully recorded and photographed. Vinnicombe (1987:10) advises that the boundaries of the LNG plant were adapted to avoid this significant site. The site is well protected by a cyclone fence in front of which are numerous pipelines. Access is gained through a padlocked gate. P15L Stahm (]cuI Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No.26.04 Grid 4761807723210 This site consists of an open scatter comprising stone artefacts and Acanthciptleura shells as well as two grinding patches. The site is located on a low sand dune adjacent to Skinny Dip Beach and measures 50m NS x 70m EW. Artefacts were visible in both sedimented and blow-out sand deposits. Five shallow lm x Im test pits were excavated across the site. Two radiocarbon dates obtained from shell revealed an age of around 1,500 BP and 2,200 BP. After salvaging the site was destroyed by the constniction of roadworks. 1111)1 S1ir PaitiIy CuI

Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No. 2503 Grid 4757807 722 970 This site contains 65 engravings and one grinding patch. It is located along a granophyre outcrop along the coastline. The outcrop is aligned NE-SW and measures 300m long x 90m wide. The engravings, being similarly located as those at P1561, are somewhat weathered. Three boulders have been salvaged from the site. A jetty now juts out from the site's southern boundary. As with P1561, the same cyclone fence protects this site from intrusion. All engravings have been fully recorded and photographed

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11 I4 9.hc (uJ Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No.26.04 Grid 476 100 7 723 150 This site consists of eight engravings located on three small outcrops situated along the coastal dune. The outcrop measures 80m x 100m. The engravings were photographed and recorded and two boulders were salvaged. The site has been deregistered and destroyed from roadwork construction.

Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No.2503 Grid 475 790 7 722 900 This site consists of nine engravings, four stone pits and two standing stones. The site measures 10m x 60m. All features were photographed and recorded. The site has been deregistered and destroyed from construction works.

Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No. 25.03 Grid 4758707722 870 This site contains a small open scatter of stone artefacts and Terebralia and Melo shells. It was located on a claypan and measured 10m x 10m. The 20 stone artefacts were mostly primary flakes made from porphyritic granophyre. No collection was made as the site was considered of average significance; however the site was photographed and surveyed. A major access road now runs across the site P2S11 Stab= (]iwJ

Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No. 25.03 Grid 4759857722 990 This site contains one grinding patch measuring 44cm x 30cm on a cracked and fissured rock The site has been surveyed and photographed. The area has been bulldozed and levelled

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Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No. 26.04 Grid 4763907723 180 This site contains one engraving measuring Im x 1m. It has been surveyed and photographed. The site was considered of average significance and has been deregistered. The site has been destroyed by Road 1 which now cuts through the site.

12 !23'4 7 Rah c1 Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No. 26.03 Grid 476 390 7 722 940

This site contains one stone pit measuring 2m x 2m located on a scree slope. It has been surveyed and photographed The site was deregistered and has been destroyed by industrial works. 8 9ic (red Fk Map Ref. 12,000 Sheet No. 26.03 Grid 476 300 7 722 780

This site contains one engraving of incised lines measuring 2m x 2m. It has been surveyed and photographed. The site was deregistered and has been destroyed by industrial wo&s. r2323, 9 Sbd= (ed Map Ref. 12,000 Sheet No. 26.04 Grid 476 340 7 723 170

This site contains one engraving of a stick woman measuring 2m x 2m. It has been surveyed and photographed. The site was deregistered and has been destroyed by bulldozing and levelling. 10 9thr (]ied PJ Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No. 2604 Grid 476 2707 723 090

This site contains one engraving of an emu, meandering line and tracks within a cluster. The engraving measures 2m x 2m. It has been surveyed and photographed The site was deregistered and has been destroyed by earthworks. y137 ii SL4r- OJ Map Ref 12,000 Sheet No.2603 Grid 476 100 7 722 790

This site contains four engravings depicting a stick man, human face, pecks and an human footprint. The engravings measures 20m x 20m. It has been surveyed, photographed and two boulders were salvaged. The site was deregistered and has been destroyed by earthworks.

13 40 WNQUSIONS 41 Dboussim An archaeological site identification and avoidance investigation was commissioned by Woodside Offshore Petroleum Pty Ltd at the Onshore Treatment Plant Lease on Burrup Peninsula. The purpose of this study was to facilitate an investigation into locating a proposed Liquid Petroleum Gas Extraction Project as an extension of the existing Liquid Natural Gas Plant. The survey area lies on the western side of the Peninsula within the LNG plant lease of WOP between Withnell and No Name Bays in an area referred to as the coastal, coastal plain and near coastal uplands of Tartaruga. The area consists of some 30 hectares bounded by the coastline from the jetty to the northernmost point of Skinny Dip Beach, Road 65 and Road 1. The project area has been used extensively for infrastructure and plant associated with the collection and processing of gas. While the majority of the survey area bounded by access roads has been bulldozed, flattened and severely altered, there nevertheless remains a few small pockets of natural rock outcrops. On the coastal side of the perimeter road, the landscape displays numerous pipelines, buildings, and piles of rock debris. Adjacent to these works is a high security fence protecting the immediate rocky coastline. After a general reconnaissance, an opportunistic and systematic sampling strategy was implemented within the survey area to adequately cover the industrial plant and coastline. Visibility was at a high throughout as there was little to no vegetation, particularly in the industrial zone. Thirteen archaeological sites have been previously recorded in the survey area. Nine of these sites have an engraving component solely or in association with other cultural features such as open scatters, stone features and grinding patches. The present status of each site as established by DAS is as follows: Preserved in Situ- P1561 Partially Cleared - P1601 Cleared - P1562, P2324, P2325, P2323.6, P2323.7, P2323.8, P2323.9, P2323.10, P2323.11, P2569, P2571. Thus, only two archaeological sites remain in the survey area, namely Fl 561 and P1601 WhiCh are both located on the coastline.

14

, The recommendations which follow are based on field observations and research from previously recorded sites in the survey area and region. They are also based on the assumption that the term 'Permanent Lease "applies to the LNG plant area and immediate coastline which is held under lease until 2025 but is renewable after that date. It is recommended that Site P1561 be preserved as it is considered of high significance. Should Woodside seek permission to disturb the site, an application under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972-80 must be submitted. Excepting for a site plan, no further recording should be required as the site has been fully documented Because Sites P1562, P2324, P2325, P2323.6, P2323.7, P2323.8, P2323.9, P2323.10, and P2323.11 have been cleared, destroyed and deregistered and Sites P2569 and P2571 have been cleared and destroyed, it is recommended that no further archaeological work is necessary and that development may plDceed in these areas. Site P1601 is considered of moderate to high significance. However, it has been partially cleared. Should Woodside seek permission to disturb the site, consultation must be undertaken with WAM. No further recording should be necessary as the site has been fully documented Should Woodside find it necessary within the planning stage to disturb any of the two remaining archaeological sites, P1561 and P1 601, it is recommended that consultation take place with the appropriate Aboriginal custodians. It is recommended that Woodside take adequate measures to inform any project personnel of their obligation to report any archaeological material, should this be encountered during ground disturbance, as outlined under Section 15 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972-80.

15 ITO i:.

j V

Beard J.S. 1975 Vegetation Surveys of Western Australia. U.W.A. Press. Perth. Bowdier, S. 1990a. Before Dirk Hartog: prehistoric archaeological research in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Australian Archaeology 30,46-57 Bowdier, S. 1990b. The Silver Dollar site, Shark Bay: an interim report, Australian Aboriginal Studies 2,60-63. P4527, Brown S.H. & Mulvaney KJ. 1983 Test pit excavations Aboriginal Sites Newman-Port P4523, and P5315 Perth-Darn National Highway, Hedland Section. Report to MRD, Perth. Department of Aboriginal Sites, WA Museum (DAS) 1979a. (B.J. Wright) Dampier Archaeological Liquified Natural Gas Project: a survey for Aboriginal sites. Unpublished report Department of Aboriginal Sites, W.A. Museum (DAS) 1979b. (V. Novak) Dampier Archaeological Liquified Natural Gas Project: a survey for Aboriginal sites: King Bay Area. Unpublished report Department of Aboriginal Sites, W.A. Museum (DAS) 1979c. (J. Darke) Dampier Archaeological Liquified Natural Gas Project: a survey for Aboriginal sites: Quarry, communications station and access roads. Unpublished report. Department of Aboriginal Sites, W.A. Museum (DAS) 1980a. (B.J. Wright) A proposal for the archaeological investigation of, and preservation of Aboriginal sites in the Dampier Archipelago. Unpublished report. Department of Aboriginal Sites, WA Museum (DAS) 1980b. (J. Qarke) Dampier Archaeological Liquified Natural Gas Project: a survey for Aboriginal sites in the vicinity of a proposed access road- Dampier to King Bay. W.A. Unpublished report. Department of Aboriginal Sites, W.A. Museum (DAP) 1984. Dampier Archaeological Project: survey and salvage of Aboriginal sites on portion of the Burrup Peninsula for Woodside Petroleum Pty Ltd. Catchment areas, geomorphic zones and tabulations. D.A.S. W.A. Museum, Perth.

16 Dortch C.E. 1977 Early and late stone industrial phases in Western Australia in Wright R.V.S. (ed) Stone Tools as Cultural Markers A.I.A.S. Canberra 104-132 Fagan B. 1980 People of the Earth Little Brown and Company. Boston. Gara T.J. (n.d.) The Aborigines of the Dampier Archipelago: an ethnohistoiy of the Yarburara. W.A.M. Perth. Green, N. 1982 They draw rude figures on stone: engravings at King Bay. Unpublished M.A. thesis. Dept of Anthropology and Prehistoiy, AN.U. Canberra Harris, J. 1988. An excavation report of Georges Valley Shell Midden, Burrup Peninsula. Unpublished B.A. Hons thesis. Dept of Prehistoiy, U.W.A Perth. Hughes P.J. & Quartermaine G. 1992 Investigations of Aboriginal Archaeological Sites in the Mesa J Development Area, Pannawonica. Report prepared for Robe River Iron Associates. Kirby, 1.1981. Archaeological survey for Department of Resources Development: Burrup Peninsula. DAS. W.A. Museum: Perth. Lorbianchet M. 1977 Report on an excavation of a shell midden at Skew Valley, Dampier. W.A. W.A. Museum Report. Lofgren ME. 1975 Patterns of Life Western Australian Museum Information Series No.6 Mattner, CJ. 1989 Simulations of Regional Sampling Designs on the Burrup Peninsula, W.A. Unpublished BSc. Hons thesis. Dept of Archaeology, U.WA Perth. Maynard L 1980 A Pleistocene date from an occupation deposit in the region, Western Australia. Australian Archaeology 10:3-8.

hibara

Morse, K. 1988 Mandu Mandu Rockshelter Pleistocene human coastal occupation of North West Cape, Western Australia Archaeology tn Oceania. 23:81-88 Mulvaney, D.J. 1975 The Prehistoly of Australia. Penguin. Melbourne.

17 O'Connor R 1987. Woodstock and Abydos Reserves Management Plan. Report prepared for DAS, Perth Pickering M. 1982a An archaeological survey of the Dampier to Perth Natural Yannarie Gas Pipeline Route. Section 1, Burrup Peninsula to River. DAS. W.A. Museum. Picketing M. I 982b An archaeological survey of the Dampier to Perth Natural Gas Pipeline Route. Section 1, Burrup Peninsula to Yannarie River. Supplemental)' Report No.1; access roads and construction sites. DAS. WA Museum. Raab LM. & Klinger T.C. 1977 A critical appraisal of "significance" in contract archaeology. American Antiquity 42: 629-634 Troilett G. 1982 Report on Ethel Gorge Salvage Report. WA. Museum Report Turner, J. 1981. Murujuga: aspatial analysis of the engraved rock of Withnell Bay. Unpublished B.A Hons thesis. Dept of Anthropology, U.W.A Perth. Veth, P.1982. testing the behavioural model: the use of open site data Unpublished BA Hons thesis. Dept of Anthropology, U.WA Perth. Vinnicombe, P. 1987 Dampier Archaeological Project Resource Document, Survey and Salvage of Aboriginal Sites, Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. 1987. W.AM. Perth. Virili, E. 1977. Aboriginal sites and rock art of the Dampier Archipelago, in P.J. Ucko (ed) Form in Indigenous Art: schematisation in the art of Aboriginal and Prehistoric Europe. AlAS. Canbeffa. Woodside Petroleum Development Pty lid (WPD) 1979 Draft environmental impact statement and environmental review and management programme.

APPENDIX I OBLIGATIONS RELATING TO SITES UNDER THE ABORIGINAL HERITAGE 1972-1980 ACT "Report of Findings 15. Any person who has knowledge of the existence of anything in the nature of Aboriginal burial grounds, symbols or objects of sacred, ritual or ceremonial significance, cave or rock paintings or engravings, stone structures or arranged stones, carved trees, or of any place or thing to which this Act applied or to which this Act might reasonably be suspected to apply shall report its existence to the Trustees, or to a police officer, unless he has reasonable cause to believe the existence of the thing or place in question to be already known to the Trustees. Excavation of Aboriginal Sites 16. (1) Subject to Section 18, the right to excavate or to remove any thing from an Aboriginal site is reserved to the Trustees. (2) The Trustees may authonse the ently upon and excavating of an Aboriginal site and the examination or removal of any thing on or under the site in such manner and subject to such conditions as they may direct. Offences Relating to Aboriginal Sites 17. Aperson whoexcavates, destroys, damages, conceals or in any way alters any Aboriginal site; or in any way alters, damages, removes, destroys, conceals, or who deals with in a manner not sanctioned by relevant custom, or assumes the possession, custody or control of, any olect on or under an Aboriginal site, comimts an offence unless he is acting with the authonsation of the Trustees under Section 16 or the consent of the Minister under Section I& Consent To Certain Uses 18. (1) For the purposes of this section, the expression "the owner of any land" includes a lessee from the Crown, and the holder of any mining tenement or mining privilege, or of any right or privilege under the Petroleum Act 1967, in relation to the land. (2) Where the owner of any land gives to the Trustees notice in writing that he requires to use the land for a purpose which, unless the Minister gives his consent under this section, would be likely to result in a breach of Section 17 in respect of any Aboriginal site that might be on the land, the Trustees shall, as soon as they are reasonably able, form an opinion as to whether there is any Aboriginal site on the land, evaluate the importance and significance of any such site, and submit the notice to the Minister together with their recommendation in writing as to whether or not the Minister should consent to the use of the land for that purpose, and, where applicable; the extent to which and the conditions upon which his consent should be given.

(3) Where the Trustees submit a notice to the Minister under subsection (2) of this section he shall xnsider their recommendation and having regard to the general interest of the community shall eitherConsent to the use of the land the subject of the notice, or a specified part of the land, for the purpose required, subject to such conditions, if any, as he may specify; or wholly decline to consent to the use of the land the subject of the notice for the purpose required, and shall forthwith inform the owner in writing of his decision. Where the owner of any land has given to the Trustees notice pursuant to subsection (2) of this section and the Trustees have not submitted it with their recommendation to the Minister in accordance with that subsection the Minister may require the Trustees to do so within a specified time, or may require the Trustees to take such other action as the Minister considers necessaiy in order to expedite the matter, and the Trustees shall comply with any such requirement. Where the owner of any land is aggrieved by a decision of the Minister made under subsection (3) of this section he may, within the time and in the manner perscribed by rules of court, appeal from the decision of the Minister to the Supreme Court which may hear and determine the appeal. In determining an appeal under subsection (5) of this section the Judge hearing the appeal may confirm or vaty the decision of the Minister against which the appeal is made or quash the decision and substitute his own decision which shall have effect as if it were the decision of the Minister, and may make such an order as to the costs of the appeal as he sees fit Where the owner of the land gives notice to the Trustees under subsection (2) of this section, the Trustees may, if they are satisfied that it is practicab'e to do so, direct the removal of any object to which this Act applies from the land to a place of safe custody. Where consent has been given under this section to a person to use any land for a particular purpose nothing done by or on behalf of that person pursuant to, and in accordance with any conditions attached to, the consent constitutes an offence against this Act."

Notes on the Recognition of Aboriginal Sites There are various types of Aboriginal Sites and these notes have been prepared as a guide to the recognition of those sites that may be located in the suivey area An Aboriginal Site is defined in the Aborinal Heritage Act 1972-80 in Section 5 as: Any place of importance and significance where persons of Aboriginal descent have, or appear to have, left any object, natural or artificial used for, or made for or adapted for use for, any purpose connected with the traditional cultural life of the Aboriginal people, past or present; Any sacred, ritual or ceremonial site, which is of importance and special significance to persons of Aboriginal descent; Any place which, in the opinion of the Trustees is or was associated with the Aboriginal people and which is of historical, anthropological, archaeological or ethnographical interest and should be preserved because of its importance and significance to the cultural heritage of the state Any place where objects to this Act applies are traditionally stored, or to which, under the provisions of this Act, such objects have been taken or removed. Habitation Sites These are commonly found throughout Western Australia and usually contain evidence of tool-making seed grinding and other food processing cooking painting engraving or numerous other activities. The archaeological evidence for some of these activities is discussed in detail under the appropnate heading. Habitation sites are usually found near an existing or former water source such as gnamma hole; rock pool, spring or soak They are generally in the open, but they sometimes occur in shallow rock shelters or caves. It is particulady important that none of these sites be disturbed as the stratified deposits which may be found at such sites can yield valuable information about the inhabitants when excavated by archaeologists. Seed Grinding Polished or smoothed areas are sometimes observed on/near horizontal rock surfaces. The smooth areas are usually 25cm wide and 40 or 50cm long. They are the result of seed grinding by the Aboriginal women and indicate aspects of a past economy. Habitation Structures Aboriginal people sheltered in simple ephemeral structures, generally made of branches and sometimes grass. These sites are rarely preserved for more than one occupation period. Occasionally iocks were pushed aside or were used to stabilise other building materials. When these rock patterns are located they provide evidence of former habitation sites.

Middens When a localised source of shellfish and other foods have been exploited from a favoured camping place, the accumulated ashes, hearth stones, shells, bones and other refuse can form mounds at times several metres high and many metres in diameter. Occasionally these refuse mounds or middens contain stone, shell or bone tools. These are most common near the coast but examples on inland lakes and river banks are not unknown. Stone Artef act Factory Sites Pieces of rock from which aitef acts could be made were often carried to camp sites or other places for final production Such sites are usually easily recognisable because the manufacturing process produces quantities of flakes and waste material which are dearly out of context when compared with the surrounding rocks. All rocks found on the sandy coastal plain, for example, must have been transported by human agencies. These sites are widely distributed throughout the state. Quarries When outcrops of rock suitable for the manufacture of stone tools were quarried by the Aborigines, evidence of the flaking and chipping of the source material can usually be seen in situ and nearby. Ochre and other mineral pigments used in painting rock surfaces, artefacts and body decoration are mined from naturally occunng seams, bands and other deposits. This activity can sometimes be recognised by the presence of wooden digging sticks or the marks made by these implements. Marked Trees Occasionally trees are located that have designs in the bark which have been incised by Aborigines. Toeholds, to assist the climber, were sometimes cut into the bark and sapwood of trees in the hollow limbs of which possums and other athorial animals sheltered Some tree trunks bear scars where sections of bark or wood have been removed to make dishes, shields, spearthrowers and other wooden artefacts. In some parts of the state wooden platforms were built in trees to accomodate a coipse during complex rituals following death. Burials In the north of the state it was formeily the custom to place the bones of the dead on a ledge in a cave after certain rituals were completed. The bones were wrapped in sheets of bark and the skull placed beside this. In otther parts of Western Australia the dead were buried, the burial position vaiying accoTthng to the customs of the particular area and time. Natural erosion, or mechanical earthmoVing equipment occasionally exposes these burial sites. Stone Structures If one or more stones are found partially buried or wedged into a position which is not likely to be the result of natural forces, then it is probable that the place is an Abonginal site and that possibly there are other important sites nearby. There are several different types of stone arrangements ranging from simple cairns or piles of stones to more elaborate designs. Low weirs which

trap fish when tides fall are found in coastal areas. Some rivers contain similar structures that trap fish against the current. It seems likely that low stone slab structures in the south-west jarrah forests were built to provide suitable environments in which to trap some small animals. Low walls or pits were sometimes made to provide a hide or shelter for hunting. Elongated rock fragments are occasionally erected as a sign or warning that a special area is being approached Heaps or alignments of stones may be naturalistic or symbolic representations of animals, people or mythological figures. Paintings These usually occur in rockshelters, caves or other sheltered situations which offer a certain degree of protection from the weather. The best known examples in Western Australia occur in the Kimberley region but paintings are also found throughout most of the State. Several coloured pigments may have been used at a site. Stencilling was a common painting technique used throughout the state. The negative image of an object was created by spraying pigment over the object which was held against a walt Engravings This term describes designs which have been carved, pecked or pounded into a rock surface. They form the predominant art form of the Pilbara region but are known to occur in the Kimberleys in the north to Toodjay in the south. Most engravings occur in the open but some are situated in rock shelters. Caches It was the custom to hide ceremonial objects in niches and other secluded places. The removal of objects from these places, the taking of photographs of the places or objects or any other interference with these places is not permitted. Ceremonial Grounds At some sites the ground has been modified in some way by the removal of surface pebbles, or the modeling of the soil, or the digging of pits and trenches. In other places there is no noticeable alteration of the ground surface and Aborigines familiar with the site must be consulted concerning its location. Mythological Sites Most sites already described have a place in Aboriginal mythology. In addition there are many Aboriginal sites with no man-made features which enable them to be recognised They are often natural features in the landscape linked to the Aboriginal account of the formation of the world during the creative "Dreaming" period in the distant past. Many such sites are located at focal points in the creative journeys of mythological spirit beings of the Dreaming Such sites can only be identified by the Aboriginal people who are familiar with the associated traditions.

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APPENDIX III QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

This Appendix is a separately bound volume and is available from Woodside at no cost upon request

PROTECTIG DEPARTMENT OF ENVRONM WESTRAI ic;iAR 141 ST. GEOR(P fLi!U:, PERTH