APPEA - Environment | APPEA

There are significant government regulatory controls that require the petroleum industry to conduct their activities in a manner that meets the highest standard of environmental protection.

Legislation is implemented by all Australian Governments to regulate activities associated with petroleum exploration and production.

The Federal Government is responsible for the area from 3 - 200 nautical miles off the coast (out to the extent of our Exclusive Economic Zone - defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). 

State and Territory Governments are responsible for managing and regulating most activities, including petroleum exploration and production within 3 nautical miles (5.6km) off their coasts.

To ensure a high standard of industry operations within our unique environments, APPEA and its members have produced an Environmental Code of Practice, containing substantial detail on all aspects of industry operations. To read or download a copy please click here.

The oil and gas industry in Australia uses seismic surveys to explore for natural resources in the marine environment, Seismic Exploration and the Marine Environmentprovides detailed information about seismic exploration, environmental monitoring, research and regulation. To read or download a copy please click here.

The industry supports the use of conservation systems that define the significant conservation values of a particular ecosystem or biological community. However, blanket bans and prohibitions are inappropriate and simplistic management mechanisms that fail to recognise the ability for the Australian oil and gas industry to operate without impact in sensitive environments. To read or download a copy of the industry policy on Operating in Protected Areas please click here.

APPEA and its member companies are strongly committed to sound resource conservation and environment protection practices as an integral part of industry operations.

APPEA compiles quantitative information regarding the environmental performance of the oil and gas exploration and production industry in Australia. The results are regularly published in the APPEA Health, Safety, Environment and Social Performance Report. To read or download a copy please click here.

The oil and gas industry undertakes a vast range of environmental impact studies on fauna, flora, fluids and new technologies.

The industry believes maintaining a strong commitment to rigorous environmental research and focusing on evidence-based policy will continue to deliver environmental benefits.

The results of an independent scientific review of Environmental Implications of Offshore Oil and Gas Development in Australia found that the offshore exploration and production industry in Australia not only met statutory requirements, but had "set an excellent example in taking all possible steps to safeguard the marine environment". Called the Swan report, this review assesses the implications of seismic surveys, drilling activities, production activities, coastal facilities, and accidental oil spills in the context of offshore petroleum exploration and production. It is a detailed technical review that provides scientific information on the industry's activities. To order a copy, please click here.

The Swan report identified several specific areas where knowledge of environmental impacts could be improved. These projects have now been completed and the final reports have been published, Environmental Implications of offshore Oil and Gas Development in Australia - Further Research. To order a copy, please click here.

In recent years Australia's oil and gas industry has undertaken over 40 research projects relating to the marine environment. This volume brings together this research together and provides a simple summary of the outcomes and findings of these projects. It includes 20 projects on whales and dolphins, as well as research on other wildlife and flora; fish, molluscs and crustaceans; the operational effects of oil and gas activities; and community projects and education. To download a copy of A Compilation of Recent Research into the Marine Environment please click here.

Throughout 2008–09, the industry invested tens of millions of dollars to undertake several new environmental studies. A summary of all these new studies and their value to general scientific understanding of the Australian environment will be released in 2010.

The APPEA Environment Awards recognise excellence and innovation in environmental management.

The Awards demonstrate how the industry is continuously raising the bar in environmental performance, sharing best practice and providing inspiration to the entire industry.

To be considered for an APPEA Environment Award, a company must be a full APPEA member.

There are two award categories:

• Category A: Production companies (Operator companies that conduct substantial production operations during the assessed year)
• Category B: Exploration companies (Operator companies that only conduct exploration activities during the assessed year).

Previous winners of the APPEA Environment Awards

APPEA’s National Environment Conference is held every two years and presents a great opportunity to share information, find out about what is happening in the industry, and the implications of new government policies on industry operations. It also provides an opportunity to network with others in the industry, government representatives and non-government organisations.

2010 APPEA National Environment Conference

31 August – 2 September

Hyatt Regency, Coolum, Queensland

APPEA’s 2010 Environment Conference will highlight the environmental issues and opportunities facing the oil and gas industry. The conference will include presentations on new processes, policies and technology innovations that are allowing the industry to further improve its environmental performance. The conference will also provide essential updates from governments and the latest science on improving understanding of how the industry interacts with the environment.

For more information please visit http://www.appeaenvironmentconference.com.au

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