Onshore petroleum exploration and development in South Australia is administered by the Energy Resources Division under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 and associated Regulations. The approval process involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which is used to identify potential risks to the environment and how those risks will be managed. The EIR then drives the development of a Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO) which identifies how environmental objectives will be achieved.

An extensive public consultation on the EIR and draft SEO is undertaken with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Department of Environment and Water (DEW), the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), SafeWork SA, the Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW), the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (AAR), relevant statutory authorities, local councils, landowners, key stakeholders and the general public.

A detailed activity notification is then prepared and submitted, which includes an activity-specific environmental assessment against the approved SEO. A Notice of Entry is provided to affected landowners, and once an agreement is in place, and any land entry issues have been resolved, the Minister for Energy and Mining will issue an approval to commence activities.

For more information on the petroleum industry regulatory processes in South Australia please visit:

DEPARTMENT FOR ENERGY AND MINING

In accordance with Section 97 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000, Licensees are required to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for proposed regulated activities. This document addresses the potential threats and risks on the environment and outlines the extent to which these threats are likely and manageable.

The types of assessments carried out cover potential environmental impacts such as cultural heritage; flora and fauna; landscape; surface and groundwater; geotechnical; air quality; noise; community impacts and consultation.

A Statement of Environmental Objectives can relate to either a specific activity carried out at a specific location; or an activity type (e.g. drilling, seismic activities, the construction of facilities and pipelines) carried out within a specific region. The Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000 gives a broad definition of the environment to include the natural, social, cultural and economic aspects of the region.

An SEO must include objectives that relate to construction activities, operational activities, emergency response and management, rehabilitation in cases involving a serious or reportable incident, decommissioning, abandonment, rehabilitation, and dealing with the consequences of events associated with the relevant activities on the various aspects of the environment. An SEO must also include conditions and requirements for achieving the stated objectives, such as incident reporting requirements.

These features provide transparency to stakeholders on what is required of the licensee in terms of its environmental performance.

Beach Energy meets face to face with landholders, occupiers, nearby neighbours and representatives of the First Nations of the South East to explain the operations and work with them to identify the best way to manage any impacts. We also consult directly with regulators, relevant government departments and agencies, and local government. For our local communities, we consult with community representatives, provide briefings at community group meetings, and provide information via email, post and phone calls.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to limit person-to-person contact, more of Beach’s consultation activities may be conducted online for the time being. This means video conferences may replace some face-to-face meetings where appropriate.

All questions, feedback or concerns are considered and responded to. Beach is committed to keeping the community up to date on its activities, throughout all phases of its projects.

Beach Energy engages with the local Aboriginal traditional owners on the majority of its activities in the South East. This usually involves working with the traditional owners to undertake a cultural heritage inspection of the impacted area. Known cultural heritage and significant sites are identified and protected from operations using temporary flagging, fencing or exclusion zones to prevent damage, disturbance or interference. Inductions for field crew include cultural heritage awareness training and what to do if suspected Aboriginal heritage site or artifacts are discovered during operational activities.

Geophysics applies the principles and methods of physics to the study of the Earth. Scientists use geophysical techniques such as electromagnetics, magnetotellurics and seismic to measure and analyse subsurface conditions in the Earth. Many of these geophysical survey methods are used for the exploration of economic materials such as groundwater, metals and hydrocarbons. Geophysics is also commonly used for engineering and environmental problems such as groundwater contaminant mapping, urban utility mapping, forensics, dam safety and archaeology.

Seismic surveying is a safe and sustainable exploration method used to determine the size and location of subsurface natural gas reserves. Seismic surveys are a reliable method for establishing a detailed subsurface image of geological structures to determine suitable drilling locations. A survey will send sound waves (vibrations) into the ground and record the energy that bounces back from rock layer boundaries below the surface. This activity results in minimising the number of wells being drilled in a region as it reduces subsurface uncertainty.

Recent discoveries in the area have shown that the region is prospective for natural gas reserves. High quality 3D data acquisition allows for detailed exploration studies to be conducted and gives the potential for future gas development projects. 3D seismic data improves the imaging of the subsurface and allows wells to be drilled in the optimal locations for successful intersection of gas resources. The high-quality data also ensures safe drilling operations as it allows for better imaging of faults and the definition of aquifers which can then be mapped and further protected and/or avoided.

After the survey is acquired, the data that is collected is processed by a team of specialist scientists using super-computers. The process can take up to 1 year before a final seismic data set is produced. After the data set is loaded into a technical interpretation program, geophysical specialists at Beach Energy will evaluate the results in a process that can take an additional 6 to 12 months. Decisions on drilling gas wells are only made after a rigorous process of geophysical interpretation, commercial modelling, risk assessment, and a lengthy internal and external regulatory approval process. If a future drilling decision is made, Beach Energy will consult with landholders and the community at that time.

For more information on Beach Energy’s drilling activities in the south east, please see the current approved drilling EIR & SEO here:

DRILLING EIR

DRILLING SEO

Beach Energy has strong relationships with many local suppliers in the South East including accommodations, catering, transport, electricians, civil engineering firms, earthwork operators, fencing, ag supplies, hardware, waste handling and removal. Wherever possible we seek to work with local suppliers that share our values.

For more information on becoming a local supplier, please contact the Beach Penola office or send us a note using the contact form provided below.