Calico 3D Geophysical Survey
Otway Basin Victoria
Beach Energy is continuing to develop natural gas within the Otway Basin to meet the demands of homes and businesses across Australia.
In line with this, an exploratory geophysical survey is required to assess gas reservoirs in Victorian offshore permits, around the Port Campbell and Peterborough region of South West Victoria, on land and off-shore.
The survey will take place in Victorian state waters within three nautical miles of the shoreline, covering approximately 135km². It will also cover approximately 60km² onshore along the Victorian coast to around 4km inland.
This survey is planned for February to May 2025, and will operate in line with stringent regulatory conditions and approvals, including the following offshore petroleum permits:
- VIC/L1(V);
- VIC/P42(V);
- VIC/P007192(V) and
- open acreages.
Onshore, the survey area will include parts of several onshore permits.
If potential natural gas reservoirs are identified, the geological map created by the survey will enable additional gas wells to be drilled safely in the future, and increase location accuracy.
Overview
Beach will be conducting a transition zone, three-dimensional geological survey named the Calico Survey.
It is called ‘transition zone’ because surveying is required on the land and ocean to enable creation of a complete image of the subsurface geological structures within the permit areas that follow the coastline.
The description ‘three-dimensional’ refers to survey methodology that captures high-resolution data that enables a detailed visual 3-D map of the subsurface to be created. The map will show the geological layers below the land and seabed surfaces, determine the different layers and rock types, and structures that hold gas reservoirs.
Geological surveys work by using a vibration on the land or acoustic energy in the water that travels several kilometres below the surface. The geophysical energy reflects back like echoes off the distinct types of geological layers. The returning energy is recorded as data signals by receivers placed on the land, seabed and towed by the survey vessel.
Over 100 terabytes of data will be produced and loaded on a supercomputer. Over a 12-month period, Geophysicists will transform the data into a 3D image the subsurface layers.
Why do we need it?
Even though there has been previous surveys undertaken in this region by other companies, the existing data is incomplete across the Beach permit areas – it does not enable a seamless and complete detailed map to be created.
There is also an area within the Calico Survey boundary that has not been mapped before – permit VIC/P007192(V).
If potential gas reservoirs are identified by the survey, the geological map will enable additional wells to be drilled safely. It will also increase location accuracy, thereby requiring fewer wells.
Natural gas has a wide variety of uses in our daily lives. This includes generating electricity, residential heating, hot water and cooking.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest Victorian Gas Planning Report forecasts potential shortfalls from 2022 onwards.
One hundred percent of the gas Beach produces from the offshore Otway Basin is processed at the Otway Gas Plant near Port Campbell, and directly supplied via an existing pipeline into the Australian east coast gas market to meet existing demands by residential, commercial, industrial, manufacturing and service industries.
Stakeholder consultation
Stakeholder engagement is undertaken with Government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Authority, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, the Department of Land, Water and Environment Protection and Parks Victoria; traditional custodians and landholders, relevant statutory authorities and local Government and the general public.
GeoPhysical operations
Geophysical operations are an important exploration method used to produce detailed images of the subsurface geology.
The geophysical method proposed for the Calico survey is commonly used to determine the location and size of possible gas reservoirs.
Geophysical surveys send sound waves (vibrations) into the ground. These sound waves bounce back (reflect) off subsurface features such as different rock types and are detected by receivers back at the surface.
Once all the data from a geophysical survey is collected, the information is processed by powerful computers and then interpreted by specialist geophysicists.
Land survey
Small vibrations will be created by a vibroseis buggy, a purpose-built vehicle for seismic surveys, approximately 10m long, fitted with hydraulics that lowers a metal plate onto the earth to create vibrations for about 10 seconds (similar to a compactor on a building site) and repeat the process every 5 to 10m. Around 5 vibroseis buggies will operate about 1km apart. If they need to be used off existing farm tracks the extra wide tyres minimise land compaction.
On paddocks and roadsides, highly sensitive receivers will be placed in a grid pattern around 50m apart, giving broad coverage to record the returning signals. The land receivers are small (approximately 10cm2), battery-operated units that operate safely in any environment and weather conditions. Receivers will be buried so the top is just below the surface, to minimise farming disruptions and curiosity from animals.
Placement of the receivers in areas accessible to the public will be carefully planned to ensure they do not impact usual foot traffic or the existing environment.
Marine survey
A vessel (approximately 80m long) will tow a set of chambers that release compressed air to create pulses of acoustic energy into the water, travelling through rock layers beneath the seabed. These pulses are detected by marine receiver ‘Cables’ up to 200m long, attached to the rear of the vessel and submerged between 5m and 15m.
The acoustic pulses will be recorded by seabed receivers approximately 30cm diameter by 10cm high. They are battery-operated, fully sealed units that operate safely in the marine environment.
Using vessels approximately 30m long (similar to fishing vessels) the marine receivers will be placed on the seabed in a grid 200m to 400m apart. The advanced design of the receivers includes remote controls used to release floats that return each receiver to the surface when the survey is complete, for the support vessel to collect them.
Calico Survey Activities
Activities will follow a typical sequence below:
- Over a 6-week period, surveyors will mark out where the land receivers will be located, using blue water-based surveyor marker spray
- Over a 4-week period, around 20 people will deploy the land receivers on a 50m x 50m grid with approximately 5-9 to receivers per hectare (depending on terrain and locations)
- Receivers will be buried so the top is just below the surface, to minimise disruption to farming activities and curiosity from animals
- At the same time, marine receivers will be deployed from the side of the survey vessel and sink to the sea floor
- After all the receivers are deployed, the vibroseis buggies will operate on tracks and roadsides for approximately 4 weeks
- Whilst all of the receivers are deployed, the survey vessel will sail over the survey area to activate the acoustic energy source and tow the marine receivers
- After the geophysical survey is completed, land receivers will be collected over a 3-week period, and the support vessel will release the marine receivers to float to the surface and collect them
- Over 100 Terabytes of data from the receivers will then be processed and transformed into a 3D image, taking around 12 months. That information will be used to plan further natural gas onshore to offshore wells within the permit areas.
Safety and the Environment
The Australian oil and gas industry is regulated by Commonwealth and State legislation and regulators to some of the most stringent environmental and safety global standards.
To meet these regulatory requirements and operational standards, Beach is preparing an Operations Plan that will include an onshore Environment Management Plan and a separate offshore environment plan for review and approval by the relevant Government regulators
Operations and environment plans must include:
- Description of the geophysical survey activities
- Description of the existing marine and land environments
- The identification and evaluation of impacts and risks of the activities on the environment
- An implementation strategy and reporting requirements
Environment plans must demonstrate that any impacts and risks will be managed to acceptable levels, and how activities will be conducted to ensure that potential impacts and any residual risks will be managed and reduced to “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP).
Environment protection:
Beach recognises the environmental, heritage, social and economic value in our operating areas and has a proud record of meeting environment performance outcomes.
The environment plans will address potential impacts to the environment, social and economic factors, and how any impacts will be managed.
Frequently asked questions
Beach Energy Limited (Beach) was established in the early 1960s by the late Dr Reg Sprigg, a highly regarded geologist, explorer and conservationist.
Headquartered in Flinders Street Adelaide, Beach has operated and non-operated onshore and offshore oil and natural gas operations across five producing basins in Australia and New Zealand. Beach is currently Australia’s second largest oil producer and we supply about 15 per cent of the east coast natural gas demand, including Victoria and South Australia.
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, some 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.
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.
The Otway Basin is a large sedimentary basin containing hydrocarbons (oil and gas). Exploration in the Otway Basin began in the late 1950s and the first exploration well was drilled in 1961. Since then, the eastern Otway Basin around Port Campbell has continued delivering natural gas and LPG to Victorian homes and businesses.
Beach is required to continue searching and developing hydrocarbons in its various exploration permits and production licenses in the Otway Basin, in accordance with requirements set out by DJPR for Victorian titles and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) for Commonwealth titles.
Industry and regulators continue to see tight gas supply for south-east Australia. To positively impact declining production from existing fields as reservoirs deplete, new gas projects are required.
Yes, there have been previous geophysical surveys undertaken in the region by other companies. However, the existing data is incomplete across the Beach permit areas and does not enable a seamless and complete detailed map to be created.
There is also an area within the Calico Survey boundary that has not been surveyed before, permit– VIC/P007192(V).
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.
Natural gas has a wide variety of uses in our daily lives. This includes generating electricity, residential heating, hot water and cooking. In the industrial sector, gas is a primary heat source for manufacturing glass, steel, cement, bricks, wood, ceramics, tiles, paper and in producing food.
Gas is a common ingredient in the manufacturing of fertilisers, plastics, pharmaceuticals and fabrics.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest Gas Inquiry in July 2021 forecast a potential shortfall across the east coast gas market from 2022 onwards, driven by a shortfall in the southern states (Victoria).
Carbon emissions of natural gas are significantly lower than coal. As old coal fired power stations are removed from Australia’s energy mix, electricity powered from natural gas ensures a stable energy supply as our economy transitions to renewable energy sources for electricity generation.
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP) has forecast more gas is required in all modelled scenarios. In the most ambitious “Step Change” scenario where a 90% reduction in carbon emissions from power generation is achieved by 2041-42, 33% more gas fired electricity generation is required, enabling generation from renewables to increase by 285%.
No.
The gas Beach produces from the offshore Otway Basin is processed at the Otway Gas Plant near Port Campbell in Victoria. From there it is directly supplied via an existing pipeline into the Australian east coast gas market to meet existing demands by residential, commercial, industrial, manufacturing and service industries.
Beach is an active supporter of local communities through grants and partnerships that deliver many community benefits across health, education, environment initiatives and projects for community and emergency services infrastructure.
Over the last year, Beach has supported:
- Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club: nipper and leadership programs to reinforce surf awareness and vital lifesaving skills
- Heytesbury and District Landcare Network: revegetation program to maximise carbon drawdown into the soil of various sites
- Timboon P12 School: replacement of the prep to grade 3 playground, providing young students with the opportunity be active
- Timboon Recreation Reserve: upgrade of changerooms to meet current standards and provide facilities for women
- Port Campbell Progress Group: new generator for use in emergency situations to provide power in a place of last resort
- Timboon Golf Club: storage facility expansion to house additional golf carts, so those with mobility issues can continue to play.
The Otway Gas Plant has a multiplier effect in the local economy by employing around 40 people from immediate and surrounding regional communities. Beach uses several local contracting firms for ongoing support services, purchase of local goods where possible and pays substantial rates to the local shire.
The Calico Survey project will help ensure supply of natural gas to the plant, thereby continuing to support the local and State economy.
Beach Energy has strong relationships with many local suppliers in south west Victoria, 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 Beach Energy using the contact form provided below.
No. The small local gas industry has successfully co-existed with tourism, agriculture and other industries around the Shipwreck Coast region for over 20 years.
In fact, the local gas industry has been an active user of accommodation in the region, whilst tourism was in a slump during COVID-19 restrictions. And locally produced natural gas is used heavily in local industries such as dairy processing plants, timber mills and other manufacturing.
Five onshore to offshore wells have been successfully drilled at Beach well sites in the Otway Basin since 2014. The use of advanced directional drilling techniques avoids the need for a large offshore drilling rig, and the temporary use of onshore drill rigs has little to no negative impacts to the tourism industry.
At times, you may see the survey and support vessels in the water. Onshore, you may see a slow- moving vibroseis buggy, which looks similar to a large garbage truck. The geophysical survey will be no more noisy than regular traffic.
No. Vibrations from the land geophysical survey activity are not audible in the immediate surrounds, are only detectable under foot if standing in close proximity of the vehicle and become undetectable at distances beyond 10m.
The vibroseis buggies will not operate in close proximity to any residences, public buildings or coastal formations and pose no threat to animals, livestock or people.
Survey activities on the land will be done in daylight hours. In the water, vessels will remain operational 24 hours a day but the compressed air chambers that release air bubbles to create pulses of acoustic energy into the water will only operate after 6 pm and before 6 am.
No, road closures will not be required. Some roadside activity will be required and will be planned and carried out in consultation with State and local government authorities. If required, roadside activity will be subject to Traffic Management Plans that include the deployment of licensed traffic control to ensure the operation is safe and to minimise any disturbance to traffic.
No, there won’t be heavy traffic. Only a slow- moving vibroseis buggy, similar to a garbage truck, and a small number of 4WDs.
Yes. Vessels will not operate in water depths less than 5 m and the marine seismic source will only be used between 6 pm and 6 am to minimise potential impacts to swimmers snorkellers.
The survey will avoid surf breaks and for surfing between 6 pm and 6 am, the underwater sound is not expected to impact surfers as they are not submerged at any great depths or for any extended length of time.
Scuba diving is generally not allowed close to geophysical surveys as the sound pressure released underwater may cause discomfort to divers and risks to hearing if the diving occurs too close to the survey, or for too long, depending on the sound pressure levels.
The underwater sound levels for the Calico Survey will be much lower than traditional deep ocean surveys. Nevertheless, as part of the assessment of environmental impact, a sound impact study is being undertaken by globally recognised acoustic consultants at Jasco Applied Sciences. The study will be used to finalise recommended safe distances for any scuba diving from the Calico Survey.
Beach will then consult with recreational dive companies that may operate in the area and professional scuba diving associations, to jointly develop a plan that assesses any risks, prioritises activities and minimises or eliminates simultaneous seismic and diving activities.
As an added precaution, Beach will place signage at key foreshore areas and Community Advisers will be available to provide information and answer questions.
No. The energy output from a seismic source is very localised (within tens of metres) and does not result in vibrations large enough to damage houses, roads, the coastline or rock formations.
The Enterprise 3D marine geophysical survey acquired in 2014 used a 2,380 cubic inch seismic source.
Geophysical sensors were placed at two Port Campbell coast locations to measure the vibrations before and during that survey. The measurements showed that the vibrations from the activation of seismic sources between 1 and 5 kilometres offshore were considerably smaller than vibrations created by waves during storms.
The Calico Survey will only require between 250 to 750 cubic inch seismic sources. Geophysical sensors will be positioned to verify vibration levels.
Clearing of native vegetation is not required due to the small size of the receivers.
Foot access will be required through parts of the Port Campbell National Park and conducted in accordance with approved environment plans and access permits. The receivers will not disturb native animals and there will be minimal disturbance during placement of the receivers during daylight hours.
Avoidance and disturbance of whales will be managed in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Regulations (2000). This includes adhering to required speeds and distances from whales, and in accordance with mitigation measures set out in the environment plan which importantly includes conducting the survey at times of the year to minimise impacts to whale aggregations.
The survey and support vessels will move very slowly, and each vessel will have a trained marine mammal observer whose specific task is to notify the vessel Master of the presence of any whales and advise the approved protocols to avoid potential impacts. Any whale sightings and actions taken will be recorded and reported to regulators.
It is not expected that southern rock lobsters will be impacted as the sound pressure levels to be used in the Calico Survey will be much smaller than those used in traditional 3D marine geophysical surveys. Beach will undertake an underwater sound study to assess the potential impacts to rock lobsters as part of the development of the environment plan. Direct consultation will be undertaken with the commercial fishing sector.
There will be temporary and localised access restrictions for commercial fishing using set pots or nets in order to avoid risks of vessel collisions and any safety risks from entanglement of fishing gear with survey equipment.
Beach is aware of the different State and Commonwealth fisheries that operate in the Calico Survey area, has a long engagement history, and will continue to consult in order to minimising potential impacts of its activities which may include short term displacement of local commercial fishers who regularly fish in the survey area.
In the event that a commercial fisher suffers a direct economic loss due to the Calico Survey, Beach has a procedure called Fair Ocean Access that sets out Beach’s commitment to consultation, minimising impacts, circumstances in which a fisher may claim compensation, evidence required and the claim process.
There will be temporary and localised access restrictions for commercial fishing using set pots or nets in order to avoid risks of vessel collisions and any safety risks from entanglement of fishing gear with survey equipment.
Beach is aware of the different State and Commonwealth fisheries that operate in the Calico Survey area, has a long engagement history, and will continue to consult in order to minimising potential impacts of its activities which may include short term displacement of local commercial fishers who regularly fish in the survey area.
In the event that a commercial fisher suffers a direct economic loss due to the Calico Survey, Beach has a procedure called Fair Ocean Access that sets out Beach’s commitment to consultation, minimising impacts, circumstances in which a fisher may claim compensation, evidence required and the claim process.
Beach Energy engages with the local Aboriginal traditional owners on the majority of its activities in south west Victoria.
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.
Further information
Beach is committed to keeping the local community informed of its operations in the region.
Otway Offshore Gas Project – Information Sheet – May 23
Calico Survey Project Summary – May 2023
If you would like further information regarding the Calico 3D Geophysical Transition Survey, please contact us via the form below.
Community Relations team
community@beachenergy.com.au
Ph: 1800 797 011