Oil company shelves strait seismic testing
AN Australian oil and gas company has shelved a seismic testing operation in seas off King Island, after the company’s environmental permit lapsed.
3D Oil was due to conduct the testing around 100km off the west coast of King Island between September and October.
However, The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) confirmed 3D Oil no longer had permission for the testing because it had not been done within the required time frame.
“The approved environment plan specified that the survey must be undertaken between 1 September and 31 October 2019. Given the survey was not undertaken in this time period, 3D Oil T49P Pty Ltd no longer have NOPSEMA’s approval,” a NOPSEMA spokeswoman said.
“If they wish to undertake the survey, then they are required to submit a revision of their environment plan to NOPSEMA for assessment that addresses, among other things, the change in timing. NOPSEMA has not yet received a revision to the Dorrigo 3D Marine Seismic Survey environment plan.”
3D Oil executive chairman Noel Newell said the company had been unable to secure the specialised vessel needed for the testing this year.
Mr Newell said the company would reapply for a permit for the same time next year.
“There wasn’t a vessel available in Australian waters to do it this year. We had a very minimal window,” he said.
Mr Newell said 3D Oil would further consult with stakeholders as part of the new seismic testing approval process.
The company has an exploration permit to search for gas in the Otway Basin, which extends from Cape Jaffa in South Australia to North-West Tasmania.
Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson welcomed the cancellation of the testing.
“This is a win for the commercial fishing industry and for communities that have come out all around the country to oppose new seismic testing and oil and gas drilling,” Senator Whish-Wilson said.
“The Greens have established an inquiry into the risks of the seismic testing that is used in these oil exploration projects. We’ll be working with the fishing industry and communities around the country to hear their concerns.”