Site Specific Application for an Environmental Authority ... Environmental Authority Petroleum...

Site Specific Application for an Environmental Authority Petroleum Pipeline Licences 2020 and 2021

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Table of Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Application Description ..................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Project Description ........................................................................................................... 3

1.2.1. Project Construction Activities .............................................................................. 4 1.2.2. Construction Right-of-Way .................................................................................... 6

2. Site description and Land Affected ........................................................................................ 8 3. Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Measures ......................................................... 9

3.1. Air Quality ......................................................................................................................... 9 3.2. Land Resources ............................................................................................................... 9 3.3. Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................................. 11

3.3.1. Flora .................................................................................................................... 11 3.3.2. Fauna .................................................................................................................. 13

3.4. Noise and Vibration ........................................................................................................ 14 3.5. Water Resources ............................................................................................................ 15

4. Proposed EA Conditions ....................................................................................................... 17 5. Legislative Considerations .................................................................................................... 28

5.1. Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).................................................................. 28 5.1.1. General requirements for an EA application (s125 EP Act) ............................... 28 5.1.2. Requirements for Site Specific Applications – CSG activities (s126 EP Act) ..... 30 5.1.3. The Standard Criteria (EP Act) ........................................................................... 30

Tables Table 1-1: Preliminary Design Specifications for PPL2020 and PPL2021 .............................................. 3 Table-2-1: PPL2020 and PPL2021 Blocks and Sub-Blocks.................................................................... 8 Table 3-1: Description of Potential Soils within PPL2020 and PPL2021 and Surrounds ...................... 10 Table 3-2: Summary of Potential Land Resource Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................... 10 Table 3-3: Regional Ecosystems that may occur within PPL2020 and PPL2021 and Surrounds ........ 11 Table 3-4: Summary of Potential Flora Impacts and Mitigation Measures ............................................ 13 Table 3-5: Listed Fauna Species that may occur in PPL2020 and PPL2021 and Surrounds............... 13 Table 3-6: Summary of Potential Fauna Impacts and Mitigation Measures.......................................... 14 Table 3-7: Summary of Potential Noise and Vibration Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................... 15 Table 3-8: Summary of Potential Water Resources Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................ 16 Table 5-1: General Requirements EA Application (s125 EP Act) ......................................................... 28 Table 5-2: Standard Criteria (EP Act) .................................................................................................... 30

Figures Figure 1: Location of PPL2020 and PPL2021 ......................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Proposed Infrastructure Corridor Right-of-Way ........................................................................ 7

1. Introduction

Santos CSG Pty Ltd (Santos GLNG) on behalf of PAPL (Upstream) Pty Limited, Total E&P Australia, KGLNG E&P Pty Ltd and Total E&P Australia II is seeking an Environmental Authority (EA) associated with Petroleum Pipeline Licences (PPL) 2020 and PPL2021. This document provides:

supporting information for the EA application;

justification for the EA application; and

a description of the legislative considerations in support of the application. Santos GLNG has prepared this document in accordance with Section 125 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) and the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) Guideline – Application requirements for petroleum activities.

1.1. Application Description This EA application seeks authorisation for the construction and operation of a gas pipeline (PPL2020) and a water pipeline (PPL2021) between the proposed Roma East Nodal Compressor Station 1 (R-NCS-01A) on PLA282 (to be constructed under EPPG00662213) and the existing Roma Hub Compression Station 2 (R-HCS-02) located on PL314. Associated with the gas pipeline Right of Way (RoW) will be a fibre optic cable installed in the trench, and an above-ground high voltage powerline. PPL2020 and PPL2021 are comprised of the same graticular blocks and area. The PPL Right-of-Ways (RoW) will be co-located to form an infrastructure corridor. Proposed petroleum activities include all activities necessary for the design, construction, operation, decommissioning and rehabilitation of the gas and water pipelines and the powerline, including but not limited to:

Clear and grade activities along a pipeline RoW;

Construction of temporary ancillary infrastructure

Construction of the gas and water pipelines including trenching, stringing, welding, coating, and hydrotesting;

Construction of the high voltage powerline;

Installation of signage and other ancillary infrastructure including high point vents, pig catcher and receivers and potential cathodic protection units and anode ground beds.

Progressive rehabilitation of the RoW;

Operation of the pipelines and powerline including access for monitoring, repairs and routine maintenance activities along the RoW.

Decommissioning of the pipelines, powerline and associated infrastructure, and final rehabilitation of significantly disturbed land.

Figure 1: Location of PPL2020 and PPL2021

1.2. Project Description Future gas field development in the Roma Shallow Gas Project Area East will result in the in production of coal seam gas (CSG) and coal seam water (CS water) as a by-product of gas extraction. The produced CSG and CS water is proposed to be transported from Roma East to the existing Roma Hub located on PL314 (EPPG00898213) via the proposed gas and water pipelines (PPL2020 and PPL2021 respectively). Here the gas will be processed and ultimately delivered to the GTP for transfer to the LNG Facility located on Curtis Island, whilst the water will be processed / handled at the existing CS water facilities at this location. PPL2020 and PPL2021 will be approximately 45 km in length. PPL2020 will comprise one steel gas pipeline, a fibre optic cable installed in the pipeline trench and an overhead 66 kV high voltage powerline alongside the pipeline designed to power the field wells, compression and water management facilities. PPL2021 will comprise one HDPE water pipeline. PPL2020 and PPL2021 will be co-located and together will form a 53 m RoW or infrastructure corridor. Preliminary design specifications of the gas and water pipelines are described in Table 1-1. Pipelines will be constructed in accordance with AS2885.

Table 1-1: Preliminary Design Specifications for PPL2020 and PPL2021

Attribute PPL 2020 PPL2021

Product Coal Seam Gas Produced Water

External Diameter 610 mm 400 mm

Internal Diameter 595 mm 362 mm

MAOP 2350 kPag 1270 kPag

Length ~45 km ~45 km

Line pipe Steel API5L X42 Carbon Steel PE100, SDR11 HDPE

Pipe external coating Dual Layer Fusion Bonded Epoxy N/A

Pipe internal lining None N/A

Nominal capacity 220 MMscfd 14 ML/day

Aboveground or buried Buried Buried

Design Life 40 Years 40 years

CP System Impressed current cathodic protection

with insulation joints at each end

N/A

Pigging facilities Launcher at the Roma East R-NCS-01A

and Receiver at the Roma Hub R-HCS-

02

N/A

Tie-ins 4 Tie-ins proposed. Locations subject to

design

To be confirmed

Internal corrosion monitoring Primarily in-line inspection at intervals as

per Integrity Management Plan

N/A

Line Break Protection Detection of low pipeline pressure/rate of

change and automatic isolation

N/A

Compression Compression from 70/330kPag to N/A

Attribute PPL 2020 PPL2021

1900/2350kPag. Compression to be

located at Roma East R-NCS-01A & R-

NCS01B.

Pumping N/A Pump station shall be located at

Roma East R-NCS-01A and R-

NCS-01B

The PPL2020 and PPL2021 licence area and an option for locating the infrastructure corridor is illustrated in Figure 1. The final pipeline alignment is yet to be decided. This will be determined based on future landholder, environmental and constructability assessments and constraints. The final pipeline route will be located to minimise overall disturbance to landholder property, sensitive vegetation and other environmental and cultural heritage factors wherever possible, while still maintaining the most direct route possible between the Roma East R-NCS-01A and Roma Hub R-HCS-02.

1.2.1. Project Construction Activities

1.2.1.1. Pipelines

Clear and grade activities Clear and grade activities will be carried out to provide a safe construction RoW for vehicular movement, trenching and other construction activities. A RoW width of up to 53 m (for all infrastructure) will be required to enable construction to be safely and efficiently carried out (refer Section 1.2.2 for further details on the RoW width). The RoW will be reduced in width proximal to environmental and engineering constraints. Graders and bulldozers will be used to clear the RoW of vegetation which will be stockpiled and used for erosion and sediment control and rehabilitation. Large mature trees will be preserved where practicable. Topsoil will typically be graded and stockpiled separately from subsoil. Temporary Ancillary Infrastructure Ancillary infrastructure such as laydown areas and temporary accommodation camps will be utilised to facilitate construction. Laydown areas will be utilised to temporarily store vehicles and machinery, and construction materials, including pipe sections and trench fill. Laydown facilities and temporary accommodation camps (including treated sewage effluent management) associated with the construction project will be located and operated in accordance with the pre-existing and underlying gas field tenure and their respective EA’s (EPPG00898213 (RSGPA) and EPPG00662213 (RSGPAE)). Construction Activities After the RoW is cleared for construction, a trench will be dug for the pipelines using trenching machinery, and/or rock saws and excavators. Blasting may be required depending on the geotechnical characteristics of rock encountered during trenching. The minimal practicable distance of trench will be left open at any one time, to reduce erosion potential, safety hazards, and fauna mortalities associated with trench entrapment as far as practicable. Stringing is the term used to describe the laying out of the pipe in preparation for welding. Pipe sections are laid out end-to-end along the pipeline trench, ready for welding. The sections will be raised to prevent corrosion and damage to the external pipeline coating and facilitate lowering into the trench.

Once the pipe is strung, a line-up crew will position the pipe using side boom tractors. Crew will then weld together the pipe sections and inspect the pipe using x-ray or ultrasonic equipment. The area around the weld will then be cleaned and an anti-corrosion coating applied. Side booms or excavators will be used to lower the welded pipe into the trench and the interconnecting sections of pipe are then welded. Where required, padding machines will be used to sift the excavated spoils to remove coarse materials in order to protect the pipe coating during the backfilling stages. The remaining fine material is used to pad beneath and on top of the buried pipe. Additional materials for padding are typically required in areas that have had significant amounts of rock removed during trenching. Compaction of backfill and padding material will be undertaken where required to minimise subsidence effects. Pipeline integrity will be verified using hydrostatic testing (hydrotesting). Hydrostatic test water will be managed using existing facilities, low hazard / non-regulated dams or above ground tanks. In some instances, hydrotest water may be released to land for disposal. Ancillary pipeline infrastructure will be generally constructed within the pipeline RoW as required, including signage, fencing, vents, valves, cathodic protection and pig launcher / receivers. Progressive Rehabilitation Disturbed areas no longer required for construction will be progressively rehabilitated / stabilised as construction progresses. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas will include:

Contouring to match surrounding landforms.

Re-establishment of surface drainage lines.

Re-spreading of stockpiled topsoil and establishment of groundcover.

Placement of cleared vegetation as required.

Pipeline Operation Following reinstatement of the construction RoW site, very little above ground infrastructure will be visible. Above ground infrastructure other than the overhead powerlines, will be limited to signage and marker posts to identify the location of the pipeline, valves, pig launcher / receiver stations, vents and cathodic protection test points (if required). Short-term and intermittent venting of CSG will be required to purge the pipeline for maintenance. It is not envisaged that venting events would be required more frequently than one venting event per year, on average. A routine operational and maintenance program will be implemented, which will include leak detection surveys, ground and area patrols, corrosion monitoring and ongoing rehabilitation of disturbed areas. Decommissioning If no longer required, the pipeline will be purged of gas and remain in-situ. However, if it is considered that the pipeline may offer some future benefit, it will be filled with an inert material and maintained to prevent corrosion.

1.2.1.2. Powerlines

Clear and Grade Activities Clear and grade activities will be carried out to provide a safe construction RoW. A RoW width of up to 53 m (for all proposed infrastructure) will be required to enable construction to be safely and efficiently carried out. Graders and bulldozers will be used to clear the RoW of vegetation which will be stockpiled and used for erosion and sediment control and rehabilitation. Temporary Ancillary Infrastructure Ancillary infrastructure such as laydown areas will be utilised to facilitate construction. Laydown areas will be utilised to temporarily store vehicles and machinery, and construction materials. These will be common with the pipeline laydown areas.

Construction Activities After the RoW is cleared for construction, poles will be installed directly into the ground or on a reinforced concrete foundation. Excavation is performed using a boring machine. Poles can be assembled either vertically or horizontally. The vertical method involves attaching the base of the pole to the foundation bolts, then attaching additional sections. The horizontal method involves assembling the entire pole horizontally on the ground. Once completed, the pole is erected using a rough terrain crane. The conductor wire is strung along the poles with the use of stringing sheaves and drum pullers. The wire is tensioned to the manufacturer’s specification, allowing for heat expansion and cold weather contraction. Operation A routine operational and maintenance program will be implemented. Operational activities are minimal, with the main activity related to management of vegetation in the powerline clearance zone. This vegetation will be trimmed / lopped and mulched as will any regrowth vegetation on the RoW. Decommissioning If no longer required, the powerline structure will be taken down, with the poles and wire removed from site.

1.2.2. Construction Right-of-Way

As previously discussed in Section 1.2, the proposed infrastructure is to be co-located in one infrastructure corridor and is to be comprised of the following:

One steel gas pipeline (PPL2020);

One fibre optic cable within the gas pipeline trench (PPL2020);

One HDPE water pipeline (PPL2021); and

One 66 kVa above ground powerline (PPL2020).

Pipeline and powerline access. The total RoW width for the infrastructure corridor is 53 metres, with the proposed infrastructure layout illustrated in Figure 2. The following is important to note about the RoW:

The RoW width associated with pipeline construction is 28 m. This is considered in-line with standard industry practice for pipeline construction to ensure a safe working space.

Sidebooms / pipelayers planned to be used during construction only travel in one direction (right hand side of pipe trench when looking in direction of construction). Therefore sufficient work area on this side of the trench is necessary to perform installation activities safely. For example, counterweight room, passage for light vehicles / ambulance etc.

Topsoil will only be removed in the area designated as pipeline construction RoW and not powerline construction RoW as illustrated in Figure 2.

For ease of construction, ongoing maintenance and integrity reasons, the gas and water pipelines will not criss-cross over the length of the alignment. The gas pipeline will always be on the right side and the water pipeline on the left side of the trench when looking in the direction of construction.

A separation distance between the pipeline construction zone and powerline construction zone is necessary to minimise contractor interface, damage to either construction area and to avoid safety issues.

The separation between the steel pipeline and the 66kV powerline is also necessary to avoid induced current / pipeline integrity issues in the pipeline from being too close to the powerline.

The RoW allows for 20 m either side of the powerline (40m total) for conductor swing allowance and vegetation maintenance. This width is in line with typical 66kV power networks.

Figure 2: Proposed Infrastructure Corridor Right-of-Way

2. Site description and Land Affected PPL2020 and PPL2021 are located in the Maranoa Regional Council area. The key industries of the areas surrounding the proposed pipelines include agriculture and forestry, recreation and tourism, and oil and gas exploration and production. The PPL area itself has been subject to intensive agricultural activities and this is reflected in the fragmented nature of the remnant vegetation, most of which is retained in private ownership. The closest major towns to the proposed development are Wallumbilla and Roma as seen in Figure 1. PPL2020 and PPL2021 consist of a number of graticular blocks / sub-blocks as listed in Table 2-1. The two PPLs are identical in size and location (ie overlapping). The land on which activities will take place is held under various land tenures including, for example, freehold, State leasehold, reserves, unallocated State land and roads. Roads proposed to be crossed as part of the project are both sealed and unsealed roads. The pipelines will be buried below the road, at a depth to minimise risk to pipeline operation from road activities.

Table-2-1: PPL2020 and PPL2021 Blocks and Sub-Blocks

BIM Blocks Sub-Blocks

CHAR 2149 F, G, H, J, L, M, N, O, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z,

CHAR 2150 V, W, X

CHAR 2151 P, T, U, X, Y, Z

CHAR 2512 C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

CHAR 2153 A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, L, M, N, O, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y

CHAR 2221 A, B, C, D, E, H, J, K, N, O, P

CHAR 2222 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, U

CHAR 2223 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U,

CHAR 2224 A, B, C, D, E, F, G, L, M, Q,

CHAR 2225 A, B, C, D

The PPL area also overlaps a number of petroleum authorities and coal exploration permits including:

PL93;

PL310;

PL314;

PL315;

ATP 631 (soon to be upgraded to PL282);

ATP889;

EPC1763;

EPC2024; and

EPC2509. There will be minimal (if any) adverse effects on the activities within the existing tenures. The proposed activities will not restrict the use of land for exploration or pastoral use and the pipeline will be marked to reduce the risk of excavation. All holders will be consulted prior to construction.

3. Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Measures

3.1. Air Quality Environmental Values Air quality in the vicinity of PPL2020 and PPL2021 is representative of a rural area with a low population density and is likely to be largely influenced by activities such as:

Dust from agricultural and oil and gas exploration and production activities, including from stock and vehicle movements, land clearing, and cropping activities;

Particulates from naturally occurring events such as bushfires;

Vehicle and equipment exhaust fumes from roads, agriculture activities, industrial activities and towns; and

Emissions from CSG activities operating in the area. Consistent with the objectives of the Environmental Protection (Air) Policy 2008 (EPP (Air)), the environmental values relevant to PPL2020 and PPL2021 are:

The qualities of the air environment that are conducive to protecting the health and biodiversity of ecosystems;

The qualities of the air environment that are conducive to human health and well being;

The qualities of the air environment that are conducive to protecting the aesthetics of the environment, including the appearance of buildings, structures and other property; and

The qualities of the air environment which are conducive to protecting agricultural use of the environment.

There are a number of known non-Santos owned residences located within the pipeline licence area. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impacts to air quality are expected to be limited and short-term in nature. Dust and exhaust fumes will be generated by the construction activities. CSG will also be vented during pipeline operation as described in Section 1. It is not anticipated that these emissions will be generated in quantities significant enough to impact the environmental values described above. Notwithstanding, air quality management measures will be implemented during pipeline activities, including the following:

Dust suppression of disturbed areas where meteorological conditions cause the potential for nuisance impacts;

Maintaining vehicles and machinery in good working order;

Minimising the amount of time that vehicles and machinery are left to idle;

Progressively rehabilitating disturbed areas where they are no longer required for construction;

Design and operation of vents in accordance with Australian Standards.

3.2. Land Resources Environmental Values General descriptions of soils potentially within PPL2020 and PPL2021 were obtained from Land Resource Area (LRA) mapping and reporting prepared by Macnish (1983) and is provided in Table 3-1. LRA 2 – Brigalow Uplands encompasses the majority of the proposed pipeline alignments.

Table 3-1: Description of Potential Soils within PPL2020 and PPL2021 and Surrounds

LRA General Description

LRA 2 – Brigalow Uplands

Gently undulating plains (1-3%) and short segments to 8% associated with low hills and ridges; developed on weathered sandstones and shales. Predominantly cracking and non-cracking grey, brown and red clays; minor red-brown earths and other texture contrast soils. Skeletal soils present on the ridges.

LRA 4 – Coogoon

Gently undulating plains (1-2%) and short slopes to 5% associated with ridges and crests; developed on weathered sandstones and old sandy alluvia. Predominantly red earths and re-brown earths- solodic intergrades. Some skeletal soils, texture contrast soils and massive earths also occur, along with minor grey and brown clays.

LRA 8 - Maranoa

Flat plains (0-1%) developed predominantly on sandy alluvia. Predominantly sandy test contrast soils and deep sands. Mainly confined to the major streams and their tributaries.

LRA 9 - Yuleba

Undulating plains (1-5%) to scarps and low hills. Developed mainly on coarse grained, quartzoze sandstones and poorly weathered sediments. Skeletal soils and shallow stony texture contrast soils. Minor areas of grey and brown cracking and non-cracking clays on the interlayered mudstone beds.

LRA 11 – Struan

Undulating plains (0-4%) to low hills and escarpments; developed predominantly on quartzoze sandstones. shallow to moderately deep hard setting massive red earths and skeletal soils.

LRA 12 - Merivale

Undulating plains (1-5%) in generally narrow valleys and rolling to steep dissected hills and scarps; slopes to 8% in the foothills, developed on fresh and slightly weathered sandstones, shales and quartzoze sandstones. Predominantly stony skeletal soils, texture contrast soils and sands. Minor areas of grey and brown cracking clays.

A review of the Trigger Map for Strategic Cropping Land in Queensland identified that PPL2020 and PPL2021 are located within the Western Cropping Zone and intersects areas of potential Strategic Cropping Land. Treatment of SCL will be in accordance with the requirements of the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014.

A section of a Priority Living Area associated with the township of Wallumbilla intersects the area of the PPLs. The proposed infrastructure corridor will be located well away from this area. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

It is expected that impacts will be relatively short-term, being present most predominantly during the construction phase, with a period during the operational phase, whilst the land is regenerating to achieve stability and groundcover similar to that of the adjacent areas. Co-location of the two PPL’s and associated infrastructure minimises the width of the RoW, when compared to the total footprint if the two pipelines were constructed individually. It is also important to note that topsoil is not required to be removed from the entire 53m RoW width. Topsoil will only be removed in the area designated as pipeline construction RoW and not powerline construction RoW as illustrated in Figure 2.

A summary of potential impacts to land resources and associated mitigation measures are provided in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2: Summary of Potential Land Resource Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Potential Impact Mitigation Measure

Loss of soil resources through erosion

Degradation of soil resources through disturbance or changes to chemical / biological composition

Disturbed topsoils and subsoils will be stockpiled separately.

Soils will be reinstated and rehabilitation commenced, following the completion of pipeline activities, consistent with existing soil horizons.

A site-specific erosion and sediment control plan will be implemented.

Treated sewage effluent will not be irrigated under the proposed Environmental Authority.

Chemicals and fuels for construction activities will be stored within an effective containment system that meets Australian Standards.


Reduction in agricultural productivity of land.

Waste fluids will be stored, where required, in an above ground container or a structure that contains the wetting front.

Rehabilitation will be undertaken progressively following the completion of construction of pipeline sections to achieve a landform that is: o safe to humans and wildlife, o non-polluting, o stable, and o able to sustain an appropriate land use after rehabilitation or

restoration. This includes the continuation of many agricultural activities, in particular grazing.

3.3. Flora and Fauna

3.3.1. Flora

Regional Ecosystems and Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Category B and Category C Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) are present within PPL2020 and PPL2021. The Category B ESA are comprised of Endangered Regional Ecosystems (ERE), whilst the Category C ESA are comprised of Of Concern Regional Ecosystems (OCRE) and Essential Habitat (Brigalow Scaly-foot). ERE and OCRE present within the pipeline licence areas are described in Table 3-3. Other RE’s that may occur within the PPL area are also provided in Table 3-3. Given the pipeline alignment has not been finalised, specific details concerning impacted ESA cannot yet be determined.

Table 3-3: Regional Ecosystems that may occur within PPL2020 and PPL2021 and Surrounds

Regional Ecosystem

Regional Ecosystem Description VM Act Status

Biodiversity

Status

11.3.2 Eucalyptus populnea woodland on alluvial plains Of Concern Of Concern

11.3.14 Eucalyptus spp., Angophora spp., Callitris spp. woodland on alluvial plains

Least Concern

No Concern at Present

11.3.17 Eucalyptus populnea woodland with Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata on alluvial plains

Of Concern Endangered

11.3.25 Eucalyptus tereticornis or E. camaldulensis woodland fringing drainage lines

Least Concern

Of Concern

11.5.1 Eucalyptus crebra and/or E. populnea, Callitris glaucophylla, Angophora leiocarpa, Allocasuarina luehmannii woodland on Cainozoic sand plains and/or remnant surfaces

Least Concern


11.5.5 Eucalyptus melanophloia, Callitris glaucophylla woodland on Cainozoic sand plains and/or remnant surfaces. Deep red sands

Least concern


11.7.2 Acacia spp. woodland on Cainozoic lateritic duricrust. Scarp retreat

zone Least concern


11.7.6 Corymbia citriodora or Eucalyptus crebra woodland on Cainozoic lateritic duricrust

Least concern


11.9.5 Acacia harpophylla +/- Casuarina cristata open forest on fine-grained sedimentary rocks.

Endangered Endangered

11.9.7 Eucalyptus populnea, Eremophila mitchellii shrubby woodland on fine-grained sedimentary rocks

Of Concern Of Concern

Regional Ecosystem

Regional Ecosystem Description VM Act Status

Biodiversity

Status

11.9.10 Eucalyptus populnea open forest with a secondary tree layer of Acacia harpophylla and sometimes Casuarina cristata on fine-grained sedimentary rocks

Of Concern Endangered

11.10.1 Corymbia citriodora woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks

Least concern


11.10.3 Acacia catenulata or A. shirleyi open forest on coarse-grained

sedimentary rocks. Crests and scarps Least concern


11.10.4 Eucalyptus decorticans, Lysicarpus angustifolius +/- Eucalyptus spp., Corymbia spp., Acacia spp. woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks

Least concern


11.10.7 Eucalyptus crebra woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks Least Concern


11.10.9 Callitris glaucophylla woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary

rocks Least Concern


11.10.11 Eucalyptus populnea, E. melanophloia +/- Callitris glaucophylla woodland on coarse-grained sedimentary rocks

Least Concern


Flora Species

A search of the Wildnet database was undertaken for the PPL2020 and PPL2021 area and surrounds. These search identified the possible presence of 72 plant species in the area. Two of these species are listed as endangered or vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act):

Picris barbarorum (Vulnerable)

Homopholis belsonii (Endangered) (Vulnerable EPBC Act).

An EPBC Protected Matters search also identified the possible presence of Ooline (Cadeliia pentastylis) (Vulnerable) and Typhora linearis (Endangered) in the area. A number of introduced plants species also have the potential to be present in the area including:

Prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica sp);

Lantana (Lantana camara);

African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissiumum);

Prickly pears (Opuntia spp);

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus); and

Mesquite (Prosopis spp). Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

A summary of potential impacts to vegetation and associated mitigation measures are provided in Table 3-4. At this stage of the project, impacts to ESA will be avoided. Further amendment to the EA will be sought by Santos should ESA avoidance not be possible.

Impacts to other ecological values will be minimised as far as practicable through avoidance of areas of value during route selection. Similar to land disturbance, co-location of the two PPL’s and associated infrastructure also minimises the area of disturbance when compared to the total disturbance footprint if the two pipelines were constructed individually.

Table 3-4: Summary of Potential Flora Impacts and Mitigation Measures


Reduction in functioning of ESAs and endangered REs.

Isolation, fragmentation or dissection of tracts of vegetation that would lead to a reduction in the current level of ecosystem functioning or ecological connectivity.

Introduction of pest and weed species.

Pipeline activities will avoid disturbing ESA.

Pipeline activities will be located on predominantly pre-cleared / significantly disturbed land and avoid the disturbance to intact tracts of regional ecosystem.

Disturbance to land will be minimised by reducing the pipeline RoW where practicable in sensitive areas and where it is safe to do so.

Pipeline activities will be preferentially located to avoid clearing of mature or hollow bearing trees.

Weed management measures will be implemented including weed washdown of vehicles and machinery exposed to the introduced and declared plant species.

3.3.2. Fauna

Environmental Values

An EPBC Protected Matters search yielded twelve threatened fauna species (listed as Endangered or Vulnerable under the EPBC Act) which were identified as potentially occurring or having suitable habitat within PPL2020 and PPL2021 and surrounds. Similarly, a search of the Wildnet database identified the possible presence of 118 fauna species, of which two were listed as vulnerable. The list of vulnerable and endangered species identified are listed in Table 3-5.

Table 3-5: Listed Fauna Species that may occur in PPL2020 and PPL2021 and Surrounds

Species Common Name EPBC Act NC Act

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red Goshawk Vulnerable Endangered

Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter Pigeon Vulnerable Vulnerable

Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater Vulnerable Vulnerable

Rostratula australis Australia Painted Snipe Endangered Vulnerable

Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod Vulnerable Least Concern

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat Vulnerable Vulnerable

Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll Endangered Least Concern

Nyctophilus corbeni South-Eastern Long Eared Bat Vulnerable Vulnerable

Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Vulnerable Vulnerable

Delma torquata Collared Delma Vulnerable Vulnerable

Denisonia maculata Ornamental Snake Vulnerable Vulnerable

Egernia rugosa Yakka Skink Vulnerable Vulnerable

Furina dunmalli Dunmalls Snake Vulnerable Vulnerable

The EPBC Protected Matters database search also indicated the possible presence of the following introduced pest species within PPL2020 and PPL2021 and surrounds:

European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus);

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes);

Cat (Felis cattus);

Wild Pig (Sus scrofa).

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus);

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris);

Cane Toad (Rhinella marina);

Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus);

Brown hare (Lepus capensis);

House Mouse (Mus musculus).

A review of the Essential Habitat Mapping identified essential habitat for Brigalow Scaly Foot (now delisted) within the pipeline area. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

A summary of potential impacts to land resources and associated mitigation measures are provided in Table 3-6.

Table 3-6: Summary of Potential Fauna Impacts and Mitigation Measures


Reduction in functioning of ESAs and endangered REs.

Impacts to habitat for a species of wildlife listed as endangered, vulnerable, rare or near threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Introduction of pest and weed species.

Pipeline activities will avoid disturbing ESAs.

Pipeline activities will avoid disturbing essential habitat or essential regrowth habitat.

A fauna spotter-catcher will be present for the clearing of any native vegetation required for the proposed activities.

A species management plan will be implemented prior to and during construction activities.

Disturbance to land will be minimised by reducing the pipeline RoW where practicable in sensitive areas and where it is safe to do so.

Pipeline activities will preferentially be located to avoid clearing of mature or hollow bearing trees.

Management measures will be implemented to avoid the spread of any invasive pest species.

3.4. Noise and Vibration Environmental Values

The existing noise environment of PPL2020 and PPL2021 is typical of rural areas, with low levels of background noise generally comprised of noises associated with rural based human occupation. Noise levels in the vicinity of the proposed development are likely to be influenced by the following:

The use of equipment and machinery during both agricultural activities and oil and gas exploration and production activities in the area;

Traffic noise from project vehicles and other traffic;

Natural sources such as birds, insects, wind and other meteorological events;

Livestock; and

CSG exploration and development activities. Consistent with the objectives of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 (EPP (Noise)), the environmental values are:

The qualities of the acoustic environment that are conducive to protecting the health and biodiversity of ecosystems;

The qualities of the acoustic environment that are conducive to human health and well being, including ensuring a suitable acoustic environment for individuals to sleep, study or learn, or be involved in recreation (including relaxation and conversation); and

The qualities of the acoustic environment which are conducive to protecting the amenity of the community.

There are a number of known non-Santos owned residences located within the area of the pipeline licences.

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

A summary of potential noise and vibration impacts and associated mitigation measures are provided in Table 3-7.

Table 3-7: Summary of Potential Noise and Vibration Impacts and Mitigation Measures


Exceedance of noise limits causing an impact on sensitive receptors.

Blasting causing nuisance impacts to sensitive receptors or damage to structures.

Landholders and residences proposed to be impacted by construction activities will be consulted prior to the commencement of works.

Where required, alternative arrangements for affected residents will be put in place.

Where required, noise barriers will be utilised where pipeline activities have the potential impact on sensitive receptors.

Significant noise generating activities will be undertaken during daylight hours only.

The amount of time that vehicles and machinery are left to idle will be minimised as far as practicable.

A Blast Management Plan shall be developed for each blasting activity in accordance with Australian Standard 2187.

Blasting operations will be designed not to exceed an airblast overpressure level of 120dB (linear peak) at any time, when measured at or extrapolated to any sensitive place.

Blasting operations must be designed not to exceed a ground-borne vibration peak particle velocity of 10mm/s at any time, when measured at or extrapolated to any sensitive place.

3.5. Water Resources Environmental Values

PPL2020 and PPL2021 are within the Condamine-Balonne catchment. Major flows of all tributaries are generally experienced only during times of heavy rainfall. There has been extensive clearing of vegetation throughout the catchment for agricultural and grazing purposes which has over time led to reduced stream capacity, significant erosion and some loss of aquatic habitat. Environmental values for the watercourses within the Condamine-Balonne catchment are provided in Section 6 (2) of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 and include:

Protection of the biological integrity of aquatic ecosystems;

Suitability of the water for: o Agriculture; o Aquaculture;

o Primary, secondary and visual recreation; o Drinking water; o Industrial use; and

Cultural and spiritual values. PPL2020 and PPL2021 are comprised of a number of watercourses that are predominantly lower order, ephemeral type streams. Blythe Creek is the most significant watercourse in the area. Watercourses will be required to be crossed as part of pipeline construction activities. Both General Ecologically Significant (GES) and High Ecologically Significant (HES) Referable Wetlands are present in the PPL area, however, it is not anticipated that construction activities will directly impact these areas. No springs are mapped as present within the PPL area.

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

A summary of potential impacts to water resources and associated mitigation measures are provided in Table 3-8.

Table 3-8: Summary of Potential Water Resources Impacts and Mitigation Measures


Transport of sediment to waters.

Disturbance of watercourses causing changes to hydrology.

Release of hydrotest water, effluent or trench water to waters.

Changes to shallow groundwater levels during pipeline construction activities.

Release of hazardous substance to waters.

Works in proximity to GES and HES wetlands will be avoided when finalising pipeline alignments.

Erosion and sediment controls will be implemented as required and progressive stabilisation / rehabilitation of disturbed areas will occur to minimise the duration of exposed soils.

The construction of pipeline sections that cross watercourses will preferentially be conducted; firstly, in times where there is no water present, secondly, in times of no flow, and thirdly, in times of flow, but in a way that does not impede low flow.

Hydrotest water or trench water will be released in a controlled manner and to minimise surface ponding, runoff to waters, or deep drainage.

The length of pipeline trench open at any time will be minimised as far as practicable and pipeline trenches will be progressively backfilled to minimise shallow groundwater extraction for trench dewatering.

Chemicals and fuels will be appropriately stored within appropriately contained areas that meet Australian standards (where such a standard is in place).

Spill kits will be present in case of a spill to land. Personnel will be appropriately trained in the use of the spill kit.

4. Proposed EA Conditions The conditions proposed for this EA application are predominantly those conditions from the Eligibility criteria and standard conditions for petroleum pipeline activities (DEHP, 2013). Some changes to the standard conditions have been proposed to enable project compliance. Changes to standard conditions are shown in red. Justification for each change is also provided. Schedule A – Authorised activities PPSCA 1. All reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the petroleum activities comply with the eligibility criteria for the activity. PPSCA 2. The following types of petroleum activities are not authorised:

a) processing or storing petroleum or petroleum by-products that are not necessarily associated with pipeline construction or operation

b) extracting earthen materials (other than drilling waste rock or trench spoil) of more than 100,000t/year

c) extracting by dredging more than 1000t/year of material from the bed of naturally occurring surface waters

d) construction of power lines (either above or below ground) outside the right of way necessary for the pipeline.

Justification for change

PPL2020 and PPL2021 will together contain a water pipeline, a gas pipeline and an above ground high voltage powerline as described in Section 1.2. The powerline, whilst co-located and associated with the gas pipeline (PPL2020), is not completely contained within the pipeline construction RoW. As such, it most likely cannot comply with the above existing authorisation. A 20 m buffer is maintained between the powerline and the pipeline for reasons associated with conductor swing / induced current, vegetation maintenance and consequent pipeline integrity issues. This is discussed further in Section 1.2.2 and illustrated in Figure 2. Despite the additional area necessary, it is considered that this change should not alter the assessment or conditioning of the proposed infrastructure corridor development. The environmental values in the area are generally low, and final pipeline alignments will avoid identified values where reasonably practicable. PPSCA 3. Only low impact petroleum activities can be undertaken within Category A Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) or Category B ESAs or Category C ESAs other than state forests or timber reserves, or within the ESAs’ primary protection zone. PPSCA 4. Non-linear infrastructure is permitted within the secondary protection zone of ESAs provided the location is justified given other constraints and cannot be avoided and it can be demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the ESA.

PPSCA 5. Records demonstrating compliance with standard condition (PPSCA 4) must be kept. Schedule B – Protecting environmental values PPSCB 1. Petroleum activities that cause significant disturbance to land must not be carried out until financial assurance has been given to the administering authority as security for compliance with the environmental authority and any costs or expenses, or likely costs or expenses, mentioned in section 298 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994. PPSCB 2. Petroleum activities must not cause environmental nuisance from dust, odour, light, smoke or noise at a sensitive place, other than where an alternative arrangement is in place. PPSCB 3. Contaminants must not be directly or indirectly released to land or air except for those releases authorised by standard conditions (PPSCC 9), (PPSCC 13), (PPSCC 14), (PPSCC 15), (PPSCC 16), (PPSCE 4), (PPSCE 8), (PPSCE 11), (PPSCE 12) and (PPSCF 3). PPSCB 4. For petroleum activities to be carried out in a wild river area, the activities must comply with the conditions stated for relevant petroleum activities in the wild river declaration for that area. PPSCB 5. Petroleum activities must:

a) firstly, avoid, then minimise, then mitigate any negative impacts on areas of vegetation or other areas of ecological value

b) minimise disturbance to land that may otherwise result in land degradation c) minimise isolation, fragmentation or dissection of tracts of vegetation that would lead to a

reduction in the current level of ecosystem functioning or ecological connectivity d) minimise clearing of mature or hollow bearing trees.

PPSCB 6. Where significant disturbance to land is to occur, records demonstrating compliance with standard condition (PPSCB 5) must be kept. Schedule C – General conditions Documentation PPSCC 1. All plans, procedures and reports must:

a) be certified by a suitably qualified person b) be kept on record for a minimum of 5 years.

PPSCC 2. All plans and procedures required to be developed must be implemented. Plant and equipment PPSCC 3. All plant and equipment reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the standard conditions must be installed. PPSCC 4. All plant and equipment must be maintained and operated in their proper and effective condition. PPSCC 5. All measures reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the standard conditions must be implemented. Contingency and emergency response PPSCC 6. Petroleum activities involving significant disturbance to land or which have the potential to cause environmental harm can only commence after the development of written contingency procedures which address the risks of non-compliance with Schedule B standard conditions. PPSCC 7. The contingency procedures must include, but not necessarily be limited to:

a) environmental nuisance and complaint management procedures including: i. a description of the petroleum activities that might result in non-compliance with Schedule

B standard conditions and what mitigation measures are required to be implemented; and ii. the action that will be undertaken when a member of the public makes a valid complaint.

b) management procedures including details of what actions will be taken to protect environmental values and minimise potential environmental harm from petroleum activities as a result of floods, severe storms and fires

c) environmental emergency management procedures including details of the response and mitigation measures that will be actioned to reduce negative impacts to environmental values in the event of a non-compliance with Schedule B standard conditions.

Soil management PPSCC 8. Measures must be implemented and maintained to minimise stormwater entry onto significantly disturbed land. For activities involving significant disturbance to land, control measures that are commensurate to the site-specific risk of erosion, and risk of sediment release to waters must be implemented to:

a) Preferentially divert stormwater around significantly disturbed land, or allow stormwater to pass through the site in a controlled manner and at non-erosive flow velocities.

b) Minimise soil erosion resulting from wind, rain and flowing water;

c) Minimise the duration that disturbed soils are exposed to the erosive forces of wind, rain and flowing water;

d) Minimise work-related soil erosion and sediment runoff; and e) Minimise negative impacts to land or properties adjacent to the activities.


This condition reflects the requirements of Santos GLNG’s other upstream EAs. The condition is preferable for achieving consistency in expectations across Santos GLNG’s overlapping tenure and allows for more flexibility for achieving satisfactory environmental outcomes. PPSCC 9. Sediment and erosion control measures to prevent soil loss and deposition beyond significantly disturbed land must be implemented and maintained. Justification for change

This condition has been replaced with the proposed PPSCC8 above. PPSCC 10. The measures required by standard conditions (PPSCC 8) and (PPSCC 9) must be in accordance, to the greatest practicable extent, with the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control (BPESC) document and/or the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) Code of Environmental Practice: Onshore Pipelines (2009). Justification for change

These standards are prescriptive and not flexible in achieving the outcomes sought by the previous proposed condition PPSCC8. Chemical storage PPSCC 11. Chemicals and fuels on the relevant tenures must be stored in, or serviced by, an effective containment system that meets Australian Standards, where such a standard is relevant. Waste management PPSCC 12. Measures must be implemented so that waste is managed in accordance with the waste and resource management hierarchy and the waste and resource management principles. PPSCC 13. For waste fluids that can be stored in a container that is other than a low hazard dam, the container must either be an above ground container or a structure which contains the wetting front. PPSCC 14. Waste, including waste fluids, must be transported off-site for lawful re-use, remediation, recycling or disposal unless the waste is specifically authorised by standard conditions (PPSCC 15), (PPSCC 16), (PPSCE 8) and (PPSCF 3) to be disposed of or used on-site. PPSCC 15. Green waste may be used on-site for rehabilitation and/or sediment and erosion control purposes.

Treated sewage effluent PPSCC 16. Treated sewage effluent or greywater can be released to land provided it:

a) meets or exceeds secondary treated class B standards for a treatment system with a daily peak design capacity of between 150 EP and 1500 EP; or

b) meets or exceeds secondary treated class C standards for a treatment system with a daily peak design capacity of less than 150 EP; and

c) is released within fenced and signed contaminant release area(s) and does not result in pooling or

d) run-off or aerosols or spray drift or vegetation die-off. Financial assurance PPSCC 17. Prior to any changes in petroleum activities which would result in an increase to the maximum disturbance since the last financial assurance calculation was submitted, the holder of the environmental authority must submit, and the administering authority must have approved, an application to amend the financial assurance. Schedule D – Pipeline planning

Site planning PPSCD 1. Pipeline planning must be in accordance, to the greatest practicable extent, with the relevant section of the APIA Code of Environmental Practice: Onshore Pipelines (2009) and/or AS 2885.1:2012. Planning for land disturbance PPSCD 2. Notwithstanding condition (PPSCD 1), PPL2020 and PPL2021 construction corridor must:

a) be minimised in width to the greatest practicable extent b) not exceed 40 53m in width c) not include turn around and work areas associated with pipeline and/or powerline construction

that exceed 50m in width d) be preferentially located alongside existing linear infrastructure.


The proposed changes are to reflect the total proposed construction RoW for the complete infrastructure corridor. The PPL2020 and PPL2021 construction RoW will be 53 m and contain two pipelines and one powerline as described in Section 1.2.2 and illustrated in Figure 2. The infrastructure has been co-located to create an infrastructure corridor and minimise impacts to the environment. The proposed co-location in a 53 m corridor actually provides for less disturbance than if the proposed development was constructed under two separate EA’s (ie one for PPL2020 and one for PPL2021). Under this scenario the infrastructure would be authorised to be built in an 80 m RoW (2 x 40 m).

PPSCD 3. Prior to any significant disturbance to land:

a) an ecological assessment of areas with native vegetation that are to be significantly disturbed, must be conducted in accordance with the Queensland Government’s Biocondition, a Condition Assessment Framework for Terrestrial Biodiversity in Queensland, Assessment Manual by a suitably qualified person; and

b) an assessment of the impacts that will occur as a result of significant disturbance to land must be undertaken.

Justification for Change

The BioCondition Assessment Framework is not necessarily the most appropriate to confirm on-ground ecological values. It is a prescriptive methodology designed to assess how well a terrestrial ecosystem is functioning, reflected in a numeric score. This score is not what Santos is regulated for, but instead on the presence / absence of ESA and other ecological values. The proposed change is to provide Santos with flexibility in our approach to ecological assessments. This approach will be consistent with that used for in the surrounding gas fields. Schedule E – Construction conditions PPSCE 1. Pipeline construction must be in accordance, to the greatest practicable extent, with the relevant section of the APIA Code of Environmental Practice: Onshore Pipelines (2009) and/or AS 2885.1:2012. Activities in watercourses, wetlands, lakes and springs PPSCE 2. Petroleum activities that require earthworks, vegetation clearing and/or placing fill, other than that associated with the construction of linear infrastructure, are not permitted in or within:

a) 200 metres of any wetland, lake or spring; or b) 100 metres of the outer bank of any other watercourse.

PPSCE 3. The construction and/or maintenance for linear infrastructure that will result in significant disturbance to a wetland, lake, spring or watercourse must be conducted in accordance with the following order of preference. Conducting works:

1. firstly, in times where there is no water present 2. secondly, in times of no flow 3. thirdly, in times of flow, but in a way that does not impede low flow.

PPSCE 4. Petroleum activities must not result in water turbidity increases of more than 10% in high ecological value waters outside contained construction or maintenance areas.

PPSCE 5. The construction and/or maintenance for linear infrastructure that will result in significant disturbance to a lake, spring or watercourse must be designed and undertaken by a suitably qualified person in accordance with the guideline Activities in a watercourse, lake or spring associated with a resource activity or mining operations. PPSCE 6. The construction and/or maintenance for linear infrastructure that will result in significant disturbance to a wetland must be designed and undertaken by a suitably qualified person taking into consideration sections 5 and 6 of the guideline Activities in a watercourse, lake or spring associated with a resource activity or mining operations. Fauna management PPSCE 7. Measures to prevent fauna entrapment must be implemented during the construction of pipelines in pipe sections and pipeline trenches and operation of dams. Waste PPSCE 8. Trench water, hydrostatic testing water or water from low point drains, may be released to land provided that it:

a) can be demonstrated to meet the acceptable standards for release to land b) is released in a way that does not cause visible scouring or erosion.

PPSCE 9. If hydrostatic testing water quality does not or can not be treated to meet the requirements of standard condition (PPSCE 8), it must be managed in accordance with standard conditions (PPSCC 13) or (PPSCC 14). Blasting PPSCE 10. A Blast Management Plan must be developed for each blasting activity in accordance with Australian Standard 2187. PPSCE 11. Blasting operations must be designed to not exceed an airblast overpressure level of 120dB (linear peak) at any time, when measured at or extrapolated to any sensitive place. PPSCE 12. Blasting operations must be designed to not exceed a ground-borne vibration peak particle velocity of 10mm/s at any time, when measured at or extrapolated to any sensitive place.

Structures that are dams or levees PPSCE 13. The hazard category of any dam or levee to be used in carrying out petroleum activities must be assessed in accordance with the Queensland Government Manual for Assessing Hazard Categories and Hydraulic Performance of Dams. PPSCE 14. Low hazard dams must be:

a) constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with accepted engineering standards b) currently appropriate for the purpose for which the dam is intended to be used; and c) designed with a floor and sides made of material that will contain the wetting front and any

entrained contaminants within the bounds of the containment system during both its operational life and including any period of decommissioning and rehabilitation.

PPSCE 15. All low hazard dams must be monitored for early signs of loss of structural or hydraulic integrity as specified in the initial hazard assessment. PPSCE 16. When no longer required all low hazard dams must be decommissioned to no longer accept inflow from the petroleum activities and be either:

a) rehabilitated; or b) agreed to in writing by the administering authority and the landholder to remain in situ

following the cessation of the petroleum activity(ies) associated with the dam, with the contained water of a quality suitable for the intended ongoing uses(s) by that landholder.

Pipeline reinstatement and revegetation PPSCE 17. Pipeline trenches must be backfilled and topsoils reinstated within 3 months after pipe laying. PPSCE 18. Reinstatement and revegetation of the pipeline right of way must commence within 6 months after completion of petroleum activities for the purpose of pipeline construction. PPSCE 19. Backfilled, reinstated and revegetated pipeline trenches and right of way must be:

a) a stable landform b) re-profiled to a level consistent with surrounding soils c) re-profiled to original contours and established drainage lines d) vegetated with groundcover which is not a declared pest species, and which is established

and self-sustaining.

Schedule F – Post-construction conditions including operations, maintenance and Decommissioning

PPSCF1. Pipeline operation and maintenance must be in accordance, to the greatest practicable extent, with the relevant section of the APIA Code of Environmental Practice: Onshore Pipelines (2009) and/or AS 2885.3:2012. PPSCF 2. Written procedures must be developed to ensure operations and maintenance of the pipeline complies with the conditions of the environmental authority. PPSCF 3. Flush water may be released to land provided that it meets the requirements of standard condition (PPSCE 8). Final acceptance criteria for rehabilitation PPSCF 4. After decommissioning, all significantly disturbed land caused by the carrying out of the petroleum activity(ies) must be rehabilitated to meet the following final acceptance criteria:

a) any contaminated land (e.g. contaminated soils) is remediated and rehabilitated b) rehabilitation is undertaken in a manner such that any actual or potential acid sulfate soils on

the area of significant disturbance are treated to prevent or minimise environmental harm in accordance with the Instructions for the treatment and management of acid sulfate soils (2001)

c) for land that is not being cultivated by the landholder: i. groundcover, that is not a declared pest species is established and self-sustaining ii. vegetation of similar species richness and species diversity to pre-selected analogue sites

is established and self-sustaining d) (d) for land that is to be cultivated by the landholder, cover crop is revegetated, unless the

landholder will be preparing the site for cropping within 3 months of petroleum activities being completed.

PPSCF 5. Monitoring of performance indicators must be carried out on rehabilitation activities until final acceptance criteria in standard condition (PPSCF 4) have been met for the rehabilitated area.

Schedule G – Monitoring and reporting conditions Monitoring PPSCG 1. All monitoring must be undertaken by a suitably qualified person.

PPSCG 2. If requested by the administering authority in relation to investigating a valid complaint, monitoring must be undertaken within 10 business days. PPSCG 3. All laboratory analyses and tests must be undertaken by a laboratory that has NATA accreditation for such analyses and tests, except as otherwise authorised in writing by the administering authority. PPSCG 4. Notwithstanding standard condition (PPSCG 3), where there are no NATA accredited laboratories available to test for a specific analyte or substance, then duplicate samples must be sent to separate laboratories for independent testing or evaluation. Sampling PPSCG 5. The methods of surface water sampling must comply with that set out in the Queensland Government’s Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009 – Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009. PPSCG 6. The methods of groundwater sampling must comply with the Australian Government’s Groundwater Sampling and Analysis – A Field Guide (2009:27 GeoCat #6890.1). PPSCG 7. Noise must be measured in accordance with the prescribed standards in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008. PPSCG 8. The method of measurement of ambient air quality or point source contaminant releases to air must comply with the Queensland Air Quality Sampling Manual and/or Australian Standard 4323.1:1995 Stationary source emissions method 1: Selection of sampling positions, whichever is appropriate for the relevant measurement. Notification PPSCG 9. In addition to the requirements under section 320A of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the administering authority must be notified in writing within 5 business days of any event which has resulted in the contingency procedures required by standard conditions (PPSCC 6) and (PPSCC 7) being activated. Reporting PPSCG 10. The annual return must include an Update Report detailing activities during the annual return period, demonstrating:

a) significant disturbance during the period b) rehabilitation undertaken

c) a list of all valid complaints relating to environmental issues made including the date, source, reason for the complaint and a description of investigations undertaken in resolving the complaint

d) the results of all monitoring undertaken.

5. Legislative Considerations The EP Act specifies the information to be supplied with an application for an EA, the administering authority’s considerations in the assessment of an EA application and the conditions, which may be imposed on an environmental authority by the administering authority.

5.1. Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) 5.1.1. General requirements for an EA application (s125 EP Act) Section 125 of the EP Act, specifies the general requirements for an EA application. These are outline in Table 5-1 below.

Table 5-1: General Requirements EA Application (s125 EP Act)

s125 EP Act Relevance to EA application

(a) be made to the administering authority; and This EA application has been lodged with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) who is the administering authority for the EP Act.

(b) be made in the approved form; and Refer to Attachment A of the application package, which includes the Site-specific application for an environmental authority.

(c) describe all environmentally relevant activities for the application; and

The EA application is to authorise the construction and operation of:

1 gas pipeline (PPL2020)

1 water pipeline (PPL2021)

Fibre optic cable

1 overhead high voltage power line

Refer to Section 1.1 and 1.2

No specific ERA’s are being applied for as part of the application.

(d) describe the land on which each activity will be carried out; and

Refer to Section 2 – Site Description and Land Affected.

(e) be accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation; and

Payment of the prescribed fee for the EA application will be provided at the time of submission of the application.

(f) if 2 or more entities (joint applicants) jointly make the application—nominate 1 joint applicant as the principal applicant; and

Nomination of a principal and joint applicants has been provided in the approved form Site-specific application for an environmental authority.

(g) state whether the application is—

(i) a standard application; or

(ii) a variation application; or

(iii) a site-specific application; and

The application is a site-specific application seeking standard conditions for petroleum pipeline activities (with minor amendments).

(h) state whether the applicant is a registered suitable operator; and

Registered suitable operator details are provided in the approved form Site-specific application for an environmental authority.

(i) if a development permit under the Planning Act, or an approval of the Coordinator-General under section 84(4)(b) of the State Development Act, is required under either of those Acts for carrying out the environmentally relevant

A development permit under the Planning Act is not required. An approval of the Coordinator-General under section 84(4)(b) of the State Development Act is not required.


activities for the application—describe the permit or approval; and

(j) if the application is a standard or variation application—include a declaration that each relevant activity complies with the eligibility criteria; and

N/A – this is a site-specific application.

(k) if the application is a variation application—state the standard conditions for the activity or authority the applicant seeks to change; and

N/A – this is a site specific application.

(l) if the application is a variation or site-specific application—

(i) include an assessment of the likely impact of each relevant activity on the environmental values, including—

(A) a description of the environmental values likely to be affected by each relevant activity; and

Environmental values relevant to the EA application are described in Section 3.

(B) details of any emissions or releases likely to be generated by each relevant activity; and

The proposed activities have the potential to generate the emissions as described in Section 3, including:

Dust from geotechnical testing, construction and operation of vehicles on existing unsealed roads.

NOX, SOX, CO and similar emissions from the operation of vehicles, mobile plant, and equipment.

Sediment laden runoff from disturbances caused by land disturbances associated with pipeline construction activities.

Release of hydrostatic test water from pipeline testing and other water for dust suppression.

Noise from the operation of equipment required for geotechnical investigations.

(C) a description of the risk and likely magnitude of impacts on the environmental values; and

Potential impacts on environmental values from the proposed pipeline project are described in Section 3.

(D) details of the management practices proposed to be implemented to prevent or minimise adverse impacts; and

Management practices are provided in Section 3.

(E) details of how the land the subject of the application will be rehabilitated after each relevant activity ceases; and

Details of the rehabilitation of disturbed land is provided in Section 3.

(ii) include a description of the proposed measures for minimising and managing waste generated by each relevant activity; and

It is not envisaged that the proposed activities will generate significant quantities of waste. Measures will be implemented so that waste is minimised and managed in accordance with general waste and resource management principles.

Critically, Petroleum Pipeline Activities will comply with standard conditions PPSCC12-15 of the Standard Approval - eligibility criteria and standard conditions for petroleum pipeline activities (DEHP 2013).

Specifically, waste, including waste fluids, will be transported off-site for lawful re-use, remediation, recycling or disposal unless the waste is


specifically authorised by standard condition (PPSCC 14) to be disposed of or used on-site.

As provided for by PPSCC 15, green waste will be prioritised for reuse on-site for rehabilitation and/or sediment and erosion control purposes.

(iii) include details of any site management plan that relates to the land the subject of the application; and

N/A - There are no site management plans applicable to the application.

(m) if the application is for a prescribed ERA—state whether the applicant wants any environmental authority granted for the application to take effect on a day nominated by the applicant; and

N/A

(n) include any other document relating to the application prescribed under a regulation.

N/A

5.1.2. Requirements for Site Specific Applications – CSG activities (s126 EP

Act)

Section 126 of the EP Act is not relevant to the proposed application. The construction and operation of the proposed pipeline and powerline infrastructure will not result in the generation of CS water.

5.1.3. The Standard Criteria (EP Act) The standard criteria (as defined by Schedule 4 of the EP Act) are required to be considered by the administering authority for deciding site-specific applications (Table 5-2)

Table 5-2: Standard Criteria (EP Act)

Schedule 4 EP Act Relevance

a) the following principles of environmental policy as set out in the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment –

(i) the precautionary principle;

(ii) intergenerational equity;

(iii) conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity; and

The precautionary principle was considered for the application. It is considered that the proposed activities will use ‘proven’ technology and sufficient scientific data exists that a reverse onus does not exist.

The principle of intergenerational equity was considered for the application. It is considered that the proposed activities would not impact the use of environmental values by future generations.

The principles of conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity were considered for the application. The proposed application would not result in impacts to biological diversity or ecological integrity.


b) any Commonwealth or State government plans, standards, agreements or requirements about environmental protection or ecologically sustainable development

The proposed activities would be undertaken in accordance with the applicable requirements of the following:

EP Act

EPBC Act

Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (P&G Act)

Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act)

Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VM Act)

Regional Planning Interests Act 2014

The relevance of these Acts to this application is referenced throughout the supporting information.

c) Any relevant wild river declaration The proposed activities are not located within a Declared Wild River Catchment.

d) any relevant environmental impact study, assessment or report

N/A

e) the character, resilience and values of the receiving environment

Refer to Section 3.

f) all submissions made by the application and submitters

Santos GLNG does not expect this application will trigger significant public interest resulting in submissions. The application is for pipeline and powerline activities only and will be undertaken in compliance with Standard Approval conditions for pipeline activities. The relevant Standard Approval eligibility criteria and conditions were drafted and finalised in 2013 and involved a process of public comment.

g) Best Practice Environmental Management (BPEM) for activities under any relevant instrument, or proposed instrument, as follows-

(i) an environmental authority;

(ii) a transitional environmental program;

(iii) an environmental protection order;

(iv) a disposal permit;

(v) a development approval;

The proposed activities will be undertaken in accordance with an environmental authority for PPL2020 and PPL2021.

h) Financial implications of the requirements under an instrument, or proposed instrument, mentioned in paragraph (g) as they would relate to the type of activity or industry carried out, or proposed to be carried out under the instrument;

Santos GLNG will continue to provide adequate funds, equipment and staff time to comply with the conditions of environmental authorities.


i) Public Interest The proposed infrastructure corridor will reduce the overall footprint of the project by enabling gas and water generated by gas production in Roma East to be processed using existing Santos GLNG facilities. This will allowing greater tracts of land to continue to be used for the existing underlying agricultural land use. The project will also support the further development of the Santos GLNG Project, enabling the continued supply of gas to the LNG facility for transport around the world for use as a transitional fuel, thereby assisting in reducing reliance on coal as an energy source.

j) Site management plan (SMP) There are no SMPs applicable to the application.

k) Integrated environmental management system (IEMS) or proposed IEMS

The existing Santos EHSMS in conjunction with Santos GLNG management plans will be implemented for the proposed pipeline works.

l) Other matters prescribed under a regulation The Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Reg) prescribes an environmental objective assessment relating to an environmental management decision as an additional matter for the standard criteria. Section 3 addresses the matters raised in the environmental objective assessment.

Site Specific Application for an Environmental Authority ... Environmental Authority Petroleum...

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