COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Sections 226 and 708
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A PIPELINE LICENCE - PIPELINE LICENCE VIC/PL32 (8QS5SM)
I, NICOLE LYNETTE FILBAY, the delegate of the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, on behalf of the Commonwealth– Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority hereby give notice pursuant to sections 226 and 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 that an application has been received from
Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd
(ACN 091 829 819)
Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd
(ACN 004 228 004)
for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL32 in the offshore area of Victoria as set out below.
Pursuant to subsection 226(3) of the Act, a person may make a written submission to the Titles Administrator about this application within 30 days from the date of this notice.
This notice takes effect on the day on which it appears in the
Australian Government Gazette.
Made under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
of the Commonwealth of Australia.
NICOLE LYNETTE FILBAY
DELEGATE OF THE TITLES ADMINISTRATOR
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH–VICTORIA
OFFSHORE PETROLEUM JOINT AUTHORITY
APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF
PIPELINE LICENCE VIC/PL32
1. The Route of the Pipeline is varied by deleting the current text and substituting under the heading the following:
Inserting new sub-heading:
From Conclusion of Stage 1 Activities
Inserting the following wording:
“The route of the pipeline, following completion of certain decommissioning activities which involve the cutting of the pipeline at the topside (Stage 1), is described in the table below, and displayed in the map below, commencing at a cut spool location at the Bream A Platform to the point of intersection with the 3 nautical mile limit. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia”
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | Cut spool location at Bream A | 567232 | 5738265 |
2 | Pipeline laydown point | 567178 | 5738394 |
3 | Intersection point 7 | 565306 | 5738559 |
4 | Centre of TWA oil pipeline crossing | 552508 | 5754982 |
5 | Intersection point 6 | 546787 | 5762333 |
6 | Intersection point 5 | 544218 | 5764897 |
7 | 3 Nautical Mile Limit | 541209 | 5768776 |
Inserting new sub-heading:
From Conclusion of Stage 2 Activities
Inserting the following wording:
“The route of the pipeline, following completion of certain decommissioning activities which involve the cutting of the pipeline at a subsea location set out below (Stage 2), is described in the table below, and displayed in the map below, commencing at a cut spool location at the Bream A Platform to the point of intersection with the 3 nautical mile limit. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia”
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | Cut spool location at Bream A | 567328 | 5738463 |
2 | Pipeline laydown point | 567178 | 5738394 |
3 | Intersection point 7 | 565306 | 5738559 |
4 | Centre of TWA oil pipeline crossing | 552508 | 5754982 |
5 | Intersection point 6 | 546787 | 5762333 |
6 | Intersection point 5 | 544218 | 5764897 |
7 | 3 Nautical Mile Limit | 541209 | 5768776 |
2. The SCHEDULE of the Licence is varied by:
- deleting all of text under (E) – Pressure Control:
“(a) The pressure control facilities on the Bream A compressor station shall be used to ensure the operating pressure at any point in the pipeline at no time exceeds 18,960 kPa(g) unless otherwise approved by the Designated Authority”
- deleting all of text under (F) – Future MAOP:
“(a) A Subsea Isolation Valve shall be incorporated in the pipeline to protect the Bream A platform from the return of pipeline inventory in the event of a loss of pressure containment on the platform,”
The rest of the SECOND SCHEDULE remains as stated in the licence instrument dated 13 November 2001.
Overview
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities in Australia. This legislation was introduced to address the need for coordinated and efficient management of offshore resources, ensuring environmental protection, safety, and economic benefits. The Act was passed by the Australian Parliament and aims to balance the interests of the industry with those of the environment and the public. It provides the legal foundation for licensing, environmental management, and other regulatory aspects of offshore activities, thereby facilitating responsible and sustainable resource extraction and storage.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the application for the variation of a pipeline licence, specifically Pipeline Licence VIC/PL32, in the offshore area of Victoria. This legislation is enacted at the Commonwealth level and pertains to the management of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage. The Act applies to entities such as Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, which have submitted an application for the variation of the pipeline licence. The application process involves changes to the pipeline route and the deletion of certain provisions related to pressure control and future maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) as set out in the licence's schedule. The application is subject to public notice and allows for written submissions from interested parties within a specified timeframe. The Act extends its reach through subordinate instruments, which may provide further detail and procedural guidance for such applications.
Key Provisions
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, specifically sections 226 and 708, addresses the application for variation of a pipeline licence. In this case, the application from Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd concerns the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL32. Section 226(3) of the Act permits individuals to submit written feedback on the application to the Titles Administrator within 30 days of the notice being published in the Australian Government Gazette. This notice informs the public and relevant stakeholders of the proposed changes to the pipeline route and schedule, ensuring transparency and the opportunity for public input.
The obligations under the Act require the applicants to provide detailed information about the proposed changes to the pipeline's route and schedule. For instance, the route is to be altered following certain decommissioning activities, with specific cut spool locations and intersection points detailed. Additionally, the schedule is modified by removing specific pressure control and future Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) conditions, while retaining the rest of the schedule as previously outlined. These changes must comply with the statutory requirements and any relevant guidelines issued by the Titles Administrator.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act or the specific terms of the licence can result in significant consequences. Breaches of the Act may lead to criminal or civil penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the offence. For instance, offences under the Act can result in substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. The exact penalties are not specified in the notice, but the potential for severe repercussions underscores the importance of adherence to the legislative requirements.
In summary, the Act's key provisions allow for public notice and feedback on pipeline licence variations. The applicants must provide comprehensive details about the changes, ensuring they align with the statutory obligations. Any non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, highlighting the critical need for strict adherence to the legislative framework governing offshore petroleum activities in Australia.