Application for Variation of a Pipeline Licence – Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted to provide a legal framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage in Australia. This Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive regulatory system that balances the economic benefits of offshore petroleum activities with environmental protection and safety. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia and its policy objective is to ensure the sustainable development of Australia's offshore petroleum resources while minimising environmental impacts. The present notice pertains to an application for the variation of Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL, involving several entities including Woodside Energy Ltd., BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd., Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd., Shell Australia Pty Ltd, and Woodside Energy (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd. The application seeks amendments to the pipeline route, design, construction specifications, and operational parameters, which will be subject to public scrutiny and submission as per the provisions of the Act. This notice, issued by Steven Robert Taylor, the Delegate of the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth–Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, indicates that modifications to the existing Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL have been proposed. The changes include a detailed redefinition of the pipeline route, alterations to design and construction specifications in compliance with international and Australian standards, and updates to the basis of design such as pipe diameter, wall thickness, length, and material grades. These modifications aim to enhance the efficiency, safety, and environmental compatibility of the offshore pipeline operations. The public is invited to submit written comments on the application within 30 days from the date of this notice, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement in the regulatory process.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 governs the regulation and management of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities in Australia. This Act applies to entities involved in offshore petroleum activities, including Woodside Energy Ltd., BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd., Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd., Shell Australia Pty Ltd, and Woodside Energy (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd, which have submitted an application for the variation of Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL. The application pertains to the amendment of the pipeline's route, specifications, and design and construction details for a pipeline operating in the offshore area of Western Australia. The proposed changes involve modifying the pipeline's route, updating the design and construction specifications to comply with international and Australian standards, and revising the basis of design parameters such as inside diameter, wall thickness, and material grades. The application extends to the Commonwealth of Australia and the Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, with specific geographic boundaries defined by the pipeline's route coordinates based on the Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94), UTM Zone 50. The public is invited to submit written submissions regarding this application within 30 days from the date of this notice, as stipulated by the Act.

Key Provisions

The application under sections 226 and 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 pertains to the variation of Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL, which involves several specific amendments. The primary changes include the redefinition of the pipeline route, with coordinates specified according to the Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94), UTM Zone 50. The new pipeline route starts at the UCON connector face on the flexible flowline downstream of the Lambert Deep manifold and ends at the flange face upstream of the riser emergency shutdown valve (RESDV) on the Angel Platform. The route is further detailed in an attached route map (Attachment 1), and the licence route corridor extends ± 40 m either side of the provided route. Additionally, the design and construction specifications of the pipeline have been updated to comply with international standards, such as ISO 13628-1 for flexible construction and AS 2885.4 for rigid topside piping. The basis of design has also been revised, detailing the inside diameter, wall thickness, length, design life, and material grades of the pipeline and riser sections. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the entities involved include ensuring that the proposed changes align with the regulatory standards set forth in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006. The entities must provide comprehensive details of the pipeline route, including coordinates and specific design and construction specifications. They must ensure that the pipeline design and construction comply with international and Australian standards, such as ISO 13628-1 and AS 2885.4, respectively. Additionally, the entities are required to detail the basis of design, including the inside diameter, wall thickness, length, and material grades of the pipeline and riser sections. Furthermore, the application must include general plans and descriptions of pump stations, tank stations, or valve stations and their equipment, as well as details of cathodic protection and hydrate management. Any breach of the provisions outlined in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. Offences under the Act can result in substantial penalties, with maximum penalties for certain violations reaching up to AUD 1.2 million for individuals and AUD 6 million for corporations. Additionally, the Titles Administrator has the authority to impose administrative penalties, including fines, for non-compliance with the Act. In more severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued, leading to imprisonment for individuals and further financial penalties for corporations. It is crucial for the entities involved to adhere to the requirements and obligations stipulated in the Act to avoid these potential consequences.