ep!469west!erregulla!! seismic!groundtruthingsurvey …...west erregulla seismic ground truthing...

EP 469 West Erregulla

Seismic Ground Truthing Survey

SUMMARY

West Erregulla Seismic Ground Truthing Survey

Summary

Document Number: 16012-‐REP-‐001 of 11

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 3

2. OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................ 3

3. SCOPE ................................................................................................................. 3

4. SURVEY METHODOLOGY .................................................................................. 3

5. SURVEY RESULTS .............................................................................................. 4

5.1 Access Tracks ...................................................................................................................... 4

5.2 Source Lines ......................................................................................................................... 4

6. SUMMARY OF ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES ...................................................... 4

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Actions and Closeout from Seismic Ground Truthing Survey ........................................................ 4 Table 2: Actions and Closeouts from Cultural Heritage ............................................................................... 7

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Seismic Ground Truthing Survey Map ................................................................................... 11


Summary


1. Introduction Warrego Energy PTY Ltd (Warrego) undertook a Seismic Ground Truthing Survey at West Erregulla within Exploration Permit (EP) 469 between 21 May and 2 June 2014. The Seismic Ground Truthing Survey was conducted by wkc and KD.1 Pty Ltd on behalf of Warrego to provide survey data to aid in the upcoming 3D Seismic Survey Program. The West Erregulla Field is located approximately 300km north of Perth, and 50km south-‐east of Dongara, in the Northern Sandplains region of Western Australia.

2. Objectives The objectives of the Seismic Ground Truthing Survey are summarised below:

• Scout all north-‐south seismic source lines and three east-‐west receiver/access lines within Vacant Crown Land. Any line deviation to remain clear of avoidance zones;

• A reasonable photographic record and notes assembled to assist in planning and preparation for line clearance/mulching activities, receiver deployment (nodal system deployed manually on foot), and the 3D seismic survey acquisition which will follow;

• Agreed/committed buffer zones around environmentally sensitive areas and potential cultural heritage (avoidance areas);

• All source lines and three access track lines to be reviewed and mapped to 3.5m width; and • Produce revised pre-‐plot data.

3. Scope The scope of this document is to summarise the outcomes of the Seismic Ground Truthing Survey in preparation for the 3D Seismic Survey Program.

4. Survey Methodology The methodology involved the setting up of a GPS receiver to log static data on an existing point. A second GPS receiver then simultaneously logs data on new station for a minimum of 30 minutes, depending on the length of the baseline. After post processing the data to obtain accurate baseline information, a position can be determined for the unknown station.

Line scouting was carried out using the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS method. This consisted of a base receiver setup on a known control station and rover receiver connected via UHF radio link. Through the UHF radio modem the base receiver broadcasts the base position and GPS data measured at the base directly to a radio modem connected to the roving GPS receiver enabling the rover to initialise (resolve satellite cycle ambiguities). Once initialised the roving receiver can compute its own position within a few centimetres.

The prospect area was scouted to map fences, gates, tracks, potential cultural heritage avoidance areas and any infrastructure pertinent to crew operations and safety utilising the Trimble Yuma tablet and


Summary


MapInfo software. Using this information combined with that supplied by Warrego accurate prospect maps could be generated.

5. Survey Results The Seismic Ground Truthing Survey scouted approximately 160 km of access track and source lines and a map indicating the results of the survey is provided in Appendix A.

A discussion of the results of the survey is provided below.

5.1 Access Tracks

Personnel scouted three receiver lines R1000, R1054 and R1171 that are planned to be mulched and utilised as access tracks. Small detours were placed along them in order to avoid flora and rocky terrain. Scouting of these three lines and what was seen while traversing source lines indicated no notable offsets from design should be required on receiver lines. It can be expected that with hand carrying equipment in to the specific stations around rocky breakaways some problems will be encountered with successfully planting receivers.

5.2 Source Lines

Numerous flora buffer zones and rocky terrain around breakaways require detours to be scouted to find alternate routes for the source lines. Where possible station offsets were maintained on design and the detours only used for access purposes.

6. Summary of Actions and Outcomes During the Seismic Ground Truthing Survey there were several areas that required further review and the outcomes are discussed/resolved in the table below.

Table 1: Actions and Closeout from Seismic Ground Truthing Survey

No. Action Closeout

1 Open Eucalyptus

Scouting of all possible options was not undertaken due to time constraints and particularly seeing the likelihood of some options was low. If further definition could be provided such as vibe access without mulching, vibe access with mulching if outside buffer zone from trees or method of defining individual stands of trees that can be worked past as opposed to blanket classifying the area as a forest, these options could be quickly reviewed again by the

Open Eucalyptus occurs as patches throughout the survey area and a 10m buffer has been implemented.


Summary


Seismic Line Pointer managing the mulching crew.

2 Unidentified Eucalyptus S5009 station 1180 to 1179

Eucalyptus found of a different species to the existing defined Open Eucalyptus Forest areas. Whether defined as a Forest or not they are larger than 3m. The ground is sparsely covered with grass, mostly bare soil so no clearing is required to traverse vibes through the area and reverse back out. Utilising the natural gap. If not allowed to use the gap it would most likely result in offsetting the line in excess of 80m west outside the grid. Offsetting east requires a greater offset than the gap and would require mulching to weave around 3m trees.

The route will avoid open eucalypt forest and trees larger than 3m. A 10m buffer has been implemented around open Eucalypt forest and source line S5009 adjusted.

3 Over stated Open Eucalyptus S5018 station 1142 to 1152

Desktop provided Open Eucalyptus mapping would appear to have included chest high dense shrubs with sparse scattering of Eucalyptus.

Open Eucalyptus occurs as patches throughout the survey area and a 10m buffer has been implemented.

4 Access into Desktop mapped Open Eucalyptus Area S5018 south from station 1164

Sparse Eucalyptus with waist high shrubs that would require mulching. If mulcher access could be approved a considerable distance could be achieved close to design but the vibes would still be required to return via the same route as access isn’t possible out to 50181152.

The route will avoid open eucalypt forest and a 10m buffer has been implemented and source line S5018 adjusted.

5 Open Eucalyptus S5117, S5126 and S5135

After careful review of these areas most show little possibility for notable improvement by pushing access issues into the Open Eucalyptus as they ultimately result in the need of clearing or boxing vibes into tight places requiring reversing out. S51171076 to 1074 would benefit from access however. The Vibes could traverse this area without mulching being essential online and save mulching the 600m detour.

The route will avoid open eucalypt forest. A 10m buffer has been implemented and source lines S5117, S5126 and S5135 adjusted.

6 Encroachment on Priority 1 20m buffer S5135 station 1099 to 1100

Blocked by extensive flora buffer zones and Open Eucalyptus no access is possible for S5135. In order to continue north the route has been woven between the Open eucalyptus and the required Priority 1 15m buffer zone, but encroaches on the Warrego self-‐imposed 20m

The route will avoid open eucalypt forest. A 10m buffer has been implemented and source line S5135 adjusted.


Summary


buffer.

7 Approved use of North/South fire break track for S5144 Station 1001 to 1099

At the southern end the offset from design is minimal and would save the undesirable visual effect of the mulched line beside and frequently crossing the existing track. The northern portion is critical in the successful navigation through the extensive flora buffers. The other positive result is the quality of the track opposed to a mulched line and the 3.92km of mulched line saved.

Access of S5144 fire break has been approved for use, as the use of this existing cleared area will not result in any vegetation clearing and therefore an overlap with flora buffer is acceptable as long as there is no native vegetation clearing within the buffer

8 Extend R1054 1.1km west to access track

Scouted Routes if mulching allowance allows extend R1054 to the western access track to improve crew movements.

The proposed extension of R1054 will not be implemented as this extends outside the Exploration Permit and associated NVCP approved area.


Summary


The Ethnographic Survey and the Archaeological Heritage Assessment conducted by the Amangu People, generated several recommendations. The outcomes are discussed in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Actions and Closeouts from Cultural Heritage

No. Action Closeout

Ethnographic Survey

1 Warrego Energy are advised that Aboriginal heritage places and sites, both archaeological and ethnographic, were identified during the survey in the area of the Sandplain Creek and should be avoided

Works will be avoided around Sandplain Creek. A 20m exclusion zone has been established on either side of Sandplain Creek. In addition, two identified heritage site exclusion areas will be implemented.

2 Warrego Energy are advised that Sandplain Creek is not clear of Aboriginal heritage and recommend that works avoid this watercourse

Works will be avoided around Sandplain Creek. A 20m exclusion zone has been established on either side of Sandplain Creek. In addition, two identified heritage site exclusion areas will be implemented.

3 The potential for Aboriginal heritage sites and places in the remainder of the surveyed area is considered to be very low, and proposed work program works may proceed in these locations in accordance with Recommendation 4 (below)

Noted.

4 Warrego Energy are advised that based on the available information gathered during the survey YMAC and Amangu did not identify any new ethnographic sites or heritage places within the areas surveyed outside of Sandplain Creek

Noted.

5 That Warrego Energy seek to engage Amangu people to monitor ground disturbing works or participate in rehabilitation work in the area surveyed

Warrego is not proposing to engage monitors during the 3D Seismic activity. Monitors will be engaged during activities involving ground disturbance, for example, during well site preparation in the future.

6 If human remains, skeletal materials that may be human, or materials that may belong to a human grave are discovered during exploration within the cleared survey areas, Warrego Energy must follow the DAA procedures and stop work immediately, and the materials and the area around them must be left undisturbed. The Western Australian Police must be informed immediately as well as Amangu traditional owners, through their representative,

If any human remains, skeletal materials that may be human or materials that may belong to a human grave are discovered activities will cease, with the materials and the area to be left undisturbed. The notification process shown in the Cultural Heritage Management Plan that are in line with the DAA Procedures will be followed.


Summary


YMAC, as soon as practicable

7 It is recommended that Warrego Energy employees and contractors executing the proposed works be informed of the contents of the heritage survey report and their obligations under the AHA.

Personnel involved in the Survey will be informed of the contents of the Amangu Heritage Survey and obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA).

8 It is recommended that landowners in proximity to Sandplain Creek be informed of the contents of the heritage survey report and their obligations under the AHA;

The landholders in proximity of Sandplain Creek have been informed of the outcomes of the survey and the report and the associated obligations under AHA.

9 It is recommended that Warrego Energy maintain discussions with the Amangu people, regarding any future matters that may arise in relation to the area surveyed, including any further proposed excavation or ground disturbance activities or access to uncleared proximate areas.

Ongoing communications are being conducted and recorded with Warrego and the Amangu people.

Archaeological Heritage Assessment

1 Warrego Energy is advised that the archaeological work area clearance of the West Erregulla PDA is complete.

The proposed access tracks and deviations have been cleared. The area of the PDA that extends over private paddocks has also been cleared. Two heritage restriction zones (TRHRZ-‐AMA14-‐01 and TRHRZ-‐AMA14-‐02) were identified during a targeted search of the creek line in the northern part of the PDA and are not clear. As a result of this, the Amangu Traditional Owners request further heritage work to be done in areas of the PDA that extend over the crown land and within in the 100 m buffer of Sand Plain Creek. Warrego is advised that the existing creek crossings and existing firebreaks are clear.

Noted.

Works will be avoided around Sandplain Creek. A 20m exclusion zone has been established on either side of Sandplain Creek.

2 Warrego Energy is advised that there is a deviation on proposed access track A and that only this deviation has been cleared.

A section of the proposed access track A was not surveyed, and is subsequently not clear. As such an alternative deviation has been cleared. Warrego Energy is advised that should the deviation provided not be suitable, further heritage work is required to complete the section of the original access track or assess an alternative access track.

The ground Truthing Survey investigated the on the ground aspects of the original ‘access track A’ and the proposed deviation. Assessment of terrain issues and access was incorporated into the refinement of this line. .

3 Warrego Energy is advised to engage at least 2 monitors Exclusion zones have been included at the


Summary


for all clearing and ground disturbing works, and works along Sand Plain Creek.

The presence of Amangu Traditional Owner representatives as monitors is advised so that any subsurface cultural material that may be unearthed during works is managed appropriately. Additionally, cultural material may be unearthed during vegetation clearance as dense vegetation limited ground visibility in parts of the PDA.

known cultural heritage sites and Warrego will engage the Amangu people should any new sites be identified.

It is noted that native vegetation clearing will not be undertaken as such, but rather mulching which will not disturb the vegetation root stock or top soil.

4 All Warrego Energy employees and contractors working within the PDA should be made aware of the location and boundaries of all not cleared areas identified therein and be clearly instructed to restrict access and works to areas that Warrego Energy has clearance to utilise. It is recommended that Warrego Energy employees and contractors are briefed fully on their obligations in regards to heritage places and objects under the Act, and attend cultural awareness training if available.

It is an offence to disturb an Aboriginal heritage place without prior written permission to do so under s16 or s18 of the Act. Financial penalties may be applied against individuals or corporations who disturb a heritage place. S18 of the Act details the statutory provision for applications to be made to the Minister to utilise areas in which Aboriginal heritage places may exist. Approval to utilise areas in which Aboriginal heritage places may exist is subject to evaluation by the ACMC and the conditions of the Act.

Personnel involved in the Survey will be informed of exclusion zones of the known cultural heritage sites and the requirements and obligations under AHA.

5 It is recommended that Warrego Energy and the Amangu Traditional Owners cooperatively develop a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP).

In order to establish a framework for the mitigation of project impacts upon heritage places throughout Amangu country, it is recommended that Warrego Energy and the Amangu Traditional Owners cooperatively develop a CHMP. This CHMP should include a comprehensive stop-‐works procedure that addresses the management of subsurface cultural and skeletal material.

Warrego has developed a Cultural Heritage Management Plan that will be reviewed by the Amangu Traditional Owners.

6 If Warrego Energy proposes to alter the type of works or to expand the program of works, either in size or scale,

Ongoing communications are being conducted and recorded with Warrego and


Summary


beyond that cleared during the heritage assessment, it is advised that further consultation with the Amangu Traditional Owners is undertaken prior to the commencement of works.

Warrego Energy is advised that only the areas subjected to heritage assessment are clear for works to proceed. Should the program of works expand in size or scale, extend beyond existing creek crossings and existing firebreaks, or should the proponent wish to conduct a different type of works, the Traditional Owners will need to be engaged for further heritage assessment.

the Amangu people.


Summary


Appendix A: Seismic Ground Truthing Survey Map

ep!469west!erregulla!! seismic!groundtruthingsurvey …...west erregulla seismic ground truthing...

Documents