On 18 September 2019, Equinor provided the requested further information regarding the environment plan for their proposed exploration drilling activity in the Great Australian Bight. According to Environment Regulations, the Australian offshore regulator, NOPSEMA has resumed its assessment of Equinor’s environment plan.
Now, NOPSEMA has 30 days to assess the proposal and through its assessment will consider possible environmental impacts from the proposed activity to ensure appropriate precautions are taken.
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It can also extend the timeframe of the assessment if additional time is necessary. NOPSEMA will only accept the environment plan once it meets the stringent requirements of the law.
To ensure procedural fairness and natural justice, NOPSEMA does not comment on the specifics of plans and proposals under assessment.
Equinor plans to begin the Stromlo-1 exploration well, during 2020. It will be drilled via a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU), and it is expected to last about 60 days.
The preferred drilling period is between November and February, as that time weather will benefit fast and efficient drilling.
