Description
The facility, subsea infrastructure and support vessels will all introduce a new physical presence into the marine environment of the operating area.
Their existence has the potential to impact on the biological and socio-economic environment in and around the operating area.
Potential impacts
Marine animals and birds that live and migrate through the operating area could be impacted by the presence of the facility and support vessels.
Fish species are likely to be attracted to the hull of the facility and the subsea infrastructure. Generally, this is expected to have a positive effect on species diversity and population growth in the area due to the creation of an artificial reef.
Given the location, the number of bird species (threatened or migratory) is likely to be low and limited to individuals only. Birds may choose to rest or roost on the structure.
The remote offshore location of the facility means there is very little human activity in the region apart from oil and gas activity, commercial fishing and shipping. There are no known tourism activities, defence exercise areas, or defence activities within the area. The designated safety zone and water depth mean there is minimal fishing activity of any kind (commercial, recreational, or traditional) in the region.
The closest permanent infrastructure is the INPEX Ichthys project, located 17km south of the operational area. Other petroleum exploration activities are likely to happen in the region, but no aspects of Prelude operations are expected to impact on these activities.
The creation of an artificial reef is likely to have a positive impact in the immediate area around the facility with an anticipated increase in fish diversity and numbers. There is expected to be no credible impact on threatened or migratory bird species as a result of the physical presence of the facility.
Given the size of Prelude in the context of the region’s environment and the remoteness of the location; there will be minimal or slight impacts on the socio-economic environment. Steps have been taken to minimise possible interactions with the facility, equipment and support vessels.
For more information on the impact of Prelude infrastructure and support vessels review the full EP.
Key controls and mitigations
There is a Petroleum Safety Zone around the facility and subsea wells, which exists to reduce the potential interactions with the facility and subsea equipment.