Looking forward: a regulator’s perspectiveAPPEA Environment Forum 2016

Cameron GrebeHead of Division – Environment

National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority

NOPSEMA’s perspective

335 environment plan assessments 2,000+

stakeholder meetings

150+environment inspections

15environment

investigations

• Feedback (what others are saying)

• Problem analysis

• Solutions

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9Date

11

Offshore Petroleum Activity Consultation ‘Fact Sheet’:

Timing: The activity will take place over summer.

Real life (otherwise known as the EP):

Timing: …the activity will take place over summer…

The exact timing is dependent on weather etc and may commence as early as October and extend into Maydepending on operational constraints.

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12

Titleholder rep to fishing rep setting the boundaries of consultation early:

Just so we are clear, at no stage during consultation is compensation up for discussion.

Fishing rep to titleholder rep in response:

Just so we are clear, at no stage during consultation is your activity proceeding up for discussion.

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Responses to relevant person:

The seismic survey will not affect fish. The survey will not occur in spawning season.

(in response to concerns raised regarding sound impacts on commercial fish spp. and stated opposition to oil and gas) 13

EP content:

Spawning occurs from October to December. No more than 10% of the spawning area will be affected.

(referencing research identifying mortality of fish eggs in close proximity to an airgun array)

We have done (are doing) a lot

• Improvements in information and guidance

• Accessibility to information about approvals

• Community information outreach

• APPEA consultation methodology

• Policy review to consider full transparency and public comment

BUT…Mainly focussed on processes

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Problem diagnosis – constructive consultation needs all three

Relationship

Trust

Honesty

Respect

Process

Efficient and targeted

Fairness for all

Transparent

Substance

Understanding / knowledge

Applied science

Treat gaps

17Adapted from: Lewandowski - Dissertation -Transforming Conflict into Effective Action -A Case Study on the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammals - Sept 2015

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Solutions - substance

• Facts:– Seismic and other petroleum activities can affect the

environment

– Stakeholders perceive the impacts (and risks) to be higher and have a lower threshold for acceptable levels

• Proper exploration and explanation of the impacts– Transparency

– Research applied

– Research gaps addressed appropriately, up front

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respect/ rɪˈspɛkt/

Have due regard for (someone’s wishes, feelings or rights)

honesty/ ɒnɪsti/

free of deceit; truthful and sincere

trust/ trʌst/

firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something

Solutions - relationships

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Solutions – building trust

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Trust

21http://www.agweb.com/article/transparency__builds_trust_naa_julie_douglas_deering/

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Solutions – conflict in consultation

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A different approach needed

Alternative (more effort but likely to

work better in longer term)

Traditional

Looking Forward

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