Assessing options to optimise the conservation of marine life during the decommissioning of an oil and gas facility
Prior to demolishing the former Adelaide Refinery in South Australia, our client needed to determine the most appropriate decommissioning options for the facility. They reached out to us to deliver a series of comprehensive field and desktop investigations with one main goal—to assess the ecological significance of the underwater structures and marine habitats associated with the refinery.
Our investigations included hydrodynamic and dispersion modelling, field investigations of water quality, sediment characteristics and contamination, and assessment of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, and mobile macroinvertebrates. We used baited remote underwater video technology to assess and monitor fish in the area. Our study allowed the client to determine which parts of the offshore infrastructure should be retained because of conservation value for marine life. This also led us to conduct a risk-based options assessment to help our client strive for best possible environmental outcome.
Following the conclusion of this work, our client moved forward with demolition while retaining a large part of the infrastructure as a habitat for marine species, including fur seals.
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Kate Reeds, Practice Lead – Marine and Aquatic Ecology
As ecology practitioners, it’s our job to drive change and create solutions that reduce impact on our rivers, estuaries, and oceans.
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