❓ Question on Notice regarding compliance with mining environmental conditions by petroleum operators, specifically focusing on decommissioning and rehabilitation of non-compliant sites and the need for an industry rehabilitation fund. The response reveals company names, site locations, and enforcement actions.
AnsweredQoN 1302Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the recent Auditor General’s report, Compliance with Mining Environmental Conditions (audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Report-11_Compliance-with-Mining-Environmental-Conditions.pdf_) and the report's case study which states that: "In 2017 and 2018, DMIRS issued three petroleum operators with directions to decommission wells and rehabilitate sites. The directions expired without being complied with. At the time of audit, no operator had been penalised, although these cases remain open as DMIRS explores options." I ask: (a) which three companies were issued with the directions; (b) what is the location of the non-compliant sites; (c) are any of the three companies still operating: (i) if yes to (c), which ones; (d) why has the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) not taken any enforcement or prosecution action against any of the companies in relation to these compliance failures; (e) when will decommissioning and rehabilitation of the sites be commenced and completed; (f) what is the expected cost to the State Government of carrying out the required decommissioning and rehabilitation works at each of the sites; (g) does this case highlight the need for a pooled industry rehabilitation fund for the onshore petroleum sector, as applies to the mining sector; and (h) if no to (g), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
9 May 2023
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
9 days
a) Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd; New Standard Onshore Pty Ltd; and Onshore Energy Pty Ltd.
b) Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd’s site is located near Exmouth; New Standard Onshore Pty Ltd has multiple sites located in the Great Sandy Desert and one site near Carnarvon; and Onshore Energy Pty Ltd’s two sites are located near Kununurra.
c) - (i) Yes, Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd.
d) The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has taken enforcement action in relation to the company still operating.
e) Compliance action is due 29 February 2024.
f) Total costs for decommissioning and rehabilitation works have not been estimated.
g) Yes.
h) - (g) Not applicable.
b) Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd’s site is located near Exmouth; New Standard Onshore Pty Ltd has multiple sites located in the Great Sandy Desert and one site near Carnarvon; and Onshore Energy Pty Ltd’s two sites are located near Kununurra.
c) - (i) Yes, Rough Range Oil Pty Ltd.
d) The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has taken enforcement action in relation to the company still operating.
e) Compliance action is due 29 February 2024.
f) Total costs for decommissioning and rehabilitation works have not been estimated.
g) Yes.
h) - (g) Not applicable.
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