Apache proposes to undertake a MSS named Baxter, in Petroleum Exploration Permit WA-505-P, 406 km north of Port Hedland in water 1500-2000 m deep.
The proposed survey is expected to occur in July 2015 with an expected duration of 14 days, subject to weather conditions and statutory approvals. As a contingency, the environment plan (EP) for this MSS will be written to accommodate the survey being undertaken at any time of year. The latest date for completion of this activity is 31st July 2016.
The equipment and methods used to conduct the survey are standard for seismic surveys and conform to what has been previously used for similar studies by Apache Energy and other operators in the same marine region. A purpose-built vessel towing a number of streamers will track back and forth across the survey area, releasing compressed air energy sources at regular intervals to create soundwaves that penetrate and are reflected back by the rock formations below the seabed. The reflections are picked up by an array of sensors on the streamers, and the data recorded on the vessel for later analysis. The streamer arrays are up to 1.5 km wide and 10 km long, and are positioned below the ocean surface.
The operational area does not overlap any protected or significant areas other than the Argo-Rowley terrace Commonwealth Marine Reserve. The closest sensitive feature is the Rowley Shoals State marine park (85 km SSE). Water depths within the operational areas are between 1500 and 2000 m. The Activity Operational Area is 342 km away from the nearest landfall of Coulomb Point on the mainland, and the nearest town is Port Hedland (406 km South).