Vermilion Oil & Gas Australia Pty Ltd (VOGA) is the licensed permit holder of production licence area WA-14-L, located in Commonwealth waters in the Carnarvon Basin off the northwest coast of Western Australia, approximately 80 km northwest of Dampier and 110 km northeast of Barrow Island in water depths of approximately 50-60 m.

VOGA are planning near field exploration drilling to identify and confirm viable hydrocarbons to support further development of WA-14-L. The exploration drilling will be carried out using a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) at up to 7 prospect locations, all within WA-14-L. Exploration drilling activities are proposed within an Operational Area around the 7 prospects near the existing facilities. The exploration drilling will likely take 15-20 days per well. The total, maximum days expected for the exploration drilling activities is estimated to be 140 days over 5 years. Activities covered under this EP will be conducted 24 hours per day and may occur 7 days a week at any time of the year.

The Wandoo Field Exploration Drilling Environment Plan (EP) has been prepared to allow for the exploration drilling and support activities. The activities covered in the EP include:
• MODU—includes positioning, and general (non-drilling) operation activities
• Drilling—includes drilling and contingency activities
• Formation evaluation—reservoir appraisal activities
• Well abandonment—plug and abandonment activities, including wellhead removal
• Field support—includes support vessels, helicopters and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

There is no recovery of hydrocarbons associated with the exploration drilling activities, and as such no processing, transport, or third party end-use of hydrocarbons would occur as a result of the petroleum activity within the scope of the EP.

A temporary 500 m safety exclusion zone will apply around the MODU. Commercial fishers and other marine users are permitted to use the Operational Areas but should take care around the operations by adhering to standard navigation rules and remain clear of the safety exclusion zone.

Marine notices will be issued prior to activity commencement to alert vessels which may be operating in waters nearby.

Further information about the activity and the consultation process can be found at: www.vermilionenergy.com/our-operations/australia/wandoo-consultation-activities.