The planned ‘Skippy Rock’ and ‘Buttons Crossing’ exploration wells are located in WA-472-P and the ‘Big Brooks’ exploration well is in WA-473-P. Two of the three wells may be required to meet permit work plan commitments issued under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth).
The proposed drilling activities are scheduled to commence in Quarter 1 2016 and are subject to a separate EP.
To ensure MODU mooring capability in the area can be met, Woodside proposes to undertake an anchor holding test around the Skippy Rock well location, with potential testing around Buttons Crossing and Big Brooks.
The anchor holding testing activity is planned to be carried out using up to two anchor handling vessels (AHV) (with associated support vessels).
The AHV(s) will drop an anchor and provide tension, to ensure embedding of the anchor occurs. The vessel will then drift back and use an ROV to examine the level of embedding on the seafloor. The anchor will then be removed, and another test conducted at a different location (locations determined by proposed mooring spread for the MODU).
A 1NM radius precautionary zone will be in place around the AHV when anchor testing is being conducted.
 
 
(Initially submitted as  ‘WA-472-P and WA-473-P Exploration Drilling Environment Plan)