Why Was BP’s Application to Drill in the Great Australian Bight Rejected?

With oil companies well aware that their key source of income is rapidly depleting, the fight has never been fiercer when it comes to securing new drilling sites. BP is the latest superpower to come under fire for its attempts to tap into new reserves, with its proposal to commence drilling in the Great Australian Bight promptly rejected.

BP hung out to dry by NOPSEMA

So why was BP left high and dry? According to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) the application for four exploration wells failed to comply with Australia’s environmental standards. Major concerns included the impact on local wildlife, with endangered species such as the southern right whale particularly at risk. As a national environmental body, NOPSEMA’s word is final, which means BP will not be able to go ahead with its drilling ventures in 2016.

Praise from fellow eco warriors

The South Australian government was quick to praise NOPSEMA for its rejection, maintaining that it reflects the diligence and efficacy of the organisation. The Greens party also jumped on-board, accusing BP of having a “shocking” eco-record that could wreak havoc on one of Australia’s most delicate ecosystems.

“BP clearly hasn’t learned from their disastrous Deepwater Horizon spill five years ago,” said Senator Robert Simms said.

As expected, The Wilderness Society was thrilled with the result. The group continually campaigns against oil and gas drilling in bight, warning that it puts marine life at serious risk.

“The Great Australian Bight is a haven for whales, boasting the world’s most significant southern right whale nursery as well as many humpback, sperm, blue and beak whales,” explains director Peter Owen.

The fight to drill continues…

Despite the fact that all four of its applications were rejected, BP has vowed not to give up its hopes of drilling in the Great Australian Bight.

“NOPSEMA is a diligent and thorough regulator and we expect to have to work hard and take the time to demonstrate that we have got our EP right,” asserts the company in a public statement.

Should BP succeed in its attempts to drill in the Great Australian Bight, its product will inevitably be subject to ISO-Standards analysis. ‘A World First – Verification of Petroleum Analysers According to ISO-Standards’ offers readers an overview of the key role QC laboratories play in ensuring manufactured products meet imposed quality standards. It looks at the use of high-tech instruments to determine a variety of measurements, including flash point, vapour pressure, viscosity and other physical properties.