Action item 5.7
Progress
Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.
That to minimise the risk of occurrence of seismic events during hydraulic fracturing operations, a traffic light system for measured seismic intensity, similar to that in the UK, be implemented.
Completed
Action item update
Implementation
The Induced Seismicity Management Guideline 2022 (the Guideline) has been developed in conjunction with Geoscience Australia and is on the DEPWS website. In December 2022, the Minister for Resources directed that all petroleum interest holders must legally comply with the Guideline.
The Guideline requires compliance with an individually assessed and approved induced seismicity management plan (ISMP) that details the appropriate installation of at least two ground motion accelerometers per drilling pad to measure seismic events during hydraulic fracturing operations.
The Guideline specifies the operational and reporting responses to peak ground acceleration trigger ‘traffic light’ levels should they occur. These may involve immediately ceasing operations. ISMPs will become a standard requirement of well operation management when amendments to the Petroleum Act 1984 commence.