General News
21 May, 2025
Plastic “accidentally” released into ocean
WOODSIDE Energy has admitted 186 kilograms of plastic has inadvertently been released as part of decommissioning works off the coast of Port Campbell.
As Western District Newspapers recently reported, Woodside Energy have been conducting decommissioning works in the Otway Basin since April 6.
The decommissioning works involve plug and abandonment, which permanently seals subsea wells to prevent the release of hydrocarbons into the environment.
Concerns were raised regarding the works when community members in the group ‘Beach Patrol 3280-3284’ noticed plastic clamps appearing on beach shores across Warrnambool to Port Fairy.
Western District Newspapers contacted Woodside Energy with questions and received confirmation there had been an “accidental” release of the clamps.
“During decommissioning of the Minerva field, offshore south west Victoria, there has been unplanned release of some plastic clamps to the marine environment during pipeline removal,” a Woodside spokesperson said.
“The clamps have not been exposed to hydrocarbons.
“We are engaging community groups about the recovery of plastic clamps and thank those in the community who have raised this and contributed to recovery efforts.
“NOPSEMA and other regulators have been informed.
“Woodside is cooperating with the regulatory processes while proceeding with plastic clamp recovery.”
Woodside Energy have been conducting beach walks alongside the community to collect any remaining plastic washed ashore.
“The plastic clamps were used to ‘bundle’ components of the pipeline,” a Woodside spokesperson said.
“While most of the plastic clamps from the Minerva field have been successfully recovered intact to the vessel undertaking the decommissioning works, beach walks have been conducted to look for and collect any clamps or fragments of clamps that washed ashore, as well as other unrelated general waste or plastics.
“Decommissioning operations to date have removed approximately 1385 tonnes of infrastructure and equipment from the Minerva field.
“This includes six tonnes of plastic clamps.
“We currently estimate that approximately three per cent or 186 kilograms of this clamp material was accidentally released.”
Woodside Energy did not provide comment on questions regarding how the plastic had been released, however acknowledged the company will be trialling techniques to reduce the risk of a similar accident occurring in the future.
“Activities have been suspended while techniques are trialled to reduce the risk that plastic materials are released when pipeline is removed,” a Woodside spokesperson said.
“Some of the released material has now been collected and we continue to progress those recovery efforts.
“A contractor has been engaged to continue the beachside plastic recovery.
“Recovery of the Minerva pipeline in Commonwealth waters commenced in early March and reporting to NOPSEMA was undertaken consistent with reporting requirements.
“We are continuing to work with our contractors and the regulator to ascertain the background facts – we are focused on recovering plastic clamps and welcome engagement with the community on this.”
Community members with questions or comments are welcome to contact Woodside by email at consultation@feedback.woodside.com.
Read More: Port Campbell, local