Exploration

• Ensure that sufficient research has been undertaken to identify what species are likely to be present in the area and their distribution
• Avoid areas frequented by threatened or engendered marine species such as Maui’s dolphin and New Zealand sea lions
• Follow the Department of Conservation Code of Conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations
• Adapt or schedule seismic surveys to avoid seasonal migrations or key breeding locations
• Avoiding anchoring on seabed structures of environmental or other significance
• Check, clean and apply non-toxic antifouling paints to infrastructure that is brought from overseas
• Undertake sufficient monitoring so any significant adverse effects on the marine environment can be identified and addressed in a timely manner
• For any exploratory well drilling consider the options outlined for production well drilling

Production

• Chose a site for platform placement after an environmental impact assessment has been undertaken
• Locate drilling platforms as far as possible from sensitive species or habitats, avoiding areas of high ecological value including areas of high endemism
• Avoid areas with outstanding biodiversity, natural character or landscape values
• Avoid significant shellfish beds, fish spawning areas and areas of high fish density
• Avoid areas of recreational significance, including nationally important surf breaks
• Ensure well integrity is regulated for the purpose of protecting the environment
• Purchase and retire appropriate commercial fish quota for the duration of the production phase
• Limit unnecessary lighting and ensure that those that are required are directed vertically onto work surfaces
• Reduce levels of toxic components in fluids by removing or recycling them before discharge
• Ensure any dredge spoil is only dumped in locations where impacts will be minimal
• In sensitive environments, collect all waste from drilling operations, and store on-board for disposal on land
• Re-inject gas to decrease the volume of gas that might be otherwise flared (reducing emissions of greenhouse gases)
• Deploy robust safety features, such as automatic shut-down valves, to reduce the risk of a significant oil spill
• Ensure adequate systems and training are in place to minimise oil spill risk
• Treat sewage prior to discharge
• Check, clean and apply non-toxic antifouling paints to infrastructure that is brought from overseas
• Comply with the requirements of the Craft Risk Management Standard
• Minimise greenhouse gas emissions through careful management of sources, including power generating equipment, flaring and fugitive fuel emissions
• Undertake sufficient monitoring so that any significant adverse effects on the marine environment can be identified and addressed in a timely manner
• Involve tangata whenua and stakeholders in overseeing monitoring programmes
• Make monitoring information publicly available in a timely fashion

Decomissioning

• Leave a clean seafloor following decommission
• Ensure that the well is decommissioned properly and formations are sealed off permanently