Endeavour Energy Annual Performance Report - Parliament of New ...
Endeavour Energy Annual Performance Report - Parliament of New ...
Endeavour Energy Annual Performance Report - Parliament of New ...
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Environmental<br />
management system<br />
Our environmental management<br />
system and strategy are key tools<br />
in improving our performance.<br />
Developed in accordance with the<br />
ISO 14001 international standard, the<br />
environmental management system<br />
continues to evolve along with our<br />
performance and the strengthening<br />
regulatory environment.<br />
Thanks to <strong>Endeavour</strong> <strong>Energy</strong>’s focus<br />
on regulatory compliance we faced<br />
no fines or prosecutions in 2010–11.<br />
However two incidents required<br />
reporting to the regulator under the<br />
NSW Protection <strong>of</strong> the Environment<br />
Operations Act 1997.<br />
The first incident occurred in<br />
September 2010 when a third-party<br />
truck struck a pole top transformer<br />
at Guildford. An estimated 200 litres<br />
<strong>of</strong> oil was lost from the transformer,<br />
with limited migration into the<br />
nearby stormwater drain.<br />
The most recent incident occurred in<br />
April 2011, arising from an <strong>Endeavour</strong><br />
<strong>Energy</strong> elevated work platform<br />
vehicle accident and subsequent<br />
diesel spill in Werombi.<br />
An analysis <strong>of</strong> all environmental<br />
incidents recorded during the<br />
year found:<br />
• Fifty-four environmental incidents<br />
were reported, <strong>of</strong> which two<br />
were deemed ‘notifiable’ to the<br />
Environment Protection Agency.<br />
<strong>Performance</strong> indicator: Environmental incidents<br />
0<br />
2006–07<br />
4<br />
2007–08<br />
2<br />
2008–09<br />
• The majority <strong>of</strong> incidents (69%)<br />
were spills <strong>of</strong> insulating or<br />
hydraulic oil.<br />
• Erosion and sediment control<br />
practices contributed to a further<br />
10% <strong>of</strong> incidents.<br />
• Nine complaints were received<br />
during the period, mostly<br />
associated with poor sediment<br />
control practices.<br />
We took appropriate corrective action<br />
to deal with all 2010–11 incidents.<br />
Site investigation<br />
and remediation<br />
Our proactive approach to the<br />
management <strong>of</strong> environmental<br />
risks is exemplified by our ongoing<br />
contaminated land investigation<br />
and remediation program, including<br />
former <strong>Endeavour</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> sites.<br />
This aligns with our Strategic Asset<br />
Management Program to investigate<br />
contamination that may pose a risk<br />
to workers excavating in network<br />
and non-network sites.<br />
Reflecting this approach, an<br />
investigation commenced in<br />
November 2009 <strong>of</strong> the residential<br />
properties surrounding Fairfield<br />
Zone Substation. The investigations<br />
identified low levels <strong>of</strong> groundwater<br />
and soil contamination that<br />
appeared to be associated with<br />
a former creosote tank (removed<br />
in 1998). While the contamination<br />
poses no adverse health risk, the site<br />
was reported to the Environment<br />
1<br />
2009–10<br />
2<br />
2010–11<br />
Good<br />
Protection Authority in accordance<br />
with the ‘Guideline on the Duty to<br />
<strong>Report</strong> Contamination under the<br />
Contamination Land Management<br />
Act 1997’.<br />
To date there have been a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> investigations, which have<br />
contributed to the development <strong>of</strong><br />
a Remediation Action Plan (RAP).<br />
Based on recommendations from an<br />
Environment Protection Authority<br />
accredited auditor, we prepared<br />
a Work Plan for additional soil<br />
vapour testing to provide greater<br />
certainty regarding our remediation<br />
strategy for the site. The Work Plan<br />
will be implemented in 2011–12<br />
in consultation with surrounding<br />
residents and key stakeholders.<br />
We are also continuing our<br />
due diligence in monitoring<br />
environmental conditions in our field<br />
service centres, to aggregate our<br />
knowledge and ensure compliance<br />
with regulations. A key success in<br />
2010–11 was the remediation <strong>of</strong><br />
the former Springhill Transmission<br />
Substation yard, to facilitate the<br />
redevelopment <strong>of</strong> Springhill Field<br />
Service Centre.<br />
Our proactive approach<br />
to the management<br />
<strong>of</strong> environmental risks<br />
is exemplified by our<br />
ongoing contaminated<br />
land investigation and<br />
remediation program<br />
Improving<br />
environmental<br />
awareness<br />
Ongoing engagement <strong>of</strong> employees<br />
and cultural change are key factors<br />
in improving our environmental<br />
performance. We conducted<br />
environmental refresher training<br />
across our regions in 2011. The topics<br />
discussed were selected according<br />
to a risk-assessment evaluation<br />
– using data from environmental<br />
incidents, minor works assessments<br />
and environmental survey results.<br />
<strong>Endeavour</strong> <strong>Energy</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Performance</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 2010–11<br />
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