The award was issued to McConnell Dowell for recognition of an exemplary achievement in reducing environmental impacts during the Nifty Pipeline EPC, and was announced at the APIA Annual Dinner, held during the 2006 APIA Convention in Alice Springs. The award was presented by IPLOCA Executive Secretary Luc Henriod.

Construction of the Nifty Pipeline commenced in September 2005 and was completed in January 2006. The pipeline was constructed across 46 km of the Great Sandy Desert, which supports a number of environmentally significant flora and fauna habits. McConnell Dowell, in consultation with MBS Environmental, GasNet (OpCo), Birla-Nifty, and other stakeholders, forged a cooperative approach to meet environmental requirements and deliver an excellent outcome.

Construction of the pipeline required total disturbance of about 100 hectares of area known to be habitat of a number of fauna species of conservation significance. Re-instatement following laying of pipe was required to reach completion prior to commencement of the wet season to ensure effective rehabilitation of the pipeline corridor, particularly of sand dunes that were disturbed during construction.

The challenging deadline for backfilling of ‘open trench’, which posed increased risk of fauna fatality in the months of high fauna activity, was met. This, along with fauna rescue and monitoring during the construction phase, further advanced the science of fauna/flora interaction with pipeline construction, especially in such a fragile environment.

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Key environmental achievements included instantaneous IMS data collection and interpretation using new Bluetooth wireless technology at each chainage; environmental protection, including specific fauna protection measures using fauna special shelters; involvement of traditional landowners in fauna management, imparting valuable knowledge on fauna behaviour; successful implementation of environmental management plans for protection of the extremely rare marsupial mole; and, environmental compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and time frames.

The bi-annual Shell Environmental award is presented every other year to an IPLOCA Member or Associate Member who, in the opinion of the adjudication committee, has made a significant contribution in reducing the impact of pipeline construction on the environment.

Submissions are considered under several categories, including innovation, pre-construction, post-construction, and socio-economic programs. Although only one award is made, depending on the views of Shell, a certificate may also be awarded to a worthy runner up.