Company’s model shows a spill from its proposed well could have a much more devastating effect on coasts and marine life than previously thought
An uncontrolled oil spill from BP’s planned wells in the Great Australian Bight could affect the coastline as far away as New South Wales, according to previously secret oil-spill modelling uploaded to the company’s website this week.
Within 24 hours of the modelling being uploaded to BP’s website, the regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (Nopsema) announced it would take a further 10 days to assess BP’s plans to drill in the area.
Related: Oil disaster investigator alarmed by BP Great Australian Bight response