Managing Biodiversity-Related Risks and Impacts

We manage risks and mitigate impacts to areas in or near low integrity or high importance ecosystems through the use of the Mitigation Hierarchy. We support habitat and species conservation through strategic and proactive conservation initiatives in collaboration with conservation partners. Read our Biodiversity Position.

Mitigation Hierarchy

The mitigation hierarchy is a decision-making framework involving a sequence of four prioritized steps to mitigate adverse biodiversity impacts: Avoid, minimize, restore and offset.  

Avoid

Some biodiversity impacts can be avoided through careful spatial or temporal placement of infrastructure or scheduling field activities outside peak migration or breeding seasons.

Alaska

For more than 18 years we have funded grizzly bear research to help improve our activities and avoid human influence on bears. We conduct aerial infrared surveys in coastal areas of the North Slope of Alaska where winter activities are planned to look for heat signatures indicative of polar bears in dens. Ice road routes are carefully mapped out, avoiding rough terrain, cultural sites and other potentially sensitive areas. Read more about how we work to avoid human-bear interactions.

In 2022, we built the equivalent of 495 acres of winter ice roads and ice pads which melted away in the summer. Ground-disturbing activity on the tundra, such as gravel placement and other construction, occurs in the winter, outside of the migratory bird breeding season.

U.S. Lower 48

In the Bakken area of North Dakota, we aim to design our footprint to balance protection of the existing ecosystem with current and future land uses near our operations. Sharp-tailed grouse are considered a management indicator species for North Dakota and are present throughout our asset area in McKenzie County. Because of their importance in the North Dakota grasslands, we initiated a three-year study in 2020.

Photo of grouse in a trap
Two female sharp-tailed grouse inside a walk-in trap and one male displaying outside. 

The goal of the study is to gain a better understanding of sharp-tailed grouse nesting, summer/brood rearing and wintering habitat types, and local migration and movement patterns. In 2022, an additional 15 female and male sharp-tailed grouse were tagged with GPS transmitters, bringing the total to 60. Preliminary results from the GPS tagging indicate grouse within the study area use a wide variety of habitats including areas in close proximity to badland and forested habitat as well as agricultural fields. Statistical analyses are currently being worked based on the nest location and GPS data to include nesting habitat characteristics and nesting habitat resource selection model, female habitat use during the spring and summer, and male habitat use during the lekking and summer periods. These analyses will provide the scientific input needed to determine the most effective way to avoid impacting sharp-tailed grouse populations throughout their life cycle. Learn more about our project-specific approach to avoidance planning in North Dakota.

In the Permian, we identify and assess ecologically sensitive areas on company-owned land in the development pre-planning phase. These sensitive areas include playa lakes, waterways (such as rivers, draws and arroyos), areas with significant plant diversity and known sensitive species habitat. We integrate our understanding of these areas into the design of our surface development plans to identify options for avoiding impacts to sensitive habitats or biodiversity.

Strategic initiatives like voluntary conservation agreements also help avoid adverse biodiversity impacts and protect sensitive habitats near our operations. These formal agreements with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and/or other federal or state agencies typically require that new well locations and surface infrastructure avoid certain species habitats or sensitive areas within those habitats. We have enrolled approximately 700 acres in conservation agreements that protect the lesser prairie chicken in Texas and over 266,000 acres to protect the lesser prairie chicken and the dunes sagebrush lizard in New Mexico. In addition, we have enrolled more than 95,000 acres in conservation agreements that protect the endangered Texas hornshell mussel.

Minimize

We minimize biodiversity impacts through measures taken to reduce the duration, intensity and/or extent of the footprint of our operations. New drilling technology, data analytics techniques and integrated planning have helped reduce our infrastructure footprint and improve reservoir development efficiency through multi-well pads, longer lateral wells, multi-lateral wells, tankless pads and central facilities.

Norway

In 2022, we completed field studies using glider technology to assess and minimize the effects of seismic surveys and produced water discharges at Ekofisk. Gliders are unmanned, autonomous vehicles operating underwater, driven by gravity, or they are operated at the surface driven by wind, waves, gravity and solar energy. Surface gliders are about the size of a surfboard and we use gliders to conduct research and to collect data about the potential impact of activities on the marine environment and ocean life.

Canada

Through Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), ConocoPhillips Canada led the development of a goal to reduce the footprint intensity by 10% by 2022, measured from a 2012 benchmark. Achievements have been realized in surface infrastructure footprint optimization, improved drilling technology and progressive reclamation. While finalized 2022 data is pending, COSIA member companies have collectively reduced their footprint intensity from 0.34 in 2012 to 0.30 in 2021, a reduction of approximately 11%. We support COSIA in the development of environmental performance indicators for in-situ oil sands operators that will replace the footprint intensity reduction goal.

As part of our focus to proactively minimize footprint at Surmont we are participating in the COSIA EcoSeis project. EcoSeis focuses on the challenge of seismic data acquisition, which historically has required cutting a network of narrow corridors through the boreal forest to transport and deploy geophysical survey equipment. These seismic cut lines represent a significant contribution to our exploration footprint. The purpose of EcoSeis is to reduce the impacts of new seismic lines by reducing the width of the cut lines. In 2022, we completed a successful EcoSeis pilot at Surmont acquiring high-resolution seismic images reducing the overall footprint by over 40% compared to using conventional seismic technology. This phase of the EcoSeis project and additional assessment will be completed in 2024.

The Surmont Boreal Reclamation Project, a research initiative with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Centre for Boreal Research, is focused on upland boreal forest reclamation techniques. This project has demonstrated benefits to actively planting nursery stock seedlings on a previously disturbed reclamation area (in this case a soil stockpile). Results of the research confirmed that high-density planting (10,000 stems/ha) supports faster development of forest canopy vegetation, and after six growing seasons, there is evidence of progression toward a vegetation community with typical forest attributes.

Alaska

The size of well pads has been reduced from 65 acres in 1970 to about 12 acres. At the same time, the drilling radius has increased from 5,000 feet to about 22,000 feet. In 2022, we completed the first well using our extended-reach drill (ERD) rig, reaching over 35,000 feet in length. Our engineers are also integrating biodiversity preservation measures into the design and siting of infrastructure. New pipelines are elevated seven or more feet above the tundra to allow caribou to cross underneath. New roads and pipelines are also typically constructed 500 feet apart to further facilitate unimpeded caribou movement. For new projects, we place power cables on the pipeline racks to eliminate the need to build overhead powerlines and to reduce bird collision hazards.

Each year, ConocoPhillips Alaska conducts scientific field studies throughout the Colville River and northeastern National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPR-A) on the North Slope of Alaska. These studies are conducted by respected scientists with many years of experience on the North Slope. We collaborate with the North Slope Science Initiative and the Bureau of Land Management to share environmental reports. Our 2022 environmental field studies focused on several avian species (eiders, loons, geese and shorebirds), air quality, fish and subsistence fisheries, caribou, hydrology, cultural resources and subsistence.

U.S. Lower 48

Shrinking pad size and increased drilling radius have also helped minimize the infrastructure footprint for our unconventional operations in the Lower 48. Our Biodiversity Mapping Tools inform development strategies for the Bakken, Eagle Ford and Permian. The GIS-based tool helps identify the presence of sensitive species within project development areas and tracks results of field surveys or cultural resource surveys.

In the Permian, our understanding of habitats and species distribution on company-owned land is integrated into decision-making during the planning and development process. Our approach focuses on concentrating infrastructure in development corridors and utilizing horizontal drilling to reduce habitat fragmentation. Our goal is to minimize impact to ecologically sensitive habitats, biodiversity or areas of hydrological significance. A similar concept, based on utilizing centralized facilities, which reduces infrastructure footprint, land disturbance, impacts on wildlife, emissions and truck traffic is also being applied in our Bakken assets in North Dakota.

Australia

In Australia, we have been conducting field-based monitoring of the mangroves near the APLNG facility quarterly since 2012. This has included analyzing leaves, assessing seedling regeneration, measuring trees and assessing water chemistry. We added satellite monitoring to complement our field-based study and to minimize human impact from the on-the-ground monitoring process. The mangrove satellite monitoring includes analyzing annual high-resolution and multi-spectral images back to 2006 to assess long-term mangrove canopy trends over a wider area. Results indicate the facility has not caused an impact to the surrounding mangroves and the canopy circumference has increased.

We completed a migratory shorebird monitoring study to assess potential impacts on local population trends associated with construction and operation of APLNG. The shorebird monitoring study started in 2009 and continued for five years beyond the completion of construction, which concluded in 2021. Results indicated that population trends are in response to regional effects and are unlikely to be associated with the ongoing operation of the facility. Assessments will continue to be performed where major construction activities are undertaken.

Restore

When impacts and disturbance cannot be completely avoided or further minimized, we employ measures to restore the area to a stable, productive and self-sustaining ecosystem through remediation or reclamation activities, considering beneficial uses of the impacted and surrounding areas. Remediation or reclamation of disturbed areas is part of our ongoing risk management at operating facilities and includes temporary and permanent measures. Asset retirement obligations are included in our Long-Range Plan.

Alaska

In Kuparuk, we began reclaiming gravel mine sites in the late 1970s. We use gravel for roads and pads to provide a stable driving surface and to keep the underlying permafrost frozen. Once the gravel resource is extracted, the mine sites undergo reclamation, returning the area to a functioning habitat. In collaboration with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Alaska Department of Natural Resources we have selected gravel mine sites near streams to promote eventual flooding, creating deep over-wintering fish habitat and providing fish with vital movement pathways. In addition to local fish habitat, this reclamation approach provides habitat for nesting shorebirds and grizzly bears. Reclamation is continuing at several North Slope gravel mine sites.

Norway

Removal and recycling of offshore platforms reduces our footprint and restores marine habitat. Since 2010 we have removed the topsides and jackets of 15 platforms as part of our offshore decommissioning activities. For seven of the removed platforms, we have also mapped safety zones and removed debris, making approximately 1,400 acres of seabed available for other users of the sea. Debris removal around platforms removed at the Ekofisk Complex will be completed upon future Ekofisk decommissioning.

Canada

In 2022, we completed the dismantling and remediation phase of Surmont’s pilot plant after 19 years as Surmont’s initial central processing facility. The decision to retire and reclaim the plant is part of our strategy to proactively remove infrastructure that no longer contributes to active operations. We will start advancing the reclamation and revegetation of the almost 20-acre area in collaboration with local Indigenous communities and vendors in summer 2023.

At our Montney asset, we worked with a local Indigenous community in 2022 to select restoration sites for the British Columbia Dormant Sites Reclamation Program. The scope of the restoration work for each of the 10 sites selected by the community was developed in collaboration between representatives from the community and ConocoPhillips staff. The community contributed traditional knowledge and observations about key local species and the desired restored landscape for almost 40 acres. Our experts contributed expertise on innovative restoration and revegetation techniques. When possible, we retained community vendors to implement aspects of the restoration work.

Since 2009, we have led an industry collaboration through COSIA to accelerate reclamation of exploration well sites in the Canadian boreal forest. The Faster Forests program has resulted in more than 6 million trees and shrubs being planted on about 5,500 acres of land in the oil sands region. The initiative has led to the adoption of improvements in site construction and reclamation practices and planting to accelerate site recovery and is transitioning from a special initiative to standard operating practice.

The Algar Restoration Project was a COSIA initiative that aimed to restore disturbances from legacy conventional seismic lines in caribou habitat. The five-year project included tree planting and regeneration protection of about 240 miles of linear disturbances, restoring over 600 acres.

U.S. Lower 48

Our U.S. Lower 48 assets leverage strategic partnerships for proactive conservation with the goal of conserving biodiversity and restoring habitat before they need to be protected through government regulations. Read more about our proactive conservation achievements.

For company-owned land in the Permian, we have a history of implementing stewardship programs in support of habitat restoration. In 2014, we contributed to the creation of the Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area, which extends over approximately 14,000 acres in Terry and Yoakum Counties near Lubbock, providing refuge for native grassland birds and wildlife, including the lesser prairie chicken, Baird's sparrow, ferruginous hawk, western burrowing owl, swift fox, black-tailed prairie dog, Texas horned lizard and mule deer.

In 2022, restoration and conservation achievements at the company-owned Quail Ranch were awarded the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Lone Star Land Steward Award. The Lone Star Land Steward Awards program has recognized conservation efforts of private landowners since 1996. Located in Upton County, Quail Ranch encompasses over 90,000 acres in the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau ecoregions of Texas. Read more about our conservation initiatives at Quail Ranch.

Other Permian restoration efforts include:

  • Completing 285 development reviews for ecological sensitivity, conflicts with ranch operations, and adherence to conservation agreements and best management practices, and 69 wildlife surveys for six different species with ongoing population monitoring via remote sensing for select megafauna.
  • Enhancing habitat connectivity and promoting biodiversity using results from habitat assessments, including wildlife-friendly fencing installation and water distribution projects to improve grazing distribution and access to water for wildlife.
  • Controlling noxious and invasive species, including brush control treatment of over 3,200 acres and treatment of African rue.
  • Reseeding over 360 acres of rights-of-way with locally adapted native plant species in collaboration with the West Texas and Permian Basin-Panhandle Native Seeds Projects.
  • Reclaiming and restoring decommissioned frack pits, well and battery pads, roads, surface lines and electrical infrastructure, including evaluation of effectiveness of treatments in restoring impacted areas.
  • Participation in programs recognizing landowners for efforts to provide high-quality habitat for pronghorn, mule deer and white-tailed deer.

Offsets

Biodiversity offsets may be used for impacts or disturbances that remain after avoidance, minimization and restoration measures have been implemented, or to address a regulatory requirement. Our internal Biodiversity Offset Guideline provides direction to asset teams where a biodiversity offset is a regulatory requirement or a strategic business preference. We have implemented biodiversity offsets in several areas of our operations. 

Australia

Federal and state government environmental approvals to develop major construction projects in Australia require biodiversity offsets to counterbalance disturbance. Curtis Island represents a local LNG industry’s landmark conservation achievement. Combined with the existing conservation park, more than 59% of the island is actively managed under a conservation management plan, compared to just 2% used by LNG projects on the southern tip. This will protect the island’s unique ecology and heritage for future generations and contribute to conservation of about 100 square miles in perpetuity. Read more about the Curtis Island Conservation Park.

Canada

In 2022, our Montney team worked with a local Indigenous community to select three sites for a habitat offset program to address a British Columbia pipeline permit requirement. The program targeted a 4:1 offset for land disturbed in valued ecosystems as defined by the Indigenous community. Site selection and the scope of restoration work were determined in collaboration with the local Indigenous community after field reconnaissance visits. Three sites, covering a total area of about 16 acres, were selected for the offset program. Research on optimal site preparation and soil cover design conducted in collaboration with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Centre for Boreal Research helped meet community expectations for site restoration.

We co-funded the Junction Lake Conservation Site in Northern Alberta as a voluntary offset. The 289-acre conservation area provides a unique opportunity for the public to view the piping plover, an endangered bird species with a local population of only about 100. Through this conservation collaboration, we received the first “early action recognition” from the Government of Alberta for a voluntary offset in 2015.

In collaboration with Ducks Unlimited we conserved the Bullshead Conservation Area in southeastern Alberta in 2014. It encompasses more than 2,050 acres of wetland-rich prairie, native grasslands and high-value wildlife and plant species, including large numbers of waterfowl.