Managing biodiversity-related risks and impacts
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. We use the Mitigation Hierarchy as a guide to manage risks and mitigate impacts of our operations. We implement opportunities as mitigation measures to support habitat and species conservation through strategic and proactive conservation initiatives in collaboration with partners.
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: Kuparuk and Western North Slope | In 2023, we conducted environmental monitoring based on planned activities and our infrastructure footprint, which informs environmental protections and avoidance. For example, we complete aerial infrared surveys across our operating areas on the North Slope, and wherever winter activities are planned, to look for heat signatures indicative of maternal polar bears dens. If dens are located, they are subject to a protective buffer area. Ice roads, snow trail routes or our activities within the buffer area are altered to avoid potential impact to the maternal den. We have a history of almost 20 years of funding grizzly bear research to help improve our activities and avoid human influence on bears and bear dens. Grizzly bear dens are also subject to a regulatory buffer (avoidance) area. Ice road routes are another example of avoidance planning. Routes are carefully mapped out, avoiding rough terrain and certain habitat types. In 2023, we built the equivalent of 495 acres of winter ice roads and ice pads which melt away in the summer months minimizing permanent development footprint. Ground-disturbing activity on the tundra, such as gravel placement and other construction, occurs outside of the migratory bird breeding season in June and July, and in many areas, there are seasonal restrictions for vehicles or activities based on caribou and/or other mammal presence or movements. |
| Australia: Otway Basin Exploration Project | In 2021, we excluded areas of giant crab habitat from the Sequoia 3D Marine Seismic Survey acquisition area to avoid potential impacts to the species and the associated depleted fishery. Consequently, planning conducted in 2022-2023 for the Otway Exploration Drilling Program has also built in avoidance of these areas. |
| Canada: Montney and Surmont | ConocoPhillips Canada actively pursues options to optimize land footprint in the planning stages to avoid sensitive ecosystems and culturally significant sites for our local Indigenous communities. The use of infill and outboard wells on existing pads has avoided new footprint in the form of new pads. When outboards/infills are not possible, optimizing land footprint remains a consideration in designing facilities and is a driver for tighter well head spacing where feasibly safe to do so. Ongoing wildlife mitigation effectiveness research improves our understanding of how to avoid impacts to biodiversity. |
| U.S. Lower 48: Bakken |
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 based on the nest locations and bird GPS locations included resource selection models for nest site selection and male and female post-breeding habitat use. Females selected nest locations in both native and non-native grassland cover types typically at the higher elevations and along ridgetops within our study area, but otherwise did not appear to be avoiding most other landscape features (steeper slopes, forest edges, density of oil/gas development, etc.). During the post-nesting spring and summer period, habitat use was similar to nesting other than we documented stronger avoidance of existing roads, existing well pad locations within 0.4 miles, and forest cover within 300 feet. Male sharp-tailed grouse generally remained within 0.6 miles of the breeding lek during the spring and summer (May-August), including well beyond the breeding period. Consequently, it appeared cover type (grassland vs. cropland) was less significant than proximity to the lek. Habitat use was likely reflective of the available surrounding habitat. Generally, we found males selected higher elevations and lower slopes and avoided grassland cover and forest edges, which was likely a predator avoidance response from the high number of forest raptors (e.g., Cooper’s hawks) in the area. These analyses 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. |
| U.S. Lower 48: Permian | 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 to prevent adverse impacts to biodiversity and sensitive habitats near our operations. These formal agreements with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and/or other federal or state agencies include stipulations governing the timing of certain development activities within specific species habitats or sensitive areas. We currently have approximately 700 acres enrolled in conservation agreements that protect the lesser prairie chicken in Texas and over 378,000 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 to optimize and reduce our infrastructure footprint and improve reservoir development efficiency through multi-well pads, longer lateral wells, multi-lateral wells, tankless pads and central facilities.
| Alaska: Kuparuk and Western North Slope | The size of well pads has been reduced from 65 acres in 1970 to about 12-20 acres today. At the same time, the drilling radius has increased from 5,000 feet to about 35,000 feet using our extended-reach drill (ERD) rig. Our engineers are 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 caribou movement and there are seasonal speed limit restrictions. For new projects, we place power cables on the pipeline racks to eliminate the need to build overhead powerlines to reduce potential bird collision hazards and for visual landscape considerations. In 2023, ConocoPhillips Alaska conducted scientific field studies throughout the Colville River Area and northeastern National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPR-A) on the North Slope of Alaska. These studies were conducted by established scientists with many years of experience on the North Slope. Our 2023 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 monitoring. |
| Australia: APLNG | 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 also 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. |
| Australia: Otway Basin Exploration Project | We conducted marine mammal surveys in 2021-2023 to collect data that supports effective decision making in the Otway Basin. This research continues to improve knowledge on the presence/absence, distribution and behaviors of key species during and outside of known peak seasons. Additionally, data is made available to government agencies and research organizations. We advocate for community-based research programs with the Dolphin Research Institute, who are expanding their Two Bays Whale Program. We also support research through the Arthur Rylah Institute in expanding their southern right whale aerial monitoring program along the Victorian coastline through 2024. In 2022. we collaborated with and contracted the University of Tasmania to complete a literature review, fishers survey and analysis of fisheries data, focused on southern rock lobsters within and around the Zeehan Marine Park. This work was completed in 2023 and has improved our understanding of the importance of this area for the species and associated fisheries. |
| Canada: Surmont | We worked with a Surmont area forest company in 2023 to align and integrate land management for planned forestry harvest blocks with future Surmont development plans, minimizing the overall footprint of our combined industrial activity. This collaboration will also reduce near-term wildfire risks. ConocoPhillips Canada led Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) development of a goal to reduce the footprint intensity through surface infrastructure footprint optimization, improved drilling technology and progressive reclamation. COSIA member companies collectively reduced their footprint intensity from 0.34 in 2012 to 0.30 in 2022, a reduction of approximately 11%. 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. The purpose of EcoSeis is to reduce the impacts of new seismic lines by reducing the width and total length 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. Assessment of the seismic data to replace conventional seismic data is expected to be completed in 2024. |
| Norway: Greater Ekofisk Area | We completed offshore field studies using glider technology to assess and minimize the effects of seismic surveys and produced water discharges. 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. The glider technology enabled an integrated ecosystem monitoring approach and no detrimental impact of seismic operations or produced water on the pelagic ecosystem were observed. The study also enabled comparison of modelled sound propagation and actual measured sound levels that showed acceptable sound exposure of spawning fish during current seismic operations. In 2023, we also conducted sampling for a routine seabed sediment monitoring program in the Ekofisk area, which is completed once every three years. Samples are undergoing chemical and biological analyses to determine potential impact from our offshore operations. |
| 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 impacts 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. |
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: Kuparuk | 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, waterfowl and grizzly bears. Reclamation is continuing at several North Slope gravel mine sites. |
| Canada: Montney | At our Montney asset, we continued to work with a local Indigenous community in 2023 to complete restoration related to the British Columbia Dormant Sites Reclamation Program. The scope of the restoration work for 10 community-selected sites, covering almost 40 acres, had been developed considering traditional knowledge, observations about key local species, the desired restored landscape, community vendors and innovative restoration and revegetation techniques. Restoration work was completed for seven of the 10 sites in 2023, including harvesting and planting approximately 1,800 willow and poplar trees. |
| Canada: Surmont | We completed the dismantling, remediation and reclamation of the Surmont pilot plant after it served as the central processing facility for 19 years. The decision to retire and reclaim the plant is part of our strategy to proactively remove infrastructure that no longer contributes to active operations. In the summer of 2023, a land blessing ceremony was conducted by a local Indigenous community before trees were planted at the site. The area will be monitored for several years as the vegetation establishes and a new forest begins. For the past ten years, ConocoPhillips has led the technical input and support of the Boreal Ecological Recovery and Assessment Project (BERA). While BERA’s focus to date has been mostly on exploratory footprint (seismic lines), the lessons learned can also inform overall monitoring, conservation and reclamation strategies at in situ oil sands facilities in the boreal forest. Our long term support for the BERA project demonstrates our commitment to understanding key aspects that impact the rate and the quality of reclamation and restoration. Through the BERA project we are contributing to the development of innovative tools and new insights that are fundamental to ensuring that future practices effectively mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic activity and enable the return to self-sustaining boreal forest conditions. 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 continues to advance applied research to improve reclamation practice and reduce uncertainty about the effectiveness of various approaches. Regular engagement with local indigenous communities helps align the studies on key questions. Read more about the science behind boreal forest reclamation in Canada. Between 2009 and 2020, we have led an industry collaboration through COSIA to accelerate reclamation of exploration well sites in the Canadian boreal forest. The Faster Forests program 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. |
| Norway: Greater Ekofisk Area | 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. |
| U.S. Lower 48: Permian | For company-owned land in the Permian, we have a history of implementing stewardship programs in support of habitat restoration. 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. 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 2023, Permian restoration efforts included:
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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.
| Alaska: Kuparuk and Western North Slope | Since 2008, we have contributed over 2,700 acres through compensatory wetland mitigation. Compensatory mitigation refers to the required restoration, creation, or enhancement of wetlands to compensate for permitted wetland losses. |
| Australia: APLNG | 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 | 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. |
| Canada: Montney | Our Montney team completed restoration work and tree planting to mitigate historic land disturbance for a habitat offset program to address a British Columbia pipeline permit requirement. The team worked with a local Indigenous community to select three sites with a total area of about 16 acres, targeting 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. |