Following a seismic acquisition contract awarded to WA firm Terrex late last year, state-of-the-art, cable-free, nodal technologies were used to capture geological images of the tight gas field in an "environmentally sympathetic fashion", according to Warrego.

Further prospective targets were also imaged as part of the survey.

"Significant environmental preparatory work was undertaken prior to the survey," Warrego said.

"Respected local botanists walked the equivalent of 900km to inventory protected flora within the survey area."

Australian firm WKC Spatial used the botanical work and pinpointed the flora to be avoided. GPS maps were then used to accurately plot this vegetation.

To ensure that any sites of cultural significance within the survey area would be identified and protected, a heritage survey was undertaken by the traditional owners the Amangu native title claim group in conjunction with the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Association.

Seismic access tracks were prepared by Geraldton-based Central Earth Movers to allow the equipment to operate across the terrain.

Warrego said roughly 170km of tracks were prepared using GPS-guided, tractor mounted mulchers. In this way, all protected flora were successfully avoided.

Two years of environmental preparation and consultation with local stakeholders took place prior to the survey. Multiple approvals at a state and Commonwealth level had to be acquired prior to permission being granted to undertake the survey.

Warrego Energy managing director Dennis Donald, the Scottish entrepreneur who founded the company with Duncan MacNiven, said the rigor displayed in seismic preparation "highlighted the engagement and commitment of Warrego and its partners to Western Australia, the traditional owners, local stakeholders and the environment".

"The business partners fell in love with WA while working in a previous business," Donald said.

"Predicting the emergence of the Perth Basin they set up Warrego to embrace the opportunities that are now rapidly emerging."

All tracks prepared to allow access for the survey will be rehabilitated according to a plan agreed with the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum.

The EP469 joint venture has also committed to acquiring a significant parcel of land that will eventually be covenanted to the state of West Australia.

This land will be used to preserve the flora and fauna in the area and to offset any environmental impact of the joint venture's activities.

MacNiven said WCK Spatial and CEM provided an "exemplary service" in preparation for the seismic campaign; while Terrex had more than 70 people in the local area and produced an excellent survey with minimal impact.

"The contractors' respect for the environment, safety, community relations and particular care and attention to the preparation work was first class," he said.

"As local companies, their familiarity with the area was a big advantage."

Following completion of the survey, the data processing contract was won by CGG in Perth.

Based on satisfactory results, the JV plans to drill West Erregulla-2 late this year or early 2016.

Warrego operates EP 469 on behalf of its partners, Dutch-based companies Dyas BV and Mazarine BV.