bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Considerations for Transferring Offshore Facilities to National Oil Company Operators
Authors: Armstrong Louis , Edmunds Jody L. , Clare Jay B.
Published: April 2008

As the governments of developing nations strive to increase indigenous expertise in offshore oil exploration and development, the industry is also dealing with offshore concession (or lease) expirations on older fields that are to revert back to operation by national oil companies for the remainder of the life of the field. Unlike onshore developments, for which property transfer (or asset divestiture) due diligence protocols have been developed (E&P Forum 1996), few if any industry protocols address environmental risk management for the transfer of offshore facilities. Additionally, the longer-term operation of offshore facilities, from equipment/facility integrity, sustainability, and impacts to the environment during the transition period, needs to be considered by the divesting entity, such that national oil company operators have a clear understanding of the development and its future operation.

This paper presents property transfer practices developed for offshore/subsea environmental sampling, including sampling design/program development, sampling protocol, and lessons learned from the implementation of such a sampling program. Additionally, a model for performing a property transfer Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for an offshore development consisting of a wide range of facilities including well jackets, processing platforms, and accommodations platforms is presented.

The results of the environmental sampling and property transfer Phase 1 ESA then provide a baseline to protect the original operator from future claims of subsea pollution or unacceptable environmental operating practices. Alternatively, if subsea pollution is identified, best management practices or safeguards protective of human health and the environment (e.g., fishing restrictions) can be implemented.
Creating a "Sustainability-Minded" Worldwide Environmental Workforce
Authors: Armstrong Louis
Published: April 2008

Traditionally, workforce development, worldwide, with respect to environmental parameters has focused on the teaching of environmental laws and regulations by which a company will govern its activities in the environmental arena. The argument is that a company can establish an environmental management system to meet the regulatory and reporting requirements and, thereby, address risks stemming from environmental compliance. However, this form of environmental management is generally reactive and does not reveal much about emerging Best Practices and environmental stewardship as they relate to sustainability. Not that employees do not need to understand the environmental laws that govern operations, rather that they are not taught to develop the institutional capacity within their field to reach beyond rules-based environmental management to achieve sustainable operations.

Worse, in emerging nations, where in large measure the rules have not been written, a tendency exists to rely on a rules-based approach from another country, which can be confusing or inappropriate in the context of a new oil and gas development. Staff will often be left without answers to questions about how to address environmental issues in a way that is sustainable and actually benefits the environment that they are trying to protect.

This paper provides an overview of a strategy based on the premise that employees who understand the environmental impacts and loadings of their operations, as well as the status of the implementation of environmental management practices, and can defend their practices on rational grounds, will be better prepared to respond to emerging environmental sustainability demands and be more cognizant of the benefit or impacts of their actions.
Old Carbon vs. New Carbon in Climate Change
Authors: Ebenhack Ben , Martinez Daniel
Published: April 2008

One of the commonly accepted precepts of the climate change problematique is that biofuels are universally superior to fossil fuels due to a purported closed carbon cycle (CCC) for biomass. Some authors and policy makers refer to ‘new carbon’ having no net impact on climate change, only ‘old carbon.’ This assumption drives some policy planning, yet it begs some important questions. It is clear that, on a geologic time scale, fossil fuels are a subset of biomass. Time, heat, and compaction have transformed raw biomass materials into more homogeneous materials with higher energy densities. At what point, then, is material transformed from an environmentally benign biomass fuel into ‘old carbon’ that is somehow excluded from the CCC? How are the cycle boundaries defined to be closed, in a system in which net biomass growth is lost annually through deforestation – sometimes attributable to harvesting that biofuel?

This paper explores the concept of the CCC for fuel crops, its legitimacy in the context of the real global carbon balance, and its implications for energy choices using ‘new carbon’ sources. A graphical representation of a simple numerical model balance is presented to address this problem. The balance increases in complexity as alternate uses of land and fates of carbon for biomass cropping schemes are included. The time horizons on which carbon balances are most important to the issue of climate change and will be discussed.

The notion will be advanced that energy planning to ameliorates climate change issues will best be undertaken to use combustion fuels based on their lifecycle net efficiencies rather than on a notion of a CCC for some but not for others. We suggest that this is an artificial distinction which should be largely dismissed.
Health Risk Assessment: Improving Quality and Cost Effectiveness by Leveraging People, Processes, and Tools
Authors: Niven K. , de Jong G. , Pedersen C. , Leeffers Gerda
Published: April 2008

To make a step-change in the overall quality and cost-effectiveness of Health Risk Assessments (HRA's) in a multinational oil and gas company, an integrated approach was taken. This involved leveraging best practice and the potential within people, processes and tools to achieve a simplified approach to HRA's. These simplifications include, for example: the HRA becomes the responsibility of a subject matter expert (SME) to produce a standardized deliverable that is fit-for-purpose; "Access once, fix many" appraisal takes place one time at the appropriate level, with no repetition; HRA becomes an iterative process, not a "stand-alone" project, thus ensuring that the HRA remains evergreen and avoiding the need for expensive revalidation campaigns; using IT as a source of standardized process flow with pick lists, global health hazard inventory, data and ‘best in class’ template HRA's. Per geographical region the added value to the businesses of the HRA's was assessed. Preliminary results indicate that a simplified approach to HRA's of this type can significantly increase quality and cost-effectiveness of HRA's, compared to the current approach. We expect the final outcome to be that integrated leveraging of people, process and tools for performing HRA's will create significant cost reduction. Furthermore by using experts, "best in class" templates, and standardized processes, the value of HRA's will improve, leading to better management of Health Risks.
Traveling Healthy is Traveling Safely
Authors: Young Heather
Published: April 2008

The health and safety of the business traveler is critically important for the success of the business trip. Considerable resources, both human capital and financial, are expended and ultimately the success of the business trip may be at risk when a business traveler becomes ill or injured. The "Business Travel Process" is a cooperative effort between Chevron Nigeria/Mid Africa and Southern Africa Strategic Business Units (NMASBU/SASBU), Chevron travel services and Chevron Houston Medical Clinic (CHMC) created to identify, to support and provide travel health services. Once business travelers are identified, the "Business Travel Process" ensures employees are medically fit to travel and have destination specific knowledge to travel safely, reducing risk to themselves and others. The "Business Travel Process" begins when Chevron travel service notifies CHMC of an employees travel plans. Chevron Houston Medical Clinic determines if an employee requires a travel health consultation contacts the employee and provides the needed services. During the travel consultation a medical history evaluation and travel health risk assessment is used to provide the employee with individualized travel health education, immunizations and appropriate chemoprophylaxis. Finally, the process includes a customer service evaluation and internal audit of the "Business Travel Process" conducted by CHMC to ensure continued quality and timely travel health services.

This paper will describe the "Business Travel Process" at Chevron with the goal of highlighting the value of developing a formalized process to companies sending employees on international business travel. In addition, a business travel health issue will be described, with lessons learned and identified opportunities for improving in the "Business Travel Process".
Enhancing Decision Making in Critical Operations
Authors: Flin Rhona
Published: April 2008

Many critical tasks in oil and gas operations require cognitive skills for safe and efficient completion. Based on recent research on professionals' critical decision making (e.g. Flin et al, 2007; Mitchell & Flin, in press) from applied cognitive psychology, this presentation will examine how experienced workers assess the work situation and make decisions when solving problems during real time operations. The two step process of situation assessment and decision making will be described, contrasting the processes of intuitive and analytical thinking in order to review their strengths and weaknesses. The value of ‘gut feel’ in experienced workers will be discussed with reference to possible ways of developing this skill. Factors impacting decision making (e.g. stress and fatigue) will be outlined. Techniques for training decisions skills are also considered.
Risk Focused and Evidence Based Medical Surveillance (MS) Evaluation Program for Global Use
Authors: Bhojani Faiyaz A.
Published: April 2008

This paper addresses the drivers for change, process, expected outcome as well as the opportunities and barriers in the development of a global standardized process and program for medical surveillance and bio-monitoring in a multinational petrochemical company. Utilizing a risk-focused and evidence based approach, it also provides a framework for and an implementation strategy for MS protocols globally as well as identifies mechanisms for cementing the change.

The paper starts with definitions and discussions of medical surveillance and bio-monitoring and highlights key issues with regard to classic historical approaches to MS evaluations such as used by OSHA or other regulatory bodies (comprehensive physical examination, blood counts, liver functions, etc) and the proposed more recent and evidence based methodologies pertinent to medical surveillance, including screening tools and especially bio-monitoring. In addition, it highlights the issues posed by independent silo programs that have evolved over time and generally based on country or regional practices and preferences rather than current evidence based medical practice.

The approach will be highlighted by providing a sample MS protocol of one of the classic hazard (Benzene). Basis current evidence, we will outline the key areas addressed, such as, scope and application, entry criteria, exit criteria, frequency and content of evaluation, key performance indicators (KPI), examiner competency, reporting criteria, reference, etc. and demonstrate which current practices to continue, which new practices to add and the ones to be retired.

Key performance indicators as well as a high level strategy for global implementation will be outlined.
Effective Employee Communications for HS&E Campaigns
Authors: Hay Ruth
Published: April 2008

Good communication in any organization is essential. Employees need to be involved in an organization and be able to visibly see what it is doing. The same can be applied to its HS&E function. Because clients are demanding higher and higher levels of awareness of the HS&E culture, it is essential that goals are successfully communicated to employees.

This paper uses theory on communication within an organization to focus on two key elements of a good communication plan: considering all the factors in the communication process and knowing your audience and understanding cultural differences. The paper will also draw on examples of how this has been applied through past HS&E campaigns.

In communication theory, one must consider five fundamental factors to conceive a communication plan: initiator (HS&E professional), recipient (employee), message (the HS&E initiative being promoted), mode (how it is communicated), and effect, which is monitored by changes in employee behavior and HS&E statistics. No HS&E campaign will be successful without understanding that communicating with employees is not simply about telling them what you want them to do; one must consider how that message is sent and received and with what medium.

This communication process is also subject to a sixth factor: noise. The oil and gas industry' biggest noise factor is the international market and its diverse cultures. Present and future behaviors can be influenced by understanding cultures and backgrounds, which is further split into the different ways in which we communicate, and the way in which we tailor the message. What may be a suitable way of communicating with an audience in Aberdeen could cause great offence in Libya. This paper describes the utility of exploring all these factors when developing HS&E messages.
Cabinda Fisheries Assessment: Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
Authors: Wolinsky Gary , Fançony Preciosa , Abel Alan , Leopoldo Emanuel
Published: April 2008

Fisheries are an important resource for communities neighboring Chevron operations in Cabinda, Angola. Threats to these resources can affect local food supplies and economic well-being. Real or perceived impacts from oil and gas operations can create tensions and damage reputation and harm existing relationships with important stakeholders. As a responsible operator, Chevron took concerns about October 2005 fish die-offs seriously, launching a pilot program to evaluate seafood safety and marine phenomena to address community concerns. The program's initial focus was fish tissue and water quality to identify existing contaminant levels in Cabinda Bay to guide future sampling. Later project phases include continued tissue monitoring and monitoring for hazardous algae blooms (HAB). As part of this program, Chevron also engaged local stakeholders in sampling and laboratory analyses with the intent to build partnerships, develop local capacity for environmental monitoring and assessment, and educate the local community about operations and threats to the marine environment.

Chevron engaged fishermen and government officials to better understand the fishery and local concerns. Fish were collected from markets and fishermen. Angolan Fisheries Institute scientists travelled to the U.S. to participate in forensic laboratory analysis of edible fish tissue for trace metals and organics.

Following two sets of sampling and lab analyses, results demonstrated that contaminant levels in fish tissue in Cabinda compare favorably with fish tissue data from around the world. Cabinda Bay fish were within U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety limits for commercially sold fish. Future ongoing tissue sampling and analysis is planned. In addition, because tissue contaminant levels are low, Chevron is examining other stressors in the marine environmenment. For example, HAB monitoring to assess biotoxins presence and effects in the marine environment is also is being developed. This project highlights successful partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building for environmental monitoring in Angola.
Tangguh Responses on the Sensitive Environment
Authors: Ahmad Lidia
Published: April 2008

Tangguh LNG Project is a major green field development located within a biologically diverse and ecologically important region, particularly mangrove swamps, which form a fringe around the shore of Bintuni Bay, and occupy much of the large, estuarine mosaic at its head. The Bay is important for subsistence fishing by local indigenous communities and is home for marine mammals including Sousa dolphin, a protected species under Indonesian regulations and red listed under IUCN.

In response to the sensitive environment, Tangguh has taken following actions: Developed a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment following Indonesian regulations and applicable World Bank guidelines. Compliance to ESIA has been subject to internal and external audits.Engaged various stakeholders from early stage of project development and continued the engagement programs throughout project development stages.Taken actions on concerns raised by local communities. Tangguh decided to move location of Combo Dock to avoid a group of rocks considered sacred by community.Minimized project physical footprint. Design optimization reduced project footprint from initial plan of 800 ha to 450 ha.Applied Drill Cutting Reinjection for management of mud and cuttings from 15 gas production wells to be drilled in Bintuni Bay. Tangguh will be the first O&G project in Indonesia to apply DCRI. If Tangguh followed "business as usual" practice for Oil & Gas activities in Indonesia, the mud and cuttings would have been discharged into the Bay.Tangguh has decided to reroute its LNG tankers around the environmentally sensitive area of Raja Ampat Marine Reserve in Papua. The new westward path adds 550km to the tankers' routes. The decision was based on detailed risk assessment which concluded that protection of this globally important marine reserve was paramount and in keeping with BP's Green Values.
The Evolution of a Driving Simulator Program
Authors: Meade D. , Tate D. , Bouwkamp D.
Published: April 2008

In Western Canada, a significant portion of fatalities in the oil field can be related to driving events. A major service company has implemented a multifaceted approach to addressing the hazards associated with driving in the oilfield. A key component of the driving program is the driving simulator.

In 2001, this service company purchased its first mobile computerized driving simulators to complement its driving program in the United States. The service company worked with the simulator manufacturer to develop a custom oilfield-specific driving program. The program evolved to include a multitude of scenarios and hazards that drivers are exposed to in field operations.

Implementation of these simulators helped to account for a 50% reduction in automobile incidents and a 70% reduction in high-potential automotive incidents. The operations for this service company in Canada took notice and utilized a driving simulator as part of a pre-winter campaign in the fourth quarter of 2003. During Q1 of 2004, Canadian operations realized the lowest crash rate in its history.

In 2007, the next generation of driving simulator was purchased for dedicated use in this region. New features include the ability to link student driver stations to simulate convoys, the ability of the instructor to interact independently with either or both students, and an enhanced scenario tool box to allow the instructor to craft custom scenarios.

This paper describes evolution in the use of a simulator for driver training in an oilfield environment.
Commonality in EDF
Authors: Garcier Yves
Published: April 2008

The French fleet uses a single technology (PWR), with 3 capacity levels each of them representing different technical plant series. The period in which the reactors were put into service stretches mainly between 1980 and 1990. Fessenheim, the oldest of the power plants and situated in the eastern part of France, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

These aspects contributed to the building of a fleet with common features such as: ■Standardized by the unique basic technology, with some technical differences due to the technical plant series and some specific local aspects.■Young with an average age of just over 20 years and mature by feedback of the comprehensive experiences (together more then 1100 reactor years)

The performances have generally been in net progress over the last 5 years and to highlight this positive trend, there are 3 examples.
Developing Global Oil Spill Preparedness and Response
Authors: Bennet Bernie , Richardson Cassie , Osikilo Yvette
Published: April 2008

Although the number of major spills from tankers has decreased over the last 40 years due to the establishment of stricter preventive measures, the sensitivity to oil pollution of the marine environment has increased, and oil spills are still perceived to be a very serious issue. The oil industry must therefore remain prepared to take timely and effective action in the event of an incident.

A key principle of oil spill preparedness and response is the building and sustaining of partnerships between government and industry. The success of the drive for government and industry cooperation in building preparedness capacity can be seen through such initiatives as the Global Initiative (GI), a programme launched 11 years ago by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and IPIECA, to encourage and facilitate the development and implementation of preparedness best practices such as oil spill contingency plans.

The achievements of the GI programme are encouraging. Many countries have developed/are developing national response systems. The experiences gained and results attained following GI activities in any part of the world are good examples that may be replicated elsewhere at both national and regional levels.

The profile of global oil spill risk is continually changing as exploration/production activities expand, and ship and pipeline transportation patterns alter; there remain areas in the world where the risk of spills is greater than the preparedness to deal with them. The GI partners continue to work together tirelessly to ensure tangible progress is made in establishing effective arrangements to deal with oil pollution.

This paper will explore how industry and government work together to develop global oil spill preparedness through programmes such as the GI. It will examine the success factors in the programme, the challenges faced both from industry and government perspectives, and also look into sustainability of the GI.
NORM Management in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Cowie Michael , Mously Khalid , Fageeha Osama
Published: April 2008

It has been established that Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) may accumulate at various locations along the oil/gas production process. Components such as wellheads, separation vessels, pumps, and other processing equipment can become NORM contaminated, and NORM can accumulate in the form of sludge, scale, scrapings and other waste media. This can create a potential radiation hazard to workers, general public and the environment if certain controls are not established.

Saudi Aramco has developed NORM management guidelines and is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address all aspects of NORM management which aim towards enhancing: –NORM monitoring–Control of NORM contaminated equipment–Control over NORM waste handling and disposal–Workers protection, awareness, and training

The benefits of shared knowledge, best practice and, experience across the oil & gas industry are seen as key to the establishment of common guidance.

This paper outlines Saudi Aramco's experience in the development of a NORM management strategy and its goals of establishing common guidance throughout the oil and gas industry.
Improving HSE Culture through the Human Element
Authors: Pachiyannakis Karim A. , Al Hajri Moussa , Al Sarka Easa S.
Published: April 2008

People's behavior accounts for over 95% of all recorded incidents; because poor employee moral, lack of belief and distrust in management's commitment has become an over-riding influence and obstacle towards improvement.

But all is not lost! We have shown that by targeting the human element a real improvement can be achieved in the corporate HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) culture.

The authors’ methodology is to first evaluate the existing HSE culture using an HSE Climate Survey designed specifically for the company; then analyze and identify the gaps and areas of improvement, and in conclusion proposed and is implementing an action plan to attain the desired HSE Culture.

The research questions: What is the existing HSE Culture in The Company?What is the personal behavior of The Company's employees towards Health, Safety, and the Environment?What areas require focus to close the gap and improve The Company's HSE Culture?

To improve the HSE Culture The Company has focused its efforts in the following areas; moral building and developing teamwork, entrenching employee responsibility and supervisor accountability, empowering employees to ‘stop work’, and continually making the benefits of an incident free workplace clearly understood.

The results revealed that management must be accessible and willing to listen to the employees’ needs and wants. Secondly, management decisions must be transparent; they must address all moral issues and demonstrate visible and passionate safety leadership on a day-to-day basis. Thirdly, providing the necessary resources and processes to the employees is crucial for them to move towards a sustainable and healthy work environment.

By using these above "People" tools the company has measured an overall reduction in high potential incidents with an increase in identified substandard practices and conditions. The company and its contractors’ HSE culture have improved due to management's vision and commitment to address the underlying human elements and to move from ‘understanding HSE, to believing in HSE’.
Effective Implementation of Behavior-Based Safety in the Unique Petroleum Industry
Authors: Walker Scott
Published: April 2008

One challenge in the upstream exploration and production industry is that the nature of the work is dynamic, as is the makeup of the workforce. This is especially true when trying to integrate an effective behavioral safety process (BSP).

Although it is counter to change management philosophy, the theory was tested: does mandating the use of behavioral safety tools (i.e., observation, feedback, positive intervention, etc.) prior to a group's understanding of its value, then experiencing multiple positive events in the field, lead to identical results achieved through conventional methods? Behavior-based performance (BBP), the company's process, was re-implemented in mid-2004 for a Rock Springs, Wyoming test group, utilizing mandatory participation. Remaining company camps in the western U.S. were control groups that used conventional implementation methods. Following introductory training and explanation of mandatory activities, tracking/monitoring began.

Analyses of field data and comparative results from 2003–2007 determined "mandatory" effectiveness and indicated all the test group's BBP metrics were significantly better and improved earlier than those of the control groups. The resulting conclusion was that requiring participation resulted in equal or better engagement than control groups utilizing voluntary techniques. All components influencing process engagement were not controlled; however, evaluating whether program maturity, culture, management support, etc., affects implementation was addressed through ongoing BBP sustainability audits.

BSPs are strongly embraced by petroleum producers, to the extent that even their service contracts require BSP utilization and frequently stipulate metrics to be achieved. As a service contractor, the objective becomes how to effectively implement a BSP. Challenges include the often fluid employee base, remote assignments, and erratic hours worked by the typical petroleum workforce. Conversely, stable manufacturing workforces working steady schedules can receive continuous BSP training, reinforcement, and "real-time" coaching, ideally resulting in engagement and voluntary participation.
HSE, A Way Of Living
Authors: van der Wal J.
Published: April 2008

As a result of an extended analysis of a double fatal incident, several deep underlying causes and deficiencies were found in various parts of the HSE-Management System of the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM). The main deficiencies found were about organizational, communication aspects and lack of balance between operational and process safety. A remarkable observation was that approximately 80% of the potential interventions were missed in the office e.g. on work preparation, planning of the work and management of change (MoC). On site there is often adequate attention for e.g. good housekeeping and PPE however a clear lack of attention for process related safety issues was observed e.g. risks of working in a plant with hydrocarbons and lack of competence about process risks of especially (sub)contractor staff.

This paper describes the summary of the incident, the findings and the change which was established after the incident on three levels of the organization: 1. organizational aspects, 2. supervision on site and 3. provision of fit for purpose information to contractor staff. Additional experience and practical results will be shared around: The clarification of HSE accountabilities of asset leaders and supervisors on site.The connection between office and field staff on HSE issues.A communication program named "HSE, a way of living" where basic HSE information is provided to contractors in an easy language and attractive format.
Using Technology to Eliminate Drowsy Driving
Authors: Heinzmann Jochen , Tate Derek , Scott Robert
Published: April 2008

Operator fatigue is an issue in all 24-hour operations; operator fatigue is a leading cause of vehicle crashes. The oil and gas industry is a 24-hour operation that relies extensively on land transportation. It comes as no surprise then that drowsy driving has been recognized as a cause of many land transportation-related fatalities.

Dealing with drowsy driving is a difficult task. Training is a powerful tool; however, drivers trained to recognize and manage fatigue frequently fail to effectively apply this training at critical times because sound judgment is one of the first things affected by fatigue. As part of an ongoing commitment to crash-free driving, a major oilfield service company turned to a leading fatigue research and technology company to assist in eliminating drowsy driving.

This paper reports on the experiences of a field trial with a new fatigue warning device for drivers and operators. The device utilizes a camera system installed in the dashboard of the vehicle that monitors the eyes of the driver. In contrast to previously proposed devices, this system does not utilize infra-red (IR) reflections, and as a result, is able to operate during daytime and when eyeglasses are worn. Deployed in four heavy trucks and one light truck, the systems have successfully recorded sequences of the eyes of drivers during potential fatigue events.

This paper also reports on staff acceptance of such fatigue management systems. Privacy concerns are an issue when camera-bsaed systems are used to monitor drivers.
Methamphetamine: A Blight on Society
Authors: Mifflin Amy , Hill Eddie , Searle Dave , Scheffler Scott
Published: April 2008

Rising rates of methamphetamine abuse are having profound implications for the petroleum industry in the U.S. Labor shortages, workplace safety, and quality of life in rural communities are among the critical issues facing upstream and downstream operations alike. Due in part to stakeholder engagement with elected officials in the State of Wyoming, the seriousness of the methamphetamine abuse problem was highlighted as a community assistance opportunity. In response to this growing problem, a compelling public awareness initiative was developed. The initiative was designed to mobilize local communities into action and was targeted to key production operations areas in Wyoming.

The experiences gained in researching, developing and piloting the program will be identified, including the effort to examine the nature of the threat; outline the awareness program model; highlight community response; identify quantitative and qualitative impacts; and explore industry-driven options to combat methamphetamine abuse.

The paper also shares knowledge gained through the interactions with community resources, law enforcement, school officials, the media and others to implement open public meetings using the awareness program.

The following results/conclusions are highlighted. Reputational value through media coverage, community, awards, etc.; local stakeholder/community leaders report more collaborative appoaches on the problem; stakeholder engagement model that identifies and secures program partners; and evolution of the project to a nation-wide opportunity for all industries.
E&P Industry's Challenges with Managing Mitigation Guidelines for the Protection of Marine Life During Marine Seismic Operations
Authors: Tsoflias Sarah L. , Gill G. C. "Chip"
Published: April 2008

Over the past decade, potential impacts from anthropogenic sound in the marine environment have received increased attention. The oceans are home to a diverse ecosystem and serve competing uses such as marine habitat, mineral resource operations, shipping, fishing, tourism and recreation. All human activities conducted in the oceans should be carried out in an environmentally responsible manner to ensure sustainability of the oceans. The E&P Industry operates globally in the offshore sector. Seismic survey operations are one source of anthropogenic sound in the marine environment and have received increased scrutiny over the years from regulators, environmental non-governmental organizations and the public. Though three decades of world-wide seismic surveying and various research projects provide no evidence to suggest direct physical injury to a marine mammal species, mitigation measures are commonly implemented to further reduce the level of potential risk of harm to marine mammals.

The E&P Industry is committed to conducting offshore activities in an environmentally responsible manner, including complying with mitigation and monitoring regulations and guidelines. However, Industry believes that mitigation measures should be based on risk assessment and the best available science instead of the commonly applied precautionary principle. To date, several countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States have implemented regulations or guidelines which specify mitigation measures for the protection of marine life when conducting seismic operations in their territorial waters. These mitigation measures vary from country to country while in many geographic regions, there are no guidelines in place. Operating globally, the Industry faces many challenges as it seeks to understand and implement these mitigation measures.

This paper seeks to present a brief summary of current guidelines by region and discuss a recommended approach to mitigation measures.
Development and Deployment of a Contractor Safety Management Program for Chevron Environmental Management Company
Authors: Zamora Tony , Martin Raoul
Published: April 2008

For Chevron Environmental Management Company (CEMC)—the operating company responsible for managing remediation, restoration and infrastructure abandonment projects around the world—contractor safety management (CSM) is critical. With a total workforce that is 90% contracted and which works over 3 million hours annually on many diverse project sites around the world, the safety performance of our third party suppliers is fundamental to our success.

CEMC followed Chevron's Contractor Health, Environment and Safety Management (CHESM) Expectations—a component of Chevron's Operational Excellence Management System 1 (OEMS)—as a model to establish an effective program. This paper will describe Chevron's CHESM Expectations and will tell the story of CEMC's development, deployment and improvement of its own CHESM process—first in North Amercia and now globally.
The TOTAL Group and the Local Economic Development of the Lacq Basin
Authors: Arquizan Claude , Charbonnel Jean-Claude , Noël Renaud
Published: April 2008

This presentation traces the actions that link the TOTAL group and its subsidiaries located in the southwest of France, and local economic development of the Lacq Basin over the last fifty years.

The Lacq gas field – 250 billion m3 of gas reserves and 3000 employees at the height of production – has been operated by TOTAL E&P France (TEPF) since 1957. This operation was initially a challenge both in terms of the technical issues involved and in terms of risk management. At the time, the local stakeholders’ main concern was the acceptability of the activity. This period generated the development of the chemical industry in the Lacq Basin, but the deliberations carried out in advance concerning the industrial future of the Basin during the inevitable decline of the field's production and after it ceases to be operated quickly came to the fore and have taken shape in the actions set out below.

TEPF's own activities linked to gas production have been declining since the 1980s, but its efforts continue to be focused on risk management, improving the production facilities, capitalising on its resources, accommodating pilot projects, etc.

At the same time, the industrial complex around the Lacq Basin, which was initially focused on the operation of the gas field and the operation of the associated products, opened up to other industries while remaining centred on the chemical sector.

Several projects that aim to promote development and industrial diversification have been set up by the TOTAL group over the years: 1975: SOBEGI (SOciété BEarnaise de Gestion Industrielle), develops in Mourenx an industrial facility geared towards fine chemistry and proposes pooled services,1978: TOTAL Développement Régional provides financial support to small and medium-sized companies and plays a major role in local economic development,2000: the INDUSLACQ industrial park, created on the site of the Lacq plant, allows TEPF, in parallel to its gas treatment activities, to provide an organisation of property to the companies on site, thus allowing various services to be pooled.

In addition, the CHEMPARC Public Interest Organisation, which was formed in 2003, brings together the State, local authorities, university, industrial companies and trade unions in a spirit of dialogue. It groups together four industrial platforms with a regulated safety perimeter that include INDUSLACQ and SOBEGI, and its objective is to contribute to local economic development.

The projects described above form a dynamic that is consistent with the increasing takeover of responsibility by the traditional stakeholders; local authorities largely contribute to that by their initiatives and massive support: the presence of about 8,500 jobs in the Basin is the concrete result of structured actions. Thanks to its consistency and originality, such an approach could constitute a reference for other sites.
Sustaining Community Education on Road Safety
Authors: Kazmi Syed Mahmood Ali , Nensey Safdar Hussain
Published: April 2008

Pakistan is a country with second highest death rates related to road accidents. BP Pakistan has its upstream operations scattered over an area of around 7500 sq.km in Badin District which is densely populated with very poor awareness on Road Safety & Traffic sense. Road incident rates in Badin District are among the highest in Pakistan and there is almost a nonexistent traffic enforcement regime to curb road traffic issues. This entails nurturing the local populace and self-empowering them on their Road Safety / Traffic rights and educating masses for a long-term change.
Environmental Performance Reporting: From a Laborious Data Collection To A Fully Integrated System
Authors: Pradier Bernard
Published: April 2008

Reporting on environmental performance at Total E&P consists in recording an extensive series of quantitative and qualitative indicators on every operated site to monitor the effect of E&P activities on the environment. The data are then consolidated and the results exploited at affiliate level as well as at the E&P Head Offices level. Collecting, validating and managing in real time such an extensive number of indicators requires a safe and fully integrated system able to match the size and complexity of Total E&P. If managing environmental data with Excel™ sheets was possible in the first years of reporting, it rapidly appeared that this methodology was unable to face an ever growing demand of accuracy and representativeness. Consequently an integrated reporting system, supported by a web-based tool, was developed.
Coaching Safety Leadership Using the Situational Leadership ® Model
Authors: Brasher Ana
Published: April 2008

Safety Leadership should be about engaging employees in safety and empowering them to take responsibility for their safety and safety of their co-workers. Every employee needs to be a leader in safety every day so that a zero-injury workplace can be achieved. Many opportunities exist to coach employees on how to take this personal responsibility, but those methods are not always clear to managers. This paper will describe how and when to use Situational Leadership to coach employees on safety leadership so they can apply it in daily actions.

Common approaches to safety involve reactive rather than proactive steps, which leaves an organization exposed to potential mishaps as well as to deficiencies in employee training and attitude. Both are detrimental to an organization's growth and fiscal management. The Situational Leadership style allows managers to analyze needs proactively and then to adopt the most appropriate leadership style. To get the most benefit, a leader should be trained in various leadership styles and how to determine others’ development levels. This style is popular with managers because it is simple to understand and works in most environments for most people. Managers can assess employees’ development levels before coaching them on a safety issue and developing a corrective action. Generally, employees with low skills or attitude will need more detail in explanation and corrective action, while employees with high skills or good attitude will need less explanation and will achieve more ownership of corrective actions. With this type of coaching, managers and employees will progress to the highest development levels at which they are the "owners" of corrective actions and become true leaders in safety. This paper will describe the methodology and inherent benefits of using Situational Leadership to redefine an organization's safety culture.
Tetrapal – A New Technique for Malaria Drug Testing in Urine
Authors: Fusai T. , Eggelte T. A. , Moreau J. M. , Lichtenberger J. M.
Published: April 2008

Tetrapal is a Joint Research Project developed within the framework of an original public-private partnership between the Ministry of Defence, the French University of Marseille and Exxon Mobil Corporation. Malaria control policies and their compliance controls are high priorities for both the French army and ExxonMobil. Both organizations are interested in further developing processes that can be used to verify that soldiers or employees are taking their malarial chemoprophylaxis as prescribed. Currently, compliance is enforced and verified by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) techniques for detecting the presence of mefloquine, doxycycline, chloroquine and proguanil (a component of Malarone) in urine samples. This procedure cannot be performed in the field because it requires special expertise, structures and technology not available in the field. The program is very expensive due to the laboratory analyses and shipping procedures required to ship the samples to a qualified laboratory. There is also a delay of several weeks between sample collection and laboratory verification.

Objectives of the Tetrapal project

▪ The TETRAPAL project consists of developing a fast-acting immunochemical method to detect anti-malarial drugs such as doxycycline, chloroquine, mefloquine, and proguanil, in the urine of persons taking chemoprophylaxis (Doxycycline, Savarine®, Lariam®, Malarone®, Chloroquine). ▪ The idea is to develop a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). This RDT needs to be reliable, simple and easy to use on site by non-medical personnel. An "all in one" test that recognizes all types of anti-malarials is preferable. ▪ The final step will be to identify and contract with (an) industrial partner(s) for the commercialization of the method, manufacturing and distribution of the RDT.

Technical aspects

▪ An RDT is a test using an immunochromatographic capture procedure with monoclonal antibodies that detect antigens (parasite-specific or, in our study, anti-malarial drug-specific) in lysed blood or plasma or urine. ▪ It uses a lateral-flow principle: the buffer "flows" along a nitrocellulose strip and passes over the capture and control lines. ▪ The researchers chose to develop a test to detect the existence of anti-malarial molecules in urine by immunocapture and competition on strips (lateral flow assay). The justification of the immunologic method is that use of antibody capture techniques can lead to very specific and sensitive tests, when chloroquine, mefloquine and doxycycline and proguanil are not totally metabolized and are eliminated in urine where they can be identified by monoclonal antibodies.

Status after one year

▪ Antibodies against doxycycline, proguanil and chloroquine have been identified. Those are ready to be produced at an industrial level. Antibodies against mefloquine are still under laboratory research phase. ▪ The first experimental strips detecting chloroquine and proguanil (i.e. Malarone®) are expected to be ready for field testing in early 2008.
Influence of Plant, Soil, and Water on the Leaching Fraction
Authors: Dudley Lynn M. , Ben‐Gal Alon , Shani Uri
Published: April 2008

Reducing the amount of drainage water that contains salts, nutrients, and trace elements may reduce environmental contamination to groundwater by reducing the dissolution of trace‐element‐containing minerals, maximizing chemical precipitation of salts, and improving nutrient uptake efficiency. If salt accumulates, transpiration and yield will decrease and some fraction of the irrigation water will not be extracted by roots, subsequently becoming drainage. We modeled yield and salt and water budgets under conditions of extended irrigation with poor quality water in amounts ranging from 0.6 to 1.6 times the ratio of irrigation (I) to reference evaporation (E0). The surface boundary conditions were taken from a field experiment where melon (Cucumis melo ssp. melo cv. Galia) was irrigated with waters of electrical conductivities of 1.2, 3, 6, and 9 dS/m at I/E0 = 1.0 for a growing season (1152 h). The model contained one‐dimensional solutions to Richards' equation with a root‐sink term and the equation of continuity for salt transport. Solutes were treated conservatively. For any given salinity value, the leaching fraction had a minimum value corresponding to the irrigation level where a minimum amount of water was used to control salinity and those minimum values were 0.11, 0.24, 0.44, and 0.54 for salinity levels 1.2, 3, 6, and 9 dS/m. Yield reduction for these irrigation levels were 80, 70, 60, and 40% of maximum possible yields, suggesting an economic price to minimizing drainage and further suggesting that plant–irrigation–drainage relationships are highly self‐regulating.