bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Locality Management in the Context of Hydrocarbon Development: A Journey Towards Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Paria, Venezuela
Authors: Rodriguez Fernando D. , Rivera Francis , Rawa Agnieszka D.
Published: December 2007

ConocoPhillips has partnered with Corporacion Venezolana de Petroleo (CVP), Eni Venezuela B.V and OPIC Karimun Corporation to develop hydrocarbon reserves in the Gulf of Paria West (GOPW), in northeastern Venezuela. First oil is expected in 2006 with an estimated initial production of 55,000 barrels of oil per day. Located at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea and Orinoco River system, the Gulf of Paria (GOP) is a socio-economically complex, ecologically sensitive, and internationally significant region. ConocoPhillips has developed an innovative Locality Management Strategy (LMS) to minimize the risks of development and maximize potential benefits of hydrocarbon development. The LMS integrates environmental, social, and economic programs with input obtained from a continuing dialogue with local, national and international stakeholders. This paper will highlight the benefits of implementing a sustainable development strategy throughout all phases of hydrocarbon development in sensitive environments.

To date the LMS has enabled ConocoPhillips to anticipate project sensitivities and proactively work with stakeholders while also meeting Company business. Partners have been identified to leverage socioeconomic, environmental and operational programs in the region. Since 2000 and in partnership with non-government organizations, more than 6,000 man-hours have been invested in building human capacity in communities closest to the projects. In collaboration with international and national organizations, a local biodiversity conservation plan is being developed, and-through skill development, training and employment opportunities-the company is encouraging the creation of a community organization that will maximize benefits from certain aspects of operations. Based on continuous stakeholder consultation, the LMS continues to evolve and provide opportunities to leverage project benefits to the local, national and international project stakeholders.
Integrating Sustainable Development In The Oil And Gas Industry: The Logical Level Approach To Enhance SD Training Effectiveness
Authors: de Bie Steven , Gilden Nanda
Published: December 2007

More and more oil and gas exploration and production companies are aware of the shift they need to make in their efforts to perform, both environmentally and socially. Societal concerns require a significant change in business management in order to maintain their license to exist. Sustainable Development (SD), together with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has become a major issue for oil and gas companies and their operations. Companies try to live up to the respective expectations through integrating SD into their business.

Consequently, both management and staff of oil and gas companies have to be aware of the values and principles that come along with SD, and to understand the importance for their license to exist and continuous improvement of overall performance. They need to know about instruments and tools that facilitate them to integrate SD in daily operations. Also they need skills and competencies to communicate with their colleagues, management, contractors and relevant stakeholders on their efforts, obstacles and achievements.

We developed a two-day SD-training module that contains all these three elements: awareness, instruments and tools, and communication skills. The training module pays special attention to provide a lively mixture of focus on awareness and commitment, and familiarising with practical tools, techniques and skills for daily practice at the one hand, and working individually and in small groups alternately at the other hand.

We realised that managing change, increase awareness and adoption of new tools and techniques can only be effective if provided at the appropriate ‘logical level’ level of an employee, at his innate level of driving force, and at a corresponding level in his company. Therefore the training module is structured according to the principle that change at a higher level will result in change at lower levels.

As we noticed the utmost importance of avoiding soft and abstract discussions, the red line in the module is the focus on practice and skills, bringing SD close to the people, their work and individual habits, their individual ecological footprint, and especially on giving the participants guidance how to contribute to SD the next day, at home and at work.

The training module was provided to various workforce levels of a (western) EP company and judged by the participants as being a highly appreciated and effective training.

We conclude that SD training modules such as the one we developed can play an important and often decisive role in the enhancing a company's license to exist.
Cultural Maturity Model: Health and Safety Improvement through Involvement
Authors: Fleming Mark , Meakin Scott
Published: December 2007

Petroleum companies increasingly recognize the importance of the cultural aspects of health and safety management. This is due in part to the conclusion that a poor safety culture contributed to a number of disasters. Many Petroleum companies have measured their safety culture in order to identify improvements. Questionnaires are commonly used, as they are an efficient method to collect large data sets that can be analyzed statistically. Unfortunately, safety culture surveys have limitations; for example, they provide little assistance in identifying interventions to address areas of concern. A potential solution to this limitation is the use of a maturity or evolutionary framework. In the UK the offshore oil industry and the Health and Safety Executive commissioned a study to develop a health and safety maturity framework1. The study produced a cultural maturity model based on capability maturity models used in the software industry. This framework is similar to Westrum's three level safety maturity model2. These and other models were used as the basis of a Canadian cultural maturity model. This model consists of 5 levels of maturity (Documenting, Controlling, Engaging, Participating and Institutionalizing) and 10 elements. This paper describes the development of the model and the results of a cultural maturity project conducted in Petro-Canada's East Coast Operations.
Open Safety Dialogue (OSD), Dialogue, Delivery and Commitment
Authors: Løvby Terje , Dahl Tor Alrik
Published: December 2007

abstract

This paper describes the introduction of a management tool for behavior modification implemented in Statoils E&P operations over the past two years.

A large number of executives, managers and supervisors1 have been trained, in small groups, to use a structured methodology for work site interaction with staff aimed at reducing at risk behavior in our plants and facilities. Our training program have been highly standardized and at the same time focused on stimulation of dialogue and creation of consensus amongst the participants.

Our Open Safety Dialogue (OSD) introduction program has been conducted in the shortest possible time span. Each supervisor has been put under mild pressure to apply the OSD methodology at completion of her/his training.
Ergonomic Considerations in Physically Demanding Jobs
Authors: Attwood Dennis , Fennell Dave
Published: December 2007

Within the oil and gas industry, some physical jobs haven't changed for years. Even today, many of the tasks performed on-site and in the field are physically demanding - so much so that many tasks exceed the long-term physical capability of most operators. Over time, we have seen workers gradually ‘wear out' physically and self-elect to move into tasks that are less demanding, but also less rewarding. In our opinion, it does not have to be this way. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how physically demanding jobs can be analyzed and how practical, cost-effective changes can be made to reduce the physical stress on the operator. It is our goal to demonstrate how positions that are now seen as ‘interim work' can be made into careers that workers can perform into their retirement.
International E&P Environmental Regulations: What Makes Sense for Our Industry?
Authors: McMillen Sara J.
Published: December 2007

With the increasing awareness of environmental concerns associated with oil and gas exploration and production, and as the oil industry continues to grow in the regions of West Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America, it is imperative that our industry work together with local governments in protecting people and ecosystems. Too often, regulators in these areas find themselves without adequate resources to design effective environmental management programs and instead end up simply adopting and/or adapting regulatory programs developed by and for industrialized countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and/or South Africa.

Regulations in these developed parts of the world tend to vary greatly by country because they consider not only the technical basis for the regulation, but local and regional concerns such as the need to protect other industries/resources (e.g., fishing), land development plans, public opinion, cost/benefit analysis and many other factors. This paper will describe the technical, historical and political contexts that have driven a few key regulations in the industrialized countries of North America and Europe. These factors will then be used to evaluate the net environmental benefit of specific regulatory approaches in developing countries and to outline a framework for how governments, local people, non-government organizations, and corporations can work together to prioritize and deal with local environmental and human health issues.
SARS – Managing the Illness and the Fear
Authors: Stevenson Alan , Knutsson Mats
Published: December 2007

In early November 2002 the medical community started to pick up a new strain of atypical pneumonia in the Asia region that was extremely aggressive and not responding to standard treatment. Events unfolded quickly and by March 17, 2003, there were 167 reported cases and four deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). On March 18, 219 cases were reported within Vietnam, Hong Kong Special Administration Region of China, and Singapore - the main areas where the illness had taken root. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an emergency travel advisory, because air travel had enabled the illness to escape its point of origin. (Appendix A).

In this paper we discuss how a major oilfield services company responded to the SARS outbreak. Schlumberger had travel restrictions in place because of the war in Iraq - only essential business travel was allowed. SARS-affected countries were now included. Employees instinctively looked to their employers for protection against what some understood to be a deadly illness that was out of control. Schlumberger realized that an absolute travel ban was not necessary, or even rational, and that line management now had to determine what was essential business travel and what was not. Many meetings were conducted via videoconference and conference calls, resulting in actual cost savings in Q1 2003 versus Q1 2002. Controlling travel through an exemption request process enabled senior management to be fully involved in the approval process.

Providing the workforce with accurate and timely information on the illness, and what local governments were doing to prevent its spread in the community, was key to raising the comfort level. Educating employees on SARS and comparing it to other prevalent diseases and road traffic accidents helped to keep the situation in perspective.
Managing Health in Emergency Situations. Lessons Learnt from Recent Events
Authors: Minshell Caroline
Published: December 2007

Introduction

This presentation will outline:

BP's remote and emergency medical processes and client base, using real and recent events

Main body Preparation of business travellers, expatriate families and correspondents Assessment of and arrangements for health care Contacts and communication lines Emergency planning that includes provision for medical emergencies Provision of support services including PTSD counselling Re-establishing health care and support services after the event

Conclusion

Good emergency medical planning is essential to all businesses.
SARS Response and Experiences Post the 2003 Outbreak and the Effect on Moving Rotating Staff to Offshore Operations
Authors: Guibert Philippe
Published: December 2007

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 is an emerging disease that spread rapidly worldwide. Remote and offshore operations appeared particularly at risk for various reasons. Medical teams were not prepared for the management of outbreaks. The density of population made close contact transmission possible. Remoteness resulted in misinterpreted information, weak and delayed adapted support, and improbable medical evacuation.

As a result, companies immediately set travel policies and screening procedures to decrease the probability of having someone on site presenting early signs of SARS. In cooperation with site management, alert level policies were implemented to plan responses adapted to pre-defined thresholds of risk. Information and training focused on prompt detection and isolation of cases, strict infection control in medical facilities, and the tracing and quarantine of contacts. Specific SARS management kits were elaborated to address the treatment of suspect cases, the organisation of isolation and the protection of medical teams. Medical evacuation of cases became a challenge due to medical transportation issues, operational limitations and international administrative constraints. Information dissemination services and email alerts were set up via a SARS dedicated web site in order to provide compiled data and operational information to medical directors.

This paper will review the experiences of companies tackling the SARS outbreak in remote settings. In the absence of a vaccine, robust diagnostic tests and specific treatment, this medical issue appeared initially to have no medical, but only operational answers. Options chosen in terms of staff management, treatment abilities and evacuation capacities will be discussed. In conclusion, the importance of appropriate communication and accurate information will be analysed to help corporations make appropriate decisions in such challenging circumstances.
Regulatory Requirements for a Sound Health, Environment and Safety Culture in the Norwegian Petroleum Activities
Authors: Tharaldsen Jorunn-Elise , Lindeberg Reidar
Published: December 2007

There has been a claim in the industry that the safety level in the petroleum area has stagnated or declined the last few years. Some improvements have been seen, but in many areas the risk level has been increasing during the nineties. This development must be understood in relation to extensive processes of change in the industry. There have been major technological, operational and organisational changes, without the sufficient or corresponding focus on the consequences for health, safety and environment.

In order to meet this development there has been made a new legal framework for the petroleum sector (Sound health, environment and safety culture, Section 11) and a white paper to sort out these conditions (White paper no. 7, 2001 - 2002). The new regulatory framework was effectuated last year and demands that the responsible party shall promote a good HSE-culture in the enterprise. In the white paper the role of the leaders is given much attention. The work with and the quality of the HSE-culture is closely connected to the responsibility of the leader and his or her behaviour. It is also said that: "Health, environment and safety shall be integrated in the common values, established attitudes, competence and behaviour in the organisation".

In addition to this, the Norwegian government wants the petroleum sector to be the initiating and leading industry with a strong focus on HSE, continuous improvement and a proactive approach. The petroleum sector is meant to be a mirror outwards to the rest of the world.
Safety Cases – 10 Years of Experience
Authors: Whewell Ian
Published: December 2007

The paper shares some of the lessons learned by the UK Health and Safety regulatory authority (HSE) in the 10 years since Regulations were introduced requiring a Safety Case for every offshore oil and gas installation. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the requirements and outlines some important changes under consideration to improve the effectiveness of Safety Cases. These may be of assistance to those who use the concept of a Safety Case in their regulatory regimes.
International HSE Standards on China's Largest Gas Project
Authors: Changliang Jiang , van Herwaarden Ir. Hans , Peng Jianwei
Published: December 2007

As China&s largest gas project, the West-East Gas Pipeline project is one of the key national projects included in China&s 10th Five-Year Plan. It plays an important role in China&s oil & gas development strategy and in the development of West China. The pipeline sources the gas mainly from Tarim basin in Xinjiang and targets the markets in Yangtze River delta. It comprises a gas supply system 3900km in length, stretching from West to East China and will transport 12 billion cubic meters natural gas per year.

Currently PetroChina is the leading investor in this project and a group of international oil companies (IOC) is negotiating to jointly invest and develop it. Ongoing negotiations for the formation of a Joint Venture include the requirement to adopt health, safety, environmental and social standards consistent with international expectations. Consequently, IOC has had an ongoing role in providing advice and support regarding definition and implementation of the standards. This paper describes how such standards were adopted and implemented, against a backdrop of a country where HSE management, in general, is still at a rudimentary stage of implementation and China&s aspiration to more globally adopt such international standards.
The Client has Most Influence on the Contractor's HS&E Culture
Authors: Yule Steven , Mearns Kathryn
Published: December 2007

There is considerable evidence that safety culture and safety climate can be used to discriminate between organizations that manage safety well and those that do not. The role of management may be particularly crucial when ambiguities exist regarding exactly who should have, and who does have influence on safety culture. One such example is the complex relationship between the contractor and client. Who should have the primary influence on the contractor's HSE culture -the contracting company who has a duty of care for its employees or the client who operates and is responsible for the working environment within which the contractors work? This paper presents the initial findings from a large-scale research project conducted with a global engineering and construction organization. The project used three main data collection techniques to arrive at a triangulated assessment of HS&E culture in 18 worksites worldwide (Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, West Africa). The data collection techniques were: (i) a questionnaire about personal values, cultural norms, and safety climate which was administered to workforce members; (ii) structured interviews regarding HS&E culture and safety management systems which were conducted with project management teams and senior management, and (iii) an independent ‘show me’ audit of the safety management system in operation. Data were collected using these three techniques at all 18 worksites. A strong finding from the project was that the contractor's workforce and project management teams both consistently believed that the client's managers and systems had more of an impact on the safety culture of the contracting company than the contractor's senior managers and HS&E systems. The audits verified this in the majority of cases and the results were evident across cultures and clients.
The Road to "Zero-Philosophy" Mindset and a New HSE Culture
Authors: Grinrød M. , Myrholt L. , Berge A. L.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the innovative ideas Statoil as operator together with their main service and drilling contractors have worked on in order to establish a needed improved HSE culture. This included how to improve communication, best practices, common HSE day, goals and interests. The paper is summarized with how this contributed to the "they – us" to "we" HSE cultural change.
Single vs Double Sides for FPSO Hulls – A Decision Model
Authors: Sipkema Anthony W.
Published: December 2007

After the grounding of the Exxon Valdez, which resulted in 260.000 bbls crude spilled, US regulators issued OPA 90, with the aim to prevent similar accidents from occurring again. IMO followed with MARPOL 13. One of the requirements of OPA 90 (applicable to US waters) and IMO (International waters) was to phase out Single Side (SS) trading tankers, and replace them with Double Hull (DH) trading tankers. FPSOs are not specifically covered in these regulations.

Originally intended for trading tankers, these requirements have found their way into FPSO designs. Generally new build FPSOs are specified with DH or Double Sides (DS) configuration, and where conversion FPSOs are mostly SS configuration.

The public firmly believes that Double Hull is the panacea for all tanker oil spills. Unfortunately little evidence exists that the DH configuration has improved environmental protection. OPA 90 did lower the age profile of the trading tankers, contributing to fewer spills due to "old age".

This paper challenges the requirement for DH or DS for FPSOs as a starting point for design and proposes a decision model that ensures that key decision drivers such as regulatory requirements, HSE, cost, contractor experience and reputation issues are adequately covered during the FPSO hull selection process. It gives designers a tool for demonstrating risks are ALARP and can be used to engage in dialogue with regulators and classification societies.

The decision model, for many FPSO applications and, especially those in benign environments, makes a case that SS is the ALARP risk option for the FPSO with none of the environmental costs associated with the other configurations.
Meeting the Zero Discharge Challenge for Produced Water
Authors: Knudsen B. L. , Hjelsvold M. , Frost T. K. , Svarstad M. B. E. , Grini P. G. , Willumsen C. F. , Torvik H.
Published: December 2007

Reduced environmental impact is the goal when choosing produced water treatment technologies. On the Norwegian sector the method used for quantifying this impact is the Environmental Impact Factor, EIF. This method is computerized in a tool that calculates the environmental impact from each of a number of chemical component groups that are present in produced water.

Re-injection of produced water is the preferred option, and mostly used when pressure support is required. This paper, however, describes new treatment technologies aimed at produced water being released to sea. The technologies are suitable for different produced water compositions. The components in the produced water that contribute to the environmental impact are mainly: aliphatic hydrocarbons, heavy aromatic compounds (PAH), alkylated phenols and man added production chemicals. At several Statoil operated fields the corrosion inhibitor and H2S scavenger are giving a significant contribution.

Several new technologies will be described. Statoil has had a leading role and actively participated in the development and qualification of most of these technologies. The results from this work will be presented. The technologies will include the CTour process, Epcon CFU, droplet coalescing technologies as well as new technologies to reduce discharge of production chemicals.

The main conclusion is that knowledge is needed about which compounds contribute to the environmental impact of produced water before deciding which technology to use.
Best Practices for Drill Cuttings & Mud Discharge Modeling
Authors: Nedwed Tim
Published: December 2007

This document describes data needs for performing cuttings and drilling mud discharge modeling and examples of simple formats for presenting model predictions. The objective is to encourage greater acceptance of discharge modeling as an environmental assessment tool by providing a foundation for consistent modeling study development and presentation.
Controlling Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluid Discharges through the Best Management Practices Compliance Alternative
Authors: Johnston Carey , Wilson Scott , Satterlee Kent , van Oort Eric , Venable Darlene , Rabke Stephen , Talbot Scott
Published: December 2007

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published effluent guidelines on the appropriate use of synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBFs). These regulations control what types of SBFs are allowed for discharge and how much SBF can be retained on the cuttings directly discharged to surface waters. In order to provide operators with greater flexibility in complying with the new controls on SBF cuttings, EPA promoted an alternative compliance option based on the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs).

This paper provides an overview of the SBF BMP compliance alternative, its use among operators, and elements of an effective BMP Plan. This paper focuses on implementation aspects and identifies potential benefits for operators using the BMP compliance alternative. In addition, this paper presents a comparison of SBF discharges associated with cuttings for SBF wells that did and did not use this compliance alternative. Monitoring data indicate that discharges from SBF wells using the compliance alternative are lower than the discharges from SBF wells that did not use the compliance alternative. Finally, this paper examines the degree to which operators are on a cycle of continuous improvement and expanding beyond this compliance alternative on a voluntary basis to examine other areas for pollution prevention and reduction of pollutant discharges.
Slide Risk Assessment in the Ormen Lange Field Development Area
Authors: Lund Jan K. , Olsen Jørn , Bryn Petter , Brekke Gunnar , Guttormsen Tom , Kvalstad Tore , Nadim Farrokh
Published: December 2007

The Ormen Lange field is the largest undeveloped gas field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The field is located in the Norwegian Sea in water depths of about 800 m to 1,100 m. The field is situated approximately 120 km from the coastline, within the scar of the prehistoric Storegga slide (Figure 1). The slide that took place 8,200 years ago is one of the world's largest known submarine slides with an estimated slide volume in excess of 3,000 km3. Evidence of flood waves (tsunamis) generated by the Storegga slide, has been found along the coast of Norway, Scotland and the Faeroe Islands.

The location of the field necessitates a thorough analysis as to whether a new major slide could occur.

This paper presents the risk analysis framework used and models applied to assess the slide risk in this area.
Development of a Integrated Approach to the Risk Analysis of a Blow-out Accident
Authors: Blotto Paola , Bonuccelli Michele , Morale Gianni , Dellarole Edoardo , Falcitelli Mariano , Podenzani Fabrizio
Published: December 2007

The uncontrolled eruption of a well is one of the most critical accidents that can occur both during exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon fields. Significant HSE issues are associated to this event that introduces safety risks for the field operators, potential health injury for the population living in the area and impacts, mainly associated to the hydrocarbon contamination, on the environment.

This paper describes a methodology, developed by ENI E&P in the framework of a specific R&D project, permitting the complete analysis of the phenomenology associated to the blow-out event. The procedure, implemented in a PC user friendly software supplies all the information necessary for the complete characterization of the accident from a HSE point of view. In particular, the following data can be derived from the methods: release characterization;not ignited jet characterization;not ignited toxic and flammable gas and oil dispersion characterization;ignited jet characterization;dynamic killing design.

The above set of data is calculated making use of a constellation of models simulating the various physical phenomena characterizing the blow-out event. Part of these models have been developed in the framework of the R&D project being relevant to phenomena (e.g. oil atomization, two-phase jet, two-phase combustion) not sufficiently treated in the literature. In some cases literature/commercial models have been selected after a State of the Art study. All the models included in the procedure have been validated both with experimental and/or numerical (CFD) data.

The methodology is presently successfully applied in most of the ENI E&P developments.

In the paper the description of the methodology structure and models is reported with validation results and some application scenarios.
Comparison of Quantitative Blowout Risk Assessment Approaches
Authors: Dervo Helge J. , Blom-Jensen Bjarne
Published: December 2007

The risk of a blowout is one of the major contributors to the total risk picture on oil and gas installations. The consequences can be significant with respect to loss of lives, material assets and damages to the environment.

Even though much effort is put in to describe how blowouts occur, and how to prevent it to happen, the risk of blowouts will remain a threat to this industry. Historical data show that the variation in the frequency of a blowout strongly dependents on several risk elements identified in the well, on the platform, in the procedures and in the organization.

In order to prohibit blowouts it is of importance to evaluate well conditions, but also the system and the equipment on the platform and in the organization.

A brief comparison has been made between the approach of BlowFAM (Blowout Frequency Assessment Model1) and a more traditional approach based on kick frequency and BOP reliability.
3D Model for Qualitative Risk Assessment
Authors: Cram Robert S.
Published: December 2007

Proposal

Conventional two dimensional qualitative risk assessment defines risk as the probability of an event multiplied by the consequence resulting from the event where the consequence is loosely defined as discrete components ranging from no consequence or minor consequence through to a catastrophe. In human terms, this is usually either a fatality or permanent disability.

Typically, this type of risk matrix is split into regions indicating, for example, "unacceptable risk", "acceptable risk" and "investigation required" categories. In the case of events involving risk to human beings, this type of approach is insufficient as the potential outcome is always in the most severe consequence category i.e. fatality or permanent disability. Risk assessment for activities involving human beings is therefore reduced to a one dimensional exercise focusing solely on the probability of the event.

This paper describes a three dimensional approach to qualitative risk assessment which permits acknowledgement of the possibility for a catastrophic outcome and the same time provides a mechanism for addressing measures to reduce such a possibility to a minimum.

By introducing a 3rd axis - "probability of consequence", the risk matrix becomes a risk cube. Each layer of the cube represents a level of consequence with the other two axes representing the probability of the event and the probability of the consequence occurring.
Seabed Recolonisation: N'Kossa Case
Authors: Durrieu J. , Bouzet Ph.
Published: December 2007

During offshore activities directed at the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, the living conditions of the flora and fauna on the seabed may be disrupted. Drilling operations in particular, during which cuttings are discharged to sea, induce an impact on the benthic populations living in the sediment.

The study described in this paper set out to assess directly on site the real impact of the cuttings discharged, the regenerating capacity of the ecosystem and the medium- and long-term recolonisation processes.

The physical and chemical parameters used as tracers of the drilling muds were: the barium and hydrocarbon concentrations, and particle size.

The paper presents the main results obtained from the monitoring surveys. It discusses the methodology adopted (study of the physico-chemical and biological quality of the sediment, plus evolution of toxicity and bacterial population trends). The study has shown that the relevant parameters for describing benthic macro-fauna are: species richness, abundance and diversity (Shannon index).

Where the environment is concerned, the results obtained are a basis for evaluating the kinetics of restoration of the drilling site in time and in space, and provide evidence of the limited impact of the cuttings.
Produced Water Regulatory Requirements Offshore Australia
Authors: Cobby G. L.
Published: December 2007

Commonwealth Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 1999, require an accepted Environment Plan (EP) for offshore production facilities to operate. The EP should contain a comprehensive risk assessment of the environmental effects and risks of the whole PW discharge. Compliance with maximum dispersed oil in water concentrations continue to apply but the regulatory focus has changed in recognition of potential chronic effects associated with dissolved aromatics and other potential contaminants. This paper describes Australian regulatory requirements for the environmental management of PW, assessment techniques, treatment technologies and likely trends in Australian PW management.
The Bio-Mare Project: Ecotoxicological Assessment of Mediterranean Offshore Platform Areas using Biomarkers
Authors: Ferraro M. , Fossi M. C. , Casini S. , Marsili L.
Published: December 2007

The AGIP "BIO-MARE" pilot project aims to develop and validate a methodology based on biomarkers in bioindicator organisms to assess ecotoxicological effects related to Mediterranean off-shore activities (Adriatic Sea). The research is articulated in three phases: I) laboratory studies; II) field studies; III) development of a methodological protocol. During phase I, specimens of the flatfish Solea vulgaris and barnacles Balanus trigonius and Balanus perforatus were exposed in the laboratory to increasing concentrations of discharged water, obtained from an Adriatic off-shore platform. Various biomarkers (MFO activities (BPMO, EROD, PROD, Cyp450-reductases), porphyrins (copro-, uro-, protoporphyrins), PAH bile metabolites, esterases (AChE, BChE, CbE), vitellogenin, zona radiata proteins, micronuclei, antioxidant enzymes (SOD), metallothioneins) and contaminants (PAHs and trace metals) were measured in the biondicator organisms. The main aim of this phase was to identify the most sensitive biomarker responses and build up an ecotoxicological model for the evaluation and interpretation of in situ data. Variations detected in biomarker responses of exposed organisms with respect to controls, included induction of MFO activity (EROD induction ranged 72-196%, BPMO induction ranged 43-116%), slight accumulation of PAH bile metabolites and slight inibition (20%) of SOD. During phase II, specimens of Solea vulgaris were collected in six Adriatic sites at different distances from the off-shore platform. Statistically significant differences in MFO induction were detected between organisms from the off-shore platform and a control area.
Prevention Of Malaria Among Nonimmune Rotating Expatriates When They Are Back Home From Endemic Countries
Authors: Guibert Philippe
Published: December 2007

Expatriates working on a rotational basis in malaria endemic areas are usually well protected when they are directly exposed (on-site medical services, medical evacuation capabilities, etc.). However when they are back home they seem more at risk to developing clinical malaria that will not be managed appropriately. Unpublished data from companies operating in endemic areas show that malaria related mortality is higher when employees are away from their place of work while malaria incidence is higher on-site.

Expatriates knowledge is usually poor, and repeated education and training sessions may ensure full cultural understanding of the disease. As compliance to the chemoprophylaxis is low and decreases with the time, detection of prophylaxis metabolites in biological fluids may lead to better adherence. Standard defined prophylaxis may also avoid irrational use of inappropriate drugs. When malaria occurs, a hot line service may be set up to monitor and to refer any suspect cases to health care providers, to bring support and information, and to link with company medical directors. Self-medication kits included with credit-card size information cards, containing curative drugs coupled with rapid diagnostic kit may be useful to start the treatment.

The purpose of this paper will be to review the complimentary methods of malaria prevention among nonimmune expatriates working on a regular basis in endemic countries. Prevention needs to be focused on repeated information, communication for both the person at risk and their family and access to self-treatment measures when expatriates are back home. We have analysed with our on-site physicians in Africa several factors that may explain this situation, and the measures that can be implemented to decrease
Chad Export Project: Environmental Management and Monitoring Process and Systems
Authors: Moynihan Kelly J. , Kaul Clayton F. , Caldwell Ed R. , Sellier Ulrich L. , Daetwyler Neil A. , Hayward Gary L. , Tucker Joey V.
Published: December 2007

Over its 25-30 year life, the $3.5 billion Chad Export Project will produce ~1 billion barrels of crude oil from three Chadian oilfields for export to world markets. Oilfield area facilities encompass ~250 wells, produced fluids separation and processing units, and supporting infrastructure including a 120 MW power plant. The Project's export system includes a 1070 kilometer onshore pipeline traversing the southern part of Chad and much of neighboring Cameroon, three pump stations and a near shore pressure reducing station, a 12 kilometer subsea pipeline, and an offshore marine terminal (Floating Storage and Offloading vessel). Major construction was preceded by the Project's upgrading of significant portions of the transportation infrastructure in north central Cameroon and southern Chad. The participation of the Republics of Chad and Cameroon in the Project as equity partners in the export system was made possible by loans furnished by the World Bank. During the Project's six-year planning period, extensive integrated engineering, environmental, socioeconomic, and health studies were undertaken, with a special emphasis on issues/impacts identification and avoidance, alternatives analyses, and site selection/optimization. The development of the Project's Environmental Assessments and twenty volume Environmental Management Plan (EMP) featured a high degree of transparency and embodied extensive public consultation. An assortment of systems and processes were developed and implemented to ensure that the Project was constructed in a manner that featured a high level of compliance with EMP-related obligations and requirements. EMP implementation, performance, and compliance results have been made widely available to global civil society via the posting of Project-related reports and other information on the Internet.
Biodiversity Challenges: Breaking New Ground on Major Pipeline Projects
Authors: Cousins Gill
Published: December 2007

The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) projects comprise two long-distance pipelines passing through a region globally renowned for its biodiversity value. The paper describes the biodiversity challenges faced by the projects and the solutions.
Protecting Shallow Water Environment through Re-Injecting Drilling Wastes Down Hole: A Proactive Management Decision
Authors: Lee Tzee Wan , Radzuan b Yusof M. , b Boni Rosli , Rahman Shaharuddin Abdul
Published: December 2007

Petronas Carigali Bahrain Ltd (PCBL) drilled two exploration wells in the shallow water environment offshore Bahrain in 2003. In order to protect the rich and sensitive natural environment with commercial and scientific importance due to the presence of a number of unique and rare habitat types namely, seagrass beds and coral reefs, PCBL conducted an ecological baseline survey to collect information prior to conducting an Enviornmental Impact Assessment. The main source of potential impact was expected to come from the drilling wastes, normally discharge overboard. In view of the sensitive environments, PCBL made a proactive decision to slurrify and re-inject drilling wastes down-hole in order to reduce the volume of plume producing solid and liquid effluent discharged into the marine environment. The environmental benefit realized from the decision has far exceeded the cost installation and operation of the cuttings reinjection unit.
Vermicomposting and Best Available Technique for Oily Drilling Waste Management in Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Authors: Paulsen John E. , Getliff Jonathan , Sørheim Roald
Published: December 2007

Oil and gas exploration into areas of increasing environmental sensitivity require justification of selected Best Available Technique (BAT), including drilling waste disposal. The BAT should also reflect a most responsible technique.

In sensitive areas offshore Northern Norway discharge of drill cuttings is a controversial issue. Improvements in bulk handling techniques are expected to allow wastes to be quickly and safely returned to shore for treatment. If the cuttings are not injected into subsurface formations offshore, then thermal treatment is one option. However, such plants require considerable capital investment or transportation of the cuttings over long distances to the next plant. While bioremediation may not be the obvious choice for waste treatment in arctic climates, the use of benign fluids designed to facilitate bioremediation can greatly increase process rates and facilitate recycling of the waste. Field trials show that vermicomposting is fit for this purpose.

Vermicomposting uses worms to remediate the cuttings converting them in to a compost type material that can be used as a soil enhancer or fertilizer. This paper considers a technique that not only cleans the cuttings, but also adds value, converting them into a valuable resource.

The results of a study into the feasibility of vermicomposting in Northern Norway provide data for discussing the efficiency and practicality of the technique, while the results of analytical tests and plant growth studies demonstrate the quality and beneficial properties of the product.

Acknowledging that this concept transforms a waste into a fertilizer, it may be argued that this is an attractive waste minimization technique that requires low energy inputs and leaves no environmentally compromising residues.
Improving the Implementation of HSE Management Systems through the Use of Neural Networks to Analyse Accident Data
Authors: Cram Robert S.
Published: December 2007

Proposal

Many companies have access to large databases of accident / incident data collected over many years of operations. Often however, best use of this data is not made and organisations find themselves limited in most instances to the generation of standard reports such as Lost Time Injury Frequency Rates or, at best, offering management the opportunity to generate ad hoc queries. As a consequence, a large reservoir of useful knowledge remains untapped.

Human beings are notoriously bad at recognising patterns within data. When presented with huge quantities of information, we are unable to process it simultaneously and rapidly become overwhelmed. Neural Networks offer a solution to this problem. They provide HSE and line management with the opportunity to look deep into their accident databases and identify patterns within this data store. These patterns can then be used to identify appropriate management HSE objectives to further reduce accident rates.

Using Neural Networks to analyse accident data provides a tool which satisfies four important questions in improving HSE performance; "What are the major contributing factors to existing accidents?", "What new issues are beginning to become a problem?", "How effective have previous measures been in reducing the contribution of specific factors in accident causation?" and finally, "Have we achieved all that we can achieve within the scope of our current accident investigation methods?"

This paper describes how a Neural Network can be set up to analyse accident data and presents the results of several investigations using hundreds of accident reports.
A New Method of Measuring Safety Performance Will Soon Affect the Whole Industry
Authors: Veley Carl , Ritchie Norman , Coats E. Alan , Disatell Joel , Cook Pat
Published: December 2007

Proposal

Safety performance is an increasingly important factor in deciding which bidders get contracts. Companies also make safety performance an important element in selecting employees for promotion, or for termination. The stakes are high, and it is critical that safety performance measurements accurately reflect probability of future accidents.

Conventional measurements are proving to be unreliable indicators of the future and can cause contracts to go to bidders with the highest, not lowest, probability of accidents. They punish supervisors and companies for things they cannot control. Additionally, they can unfairly derail the careers of capable employees at all levels. This new system rewards supervisors based on corrective actions entirely within their control. It receives strong approval from all management levels, and is proving much more effective in preventing accidents.

Now, a new metric is available that eliminates these problems. It is based on a simple, objective, highly reliable system of evaluating corrective actions. This new system generates a single number directly indexed to future safety performance. The system eliminates problems with conventional frequency and severity ratios, and it is proving to be a powerful management tool in many ways. It is currently being tested and implemented by large and small companies throughout all of the industry.
Employing the Techniques of High Reliability Organisations in the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: McGrath Tim , Conversi Tim
Published: December 2007

The objective of having zero health, safety and environmental incidents whilst achieving excellent business performance is the long-term goal for oil and gas industry operators and contractors. There are a few "High Reliability Organisations" (HROs) that have achieved better than expected performance in other hazardous and complex industries where the consequences of failure are also a threat to organisational survival. The Berkeley Group (Roberts, 1993) identified and analysed this phenomenon in the late 1980's. It may be possible for oil and gas industry operators and contractors to employ some of the techniques that HROs utilise to achieve higher reliability. A tool has been developed which measures the degree to which an organisation employs these techniques at each level of the organisation from the boardroom to the drill floor so that areas for improvement may be identified. The tool can also be used in a similar manner to 4D seismic to identify the improvement or reduction in reliability following the implementation of, for example, a new management technique, organisational change or a change in the operating environment. The tool will be presented along with data from oil and gas operators who are on the path from "Reliability Seeking" to "High Reliability".