bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Regulatory Changes—Are We Managing Them Effectively?
Authors: Smith C. , Caldwell S. , Graves D. , Galvan J.
Published: September 2012

The introduction of new regulations such as the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) increase the challenges for companies to keep up with regulatory requirements. In addition, upcoming chemical regulatory requirements are being developed and implemented in all areas around the world where international exploration and production (E&P) companies operate.

In addition to initiatives by companies, to provide more environmentally friendly products and greener technology, there is also an increased demand for transparency and accountability. Companies have to ensure regulatory compliance with the continuously changing regulatory landscape. There are increased requirements for proper management of documentation (safety data sheets (SDS), labels, etc.), integrated software/IT resources, training, auditing and more importantly internal and external communication to ensure compliance. A practical management system is required to monitor and implement these regulatory changes.

The implementation of health, safety and environment (HSE) and regulatory programs can be supported through the effective management of regulatory changes. These regulatory changes can have a significant impact on corporate behavior and reputation. Identification, investigation, implementation and integration are key elements when managing regulatory impact. Identification and documentation of the regulations to monitor and track industry changes is critical in the process. Investigation requires the review and assessment of the regulatory requirements, considering the potential impact on products and business lines. Implementation involves updating relevant documentation to ensure compliance. The final step of integrating controls in the supply chain to ensure regulatory compliance is especially critical with international movement of chemicals and substances. This also involves training and communication to implement changes.

This paper seeks to highlight the importance of monitoring and implementing regulatory updates and changes within the industry. It also explores an effective system for managing regulatory changes.
Worker Stress and Fatigue in Oil Spill Response
Authors: Gibson Dawn
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the often neglected areas of health and safety during a spill response pertaining to worker stress and fatigue and to determine strategies that can be employed by both individuals and organisations to address these issues. During a spill these issues can often be considered as an afterthought once the impacts of worker stress and fatigue have already become apparent and are affecting operational capability. This oversight is reflected in the scarcity of literature available regarding emergency responder welfare during an extended response. However, in the wake of the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico, a greater focus on responder health and safety has developed and is continuing with several studies into the topic, including work by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

This paper includes a review of current literature surrounding the topic and explores current practices from other areas of the emergency response community. Taking inspiration from these case studies it also suggests some best practices and policy ideas to be adopted for oil spill response operations. Furthermore, the paper recognises and aims to address the difficulties that may arise in implementing these practices and policies due to the nature of response work and the environments in which response organisations operate in.

Ultimately the paper aims to stimulate discussion within the oil spill response community regarding how best to ensure worker stress and fatigue issues do not adversely affect operational capabilities during sustained responses. This is important not only to maximise human resources enabling them to reach their full capabilities but to fulfil the duty of care which organisation should hold to protect the welfare of its response personnel.
Coal Seam Gas (CSG): What Becomes of Produced Water? Regulation and Strategies
Authors: Hatley Ray
Published: September 2012

Strong LNG demand, both here in Australia and overseas, fuelled by worldwide transition to a low carbon economies is driving unprecedented growth in coal seam gas (CSG) exploration and development of east coast resources, not to mention the other conventional gas resources around Australia. With this accelerated growth in demand for gas, particularly with the onshore CSG production, comes the matter of the associated environmental affects and the need for socially responsible environmental management and mitigation of impacts.

Why do I single out the CSG industry in this regard – after all the oil and gas industry has been the subject of considerable environmental regulation during the many decades of production in this country, and has a very proud record in doing the right thing.

This paper relates specifically to one unique attribute associated with the production of CSG, namely the need to extract groundwater from the gas production wells in order that they be depressurised as a precursor to gas release. Pumping groundwater from of the coal seam ‘aquifers’ targeted for the resource reduces the hydraulic pressure to the point that the adsorption bonds holding the methane to the surfaces of the coal cleats (or microfractures) are reversed and the gas moves into the gaseous phase, and is hence available to flow to the well under the prevailing hydraulic gradients. Typically, a CSG well is pumped for its groundwater, producing its peak flows early in the life of the well, with flows of water tapering off with time, as gas flows increase and peak some years into its life.
’Wild Thing’: The Challenges of Regulatory Change under Wild Rivers
Authors: Oliver Sofia
Published: September 2012

In late 2011 the Queensland State Government of Australia declared the Cooper Creek Basin in South West Queensland to be a Wild River Area under the Wild River Act 2005. The Wild River Area covers a significant proportion of Santos’ current tenements and future development interests in the area.

The Wild Rivers Declaration is a highly prescriptive regulatory regime that sets out significant restrictions which would detrimentally impact on existing operations and future oil and gas development opportunities, including emerging coal seam and shale gas prospects in the proposed declaration area. It includes general prohibitions on certain activities across extensive areas of channel country and the imposition of setbacks for activities in proximity to watercourses.

The issue first arose in late 2010 when the Queensland Government indicated its intent to declare the Cooper Creek Basin as a Wild River through its issue of a Declaration Proposal. During the 12 month consultation period that followed, Santos engaged with the Queensland Government regulators and Ministers to assist the Government to make a Wild Rivers Declaration that achieves a balance between protecting the natural values of the Cooper Creek and allowing the continuation of the sustainable development of the petroleum resources within the Cooper and Eromanga Basins.

The paper will provide insight into Santos’ experience in taking a lead role in responding to the significant new legislative regime proposed by Government. Key insights include the need for industry tobe proactive and take a role in educating the Government on the industry's operations andthe changes required to ensure compliance with the new regulatory requirements. It will also discuss broadlythe challenges associated with the changing regulatory environment including the role that politics can play and observes that we should continue to expect a ‘Wild’ ride whenparticipating in thelegislative developmentprocess.

The significance of the Declaration is that the restrictions for petroleum activities imposed in the Cooper Creek Basin Wild Rivers Declaration may be imposed upon all Wild Rivers areas in Queensland. In addition, other Australian state governments are watching the implementation of Wild Rivers’ legislation in Queensland and are considering the need for similar regulatory regimes in their jurisdictions.
Keys to Successful Response Waste Management Programs: Experience from Deepwater Horizon
Authors: Sweeten David W.
Published: September 2012

Developing, planning, and—when necessary—executing an effective Waste Management Program are critical to timely and efficient clean-up operations. Waste Management Programs include a written Waste Management Plan that is approved by the relevant regulatory agencies and a series of programs or initiatives that support the written plan. Both components are designed to provide a framework for safe and compliant recovery operations, and to assist with managing both short- and long-term potential environmental impacts related to the incident.

This presentation reviews five key areas of an emergency response Waste Management Program and discusses them in the context of the Deepwater Horizon response in the Gulf of Mexico. The areas include talent needs, linkages to operations, data management, maintaining compliance, and green alternatives.

Although each emergency response is unique, this presentation highlights key elements of effective Waste Management Programs and strategies.
Integrating Green Waste Management Strategies Into Emergency Response Waste Management Programs: Examples from the Deepwater Horizon Response
Authors: Sweeten David W.
Published: September 2012

This paper delivers an overview of green waste management (recycling and reuse) strategies that can be integrated into a waste management program during emergency response events. Although each emergency response event is unique in location, size, scale, material released, and situational logistics, this paper is intended to provide individuals involved in preplanning and preparedness with ideas for incorporating green alternatives into effective waste management strategies. The "Green Alternatives" Program that was implemented as part of the waste management strategy during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) response in the Gulf of Mexico is used as a case study.

The DWH Green Alternatives Program was designed to minimize waste generation and to develop a comprehensive recycling, reuse, and recovery approach. A variety of potential waste materials were generated during the response, many of which can be recycled, reclaimed, or reused. Each potential material stream generated during an emergency response event needs to undergo a comprehensive permitting and regulatory review. In addition, each potential material stream must be evaluated by a field- or full- scale proof-of-concept pilot test to validate the proposed "green" process and determine whether it will be an effective part of the response and the overall waste management strategy.

Because an emergency response event could occur anywhere, international and regional considerations—such as governing regulations, available infrastructure and transportation, local culture, and customs—must also be taken into account. As demonstrated by the DWH response, incorporating green alternatives into a response can make a positive contribution to the environment and local communities by preserving critical landfill space, creating new products, and generating energy.
Operational Improvements In The Use Of Towed Passive Acoustic Monitoring Of Marine Mammals at Sea During Seismic Surveys
Authors: Hedgeland D. , Pierpoint C. , Wyatt R. , Rypdal C.
Published: September 2012

Visual monitoring has been the primary method of detecting marine mammals during offshore activities for many years. The effectiveness of which is reduced when animals are not at the surface of the water and during periods of poor visibility.

Towed Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is another tool in the ‘monitoring tool box’. It is a method to detect the presence of marine mammals beneath the sea surface and estimate their location relative to a hydrophone array being towed from a moving vessel. Marine mammal species are identified by the specific characteristics of the detected click and whistle sounds, the interpretation of which requires a specialist operator to maximise detection/identification efficiency and reduce the likelihood of false detections. PAM is increasingly considered as a best available tool for conducting marine mammal monitoring at sea during night time or poor visibility conditions when visual observation methods are less effective.

The performance of towed PAM systems in the field is highly variable. The presence and characteristics of ambient acoustic noise relative to animal vocalisations, availability of experienced operators and levels of technical support are contributing factors to determining the overall operational performance of PAM systems.

Recent experience of deploying towed PAM systems under real-time industry conditions has identified some practical challenges and potential improvements when using PAM as a mitigation monitoring tool during offshore oil and gas related activities such as seismic surveys. Lessons learned from industry experience in the field will increase the understanding of current capabilities and limitations and will lead to further improvement of the technology.
Improving the Control of Confined-Space Entry Through the Implementation of an Operational Standard and Competence-Based Training
Authors: Wilkinson Tony , Burns Kenny , Simpson Alan , Walker Kirsty , Hunter Martin
Published: September 2012

This paper presents the approach taken to continually improve the safety and control of operations involving confined space entry through the use of a common standard and associated competence-based training.

A new company confined-space standard and competence-based training program has been developed by subject matter experts using a collaborative approach incorporating industry best practice and operational lessons learned. Implementation of the standard required the development of competence-based training, given that personnel competency is a key component in conducting safe operations.

This paper presents the process used to identify the organisation's risk exposure related to confined space entry, the level of implementation of appropriate control measures and adequacy of legacy training content. The information gathered was used to develop a confined space entry standard and associated tiered training program. The training offering incorporates basic awareness, practical workplace application as well as train-the-trainer to provide workplace support and assure the competency of personnel involved in all aspects of confined-space entry operations.

The training involves the delivery of knowledge-based and application-based training in a controlled training environment together with the completion of applied learning in the workplace. Training is completed using a confined-space simulator to provide a real-life experience of both normal operating conditions and emergency rescue. The inability to respond effectively in the event of a rescue situation is often the cause of confined space entry fatal incidents. Emphasis throughout the theoretical and practical training is placed on the importance of properly planned operations, which includes the ability to react and respond to emergency situations.
Land-Based Disposal Rules and Regulations: How Three Different High-Performance Fluids Rate in Three Different Regions
Authors: Djuric Ana
Published: September 2012

Not all drilling fluids are created equal. With that being said, not all rules and regulations applicable to the management and disposal of drilling waste are either. The intent of this paper is to impose three different disposal standards to one basic KClreference drilling fluid and threehigh-performance drilling fluid formulations to compare and contrast the differences in disposal compliance. The three selected drilling waste-disposal standards in this study includeGermany's GWK Standard for Groundwater Protection, Alberta's Directive 50, and Louisiana's 29-B Order.

This paper is intended to present a glimpse into the complexities of drilling waste disposal and compliance around the world and that the subjective prioritization of variables in the protection of groundwater, surface freshwater, agriculture, soil, human health, fauna, and flora are regionally driven. As harmonization of these rules and regulations may not necessarily be feasible on a global level, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to drilling fluid selection for the purpose of environmental compliance is not likely. The purpose of this study is not to establish which regulations are betterthan others, but rather to compare and contrast how regional ruling impacts fluid selection and subsequent drilling waste disposal. The relative ranking of fluid preference by region was determined by implementing consistent operational assumptions surroundingexploration and production (E&P) waste handling, treatment, and disposal.
Making a Difference: Two Years' Experience Implementing an Integrated Environmental and Social Standard
Authors: Rogers E. , Tarzumanov O. S.
Published: September 2012

BP operates in many countries around the world and has established a process that seeks to provide consistent identification, management and reporting of potential environmental and social impacts, including those associated with sensitive and fragile environments.

Environmental requirements for new projects have been in place in BP since 2006 (Rogers and Spence, 2008). In April 2010 the company updated the requirements and approved them as an environmental and social practice. This BP practice now integrates and mandates environmental, social, community health, security and human rights issues. It requires applicable projects to identify very early in business planning what the potential impacts might be and how they will be avoided and/ or managed.

This paper describes the methodology of this integrated practice and presents specific examples of how it is implemented in our business. Case studies describe the types of issues that are typically identified and the business advantages of early identification, avoidance and reduction of potential impacts. The impact identification methodology is described in relation to examples taken from projects in diverse environments. Two years of implementation experience including unintended release identification and management are shared through specific project examples.

The process for managing potential impacts to International Protected Areas, set out in this practice, is described using examples from seismic activities in Australia and exploration drilling in the UK. Assurance is a vital part of assessing progress, and the paper concludes with a review of implementation progress.
Non-Technical Risk Leadership: Integration and Execution
Authors: Brewer Linda , McKeeman Ryan
Published: September 2012

Today's operating environment faces a rising tide of stakeholder scrutiny, increased drilling and operating costs as well as rising cost of capital. Economic globalization brought us closer to the frontiers of accessing and developing new resources while the globalization of telecommunications brought our stakeholders immediate connectivity. Organizations are now being challenged to take a more critical look at how risk management, HSE performance, organizational culture, and project execution are central to sustainability performance and securing their license to grow.

Securing and maintaining a license to operate is no longer enough; it is the "new normal." Whereas the focus before was building a reputation to operate in the current block, we must now look to develop the current block with the aim of attaining preferred access to the next block. In order to secure your license to grow, you must demonstrate a track record of socially responsible and environmentally sensitive project development. Our organizational processes do not currently or consistently take this new requirement into account.

In addition to being a powerful source of market differentiation, sustainability performance can also help manage critical Non-Technical Risks (NTR). The identification and early management of NTR, such as community-related issues and sensitive environments can significantly improve current and future Net Present Value (NPV) and an asset owner's ability to access critical areas of market growth. These same NTR can account for up to 70–75% of cost and schedule failures in projects in the form of schedule delays and cost overruns, lost deal opportunities, and a host of stakeholder-related issues. In the current landscape, there is no major oil and gas company that has established itself as the leader in the arena of NTR. The opportunity is now for a leader to emerge.

In this document we explore the: Common NTR requirements across the oil and gas industry;Progress that is being made against management of the NTR;Emergence of non-technical performance (NTP) metrics; andOrganizational changes that are being made to optimize NTP and to more aggressively manage project NPV.
Community Based Emergency Preparedness as Key Part in Anticipation Mass Casualties in Surrounding Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: K Eko Susetyo , Adinugroho Kusuma , Asih Miko
Published: September 2012

Conflicts and potential problems have always been inevitable when our operational area borders with where community resides. It is particularly true when there is a significant gap of differences between those living beyond the fence and those inside. Additionally, such condition provides an exposure towards hazardous risk and disastrous potential as part of the operational risks to the community.

To embrace and encourage the community to participate in the safeguarding of safety and security of both operational area as well as living area, TOTAL E&P INDONESIE (TEPI) deployed a training of Community Based Emergency & Disaster Preparedness (CBE&DP). The CBE&DP training has trained 2.223 personnel, consisting of local influential people, youngsters, educationalist, police, military and health personnel, from 5 sub-districts surrounding TEPI's operational area. The training volunteers were prepared to assist TEPI in securing and rescuing people in the case of disastrous emergency and to provide early warning to TEPI when a potential hazardous event occurs (e.g. oil spill). Some volunteers will be selected to follow the advance training to assist TEPI's Emergency and Rescue Team in handling a larger scale of disaster.

The data base of the volunteers and local disaster map will be incorporated into Geographic Information System (GIS) as well as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Emergency Response Plan (ERP). The integration of the data will allow an easier coordination in the time of crisis and disaster. The volunteer's ordinate data can easily be displayed on screen to allow direct coordination with Emergency Control Center (ECC) / TEPI's Emergency Committee (TIEC).

Several advantages obtained as result of the integration are: A better and more harmonious relationship with communities surrounding the operational area.The participation of community as an agent of early warning, at the precautionary stage, early stage of disaster period (golden period) and rescue stage.From economical point of view, to get the participation of community into the effort of safety and security is comparatively efficient and effective than to recruit professionals.Early information and warning conveyed by community may avoid a bigger disaster and catastrophic event, and therefore, it will minimize number of casualties and property damage.
Local Business Empowerment Program, a Translation of Local Content Policy
Authors: Suprapti Suprapti , Djatmiko Rochmat , Adinugroho Kusuma
Published: September 2012

Common aims of the business have been evolved from Profit centered towards two other Ps which are equally important: People and Planet (environment). In the last decade, oil and gas industries all over the world received more and more pressure from external as well internal stakeholders to give attention to the environment and people aspects. A results of a study launched recently, stated that a project with the same size will take double time and needs 5–10 times of investment compare to ten years ago. Surprisingly, 73% of the delays were caused by non technical aspects. These are in line with the greater challenges in the oil and gas industry which is "no easy oil and gas, and the "sustainability issues" including environmental, societal as well as economy aspects. In early 2000s many initiatives launched to address the global sustainable issues i.e. Millennium Development Goals, Climate Change Adaption, HIV/AIDS prevention, etc. Since then, O&G industries are also obliged to support the achievement of those initiatives.

Total Group response to address the Sustainable development challenges through: Controlling and reducing the impact of the industry's activities on people and the environment Systematic assessment of social and environmental impact (i.e. AMDAL, ESBS-Environment and Societal Baseline Survey, ESIA-Environment and Social Impact Assessment) prior to operations activities, and monitor recommendations and action plan. Establishment Societal Studies and Societal Data CenterEducation and anticipative communication with communities through Government infrastructuresCommunication to all stakeholders, including internal stakeholdersDesignated team for Land Management and Claims ResolutionCertification and operations ISO 14001Programs to limit Green-House Gases emissionsBurn-pits decommissioning programContributing to the economic and social development of stakeholdersContributing to the economic and social development of stakeholdersAnticipating tomorrow's needs

Referring to the Total Group Policy and guide on sustainable development, TOTAL E&P INDONESIE (TEPI) committed through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to bring the maximum benefits for the People and the State of Indonesia and under the guidance of BPMIGAS, TEPI is intensely involved in Education, Research and Capacity Building (ERC), Health and Nutrition (HN), Community Economic Empowerment (CEE), Environment and Alternative Energies (EAE) and has established Yayasan Bhakti TOTAL Bagi Indonesia Lestari for Cultural Heritage Preservation. In addition, the combination of the five focuses in tandem with the improved local content implementation contributing to the attainment of the local acceptability and permit to operate. Considering the importance of the local content in the core business and to show Total commitment to the local economic development as part of its operation, Total Group provided Local Content Policy and guide.
Community Outreach: A Strategic Method of Value Creation
Authors: Overton Cindy
Published: September 2012

Most companies have community outreach efforts and convince themselves it is integral to their standing in the community, their reputation, their ability to recruit the best candidates, among a host of other potential benefits. Yet there are often gaps in approach and coverage that result in lower performance.

Community outreach in many companies involves some degree of community volunteerism and charitable giving. However, such efforts are often tactical, isolated from other corporate business goals, and not well aligned with long-term community sustainability needs thus missing valuable opportunities to engage and to align activities for greater all around value creation. When approached strategically, non-profits can open doors to vibrant and progressive sectors of the community, and provide resources for companies seeking opportunities to partner with local communities.

This paper will examine how companies manage community outreach efforts identifying the current standard of practice and underscore best practices. It will explore community expectations and how companies influence those expectations. It will also examine how non-profits benefit from understanding how they can aid in corporate value generation, if they are willing to work together, and be willing to look for common ground. Finally, the paper will propose a value generation model that can be used to interact with communities and nonprofits.

The concepts identified in the paper will be broadly applicable: companies of any size will be able to adopt these concepts, and apply them in any community.

Companies able to abandon tactical approaches and focus community outreach efforts strategically, have the potential to garner real benefits, including managing business risk, better reputation, more engaged and satisfied employees, as well as show alignment with their corporate sustainability initiatives and foster win-win relationships with communities and non-profits.
Considerations for the Application of Controlled In-Situ Burning
Authors: Mabile Neré J.
Published: September 2012

The burning of oil in place (in situ) on water is a viable means to mitigate the impact of marine oil spills. This paper defines three phases of decision-making, prioritizes the key issues of each phase, and proposes a process for analyzing the issues when considering controlled in-situ burning as an early response option in both icy and warm conditions. Also provided is a fact-based consideration of safe practices, such as those involving potential personnel exposure, sealife exposure, ignition control, fire control, and vessel safety. Controlled in-situ burning can be initiated on a pre-approved or case-by-case basis, and there is generally a short operational time window during which it can be effectively utilized; therefore, quick, informed decision-making is imperative. This paper provides a discussion of these factors, along with a knowledge base of best practices that includes general categories of considerations, decision-making support tools, and specific operational approaches. The Deepwater Horizon response is used to illustrate both the operational approaches and the three decision-making phases. Because of its long history of research, testing, and use during spills, as well as positive environmental tradeoffs, controlled ISB is now considered by many to be a conventional response option.
Challenging Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Vasiliu Cornelia Cretiu , Pierce Dale , Bertrand Kelly
Published: September 2012

From the point-of-view of a solutions provider the wastewater treatment should be straight forward: once given the composition of the feed and the required composition of the effluent, today's technology allows formulating a set of solutions which best meets the operator's and the regulatory criteria.

The problem with wastewater in the unconventional gas exploration and production operations is that there are large volumes to be handled and treated. To add complexity, composition varies for the same well in time and varies even more from area to area of development. Also, the requirements for the cleaned fluid vary from operator to operator and by region. Moreover, management of the water based fluids is under the pressure and scrutiny of various regulating agencies: public, privately, or governmentally run. All these constraints make the vetting of treatment methods and technologies to be a very dynamic and intensive process.

Our findings during the process of formulating a set of solutions shows that a deep understanding of the problems, combined with close collaboration with the operators and regulators along with solid basic engineering practices are the key to success. Our experience would benefit the new developments in other unconventional exploration and production area in Asia by showing the steps that were undertaken to insure solutions are up to the highest standards.

The process of finding and testing various waste water treatment technologies to formulate a flexible comprehensive set of methods will be described. Laboratory results of various samples of water will be presented as well as the challenges that were overcome for obtaining consistent, reliable analytical data. The oilfield tough requirement presented to new technologies translates as: rugged, flexible, mobile, and low cost.
Sustainable Investment in Extractive Industry Development: Implementation of Vector-borne Disease and Pest Control for Workforce Protection in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bangs Michael J.
Published: September 2012

Malaria and other vector-borne diseases can greatly impact industrial activities caused by excess lost work time and reduced production output to compromised quality of life of employees. In response, a major development project in Papua New Guinea commissioned the design and implementation of an integrated vector control program (VCP) and complementary pest control activities on site. The steps and tools required to implement a comprehensive vector control program spanning a large area is outlined. To develop a properly scaled, comprehensive health intervention program, a site risk assessment followed by detailed site-specific program scoping including staff, training, equipment and consumables, transportation needs, and work and storage facilities is an essential first step. Pre-construction building design and standards should be established to reduce vector-human contact and determine locations for accommodations to minimize disease risk. Worker awareness (induction, toolbox sessions, etc.) and personal protection measures (e.g. permethrin-treated clothing, topical repellents and insecticide aerosols) must be freely available. Various anti-mosquito capabilities combining environmentally sound adult and larval control methods are available and used in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Larval mosquito control, combines ‘source reduction’ practices, larval habitat modification and chemical applications where applicable. Use of biological/bio-rational products are directed at specific mosquito habitats. For adult mosquitoes, conservative use of insecticides applied as space sprays are a primary means of control. Enhancing cost-efficiency and program success is based on real-time evidence from temporally-relevant monitoring of vector populations and disease occurrence in workforce. These procedures represent an evidence-based, responsive VCP with a public health pest control component included. For truly sustainable integrated vector management program, a systematic transference of technical and administrative capacity to the national workforce is required. Since the program's inception the site has been effectively free of transmission of malaria, dengue and other endemic insect-borne disease within the control area.
Practical Realities of Project Financing through Equator Principles Financial Institutions
Authors: Tucker Joey , Kane Steven E. , Twyford Chris C. , Critchfield Scott L , Hayes Bruce E.
Published: September 2012

The Equator Principles (EPs) are now well recognised in the financial industry as a form of risk management. At first glance, EPs might be construed as social altruism financed by an Operator's budget. In actuality, EPs are the financial industry standard to assess, mitigate, document and monitor the credit and reputation risk associated with project-affected ecosystems and communities.

There are a range of tools available, such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards (PSs), to mitigate the environmental and social risks associated with major developments and to strive for socially responsible development. This paper describes the background and intent of the EPs as a risk management tool for making sound business decisions.

In a difficult financial climate, informed operators with robust environmental management systems will be able to access EP funding. This does not necessarily imply creation of new sets of project or operational standards. Rather, a well-developed roadmap linking the operator's existing standards to specific EPs will satisfy many EP expectations.
PNG LNG's Community Development Support Strategy
Authors: Kini Sisa , Van Duker James , Hayes Bruce
Published: September 2012

The PNG LNG Project has established a Community Development Support Plan (CDSP) with the purpose of mitigating potentially harmful effects and promoting the development of conditions conducive to enhancing the livelihoods of communities in the Project Impact Area (PIA). The CDSP provides for the development and implementation of a range of community-focused initiatives to meet the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Performance Standard-7: Indigenous People (PS-7).

The CDSP is based on a participatory, community-based approach, which uses existing and functional systems and structures to encourage community participation and ownership. This enables broad-based community programs and projects to be defined and implemented in a culturally appropriate manner. To promote sustainability, the Project will position itself in a supportive rather than a primary role by encouraging communities to take a more active role in their own development.

The CDSP will be implemented through the following components: Strengthened Social Resilience - enabling communities to effectively respond to Project impacts and capitalize on Project opportunities to improve their quality of life. Key focus areas are education, subsistence production and social strengthening.Local Economic Development - increasing income-earning opportunities and self-reliant livelihoods for communities in the Project area. This includes stimulating and supporting local entrepreneurship, development of value chain infrastructure and creating strategic partnerships that promote the development of commercial enterprise.Community Capacity Building and Partnerships - supporting the efforts of communities to identify and meet their development needs in a sustainable way.
The CV Rena - An Oil Spill Response Case Study
Authors: Anderson Jamie
Published: September 2012

On the 5th of October 2011 the 47,000 tonne container ship MV Rena ran aground on Astrolabe reef approximately 17km west of the Port of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. The vessel spilt 360 tonnes of Heavy Fuel Oil from a potential 1,700 tonnes and was New Zealand's first major maritime environmental incident. Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) was mobilised by Maritime New Zealand to provide technical support during the initial spill response and dispersant operations. Subsequently this role expanded to include shoreline operations, aerial support, incident command support and shoreline protection.

This case study aims to illustrate the role that Tier 3 organisations had in supplementing the in-country resources and helping the national agencies manage their first major oil spill and in particular will discuss OSRL's integration into Maritime New Zealand's Incident Command Structure.

The case study will address the unique circumstances and operational complications of this specific spill together with the subsequent learning outcomes these challenges produced. These include the integration and the inclusion of the local Maori population, at all command levels of the response, and previously untested wildlife response methods. Further challenges include the use of a variety of innovative beach cleaning techniques and available response options when working with a large local volunteer work force.
Using Research to Provide Safe and Environmentally Sound Decisions in the US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Authors: Buffington Sharon , Steffek Timothy
Published: September 2012

The US OCS frontier areas provide a challenging environment for regulating oil and gas as well as renewable energy safety. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) relies heavily on the use of technology assessment and research to provide safe and environmentally sound decisions. The BSEE continually re-examines current technology and procedures that may be used in the OCS because of the evolving challenges that frontier areas bring. The BSEE collaborates with national and international federal agencies to provide consistency and to ensure that the best available and safest technology is used in the OCS.

This paper will look at regulatory improvements made from research conducted post hurricane. It will also highlight post Macondo research that is being pursued by the BSEE for drilling, cementing, and human factors. The results of the research are used in the development of offshore regulations, standards, and inspection policies of more than 3400 OCS facilities and more than 33,000 miles of pipelines. For example, projects were completed which have determined appropriate structural assessment methods that did not exist previously.

A new web based system is being used as a tool to ensure that recommendations formed from research findings are used expeditiously. This paper will highlight improvements being made at the new agency formed in the Department of the Interior in an effort to promote safety, protect the environment, and conserve resources offshore through vigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement.
Surveillance of Marine Mammals in the Safety Zone around an Air Gun Array with the Help of a 360° Infrared Camera System
Authors: Weissenberger Jürgen , Zitterbart Daniel P.
Published: September 2012

Most countries require monitoring of marine mammals near seismic surveys in order to estimate potential impacts and/or to trigger appropriate mitigations measures. Typically, monitoring involves the use of visual observations by trained personnel, which are generally limited by periods of daylight with good visibility (e.g. not foggy etc.); even in perfect weather, marine mammal presence may be missed by the human observers. The ability to detect marine mammals missed by observers, as well as the ability to extend the observation period of marine mammals into the nightime and into other poor visibility conditions, would increase the activity time for industry and the accuracy of monitoring/mitigation compliance efforts. One technology for improving the effectiveness of monitoring is the use of infrared (IR) imaging devices. IR technology measures the heat radiated from an object, and the heat contrast between two juxtaposed objects. IR technology is well suited to marine mammal monitoring, since all marine mammals must come to the surface to breathe, and IR imaging often gives a clear temperature contrast between the animal and the water, making for easy detection through both visual and automated observations. An advanced IR camera system capable of simultaneously monitoring 360° around a vessel was tested during a two month seismic operation in the Alaskan Chukchi Sea in 2010. This particular installation allowed monitoring of 280° ahead and to the sides of the vessel with a picture refresh rate of 5 hertz (Hz). The IR pictures were displayed in real-time on two monitors, and video was recorded during marine mammal sightings for retrospective analyses. Approximately 180 whale blows were detected in the recorded IR imagery. Smaller whales (Dall's porpoise) were detectable at distances of several hundred meters, while blows from large baleen whales were seen at distances of up to 8 kilometers (km). The IR camera was also able to detect walrus that surfaced within 1 km of the vessel, with some detection out to a maximum distance of 1.5 km. Sea state and visibility hampered the detectability for marine mammals similarly to human visual observations, but the IR camera offers excellent observations possibilities at nightime. In the tested configuration, the IR camera system showed substantial promise for improving the effectiveness of detecting marine mammals at the surface during daylight hours, and even more detection capabilities at night. In additiona, the IR camera also allows precise measurement of the distance of the marine mammal to the seismic vessel.
The Value of Implementing Survey Management on an Existing Crowded Platform to Safely Drill Future Wells
Authors: Atfi Yusmar B Mat Wan Zul , Son Nguyen Truong , Abdalla Siddig , Aznor M Zafril , Bt A Rahman Afizza Anis , Abdullah Amir Zhafri , Zahri Fakhrul Radzi , Lubis Arwansyah , Dawson Graeme , Subroto Bramanta , Zolhaili Azzril , Singam Chandrasekhar Kirthi
Published: September 2012

Two significant development projects were being planned for brownfields in southeast Asia with a total of seven platforms and 230 wellbores in place. Previous drilling campaigns were conducted from 10 to 30 years ago. Hence, existing data were of variable quality and reliability.

During the design process for both fields, it was determined that there were large discrepancies and irregularities between well positioning databases. This not only complicated the anticollision situation of drilling in the congested fields but could also influence the reservoir model accuracy for determining the development target. The anticollision risks based on the existing data meant that well plans had to be "over engineered" to avoid the perceived risks while also requiring offset wells to be shut in during drilling operations. Thus, both drilling efficiency and production were affected because of the well positioning uncertainties.

A comprehensive survey management process was embarked upon by both the operator and service company to ensure that the survey databases being used by the drilling and subsurface teams were consistent and free from gross errors. This included the review of all existing survey reports, sources of platform positions, etc. to identify anomalies or gross errors. This was the first such project conducted by the operator.

This paper discusses the complete survey management validation process and also highlights its effect in allowing the safe and efficient well planning of the drilling campaigns while providing the subsurface team an accurate well positioning database to allow accurate target selection.
Workforce Training on Marine Mammals and Sound: Progress and a Way Forward for an Advanced Joint Industry Course
Authors: Streever Bill , Oliveira Shirley , Walls Anne
Published: September 2012

In 2008, during the SPE International Conference on Health, Safety and the Environment in Nice, France, BP p.l.c. (BP) presented "Managing Marine Mammal Issues: Corporate Policy, Stakeholder Engagement, Applied Research and Training." That paper recognized the need for oil and gas industry staff to develop a basic understanding of the potential effects of underwater sound on marine mammals and offered a short description of one of BP's approaches to familiarization training.

Since 2008, stakeholder concerns and regulatory requirements have grown. Today, the oil and gas industry needs employees familiar with the issue as well as a smaller cadre of employees with substantial expertise. This is especially true in areas of relatively new exploration and development activity, such as southern Australia and northern Canada, and in mature areas faced with rapidly-changing regulatory requirements, such as the Gulf of Mexico.

Recognizing the importance of this issue, BP has worked towards improving workforce competency through a variety of methods, including an intranet-based familiarization course, third-party courses, internal knowledge-sharing events, and mentoring. While each of these approaches plays an important role in workforce development, the need for an advanced training course focused specifically on industry needs and drawing from industry examples remains. This paper describes an example of an existing BP training program and advocates joint industry development of an advanced training course.