bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Oil and Gas E&P Operations in Environmentally & Socially Sensitive Area: Lessons Learned from Mahakam
Authors: Asmaradewi Gayatri , Rusjanto Juli , Argubie Benyamin
Published: September 2012

Total E&P Indonesie (TEPI) has been operating for more than 40 years in Mahakam Contract Area located at Mahakam Delta, Kutai Kartanegara District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, despite the local environmental and social challenges. Mahakam Delta was initially covered with dense and diverse mangrove forests. The delta is ecologically and economically important for nursery & spawning ground of fish and shrimps and hence for supporting the livelihood of local communities from fishing activities. However in the last decades there has been a marked increase of local population activities and degradation of mangrove ecosystem due to the extensive use of natural resources resulting in the deforestation of mangrove. Despite the growing complexity of oil and gas operations along with more mature oil and gas fields, TEPI is consistently committed to protect the environment and to live in harmony with surrounding communities as its paramount priorities. Successful oil and gas E&P operations in such environmentally and socially sensitive area require careful and intensive approach to minimize impacts to surrounding environment as well as to surrounding communities. This involves comprehensive environment and social baseline assessment and impact assessment studies, best practice in environment management for effective impacts reduction and mitigations, effective environment monitoring, intensive coordination with local authorities and socialization to local communities to obtain legal and public approval, acceptance, and support for the operations from the very beginning phase of operations planning until after the completion of the operations.

This paper highlights the key lessons learned from the case study of Total E&P Indonesie (TEPI) operations in the environmentally and socially sensitive area of Mahakam Delta.
Angola Biodiversity of Bathyal Sea Bottoms
Authors: Cazes Laurent , Plisson-Saune Stephan , Canovas Sophie , Bamber Roger , Robbins Roni
Published: September 2012

At the request of TOTAL E&P Angola (TEPA), before developing oil and gas activity, independent contractors carried out seven environmental baseline studies between 1998 and 2009 on bathyal blocks 17 and 32 located off the coast of Angola. With this aim, biological analysis were done on seabed samples at depths ranging between 682 and 2630 m, and 515 benthic macrofaunal taxa from eleven phyla were discovered. The relative dominance on richness taxonomic and abundance was observed on Polychaetes, but referring to species’ abundance it was found the sipunculid Onchnesoma steenstrupi (78 ± 72 ind./m2) with the major representation in samples (94%). The general composition of benthic macrofauna communities was very similar between sites despite the wide range of depths. This suggested relatively high ecosystem homogeneity in space and time. Average taxon richness per station (41 ± 11) was relatively high and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index very high (4.5 ± 0.5). Total density was relatively low (409 ± 179 ind./m2), as well as dry weight total biomass (0.57 ± 1.27 g/m2). Such levels of structural indices were consistent with common deep-sea soft sediment records. Increasing biodiversity from deep offshore Block 17 sites to ultra-deep offshore Block 32 area also was concordant with previous deep Angola Basin observations. When performing the taxonomic identification of species encountered in this work, it was estimated that about 80% of species found in both blocks were new to science. In respect of trophic structure of the groups, it was found that there was dominance of detritus deposits in relation to suspension feeders. Finally, it was also concluded that the state of the environment was stable, the ecosystem was in equilibrium and there was a high level of biodiversity.
Providing access to low income households in remote areas: How an Oil and Gas Operator is addressing the issue in Indonesia
Authors: Laz Marie-Alix du
Published: September 2012

More than 4 billion people worldwide have only access to low efficient and expensive energy solutions but without energy people cannot satisfy basic needs such as cooking, lighting, education or transportation. It means that access to energy is one of the major drivers of development.

In this context Total is aiming, through its programme called TATS (Total Access To Solar), to develop and propose accessible energy solutions suited to the needs of low income households. TATS is a social business, as itcombines both a social and an economic approach. It offers a range of solar energy solutions for lighting and communication needs. These products are reliable, affordable and good quality. TATS is aiming to become a major actor on this market, through an innovative, profitable and sustainable business model. Indonesia is one of the pilot countries in which Total startedTATS.

Total has been one of the major Oil & gas companies in Indonesia in the last 40 years and is the first gas producer in the country. It produced 158 kboe/dof gas in 2011. Total has developed, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, significant local development programs such as national education programs, HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns or medical consultations for local communities close to its operational sites.
Joint Industry Project on Angolan Coast Sensitivity Mapping for Oil Spill Response
Authors: Santosa Erwin , Plisson-Saune Stephan
Published: September 2012

Coastal sensitivity mapping is the identification of coast line sensitivity based on the type of the coast, biological resources, economical activities, human use and types of human settlement. This mapping is an essential tool in oil spill response and will assist the response team in identifying the priority sites, technique of protection in corresponsing sites and recommendation on how to clean up polluted site.

The objectives of the project are – to update the existing map owned by Total EP Angola – to share the common perspective to the stake holders in Angola on the importance of this mapping – to build the authority capacity through a Joint Industry Project consists of the oil operators and the Angolan government.

The geographical scope of the project covers the coast from Luanda to the North of Angola until Soyo, the interior of Congo River up to Noqui, and the coastal area of Cabinda region with total length around 650 km of shoreline. Technical methodology recommended by international organization (IMO, IPIECA) is followed in performing this project.

The Project consists of 3 Phases, as follows:

Phase 1: Perform an aerial survey with high definition digital camera and helicopter geo-referential and a desktop interpretation work to produce an updated GIS map, complete with its Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) class;

Phase 2: Perform a ground truth of the result of the phase one including information on land mined area;

Phase 3: Prepare the site specific plans for protection and cleanup operation;

The GIS map is subsequently updated at the end of Phase 2 and Phase 3. The final map is shared between operators and Ministry of Petroleum to be made available for public on their discretion.

The result of this Joint Industry Project is an updated Angolan Coast Sensitivity Map for Oil Spill Response. It improves the preparedness of the country to respond to an oil spill and enhances the cooperation between the operators and the authority, and is an investment in the capacity building of all stakeholders.
Consistent Transparency Regarding Environmental Challenges In A Large Infrastructure Project
Authors: Haelg B.
Published: September 2012

The Nord Stream Project is the world's longest sub-sea gas pipeline system. The twin 1,224 km offshore pipeline through the Baltic Sea delivers 55 bcm of natural gas each year, supplying European customers with Russian gas. The project is a major feat of engineering, involving complex logistics, suppliers and contractors from all over the world.

As this is the first pipeline system in the Baltic Sea, an environmentally sensitive area, and given that the Project is lender financed, Nord Stream had to demonstrate that the project had minor or no impact to the environment and could be built in accordance with the highest environmental and social standards. The entire process, including national Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and UN ECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundry Context (Espoo 1991), along permitting, monitoring and reporting had to be robust and transparent.

The Baltic Sea is a focus area of governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). It is highly sensitive, due to its unique water conditions and depths, (shallow brackish waters), density of protected areas, importance for fish and fisheries, marine traffic density and future infrastructure projects. Parts of the seabed are also strewn with mines and Chemical Warfare Agents which pose a hazard to the environment and the pipeline construction works.

For most countries around the Baltic Sea it was their first exposure to a large subsea pipeline, therefore national authorities and lenders were focused on the need for a transparent and defensible project planning process starting with a risk assessment and an EIA. It was an elementary requirement for Nord Stream to prove that such a huge project could be executed with no or only minor impact to the environment and to other stakeholders of the Baltic Sea region.

This paper addresses the environmental and social management framework in which the Project's implementation is managed, key aspects of the permitting and construction processes and the preliminary results of an extensive environmental monitoring programme. Key lessons learned include the need for a timely and transparent engagement with all stakeholders.
Well-specific Blowout Risk Assessment
Authors: Vandenbussche V. , Bergsli A. , Brandt H. , Nissen-Lie T. R. , Brude O. W.
Published: September 2012

As oil and gas projects explore more and more challenging territories, and as public opinion is increasingly aware of risks from drilling operations, it is of furthermost importance to better understand and systematically manage these risks.

For every well project on the Norwegian sector, the risks from a blowout are studied from the safety and the environmental perspective, through Quantitative Risk Assessments and Environmental Risk Analyses, respectively. The blowout characteristics (probability, flow rates, durations) are among the most influent input parameters for these analyses. Traditionally these parameters have been extracted from available historical statistics from blowout databases. These databases provide generic data with very limited consideration for the well and operation specific characteristics (e.g. exploration, development, HPHT).

DNV has developed a methodology for the assessment of blowout risks in order to better understand them and to be able to provide a more realistic risk picture. A multidisciplinary approach is applied during the risk assessment process, assessing the drilling or well operations according to a set of predefined criteria or risk factors. This benchmarking analysis is used as a basis for assessing the probability of a leak or a blowout. Well flow simulations are used and adjusted in order to assess the well specific leak and blowout rates for the different operations. The potential leak and blowout durations are calculated using statistical models and taking into account the context of the drilling and well operations.

This new method considers the field specific reservoir challenges, best available technology and best operational practices in order to generate a more field and operation specific risk exposure. The results are more accurate risk predictions. Traditional analysis may be too conservative and would typically not reflect the actual well conditions, barriers and operational steps. Relevant examples from the Norwegian sector are presented.
Benthic Impacts Resulting from the Discharge of Drill Cuttings and Adhering Synthetic Based Drilling Fluid in Deepwater
Authors: Balcom Brian J. , Graham Bruce D. , Hart Alan D. , Bestall Glenn P.
Published: September 2012

To address the potential for modification of discharge regulations concerning residual oil on cuttings concentrations (OOCC), a scientific study was conducted in 2011 to evaluate the fate and effects of drill cuttings resulting from completion of a development well using a non-aqueous drilling fluid (NADF). The design of the study conducted in deepwater offshore Ghana was statistically defensible and OSPAR-compliant, utilizing a stratified random sampling design. The study integrated various sampling techniques and matrices to provide a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of cuttings discharges on the marine environment and to verify the results of dispersion modeling. Survey results were used to develop recommendations for regionally applicable OOCC discharge limitations.

The physico-chemical and macroinfaunal sampling of sediments at varying distances from the wellsite offered insight into the benthic fate and effects of NADF-based cuttings discharges. Statistical analyses of the data, including correlation, analysis of variance, Tukey's analysis, and pattern analysis, revealed the following results. Benthic impacts were limited to within several hundred meters of the wellsite and included reduced numbers of species, reduced species diversity and evenness, increases in hydrocarbon levels (including NADF tracers), and elevated levels of drilling-related metals. Macroinfaunal and physico-chemical metrics return to ambient levels within approximately 500 m of the wellsite.

On a worldwide basis, most regulations pertinent to residual OOCC have limits ranging from 1 to 9.4%. An OOCC level of approximately 5% was achieved for the NADF-based cuttings discharges during this development drilling program. Survey results indicate minimal and localized environmental impacts to the sediment chemistry and macroinfaunal community structure from NADF-based cuttings discharges, consistent with findings from other studies. Based on this survey, it would be reasonable to apply the results of this study to establishing appropriate drill cuttings discharge guidelines for deepwater operations that utilize NADFs.
Collaboration with International Labor Organization for Diffusion of Good Working Practices in Myanmar
Authors: de Van Thomas
Published: September 2012

Since 1995, Total Exploration and Production Myanmar (TEPM) has implemented a socio-economic program in a rural area of Tenasserim Region, in the south of Myanmar. Launched for 13 villages located in the vicinity of the company's industrial installations, including a 63 kilometers long gas pipeline running up to the Thailand's border, this program has been extended step by step to 12 extra villages. As of today, it covers a population of about 33,000 people, and is about to be extended to 8 new villages. The fields of activities range from health to infrastructure, and include support to primary and secondary education, as well as agricultural, veterinary and micro finance programs. All these activities are implemented by TEPM in the name of the four partners of Yadana consortium: Total, Unocal, PTTEP and the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Monitoring and Quantifying Oil Pollution using Aerial Surveillance ~ Problems and Solutions
Authors: Salt Dave , Hughes Emma , Gair Stuart
Published: September 2012

One of the biggest challenges in oil spill response is the quantification and observation of the spilled oil. Both aspects are important from an operational and a regulatory perspective. Over the years various tools have been used to achieve this goal, but there are limitations in capability. Experience has shown that the failure to quantify a spill, quickly with some degree of accuracy can lead to an immense problem of an operational, regulatory and even legal nature. The task of surveillance is not a simple one; skilled observers are needed to identify oil from false targets. Mission planning and data capture in different spectrums are required, but most importantly the data is only of value when back in the command centre, not on the aircraft, so an effective means of high speed data transfer is needed. Communication plays a crucial part in the operations, an ability to communicate directly with the pilot to direct the aircraft is an important asset to the operation. This paper will consider some of the problems of conducting aerial surveillance and demonstrate how one solution has been implemented in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf.
Planning for the Future: Criteria, Measures and Indices, and Monitoring the Landscape
Authors: Murdoch Dee
Published: September 2012

The ability to demonstrate to stakeholders "that we can put the landuse and landform back to a condition equal to or as better than that pre disturbance" is a goal common to all resource recovery industries. An integral part of every modern day resource project is the requirement to incorporate, from day one of the planning cycle, a range of commitments regarding post development land use and connections with the surrounding landscape. These commitments may range from productive pastures, to areas of conservation value through to areas of infrastructure or recreational activities.

Current examples of the struggle that the open cut and underground coal and coal seam gas industries are facing are demonstrated through the recent launch of the Draft Upper Hunter Strategic Regional Land Use Plan (NSW Dept Planning and Infrastructure March 2012). The purpose of this document and the associated policy and those like it which have been launched in Queensland are to provide a balance between the protection of agricultural lands and the sustainable management of natural resources. Across the Upper Hunter it is seenas paramount to minimizelanduse conflicts arising from the rapid growth of the coal mining activities and the recent emergence of the coal seam gas industry. These issues are further compounded when the natural heritage of the Upper Hunter region is considered – the area retains 60% native bush land whilst also containing parts of the World Heritage Area of the Gondwana Rainforest and the Greater Blue Mountains.

The accepted framework across Australia for the planning of post disturbance associated with resource recovery incorporates a range of strategies and management plans which focus on biodiversity and rehabilitation. To ensure that these documents form the basis of successful stakeholder engagement they need to address: rehabilitation which is consistent with the site related environmental assessments/documentationan assessment of risk in terms of community and environmental issuesclosure criteria and proposed final landuse which has been developed through stakeholder consultationconsideration of local and regional initiativescompatibility with surrounding landscape and landuse requirementsthe limitations of land capability and land use sustainabilitythe development of stable and permanent landformsthe development of secure and safe containment of waste substancesthe development of sites which are clean, tidy and free of equipment/structures, and free of unacceptable levels of pollution.
A Risk-Based Approach to Bushfire Management
Authors: Doull S. , Johnston P.
Published: September 2012

In the summer of 2010-2011, Queensland experienced a number of major rainfall events leading to increasing levels of vegetation. A significant increase in the development and operation of coal seam gas (CSG) gathering systems and processes situated in areas that are heavily vegetated, also occurred. These two factors lead to an increasing level of concern that a major bushfire event could prove disastrous in terms of Queensland CSG development. This paper outlines the risk-based approach to the development of a fire management strategy to deal with this significant problem. The fire management strategy addressed the consequences of an unwanted planned or unplanned bushfire event and put in place measures to limit the exposure of: life safety; environment; items of cultural heritage value; and assets.

The approach considered a fire management strategy that used high level systematic risk analysis tools, such as fault tree analysis and layer of protection analysis, to develop controls that were viable in terms of implementation and cost. A quantitative approach to the designation of fire risk zones was applied through the calculation of thermal radiation caused by a potential fire in vegetation surrounding sites. The methods used to perform these calculations were derived from the Australian Standard AS 3959: 2009 – Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas.

The fire management strategy was developed to reduce risks related to potential fire hazards created onsite or in the surrounding environment. The development of site fire management plans aimed to identify sources of risk at site and opportunities where actions and strategies can be put in place. This ensured the risk of exposure on-site, of both individuals and property to fires, is reduced as far as is reasonably practicable.

Bushfires are a significant risk in Australian conditions. Putting in place measures to protect local communities and process assets in response to the increased development in heavily vegetated areas was seen as essential in the current climate. The use of a risk-based approach offered an effective, quantifiable and reproducible system to meet this challenge.
The Pipeline Fauna Refuge and Release System (FRRS)
Authors: Johnston Andrew , Dewdney Sonia
Published: September 2012

A consequence of conventional pipeline construction is potential entrapment of fauna in open trenches. Effects of this can include mortality from exposure and entrapment related predation, exposure to personnel of venomous fauna, and potential breaches of policy and legislation. Traditional methods of removing fauna from pipeline trenches include using a hook and catch bag, grab-stick or noose to capture individual animals, sometimes in conjunction with sawdust filled bags. While partially effective, these methods can be time consuming and present elevated safety risks. This paper evaluates the performance of a newly developed Fauna Refuge and Release System (FRRS) designed to address these issues, when used in conjunction with trained and qualified fauna handlers. These methods were trialed on a Glass-fibre Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) oil trunkline installation in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, between April and June 2012. Capture techniques and mortality rates were compared between sections of trench with and without FRRS, the latter employing traditional catch and release methods. The FRRS was found to be a safe, efficient, and effective method for removal of fauna from trench lines. Reductions in fauna stress and mortality from both environmental and predation events were recorded, with a resultant increase in the diversity of fauna species recorded and released unharmed. A plan to implement the FRRS across the range of trenched pipeline projects is currently being assessed.
Operational Excellence: Harmonising business goals and departmental priorities to create sustainable business
Authors: Wilson Andrew
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Description

Operational excellence is a methodology helping organisations grow and sustain operational standards in today's environment of government regulation and consumers', communities', and NGOs'expectation.

Application

Remember when collective wisdom said you cannot afford to improve quality? Now enlightened leaders believe that by combining quality, safety and a reduced environmental footprint, in a multi-functionaland systematic way, (operational excellence), you get improved business results for the long term.

There are two premises that must be in place before approaching the integration of an Operational Excellence program:

Focusing the entire organisation on a few common business objectives Safety is the best starting poing for Operation Excellence

In order that practitioners gain a full understanding of the undertaking, we will then outlay some obstacles that can inhibit success:

The continuing turbulence of financial markets makes many business leaders take a prohibitively myopic view ofimmediate survival only. Improving financial results and environmental results simultaneously is difficult to achieve and relies on a degree of belief.

An overview of how to implement Operational Excellence covers the key practices of risk management, asset effectiveness and capital effectiveness, in combination with a strong change management program.

Results, Observations, and Conclusions

By identifying current and future drivers of business success, leaders can prepare their businesses for the slings and arrows of competition, regulators, activists and a changing market place.Examples from DuPont's own Operational Excellence are cited as proof points and an encouragement to those who would like to see their business attain long-term sustainability. This can only be accomplished comprehensively by adopting the principles of operational excellence.

Significance of Subject Matter

Operational Excellence offers the Oil and Gas industry an opportunity to integrate all operational elements to ensure a stronger, more sustainable business model rather than expending energy on discrete projects, dealing with each issue at a time.

This session equips delegates with an understanding of why operational excellence is valuable methodology. To galvanise the resolve of all members of an executive team this is an important notion to understand, communicate and champion.
Application of quantitative Risk assessment for planning high sour wells or working in an H2S Field close to populated areas.
Authors: Daher Elie
Published: September 2012

H2S or Hydrogen Sulfite is an IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) poisonous gas and its exposure to humans leaves serious effects that could range from death to lasting physiological and neurological sicknesses.

H2S gas is also odorless, colorless and heavier than air which makes detection by humans very difficult.

H2S occurs naturally in most hydrocarbon bearing formations and could also be generated through well interventions like fracting and flooding.

Oil and Gas companies typically plan for any potential H2S presence and leaks to protect their site employees and contractors. They use gas monitoring devices, supply breathing air to required personnel and provide emergency plans to evacuate or rescue personnel who are potentially exposed.

One area of concern that is often being neglected is the protection of the community where the drilling occurs in highly populated area in the event of a gas release.

As H2S gas leaks in the air, solar heating/radiative cooling determined by cloud coverage and latitude from the equator, wind speed and direction, surface roughness, terrain and height from the ground are all factors that will affect where the plume will be headed and whether it will reach a populated area with a concentration that is harmful to the community.

In addition to the above factors, source elements like diameter, initial jet density, velocity, proximity, obstacles and fallouts are important to building the dispersion model and predicting the impact on the nearby community.

The result of the study would determine an EPZ (Emergency Planning Zone) which allows us to implement monitoring, alarming and evacuation plans within the EPZ.

This paper aims to discuss how to conduct dispersion modeling as quantitave risk assememnt method and provide recommendation on how to choose and run models in order to evaluate the risks and proactively implement emergency plans to protect the populated areas near H2S areas
Respect to the Environment through Biodiversity Program in Delta Mahakam
Authors: Safitri Dian , Argubie Benyamin , Rusjanto Juli , Widiarso Didik
Published: September 2012

Biodiversity policy has been established in the Total Group since 2007 which promotes minimization the impact of its activities on biodiversity, baseline surveys and environmental and social impact assessments for all new projects, giving special attention in zones where biological diversity is particularly rich and to provide information and raise awareness among its employees, clients, and the general public.

Indonesia has ratified United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity which requires any activities to conduct Environment monitoring and assessment prior to start. With respect on this requirement and adapt to Total Group's value, Total E&P Indonesie (TEPI) has launched several biodiversity program dedicated to Delta Mahakam considering Delta Mahakam is one of biggest mangrove forest lies on the earth and act as habitat for vulnerable and distinctive species and nurseries and spawning ground for fishes and shrimps.

Biodiversity program starts from the pre project phase until decommissioning phase through environment and social baseline studies in order to establish environment and social baseline condition. This information is critical and valuable to define sensitivity of the environment and identify biodiversity exist in the area. By knowing environment condition, mitigation efforts prepared and implemented during projects and activities. For sustainability of the program, involvement and partnership with stakeholder and local villagers in the biodiversity program has being introduced. Biodiversity program has also being supported by local authority in formation of government structural dedicated to Delta Mahakam management to synchronize all related sectors.

Biodiversity monitoring is also being conducted in order to know status of biodiversity and measure the effectiveness of the program. The results were reported and registered in GIS which can be accessed through TEPI internet. In coordination with Total Group and partnership with local university, several studies were also being conducted in order to support the program. This paper is dedicated to share biodiversity program implemented by TEPI and East Kalimantan government in Delta Mahakam because we believe through biodiversity, we invest nature for future generation.
Measuring Induction Training Course Trainee Safety Behaviours
Authors: McGrath Tim
Published: September 2012

Oil and gas industry trainees were tested prior to and after attending a safety induction training course to determine their degree of improvement in being able to detect, assess and react to various cues of hazardous situations and their knowledge and willingness to follow rules and procedures. The test was conducted using a computer virtual reality simulator of an offshore oil and gas facility which contained hazardous scenarios which the trainees had to recognise, assess and either avoid or mitigate.

Trainees felt the test improved their personal understanding of how they might react to the hazards that they may be exposed to in the workplace. The majority of trainees felt that their simulation performance revealed an accurate assessment of their level of risk perception and they became more aware of their current level of risk perception from participating in the testing. They felt that they had improved their ability due to attending the induction training course and the computer testing reflected this improvement.

Although this results of trainees was not provided to the trainers, they agreed the trainees ability to detect, assess and react appropriately to the hazardous situations presented in a computer virtual reality risk perception simulation provided an effective and efficient additional technique to assess whether some of the induction course competencies have been achieved.
Pilot Study of Environmental Risk Analysis Methodology Applied to Angolan Dalia FPSO
Authors: Libre Jean-Marie , Plisson-Saune Stephan , Quiniou Valérie , Nissen-Lie Torild R. , Vandenbussche Valentin , Brude Odd Willy , Rudberg Anders , Battut Maïthena
Published: September 2012

An Environmental Risk Analysis (ERA) was conducted as a pilot study on the Dalia Total FPSO (Floating Production and Storage unit) in Angola located at about 135 km off the coast with complex subsea installations at 1400m depth. The environmental damage and its frequency resulting from the drift and fate of oil depend on many physical, chemical and environmental parameters like the location and composition of the spill, oil weathering, complex and variable surface wind and current patterns, weather conditions, sensitivity of the environmental resource etc…The detailed ERA can only be done if one can estimate the probability of a given quantity of oil to reach an environmental resource and the resulting environmental damage. The possibility to use 3D oil spill drift simulation to fulfill these technical requirements and fit with the Total HSE Reference Framework and risk Matrix is tested. The TOTAL HSE Reference Framework requires that technological risk assessments are carried out for all installations. Based on the technological risk assessment of Dalia FPSO, accidental spill scenarios were compiled and aggregated to a set of most representative scenarios including one blow out case. For each spill scenario, oil drift simulations were conducted in stochastic mode with the OSCAR model developed by Sintef i.e. repeated 246 times for a period of 5 years where met-ocean data were available. Quantities of oil and associated probabilities of presence were calculated for each cell of the model. Environmental target were identified and positioned within a Geographical Information System (GIS) also used in simulations. Environmental damages were estimated based on the MIRA method. Based on these data accidental spill scenarios could be positioned on the Total risk matrix. The pilot results as well as the acceptability of the uncertainties related to this approach are discussed.
Human Rights and Transparent Grievance Management: The Way We Operate in Azerbaijan
Authors: Ismayilov Ibrahim , Yusifzade Aysel , Alakbarov Abdulla
Published: September 2012

The Government of Azerbaijan has signed a production sharing agreement (known as the "Contract of the Century" in Azerbaijan) with a consortium of international oil companies in 1994, which marked the beginning of the new development in the country's oil and gas history.1 This contract has signified a key milestone in transforming the economy of the country and hike in standards of living of Azerbaijani citizens following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

This contract has produced one of the world's largest pipeline project taking Caspian energy resources across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to the world market. Called Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, this mega-infrastructure project operated by BP has delivered the best practice in the industry with key focus on environmental and social impact assessment and comprehensive mitigation measures with focus on building positive relationships with communities and people affected by the project activities. BP, as the responsible operator of the major oil and gas projects in the country, has demonstrated a special emphasis to community safety, community liaison and local stakeholder relations management.2

In furtherance of the goal of promoting and establishing the BTC project, the Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey have entered into an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) and associated Host Government Agreement (HGA), which set out the legal and fiscal regime under which The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company (BTC Co.) may construct and operate the BTC project in each country. As a supplement to each HGA, BTC Co. signed with Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey a joint statement, which establishes a number of additional key commitments, including a commitment to implement the BTC Project consistently with the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises and commitment to internationally recognized human rights principles in the context of security operations around the BTC pipeline.
International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) Life-Saving Rules
Authors: Walker Kirsty , Sunderland Jeff , Fraser Stewart , Peuscher Willem
Published: September 2012

In January 2010, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) Safety Data Subcommittee sponsored a two-day Fatal Incident and High-Potential Event workshop. Considering the industry plateau in fatal accident rates over the last five years, the main objectives of the workshop were to focus specifically on causes and prevention of fatal incidents in the upstream oil and gas industry and to recommend actions that might be taken to prevent future fatal incidents.

An analysis of historical OGP fatality and high-potential incident reports and a review of existing rules developed by OGP member companies were conducted, contributing to the development of OGP Life-Saving Rules.

Several member companies have realized the benefits from implementing their own programs, which have been based on their own fatal incident learning. However, there is a larger potential benefit to be realized in learning from a larger OGP member company's data set and standardization of rules across the industry. Many contractors are required to learn new rules and procedures each time they go to work for a different client, even though the operating practices and risks are very similar. Migrating toward a standard set of industry life-saving rules will improve understanding and compliance, especially in multilingual and multicultural settings, with the aim of reducing serious incidents and fatalities.

The OGP Life-Saving Rules provide operational workers and supervisors with simple, clear icons and instructions on the actions that they are expected to take to prevent fatalities. In many fatal incidents, the actions of individuals are the last barrier in fatality prevention. A set of eight core rules and ten additional rules were selected. The 8 core rules correspond to 40% of the fatal incidents analysed, and the full set of 18 rules correspond to 70% of the fatal incidents analysed.
Comprehensive HIA of Greenfield Gas Project in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Viliani Francesca , Curtis Peter , Guibert Philippe , Hooper Dick , Martin Michael
Published: September 2012

The current paper provides a narrative of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of a greenfield project located in a remote part of Papua New Guinea. HIA, in the context of this project, is presented as one of the processes that a company needs to go through in order to develop a site-specific Health Management System (HMS).

The objective of a narrative is to tell a story; in this case the story describes how the HIA was carried out. Many guidelines on HIA exist and HIA reports are available. However, very little information is published and presented about the challenges encountered during the delivery, as well as about the management issues that need to be addressed in order to deliver an HIA in remote regions. Up to now we have focused on creating rules and structures for HIA; however, not enough attention has been given to their implementation, and even less to the consequences for not complying with the recommendations.

Furthermore, impact assessments are usually described on their own or within the life cycle of the project. However, there is little information on how this process links with the other ones in the development of a site-specific Health Management System and which kind of choices are made in this regard.

Projects always interact with the external environment where they are located. This environment poses health, safety and security risks for the project. At the same time this broadly defined environment, where the project is located, is altered and impacted by the project itself. Therefore, the "project" and "environment/context" are two essential parameters to understand the health challenges that a company need to manage when starting a greenfield project.

The paper concludes systemizing the experience of this HIA in key practical tips for people implementing HIA of complex projects in remote locations.
Innovative Ways to Inspire New Employees to Embrace an HSE Culture
Authors: Bordage Pierre , Fox Chris , Arce Lina , Villarreal Gonzalo , Zambrano John
Published: September 2012

This paper describes how an oilfield services company in Colombia implemented a new program to complement its traditional safety training, to ensure that new recruits receive not only health, safety and environment (HSE) knowledge but also a strong message from the company about the safety culture inherent in its values.

The HSE culture maturity model developed by the oil and gas industry indicates that having a management system is necessary yet not always sufficient to ensure continuous improvement. The authors argue that companies consider a more integral approach and take into account human behavior, corporate values and the culture forming the environment in which the company operates.

This integral approach requires a long term strategy allowing some time to pass before the company can see changes in its HSE performance. This becomes challenging when a company enters a period of growth with high staff turnover. In that case, the company needs to be more creative to ensure the full integration of the new employees into its safety culture.

This paper examines a program developed for new employees to get them involved in the building of houses for underprivileged families in the communities where the company operates. Each employee receives comprehensive HSE training prior to starting the project. The program objectives include providing new employees with opportunities for community outreach, management visibility and teamwork as well as the hands-on HSE training to give the new employees a chance to put acquired HSE knowledge into practice and demonstrate competency before being exposed to the front line risks of the industry. This paper also describes how the program contributes to the company's long term strategy to minimize HSE risks and develop a more mature HSE culture.
Issues and Challenges Surrounding Evacuation of Employees and Families at Times of Trouble
Authors: McTague Tracey , Richards Catherine , López Juan Carlos
Published: September 2012

Emergency management planning has matured in the oil and gas industry over the last 30 years. As part of such planning, essential personnel— or employees who stay on the job when everyone else is leaving— perform vital tasks to mitigate risks related to human security, loss of assets, and damage to the environment. This paper defines the specific problems related to maintaining business continuity while dealing with the human issue of moving families of employees out of volatile yet sensitive security zones.

Companies can use managed approaches to identify families of employees who stay on the job, meet their evacuation needs, and devise methods by which employees and their families can communicate with one another during evacuations and other emergencies. Employees, confident their families are safe, can then focus on the critical business tasks at hand, and once families are relocated, people outside the emergency zone can render aid and comfort.

This paper discusses the challenges that decision-makers, workers, and families in the industry face when implementing or following crisis and emergency response procedures during real-life evacuations. In some evacuations, industry health, safety and environment (HSE) personnel have to move quickly to analyze each situation, apply crisis management tools, secure sensitive assets, and evacuate staff and their families. In a large global company, the business-phased return for one country can coincide with the evacuation from another.

The paper also adds historical context to the evolution of emergency and crisis management communication and planning through analysis of a series of interviews with people in the oilfield industry who were involved in past evacuations. The analysis draws parallels and differences between then and now, identifying best practices and also potential challenges for the future.
Next-Generation DNA-Based Approaches for Comprehensive Assessment of Marine Communities
Authors: N’Guessan Lucie , Springer Nina , Borisenko Alex , Singer Greg , Shokralla Shadi , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: September 2012

Biodiversity analysis is key to ecological biomonitoring in any environmental assessment program. Conventional taxonomic methods lack the speed, sensitivity, accuracy and robustness required for executing comprehensive biodiversity analysis especially in remote marine environments. Recent advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have made DNA sequences a major source of information for biodiversity analysis. Taxonomically validated reference libraries of standardized species-specific sequences—DNA barcodes—are being assembled as part of large-scale initiatives such as International Barcode of Life Consortium. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies provide the capacity to analyze environmental DNA from various types of samples and read biodiversity across all domains of life from bacteria to higher eukaryotes directly from environmental samples.

This pilot project assessed the utility of using DNA barcoding as well as NGS-based environmental barcoding tools for biodiversity analysis. Specimens collected during a recent scientific expedition in the Beaufort Sea were used. Individual specimens were DNA barcoded using a single-specimen Sanger sequencing approach and environmental DNA from ice cores and water samples were subjected to bulk NGS analysis in a Roche 454 platform.

DNA barcoding revealed 60 distinct genetic lineages (putative species) of metazoa, many of which matched sequences in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (www.boldsystems.org). The lack of reference sequences for marine taxa currently limits the usability of this approach in a wider context. NGS-based patterns of ecological diversity were able to robustly separate communities of microbial and non-microbial species in ice-core and water samples. Additionally, more detailed taxonomic assignments allowed teasing apart specific groups of organisms in these samples directly from NGS sequences. Overall, a combination of DNA barcode analysis and NGS tools demonstrated the potential of DNA-based approaches for comprehensive biomonitoring in remote marine environments.