bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Associated with Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Biofilms in a Large Seawater Injection System
Authors: Bird A. F. , Rosser H. R. , Worrall M. E. , Mously K. A. , Fageeha O. I.
Published: December 2007

Saudi Aramco operates the world's largest seawater injection system to support oil production from the Ghawar field in eastern Saudi Arabia. Seawater (55,000 mg/L TDS) is drawn from the Arabian Gulf into a large seawater treatment plant where it is chlorinated, filtered and deoxygenated. The treated seawater is shipped via 3 large diameter (60 inch ID) carbon steel pipelines to the first booster pump station 100 km inland, where it is further distributed to injection wells across the Ghawar field.

Two of the large diameter pipelines are internally bare. These lines are mechanically cleaned (scraped) and treated with biocide to control the accumulation of biofouling deposits, which have been shown to have a significant impact on corrosion and injection water quality. The composition of these biofouling/corrosion deposits is primarily biomass and iron sulfide, resulting from activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the oxygen-free seawater pipeline environment. The third pipeline is internally coated with Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) and is not scraped. It does, however, receive the same biocide treatment as the uncoated pipelines.

Our analyses have shown that many trace metals, including elemental uranium, are co-deposited with iron sulfide within SRB pipewall biofilms in the two internally bare pipelines and to a lesser extent in FBE coated pipe. Although present in seawater in the low-ppb range, uranium has been detected in pipewall deposits scraped from these lines, in on-plot piping and in solids recovered during injection well backflows, at concentrations up to 1.86 wt%, with corresponding Total α+β activity levels exceeding 10,000 pCi/g – sufficient to warrant consideration as technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TE-NORM). Other co-deposited metals include chromium, manganese, copper, nickel, vanadium, titanium and niobium. Our findings suggest that accumulation of these metals is mediated by the activity of metal-reducing bacteria in the pipewall biofilms, which convert the metals from their oxidized soluble forms to reduced insoluble forms in the anaerobic pipeline environment. Accumulation of uranium mediated by SRB within the biofouling deposits results in the development of a microbially-enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material ("ME-NORM").

This paper discusses (1) seawater treatment processes (2) pipeline scraping solids composition (3) comparison of NORM levels in pipeline scraping solids, on plot piping, and in water injection well backflow solids (4) trace metal deposition by specific microbial populations within the pipewall biofilms and (5) oilfield worker safety and contamination control procedures.
Sustainability Indicators on Environmental, Social and Economic Performance: A Proposal for the Brazilian Oil Industry
Authors: Amaral Sergio Pinto
Published: December 2007

The use of sustainability indicators for environmental, social and economic performance evaluation in organisations is a novel subject in Brazil and throughout the world. Normally companies, in a general way, do not accept the use of sustainable-development indicators and concepts for management of their activities, products and services. Indicators are used to measure or compare actual conditions with reference conditions. Indicators can be descriptive and normative. Set up in 1997, the Brazilian Entrepreneurial Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS), which is linked to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and has around 62 associate member companies, has been introducing and disseminating practices and concepts such as eco-efficiency, designed to improve the sustainability of companies. A key member of CEBDS, Petrobras – the Brazilian state-owned oil company, supports its activities and works together with it in some projects. Some international oil companies are using sustainability indicators in projects or activities in determined areas or countries, but this is not a systematic approach. Examples of potential contribution areas for sustainability indicators are the efficient use of energy and natural resources and reduction of emissions (in the environmental area), maximisation of social benefits of business and involvement of interested parties (in the social area), and maximisation of economic benefits of business and inclusion of social criteria in the business decision-making process (in the economic area). In the last few years, Petrobras has been using practices which can be related to the concept of sustainable development, such as financing environmental conservation projects in areas directly or indirectly related to its operations, developing environmental education programs, and publishing corporate reports on social responsibility. The purpose of this paper is to propose a well balanced set of indicators for sustainability – segregated by areas environmental, social and economic or integrated – that can be used either by the Brazilian or the international oil industry.
Integrating Decision Support Tools for a More Sustainable Industry
Authors: Beloff Beth , Schwarz Jeanette , Beaver Earl
Published: December 2007

In business and government, there is much agreement that sustainable development should be pursued; yet there is little understanding of how to operationalize sustainability. Further, there is a lack of accepted methods to assess an organization's progress toward this important goal. If the goal of sustainability is to be incorporated into management decision-making, indicators of progress are needed which take into consideration the environmental, economic and social impacts that an organization's processes, products and services generate.

This paper will present an integrated set of decision support tools for evaluating products and processes in terms of sustainability, setting goals for improvement and tracking progress toward sustainable practices. The tools have been refined through piloting in companies, principally in the petrochemical industry. They include the Sustainability Screen, Sustainability Metrics, Limited Life Cycle Inventory, Total Cost Assessment, Facility Design Optimization and Practical Minimum Energy Requirements. The greatest power in use of these tools comes in their combination. Examples of this will be highlighted, such as the integration of sustainability metrics with life cycle analysis and total cost assessment.
Maintenance Management of Essential Safety Systems
Authors: Johansen Jan-Arne , Toennessen Njaal
Published: December 2007

The ability of essential safety systems to function in an emergency situation is critical for how the initial event develops. The condition to the gas detectors, shut down systems, ESD valves, etc. is normally maintained and verified through the function tests included in the preventive maintenance (PM) program. However, the integrity (availability) of the safety system is difficult to quantify without a systematic collection of data. This can be a time consuming process if individual integrity requirements are assigned to equipment level of the safety systems.

Phillips Petroleum Company Norway has together with Det Norske Veritas developed a practical and simplified methodology for assessing the availability of essential safety systems. The methodology uses existing test programs as a basis for defining functional and integrity requirements. Existing test programs are designed to verify the main function of the system, and integrity requirements are assigned to the highest practical level. This reduces the number of systems and requirements that need to be followed up, and emphasis is kept on the safety system as a barrier, rather than at the individual sub-system and equipment integrity level.

The practical approach allows active participation from offshore personnel in the process of defining system requirements. The number of data to be reported from the tests is kept at a minimum level, which will lighten the implementation of the process offshore.

The integrity of essential safety systems will be monitored (trended) regularly and results from the tests will be visualised in a way that increases the focus around these systems. The increased focus and understanding of the importance of these systems are expected to enhance the safety culture offshore, and resulting in more reliable safety systems and a reduced risk level.
Development and Use of an Advanced Offshore Crane Simulator: A Tool to Improve Safety in Crane and Lifting Operations
Authors: Botnevik R. , Midtgaard A.
Published: December 2007

Promoting safety during crane and lifting operations represents a well-known challenge. Loading and unloading of critical supplies to offshore installations take place day and night, often during harsh weather conditions. Human factors and working practice show up as major underlying causes for crane and lifting accidents in the North Sea. Two major safety initiatives have been launched by Statoil, aiming particularly at these causes:

The company Best Practice was developed through a process seeking the involvement and ownership of line management and operating personnel from 15 large offshore installations, as well as input from supply boat crew, logistics base personnel, drilling personnel and engineering resources.

The crane simulator was developed to facilitate better training and sharing of the company Best Practice. Realistic crane operations are simulated on a range of installation concepts. The simulator handles movement of the installation, the crane, the cargo and the supply vessel, as well as changes in wind, waves and visibility. All normal crane operations can be simulated. This also applies to critical and emergency situations. The simulator is interfaced with a ship simulator to allow for simultaneous and realistic training for platform and supply vessel crew.

After a full year's use of the simulator and one and a half year's use of Best Practice, the experiences are very promising. The positive trend of the safety results associated with crane and lifting operations has accelerated, and a significant improvement has been achieved over a short period of time.
Environmental Regulations and Measures on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Svalheim Stig M.
Published: December 2007

The Norwegian authorities aim to help Norway combine her role as a major petroleum producer with the role of being a leader in environmental protection. This paper evaluates whether or not the Norwegian upstream sector has achieved this ambitious environmental goal. Regulations, emission reducing technologies, emissions trends and international comparisons are described. The paper also evaluates how the attractiveness of the Norwegian shelf, as part of the global oil-and gas market, is affected by these environmental regulations.
Environmental Impact Assessment – Malaysia Perspectives
Authors: Foo S. M. , Yusoff M Radzuan
Published: December 2007

Since the introduction of Environment Quality Act in 1974, some 23 related regulations have been gazetted (including the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Premises) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987) which have provided a profound regulatory framework in the shaping of the environmental protection and conservation landscape of Malaysia. This paper attempts to elaborate on this evolution from environmental philosophies and principles to regulatory framework and how these processes have transformed the ways industries managed the environment in order to face up to the challenges in a fast developing country like Malaysia. The highlight will be in the development of the EIA Order 1987 and its related guidelines for the petroleum industries with special emphasis for the E & P sector. As it is written, insights into scope and technical requirements of EIA and the approval processes will be transcribed as the main body of the paper. Experiences gained and benefits of conducting the EIA in project development and implementation as well as updates on the number of EIA projects conducted in the E & P sectors will be discussed. Finally, due to recent concerns on global environment and societal expectations for stakeholder consultation/and dialogue, suggestions are made for the way forwards and proposal for improvements in EIA.
Marine Environment Survey Development and Execution for Offshore Oil &Gas Company Operations, Southern Arabian Gulf
Authors: Lorkin M. , Geutebruck E. , Herler J. , Kikinger R. , Stachowitsch M.
Published: December 2007

Zakum Development Company (ZADCO) is one of the UAE's major oil and gas producing companies operating a concession area in the Southern Arabian Gulf offshore of Abu Dhabi. The operations include production from three offshore fields and support, processing and export facilities from two islands.

As part of ZADCO's ongoing environmental protection programs a marine environmental monitoring program was commissioned. The aim was to assess operational impacts on the marine community and identify negative impact sources so that mitigation measures could be implemented.

The shallow depths, extreme air temperatures, high evaporation rates and restricted water exchange of the Gulf with the Arabian Sea determine seawater characteristics in the area. The resulting offshore physical environment is sensitive, with a range of temperature and salinity extremes exceeding most other marine areas in the world.

Gauging the condition of the marine environment required detailed analyses of a full range of physical, chemical and biological parameters. The challenge is to compare the results from the undisturbed situation with potential changes due to industrial impacts, and more specifically to correlate the chemical data with the biological status of the ecosystem. This required a complex sampling program involving water and sediment chemistry, soft and hard bottom biology, fouling communities, and fish surveys.

The present study is a prime example of a multi-level partnership between the oil industry, consultant firms and universities to provide the best expert human resources for project support and to establish a solid foundation for the future large-scale and long-term monitoring of this marine ecosystem.

This paper gives an overview of the legislative requirements relating to environmental protection placed on ZADCO by UAE Federal Agencies and Company Shareholders. It explains the reasons why a comprehensive marine environmental survey was necessary and briefly details the planning and execution of the study, the types of chemical & biological investigations made, data analysis, and the resulting conclusions and recommendations.
Social guide within the framework of Colombian law for the oil and gas industry
Authors: Zapata Carmen Elena , Coupe Françoise , Vergara Daniel , Rincon Jeanneth Cecilia
Published: December 2007

The Oil and Gas Industry present significant social changes in local communities and environmental impact in ecosystems. The social guidelines are powerful tools to improve new relationships between industries, authorities and local communities, to establish appropriate rules to move from a culture of confrontation to a culture of dialogue, increasing levels of information, communication and participation, in the context of the Colombian Constitution and of the actual social and political conflict.
Working with Environmental Regulation - An Australian Experience
Authors: Heiden K. , Hinde C. , Lloyd C. , Taylor P.
Published: December 2007

In Australia, like other parts of the world, pressure on sensitive marine ecosystems by land-based and marine users threaten its biodiversity. In recent years, the Australian Government has developed a policy and legislative framework that promotes sustainable industries and integrated environmental management. This framework includes rigorous environment-al assessment and approval processes.

The paper summarises the policy and regulatory framework applicable to environmental management by Australia's oil and gas industry. It outlines the government's approach to working with industry so that implementation of policy and regulations are effective and realistic. Industry has also re-cognised the importance of working closely with government and other stakeholders to streamline the regulatory require-ments that reinforce good conservation performance, assist compliance, enhance government and community under-standing of industry activities, and manage political pressures that can impact on industry activities.

Enhanced interaction between government, industry and community groups is already generating benefits. Apart from streamlining procedures, which benefits government and industry, productive relationships between industry and conser-vation groups on a range of environmental issues is also an ob-jective. The openness of discussions has fostered a number of initiatives, including sharing of research and a range of en-vironment projects funded by companies. Benefits to govern-ment include a mechanism for ‘policy reality checks’, improv-ed mechanisms for dealing with conflict and a better climate for industry development.

The paper also considers managing collaboration to protect objectivity, transparency and independence.
The Limitations of Increasing Environmental Legislation as a Means by which Positive Environmental Change can be Achieved
Authors: Kalpee T. P.
Published: December 2007

The failure of existing environmental legislation in Trinidad and Tobago to control environmental degradation is cause for serious concern as a new thrust towards the development of more legislative rules takes place under the Environmental Management Act 2000. These new regulations are being developed against a larger background of established industry, many of which are past their prime for large capital outflow for redesign. Since it is not the intention of the regulatory agencies to close industrial facilities, the rate of compliance will be based on the ability of the respective industries to make the required changes within budget restrictions. Thus it is expected that environmental improvement will be incremental and slow. There is, therefore, a need for a parallel process that will be to the benefit of all stakeholders. Regulatory incentives must be used to promote true environmental improvements in the shortest possible time, given the limitations that exist. Process improvement to meet or surpass environmental discharge standards should be tax deductible if completed within limited time frames. Since these improvements are normally designed to surpass environmental legislative standards, the need for continuous monitoring by regulatory agencies will be significantly reduced. Incentives for the implementation of environmental management systems would allow industry to set up systems which are audited by independent certification bodies rather than the regulatory agencies. Such incentives may be linked to reduced permit and reporting requirements that will undoubtedly lead significant environmental improvement in the shortest possible time.
Designing a Human Factors Investigation Tool to Improve the Quality of Incident Investigations
Authors: Gordon R. P. , Jeffries J. R. , Flin R. , Mearns K.
Published: December 2007

Collecting information from incidents regarding their human and organisational causes is undertaken by the majority of oil industry related companies. However, many of the companies use various sets of human factors codes, which tend to be limited in quantity and depth. In an attempt to improve the investigation of the human factors causes of accidents, a Human Factors Investigation Tool (HFIT) was developed for the UK Health and Safety Executive and four oil exploration related companies (BP, Conoco, Schlumberger Oilfield Services and Texaco). HFIT collects four types of human factors information including (i) the observable errors occurring immediately prior to the incident, (ii) how the errors were recovered from in the case of near misses, (iii) the thought processes which lead to the action error and (iv) the underlying causes. This paper describes the development, the implementation and the evaluation of the investigation tool. It is anticipated that the tool will not only produce better quality human factors data, but also provide companies with guidance regarding effective remedial actions that could help to reduce the number of accidents in the future.
A Partnership for Health
Authors: O’Neill Patrick G.
Published: December 2007

The PT Freeport McMoRan Indonesia Mine is one of the largest copper and gold mines in the world. It is located in one of the most remote places on the planet – in the mountains of central Irian Jaya in Indonesia underneath the Puncak Jaya mountain and the Carstensz Glaciers.

The over 16,000 people work for the mine. Providing a satisfactory standard of health care to this large number of workers and their dependents has been a major challenge. In addition, the economic activity stimulated by the Freeport operation has resulted in enormous population increase in the communities surrounding the mine. This population pressure has resulted in public health problems.

In October 1994, Freeport formed a partnership with International SOS to effectively manage the complex health problems facing the operation. This paper will describe the strategies employed by the Freeport/International SOS partnership to deal with these issues.

In the lowlands, malaria is the major problem and our control strategies of dealing with clinical malaria and entomology are world class. Tuberculosis, STD/HIV management programs, maternal and child health initiatives and primary care clinics are also special programs that will be described.

However, the population in these communities has grown from less than 1,000 indigenous people when the mine commenced operation 30 years ago to over 120,000 now and growth is continuing at over 16%. New strategies and partnerships have needed to be developed to provide appropriate and sustainable health care. Initially, in the absence of effective government infrastructure and partnership has been developed with the Catholic foundation, Yayasan Caritas to establish and run a community hospital in Timika in the lowlands. A similar community hospital is currently being build at Banti in the highlands. Recently the area has become a separate regency within the Indonesian Government.

Freeport McMoRan Mine and its partner International SOS are evolving from these tactical responses to the very complex health problems to develop a strategic health management approach. The challenge for the future is to develop a partnership with all the major stakeholders, in particular, the Indonesian Government Department of Health and other non-government organizations that will empower these groups with out developing excessive dependence to provide appropriate and sustainable heath care for their communities in the future.
Choosing Produced Water Treatment Technologies Based on Environmental Impact Reduction
Authors: Grini P. G. , Hjelsvold M. , Johnsen S.
Published: December 2007

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

Reinjection of produced water is obviously an option that should be considered if the reservoir needs pressure support. This paper, however, describes four new treatment technologies aimed at produced water being released to sea. The technologies are suitable for different produced water compositions.

The four technologies described are the PECT-F (Performance enhancing coalescence technology) for enhanced removal of dispersed oil, the MPPE (Macro Porous Polymer Extraction) technology for removal of volatile aromatics, the CTour technology for the removal of heavy aromatics and alkylated phenols, and the Framopure C100 injection system for H2S scavenger.

The potential of these technologies has been illustrated by choosing typical produced water compositions where one of these technologies has a significant potential to reduce the environmental impact. Given an estimated efficiency of these technologies, the EIF is calculated before and after applying the technology to show the reduced environmental impact obtained.

The main conclusion is that knowledge is needed about which compounds contribute to the environmental impact of produced water before deciding which technology to use.

Results are also presented that correlate the content of dispersed oil and PAH (poly aromatic hydrocarbons).
A Study on Computer Simulation and Dispatch to Prevent Produced Water from Draining
Authors: Yulian Chang , Zhang Ruijie , Gao Sheng , Zhao Xuefeng , Miao Baolin
Published: December 2007

In water supply system, produced water is treated at all levels and then delivered to corresponding water-injection stations where it is injected into the formation. The water supply system is a large fluid network, and different parts of it are correlated together, so the operations are very complicated. If there is a change in a operating conditions or a local station shut down, because of the power failure or inspection, the sewage dispatch will be difficult. The produced water will drain to cause environmental pollution.

The paper sets up the mathematical models for different hydraulic elements in the water supply system. A system simulation model is also set up according to the flow balance of the nodes. The delivery optimization mathematical models of the subsystems are set up, with the optimizing goal of minimizing power consumption. The processing capacity of sewage treatment stations, the transporting capacity and the complete recycling of produced water are taken as constraint conditions. The simulation and dispatch of the whole system can be done by corresponding the flow of the subsystems.

The technology of computer simulation and dispatch has been used in the water supply system in Sanan oilfield. The application shows that the technology can balance the pressure among the nodes, ensuring sewage system run with the prerequisite of power saving and all the produced water being recycled back to the formation. It provides a theoretical basis for the scientific management of oil production and water supply.
A Systematic and Quantified Means for Environmental Aspect Evaluation
Authors: Gidley J. K. , Huntman R. A. , Wedman M. L.
Published: December 2007

The identification and subsequent evaluation of environmental aspects and their potential impact is key to determining the framework and scope of a company's environmental management system. Although the importance is understood, there remains an absence of simple yet objective methods, resulting in evaluations that are too often subjective and fail to provide clear direction.

This paper describes an effective method of aspect / impact evaluation (described by an ISO 14001 Registrar as a "noteworthy effort") resulting in a means for prioritizing identified adverse environmental impacts. It incorporates work done by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. (BPXA) and includes a straightforward yet quantified approach, developed by a service company that successfully achieved ISO registration in that state. The approach is based on identifying and evaluating potential impacts in the absence of controls to determine which are significant, and then systematically factoring in the number and type of controls that are used to manage the risk. The output is a Risk Index for each aspect that can in turn be used to inform the setting or revision of objectives and targets for ongoing improvement. The procedure also has the further benefit of clarifying and targeting controls.

The paper defines the method and demonstrates a template that any organization struggling with this particular element of its environmental management system can use to determine, by the use of ranking, which aspects are significant and which are not, allowing them to focus on Juran's "vital few"1.
Raising the Common Denominator in Petroleum Development Partnerships – Looking for Light through West African Pipelines
Authors: Knowl Will , Kannan Vijayan
Published: December 2007

Current trends in energy project partnering, and active engagement with issues of social and environmental management, come together distinctively in two pipeline projects in western Africa. The Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Project, now under construction, has been one of the most closely scrutinized energy projects ever. The planned West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), to connect Nigerian fields with neighboring Benin, Ghana, and Togo, stands to benefit from the experience gained by all parties concerned with Chad-Cameroon. This paper briefly summarizes this experience, and assesses its relevance and current state of application to WAGP. The sequential, combined experience of these two projects are then considered in light of their implications for gas pipeline projects throughout the tropical developing world.
Biodiversity as a Business Decision-Making Driver
Authors: Sykes Richard
Published: December 2007

Biodiversity – life on earth – is under threat and covered by international law. It is becoming an important business driver as energy companies seek to operate in increasingly remote and sensitive environments. Conservation NGOs expect companies to set policies, minimize their operational impact and make a positive contribution to biodiversity. Successful operations in sensitive areas require early consultation with key stakeholders and the incorporation of biodiversity into Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs). Operations in ‘protected’ areas remain contentious. Many such areas are protected by law, but categorization systems such as that devised by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) can be inconsistently applied by Governments. A holistic decision-making process on whether to operate in such areas, including a science-based approach (e.g. potential habitat and species loss) and other innovative solutions is currently under consideration by a group energy companies and conservation NGOs working together in the Energy and Biodiversity Initiative (EBI).
Mangrove Restoration by an Operating Company in the Niger Delta
Authors: Ainodion M. J. , Robnett C. R. , Ajose T. I.
Published: December 2007

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has embarked on a large-scale mangrove protection and restoration initiative in its operations in the Niger Delta mangrove swamps in Nigeria. Several restoration techniques are applied – natural recolonization, transplanting from local forests and planting collected propagules and seeds. Developing restoration protocols or procedures and testing these protocols on pilot scale precedes each technique. Establishing these restoration protocols assures success when applying these to large-scale restoration. The establishment of restoration procedures for four species of mangrove (Rhizophora racemosa, Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa and Avicenia germinans) started in July 1998 and was completed in April 2001. CNL is proceeding to carry out mangrove restoration starting in 2001. About 73 Ha is targeted. This involves applying hydrologic restoration followed by natural recolonization techniques in about 66 Ha, transplanting about 4 Ha of salvaged mangrove seedlings (30 – 60 cm) and salvaged saplings (1 m and 2 m) from a proposed development site and planting another 4 Ha by collecting seeds and propagules. Sites are identified using hyperspectral imageries acquired over CNL's onshore acreage, and targeted sites are along Abiteye – Escravos pipeline Right-of-Way (ROW), Dibi and Olero Creek field, among others in CNL's Oil Mining Lease (OML) -49.

The services of ChevronTexaco Energy Research and Technology Company (ERTC), Lewis Environmental Services (LES) and Environmental Resources Manager Limited (ERML) are employed to establish the procedures and carry out the program. The program collaborates with Nigerian Non Governmental Organizations, including the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES). Local community members are involved in the program and given some ownership. Direct and indirect protection of mangrove resources is also carried out at one development site by the establishment of a buffer strip of mangrove along the riverbank to replace the utilization of bulkheads to control erosion.

This paper discusses the procedures established and the large-scale restoration program embarked upon.
The QUEST for Zero Defects: Implementation of a Worldwide Database
Authors: Fosset Christian Marie
Published: December 2007

One of the main challenges faced by any company operating around the world is ensuring that proper correcting actions, from a hazard identification process to audit and inspection processes, are implemented promptly and tracked to closure, and that the knowledge is shared among the various operating units. This paper describes how a major oilfield service company is striving toward excellence in this area by implementing a worldwide Web-based Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) database named QUEST.

A key element is capturing all Quality Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) events—near accidents and accidents, unsafe acts, employee suggestions, and remedial work plans associated with audits and inspections. The approach has been to develop a Web-based central application accessible directly by all employees.

Depending upon the risk, various levels of management, with the support of the QHSE organization, review all these events. Action items are created that clearly identify the responsibilities for the action, the priorities and the target dates for implementation. Employees responsible for the implementation are notified and reminded by e-mail messages. This process is the core of the QUEST for zero defects.

On many occasions, lessons learned from an event that happens in one part of the world have value for the rest of the organization. The real benefit of a Web-based system is the opportunity for any manager to subscribe, through push technology, to the system and to be alerted through e-mail. The managers can then assess if the actions are applicable to their environment and implement the related remedial work plan.

Another key element is ensuring that employees are competent for their job. The central database communicates with the Human Resources (HR) database, where qualification requirements are defined for all positions and for the employee's geographical location. Training schedules can be prepared by comparing the qualification requirements with the employee's actual qualifications.

This paper concludes that the central database has drastically reduced the need for QHSE reporting, while providing statistics for any part of the organization.
Web-Based Environmental Management Systems - Powerful New Tool for Environmental Monitoring, Collaboration, Impact Assessment, Permitting, Compliance, Stakeholder Participation, and Project Transparency
Authors: Aronson John G.
Published: December 2007

Web-based environmental management systems (WEMS) represent a powerful new tool for the oil and gas industry. Continued rapid evolution and development of the digital revolution, and the convergence of several technologies such as portable computing, satellite communications, high-speed internet connections, large-scale servers, digital photography, remote sensing, and other digital imagery sources have resulted in an ability to organize and manage large digital resources in ways only contemplated earlier using WEMS. Widespread use of the hypertext markup language (HTML) is another vital element of website proliferation, now estimated at approximately 7 million total sites with almost a billion web pages represented, and growing.

This paper explores the application and development of WEMS as applied to global HSE challenges, such as remote environmental monitoring, management of quasi-realtime digital information and photodocumentation, international permitting and EIA preparation, collaboration of HSE professionals and contractors, regulatory tracking and compliance, public outreach and transparency for governmental and non-governmental entities. The latest in WEMS capabilities is discussed, with a case history taken from a large, remote gas pipeline project.

The cost-effective organization and operation of WEMS for HSE applications is discussed to include EIA preparation, permitting, global collaboration, NGO and stakeholder liaison, health and safety, field and laboratory monitoring, digital photodocumentation, remote sensing, and other typical HSE functions. The Cuiabá project extranet site can be viewed at www.opic.gov on the Internet.
Aviation Subcontractor Management
Authors: Steel Maurice , Howell Jeff
Published: December 2007

Historically, aviation support has played an important role in seismic acquisition, both offshore and onshore. Today, seismic programs are being conducted in deeper water offshore and in more remote areas onshore. Seismic vessels are staying out to sea longer, and land crews are laying out more equipment. All these factors increase the need for seismic companies to rely on contracted or chartered air support suppliers on a global basis. Aviation subcontractor management is paramount in achieving Health, Safety and Environment objectives and ensuring safe air travel.

To achieve these goals, a large seismic acquisition company recently implemented a company-wide aviation standard to help line management establish cost-effective, safe aviation services that use realistic and balanced contracts that are targeted at the particular type of operation being contemplated.
Transportation Fatalities – an Industry Problem?
Authors: Covil M. , Smith D.
Published: December 2007

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) has been collecting global E&P safety performance data since 1985. The industry's safety performance over this period has shown substantial improvement. However in recent years little change has been reported in the rate at which fatalities are occurring (ie the Fatal Accident Rate, FAR).

Analysis of the safety data shows transportation to be a major contributor to these fatalities. For example, in the data collected for the year 2000, of the 148 fatalities reported (which includes contractor, company and third party individuals) at least 41 were related to transport incidents.

The paper reviews the global industry safety performance over the past ten years, with specific attention to those fatalities associated with land transportation.

It is shown that vehicle related incidents have been the greatest single cause of fatalities in the E&P industry over the period reviewed. Analysis of the OGP database shows no evidence of a decrease in the rate of land transport related fatalities over the period.
Journey Management in Colombia
Authors: Torifio S Segundo J.
Published: December 2007

Our organization as an oil sector services company, has as main objective "to exceed and satisfy our clients' needs guarding the personal safety of persons, the community, and the preserving of the environment. In order to travel to the different wells, Halliburton must transport its personnel, equipment and material to the different facilities located in all types of geographical regions of the world. The main means of transportation used for this purpose is by land. Therefore, it has all types of vehicles, from light vehicles for the transportation of an engineer or operator, passing through squad transportation vehicles, up to heavy equipment, more than 18 wheelers, many of which have been specially designed for Halliburton
Establishing A Lasting Legacy: A New Model for Sustainable Development
Authors: Taureka I. R. , Flemming D. T. , Kini S.
Published: December 2007

For the past ten years, Chevron Niugini Limited has operated a collection of small oilfields in southwestern Papua New Guinea. The local communities surrounding the oilfield and pipeline facilities are spread over 13 language groups and 83 villages, scattered throughout dense tropical rainforest with little accessibility. To manage and mitigate the impacts of a petroleum development on such an isolated group of people, Chevron commissioned socio-economic impact studies for each area of operations and further anthropological and social analyses were completed over time. The needs and priorities identified from this research formed the basis for planning and implementing community development initiatives addressing the social needs of the community and the specific socio-economic impacts on them. These initiatives were implemented by staff of Chevron Niugini's community affairs group in partnership with government and non-government development agencies.

After reviewing lessons learned over time, Chevron and its joint venture participants in Papua New Guinea realised a new model should be established for implementing these initiatives. One that can promote improved partnerships and networking amongst development agencies and ensure sustainable results are achieved beyond the life of oil and gas production in the area. In developing such a model, Chevron drew upon the expertise of the organisations it has partnered with, such as the World Wildlife Fund. The new model resulted in the creation of the CDI Foundation, which serves as a more effective vehicle for implementing current initiatives while building capacity to promote sustainable social development in the long term. CDI stands for Community Development Initiatives. The Foundation builds upon the initiatives started by Chevron Niugini and leverages these with increasing participation from other development agencies and the community itself. This paper describes how this new model was established and what benefits it offers to the stakeholders involved.
Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility Into a Corporate Culture, the Quest to Embed Integrity into the Workplace
Authors: Gossen Randall G. , Mann Garry J. , de Jonge Laura
Published: December 2007

Nexen Inc. (the "Company"), an independent global energy and chemicals company, has made significant strides in the area of corporate social responsibility ("CSR"). Developments such as globalization, environmental issues, competitive labor markets and advances in technology have accelerated the pace at which these and other corporate social responsibility issues have risen up the corporate agenda. The playing field for multi-national enterprises has been forever altered.

In response to these emerging issues and encouraged by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Company championed and adopted the International Code of Ethics for Canadian Business (the "Code") in 1997. The Code received endorsement from the Canadian government and support from many companies and business associations. The Code provides principles for community participation, environmental protection, business conduct and employee health and safety. The Company's Integrity Program is the vehicle by which the Code is implemented. The Integrity Program focuses on ensuring that the Code is more than simply words. Its principles have been successfully translated into comprehensive and innovative practices which address industry considerations faced by companies today and which benefit the company and its stakeholders.

Corporate social responsibility is an area of emerging global importance. Besides being the right thing to do, fostering a culture of integrity has ensured that the Company adds shareholder value over the long term and makes a difference in its broader sphere of influence.
The Search for Solutions: Promoting Environmental Stewardship in China
Authors: Boben Mark E. , Summerlin Roger Dale , Brody Marc
Published: December 2007

Phillips China Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum Company, a multi-national, integrated oil company with its corporate headquarters in Bartlesville, Oklahoma USA, believes in giving back to the community in which it has a presence. This basic philosophy includes promoting community involvement activities that support environmental protection, promoting the value of education and preserving and respecting a community's culture. This is not a new philosophy but rather a core value of the Company, a cornerstone of Phillips Petroleum Company's corporate value system.

Phillips has been active in China since the 1970's and began producing oil from its offshore production operations in the South China Sea in 1994. By 1997, environmental concerns were surfacing throughout Chinese society and the industrial community. The Company decided an environmental education initiative designed to help Chinese students become better environmental citizens, would be the focus of a major community involvement program.

Phillips has provided both financial sponsorship and leadership to build the Search for Solutions (SFS) environmental education initiative into a successful multi-year program. In 1998, Phillips established working partnerships with the China State Environmental Protection Administration and Municipal Environmental Protection Bureaus in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen and Lanzhou. Under Phillips supervision, specific SFS activities have been designed, implemented, and financially managed by the U.S.-China Environmental Fund.

Search for Solution's goal is to help Chinese elementary and secondary students become better environmental citizens by providing environmental education materials and by organizing activities in areas where Phillips is active or plans to establish operations.

This paper will describe the structure of the initiative and how we have established Phillips' Search for Solutions as a successful program with our Chinese partners at the China State Environmental Protection Administration and the municipal Environmental Protection Bureaus.
Integrating Social and Environmental Assessments into the Project Decision and Design Process
Authors: Hargis Dean , Covington Terry
Published: December 2007

Social and environmental issues represent increasingly important considerations in the successful implementation of oil and gas development and transportation projects. Though this is generally well recognized, these topics are often addressed as procedural requirements after principal project design details have been finalized. This can result in needless expense associated with last-minute design changes, strained community relations, and wasted effort related to the pursuit of projects that are not compatible with their social and/or environmental setting. These problems can be minimized by incorporating a disciplined process of social and environmental data collection into early commercial and technical feasibility studies, and then integrating ongoing community interaction and environmental investigations into the process of progressively more detailed engineering studies.

This paper presents detailed information about an integrated process of project decision-making and design efforts with social and environmental inputs applicable to major industrial projects. The stepwise process of the social and environmental investigations is described along with a specific explanation of its integration with the project decision-making and design process. This description is intended to allow others to apply this approach to future projects. The authors of this paper conclude that this process could contribute to corporate profitability by reducing expenses associated with project redesign efforts and by early recognition of environmental and social fatal flaws.