It's Not Business as Usual Anymore
Authors: Brown C.W. 
Published: December 2007

Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to more definitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

In 20 years, a complex body of environmental laws, regulations, and decisions has been established in the U.S. Basic knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and management techniques is now necessary for design, construction, and operation of oilfield facilities. Environmental permits are on the critical path and could significantly affect project viability or the cost path and could significantly affect project viability or the cost of doing business. In California and many other states, resource development projects face complex and voluminous environmental regulations. Because of these permitting obstacles and the competition for the available permits, early environmental planning is necessary if a project is to be successful and if costs and future liabilities are to be minimized. This paper reviews eight federal environmental laws, significant events that affect our daily business, and the reasons why environmental management must be integrated in our" business as usual" work decisions to minimize future (hidden) liabilities.

Introduction

Line managers and operating personnel are responsible for environmental protection in a company's operations. To carry out this responsibility effectively, these personnel must have a good working knowledge of all environmental laws, regulations, and policies that apply to their activities. Eight federal laws may policies that apply to their activities. Eight federal laws may affect our daily oilfield operations in the U.S.

Most of these laws provide civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance. If you ignore the law, you risk personal fines and possibly a prison term. Therefore, what you don't know will most possibly a prison term. Therefore, what you don't know will most likely end up hurting you and your company. This paper discusses several examples of the possible monetary consequences when a cleanup remedy is imposed by outside parties.

Any waste generation or discharge of contaminants into the environment has the potential for future liability. Environmental management programs reduce the potential for undesirable surprises and minimize this hidden liability. These environmental programs consist of assessments, waste minimization, recordkeeping, documentation, and up-to-date training. These programs are briefly reviewed.

The assessment program will help ensure that personnel at each operating facility know and are meeting their obligations and responsibilities under the law. If you are responsible for environmental protection, it is in everyone'sinterest for you to do a good job.

Important Environmental Statutes

Most corporations' environmental policies charge line managers with the responsibility for environmental performance of their activities. The policies also state that every employee is expected to carry out the spirit and the letter of these policies. Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations is necessary for line managers and engineers who control the operations and installations. In some cases, state requirements can be even more restrictive than federal regulations.