bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Accredited Development Programme for the Nursing Staff: A Cost Benefit Analysis
Authors: Saunders M.J. , Watters P.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes an academic programme delivered by a British University in Nigeria for the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Medical Division. The programme was designed to specification to meet the need of the Medical division to deliver a quality healthcare service to company employees and their families, and was a major aspect of a five year strategic training and development initiative agreed by SPDC.

The programme was structured and delivered in a way which enabled participants to achieve at academic level 2 which is the second year level of a degree program within University. The participants were Nurses and Midwives who had received little or no education or development since qualifying. Most participants had been educated and professionally qualified at certificate level only, and therefore practiced at this level. The planned outcomes for the programme were to raise the education level of the participants knowledge and practice, and therefore their health care delivery to diploma level. Thus enhancing the health care and provision for patients and clients.

The paper will discuss the financial implications of delivering this type of programme in some detail. It will compare the cost and value to the company of purchasing a programme which is delivered in the participants real work environment with an equivalent programme delivered at the University in the United Kingdom for another group of company participants form the Medical division who were funded for overseas training by SPDC. The benefits accrued to the company in terms of both financial savings and the "value added" aspects of delivering the programme in Nigeria will be identified and explored. The issues of how adults learn most effectively, how the participants' development can be maintained and plans for future developments will be explored.
Environmental Management System Integration on Natural Gas Operations Practices: Experience in the Kangean Block Area, Indonesia
Authors: Hamzah Amir , Saleh A. Adjiz , Subagio Mukti , Santoso Budi
Published: December 2007

ARCO and PERTAMINA, the Indonesian State Oil and Gas Company, produced gas from reserves in the Kangean Block, about 100 miles north of the island of Bali. The block areas covers approximately 4508 sq.km. of ocean and land, including 10 islands, and consists of 14 production wells, 30 exploratory wells, 2 gas processing trains, a harbour, an air strip and other support facilities.

An estimated 225 miles of subsea and 45 miles of onshore pipelines deliver produced gas to customers. Potential environmental impacts of development and operations include affects on marine life, terrestrial function ecosystems and the atmosphere. The potential impact also exist on the socio and human environment. We used social cultural needs and government regulations issues is a main tool to minimize or prevent the impact and to avoid possible reversals and disturbance to the gas development and operation itself. These tools then effectively raise many ideas on how to protect, preserve, and develop or enhance environmental quality, to integrate the company policy and commitment, and to arrive at the decision making with involving all concerned individuals, groups, or organizations in Environmental Management System (EMS) planning, implementing, and monitoring steps. These processes produced a "Top - Down Strategy" to develop and operate the Kangean block area. In addition, the strategy also tends to produce a severe imbalance between gas development on the hand, and EMS implementation on the other.

To overcome the problem, we used six structural components in the EMS for Kangean block: planning/policy, project assessment, implementation, technical rigor, consultation, and institutional integrity.
Developing and Implementing an HSE Management System Within the Frame Work of a Quality Culture based on ISO 9002. A Drilling Contractor's Experience
Authors: de Lima e Silva A. C. , MacChesney R. , Rivas G. , Stibbs W.
Published: December 2007

Sedco Forex is an International drilling company that has been operating offshore Brazil with both Dynamically Positioning (DP) and conventionally moored semi submersible rigs in drilling, completion and floating production modes for a number of years.

A Quality management system based on International Standards Organization (ISO) 9002 Quality Management System Model was introduced for the entire offshore operation and shore based support facilities. Certification was achieved three years ago. This highlighted the advantages of integrating safety management systems within the frame work of a quality management system.

This paper will describe the lessons learnt developing the Quality Management System and obtaining ISO 9002 certification and the improvements in safety and rig performance attained as a result of crew involvement in the development of the system.

This paper will conclude whether the benefits obtained in such a program versus the investment made is a worthwhile venture towards improving the quality and safety of rig operations.
Strategies for Sustainable Development
Authors: Browne Brooks
Published: December 2007

As the concept of sustainable development gains acceptance, the petroleum industry is increasingly challenged to find its place in this movement. Environmental and social demands are becoming more stringent, and new competition is presenting itself. DuPont CEO Jack Krol recently pointed out, "environmental conservation is the major business opportunity of the next century."

One of the easiest ways to participate in sustainable development is by investing in it. Investments can take place globally, in industries that range from new product development to fish farming. For example, the replacement of petrochemicals by plant-based alternatives presents a niche that could benefit from the experience of the petroleum industry. The same is true for the solar industry. What the petroleum industry has to gain from this activity is exposure to markets that will be identified as the drivers of sustainable development. This is not the traditional "checkbook" approach to bankrolling a local social services infrastructure or community program. Rather, these are integrated mechanisms which deploy modest capital to generate financial, environmental and social returns for the investor and investee. Some of the negative impacts of the petroleum industry, such as natural resource extractions, community dislocation, habitat disruption, and accidental environmental emergencies can also be counter-balanced with quantifiable benefits achieved through sustainable development instruments.

Environmental Enterprises Assistance Fund has developed proven mechanisms to support the growth of indigenous private sector enterprises by creating venture capital funds. These funds invest only in businesses that meet strict environmental and economic goals -- such as selective forestry and organic agriculture -- and are leveraged by the capital of other investors, such as the World Bank. These funds allow investors to reposition themselves in anticipation of market changes that call for greater environmental and social sensitivity.
Development of an EHS Management System Standard for International Upstream Organizations
Authors: Wills Thomas L. , Buwalda Hans
Published: December 2007

Texaco International Production (TIP) has contracted with Woodward-Clyde International to prepare an environmental, health and safety management system (EHS MS) Standard, based on the following sources:

E&P Forum, Guidelines for the Development and Application of Health, Safety and Environmental Management Systems. ISO 14001 and 14004 modified to replace "environment" with EHS everywhere. The Texaco EHS Management Systems Assessment (MSA) Workbook.

This paper describes the EHS MS Standard, Guidelines for the Standard and supporting tools. These illustrate what an international upstream organization does to manage the specific EHS issues relevant to its scope and activities. The EHS MS Standard incorporates by reference Texaco's Guiding Principles and Objectives, TIP EHS Policy and EHS Standards and relevant laws and regulations. The organization using the EHS MS may also elect to develop internal standards that it applies to itself. It is anticipated that the EHS MS Guidelines and supporting tools may be used by TIP organizations in many ways. An organization with an existing EHS MS in place may not need to make many modifications to its EHS MS to conform to the Standard.

A process to identify and evaluate significant EHS issues is required by the Standard. Programs to deal with these issues are integrated into the normal five-year business planning process. EHS Targets (short-term goals) and Objectives (long-term goals) developed by the EHS issues management process are input into, and are resourced by, the business planning process.

The Standard does not require a complicated or bureaucratic system of document control and record keeping, however, it emphasizes the importance of documenting what is done to manage the significant EHS issues.

The EHS MS Standard, Guidelines and supporting tools are resources that TIP's organizations will use as part of EHS Advantage. This is a new initiative within TIP that aims to align EHS goals with business goals and to integrate EHS management with business management processes.
Enhancing The Effectiveness of Management Systems Through a TQM Approach
Authors: Kennedy J. S.
Published: December 2007

Management systems are one of the tools used to help ensure the existence, organization and application of the standards and methods needed to realize safe and environmentally friendly engineering, operations and maintenance, as well as the control of accepted or unavoidable risks.

There are many "ready-made" and prescriptive models such as those of ISO and EMAS which may suit the needs of individual companies, other companies may prefer to work from basic "good management" principles and create their own models. Whichever is the case the system cannot stand alone or apart and it must work within the context of the overall business objectives and needs of the company and within the limits set by any relevant national legislation.
Environmental Planning and the Subsequent Emergency Preparedness for Exploration drilling in an Environmentally Sensitive Area
Authors: Wiig E. , Vikeså G. O. , Dretvik A.
Published: December 2007

The paper deals with the early preparatory work, which started one year before spud. This work comprised agreement on environmental risk acceptance criteria, mapping of the natural resources in the area that could be affected, environmental risk analysis having already reduced the probability for an oil spill to ALARP, and finally an assessment of the consequences of planned discharges and waste. A transparent link between the risk analyses and the specific emergency preparedness analysis is shown together with the emergency preparedness plan, which comes out as a result of the analyses and the risk acceptance criteria. Key performance indicators were identified for the effectiveness of an eventual emergency response, and the effectiveness has been verified through exercises, reviews and audits. The work undertaken has been well received by all stakeholders, and is seen as an example of best practice.
Environmental Permitting of E&P Activities in Latin America: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Wagner Jay Paul
Published: December 2007

This paper reviews recent trends in environmental law applicable to onshore oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) activities in South America. Drawing from recent experience in analyzing environmental issues relating to oil and gas projects in Latin America, the author compares and contrasts approaches to environmental permitting in the E&P sector in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Particular emphasis is placed on seismic and exploration drilling activities.

As the author points out, most countries in the region have in recent years undergone significant changes in their respective regulatory and institutional regimes regarding environmental protection. This process is resulting in the introduction of more stringent environmental standards throughout the region, particularly as regards E&P in sensitive and protected areas. While environmental agencies still lack adequate funding and qualified personnel, and face difficulties in fully implementing and enforcing legislative and constitutional provisions, many Latin American governments now require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to start-up of exploration operations. Moreover, enforcement is beginning to be taken more seriously. Against this backdrop, the author emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental parameters early on in project planning and concludes by stressing the growing role of environmental law regarding all stages of E&P activities in Latin America.
A Performance-Based Approach to Offshore Regulation
Authors: Kallaur C. U.
Published: December 2007

The way in which the United States, through the Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior, regulates its Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas program is at an important crossroads. During much of the 50-some-year history of this program, a prescriptive approach was adopted for assuring safe and environmentally sound operations. As the next millenium nears, a clear shift towards performance-based regulation is taking place. This shift is occurring at a time when the Gulf of Mexico is once again being viewed as a world class production province, where technological records are being set routinely.

A high level of environmental and safety performance is a key to assuring that the significant energy and economic benefits tied to this development can be realized. The MMS recognizes that the majority of the companies who operate on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf have alternative investment opportunities and that investment dollars will not only go where the prospects are, but also where the regulatory regime is the most rational.
Contingency Planning For Oil Spills. An International Perspective
Authors: Salt David
Published: December 2007

Oil spills are not noted for their recognition of international boundaries, it is a relatively simple matter for a spill to quickly escalate into an international incident. It has also been recognised that there is benefit in allowing resources to be shared when responding to spills through a process of layering the response levels. One important factor in this is the pre-planning to allow this process to run smoothly and effectively. This paper looks at some of the issues involved in this planning cycle.

Over the last few years the Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Convention (OPRC) has been spreading throughout the international arena. This convention outlines the benefits of improved planning, training management and response equipment availability to enhance the success of any response operation. The convention attempts to improve the cross boundary co-operation between countries to facilitate the deployment of personnel and equipment to provide assistance.

The amount of oil spill equipment which is available in the world is quite astonishing, the oil industry (IPIECA) approach to oil spill contingency planning recommends that the tiered approach to oil spills be adopted. This concept is aimed at ensuring that each operation conducted by the industry has the requisite amount of equipment and resources to respond to the spills which are most likely to occur i.e. the small operational spill, whilst catering for the large event which may require additional resources from outside the region. Ultimately the major event or worst case scenario must be considered where all of the local and regional response capability is exhausted and additional resources must be imported from an external source.
An Integrated Approach for Developing Health, Safety, and Environmental Plans
Authors: Gala William R. , Abel J. A. , Davies E. , Lima E. , Masciangioli P. , Brandwjk K. , Esclapes M. M. , Holmboe R. H.
Published: December 2007

In preparation for assuming operations of Block LL-652 in offshore Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela, a series of Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) plans were developed to provide the management framework and guidance to ensure that Block LL-652 operations will be protective of people and the environment and to satisfy Operating Services Agreement (OSA) requirements. The LL-652 Consortium, working closely with PDVSA-Intevep, assembled a team of HSE spe-cialists that focused on the strengths of the various organizations. This integrated team was responsible for preparing Integrated Emergency Response (i.e., procedures to respond to oil spills and health & safety emergencies), Waste Management, Safe Practices, and HSE Management Plans.

The synergies that developed from the organizations working together resulted in the incorporation of several innovative approaches to HSE planning. For example, emergency response procedures and contingency planning for health & safety emergencies and oil spills were combined into one Integrated Emergency Response Plan (IERP). The use of an IERP avoids unnecessary duplication of effort resulting in significant administrative cost savings and promotes a consistent ap-proach (i.e., Chevron's Incident Command System) for managing all types of emergencies. Oil spill trajectory modeling was used to identify sensitive areas that could potentially be impacted by spills so that contingencies for protecting these sensitive areas could be incorporated into the IERP. A HSE risk management exercise was performed by a cross-functional team of operations, facility, reservoir and HSE specialists to proactively identify, evaluate and prioritize opportunities to reduce environmental and safety risks.
Systematic Approach to Working Environment in Design and Construction of Major Offshore Projects
Authors: Borgersrud Oeystein K. , Ellingsen Dagfinn
Published: December 2007

This paper gives a presentation on a practical approach to systematic follow up of working environment in a major offshore project. Emphasis is put on key activities, approaches made and future areas of improvement. A major Phillips Petroleum Company Norway (PPCoN) project in the North sea is used as a case presentation. A complex offshore platform needs to be designed to fit for purpose. One of the most important key issues is to design and construct for optimal conditions concerning operability and maintainability. This requires a focus on working environment issues from an early stage of design phase and through all the project phases. Establishment of working environment goals, philosophies and design basis requirements, mapping of key working environment issues and finally late phase construction review and inspection activities assist the strive to achieve the goals set.
Changing the E&P Safety Culture
Authors: Pemberton James B.
Published: December 2007

The safety culture of the exploration and production (E&P) industry must change to produce long-term results and keep pace with emerging quality and technology advancements in the industry. Reengineering of safety management processes is not enough to produce quality performance. The corresponding values, norms and customs of the safety culture can be shifted in an elemental manner to produce behavior modification levels necessary to produce quantifiable results. Four case studies are utilized to present a methodology to close this "cultural gap" and produce results beyond traditional safety parameters.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Exploration Activities – Offshore Egypt
Authors: Thompson I. , Nour M. H.
Published: December 2007

All E&P activities contribute to the risks posed to the environment and a full understanding of these risks are an essential part of an environmental impact assessment.

The methodology involved in completing a qualitative environmental risk assessment for offshore exploration activities, from initial seismic acquisition to exploratory drilling, in the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea, is presented. The methodology includes:

– Setting acceptance criteria. – Review of environmental baseline survey. – Hazard identification. – Preparing hazard and effect matrix. – Assessing risk and tolerability levels. – Recommending elimination, reduction, curative measures. – Implementing recommendations into the environmental management of the operation.

Acceptance criteria is based on the concept of tolerability, that is defined in terms of hindrance. This approach applies levels of tolerability to two risk threshold levels and consequently three bands of risks. The top band represents an intolerable risk level. The lower band represents a negligible risk. The middle area is known as the tolerable band. Within this tolerable zone that risks is managed so as to be "As Low As Reasonably Practical" (ALARP).

The hazard posed by seismic surveys and drilling operations and their potential environmental effects are summarized and examples of the risks they pose to the marine environment are classified. These effects are assessed in terms of severity, extent and persistence and subjectively ranked according to tolerability.

All the environmental risks posed by exploration activities are considered for control. The control mechanisms in preferred order of application are explained. Selected control techniques are determined objectively on an acceptable balance between the environmental benefits of each option and the costs of the appropriate safeguards.
Mutual Recognition of Safety and Emergency Training
Authors: Kyle S. R. , Krahn D. R.
Published: December 2007

Non-acceptance of valid safety and emergency training certificates in the North Sea was noted in 19941. Regulators, industry and workers' representatives discussed these difficulties in a 1997 Luxembourg workshop. This paper notes considerable progress and co-operation by all parties on this issue. It highlights the attached matrices (Tables 1–4) as an excellent means of comparing similarities and differences in national training requirements. The authors believe this will prove useful in petroleum provinces where similar schemes exist or are being designed.
A Novel Methodology for In-Situ Removal of NORM from E&P Production Facilities
Authors: Eylander J. G. R. , Frigo D. M. , Hartog F. A. , Jonkers G.
Published: December 2007

During oil/gas production, Naturally Occurring Radionuclides (NORs) from the 238U and 232Th series are occasionally co-produced in deposits (scale, sludge) in production facilities. The radionuclides are mainly the progeny of unsupported 226Ra and to a lesser extent unsupported 228Ra/224Ra isotopes. The co-precipitation of radium with Group IIa ions in (sulfate/carbonate) scales and/or sludge leads to enhanced external (• -) radiation levels. The occurrence of (metallic) 210Pb is not associated with increased levels of external radiation, yet manifests itself as thin, sometimes hardly visible films deposited on the inside of equipment. The occurrence of these Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) represents not only an occupational health hazard for workers but also considerable cause of additional operational expenditure, production deferment (due to extended interventions), facility maintenance and abandonment costs.

The removal of NOR-enriched scales using commercially available scale dissolvers has been widely reported in literature. It is claimed to be a safe and convenient method of decontamination, particularly in those instances where conventional physical decontamination methods (e.g. high-pressure water jetting) are inapplicable. In contrast, there has been no report of successful decontamination aimed at the removal of metallic lead deposits containing 210Pb. In this paper we report how this can be achieved using sequential treatment with solvent systems whilst minimizing deleterious effects such as corrosion, worker exposure, etc.

The feasibility and optimization study reported in this paper was a prelude to an in-situ facilities decontamination trial in a no longer productive on-shore gas production location in The Netherlands. Unlike common practices in e.g. the USA, underground disposal by re-injection of the waste produced from decontamination operations is currently not an allowed conduct of business by the Dutch authorities. Concerns exist about the ‘safeguarding’ of the injection process with no chance of seepage of the waste to surface sediments and potable water sources, and that the integrity of the injection well is not compromised. Considerations for a successful and environmentally responsible injection program will be elucidated.
Environmental, Health & Safety Management System (EHSMS): An Implementation
Authors: Hamid Abdul Halim , Zainy Cut Ahmad , Purwanto Joko , Syahroezah Agustanzil
Published: December 2007

The environmental, health and safety (EHS) aspects of our business continue to get more complex resulting in increasingly higher cost. To ensure quality and at the same time reverse these skyrocketing trends we need a new approach to managing EHS issues. A Management System approach will improve our operating performance, financial performance and competitive strength.

The Mobil Oil Indonesia EHS Management System (MOI-EHSMS) is a comprehensive, quality-based structured process for efficiently and effectively managing environmental, health and safety related aspects of Mobil's operations in Indonesia. Through this process, MOI management clearly communicates the target levels of EHS performance, and its desire for continuous improvement.

Application of this EHSMS will allow MOI to not only meet the minimum required standard but also continuously move beyond toward a superior level of performance. MOI personnel will establish objectives and plans to meet or exceed these target levels of EHS performance, implement their plans to achieve those objectives, periodically measure their progress, then readjust the objectives and plans accordingly to provide for continuous improvement.

We learned that strong management commitment and involvement which is demonstrated in assigning responsibility and accountability on the EHSMS expectations process is a key component for the success of EHSMS implementation in the organization.
Integrated Risk Management in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
Authors: Turner S. K. , Singer R. V. , Pegram A. , Saunders B.
Published: December 2007

Much effort has been devoted in recent years to quantifying risks to personnel associated with offshore operations. The data collected has had the additional benefit of facilitating rational, consistent decision-making on safety upgrades. It was realised that this principle could be extended to cover risks to company assets and risks associated with field development, and that the tools required to aid rational decision-making under conditions of risk in all of these areas were essentially similar. This paper describes the major features of the Integrated Risk Management (IRM) framework which has been developed by RMRI for Amerada Hess Limited (AHL), and discusses its use within AHL.
Harmonizing Environmental and Economic Profiles in a Marginal Oil Field Development Project: A Case Study
Authors: Brown T. G. , Nour M. H.
Published: December 2007

Many times the cost associated with minimizing the impact to the environment are burdensome to the overall project economics. There are cases when the decisions regarding these two important issues become mutually beneficial to both the environment and project economics. This paper will demonstrate an example of this situation.

The Ras El Ush development lease (which is located in the southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt) was discovered in March 1995. In order to develop the reserves associated with this field in the most economical manner, many decisions where made which also impacted the environment. The environmental and economic considerations were incorporated into the decision making process. The heart of the conducted Environmental Impact Assessment for the pre-development phase was the evaluation of the possible field development alternatives including their environmental consequences in a comparative form. The first decision was to drill the wells directionally from the shore to intersect bottom-hole locations offshore in the Gulf of Suez. The cost to drill this type of well was favorable to contracting an expensive jack-up rig to drill straight hole wells in the gulf. Multiple directional wells were drilled from a single pad and utilized a common individual mud pit. This minimized land take and minimized the cost of location construction and rig moves. These techniques minimized the environmental impacts associated with the field development activities compared with offshore production options as will be presented in the paper. The next decision was to utilize the excess capacity in existing facilities nearby in order to save the cost of capital required to process and ship the oil. This also minimized the environmental impact of onshore facilities. By allowing these measures, the field was brought on line in an extra-ordinary fast schedule- first production started in January 1996, less than one year from discovery.

This paper shows that the starting point of all environmental protection practices is to reduce the environmental impact at the source using typical pollution prevention mechanisms which integrate with the process of production. In the Ras El Ush field development this had economic as well as environmental benefits.
Slurry Fracture Injection of Solid and Liquid Heavy Oil Wastes
Authors: Dusseault M. B. , Danyluk P. G. , Bilak R. A.
Published: December 2007

Disposal of solid and liquid wastes from heavy oil production by deep injection is now an accepted technology in Canada. The article discusses the process and monitoring requirements for safe and environmentally secure disposal, based on four years experience on various projects.
Air Emissions Testing at an Oilfield Service Company Bulk Storage Facility
Authors: Turner Charles L.
Published: December 2007

Because of their particulate size, certain products used in oil and gas exploration are subject to compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Therefore, oilfield service companies handling and storing these materials must maintain a permitted facility to insure that NAAQS are being met. The transport, handling, and storing processes create dust and the potential emission to ambient air. The standard method for capturing this dust is to install a bag type dust collector commonly called a bag house. This paper describes the steps taken to conduct an EPA-acceptable field test of a typical bag house in an existing bulk cement storage facility. Problems encountered at the test site and measures taken to remediate leaking elements of the bag house are detailed. The efficiency of various types of fabric bags, clamps and gaskets are provided. Modification of testing procedures to accommodate field conditions are addressed.
Findings of the Offshore Operators Committee Produced Water Bioaccumulation Study
Authors: Ray J. P.
Published: December 2007

The 1993 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Gulf of Mexico General Discharge Permit (GMG290000), required operators to conduct an offshore produced water bioaccumulation study. The goals were to assess the potential for bioaccumulation to marine organisms of selected target compounds associated with produced water, and to evaluate the human health risk to seafood consumers. Eighty nine Offshore Operators Committee member companies, co-sponsored this three year, $3,000,000 study from 1994 through 1997.

The study was based on pairwise comparisons of chemical concentrations in edible tissues of marine organisms collected near 12 platforms discharging > 4,600 barrels per day (bpd) (> 548 m3/day) and 12 non-discharging platforms. Twelve target analytes were measured at all locations. These included three volatile organics, four semi-volatile organics, three metals, and two radionuclides. Two of these platform pairs were studied in great detail (larger numbers of specimens and an additional 48 target analytes were measured). Spring and summer sampling cruises were made to collect biota, produced water, and ambient seawater. Eleven species of fish were collected, three species of mollusks, and one species of crustacea. Sampling areas included shallow and deep water, areas of high and low industry activity, and near river locations. The results showed no significant bioaccumulation related to the produced water discharges.

The extensive literature review conducted as part of this study on toxic response and tissue residues of target analytes in marine organisms, showed that none of the EPA specified target analytes were present at concentrations that might be harmful to the fish or bivalve mollusks. A comparison of tissue concentrations to risk based concentration factors in humans is indicative that there is no human health risk to consumers of fisheries products harvested from the vicinity of platforms discharging produced water. Based on this comprehensive study, it appears that produced water discharges into U.S. waters under the current regulatory requirements, do not pose an unacceptable risk to the environment or human consumers.
Assessing Non-Technical Risks in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
Authors: Barker Gary W. , Steele Edward J. , Heaton Kevin P.
Published: December 2007

Good E&P business decisions require assessment of both technical (e.g. reservoir porosity and permeability) and non-technical risks (e.g. safety, health and environmental). Consistent analysis of safety, health and environmental (SH&E) risks is a critical first step in the management of these risks. Amoco has developed several probabilistic-type risk models which provide for consistent evaluation of SH&E risks associated with exploration and production new ventures opportunities and allow them to be compared, ranked, and/or portfolio managed. A corporate GRISK (Generic Risk) model, PC Windows-based and designed to handle the analysis of nearly any type of risk, was used to build the models. These models are currently being implemented within the Worldwide Exploration Business Group to provide consistent evaluation of safety, health, and environmental risks.
Principles for Social and Environmental Assessment
Authors: Scupholme P. L. , Exxon J. Bruney , Armstrong K. , Visser J. P. , Campbell J. A.
Published: December 2007

The E&P Forum have identified key principles for assessing the environmental and social impacts of oil/gas projects. They have highlighted the importance of taking an integrated approach to social and environmental assessment in all aspects of project planning and implementation. This paper by members of the E&P Forum's working group on Social and Environmental Assessment (SEA) describes this approach, and focuses on the key issue of stakeholder consultation.
Stakeholder Participation-The Road to Successful Oil and Gas Development
Authors: Jones Murray G.
Published: December 2007

The oil and gas industry is increasingly operating in more sensitive areas. Sensitivities include possible impacts on the natural environment, on biodiversity and on social systems. A license to operate is not only given by the responsible authorities within a particular country but also by influential stakeholders. These stakeholders can be identified as both those on whom a project can impact and those who can significantly impact the project. By taking a thoroughly open and transparent approach stakeholder relations can be built with a minimum of conflict and indeed with joint partnership.

The Camisea gas and condensate development in Peru's upper Amazon is one project that relies on its relations and credibility with many stakeholders for its success. Consultation was initiated over two years before the signing of a license agreement. This was steadily expanded during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process which precedes activities and into subsequent operations. Stakeholders include the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Region Inca (the area where in the project lies), the native communities and their representatives and numerous national and international non governmental organizations (NGOs).

After over one year of an appraisal drilling campaign there are signs of success with many of the involved groups. Words like "leadership", "model" and "breakthrough" have been used. However Shell Prospecting and Development Peru (SPDP) sees this as early days. The high sensitivity of the environment and many concerns by and for the local native communities means that consultation, discussion, agreements and promises must be turned into positive actions. Actions include meeting operational commitments for performance and delivering on the benefits promised. The Camisea approach is to enhance social capital - the ability of the local peoples to manage their own futures - under the umbrella of sustainable development.
The roll of Pressure-State-Response-Effect (PSRE) Environmental Information models in Corporate Strategic Planning
Authors: Urich Juan , Asuaje Ramón , Quiñones Ruben , Vielma Luis
Published: December 2007

Expensive Environmental Data (ED) gathered in order to fulfill specific regulatory and permitting requirements is usually loose, unstructured and therefore difficult to analyze and use in Corporate Strategic Planning (CSP). Furthermore due to its purpose ED selection and gathering is seldom influenced by the ever increasing needs of CSP for reliable Environmental Information (EI) with a proper time and spatial frame. A framework to develop Environmental Information Models (EIM) that approaches this constraints and able to transform relevant Environmental Data into reliable Environmental Information is discussed. The framework is based on the previous efforts forwarded by Agencies like OECD and EPA to approach the development of EIM using meaningful categories of variables within each of the PSRE componentes and avoiding therefore the difficulties of Information Management based upon detailed and complex interaction models. The proposed framework also benefits from other approaches oriented to provide Strategic Planning with additional measurements of Environmental direction and performance based on EIM. The framework is used to develop an EIM for the development of the oil resources to be found in Eastern Venezuela, as well as to provide proper Environmental Performance Measurements (EPM) suitable to CSP needs.
Egyptian Government and E&P Industry: Partners in Environmental Progress
Authors: Agiza M. N. , Emmons L. N. , Thompson I.
Published: December 2007

The relationship between oil & gas companies and the government is always important especially when dealing with the environment in an emerging country. This paper will describe the activities and achievements of the Egyptian government and the Petroleum Industry Environmental Protection Committee (PIEPC), a committee formed by the international exploration and production companies in Egypt over seven years ago. The role of PIEPC is to promote improved environmental conservation standards and awareness in the oil and gas industry in Egypt. The committee's significant achievements to date and its goals for the future will be described. The paper will show how a committee representing different international oil and gas companies, operating in a growing country, can work successfully together with the government for the betterment of the environment and the host country as a whole.
The Scratch Test As A Means To Measure Strength of Sedimentary Rocks
Authors: Richard T. , Detournay E. , Drescher A. , Nicodeme P. , Fourmaintraux D.
Published: December 2007

The paper deals with an experimental method to assess the strength of sedimentary rocks. The testing procedure (a scratch" test, or cutting test performed at a "small" depth of cut of typically 1 mm or less), the method of interpretation, and some experimental results are described.

Experimental observations of rock cutting indicate that a "plastic" mechanism of failure takes place at small depth of cut d. This mode of cutting is also referred to as "scratching". The results of scratch experiments on various sedimentary rocks have indicated the possibility of estimating the rock strength from such tests. These experiments have shown that the force on the cutting face is proportional to the cross- sectional area A of the groove (which is equal to wd for a rectangular cutter of width w and that the intrinsic specific energy (the coefficient of proportionality between the cutting force component in the direction of cutter motion and A) appears to be well correlated with the uniaxial compressive strength q. Moreover, tests have shown that logs of rock strength are possible; the force measurements have to be averaged typically over 1 cm. in order to produce logs of that are consistent and repeatable.

The paper finally discusses the influence of the wear flat and the depth of cut on the results and also the limitations of the method.

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Hydromechanical Coupling and Basin Tectonic Compression
Authors: Radu J.P. , Barnichon J.D. , Charlier R.
Published: December 2007

This paper dealt with the numerical modelling with the LAGAMINE finite element code of the large strain elastoplastic deformation of a basin taking into account the hydromechanical coupling. One describes the rock mechanics model, the flow model, and the coupling between them. Volume finite element are proposed as well as interface one. The second ones are devoted to the modelling of faults, including the water flow through the fault. Finally the code is applied to a basin compression induced by sedimentation. It is shown that depending on the fault hydromechanical properties. a fault can be activated or not.

P. 231^
Electrical Potential Change Due to Fluid Flow During Rock Fracture
Authors: Clint O.C. , Sammonds P.R. , Yoshida S.
Published: December 2007

Two main theories exist to explain the manifestation of electrical potential changes during rock deformation; (i) the electrokinetic effect due to fluid flow within a porous medium. This theory, derived from colloidal science relates the magnitude of this potential anomaly to the permeability and electrical conductivity of the medium. (ii) Secondly the piezoelectric effect in which electric dipoles are created due to the application of stress on specific crystals e.g. quartz. Here we present laboratory measurements of electrical potential and acotsstic emission from sandstone (75% quartz) and basalt (0% quartz) during triaxial deformation. An increase in electric potential occurs during deformation for both dry and saturated sandstone and basalt. The relationship between electrical potential change and axial stress is linear for dry sandstone and dry basalt as expected from piezoclectric theory. Non- linearity is observed for saturated sandstone and basalt and indicates the effect of the electrokinetic effect. The effect of strain induced craclcing, located in 3D, on each of the two aforementioned theories is discussed.

P. 251
Efficient Determination of the Parameters of an Elastoplastic Model
Authors: Raaen A.M.
Published: December 2007

Elasto-plastic constitutive models implemented in a finite element code is a widely used tool to assess the sand production potential of unconsolidated formations. An example of such a model is N. Morita's kinematic hardening model, which has been used by several companies since its publication in 1980. This model has been a key element in Statoil's sand prediction strategy for more than a decade.

The estimation of the parameters of the model is performed by matching a set of triaxial test data as closely as possible. Due to the complexity of the model, this has been a tedious task, involving a lot of trial and error in matching the predicted stress strain curves to the laboratory data. As a result, even experienced engineers could be expected to come up with significantly different parameterisations of the model for the same set of laboratory data.

In this paper we formulate the model in a way which allows direct estimation of the model parameters from the laboratory data, eliminating much of the subjectivity in the parameter estimation. This procedure allow us to give a more precise evaluation of the strengths and short comings of the model. Examples of how well North Sea weak sandstones can be approximated by the Morita model are given.

By the reformulation of the model, we have cut the time required to set up a parameterisation drastically, and the final model is to a smaller degree dependent on the skills of the engineer. The model is found to be able to match the axial stress- axial strain curves for most datasets with acceptable accuracy. However, due to the associated flow rule of the model, it is in general not possible to get a simultaneous good fit to the radial strain data.

P. 277
Rock Mechanical Principles Help to Predict Proppant Flowback From Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Andrews J.S. , Kjorholt H.
Published: December 2007

Propped hydraulic fracture stimulation is widely used to improve field economics. After treatment some fractures have been found to produce proppant back to surface and this can limit the economic gains from the stimulation. In this paper an analysis of laboratory flowback tests is presented in the form of a 3D stability surface. This enables prediction of when initial flowback occurs for plain proppant. Numerical modeling techniques are introduced that can be used to determine the quantity of produced proppant. For the field application of interest, the calculated proppant volumes compare well with that recovered from the first two fracture jobs. The effectiveness of curable Resin Coated Proppants (RCP) is studied by computer simulation. The approach is the same as that taken when making sand production predictions in clastic reservoirs. Laboratory testing is presented to support the conclusions from the simulation work.

P. 381
Field-Scale and Wellbore Modeling of Compaction-Induced Casing Failures
Authors: Hilbert L.B. , Gwinn R.L. , Moroney T.A. , Deitrick G.L.
Published: December 2007

Presented in this paper are the results and verification of field and wellbore scale large deformation, elasto-plastic, geomechanical finite element models of reservoir compaction and associated casing damage. The models were developed as part of a multidisciplinary team project to reduce the number of costly well failures in the diatomite reservoir of the South Belridge Field near Bakersfield, California. Reservoir compaction of high porosity diatomite rock induces localized shearing deformations on horizontal weak-rock layers and geologic unconformities. The localized shearing deformations result in casing damage or failure. Two-dimensional, field- scale finite element models were used to develop relationships between field operations, surface subsidence, and shear- induced casing damage. Pore pressures were computed for eighteen years of simulated production and water injection, using a three-dimensional reservoir simulator. The pore pressures were input to the two-dimensional geomechanical field scale model. Frictional contact surfaces were used to model localized shear deformations. To capture the complex casing-cement-rock interaction that governs casing damage and failure, three-dimensional models of a wellbore were constructed, including a frictional sliding surface to model localized shear deformation. Calculations were compared to field data for verification of the models.

P. 429
Laboratory Tests of Hydraulic Fracturing and Swell Healing
Authors: Christensen C.T. , Christensen H.F. , Foged N.
Published: December 2007

New laboratory test set-ups and test procedures are described - for testing the formation of hydraulically induced fractures as well as the potential for subsequent fracture closure from the release of a swelling potential. The main purpose with the tests is to provide information on fracturing stresses and whether or not the material in question possesses the potential for fracture closure.

P. 521