bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Advantages of Carbon Enhanced MBRs Treating Oily Wastewater
Authors: Conner William G.
Published: July 2010

As is the case in much of the world, Saudi Arabia is experiencing severe water shortages and the ability to reuse wastewater from our refineries and oil processing facilities is becoming an operating necessity. Saudi Aramco engaged Siemens Water Technologies (SWT) to perform wastewater treatment research to demonstrate the capability of a carbon-enhanced Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) that utilizes Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) to be able to provide an effluent that could be used as a feed for a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that was producing boiler feed water.

This particular type of Biological Activated Carbon – Membrane Biological Reactor (BAC-MBR) was subsequently demonstrated to provide all of the advantages of a PAC MBR but without the abrasion and permeability decrease that had been identified to be a major concern in previous testing using PAC as the source of activated carbon in an MBR. In the GAC MBR embodiment, a screening/separation system that prevents the carbon from coming in contact with the membranes and causing abrasion and permeability decrease is utilized between the aeration and Membrane Operating System (MOS) portions of the MBR.

This paper details how Saudi Aramco contracted Siemens Water Technologies to develop a Saudi Aramco invention into an operable state-of-the art wastewater treatment reuse system for oily wastewaters.
Pioneering Natural Waste Treatment in the Omani Desert
Authors: Younes N.
Published: July 2010

This international Oil and Gas company teamed with a specialised water management company and an Omani civil engineering contractor to develop, quite literally, a ground-breaking solution to the problem of dealing with sewage at their drilling and well testing base in the Omani Empty Quarter Desert.

The Reed Bed sewage treatment facility uses natural processes to treat sewage effluent of around 300 staff and contractors living at the concession central camp. This in-situ treatment of sewage waste reduces environmental impacts of transportation and collection of waste, risks associated with spillage, and the transfer of responsibility to others.

Avoiding a mechanical on-site sewage treatment plant or the transportation of the waste by tanker to faraway facilities from the site resulted in substantial cost savings. Environmental and operating cost benefits are matched by health and safety gains of avoiding the risks associated with long-distance driving.

The lush green patch is becoming a refuge for insects and migratory birds. It is also very popular with local employees providing a welcome change from the yellow desert sea.

The innovative approach was acknowledged in various media streams in Oman including interviews on major local newspapers. The project was also highly commended in the company's Chief Executive Innovation Awards competition.
Hot Work in Habitat – Developing a Method for Chemical Exposure Assessment
Authors: Jensen Ellen Katrine , Peikli Vegard , Dalene Marianne , Skarping Gunnar
Published: July 2010

This paper describes an approach for developing a protocol for chemical exposure assessment in habitats. The aim was to develop a method for the working environment toolkit to be applied in chemical risk management.

In general, no hot work can be performed on pipelines and equipment when a plant is in operation (hot plant). This is due to safety reasons, i.e. explosion and fire prevention. Introducing a habitat, typically a tent with overpressure, can fulfill the safety requirements and enable that hot work can take place on a hot plant if this is performed inside the habitat. However, habitat has not been considered with respect to working environment and health risk. High concentration of chemical contaminants and noise, difficult access and work positions, may be unwanted effects introducing health risk. This paper is focusing on chemical contaminants in real habitats that have not earlier been reported in the literature. Measurements are fundamental for the chemical risk assessment of work in habitat.

A protocol was drafted, selecting appropriate sampling methods, direct reading instruments, operating procedures and data collection protocols. Instruments were checked and calibrated and the robustness for field measurements was in particular investigated. A setup in a, for the purpose, designed climate chamber was made to simulate a habitat. The climate chamber enabled measurements, training of personnel, test of protocol and instruments in advance. Finally, the method will be used at real habitat measurements, to be performed at hot plant installations. The method will be revised based on the experiences achieved from real habitat measurements, and then recommended as best practice.

The method for the chemical exposure assessment in habitat will enable us to determine risk, and to implement suitable control measures.
IO (Integrated operations) Design Gives High Efficiency.
Authors: Moltu Berit , NæRheim Jakob
Published: July 2010

‘Integrated operations’ (IO) is about employing real time data and new technology to remove barriers between disciplines, expert groups, location and companies. In this paper we investigate the effect on efficiency from design and work practice in operation support rooms. A study taken within a Norwegian oil & gas company shows an evident correlation between IO design and high efficiency.

This study shows the difference in design and practice between five different operation support rooms (OPS rooms). The operation support unit is supposed to support interaction between different locations, e.g. onshore and offshore, in the upstream oil industry. Recent practice has established special OPS-rooms to make operation and maintenance work more feasible between the onshore based operation unit and the offshore operations.

In this study newer academic perspectives from Science and Technology Studies (STS) are taken into the field of HSE. Inspired by Actor Network Theory (Bruno Latour, 1987, 1994) the OPS-rooms are seen as a chain of networks between different physical locations, different ICT-solutions, different organisational and managerial models, and new working practices, all intended to support the current operations. The IO solution is intended to support and create new ways of working based on real-time data, online communication and across geographic space. This improves transparency in solutions e.g. to open up frozen borders between different departments, different disciplines, different geographical locations, management and employers, ICT and ideas of what a room is.

The variety of solutions and practices was studied by participative observation in all five rooms. More than 40 employees working with operations support onshore and offshore were interviewed. A survey was conducted on efficiency of operations and maintenance work, optimisation of production, and management of asset integrity and technical disciplines. Analyses of the results on efficiency concluded that the most IO mature assets perform well when it comes to efficiency. We attribute this to a more online and proactive work practice. The most IO mature asset reports a good work environment and that it is fun to work there. We also attribute this to a more online and proactive work practice.
Design Safety Lessons Learned From Major Offshore E&P Projects
Authors: McPhate A. J. , Zerafa M. , Venkataraman G. , Popat N.
Published: July 2010

Major accident safety management in the E&P Industry has experienced several challenges (e.g. cost over-runs, loss of life) throughout our history. A typical strategy for risk management is goal setting: achieving tolerable risks and reducing risks to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). However, several projects have demonstrated that in their efforts to optimize safety design features, some systems have been under-specified early in the project. The process to identify these areas of potential weakness, select appropriate increased requirements and implement design changes often results in a sub-optimal solution for effort, cost, schedule or safety performance.

The strategy proposed can be applied to any type of E&P installation to manage major accident hazards. It can also be applied to other goal setting design dimensions, such as environmental performance. The approach prescribes a set of specific performance standards at the concept selection stage and ensures that these requirements are implemented.

The safety measures implemented to manage major accident hazards are very seldom required to function in the facility lifetime. As such project teams may not fully understand the significant role of each major accident control measure. Input from experienced Safety Engineers was refined into a minimum specification that is sufficiently clear to be used by design engineering teams, such that these few critical systems are implemented effectively. First applications of this approach have demonstrated significantly improved levels of safety, cost, schedule and effort relative to the reliance on the optimization approach during detailed design.

The design safety strategy recommended by the authors has demonstrated the opportunity to:

Speed up execution Limit safety scope changes late in the project Reduce project engineering efforts Minimize safety "gold-plating" Deliver a robust design for major accident hazards Significantly reduce and manage the major accident risks
Environmental Management and Visual Mapping as Alternative Monitoring in Heterogeneous Areas
Authors: Jensen Tor , Pinturier Laurence Maryvonne , Ulfsnes Amund , Moltu Ulf Einar
Published: July 2010

Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) in Norway has been carried out as traditional sediment sampling at the planned production site for biological, chemical and physical analysis prior to production drilling according to regulation. The extent of such study should be related to the risk of impact from the planned operations. This baseline can then be used as a reference for future environmental monitoring. Equally important is the contribution to environmental impact assessments defining the measures to eliminate, limit or offsetting the adverse effects that the operation could generate. For the Victoria location, a traditional EBS based on sediment sampling was not considered beneficial due to both anticipated coarse sediment as well as presence of corals at the elevated ridge south west in the area. A comprehensive study including sediment analysis, visual mapping with ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), current measurements and interpretation of side scan sonar data and bathymetry data was therefore applied to meet the challenges at Victoria. The video lines covered more than 130 km of sea bed and the interpretation enabled categorisation of the seabed in soft bottom, rocks and reef building corals. Still photos and HD videos of the major corals structures were used to identify the dominant species and assess their health status (dead, poor, live). Results were transferred to a GIS to define the optimal position of anchoring corridors minimising interference with sensitive ecosystems. The combination of the different methods used in the EBS gives a thorough coverage of the area. The amount and quality of data gathered also beyond the location of the appraisal well location, allow a proper assessment of the sensitivity of the area at the field scale. Based on the experiences gained, it is recommended that future monitoring in areas comprising different habitats (soft bottom, rocky habitat etc.) apply different dedicated monitoring methods. For the visual monitoring a recommendation of approaches are: ‒Turbidity and current should be measured before and during drilling to document the dispersion of particles to secure the monitoring strategies.‒Establish photo stations and indicator species to be monitored based on the data from turbidity and current measurements.‒The use of a GIS based map system is highly recommended to handle the amount of data collected in an efficient and presentable way.‒Collected data from future surveys should be implemented in the already existing GIS based map system of the Victoria site to secure an up to date database.
Workplace Strategies: Implementation of a Workplace Directed Prevention Ergonomic Program
Authors: Lawhorn E. G. , Douglas G. A. , Fischkelta James A.
Published: July 2010

Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are estimated to account for $1 of every $3 spent of workers compensation costs. This accounts for more than $15 to $20 billion in direct costs such as medical bills. In addition to CTDs, computer users may also experience eyestrain, back pain and many other medical problems.

The increased prevalence of CTDs associated with video display terminals and the work environment has been well documented. The problem of CTDs continues to plague business as both a medical issue and performance issue. In the US alone, CTDs account for 5% of non-fatal injuries.

The relationship between computer usage and musculoskeletal complaints continues to be soft, while workers increasingly complain of pain and discomfort with computer usage. Physical and psychosocial work exposures have been shown to be risk factors for low-back pain and neck and upper limb symptoms, with CTS excluded (Aas et al. 2005; Bongers et al. 2006; van Rijn et al. 2009a, 2009b).

The program’s experience indicated that over the past 5 years, the number of office-based worker ergonomic illnesses has been fairly constant with all workplace related injuries/illnesses reflecting a slight increase in the rate from ∼3% to ∼5%. The overall illness severity (measured in days away from work) has been consistent over this same period (∼10% of workplace related office ergonomic illnesses resulted in days away form work). The data indicated the primary medial diagnosis for these musculoskeletal upper limb disorders included carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tendonitis, and tenosynovitis. The body parts impacted by these illnesses were hands/fingers approximately 65%, arms 25%, and shoulders/neck 01%. Many of these illnesses were experienced by our office based workers whose tasks includes frequent interface with computers and repetitive use of computer input devices.

A recent review of a major oil and gas company office ergonomic program prompted management to request the medical department assistance to review the corporate office ergonomic program to ensure office based activities are performed in a manner thereby reducing or eliminating stress, strain and injury /illness. An inter-professional team was assigned the task to implement the program. The objective of the program was to develop a template and toolkit to provide consistent criteria for additional intervention and a prioritized set of intervention options and guidelines to help supervisors and managers. The corporate process would define the requirements to ensure office safety and consistency in application.

This paper reports on the experience of implementing a worksite-based ergonomic program, the essential components of the program, and lessons learned for a more effective system-wide project approach.
Reducing Flaring And Improving Energy Efficiency: An Operator's View
Authors: Labeyrie Hadrien , Rocher Anne
Published: July 2010

TOTAL is strongly committed in reducing the flaring and improving the energy efficiency of its exploration and production (E&P) operations: commitment of no continuous production flaring in new projects since year 2000, joining GGFR in 2004, strong objective of flaring reduction (after having achieved a 40% flaring reduction from 1998 to 2005 while the production increased significantly), as well as greenhouse gases (GHG) and energy efficiency internal targets.

The reduction of continuous flaring is the aim of several projects under studies even when there is no gas market. Furthermore, Energy Assessments have been conducted on E&P sites representing about half of TOTAL E&P's fuel gas consumption, to detect opportunities to optimize the energy efficiency and define action plans for the implementation of these opportunities. In addition to this, the company has developed a guidebook gathering all known technical best practices, leading to GHG emissions reduction.

This publication gives highlights from this guidebook, in particular practices to quantify, categorise and actually reduce the flaring and venting, as well as practices to evaluate energy efficiency and optimize it. Examples are given from actual gains obtained by applying those practices.

In parallel to these efforts on existing facilities, actions are also applied to the new projects: Environmental General Specifications have been recently updated in order to reflect the best available technologies and optimum design practices. The paper highlights these specifications, with examples of what is considered in Total as mandatory or recommended for new projects design, to minimize emissions of GHG, and to increase energy efficiency.

Finally, the GHG and energy efficiency assessment which is performed for new projects, during the conceptual or pre-project studies, which is another tool to encourage the use of Best Available Technologies, is described.
Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals around Offshore Platforms in the North Sea and Impact Assessment of Noise from Drilling Activities
Authors: Bach S. S. , Skov H. , Piper W.
Published: July 2010

Acoustic monitoring of small cetaceans (harbour porpoises and dolphins) has been conducted around two platforms in the central North Sea. At one platform, there was continuous drilling activity while at the other platform, drilling did not occur during the monitoring period. The objective was to assess activity of harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, around the platforms and assess the behavioural effects from sound emissions related to drilling activities.

Passive acoustic monitoring devices (PAMs – T-POD ver. 5) were deployed at both locations for a period of more than two years. The PAMs are able to detect high frequency sound from small cetaceans and thereby assess the activity of animals in the immediate area surrounding the platforms.

The results indicate that there is a relatively high activity of harbour porpoises around both the observed offshore platforms throughout the year. Clear seasonal trends in acoustic activities were not observed aside from increased activity levels during the fall of 2007 and in the late fall of 2008 at both locations. It is possible that these events are the results of a movement of harbour porpoises away from the calving grounds to the offshore areas. The offshore structures are known to attract fish and could function as feeding stations for the harbour porpoises, i.e. the platforms most likely function as artificial reefs. Hydrographic conditions at the platform locations that could influence the availability of prey in the area will naturally influence the activity level of the harbour porpoises. The study indicates that offshore platforms and drilling activities do not pose a significant threat to small cetaceans. However, the results show that short-term behavioural effects must be expected during activities that result in high sound intensity levels, e.g. during the ramming of conductors.

The study confirms that PAMs are a useful tool for monitoring behavioural changes of small cetaceans in offshore environments. However, rough weather conditions and the risk of collision with vessels present a challenge. Loss of equipment and consequently loss of data is very likely to happen. In addition, the costs of maintaining the equipment and retrieving the data are significant due to the remote location. Consequently, the use of PAMs should be carefully considered when assessing the purpose of the monitoring.
Driving to Real-Time Compliance in Land Transport
Authors: Allen Gary , Fee Wayne
Published: July 2010

Land transportation–related incidents continue to be the highest cause of fatalities within the oil and gas industry, as shown in the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) 2008 performance indicators. Despite widespread efforts, significant performance improvements have not been achieved. Time and again, investigation of automotive-related fatalities and incidents identifies failures in compliance with the known controls of land transport activities.

The complexity of risks in land transport operations—as well as the focus and expertise required to successfully manage compliance—is such that managing land transport cannot be effectively dealt with as a part-time job. While line managers must be responsible and accountable for compliance with standards, policies, and recommended practices, it is inevitable that multi-tasking managers will not be able to spare the required attention to ensure all journeys within their control remain compliant at all times.

This paper discusses the shift towards a dedicated function equipped with fit-for-purpose tools, software, and expertise to manage every journey from the planning stage to its ultimate safe conclusion.

Over a period of time, dedicated Journey Management Centers (JMCs) were set up in several Middle East and Asia countries. Each JMC was provided with web-based software that performs hazard assessments and risk control for each journey, provides visibility of driver certification, past performance, and incident/route data. This is augmented with data in respect to vehicle position and speed provided by in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) in either real-time or near real-time. This information provides constant visibility of any events or behaviors that indicate noncompliance and thus facilitates real-time intervention.

The paper explains the JMC setup and outlines technologies in software and IVMS that, when integrated, provide a powerful tool that can manage real-time compliance. It also shares the impact made by such dedicated resources—in terms of behavior, incident reduction, and fleet management efficiencies.
Method of Equivalent CO2 Emissions Sources Identification and Quantification of Offshore Petroleum Production Units
Authors: Maia João Luiz , da Silva Neves Marcus Vinicius
Published: July 2010

Each offshore petroleum production unit has some sources of CO2 emissions, related to both energetic and non-energetic uses, such as electric energy generation, gas flaring, natural gas and CO2 ventilating, drainage systems and other meaningless uses. Additionally, some fields may have high CO2 content present in the chemical composition of the produced natural gas stream. In this case, the separation of the CO2 stream from the produced natural gas one is mandatory, in order to meet the natural gas specifications established by the regulated bodies. Therefore, this available CO2 stream can be used in the oil fields in many applications, mainly as a method of enhancing oil recovery (EOR) or even as enhancing gas recovery (EGR). The present paper approaches a methodology of both identification and quantification of each CO2 and equivalent CO2 existing source of the petroleum facilities, in such a way of presenting all of them together and also separated though the unit's life cycle.
HSE for Youth—Reinforcing an HSE Culture to Employees, Families and Communities in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Lopez Juan-Carlos , Barnier Muriel , Palacios Luisa , Arce Lina
Published: July 2010

An initiative has been developed by an oilfield services company to share its health, safety, and environment (HSE) knowledge and expertise with families and local communities, who in turn reinforce a HSE culture among employees, which helps make such a culture become a lifestyle habit for all.

The initiative, "HSE for Youth", is a program designed to reach young people aged between 11 and 18. It focuses on seven themes: Injury Prevention, Road Safety, Personal Security, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Water and Climate Change. Workshops are designed to be easy-to-implement and low cost, and are facilitated by volunteer employees, spouses and motivated people in the community. Participants include children of employees, clients, and members of local communities.

This paper explains how the worldwide program was established, and how materials were developed based on the company's HSE expertise, as well as on external public health and educational expertise. All content is learner-centered and is flexible and adaptable to local contexts yet is framed by the company's corporate quality control system. Several hundred children have participated since the program was launched in 2008.

The paper also describes a local adaptation of the program in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru called "HSE for Kids", tailored to reach a younger audience and their parents, and already implemented in seventeen offices and operational bases.
Case Studies in the Application of an Effective Anticollision Risk Management Standard
Authors: Poedjono Benny , Avila Carlos , Van Chinh Phan , Isevcan Erhan , Walker John , Gonzalez Luis Felipe , McCulloch Simon , Juarez Fernando , Moreno Victor Hugo
Published: July 2010

Economic, regulatory, and technological changes have steadily increased the oil and gas industry's need for an effective approach to assessing and managing the risk of well collisions. We have developed such an approach, which has been used successfully in recent years in a number of major land and offshore drilling projects worldwide. This approach has been adopted as a standard by the major oilfield service company of which we are a part. In this paper, we describe four recent experiences in which this standard has been applied, and discuss the challenges of its implementation and the economic, environmental, and health and safety benefits it provides. Based on its proven success, we make a case for using this approach as a foundation for development and adoption of an industry-wide anticollision and risk management standard.
Alignment of Incident Investigation Causes with Proactive Hazard Reporting Classifications
Authors: Burns K. , Walker K.
Published: July 2010

This paper describes an approach to standardizing proactive and reactive Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) reporting classifications to allow a comparative analysis of all Company HSE reporting for trending and incident prediction. The methodology is based on the principle that both proactive reporting and event causal analysis can be categorized as resulting from personal actions and/or workplace conditions.

Investigations have been used as a means to identify common causes of incidents and near misses to enable learning and prevention of recurrence. Although this approach has benefits in preventing further similar incidents, it is a reactive process, as is any learning based on historical events. As HSE performance improves, the availability of incident and near-miss data becomes increasingly limited. Proactive reporting has also been successfully used to identify hazards and trend HSE performance.

Traditionally, the Company has used different industry standard methodologies for the classification and trending of our proactive and reactive reporting/event investigation. In addition different tools have been used for incident investigation based on the level of actual or potential consequence. This has resulted in the generation of disparate data sets that are not directly comparable, therefore, limiting the learning potential.

A review of historical data and the application of this methodology are used to demonstrate the value of this approach in enabling the Company to focus resources most effectively on key HSE issues of concern.
Evaluation of a Web-Based Frequent Business Traveler Program
Authors: Berg J. , Wendt J. , Bhojani F.
Published: July 2010

The Frequent Business Traveler (FBT) program was initiated in 2006 with the goals of: 1) assuring that FBT's have knowledge of the main health hazards during business travel, and 2) providing a risk based approach to medical screening before business travel which focuses resources on those at increased risk (Wendt 2008). Over 11,800 employees have participated in the program since 2006, including 91% completing the training module(s) and 84% completing the screening questionnaire.

In this paper, we are evaluating the FBT program along three components: Compliancy rate: determine if self-nomination sufficiently identifies the FBT populationFitness to work assessment: determine whether the screening questionnaire appropriately identifies those who should consult with a health provider before travelProgram costs: compare the current model with the previous program model which utilized clinic exams for each traveler

Preliminary results indicate relatively poor agreement between the database of self-nominated FBT's and a database containing trip data from the Company's travel vendor. Additional ongoing analysis will evaluate whether travel agency data is a more accurate and complete means of identifying our FBT population

To date, 31% of those completing the screening questionnaire required review before travel, and 18% reported diagnoses recognized by IATA guidelines as potentially presenting a fitness to fly issue. Additional analysis is ongoing to evaluate average time spent on review and to assess how many more diagnoses represented a valid travel health issue.

Program costs (including resources for travelers requiring review, and pro-rated program maintenance/IT support) for 2006-2008 were estimated for a single site with approximately 670 FBT's. Costs of using the new system were estimated to be 6,862€, compared to an estimated 68,980€ over the same period of a program that included physical exams for all travelers.

Conclusion: The current FBT program represents a cost-efficient means of ensuring fitness to fly and adequate travel health for employees. However, it is recognized that identification of FBT's, knowledge assessment and even more targeted screening may be required to enhance the program.
Designing Safe and Efficient Machinery Spaces for Merchant Ships
Authors: Méry N. J. , McGregor J.
Published: July 2010

During the last few decades, technology advances have allowed the exploration and exploitation of a large (and still increasing) number of Oil and Gas fields situated offshore, requiring the use of, inter alia, floating production units, supply vessels, oil tankers and gas carriers. Consequently, the Oil and Gas industries have been increasingly interacting with the Maritime industry and, for the benefit of Health and Safety at sea, there is now a real necessity for H&S knowledge and best practice to be shared between the two communities. The main objective of this paper is to present some of the recent developments made by a classification society to design safer and more efficient vessels by integrating human factors in the design of their machinery spaces.

It is the role of classification societies, as technical depositaries, to provide the maritime industry with some practical standards and guidance to increase the effectiveness of shipboard operations and to prevent the occurrence of occupational hazards in the machinery spaces.

Thus, Bureau Veritas has developed a novel approach based on Human Factors principles, risk analysis and accident investigations. In this approach, the ship is viewed with a holistic approach in which the hull (in the wider sense), the ship's equipment and the seafarers are constantly interacting. An important aspect of the work we are carrying out is the integration of users’ characteristics and requirements in the development of design standards for the machinery spaces. This integration is a key factor for the successful completion and validation our research study. The study can be spilt up into five steps: –Acquiring the pertinent data regarding the design of machinery spaces;–Identifying and ranking the occupational hazards one can face in machinery spaces;–Comparative studies between the planned procedures and the practical necessities faced by crew;–Studying the activity of seafarers through the framework of human-machine interaction for mitigating so-called "human errors" and;–Deriving requirements and best practice for the design and arrangement of machinery spaces.
Innovative Environmental Solution: ‘In vivo’ Monitoring of the Oil and Gas Activities in Onshore and Offshore Areas
Authors: Casini S. , Ferraro M. , Marsili L. , Caliani I. , Fossi M. C.
Published: July 2010

To ensure ecologically sustainable development of oil and gas operations, several research projects were promoted to develop and validate an innovative monitoring methodology based on biomarkers, in bioindicator organisms and cell cultures, to assess the environmental quality of on shore and off shore production areas.

The biomarker approach, combined with contaminant analysis (hydrocarbons and trace elements), is a suitable strategy for studying effects of pollutants and providing early indications of adverse effects in organisms. The aim of environmental monitoring by means of biomarkers is in fact to identify (diagnosis) and to predict (prognosis) early signs of exposure or effect, so as to avoid undesirable ecological consequences. This monitoring approach has been conducted in different on shore and off-shore sensitive areas: Basilicata Region and Natural Ticino Park (Italy), Mediterranean Sea. Birds, fish, reptiles and invertebrates species were sampled in the studied areas and analyzed for biomarkers and contaminants levels. Laboratory studied were also conducted in a fish model (mosquito fish) and in top predator cell cultures, to evaluate the toxicological potential of oil derivatives (e.g. produced waters) and indentify the most effective depuration procedures.

Results led to the identification of the most sensitive biomarkers to typical oil industry contaminants and to the selection of the bioindicators that provided the best responses to the ecotoxicological tests.

This methodological approach, that represent an innovative environmental solution, revealed that no significant ecotoxicological effects can be ascribed to monitored on-shore and off-shore activities.
Brazilian Regulatory Framework Concearning Produced Water Final Disposal
Authors: de Freitas Ana Luiza , Mendes Luciano Claudio
Published: July 2010

In the last two decades the environmental pressure over oil and gas companies regarding produced water1 final disposal has been increasing substantially. The regulation of discharges of effluents and produced water tends to become stricter. So injection of produced water for disposal of will become more important as part of oil and gas activities. Regulation of underground water in Brazil is a very recent matter. In 2008 it was enacted by the Brazilian Council of the Environment (the Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente - CONAMA) a Rule of Groundwater Bodies Classification (CONAMA Resolution 396, of April, 2008). This rule establishes the directions for defining and managing a portion of an aquifer destined for geological storage of effluents in general. There is no act or rule regulating specifically effluent injection in Brazil.
CO2 Reduction at the FPSO Fluminense: Case Study
Authors: Campos A. N. , Baumgartner W. , Pena M. , Halls M. , Paiva M. , Plank C.
Published: July 2010

This paper is a Case Study of CO2 reduction (i.e. GHG reduction) in the FPSO Fluminense. The primary objective is to present how a CO2 reduction can be obtained in a typical deepwater production unit in Brazil based on a simple and and zero-cost approach. Additionally, the case study aims to contribute to Brazil's new offshore licensing requirements on GHG management. To address Climate Change the FPSO Fluminese Team set out a list of simple and zero-cost Energy Conservation Measures (EEMs) which have gradually been put in place as of late 2006: (i) Optimization of Gas Turbines – running 2 turbines instead of 3 whenever conditions allow it; (ii) Optimization of Booster Gas Compressors - volume pocket positions are optimized by running one compressor when gas production volumes, including gas lift, drop to a certain level; (iii) Introduction of Cleaning and Washing Routines for Gas Turbines; (iv) Optimization of Flash Gas Compressors - by adjusting the volume pocket position; (v) Seawater injection pump optimization - running only one pump and batch inject on the second, as necessary, to maintain reservoir pressure. In parallel, a review of the FPSO Fluminense GHG inventory was performed in order to create a more accurate database to support the implementation and evaluation of the EEMs. The results show that in 2007, 24% of CO2 reduction (27,5 kt) was achieved in relation to 2006 in the FPSO Fluminese. The CO2 reduction from gas fuel was 17,6% (15,3kt) and flaring was reduced by 62% (11,1kt). Roughly 32% of the CO2 reduction can be attributed to the implementation of the EEMs and 62% to a decline in hydrocarbon production. The main contributions to new the Brazilian requirements on GHG management is the necessity to standardize the GHG inventories for offshore plataforms in order to allow fair comparision of carbon footprints among operators, as well as define correct compensation where required.
Offshore Regional Environmental Monitoring Model For Campos Basin, Brazil - An Innovative Proposal
Authors: Scofano A. M. , Xavier A. G. , Marcon E. H. , Gabardo I. T. , de F. Rocha M. , Curbelo-Fernandez M. P. , da S. Cotta P. , Cavalcanti T. B.
Published: July 2010

Environmental monitoring projects are executed as part of the requirements for maintaining environmental permits according to Brazilian regulation. They are designed to generate data to test the hypotheses assumed in the environmental impact assessment studies and to provide a feedback on the environmental quality of the area itself.

According to Brazilian regulation, a new monitoring project must be proposed for each new drilling or production project. As a consequence, in 2009 Petrobras had a total of 35 different monitoring projects proposed or in execution in offshore Campos Basin. The logistic required to implement such projects involve many operational demands, such as availability of laboratories, research vessels adequately equipped and the control of elaboration and turning of so many data reports. In addition, as the individual projects are designed by different groups, with different objectives and timing, it is quite a challenge to get a comprehensive assessment of the environmental quality of Campos Basin as a whole.

In order to address these problems, a new proposal is currently being discussed with the Brazilian Environmental Authority (IBAMA) suggesting the implementation of a Regional Environmental Model whose ultimate goal is to substitute all the existing individual projects by a program containing the following components: a) a Regional Environmental Monitoring Project (PMAR); b) a Production Specific Environmental Monitoring Project (PMAEpro); and c) a Drilling Specific Environmental Monitoring Project (PMAEper). The specific projects intend to intensify the monitoring efforts around representative units or areas, assessing local impacts and bioaccumulation effects due to discharges of produced water or drilling cuttings and fluids. The regional approach, on the other hand, seeks to evaluate the impact of E&P activities both in the water and sediment compartments, along transects distributed around the basin.

The transition from the individual monitoring projects to this new regional model for monitoring the Campos Basin region will optimize the logistic and costs involved, as well as improve Petrobras’ environmental management of its activities.
Archeology and Seismic Acquisition in Mauritania: How a Corporate Responsibility Approach can Contribute to Enrich Cultural Heritage
Authors: Gonzalez-Carballo Angel , Vernet Robert , Bordes Jean-Guillaume
Published: July 2010

In 2005 TOTAL E&P obtained from the government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania two concessions to explore the hydrocarbon potential of the Taoudenni Basin. The unusually big size of these concessions was only comparable to the challenge of exploring this virtually unknown basin, in a harsh and remote desert environment without human settlements.

TOTAL E&P acquired between 2006 and 2007 3260 km of 2D seismic, in a grid that covered the extent of the concessions.

In agreement with the UNESCO's World Heritage Convention, and under the patronage of the Mauritanian Institute of Scientific Research (IMRS), TOTAL E&P engaged a group of archeologists to guarantee the protection of any archeological vestige that could be present in the operations field. For the 14 months of the seismic data acquisition period, all the operations were preceded by the archeological scouting, in charge of preserving the archeological sites and artifacts from the men and machines dedicated to seismic acquisition.

Going beyond this preservation effort, the archeologists have seized the opportunity to make a thorough study of this part of the Taoudenni bassin, never accessed before by scientists. More than 3000 archeological sites have been described along the seismic lines, and studied using a regionally consistent approach. The extremely rich spatial information, has allowed to statistically analyze palaeo-climate evolution and patterns of human settlement and activity during the prehistory.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, TOTAL E&P launched a project of valorization of the archeological heritage, based on the results of the archeological survey.

Thanks to this successful association of industrial and archeological activities, and to the active commitment of the Mauritanian authorities, a completely new archaeological province has been revealed, and completes a previously existing gap in the scientific knowledge of the Saharan prehistory.

Beyond the success of an extremely challenging seismic survey, and the important archeological discoveries made, this experience represents an important achievement in terms of sustainable industrial activity, and gives a good example on how industrial goals and environmental constraints can be combined to obtain mutual and long term benefits.
Climate Change Strategy Project: The Bridge to Sustainability
Authors: Espinosa Beatriz Nassur , Azevedo Ricardo Santos , Linhares Mônica Moreira , de Souza Angela Martins
Published: July 2010

The fossil fuels are pillars to the global economy; however, they are a major contributor to Greenhouse Gas emissions. In light of this, the oil industry can contribute to GHG emissions reduction efforts worldwide, as well as to the sustainable economic growth. This paper intends to present the Company Climate Change Strategic Project activities, the first results and actions implemented to manage GHG emissions.

The Company commitment to the climate change mitigation effort is evident in the strategic plan statement through the pledges to boost our share in the biofuel market, lead domestic biodiesel production and increase our participation in the ethanol fuel trade. The Company's efforts also include an energy efficiency corporate program, an action plan to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions, and a portfolio of investments related to R&D. As a result of the Company's proactive commitment, the Climate Change Strategic Project was set to keep the Company on the sustainability road.

A set of indicators appraises the evolution of environmental performance in order to pursue environmental standards of excellence and among those indicators, voluntary avoided GHG emission goal was set to upstream and downstream operations.

In order to monitor air pollutants and GHG emissions a system named SIGEA® accounts for more than thirty-thousand sources. Besides, the Company Research Center created a Technological Project - Proclima to support technology developments on energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels, and Carbon Capture and Geological Sequestration. Regarding biofuels, the Company has been playing a key role on the logistics to support the Brazilian sugar cane alcohol project named Proalcool since the nineteen's seventies. This project has prevented hundreds of millions of tons of carbon emissions. In addition three Company´s industrial plants are operating in Brazil to produce biodiesel.

The project will allow a company-wide integration of GHG mitigation actions to reduce the emissions intensity of the operations and the products, granting the commitment with the sustainable development. It also supports the Company operations with integrated growth, profitability and both environmental and social responsibility.
Application the Strategic Health Management
Authors: Uberti Filippo , Macera Erasmo , Mortara Simone , Gomez Guillermo
Published: July 2010

ENI E&P works in complex operating environment constantly interacting with host communities sharing and facing their health and social problems.

Strategic Health Management introduces a systematic approach in each phase of the project lifecycle to favour the health status of the workforce, their families and to promote/sustain lasting improvements to host communities’ health status.

Dedicated projects for developing social and health services in favour of host communities are designed through standardised project management methodology with due attention to conciliate communities custom, local policies and international well established guidelines.

The approach has been utilised in various country (Congo, Angola, Pakistan, Nigeria etc.) through initiatives aiming at development of local Primary Health Care systems and/or control of specific endemic diseases.

Relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability are the guiding and challenging criteria for any organisation dealing with cooperation activities in developing countries.

This paper briefly describes ENI E&P methodology and achievements in Community Health so far.

This paper intends to explain how to introduce systematic, co-operative planning in each phase of the lifecycle of a project to ensure the health of the workforce and promote lasting improvements in the health of the host community.

Is important from the beginning sets out the process which upstream approved projects should follow in formulating a strategy and developing a plan for pro-active and cooperative health management.

The key messages are:

– industry co-operation on health is beneficial; – industry can help host governments fulfill responsibilities for community health; – primary health care focus can have the greatest impact; – early stakeholder involvement and consultation can achieve lasting improvements in community health; – strategic planning for health should be risk-based and subject to ongoing performance evaluation.

Through the Strategic Health Management process intend to establish early and ongoing dialogue with the host government and other stakeholders.

Eni E&P Division and/or its subsidiaries may elect to complement the host government's role by providing health care for the project workforce and their dependents. As an example, this could take the form of investment in health planning and provision of health support for the project workforce and their dependents. Such costs should be considered in the budgeting process and the design of health benefits plans.