bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Classification Rules for Offshore Floating Gas Terminals
Authors: Gourdet Guillaume , Toderan Catalin
Published: July 2010

Offshore gas terminals are today broadly considered by the industry to respond to the world thirst of energy in a rapid and efficient manner. In order to match these technical developments, Bureau Veritas has completed, in May 2009, the first phase of a rule development project for the classification of floating offshore gas terminals. Combining BV experience with the classification of Liquefied gas carriers and FPSOs, this resulting guidance note provides requirements for structural safety and cargo containment system assessment. These requirements are applicable for LNG FPSOs, FSRU, gas production units or FSOs.

For the end of the year 2009, BV will complete this guidance note with specific requirements for subdivision and stability, electrical installations, piping systems, equipment, fire safety and topsides of offshore gas terminals.

This paper describes the work and conclusions of the guidance note and focus on two main challenges faced during the work: One one hand, culture differences between shipping, gas and offshore industries. Although modern design techniques are largely using sophisticated numerical calculation tools for both ships and offshore units, there is still a notable cultural difference between the shipping and the offshore industries in the fact that the design of offshore platforms has historically been inclined to be based on first principles and direct risk analysis as opposed to ships, the design of which integrates, to a large extent, the return of experience in service in a more empirical way.

On the other hand, the difficulty to build standards for a new technology. Despite the long experience in gas transportation at sea and in offshore units, LNG FPSO projects need to identify the risk induced by transferring new technologies from shipping or from onshore industry to offshore floating gas projects.
Use of Integrated HSE Audits and Legal Compliance Environmental Audits in the Brazilian Oil Industry
Authors: Amaral S. P. , Lima G. B.
Published: July 2010

Integrated Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) audits and legal environmental audits are important tools to assess and monitor the HSE performance of business or operating units. This article discusses how the Brazilian oil industry, represented by Petrobras, has been conducting audits in the last 15 years. Several types of audit are presented such as integrated HSE management system audits, legal compliance environmental audits, based on the Guideline DZ-056/1995 of the current Environment Institute of the State of Rio de Janeiro (INEA) and Resolution 306/2002 of the Brazilian National Environmental Council (CONAMA). The article discusses also the assessments of the HSE Management Assessment Process (PAG-HSE) and the HSE Due Diligence Audits, upon the acquisitions and mergers of new businesses. A comparison is made between management system audits and legal environmental audits in Brazil. A table is also presented with the evolution of compulsory legislation on environmental audit in several Brazilian states. Finally, examples are shown of elements to be audited in integrated HSE and legal compliance environmental audits used in the Brazilian oil industry. It is concluded that HSE audits and legal compliance environmental audits are excellent tools to help companies in preventing, reducing and controlling their Health, Safety and Environment impacts.
The Effectiveness of Immunizing BP Indonesia West Java Workers Using Influenza Vaccination to Prevent Influenza-Like Illnesses
Authors: Ojong Anton , Basuki Endang , Hendrawan Handoyo , Kamal Kasyunnil
Published: July 2010

Influenza-like illnesses are often found among staff members. The influenza immunization program just covered 30% of the total number of workers. This research was therefore carried out to observe the effectiveness of immunizing BP Indonesia – West Java workers against the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses.

This research used a case-control design of 1:1. The number of random samples per group was 88 people.

Influenza-like illnesses were influenced by vaccinations (OR=4.83), workers' locations (OR=3.94), exercise activities (OR=3.86), smoking (OR=2.86) and Body Mass Index (OR=0.44). The average length of illness for workers who were immunized was 3 (3-5) days, while those who were not immunized experienced an average length of 4 (2-7) days. This difference was significant, with a p value of 0.008. The effectiveness of the influenza vaccination against influenza-like illness symptoms was 69.4%.

This influenza vaccination program was the main determinant factor in reducing the incidence of influenza-like illnesses, with an effectiveness rate of 69.4%.
Working with Stakeholders to Develop a Toolkit to Guide Planning and Implementation of Decommissioning and Closure Schemes in Resource-Rich Countries
Authors: Rawa A. D. , Alba E. Mayorga , Sheldon C. C. , Aramburu R. , Rodriguez F. D.
Published: July 2010

A recent World Bank survey of oil producing countries suggests that governments around the world have a limited capacity to plan environmental, health, safety and socioeconomic issues associated with the end of a project's life. At the same time, global projections indicate a steep increase in decommissioning of oil fields in the next two decades. Consequently, since early 2009, the World Bank has been leading an Initiative, "Towards Sustainable Decommissioning and Closure of Oil Fields [and Mines] 2: A Toolkit to Assist Government Agencies," to contribute to sustainable development by assisting governments in resource-rich countries in undertaking earlier and more systematic planning of the decommissioning and closure phase of upstream (onshore and offshore) oil and gas production operations.

The World Bank worked with representatives of oil and gas sector companies, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, non government organizations, as well as experts and other stakeholders to generate consensus on key issues and to lead the development of a Toolkit containing high level, simple and user-friendly guidance designed to contribute to an increased level of awareness and understanding of decommissioning and closure among government authorities’ staff in resource rich countries. The Initiative is funded under the environmental pillar of the Petroleum and Governance Initiative, collaboration between the World Bank and the Government of Norway.

An initial Issues Paper and input received during a workshop in April 2009 indicated that priority issues which needed to be addressed included: the need for increased government capacity and involvement; the absence of a regulatory framework related to decommissioning and closure, cleanup standards and environmental best practice, and enforcement and monitoring; as well as the need to mainstream financial assurance, include socioeconomic considerations in planning the closure and post closure phase of operations, and stakeholder engagement throughout the Project's lifecycle. A draft Toolkit was developed incorporating guidance on these issues and shared with a small but diverse group of stakeholders in London and then with government representatives during a World Bank event in Ghana. A revised Toolkit was then prepared and can be accessed at http://go.worldbank.org/PLYX4SKSB0. This paper highlights the collaborative approach that the World Bank undertook as part of this work and describes key outputs, including the Toolkit and its contents. The approach used and guidance developed may be of interest to governments and private sector companies in context of planning and/or implementing sustainable decommissioning and closure schemes.
Sustainable Development: Rainwater Capture and Exploitation in a Macaé Facility
Authors: Tinoco T. , De Souza E. R. , Araujo L. V.
Published: July 2010

Within the concept of sustainable development, the management of water use and the search for new forms of exploitation are important tools for using natural resources in a balanced way and for avoiding the depletion of resources for future generations. Specifically, rainwater can be used in various processes and does not require advanced previous treatment.

During the design stage of the expansion of its facility in Macaé, Brazil, our company considered the development of a rainwater use program. An assessment of the internal operational process was performed to determine the opportunities for use and the facility's demands for water.

With this information, the regional rainfall data, and the new rain capture area, it was possible to prepare a technical feasibility study for the construction of a new system to collect and store rainwater. There was also an interest in the preparation of an economic feasibility study because the expansion of the facility would almost double its area.

The additional costs of the project were also studied, including the cost decrease associated with the water supplied by a third party. Other factors that were taken into consideration were the inability of the water supplier to fully meet the demand, which had led the company to search for alternatives, including the purchase of water trucks, which increased the costs of the water. The objective was to estimate the reduction of water provided by an external company and the amount of time required to achieve a return on investment.

This paper describes how these studies led to the company's decision to create the capture area and its determination of the volume of water to be stored to address the difficulties encountered with domestic supply. It also describes the costs involved and the environmental aggregated value by the decision to implement the sustainable development concept.
Cost of Accidents at Work, an Ecuadorian Approach
Authors: Romero Joaquin , Romero Fabricio
Published: July 2010

This paper explain the costs considerations took to produced a preliminary software model to estimate incidents costs at country level by a number of variables. The model was based on cost data from international models and was adjusted to local requirements of Ecuador, South America.

The accident cost estimation proved difficult both for the companies and the victims to exactly estimate the various costs of accidents at work. This task was further complicated by the fact that many of the expenses are at least partly reimbursed by insurance. For some types, the exact amount could still be retrieved from documents related to the insurance, while for others neither the company nor the victims were in a position to provide an accurate estimate. A typical example of this problem is related to one major element of total costs, i.e. the costs of health care and rehabilitation.

In the estimates, the labor costs were calculated based on the labor cost and the lost working time. This is a theoretical approach. There are important differences between countries on how the costs of lost working time are actually dealt with between the society, the employer, the victim and the private/public insurance handling the reimbursements. Depending on the insurance system, the validity of the theoretical approach used may also vary according to whether the accident resulted in a short or long incapacity or full or partial permanent incapacity or death.

The final result of the software is an approach to evaluate the cost-benefit application of corrective action to avoid that the accident recurs.

Taking two established costing methods as reference, they were changed to tailor for the particular considerations so that it can be as accurate as possible in determining accident costs of this company in Ecuador. This led to the creation of the software named CIA-SYS (Accident and Incident Cost Calculator) with the aim implements it. Furthermore, this software also intends to be a decision-making aid for managers to implement preventative and corrective measures in the company.
Methodological and Training Approach for Integrated and Sustainable Community Investment
Authors: Turati Piera Raffaella , Valotti Elisabetta
Published: July 2010

Oil companies invest huge amounts of money to support local communities' development. Often the impact of these efforts both on the targeted communities and on corporate reputation is not easily recognizable and/or measured and evaluated.

The paper summarizes the methodological approach developed and adopted by eni e&p division, aiming at: supporting and promoting the adoption of a standard management system for Community Investment, including the measurement of investment effectiveness on the communities and on the business, and the evaluation of the impact on corporate reputation and stakeholders satisfaction;undertaking Community Investment initiatives, promoting a process of sustainable development.

The following methodological approach objectives will be presented: to strengthen Company's reputation through projects enhancing a process of local sustainable development;to design, implement and monitor projects, responding to the community needs, sustainable in the medium-long term;to achieve deep knowledge of the socio-economic local context;to build up good capacity for anticipating possible risks, minimizing negative effects while exploiting opportunities;to clearly define project goals, expected results and activities.

The central part of the paper consists in: a short description of the adopted operational tool, aiming at improving internal competences in analysis, planning, management and monitoring/evaluation of Community Investment initiatives.a description of the training process, underlying the aspects of integration with Company's structures in charge of internal training and highlighting the wide diffusion of the training process within the company.

Conclusion

The implementation period is ongoing, hence an accurate impact evaluation on the corporate reputation is not feasible yet. In spite of this, in its first year, the application of the described methodology offered a better knowledge of the socio-economic context related to the operational activities, and a clearer and widely shared definition of the Community Investment. This would lead to set up new bases for the elaboration and the implementation of Community Investment initiatives, answering the communities' needs, suitable to promote a local, fair and sustainable development and to consolidate company reputation in the reference context.
Importance of a Contractor Engineering HSE Performance Evaluation for Realization of Engineering HSE requirements into Plant Design
Authors: Tanigawa K. , Kobayashi K.
Published: July 2010

This paper discusses the requisite engineering contractor capability for realizing the inclusion of the Engineering HSE requirements into the plant design. Engineering HSE is the terminology utilized by our company to describe technical safety, loss prevention, risk management and environmental requirements.

In addition, for the purpose of selecting a competent engineering contractor, the importance of evaluating the contractor Engineering HSE performance is discussed, which involves their awareness, understanding and behaviors required for incorporating the Engineering HSE requirements into the plant design.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the evaluation of the engineering contractor is described and it is proposed that a document outlining the KPI should be submitted by the engineering contractor at the bidding stage of FEED and EPC projects.
Real-Time Tracking of Radioactive Assets
Authors: Griffith A. , Altamirano A. , Corak A. , Smith T. , Strubberg C.
Published: July 2010

Schlumberger has a 50-year history of using radioactive sources for various applications within its reservoir characterization portfolio. Hundreds of sealed sources are in use around the world at any given moment, so it is necessary to have in place strict controls governing the manufacture, transport, storage and utilization of these sources in order to meet local and international regulatory requirements.

Regulations governing the use of radioactive sources are tightening; in light of this, a series of new initiatives were created to strengthen the security of radioactive storage facilities around the world. One such initiative involves improving controls currently in place for radioactive source movements outside the storage facilities.

In early 2008, a feasibility study was commissioned by the company on methods of tracking source movements upon leaving a storage facility. The results of this study led to the creation and subsequent field test of the Real-Time Tracking of Radioactive Assets (RTRA) system. This system is comprised of a series of modular components that, in conjunction with an authentication- based human interface, provide the ability to determine the exact location of each radioactive source transport container and the status of any sources present inside.

As of October 2009, the system is in the final phases of field testing, with a worldwide deployment scheduled to begin in 2010.
"Lives in My Hands": A Driving Safety Campaign for Transport Contractors
Authors: Akhmetov Marat , Tate Derek , Alary Franck
Published: July 2010

A major oilfield services company has a project management group that, through the course of its business operations, travels over 38 million miles a year. This is an extremely large exposure to an activity that is the largest common cause of fatalities in the oil and gas industry. To exacerbate this exposure, 75% of this driving is subcontracted. Successfully managing contractors and subcontractors is a challenging task in our industry. Within the contracted group, there are approximately 200 transport contractors and logistic providers, and about 3,000 contracted vehicles operated by 8,000 different drivers. The escalating use of contractors came with an escalating and significant increase in the motor vehicle crash rate (MVCR). Vehicle rollovers within the contract group represented 11 crashes out of a total of 18 for the company over a 1-year period from May 2007 to May 2008. And some accidents had dramatic consequences, including one fatality and several major environmental spills. In order to manage the increased exposure and reverse negative trends, it was deemed critical to go beyond traditional approaches addressed by contractor management fundamentals.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a driving safety campaign aimed at transport contractors. The campaign contributed significantly to improved driving performance, with reductions in both the frequency and severity of transport-contractor–related incidents. The safety program was launched in 2008 on managed projects worldwide. The initiative analyzed existing performance, defined targets to ensure utmost positive impact, established clear roles and responsibilities, formalized package content in five languages, and implemented systematic monitoring processes to measure impact. The campaign materials put a strong emphasis on professionalism and on associated responsibilities with slogans such as: "I'm a professional driver," "Professional drivers don't…," and "Lives are in my hands." The paper also describes the campaign tool box that was developed to support the initiative.

This program has created a solid foundation for further improvements in land transport safety.

In a a typical well construction project, where operational continuity is imperative, field logistics is a key component that can have a significant impact on the project's success. Crashes, and other transport-related events, can cause significant delays which dramatically impact operational continuity. As well as this direct impact on NPT, another factor of even greater concern is the fact that crashes can cause other irreparable losses: human lives, life-altering injuries, and environmental damage.
Best Practices in ESHIA: Challenges and Successes of Barzan Project in Qatar
Authors: Fragu Laurent , Bagchi Niran , Raja Mohsin
Published: July 2010

The Barzan Project is the latest addition to Qatar's domestic natural gas portfolio aimed at providing continuous and reliable energy supplies to power the country's rapid economic and industrial growth. Phase 1 of the project consists originally of two 850 MMscf/D onshore gas processing trains with an option for a third train (currently being redesigned as 950 MMscf/D trains). The first Barzan gas train is expected to become operational by 2014 and will be operated by RasGas Company Limited (RasGas) on behalf of the project's main shareholders, Qatar Petroleum (QP) and ExxonMobil.

In light of a young and dynamic regulatory environment with an ever-increasing national awareness for environmental protection, the Barzan Project underwent a rigorous environmental permitting review. The cornerstone of this process was a comprehensive Environmental, Socioeconomic and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA), which comprised several first-of-a- kind initiatives and innovations for impact assessments in Qatar. A critical component of the ESHIA was the assessment and incorporation of best available environmental controls and impact mitigation/monitoring measures, which when implemented, are expected to form the basis for environmental leadership in Qatar.

This paper discusses the challenges, innovations and key achievements of one of the most comprehensive impact assessments undertaken in Qatar, while at the same time providing an overview of the Qatari environmental permitting process. A primary focus of the paper is the leading position taken by the Barzan Project in the use of environmental controls and impact mitigation/monitoring measures that not only meet, but, in many instances, exceed national regulatory environmental control requirements. These key measures include: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission levels of less than 15 ppmv for gas turbines and 9 ppmv for boilersComprehensive waste heat recovery system for primary steam generation—minimizes need for additional boilersOver 99.4% sulfur recovery—the highest in QatarUse of saltwater cooling towers to minimize cooling seawater consumption—the first for a LNG/natural gas facility in QatarUse of 0.0005% drift eliminators to minimize cooling tower salt dispersion and depositionCommitment to implement Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program to minimize fugitive Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissionsComprehensive design flare minimization measures, including process gas recycling and smokeless flare operationReclamation and recycling of monoethylene glycol (MEG) to reduce MEG consumption and eventual disposalFirst oil/gas project in Qatar to proactively excavate and restore a cultural heritage site within project boundariesProject commitment to turtle nesting surveys and coral relocation in areas potentially impacted by planned nearshore pipeline installation
Risk Characterisation and Effects Monitoring Used to Evaluate Cost/environmental Benefit of Installing Improved Produced Water Treatment Technology on the Ekofisk Field (North Sea)
Authors: Pinturier Laurence , Garpestad Eimund , Moltu Ulf E. , Lura Harald
Published: July 2010

Norway has since 1998 developed a policy based on the "Zero Harmful Discharge" principle regulating the discharges of produced water (PW) based on the potential environmental effects of its components. A challenge linked to this policy is to assess the risk for the marine environment associated to the main components in the discharges. This risk characterisation will ultimately determine the measure to be implemented on a platform such as chemical substitution, installation of additional PW cleaning technology. A second challenge is to document the environmental benefits of the selected technology in a "Zero harmful impact" perspective. This implies that environmental monitoring tools that can be applied in field and for which enough knowledge are available to conclude on the impact level. These challenges were addressed for the Ekofisk field where additional PW cleaning technology has been installed in order to meet the "Zero Harmful Discharge" objective. A joint industry project was launched to document the environmental benefit of the technology selected based on novel monitoring techniques. Blue mussel and cod were exposed to realistic concentrations of produced water from the Ekofisk field in controlled short and long term experiments to establish exposure and effect concentration threshold levels for a series of responsive biomarkers. These biomarkers were thereafter applied in field monitoring before and after implementation of improved PW treatment technology at the field. The monitoring confirmed a reduction of the environmental footprint measured by biomarkers together with a reduction in discharge of oil in PW. This environmental footprint is seen as individual effect in a limited area, smaller than the predicted risk area. The results confirm the value of bio-monitoring tools for assessing environmental impact linked to PW discharges, but also the conservatism built in the environmental risk management tool in use in Norway as a decision tool for selecting measures based on a cost-environmental benefit approach.
Innovative System Promotes Cost Effective Identification of Regulatory Requirements for a Global Oilfield Service Company
Authors: Roy Meagan M. , Hunter Brian , Leuterman Arthur J.
Published: July 2010

Maintaining global environmental compliance for oil and gas industry service companies can oftentimes be a challenge. The identification and communication of the appropriate rules and regulations is the fundamental operational control for all facility activities. Some of the specific challenges for a global regulatory requirement identification system include language barriers, complex national and local requirements, a wide range of regulatory approaches, and the application and enforcement of rules for major industrial dischargers to small oilfield service operations.

Personnel with environmental regulatory knowledge and those with knowledge about facility operations frequently have difficulty communicating when attempting to identify appropriate regulatory requirements. This paper introduces an innovative system that combines a structured approach to regulatory review along with supporting communication software that addresses the challenge of sharing information within a company. This system enables company personnel to become intimately knowledgeable with the day-to-day, multilevel compliance status of their respective facilities in a cost-effective manner.

This approach supports QHSE management systems, such as ISO 14000, and promotes a proactive, consistent global approach to protect the environment and maintain regulatory compliance. The paper will introduce the innovative approach to identify requirements for air, water, waste, spill prevention, and the general rules and process to use a structured communication tool to digest and outline summary requirements related to specific facility activities. The resulting system will help global oilfield operators to continue to move forward with improved environmental performance and regulatory compliance.
Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) For Energy Consumption and Air Emissions versus Material Recovery and Removal Methods Applied for the Frigg & Mcp01 Cessation Project in the North Sea
Authors: Moltu Ulf E. , Aavik Gunnar
Published: July 2010

Frigg & MCP01 Cessation Project (FCP) is the largest decommissioning project undertaken in recent years and includes removal of six topsides, three steel jackets and sealines with an estimated total weight of 92000 metric tonnes. Different methods have been applied from single and module based lifts to "piece small" dismantling and removal. Experience from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) made before the project showed that data available for energy consumption and air emissions was inadequate to establish a realistic picture of these matters in the EIA. Strict requirements for material management were set and an environmental accounting system was developed enabling tracking of material between offshore and onshore destinations and related energy consumption. Included are emissions from fuel consumption during preparation works offshore, standby and support vessels, heavy lift vessel and flotels.

The generic Key Performance Indicators (KPI) established for energy consumption and air emissions versus material recovery and removal method can be applied for similar decommissioning activities in order to improve the quality of EIA or other means used when evaluating the impact from planned projects for decision purposes.

The KPIs developed can also be used in life cycle analysis in the planning of new fields and in particular on identifying main areas where reduced energy consumption and air emissions can be achieved.

Generic KPIs have been established for energy consumption and air emissions versus amount of steel removed, energy consumption and air emissions versus removal method used and type of installation removed. The KPIs are split on offshore work, onshore work and transport to shore per kilometre and from onshore site to final destination. An equation has been established where the energy consumption and emissions can be calculated for offshore decommissioning projects.
Barge Mounted Coil Tubing - An Operational Safety Case Study in South China Sea
Authors: Razak M Hairi , Yusoff Afendy , Wibisono Rahmat
Published: July 2010

Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) is one of major oil and gas companies in South East Asia. It has had years of experience operating coil tubing unit (CTU) on relatively large oil and gas field platforms. Vast of field experience and project lessons learned have been captured, refined and eventually embedded in the company's CTU standard operating procedures. These have lead to zero lost-time incidents (LTIs) cases in 5 years of CTU operations particularly offshore Terengganu in South China Sea. The CTU operations are often complex and involve heavy lifting, weighty machineries, minimal deck space and long working hours. Hence, to achieve such a record through out the 12 months in a year with 2 units running concurrently is definitely something to be noted.

In February 2009, PCSB embarked on it first barge mounted CTU operation at offshore Terengganu. The option was choosen to access marginal field with small platform deck space and limited crane capacities. These include the process of lifting heavy equipment from workbarge with 60 degree angle to a 50 ft high platform during high swell, having to mobilize crews back and fourth from workbarge to platform and rigging up in dynamic condition. Furthermore, it was the first time the work barge crews experienced such operation and communication constraints due to remote and weather conditions further complicated the situation.

Knowing that field experience is almost zero for mounted barge CTU operations in PCSB fields, resources and time has been put to ensure that the HSE track record is intact. Starting with Project Risk Assessment (PRA) which involved all contractors and field operator personnel, the team then analyzed of the whole campaign chain. This paper will review PCSB project success experiences and lesson learns on how to do CT operation from Barge within small platform during moonson season with high level of safety.
An Epidemiological Surveillance System for Employees Exposed to Extreme Temperatures
Authors: Alvarez Adalberto , Martins Joyce , Rincon Ana Maria
Published: July 2010

Skin problems, resulting from heat, are mainly caused in field workers through long periods of exposure to sun rays. In operational fields, there can be times when the local temperature will exceed 30°C, provoking an increase in body temperature that leads to significant changes in the skin (i.e., increase in perspiration, dermatitis, and eczemas), which can affect the quality of life and performance in the company's workers. In addition to skin irritation, excessive exposure to the sun can also cause cornea problems and can potentially lead to dehydration after the journey.

In addition to heat stress, employees working in excessively cold working environments can experience cold stress, which can potentially lead to hypothermia. To combat these stresses, an epidemiological surveillance system for employees exposed to extreme temperatures has been developed. This system allows companies to analyze and apply operational controls to minimize heat and cold stress.

Even though it is difficult to predict who will be affected by heat or cold stress and when, companies realize that certain environmental factors can affect an individual's response to heat or cold (i.e., ambient air temperature, radiant heat, air movement, conduction, and relative humidity).
Best Environmental Practices for Seismic Exploration in Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Westlund David , Thurber Mark William
Published: July 2010

Seismic exploration programs conducted in remote tropical regions typically emphasize operational efficiencies, security and safety, sometimes at the expense of mitigating environmental impacts in these highly sensitive environments.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers have developed a set of benchmark environmental standards in Peru, based on 15 years of experience in the Amazon, that address significant impacts without putting onerous demands on the seismic contractor or inflating costs.

Significant direct impact mitigations include: minimizing clearing of rainforest vegetation for heliports, camps, drop zones and seismic lines; effective control of waste management practices in remote areas; journey management on roads; rivers and helicopter flights to reduce disturbance of sensitive wildlife areas. Significant indirect impact mitigations include: minimizing disturbance of normal community and economic activities in remote villages and small rivers; limiting access to remote areas by not opening trails or clearing rivers which facilitate pet collection, charcoal production, hunting and timber harvest.

The principal best practices include: no new road construction; limiting line widths and sizes of camps; restricting boat use; helicopter flight path restrictions, especially near sensitive areas; avoidance of Biologically Sensitive Areas (BSAs) in ground operations, restrictions on wood use, hunting, fishing and pet collection; removal of all non-biodegradable waste from project site; environmental education; transparent access negotiations, and community employment.

Investments in these benchmark environmental best practices for seismic exploration results in fewer impacts and good stakeholder relations for later phases of exploration
Impact on Administration of Health Programs through Organization Management Key Indicators
Authors: Castillo Noe , Jimenez Nydia , Oteo Paulina
Published: July 2010

One of the greatest challenges that a company can encounter when implementing an occupational health program is to achieve provable added value for the company and for employees through key indicators. These indicators enable us to identify how our programs help improve employees' life quality when they join the company, during their stay in the job, and when they leave the company.

This paper demonstrates how the company has used simple indicators to successfully measure the effects on costs, effectiveness, and time, as well as to track the improvement of employees' health. These improvements are reflected in reduced absenteeism and in increased productivity.

The outcome so far obtained has indicated that good administration of a health program measured with key performance indicators can lead to direct benefits to the employees, community, and company, while providing improved performance and satisfaction to all parties.
Acting as a Responsible Key Player through the Integration of the Societal Engineering within the Exploration and Production Processes
Authors: Fontaine Jean Marc , Bahoumina André , Lafay Philippe , Douaran Sylvie Le , Leroy Anne Sophie , Roeygens Jérémy , Mestre Isabelle
Published: July 2010

This paper introduces the approach developed and adopted by TOTAL towards its stakeholders throughout the Exploration and Production process, from acquisition of new acreage to site restitution (asset acquisition, exploration, development project, production and site restitution).

To address the challenges of sustainable development, the company has developed its response based on: -controlling and reducing the impact of its activities on people and the environment,-contributing to the economic and social development of stakeholders,-anticipating future needs.

These objectives are reached through promoting and implementing a policy of dialogue with external stakeholders, founded on respectful behaviour and a consultation process efficiently conducted in a participative approach. This framework is managed and incorporated as an integral part of the operational process through the development of Societal Engineering.

Societal engineering refers to the interactions between a company and its external human environment. ‘Societal’ is understood here as additional to ‘Social’, which concernes the internal matters of the Compagny. A Societal approach contributes to the acceptability of the activities in the countries in which the company is present and operates.

The paper describes the sequences of the Societal process, illustrated with concrete examples: -Entering into dialogue with stakeholders and studying the impact of operations.This part addresses the details of the Societal risk management in parallel to the contribution of HSE: due diligence, field visits, socio- economic baseline study (SBS), socio-economic impact assessment (SIA) and the definition of a stakeholder consultation strategy (from information through to partnerships).-Managing and reducing the impacts of operations.Management plans provide appropriate responses to the socio-economic constraints and impacts generated by industrial projects. They include the plans for compensation, grievance mechanism, contracting strategy, contractor monitoring, etc.-Contributing to local socio-economic development.This includes maximization of the positive impacts of the company's presence (Local content, including Community content), as well as contribution to the development of neighbouring communities through local development projects (health, education, agriculture, development of small enterprises, access to energy, etc).

Through different examples, the Societal process is illustrated and documented and the different tools available for increasing professionalization of the methodologies in use are described.
Experience from 10 Years of Emission Forecasting in Norway
Authors: Husdal Geir , Follum Odd-Arne , Osenbroch Lene , Dagstad Tom
Published: July 2010

Statoil has forecasted CO2 emissions from their offshore fields for many years. This paper sums up 8-10 years history of forecasting the emissions from 6 offshore oil and gas fields with 8 producing facilities. The accuracies of the early forecasts for these facilities have been analyzed with focus on the forecasts made in 2001 and 2004.

The emission forecasts are made for each producing facility using a field specific forecasting model. These models are calibrated annually by comparing calculated fuel demand with reported consumption.

The analysis shows that Proper calibration of the forecasting model over several years improves the model significantly and is necessary in order to keep control of the uncertainties in the forecasts.Through annual calibration of the forecasting model over several years, accurate fuel and emission forecasts within an annual uncertainty level of +/- 4 % is achievable for a short term forecast, provided good production, injection and activity input forecasts. A short term forecast in this context is the next two to five years.Historical data show that the input data (production-, injection- and activity profiles) represent an uncertainty element of the same order and in some cases larger than the uncertainty in well calibrated forecasting models.Future modifications to cope with new and adjusted oil and gas production conditions will add to the uncertainty, in particular for the long term forecast.Operational flexibility will add uncertainty to the forecasts (example gas turbine operation).The uncertainties increases for long term forecasts (< 5 years ahead), due to increased uncertainties in the input profiles as well as in the model itself due to future changes in the production facilities.
Industry Guidelines for Advancing GHG Emission Reductions: Focus on Flare Reduction Projects
Authors: Ritter K. , Siveter R. , Shires T. , Lev-On M.
Published: July 2010

The challenge of balancing energy supplies to meet growing global demands, while concurrently considering associated environmental impacts, is leading to an increased focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their potential mitigations. Over the past five years, the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) have collaborated on a series of guidelines to promote the credible, consistent, and transparent quantification of GHG emission reductions from projects of interest to the oil and natural gas industry.

The Petroleum Industry Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Projects (referred to as the Project Guidelines) consists of a series of documents developed to provide oil and natural gas companies with a framework for evaluating, quantifying, documenting, and reporting GHG emission reductions achieved through discreet projects. The Project Guidelines address the selection of appropriate baseline candidates and boundaries for scenario assessment. The documents also address potential emission sources to be incorporated for the selected scenarios, along with compatible monitoring considerations. The guidelines focus on technical considerations and provide flexibility to adapt the approach in accordance with applicable public policy mandates.

This paper highlights a recent addition to the series - the Flare Reduction Guidance Document - that addresses GHG emission reductions associated with reduced flaring activities from oil and natural gas operations. Although flaring occurs along the oil and natural gas value chain, the document focuses on exploration and production operations, where the best opportunities for flare reductions reside. Case studies are used to demonstrate the application of the emission reduction principles for two categories of GHG emission reduction projects: (1) recovery of associated gas for processing and sale, and (2) utilizing a small flared gas stream for on-site power generation. Although the concepts for quantifying GHG emission reductions are illustrated through project examples relevant to the oil and natural gas industry, the information is applicable to a variety of project types and establishes the foundation for assessing GHG emission reductions from a myriad of project activities.
A Guide to Selecting Appropriate Tools to Improve HSE Culture
Authors: Walker Kirsty , Throndsen Thor Inge , Reeves Graham , Hudson Patrick , Croes Suzanne , Dahl-Hansen Erik , Stadler Randy L. , Winters Rick
Published: July 2010

There is a wide range of HSE tools available – some function at the broadest organizational level and some target individual activities. Many managers and supervisors simply use the tools that are familiar, missing potential opportunities for improving HSE performance. In other cases, groups may try every new tool they encounter to give the impression of active engagement in HSE improvement, searching for a "quick fix".

As companies develop more advanced HSE cultures, they should consider updating or changing the HSE tools used to reflect the improvement and maturity of their HSE culture. HSE culture, however, may not be the same across all the parts of a large organization. Therefore care should be taken when considering company-wide initiatives. The specific culture of the business unit or geographic location should be considered in selecting appropriate tools and indicators.

This paper provides information about HSE tools that can be used to improve Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) performance. This paper identifies circumstances where certain HSE tools are unlikely to be effective and may even be counter-productive within a given HSE culture. Understanding the HSE culture is critical in determining which HSE tools are most appropriate for improvement in a specific organization. Different types of HSE tools have been identified and analyzed relative to the organizational HSE cultures described in the OGP HSE Culture Ladder. (Hudson 1991; Hudson and Parker 2000; Hudson et al. 2002b)

The information presented has resulted from collaborative work to produce E&P industry-wide guidelines by members of the International Oil and Gas Producers Association (OGP) Human Factors Task Force and Professor Patrick Hudson of Leiden University.
FPSO Environmental Risk Management
Authors: Metzger B. H. , Salmond D. , Tilstone A.
Published: July 2010

Oil companies planning to locate FPSOs (or FSOs) in shallow water need to consider the performance of such operations relative to environmentally sensitive coastal habitats. This paper is based on a global study Battelle performed on FPSO safety performance and, in particular, with respect to risk management of nearshore operations. The study provides an environmental best practices benchmark. It examines the international safety performance of FPSOs operating in various geographies and environmental conditions. To this end, it reviews risk analyses published over the past ten years on the subject of major FPSO failure hazards, such as collision, offloading, equipment failure, and tanker spills. The study then examines eight cases of FPSOs operating in nearshore locations around the globe identifying proven risk mitigation and management practices and lessons learned that might benefit future FPSO projects.

The study confirms there is a strong safety record available on more than 1,000 years of FPSO operation around the globe. Extensive research conducted by agencies and researchers in the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States and elsewhere on FPSO design, operation and performance offers a rich body of information on FPSO safety guidance. In addition, detailed review of the eight case studies confirms what the literature suggests: the FPSOs that have been operated to date have had an extraordinary safety record. Very few incidents, such as collisions and spills have occurred. No major incident or loss of cargo has occurred. None of the minor touches and collisions has resulted in the release of cargo. Virtually all recorded and reported releases have been small, and most of them were less than one barrel. As one oil company representative stated, an "all-accidents- are-avoidable" mindset combined with strong design and operating practices and systems are capable of avoiding or reducing theoretical failure risks to very low and acceptable levels.

The results of this study suggest there is an arsenal of measures operators can consider in order to ensure high safety performance of any planned FPSO. Failure and spill risks summarized in this study may be extrapolated for planned systems and proven risk reduction and mitigation measures adopted.