bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental, Health, and Safety Management Information System Design and Implementation Planning for a Global E&P Company
Authors: Heinrich Anne 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

The Application
A global oil and gas exploration and production company utilized an engineered design approach to select and deploy a corporate-wide EHS Management Information System (EHS MIS). The initial objective of the project was to replace an existing outdated Incident Management system with a more robust platform for documenting incidents and improving metrics. Also of high interest was a need to improve Environmental, Health & Safety (HSE) compliance and to reduce operational risk across ten global business regions. A software-neutral third party company was leveraged to objectively facilitate the process. Tasks included gathering corporate and regional requirements, evaluating existing data tracking and reporting systems, understanding and adapting to new Bureau of Safety and Environemental Enforcement SEMS regulations that were promulgated by the Department of the Interior and screening software solutions against the key requirements. Eighteen vendors were assessed against ‘key requirements’ leading to a targeted list of six vendors for inclusion in the request for proposal (RFP) process. The potential companies and their products were further screened with four vendors providing detailed demonstrations of their solutions. The demonstrations provided a clear picture of each software solution and best fit for this company.

The Results
The EHS MIS design planning activities, combined with niche market experience, provided the framework to gain global support internally and select the software solution that could most accurately handle the needs of the organization.

Observations and conclusions
It is important to understand that a successful EHS MIS deployment does not simply involve the implementation of technology, but it is a balance between three cornerstones: People, Process, and Technology. The key elements ensuring success of this global project entailed active corporate and regional stakeholder participation, defining information system processes from a global perspective with flexibility to incorporate unique regional needs, leveraging a platform that streamlines system reporting and distribution of system mainentanance and support activities.

Significance of Subject Matter
As companies seek to quantify and record incidents as well as reducing operational risk, a streamlined approach to HSE performance data collection, handling and reporting activities for global companies becomes key. While global software deployments can become costly, deploying software effectively and efficiently can be accomplished when a well defined engineering methodology is followed
Challenges of Soft Target Security Protection in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Simmerman Jeffry A. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, industries and businesses have made significant security improvements in many areas of critical infrastructure protection. This has been especially true of the oil and gas industry. Business continuity and the national security paradigm in which we live have dictated security improvements especially in critical facilities. Coupled with new security regulations mandated by federal and local governments such as the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), the oil and gas industry has made significant upgrades to security.
As major facilities like refineries, chemical plants and larger offshore production facilities have become hardened, criminals and terrorist organizations have shown a particular trend to avoid hardened targets and attack vulnerable "soft targets" owned by companies. Soft targets are smaller terminals, offshore sites, logistics hubs, pipelines, and office business units or entities that, for a variety of reasons, have not been hardened by significant security upgrades. Many corporations, including major oil and gas providers, own or are affiliated with, numerous business units that have vulnerable employees and property. These business units influence business continuity and are vulnerable as soft targets. This presentation will address:The trending evolution of terrorism toward attacks on softer targets;The factors which influence this trend toward soft targets attacks;The challenges of protecting those soft target assets; andBenchmark security tools that may better prepare a business in protecting potentially softer target business units and assets.
Excellence in Safety Performance Has No Multicultural Barriers: A Case Study
Authors: Daher Elie , Critchley Dave 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
With the expanding global workforce, companies are faced with several barriers to any standardization or centralization plans. Challenges like language difference, local differences, interdependencies, size and maturity and mode of operation can create strong barriers to an effective rollout of a standard or a centralized process.
In 1998, United Safety started operation in Angola with a Canadian workforce. The strategy and intention was to nationalize as fast as possible to sustain a long term presence in the country and to operate effectively. For the first few years, the company had to go through a steep learning curve, getting educated on the differences between the cultures, the challenges of language and the various behaviour safety styles in terms of expectations, tolerance of risk and other safety factors observed by the local workforce.
In addition to the numerous practical challenges, establishment of a HSE culture and practices needs to take into account the culturally different ways of dealing with authority, risks, and individual responsibility, amongst a number of other factors. A lack of cultural competence can in itself lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings, which in turn can cause dangerous situations and accidents.
As the company core business is to provide safety solutions to its customers, it is critical to ensure that the company standards or work practices are persevered and applied irrespective of differences.
Through a rigorous process of recruiting, competency assessment, training, coaching and most importantly cultural understanding and exchange, the company managed to ramp up on their national workforce replacing all expatriate rig personnel in five years and replacing all their coordinators, quality control and office staff including the first General Manager in the next five years.
This case study discusses a successful implementation of standards and centralized processes in Angola to a national workforce, displacing progressively an expatriate community and getting them accepted by the customers. This paper also attempts to share those lessons and discusses failures, consequences and rewards.
Safety Culture Maturity Model: A Process Worth Implementing?
Authors: Daher Elie 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Safety culture has become a prevalent concern as recent incidents pointed to the lack of safe behavior or attitude. Organizations are struggling to improve their safety culture in a pragmatic way. Maturity is defined as an evolutionary improvement path from an ad hoc, immature process to a mature, disciplined process. It establishes a yardstick against which it is possible to judge, in a repeatable way, the maturity of an organization's planning process and compare it to the state of the practice of the industry.
The maturity model concept was initially developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) as a mechanism to improve the way software is built and maintained. The model provides organisations with a five level process to assist them in developing their software engineering practices. The five levels are Initial, Repeatable, Defined, Managed and Optimising.
The safety culture maturity model was initially developed by Dr Mark Fleming, Chartered Psychologist in 2001. Ten elements were documented:Management commitment and visibilityCommunicationProductivity versus safetyLearning organisationSafety resourcesParticipationShared perceptions about safetyTrustIndustrial relations and job satisfactionTraining
This paper attempts to explore the adequacy of the maturity model to Oil and gas companies and researches the published various implementations to identify the benefits of such maturity model. Some obvious benefits are a provision of known Maturity Level in relation to the safety culture, with recommendations on how to improve and move from one level to another.
One Company’s Site Selection and Screening Process
Authors: Kaal Kimberly J. , Sewell H. James 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Non-technical risks are generally those above-ground, unforeseen issues that can impact a project’s cost and schedule and are key considerations for Shell’s Appalachia’s exploration and production activities. Examples of non-technical risks include regulatory, environmental, geological, social, political, and community influences or changes that effect industry. The need for a comprehensive process that provides a broad-level identification of sensitive areas and business risks has been addressed by Shell Appalachia, one of Shell’s Upstream Americas assets, through the creation of a unique Site Selection and Screening Process. This process has been customized to specifically fit the needs of Shell Appalachia’s business.
The key concept in Shell Appalachia’s new system and process screening is a spatially-enabled web application providing a visual interface with selective Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers. This web-enabled GIS application acts as a decision support tool to expose and thereby identify risks associated with oil and gas field development while optimizing Shell Appalachia’s voluntary Impact Assessment and iterative planning process. The mapping application displays information in a simple-to-use web GIS where data can be visualized easily and web information kept evergreen. The system plays an integral role in the way activities are planned and managed within a real time decision-making framework, and with this system in place, project planning and permitting can move forward in an efficient manner. The web-enabled GIS application allows planners in all facets of the company to choose from a library of spatial data layers including social (proximity to residences, schools, hospitals), environmental (wetlands, wildlife habitats), regulatory, analytical (air, water, waste), geological, and field data as well as critical infrastructure layers.
Groundwater Monitoring in the Eagle Ford: Evaluating Baseline Conditions in a Risk Management Context
Authors: Zimmerman M. , Patterson K. , Hedgcoxe H. R. , Houghton J. , Berger K. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Unconventional Resource (UCR) development requires a robust understanding of baseline conditions and potential for environmental impacts due to its dependence on water and other shared resources, geographic overlap of target locations and the presence of potential receptors. While many operators have committed to monitor groundwater as part of their Environmental Management programs, the value of a monitoring program depends on having a coherent strategy for identifying critical data and implementing program elements in the correct stage of the project lifecycle. Increasingly, operators are also recognizing that implementing a sound groundwater monitoring plan is a key component of their strategy to manage business risk in the rapidly developing shale plays.
Using the Eagle Ford shale as a case study, this paper evaluates the emerging industry standard of baseline and on-going groundwater monitoring to assess the potential for impacts to water resources from drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Data sources for this study include publicly-available state and federal agency data, interviews with major operators, and groundwater data collected as part of early lifecycle baseline assessments.
Water management programs in UCR development are complicated by factors such as population density, land use, depth and availability of potable or non-potable groundwater, and competition between water users. The challenge for operators has been to develop a monitoring program that is robust enough to manage current and potential future risk, while remaining efficient and flexible enough to accommodate changing development schedules. The monitoring program must be readily modified in response to new data.
Recent work in this area has been focused on using risk-based assessments to identify critical areas where monitoring will provide key information on the potential impacts of drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations. Major components of a water monitoring program include developing the risk basis for sample locations, agreeing on the suite of analytes to be monitored, and incorporating the program into the development schedule. This approach helps operators design a "fit-for-purpose" program based on local and regional hydrogeology, surrounding land use and potential sources of contamination, the presence of historical oil and gas operations, current groundwater use, and the presence of receptors. Such a program provides operators with the critical groundwater data and risk management information necessary to address stakeholder concerns, maintain schedule, transfer water resource infrastructure for future use later in the development lifecycle, and, ultimately, maintain this component of their social license to operate.
Process Safety Management: Taking PSM to Next Level
Authors: Al Abdul Salam Abdulla , Al-Qallaf Yousef , Pichery Leslie Anthony , Adivi Bala Siva 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Process Safety Management (PSM), though not a relatively new concept, has been implemented by many organizations to eliminate incidents like tragic Bhopal catastrophe; however, even after more than 25 years has been passed; still we are encountering disasters which occurred in different parts of the world. The BP Texas City incident and consequent Baker Panel Report have made it explicitly clear that PSM had to be established and administered as a distinct management system having its own management tools. Though every organization has its own metrics to manage Process Safety Management, however, the importance lies exactly whether those metrics (performance indicators) are rightly chosen or not. This paper presents holistic review of various process safety metrics suggested and developed by well-known international bodies.
Building Energy Efficiency Into the Design and Retrofit of Facilities
Authors: Rowbottom R. A. , Kuykendall D. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Energy efficiency in building design is an ongoing and continuously evolving process as state-of-the-art technology and standards develop over time. To maintain best-in-class facilities, energy efficiency must be incorporated into the design of new construction, and based on the principle of continuous improvement for building standards and specifications. In addition to design principles for new construction, companies need to routinely review existing facilities to incorporate retrofits based on criteria such as return on investment, energy costs and reliability, life cycle replacement of existing equipment and structures, and greenhouse gas emissions along with other environmental impacts.
This paper describes the integration of sustainable building specifications and energy efficiency programs into both new construction standards and guidelines for facility retrofits. Critical aspects include:Developing sustainable building specifications to meet internal company requirements for new construction.Identifying energy improvement opportunities through energy audits and use of best management practices for facility retrofits.Conducting equipment life cycle analysis to calculate return on investment (ROIs) based on amortized annual cash flow projections.
The process is based on internationally recognized standards such as the ASTM International E60 standard "Specification for Minimum Environmental, Social and Economic requirements for Building and Promoting Sustainability".
Case studies are presented to illustrate how a company’s energy reduction program began and evolved during a two-year period. An additional case study will highlight the application of retrofits at 67 facilities reducing annual energy consumption by 9.5 million kilowatt hours (KWh), eliminating 6,534 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing annual energy costs by USD $817,000.
The use of measurement and tracking tools is critical for determining energy reduction results and effects on carbon footprints. This paper also describes the company’s tracking system and how the data is used for internal and external sustainability reporting.
Automatic Tank Cleaning: A Shining Example
Authors: Massam Karen , Hunter Martin , Eriksen Frank , Stolen Geir 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Manual cleaning methods can vary from man entry into the tanks, using shovels and pressure washers, to the use of more sophisticated automated systems. The risks associated with confined-space entry are well documented and any cleaning system that reduces or eliminates the need to go inside tanks significantly improves the safety of a cleaning operation.
This paper presents a case study of a tank cleaning operation on board a supply vessel that transports drilling fluids and their constituent products. The automated system installed enabled 20 to 30 tanks to be cleaned every month with exceptional results and no operational downtime. The system was safe, simple and reliable, and resulted in significant reductions in confined space entry. The volume of waste generated was only 20 m3 in 12 months of operation, achieved by using a physical separation and water recycling process. This significantly reduced the cost and improved the safety of the operation.
The case study highlights the need for optimal equipment selection and installation based on the unique features of the tank system, methods to eliminate confined space entry, achievable cleaning performance and techniques for waste minimization. The principles presented are widely applicable to tanks and vessels common throughout industry.
Wetland Restoration Using Mangroves in Southern Louisiana
Authors: Madison Maxine J. , Mack Sarah K. , Lane Robert R. , Day John W. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Wetland restoration is essential in addressing wetland loss along the coasts of Southern Louisiana. Wetland restoration techniques, such as planting mangroves, provide a wealth of benefits such as storm surge reduction, fish and wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, recreation, job creation, and economic development that are vital to the sustainability of coastal Louisiana. The Louisiana Land & Exploration Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, is one of the largest private owners of coastal marsh in the nation, owning approximately 640,000 acres located in the coastal zone of southeast Louisiana. A pilot project was recently initiated by ConocoPhillips and Tierra Resources to apply the latest scientific approaches to measure the benefits of mangrove plantings for restoration purposes and viability of carbon sequestration on ConocoPhillips’ property in Southern Louisiana. This paper discusses the pilot project as well as the application of the first certified methodology for quantifying the carbon sequestration benefits of this wetland restoration project. Results from this three-year (2012–2015) pilot project will address science gaps, determine costs, benefits, and barriers to implementation.
Phytoremediation of Chlorinated Solvents in Fractured Rock
Authors: Kuykendall Dina , Snow Brad , Gatliff Edward 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Over a 21 year period, several remediation methods were used for the cleanup of chlorinated solvents dissolved in groundwater at an oilfield pump manufacturing facility in Claremore, Oklahoma. These methods included soil excavation and off-site disposal, air sparging/soil vapor extraction, groundwater circulation wells, high vacuum multiphase extraction, carbohydrate injection and throughout the project’s history, the current pump-and-treat system. The primary chemicals of concern (COCs) include trichloroethene (TCE); 1,1,1 trichloroethane (TCA); and associated degradation products. Due to challenging hydrogeologic conditions and the nature of the contaminants, only a modest improvement in groundwater quality has been achieved. Even with the significant historical remediation efforts and considerable expenditures, there was no foreseeable end point. The company objective is to reduce the contaminant concentrations and to assure that no off-site contaminant migration can occur which might impact sensitive receptors. The company sought a sustainable solution that would not involve continued expensive remediation system operations and maintenance.
The remediation strategy was evaluated and revised to include engineered phytoremediation as a primary component. In March 2012, 52 trees were installed within large diameter boreholes for groundwater hydraulic control and in situ treatment.
This paper presents the challenges and solutions for drilling and completing the tree installations in highly variable fractured shale and sandstone within the constraints of tight spaces at a busy operating plant. Preliminary data concerning tree health, growth and hydrologic effects are presented. This evaluation includes the varying mortality of bare root versus potted trees and the importance of staking the trees in the strong Oklahoma winds. During the first growing season, the tree roots reached and began using groundwater, enabling them to survive an unusually hot and dry summer.
Once the trees are more fully established, phytoremediation is expected to provide a sustainable and cost effective remedial alternative to the long-term groundwater pump-and-treat system. Its successful application at this site opens up the possibility for using phytoremediation at other challenging fractured rock sites.
Brine Contaminated Soil Remediation Field Tests Using a Novel New Product
Authors: Burns Lyle D. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Salt contamination of soils is a serious environmental issue facing the oil and gas industry today according to many stripper well operators and state regulators. Salts such as sodium chloride from produced oilfield brine spills can completely devastate surrounding vegetation. The most common response is the application of gypsum and straw or manure. This ineffective, time consuming technique may take several remediation applications over a period of years making it very expensive when all costs, loss of soil use, and damages are considered. The problem lacks a suitable solution with the benefits of being rapid, simple, economical, dependable and environmentally safe. Today, there is much more emphasis on operating in an environmentally conscious manner than ever before.
The Phase I Stripper Well Consortium project developed a solution that offers a rapid and economical way to remediate salt damaged soils and enhance oil field aesthetics for new and old brine contaminated sites. The project involved a laboratory effort to evaluate the hypothesis which questioned whether a soil remediation product could be formulated to quickly remediate the sodium contamination from brine spills. The result was an affirmative response to the hypothesis. This SPE paper is about the Phase II field testing effort to verify the lab work, simplify field application for the customer’s benefit, and verify formulation dependability. Field testing was very successful with 10 out of 11 field tests or 91% showing positive results with rapid grass growth within 2 – 6 weeks after remediation. All sites had2 – 5 cm of rainfall during that period.
The major formulation constituents are a highly soluble calcium source, a proprietary multi-basic amendment and fertilizer that were mixed into the soil, all environmentally safe components. Native grass seed is planted and raked into the soil immediately after remediation. The field tests occurred in Oklahoma, Kansas and New York.