bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Rights Due Diligence in Iraq
Authors: Auerbach M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Through technological advances and due to the rising price of oil and gas, the oil and gas industry has been able to explore and extract in areas deemed too difficult just a decade ago. The risks facing companies over the next 10 years are no longer technical, and chief executives do not stay up at night worrying about discovery or output. Socio-political factors have become the major issues of concern.
This paper explores human rights concerns as related to the oil and gas industry. Human rights are a core concern that requires proactive engagement. John Ruggie, the UN Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations, has been at the forefront of guiding multinationals on how best to identify and eliminate human rights risks from its operations. The oil and gas industry faces increased pressure from governments (both domestic and foreign), non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders and shareholders to conduct human rights due diligence.
Human rights due diligence is a process that analyzes the company’s operations and relationships in relation to its social, political and economic footprint, and then evaluates the analysis in light of international human rights standards, guided by the existing body of national and international human rights law. This two-step due diligence process generates a picture of what we call "human rights risks," which the company must manage, mitigate, and ideally eliminate.
Corporations must understand that Human Rights and Risk are different. Human rights comprise the universal protections for human beings and Risk is a functional concept applied across a range of disciplines, from finance to human development, which seeks to identify and mitigate a threat. Human rights risk can be understood as the potential for harm to people, where that harm constitutes a violation of internationally proclaimed human rights. Therefore, the potential harm to human rights should be identified and companies must take steps to mitigate those risks. This paper will clarify and provide guidance to the attendees of SPE Americas 2011 and will surely elicit a lively debate.
Managing Risk and Operating in Environmentally Sensitive Areas: The Wetlands of the Northwest Louisiana Haynesville Shale
Authors: Krauss R. F. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The aerial extent of the Haynesville Shale play has been analyzed with regard to regulatory and permitting processes such that unavoidable surface impacts can be planned in a manner that allows operators to minimize both risk and cost from operations in environmentally sensitive areas – the wetlands of northwest Louisiana.
A workflow has been developed and applied for operators with significant leaseholds seeking to understand the volume of wetlands that may be impacted due to construction of drilling pads, reserve pits, access roads, flowlines, pipelines and gathering systems that comprise field infrastructure. Working under new rules since 2008, regulatory agencies require offsets for unavoidable impacts to wetlands to occur in the watershed where the impacts are planned to occur. With limited mitigation acreage available in an area where surface rights are locked up by landowners and operators, the need for creative wetland analyses and mitigation solutions has risen to need-to-know-now status.
Of the 4.3 million surface acres in the Louisiana and Texas Haynesville Shale play, more than 23% of the Louisiana play area is considered jurisdictional wetlands by the US Army Corps of Engineers. After operators avoid and minimize their wetlands impacts, GIS analysis of current and past land compositions and uses can be used to forecast future unavoidable wetland impacts from oil and gas development activities. Results of this analysis are used to formulate an appropriate compensatory mitigation solution that can be readily approved by regulatory agencies.
Surface impact analysis employs a unique methodology and workflow that has shown to generate significant real-dollar savings for operators, allows compensatory mitigation plans to be proactively developed thereby accelerating agency regulatory processes, and transfers risk and liability from oil and gas operators to those delivering wetland mitigation solutions.
Implementing a Comprehensive Industry Program With Broad Environmental and Safety Implications for Exploration & Production: Tank Overfill Protection—Philosophy, Vision, Objectives, Program Structure, and Execution
Authors: Erickson M. E. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Protecting human health and the environment are essential requirements in today’s exploration & production, refining, and petroleum marketing workplaces. Preventing tank overfills at above-ground, atmospheric storage tanks is essential, for "overfills" and the attendant consequences, i.e., potential volitization and groundwater-soil contamination, etc., pose significant risk to the safety of workers, surrounding communities, and the environment itself. Overfill incidents demonstrate the need, and urgency, for tank overfill protection measures to be evaluated and, as determined, undertaken.
The design and implementation of a tank overfill protection (hereafter referred to "TOP") program offers potential benefits for E&P in the environmental, human health, community welfare, and safety performance areas. E&P operations do not necessary deal in the numbers of atmospheric tanks as those in, say for example, the midstream (pipeline) operations, nonetheless safety and environmental contamination are issues of concern. There are common attributes of a comprehensive overfill protection that can be applied to E&P settings.
A TOP program for a large pipeline organization – consisting of hundred’s of above-ground, atmospheric storage tanks (Class 1-3 liquids) – was recently developed and implemented, and is currently undergoing its first year of compliance and assurance evaluation. This program was comprehensive in nature, containing its own unique objectives and distinctives.
There are two aspects to an overfill protection program. The first is the "programmatic" aspect, which addresses the various program features, i.e., policy development; standards and procedures; roles and responsibilities; program management functions; and various content features of the overfill policy to be implemented. The second aspect deals specifically with overfill equipment, to include equipment identification and related engineering, procurement, and construction (installation) activities, as well as any necessary electrical and instrumentation upgrades at a facility. The programmatic aspect, in a proactive and preventative sense, is deemed the most protective regarding tank overfill events.
This paper addresses a "conceptual model" for an overfill protection program, based on this recent industry example. Key portions of the programmatic and overfill equipment aspects will be addressed.
Chemical Properties Affecting the Environmental Performance of Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids for the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Dorn P. B. , Wong D. C. , Ye J. , Martin V. A. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The effects of olefin carbon number distribution (chain length), bond position, and branching on sediment toxicity and anaerobic degradability were investigated. Specific carbon number olefins were tested individually for their sediment toxicity and then spiked in proportion to their molar distribution in a commercial C1518 internal olefin product containing predominately a distribution of C15 through C18. In other sets of experiments, toxicity contribution of C14 and lower (C10-C14) internal olefins to toxicity of the C1518 internal olefin product was investigated. Within the variability limits of the sediment toxicity test, specific carbon number olefins from C10-C14 showed similar toxicity. 10-day LC50s ranged from 28 to 56 mg/kg for C10 to C14 olefins when tested individually. C6 and C8 olefins did not exhibit toxicity at the concentrations tested presumably due to volatilization loss during sample preparation and test exposure. Concentrations of up to 4.8% C14 olefin (and lower) did not increase the toxicity of the commercial C1518 base fluid. C1518 base fluid showed no increased toxicity between the samples spiked with 7% to 25% C14. The effect of sediment organic carbon on olefins toxicity was examined in tests using formulated and natural field sediments. For each olefin, toxicity was highest in formulated sediment and lowest in the field sediment with the higher total organic carbon. In side-by-side tests examining the role of carbon to carbon bond position in sediment toxicity, LC50 values indicate no differences between α-olefin and internal olefin. With regards to anaerobic biodegradability, theoretical gas production appeared lower for a C16 α-olefin (60.3%) compared to C14 α-olefin (77.9%); however, only one data point was available for comparing the effect of chain length on anaerobic biodegradability. Anaerobic biodegradability was not affected by bond position for the one paired of isomers tested. Testing showed that increased branching of internal olefins adversely impacted both sediment toxicity and anaerobic biodegradation. The results presented in this study are part of on-going research and development activities aimed at understanding the relationships between chemical structure and environmental fate and effects of base oils for non-aqueous drilling fluids; which will provide the design basis for products with better environmental profile. Sustainable offshore drilling will require improvement in the environmental performance of these fluids.
Identification of HSE Leading Indicators Using Regression Analysis
Authors: Jablonowski C. J. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
"Leading indicators" are variables that are known to correlate with lagging indicators. When a leading indicator suggests that the risk of a safety incident is increasing, the safety manager can intervene and mitigate the risk. This paper presents the results of a recently completed study of leading indicators using an operator-provided data set. This research leverages the results of two previous studies on the same data set to identify leading indicators and to provide guidance regarding intervention. This case study is intended to demonstrate how a quantitative approach can provide specific guidance to safety managers regarding safety policy and decision-making.
Taking the Mystery Out of Social Responsibility by Developing a Transparent Business Process Within an Exploration and Production Organization
Authors: Zantman A. , Chia S. , Cook P. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Social Responsibility (SR) is at heart, a business process. If the process is done well it enables senior management to determine how SR creates value and affects all levels of an organization. This paper addresses the development of a transparent decision process that utilizes existing risk evaluation practices to manage SR issues and the prevention of major disputes or adverse events.
The exploration and production (E&P) sector has long recognized the importance of managing the impact of projects and facilities to improve corporate performance, protect operations, and capture future opportunities. However, there is an inadequate understanding of how SR creates value and, as a result, an organization’s commitment to SR can be challenged.
This paper focuses on the real life example of complex E&P operations in Indonesia. Operations included production in Gresik and planned offshore exploration activities in West Papua and South Sesulu. An assurance review (including stakeholder workshops) was undertaken to verify the current SR hazards and risk profile associated with these activities. A critical step was the development and delivery of a transparent decision process with the management team.
The utilization of a Business Process Map (including Bowtie analysis) assisted in confirming that appropriate systems, procedures and key personnel were in place to execute the SR plan over the business lifecycle. An important outcome was that value chain functions understood their role and took ownership in achieving the intended critical SR objectives, meeting performance expectations and implementation of an effective risk management strategy.
The paper highlights how this Indonesian business unit improved transparency at all levels of the organization and personnel’s understanding of the triggers of adverse events and the decisions to reduce the likelihood of these adverse events occurring.
Field Site Testing of Low Impact Oil Field Access Roads: Reducing the Environmental Footprint in Desert Ecosystems
Authors: Burnett D. B. , McDowell J. , Scott J. B. , Dolan C. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Lease roads and well pads are a highly visible and often less than welcome aspect of O&G drilling and producing operations. In South Texas this is occurring as the Cretaceous Eagle Ford shale is being developed from near the Mexican border outward to the east/northeast across several counties stretching more than 150 miles. The "Brush Country" as it is often referred to, is a semi-arid landscape where measures to lessen the impact of developing the shale are fostering a host of new technologies.
To address environmental concerns about the development of the resource, Texas A&M University is adapting "Disappearing Roads" technology to the particular needs of the Eagle Ford. A collaborative project within the Environmentally Friendly Drilling Program has been testing new types of "disappearing roads" in a desert like environment to measure their effectiveness and ability to lower the surface footprint of surface operations. One road was constructed with materials made with recycled drilling waste, another incorporated reusable composite mats, and a third represented a new type of "roll out road" developed in by a student engineering team from the University of Wyoming as a class project. The field demonstration is expected to:
Provide a realistic field trial in representative desert ecosystems so that results could be evaluated efficiently so as to benefit both the industry, the organizations with the technology, and the public sector. Document and provide the results of technology field trials so that promising processes, systems and products could be utilized in a wider range of gas shale plays. Speed the commercial development of technology developed to reduce the environmental footprint of drilling activities,
The removable mat concepts may also be used to lessen the impact of constructing water ponds and to provide temporary enlargement of well pads that can accommodate service equipment used in fracturing operations. This paper will describe the technology behind the roads and document their performance in semi-arid rangeland landscapes.
Evolution of the HSE System in the Drilling and Completion Team of an Operator
Authors: Borja H. , Ortiz E. , Diaz O. , Aldana E. , Rueda H. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Aspects related to HSE has been incorporated into the oil companies as a corporate strategic to prevent accidents, environmental incidents and occupational diseases, which is why in 1989, the company began incorporating HSE as one of its strategic value. By then it stared the measuring of indicators and its performance in HSE, NPT and poor quality events in operations.
The success factor in implementing the integrated HSE system has been the incorporation of human factors and their behavior. To achieve the stated objectives there have been several key factors. Commitment and management leadership within the strategic activities were for involved the development and implementation of activities of HSE such as management visits, which is a vital commitment to achieve the goals. Involvement and participation of all employees and contractors in the process of HSE, training programs were implemented and training at all levels of operations in order make stronger the capacities of the staff.
Within HSE management tools the measurement and the monitoring were implemented, fulfillments of prevention programs, accident control and management of their main indicators like the severity index, TRFC and LTI. Within the continuous improvement in drilling operations new technologies were implemented to reduce risks, the time spent by the worker in the job, the level of hazard with less toxic chemicals and the implementation of personal protection. Preventive culture was involved to all operational lines to achieve individual and collective safe behavior, where workers are concerned about HSE and of their own team.
After the implementation of the integrated HSE system the company could obtain a culture of prevention at all levels of management and supervision, safe behavior of the labor force and indicators are satisfied as they move from having almost 1 injured worker (LTI) by every 2 days working with more than 1 million man worked hours in 1989 to fulfill 2 years in 2010 without injured workers (LTI) with 2 million man worked hours, zero occupational diseases, clean operations with less environmental impact, less time lost and NPT reduction in the operations as in the commitment of the organization for HSE aspects.
Success in the Abandonment of a Damaged Offshore Platform Through Stakeholder Involvement
Authors: Abadie R. J. , Trail K. L. , Riche R. S. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Description
Typically, decommissioned platforms are safely removed and taken ashore for disposal per regulatory requirements. But an alternative for the Eugene Island 331A platform was for Shell to recycle and transform it into a valuable marine habitat as part of "Rigs-to-Reef".

Application
EI 331A was originally installed in 1972 as a fixed structure in 242’ water depth. In September 2008, the platform was hit by Hurricane Ike. While the topsides was deemed salvageable, Shell determined it was not feasible to repair the jacket due to the number of broken structural members located below the water surface. Shell then began to assess this piece of infrastructure as a potential candidate for the Rigs-to-Reef program.

Results
The final jacket reefing took place on September 20, 2009, after a topsides and deck removal campaign was completed. The steel jacket structure, comprised of eight legs and weighing almost 3000 tons, was cut loose from the ocean floor utilizing special cutting tools to make cuts 15’ below the mudline. No explosive cutting was used during the project. The jacket was lifted and then towed a short distance, where it was toppled to its final position. Underwater ROV cameras documented fish and other marine life following the jacket during its tow operation and reefing.

Significance
This was the first major Rigs-to-Reef project that Shell had done over 15 years - the learnings will be beneficial for future abandonments. In addition to the positive impact of the rig-turned-artificial reef on fisheries enhancement, there are also mutual financial benefits realized by both the operator and the state. States utilize these donations to both manage the artificial reefing sites and study their long-term benefits to marine habitats. Following the final reefing, Mr. Robert Barham, Secretary of the LDWF, called the reefing of the EI331A jacket the "gold standard" for reefing projects.
Improving Technical Oilfield Training: Interactive Classroom Techniques
Authors: Murdock P. M. , Pigusch K. , Matta S. , Wakefield S. M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Adult learning presents a challenge for trainers and content developers. In many cases, technical classroom training consists of lecture-based slide driven presentations with no interactivity. Research indicates this traditional learning environment is not an effective method to promote knowledge transfer and long-term retention in adult trainees. Current adult learning research confirms that classroom time is most effective if lecture is interspersed with a variety of teaching methods, including group discussion and brief interactive exercises. Based on these findings, the service provider investigated an alternative instructional strategy.
This paper will discuss current research and will give specific details on how to create an effective interactive classroom. Guidelines include changing the mindset from traditional classroom teaching methods to a student-centered learning environment, segmenting lecture sessions, and incorporating a variety of activities relevant to course objectives. Examples from various oilfield services technical training courses will be provided to model new course activities.
This paper will help the industry design, develop, and facilitate effective training courses by describing an interactive classroom methodology to maximize knowledge transfer and on-the-job retention.
Operational Safety on Subsea Wells
Authors: Petersen F. C. , Miura K. , da Fonseca T. C. , Mendes J. R. , Guilherme I. R. , Morooka C. K. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Supported by the last events, it can be observed that safety must be the major concern in the activities developed in oil and gas well construction. However, safety assessment during the well construction process is not a trivial issue. Available risk evaluation approaches are based on static analyses of existent systems, not allowing a dynamic evaluation of the risk at each alteration of circumstances.
This work proposes the use of quantitative and dynamic risk assessment (QDRA) to assess the degree of safety of each planned job. The QDRA is a type of "safe job analysis" approach, developed to quantify the "degree of safety" in the entire well construction process, as well as during maintenance activities. The proposed methodology presents the definitions of "barrier" and "integrated barriers set (IBS)", as well as the modeling technique showing their relationships and it compares it with the analysis presented at Norwegian standard (NORSOK D-010).
This technique has been applied not only during the planning stages of well construction but also during workover to analyze the number of available IBSes for each operation. The greatest advantage of this technique is that it can be applied during the planning stages of well construction and maintenance, where the effects of hazard on the job sequence are important unknowns.
Improved Process Provides More Effective Ultraviolet Light Disinfection of Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Crane B. , Neal G. , Warren W. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Water used in fracturing fluids must typically be treated to reduce the concentration of aerobic acid producing bacteria and, more importantly, anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria that can cause a well to go sour. Typically chemical biocides are used to provide the disinfection. However, biocides can interfere with chemical additives in the fracturing fluid and cause equipment damage. Additionally, biocides are toxic chemicals that must be handled carefully and registered with federal and local environmental protection agencies. Some areas strictly regulate which chemicals can be persistent in treatment liquids flowed back from wells. To address the issues associated with the chemical biocides, disinfection via ultraviolet (UV) light has been introduced into hydraulic fracturing operations. The use of UV light can greatly reduce the volume of chemical biocides used and also decreases the biocide concentration in liquids flowed back from a treated well.
Early UV equipment treated water as it was placed into storage tanks on the fracturing location. This allowed for possible recontamination from biofilms present in the storage tanks. A new trailer has been placed into operation that treats the water on the fly as it flows from the storage tanks to the fracturing blender. The performance of the UV light equipment has also been improved. The disinfection effectiveness of the UV light system has been verified on site during fracturing treatments using the serial dilution method to measure aerobic and sulfate-reducing bacteria levels, both before and after the UV treatment. The test results prove that bacteria concentration in the fracturing water can be significantly reduced, sometimes to undetectable levels, by UV treatment.