bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk-Based Environmental Aspects Assessment
Authors: Melton H. Rodger , Springer Nina K. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Environmental aspects, as defined in International Standard ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems are activities, products, or services that interact with the environment. ExxonMobil has developed a five-step, risk-based process for identifying activities that present significant environmental aspects. The five-step process is as follows: Identify and characterize environmental aspects of operating activitiesCharacterize environmental/social/regulatory contextConsider other applicable and relevant criteriaIdentify engineering or operating alternativesAssess risk-based significance of aspects
Significant environmental aspects identified through this process can then be prioritized based on relative risk.
The process can be applied to environmental management through all phases of the business life-cycle, from initial feasibility assessment, through new facility siting, design, and construction, through the operation and modification of existing facilities, to eventual decommissioning and reclamation.
This paper presents considerations for carrying out the five-step process. Emphasis is placed on successful identification of both episodic and continuous environmental aspects, including both inputs to the environment (releases, discharges, waste disposal, energy emissions, dust, etc.) as well as environmental resource demand (water use, energy use, land conversion, placement of barriers, etc.). The importance of the environmental, social, and regulatory setting in identifying potential environmental impacts is addressed, including consideration of biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems and species. The process incorporates identification of engineering or operating alternatives that can lead to determination of additional environmental aspects through an iterative process. Finally, an approach to assessing potential impact severity and likelihood is presented. Examples are incorporated to illustrate the relative environmental risk of a broad range of potential impact scenarios.
Successful environmental management depends on the appropriate identification of significant environmental aspects. This process facilitates identification and provides a sound business basis for addressing aspects that pose the highest potential risk.
Harmonizing Efforts to Evaluate Contractor HSE Performance: The API PIDX Revision of RP 76
Authors: Schey J. , Knode T. , Simon F. , Ring E. , Elsen T. , Campbell D. , Carter M. , Bell M. , Light R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A key element in managing contractors is evaluating their policies, management systems, and statistical performance. Many companies use a questionnaire that is either submitted to the contractor directly or through an agent. The depth of these questionnaires varies, which has led to efforts within our industry to consolidate and agree upon a standardized questionnaire. However, despite these efforts there are still many questionnaires that are used annually, quarterly, monthly, and ad hoc.
In 2005 a project to create a harmonized HSE Questionnaire was launched within American Petroleum Institute's (API) Petroleum Industry Data Exchange Committee (PIDX). Appendix B to API Recommended Practice (RP) 76 Contractor Safety Management for Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Operations was used as the base questionnaire.
In the first phase of the project, representatives from operators, service companies and third party providers reviewed a variety of questionnaires and consolidated questions. Additional categories and questions were added or regrouped as necessary. A comprehensive list of definitions was also created for the questionnaire to narrow the range of interpretations of the questions. This process took a core group more than one and a half years to complete and included a review by a consultant as a means of objective oversight.
Phase 2 of the project is the creation of an electronic message that will allow companies to exchange the information in a much more expeditious manner. Contractors will have the option to provide data electronically to customers or their agents using a standard XML message format.
In addition to the PIDX standard XML message, an Exceltm format document will be available that includes formatting and rules that comply with the API standard. The Exceltm document will enable companies to provide data using the standardized questionnaire even if they do not wish to develop the XML message. The Exceltm document may also be converted to the PIDX standard XML message to enable receivers to easily map data to their applications.
The entire industry benefits from the updated RP 76 and data standards. Contractors can respond more quickly to requests for information. Operators may use the standardized questionnaire in its entirety or a subset, depending on their requirements. Companies wishing to transact electronically benefit from the standardized XML format based on the industry standard, and operators and their agents can receive data electronically.
Risk Assessment for Livestock in the Oriente Region of Ecuador
Authors: Pattanyek M. , McMillen S. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPotential risks to livestock may occur if they are exposed to releases of petroleum hydrocarbons at or near oil production facilities. In 2004, the American Petroleum Institute (API) published Risk Based Screening Levels for the Protection of Livestock Exposed to Petroleum Hydrocarbons [1]. The API framework, conceptual site model, and screening-level procedures were used in a case study to evaluate potential risks to livestock at the oilfield sites in northeastern Ecuador.API's toxicity reference values (TRVs) as well as their drinking water and soil risk-based screening levels (RBSLs) for livestock were used to evaluate whether levels of hydrocarbons in soil and water could pose a health risk to cattle, calves, sheep, goats, or horses. RBSLs are threshold concentrations in site media (e.g. soil, water, and air) below which no significant unacceptable risks to livestock are expected. Since pigs, chickens, and ducks are also commonly raised in northeastern Ecuador, new TRVs were calculated for them based on a review of all published toxicity values. RBSLs for pigs, chickens, and ducks were then calculated using exposure assumptions aligned with API's conceptual site model.The evaluation presented herein was a screening-level risk assessment using a conservative approach to evaluate potential risks to livestock from exposure to petroleum at the oilfield sites. The RBSLs and TRVs were conservative because they are based on non-lethal endpoints protective of individual livestock, and the mammalian RBSLs for TPH were based on fresh crude oil rather than on the weathered, less toxic oil that is typically found in soils in tropical climates.In this case study, data from over 300 surface soil and 100 surface water samples from seven oilfields in northeastern Ecuador were collected during field inspections conducted from 2004 through 2006. Potential hydrocarbons of concern included: crude oil or total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH); benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX); and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
A New Monitoring Tool for Assessing Environmental Impact of Offshore Drilling Activities: Benthic Foraminifera
Authors: Duchemin G. , Mojtahid M. , Bicchi E. , Gaultier M. , Jorissen F. J. , Durrieu J. , Galgani F. , Cazes L. , Camps R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Since 2003 we have tested the use of benthic foraminiferal faunas as bio-indicators of highly biodegradable oil-based drill fluids and cuttings. In this paper we present data for 4 sites off western Africa (Angola, Congo and Gabon), with water depths varying from 30 to 670 m. A very similar faunal response to environmental perturbation is found in these different environmental settings. In the close vicinity of the oil drill mud and fluids disposal, the combination of lowered bottom water oxygenation, the presence of toxic compounds and a general ecosystem enrichment leads to strongly impoverished faunas. More sensitive taxa become very rare in these areas. Moderately impacted sites are characterized by high to very faunal densities, and a strong dominance of opportunistic taxa, that are favored by the increased amount of organic matter in the benthic environment, resulting from the introduction of hydrocarbons. Beyond 500 m of the disposal sites, the faunas progressively become similar to the natural faunas; the relative frequency of opportunistic and stress-tolerant taxa drops to background values.
Two foraminiferal indices are proposed that allow a quantitative evaluation of the impact of the oil drilling activities. A first foraminiferal index, that is based on the cumulative percentage of opportunistic and stress-tolerant taxa, is very effective in continental shelf settings. Severely polluted sites contain more than 70% index species, moderately impacted area between 50 and 70%. In slightly to non impacted sites, the percentage of index species drops from 50 to 20%. A shallow, 30 m deep, area in front of the Ogooué estuary reveals a high percentage of marker species at all investigated stations. This elevated percentage is caused by the presence of naturally eutrophicated conditions due to the supply of important amounts of nutrients and continental organic matter by river outflow. In this a particular setting, oil exploration activities appear to have only a minor environmental impact. At the 670 m deep upper slope site, the impacted stations are characterized by the progressive disappearance of the taxa that are most sensitive to ecosystem perturbation. The cumulative percentage of these taxa strongly decreases at the most impacted areas, which provides a very useful additional quantitative monitoring tool. The present data show that foraminiferal faunas are extremely powerful in monitoring the environmental impact of oil exploration activities. In the near future, the proposed foraminiferal indices will be tested in other areas, and the selected marker species will be formalized for different types of environmental settings, with different water depths and climatic conditions.
Sustainable Water Management in the Oil and Gas Industry: Use of the WBCSD Global Water Tool to Map Risks
Authors: Dell J. J. , Meakin S. , Cramwinckel J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper describes an innovative new World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) offering, the Global Water Tool, and its use by and value to international oil and gas companies in identifying, prioritizing, and managing their portfolio global risks related to water acquisition, use, and disposal. The Global Water Tool is a free and easy-to-use tool for companies to map their industrial and non-industrial sites to view a picture of their water uses and risks relative to water availability in their global operations and supply chains. It was created through collaboration between numerous non-governmental organizations and business water experts including several global oil and gas companies.
Organizations operating or wishing to operate in multiple jurisdictions will find this tool invaluable for informing strategic decision making at the corporate and business unit level. Additionally, while water challenges and opportunities occur at the local level, there are advantages for companies in employing a comprehensive, strategic approach to evaluating and addressing water risks across their asset portfolio.
Tool metrics and mapping results and implications for global oil and gas companies are described in the paper.
A Successful Stakeholder Partnership—The Dolphin Energy Experience Coral Reef Habitats of the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Alkendi Marwan Y. , Chandler Marcus 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Coral reef habitats of the southern Arabian Gulf are some of the most extensive and biologically important marine ecosystems in the region. These habitats are also of outstanding international scientific significance in the predictive study of world wide coral ecosystem responses to the effects of global warming. In recognition of their importance, Dolphin Energy has sponsored and taken an active role in a three year project to assist in the scientific understanding of this endangered habitat, throughout the 86,400 km2 study area that lies within joint Qatari/UAE maritime waters. One of the principal outcomes is the development of a robust, culturally appropriate, scientifically based, regional coral conservation and management strategy.
At the core of the project is a unique regional partnership for environmental conservation and management in the Arabian Gulf, involving coordination between two government organizations in two different countries, an energy sector sponsor, local and international NGOs and a renowned international scientific institute.
This paper describes the background, structure, achievements and strategies adopted to successfully optimize the political, technical and scientific benefits of the project for all stakeholders. Key project achievements include: ○Comprehensive mapping and marine resource databases for the joint Qatari/Abu Dhabi waters.○Developing marine habitat assessment methodologies, specific to the region, which are internationally compatible.○Providing regulators and coastal communities with scientifically based assessments of changes which may impact their livelihood, culture or customs to facilitate effective community/ stakeholder consultation and resource management.○Developing a regional coral reef conservation and sustainable development strategy involving input from local communities, environmental regulators, industry stakeholders, scientific communities, regional and international NGOs.○Assisting institutional development and capacity building within the environmental agencies responsible for plan implementation beyond the project.○Providing a template for successful cross sector collaboration and the integration and engagement of various stakeholders.
Sustaining an Excellent Workforce
Authors: Thompson Euan J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The increasing of age of oil industry workers is concerning. This has been offset by recent influxes of younger workers, but there are still a significant number of older, more experienced workers within the industry.
This poses problems at different levels: Increasing likelihood of non-accidental, acute medical problems whilst offshore or overseas. In particular the average body mass index (BMI) of workers measured in our medicals is increasing year on year: this increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.Slower recovery back to full health from illnesses or accidents.Higher subsequent likelihood of retirement, voluntarily or through ill-health
The current workforce has developed and shaped the oil industry to the level that it is at today, and has the experience and expertise to carry it further forward. However, when they leave, no matter how efficient knowledge management measures might be, losses in expertise are inevitable.
Furthermore, there is clear evidence that work is good for people. As people retire, their health can deteriorate due to not being at work, due to a variety of factors. Moving to more flexible forms of employment, such as part-time or flexible working, can improve company productivity and indeed maintain health for individuals who might otherwise retire (taking their expertise with them).
This paper raises the awareness of health issues in the ageing workers in the oil industry, the subsequent loss of expertise that this can produce, and suggests measures to improve the health of existing employees and ways to retain the expertise of the people who might otherwise leave the industry- reference looking after workers health. It also details the findings of several years’ worth of medicals (totalling 50000 medicals) on the oil industry population focussing on ill-health in that population.
Environmental Requirements for New Projects: Systematic Processes and Performance Requirements Driving Better Environmental Outcomes
Authors: Rogers E. , Spence S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
For years, one of the biggest environmental challenges has been integrating the Environmental Impact Assessment process and findings into projects to deliver impact mitigations and better environmental performance. In response to this challenge, and stakeholder concerns regarding sensitive environments, BP introduced its Environmental Requirements for New Projects (ERNP) in November 2006. These require all new projects to follow a full life cycle process to identify, consult, mitigate and report environmental impacts. They also mandate Environmental Performance Requirements (EPR's) to achieve a consistent delivery of performance across BP. Unique in this process, is the governance for internal decision makers to be informed about significant environmental issues and risks prior to making key decisions.
The structured process of ERNP has helped engagement of project teams, who in turn are clear of what needs to be delivered and when. For example, the EPR's give very clear direction on what the minimum design and operations expectations are, and in turn the contractors undertaking the initial design layouts can progress design work more effectively. ERNP has also prompted projects to identify potential environmental impacts at a very early stage, thus shaping the choice or innovation of appropriate mitigative technology.
Such examples explained in this paper, from the first 12 months of implementation, cover a variety of activities including extraction of heavy oil from existing oil fields in Alaska, a pipeline replacement project in the UK and the expansion of Solar Panel manufacturing facilities in Spain and India.
HSE Holistic Approach to Azeri Chirag Gunashli PW Disposal in Azerbaijan
Authors: Wilson Roberta 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The BP operated Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) reservoir is the largest oil field under development in the Caspian basin. Production began in 1997 and it has estimated recoverable reserves of 5.4 bn bbl. The ACG Full Field Development (FFD) offshore facilities are designed to separate and reinject 95% of the Produced Water (PW) offshore and the remaining 5% comes onshore commingled with the oil. Onshore oil in water separation is processed at the BP operated Sangachal terminal, Azerbaijan, to meet the specification for export in the Baku -Tiblisi - Cheyhan (BTC) pipeline.
Produced Water (PW) profiling identifies that PW production will reach peak volumes in 2009 and a PW solution capable of handling these would be required to be operational. The BP Major Projects Common Process (MPCP) was the assessment tool used to assess potential project options. Twelve options were identified from studies to consider PW disposal. On further assessment five options were considered for further engineering development and assessment.
The project criteria used to conduct the assessments were; technical, safety, environmental, socio-economic, reputation and cost. Therefore ensuring Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) considerations where included as a holistic part of project concept identification. Project options included two onshore sites for PW injection, a biological treatment plant and discharge to the Caspian Sea and offshore reinjection via a pipeline after onshore treatment.
The project ranked in first position after the criteria assessment will be delivered for PW management. This option includes onshore treatment and a 189 km PW pipeline offshore to tie into a BP operated water reinjection platform. The project selection process undertaken demonstrates a holistic HSE approach as part of the overall criteria assessment ensuring that the final option selected is consistent with the ACG HSE standards.
Using Saturation Campaigns to Effectively Communicate with Employees
Authors: Grant F. L. , Hay R. K. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Most organizations in the oil and gas industry will run at least one HS&E campaign during the year to communicate important HS&E information to employees. This paper uses a Driving/Vehicle Safety Campaign case study to demonstrate a new way to structure those campaigns to achieve maximum results.
The campaign methodology is based on the chemical basis of saturation where a solution becomes saturated when the substance being added no longer dissolves. In a similar manner, for a concentrated period, employees are "saturated" with the HS&E message using a variety of different media types.
This communication methodology means that employees will be more likely to retain the message and effect behavioral change.
The Hierarchy of Control Model is used to help identify controls and communication methods to include in the saturation campaign.
Eliminate/Substitute: Whilst driving cannot be totally eliminated, the risk exposure may be decreased by reducing the number of miles driven. Implementing a good Journey Management System will promote route planning that reduces trips and miles driven and, consequently, help to reduce fatigue. Engineering Controls: Minimum vehicle standards can be established in line with recognized standards. Company provided vehicles can receive annual maintenance checks. Some local garages offer free inspection of employee personal vehicles Communication: Seatbelt and cell phone signs may be posted in all vehicles. A poster campaign is used to reinforce key messages on fatigue; speed; distractions; visual awareness; and seasonal driving. An employee exhibition allows an informal time for hands on learning. There are a myriad of other communication types that may be used including radio advertising. Administrative Controls. Policies are developed to provide instruction. PPE. In-vehicle kits are provided that may include: ice-scraper; space blanket; water; spade; energy bars; first aid kit; sun shade