Characterization of Current U.S. Exploration and Production Facilities and Waste Management Practices

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

Characterization of Current U.S. Exploration and Production Facilities and Waste Management Practices G.E. Smith; G.E. Smith ICF Resources Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar A. Gopinath; A. Gopinath American Petroleum Institute Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar B. Freeman B. Freeman Shell E&P Technology Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE/EPA Exploration and Production Environmental Conference, Dallas, Texas, March 1997. Paper Number: SPE-37887-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/37887-MS Published: March 03 1997 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Smith, G.E., Gopinath, A., and B. Freeman. "Characterization of Current U.S. Exploration and Production Facilities and Waste Management Practices." Paper presented at the SPE/EPA Exploration and Production Environmental Conference, Dallas, Texas, March 1997. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/37887-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Health, Safety, Security, Environment, Search Advanced Search AbstractIn 1985, the American Petroleum Institute (API) conducted a survey of the U.S. exploration and production (E&P) industry to collect data on volumes of wastes being generated and current waste management practices. This study, now over a decade old, remains the primary source of data on wastes and waste management. Knowing that industry waste management practices have evolved since the mid-1980s, API decided to update this survey in order to characterize current practices and facilities. Besides wastes and waste management, the study also characterizes, for the first time, much of the equipment at E&P sites that may contribute to air emissions. This information will provide valuable input about the nature of industry operations to regulations currently planned or under development to control emissions. The purpose of this paper is to describe API's current industry survey, the methodology used, the current status of the analysis, and provide initial observations based on responses received to date. The paper also includes a discussion of API's planned uses for the survey results.BackgroundIn the mid-1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was performing a study to determine whether the temporary exemption of certain E&P wastes from regulation as hazardous should be retained. As this process evolved, it became clear that limited data were available on waste volumes, and that virtually no data were available to characterize current waste management practices across the industry. Recognizing the disparity of practices that exist, and the danger of EPA using anecdotal data to characterize industry operations, API undertook an industry survey to collect data on waste volumes and waste management practices. This study1 covered data for the year 1985 and was based on a questionnaire sent to a statistical sample of industry operations. API compiled data by state to illustrate the differences in prevailing practices. The availability of the information from this study on wastes and how they were managed contributed to the retention of the E&P waste exemption.A few studies since that time have attempted to update information from the API study. But none of these efforts have been comprehensive or based on a broad survey of industry practices. In 1991, API updated some of the waste volumes by adjusting for the change in industry activity levels since 1985.2 In 1993, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a report on state regulations covering E&P waste management practices, which included, for some states, the estimated percentages of waste volumes being managed using specific practices.3 These estimates were based on the professional judgment of state regulators.Despite these limited updates, the 1985 API survey remains a key source of data on industry wastes. These data continue to be used by regulators and others who require data on industry practices.Rationale for SurveySince 1985, a lot has changed. Companies are more aware of the impact of their operations on the environment, and many have made substantial pollution prevention efforts as a result. State regulations have evolved, often limiting the use of certain waste management practices that previously were common. Most people in industry recognize that data based on a 1985 survey do not reflect current waste management practices. API wanted to document the improvements in operations and be able to communicate them to regulators and the general public. Keywords: us government, management practice, combustion source, exploration, epa, information, api, survey form, characterization, response rate Subjects: Environment, Air emissions, Waste management This content is only available via PDF. 1997. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.