Environmental Management Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Activities

centration/Predicted No Effect Concentration) method of the CHARM model used in the North Sea. A risk study on unplanned chemical spills from accidents was performed. The study included estimation of the frequency of pollution incidents for in total 16 spill scenarios. The method used was based on the HAZOP technique and was, as far as we know, the first study of its type. Environmental management system (EMS) Based on the findings of the environmental review, legal requirements and company policies COWI assisted the company in developing an EMS including procedures for identification and minimisation of environmental impacts and ensure legal compliance as well as preventive and corrective procedures for environmental accidents. After the system had been well implemented in the company it was certified by a third-party according to the international EMS standard ISO 14001. The EMS was integrated with the companys existing quality management systems and was developed to ensure continuous improvements in the DONGs environmental work in dialog and co-operation with the companys stakeholders. Environmental awareness An important element in the success of environmental management is to ensure a high environmental awareness within all parts of the company. At DONG E&P Well Construction this was among others obtained via developed score-boards for tracking of environmental performance during a project. These scoreboards were published in the company publications and frequently updated.

Photographer: Niels ge Skovbo

Oil and Gas exploration and production has a potential for environmental impacts from emissions to water of chemicals and produced hydrocarbons, atmospheric emissions from energy consumption and generation of waste. Proper environmental management can reduce the extent of the environmental impacts, which are associated to both normal operation and accidents. COWI A/S has extensive experience with environmental management within oil and gas exploration and production activites. An example of a project is: COWI provided resources for the establishment and implementation for an Environmental Management System based on ISO 14001 for the Danish state owned oil and natural gas company, DONG. The scope of the system is environmental management of all on- and offshore well construction activities within the company. Identification and prioritization of environmental impacts The initial environmental management work included a review of all activities performed by DONG E&P Well Construction to identify all environmental aspects and impacts of their activities and prioritizing these. In the prioritization of the possible environmental impacts three business important factors: authority focus, legal aspects and economy were added. Based on this priorization, marine discharges were identified as the impact of highest priority. Evaluation of marine discharges During drilling, specially formulated fluids called muds are used to cool and lubricate the drill bit, control pressure and bring the cuttings back to the surface where muds including added chemicals are often discharged. The impacts on aquatic organisms (plankton, crustacean and fish) were estimated using the PEC/ PNEC (Predicted Environmental Con-

1310 - marts 2011, loj