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LECTURE NOTES

IN
THE WORKSHOP

TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND


PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
AT
REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE ,SIVASAGAR,ONGC
23RD DEC 2009

BY

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

FACULTY: AMIT SRIVASTAVA


Amit Srivastava, has more than two decades of Upstream Oil Industry experience.
He started his career in Bombay High Offshore operations, then deputed in Directorate
General Of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and now he is serving the NE .
Having acquired an international recognition on various aspects of E&P of oil and
gas, specially HSE issues, he trained GNPOC executives, in which ONGC is a partner
company, in Feb 2008 , covering full four courses of 5 working days each. The entire course
module was designed and delivered by him and he was rated as the best ever trainer in the
last eight years of the history of training centre of the GNPOC company.
Acquiring twin Post Graduation degrees one in Mechanical Engineering from
ITBHU in 1986 and other in Energy and Environment Management from IIT Delhi in 2005
he has about 30 technical papers, to his credit, including the one in International Solid Waste
Conference at Philadelphia USA in 2005.
He has been listened to by a wide range of audience within his own organization in
last 15 years, through various training programs being imparted by IPSHEM, Goa and RTIs.
He has also been invited for delivering public lectures at fora like ASSOCHAM (Associated
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi), Institution Of Engineers etc.
He developed HSE related reference manuals for implementation of international
HSE practices in ONGC. While deputed in Directorate General Of Hydrocarbons he had
direct interaction with Ministry Of Environment and Forests of India for diverse E&P issues
like Host Country Approval of CDM projects, Environmental Clearance of E&P blocks and
fields and its monitoring, conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles in the East Coast of India for
deepwater development, and also the emerging issues like Land subsidence on shallow gas
extraction in Gujrat coastal area.
He was associated with endeavors in unconventional energy sources like Gas
Hydrates, CBM and Helium. He has research interests in emerging areas like Carbon geosequestration, bio fuels and the Deepwater Developments.

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

INDEX

UNIT -1 : INTRODUCTION

3 13

UNIT -2 : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT IN


DRILLING OPERATIONS

14- 22

UNIT -3 : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT IN


PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

23 - 35

UNIT- 4 : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT IN


EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

36 - 42

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

UNIT-1 : INTRODUCTION

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Efficiency
Growth

Economic

Intergenerational
equity
Basic need and

Stability

Valuation and
internalization
Incidence of impacts

livelihood
Empowerment
Consultation
Governance

Social

Sustainable
Development
Intergenerational equity
Values and culture
Sustainable Development.:

Biodiversity
Natural resources
Pollution
Environmental

Sustainable development is the Development that meets the need of the present without
compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs
The concept of sustainable development allows us, as a society, to conduct a debate
and take decisions in recognition of what future generations may require and expect. This
debate, often based on value based judgements, allows us to weigh social, environmental and
economic benefits of any given course of action against the detriments.
Good stewardship of our countrys natural resources is an essential national goal. The
whole oil and gas industry and government have a responsibility to make sure that the nation
achieves the maximum benefit from its oil and gas reserves.

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

PROVISIONS IN INDIAN CONSTITUTION FOR SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT


PROTECTION:
Modern society is dependent on oil and natural gas, and will remain so for decades to
come. Finding and producing oil and gas is an industrial process that, inevitably, has an
impact on the environment. The oil and gas industry takes its responsibility towards the
environment very seriously and is working with Government and stakeholders to ensure that
the environmental footprint we leave is as small as possible.
The constitution of India contains specific provisions on Occupational Safety
and Health of workers. The Directorate General Of Mines Safety (DGMS) and the
Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) strive to
achieve the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India in area of occupational safety
and Health in mines, factories and ports.

Oil and gas exploration and production including processing is a risky


business. It is therefore, imperative that like any other business function, HSE also need to be
managed efficiently and effectively.

As safety is a top-driven activity, management commitment is a pre-requisite


for success in achieving goal of zero accident and ensuring that all its business activities are
carried out within the sphere of tolerable risk- As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

HSE codes of practices, better known as Recommended Code of Practices


(RCP) in line with the API-RP-75 and other industry standards such as OISD-GDN-206
with a arrangement system conforming to and certified for ISO management systems is the
current organisational practice worldwide.

India is one of the foremost countries to make environmental protection as the


constitutional commitment of the nation and protection of wild life and quality of water
bodies as the duty of every Indian Citizen. However the developments in science and

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

changes in technology throw up new challenges in environment management by way of


newer regulations by the governments.
In addition to this, Indias commitments in international forum on
environment do add to our responsibility in managing the environmental

impacts of our

operations. A list of applicable statutory norms is being given in Annexure ( Table 1, 2 and 3)
for quick reference.
Upstream petroleum industry includes multifarious activities like exploration, drilling,
exploitation, partial processing, limited storage and finally transportation of crude oil, natural
gas and hence responsible for any type of release of oil/ gas as its products or waste water
treated or untreated which yield ecological imbalance.
The release of unwarranted fluids/gas/or gaseous mixtures call for immediate
response to nullify the impact both under anti pollution act and as moral duty towards the
society.
Environmental damages are anticipated/ created by spillage of oil from leak in
pipeline, manual/ operational failure of machine/equipments, accidental release of oil,
blowouts, wreckage or natural calamity.
The release of oil can be only few barrels or quite substantial running into thousands
tonnes or can be continuous in case of blow out etc. before remedial action is implemented.
These activities anticipate all types of pollution which causes air, water, soil and noise
pollution due to one or other activity affecting human/mankind or working personnel and
flora & fauna of the local area.
In order to regulate the environmental pollution due to oil and gas industry the
Government has been developing regulations as per the internationally leading regulations.
The following are some of the main regulatory clearances / Permits or authorization to be
obtained from the Government Of India for starting E&P activities.

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

1. Environmental Clearance (EC) from Ministry of environment and forest


(MOEF) for all oil and gas exploration, development & production projects (under
category A of Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 as per the notification dated
14th September, 2006) except Exploration surveys(not involving drilling) which are
exempted provided the concession areas have got previous clearance for physical
survey.
2. Consent (NOC)* from State pollution control boards (SPCB)
a) Consent to Establish (Provisional No Objection Certificate)
b) No Objection Certificate, for release of power connection
c) Consent to Operate (Final No Objection Certificate)

Water Consent vide section 25 of the Water (prevention and control


of pollution) act -1974,

Air Consent under section 21 of the Air (prevention and control of


pollution)-1981,

and Hazardous Waste Authorization under Hazardous waste


Authorization Waste management and handling rules 3(C) and 5(5)
of the Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules 1989 and
as amended up to year 2008 from respective state pollution control
board.

3. National Board of Wildlife under MOEF for activity area falling under reserve forest.

Oil field operations are waste intensive with a lot of environmental, safety and human
health impact implications. For ensuring this the following strategic objectives for Health,
Safety and Environment is pursued worldwide by oil companies:

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Health & Safety:
No harm to people, whether they may be employees, contractors or third parties.

Gas Flaring:
Strive towards ultimate elimination of hydrocarbon flaring.
Gas Venting:
Eliminate continuous venting hydrocarbon disposal.
Halons:
Zero losses of halons by gradual elimination/ replacement.
Resources:
Optimise use of resources land, energy and raw materials.
Discharge of waste/ produced water:
Dispose the produce water and effluents compatible with the environment in line with
national regulatory standards and international standards as well.
Drilling muds and cuttings:
Not to use oil based muds except in emergency requirement and dispose off drilling
muds and contaminated cuttings in such a way as not to release contaminants to the
environment.
Solid Wastes:
Control and minimize all other solid wastes and treat and dispose as per international
standards.
Oil and Chemical spills:
Prevent oil and chemical spills and, if they occur, clean them up in timely and
environment friendly manner.

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF UPSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR:


The following are the three major activities of upstream petroleum sector:
1. Exploration activities include:

Geophysical survey (including shot hole drilling) and geophysical operations.


Logging operations including storage & handling of explosives, radio active
material.
Use of explosives for perforation.
Reservoir studies.
Laboratories for chemical and physico chemical analysis.

2. Drilling Activities ( Land drilling operations) comprise of:

Drill site and allied constructions


Rig Movement and Rig Building
Drilling
Decommissioning
Drill site Restoration

3. Production Activities cover the following areas of operations.


The on-shore hydrocarbon production operations are carried out in diverse
topographical conditions like forestland, barren deserts and tea estates etc. Activities
in the course of these operations comprise mainly of

Well commissioning and testing.


Handling facilities (flow pipelines, OCG & GGS): construction and
operation
Well servicing & stimulation.
Work-over Operations.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) systems including water injection, polymer
flooding, in-situ combustion etc.
Storage and dispatch of crude oil to refineries and other end users.
Compression of Natural Gas (for different utility service & supply to
consumers).
Crude oil transportation
Road
Pipeline.

Here, in the next three sections we will touch upon the salient Safety and
environmental issues in the above mentioned major operational areas of activities.

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

Keys to safety are;

1. Safe and healthy working conditions.


2. Safe and proper equipment.
3. Safe storage & transportation of explosives / detonators to the work-site.
4. Safe operating procedures.
5. Proper training.
6. Compliance with safety regulations.
7. Company-wise commitment to safety.
8. Periodic safety audits.

10

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

ANNEXURE
TABLE-1 SAFETY LEGISLATIONS:
1

The Mines Act,1952

Mines Safety

The Mines Rules,1955

The Oil Mines Regulations,1984

Oil Mines safety

Mines Vocational Training Rules,1966

MVT

The Indian Electricity Rules,1956

The Central Electricity Authority Rules,1977

The Central Electricity Authority Regulations,1979

OISD Standards (*)

Explosive Act 1884 along with the explosive rules 1983

10

AERB statutory regulations, the atomic energy act,1962.


Atomic Energy (Safe disposal of radio active wastes)Rules,1987 &
Radiation Protection rules,1971.

Safety in E&P

TABLE-2 Reports and Returns ( Under OMR / OISD ) :


1.

FORM B (Rules 48(3),51and77)

Register for list of employees.

2.

FORM J (Rule 76(1) )

Return of reportable accidents.

3.

FORM K (Rule 76(2) )

Return of minor accidents.

4.

FORM M (Rule 29-D (1) )


examination.

Notice of initial/periodical medical

5.

FORM O (Rule 29-F (2)& Rule 29-L )

Report of medical examination.

6.

FORM U (Rule 29-R & Rule 29-S )

Inspection by Workmens inspector

7.

FORM I (Regulations3 & 6)


name.

Notice of opening,closing or change of

8.

FORM II / FORM III (Regulations 4 and 5 )

Quaterly Return / Annual Return

10.

FORM IV A, B &C (Regulation 7) & OISD 107


person

Notice of accident / occurance/ Injured

14.

FORM VI (Regulation 51)


GGS

Notice of construction of or alteration in a

15.

FORM VIII (Regulation 61)


making any

Permission for laying a new pipe line or


.significant alteration in existing pipe line

16.

Form For Hot Work Permit (Regulation 69)

17.

Cold, hot work/vessel entry/vessel box-up/excavation, Electrical lock out permits (OISD - 105)

11

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

TABLE -3 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION:


01.

The water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974

Water Consent

02.

The water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act 1977.

Water Cess

03.

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981.

Air consent

04.

Environment Protection Act 1986

Air/Water Consent & EIA study

05.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment

06.

Environment Protection Rules 1989.

All Above

07.

Manufacture storage and import of hazardous chemicals Rules 1989.

Hazardous Waste Consent

Act 1988.

rd

Consent to establish & operate.

08.

Environment Protection 3 Amendment Rules 1989

Amb. Air, Noise standards.

09.

Environment Protection 2nd Amendment Rules 1993.

Standards of discharges emissions and


noise.

10.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Amendment

11.

Environment Protection Rules Notification Dtd. 27.1.94.

Environmental Clearance of projects.

12.

Environment Protection Amendment Rules 1993.

Environment Statement.

13.

Environment Protection Rules Notification

National Ambient Air Quality


Standards.

14.

Manufacture, Storage and Import of hazardous chemical Amendment

Safety Audit, On-site / Off-site


emergency plan details and report on
mock drill of on-site plan.

15.

Environment Protection Amendment Rule, 1996.

BOD change, Specifications for MS &


HSD.

16.

Coastal Regulation Zone

CRZ

17.

Emission regulations DG Sets; Stack height.

Stack height

18.

Ambient noise standards.

Noise control and monitoring

19.

The noise pollution (Regulation and Control ) rules 2000

20.

Vehicular exhaust emission standards.

exhaust emission standards

21.

Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.

Hazardous waste movement

22.

Bio-medical waste (M & H) Rules, 1989

Disposal

23.

Lead acid batteries

Disposal and returns

24.

Ambient air quality standards for ammonia

25.

The Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) rules, 2000

26.

The Public Liability Insurance Act 1991.

Act 1991.

Cess rates

Hazardous waste inventorisation, TSDF

12

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

TABLE - 4

OISD has so far published more than 100 standards. For E&P activities, so far the following 20
standards have been prepared and published for Upstream Industry:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Well Control
- OISD-STD-174
Cementing Operations
- OISD-STD-175
Geophysical Operations
- OISD-STD-181
Recommended Safe Procedures & Guidelines for Workover
- OISD-STD-182
and Well stimulation operations
Logging Operations
- OISD-STD-183
Standard on Replacement of Personnel Protective
- OISD-STD-184
Equipment and Life Saving Appliances
Wire Line Operations
- OISD-STD-185
Combined Operations
- OISD-STD-186
Care and Use of Wire Rope
- OISD-STD-187
Corrosion Monitoring of Offshore & Onshore Pipelines
- OISD-STD-188
Standard on Fire Fighting Equipment for Drilling Rigs,
- OISD-STD-189
Work Over Rigs and Production Installations
Derrick Floor Operations
- OISD-STD-190
Oil Field Explosive Safety
- OISD-STD-191
Guidelines for Gas Lift Operations and Maintenance
- OISD-STD-193
Inspection of Drilling and Work-over Rig Mast / Structure - OISD-STD-202
Medical requirements, Emergency evacuation and facilities
- OISD-STD-204
(Upstream)
Crane Operation, Maintenance and Testing
- OISD-STD-205
Guidelines For Safe Rig- Up And Rig- Down Of Drilling
-OISD-GDN-218
And Work- Over Rigs
Guidelines on Field Inspection, Handling and Testing of
-OISD-GDN-219
Casing Pipe & Tubing
Formulation Of Environment Management Plan For
-OISD-GDN-217
Drilling Operations

13

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT


IN
DRILLING OPERATIONS

14

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

Drilling operations are carried out to locate hydrocarbons (Exploratory drilling) to

delineate

a discovered reserve, to develop a reservoir for production, for water injection, for EOR and for
disposal purposes.
The Oil Industry in India is more than 100 years old. Because of various collaboration
agreements, a variety of international codes, standards and practices have been in vogue.
Standardisation in design philosophies and operating and maintenance practices at a national
level was hardly in existence. This coupled with feed back from some serious accidents that
occurred in the recent past in India and abroad, emphasised the need for the industry to review
the existing state of art in designing, operating and maintaining oil and gas installations.
With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986 constituted a
Safety Council assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate(OISD) staffed from within the
industry in formulating and implementing a series of self regulatory measures aimed at removing
obsolescence, standardising and upgrading the existing standards to ensure safe operations.
Accordingly, OISD constituted a number of functional committees of experts nominated from the
industry to draw up standards and guidelines on various subjects.
Applicable OISD standards developed for safety and environment protection are:
1.

Well Control

- OISD-STD-174

2.

Standard on Fire Fighting Equipment for Drilling Rigs, Work


- OISD-STD-189
Over Rigs and Production Installations

3.

Derrick Floor Operations

- OISD-STD-190

4.

Inspection of Drilling and Workover Rig Mast / Structure

- OISD-STD-202

5.

Medical requirements, Emergency evacuation and facilities


- OISD-STD-204
(Upstream)

6.

Crane Operation, Maintenance and Testing

- OISD-STD-205

7.

Guidelines For Safe Rig- Up And Rig- Down Of Drilling And


Work-Over Rigs

-OISD-GDN-218

8.

Guidelines on Field Inspection, Handling and Testing of


Casing Pipe & Tubing

-OISD-GDN-219

9.

Formulation Of Environment Management Plan For Drilling


Operations

-OISD-GDN-217

These standards are meant to be used as supplement and not as a replacement for
existing codes and practices and in no way supercedes the statutory requirements of bodies
like DGMS, CCE or any other Government Body which must be followed as applicable.

15

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

It is hoped that provisions of these standards if implemented objectively, may go a


long way to improve the safety and reduce accidents in Oil and Gas Industry. Users are
cautioned that no standard can be a substitute for the judgement of responsible and
experienced Engineers.
Operational safety is the foremost concern while working on Drilling / work-over rig.
Derrick floor is the center stage of all the operations and it is most susceptible to accidents.
Safety precaution with utmost care is required to be taken as per the prevailing regulation and
practice so that accidents can be avoided. Due to advancement in technology, a number of
equipment have been developed over a period to cater the need of smooth operation on
derrick floor. Various standards are required to be referred to cover the variety of equipment
used for safe operation in oil industry and became cumbersome at times to refer for each
equipment.

Safety plays an important role in all the operations involved in drilling a well. Given
below are some of the critical operations / stages which need to be focussed upon for safe and
efficient completion of a healthy well, which are:
i.Prior to spudding of the well
ii.During drilling operations
iii.After drilling
iv.Before round trip
v.During round trip
vi.Before lowering casing
vii.During lowering of casing
viii.Prior to DST operation
ix.After DST operating
x.during logging
xi.During wire line operation
xii.During fishing
xiii.During casing

16

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

xiv.During production testing


xv.Preparation for cementation
xvi.During cementation
.

Drill Cuttings Discharges A major environmental Impact during drilling


In the same way that sawdust is produced when a hole is drilled in wood by a
domestic drill, small pieces of rock called cuttings are created when a well is drilled
through rock to reach an oil or gas reservoir. These cuttings vary in size and texture, ranging
from fine sand to gravel, depending on the type of rock being drilled and the type of drill
being used. To prevent the well being clogged, the cuttings are carried back to the surface by
a special fluid which is pumped down the well to keep it clean and also to lubricate the drill
bit and to control pressure within the well. This fluid is known as mud.
On the drilling rig the cuttings are separated from the mud; the mud is recycled to be
used again and the cuttings are either; discharged by disposal in the pit, re-injected into a well
or taken for treatment and disposal. The choice of disposal route depends on the type of
drilling

mud

being

used

and

the

location

of

the

well.

One of the most effective drilling fluids is oil based mud (OBM). Although most of
the OBM is removed from cuttings on the rig, some adheres to the cuttings and is discharged.
OBM coated cuttings are sticky and do not disperse readily when discharged, resulting in
accumulations of cuttings and OBM beneath installations.
When the environmental implications of this discharge became apparent regulations
effectively banned the discharge of OBM. Although some of the WBM is discharged with
cuttings it readily disperses and has not been shown to have a significant environmental
impact

and

hence

are

recommended

and

used

in

the

drilling

operations.

A. DRILL SITE AND ALLIED CONSTRUCTIONS


Recommended Environmental Protection Practice

17

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

Land:
i)
ii)

iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)

Top soil of the site should be stocked for site reclamation and restoration after the
cessation of the drilling operations
Skid mounted tanks of adequate capacity should be provided in place of earthen
pits so as to minimize the impact on land due to the construction of the earthen
pits
Provision should be made to store the drill cuttings at a suitable place within the
drill site area for drying and transit storage prior to its disposal.
The approach road should be laid through barren lands wherever possible even if
it results in laying of relatively lengthy ones.
Acquisition of land for the construction of the approach roads should be on basis
of the minimum requirement.
Soil and other earthen material required for the construction of the roads etc.
should be fetched from barren lands.
To resort to cluster drilling practices wherever applicable for minimizing the
requirement of land for drilling operations.
Criteria for site assessment / selection / construction processes (viz. Public safety,
Size, Topography, Soil, Surface water, Ground water, Wild life, Vegetation,
Cultural and historical sources and Site selection

Water Sources :
i)

ii)

iii)

Water of ponds/ streams to be used wherever possible. If water from local bore
well is to be extracted, the rate of extraction should always be kept below the safer
yield level.
To maintain the wholesomeness of the quality of ground / surface water sources ,
a peripheral ring bund of compacted clay should be provided in every drill site so
as to control / prevent spillage and seepage of effluents
Health, hygiene and sanitation facilities at drill sites / drill site accommodation
areas should be maintained as per the existing standards on the subject.
Air quality:

i)

ii)
iii)

All vehicles and construction equipment with internal combustion engines should
be maintained for efficient combustion to reduce vehicle emissions in order to
comply with the standards of CPCB.
Water should be sprayed adequately during dust generating construction activities
for dust suppression.
Asbestos should not be used for any kind of construction activity.
Noise:

I)

Vehicles and construction equipment with internal combustion engines should be


provided with proper silencers and mufflers in order to reduce noise levels.

18

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

II)

Ensure the use of protective noise gear by all the employees working near the
areas which produce abnormal noise levels.

RIG MOVEMENT AND RIG BUILDING:

Recommended Environmental Protection Practices:


i)

ii)

iii)
iv)

v)
vi)

Before moving equipment to the location, all the machinery should be inspected
and plugged, drained or otherwise secured to ensure that fluids do not leak during
transport.
While moving in transporters should place draw works , engines and other
equipment in a level position on the drilling location to ensure that no fluids leak
while waiting to set the equipment in place
Liquids such as excess fuels, paints and thinners should be returned to the vendor
and to ensure that no leaks occur during transport.
All vehicles and with internal combustion engines should be maintained for
efficient combustion to reduce vehicle emissions in order to comply with the
standards of CPCB.
Vehicles and other rig movement equipment should be provided with proper
silencers and mufflers in order to reduce the noise levels.
Ensure the use of protective noise gear by all the employees working near the
areas which produce abnormal noise levels.

DRILLING:
Recommended Environmental Protection Practices:
Land:
Leakage of drilling fluids should be avoided by resorting to the use of mud saving
devices such as pipe wipers, Kelly mud saver, drip pans etc.
ii)
To use eco-friendly drilling fluid systems consisting of bio- degradable additives
and chrome free dispersants wherever possible. However, if chrome based
additives are used, it should be ensured that the concentration of chrome does not
exceed the regulatory limits and a proper test report / record should be maintained
iii)
The disposal of the drilling fluid / drill cuttings should be in accordance with the
MOEF notification no. 141 dated April 3rd 1996, at S. No. 72.
iv)
All the left over chemicals and other materials should be properly refilled and
transported to the next location.
i)

Water resources:

i)

Fresh water requirements should be minimized by taking following measures.


Re use the water/mud collected from the periodic cleaning of cellar pit for drilling
fluid preparation.

19

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

ii)
iii)
iv)

Use water under high pressure for cleaning of rig floor, mud pits, mud channel
etc. and use wiper for cleaning of the drill string.
No waste should be discharged outside the drill site premises.
The waste water generated should be recycled for making up drilling fluid
volumes, washing of shale shaker screens, drill string and rig floor etc.
Air Quality:

ii)
iii)

iv)

v)

Measures for vehicles and equipment with internal combustion engines as


mentioned in construction phase should be followed in drilling phase also.
Ambient air quality monitoring for SPM, NOx, SO2 and HC should be carried out
at intervals as per NAAQ standards and its periodicity should be as per the
guidelines of the respective SPCB. Exposure of working personnel in the
operational area to various toxic gaseous emissions should be as per the OISD
occupational health standards 166.
Fugitive emission of toxic gases like H2S should be minimized by taking
appropriate design measures for early detection, control and proper operational
practices for which workers should be trained wherever applicable.
During production testing produced gas should not be cold vented.
A. Noise:

i)
ii)

Ambient noise levels should be maintained as per the MOEF notification no. 92 ,
dated Feb.14, 2000 on the noise pollution (Regulation and Control) rules, 2000.
Exposure of personnel to abnormal noise levels in the operational areas should be
as per the OISD occupational health standards 166.
B. Waste:
The following are the types of the wastes.
Drilling fluid and solids
Cement returns
Salt water
Oil
Formation cuttings (such as shale, lime, salt or dolomite)
Empty containers, bags and oil filters.
Recommended Environmental Protection Practice:

i)

ii)
iii)

Water contacting the drill site from nature and well site activities be diverted to
the designated segment of waste tank. This can be used for other activities with or
without treatment.
Drilling fluid system should be designed to minimize drilled solid degradation.
The solid control equipment should function efficiently so that more undesired
solids and minimum liquids are removed from the drilling fluids. This will result
in less liquid waste and more solid waste which can be handled easily.

20

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

iv)
v)
vi)
vii)

Use of drip pans beneath rig floor with flexible hoses draining to cellar pit can
avoid dirty water and mud dripping on the rig sub-structure and location.
Usage of automatic shut of nozzles on all hoses on rig floor and wash down racks
should be adhered to minimize wastage of water.
Scrutinise the drilling fluid additives for their toxicity before they are applied in
the mud system.
Review the specifications of mud additives wherever necessary so as to ensure the
use of only environmentally sound products in drilling operations.

DECOMMISSIONING:
Environmental aspects are the disposal of various chemicals and all types of wastes.
Recommended Environmental Protection Practice:
i)

ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

Removal or disposal of all material from drilling location such as chemical


products, construction material, pallets and other wastes is the joint responsibility
of the operator, drilling contractor and the service personnel. The operator has the
final accountability for the condition of the decommissioned site.
All chemical drums or sacks should be properly labeled as to the contents
including any safety or transportation warning labels.
Empty drums should be disposed off or returned to the vendor or sent to the
cooperage companies that clean and re-cycle the drums.
Used drilling fluids and cuttings should be disposed in accordance with MOEF
notification no. 141 dated April 3rd 1996, at S. No. 72.
Drilling fluids should be transported and re-used at other locations. Drilling fluids
should be disposed off by annular injection or naturally or facilitated evaporation
or burial or land spreading or permitted discharge. The solids remaining after
dewatering the pit needs to be disposed off through burial or trenching, land
farming, land spreading, and offsite disposal at an approved facility.

RESTORATION:
Environmental aspect is mainly land.
Recommended Environmental Protection Practice:
i)
Any soil contaminated by operations should be remedied as necessary. The type,
location and extent of contamination and remediation / restoration should be
documented and maintained in the well records.
ii)
Ditches, dikes and containment walls should be leveled. Top- soil, whether stock
piled at the site or hauled to the location, should be spread as part of the final
contouring. A productive top soil is necessary for replanting.
iii)
Reseeding and replanting of the location should be done with plants and grasses
native to the area.

21

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

iv)
v)
vi)

Upon completion of the location restoration, a program of soil sampling /visual


inspection and record keeping should be established.
If a water supply well is used and abandoned it should be plugged in accordance
with applicable regulations.
In case of a dry well, proper abandonment practices should be followed and a
record be maintained.

22

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT

IN

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

23

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

Major Safety related standards for production operations are:

1 . Recommended Safe Procedures & Guidelines for Work-over


and Well stimulation operations
2. Standard on Replacement of Personnel Protective Equipment
and Life Saving Appliances
3. Combined Operations
4. Corrosion Monitoring of Offshore & Onshore Pipelines
5. Standard on Fire Fighting Equipment for Drilling Rigs, Work
Over Rigs and Production Installations
6. Guidelines for Gas Lift Operations and Maintenance
7 . Medical requirements, Emergency evacuation and facilities
(Upstream)

- OISD-STD-182
- OISD-STD-184
- OISD-STD-186
- OISD-STD-188
- OISD-STD-189
- OISD-STD-193
- OISD-STD-204

Fire A Major Safety Hazard :


In the upstream petroleum industry companies are engaged in exploration and
development of oilfields as well as production of crude oil and gas. It has been observed that
most of the activities like drilling operation, setting up of GGS/OCS, GCP/GCS etc. are
carried out initially at remote areas away from the thickly populated locality.

However, once the field is established, it has been observed that the area gets
surrounded by population and small industries. These causes hazards to the oilfield
installations as well as to surrounding residents.

For the protection of the costly equipment and the safety of the surrounding areas, it is
important to install necessary in-built fire protection arrangement in the installations. It would
be highly costly affair to build systems to control oil well blowout fire or any catastrophic fire
situation at each drill site. While making the system, due consideration should be given to
the availability of nearby city as well as industrial fire services.
It may not be possible to build/incorporate all these fire fighting systems in the
existing oilfield installations which are already approved by the respective statutory authority

24

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

long back. However, it is desirable to incorporate certain fire fighting system in these old
installations as and where practicable and acceptable to the management. Activities
involved in exploration and production of crude oil are extremely risky and may cause
considerable financial burden for the industry if any fire / exploration occurred in a drilling or
any other installation. Hence, emphasis should be given to design minimum fire protection
facilities at various drilling and other production installations, so that in case of fire, it can be
Extinguished at its incipient stage to minimise the loss of life and property and also to prevent
further spread of fire.
Petroleum depots and terminals are generally located in the remote areas and near
railway sidings. However, the experience shows that with the passage of time, these get
surrounded by residential/industrial installations. The inventory of flammable materials
stored therein necessitates inbuilt fire protection facilities.
It can be impractical and prohibitively costly to design fire protection facilities to
control catastrophic fires. The usual requirement of a good system is to prevent emergencies
from developing into major threat to the oil installation and surroundings.

SOME STANDARD DEFINITIONS( source OISD standard):

DRILLING RIG

Drilling Rig is a compact unit including derrick structure, power generating unit for
running the draw-works, mud preparation unit and all other necessary equipment for carrying
out drilling operation of the earths surface by mechanical means to reach down to the oil
bearing zones below the ground for exploration and development of oil and gas field.

WORKOVER RIG

Work-over Rig is a compact mobile unit along with some other external equipment
for mud preparation and power generation etc. The whole unit is mainly required for oil/gas

25

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

well servicing by performing variety of remedial operation on an oil/gas well as per the
technical requirement with the intention of restoring or increasing production.

GROUP GATHERING STATION/OIL COLLECTING STATION

It is a production installation where production from number of wells are collected


together for treating and separating oil, water & gas for further despatch to central tank farm.

GAS COMPRESSION PLANT/GAS COMPRESSOR STATION

It is an installation where gases are collected from GGS/OCS and are compressed to
different pressures for transportation..

EARLY PRODUCTION SET UP (EPS)

It is a production installation similar to GGS or OCS in nature; however, very small in


capacity. This type of set up is generally installed
at a very early stage of development of any oilfield area when the number of wells are limited
and their total production is also very less.
QUICK PRODUCTION SET UP (QPS)/ Well Head Installation(WHI)
It is a production installation, generally set up in case of extremely new oildfield area
and its capacity is further smaller compared to any EPS.

26

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

Produced Water Major Environmental Impact during Production:


Water is present in some form in the majority of reservoirs before oil production takes
place. In the most common sort of reservoir, oil accumulates above large volumes of water.
This water is known as an aquifer, and the reservoir is a water-drive reservoir.

Produced water is therefore a by-product of oil production. New fields generally have
a very small fraction of water produced with the oil extracted. The ratio of water present to
total production is referred to as the water cut. As fields mature and the hydrocarbon
reservoir is produced, the level of oil in a reservoir is depleted. The water beneath the oil
therefore moves higher within the reservoir, and so more water is produced with the oil.
Consequently, in older fields, where the water cut is high, produced water can account for up
to 95% of the fluids produced.
Indeed, in many older fields produced water re-injection (PWRI) is used whereby
pressure in the reservoir is increased by pumping produced water back in; thus making
extraction

of

remaining

oil

reserves

all

the

more

easier.

There are strict limits to the concentration of oil that is allowed to be discharged in
produced water. The removal of oil from water can therefore involve many stages to
adequately reduce the oil content before the water is discharged overboard.
Produced water contains a mixture of inorganic and organic components derived from
the reservoir rocks and hydrocarbons, together with a range of chemicals which are added to
improve

production

and

to

assist

the

separation

of

oil

from

the

water.

Many installations / fields on the land are now in their mature phase and produce
significantly more water than hydrocarbons. With a favourable oil price, wells that are
producing 95% water can still remain commercially viable. It is technically challenging and
in most cases simply not feasible, to reduce the quantity of water being produced from a
27

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

reservoir. Mitigation options are, therefore, end of pipe and include removal of hazardous
components prior to discharge, or re-injection back into subsurface strata.

Any treatment of hazardous components must be a continuous process. Currently


available treatment technologies are aimed at reducing the oil content of produced water
discharges.

Despite a lack of evidence of harm from this small amount of oil, strategies are
driving the operating companies worldwide towards the re-injection of produced water in
order to meet oil in water reduction targets.
Re-injection can either be back into the hydrocarbon reservoir or into a specially
drilled disposal well. Not all reservoirs are able to take re-injected water and in those that can,
there may be a need to filter the produced water prior to re-injection to prevent blocking of
the reservoir rock. This may result in a secondary waste stream in the form of contaminated
filter material. Re-injection is an energy intensive process with significant CO2 emissions
which must be accounted for in the Emissions Reporting Scheme.
Emissions to Air A global concern:
There is overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity is the primary force
driving climate change. The UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), made

28

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

up of more than 1200 scientists from more than 130 countries have agreed that man-made
greenhouse gas emissions have, with more than 90% certainty, caused most of the overall
increase in global average temperatures since the mid 20th century. Their work was peer
reviewed by around 2500 climate experts.
Atmospheric emissions are an unavoidable by-product of our activities; any process
requiring fuel will generate emissions through the process of combustion. The principal gas
that raises concern is CO2 to which climate change has been attributed.
Air Emissions sources include gas, fuel and diesel consumption, flaring and venting,
and fugitive emissions. By far the largest amount of CO2 comes from gas, fuel and diesel
consumption; that is, from the processes involved in running an offshore installation.

Gas flaring also accounts for a relatively high amount of emissions from an
installation. The principal purpose of flaring is for safety flare stacks are used for burning
off unusable waste or flammable gases that are released by pressure relief valves during
unplanned over-pressuring of plant equipment. A much smaller contribution to overall
emissions comes from fugitive emissions, which are those not caught by processes.

Realising the importance of reducing the amount of potentially harmful gases from
emissions, significant work has been undertaken to assess the feasibility of schemes such as
carbon capture and storage (CCS) which could effectively store away carbon in depleted oil
and gas reservoirs and subsea aquifers.

Such technologies will require significant

development, funding, changes to legislative regimes and environmental assessments before


they can be used, but they may form part of our solution base for the future challenges that
industry may face.

Environmental Aspects and the preventive / protective measures during some of the
production activity is explained below:

Operation of OCS/GGS : Environmental Aspects


(i)

Discharge & spillage of hydrocarbons.


29

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

(ii)

Accidental release of hydrocarbons.

(iii)

Flaring of gas.

(iv)

Disposal of formation water.

Recommended Practice

(i)

In case of leak, spillage or uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons, emergency


response planning & execution should be fully complied as per the EMP.

(ii)

Produced water disposal and injection facilities should be planned, constructed &
operated in a scientific manner. For saline & corrosive produced water, special
care is to be taken. This should be done as per applicable CPCB/PCB guidelines.

(iii)

Produced water should be disposed only after required treatment & applicable
laws as per guidelines.

(iv)

Monitoring of ground water & surface water should be done monthly. Ground
water monitoring tube wells at an angle of 1200 and not more than 100 m. away
from the disposal well should be provided.

(v)

The parameters to be monitored should be specified before commissioning of the


installation.

(vi)

Solid waste disposal should be done in accordance with the Hazardous Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 1989, Hazardous Waste (Management and
Handling) Amendment Rules, 2000, No.13, January 6, 2000 of MOEF and
subsequent amendments thereof.

(vii)

Construction of flaring pit and manifold should be as per Oil Mines Regulation
(OMR) 84. Flaring operations should be done in accordance with Oil Drilling and
Gas Extraction Industry Standards Sl.No.72 of 3rd April, 1996 No.141. The light
and heat radiation should preferably meet USEPA / OSHA Standards.

30

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

STORAGE & DISPATCH OF CRUDE OIL TO REFINERIES


Environmental Aspects are Leakage and spillage of crude oil.

Recommended Practice
(i)

Spill Prevention Control & Counter Measure (SPCC) plan to be made.

(ii)

Spill potential to be determined.

(iii)

Contingency & shutdown plans to be made to cope up with disasters.

(iv)

Spill control & containment should be considered at the design & construction
stage itself as per the applicable law.

(v)

Adequate spill control & containment equipment to be kept in readiness.

(vi)

Cleanup procedure should be developed & included in the emergency


management plan.

(vii)

Mock drill to be carried out.

(viii) Training especially for spill control to be imparted to operating personnel.


(ix)

Prevention control, containment & cleanup procedures should be revised &


updated to make them more effective for future response.

COMPRESSION OF NATURAL GAS


Environmental Aspect is noise

Recommended Practice
(i)

Noise survey should be done in installations to obtain baseline information.

(ii)

Noise control at source should be done as under


(a) Noise dampeners in the compressors to be provided.
(b) Compressors to be provided with better engineered noise control
equipment.
(c) Proper & schedule maintenance of engines & other machines will reduce
noise at source.

(iii)

The noise barrier walls with double layer at an acoustic air gap of 0.5m will
help reduction of noise level at receiving end.

(iv)

Work persons should be provided with user-friendly ear plug/muffs.

31

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

(v)

The ambient noise level and work place noise level should meet the
requirement of noise level standards Noise Pollution (Control and Reuglation)
Rule, 2000, No.92, February 14, 2000, MOEF and subsequent amendments
thereof, OISD Standards on Occupational Health No.166 respectively.

CRUDE OIL TRANSPORTATION


Crude oil transportation involves transportation of produced crude oil by pipeline or
bowsers

Environmental Aspects are Leakage and spillage at loading/offloading points,


dispatch/receiving ends an enr-oute accidentally or otherwise.

Inland spill are normally, with few exceptions, small (at least initially). Unfortunately,
if they occur below ground where they are not visible, things may get out of hand before the
situations is realized. By their very nature inland spills can cause great exposure risks to the
responders and to the public. For example there may be :
Fire risks
Explosion risk
Drinking water risk
Traffic accidents
Therefore safety is of utmost importance.

Typical sources of inland oil spills

Storage tanks: Surface and sub surface

Transport accidents

Contaminated washings discharged in drainage

During oil transfer operations

Leaking/ damaged pipelines

32

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

Major concerns of inland spills

Safety:
There is much more potential for the public to be at risk during an inland oil spill. In
all events intrinsically safe equipment must be used. Smoking must be prohibited in
the area of spill and possibly even lighters be confisticated

Water:
If possible contamination of water for drinking must be avoided. Water supplies for
irrigation, sewage plant and livestock should be protected.. The most difficult situation
arises when oil spill cause ground water contamination.

Ecological:
Oil getting into rivers, streams and lakes can cause damage to freshwater life. Oil spill
onto soil will kill vegetation and soil animals in the area affected.

Economic:
Industry, agriculture, property, tourism and fish farming are all examples of business
which could be affected by an inland oil spill. Amenity, traffic, school, hospitals and
recreation could suffer. Oil is all around us in urban areas, whether in storage tanks,
pipelines or roads tankers. A oil spill can disrupt many activities.

Strategies for clean up

Impermeable surface:

A spill on an impermeable surface will spread quickly and collect in pools. It will
spread according to the oil type, amount of oil and ambient temperature. Light volatile
oils will evaporate rapidly and extreme caution must be used. If explosion risk is small,
then it will be a lot easier to recover oil if it is contained and concentrated. Steps
required to be taken

33

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

1) All escapes must be blocked, such as drains, cable- ducts and pipelines.
2) Football bladders and absorbent pillow are useful for this, and a plastic bag full
of water can effectively seal a drain cover.
3) Recover the oil by use of positive displacement pumps, gully suckers and
absorbents.
4) Skip and drums may be used for temporary storage if there I no explosion risk
5) Great care should be taken using vacuum pump, like gully suckers, since it is
quite possible for the vacuum pressure to initiate the explosion of a volatile oil

Permeable soil:

Oil will only penetrate porous soils under the influence of gravity and gravity and
capillary action. Its pattern of descent will depend on the amount spilt, oil type,
weather, retention capacity of the soil and depth of the water table. As the oil sinks into
soil, it may encounter different layer of soil. The permeability of these different layers
will affect the way the oil spreads. A light oil spilt onto coarse gravel will percolate
downwards very quickly without spreading very far. On sand its progress would be
slower and the oil would spread sideways. If the oil is very thick then obviously it will
tend to spread out more and sink very slowly. This could also result from very cold soil
temperatures, which would make the oil more viscous. But the only sure way of
stopping it sinking anymore is by having an impermeable layer.

Disposal of oiled soil

If pollution has stopped short of ground water contamination, it is required to be


disposed off, but this is not an easy task. There are two main methods

Reclamation:

34

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

This is often known as land farming. The oiled soil is aerated by tilling the land as
often a possible, especially during warm weather. This allows air to get to the oil so
that the bacteria can break it down more quickly. Tilling and mixing also helps to
dilutr the oil by breaking up large pockets of oil and enhancing the biodegradation. It
can also help if further is added to the oiled soil. Insitu reclamation techniques should
never be used if there is a threat of ground water contamination.

Excavation:

When there is a chance of groundwater contamination the oiled soil needs to be


removed as quickly as possible. It is required to check plans and carry out a survey for
the presence of cables, pipes and other underground structures. Only the soil that is
visibly oiled should be removed, and be particularly careful not to dig into any
impermeable layers or oil may pass on down to the groundwater. The recovered soil
can be dumped in government authorized landfills or can be bio-remediated.
Incineration can also be used provided sufficient liquid waste is extracted from the
soil.

35

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT


IN
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

36

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

On Land Exploration activities in upstream of hydrocarbon industry primarily involve


Geophysical Survey, Logging, perforation reservoir studies and allied operations.
The applicable OISD standards for safety during exploratory activities are listed below:
1.

Geophysical Operations

- OISD-STD-181

2.

Logging Operations

- OISD-STD-183

3.

Standard on Replacement of Personnel Protective


Equipment and Life Saving Appliances

- OISD-STD-184

4.

Oil Field Explosive Safety

- OISD-STD-191

Explosives A Major Safety Hazard In Oil and Gas Exploration


Wireline well logging and on-land seismic operations involve handling and
use of various kinds of explosive materials at bases and in the field on regular basis. In
well logging operations these explosives are used inside a well bore specifically drilled
for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons to establish communication between
subsurface hydrocarbon bearing formation and the cased and cemented bore hole, take
side wall core samples and some other allied jobs. In seismic operations these explosives
are used to generate artificial elastic vibrations which travel across sub surface in the
form of seismic waves.

Explosives are used in seismic operations as an energy source to

generate

artificial vibrations in earth. The most commonly used explosives are SG-80 (Special
Gelatine) sticks, CPT (Couplable Plastic Tubes) and electric detonators. Electrically fired
detonator initiates explosion in main explosive like SG-80 etc which loaded in shot holes
to create seismic elastic waves into the earth formations. Majority of explosives used in
Well Logging operations are in the form of encapsulated shaped charges, electric
detonators and prima cord. Electrically fired detonator initiates explosion in prima cord,
which contains powdered secondary high explosive like RDX. The prima cord runs
behind all the shaped charges touching its most sensitive booster portion and transfers
energy to these charges which finally explode to create high temperature and pressure.
The metallic liner inside the charge melts under high temperature and pressure conditions

37

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

to form a jet which penetrates through steel casing, cement sheath and into the rock to
establish communication between the hydrocarbon bearing formation and the bore hole.
Besides this, explosives are also used in some other configurations for specific jobs like
pipe cutting, string shot, bridge plug setting etc

All explosive materials are hazardous and must be handled and used with
utmost care. It is the responsibility of all personnel who handle explosive materials to
know and follow recommended safety practices. This responsibility includes necessity of
being familiar with observing international, national and local rules and regulations
governing explosive materials.

In India use of explosives in oil industry is governed by Chief Controller of


Explosives, Nagpur and overall activity by Director General Mines Safety, Dhanbad.

Noise A major safety and environmental hazard in E&P:


Noise is a highly emotive issue as it affects cetaceans (large marine mammals,
such as whales, dolphins and porpoises). Although it is an area where the overall
impacts are difficult to quantify, oil and gas industry is taking steps to minimise any
possible impacts. This is particularly true prior to any acoustic, geological or seismic
surveying

in

the

initial

exploration.

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY:
A.

Drilling of shot points / Holes & Shooting:

Environmental aspects are consumption of resources (water and energy), generation


of effluent and cuttings, generation of emissions including noise.
Recommended Practice:

38

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

(i) Prior to undertaking any exploration activity such as survey shot hole drilling it
should have forest clearance from concerned appropriate authority.
(ii) Ensure that the report of the area under survey is in place. Location of shot hole
points should be decided in consultation with designated environment officer
(duly identified / notified by project head) on the basis of report.
(iii)Critical environmental aspects of report should be conveyed to designated
personnel for strict compliance. In case of surveys through contractual services it
is to ensure that the contractor should comply the operators guidelines on the
subject.
(iv) Unauthorized movement of the people should not be allowed within 15 mtrs of
operating area.
(v) Shot hole points should be reclaimed after cessation of the operation.

B.

Generators:

Environmental aspects are air born pollutants including noise.


Recommended Practice
(i)
(ii)

Generators should meet the existing standards as notified by statutory


agencies.
Used up batteries should be sent for recycling or disposal at identified
place in accordance with the laid down procedure.

C.
Shooting:
Environmental aspects are air born pollutants including noise and human health.
Recommended Practice
(i) No blasting operation should be carried out between the hours of sunset and
sunrise.
(ii) Before commencing shooting adequate warning to public should be given by an
efficient system of signals like putting up red flags in the danger zone i.e. 55
meters from the place of blasting. It should be ensured that persons and wild
animals in the vicinity are properly in safe zone.
(iii)If shots are being fired in the vicinity of public places and human settlement
adequate precautions should be taken to prevent impact on public & properties.
(iv) Explosives should not be shot under live electric lines.
(v) Shooting operations should be suspended if there is any possibility of lightning in
the cloudy weather.
(vi) All the loading crew should wear cotton clothes to avoid static discharge which
may lead to accidental blast.In case of misfire, the re-loading of the misfired hole
should be done according to the explosive rules 1983.
(vii) The distance between the shot hold and places where explosive is kept on the
ground for stemming should be at least 55 meters.

39

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

(viii) Instrument should be 55 meters away from the shot hold and in a direction
opposition to the place where the explosive is kept for stemming.
General Guidelines
(i) Electrical fitting and utilities should be secured in the manner so as not to pose
any danger of electrocution to the wild animals.
(ii) Hazardous waste (discarded explosives, lubricants, chemicals etc.) should not be
dumped as such as it may pose threat to fauna and flora of the surroundings. These
wastes should be disposed at an identified place.
(iii) For constructing camp site and survey sites, felling of trees should be avoided. In
case of felling of trees is essential for constructing survey sites, compensatory
aforestation should be undertaken.
(iv) Underground and above ground utilities should be avoided while carrying out
survey operations.
(v) Any natural system like grasslands, mangroves, water body etc. around the area of
activities of geophysical survey should not be contaminated with any effluent and
waster generated during operational activities.
(vi) Wildlife, habitats and biosphere reserves should be protected from the geophysical
survey activities as per guidelines laid down in EIA 1994 notification and
subsequent modification thereof.
(vii) During land survey operations before entering into thick forest area a din of
sound from drum should be made to drive away the wild animals.
(viii) Two tier communication system should be in place.
(ix) Standards on health and sanitation should be followed as per prevalent Indian
Standards.
D. WELL LOGGING
Environmental aspects are spillage of hydrocarbon and drilling fluid, radioactive
emissions, human health.
Recommended Practice
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(v)

The well should be filled properly with well conditioned mud so as to


overbalance the bottom hole pressure in conformity with Geo-technical order.
No production logging job should be undertaken under conditions of storm,
lightning and thunder.
No leakage should be permitted through wire line BOP while carrying out
production logging operations.
Prior to use of any radioactive source for well logging, permission should be
obtained from the Director, Division of Radiological protection, Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai for storage and use of radioactive
material.
Regulations / Guidelines of AERB/BARC should be strictly complied with.

40

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

(vi)

The seal of radioactive sources should withstand test of temperature, external


pressure, impact, vibration and puncture. For test requirements of standards
laid down in AFRB/SS-3 1990 or IS-2919 (1980) should be followed.
(vii) In case of loss radioactive source in the well bore, frequent checks for
radioactive contamination of the surrounding should be made during fishing
operations. Further if emission level is found above the permissible limit,
BARC Guidelines should be followed for mitigation.
(viii) If the radioactive source is not retrieved, it should be immobilized and sealed
in place with cement plug. Height or length of cement plug should be in
accordance with stipulated standard.
E. USE OF EXPLOSIVES FOR WELL PERFORATION:
Environmental aspects are noise, spillage of hydrocarbon and subdue fluid and fire.
Recommended Practice
(i)

In case of casing gun perforation a double ram i.e. a set of blind and pipe
rams, preventer should be installed and tested to the expected bottom hole
pressure.
(ii)
When perforation is being done through the tubing a wire line blowout
preventor should also be installed so that in case of a kick, the well can be
closed with the perforation wireline tool in the hole.
(iii) Storage and handling of explosives at well site should be done in accordance
with Indian Explosive Rule 1983 and local rules if any.
(iv)
Before use of explosives all the sources of stray electrical energy namely
cathodic system, electrical welding, radio frequency energy, stray voltage, rig
wiring etc. should be de-energized.
(v)
Any mechanical impact or interference on explosive components should be
avoided.
(vi)
Discarded and faulty explosives should not be thrown and to be disposed of at
an identified place.
(vii) The holes, loaded with explosives should not be left unattended till the
blasting is completed.
(viii) Transportation of explosives should be done in accordance with Indian
Explosives Rules 1983.
(ix)
Location of magazine for storing the explosives should be chosen as per the
guidelines laid in Indian Explosives Rules 1984.

41

LECTURE NOTES BY AMIT SRIVASTAVA


SE(P) ONGC , SIVASAGAR, ASSAM
WORKSHOP ON TECHNOLOGY IMPERATIVES FOR EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF OIL AND GAS
TOPIC : SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN UPSTREAM

F. RESERVOIR STUDIES:
Environmental aspects are leakage of hydrocarbon and fire.

Recommended Practice
(i)
(ii)

An area within 30 meters of the well should be treated as danger zone and no
smoking or open flame be permitted within the danger zone.
All electrical equipment within the danger zone should be de-energized.

G. LABORATORIES:
Environmental aspects are draining of tested and left over hydrocarbon and other
samples, chemical fumes, waste chemicals and containers, fire and explosion.
Recommended Practice
(i)

Left over crude oil samples and tested samples should be collected in container
and be disposed in identified oil sumps.
(ii)
Other used chemicals should be collected in a separate container and not to be
drained in the sink of laboratory.
(iii) Electrical lights and fittings by hydrocarbon chemical laboratory should be flame
proof.
(iv)
Laboratory should be properly ventilated.
(v)
Safety data sheet of chemicals being used in laboratory should be kept readily
available.
(vi)
Effluent from laboratory should not go to storm water channel. Such effluent
should be subjected to effluent treatment plant.
(vii) Before disposing of spent chemicals, these chemicals should be neutralized
suitably. Suitable disposal site should be identified.
(viii) Oxidising chemicals should be stored away from flammable material.
(ix)
Cylinder containing flammable gases and toxic gases should be kept separately
and suitably partitioned by a wall.
(x)
Appropriate protective gears should be used while handling hazardous chemicals.

42

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