Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
EHS&SR
Impact Assessment Recommended Practice
Hess Corporation
Worldwide Exploration and Production
• Four Recommended Practice documents which have an advisory role, providing guidance on how to
satisfy the Key Process document.
Generally, these documents are intended to allow the reader to become an informed buyer of such services
and the documents do not go into all of the detail required to allow such work to be carried out. For readers
who require more detail, the documents provide references to relevant, industry accepted sources. Their
relationship to each other and their individual contents are summarized in the Figure and Table below.
This document details Impact Assessment.
2.0 This document describes industry accepted practices to identify, document and manage
Purpose Environmental and Social impacts during the Exploration, Project Development,
Production Operations and Divestment / Abandonment stages of the Hess Business
Lifecycle.
3.0 This Recommended Practice applies to all Worldwide Exploration & Production
Scope (WWE&P) operations, associated facilities in which Hess is the operator, or has significant
control over operations, as well as other operations as designated by the Vice President of
EHS&SR, WWE&P.
In the non operated context the Hess joint venture representative can use this
Recommended Practice as a guide to determining the appropriateness of the appointed
operator’s risk management methodologies.
4.0 The table below identifies the Content Owner and the Approval Authority.
Governance
The Content Owner is responsible for:
The Approval Authority is the person responsible for approving distribution and
subsequent revisions to this Recommended Practice.
Content Owner Ben Treadgold
Approval Authority Kurt Kriter
5.0 Line Management is responsible for selecting approaches from this Recommended
Responsibilities Practice. Users may include any management level within Hess ranging from SVP through
Project and Operations Managers to Supervisors, including:
6.1 Impact Assessment (IA) is a method of analysis which predicts the likely repercussions of a
IA Introduction
proposed development on the social and physical environment of the surrounding area.
In many of the countries where Hess operates, IA’s are a mandatory statutory requirement
for certain types of developments and/or activities. Different regulatory regimes may have
differing requirements for the content of an IA and the primary aim of each asset will
always be to ensure regulatory compliance. However, even in countries where an IA is not
a regulatory requirement the EHS Risk Management Key Process 01 requires that such an
assessment be carried out. This Recommended Practice summarizes best industry practice
and internationally accepted World Bank and International Association of Impact
Assessors (IAIA) standards (as defined in references 2, 3 & 4 of section 8) for an IA which
should consist of the identification and management of both the social and environmental
effects of any activity during both the construction (short term) and operational phases. All
IA’s should be performed in such a way as to address as much of this best practice as
possible. This assessment should address the potential social effects on local employment,
services and life style as well as the more directly visible effects on the physical
environment, such as noise, air pollution, visual intrusion, land degradation, and
watercourse contamination.
Where an IA is being undertaken to fulfill a statutory requirement, the applicable
regulatory agency should provide an outline of requirements for the completion of the IA,
relevant to the proposed activity. Where applicable in country regulatory requirements
surpass the requirements set out within this Recommended Practice they shall be adopted.
In addition to regulatory requirements, there are a wide range of benefits in carrying out an
IA including:
• To obtain authorizations: An assessment presents the information required by
authorities in a structured way thus assisting the decision making process and
facilitating supplementary permits and approvals
• To engage interested third parties: There may be interest from a wide range of
groups and individuals (stakeholders) in the environmental and social hazards and
impact posed by new activities. An important feature of the assessment is to consult
with those potentially affected. Objections to developments may be resolved if
potential effects, and measures to mitigate them, are presented objectively
• As a design tool: This is the one of the most important applications of impact
assessment. It allows the project team to systematically evaluate the potential social
and environmental problems and issues from a proposed development, exploration or
drilling program. The approach can help to incorporate risk mitigation controls in the
most efficient way, potentially avoiding requirements for last minute design changes or
even more expensive remedial measures
• As a forward planning tool: When social and environmental implications are taken
into account with other design considerations at the conceptual design stage it allows
control measures to be built into the project avoiding undue future environmental
impacts
• To inform and assist management: Impact assessment is a structured approach for
informing management of their present and future operational impacts and the social
and environmental risks associated with proposed activities. An IA can also be used
for establishing long term management objectives and plans associated with specific
activities.
6.2 Figure 6.2 below summarizes the IA process which is described in detail in Appendix A.
Overview of IA
Process The first step in the process is always to carry out a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA).
This tool (specifically what it entails and when it should be applied) is described in detail in
Risk Management Key Process 01 and in Recommended Practice 01 (Technical Risk
Assessment). It is emphasized that we are not recommending that a second PRA is
carried out, rather that any environmentally related output from the (mandatory)
requirement for a PRA should be used to drive the IA work.
It should also be noted that, following the PRA, the subsequent work related to
environmental and social impact assessments are slightly different as summarized below:
• Following the PRA the next step for Environmental impact assessment is to carry out
an ENVID. It is emphasized that, as for the previous PRA, we are not recommending
that a second ENVID is carried out in addition to the mandatory HAZID / ENVID
requirement specified in Risk Management Key Process 01 and in Recommended
Practice 01 (Technical Risk Assessment). The intent of this current IA Recommended
Practice is to ensure that the (mandatory) HAZID /ENVID activity embraces
environmental issues by: including risks /hazards identified from the PRA and by
addressing actions arising in the subsequent IA work. Potential environmental themes
which may need to be addressed include:
Greenhouse gas emissions
Emissions of ozone depleting substances
Topic Page
Appendix A: IA Process 10
6.3 The IA report should be documented as detailed in Appendix B and summarized below:
Overview of IA
Documentation
1. Executive Summary
2. Project Description
3. Policy, Institutional and Legal Framework
4. Baseline Data
5. Impacts and Risks
6. Analysis of Alternatives
7. Social & Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)
8. Monitoring
9. Consultation.
Topic Page
Appendix B: Contents of an IA Report 13
6.4 Risk Management Key Process 01 contains timelines which specify when in each business
Overview of IA lifecycle element the IA should be carried out. Key Process 01 also summarizes the
Timeline required IA content. A detailed IA content for specific business lifecycle elements is
provided in Appendix C.
Topic Page
Appendix C:IA Timeline 16
Impact Assessment (IA): the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating
the biological and physical, social and other relevant effects of development proposals prior
to major decisions being taken and commitments made.
Risk: Risk is a function of the likelihood of an unwanted event occurring and the
consequential effects of that occurrence. It is often shown as a mathematical description of
Risk = Likelihood x Severity
Stakeholders: Persons or groups who are directly or indirectly affected by a project as well
as those who may have interests in a project and/ or the ability to influence its outcome,
either positively or negatively. This interest can be financial (e.g. partners), legal (e.g.
regulators, governments), personal (e.g. staff, local population potentially impacted by the
activity) or strategic (e.g. non governmental organizations such as WWF, Greenpeace, etc).
APPENDIX A: IA PROCESS
The steps of the IA process are illustrated in the figure below and detailed overleaf
The activities;
• PRA
• HAZID / ENVID
• DATA GATHERING
are addressed in the main body of the text (section 6.2). This Appendix A describes the remaining activities
as follows:
SCREENING: To determine whether or not a project proposal is subject to a full IA. Many government
agencies categorize projects to reflect the significance of potential impacts or risks.
Where an IA is being undertaken to fulfill a statutory requirement, the applicable regulatory agency will
define requirements for the completion of the IA, relevant to the proposed activity. In many cases social
considerations are included in the IA process. It must be noted that where in country regulatory
requirements surpass the requirements set out within this standard they shall be adopted.
SCOPING: To identify at an early stage the environmental and social impacts associated with the
conceptual project and to establish terms of reference for IA in consultation with key stakeholders. The
nature and extent of work required should be proportional to impact and risk.
IMPACT ANALYSIS: To identify and predict the likely environmental, social and other related effects of
the proposal and evaluate their scale and significance taking account of both technical information and
stakeholder views.
PREPARATION OF AN IA REPORT: To document clearly and objectively the impacts of the proposal,
the proposed measures for mitigation, the significance of residual effects, and the concerns of communities
directly or indirectly affected by the proposal and other interested parties. See Appendix B for typical IA
contents.
IA REVIEW: To determine whether the report provides a satisfactory assessment of the proposed
development activity and contains the information required for decision-making. Can be undertaken by the
financing agency, the authorized institution or an independent third party (e.g. the Corporate Group).
INCORPORATING FINDINGS INTO PROJECT DESIGN: To ensure that the timing and sequencing
of mitigation actions are fully incorporated into project design, budgets, monitoring and reporting measures,
and in legal and procurement documents where appropriate.
FOLLOW UP: To determine whether the terms and conditions of the approved IA are met; to monitor the
effectiveness of mitigation measures; and, where required, to propose remedial measures and/or undertake
audits and/or process evaluations to optimize management.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A highlight of the main findings and recommended actions related to the project’s
environmental and social feasibility.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A concise description of the proposed project, including maps of the project site
and area of influence. This will also include:
• Description of the purpose and objectives of the activity that should be placed in the context of
local/regional/national plans/objectives/strategies.
• Detailed description of the physical characteristics of the proposed activity, its location, the design and size
of the activity and the area taken during construction and operation (the “footprint”), detail the source of
any discharges to the environment and list other environmental impacts.
• Where the activity is a field development, the description should cover all its elements, including drilling,
construction, installation, production and abandonment. Consideration must be given to all elements of the
development including export systems, such as pipelines.
• In instances where the specific techniques or technologies to be applied during the activity are unknown at
the time the IA is prepared, the IA should indicate the possible methods and adopt the most likely worst-
case scenario approach in prediction of related impacts.
• If the development is to be carried out in stages, even if over a prolonged period, the expected full extent of
the operations should be indicated and its effects assessed as far as the present information will permit.
• Where materials are considered to be an important resource, the IA should describe and quantify the
materials to be used.
• The number and type of support that will be utilized during construction and operation should be described.
• A brief outline of the experience of the operator and the operational process that will be employed.
POLICY, INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK: A discussion of the policy, institutional and
legal environmental and social framework associated with the project, including any project specific legal (e.g.,
concession contracts, etc.) or other requirements.
BASELINE DATA: The environment of the proposed activity should be clearly described and indicated on
an appropriate map or diagram. The IA should describe any policies, plans or designations (e.g. protected areas)
that are relevant to the site and its surroundings. The environmental description should be that of the actual area
to be developed and not a generic description of the local environment. It must identify and take into account all
the existing activities and potential contamination with particular emphasis on the aspects that are likely to be
affected by the activity (baseline conditions). The discharges, emissions and impacts of the any other users
should be considered and discussed.
IMPACTS AND RISKS: Identify those aspects of the social, physical and biological environment that are
likely to be significantly affected by the activity (including in particular, indigenous populations, fauna, flora,
geology and soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological
heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors).
The description of the impact on "climate" and "air" should consider the impact on global warming and the
ozone layer in addition to local and regional air quality and include the quantities of emissions over the life of
the activity. Emissions should be characterized into chemical species relevant in global warming, ozone layer
depletion and local and regional air quality.
The process of identifying the potential environmental impacts of a project and then evaluating their
significance can involve a wide range of expertise. Some assessments are effectively based on expert judgment
and some need complex quantitative analysis. The decision on which techniques to use should be made by a
suitably qualified and competent person.
Predictions of the magnitude of the likely significant effects of the development should be identified in the IA.
The discussion of likely significant effects should be accompanied by an indication of the criteria by which
"likely" and "significant" are categorized. The magnitude of the impact should be predicted as a deviation from
the established baseline conditions, for each phase of the proposal. The information and data used to predict the
magnitude of impact should be clearly described. Where there are any gaps or uncertainty, these should be
identified. The IA should identify quantitatively the impacts that remain following mitigation. The IA should
evaluate any direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent
and temporary, positive and negative effects, resulting from the existence of the development, the use of natural
resources and the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste.
Options for controlling the environmental and social effects should be developed and evaluated by the team.
An acceptable balance should be determined between the environmental benefits of each option and the cost of
the appropriate safeguards. Control methods should, where possible, be based on the setting of performance
standards.
The various risk assessment tools referenced in Hess Risk Management Key Process 01 allow Hess to evaluate
the level of environmental risk associated with any activity / process / design either quantitatively or
qualitatively. This risk level is then compared to Hess’ (and any local Regulator’s) risk tolerability criteria to
assess the acceptability or otherwise of the risk. If the risk tolerability criteria are not met then action is required
to reduce the risk and thus ensure compliance with these criteria. Such action can involve some or all of the
following:
• Compensation – accept the impact or residual impact and compensate the stakeholders (individuals /
communities / governments) appropriately
• Monitor – ensure compliance with Hess Risk Management Key Process 01/ regulation or prevailing criteria.
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES: The IA should describe the main alternatives to the proposed activity that
have been considered. The advantages and disadvantages of each option should be clearly stated with the
specific environmental implications indicated for each. The main reasons for the selection of the preferred
option should be described in outline, taking into account the environmental and social effects. Other factors
influencing the choice of alternatives should be noted, e.g. feasibility, cost effectiveness and reasonableness of
each option. If a formal option appraisal has been carried out it should be described and the relevant decision
factors noted.
The SREMP will address options and recommendations to prevent, avoid, reduce, mitigate, eliminate or
compensate for any adverse impacts of the selected alternative. It provides a mechanism to drive
recommendations into the project design process. A typical SREMP will include:
• Introduction
• Identification of environmental issues and management plan – environmental targets (detailed performance
requirements, quantified where practicable)
• Mitigation strategies – responsibilities, procedures for dealing with changes and modifications, corrective
actions
• Environmental monitoring plan – reporting, review schedules and criteria including periodic reviews of the
management system
• Consultation - a record of the process and a summary of the results of consultation with stakeholder groups.
This shall include Informal, Formal and Public consultations.
APPENDIX C: IA TIMELINE
The table below supports and amplifies the information contained in Appendices B through the Risk
Management key process.
• Baseline Study (carried out following the PRA if the business development is
deemed feasible. It should not only include social impact but economic as well)
Divestment / • Scoping
Abandonment • Examination of Alternatives
• Impact Analysis
• Impact Mitigation and Management
• Preparation of an IA Report
• Information Dissemination
• IA Review
• Incorporating IA Findings into Project Design
• Follow Up