RIASSUNTO
Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptiverepresentations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology bydescribing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in thetopics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area,these articles provide key references to more definitive work and presentspecific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to informthe general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleumengineering.
Summary
In 20 years, a complex body of environmental laws, regulations, anddecisions has been established in the U.S. Basic knowledge of environmentallaws, regulations, and management techniques is now necessary for design,construction, and operation of oilfield facilities. Environmental permits areon the critical path and could significantly affect project viability or thecost path and could significantly affect project viability or the cost of doingbusiness. In California and many other states, resource development projectsface complex and voluminous environmental regulations. Because of thesepermitting obstacles and the competition for the available permits, earlyenvironmental planning is necessary if a project is to be successful and ifcosts and future liabilities are to be minimized. This paper reviews eightfederal environmental laws, significant events that affect our daily business,and the reasons why environmental management must be integrated in our""business as usual"" work decisions to minimize future (hidden) liabilities.
Introduction
Line managers and operating personnel are responsible for environmentalprotection in a company's operations. To carry out this responsibilityeffectively, these personnel must have a good working knowledge of allenvironmental laws, regulations, and policies that apply to their activities.Eight federal laws may policies that apply to their activities. Eight federallaws may affect our daily oilfield operations in the U.S.
Most of these laws provide civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.If you ignore the law, you risk personal fines and possibly a prison term.Therefore, what you don't know will most possibly a prison term. Therefore,what you don't know will most likely end up hurting you and your company. Thispaper discusses several examples of the possible monetary consequences when acleanup remedy is imposed by outside parties.
Any waste generation or discharge of contaminants into the environment hasthe potential for future liability. Environmental management programs reducethe potential for undesirable surprises and minimize this hidden liability.These environmental programs consist of assessments, waste minimization, recordkeeping, documentation, and up-to-date training. These programs are brieflyreviewed.
The assessment program will help ensure that personnel at each operatingfacility know and are meeting their obligations and responsibilities under thelaw. If you are responsible for environmental protection, it is in everyone'sinterest for you to do a good job.
Important Environmental Statutes
Most corporations' environmental policies charge line managers with theresponsibility for environmental performance of their activities. The policiesalso state that every employee is expected to carry out the spirit and theletter of these policies. Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations isnecessary for line managers and engineers who control the operations andinstallations. In some cases, state requirements can be even more restrictivethan federal regulations.