RIASSUNTO
Sustaining Global Progress - in Partnership with the Environment.
Abstract
A sustainable development strategy for Marine Fabrication and Decommissioning facilities has been developed and implemented, with the application of environmental programmes; by understanding the effect of the facilities operations on the ecosystem and through minimising the environmental impacts on SSSI/SPA/SAC/Ramsar/Natura 2000 sites in a scientifically based, cost effective manner. This paper provides an international perspective for all E & P operations, especially those in the sensitive inter-tidal zone.
Introduction
An agreement between the environmental authorities and the local facilities management at McDermott's Ardersier fabrication yard over a period of nearly 20 years has enabled this facility to function commercially within areas of local, national, European and internationally environmental importance. McDermott entered into a joint venture with Brown and Root to form Brown & Root McDermott Fabricators (BARMAC) in January 1995 which combined the expertise and resources of two of Scotland's foremost yards, both located in the Moray Firth. The historical background and continuing development of the facilities management agreement provides the basis of the current environmental management system, which is being prepared for certification / registration / accreditation to respectively BS7750 / EMAS / ISO 14001. The accomplishment of these activities is scheduled to occur prior to the renewal of the facilities management agreement, due in March 1999.
Sustainable Development. The Bruntland Commission in 1987 defined sustainable development as ""meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"".
This concept was clearly highlighted during the closing keynote speech from the November 1991 SPE International Conference on HS&E held in The Hague. The initial environmental recommendation was a requirement to define sustainable development for E&P operations and the implementation of necessary programmes, through seeking to understand the effect of E&P operations on the ecosystem and to minimise impacts in a scientifically, cost effective manner. The concluding comments noted that the oil and gas industry must understand public expectations about HS&E issues. The industry must work effectively with governments, the public and engineering and scientific disciplines to be responsible world citizens.
The subsequent developments and growth of environmental management systems which have occurred throughout the world as a result of the Earth Summit in Rio in June 1992, should not be any surprise to the worldwide E&P industry, as they are the logical consequence of applying proactive management system principles to the issue of environmentally sustainable development.
Economic growth provides the conditions in which protection of the environment can best be achieved and environmental protection, in balance with other human goals, is necessary to achieve growth that is sustainable. In turn, versatile, dynamic, responsive and profitable businesses are required as the driving force for sustainable economic development and for providing managerial, technical and financial resources to contribute to the resolution of environmental challenges. Market economics, characterised by entrepreneurial initiatives are essential to achieving this. The E & P industry must acknowledge the view that there should be a common goal, not a conflict, between economic development and environmental protection, both now and for future generations.
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