ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2013
page 15
6.
Trend Data
This section provides an overview of key data submitted to the EEMS database for 2012. This includes
measured and calculated data on solid, liquid and gaseous discharges as well as emissions from offshore
installations and associated onshore terminals.
All emissions and discharges are made in accordance with regulatory controls. Chemicals used are subject to
the OSPAR Harmonised Mandatory Control Scheme and are permitted for use and discharge by DECC.
Oil & Gas UK has sponsored the EEMS database since 1992 on behalf of its member companies. It views the
maintenance of a high quality, accurate database of environmental data as key to fulfilling the industry’s
commitment to a cleaner and safer North Sea environment. DECC regards the EEMS system as a key element
in its environmental regulatory function. It is the mechanism through which oil companies can submit their
environmental returns, which are used by DECC for government reporting requirements.
6.1 Produced Water Discharge
Peak produced water volume occurred in 2002 with 273 million m
3
being discharged to sea and a further
14 million m
3
re-injected. Since 2002, discharge to sea has been progressively reduced with re-injected
volumes increasing. In 2012, produced water totalled 201 million m
3
with 156 million m
3
discharged to sea
and 45 million m
3
re-injected.
Figure 3: Discharge and Re-Injection of Produced Water in Million Cubic Metres from 2000 to 2012
(volumes of water re-injected prior to 2001 are not recorded)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Million m
3
Source: EEMS August 2013
Produced Water Discharged
Volume of Water Re-injected
