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ENVIRONMENT REPORT
2015
page 56
The Environment Forum
The Environment Forum and its technical groups help members to manage environmental issues through the
exchange of specialist knowledge and operational experience. The forum also provides an opportunity to
discuss and facilitate the development of Oil & Gas UK strategies and provides a platform for member company
engagement.
Co-operative working and use of resources are promoted within the forum between companies and other
North Sea Trade Associations. This year, much of the effort has been focused on improving standardisation
and supporting pan-industry projects. Topics discussed include the EU ETS, transfer of environmental permits
and emissions reporting. The objectives and main areas of work within the technical groups that support the
Environment Forum are described below:
•
Atmospherics Technical Group
– this group was established to address atmospheric emission issues arising
from exploration, production, decommissioning and associated supply chain activities. This year, the group
worked on the implementation of the EU ETS, the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Savings
Opportunity Scheme Regulations.
•
Drilling Fluids Technical Group
– the primary purpose is to facilitate member discussion that enables the safe
and environmentally conscious use of all drilling fluids on the UKCS.
•
Operators Technical Group
– this group has focused on improving the standardisation of the environmental
management regime, supporting collaborative projects and understanding the requirements of the
EU Offshore Safety Directive implementation in the UK.
•
Modelling Technical Group
– discussion on all aspects of modelling within industry is facilitated through
this group. It is currently providing support to DECC to align oil spill modelling requirements for the OPEPs,
Financial Responsibility and Environmental Impact Assessments.
•
Radiological Issues Technical Group (RIG)
– this group helps the UK oil and gas industry develop a common
approach, and supporting methodologies to meet its monitoring requirements under The Radioactive
Substances Act (RSA) 1993. This year, the group engaged with and responded to a consultation with the
regulator (SEPA) on the new charging scheme and enforcement measures.
•
Waste Technical Group
– this has the objective to identify, understand and, where necessary, propose actions
to resolve current and emerging issues associated with handling and disposal of wastes arising from the UK
offshore oil and gas industry.
Oil Spill Response Forum
The Oil Spill Response Forum and its technical groups provide the opportunity for members to be at the heart
of developing and maintaining an effective, robust and sustainable oil spill response capability for upstream
operations on the UKCS. The Oil Spill Response Forum was created to continue the work of the Oil Spill Prevention
and Response Advisory Group (OSPRAG); a group established to co-ordinate the UK’s response to the issues arising
from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.