Environment Report 2015

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2015

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.

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