Environment Report 2013

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2013

Environment Forum Meetings Knowledge gained through the directorate about the environmental issues associated with hydrocarbon exploration, production and supply chain activities is shared with member companies through the Environmental Forum meetings, held every two months. The forum meetings are designed to provide clear communication of the relevant topics. The provision of information serves to guide our members through regulatory change, minimising the potential impacts and identifying opportunities, thus enhancing future competitiveness. The meetings present an opportunity for a frank and open discussion with the primary environmental regulator for the offshore industry as the forum is always attended by a representative from the Environmental Management and Offshore Inspectorate Teams of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The networking opportunities allow for improved cross-industry understanding and mutual experience sharing. • Drilling Fluids Work Group – works on a number of key issues with respect to drilling activities, in particular, the disposal of oil-based mud cuttings as well as the use and discharge of chemicals under the Offshore Chemical Regulations. • Atmospheric Work Group – primarily working on European Union Emissions Trading Scheme issues. • Radiological Issues Group – working with government and environment agencies to formulate the UK strategy for disposal of Normally Occurring Radioactive Materials [NORM]. • Southern North Sea (SNS) Environmental Group – previously known as the SNS Environmental Network, this group was established in 2004 and has recently come under Oil & Gas UK governance. The aim of the group is to share problems and solutions to environmental issues and to identify where collaboration could facilitate developments. The group maintains a database of case studies and also provides an opportunity for engagement with offshore renewables developers. The remit of the group may be widened to all shallow areas, such as the Irish Sea. Oil Spill Response Forum The objective of the forum is to “facilitate the development and maintenance of an effective, robust and sustainable oil spill response capability on the UKCS”. This is delivered through a process of: • Reviewing and recommending response strategies relevant to the UKCS, taking global knowledge into account • Maintaining liaison between industry, regulators, nature conservation bodies, response providers and academia Oil Spill Response Forum Work Groups During the past year, the Oil Spill Response Forum has concentrated on specific topics through tailored work groups. These are: • Environmental Sensitivities and Modelling Work Group – one of the group’s main activities has been to commission the Seabirds at Sea project and to validate the European Seabirds At Sea (ESAS) data. The ESAS database holds information on seabird distribution at sea, derived from a variety Environment Forum Work Groups Currently, there are four work groups meeting on a regular basis as part of the Environment Forum: Harnessing technical industry experience and facilitating stakeholder collaboration enables the work groups to respond to external requests, thus ensuring that future legislation will be appropriate for the offshore industry.

page 10