Environment Report 2014

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2014

7.1 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. Collaborative working and resource use are promoted within the forum between companies and other North Sea Trade Associations. Topics discussed include conservation zones, drill cuttings, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Environmental Liability Directive, EU ETS, produced water, waste disposal, Oil Pollution, Prevention and Control (OPPC) regulations, NORM scale, and emissions reporting. The objectives and main areas of work within the technical groups that support the Environment Forum are described below: • The Atmospherics Technical Group was established to address atmospheric emission issues arising from exploration, production, decommissioning and associated supply chain activities. This year, the group is working on the implementation of the Large Combustion Plant BREF and Medium Combustion Plant Directive, EU Energy Efficiency Directive and ESOS Regulations. • The primary purpose of the Drilling Fluids Technical Group is to facilitate member discussion that enables the safe and environmentally conscious use of all drilling fluids on the UKCS. In 2014, the group has focused on the permit application requirements for discharges. • The Modelling Technical Group was established in 2013 to facilitate discussion on all aspects of modelling within industry. Since its formation it has provided support and expertise to the regulators on oil spill response modelling; developed input data criteria for spill modelling and sourced a met ocean dataset; shared learnings on risk-based approach modelling; and noise assessment. The group is currently providing support to DECC to align spill modelling requirements for the OPEP, Financial Responsibility and Environmental Impact Assessments. • The Radiological Issues Group (RIG) was reinstated in 2004 to help 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 on the UK NORM Strategy. • The Waste Technical Group is new in 2014 and 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.

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