ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY

Exploration and production of hydrocarbons being a multi- dimensional exercise, is likely to have some adverse impact on the natural environment. Therefore, there is a need to minimize adverse effect on the environment, and also ensure that hydrocarbon exploration and development activities are not hampered due to such constraints. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has formulated legislations that are required to be followed by E & P companies that have operations in environmentally sensitive areas. A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment studies is required to be carried out before commencement of certain operations, in phases, so that the impact on biodiversity and ecological sensitivity can be reduced through mitigating measures.

DGH enforces all mitigating efforts through the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) signed between Government of India & the Contractor. DGH emphasizes for a healthy HSE culture.

The PSC stipulates under Article 14 that contractor shall conduct its Petroleum operations with due regard to concerns with respect to protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources and shall in particular:

• Employ modern oilfield and petroleum industry practices and standards including advanced techniques, practices and methods of operation for the prevention of environmental damage in conducting its petroleum operations.

• Take necessary and adequate steps to:-

  • Prevent environmental damage and, where some adverse impact on environment is unavoidable, to minimize such damage and consequential effects thereof on property and people.

  • Adequate compensation for injury to persons or damage to property caused by the effect of petroleum operations.

  • Comply with the requirements of applicable laws and the reasonable requirements of the government from time to time.

The impact of E&P activities on biotic & abiotic environment may result due to the following hazards:

• Major Oil & Chemical spillage

• Routine or Accidental discharges of waste

• Blow - outs / Explosion

• Flaring of Gases

• Chemicals Used

• Improper disposal of Effluents generated

• Land subsidence & Wetland Losses

Ministry of Environment & Forest (MOEF) , Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) & other government agencies monitor and regulate the above hazards through Environment Protection Act, 1986 and other applicable regulations / conventions.

DGH enforces compliance of standards / norms as per the modern oilfield & petroleum industry practices and conducts periodic Safety & Environment audits of field installations / rigs of all PSC operators. DGH also monitors environmental aspects of petroleum operations through the half-yearly compliance report submitted by the operators.

Environmental Impact Assessment studies are carried out prior to commencement of seismic survey, drilling operations and the development of the field for production.

DGH coordinates with MOEF, CPCB and other concerned authority / organisations on environmental issues and also assists MOP&NG on such matters.

DGH has undertaken two studies, one through Central Mining Research Institute to assess land subsidence in a gas field in Gujarat and the other one through Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun to assess impact on the breeding of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in the entire east coast of India.