oil and gas statement of capability 2014

Oil and Gas Sector Statement of Capability 2014

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F: +44 (0) 115 965 5282 W: www.cra.co.uk E: [email protected] T: +44 (0) 115 965 6700

Bringing sustainability and safety to the world’s most complex environments CRA Europe is an environmental, health and safety consultancy, specialising in operational regulatory compliance, property and asset management, contaminated land, management systems and corporate responsibility. Part of the CRA Family of Companies, CRA Europe was established in the UK in 1995. We work closely with our colleagues in North America and are able to call on the technical skills of over 3,000 staff to provide a formidable breadth of expertise. Our UK offices are located in Nottingham and Liverpool. Serving an extensive client base of UK firms, CRA Europe also supports multinational clients operating in the UK, European and Global markets. Our client base includes some of the most respected names in the oil and gas sector.

mailto:www.cra.co.uk�

mailto:[email protected]�

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Contents

Introduction CRA’s Mission Statement and Values CRA’s Management Systems and Memberships

3 4 5

Our Capabilities Health and Safety Property and Asset Management Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Environmental Compliance and Permitting Contaminated Land Environmental Engineering Support Corporate Responsibility Support EHS Management Systems

6 7 10 13 15 19 22 25 27

Our Team CRA’s Oil and Gas Specialists Summary of Staff Capabilities

29 30 35

Case Studies List of Case Studies

36 37

CRA Europe Offices back cover

Click the page names to navigate around the document.



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Introduction

The oil and gas sector is diverse and faces a wide range of environmental challenges.

Upstream activities are facing increasing scrutiny from the environmental lobby as operations extend into undeveloped and sensitive environments, both on- and offshore. Investors are demanding more information on strategies for all aspects of sustainability, including climate change, air quality, biodiversity, socioeconomics and increasingly, human and ecosystem health. Emissions trading and increasing regulations and permitting requirements, especially following the Gulf of Mexico disaster, are placing greater demands on Environmental, Health and Safety teams.

Downstream, the operation of extensive portfolios of sites presents risks of land contamination and environmental damage, requiring site investigation and remediation. In addition, acquisition and divestment activities demand due diligence risk assessment.

CRA Europe supports companies throughout the oil and gas sector, including in:

Exploration and production Gas storage Refining and pipelines Distribution and retail

CRA’s specialists have considerable experience of delivering projects successfully in the oil and gas sector. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs at strategic and project level, and we aim to deliver cost-effective solutions that are tailored to add value to our clients operations.

CRA work with many of the UK’s leading oil and gas companies, providing support to upstream and downstream operations, and at all project stages.

This brochure provides comprehensive details of the services that CRA provides to the oil and gas sector, for exploration, production and downstream activities. It explains how our specialist staff can provide support for on and offshore operations and at functional and corporate levels. Examples of successful projects are included.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact CRA at [email protected] or 0115 965 6700.

CRA has the expertise to help our clients comply with the Offshore Directive (2013/30/EU) Click here to read our article on meeting the requirements of the directive




http://www.cra.co.uk/news/implementation-eu-directive-201330eu-offshore-oil-gas-uk�

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CRA’s Mission Statement and Values

Mission Statement

CRA Europe’s goal is to bring sustainability and safety to the world’s most complex environments. To us, this means:

Exceeding client expectations by providing technically excellent and innovative solutions;

Inspiring colleagues by providing challenging and rewarding careers and encouraging personal development;

Achieving global recognition as technical experts and leaders in our professions;

Contributing to a more sustainable world, especially in the complex environments where we and our clients operate or have a duty of care; and

Maintaining the traditions and reputation of CRA through the responsive, sustainable and ethical management of our business.

Values

The following values represent the cornerstone of our daily work:

Safety and Security of our people, clients and members of the community.

Customer Satisfaction. Our target is to meet and exceed client expectations on every project.

Ethics and Integrity. Our people are expected to maintain the highest level of integrity and honesty in their work and client relationships.

Accountability. All people at CRA have an important role to play and we recognize and take our responsibilities seriously.

Respect. We treat our colleagues, our clients, our suppliers, and the community with the same respect that we expect to be treated with.

Profitability. A healthy financial performance is important to the growth of CRA and has a direct influence on our ability to provide a stable work environment for our employees and their families. People at CRA are mindful that our actions do affect profitability.

Open Communication. CRA strives to communicate openly with all its employees.

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CRA’s Management Systems and Memberships

FPAL Membership

CRA is registered as a Tier 1 member of the Achilles FPAL supplier management community and as such enjoys the benefits of being fully accessible to all major oil and gas buyers. CRA regularly reviews its FPAL listing to ensure the most accurate information is available to interested parties.

Certified Management Systems

CRA Europe has an integrated EHS management system certified to ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. We are also certified to ISO 9001 for implementing the QMS of our parent company.

Quality Management System

CRA Europe’s quality system is certified to ISO 9001 and applies the principles of the standard to all of our projects and consultancy activities to ensure that our professional services meet our clients’ requirements. Confirmation that we succeed in meeting or exceeding the needs of our clients is provided by the high percentage of repeat business that CRA Europe enjoys, and the results from our client feedback questionnaire. CRA’s quality commitment to our clients is reflected in our Quality System Policy Statement, which reads:

“We will continually improve the quality of our services through a Quality Management System and ongoing training of our employees.

Our quality objective on all projects is to exceed client expectations by providing responsive, safe, and cost-effective services.”

EHS Management System

CRA has operated an environmental management system conforming to ISO 14001 requirements for over 10 years. In 2012 this was developed into a fully integrated EHS system which now meets the requirements of both ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, and is certified to such by the British Standards Institute (BSI). The system has helped us minimise the environmental impacts of our office and field-based activities and business travel, and incorporates elements of CRA’s Safety Means Awareness, Responsibility and Teamwork (SMART) programme and other health and safety management processes.

View our Certificates and Policy Statements

By clicking the picture below

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http://www.cra.co.uk/environmental-consultancy/quality-and-ehs-management-systems�

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Our Capabilities



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Health and Safety

CRA recognise the integral role that Health and Safety plays within upstream and downstream operations in the oil and gas sector. Many operations within the oil and gas sector are classed as ‘Major Hazards Industries’. Where reducing the potential for injuries and dangerous occurrences is paramount, CRA is able to help companies achieve this by providing health and safety support from consultants with direct oil and gas experience. Our staff come from a variety of technical backgrounds and include chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and dedicated health and safety professionals including Chartered Practitioners.

Health and Safety is a core value at CRA, and we extend the same duty of care to our clients as we do across our own organisation.

Our Services:

Click the names to navigate to the service you are interested in:

Tailored Health and Safety Training

Occupational Health and Safety

DSEAR Assessment

COMAH Support

HazOP / HazID

Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance

Construction Design and Management (CDM)

Case Studies: The following contain just some of the examples of our health and safety activities. Click on the name to navigate to the study:

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) at a Gas Production and Refining Facility

Internal EHS Auditor and Awareness Training for a Company in the Oil and Gas Sector

Hazard and Operability Study (HazOP) at a Gas Production and Refining Facility

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Tailored Health and Safety Training

CRA provide the highest standard of health and safety training. We work alongside a facility’s owner or operator to ensure that all staff are properly trained in health and safety specific to their individual roles. Our training can be tailored toward specific roles as well as facility or companywide programmes. CRA has the resources to develop courses that incorporate all the requisite elements of instructional technology, adult learning theory, effective information transfer and a positive learning environment

Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance

Modern risk-based, goal-setting health and safety legislation has become increasing complicated since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. CRA provides a full service approach to assist organisations with health and safety compliance, from initial gap analyses through to health and safety compliance audits, the production of registers of applicable health and safety legislation, and advice on appropriate safe systems of work and risk management techniques.

Occupational Health and Safety

CRA provides occupational hygiene services to help operators control the exposure of employees or members of the external community to hazardous substances that can be released through oil and gas operations, or during day-to-day business activity. Our areas of expertise include asbestos management; microbiological (mould) remediation services; occupational exposure assessments (noise, chemical/toxic substances), Legionella risk management, COSHH assessments; Ergonomics; and Indoor air quality.

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Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) Assessments

CRA recognise that adherence to DSEAR is a common cause for concern in the oil and gas industry where the presence of dangerous chemicals is ubiquitous. CRA provides a full service approach to DSEAR compliance from initial gap analyses and risk assessments to assistance with the production of management systems and procedures, and staff training.

Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) support

Within the oil and gas industry, many facilities, both upstream and downstream, have the potential to cause serious damage to people, the environment and the company involved if a major accident should occur. Compliance with COMAH will minimise the potential for such accidents. CRA undertake hazard identification, consequence analysis and risk assessment necessary for the compilation of Safety Reports and other activities necessary for compliance with the COMAH Regulations.

HazOP/HazID

Most government licensing authorities require operating companies to carry out Health and Safety and Environment (HSE) studies during the design of facilities, as well as prior to construction and during operation. CRA have planned and delivered hazard studies (HAZIDs and HAZOPs) for facilities, equipment and processes in the oil and gas industry early in the design phase in order to help organisations avoid or reduce their hazards. CRA use the one-team approach to identify safety environmental issues that could cause a project delays or costly design changes. CRA have carried out hazard assessments for oil and gas facilities and processes in the UK and in Africa.

Construction Design and Management (CDM)

Integrating health and safety into the design and management of new oil and gas installations can be a challenging undertaking further complicated by the necessity of adherence to the standards set by CDM Regulations 2007. CRA has knowledgeable and experienced consultants who can work closely with oil and gas teams to perform the role of CDM Coordinator, identifying and communicating relevant pre-construction health and safety information to key personnel during construction and demolition projects.



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Property and Asset Management

CRA can help oil and gas operators manage their property and other assets effectively, throughout their operational life. Once production lines cease to be economic, or facilities reach the end of their design life, changes need to be made to maximise returns.

CRA works closely with clients to maximise returns through the efficient use of valuable assets. We add value to operational facilities through the effective management of decommissioning and demolition projects. Through our services in health and safety management; asbestos management and removal, tank storage and management, response planning and emergency preparedness, characterising site plant and equipment, and managing the contractor procurement process. In addition, CRA’s environmental due diligence work has been shown to save clients significant sums of money from the purchase price of property.

Our Services:

Click the names to navigate to the service or case study you are interested in:

Decommissioning and Demolition Management

Asbestos Management and Removal

Tank Storage Management

Response Planning and Emergency Preparedness

Due Diligence for Offshore Acquisitions

NORM and Ionising Radiation Protection

Asset Integrity

Case Studies: The following contain just some of the examples of our property and asset management activities. Click on the name to navigate to the study:

Geographic Information System Prepared to Assist the Environmental Management (eDAT) of a Natural Gas Refining Site

Soil Contamination Assessment during Decommissioning and Demolition of a Natural Gas Refining Facility

Asbestos Management Survey at a Natural Gas Refining Facility

Lead, Mercury and NORM Sampling at a Natural Gas Refining facility



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Decommissioning and Demolition Management

Effective management of decommissioning activities provides a number of benefits ranging from control of health and safety hazards to waste minimisation and the recovery of valuable material. CRA have a proven track record of long term management of projects through the decommissioning process and demolition management.

CRA has developed a standard process for the assessment of closed facilities – the Building Decommissioning Assessment (BDA). The BDA uses a sequential approach consisting of: initial site investigation; site-specific project criteria evaluation; follow-up assessment and plant decommissioning report. Our consultants are experienced in initial assessment through to development of site-specific technical specifications for building decommissioning. We prepare bid and contract documents; and provide assistance with contractor procurement. We can also provide professional oversight and documentation of all plant decommissioning, demolition, and waste disposal activities

Our demolition services range from initial site assessments and permitting through to demolition

planning and the selection and management of demolition contractors. We can provide support with all major demolition activities, including management of asbestos and other hazardous material; structural assessments; environmental impact assessment and other permitting requirements; utilities management; asset recovery and management; and the development of work safety plans.

Asbestos Management and Removal

CRA has comprehensive experience conducting asbestos management and abatement programmes activities for industrial premises across multiple industries, including onshore and offshore installations in the oil and gas sector. Our services in this area include Management Surveys as well as Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys; conduction of risk assessments; and development of management plans.

Response Planning and Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness and response planning in the oil and gas industry is becoming increasingly important following a number of high profile events. These accidents, which in most cases are preventable, can have devastating consequences for human health, the natural environment, and company bottom lines. CRA can help companies to put contingency plans in place and assist in emergency preparedness and response planning to ensure that companies can quickly and effectively respond to incidents if they take place in order to minimise social, environmental and financial impacts. CRA consultants have worked with operators to prepare working Oil Spill Contingency Plans for offshore drilling that comply with national and international standards and best practice as well as working within EHS teams of oil and gas operators to put into place response planning and emergency preparedness procedures for a number of scenarios.



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Tank Storage Management

Tank storage provides an essential interface between the delivery of bulk products by ship/barge, pipeline, rail, etc, including crude oil and petroleum products. Effective control of bulk storage facilities combined with the implementation of robust environmental and safety policies provides companies with the highest levels of confidence that their sites are being run safely and efficiently with minimal potential impact upon the environment.

CRA has extensive experience in the management of above ground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs). CRA has investigated thousands of AST/UST sites and we are able to assist clients in effectively managing all aspects associated with storage. Our storage tank management services include:

Permitting; Site investigation and containment

assessments; Risk-based corrective action evaluations and

other risk assessments; Corrective action plans/closures; Operation and maintenance of remedial

systems; Trust/indemnity fund reimbursement

assistance; and Regulatory compliance and auditing

Due Diligence for Offshore Acquisitions

CRA can provide due diligence assessments and risk analysis for offshore acquisitions. CRA staff have undertaken high level environment, health and social baseline studies to assist with the due diligence process.

NORM & Ionising Radiation Protection

The extraction of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) through oil and gas exploration is an unavoidable consequence of such activities. CRA has a number of Radiation Protection Supervisors trained in legal compliance and nuclear safety aspects of both NORM and anthropogenic radiation (e.g. nucleonic instrumentation). CRA can assist oil and gas clients with radiation safety issues, permitting for the use and disposal of radioactive source and NORM, as well as assist with radiation surveys, confirmatory sampling for laboratory radiochemical analysis, breaking of containment and decommissioning.

CRA can also assist in the preparation of risk assessments with proposed mitigation measures for working with ionising radiation, and provide comprehensive radiation permitting support which instils the principle of ALARP.

Asset Integrity

Asset Integrity is the ability of an asset to perform its function effectively and at the same time protect the health and safety of personnel and the environment. Much of the UK oil and gas infrastructure has exceeded its intended design life and asset integrity has recently been described as the industry’s ‘biggest single challenge’. The HSE have recognised asset integrity management and the issues of ageing plant as key topics to include in their inspection programmes for offshore oil and gas installations and onshore COMAH facilities. CRA personnel have experience of asset integrity management at onshore and offshore facilities and have recently undertaken Ageing and Life Extension (ALE) audits for UK oil and gas producer’s North Sea assets.



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Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

CRA provides environmental monitoring services to onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities and sites in order to meet regulatory, corporate and industry standards.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is a key requirement for many large-scale onshore and offshore oil and gas development projects. It is used to understand the potential positive and negative impacts of such projects on the environment, and increasingly upon society in general.

The ESIA allows decision makers the opportunity to consider the environmental and social impacts of a project before any major decisions and commitments are made. The assessment generally leads to the production of an Environmental Statement (ES) that will accompany a Planning Application for consideration by the relevant authority.

Our Services:


Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

Environmental Monitoring

Case Studies:

The following contain just some of the examples of our environmental monitoring and assessment activities. Click on the name to navigate to the study:

Environmental Permitting Support for a Gas Processing Terminal

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation for a Gas Distribution Centre

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation at a Natural Gas Processing Terminal

Environmental Impact Assessment for a Gas Storage Facility



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Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

CRA works closely with oil and gas clients to add value through effective management at key stages of the environmental and social impact assessment. CRA consultants can provide support throughout the entire process or to specific activities within a project, from feasibility studies through screening and scoping, to the production of Environmental Statements and consultation with regulatory authorities and appropriate stakeholders. CRA also provide post-submission support including permitting support for offshore and onshore developments

CRA staff have assisted clients in meeting the requirements of international lending institutions such as the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development.

Services we provide related to ESIA include:

Screening reports Scoping reports Regulatory and administrative frameworks Project description and alternatives Environmental and social baseline Project impact assessment Participation in workshops with clients and

regulators to determine project impacts and mitigation measures.

Environmental and social management plans.


CRA provide a full service approach to environmental monitoring from low cost desk studies through collection of site-specific data via field-based activities and subsequent modelling, if required. We foster a one team approach whereby the site developer, CRA consultants and our subcontractors work together with common aims and objectives for safe and cost effective project completion. Our services in environmental monitoring include:

Peizometric surveys Surface water and groundwater chemistry Soil sampling Noise Air quality Marine mammal observation programmes Mathematical modelling to allow the

assessment of data collected.

We also partner with specialists in ecology, archaeology, landscape architecture, transport and hydrology to provide a comprehensive suite of monitoring and surveying services.

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Environmental Compliance and Permitting

Ensuring environmental compliance is of critical importance within the oil and gas industry throughout all phases of operations. Non-compliance or non-conformity with environmental regulations and standards may have serious business impacts for oil and gas operators both onshore and offshore. Scrutiny of the industry by regulators and NGOs in the wake of the recent Deep Water Horizon disaster means that the need for oil and gas activities to minimise environmental impacts has never been greater. CRA provides support to operators to enable them to manage their operations effectively, minimise impacts and enhance brand reputation whist guaranteeing compliance with environmental rules, regulations and requirements.

CRA provides environmental permitting support that includes preparing and contributing to applications for new permits and variations to existing permits for onshore and offshore oil and gas installations. Our services also extend to include integrating the demands from planning consents and ALARP, COMAH, BAT review and incorporation, and the findings of ESIAs. Following successful application for such permits, CRA also carries out compliance audits.

Our Services:


Permitting Support

Waste Management

Hazardous Waste Management

Pollution Control

Environmental Auditing

Offshore Permitting Compliance/PONS

Risk Assessment (Controlled Waters)

MARPOL Compliance Support

Marine Mammal Observation/Passive Acoustic Modelling

Case Studies:


Human Health and Controlled Waters Risk Assessment Natural Gas Refining Facility

BAT Assessment – Natural Gas Dewpointing at a Gas Refinery

Environmental Permitting Support at a Natural Gas Processing Terminal

EU Emissions Trading Scheme Audit and Support to an Offshore Facility



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CRA staff work closely with oil and clients to offer support with the identification and management of environmental compliance issues, including the preparation and maintenance of valid environmental permits. We also provide training for staff to help them maintain an awareness of the ongoing management needs with environmental compliance and permitting demands.

CRA staff have been involved in the creation and maintenance of legal registers for offshore oil and gas legislation, consents, permit applications and reporting requirements for offshore drilling projects in UK and Irish waters. Staff have also assisted with the regulatory requirements backing up Social Performance Plans for offshore production platforms in the North Sea, as well as onshore gas processing facilities and terminals in the UK.

Permitting Support

CRA provide permitting support to ensure that facilities meet regulatory requirements. Following the provision of support with permitting, CRA work with clients to assist with operational management systems to ensure continued compliance with the permit, and any follow up that may be required.

CRA can provide support for a number of permit requirements both in the UK and internationally. This includes:

Environmental Impact Assessment Oil Spill Contingency Plans Oil Pollution Prevention and Control (OPPC) PONs PPC Permits

CRA provide a number of services to assist with the permit application, including:

Assessment of the demands placed upon proposed developments from the planning consent process, ESIA and COMAH.

Assessment of technologies and processes that employ Best Available Technique (BAT)

CRA has personnel with the required training and expertise to assist oil and gas clients with radiation safety issues associated with the extraction of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). A number of our staff are fully qualified Radiation Protection Supervisors.

Following the successful granting of a permit, CRA provide permitting compliance support including audits.

Offshore Permitting Compliance/PONs

CRA staff have worked with a number of offshore oil and gas operators in the UK to ensure that prior to operations beginning, all of the relevant permits are in place. CRA staff work within the EHS teams of our clients, to provide the liaison between regulators, including DECC in the UK, subcontractors and technical and engineering specialists to ensure that all permits are completed and submitted on schedule. CRA staff have experience preparing PON15s, Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (OPEPs) and Oil Pollution Prevention and Control permits (OPPC) in the UK.



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Waste Management

CRA can prepare waste management plans, as part of a company’s Environmental Management Plan. CRA have worked alongside oil and gas operators, both onshore and offshore, and waste facilities, to create working WMPs. We provide a complete range of waste management services including:

Regulatory compliance support; Waste assessment surveys; Data management; Environmental Management System support

and implementation; Best Available Technique (BAT) assessment; Environmental Permitting support


Hazardous waste need to be managed in such a way that the quantity of waste is minimized and the waste is correctly classified, and consigned for subsequent treatment or disposal. All wastes must be fully characterised in order to ensure appropriate classification under waste management legislation and, where applicable, whether it is acceptable to different classes of landfill. With the number of routes for disposal declining, and with costs rising, CRA can work with you to provide or review your waste management strategy. Our services include site visits and assessments to determine methodologies for waste reduction, reduced disposal (landfill/incineration) and increased treatment and recovery options, including management of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM).

Pollution Control

In an industry governed by strict pollution control requirements, finding the best way to minimize environmental impacts through pollution is imperative. Pollution incidents are regarded as absolute offences and as such an individual or organisation cannot plead mitigating circumstances. CRA consultants support clients in the management of their industrial emissions by providing advice and full assessments of technological, operational and managerial approaches to maintain compliance and achieve BAT standards. Our experts are experienced in managing the abatement of air emissions; wastewater treatment; noise monitoring and assessment; odour assessment; and waste management and minimisation.



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CRA has undertaken Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) audits of a number of onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities. These audits are typically described as systematic, independent and documented processes that identify potential EHS risks and liabilities that can impact a business. CRA appreciate that to be of benefit to an organisation, the audit process has to be robust and preferably in accordance with a recognised standard such as ASTM or World Bank Guidelines.

Our staff carry out technically rigorous audits and manage the full environmental or EHS audit process using an integrated-team approach. Our auditing services include environmental due diligence, EHS compliance and management system audits. CRA’s past auditing projects have included assisting clients in meeting the requirements of international lending institutions such as the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development.

MARPOL Compliance Support

CRA can prepare MARPOL compliant waste management plans and provide a range of waste management services including compliance and auditing support; waste assessment surveys and data management.

Our consultants can also provide support in the management and control of emissions through carrying out the assessments of technological, operational and managerial approaches used to maintain compliance standards. CRA’s experts are experienced in managing and providing advice on the abatement of air and oil emissions; wastewater treatment and also waste management and minimisation.

Marine Mammal Observation/Passive Acoustic Modelling

CRA can provide JNCC approve Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and staff trained in Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). CRA have links with offshore acoustic monitoring providers.

Risk Assessment for Controlled Waters

Controlled waters are generally protected by legislative measures and controls and where source contamination represents a potential risk to the quality of such waters, an assessment of that risk is required to understand the associated liabilities; including compliance.

CRA’s consultants are well versed with the environmental legal requirements which would be needed to assist with maintaining compliance with the relevant standards. CRA can conduct qualitative and quantitative risk assessments and prepare mitigation plans to control identified risks to an acceptable level. These plans can include technological, operational and managerial approaches. CRA can also provide support with incident contingency plans to ensure that risks are kept under control and manageable at times of emergency. Our experts are experienced in providing advice on the abatement of air and oil emissions and controlling releases water.



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Contaminated Land

CRA has extensive experience undertaking site investigations, due diligence audits, and assisting in the development of remedial strategies for international oil and gas operators. Accurate site investigations provide the basis for understanding and quantifying the potential liabilities associated with any site, and also the potential constraints on its use or development. The findings of the ground investigation form the foundations for any subsequent due diligence evaluation, contaminated land risk assessment, geotechnical design or remedial strategy.

The efficient design and implementation of the ground investigation and, where necessary, remediation, is a core element of CRA’s services. CRA has an impressive track record in contaminated land investigation and development of innovative and effective remediation solutions.

Our Services:


Site Investigation

Drill Cuttings Management

Risk Assessment

Contaminated Land Remediation

Environmental Due Diligence Assessments

Case Studies:

The following are just some of the examples of our environmental monitoring and assessment activities. Click on the name to navigate to the study:

Contamination, Delineation and Remediation at a Natural Gas Refining Facility

Human Health Risk Assessment at an Oil and Gas Industrial Site

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation at a Gas Distribution Centre

Drill Cuttings Assessment and Remedial Options at a Natural Gas Processing Facility

Groundwater Contamination Trend Analysis for a Hydrocarbon Contaminated Site



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Site Investigation

Accurate site investigations provide the basis for understanding and quantifying the potential liabilities associated with any site, and also the potential constraints on its use or development. Efficient design and implementation of the ground investigation is essential to ensure accurate and effective sampling of soils, groundwater and ground gases. The findings of the ground investigation form the foundations for any subsequent due diligence evaluation, contaminated land risk assessment, geotechnical design or remedial strategy.

CRA’s site investigation services include:

Phase 1 desk study and ESAs Phase 2 ESA intrusive investigation (trial pitting,

dynamic percussive sampling, rotary and sonic drilling, etc)

SPMPs Due diligence audits Soil, sediment, ground gas, surface and

groundwater sampling and analysis Waste classification Human health risk assessment Groundwater risk assessment Ground gas risk assessment Mine working investigations and grouting works;

and Regulatory liaison


Drill cuttings management is an essential part of the waste management process for both onshore and offshore drilling. CRA have undertaken drill cuttings management and assessment for onshore operations and can assist in the incorporation of offshore drill cuttings into operational Waste Management Plans.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is undertaken to quantify potential liabilities associated with an operation, divestiture or acquisition of a particular site in order to minimize exposure to legal enforcement, commercial risk and/or reputational damage.

CRA has decades of experience of conducting contaminated land risk assessments across the globe. CRA applies this expertise to assess our clients’ environmental risks to determine if there is any need for remedial solutions and, if required, design cost-effective solution.

Whilst most risk assessments can be resolved during the initial screening phase, CRA has the knowledge and experience to undertake site specific Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessments.

CRA also specializes in:

Human Health Risk Assessment; Ground Gas Risk Assessment; and Controlled Waters Risk Assessment



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Remediation may be required to address environmental or human health impacts identified as a result of risk assessment or observation of actual harm occurring to land, water or property. Remediation can be a necessary undertaking at any point in the lifecycle of oil and gas production sites and installations, however, it is more commonly associated with historic and current industrial activity, where previous poor practices or accidents resulted in the escape of contaminative substances, resulting in the need for contaminated land remediation.

Contaminated land remediation can take the form of numerous physical, chemical and biological processes, potentially involving extensive groundworks and the need for regulatory approval prior to and on completion of activities.

Remediation can be undertaken to return land to a condition suitable for beneficial use, so that development can take place, it can eliminate blight and enable the regeneration of substantial areas of land and is frequently addressed within the planning process of any redevelopment proposals.

CRA provides services for the development, design and implementation of remediation programmes for contaminated sites. Our professionals have up-to-date knowledge of applicable environmental laws and regulations. They are experienced in applying engineering principles and specialised skills to develop solutions for a range of contaminated site conditions. CRA has successfully completed remediation projects at oil and gas facilities.

A major strength of CRA is the strategic development of responsive and cost-effective remediation plans that meet regulatory requirements. Our consultants are experienced in all aspects of project delivery methods for remediation including advisory, traditional engineering/oversight approaches, design-build, design-build-operate, and design-build-own-operate.

CRA has constructed hundreds of remediation systems using both traditional and innovative technologies, often providing significant cost-saving solutions.

Environmental Due Diligence Assessments

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, or Environmental Due Diligence Audits, are commonly required by financial institutions for property acquisition or divestiture, and property leases. They are also of benefit to organisations wishing to understand the potential environmental risks associated with their landholdings and operations.

CRA has conducted environmental due diligence as part of acquisitions, divestitures and assets management throughout the UK and Europe for a wide variety of clients, including oil and gas clients, both onshore and offshore. CRA staff are familiar with many of the industrial processes of the oil and gas industry which enables us to properly identify and assess environmental issues based on our understanding of environmental regulations and legislation.



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Environmental Engineering Support

CRA is an environmental engineering consultancy and we provide a range of strategic environmental engineering consultancy services. We have in-house expertise in providing these services to the oil and gas industry, including process optimization, energy management, water treatment, geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology.

Our Services:


Hydrogeology

Process Optimisation

Geotechnics

Emissions Abatement

Energy Management

Energy Efficiency Review / Minimisation Studies

Case Studies:


GHG Emissions Assessment and Calculation of a Carbon Footprint at a Natural Gas Refining Facility

Human Health and Controlled Waters Risk Assessment Natural Gas Refining Facility

Geo-Environmental Investigation for a Natural Gas Refining Facility

Energy Efficiency Review for a Gas Refinery

Energy Efficiency BAT Assessment for a Natural Gas Refining Facility



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Hydrogeology

CRA have undertaken hydrogeological investigations at several onshore installations where site baseline groundwater quality data can be used to determine compliance with regulatory criteria. CRA's hydrogeologists have worked on some of the most challenging groundwater pollution studies and we are recognised globally as a leader in groundwater remediation. CRA's groundwater experience includes: compliance monitoring, contaminant plume delineation, physical and chemical modelling, design and implementation of in situ and ex situ remediation measures, and water resource evaluation.


The oil and gas industry greatly benefits from operating processes which have been optimised. An optimised process is one which yields the maximum output of the desired specification of product with minimal input, losses or other costs. CRA can assist in process optimisation through:

Assessment of technical, operational and managerial aspects of a process;

Benchmarking of performance; Identifying, prioritising and trialling improvement

options; Agreement and adoption of changes; and Monitoring, reviewing and reporting impacts.

Industrial process optimisation should also reduce the environmental impact of the process through minimisation of resource input and losses, and create a more sustainable process, which in turn, supports the achievement of organisational targets for waste and climate change emissions reduction.

Geotechnics

A detailed understanding of the nature of ground conditions underlying a site and how they interact with a proposed or existing development is essential to allow for the success of a proposed or existing development or the continued integrity of existing structures. In accordance with best practice, the adoption of a combined geotechnical and environmental investigation passes on significant cost savings to our clients. CRA provides expert advice on all aspects of geotechnical engineering including:

Geotechnical site review Appropriate intrusive investigations to identify

soil, rock and groundwater Hydrogeological investigations Expertise in field and laboratory testing Provision of geotechnical design parameters to

facilitate detailed foundation/ structural design. Mining assessment SUDS/ soakaway drainage assessments Ground improvement techniques Earthworks Slope stability Excavations Dewatering Working platform design



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Emissions Abatement

Engineered solutions for abating emissions are necessary for the majority of oil and gas facilities. Requirements to abate polluting emissions from onshore and offshore facilities, including greenhouse gases, odours, noise and discharges of wastewater are typically driven by legislative requirements and can represent a significant cost to businesses.

CRA’s scientists and engineers are highly qualified and experienced in environmental permitting, impacts assessment, process design, environmental engineering and sustainable manufacturing. This expertise provides the basis for supporting clients with the development of monitoring programmes, air and water emissions assessment, process optimization, waste/raw material management and emissions abatement.

Energy Management

Energy Management is the means for monitoring, controlling and reducing an organisation's energy consumption. This requirement is becoming of increasing importance in the oil and gas sector owing to the risk to business profitability associated with energy price rises or supply shortages. In addition, many oil and gas companies are increasingly aware of the need to reduce carbon emissions to minimise environmental damage and to promote a sustainable corporate image. CRA help organisations to monitor their energy consumption and identify trends which will allow organisations to identify opportunities for reducing their energy consumption by focussing on areas of high or unnecessary use. CRA can help to create an effective energy management plan based upon promoting energy efficiency within the business through education, training, effective management, maintenance of buildings, plants and equipment, and consideration of renewable energy technology power schemes.


Many oil and gas operations require large energy input, thus reducing surplus energy usage can lower an installation’s carbon emissions, and reduce costs associated with production. Dedicated energy management proves to stakeholders a commitment to improving efficiency and limiting your impact on the environment.

CRA deliver energy management services to oil and gas clients across Europe. An energy efficiency study will initially map the energy consumed by specific users throughout the facility and be used to determine daily, weekly and seasonal consumption in order to identify patterns of energy usage across a facility. Areas of inefficiency will be determined and processes identified which could be re-scheduled to maximize energy cost savings.

The second stage will look at the efficiencies of particular equipment to identify losses and recommend areas for improvement – such as in boilers, motors, pumps, fans, compressed air, refrigeration, HVAC and lighting. As well as identifying cost savings, CRA can identify alternative energy sources and offset schemes.

A significant part of ISO 50001 energy management systems is how management incorporates energy efficiency into its organization, and CRA can work with you to help align all staff towards your energy management goals.



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Corporate Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important in the oil and gas industry. There is a growing expectation for oil and gas companies to address global issues such as climate change, as well as local issues in developing countries where much oil and gas exploration and development is now taking place. CSR is also increasingly important in attaining business recognition, and gaining financial support for key projects. CRA helps oil and gas companies develop effective CSR strategies to minimise their business risks and meet and exceed expectations for environmental, social and health and safety performance.

CRA provide strategic guidance regarding developments in corporate responsibility themes, sector best practice, global expectations, local cultures and competitor performance. We deliver corporate responsibility programmes from benchmarking and strategy development to implementation, reporting and verification.

Our Services:


CSR Strategy Development

Corporate Reporting and Verification

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Carbon Accounting

Corporate Risk Management

Carbon Accounting and Management Training

Case Studies:



Revision and Development of a Corporate Responsibility Management System for an Oil and Gas Exploration Company

Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Strategy Oil and Gas Exploration Company

Water Resources Strategy and Management Tools Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company



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CSR Strategy

Good CSR is becoming increasingly important for oil and gas companies, not only to ensure good practice and meet international and funding body standards, but also to differentiate themselves from their competitors and demonstrate their performance to stakeholders. CRA has extensive experience of guiding oil and gas companies in the development of CSR strategy and supporting them in implementation programmes. This includes CSR strategies for all aspects of corporate responsibility or for specific themes such as water resources or climate change. Our specialists undertake research into global and sector-specific drivers, to enable clients to appreciate emerging environmental and corporate responsibility themes. We work with them to formulate appropriate strategic goals and support them in developing company-wide implementation programmes, modifying leadership culture, operational behaviours and management processes.


There is increasing expectation that organisations will report on their environmental, sustainability or corporate responsibility performance. CRA provides a broad range of services to support organisations embarking on a corporate reporting initiative,

including strategic advice regarding stakeholder expectations and report scoping, design of key

performance indicator (KPI) data collection protocols and tools, including web-hosted systems, integration of data collection and information quality control into environmental management systems, data collation, interpretation and presentation; and verification of data and corporate reports.


While historically concern over GHG emissions from oil and has focused on end-use combustion, increasingly, the oil and gas industry is under pressure to measure and reduce the GHG emissions associated with its production, processing and distribution. CRA specialises in helping clients to integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into their business models.

CRA has considerable experience of climate change strategy and mitigation. We work with our clients at all organisational levels and functions to develop strategies and solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. CRA can offer support with reviewing and refreshing environmental and sustainability strategy to address climate change, developing and improving management systems to drive the implementation of mitigation programmes, and designing specific energy efficiency and mitigation reduction initiatives. CRA also leads the development of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment’s (IEMA) guide on climate change mitigation for organisations.

Additional Services

Other services we provide in this area include:

Carbon Accounting Corporate Risk Management Training in Carbon Accounting and

Management

Click on the names to navigate to the relevant information pages on our website.

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Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Management Systems

The reputational value of gaining certification for management systems is widely recognised across all industries. CRA has extensive experience in working with oil and gas clients to develop and improve their management systems, as stand-alone systems for a single discipline or fully-integrated business management systems. Our experts also support the work of the International Organisation for Standardisation in the development of new standards, and guidance that supports the process of developing and certifying management systems.

CRA’s management system services include strategic guidance in the development of health and safety, environmental or integrated EHS systems. We can help with gap analysis, management process development, auditing, training and communications programme development. We also provide specific technical support for management systems disciplines including environment, health and safety business continuity.

Our Services:

We provide support in the development and maintenance of accredited management systems for the following Click the name to navigate to the service you are interested in:

OHSAS 18001

ISO 14001

Integrated EHS Management Systems

Management System Audits

Case Studies:

The following contain just some of the examples of our EHS management systems activities. Click on the name to navigate to the study:


EHS Management Support for the Oil and Gas Sector

Internal EHS Auditor and Awareness Training for a Company in the Oil and Gas Sector

CRA’s Management Systems

CRA has its own fully integrated EHS management system, certified to, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. We also have a robust quality system certified to ISO 9001. For more information read our Management Systems and Memberships information page.



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OHSAS 18001

The BS OHSAS 18001 standard acknowledges today’s increasing concerns for legal compliance, employee safety and occupational health. It provides the basis for managing these issues in a structured, concise and cost-effective manner. Adhering to the standard will minimise regulatory impact on business operations and the risk of reputational damage.

CRA’s behaviour based approach to BS OHSAS 18001 implementation emphasises the importance of sustained and consistent health and safety management of daily workplace activities. Our specialists have extensive knowledge of all aspects of occupational health and safety gained in a diverse range of industrial sectors. CRA’s consultants frequently liaise with the regulatory authorities allowing us to provide professional, informed guidance to our clients regarding their options for implementing and achieving certification to the BS OHSAS 18001:2007 standard.

ISO 14001

CRA has extensive experience working with organisations to develop, implement and improve environmental management systems. CRA’s EMS expert Nigel Leehane is one of the UK’s technical experts appointed to the ISO working group revising ISO 14001:2004.

We work with companies to understand their corporate objectives, help them foster commitment throughout the organisation and work collaboratively to produce systems that can be readily integrated into business processes. We help to train, mentor and raise awareness throughout the organisation so that the EMS adds value and becomes an essential part of business management.

Integrated EHS Management Systems

The range of management systems standards is growing. In addition to the standards for environment (ISO 14001), quality (ISO 9001) and occupational health & safety (OHSAS 18001), recent publications include management systems for energy, information security, business continuity and food safety. Rather than develop separate systems for a number of disciplines, there is a growing trend for implementing an integrated management system.

CRA believes that a management systems implementation programme should provide a unique opportunity to influence organisational culture, manage risk and deliver business improvement. CRA has technical expertise in the disciplines underpinning management system standards. We work seamlessly with our clients to secure commitment to improving management processes, undertake gap analyses to identify business improvement opportunities and develop effective integrated management system implementation programmes.

Management System Audits

CRA undertakes internal auditing, supplier auditing and third party management system verification audits. All audits are undertaken by experienced and competent personnel in accordance with an established audit programme and documented methodology. CRA only appoints audit project managers who are registered IEMA principal auditors.

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Our Team



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CRA’s Oil and Gas Specialists CRA’s entire technical team work with clients in the oil and gas industry. Our more senior staff have extensive experience in the sector, often working within the EHS teams of our clients and providing support and guidance to senior management. Our staff can be contacted using the email addresses provided, or for general enquiries please call our Nottingham Head Office on 0115 965 6700 or email [email protected].

Summary of Staff Capabilities At the end of this section you will find a quick look summary of the capabilities of each member of the CRA team. Click here to skip to the summary of capabilities.

Nigel Leehane, Managing Director Nigel has extensive experience of corporate and operational EHS management in the oil and gas sector, and works with a number of clients as part of the EHS team to support the development of corporate strategy and the EHS performance of operations. He undertakes corporate EHS compliance and systems audits of facilities, contributes to the development of EHS standards and works with assets in the

implementation of management systems and ESMPs. His experience extends to oil and gas exploration and production operations in the UK, Asia and Africa. Skills: Corporate Strategy, EHS Auditing, Management Systems, Corporate Reporting, Due Diligence, Carbon Management, Resource Efficiency, ESIA and Training.

Frank Dennis, Director Frank specialises in health, safety and environmental management at high hazard sites where he has worked as both operator and external consultant. Over the past 29 years, Frank has worked internationally in a number of industry sectors including: mining, petrochemical, nuclear and oil and gas. His recent experience in oil and gas includes the development and implementation of environmental

management systems, environmental auditing and the oversight of geological investigations. Skills: Public Consultation, Risk Management, Regulatory Liaison, Environmental Due Diligence, Contaminated Land Management, Training and Management of Multi-Disciplinary projects. Frank speaks French and Spanish.

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E: [email protected]







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Bryan Hughes, Director Bryan has over 25 years of experience in environmental management and has detailed knowledge of the UK’s environmental permitting regime. Bryan undertakes audits of environmental compliance, due diligence and operational liabilities, and provides guidance in process permitting and techniques in environmental management, as well as providing technical support and assistance to various industrial

sectors regulated by environmental permits and licenses, including petro-chemicals. Within CRA, he is the focal point for advice on the various technical aspects of MARPOL.

Skills: EHS and Waste Auditing, Environmental Permitting, Environmental Management Systems, Due Diligence, Industrial Heritage, Resource Efficiency, and Training

Bob Gregory, Manager of Energy and Waste Services

Bob has over 25 years experience as an environmental consultant. He has extensive experience working with large multinational clients from a variety of sectors. Bob specialises in energy services and waste and resource management, and is a technical expert in the fields of waste and resource management,

hazardous waste management, environmental risk management, technical due diligence, financial due diligence, expert witness and arbitration.

Skills: Waste Management, Energy Management, Risk Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Due Diligence Assessment, Climate Change Adaptation,

David Gill, Principal Consultant David is a chemical engineer who formerly worked in the oil and gas sector, and has over twenty years environment consultancy experience primarily in the aerospace and motor manufacturing industrial sectors. While specialising in environmental permitting, environmental impact assessment and management system implementation, David has extensive experience in auditing, resource efficiency

assessment and management system training. He is currently providing environmental permitting support for an offshore gas platform in the Southern North Sea. Skills: Environmental Permitting, EHS Auditing, Management Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Plume Dispersion Modelling, Resource Efficiency, and Training.

Gwenda McIntyre, Principal Consultant Gwenda has 8 years experience in resolution of technical environmental compliance issues within the oil and gas sector. As a Chartered Chemist and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry her technical expertise is applied in: environmental permitting applications, variations and resolution of compliance issues; BAT assessments, impact assessments; chemicals management and regulation; accident

management and emergency response planning; resource and energy efficiency assessments; pollutant source investigations; and process improvement. Skills: Process, Analytical, Formulation and Environmental Chemistry, Experimental Design, BAT, DTA and Impact Assessments, Chemicals Management, Resource Efficiency and Problem Solving

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Phil Stuckey, Principal Consultant

Phil has extensive experience of operational Health & Safety management in the oil and gas sector and a good knowledge of both onshore and offshore oil and gas health and safety legislation. He has worked for a number of major oil companies, participating in and developing Safety Cases, COMAH Reports and Safety Critical Equipment Performance standards. He chairs Hazard and Operability

studies (HazOPs) and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA) and undertakes Health & Safety compliance and systems audits of facilities. His experience extends to operations in the UK, Middle East and Asia.

Skills: Chairing HazOPs and HIRA, EHS Auditing, Developing Safety Cases, Safety Management Systems, Health and Safety Procedures and Accident / Incident Investigations

Paul Johns, Principal Consultant Paul is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with experience working in a range of high hazard industries. He has extensive knowledge of COMAH, DSEAR and Environmental Permitting Regulations and has assisted a number of sites in achieving compliance with the requirements of this legislation. He has developed an asset integrity programme at a top tier COMAH site and has participated in a KP4 Ageing

Plant audit for a client in the oil and gas sector. Paul has chaired HAZOP studies to identify risks associated with proposed modifications to offshore installations. Recently, he audited environmental and socio-economic management systems for a client in the oil and gas sector working in West Africa. Skills: EHS Regulatory Compliance, Safety Reports/Safety Cases, Asset Integrity, CDM Coordinator, EHS Management Systems (ISO 14001/OHSAS 18001), Site Decommissioning, Demolition and Remediation

Yasaman Ghorashi (Jasmine), Senior Environmental Consultant Jasmine has extensive experience in management of multi-scope projects, specifically in the oil and gas industry sector. She has managed a variety of projects including permitting (onshore and offshore), land investigation (environmental and geotechnical), environmental and health and safety management

systems (development, maintenance and auditing). Her experience extends to oil and gas exploration and production operations in the UK. Skills: Land Investigation, Onshore and Offshore Permitting, EHS Auditing, Management Systems

Matthew Guest, Senior Environmental Consultant Matthew has seven years experience as an environmental consultant, including five years working in the oil and gas sector in the UK and abroad. Matthew has worked on a variety of projects including environmental compliance and permitting; resource, waste and energy efficiency reviews; and contaminated land issues, including assessment of drill cuttings. Matthew currently provides on-going

environmental support to a large gas terminal in the UK. This role includes environmental auditing, regulatory correspondence, assistance with carbon management and providing training to employees. Skills: Environmental Compliance and Permitting, Resource, Waste and Energy Efficiency, Contaminated Land, Drill Cuttings Assessment, Environmental Management Systems












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Liam Dunning, Senior Environmental Consultant Liam has project managed numerous environmental site assessments for a range of oil and gas sector clients across the UK and South Africa. Additionally, Liam has experience in environmental permitting and property due diligence.

Skills: Environmental Site Assessments, Project Management, Property Due Diligence, Environmental Compliance, Environmental Permitting.

Martin Danihel, Senior Environmental Consultant Martin is a remediation specialist with twenty years of extensive UK and European experience in soil and groundwater remediation and assessment. Martin has designed almost two hundred remedial schemes, and managed the implementation and completion of over sixty, for a range of contaminants in varied geological and hydrogeological settings at oil refineries, petrochemical plants, oil terminals, depots and

petrol filling stations. Skills: Contaminated Land Remediation, Risk Assessment, Health and Safety Compliance, Environmental Compliance and Auditing, Environmental Engineering Support, GHG Verification and Pollution Control

Sharon Abram, Senior Environmental Consultant Sharon has experience of OPPC permitting and resource efficiency in the oil and gas sector, working with a major client to support the permitting requirements of a number of onshore and offshore facilities in the UK. She has experience of environmental baseline studies for the oil and gas sector in the Middle East, having been a key member of a team who completed an environmental baseline study for the

construction of a major oil pipeline in Southern Iraq. Sharon’s oil and gas experience includes the UK and Iraq.

Skills: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Baseline Studies, Environmental Permitting, Environmental Management Systems, Contaminated Land, Due Diligence, Resource Efficiency.

Jo Steele, Senior Environmental Consultant Jo has a wide range of experience assisting oil and gas clients with contaminated land based projects. Jo's main areas of expertise are project management of contaminated land investigations related to planning and environmental permitting, and environmental due diligence. Jo has managed, coordinated and worked on a variety of projects for oil and gas clients including Phase I and II environmental site

assessments, environmental and human health risk assessment, remediation, environmental permitting support, and environmental impact assessments. Skills: Project Management, Contaminated Land Assessment, Environmental Risk Assessment, Training, Due Diligence, Compliance Auditing.

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Helen Mitcheson, Environmental Consultant Helen has a degree in Environmental Law and seven years of marine experience, including three as a consultant in the offshore oil and gas industry. She has worked on impact assessments and oil spill contingency plans for undertakings around the world and has worked with several onshore and offshore

clients in creating and updating their legal compliance registers. Helen has many years experience observing and researching marine mammals and is a qualified Marine Mammal Observer.

Skills: Environmental Impact Assessment, Oil Spill Contingency Plans, Environmental Permitting, Environmental Law and Policy, Marine Mammal Observation.

Elisa de León, Environmental Consultant Elisa is a chemical engineer with three years experience in greenhouse gas reduction projects in the oil and gas sector. Her consultancy work has included the identification of potential projects and the validation auditing process for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). She participated in projects such as energy efficiency, waste

heat recovery, leak reduction among others in oil and gas exploration, production and processing operations in Mexico.

Skills: Carbon Management, Energy Efficiency, Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Carbon Auditing, Waste Heat Recovery.

Luke Steaggles, Environmental Consultant Luke has three years experience working as an environmental consultant for the oil and gas industry. He has developed experience of operations at a range of clients, working on projects including contaminated land investigations, permitting and environmental, health and safety management systems.

Skills: Contaminated Land, Environmental Permitting, Environmental Management Systems, Health and Safety Management Systems.

Charles Dexter, Environmental Consultant Charles is an environmental consultant with three years experience, including working for clients in the oil and gas sector. He has been involved in a number of projects including contaminated land investigations, compiling legal registers for a variety of countries, and managing chemicals information.

Skills: Contaminated Land Investigation, EHS Legal Registers, Ground Water Monitoring, SPMPs, Environmental Compliance












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COMAH

DSEAR

Regulatory Compliance

Occupational Hygiene

Occupational Safety

HazOp/HazId

Asset Integrity

CDM

Integrated Management Systems

ISO 14001

OHSAS 18001

Gap Analysis

Management Systems Auditing

Demolition Management

Decommissioning

Asbestos

Storage Tanks

Emergency Planning

Due Diligence (Offshore Acquisition)

NORM

Ionising Radiation Protection

Environmental Permitting

Waste Management

GHG Verification

Pollution Control


Offshore Permit Compliance/PONs

MARPOL

OSPAR

Risk Assessment (Controlled Waters)

MMO/PAM


CRC

EMS & Auditing

Permit Management & Compliance

Technical Training

Carbon Accounting & Management

Planning


ESIAs/ESIA Management

Wastewater Treatment

Emissions Abatement


Low Carbon Technology & Renewables


Resource Utilisation Assessments

Process Control

Energy Management

Environmental Due Diligence

Risk Assessment

Site Investigation





CSR Strategy

Carbon Accounting

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Summary of Staff Capabilities Click the name of the staff member to navigate to their individual bio.

Property & Asset

Management

Training

Environmental Impact

Assessment

Environmental

Engineering

Environmental

Compliance

Contaminated Land

Management Systems

Corporate

Responsibility

Health & Safety


W: www.cra.co.uk

E: [email protected] F: +44 (0) 115 965 5282

T: +44 (0) 115 965 6700

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Case Studies



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The majority of the work CRA undertakes involves multidisciplinary skills and activities. We work closely with our oil and gas clients to provide the best suite of support for their needs. This section provides a selection of case studies of projects CRA have undertaken within the oil and gas sector.

Click on the name of the case study in the list below to navigate to the full summary page.

Description Key Service Areas Asbestos Management Survey Property and Asset Management

BAT Assessment - Natural Gas Dewpointing Environmental Compliance Management Systems

BAT Assessment - Natural Gas Processing Environmental Compliance

Contamination, Delineation and Remediation Project Contaminated Land Environmental Compliance

Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Strategy

Corporate Responsibility Management Systems

Drill Cutting Assessment and Remedial Options Contaminated Land

EHS Management Support Management Systems Health and Safety Environmental Compliance

Energy Efficiency BAT Assessment Environmental Engineering Support Environmental Compliance

Energy Efficiency Review Environmental Engineering Support Environmental Compliance

Environmental Data Reporting and Management Corporate Responsibility Environmental Compliance

Environmental impact Assessment (EIA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Environmental Permitting Support Environmental Compliance Contaminated Land Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

EU Emissions Trading Scheme Audit and Support Environmental Compliance Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Geo-Environmental Investigation Environmental Engineering Support Contaminated Land

Geographic Information System Prepared to Assist the Environmental Management of a Site (eDAT) Property and Asset Management



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Description Key Service Areas

GHG Emissions Assessment and Calculation of a Carbon Footprint

Environmental Engineering Support Corporate Responsibility Management Systems

Groundwater Contamination Trend Analysis Contaminated Land

Hazard and Operability Study (HazOP) Health and Safety

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) Health and Safety

Human Health and Controlled Waters Risk Assessment Contaminated Land Environmental Compliance

Human Health Risk Assessment Contaminated Land

Internal EHS Auditor and Awareness Training

Management Systems Health and Safety

Lead, Mercury and NORM Sampling

Property and Asset Management Health and Safety

Remediation of a Former Filling Station

Contaminated Land Property and Asset Management

Revision and Development of an Oil and Gas Sector Corporate Responsibility Management System

Corporate Responsibility Management Systems

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation at a Gas Distribution Centre

Contaminated Land Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Environmental Compliance

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation at a Natural Gas Processing Terminal

Contaminated Land Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Environmental Compliance

Soil Contamination Assessment during Decommissioning and Demolition

Property and Asset Management Contaminated Land

Waste Audit and Drill Cuttings Investigation Contaminated Land

Water Resources Strategy and Management Tools

Corporate Responsibility Environmental Engineering Support



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Project Summary

Asbestos Management Survey Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • HSG264 Asbestos

Management Survey

• Client Consultation

• Abatement and Management Reports

• CAR 2012 Regulatory Support

• Asbestos Removal

• Air Sampling for Respirable Fibres

• Review and Background Air Sampling

• Data Management

CRA was commissioned to conduct a Management Survey of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in ongoing operational areas of a gas terminal. A Material Assessment was performed for all confirmed ACM, scoring for product type, extent of damage, surface treatment and asbestos type as defined in HSG264 (HSE, 2010).

The Management Survey consisted of locating the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs across the operating infrastructure. ACM was assessed for damage and the potential for disturbance during normal operations, including maintenance and installation. The Management Survey was undertaken in accordance with current UK Guidance (HSG 264, Asbestos: The Survey Guide, published by the HSE in 2010).

During the Management Survey, 386 suspect ACM samples were collected and sent for laboratory analysis, of which 88 samples were confirmed as ACM by the laboratory.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations, CAR 2012, requires that employers must prevent exposure to employees or reduce exposure to the lowest possible levels. The survey identified ACM, formed a register of ACM locations, and was used to set priorities for managing ACMs, to ensure compliance with CAR 2012.

CRA managed the abatement and clearance where asbestos was identified. CRA also manages the ACM for the site via the GIS-based software programme, e:DAT™. This programme holds all datasheets, laboratory reports, locations of ACM sampling points, and removal reports. The data held in the eDAT™ can also be queried to determine where ACM is present, type of asbestos, extent of asbestos, and condition of asbestos.



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Project Summary

BAT Assessment – Natural Gas Dewpointing Confidential Client, UK

Key Project Elements • PPC Improvement

• Gas Refinery

• Achieving BAT

• Minimising Natural Gas Dewpointing Impacts

CRA was commissioned by a UK gas refinery to carry out an assessment of the options available to reduce the environmental impact of a gas dewpointing process. The refinery was in the process of making an application to operate under the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations. Under the requirements of PPC, the assessment was necessary to ensure that the operator was using the Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent or minimise impacts of activities on the environment.

CRA performed a systematic assessment to determine BAT for this installation, identifying performance targets and assessing the technical, operational and economic feasibility of options to meet BAT requirements as set out in the Gasification, Liquefaction and Refining Sector Guidance Note. The options evaluated included retention of the current processing plant with various technical, operational and management improvements to reduce impacts. These options were compared against replacement of the current combustion engine driven compressor process with alternative engines, as well as complete replacement of compressor based technology for gas dewpointing. All options were assessed in terms of technical and operational feasibility, the likely reduction in emission impacts to be achieved, and cost effectiveness.

From the BAT assessment an improvement programme was defined to achieve BAT through implementation of technical, operational and managerial changes to the existing process.



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Project Summary

BAT Assessment – Natural Gas Processing Gas Refinery, UK

Key Project Elements • PPC Improvement

• Gas Refinery

• Achieving BAT

• Minimising Natural Gas Processing Impacts

CRA was commissioned by a UK gas processor to carry out an assessment of the options available to reduce the environmental impact of a gas compression process. The refinery has a permit to operate under the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations. Under their EMS Improvement Programme, the client wished to review existing technology in order to ascertain whether the technology in place continues to meet indicative Best Available Technique (BAT) requirements, and to identify further improvement options.

CRA performed a systematic assessment to determine BAT for the process within this installation. Performance targets to meet indicative BAT as set out in the relevant BREF and PPC Guidance Notes were identified. The environmental performance of the current technology was assessed with respect to state-of-the–art in terms of the technical, operational and economic feasibility of options to meet and exceed indicative BAT requirements. Technical, operational and managerial options were evaluated in terms of their feasibility, the likely reduction in emissions and other environmental impacts, and their cost effectiveness.

From the assessment it was determined that the existing technology continues to meet indicative BAT requirements. A range of feasible options were identified which, when implemented through the client’s EMS Improvement Programme, will allow further improvement in environmental performance over and above that required to meet indicative BAT standards.



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Project Summary

Contamination, Delineation and Remediation Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Regular

Groundwater Quality Monitoring

• Risk Assessment

• Remedial Options Appraisal

• Remedial Design and Implementation

• Regulatory Support

CRA is providing a range of consultancy services to a gas refining installation in the UK, including the regular monitoring of soil and groundwater quality to satisfy the conditions of the installation’s Environmental Permit. The regular monitoring is undertaken to provide a warning of impact to the environment from the processes carried out at the installation.

During a regular groundwater monitoring round, a layer of free-phase petroleum hydrocarbon was encountered in one of the wells at the installation. This prompted further investigation to identify the source of the contamination and to determine if it was a result of historical or current processes. This investigation involved laboratory analysis of the free-product to determine its composition, a study of the processes in the area that could potentially cause the contamination, and further intrusive investigation to delineate the extent of the contamination.

CRA also worked closely with the client to determine the implications of the contamination with regards to Environmental Liability and their Environmental Permit.

The investigations identified that the source of the contamination was a result of historical processes in a building adjacent to the location of the well. It was also determined that the free-phase contamination did not extend laterally into the wider area beyond the impacted well.

A detailed quantitative risk assessment using ConSim fate and transport modelling software was undertaken to determine whether the resulting dissolved phase plume posed a risk to the environment. The risk assessment identified that the contamination did not pose a significant risk to identified receptors; however, due to the presence of free-phase hydrocarbon, CRA recommended as a proactive approach, that remedial works be undertaken to mitigate potential future issues.

CRA undertook a remedial options appraisal to identify the optimal remedial method to be undertaken. CRA then designed, installed and implemented a pump and treat system targeting the free-phase petroleum hydrocarbon.

Throughout the project CRA provided support to the client with regards to Regulatory liaison.

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Project Summary

Revision and Development of an Oil and Gas Sector Corporate Responsibility Management System Oil and Gas Exploration Company, UK

Key Project Elements • Review and Develop

Company Corporate Responsibility Policy and Principles

• Lead Workshops for Senior Managers to Achieve Buy-In for the Principles of Corporate Responsibility

• Integration of CR and Project Management Systems

• Benchmarking against Competitor Behaviour

• Development of Performance Standards Derived from ISO 26000

CRA provides environmental advice and support to a specialist exploration company in the oil and gas sector in the UK, working as part of the corporate EHS team. Tasks include auditing supplier and contractor management systems and vessel operations, development of environmental controls, and provision of reports on performance to regulatory bodies.

In addition, CRA has worked closely with the EHS team, project engineers and operational staff to develop and integrate Corporate Responsibility policies and principles within the project and operating management systems. CRA’s role has been to lead workshops to develop and engender understanding within senior management of the importance of Corporate Responsibility, to enlist their support to develop company principles of CR, and to help drive the integration of those principles into business practice.

The company operates in socially and environmentally diverse locations where CR must be taken seriously to retain the “licence to operate”. To ensure that this happens, CRA has helped to develop performance standards which are based around the components of ISO 26000 standard “Guidance on Social Responsibility”. This allows CR issues to be identified at early project stages and treated along the same timeline and within the same process as traditional project development.

Work was completed with local operational staff to identify where the pitfalls of poor CR may exist, and where opportunities for integrating good CR practice with normal operation can easily be achieved.



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Project Summary

Oil and Gas Sector Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Strategy Oil and Gas Exploration Company, UK

Key Project Elements • Review of

Environmental Key Performance Indicators

• Benchmarking against Stakeholder Expectation and Competitor Behaviour

• Leading Corporate Reporting Strategy Development

• Overhauling the Annual KPI Reporting Process

• Collating and Interpreting the Annual Data for Verification and Reporting

CRA provides close environmental management support to a leading UK company in the oil and gas sector, working as part of the corporate EHS team. Tasks include preparing for and participating as auditees in external certification audits, development of management systems procedures, corporate auditing and training.

In addition, CRA has worked closely with both the EHS team and external affairs department in the collection and validation of KPI data for inclusion in the annual Corporate Report. CRA’s role has been broad, including redesigning the data collection workbooks, training staff globally in their use, preparing a data validation process for use by the reporting entities, carrying out verification audits of data from the businesses and functional departments, collating and interpreting the data, and being audited by the external verifier.

CRA is helping our client in the review of its reporting strategy, including undertaking a review of stakeholder expectations and competitor practice. This involves reviewing sector and other stakeholder expectations, including the practices promoted by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, IPIECA, the International Finance Corporation and regulators. In addition, CRA is reviewing the degree of compliance of competitor reports with the different levels of reporting advocated by the Global Reporting Initiative. These findings will be used to guide the organisation in the development of its future strategy for corporate reporting.



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Project Summary Drill Cuttings Assessment and Remedial Options Natural Gas Processing Facility, Bangladesh

Key Project Elements • Intrusive Investigation of

Drill Cutting wastes

• Appraisal of risk posed to human health and the environment

• Assessment of feasible remedial options

• Sustainable remediation option put forward

CRA was commissioned by an oil and gas company to determine the contaminant composition of waste drill cuttings stored at four gas processing installations in Bangladesh. The contaminant data was then used to undertake an appraisal of the potential risk posed to human health and the surrounding environment. Due to a significantly viable environmental risk being identified, CRA carried out an assessment of remedial options for the drill cuttings.

An intrusive investigation was undertaken of cuttings taken from historic drilling, which were stored in excavated pits at all four sites. This investigation involved the delineation of the depth and extent of each cuttings pit using a hand auger. Samples were also collected using the hand auger and shipped to an accredited laboratory in the UK for chemical analysis.

The samples were submitted for solid and leachate analysis to allow comparison to accepted international and Bangladeshi criteria as part of a generic quantitative risk assessment (GQRA). The criteria were selected for the protection of surrounding agricultural and on-site industrial land uses. Certain contaminants were found to be present at concentrations that posed an unacceptable risk to the receptors; therefore various remedial options were examined.

The review of remedial options took into consideration the client’s own procedures for drill cutting waste, available guidance for the oil and gas industry and the limitations related to the sites being located in Bangladesh.

The remedial option recommended by CRA allows the drill cuttings to be treated and reused at the sites, offering a sustainable solution.



46




Project Summary EHS Management Support Oil and Gas Sector, Uganda

Key Project Elements • Corporate EHS Audit

Programme

• Detailed Environmental and H&S audits

• ISO 14001 Gap Analysis

• EMS Development Support

CRA is delivering a programme of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) support to a global oil and gas company operating in Uganda. This includes undertaking environmental and health and safety audits of country operations and systems as part of the corporate EHS audit programme, and also providing support to the country EHS team in the development of internal management systems.

CRA is providing specialist support to participate in or lead corporate audits of both environmental and H&S management processes, both at the country headquarters and in the field. Drilling operations include the development of new exploration wells and well testing, and associated activities involve well pad construction, waste management and operation of base camps.

In addition to working with the corporate team, CRA is supporting the country EHS team in reviewing and strengthening its own EHS management procedures. This has included an EMS gap analysis of the country system against the requirements of ISO 14001. Work will continue to strengthen the company’s EHS management systems to meet the demands of forthcoming production operations.



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Project Summary

Energy Efficiency BAT Assessment Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Environmental

Permitting Regime compliance

• Gasification, Liquefaction and Refining Sector

• Natural gas refining

• BAT assessment of energy efficiency

• BAT assessment of technical, managerial and operational techniques

• Benchmarking energy efficiency of process plant

• Energy Efficiency Action Plan

CRA provides a range of consultancy services to major gas refining installations in the UK, including assisting in management of Environmental Permit compliance. CRA performs regular assessments of the techniques employed to manage the environmental impacts of the installations to ensure the operators are employing the Best Available Techniques (BAT) as defined in guidance and standards set by the local Environment Agency and the European Environment Agency. BAT assessments performed by CRA include reviews of the managerial, technical, and operational techniques employed to minimise impacts from resource and energy consumption, waste production and emissions to the environment.

CRA performed a BAT assessment of the energy efficiency of process plant on a gas refining installation. The assessment involved a review of energy consumption on the installation, identifying and quantifying energy sources and energy consumption by intensive plant including compressors, oil heaters, steam generators and thermal treatment units for process off-gases. Data on energy consumption and unit output were gathered for individual plant, and benchmarked against other similar plant and/or the manufacturers or industry standards to assess the fitness of the individual plant. The techniques employed to minimise energy use through production planning, operations and maintenance were documented and assessed against indicative BAT standards set out in Environment Agency and European guidance. Measures employed to reduce energy consumption included good practice in maintenance and cleaning of equipment, operating equipment at maximum load and limiting start-ups and shut-downs through production and maintenance planning.

The findings of the BAT assessment were reviewed with the operator and an Energy Efficiency Action Plan developed. Further actions included development of methods for improved monitoring of energy efficiency of certain plant to allow future decisions to be taken on utilisation and investment. The plan also included a commitment to review options for waste heat re-use and rationalisation of site heating requirements to minimise operation of less efficient plant.

Adoption of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan will facilitate improved energy efficiency, minimise production costs and reduce emissions to air from combustion plant.



48




Project Summary

Energy Efficiency Review Worldwide Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company

Key Project Elements • Environment Permit

compliance

• Energy Efficiency Review

• Best Available Techniques (BAT) benchmarking

• Improvement Opportunities

• Identification of measures to reduce CO2 emission equivalents

• Gap Analysis of current management plan

• Basic and further energy efficiency techniques

CRA provides a range of services to the gas refining industry in the UK, including the performance of 4-year energy efficiency reviews to satisfy the conditions of the installation’s Environmental Permit. The reviews are undertaken to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency for process and non-process applications at the permitted installations.

Data on energy consumption and productivity is examined, the status of existing energy efficiency actions reviewed, and current energy management techniques assessed. Opportunities to improve energy efficiency are identified and included in an Energy Efficiency Plan. In this recent review, energy efficiency measures for the installation amounted to an estimated CO2 emissions saving of greater than 4000 tonnes per annum, which is 8.2% of estimated direct and indirect CO2 emission equivalents (2011) for the site.

A gap analysis was undertaken of the current Greenhouse Gas and Energy Management Plan against the Environment Agency (EA) Horizontal H2 Guidance on Energy Efficiency. This investigation identified additional information required by the EA Guidance over the Site Control Framework. In accordance with the H2 Guidance, the review included basic energy efficiency techniques and further energy efficiency techniques including:

• Assessment of basic energy requirements • Assessment of operations, maintenance and housekeeping measures • Assessment of site buildings and facilities energy consumption and efficiency • Opportunities for heat recovery • Water minimisation • Low energy technology • Optimised design and layout • Process control and layout • Specification of equipment • Assessment of energy supply techniques • Development of an energy efficiency plan including impact on projected CO2 equivalent

emissions. It was demonstrated that the operator was applying the Best Available Techniques (BAT) to manage energy efficiency and achieving a specific energy consumption (energy consumption/tonne product) below the range for this sector detailed in the European IPPC Bureau’s BAT Reference Document (BREF) for the Refining of Mineral Oil and Gas (Draft 2) March 2012.



49




Project Summary

Environmental Data Reporting and Management Worldwide Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company

Key Project Elements • Technical Advice

• Worldwide Environmental Data Collection Tool (operations and offices)

• Worldwide Emissions Data Calculation

• Annual Evaluation of Reported Data

• Drilling, Seismic Exploration and Operational Sites

• Support for Third Party Verification

• Database Management Support

• Reporting to the GRI A+ Level

CRA is providing continuous data management support for one of the leading independently owned oil and gas exploration companies. Services provided by CRA include development of a data collection tool, review of data submitted by the country operations, collation of data, evaluation of environmental performance in comparison with previous reporting years, support during third party verification of reported data and support in development of an online database system.

CRA developed a data collection tool for a wide range of environmental KPI data including production (for normalisation), consumption of various fuels, water consumption from different sources flaring, venting, waste generation, spills, produced water, oil in produced water, drill cuttings, drilling mud and biodiversity. The tool provides separate input interfaces for a producing site, drilling site and a seismic exploration location. The tool collates the data in the desired format and units, and generates a country report. It also calculates GHG emissions from the fuel consumption data. All conversion and emission factors are sourced from reliable industry standards (i.e. OGP, IPECA, DECC, GHG Protocol, etc.) and references are provided within the tool to these sources.

The reported environmental data is evaluated by combining all the country reports into an aggregate workbook and comparing the environmental performance of each country, as well as worldwide, with the previous year. Any variations above or below 10% are highlighted and the justification for the variation is identified and noted. CRA also provides support during third party verification of the data, prior to it being published in annual financial and corporate responsibility reports.

In addition to the above, CRA provided support in the development of an online database management and user input interface.



50




Project Summary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Gas Storage Company, UK

Key Project Elements • Presentation of

Environmental Statement

• Targeted Assessment of Key Project Impacts

• Development of Mitigation Measures

• Review of Applicable Legislation

• Planning Framework Guidance

• Collection of Reference Data

• Data Interpretation

• Reporting

CRA was retained by a UK gas storage company to develop an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Statement (ES) for a proposed gas storage facility utilising a depleted gas field. The ES presented the results of the EIA for the onshore elements of the proposed development.

The EIA was developed using the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (1999). In order to complete the EIA, information was collated concerning the proposed design and facilities, the predicted emissions and discharges, and the current local environment. This information was reviewed to identify the potential environmental hazards, the sensitive environmental receptors and possible interactions between them. The assessment of impacts extended to landscape, ecology, archaeology, contaminated land, water quality, traffic and transport. Cumulative impact and two options for the location of the pipeline were considered.

Assessment of the significance of the impacts was made and where appropriate, consideration of control and mitigation measures was provided. Control and mitigation measures included a range of options from alternative equipment to procedural changes.

The EIA supported the successful planning application.



51




Project Summary

Environmental Permitting Support Natural Gas Processing Terminal, UK

Key Project Elements • Design SPMP

• Baseline data collection

• Infrastructure Monitoring

• Long Term Environmental Monitoring

• Reporting

• Liability Assessment

• Trend Analysis

• SPMP review

CRA has been supporting its client for many years and has included a successful application for the Terminal’s PPC permit, now known as an Environmental Permit. CRA designed and implemented a Site Protection and Monitoring Programme (SPMP), which was required under the former Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regime and which has now continued under the lifetime records approach under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.

CRA has conducted various projects for the client in support of their permit over several years, and through the transition from PPC to Environmental Permit as follows:

• Permit application and application site report production • Collection of soil and groundwater baseline data • Design and implementation of regular groundwater quality monitoring

(SPMP) • Review of SPMP and suggested revisions • Statistical trend assessment for groundwater contaminant concentrations

over time • Surface water discharge sampling and testing • Critical equipment evaluation • Bund inspection and in-situ testing • Reporting • Regulatory liaison

CRA’s experience and knowledge of the site, its development history and operations, enabled successful completion of various projects in support of the site’s permitting requirements. CRA continues to support its client now that the installation is due to be decommissioned and the permit surrendered.



52




Project Summary

EU Emissions Trading Scheme Audit and Support Natural Gas Production, UK

Key Project Elements • EU ETS compliance

• Internal audit of data flow and control activities

• Review of Phase III monitoring plan

• Support for regulator liaison

CRA is providing support for an offshore gas production installation, in meeting the requirements of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. In order to comply with the regulations, the installation must have an approved monitoring plan, which sets out arrangements for its “data flow and control activities”. There is a further requirement for undertaking an internal audit of these arrangements, in preparation for annual external verification.

CRA acted for the client as the internal auditor for this project, carrying out a detailed assessment of the implementation of the monitoring plan, and examining all of the data flow and control activities. This was conducted as a desk-top exercise at the client’s onshore facility. Monitoring procedures, records and evidence of calibration were all included in the audit, which also involved interviews with staff responsible for implementing the monitoring plan. Key elements of the work involved confirming that appropriate tier approaches and emissions factors were applied, and that internal processes for data collection, analysis and validation were effective.

CRA also provided support to the client in developing their new monitoring plan to meet the requirements for Phase III of the EU ETS, as set out in EU regulation 601/2012 on the Monitoring and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The work included support in negotiations with the regulator regarding a tier approach.



53




Project Summary

Geo-Environmental Investigation Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Geotechnical Survey

• Environmental Investigation

• Topographic Survey

• Foundation Design

• Engineering Recommendations

• Environmental Risk Assessment

• Human Health Risk Assessment

• Remedial Design

CRA was commissioned to undertake a combined geotechnical and environmental investigation for proposed redevelopment and pipeline installation works at an operational Gas Terminal in the UK.

The project comprised the drilling of 30 boreholes up to 35m deep, excavating 10 trial pits to 3.5m, installation of groundwater monitoring wells, collection of soil and groundwater samples, a topographical survey, and production of interpretive reports. The investigation was undertaken both within the operational Gas Terminal process areas and on adjacent land which included: cliff top, beach and agricultural land. The drilling locations required a high level of technical expertise and presented unique health and safety risks.

The geotechnical investigation was undertaken to determine soil properties on and off site, and to provide recommendations for engineering, design and construction works. CRA’s work included producing stratigraphic logs; in-situ geotechnical testing; collection of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples; rock coring and sampling; resistivity testing; groundwater sampling and analysis; seismic refraction testing; geotechnical classification and testing of soil and rock samples; and geotechnical reporting and engineering recommendations.

The environmental investigation was undertaken to identify areas of contamination, determine the extent of contamination, determine the environmental and human health risk implications and recommend remedial measures.

Throughout the project CRA provided advice and support to the client with regards to regulatory liaison.



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Project Summary

Geographic Information System Prepared to Assist the Environmental Management of a Site Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK


Management Support

• Management of Soil, Groundwater Data

• Management of Asbestos

CRA is providing a range of consultancy services to a gas refining installation in the UK, including assisting the client with environmental management support.

The client had commissioned over twenty environmental and geotechnical investigations at the installation since 1983. Numerous data existed from these investigations, and the client required a system to contain the data that could be easily accessed and managed, and that could also easily be updated with any future information.

CRA used their user-friendly, GIS-based software program, e:DAT™, to provide the client with a straightforward system to assist in the environmental management of the site. The e:DAT™ software provides the user with an integrated document and data management tool that allows all environmental information to be contained in one easily accessible system. The data held in the eDAT™ can also be queried (e.g. to create a spreadsheet of all locations at the site where Chrysotile asbestos is present), charted (e.g. to show the concentrations of benzene recorded over time in site wells), and contoured (e.g. to show the distribution of contaminants found at the site).

The e:DAT™ software integrates site information such as site maps, photographs, reports, laboratory data, etc. The e:DAT™ was provided to the client on CD; any future changes to the e:DAT™ will be updated automatically via the internet.

CRA provided training in the use of the software and produced an internal procedure for the client documenting how the software should be used to assist the environmental management of the client’s installation.

CRA is currently working to produce e:DAT™ systems for the client’s offshore platforms to allow the enhanced management of asbestos.



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Project Summary

GHG Emissions Assessment and Calculation of a Carbon Footprint Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Energy Efficiency

Assessment

• Fugitive Emissions Assessment

• Calculating the Onshore Carbon Footprint

• Developing a Method for Calculating the Carbon Footprint of the Offshore Installations

CRA is providing a range of consultancy services to the gas refining installations in Norfolk, England, including Best Available Technique assessments, environmental management systems support and greenhouse gas management.

CRA has recently developed a carbon footprint for one of the natural gas refineries, making use of data generated by CRA for other regulatory reporting requirements. An energy-efficiency study of combustion processes at the facility, together with a fugitive emissions assessment, provided various useful data relating to GHG emissions. From these, CRA developed conversion protocols, incorporating UK government emission factors, to calculate carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, for sources of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane.

Point sources of emissions comprised various combustion processes, including boilers, gas turbine compressors and standby generators and pumps. Emissions of CO2 were calculated from metered fuel consumption, with emissions monitoring data addressing CO and CH4. Fugitive emissions were estimated by various techniques, including the American Petroleum Institute component count method, which provides emission factors for various plant components such as flanges, pumps and valves.

Following the calculation of the refinery footprint, CRA is working with the company to develop a method for extending the footprint boundary to include its office headquarters and its offshore field operations.

The project demonstrates how a single initiative can accomplish multiple objectives. The work undertaken by CRA for the combustion process energy efficiency study addressed regulatory requirements (reports suitable for submission to the Environment Agency to address the Improvement Condition and to facilitate resolution of performance issues), process efficiency (the adoption of the proposed improvements will reduce the annual CO2 emissions reported, in terms of emissions per unit productivity, under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme) and provided much of the data for the carbon footprint.



56




Project Summary

Groundwater Contamination Trend Analysis Confidential Client, UK

Key Project Elements • Examination of

contamination data

• Plume identification

• Contaminant concentration trend analysis

CRA carried out regular environmental monitoring of soil and groundwater quality over five years at an industrial site with a historical legacy of hydrocarbon contamination. The monitoring programme was undertaken to determine the potential for contaminant migration towards down-gradient groundwater receptors. Five years of groundwater concentration data was used to identify and monitor contaminated plumes in the shallow and deep aquifers beneath the site. A statistical trend analysis was undertaken to determine whether concentrations in the plumes were remaining stable, attenuating or increasing.

CRA used software (developed by one of their main clients) to plot contaminant concentrations, to identify the sources of contamination, and to monitor the progress of plume migration over time. Two separate plumes were identified at the site within the shallow aquifer. The contaminants of concern were volatile petroleum hydrocarbons including benzene.

The contaminant concentrations within the plumes and at down-gradient wells were analysed to determine if the data was displaying statistically proven trends. It was determined that the contaminants in the wells located down-gradient of the plumes were increasing in concentration; whereas, the contaminants in wells at the source were decreasing in concentration The result of the trend analysis determined that the source is likely from a historical release rather than from an on-going release at the site.

The plumes were determined to be moving in the direction of the groundwater flow, in addition with one plume diving towards the deeper aquifer. As the sources were no longer active, the contaminants were found to attenuate over time within the aquifer. CRA worked closely with the client to determine the implications of the contamination with regards to environmental liability and their Environmental Permit, and provided regulatory liaison support to the client throughout the project.



57




Project Summary

Human Health and Controlled Waters Risk Assessment Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Review of Site Soil

and Groundwater Data

• Desktop Study of Hydrogeology

• Preparation of a Conceptual Site Model

• Identification of Potential Pollutant Linkages

• Human Health GQRA

• Controlled Waters DQRA

CRA is providing a range of consultancy services to a gas refining installation in the UK, including on-going groundwater monitoring in support of the conditions of the installation’s Environmental Permit. The collection of groundwater data identified that a potential groundwater contamination source was present beneath the installation, requiring an assessment of the potential risk to the environment.

CRA undertook a review of the following information to form the basis of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) for the installation:

• Soil and groundwater analytical data obtained for the installation between 1989 and 2010 to identify potential contamination sources, and a review of site processes to identify contaminants of concern; and

• Geological, hydrogeological and hydrological literature information and site geological data obtained from previous investigations to identify potential contamination pathways and receptors.

The CSM highlighted potential pollutant linkages relating to human health (risk posed by soil and volatile vapours) and controlled waters (principal aquifer, groundwater abstraction points and surface water features) CRA undertook a Generic Quantitative Risk Assessment (GQRA) to assess the risk to human health from soil contamination, using published Generic Assessment Criteria (GAC) and undertook a Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA) to assess the risk to controlled waters, using the Environment Agency approved ConSim software. A qualitative assessment of vapour intrusion was also undertaken. The risk assessment process allowed CRA to eliminate pollutant linkages that were unlikely to pose a risk to the environment and to identify those that may pose an unacceptable risk, thus refining the CSM. CRA then produced recommendations for further works required to address and mitigate the potential risks for the currently operating site. Throughout the project CRA worked closely with the client to provide regulatory support and environmental advice, which is currently on-going.



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Project Summary

Human Health Risk Assessment Industrial Site, UK

Key Project Elements • Collection of

Soil Samples

• Identification of Contaminants of Concern

• Assessment of Risk Posed to Human Health

• Identification of Recommended Remedial Actions

CRA undertook an investigation at an industrial site to determine the chemical composition of a dust deposit covering an area of gravel hardstanding. The investigation included sampling of the surface gravels for laboratory analysis of metals and organic parameters. The investigation also comprised of trial pit excavation for the collection of soil samples to a depth of 3 metres.

The analytical results indicated that the dust staining the gravels contained elevated concentrations of heavy metals including lead, and that the contamination was present in surface samples only. Due to the potential risk posed to human health from the inhalation of the metals contaminated dust deposit, CRA undertook a human health risk assessment, involving the derivation of site specific criteria for heavy metals.

Assessment took into account the operational nature of the industrial site to determine exposure scenarios and adult worker receptors. This comprised assessment of the shift patterns, operational hours of the site and the amount of time spent working outside in the contaminated area. The main exposure scenarios assessed included inhalation of the dust and dermal contact.

The known concentrations of heavy metals in the surface samples were screened against the CRA derived site specific criteria to identify the requirement for remedial action. This assessment identified that there was no current unacceptable risk to the human health of an industrial worker posed by the heavy metals concentrations recorded in the deposits. However, CRA recommended a number of remedial measures that were considered to be protective of the health of the site workers.

These recommendations included the ongoing, regular monitoring of the heavy metal concentrations in the deposits to ensure concentrations remain below the site specific criteria. As a precautionary measure, remediation recommendations were made to identify the scale and extent of remedial actions in the event of the concentrations increasing to an unacceptable level.

Heavy Metals Concentrations (mg/kg)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 SS5 SS6 SS7 SS8

Surface Sample Location

Conc

entra

tion

(mg/

kg)



59




Project Summary

Internal EHS Auditor and Awareness Training Oil & Gas Sector


Awareness Training

• Internal EHS Auditor Training

• Mock and Live Audits

• Meeting Management System Objectives

CRA provided a programme of business-specific support to a key client with global operations in the oil and gas sector. The work involved meeting business unit objectives to raise awareness and develop EHS auditing capabilities. CRA’s extensive knowledge of the organisation’s procedures and practices equipped us to develop two separate training packages, incorporating materials and images directly related to the client’s sites and management system procedures.

The awareness-raising comprised a 90-minute participative workshop for up to 12 individuals. It introduced the drivers for effective environmental management, management system concepts and practical guidance on good site practice.

The internal auditor training was designed to introduce the management systems auditing concepts of ISO19011 and apply them to EHS auditing. The two-day course included a blend of taught sessions and participative exercises in audit planning, conduct and reporting, emphasising the value of identifying and raising non-conformances. It also included a mock audit, and finally, a live audit, including the presentation of feedback to the auditees.

The training was delivered in a single visit, with two auditor training courses and a number of awareness-raising sessions being delivered. The client’s own EHS staff subsequently continued to deliver the awareness training to the remainder of company and contractor staff.



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Project Summary

Lead, Mercury and NORM Sampling Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Health and Safety

• XRF In-Situ survey

• Radiation protection

• Laboratory analysis

• Interpretation of results

• Implications to normal operations and decommissioning activities

CRA is providing a range of consultancy services to a gas refining installation in the UK. This work includes surveys to determine whether paints and coatings contain lead, and whether residues in process vessels and pipes contain mercury or naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). Lead, mercury and NORM have the potential to pose risks to human health during normal operations, maintenance or decommissioning activities and hazardous waste disposal options need to be considered.

Lead based paints (LBP) were widely used as an anti-corrosion primer coating over exterior steelwork in industrial settings. Due to the age of the installation, there was a potential for LBP to be present. CRA undertook a LBP survey using a combination of in-situ monitoring and sampling. The in-situ monitoring was undertaken using a handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyser, and confirmatory physical paint samples were removed from the metallic surfaces for laboratory analysis. The results were compared to USEPA thresholds and identified equipment coated by LBP.

NORM and mercury are contaminants commonly encountered in the oil and gas processing industry. For EHS management purposes, CRA undertook sampling of residues inside process vessels to define the extent of any contamination by NORM and mercury, and to determine whether there was a correlation between NORM and mercury. Existing in-situ NORM survey data was reviewed and additional sampling of sludges and scale was udtyndertaken. The analytical results were compared to the installation’s waste contractor thresholds for disposing of NORM contaminated by mercury.

Task specific H&S method statements and risk assessments were prepared for the survey and sampling works, taking into account the presence of harmful substances and potential for radiation exposure.

The data obtained by CRA is being used by the operators to assist in overall EHS management and will be used during future decommissioning and demolition of the installation. The data is held in the installation’s geographic information system to allow it to be queried during maintenance and decommissioning.



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Project Summary

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) Natural Gas Production & Refining Facility, UK

Image courtesy of kongsky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Key Project Elements • Review of project

documentation

• Agreement of the HIRA methodology with the Client

• Act as Chairperson for the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

• Preparation of HIRA report, in conjunction with the HIRA Secretary

CRA is providing ongoing consultancy services to a gas production and refining installation in the UK, including chairing Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) studies. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) provides a formal method for the identification of hazards and the assessments of risks that have the potential to adversely affect people, assets and the environment. The documented HIRA provides the Duty Holder with a means of assessing the hazards and risks associated with a particular installation or operation, sharing the information with personnel and demonstrating that the risks have been reduced to an acceptable level.

CRA consultants chair their client’s HIRA study meetings, during which a systematic assessment of processes and/or operations and maintenance activities is carried out in order to:

• Ensure all events with potential to cause harm are identified • Identify possible causes and consequences • Assess consequences and likelihoods to determine risk levels • Identify all risk reduction measures • Estimate the overall risk • Assign corrective actions to responsible persons.

As HIRA Chairperson, CRA are also responsible for coordinating hazard identification (HazID) operations, including presenting an overview of the HazID methodology to the team; leading the HazID whilst keeping the assessment on track technically and to schedule; and ensuring that relevant information contained in the approved HazID list of Guidewords and risk matrix is covered. Documentation to be utilised during HazID is prepared in advance, to reduce the likelihood of interruptions to the session. Typical documentation includes:

• Project objectives • Criticality of the plant and individual sub elements • Process flow schematics / P&ID’s • Preliminary facility layout • Operating / maintenance philosophy • Cause and Effect tables • Details of the local infrastructure • Environmental sensitivities

Upon completion of the HIRA study CRA prepare a report with the client’s HIRA secretary. This contains an overview of the project / operation; a comprehensive record of the hazards identified and their risk ranking; individual action sheets assigned to responsible persons and HIRA Action Tracker, to enable the HIRA sponsor to track remedial actions to completion.



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Project Summary

Hazard and Operability Study (HazOP) Natural Gas Production & Refining Facility, UK

Image courtesy of Teddy Bear[picnic] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Key Project Elements • Review of the

project documentation and Piping and Instrumentation Drawings (P&ID’s).

• Identification and agreement of the nodes to be studied with the client.

• Establishment of a timetable for the study.

• Act as Chairperson for the Hazard and Operability study.

• Preparation of the HazOP report in conjunction with the client’s study secretary.

CRA is providing a range of consultancy services to a gas production and refining installation in the UK, including chairing Hazard and Operability (HazOP) studies. The documented HazOP provides the Duty Holder with a formal, systematic and rigorous method of identifying potential process and operability deviations, and recommends the means of either eliminating or preventing their occurrence or minimising the consequence should the deviation occur.

HazOP studies are a formal qualitative process which follows a planned approach considering both process parameters and a system of guidewords to examine a project, existing plant or modification for inadequacies in design against all eventualities, and identify potential hazards and operating difficulties.

As part of their ongoing services, CRA has provided both HazOP Chairperson and Secretary for offshore gas production installations and onshore gas terminals, and has conducted HazOPs for:

• Proposed new projects, when an approved for design P&ID is available • Modifications to existing process facilities, when a firm P&ID is available showing the proposed

modifications. • Existing process facilities, utilizing an as built P&ID As HazOP Chairperson, CRA are responsible for coordinating HazOP operations. This includes reviewing the relevant P&ID’s and identifying and agreeing the subdivision of the process plant into ‘nodes’ (plant sections with a specific ‘design intent’, for which operating conditions are well defined) to be studied and a timetable for the study with the HazOP sponsor. The role of the Chairperson is to present an overview of the HazOP methodology to the team and lead the HazOP to ensure it stays on schedule and that the team does not try to redesign or solve a problem; ensuring that relevant information contained in the approved HazOP list of Guidewords are covered and recording all queries and problems before assigning to a responsible person to progress the action to completion. Documentation used during a HazOP is prepared in advance, to reduce the likelihood of interruptions to the session. Typical documentation includes: • Project objectives • Criticality of the plant and individual sub elements • Process flow scheme/P&ID’s • Cause and Effect tables • Detailed drawings of vessels • Preliminary facility layout and elevations • Operating / maintenance philosophy Upon completion of the HazOP study a report is prepared. This contains an overview of the project / operation; a comprehensive record of the process hazards and operating difficulties identified and the remedial actions recommended; individual action sheets assigned to responsible persons; and HazOP Action Tracking to enable the HazOP sponsor to track the remedial actions to completion.



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Project Summary

Remediation of Former Filling Station Site for Exclusive Residential Redevelopment Former Filling Station, Nottingham

Key Project Elements • Phase I Assessment

• Geophysical Imaging

• Risk Assessment

• Liaison with Regulatory Authority

• Preparation of Method Statements

• Identification and Treatment of Japanese Knotweed

• On-Site Supervision

• Interpretation and Reporting of Results

• Submission of Successful Site Report to Local Authority

CRA was retained by a property developer to design and supervise remedial works on a brownfield site in Nottingham. The site was previously occupied by two former fuel filling stations, a car maintenance yard, a furniture store and caravan rental premises. The client was redeveloping the site for use as exclusive residential apartments.

CRA's initial Phase I evaluation included:

• A site walkover to assess the present condition of the site; • Historical and regulatory data search; • Assessment of environmental issues and liabilities based on

existing site information. Due to the risk of there being a number of unidentified underground structures, a geophysical survey was also undertaken to fully characterise the site. CRA then undertook a full investigation and risk assessment for the site to assess possible source-pathway-receptor linkages within a Conceptual Site Model. The results of the risk assessment were discussed with the Local Authority who agreed to the proposed remediation strategy.

As well as site issues relating to the filling station activities, a significant growth of Japanese Knotweed was also identified for treatment in line with Environment Agency guidance. CRA prepared a full method statement for all the site works which included a soil vapour survey of the filling station areas. In total, eleven underground storage tanks were safely removed and contaminated soil was segregated and removed from the site.

All on-site activities were supervised by CRA and soil and groundwater chemical results were interpreted and reported in full. A site assessment report was then submitted, and accepted, by the Local Authority.



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Project Summary

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation Natural Gas Processing Terminal, UK

Key Project Elements • Design SPMP

• Reference Data Collection

• Infrastructure Monitoring

• Long Term Environmental Monitoring

• Reporting

• Liability Assessment

Following successful application for PPC permits, including the preparation of the Application Site Reports (ASR), CRA designed and implemented the Site Protection and Monitoring Programmes (SPMPs) required under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regime for four separate clients and permits.

Following consultation with the Environment Agency, a preliminary ground condition assessment was undertaken to inform the SPMP design, in particular the collection of reference data and environmental monitoring network. Following completion and reporting of the preliminary assessment, Design SPMPs were completed for each of the four installations enabling a preliminary conceptual ground model to be prepared, and refinement of the final SPMP design to be completed.

The Design SPMPs included both environmental and infrastructure monitoring regimes, sampling protocols and standards, laboratory methods and accreditations. Subsequent to submission of the final Design SPMP and collection of reference data, a programme of infrastructure monitoring and long term environmental monitoring is now conducted at the sites including:

• Groundwater sampling, testing and monitoring • Surface water discharge sampling and testing • Critical equipment evaluation • Bund inspection and in-situ testing • Reporting • Regulatory liaison • Liability assessment



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Project Summary

Soil Contamination Assessment during Decommissioning and Demolition Natural Gas Refining Facility, UK

Key Project Elements • Contaminated Land

Investigation

• Soil sampling and analysis

• Decommissioning and demolition

• Assessment of risk to human health

• Comparison to baseline concentration data to assist with Environmental Permit Surrender

CRA provided support to an oil and gas sector client during the decommissioning and demolition of a condensate storage tank at a natural gas refining facility in the UK. Once the storage tank had been decommissioned and demolished CRA carried out an intrusive investigation of shallow soils in the footprint of the former tank to determine potential risk to human health. The above ground storage tanks had been identified by the client as a potential source of hydrocarbon contamination during a data gap investigation that identified areas of the facility where ground conditions had not yet been assessed. The contaminant concentrations were also compared to baseline data collected for the facility’s Environmental Permit.

The intrusive investigation was carried out using hand auguring methods to evaluate the condition of the shallow soils within two metres of the ground surface. The sampling locations were situated in areas of exposed ground surface through the tank base liner. The soil arising were examined for visual and olfactory evidence of hydrocarbon contamination; a portable photo-ionisation detector was also used to measure any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may have been present. The field observations allowed targeted sampling to be carried out.

The soil samples were submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis of the contaminants of concern. The analytical results were compared against human health criteria to form a generic quantitative risk assessment (GQRA), and were also compared to baseline data collected from nearby soils within the tank bund.

The assessment filled a previously identified data gap for the facility’s ground condition and allowed CRA to inform the client of the potential risk posed to site workers from the contaminated soils during continued demolition works in that area. The comparison of analytical data to the facility’s baseline data will supplement existing site information and data and assist the client when surrendering their Environmental Permit.



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Project Summary

Site Protection Monitoring Programme (SPMP) Design and Implementation

Gas Distribution Centre, UK

Key Project Elements • Application Site

Report Review

• Review of Historical and Current Soil and Groundwater Data

• Site Infrastructure Review

• EA Liaison

• Design of Monitoring Programme

• Collection of Reference Data

• Data Interpretation

• Reporting

CRA was retained by a gas distribution company to design their installation’s Site Protection and Monitoring Programme (SPMP) as part of their IPC permit condition. CRA designed the SPMP to demonstrate that the pollution prevention measures at the site are effective in protecting the land.

The SPMP included the design of the environmental programme, consisting of surface water and groundwater monitoring, the design of the environmental monitoring infrastructure programme, the design of the environmental monitoring schedules and protocols, and the design of the information and data management and reporting programme for the site. The SPMP design was submitted to the Environment Agency (EA) within two months of the client receiving their IPC permit.

In order to implement the environmental monitoring programme, groundwater monitoring wells were installed on the site. CRA conducted the supervision of the monitoring well installation. Soil and groundwater samples were collected by CRA for use as reference data to be used as comparative guidelines during the lifetime of the installation and at the time of permit surrender.

CRA is currently responsible for conducting the annual groundwater monitoring and infrastructure monitoring at the site, as well as producing the yearly report to be submitted to the EA.

The SPMP design and the reporting of the SPMP were produced using the IPPC H7 templates provided by the EA.



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Project Summary

Water Resources Strategy and Management Tools Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Company, UK

Key Project Elements • Review of Drivers for Water

Resources Management

• Identification of Stakeholder Concerns

• Benchmarking of Competitors

• Strategy Briefing

• Development of Water Resources Management Toolkit

CRA supported a major multi-national oil and gas exploration and production company in developing its strategy for water resources management. The client was conscious of growing stakeholder interest in water resources management and water scarcity, especially in areas of the world where water resources are stressed.

CRA’s role was to help the company understand the nature of current and emerging drivers for water resources management from investors, NGOs, governments and other interested parties. A key element of the project was to review new and developing procedures and guidance for addressing water scarcity, including water footprinting and disclosure. This included evaluating the potential application of or conformance to the Carbon Disclosure Project Water Disclosure, the CEO Water Mandate, IFC EH&S Guidelines, and sector agreements and initiatives.

CRA undertook a review of water resources issues in the areas where the company is or will be operating, to identify specific water scarcity or other water resources management issues of concern, as a precursor to developing operating plans to minimise impacts.

CRA also developed a management toolkit to aid addressing water resources management in decision-making at all project lifecycle stages and to provide the basis for reporting on water resources initiatives and performance.



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Project Summary

Waste Audit and Drill Cuttings Investigation Natural Gas Processing Facility, Bangladesh

Key Project Elements • Waste Management

and Risk Audits

• Intrusive Investigation of Drill Cuttings

• Review of Black and Grey Waste Water Systems

CRA has provided a range of consultancy services at a gas processing installation in Bangladesh, including a waste management and risk audit across four sites and at the head offices in Dhaka.

The audits included the identification, characterisation and quantification of hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams, the identification of existing waste disposal routes, and an assessment of the adequacy of these arrangements in relation to current Bangladeshi and accepted international standards.

As part of the auditing process, an intrusive investigation was undertaken of historic drilling cuttings, which were stored in excavated pits at all four sites. This investigation involved the delineation of the depth and extent of each cuttings pit using a hand auger. Samples were also collected using the hand auger and shipped to an accredited laboratory in the UK for chemical analysis. The samples were submitted for solid and leachate analysis to allow comparison to accepted international criteria. This information was used to determine potential remedial/disposal options for the cuttings.

A review of the operation of the on-site black and grey water treatment plant was undertaken to determine if the efficiency of the treatment process could be improved. This included a meeting with the designer of the system and interviews with site personnel.

A review of the sites’ MSDS and COSHH recording system was undertaken, along with a review of the testing and recording procedures of the on-site laboratory.

The CRA audits identified a number of potential improvements, with recommendations being made to improve site procedures to a level in line with the client’s own standards and international best practice.



Bringing sustainability and safety to the world’s most complex environments

CRA Europe Offices E: [email protected] W: www.cra.co.uk

Nottingham Office (Head Office)

Synergy House, Unit 1, Calverton Business Park, Hoyle Road, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6QL, UK

T: +44 (0)115 965 6700 F: +44 (0) 115 965 5285

Liverpool Office

16 Tate Suite, 16 Connect Business Village, 24 Derby Road, Sandhills, Liverpool, L5 9PR, UK

T: +44 (0)151 207 7848 F: +44 (0) 115 965 5285

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oil and gas statement of capability 2014

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