HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT GUIDELINE
Environmental Assessment
DOCUMENT ID - GU 195
REVISION
- 4.0
HSE – GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
The following is a brief summary of the four most recent revisions to this document. Details of all revisions prior
to these are held on file by the Document Custodian.
Version No.
Version 4.0
Version 3.0
Version 2.0
Date
Jan 09
Jun 02
Jan 99
Author
Maisoon Al Riyami
G.T. Tan CSM/2
William Thiel, OMI/2
Version 1.0
Jun 98
Joppe Cramwinckel,
CSM2
Scope / Remarks
Update of organisational structure
Editorial changes. New format.
Improve quality of figures; focus on new projects and
existing activities; discuss scope and timing of
environmental assessment for new activities; delete
screening processes; delete ALARP figure; revise
definition of ‘significant’ in line with CP 122; delete
Appendix C – Screening Matrices; delete screening
form; include new risk matrix per CP 131; add pro
forma for register of environmentally significant
activities and effects; add table of activities; add table
of hazards and possible effects; add pro forma hazards
and effects worksheet; add environmental assessment
report pro forma
Original guideline
User Notes:
This document is a guideline only.
A controlled copy of the current version of this document is on PDO's EDMS. Before making reference to this
document, it is the user's responsibility to ensure that any hard copy, or electronic copy, is current. For
assistance, contact the Document Custodian.
This document is the property of Petroleum Development Oman, LLC. Neither the whole nor any part of this
document may be disclosed to others or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by
any means (electronic, mechanical, reprographic recording or otherwise) without prior written consent of the
owner.
Users are encouraged to participate in the ongoing improvement of this document by providing constructive
feedback.
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Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 1
1.1
BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................... 1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
PURPOSE............................................................................................................... 1
SCOPE .................................................................................................................. 2
DISTRIBUTION AND TARGET AUDIENCE ......................................................................... 2
DOCUMENT REVIEW ................................................................................................. 2
1.1.1.
2.0
Regulatory Requirements .............................................................................. 1
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINE ................................................. 3
2.1
DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS ............................................................ 3
2.2
PDO’S ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS .............................................................. 4
2.3
RELATED STANDARDS ............................................................................................. 18
2.1.1
2.1.2
Introduction to Environmental Assessment ..................................................... 3
Core Elements of Environmental Assessment .................................................. 3
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9
2.2.10
2.2.11
General ........................................................................................................ 4
New Projects ................................................................................................ 5
Scoping the Environmental Assessment .......................................................... 9
Management and Organisation of the Environmental Assessment .................... 9
Consultation ............................................................................................... 11
Characterising the Baseline Conditions of the Receiving Environment ............. 11
Identifying Environmental Hazards ............................................................... 13
Identifying Environmental Effects ................................................................. 14
Assessing Environmental Effects .................................................................. 14
Evaluating Controls ..................................................................................... 15
Recording the Process and the Result ........................................................... 16
APPENDIX A: REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................. 19
APPENDIX B: EXAMPLE OF REGISTER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
AND EFFECTS ............................................................................................................ 22
APPENDIX C: NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES IN PDO'S CONCESSION AREA
AND OTHER AREAS OF OPERATION ............................................................................. 23
APPENDIX D: TABLE OF ACTIVITIES WITH POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ...... 27
APPENDIX E: TABLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS ............... 29
APPENDIX F: HAZARDS AND EFFECTS ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET ................................ 30
APPENDIX G: EXAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
REPORT .................................................................................................................... 31
APPENDIX H: GLOSSARY OF TERMS, DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS ......................... 32
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1.0
Introduction
1.1
Background
PDO has both external and internal requirements to conduct environmental
assessments of its operations.
Omani legislation requires that, in order to obtain an environmental permit or No
Environmental Objection (NEO) letter, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be
submitted for all new project developments, or major upgrades of existing facilities,
that have the potential to cause pollution. The EIS is to be submitted to the Ministry
of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources (MRMEWR).
1.1.1.
Regulatory Requirements
Royal Decree RD 10/82: Law for the Conservation of the Environment and the
Prevention of Pollution, is the all-encompassing environmental law in the Sultanate of
Oman. It provides the overall framework for protection of the environment, and
specifies requirements for submission of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
Two subsequent amendments to this law, RD 63/85 and RD 71/89, also relate to
environmental assessments. The regulatory authority that enforces the legal
requirements with respect to EIS is, in most cases, the Ministry of Regional
Municipalities and Environment and Water Resources (MRMEWR).
Regulatory requirements and the Environmental Permit Review Process are discussed
in detail in Appendix A.
In addition, all existing areas of work that have the potential to cause pollution are
required to submit an EIS to obtain a Letter of Approval, and relevant environmental
permits and licences.
Within PDO, environmental assessment is part of the Hazards and Effects
Management Process (HEMP). PDO’s environmental assessment requirements,
including the identification of hazards and effects, and the assessment of risks, are
detailed in CP 122 HSE Management System Manual, Part 2, Chapter 4.
1.2
Purpose
This Guideline describes a process for conducting environmental assessments, or
environmental impact assessment (EIA) (in preparing an EIS), so that they comply
with the requirements of:
 Omani environmental legislation, including the environmental permit application
and review process.
 PDO’s internal environmental assessment requirements CP 122 HSE Management
System Manual, Part 2, Chapter 4.
The tools and processes described herein are not mandatory, but rather, are
suggested ways of complying with PDO's HSE Management Procedure - Hazards and
Effects Management detailed in CP 122 HSE Management System Manual, Part II,
Chapter 4. The techniques have the principal objective of identifying, and assessing
environmental hazards and effects so that these may be integrated into planning and
decision making processes.
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1.3
Scope
This guideline focuses on environmental assessments conducted on exiting facilities,
and on those conducted prior to new project developments and/or expansion/new
construction projects (new projects). It is intended to be applicable to all PDO
facilities and operations and is written with specific regard to the regulations of Oman
and Oman's environmental permit application review process.
For existing facilities and operations, controlled and influenced by PDO, an
environmental assessment is to be conducted at intervals of no more than 3 years.
An
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

1.4
environmental assessment is also required for:
any new project development
any expansion and/or new construction project
any structural, operational and/or maintenance change to an existing facility
(including decommissioning, restoration or abandonment)
any joint venture, acquisition of an existing facility, sub-lease arrangement
and/or acquisition of acreage.
Distribution and Target Audience
This Guideline is intended to be used by PDO staff, contractors and consultants
involved in any environmental assessment process.
Distribution of this Guideline is controlled by MSEM (refer to CP 122 HSE
Management System Manual, Part 2, Chapter 3).
1.5
Document Review
This Guideline shall be reviewed as necessary.
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2.0
Environmental Assessment Guideline
2.1
Description of Environmental Assessments
2.1.1
Introduction to Environmental Assessment
Environmental assessment is the mechanism for balancing environmental
considerations with other business priorities which affect the feasibility, design,
construction, operation and decommissioning of a development. To meet these
objectives, environmental assessments:

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2.1.2
characterise the environments that can be impacted
identify significant environmental sensitivities in relation to the project
identify the immediate, long term and residual environmental benefits, and
effects
identify less damaging environmental options for the activity
specify tolerable levels of environmental change
determine whether an acceptable balance exists between the short-term and
long-term residual risks, and the costs and timing of appropriate safeguards
recognise the dynamic nature of regulations and assist management in planning
so as to achieve an acceptable environmental performance throughout the life
cycle of the development
can be used to provide information to relevant authorities and the public on the
nature of the activity and its potential costs and benefits
can be used in establishing environmental management plans, developing
environmental monitoring programs, setting targets and objectives, and in
developing emergency response plans.
Core Elements of Environmental Assessment
The core elements of an environmental assessment, regardless of its size and
complexity, are:





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Characterise the receiving environment
Identify environmental hazards
Identify environmental effects
Assess environmental effects
Evaluate the controls
Keep records of the process and the results
A critical component of an environmental assessment is recording the process and
the results. The key documented product of an environmental assessment is a
‘Register of Environmentally Significant Activities and Effects’ (example provided in
Appendix B). The documentation process should contain sufficient information and
data to illustrate how the environmental assessment was conducted and to allow the
judgements used, and the opinions made, in the environmental assessment to be
independently understood.
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2.2
PDO’s Environmental Assessment Process
2.2.1
General
PDO’s environmental assessment process is summarised in Figure 1 below.
FIGURE 1 – ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
EA SCOPE AND TIMING
• when to conduct?
• New/changed env. permit required?
• EIA/EIS required?
• screening process
• EA management and organisation
IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ASSESS ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
• predict magnitude
• interpret significance
• risk matrix
EVALUATE CONTROLS
RECORD PROCESS/RESULT
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EXTERNAL CONSULTATION WITH INTEREST
GROUPS AND AUTHORITIES
REVIEW AND CONSULTATION WITH INTERNAL
DEPARTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT
CHARACTERISE BASELINE CONDITIONS
• physical and chemical environment
• biological environment
• human environment
HSE – GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
2.2.2
New Projects
The following guidance describes when, and what type of, environmental assessment
should be conducted as part of the engineering design process for new projects. If
in doubt, consult a PDO HSE Adviser.
Concept Phase
A coarse environmental assessment should be conducted at the conceptual stage of
a new project. This environmental assessment is carried out at an early stage in the
design, when only a basic process flow scheme, preliminary layouts and preliminary
operating and maintenance philosophies are available. It is recognised that some of
these aspects may not be well defined, and that several options may exist.
Section 9 “Concept Definition Optimisation” of the Asset Development Plan (ADP)
should indicate whether an environmental permit, or a change to an existing
environmental permit, and/or an EIA/EIS will be required for the new project. The
types of project that may require a new/changed environmental permit and/or
EIA/EIS include:

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‘greenfield’ developments
significant increase in production capacity
significant increase in emissions to air and water
land take and impact on habitat
significant increase in the use of energy, materials or resources
significant increase in waste
The wording of the legislation is not clear, and so in many cases there will be
uncertainty as to whether or not a new/changed environmental permit and/or
EIA/EIS will be required for the new project. In these situations, advice should be
sought from MSE2. It may be necessary to contact the MRMEWR to discuss details
of the project proposal to ascertain their requirements (including the details of any
documentation required to support the environmental permit application).
Front End Design
Guidance for front end design is described in Figure 2.
For projects where a new/changed environmental permit is required it will be
necessary to submit an Environmental Permit Application Form early in the Front End
Design process. If a detailed EIA/EIS is required, this shall be prepared ‘in parallel’
with Front End Design activities. The approval process and any conditions of
approval may require iterative changes to the Front End Design, and should therefore
be complete before entering the Detailed Design Phase.
For many small and medium sized jobs, an EIA/EIS may not be required. However,
an environmental assessment shall be conducted during the Front End Design Phase
in order to ensure that environmental hazards posed by the project are being
managed in accordance with PDO’s environmental Specifications, in a manner that is
‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’. This environmental assessment may take place
in association with the Front End Design HAZOP.
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FIGURE 2 – FRONT END DESIGN
DELIVERABLES
A.D.P.
Updated P.E.P.
RESOURCES
&
CONTRACTING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
HSE Spec.
Env.
permit
needed? Yes
Environmental
Permit Application
Form
No
FRONT END
ENGINEERING
PROCUREMENT
Project Spec.
L.L. requisitions
HAZOP/
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
Design
Change?
Yes
HAZOP
Report
EIA/EIS
required?
No
EA Record
Yes
EIA/EIS
No
No
T.A.
Approval
Environmental
permit
Yes
Project Change
Proposal
DEFINE SCOPE OF
NEXT PHASES
Standards
Variance Log
Management
Review
To
DETAILED
DESIGN
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DELIVERABLES
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Detailed Design
Refer to Figure 3 for guidance on detailed design.
At this stage of the project, the design is nearly complete. An environmental
assessment may be included in the ‘Design Freeze Hazop’. The assessment will focus
on the significance of any environmental effects, in the light of the more detailed
information that is available at this stage of the project. It is intended that any
required design changes are incorporated into revised design documentation, and
then the design is ‘frozen’.
Existing Activities
A major element of the on-going environmental assessment program for existing
activities will be the incorporation, into a periodic assessment, of any relevant
information acquired as a result of the assessments conducted for any new activities
in the previous 3 years.
In order to establish a current baseline understanding of environmental hazards and
effects associated with PDO’s existing activities, a comprehensive environmental
assessment of all operations, facilities and support services is required. The scope of
these assessments should be sufficiently broad to cover each work zone of the
concession area (e.g., Marmul), and each business operation (e.g., operations,
drilling, etc.), and should be clearly defined to ensure that there is no duplication of
effort, or gaps .
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FIGURE 3 - DETAILED DESIGN
SCOPE OF WORK
DELIVERABLES
Revise P.E.P.
RESOURCES &
CONTRACTING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
HSE Spec.
PROCUREMENT
Bulk Materials
DETAILED DESIGN
ENGINEERING
HAZOP/
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
Requisitions
EA Record
HAZOP
report
Design
Review
Not OK
Standards
Variance Log
OK
Yes
Design
Change?
Variation to
Contract
No
No
T.A.
Approval
PROCUREMENT
L.L. Materials
Project Scope
Change Log
Yes
PREPARE CONSTRUCTION
DOCUMENTS
Construction
Scope of Work
Vendor
Documents
AFC Drawings
BUDGETS
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Commissioning
Operating
Maintenance
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2.2.3
Scoping the Environmental Assessment
The first step in conducting an environmental assessment is to define the scope of
the study and to decide how detailed the study will be. The application of the
environmental assessment process requires the technique to be flexible, with the
detail and complexity of any environmental assessment being tailored to reflect the
potential to cause environmentally significant effects.
In some instances, the level of detail will be defined by a regulatory requirement to
prepare a detailed EIS (refer to Appendix G). In the absence of regulatory
requirements, the decision regarding the degree of detail required will be based
mainly on judgement, supported by screening processes. If in doubt, consult a PDO
HSE Adviser.
New Projects
In the case of a major new project, such as a large infrastructure development, a
detailed environmental assessment involving a multi-disciplined team of
environmental specialists may be required. However, these types of projects are
fairly infrequent.
Not all projects justify a detailed environmental assessment. For minor new
developments which involve minimal interaction with the environment, a detailed
environmental assessment would not be justified, and a checklist completed by a
single competent person may be all that is required.
Existing Activities
The amount of work involved in conducting environmental assessments on existing
activities will depend on the amount and quality of relevant information that already
exists, and the currency of this information. Therefore the first environmental
assessment of an existing work zone or business operation may require considerable
resources to complete. Once this first assessment has been completed, the
subsequent assessments that take place every 3 years thereafter should require
fewer resources. Most of the associated environmental effects and characteristics of
the receiving environment will have been established during the first assessment.
2.2.4
Management and Organisation of the Environmental Assessment
The interactive nature of environmental assessments requires close collaboration
between engineers, the line, and environmental specialists. For this collaboration to
be effective, a multi-disciplinary approach is essential.
The size of the environmental assessment team will be directly related to the size
and nature of the specific project for which the environmental assessment is being
performed. Environmental assessments for small or routine activities can be
undertaken by a single experienced person. However, major developments and
smaller projects of high or diverse environmental sensitivity may require a multidisciplinary team of environmental specialists. This team may comprise line staff,
corporate resources, competent authorities or agencies, and external consultants.
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For large and complex environmental assessments it is necessary to appoint a
coordinator. The role of the coordinator is to:
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ensure that all disciplines are adequately briefed on what they are required to
provide, and when
ensure that information is supplied in a timely manner from engineering,
production, drilling, exploration, and other disciplines involved in the project,
and in the format required
avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary work
act as a focal point for consultation outside PDO
liase with the management team
ensure that the budgetary constraints for performing the study are met
organise and collate the EIS and/or the register of environmentally significant
activities and effects, as appropriate
The dynamic nature of environmental assessment requires a flexible scope of work.
This flexibility is necessary to ensure that all hazards and effects are identified and
evaluated. Regardless, it is important to develop "Terms of Reference" and to
ensure that acceptable business discipline is imposed in terms of cost control and
timing.
The Role of the Environmental Adviser
Environmental assessment is an integral part of the business and is therefore a line
responsibility. In order to provide environmental support to line management,
PDO's HSE Management Procedures require that:


Line HSE advisers are responsible for assisting Asset Managers in HSE issues
MSE Department is responsible for assisting Asset Managers to prepare EISs for
submission to the MRMEWR.
Depending upon the scope and nature of the environmental assessment, it may be
necessary to include an environmental adviser as part of the environmental
assessment team. At the discretion of the project manager, the environmental
adviser may be asked to take on the role of co-ordinator, although a strong line
management presence and support is desirable.
The environmental adviser should have:
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a thorough understanding of the environmental assessment process
the ability to assess the sensitivity of the environment to be affected
adequate experience of similar projects or activities
the skills to guide the team and to manage the aspects of the assessment for
which the environmental adviser is responsible
This background provides the adviser with the knowledge to apply a high level of
judgement at the formative, scope-producing stages of the environmental
assessment.
These judgement decisions are necessary to ensure focus on
significant issues, and thereby to minimise the effort and resources spent on issues
and topics that may be peripheral, and require a qualified assessment only.
The adviser moreover, needs the ability to know when to draw on specific areas of
expertise, who to consult throughout the process, and how to utilise local resources
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Another important role of the adviser is to participate, as necessary, in negotiations
with the authorities and assist in discussions with environmental agencies and other
interested parties. Throughout this consultation process, the environmental adviser
should ensure that the project's environmental credibility is maintained.
2.2.5
Consultation
Although not specifically required by Omani law, it is often valuable to undertake
consultation as part of the environmental assessment process. The main elements
of consultation are:
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identification of interested parties (e.g., government, community, and interest
groups)
notification of the nature, scale and timing of the proposed activities
information gathering and exchange between interested parties
liaison to promote understanding and reconciliation of competing aims and
objectives
The consultation exercise, which continues throughout the environmental
assessment, should be based on a plan developed at an early stage in the
assessment process (the Consultation Action Plan). This plan should detail who will
be consulted at what stage in the assessment process. It is important at an early
stage in the assessment process to clarify the scope of the consultation exercise
with competent authorities.
The overall objectives of the two-way communication process established by
environmental assessment are to:
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avoid conflict by addressing issues promptly
ensure that any fears or apprehensions about the nature, scale and effects of
the development have been fully addressed.
avoid any misunderstandings about the development
learn through local knowledge and understanding
For each organisation consulted there is a need to identify a focal point. This
individual, as well as being responsible for establishing sound working relationships
with the organisation concerned, should generate a meeting note as a result of any
consultation. This meeting note should record agreements reached, commitments
and accepted actions.
2.2.6
Characterising the Baseline Conditions of the Receiving Environment
An essential element of any environmental assessment is a study to gather
quantitative and qualitative information on the environmental issues that are likely to
affect and be affected by new activities.
An environmental profile that describes the existing situation should be developed.
The next step is to superimpose the proposed activity into the environmental setting.
The extent of the data gathering exercise should be balanced by the sensitivity of the
environment in which the development is planned, and focused initially on the
elements most likely to be affected.
Before embarking on this data gathering exercise, it is necessary to recognise that
the environment is made of three main components:
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The Physical and Chemical Environment
The physical and chemical environment (known as the abiotic environment), has two
sub-components:
 Abiotic inputs - energy, climate, atmospheric/aquatic/terrestrial conditions.
 Abiotic matter - soil matrix, sediments, particulate matter, dissolved organic
matter, nutrients in aquatic systems and dead or inactive organic matter in
terrestrial systems.
The Biological Environment
The biological environment can also be subdivided into:
 Producers - these are the energy-capturing base of the system and are largely
green plants.
 Consumers - these utilise the food stored by producers or other consumers,
rearrange it, and finally decompose it.
The Human Environment.
In theory the human aspects should be addressed under the biological environment,
however, the profound influence human activity has on other aspects of the
environment and developments often justifies a separate category. Study of the
human environment (Social Impact Assessment) addresses the following:
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demographic impacts
socio-economic impacts
health impacts
impacts on social infrastructure
impacts on natural resources
impacts on lifestyle
impacts on cultural property
social equity of impacts
The three components together form complex units of nature called ecosystems.
(N.B. PDO's HSE Management Procedure - Hazards and Effects Management only
requires a Social Impact Assessment to be performed for new projects outside of
the existing concession area).
Ecosystem Assessment
In assessing the potential environmental effects of a development or activity, it is
necessary to understand the interdependent parts of these ecosystems.
Furthermore, no ecosystem is independent. For example a stream system is
influenced strongly by the terrestrial ecosystem through which it flows. These
ecosystem interactions should also be recognised to ensure that potentially
significant ancillary effects of developments and activities are also identified by the
assessment.
Ecosystem assessment is not a perfect process. Nevertheless, sufficient information
can usually be assembled to allow a good qualified assessment of key features. The
deliverables from ecosystem assessment should include a land use and
environmental sensitivity map delineating the following:
i)
ii)
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Areas of concern: Zone 1
Areas declared as National Reserves and/or Nature Sanctuaries by Royal
Decree, detailing:
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ii)
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Species rich areas with a concentration of wildlife where human disturbance
would adversely affect the biological diversity of Oman
Areas or parts of areas with a high proportion of endemic plant and/or animal
species
Special habitats necessary for the survival of a particular species or group of
species
Woodlands
Areas of exceptional natural beauty.
Areas of interest: Zone 2, detailing
Areas of natural features and beauty
Areas showing features of geological and/or climatic history
Artificially created areas such as wetlands and swamps, which attract wildlife
and migratory birds.
iii) Main vegetation types
iv) A brief description of each area of concern and each area of interest.
v) A description and listing of the flora (plant species) and fauna (mammals,
reptiles, amphibians and birds) in the area of study, including a list of endemic, rare
of threatened animal and plant species as listed on the regional Red List for Oman
and for the IUCN World Red Data Lists.
This may seem complex to the non-specialist, but simply requires the application of
the right skills at the right time. Most environmental decisions at this stage in the
assessment process are based on judgement and the application of codes and
standards. Detailed study is required only in the areas where either there is
uncertainty or where more precision is demanded.
Additional information useful in characterising the receiving environment is provided
in Appendix C.
2.2.7
Identifying Environmental Hazards
The relationship between environmental hazards and environmental effects is one of
cause and effect. An environmental hazard in the context of this guideline refers to
an element of PDO's activity product or service, which can have a beneficial or
adverse effect on the environment. For example, it could involve an effluent
discharge, an emission to atmosphere, use of raw materials, or a noise. Lists of
typical PDO activities are provided in Appendix D. A list of typical environmental
hazards and possible effects from these are provided in Appendix E.
The purpose of performing this step of the environmental assessment process is to
identify as many elements of PDO's activities, products and services as possible,
which can interact with the environment. This process shall consider hazards arising
form the entire activity life-cycle:
 Planning, construction and commissioning
 Normal operating conditions
 Abnormal operating conditions including, but not limited to, shut-down,
maintenance, start-up and upset conditions
 Reasonably foreseeable accidents, incidents and/or emergency situations
 Decommissioning, abandonment, dismantling and disposal
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
2.2.8
Past activities.
Identifying Environmental Effects
When identifying environmental effects, issues that should be considered are:

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
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
Emissions to atmosphere
Aqueous effluents
Accidental releases to land and water
Waste management
Use of energy, materials and resources
Environmental noise and vibration
Flora and fauna
Site preparation, abandonment and restoration.
All effects should be identified whether they are likely to be:
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


2.2.9
beneficial or adverse
chronic or acute
temporary or permanent
direct or indirect
local or strategic
Assessing Environmental Effects
Predict/Assess Magnitude
There are numerous methods and techniques available to predict/assess the
magnitude of environmental effects. These techniques vary in sophistication and
precision. The method used should be tailored to the potential significance of the
projected disturbance.
In some instances the magnitude of any environmental effect is certain. For
example, land take can, with reasonable certainty, be defined on a map. In other
instances, the magnitude has to be predicted.
Prediction of the magnitude of environmental effects relies on techniques from many
disciplines. Some effects can be relatively easily modelled giving quantitative outputs
to reasonable degrees of accuracy. Modelling the dispersion of contaminants and the
attenuation of noise are techniques which can be used with confidence. Other
predictions of magnitude require a more qualitative approach and may rely to varying
degrees on the judgement of experts.
In other cases, an effect may be less certain. For example, an aquifer may only be
affected in the event of a failure, and the consequences of that failure may be
dependent on the quantity of materials released, its duration and the time of year.
Where potentially significant effects are uncertain, that uncertainty has to be made
explicit and in this respect some quantification of the likelihood of the incident
leading to the effect is required.
The size of each effect should be determined as the predicted deviation from the
"baseline" conditions, during all phases of the development and in the event of an
accident. The data used to estimate the magnitude of the main impacts should be
clearly described in the assessment and any gaps in the required data identified.
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Where possible, estimates of effects should be recorded in measurable quantities
with ranges and/or confidence limits defined. Qualitative descriptions, where
necessary, should be appropriately defined.
Interpret Significance
Environmental significance shall be evaluated using the Risk Assessment Matrix
defined in CP 122 HSE Management System Manual, Part 2, Chapter 4. Use of this
matrix in the environmental assessment process should consider the following.

The difficulty of quantifying the ways in which environmental effects are
perceived has led to environmental assessment methodologies that rely heavily
on measuring the magnitude of effects, but lack any real indication of
significance. In order that environmental assessment may fulfil its function as a
decision making tool, it is essential that a clear distinction is drawn between
magnitude and significance. The former is based on empirical measurement.
The latter is the expression of value given to a particular environment.

The problem of deciding what is significant, acceptable or tolerable has been,
and will continue to be, the subject of many studies. At present there is no
common view on this subject. Part of the reason for this is that the acceptance
of environmental effects has inevitably been linked to the socio-economic and
environmental status of the area in which the activity is to be undertaken, and
the potential benefits to be derived. More fundamental is the recognition that
environments vary in terms of resilience and assimilative capacity to activities
and contaminants.

Evaluation of significance shall involve, in cases standards or regulations are
provided, the comparison of predicted environmental concentration with national,
international, industry, Group standards, and/or PDO Specifications.

Other effects such as socio-economic impacts or harm to living resources do not
have easily definable criteria on which to assess significance. The significance of
these effects can be evaluated qualitatively by assessing ecosystem sensitivity
and resilience in the case of ecological effects and in terms of hindrance to other
users with respect to the significance of socio-economic effects.

Where no standards exist, the assumptions and value systems used to assess
significance should be justified and the existence of opposing or contrary
opinions acknowledged.
2.2.10 Evaluating Controls
All significant environmental hazards and effects should be considered for controls.
The four principal control mechanisms in preferred order of application are:




prevent/eliminate - alternative site, alternative methods, alternative design
reduce probability - alternative methods, alternative design
mitigate consequence - alternative methods, alternative layout, alternative
processes, compensation
curative measures - restoration and aftercare
Control measures are often incorporated into standard engineering design. These
measures should not be overlooked when conducting the assessment, and the
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environmental advantages of these engineering design standards should be made
visible by the assessment.
Other non-standard options for controlling the environmental effects should be
developed and evaluated by the environmental assessment team. The team should
objectively determine an acceptable balance between the environmental benefits of
each option and the cost savings.
In some instances, there will be both
environmental benefits and cost savings. In other instances, whilst it may be feasible
to prevent an impact, the cost of prevention may not be justified and the option of
mitigating the effect may be chosen.
Mitigation may come in varying degrees and in a number of instances, in
endeavouring to lessen the effects, a variety of options will be considered. As in any
reduction program, the laws of diminishing returns apply and an objective decision,
balancing environmental, technology, safety and cost considerations, must be made
in selecting the optimum solution. The options and rationale for the chosen solution
should then be discussed with the appropriate authorities.
In some instances, the chosen solution will result in an undesirable, unavoidable
environmental effect. In these instances rectifying the effect at the end of activity is
an option.
Where the effectiveness of mitigation measures is uncertain or depends on
assumption about operational procedures, monitoring programs and/or management
procedures including emergency response and contingency plans should be defined.
2.2.11 Recording the Process and the Result
It is important that records are kept for all stages of the environmental assessment
process. The detail of these records will reflect the detail of the study. In some
instances, where environmental effects are negligible, it may only be necessary to
keep a record that the screening activity showed that there was no need to conduct
a detailed environmental assessment. In the other extreme, it may be necessary to
compile a detailed EIS for submission to the MRMEWR.
Regardless of the level of detail of the study, the following key elements of the
environmental assessment should be recorded:



Project description - depending on the complexity of the project, and the stage
of project definition, this description can take the form of an initial brief on the
project, or can be a detailed description of the project rationale/need/objectives,
location, timing; and alternatives considered.
The process for screening activities in order to justify the level of investigative
detail
The process for assessing environmental significance – (see Appendix F provides
a pro forma “Hazards and Effects Evaluation Worksheet”
An environmental assessment report is the document which records the processes
of more detailed environmental assessments, and discusses the results obtained and
the decisions made. A pro forma table of contents for an environmental assessment
report is provided as Appendix G. The report should be concise, 'stand-alone' and
capable of being understood by non-experts. The document should contain
sufficient information and data to allow judgements and predictions in the report to
be independently assessed. Where reliance is placed on published sources, these
should be cited.
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PR 1055 – ‘Hazard and Effects Management’ requires that a register of significant
environmental effects and critical activities be generated. A pro forma register is
provided in Appendix B.
In some cases, it may be necessary to prepare an EIS for the MRMEWR.
requirements are outlined in Appendix G.
EIS
If the project is likely to be of a sensitive nature and attract significant local interest,
it may also be prudent to produce a 'user friendly' document with the specific aim of
communicating with the population at large. The Public Relations Department
should be involved in the preparation of these documents.
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2.3
Related Standards
Policy
Code of Practice
HSE Specification
HSE Management
Procedure
HSE Guideline
Other PDO
Document
Oman Legislation
Health, Safety and Environmental Protection
HSE Code of Practice
Emissions to Atmosphere
Aqueous Effluent and Accidental Releases to
Land and Water
Waste Management
Environmental Noise and Vibration
Use of Energy , Materials and Resources
Biodiversity
Land Management
Hazards and Effects Management
PL-38
CP-122
SP-1005
SP-1006
SP-1009
SP-1010
SP-1008
SP-1011
SP-1012
PR-1055
Law for the Conservation of the Environment
and Prevention of Pollution
Regulations for the Conservation of the
Environment
Environmental Permit Application Procedures & Guidelines
Regulating Issuance of Environmental Permits
Royal Decree
10/82 (including
amendments RD
63/85 and RD
71/89)
Ministerial
Decision 5/86
MRMEWR Jul-97
Ministerial
Decision 300/93
Reference documents used in writing this Guideline which may be consulted for
more information:
Shell
Group Standard
International
Standard
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HSE Management Systems
EP 95-0100
Overview Hazards and Effects Management
Process
Implementing and Documenting an HSE
Management System and HSE Cases
Environmental Assessment
Social Impact Assessment
Environmental Management Systems Specification with Guidance for Use
EP 95-0300
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EP 95-0310
EP 95-0370
EP 95-0371
ISO 14001
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Appendix A: Regulatory Requirements
Article 13 of RD 10/82, amended under RD 71/89, requires that an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) must be submitted to the MRMEWR for any new process or activity that has
the potential to cause pollution (including upgrades to existing processes or activities), in
order to obtain a No Environmental Objection (NEO) letter and Permit to Discharge. The
NEO letter must accompany any application for a development permit. Article 15, amended
under RD 71/89, requires that an EIS must also be submitted to the MRMEWR for any
existing process or activity that is causing, or has the potential to cause, pollution.
Article 26 of RD 10/82, amended under 63/85, stipulates the penalties for providing false or
misleading information in an EIS. These are:
 imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months; or
 a fine of not more than 10% of the capital invested in the development; and
 in addition to the penalties outlined in (a) and (b), a possible order to stop operations.
To assist proponents in the EIS process, the MRMEWR has prepared the following guidance
documents:
 Environmental Permit Application - Procedures and Guidelines (July 1997)
 DRAFT Environmental Permit Application Review Process Information Guide (undated)
The MRMEWR's DRAFT Environmental Review Process Information Guide provides the
following clarifications and definitions:




The "NEO letter" is now referred to as the "Environmental Permit".
"New sources of work" refers to new projects, construction, decommissioning,
abandonment or expansion of a facility that would result in a significant increase in its
production capacity.
The terms "permit to discharge", or "permit to use and handle chemicals", or "waste
licences" refer to the documents arising from the Environmental Permit.
These
documents are required by Regulations issued by Ministerial Decisions that govern the
technical Specifications and standards for emissions and related activities.
The term "Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)" refers to a document, which
summarises the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Environmental Permit Application Review Process
The MRMEWR's DRAFT Environmental Review Process Information Guide describes Oman's
environmental permit procedure. The key points are summarised below:
Preliminary consultation
Before submitting the application, the proponent should contact the Ministry to discuss details
of the required documentation. The proponents are encouraged to discuss the proposed
projects informally with staff of the Ministry at an early stage, before detailed studies or plans
are drawn up. A feasibility study, complete with its environmental chapter, may be utilised
during the preliminary consultation.
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Application Review Process:
The procedure for processing of an application for the Environmental Permit from the Ministry
can be divided into 3 stages:
Stage1: Application Submission Stage
This stage begins the application review process and consists of submitting a completed
Environmental Permit Application Form, supporting technical documents, and permits from
other Ministries (if necessary). Developments are classified into 4 categories, and the
MRMEWR has issued an Environmental Permit Application Form for each category:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Industrial and Services Projects (Application Form No.1)
Agricultural Projects (Application Form No.2)
Infrastructure Projects (Application Form No.3)
Building Projects (Application Form No.4)
Copies of the Environmental Permit Application Forms and MRMEWR Guidance Notes are
available on request from MSE2.
Stage 2: Technical Stage Appraisal/Screening
At this stage, technical staff of the Ministry conduct a screening followed by a detailed review
of the application to determine the type of environmental analysis that is required for the
project.
In some cases, a detailed EIA will be required. There is no fixed list of specific industries,
developments or their sizes, which would trigger a detailed EIA. Instead the Ministry's
procedure relies on screening, identifying significant impacts on sensitive areas, and
discussion between the Ministry and applicant to identify any critical issues and to establish
the scope of the EIA. However, certain types of projects or their elements fall into categories
of projects requiring a detailed EIA. The following list contains strictly illustrative examples of
some of these categories:
















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Aquaculture (large scale)
Dams and reservoirs
Electrical transmission (large scale)
Industrial plants and industrial estates (large scale)
Irrigation and drainage schemes (large scale)
Mineral development (including oil and gas)
Pipeline (oil, gas, water)
Port and harbour developments
Desalination plants
Primary and rural roads
Thermal power development
Urban water supply and sanitation (large scale)
Transportation (airports, railways, roads)
Urban development (large scale)
Manufacture, transportation and use of pesticides or other hazardous and/or toxic
materials
Projects which pose serious accident risks
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

Projects with the potential for significant impact on the following sensitive areas:
marine environment, groundwater, designated and proposed National Parks and
Nature Reserves, and the atmosphere.
Any project or activity designated by the Minister
A detailed EIA study is normally unnecessary for projects which due to their scale, location or
characteristics are unlikely to cause significant environmental impacts.
(The wording of the legislation is not clear, and so in some cases there may be some
uncertainty as to whether or not an EIS is required for a particular development or activity.
In these situations, advice should be sought initially from the HSE adviser for your area. If
there remains some uncertainty, MSE2 should then be contacted to provide clarification.
Should the proposed development be of a potentially controversial nature, MSE2 should be
contacted to advise on the need for any supporting documentation that supports the EIS).
The MRMEWR will decide in consultation with the applicant whether or not a detailed EIA
study is required. The final decision rests with the MRMEWR.
(If a detailed EIA is required, the study will be scoped jointly by the MRMEWR and PDO. PDO
will be responsible for conducting the EIA).
A formal EIA should include but not be limited to:

project description

baseline data

comparison of alternatives and their impacts (negative or positive) on all aspects of
the environment

proposed mitigation measures

risk assessment

evaluation of the net effects of the development

proposed monitoring and follow-up activities

inter-agency coordination

consultation with affected communities

clear and complete EIS document
Stage 3: Decision and Permit Stage:
Once completed, the MRMEWR will review the EIA and, if satisfied, will issue an
environmental permit with conditions as necessary. The development must also be in
conformity with the various Regulations/Ministerial Decisions, some of which require subpermits/licences to the Environmental Permit and these must also be obtained by the
applicant. (For clarification, seek advice initially from the HSE adviser for your area. If there
remains some uncertainty, MSE2 should then be contacted).
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Appendix B: Example of Register of Environmentally Significant Activities
and Effects
Specification
PDO Activity
Effect
Risk Level
Asset Manager
PDO Specification
to which the
effect is related
Description of the
activity giving rise
to the hazard
Description of the
effect
Low, Medium,
High or Extreme
as determined
from Risk
Assessment
Matrix
Reference
indicator of the
manager(s)
responsible for
the activity
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Appendix C: Notes on Environmental Sensitivities in PDO's Concession Area
and Other Areas of Operation
These notes are intended to give a general insight and awareness of the environmental
sensitivities which might be encountered in the PDO concession area or in other areas of
Oman where PDO has operations.
The notes are purely to provide background information.
systematic gathering of accurate field data.
A detailed EA will require
Operational Zones
For the purposes of the EA, the PDO operational area can be divided into nine separate
Zones. They are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The Arabian Oryx Project Area;
Salalah/Jebel Qara;
Offshore Concession Areas and Mina al Fahal Port Area;
Marmul to South;
Main Oil and Gas Pipeline Routes;
West of Bahja/Saih Rawl/Yibal;
Umm as Samim;
East of Fahud/Natih to Panhandle; and
Remaining Concession Area
The zones are notable by their different characteristics and environmental sensitivities. A
brief synopsis of these sensitivities follows:
Socio Economics and Land Use
The key impact issues can be grouped under four headings:
conflicts in land use
competing need for water
livestock and wildlife safety
nuisance, mainly from dust and litter
Conflicts in land use will occur and need to be recognised. There is little that can be done
directly without affecting commercial priorities. Nomadic life is traditional in this part of the
world. Freedom to roam and use wide areas of the country is a prerequisite of nomads. If
nomadism is to be preserved as a lifestyle, then some measures may need to be considered
in order to ensure that it is not put at risk unnecessarily by any proposed developments.
The need for livestock safety must be taken seriously and procedures instigated to ensure it.
Livestock and nomadism are synonymous.
The need for water (potable and non-potable) is nationally perceived as a major issue. PDO
produces and consumes quantities of both potable and non-potable groundwater. There is a
need to ensure that the present level of usage or demand is not threatening national water
resources. There is also a need to ensure continued access to established water points for
the local citizens as a social and cultural obligation.
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Nuisance from traffic and construction generated dust and roadside litter are issues,
particularly in the vicinity of wadis and settlements. New developments should recognise
these potential problems and appropriate control measures should be implemented.
Ecology
The PDO operational areas cover a wide range of ecological habitats with different degrees of
ecological sensitivity and conservation importance. However, because of the inherent fragility
of the desert environment, with many animals and plants living under conditions of severe
temperature and water stress, damage is easily caused. As exploration and exploitation of
hydrocarbon reserves continue, so they will increasingly have more impact on the Interior. A
conservation oriented approach to all PDO activities, new developments and restoration of old
sites is essential to minimise these future impacts.
The degree of ecological impact is also affected by whether or not hydrocarbon reserves are
actually proved and subsequently exploited. This leads to a much greater cumulative
ecological impact through the large number and consequent higher density of well sites and
production and support facilities which may be required. Ecological impacts in these
circumstances can be cumulative, long-term and severe, especially if occurring in areas of
conservation importance.
In areas where isolated wells are drilled and subsequently abandoned, direct impacts on the
environment are relatively localised. PDO has already implemented environmental protection
guidelines in two of its areas (the Arabian Oryx Project area and the Salalah/Jebel Qara area)
aimed at minimising impacts. In the Salalah region, impacts upon the environment from PDO
exploration well drilling have been minimal due to the rigorous implementation of mitigation
measures.
Other than the development of oil reserves, the construction of graded roads and pipelines
across PDO’s operational area is probably the largest impact PDO has on the ecology. The
scale and significance of these impacts and associated effects may be significant.
The potential impacts on land based ecology may be considered proportional to the area of
land disturbed by a specific activity.
By contrast, the greatest potential impacts from coastal and offshore operations are those
related to leakage or spillage of oil during exploration and production activities.
Archaeology
Oman is rich in archaeology and has the potential to make a contribution of importance to
the understanding of both Southern Arabia and the Gulf Region. Paradoxically, relatively little
archaeological research has been undertaken in the Near and Middle East.
The
archaeological remains of all periods are a fragile, non-renewable resource and are protected
by law.
The evidence of past human activity can be easily destroyed by lack of awareness or
consideration during development of a new project. Wherever possible the best practice is to
preserve evidence or remains in situ. Where preservation is not possible and development is
proposed which will have an impact on archaeology, best practice is to consider mitigation
measures against criteria relating to the affected site’s period, nature, extent, quality and
rarity. The existing level of archaeological knowledge pertaining to PDO’s operational area is
too low for a coherent mitigation strategy to be formulated at either a general or site-specific
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level. New projects and developments may have to consider commissioning a program of
archaeological data collection.
Geology
Oman’s geological heritage provides may sites and areas where classic geological and unique
land features occur. At present, no guidelines exist to assist in identifying or ranking
individual sites which may be affected by PDO’s activities. The importance of specific
geological features has only recently been considered in some areas of activity (e.g., seismic
surveys). Because of the detailed knowledge of Oman’s geology held in PDO, it would be a
relatively straightforward exercise to include a review of significant geological features into
the EA process. A judgement could then be made on the need for any specific precautions
which will be required.
Hydrology and Hydro-geology
Several PDO activities, notably drilling and production water disposal, may result in impacts
upon water resources which are likely to be significant. Some residual impacts may occur
and these are likely to be unavoidable even after adopting all possible mitigation.
Any techniques to reduce the amount of production water, such as down hole dewatering,
should be considered since production water disposal is predicted to be PDO’s major disposal
issue in the forthcoming years.
Potable water from aquifers is a precious resource in Oman and any potential for
contamination is a sensitive issue. It is most important to consult Exploration in all matters
relating to hydrogeology and hydrology.
Air quality
Air quality effects associated with exploration and construction activities tend to be localised
and transient in nature. The most significant impact usually results from the construction and
use of access roads when large quantities of dust are generated. In areas remote from any
settlements, this dust emission is unlikely to be a major impact.
Emissions from permanent plant such as large engines, gas turbines, flares, process plant
and cold vents may have significant effects depending upon the proximity of local population
or other sensitive receivers. There are methods by which emission rates can be estimated
and modeled to predict the resultant ground level concentrations of major air pollutants (e.g.,
NOx, SOx, CO and hydrocarbons).
Emissions of greenhouse gases (CH4, CO2) are not significant in terms of local air quality
effects. However, total emissions from these activities need to be considered and their
significance evaluated on a national or regional basis. Sour gas emissions need careful
assessment with respect to ground level concentration due to the extreme toxicity of H2S.
Noise and Vibration
Noise impacts are potentially significant but this is related solely to the presence of residential
communities which are rare across most of the concession area. Where developments are
planned near to urban areas, baseline noise surveys should be made.
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An assessment of potential noise impact should then be undertaken. Site or project specific
noise mitigation may be required in order to avoid future problems.
Traffic
The need to provide road access results in a number of environmental effects. A large
network of roads has already been constructed throughout PDO’s concession area and this
network is being continually expanded to meet the needs of oil exploration and production.
Construction causes physical damage to the desert environment. In many areas this damage
will be permanent. A potentially larger term impact, compounding that directly caused by
PDO, arises through the build up of transport corridors and facilitating communication links
between settlements which did not exist before the new road was built. Encroachment into
sensitive areas may lead to conflicts with Oman’s conservation objectives.
Because of the largely negative environmental effects of road construction, it is important
that due consideration is given to minimising these impacts through careful planning of
routes.
Road building should be based upon creating the minimum infrastructure needed to satisfy
operational requirements. The current policy of open access to roads in the Interior is liable
to lead to conflicts with conservation interests and should be considered very carefully in new
projects.
Soils
Desert soils are fragile and can be easily damaged during oil exploration and construction
activities. The most effective means of minimising impacts is to restrict the need for new
sites to be developed through maximising production from existing wells. This can be
achieved through drilling techniques such as side track drilling which are already being used
in PDO.
The nature of exploration and production activities means that there is considerable potential
for localised soil contamination not only from crude oil but also from the use of chemicals,
diesel etc. In addition, existing methods of sewage disposal at rig sites and camps have the
potential to cause contamination.
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Appendix D: Table of Activities with Potential Environmental Hazards
The activities listed below relate to EP 95-7000 EP Business Model Version 3 “Flow Charts and
Descriptions of Processes/Activities.
Items listed in italics are not specifically discussed in EP 95-7000, but are listed herein for
completeness and clarity.
Level 1
Design, Construct,
Modify or Abandon
Well
Level 2
Construct/Modify/Abandon Well
Design & Execute
Survey
Acquire Survey Data
Design, Construct,
Modify or Abandon
Facilities
Construct and Pre-Commission
Facilities
Commission Facilities
Abandon Facilities
Provide Goods and
Services
Provide Logistics
Services
 Establish Contract
 Obtain Goods and Services
Store Goods
Dispose of Goods
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(N.B. Consider procurement
activities)
Execute Transport Operation
Execute Handling Operation

Provide Staff Services






Provide Catering
Provide Office Services
Provide Medical Services
Provide Accommodation
Locate potable water supplies
Deliver Potable Water
Provide Sanitary Sewers


Treat Sanitary Effluent
Dispose of Sanitary Effluent
Provide Operational IT Services

Operate and Support IT
Services and Infrastructure
Provide Potable Water
Provide IT Services








Level 3
Undertake Task(s)
Maintain Well Control
Prepare Site
Prepare for Well Handover
Restore Site
Establish Control/Support
Network
Execute Survey Programme
Restore Site
Erect Facilities
Pre-Commission Facilities
Commission Facilities
Perform Acceptance Testing
Demolish and Secure Facilities
Restore Site




(N.B. Includes refuelling and
bunkering, loading and
unloading)
Provide Human
Resources






(N.B. Includes telephone, radio
and data networks)
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Store Goods
Select Method of Disposal
Effect Disposal
Undertake Specific Land/Air/
Marine Journey
Execute Specific Land/Air
Marine Handling
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Provide Laboratory Services
Prepare for Analysis
Perform Analysis
Evaluate Analysis



Operate Wells & Facilities
Perform Well and Facility
Operations






(N.B. Includes wells,
beam pumps, pipelines
and flowlines, gathering
stations, production
stations, and the
terminal)
Provide Utility Water
Generate and Distribute
Electricity





Operate Waste
Treatment, Storage and
Disposal Facilities



Maintain Wells & Facilities
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Provide Fire Fighting
Capacity





Perform Maintenance,
Inspection or
Intervention Tasks



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Take sample
Perform Analysis
Return, Store or Dispose of
Sample
Integrate in System
Start-up Wells and Facilities
Shut-down Wells and Facilities
Isolate from System
Configure Wells and Facilities
Measure/Report Production,
Injection, Disposal
Transfer Custody of HCs
Locate Utility Water Supplies
Deliver Utility Water
Operate Power Transmission
Equipment
Operate Power Generation
Equipment
Operate Solid Non-Hazardous
Waste Landfill
Operate Solid Hazardous Waste
Landfill
Operate Liquid Hazardous
Waste Landfill
Operate Landfarm
Operate Recycling Facilities
Operate Oily Sludge Pits
Test Fire Fighting Equipment
Operate Fire Fighting
Equipment
Prepare Site
Undertake Tasks
Restore Site
HSE – GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
Appendix E: Table of Environmental Hazards and Possible Effects
Hazard
Gaseous emissions of methane (CH4)
Gaseous emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx)
Gaseous emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Gaseous emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O)
Gaseous emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)
Gaseous emissions of carbon monoxide (CO)
Gaseous emissions of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Gaseous emissions of volatile organic compounds
(VOC)
Gaseous emissions of organic toxics (PAH, PCB)
Emissions of fine particulate matter
Emissions of toxic metals
Emissions of odorous compounds
Emissions of radiation
Emissions of heat
Emissions of light
Emissions of noise/vibration
Emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)
Emissions of halons
Spills and leaks of crude oil or distillates
Emissions of dissolved organic compounds
Emissions of soluble heavy metals
Emissions
Emissions
Emissions
Emissions
Emissions
Emissions
Emissions
of
of
of
of
of
of
of
soluble salts
drilling mud/cuttings/chemicals
organic nutrients (NH4, PO4)
suspended solids
oil and grease (O/G)
hot/cold effluent
detergents/solvents/cleaners
Emissions of pathogens
Emissions of anoxic effluent
Land disposal of hazardous wastes
Land disposal of domestic wastes
Land take for operations
Energy use for operations
Volume of water used
Volume of raw material use
Soil compaction from heavy vehicles
GU-195
REVISION 3.0
Possible Effect
Global warming/atmospheric ozone increase
Acid deposition, water and soil acidification
Atmospheric ozone, acid deposition
Global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion
Global warming
Human health damage
Human health damage, odour nuisance
Atmospheric ozone increase, human health damage
Human health damage, ecological damage
Human health damage, soot deposition
Human health damage, ecological damage
Nuisance
Human health damage, ecological damage
Nuisance, ecological damage
Nuisance
Nuisance
Global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion
Global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion
Ecological damage, biological damage
Ecological damage, biological damage, tainting of
fish
Ecological damage, biological damage through
accumulation
Increased salinity, biological damage
Ecological damage, biological damage
Eutrophication
Ecological damage
Ecological damage, biological damage
Ecological damage
Eutrophication, ecological damage, biological
damage
Human health damage
Ecological damage, biological damage
Ecological damage, biological damage
Ecological damage, nuisance
Habitat loss, ecological damage
Loss of resources
Loss of resources
Loss of resources
Modification of hydrology
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HSE – GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
Appendix F: Hazards and Effects Assessment Worksheet
Date:
Location of Hazard:
DD/MM/YY
Marmul
Evaluator/REF Ind.:
Page:
Name/ID
1 of 1
Hazard Identification
Activity:
(Activity which gives rise to the hazard)
Hazard:
(Short description of specific hazard)
Effect:
(Effect which requires evaluation)
Details of Effect (cross out item which does not apply)
Beneficial / Adverse
Short Duration / Long Duration
Temporary / Permanent
Direct / Indirect
Localised / Strategic
Details of Magnitude: (Short description with any detail provided below)
Details of Control Methods Employed: (Short description with any detail provided below)
Emergency Response/Contingency Plan in Place? Yes/No
Relevant HSE Specification: (Identify if any)
Significance Evaluation
Details presented in paragraph form to include:
 Data evaluated
 Assumptions used
 Reasoning applied
 Risk Matrix
Conclusion
(Summary statement of the environmental risk associated with this hazard and effect)
GU-195
REVISION 3.0
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HSE – GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
Appendix G: Example Table of Contents for an Environmental Assessment
Report
Executive Summary
Background
Purpose
Scope
Description of Existing Activities
Product Flow Asset Team
Infrastructure Asset Team
OETS Asset Team
Well Engineering Asset Team
Geo-Solutions Asset Team
Computers & Communications Asset Team
Supply & Logistics Asset Team
Production Chemistry Asset Team
OETS Asset Team
Corporate HSE Asset Team
Existing Conditions
Geology and Geomorphology
Groundwater Hydrology and Quality
Surface Water Hydrology and Quality
Study Location and Geographical Context
Land Use
Transportation and Access
Utilities
Meteorology
Air Quality
Noise
Flora and Fauna
Visual Amenity
Environmental Impact Analysis
Emissions to Atmosphere
Aqueous Effluents
Accidental Releases to Land and Water
Use of Energy, Materials and Resources
Waste Management
Environmental Noise and Vibration
Flora and Fauna Protection
Site Preparation, Abandonment and Restoration
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
Appendices
Maps
Activity Screening List
Hazards and Effects Assessment Worksheets
List of Environmentally Significant Activities and Effects
Table List
Figures List
GU-195
REVISION 3.0
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HSE – GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
Appendix H: Glossary of Terms, Definitions & Abbreviations
Acute effect
Activity
Environment 
Environmental
assessment
Baseline
conditions
Chronic effect
Effect
Hazard
HSE-critical
activity
May
Risk
Shall
Should
Significant
Social Impact
Assessment
GU-195
An effect which occurs suddenly and in a short time following the exposure
Work carried out as part of a process characterised by a set of specific
inputs and tasks that produce a set of outputs to meet customer
requirements
The surroundings and conditions in which a company (e.g. PDO) operates
or which it may affect, including living systems (human and other) therein.
A systematic process which provides a framework for gathering and
documenting information and views regarding the environmental
consequences of activities so that the importance of effects and the scope
for enhancing, modifying of mitigating them can be properly assessed
A description of an existing situation, usually before development, which is
used as the basis for subsequent monitoring.
The effect caused by continuous or ongoing release and/or exposure to a
hazard.
 Adverse impingement on the health and safety of employees and/or the
public
 A direct or indirect impingement of the activities products or services of
PDO upon the environment, whether adverse or beneficial. In this
context, the term "environmental effect" may be used, and is intended
to convey the same meaning as "environmental impact" as defined in
ISO 14001.
The potential to cause harm, including ill health and injury, damage to
property, products or the environment; production losses or increased
liabilities.
Element of PDO's activities, products or services that can interact with
the environment. "Hazard" in this context is intended to convey the
same meaning as "environmental aspect" as defined in ISO 14001.
Activities that have been identified by the Hazards and Effects Management
Process as vital to ensure asset integrity, prevent incidents, and/or mitigate
adverse HSE effects.
Indicates a possible course of action
A term which combines the chance that a specified undesirable outcome
will occur, and the consequences of that outcome.
Indicates a course of action with a mandatory status
Indicates a recommended course of action
HSE risk as evaluated as being ‘extreme’ or ‘high’ (ref. CP 131 – Risk
Management) in the Hazards and Effects Management process
A process which predicts the significant social consequences of an activity,
evaluates alternative sites, techniques and technologies in terms of their
social impact, and proposes changes and management solutions that will
lead to the enhancement of positive effects and a reduction of adverse
effects.
REVISION 3.0
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