Operations and Environmental
Topic Paper Outline
Headline
Write a headline, to serve as a subheading for the paper, that summarizes the benefits
of the technology and/or operational practices. Example: Remote exploration helps
pinpoint hydrocarbon resources, pollution sources, and sensitive environments
Abstract
Write an abstract of the paper so that the study managers and others can quickly gather
the main points. Highlight the findings that are discussed in Barriers and Opportunities
section.
Description of the Technology
Give a sentence or two describing the technology or suite of technologies and/or
practices and its place in the development lifecycle. Note if the technology applies
across multiple lifecycle phases (e.g., data management can be used across the whole
development lifecycle).
History of Development
Tell the story of the technology starting with its initial development through its current
form and use. This story should include the timeframe in which the technology was
invented or first used, who pioneered the development and where, what drivers (e.g.,
legislative/regulatory, geologic, operational, cost, or public perception) led to the
development of and changes in the technology, and how the industry has benefited
from its use. This section should emphasize the continuous improvement of
technologies throughout time.
Variations based on resource type and location
Describe how can the technology is applied in the various resource types (onshore,
offshore, tight gas, oil shale). Discuss any variations of the technology that are specific
to each or several resource types. Give a rough timeline of applications in the different
resources and describe how the technology needed to be adapted for each. What
conditions are specific to each resource type that requires a change in the technology,
and how is the technology adapted to suit the change in conditions?
Environmental Benefits
What are the environmental benefits offered by the technology? Categorize the
impacts in terms of air emissions, water management, surface disturbance, biological
impacts, noise impacts, visual impacts, and community impacts. Quantify past
improvements in environmental performance to the extent possible. Construct a table
or use bullets to list these environmental benefits so we can summarize them in the
report across technologies. Identify issues on which there are disagreements or
divergent views concerning the environmental impacts. (Differences on other matters
should be discussed in the appropriate sections, e.g., Economic Impacts or Innovation
and Future Use.)
Economic Impacts (positive and negative)
Discuss the economic benefits of the technology. For example, does the technology
speed the process of resource extraction, does it decrease the cost of resource
development, or allow for economies of scale? What negative economic impacts are
associated with the technology, e.g., is it more expensive than alternatives? Construct a
table or use bullets to list these economic benefits and costs so we can summarize them
in the report across technologies.
Success in the Field (optional but helpful)
Present a case study to illustrate the use and benefits of the technology in a particular
location, environment, or project. Discuss the issues or difficulties that were
encountered and how the technology was used to improve the situation.
Innovation and Future Use
Describe current research and efforts to make advancements in the technology. Discuss
how the technology will continue to improve to meet new needs and challenges, as well
as change to achieve increasing levels of environmental regulation and stewardship.
Discuss expected or potential improvements, including potential breakthrough
advances, in resource recovery, cost reduction, and environmental performance due to
future development and innovation.
Barriers and Opportunities
Identify and provide explanation of any barriers to implement the technologies and
practices, including regulatory, economic, and technological. Identify potential
opportunities to incentivize use of the technologies and practices, including regulatory,
economic (tax related), market changes, and technology development. This section
should summarize the “findings” of the paper that can be used to derive
recommendations from the Task Group.
Long Term Vision
Describe conceptually how the technology might advance, through evolutionary or
revolutionary improvements, to help achieve a long-term vision of ultra-low impact oil
and gas resource recovery. This section will serve as input to brainstorming on the
2050 vision requested by the Secretary.