Page 178 - Environmental Control in Petroleum Engineering

1S4 Environmental Control in Petroleum Engineering

by those with authority to approve or deny its implementation. Prior
review and approval of such a plan by regulatory agencies will help
in obtaining final approval when an emergency occurs. Prior review
and approval, however, does not necessarily mean final approval will
be given to implement the plan in an emergency.
Contingency plans can be developed through the following steps
(Geddes et al., 1990).

Step 1: Identify potential emergencies and complications. All possible
emergencies and complicating factors are to be identified. All
scales of emergencies should be considered.
Step 2: Identify risks and consequences. In this step, the potential
impacts of emergencies on human life, wildlife, and the envi-
ronment are determined.
Step 3: Identify resources and capabilities. This step requires a detailed
assessment of all resources available to meet any emergencies.
Resources to be evaluated include personnel, equipment, sup-
plies, and funds.
Step 4: Determine and define roles and responsibilities. The actions
of all personnel during an emergency, including field hands,
management, and regulatory agencies, are outlined. Com-
munication channels are also clearly explained.
Step 5: Determine response actions. A realistic, detailed plan of action
is outlined for each potential emergency. It should include the
estimated timing of equipment arrival, operations of the equip-
ment (including operating personnel), and decision-making
priorities.
Step 6: Write and implement the plan. The plan should be written in
easy-to-understand language and should be user-friendly. It
should allow for updates and modifications. It should be
considered a "live" plan, i.e., it should be changed as needs
and experience dictate. It is important for the surrounding
community to be informed of the plan and to have input into
it as it is developed and modified.

A number of contingency plans are required in the United States
by federal regulations. For example, the Clean Water Act requires
that spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) plans be
developed to minimize the risk of accidental discharge of oil. The Oil
Pollution Act requires a response plan for actions following the