Best Management Practices for the Gas and Oil Industry Adapted from Information by Utah DEQ The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has created a guide to help prevent pollution during gas and oil operations, from drilling and production to processing, storage, and transmission. By adopting best management practices (BMPs), small gas and oil companies can reduce their environmental impact by decreasing water use, controlling erosion, and minimizing the amount of hazardous waste generated. When initiating a project, it is essential to consider the conditions, operations, and limitations of each jobsite. This allows for the identification of BMPs that align with regulatory requirements and promote compliance. Emissions will decrease during drilling and completions by implementing Reduced Emission Completions, also known as Green Completions, to effectively capture the gas produced during this process that would otherwise be vented or flared. Install a plunger lift systems for removing liquids from wells or blow downs. Tighten connections and replace packing to also minimize leaks and fugitive emissions. Use vapor recovery units on oil, condensate, produced water storage tanks, and dehydrators to help lower emissions as well. Reduce emissions during production by using enclosed tanks and central or on-site water treatment facilities instead of open pits. A case study by Ultra Resources, based out of Houston, Texas, is creating solutions for a cleaner, smarter, and more secure energy future by utilizing an on-site flowback processing unit. The flowback treatment process is able to provide a reliable supply of 100% recycled water for subsequent operations. The process is very important in an area of high activity where water volume and water quality are necessary for successful operations. Substituting organic additives, polymers, or biodegradable additives for oil-based mud can help reduce toxicity, along with lubricating equipment with mineral oil and lubra-beads instead of diesel oil. Recover and reuse weighting materials and drilling fluids; waste drilling mud can be reused at other locations for spudding or plugging and abandoning operations. Implement a Directed Inspection and Maintenance program to identify fugitive gas leaks from leaking compressors, valves, connectors, seals, and openended lines using infrared cameras, organic vapor analyzers, soap solutions, and ultrasonic leak detectors. Replacing high bleed valves with compressed air, electric valves, or low bleed valves can also help prevent pollution. You can also install or convert gas-operated pneumatic devices to electric, solar, or compressed air-driven devices/controllers to help with emissions. DEQ is offering courtesy leak detection audits, using infrared cameras. Leak detection and repair programs are a cost-effective, proven emission reduction strategy for the gas and oil industry. The Natural Gas STAR Program is a flexible, voluntary partnership that encourages natural gas and oil companies to adopt cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce air emissions. Pollution prevention is about reducing the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant released into the environment, while also preserving resources through wise use. G&O 33 JANUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
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