Enviromental Assessment Gu195

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT GUIDELINE
Environmental Assessment
DOCUMENT ID
- GU 195
REVISION
- 3.0
DATE
- 15/07/02
HSE GUIDELINE
Recommending Best Practice
Authorised for Issue by the HSE IC 15/07/02

Document Authorisation
Document Authority
dapo Oguntoyinbo
Ref. Ind: CSM
Date: 215/07/02
Document Custodian
G.T. Tan
Ref. Ind: CSM/2
Date: 15/07/2002
Document Author
G.T. Tan
Ref. Ind: CSM/2
Date: 15/07/2002
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 3.0
Version 2.0
Date
Jun 02
Jan 99
Author
G.T. Tan CSM/2
William Thiel, OMI/2
Version 1.0
Jun 98
Joppe Cramwinckel,
CSM2
Scope / Remarks
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.........................................................................34
1.1 BACKGROUND.............................................................................................. 34
1.1.1. Regulatory Requirements..................................................................34
1.2 PURPOSE.................................................................................................... 34
1.3 SCOPE........................................................................................................ 34
1.4 DISTRIBUTION AND TARGET AUDIENCE..............................................................34
1.5 DOCUMENT REVIEW......................................................................................34
2.0
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINE.................................34
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS................................................34

2.1.1 Introduction to Environmental Assessment.......................................34
2.1.2 Core Elements of Environmental Assessment....................................34
2.2 PDOS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS.................................................34
2.2.1 General.............................................................................................. 34
2.2.2 New Projects......................................................................................34
2.2.3 Scoping the Environmental Assessment............................................34
2.2.4 Management and Organisation of the Environmental Assessment....34
2.2.5 Consultation......................................................................................34
2.2.6 Characterising the Baseline Conditions of the Receiving Environment
34
2.2.7 Identifying Environmental Hazards....................................................34
2.2.8 Identifying Environmental Effects......................................................34
2.2.9 Assessing Environmental Effects.......................................................34
2.2.10 Evaluating Controls...........................................................................34
2.2.11 Recording the Process and the Result...............................................34
2.3 RELATED STANDARDS....................................................................................34
APPENDIX A: REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS..............................................34
APPENDIX B: EXAMPLE OF REGISTER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT
ACTIVITIES AND EFFECTS........................................................................34
APPENDIX C: NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES IN PDO'S CONCESSION
AREA AND OTHER AREAS OF OPERATION...................................................34
APPENDIX D: TABLE OF ACTIVITIES WITH POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
......................................................................................................... 34
APPENDIX E: TABLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS...34
APPENDIX F: HAZARDS AND EFFECTS ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET.................34
APPENDIX G: EXAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT REPORT............................................................................34
APPENDIX H: GLOSSARY OF TERMS, DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS.............34
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1.0
1.1
Introduction
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).
PDOs 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.
PDOs 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
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 CSM (refer to CP 122 HSE
Management System Manual, Part 2, Chapter 3).
1.5
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Document Review
This Guideline shall be reviewed as necessary.
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HSE GUIDELINE
2.0
2.1
2.1.1
Environmental Assessment Guideline

Description of Environmental Assessments
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:
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 shortterm 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:
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
2.2.1
PDOs Environmental Assessment Process

General
PDOs environmental assessment process is summarised in Figure 1 below.
FIGURE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
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
CHARACTERISE BASELINE CONDITIONS

physical and chemical environment
biological environment
human environment
REVIEW AND CONSULTATION WITH INTERNAL

DEPARTMENTS AND MANAGEMENT
EA SCOPE AND TIMING

when to conduct?
New/changed env. permit required?
EIA/EIS required?
screening process
EA management and organisation
HSE GUIDELINE
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:
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 CSM2. 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 PDOs
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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HSE GUIDELINE
FI GURE 2 FRONT END DESI GN

DELIVERABLES
A.D.P.
Updated P.E.P.
RESOURCES
&
CONTRACTING
PROJ ECT
MANAGEMENT
HSE Spec.
Env.
permit
needed? Yes
Environmental
Permit Application
Form
No
PROCUREMENT
FRONT END
ENGINEERING
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
DETAI LED
DESI GN
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BUDGETS
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FED
DELIVERABLES
HSE GUIDELINE
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 PDOs 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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HSE GUIDELINE
FIGURE 3 - DETAILED DESIGN
SCOPE OF WORK
DELIVERABLES
Revise P.E.P.
RESOURCES &
CONTRACTING
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
HSE Spec.
PROCUREMENT
Bulk Materials
DETAILED DESIGN
ENGINEERING
Requisitions
HAZOP/
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT
EA Record
HAZOP
report
Design
Review
Not OK
Standards
Variance Log
OK
Design
Change?
Yes
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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Manuals (draft)
Commissioning
Operating
Maintenance
HSE GUIDELINE
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 multidisciplined 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 multi-disciplinary 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:
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
CSM 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 coordinator, although a strong line management presence and support is
desirable.
The environmental adviser should have:
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.
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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
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:
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:
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
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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:
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:
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.
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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)
ii)
Areas of concern: Zone 1

Areas declared as National Reserves and/or Nature Sanctuaries by
Royal Decree, detailing:
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
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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.
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HSE GUIDELINE
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
Past activities.
2.2.8
Identifying Environmental Effects

When identifying environmental effects, issues that should be considered
are:
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:
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
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HSE GUIDELINE
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.
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.
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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
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HSE GUIDELINE
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 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
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HSE GUIDELINE
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.
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.
EIS requirements are outlined in Appendix G.
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

Protection
HSE Code of Practice
Environmental
PL-38
CP-122
Emissions to Atmosphere
SP-1005
Aqueous Effluent
Accidental Releases to Land and Water
Waste Management
Environmental Noise and Vibration
Use of Energy , Materials and Resources
Flora and Fauna Protection
Site Preparation, Restoration and
Abandonment
Hazards and Effects Management
SP-1006
SP-1007
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
Jul97
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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REVISION 3.0
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
Page 18
EP 95-0310
EP 95-0370
EP 95-0371
ISO 14001
HSE GUIDELINE
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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 CSM2.
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, CSM2 should
then be contacted to provide clarification. Should the proposed development be
of a potentially controversial nature, CSM2 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 sub-permits/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, CSM2 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
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
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Asset
Manager
Reference
indicator of the
manager(s)
responsible for
the activity
HSE GUIDELINE
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.
require systematic gathering of accurate field data.
A detailed EA will
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 PDOs 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, nonrenewable 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,
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HSE GUIDELINE
best practice is to consider mitigation measures against criteria relating to the

affected sites period, nature, extent, quality and rarity. The existing level of
archaeological knowledge pertaining to PDOs operational area is too low for a
coherent mitigation strategy to be formulated at either a general or site-specific
level. New projects and developments may have to consider commissioning a
program of archaeological data collection.
Geology
Omans 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 PDOs 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 Omans 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 PDOs 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.
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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.
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 PDOs
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 Omans 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
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. Consider procurement
activities)
Design & Execute

Survey
Acquire Survey Data
Design, Construct,
Modify or Abandon
Facilities
Construct and PreCommission Facilities
Execute Transport Operation
Commission Facilities
Abandon Facilities
Provide Goods and

Services
Provide Logistics
Services
Establish Contract
Obtain Goods and
Services
Store Goods
Dispose of Goods
Execute Handling Operation

(N.B. Includes refuelling and
bunkering, loading and
unloading)
Provide Staff Services
Provide Human
Resources
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Provide Sanitary Sewers
Provide Catering
Provide Office Services
Provide Medical Services
Provide Accommodation
Locate potable water
supplies
Deliver Potable Water
Treat Sanitary Effluent
Dispose of Sanitary Effluent
Provide Operational IT
Operate and Support IT
Provide Potable Water
Provide IT Services
Store Goods
Select Method of Disposal
Effect Disposal
Undertake Specific Land/Air/
Marine Journey
Execute Specific Land/Air
Marine Handling
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HSE GUIDELINE
Services
(N.B. Includes telephone,
radio and data networks)
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Services and Infrastructure
HSE GUIDELINE
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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REVISION 3.0
Provide Fire Fighting

Capacity
Perform Maintenance,
Inspection or
Intervention Tasks
Page 30
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 NonHazardous 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
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
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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
Nuisance
Nuisance, ecological damage
Nuisance
Nuisance
Ecological damage, biological damage
Ecological damage, biological damage,
tainting of fish
through accumulation
Increased salinity, biological damage
Eutrophication
Ecological damage
Ecological damage
Eutrophication, ecological damage, biological
damage
Human health 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
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
Page 32
HSE GUIDELINE
GU-195
REVISION 3.0
Page 33
HSE GUIDELINE
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
Page 34
HSE GUIDELINE
Appendix H: Glossary of Terms, Definitions & Abbreviations

Acute effect
Activity
Environment
Environmenta
l 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
Page 35

Enviromental Assessment Gu195

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HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT GUIDELINE

Recommending Best Practice

Authorised for Issue by the HSE IC 15/07/02

Recommending Best Practice

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINE.................................34

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS................................................34

Recommending Best Practice

1.1.1. Regulatory Requirements

Recommending Best Practice

environmental assessment is also required for:

Distribution and Target Audience

Recommending Best Practice

Environmental Assessment Guideline

characterise the environments that can be impacted

Core Elements of Environmental Assessment

Characterise the receiving environment

A critical component of an environmental assessment is recording the

Recommending Best Practice

PDOs Environmental Assessment Process

IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

ASSESS ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

EXTERNAL CONSULTATION WITH INTEREST

CHARACTERISE BASELINE CONDITIONS

REVIEW AND CONSULTATION WITH INTERNAL

EA SCOPE AND TIMING

Recommending Best Practice

Recommending Best Practice

FI GURE 2 FRONT END DESI GN

Recommending Best Practice

Recommending Best Practice

FIGURE 3 - DETAILED DESIGN

Recommending Best Practice

Scoping the Environmental Assessment

Management and Organisation of the Environmental Assessment

Recommending Best Practice

For large and complex environmental assessments it is necessary to

The dynamic nature of environmental assessment requires a flexible

Depending upon the scope and nature of the environmental assessment,

a thorough understanding of the environmental assessment process

Recommending Best Practice

identification of interested parties (e.g., government, community, and

The consultation exercise, which continues throughout the environmental

avoid conflict by addressing issues promptly

For each organisation consulted there is a need to identify a focal point.

Characterising the Baseline Conditions of the Receiving Environment

Recommending Best Practice

development is planned, and focused initially on the elements most likely

The three components together form complex units of nature called

Recommending Best Practice

Ecosystem assessment is not a perfect process. Nevertheless, sufficient

Areas of concern: Zone 1

iii) Main vegetation types

Identifying Environmental Hazards

Recommending Best Practice

The purpose of performing this step of the environmental assessment

Identifying Environmental Effects

All effects should be identified whether they are likely to be:

Assessing Environmental Effects

Recommending Best Practice

require a more qualitative approach and may rely to varying degrees on

The difficulty of quantifying the ways in which environmental effects

The problem of deciding what is significant, acceptable or tolerable has

Evaluation of significance shall involve, in cases standards or