IAGC Articles RSS Feed

Safety Moment Just Get the Basics Right!

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

“Being passionate about safety means being so caring about one's fellow workers and being so excited about the tools we have to help them work more safety, that we continually think ahead about more ways to protect people, talk with great enthusiasm when sharing our safety insights, set the right example every time, never shy away from stopping an unsafe act and continuously suggesting safer ways of working.” HSE professionals are constantly trying to finds ways to pass along the same passion for safety as they have. Often they are left feeling unsatisfied and dishearten when it passion is not displayed within their company.

Not that they shouldn’t continue trying, but maybe HSE professionals should be satisfied and encouraged with co-workers doing the right every time for safety – whether they were passionate or not. Maybe concentrate on the basics and repeating them over and over and don’t worry about generating passion. If co-workers don’t get the basics right, it will catch up with us eventually. Below is a list of 10 “basics” that we should all think about.

1. Technically qualified and competent people

2. Effective inductions

3. Safe equipment, materials and environment

4. Specific safety training

5. Permits, proper risk assessments and pre-job talks

6. An effective safety observations system

7. Good reporting

8. Coaching to overcome aspects of human nature

9. Continuous, concise and frequent education

10. A great safety culture

20-Jan-12 3:45 PM

Environmental Impact Assessment of Electromagnetic Techniques

Sarah Tsoflias - noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:45:00 GMT

A press release about the completion and publication of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of electromagnetic (EM) techniques used for oil and gas exploration and production in the marine environment was issued 8 November 2011. It has subsequently featured as a news item in several industry journals. The document is available for download in pdf format from the IAGC website.

An abstract about the EIA has been submitted for consideration as a presentation at the 2012 SPE/APPEA International Conference on Health, Safety and Environment, 11-13 September 2012, Perth, Australia.

20-Jan-12 2:45 PM

Recommended Visual Observer Reporting Forms

Sarah Tsoflias - noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

An initial proposal for a technical paper about the recently released IAGC Recommended Visual Observer Reporting Forms andGuidance for Marine Life Visual Observers has been submitted for consideration as a presentation at the 2012 SPE/APPEA International Conference on Health, Safety and Environment, 11-13 September 2012, Perth, Australia. These documents were developed to complement the IAGC Recommended Mitigation Measures for Cetaceans during Geophysical Operations. A press release about these publications is scheduled to be issued in January 2012. All the documents are available for download from the IAGC website.

20-Jan-12 2:30 PM

US BEOM Fish Workshop Scheduled

Sarah Tsoflias - noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is convening a workshop to identify gaps in our understanding of the effects of noise on marine fish, fisheries, and invertebrates. Much focus has been placed on understanding the effects of these activities on marine mammals, but the effects on marine fish, fisheries, and invertebrates are less well understood. The upcoming workshop seeks to broaden that understanding. BOEM will use the results of this workshop to better inform decision-making and environmental analysis processes. Led by Dr. Arthur Popper, University of Maryland, and Dr. Anthony Hawkins, Loughine Limited, University of Aberdeen UK, this workshop will bring together world recognized experts on fisheries and anthropogenic noise in order to:

Identify the priority fisheries and species in the U.S. Atlantic and Arctic OCS
Determine the feasible short-term and long-term research goals to close significant knowledge gaps
Ascertain available means to reduce anthropogenic noise levels
Identify mitigation options to reduce exposure risk

For more information and registration, go to www.BOEMSoundWorkshop.com.

20-Jan-12 2:00 PM

BOEM Publishes New NTL Covering Seismic Mitigation Measures for the OCS

Sarah Tsoflias - noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:45:00 GMT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has issued a new Notice to Lessee (NTL) No. 2012-G02effective January 1, 2012. The new NTL, which supersedes and replaces NTL No. 2007-G02, does not introduce any new types of mitigation measures but is intended to clarify how a geophysical contractor should implement seismic survey mitigation measures, including ramp-up procedures, the use of a minimum sound source, airgun testing and protected species observation and reporting. Additionally, the new NTL incorporates new regulations cited in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), which was necessary upon the dissolution of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement and the creation of the BOEM and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

If you have any questions concerning the new NTL, please contact Sarah Tsoflias (VP- IAGC)or Walt Rosenbusch (VP – IAGC).

20-Jan-12 1:45 PM

41st IAGC Annual Meeting

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Register today to attend the 2012 IAGC Annual Meeting that will be held on Tuesday 21 February beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Norris Conference Center (City Centre) in Houston, Texas, USA.The agenda for the Annual Meeting will include several keynote speakers and a panel session comprised of geophysical industry executives who will offer their viewpoints on the state of the industry today, the obstacles we face, and our outlook going forward. We have extended invitations to Tommy Beaudreau, Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and a Senior Executive from the Natural Resource Defense Council to be two of our three keynote speakers.

New this year will be concurrent breakout sessions that will focus on:

HSE & Security in Geophysical Operations
Commercial Health of the Geophysical Industry
Advances in Marine Data Acquisition Technology
Advances in Land Data Acquisition Technology

In addition, we will provide brief updates on IAGC global activities and conduct routine Association business. As always, we will conclude this meeting with a networking reception.

Register today!We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

20-Jan-12 12:30 PM

Safety Moment: Risk Assessment protecting your most valuable asset!

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:30:00 GMT

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting workers and business, as well as complying with the law. It helps you focus on the risks that really matter in your workplace – the ones with the potential to cause real harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can readily control risks, for example ensuring spillages are cleaned up promptly so people do not slip, or cupboard drawers are kept closed to ensure people do not trip. For most, that means simple, cheap and effective measures to ensure your most valuable asset – your workforce – is protected.

What is risk assessment?

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures.

Accidents and ill health can ruin lives and affect your business too if output is lost, machinery is damaged, insurance costs increase or you have to go to court. We are required to assess the risks in our workplaces so that we can put in place a plan to control the risks.

16-Nov-11 5:30 PM

EM Environmental Impact Assessment completed

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of electromagnetic (EM) techniques used for oil and gas exploration and production in the marine environment has been completed and published. The EM EIA was funded by the member companies of the IAGC EM Subcommittee and prepared by LGL Limited environmental research associates. A Press Release announcing the new publication was distributed to a range of international and local specialist oil and gas magazines on November 8.

The goal of the EIA was to provide a comprehensive resource summarizing available literature and potential effects of EM technologies on marine life. Designed for a broad audience, the document provides a basic description of EM survey technologies, naturally-occurring EM fields, and the potential use of these fields by diverse animal groups. The assessment focuses on survey activities considered to have at least some potential to affect marine animals, such as EM, noise, light emissions, and accidental events.

The EIA concluded that EM sources as presently used have no potential for significant effects on animal groups such as fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. In addition, cumulative effects from EM surveys are negligible compared to natural EM anomalies, induced fields from natural water currents, and anthropogenic EM sources such as those originating from undersea equipment.

The IAGC EM Subcommittee anticipates the EM EIA will be a useful reference document for the geophysical industry as well as oil and gas exploration companies, regulators, non-government organizations and other stakeholders. Environmental Impact Assessment of Electromagnetic Techniques used for Oil & Gas Exploration & Production is available for download in pdf format at the IAGC website.

16-Nov-11 5:00 PM

Fall 2011 HSE & Security Forum recap

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:30:00 GMT

The fall IAGC/OGP Joint Global HSE & Security Forum was held the 27th & 28th of September, hosted by CGGVeritas at their offices in Massy, France. There were 67 participants to the two-day event – one of the largest numbers of individuals to attend the Forum to date. The Chair of both the IAGC Global HSE & Security Steering Committee and OGP Geophysical HSSE Subcommittee developed a very engaging and compelling agenda. 19 high potential (HiPo) incidents were presented, the IAGC detailed updates of its various subcommittee and workgroup activities, and OGP appraised attendees on the various guideline updates they are undertaking. In addition, several case studies were presented that allowed for the sharing of best practices. These presentations were very well received to the point that case studies will be included as an agenda item in future Forums.

Forum attendees benefited from the following presentations and updates provided during the two-day event:

Mehdi Hamel (WesternGeco), Patrick Legh-Smith (WesternGeco), John Barrett (Global Geophysical) Phil Gallaway (Chevron), Jose Tamayo (Geokinetics) and Alastair Hunter (Paras Marine) presented six individual case studies that addressed evacuation from hostile areas; change management; behavioral based safety; contractor health, environment and safety management within a large E&P company; incident analysis; and a new workboat design that would aide in minimizing incidents, respectively.
Eelco Sixma (CGGVeritas) presented the new/updated Aide Memoirethat he has been developing which will allow a user to search fatalities and high potential incident in one place.
Stephen Hallows (BP) provided an update of his task group efforts in updating OGP 292 – HSE Competence Assessment and Training Guidelines for the Geophysical Industry.
David Rash (Geokinetics) provided an update of the Security Subcommittee’s recent activity and the priorities they are taking in developing a strategic plan to address the various security related issues impacting the geophysical industry.
Ian Threadgold (Threadgold Safety Management) updated attendees as to the status of the Risk Management of Explosive Remnants from Geophysical Operations (ERGO) guidance document that he and others are developing. Ian requested additional input from the interested individuals.
Stewart Fraser (OGP) provided a comprehensive update on various OGP activities including the status of the OGP 210 update effort.
Jonathan Miller (CGGVeritas) was able to report that sponsors had been identified to host all four of the regional Land Step Change Crew Managers Network Meetings: South American Exploration – Latin America; Global Geophysical – North America; WesternGeco – EAME, and; BGP – Asia Pacific.
John Barrett – Global Geophysical provided a brief update on the activities of the Line Clearance Workgroup.
Jess Yeates (CGGVeritas) provided an update of the Small Boat Subcommittee, including the Subcommittee’s remit and an outline of issues it will address in the near term – Guidelines for Small Boat Operations and Guidelines for Small Boat competency and Training.
Dr. Barbey (WesternGeco) provided an overview of the efforts of the OGP-IPIECA Health Committee and answered a number of questions from attendees regarding health related issues impacting the geophysical (and E&P) industry.
The company Beltoise set up a driver training simulator and allowed several attendees to test their skills at driving in and under various scenarios.

The above, as well as the rest of the presentations and high potential incident presentations from the Forum, are available on the IAGC website.

2012 Spring HSE & Security Forum

The 2012 Spring HSE & Security Forum will be held the 24^th & 25^th of April, 2012 and will be hosted by ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas, USA. An initial announcement concerning the spring 2012 Forum will be sent out in January or February 2012. If you have any suggestions for agenda items/topics for the Forum, you are encouraged to send them to Patrick Legh-Smith (WesternGeco) – IAGC Global HSE & Security Steering Committee Chairman, and Walt Rosenbusch (IAGC).

SPE/APPEA International HSE Conference

TheSPE / APPEA International Conference on Health, Safety and Environment will be held in Perth, Australia, 11 – 13 September, 2012.IAGC and OGP are considering the practicalities of holding the fall 2012 IAGC/OGP HSE & Security Forum in Perth in conjunction with the SPE/APPEA HSE conference. When a decision is made, an announcement will be made to IAGC and OGP members.

16-Nov-11 4:30 PM

Acoustic Mitigation & Monitoring Systems for Marine Mammals Workshop Proceedings now available

Sarah Tsoflias - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), Gulf of Mexico Region, has made available a new study report titled: Status and Applications of Acoustic Mitigation and Monitoring Systems for Marine Mammals: Workshop Proceedings (OCS Study BOEMRE 2011-002). The report releases the proceedings of a November 2009 workshop that explored the capabilities and limitations of using passive and active acoustic systems to monitor and help mitigate adverse impacts of marine mammals in offshore environments.

The IAGC participated in the 2009 workshop in Boston, Massachusetts. A report written soon after is available on the IAGC website. The new publication and technical summary are available for download from the BOEMRE website.

16-Nov-11 1:00 PM

NPC report on North Americas Natural Gas and Oil Resources now available

Sarah Tsoflias - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT

The National Petroleum Council (NPC) has released its report “Prudent Development – Realizing the Potential of North America’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources”. The IAGC contributed to the development of the report, as documented in a previous newsletter article.

The new report, which NPC adopted on September 15, and has submitted to US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, suggests that North America’s oil and natural gas resources are more abundant than previously thought and recommends they should be prudently developed. It says this might be achieved by establishing “councils of excellence” covering environmental, safety, and health practices; corporate and regulatory commitments to advancing environmental performance; engaging affected communities; and structuring policies to support prudent development of and access to resources. It also says the US will find it difficult to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further without putting a price on carbon that is economy-wide, market-based, predictable, transparent, and part of a global framework. It added that options should be kept open for carbon capture and sequestration, and information developed on environmental footprints and full fuel cycle impacts. The report also called for more efficient energy use, enhanced regulation of markets, and more development of intellectual capital and a skilled workforce.

The full report “Prudent Development – Realizing the Potential of North America’s Abundant Natural Gas and Oil Resources” is available from the NPC website.

16-Nov-11 12:30 PM

BOEMRE now officially two agencies: BOEM and BSEE

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

On 1 October 2011, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) completed the reorganization of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) when BOEMRE was dissolved and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) took its place. See Press Release.

As reported in a previous newsletter article, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar requested and received an implementation plan for restructuring MMS in the aftermath of the Macondo blowout and oil spill. This reorganization comes as part of a series of fundamental changes made by the Obama administration to reform the government’s regulation of offshore energy development and the agency responsible for it while ensuring that responsible oil and gas drilling and production continues on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

BOEM will be led by Director Beaudreau and will be responsible for managing environmentally and economically responsible development of the nation’s offshore resources. Its functions will include offshore leasing, resource evaluation, review and administration of oil and gas exploration and development plans, renewable energy development, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and environmental studies.

BSEE will be led by Director Bromwich, who has served as the BOEMRE director since its creation in June 2010 and has agreed to serve as the BSEE director until an ongoing national search for a permanent director has been completed. BSEE will be responsible for safety and environmental oversight of offshore oil and gas operations, including permitting and inspections, of offshore oil and gas operations. Its functions include the development and enforcement of safety and environmental regulations, permitting offshore exploration, development and production, inspections, offshore regulatory programs, oil spill response and newly formed training and environmental compliance programs.

All geophysical activities will be managed within BOEM.

16-Nov-11 11:30 AM

Next IAGC Annual Meeting

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

The 2012 IAGC Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 February beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Norris Conference Center (City Centre) in Houston, Texas, USA. Please mark your calendar and look for registration and meeting details in December, 2011.

The program will offer a keynote lunchtime speaker and will include a panel session comprised of geophysical industry executives who will offer their viewpoints on the state of the industry today the obstacles we face and our outlook going forward. In addition, we will have concurrent breakout sessions focusing on:

HSE & Security in Geophysical Operations
Commercial Health of the Geophysical Industry
Advances in Marine Data Acquisition Technology
Advances in Land Data Acquisition Technology

We will provide brief updates on IAGC global activities and will conduct routine Association business. As always, we will conclude this meeting with a networking reception. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

16-Nov-11 11:00 AM

IAGC Holiday Party SAVE THE DATE!

Walt Rosenbusch - noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMT

The holiday season is upon us. That must mean it is time for you to make plans to attend the annual IAGC Holiday Party from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Sherlock’s Pub at Westheimer. Like in past years, this event will contribute to the happiness of the children of Houston, who may lack the joys of the Holidays. We request you join us in this effort by bringing an unwrapped toy. All toys will be donated to the DePelchin Children’s Center “Christmas Project”. Additionally, you are welcomed to make a monetary donation as well.

No reservations are necessary to attend the Holiday Party. We’ll see you there!

16-Nov-11 10:30 AM

Safety Moment: Distractions on the Job

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:15:00 GMT

IAGC has collated some simple safety guidelines to ensure that you and all workers are aware of the distractions that may occur while on the job, and how these distractions can be eliminated.

Consider this: 4 out of every 5 accidents are the fault of the person involved in the incident. Unsafe acts cause four times as many accidents and injuries as unsafe conditions. Many accidents and injuries occur when people are distracted while working.

Mental distractions: Dropping your ‘mental’ guard can pull your focus away from safe work procedures. You can be distracted when you are busy working and a friend comes by to talk while you are trying to work. Do not become a statistic because you took your eyes off the machine or the work “just for a minute.”

Inattention: Inattention may be the result from workplace arguments, confusing instructions, concern about working hours, wages, bills, etc. Inattention worsens with fatigue and boredom. Keep your mind on your work. The prime interest in solving hazards created by inattention lies in methods of difference such as warnings, alarms, fail-safe switch circuits, and guards.

Machinery: Set up your work station in a clear unobstructed location with good lighting, proper electrical circuits, and away from busy foot traffic that would cause distractions. When a machine does not start the way it was designed, inform your supervisor.

Hearing: Playing loud music and using headphones can be a hazardous distraction. Workers need to hear when important instructions or warnings are told. A co-worker may save your life.

Long hair: When your hair is loose and flowing, it can blow around and get in your face or eyes and obstruct your view. Avoid fixing your hair while working with machinery or operating a vehicle. Tie your hair back and keep it under a hat.

Shortcuts: Every day we make decisions we hope will make the job faster and more efficient. Do time savers ever risk your safety, or that of your co-workers? Short cuts that reduce your safety on the job are not shortcuts, but an increased chance for injury.

Overconfidence: Confidence is a good thing. Overconfidence can be too much of a good thing. Do not start a task with incomplete instructions. Ask for explanations about work procedures and safety precautions.

Poor housekeeping: Poor housekeeping creates hazards of all types. A well-maintained area sets a standard for others to follow. Good housekeeping involves both pride and safety.

Ignoring safety procedures: Purposely failing to observe safety procedures can endanger you and your co-workers. Being hasty in starting a task or not thinking through the process can put you in harm’s way. Plan your work and then work your plan.

Remember: Concentrate on the work at hand, and keep your mind on your work. Utilize these safety guidelines to help eliminate distractions on the job.

14-Sep-11 4:15 PM

Register Now for Fall HSE & Security Forum

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Register today(link) to attend the two-day Fall 2011 IAGC/OGP Joint HSE & Security Forum, to be held 27-28 September at the CGGVeritas offices in Massy, France. Patrick Legh-Smith, Chairman, IAGC Global HSE & Security Steering Committee, and Randy Ingram, Chairman, OGP HSSE Geophysical Subcommittee, are in the final steps of developing an agenda(link) that will provide value to HSE & Security professionals working in the geophysical industry.

In addition to time devoted to industry High Potential incident (HiPo) presentations and updates on various committee activities and initiatives, Patrick and Randy have carved out time for “white paper” presentations on a variety of HSE topics and a discussion of health related issues impacting the oil and gas industry. Please register today(link) for the Fall Forum.

14-Sep-11 3:00 PM

Environmental Assessment of Marine Vibroseis - Final Report now available

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:30:00 GMT

The final report,Environmental Assessment of Marine Vibroseis (EA Marine Vibroseis), is now available. This document will be useful to industry members, government agencies, and other stakeholders, by providing a desktop study of the current understanding of marine vibroseis technology and its potential environmental impacts.

The EA Marine Vibroseis project was funded by the E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program (JIP). As the title of the document indicates, the purpose of the document is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from surveys using next-generation marine vibroseis as the energy source, examine how those impacts would compare to impacts from airguns, and evaluate how a marine vibroseis system could be operated so as to minimize impact. In addition, the EA Marine Vibroseis evaluates mitigation measures that might be used during marine vibroseis operations and provides comments regarding key data gaps that limit the ability to currently predict the effects of the technology. The document is available on the IAGC websiteand the JIP website.

14-Sep-11 2:30 PM

BOEMRE to fund Alternative Technologies to Airguns study

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:15:00 GMT

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), intends to competitively award a contract entitled Alternative Technologies to Airguns for Use During Seismic Surveying of Offshore Energy Resources.

In the BOEMRE solicitation notice, it states “...it is imperative for BOEMRE to also consider ways to reduce effects through the use of alternative sound sources, either existing or currently in development (e.g., marine vibrators), which can achieve the data collection needs of BOEMRE and industry but with less of an acoustic (and resulting biological) impact [than airguns] on the environment.” BOEMRE also said that the results of the study “will provide BOEMRE and other regulatory agencies with information needed to determine the usefulness and appropriateness of these alternative technologies for a variety of mitigation and monitoring situations and will be subsumed into BOEMRE compliance efforts related to the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.”

The study is expected to: (1) Review and examine recent developments in alternative technologies to airguns, whether proposed or in development, (2) Identify the requirements for operation and limitation to use for these alternative sound sources, (3) Evaluate data quality and cost-effectiveness of these alternative technologies as compared to that from airguns, (4) Examine potential environmental impacts from these alternative technologies, (5) Identify which alternative sources, if any, provide the most promise for full or partial replacement of airgun use and specify the conditions which might warrant their use (e.g., specific limitations to water depth, use in Marine Protected Areas), (6) Provide BOEMRE and industry with guidance on the applicability, feasibility and usefulness of this monitoring tool, and (7) Identify next steps, if appropriate, for the further development of these alternative sound sources. Click herefor more information on this BOEMRE Request for Proposals

14-Sep-11 12:15 PM

New Zealand introduces ocean environment legislation

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:30:00 GMT

The New Zealand Government introduced in August legislation to manage the environmental effects of activities in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) and announced interim measures to manage the environmental effects of activities before the new law is passed.

“This legislation puts in place a robust system of environmental controls for the huge ocean and seabed area 20 times that of New Zealand’s landmass that is currently unregulated. This is about ensuring that New Zealand is environmentally responsible in taking up the significant economic opportunities in our EEZ and ECS,” Environment Minister Nick Smith said.

The legislation makes the new Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) responsible for consenting, monitoring and enforcement of activities that impact on the environment like petroleum exploration, seabed mining, deepwater aquaculture and marine energy development. It requires public consultation on regulations and consents and enables activities to be classified as permitted, discretionary or prohibited. The new law is intended to come into effect on 1 July 2012.

“The Government is also putting in place interim measures from today to ensure a smooth transition to the new regime. Environmental impact assessments will need to be undertaken and submitted to the EPA for oil and gas drilling operations. Operators will also need to comply with the latest drilling safety rules developed in the United States following the inquiries into the Gulf of Mexico disaster.”

“These measures complement last week’s announcements by the Minister of Labour on the establishment of a High Hazards Unit with four inspectors specifically for the petroleum industry. The Minister of Transport is also reviewing the liability insurance requirements for the industry and is looking to raise it above the current level of NZ$30 million,” Dr Smith said.

“The Bill has been introduced to Parliament today and will have its first reading in September. It will be subject to a full Select Committee process of public submissions. The Government’s intention, subject to the results of the General Election, would be to have the Bill passed in the first half of next year. This initiative is part of the Government’s bluegreen agenda of growing the economy but also ensuring we have world’s best practise in place to protect the environment.”

14-Sep-11 11:30 AM

Visit IAGC at SEG Booth #409

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:15:00 GMT

IAGC will be exhibiting at the upcoming SEG Exposition and Conference in San Antonio, Texas September 18^th through September 20^th. Be sure to come by booth 409 to look through the various publications that IAGC provides the industry and have someone walk you through the new IAGC website, which will be going live just prior to the event.

14-Sep-11 11:15 AM