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Vol. 6, No. 2 |
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Editor's Note: We're pleased to be starting a new feature called "Environmental Corner." This page will be devoted to various products, services, and programs of interest to independents in the important area of environmental compliance. Suggestions for future topics are welcome; send to: publications@pttc.org |
Environmental Challenges and Solutions Conference Considered a SuccessThe “2000 Hazardous Waste Research Conference,” which was held on May 23-25 in Denver, Colorado, focused on contaminant remediation as well as multi-stakeholder issues. The conference was co-sponsored by the Great Plains/Rocky Mountain Hazardous Substance Research Center, PTTC’s Rocky Mountain Region, Colorado School of Mines, US Environmental Protection Agency, and other organizations. Discussion and case studies focused on problems important to small operators—including oil and water spills, equipment failure and catastrophic events, site restoration, and oil field operations. Attendees were taught how to cut costs through cleanup efforts, reduce liability, and improve the resale value of their property. “Technology Transfer for the Domestic Petroleum Industry Workshop” was the topic of a pre-conference workshop. It presented information about cost-effective remediation and problem-solving techniques for state regulators when working with independents. There was also a field trip to local waste disposal sites. For more information, contact Sandra Mark, PTTC’s Rocky Mountain resource center, phone 330-273-3822, email smark.95@alum.mines.edu. |
GRI Introduces Online Environmental NewsletterA new monthly on-line newsletter, Environmental Reg UPDATE, has been introduced by GRI—formerly the Gas Research Institute. The UPDATE should help natural gas producers and their consultants stay current on environmental regulations, health, safety, and technology issues; court decisions, and legislative trends. The first six months of the online newsletter are free. For more information, contact James M. Evans, GRI Principal Project Manager, phone 773-399-8329, email jevans@gri.org, or visit GRI’s website at www.gri.org. |
EPA Releases “Profile of the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry”The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Compliance recently released a “Profile of the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry” as part of the EPA Sector Notebooks covering various industries. This new environmental profile of the industry contains comprehensive, well-researched details covering pollution prevention techniques, industry compliance and enforcement history, government and industry partnerships, innovative environmental programs, and information contacts. Free electronic copies of the notebook can be downloaded from the EPA’s site, http://es.epa.gov/oeca/sector/, and printed copies can be ordered for a small fee. Contact Dan Chadwick, EPA, 202-564-7054, or email chadwick.dan@epamail.epa.gov. |
New Approach Reduces NORM Cleanup Costs Through Adaptive Sampling and AnalysisSoil contamination with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) from used equipment and pipe can be a major problem—both for producers and equipment/supply yard operators. A recent field demonstration of an Adaptive Sampling and Analysis Program (ASAP), combined with advanced decision support software, showed that: (1) data collection costs can be dramatically reduced, (2) less soil needs to be removed, and (3) shorter time for cleanup is required. Soil characterization costs using the ASAP approach are estimated to be 10% of costs with traditional methods. The ASAP approach, developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and Argonne National Laboratory, involves three basic steps. First, staff equipped with backpack global positioning systems and hand-held gamma ray detection systems walk the area, providing initial indications of problem areas. Then, using a RadInSoilTM meter, staff pinpoints more precisely the location of radium-226. A tripod-mounted, camera-like device (called a High Purity Germanium gamma spectroscopy) is used to confirm the presence of radium-226 and radium-228. Finally, using a specialized computer program that relates direct measurements to walkover data, areas that exceed NORM regulatory standards are mapped. In the 300- by 500-ft test area in a Michigan pipe yard, the walkover survey identified more than 100 separate locations with NORM levels above background, representing more than 370 cubic yards of soil. Using ASAP data reduction techniques, only five sites were found to exceed state guidelines, and selective excavation of just nine cubic yards from those five sites brought the area into compliance. Cleanup took four days, as compared to weeks normally experienced. DOE and Argonne plan future workshops and training for producers and vendors/service companies to acquaint them with the ASAP approach. Contact Karen Smith, Argonne National Laboratory, phone 303-986-1140x267, email smithk@anl.gov. |
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