PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN OFFSHORE OIL DEVELOPMENTS LOCATED IN INSHORE AREAS

The author's company is involved in the development of Wester Europe's largest onshore oilfield at Wytch Farm in Dorset. The oilfield, initially developed on the southern shore of Poole Harbour, has been shown to extend underneath Poole Bay. The oilfield is located in one of Britain's most sensitive environmental areas and the onshore development of the field has presented unique environmental challenges. With the possible extension offshore a range of additional environmental problems have been presented to the company. In order to confirm the extent of the Wytch Farm Oilfield in these inshore waters close to major recreational beaches at Bournemouth, Poole and Studland, extensive consultations and environmental studies have been required. This has been in line with the company's environmental protection management policies which are outlined. This paper outlines the extensive environmental monitoring work required to establish accurate baseline data. Surveys range from the use of ocean surface current radar to establish an accurate understanding of surface current movements, to detailed benthic studies undertaken to understand the distribution of flora and fauna on the seabed in Poole Bay. Details are also included on the exploration drilling programme undertaken in the Bay using conventional North Sea jack-up drilling rigs. The operation of drilling operations in such a sensitive area created a range of new environmental problems related to issues such as waste disposal, pollution control, logistics and noise. Full details are given on the environmental assessment work undertaken prior to drilling operations and the subsequent environmental review of the operation to assess how successful the company had been in attaining its environmental objectives. A brief insight is given into the company proposals to develop the offshore oil reserves which were confirmed by the exploration and appraisal drilling programme. Finally, due to the inshore location of these oil reserves, the approach adopted to establish an appropriate legislative framework is briefly outlined.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Inst Marine Engrs Trans, v 104, Pt 2, 1992, p 33 [17 p, 13 fig]
• Authors:
  • Brocklehurst, M S
• Publication Date: 1992

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environmental protection; Offshore drilling platforms; Offshore oil industry; Oil fields
• Old TRIS Terms: Inshore
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00703021
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM