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Zero environmentally hazardous discharges

01.09.04 The petroleum industry is on its way to achieving the goal of zero environmentally hazardous discharges to the sea by the end of 2005. A number of oil and gas companies must however initiate further measures in order to meet the target. The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) is following the work closely.

  • The goal of zero environmentally hazardous discharges to the sea by the oil and gas sector was launched in a report to the Storting in 1996.  
  • The goal applied immediately for new development activity. For existing oil and gas fields, measures must be commenced before the end of 2005.  
  • The goal must be attained within acceptable frameworks for environmental risks, safety and economic considerations. 
  • In a new report to the Storting in 2003 the government stressed the goal of zero environmentally hazardous discharges at sea. 
  • In addition, a report to the Storting from 2004 provides stricter rules for operations in the Lofoten/Barents Sea, because the area is particularly environmentally sensitive.
    • All the operators on the Norwegian continental shelf are required to report to SFT on their current progress with respect to the goal of zero operational discharges of oil and environmentally hazardous substances to the sea prior to the end of 2005.

    Overall assessment
    The operators must carry out an overall assessment concerning precisely which measures yield the best environmental effects when they plan and select measures for eliminating pollution. They must evaluate both the long-term environmental hazard and the local risk of environmental damage. They must assess on an on-going basis whether they can achieve further reductions in discharges, for example by developing new technologies.

    SFT is assessing whether the measures are sufficient, based upon information from the operators on technical possibilities and conditions relating to financial, safety and security issues, as well as knowledge of the environmental situation in the area concerned.

    		 Zero environmentally hazardous discharges

    SFT monitoring the goal
    SFT is following the work closely via regular contact with the operators, assessments of the annual reporting and by a number of controls. SFT will request that companies provide more detailed information and binding operating plans where such becomes necessary.

    Primary SFT conclusions based upon reporting by the companies for 2003:

    • Discharge of water produced: Along with the oil that is produced, there nearly always is accompanying water. The quantities of water gradually increase as the fields become older. Many operators have chosen solutions that will substantially eliminate the discharges of oil and environmentally hazardous substances with this water before the end of 2005, however SFT is of the opinion that further measures will have to be initiated in this area.     
    • Discharges of chemicals: Most of the operators have already come a long way with respect to replacing today’s environmentally hazardous chemicals with less hazardous alternatives (substitution). The oil and gas companies have made good progress in this area. The most important things remaining are to find solutions for the environmentally hazardous substances in thread lubricants.     
    • Discharges from drilling: Substantial progress has been made in halting or minimising discharges of hazardous substances from drilling, even though some problems still remain. SFT will carefully follow up on the activities as technological developments advance over time. 

    Good co-operation brings results
    The goal of zero environmentally hazardous discharges to the sea is the result of good co-operation between the oil companies and the authorities. SFT also desires to continue this co-operation after 2005, and will be a driving force in enabling further reductions in the discharges.

    The goal of zero environmentally hazardous discharges by 2005
    From Report to the Storting No. 25 (2002/2003)The Government's Environmental Policy and the State of the Environment (in Norwegian)

    Environmentally hazardous substances:

    • Zero discharges, or minimisation of discharges, of naturally occurring environmentally hazardous substances encompassed by end objective No. 1 for chemicals hazardous to health and the environment.    
    • Zero discharges of chemical additives in the black SFT category (by default forbidden to use and discharge) and the red SFT category (high priority for phasing out via substitution).

    Other chemical substances:
    Zero discharges or a minimisation of discharges that can lead to damage to the environment by: 

    • Oil (components that are not environmentally hazardous)    
    • Substances in the yellow and green SFT categories    
    • Cuttings    
    • Other substances that can lead to environmental damage


    Additional requirements for activity in the Lofoten/Barents Sea
    From Report to the Storting No. 38, 2003-2004 Concerning the Oil and Gas Industry (in Norwegian)

    See point 2.3.4 in Appendix to Report to the Storting (in Norwegian)

    For enquiries, please contact the SFT:

    • Director Ingrid Bjotveit, Department of Industry
      telephone: (+47) 22 57 34 22, E-mail: ingrid.bjotveit@klif.no          
    • Head of Section Signe Nåmdal, Section for the Oil and Gas Industry
      telephone: (+47) 22 57 36 36, E-mail: signe.namdal@klif.no
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    Tema

     

    Klima- og forurensningsdirektoratet (Klif), postboks 8100 Dep, 0032 Oslo. Besøk: Strømsveien 96, 0663 Oslo. Telefon: 22 57 34 00.
    Telefaks: 22 67 67 06. E-post: postmottak@klif.no. Organisasjonsnummer: 970 935 657. Nettredaktør: nettredaktor@klif.no.

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