Line level environmental programs are presented. These include regulated presented. These include regulated investment protection measures which also protect the environment, preparation of oil spill contingency plans and ecological programs. Cooperative ecological research can be initiated between producing districts and governmental agencies and universities. That base line ecological surveys are necessary for emergency planning and to measure industry and resort impact on marine areas near shorelines is emphasized. Specific measures that line level personnel can institute for environmental protection are outlined.
Growing concern with the state of our environment has made mandatory inclusion of ecological protective measures into the first level supervision of oil and gas drilling and production. The highly publicized Torrey production. The highly publicized Torrey Canyon, Santa Barbara Channel and Main Pass Block 41 oil spills focused much criticism on offshore operations. As a result, naturalists, fishing interests, government agencies, and conservation groups such as the Sierra Club are closely examining our operations in coastal waters. A valid concern of theirs is that the bays and estuaries must be protected as they are the nurseries for the abundant marine life in the seas.
A line supervisor answers this need for protection of the invaluable marine life protection of the invaluable marine life while serving to provide minerals which are also necessary to our society. This supervisor is the man responsible for coordinating activities between various operating sections such as drilling, producing and engineering. First he takes measures as a prudent operator to protect his investment, consequently protecting the environment. Examples of these protecting the environment. Examples of these are (1) engineered well drilling programs, (2) adequate blowout prevention equipment, (3) tubing flow controls, (4) vessel sizing, rating and venting, (5) high-low liquid and pressure controls, (6) flame and gas detectors, (7) sprinkler systems, and (8) corrosion preventive measures. Rules of State and Federal preventive measures. Rules of State and Federal regulatory agencies spell out these measures and they are strictly enforced, but the real responsibility lies with the supervisor.
