Environmental protection is a major consideration.

For drilling contractors who perform their work in remote, untouched locations and environmentally restrictive sites, an environmental management system is critical. From site set-up through the drilling operation and teardown, a drilling contractor's responsibility to the environment and the communities in which he operates is tremendous.

Identifying the environmental risks and aspects and taking responsibility for the impact a contractor has on the environment requires the implementation of practices to minimize the environmental impact of each drilling operation. This includes, but is not limited to, reducing waste, preventing pollution and improving processes and procedures to continuously improve environmental performance.

Protecting the environment is one of the top priorities when approaching any drilling operation. Assessing the job site and determining how to minimize the impact on the environment must be carefully planned prior to beginning operations.

Site Assessment

• Determine access paths that will have the least amount of impact on the environment (using existing paths/roads whenever possible).

• Determine if noise, dust, site, etc. resistance equipment must be used to protect the surrounding environment.

• Determine level of containment needed for drilling fluids and/or cuttings (depending on the area and/or level of contamination).

• Determine emergency routes, numbers and evacuation methods.

• Determine training needs of suppliers/contractors.

• Determine any site-specific legal requirements.

• Determine any client specific requirements.

Site Preparation

• Prepare site with minimal impact on surroundings (i.e. roads, trees, people, etc.).

• Set-up in a neat and orderly manner for safety and environmental reasons.

• Make sure any necessary noise, dust and/or site barriers are in place.

• Determine emergency plans, evacuation routes, contact numbers and hospital routes.

During the Job

• Employees are well trained on how and why we must sustain the environment.

• Employees are well trained on all operating procedures.

• Procedures are in place to make the operations safer and more efficient.

• Procedures are in place to mitigate accidents and emergencies.

• Procedures and proper equipment are readily available to respond to accidents and emergencies.

• Employees have periodic toolbox meetings to review environmental and safety concerns, ensuring that all employees are kept up-to-date on current procedures and plans as well as client requirements.

At Completion

• Sites are left in a neat and tidy manner.

• Remediation is done to leave the site as undisturbed as possible.

Environmental Precautions

• Spill kits are on all sites.

• Emergency response plans are readily available.

• Emergency contacts and hospital routes are readily available.

• Scheduled preventive maintenance on equipment takes place to prevent malfunction and/or breakdown.

• Employees are well trained on the importance of environmental protection.

• Procedures are in place to mitigate those aspects of operations that can have an adverse impact on the environment.

Following the above guidelines will mean your work sites will be safer, cleaner and hopefully more productive, making your clients happier with your performance.
ND