Environmental Services

Visser has a comprehensive suite of Environmental Services that provides a framework for managing risks associated with environmental compliance.

Visser uses a combination of environmental, industry and field expertise to manage all of the environmental requirements for our clients.

The Visser solution provides complete management of all services to ensure that you are not only in compliance today, but will stay in compliance in the future.

Services include:

 

Environmental Management Planning (EMP)

An EMP is a document created by companies to provide a framework for dealing with the pollution risks associated with their site and activities. In many cases, it simply formalizes practices already undertaken on site. Once a company has an EMP, it has an advantage as far as knowing the legal requirements and managing pollution risks according to best practices.

Waste Management procedures are also included in this program. The Waste Management procedures outline regulatory requirements for the safe and environmentally responsible manner of managing wastes as per ERCB Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for Upstream Petroleum Industry and Directive 055: Storage Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry.

EMP’s can also help companies increase efficiencies and reduce costs. This is an effective way of ensuring due diligence.

What we do:

  • Review your regulatory needs
  • Prepare an EMP for your company
  • Prepare your company for Government Audits

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Waste Management Plan

This will outline the regulatory requirements for the safe and environmentally responsible manner of managing wastes as per ERCB Directive 058: Oilfield Waste Management Requirements for Upstream Petroleum Industry and Directive 055: Storage Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum Industry.

CAPP Glycol Dehy Benzene Emission Reporting

This is outlined by the ERCB and Alberta Environment Directive 039. The Canadian Upstream Oil and Gas Industry is committed to minimizing the health risks related to benzene emissions from glycol dehydrators operating through a continued reduction program.

Dehydrator Engineering & Operations Sheet (DEOS)

The DEOS will determine the benzene emissions from each dehydrator. The DEOS sheet is required to be updated annually and to be posted at each dehydrator.

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Fugitive Emissions Management & Reporting (FEM)

Visser has a comprehensive management program to ensure compliance to the requirements for Fugitive Emissions by using a 7 step process.

Our 7 Step Process:

  1. Outline of Target Components
  2. Leak Detection
  3. Quantification of Leaks
  4. Repair Protocol
  5. Monitoring Frequency
  6. Record Keeping
  7. Training

This process will provide guidance for ERCB audits.

CAPP’s Best Management Practice for Fugitive Emissions Management outlines the requirements for companies to have a management system for fugitive emissions by December 31, 2009.

ERCB Directive 060 states that operators must meet or exceed the CAPP Best Management Practice for Fugitive Emissions.

Using the Visser solution to manage your Fugitive Emissions will keep you compliant today and in the future.

FEM Video Presentation

 

FEMS Program

FEMS Program

Introduction

Although Fugitive Emission Management (FEM) is not a new requirement, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Best Management Practice for Fugitive Emissions Management (CAPP FEM) is. The ERCB Directive 060 states that operators must meet or exceed the CAPP BMP for FEM. The enforcement for non-compliance to the CAPP FEM will follow the enforcement structure outline in the ERCB Directive 019: ERCB Compliance Assurance.

Outline of Target Components

The first stage of the program deals with identifying, outlining, profiling and organizing the list of required components to be tested.

Examples of the types of equipment required to be tested are:

  • Flanged and threaded connection
  • Valves and pumps
  • Pressure relief devices
  • Open ended lines
  • Blowdown vents (passive periods)
  • Instrument fitting
  • Regulator and actuator diaphragm
  • Compressor seals
  • Engine and compressor crankcase vents
  • Sump and train tank vents
  • Tanks - external, internal closed floating
  • Fixed rod tank with vent
  • Bulk storage tanks
  • Release from sampling lines
  • Loading emissions

Leak Detection

Leak Detection is the second stage of this program. A physical testing of all components identified in stage 1 is required. There are many approved methods for completing the leak detection process, following are a few examples:

  • Portable organic vapour analyzer
  • Differential lasers to measure atmospheric concentrations of component gases
  • Computer analysis of ambient air sample trends to estimate leak source location and volumes
  • Infrared optical technology to visually inspect components.

Quantification of Leaks

The Quantification Process determines the totals of fugitive emissions, the required monitoring frequency and the repair protocol. This stage of the program qualifies the results from the leak detection process through various methods.

Repair Protocol

The repair protocol manages all components that have been identified as requiring repair. Under this process an economic evaluation must be completed using the implementation of formula for PBP (payback period) in order to determine whether it is economical to repair the leak or not. Once an economical evaluation has been completed there are 2 options; Repair or Monitor and Repair at a later date.

Monitoring Frequency

The Monitoring program is used to track all of the components that are identified as uneconomical to repair. This is an ongoing task that outlines and schedules monitoring, testing and repair schedules.

Continuous monitoring and scheduling of repairs is also required in addition to developing monitoring protocols.

Record Keeping

Record keeping is an essential part of the program. Without proper records it would be impossible to manage the information on an on-going basis. The record requirements capture 4 areas, each having its own requirements. The four areas are: components inventory, leak detection, repairs and monitoring.

Training

The training aspect of this program is designed to create awareness for operators on the requirements for Fugitive Emissions. The training is designed to teach operators what the requirements are and how the program exceeds all of the requirements.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive team of Safety, Pipeline, Environmental and ERP professionals to ensure compliance to the FEMS regulations
  • Complete system management will ensure compliance today and continue into tomorrow
  • Continued program management
  • Visser is working with ERCB to develop reporting protocols
  • Use most current technology (HSX infrared)
  • Former operations experience
  • Over 500 facilities inspected to date
  • The only fully managed system available
  • Cost savings are immediate
  • Provide follow up to ensure leaks have been repaired

Deliverables:

  • Identify all target components that are required to be tested
  • Provide leak detection with quantified results
  • Provide analysis for repair protocols
  • Continue to monitor existing leaks until they are repaired
  • Monitor testing frequency for future testing requirements
  • Complete record keeping and reporting as required
  • Provide training to company staff regarding the FEMS program requirements
  • Cost savings are immediate

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Greenhouse Gas Reporting (GHG)

On December 8, 2007 the Government of Canada released a Notice under Section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Minister of the Environment is requiring major industries to provide, “information on their emissions of air pollutants, greenhouse gases (GHG’s) and other substances for the 2006 calendar year by May 31, 2008”. Visser will gather all pertinent information, perform calculations per guidelines and approved methods of monitoring/ measurement, complete the report and submit it to Environment Canada on your behalf.

National Pollutant Registry Inventory (NPRI) Reporting

The NPRI is a facility based inventory of annual releases of specified pollutants such as air, water, land and transfers of 323 inventory substances for disposal or recycling. Visser will gather the required information to process the facilities emission reports and calculates this to determine if the client meets or exceeds the NPRI thresholds. Included with the NPRI report is a letter that Visser will send to the NPRI on behalf of the client and/or report to the owners of the facility. Once the NPRI report submissions have been finalized the client will receive a hardcopy.

Reclamation Project Management

This service includes all applicable reporting requirements. Initial Phase 1 Audits can be completed or complete management of full reclamation process, such as soil sampling, reclamation and reporting to the regulators.

Solution Gas Flare/Vent Economic Decision Tree

Visser will work with the client to compile a list of all batteries/facilities which have reportable flaring, incinerating and venting and locate the nearest capable pipeline tie-in locations for the conservation of the gas. This will provide documentation to support the investigation/consideration of clustering with nearby companies. Visser will identify equipment or costs that will be saved as a result of this conservation project. Upon completion of the Decision Tree a hard copy of the plan will be distributed to the client.

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental assessment is part of the project evaluation function. The most comprehensive and transparent form of environmental review is the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. It typically considers the activities in the area around the project as well as the project itself and a combination of economic, environmental and social issues, as well as resource sustainability. The EIA is divided into 3 stages:

  1. A comprehensive scoping study is an EIA requirement
  2. Preparing the EIA: Proposed Term of Reference (PTOR)
  3. Technical Review of the EIA

What we do:

  • Carry out a Pre-EIA scoping study
  • Conduct the EIA
  • Help you manage your EIA as third party consultants

Environmental Field Report (EFR)

The Environmental Field Report (EFR) is a generic form outlining information requirements for surface dispositions. Using the EFR, the applicant provides information on how a site will be constructed, operated and reclaimed to meet acceptable environmental standards as well as complying with legislation administered by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD).

What we do:

  • Complete the EFR for your project
  • Liaise with the government on company’s behalf

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Phase I & II Audits

Phase I Audit
This audit is the collection and review of background information. The process involves a site visit, interviews and reporting. Phase one identifies areas of contamination and or potential contamination and sources of contamination to the property or land.

Phase II Audit
A Phase II audit is undertaken to determine the nature and extent of any identified potential contamination of soil, groundwater or sediment at a property in a Phase I ESA report.

Deliverables:

  • Conduct a Phase I ESA
  • Conduct a Detailed Site Assessment (DSA) for your projects
  • Conduct a Phase II ESA
  • Manage Phase III ESA on client’s behalf

Fisheries Survey and Assessments

The management and conservation of aquatic resources during and after construction requires a detailed fishery survey and stock assessments. The Department of Fisheries (DFO), Sustainable Resources Development (SRD) and Alberta Environment (AENV) all require protection of water- bodies, rivers and all aquatic resources.

What we do:

  • Conduct fishery survey and assessments for your company
  • Develop mitigation plans during and after construction
  • Conduct stock assessments

Environmental Management Systems –ISO-14001

An ISO-14001 is a management tool recognized internationally that enables an organization of any size or type to Identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products or services, and to improve its environmental performance continually.

What we do:

  • Implement EMS program on client behalf
  • Review and update EMS systems
  • Third party auditing consultant to review EMS
  • Produce site specific manuals

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Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Monitoring is the management of all construction activities during and after the construction phase.

What we do:

  • Manage all environmental activities for you
  • Prepare a weekly report
  • Ensure adherence to the legislations and acts
  • On-site safety support to construction crews

Environmental Construction Operations Plan (ECO-Plan)

In 2008, Alberta Transportation, and The Cities of Calgary and Edmonton developed a common ECO-Plan Framework to meet the needs of the three organizations.

The objectives of the ECO-Plan are to prevent and/or minimize environmental impact(s) and to enhance the environmental value of the air, land and water affected by projects.

What we do:

  • Create and Manage ECO-Plan
  • Prepare a report at the end of the project

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