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Collaborating Authors
Results
Monitoring of a Drilling Operation Within a Coral Sensitive area - Case Pumbaa ( Norway)
Møskeland, Thomas (Det Norske Veritas AS) | Ulfsnes, Amund (Det Norske Veritas AS) | Sverdrup, Line (Det Norske Veritas AS) | Moe, Jannecke A. (GDF SUEZ E&P Norge AS) | Løkken, Morten (Det Norske Oljeselskap ASA)
Abstract Deepwater corals (Lophelia) were identified in the vicinity of the location of the exploration well Pumbaa (NOCS 6407/12-2) on the Norwegian Continental Shelf where a drilling operation was carried out by the GDF SUEZ E&P Norge AS (GDF SUEZ). Det Norske Veritas AS has on behalf of GDF SUEZ conducted an environmental monitoring of drilling activities at Pumbaa (NOCS 6407/12-2). Because of registrations of deep water corals (Lophelia) in the Pumbaa area, and due to specific requirements - a relatively comprehensive monitoring of the drilling activities was carried out. Only the drill cuttings from the top hole sections were discharged at the sea floorThe generated cuttings and used mud from deeper well sections were not discharged to sea. In order to increase the distance to the nearest corals from the discharge point, a Cuttings Transport System (CTS) was used to transport discharges from the top hole sections and all discharges were at 300m distance NNW (310 degrees) of well location. The main objective of the monitoring was to assess effects from the drilling activities on the corals south (and nearest) of the drilling location. The monitoring program included measurements of current, turbidity and sedimentation, as well as sampling of sediments from the seafloor. Sediment samples from the seafloor and sedimentation traps were analyzed for heavy metals and physical parameters. Coral structures were visually inspected before, during and after drilling operations.
- Research Report > New Finding (0.70)
- Research Report > Experimental Study (0.70)
- Well Drilling > Drilling Operations (1.00)
- Well Drilling > Drilling Fluids and Materials > Cuttings transport (0.57)
Abstract Operators and authorities have a need for an assessment of the impacts from drilling activities on vulnerable fauna communities. There is currently lacking a standardized risk method based on an objective method to perform this type of assessment. A suggestion for a risk based approach for planning of drilling operations with regards to drilling location, location of anchor chains and pennant wires etc. in vulnerable areas (such as coral and sponge areas) is therefore developed. The risk based approach basis are GIS (Geographical Information System) analyses, experiences trough performed monitoring projects, data of prevailing currents, estimates of discharges, potential coral structures and their condition, threshold values with regards to sedimentation (literature) and location of anchor corridors. The risk analysis shall be an input to operator's applications to relevant authorities and will strengthen operator's arguments for planning drilling operations with regards to minimize risk of negative effects on vulnerable habitats such as corals and sponges. It is also as a "stand alone" tool for planning a drilling operation where operators can analyse different alternatives with regards to drilling location and anchor corridors with the lowest risk for vulnerable marine bottom fauna. A risk based approach for assessing the impacts from drilling activities on vulnerable fauna is developed. The risk based method can pin point the risk associated with each structure (for example corals) which may be affected by a drilling operation. By looking at different options for the drilling location and the anchor corridors operators can plan such that the risk for vulnerable fauna (for example corals) are affected by the operation is minimized. The proposed method has enabled operators to minimize risk of vulnerable fauna in the planning phase of a drilling operation.