Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a global provider of services for managing risk, has launched a recommended practice to protect workers and the environment during all stages of shale gas development.
Several stakeholders in the sector have developed guidelines covering parts of the activities involved in shale gas extraction, but a complete risk management framework has yet to be made available.
DNV hopes its recommended practice (RP), which focuses on management systems, well integrity, water and energy, infrastructure and public engagement, will become a globally recognised standard to ‘level the playing field’ across companies and nations.
Significant extraction is already taking place in the US and Europe, but the firm believes that shale is still an emerging and, in many areas, untapped resource.
Speaking in London at the launch event, DNV Maritime, Oil and Gas CEO Remi Eriksen said: "We want to set one framework and create a reference line in order to get a maturity curve moving."
DNV hopes that its recommendations, which have been developed following consultations with European and US authorities, will help promote public acceptance for shale gas projects, which have caused controversy in recent years.
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By GlobalData"Our recommended practice will contribute to increase the trust and confidence among the general public by implementing operational best practices and making the industry document how its activities are being executed in a safe and responsible manner," said Erikson.
In its guidelines, DNV recommends that shale gas operations are monitored and publically reported and to establish points of reference, companies should carry out ‘extensive’ baseline surveys prior to extraction.
The RP also identifies practises to minimise environmental and social impacts, such as ground water contamination, and encourages operators to document the development of infrastructure and logistics.
Representatives of the industry and regulators are now invited to engage in a discussion on the first version of the RP for managing risks of shale gas operations as an initial step in creating a new international standard. Following this, a revised document will be made available.
Image: DNV Maritime, Oil and Gas CEO Remi Eriksen left with Shale Gas RP associate director Steinar Thon.
