Oil & Gas Sector

Oil & Gas Sector

The North Sea has an abundance of mature wells and fields that each bring their own interesting challenges. To meet these challenges, new and innovative techniques and chemistries are being employed.

One key aspect of chemical regulation offshore is the requirement fo rchemical risk assessments. The OSPAR Decision 2000/2 on a Harmonised Mandatory Control System for the Use and Discharge of Offshore Chemicals (amended by OSPAR Decision 2005/1) and supporting Recommendations, introduced the Harmonised Mandatory Control Scheme (HMCS).

The HMCS ranks chemical products according to default parameters and a "standard" offshore installation and derives a Hazard Quotient (HQ) value, which is calculated using the Chemical Hazard and Risk Management (CHARM) model. Operators must also complete site specific assessments using actual site and installation parameters and derive Risk Quotient (RQ) values for substances they plan to use offshore.

The Offshore Chemical Notification Scheme (OCNS) is the system used by the UK by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to manage chemical use and discharge in the UK. The scheme is regulated by DECC who use Cefas and Marine Scotland for additional scientific and environmental advice.

Cefas also support the OCNS system in the Netherlands, where the scheme is regulated by the State Supervision of Mines with additional scientific and environmental advice from government agencies in the Netherlands.

The data required to complete a CHARM assessment is supplied in a Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF) which was defined by OSPAR Recommendation 2010/3.

We can support you on all aspects of these processes and advise with respect to chemical assessments using CHARMS and in addition the REACH checks and assessments that you or your suppliers will be required to complete.

Services

NIKAM Consulting has offered support ot previous clients in the followign areas:

  • UK & Netherlands Cefas registration and HOCNF compilation

  • Norwegian HMCS registration via NEMS

  • Denmark HMCS registration via the DPR and DEPA (and where required DK NEMS)

  • Process review and optimisation using a Lean Six Sigma approach

  • Training in the OSPAR HMCS, environmental risk assessment and chemical registration processes
    (including a 5-day course delivered to the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources)

  • Modelling using the CHARM model, Osbourne-Adams equation, and dispersion modelling

If you would be intested in any of these services or any other aspect of chemical regulatory support in offshore oil and gas chemicals and environmnetal assessment, contact us:

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