Offshore staff
OSLO, Norway – The number of accidental chemical discharges from operations offshore Norway fell slightly last year to 158, according to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).
However, the total volume was higher than normal at 6,376 cu m (40,104 bbl), continuing the trend of the previous three years. This was due to leakage of cuttings and drilling fluid from injection.
NPD says the Norwegian authorities and operators/contractors agree that this is due to insufficient knowledge of leakage mechanisms connected with injection, and inadequate evaluation of the injection zone in the reservoirs.
For this reason, the authorities have performed a comprehensive examination of all fields where injection is used. An advisory panel has been appointed, to ensure quality control of the status of the injection wells.
Additionally, the authorities will impose stricter requirements for selection and follow-up of future injection locations.
06/17/2011
