O.B. Ogunsanya¹

(1) Vigeo Limited, Lagos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Developing a Proactive Environmental Management System (PEMS) in Offshore West Africa -- a Classical Approach

Every industry that seeks to remain efficient and relevant in this millennium should constantly be looking for ways of becoming more environmentally responsible - no business may call itself efficient if it threatens the environment within which it operates. As the quest for hydrocarbons intensifies in our deeper waters, we see environmental performance quality playing an increasingly critical role in every company's business performance.

In the last couple of years, reports from onshore E&P activities have shown that operating in the Niger Delta region poses some of the toughest challenges in the world. This region has witnessed a spate of attacks on oil and gas facilities, staff and contractors. Consequently, major oil and gas players have to contend with complex operational uncertainties due to increased pressures from the local communities for improved environmental control measures.

In this project, we have outlined safe and effective plans, actions, and procedures to help pre-empt these pressures; maintain harmony with local communities, and effectively manage operational uncertainties within complex environmental settings like the Niger Delta. A proactive environmental management style based on continuous consultation, goal-oriented monitoring, as well as a continuous improvement attitude (CIA) are some of the various solutions proposed in this work.

Finally, we are confident that this kind of environmental management system will undoubtedly enhance the economic viability, as well as the global competitiveness of our deep-water fields in offshore West Africa

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado