OIL & GAS PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
PROJECT 1: Crude Oil Pipeline Clean Air Act Violations Litigation Support
Expert technical opinion developed to support the successful resolution of a major lawsuit regarding Clean Air Act violations at a major crude oil pipeline.
Landmark was retained to provide independent and objective expert litigation support regarding claims of Clean Air Act violations that were reported to have occurred during upgrades to 40-miles of major crude oil transmission lines that transected critical wildlife habitats. Landmark reviewed historical and updated Industrial Hygiene Management Programs and Surveys that were in place before and after the event, Standard Operating Procedures, and other applicable documents related to the testimony on the matter.
Through our evaluation, Landmark concluded that the client’s Safety and Environmental Programs exceeded industry standards of care associated with applicable federal occupational safety and health rules for identification and communication of hazards, and responses were conducted in a thorough manner. The potential hazards associated with emissions were very low and posed minimal adverse impacts on the environment.
Landmark provided a written expert opinion regarding the oil company’s compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which supported successful resolution of the claims against the client by governmental agencies. Landmark supported the development of effective procedural and administrative controls to prevent future NESHAP violations from occurring.
PROJECT 2: Oil and Gas Field Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Emissions Monitoring and Abatement
Rapid identification of worker exposure levels and development of abatement strategy to support successful lease agreements with federal agencies.
Landmark provided air monitoring and abatement services to a major oil and gas production company for hydrogen sulfide emissions emanating from pressure integrity events at an oil field site in Wyoming. These emissions posed a significant potential worker exposure health threat.
Air monitoring was performed to assess carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, and Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). The work was conducted while wearing supplied-air respirators until sufficient ambient air and personal exposure monitoring data indicated that other respiratory protective equipment would be appropriate.
Once emission levels were determined, Landmark worked with the client to evaluate emission rates over time to support master leasing plans and lease parcel reviews for public land mineral lease agreements. Based on the findings of air monitoring, and the confirmed effectiveness of the installed emission control systems, Landmark provided programmatic advice on environmental health and safety for future operations at the oil fields.
PROJECT 3: Remediation of Former Crude Oil Pipeline Corridor
Development and implementation of effective work plans and risk assessments for the successful removal of asbestos-containing material pipe wrap debris.
Landmark successfully managed and performed a long-term Asbestos Program for a crude oil pipeline corridor operated by a major oil and gas client. This 15-year project included the management and implementation of Asbestos Compliance, Industrial Hygiene, Safety, and Operations and Maintenance Programs. The asbestos consisted of pipe wrap used to insulate and protect the pipe from corrosion in the subsurface environment and was released during historical salvage operations by an independent contractor.
Operations have been safely completed without incident during the 500,000-hours worked along the 170-mile oil transmission line easement with extensive associated infrastructure. This complex and challenging project was successfully and proactively coordinated with multiple divisions within two state health departments and numerous other stakeholders. Technical services included: design and implementation of innovative approaches to cleanup and oversight, conscientious coordination with hundreds of private and public property owners, and effective development and implementation of Human Health Risk Assessments.
A key aspect of the project included the development and implementation of an Activity-Based Sampling Asbestos Risk Assessment to identify potential health and environmental impacts during typical land use activities along the pipeline corridor. The risk assessment focused on the evaluation and quantification of the incremental lifetime risk to receptor populations based on asbestos contaminant concentrations and identified exposure pathways. Potential exposure pathways were evaluated using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other guidelines, yet many technical aspects related to sampling and analysis developed for this project are unique and precedent-setting.
PROJECT 4: Comprehensive Environmental Support for the Dismantlement of a Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant
Thoughtful, timely, safe, and cost-effective environmental support for the dismantlement of this multiple-component facility.
Landmark provided comprehensive environmental support for the dismantlement of a natural gas liquids recovery plant. The project scope included four natural gas compressor engines and two natural gas oil heaters. Landmark’s work included documentation of pre-existing environmental conditions and preparation of requisite demolition management documents, including an Asbestos Management Plan, Health and Safety Plan, and Spill Containment, Control, and Countermeasure Plan. The asbestos management strategy included assessing non-friable asbestos and the development of preferred alternatives for the management of asbestos during facility dismantlement.
Landmark subsequently provided oversight of the dismantlement of the natural gas compressor engines and natural gas oil heaters, including asbestos and catalyst abatement, air monitoring, and visual inspections to monitor breathing and ambient air. The project, performed at heights and in extreme weather conditions, was completed efficiently, safely, and within identified budgets.