API G00004-2001 pdf free download
API G00004-2001 pdf free download.Guidelines for Commercial Exploration and Production Waste Management Facilities.
Production of oil and natural gas results in substantial volumes of waste products. Produced water and drilling muds and cuttings represent the majority of these wastes. In addition, a wide range of other wastes are produced in much smaller volumes. E&P wastes typically contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other waste components that, if managed properly, have little potential to impact human health and the environment. Although most E&P wastes are managed on-site, approximately one percent of these wastes are managed by commercial and centralized waste management facilities located off-site. These facilities use a variety of treatment and disposal methods and are located in a variety of environmental settings throughout the United States. Although all oil and natural gas producing states regulate on-site E&P waste management, regulations specific to off-site E&P facilities are less universal. States lacking regulations specific to commercial facilities apply a combination of on-site requirements and site-specific determinations. In addition, all facilities, regardless of state regulation, are subject to numerous federal environmental regulations. This document provides guidelines for the design and operation of commercial E&P waste management facilities. These guidelines may also be applicable to large centralized facilities operated by E&P companies. One objective of the guidelines is to allow facility operators to identify areas where their facility could have impacts on nearby populations or the surrounding environment and to provide options for preventing or reducing those impacts. These guidelines are not meant to supercede any applicable local, state, or federal requirements; they are intended to work with existing regulations and allow facilities to enhance protection of human health and the environment as warranted.
Section I focuses on considerations that are not directly related to whether a facility currently poses any risks to human health or the environment. They range from logical good business practices (i.e., being in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations) to design and operational considerations associated with specific waste management practices. This section of the guidelines should be reviewed by all facilities to identify any areas where changes or improvements may be warranted. This section of the guidelines is divided into two chapters: ♦ Chapter 1 provides key functional considerations for facilities. These include typical factors evaluated in auditing protocols used by E&P companies to determine if a facility is suited to handle their wastes. ♦ Chapter 2 presents general siting, design, construction, and operating considerations appropriate for different waste treatment, storage, and disposal methods. This section provides a brief overview of each method, followed by important considerations for assuring environmental protection. Because of differences among states in the use of terminology to describe waste treatment and disposal practices, readers should refer to the Glossary (Appendix D) for the meanings of terms used in this document. As mentioned before, it is impossible for guidelines of this type to consider all of the differences that may be appropriate for the wide diversity of settings in which commercial facilities exist. The practices suggested in these guidelines should always be evaluated for applicability in a given situation. However, where reasonable opportunities exist for improvements in environmental protection above current facility operations, facilities are encouraged to consider their implementation.
1.1.2 State regulations Applicable state regulations can include air quality standards, permitting requirements, and siting criteria that may be significantly more stringent than existing federal regulations. For a complete listing of all state regulations applicable to the operation of an E&P waste management facility, it is recommended that facilities consult with the proper regulatory agency. In most cases, state agencies can be contacted on the World Wide Web at www.state.[state abbreviation].us (e.g., the State of Texas is www.state.tx.us). Summaries of selected state regulations specifically applicable to commercial E&P waste management facilities are provided in Appendix B of this document. Key state agency contacts can be found in Appendix C. 1.1.3 Local regulations Applicable local regulations may also include more stringent air and water quality standards, permitting requirements, operating conditions, and siting criteria. For a complete listing of all local regulations applicable to the operation of an E&P waste management facility, it is recommended that facilities consult with the proper regulatory agency. This information can usually be obtained by contacting the related state agency (see Appendix C).
