API GD HF3-2011 pdf free download

API GD HF3-2011 pdf free download.Practices for Mitigating Surface Impacts Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing.
4 Stakeholder Engagement One way to address many of the concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing operations is through proactive engagement by operators with regulators and surface owners. Collaboration between the industry, regulators, and the public have resulted in positive solutions for the environment. Similar to all oil and gas E&P operations, before hydraulic fracturing operations are initiated, approvals from one or more (primarily state) government agencies may be required for a series of activities, including surface water use, wastewater management, injection activities, site construction, stormwater discharges, air emissions and protection of sensitive areas. Operators must obtain all necessary permits before commencing operations, and verify that operations are conducted in accordance with the requirements of all local, state and federal regulatory authorities. Proactive consultation with the appropriate regulatory authorities can help greatly in ensuring local considerations are addressed and the appropriate permits are provided as expeditiously as possible. Proactive engagement with surface owners and/or surface users before fracturing operations are initiated may foster understanding and alleviate concerns. It is recommended that the operator communicate with land owners or surface users concerning activities planned for the site and measures to be taken for safety, protection of the environment and minimizing impacts to surface uses. Additional recommendations may be found in API 51R [3] , Annex A—Good Neighbor Guidelines. Operators of federal oil and gas leases under private surface ownership are encouraged to consult the BLM publication, Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development (“Gold Book”), for BLM guidance with respect to communication and recommended practices to address concerns of surface owners [8] . The footprint of hydraulic fracturing operations can vary depending on the operator’s equipment and operational needs,
Upon initial development, planning and resource extraction of a new basin, operators should review the available information describing water quality characteristics (surface and groundwater) in the area and, if necessary, proactively work with state and local regulators to assess the baseline characteristics of local groundwater and surface water bodies, Depending on the level of industry involvement in an area, this type of activity may be best handled by a regional industry association, joint industry project, or compact. On a site specific basis, pre-drilling surface and groundwater sampling/analysis should be considered as a means to provide a better understanding of on-site water quality before drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations are initiated. 5 Wide-scale Development One of the principal reasons for the rise in concerns regarding hydraulic fracturing operations, especially as applied to gas shale development, is the increase in the number of wells being permitted throughout several regions in the U.S. In addition, many communities are experiencing new development activity where there has been no concentrated oil and natural gas development in the past. This has caused regulatory authorities in several states to re-evaluate their regulatory schemes to verify that their rules are appropriate for the heightened level and broader geographic extent of development activity. Furthermore, as the level and extent of drilling activity has increased, so has the public concern for the health, safety and welfare of neighboring communities. Consequently, operators should be cognizant of the increase in public scrutiny and be proactive in communicating to, and working with, communities and regulatory authorities to minimize impacts from hydraulic fracturing operations.
Several examples of the ways the oil and natural gas industry is currently working collaboratively to inform its members on best practices, working cooperatively with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to promote best practices, and reaching out to local communities about these practices include: — Barnett Shale Energy Education Council (BSEEC). The BSEEC is a community resource that provides information to the public about natural gas drilling and production in the Barnett shale region. The goal of BSEEC is to provide information and answers to questions regarding the opportunities and issues related to urban drilling in the Barnett shale. The BSEEC also works on promoting best practices in operations, community relations and other issues important to the communities they serve [9] .