Oil and Gas Operations: Sustainable Approach and Response to Accidents

Running head: OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
Oil and Gas Operations
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OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
Oil and gas companies should develop a more sustainable approach in operations and
management to achieve a fine balance between production and its subsequent effects on
environment. The operation should be designed in such a manner so as to have a minimum
environmental impact like fresh water depletion or damaging the flora and fauna. In this
respect the project management team should pay due attention to the various oil and gas
related activities like drilling, field development, and transportation of oil. Oil and gas
companies should develop a sustainable approach to business which would craft
environmental policies and regulations protecting the best interest (Grant 2016) . A judicious
approach is fundamental to eradicate social problems like squalor, proliferation of filth and
pollutants are important. In order to achieve the same many oil companies have adhered by
the policy of implementing employee training and grooming sessions by which they will be
able to alleviate vast amount of environmental issues related with such operations.
Damages caused by exxonmobil
1. ExxonMobil is a global industry leader that has taken extensive strategies to deliver
its products and services around the world (Brauer 2016). However during one of its
projects the company has caused damage to around 1500 acres of marshes, wetlands
and fresh waters in New Jersey as a result of which it caused harm to large number of
birds and marine species. It triggered mass projects due to the tremendous amount of
damage it caused to food and environment. Consequently the damage had a long-term
impact on climate of the area (Sarpy et al. 2017).
2. Another major malfunctioning of operation occurred in 1989 when Exxonmobil, then
Exxon, spilt oil causing large scale devastation to marine life, destroying fish stocks,
seabirds the carcass of which was washed up ashore (Fingas 2016). This destroyed the
aesthetic quality of the area and hampered the reputation of the company

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OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
Steps Taken in Response
Today they have acquired an approach of sustainable development and handling of
operations, through which they design, operate and manage its projects so as to ensure best
measures to mitigate some of the plaguing issues associated with oil and gas operations for
instances emission of greenhouse gasses and toxic discharge into the sea(Brauer 2016).
Furthermore they have hired a number of experienced professionals capable of supervising
over drilling operations by strictly complying with environmental rules and policies and
encourage a feel of responsibility towards the surrounding environment amongst the workers.
Exxonmobil has also framed IMS Framework dedicated to address the immediate risk in their
business and operating as well as taking into consideration the impact it may have on the
larger community (Enneking 2014).
Damages by BP
1. According to Parsons et al. (2015). British Petroleum has made a mark in media due
to the massive amount of damage it caused to the Deepwater Horizon oil killing 11
people and destroying coastal ecosystem and marine life for years to come. The
accident which took place in 2010, made the oil spread to the deepest recesses killing
pelicans, turtles, seabirds and dolphins (Grant 2016). The 22 mile oil plume also
damaged the sea corals and caused a huge financial loss to the company. The accident
made apparent BP’s failure to implement experience team members with capability of
executing an operation anticipating its possible risks and dangers. It lacked the insight
needed to understand the value of managing freshwater and controlling toxic
discharges during operations (Fingas2016).
2. In 2009, BP witnessed an uncontrolled gas leak around Alaska’s North Slope region
which destroyed the ecological balance of the area (Langston 2017).