OISD-GDN- 217

FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY

FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS

OISD - GDN - 217

Oil Industry Safety Directorate

Government of India
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

OISD-GDN-217
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY

FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS

Prepared by:

COMMITTEE ON FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

Government of India,
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
7th Floor, New Delhi House,
27, Barakhamba Road,
New Delhi-110 001.

NOTE
OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE
publications are prepared for use in the oil and gas
industry under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas. These are the property of Ministry of Petroleum
and Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or
copied and loaned or exhibited to others without
written consent from OISD.
Though every effort has been made to assure
the accuracy and reliability of data contained in these
documents, OISD hereby expressly disclaims any
liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting
from their use.
These documents are intended only to
supplement and not replace the prevailing statutory
requirements.

FOREWORD
Oil Industry in India is 100 years old. Over the years a variety of
practices have been in vogue because of various collaboration / association
with different foreign companies and governments. Standardization in
design, operating and maintenance practices at a national level was hardly
in existence. This lack of uniformity coupled with feed back from some
serious incidents that occurred in the recent past in India and abroad,
emphasized the need for the industry to review the existing state of art in
designing, operating and maintaining oil and gas installations.
With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986
constituted a Safety Council assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate
(OISD) staffed from within the industry in formulating and implementing a
series of self regulatory measures aimed at removing obsolescence,
standardizing and upgrading the existing standards to ensure safer
operations.
Accordingly, OISD constituted a number of functional
committees of experts nominated from the industry to draw up standards
and guidelines on various subjects.
Presently there are no guidelines available on the subject except Oil
Drilling and Gas Industry Extraction Standards issued by Central Pollution
Control Board (72), Schedule No. 141 VII, April 3, 1993, Ministry of
Environment & Forests. The present document on Environment
Management Plan for Drilling Operation has been prepared by the
Functional Committee Constituted for the above purpose. This document is
prepared based on the accumulated knowledge / experience of industry
members and the various national / international codes & practices.
Correspondence from industry members may be addressed to:
The Co-ordinator,
Committee on
Formulation of Environment
Management Plan For Drilling Operations
OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE,
Government of India,
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
th
7 Floor, New Delhi House,
27, Barakhamba Road,
New Delhi-110 001.

COMMITTEE ON FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT

MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NAME
ORGANISATION
STATUS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------H. N. Saxena

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Ankleshwar

Leader

S. Mishra

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited., Dehradun

Member

S. S. Sundaram

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited., Karaikal

Member

A. K. Baruah

Oil India Limited., Duliajan

Member

A. K. Dutta Roy

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Mumbai

Member

B. N. Sahoo

Oil India Limited, Duliajan

Member

Dr. V.R.K.S.Sarma

Institute of Petroleum Safety, Health & Environment

Management , Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Member
Goa

Dr. K. C. Koshel

Keshava Deva Malviaya Institute of Petroleum

Exploration , KDMIPE,
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Dehradun

Co-opted
Member

Dr. B. K. Sharma

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Dehradun

Co-opted
Member

A B. Chakraborty

Corporate Safety, Health & Environment

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Mumbai

K. K. Pandey

Corporate Safety, Health & Environment

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Dehradun

V. K. Srivastava

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Dehradun

Co-opted
Member

Dr. J. S. Sharma

Oil Industry Safety Directorate, New Delhi

Co-ordinator

Co-opted
Member
Co-opted
Member

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS
CONTENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SECTION
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

SCOPE

3.0

DEFINITIONS

4.0

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.0

DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.1

SITE SELECTION & LAYOUT OF DRILL SITE

5.2

WASTE PIT DESIGN

5.3

DRILL SITE AND ALLIED CONSTRUCTIONS

5.4

RIG MOVEMEMENT

5.5

POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES DURNG DRILLING

5.6

RESTORATION

5.7

GENERAL

6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0

REFERENCES
ANNEXURE I
ANNEXURE II
ANNEXURE III
ANNEXURE IV
ANNEXURE V
ANNEXURE VI

10
12
13
15
17
18
20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR

DRILLING OPERATIONS
1.0 INTRODUCTION:
The environment management plan (E&P) will address all necessary environmental
issues concerning drilling operations and associated activities. The various activities
undertaken prior and during the drilling operations are , the initial site selection layout
of drilling operations for hydrocarbon are carried out in diverse topographical
conditions such as Forest land, barren deserts, hilly terrain coastal locations high sea
areas, tea estates and paddy fields etc. These operations inevitably interact with the
environment leading to short and long term physical, chemical and biological
changes.
The common environment issues concerning drilling operations and the associated
activities are :a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Contamination of water table and surface water

Contamination of land and surrounding area
Pollution due to drill cuttings
Air emissions and release of toxic gases.
Wastes like plastics, chemicals drums, bags scraps etc.

2.0 SCOPE :
This document covers all on-land / offshore drilling operations (Exploration as well
as development) and work over operation. The Environment Management Plan
(EMP) will address all necessary environmental issues associated with various
activities of drilling operations i.e. initial site selection & layout of drilling site, Drill
site and allied constructions, Rig Movement and Rig Building, Drilling and
associated operations (viz, drilling fluid, cementing etc.) Restoration etc.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1

Drilling Fluid (Mud) : It is most commonly a viscous fluid containing a clay

mineral suspended in water along with other chemical additives for certain
desired properties, circulated in a closed loop. In rare applications oil based
drilling fluids are used for drilling a well. The basic functions of a drilling fluid
are to bring the rock cuttings to surface, hold the cuttings, seal walls of the hole
drilled and hold in the pressure of the formation.

3.2

Drill cuttings : The crusher particles of rocks which are cut by rotation of the
drill bits are lifted to the surface along with the drilling fluid.

3.3

Mobile Effluent Treatment Plant : Skid mounted effluent treatment facility

for treatment of drill site waste water for reuse/disposal.

3.4

Waste Water : Water which comes out after washing of drill cuttings, rig floor,
cleaning of other material available at the drill site.

3.5

Process Water : Cooling water, which is used in mud pumps, generators,

engines, draw works at drilling rig.

3.6

Effluent Water : Waste water generated out of some process or developed by

mixing of various kinds of water and sent for treatment at effluent treatment plant
can be defined as effluent water.

3.7

Toxicity :
Harmful/poisonous effect of its substance on the recipient
environment/biological system. Toxicity tests are design to measure the effect of
a chemical or effluent on a test population of organisms . A group of organisms
are exposed to various concentration of the test effluent for a pre-determined time
interval (96 Hours is used in the drilling fluids bioassay) and the concentration at
which
50% population dies is called LC 50. The 96-hr LC 50 (Lethal
Concentration at which 50% of population dies) provides best evaluation of the
average organisms response to the test effluent.
CLASSIFICATION OF TOXICITY GRADES

Toxicant Classification

LC50 value ppm

Practically non-toxic
Slightly toxic
Moderately toxic
Toxic
Very toxic

> 10000
1000-10000
100-1000
1-100
<1

3.8

Produced Water : Fluid which comes out during drilling from subsurface or
which generates during production testing.

3.9

Environment Sensitive area: Areas of archaeological importance or close to any

heritage, national park, sanctuaries , reserve forest and marine park etc.

4.0 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

Effluent discharges and solids (drill cuttings) are the prime sources of pollution
in the drilling operations.
As per statutory provisions, no objection certificate (NOC) / consents from
respective state pollution control board is to be obtained for drilling location.

In order to meet these obligations, NOC / consent and overall environmental

sustainability, a detailed EMP is essential.
The guiding philosophy for formulation of EMP is based on following
principle i.e.
1. Waste reduction at source
2. Recycle and reuse of waste
3. Waste disposal.
4.1 FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
4.1.a. Environment Management Plan should be formulated for the drilling site,
along with covering the environmental control measures to be adopted
during the various phases of Drilling/workover operations, namely
-

Site Selection and Layout

Waste pit design
Erection & construction of equipment & allied facilities at drilling site
Rig dismantling and transportation
Drilling operations
Waste disposal
Well testing
Restoration of Site

4.1.b. EMP should be formulated along with the preparation of Geo-Technical

order / well policy / well programme and its implementation should be
monitored by management designated official(s). The GTO should
include the following aspects of EMP.
-

A schematic diagram (as per Annexure - I) of effluent collection,

treatment & recycling facilities along with estimated flow rates
(M3 /day) on normal drilling operations.

Expected fresh water consumption M3/day ( hole size wise)

4.1.c. The schematic diagram should also indicate the following :

Estimated generation of Drill Cuttings & other solid waste for well
depth along with disposal methods as stipulated by Ministry of
Environment and Forests, Central Pollution Control Board, State
Pollution Control Board with subsequent amendment thereof.

Presence of Hydrogen sulfide or any other likely toxic gases, if so

the response plan for the same.

Quantity & quality of Toxic Drilling Fluid / chemical / additive if

applicable.

The guidelines for various phases of Drilling activities, are given

subsequent chapters, for the development of the EMP.

in the

5.0 DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

While preparation of Environment Management Plan, following aspects are required
to be considered.
5.1

SITE SELECTION & LAYOUT OF DRILL SITE :

(i)

Site selection should be carried out as per criteria for site selection given in
Annexure II

(ii)

The layout of the site should be such that the waste water / effluent water should
be segregated from storm water & suitable plan should be developed to achieve
the same.

(iii)

The orientation of plinth should be such that the waste water / effluent water
should automatically flow towards the waste pit & the storm water away from the
waste pit.

(iv)

Drainage and collection facility should be developed for chemical platform /

store.

5.2

WASTE PIT DESIGN :

(i)

Avoid proximity of the waste pit to environmentally sensitive areas as far as

possible. (Environment sensitive area)

(ii)

Volume of waste pit should be maximum 1000 m3 with in-built recycling &
treatment facility.

(iii)

Waste pit to be dug keeping sufficient distance (4 meters) from boundary of the
site

(iv)

Pit dikes should be constructed to fully contain liquid volumes and properly
compacted to prevent any seepage.

(v)

Suitable preventive measures should be taken to avoid ground water

contamination. Ground water sampling prior / subsequent to drilling operations
should be preferred, wherever required.

(vi)

In multiple pit system the compartment can be made with earthen or brick walls
with oil traps at appropriate positions as shown in Annexure I.

(vii)

Possibility should be explored to have flexible storage tank for collection of waste
water or skid mounted tank where water table is close to earth surface.

5.3 DRILL SITE AND OTHER CONSTRUCTIONS

a. Land
(i)

Top soil of the site should be stocked for site reclamation and restoration after
the cessation of the drilling operations.

(ii)

Skid mounted tanks of adequate capacity should be provided in place of

earthen pits so as to minimize the impact on land due to the construction of
the earthen pits. Care should be taken in the area specially where water table
is at shallow level.

(iii)

The rig base area, storage tank area, diesel tank area should be segregated by
providing 1 ft high brick wall all around.

(iv)

All the drains containing effluent water should be connected to the inlet of
oil/water separator.

(v)

Provision should be made to store the drill cuttings at a suitable place as per
defined procedure within the drill site area for drying and transit storage prior
to its disposal.

(vi)

The approach road should be laid through barren lands wherever possible.

(vii)

Soil and other earthen material, required for the construction of the roads etc.
should be taken preferably from lands not in use and or using solid waste
earth filling materials.

(viii) Cluster drilling should be practised wherever applicable for minimizing the
requirement of land for drilling operations.
(ix)

Steel tank of suitable capacity should be used during activation of well

instead of earthen pit.

b. Water Sources :
(i)

Water from ponds / streams should be used wherever possible. If water from
local bore well is to be extracted, necessary approval from the concerned
authority should be obtained.

C. Air Quality
(i)

All vehicles and construction equipment with internal combustion engines

should be maintained for efficient combustion to reduce vehicle emissions in
order to comply with the standards of CPCB / EPA as notified in GSR 54. E,
dated 5th February 1990) on Vehicular Exhaust Emission Standard and Center
Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 as notified on 2.6.1989 including subsequent

amendment thereof. Relevant abstracts of rules are appended in Annexure

III and IV.
(ii)

Water should be sprayed adequately during dust generating construction

activities for dust suppression wherever necessary.

(iii)

Asbestos should not be used for any kind of construction activity.

d. Noise :
(i)
5.4

Vehicles and construction equipment with internal combustion engines should

be provided with proper mufflers in order to reduce noise levels.
RIG MOVEMENT
Precaution should be taken against spill of fluids, fuel, paints, thinners etc. during
rig movement. In case of offshore rig movement , care should be taken to avoid
collision with well platforms / sub-sea oil & gas pipe lines.

5.5

POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES DURING DRILLING:

a.

Land :

(i)

Leakage / spillage of drilling fluids shall be avoided by resorting to the use of

mud saving devices such as pipe wipers, kelly mud saver, drip pans, mud baskets
etc.

(ii)

To use eco-friendly drilling fluid systems consisting of bio- degradable additives

and chrome free dispersants wherever possible. When chrome based additives
are used, it shall be ensured that the concentration of chromium in effluent does
not exceed the regulatory limits (MOEF notification no. 141 dated April 3rd 1996,
at serial no. 72 including subsequent amendment thereof) and a proper test report
/ record shall be maintained

(iii)

The disposal of the drilling fluid should be in accordance with the MOEF
notification no. 141 dated April 3rd 1996, at serial no. 72 and provision of
hazardous wastes (Management & Handling) amendment rules 2000 and
Manufacture, storage and import of hazardous chemical (amendment rules 2000)
including amendment thereof.

(iv)

Disposal of Drill Cuttings :

Drill cuttings generated should be examined for their hazardous nature as
specified by concerned State Pollution Control Board and provisions of
Hazardous waste (Management and handling) amendment rules 2000 of MOEF
notification 6th Jan. 2000. If hazardous nature of drill cutting is confirmed then
provision of disposal sites, design and setting up of the disposal facility should be
developed as per the said notification. In case hazardous nature of cutting is not
confirmed then the cutting may be disposed off or utilized in filling and other civil

works. Proper records documentation is required to be maintained. Relevant

abstract is appended at annexure V.
(v)

All the left over chemicals and other materials shall be properly repacked and
transported to the next location.

b.

Water resources:
(i)

Wherever possible, reuse the water / mud collected from the periodic cleaning
of cellar pit for drilling fluid preparation / make up.

(ii)

Use water under high pressure for cleaning of rig floor, mud pits, mud channel
etc. and use wiper for cleaning of the drill string.

(iii)

No waste water should be discharged outside the drill site premises.

(iv)

The waste water generated should be treated and recycled for making up
drilling fluid volumes, washing of shale shaker screens, drill string and rig
floor etc.

(v)

Cooling water at draworks , brake system, engines, etc. should be recycled

through close lube system.

(vi)

Spring activated valve should be used at all water outlets to prevent wastage
of water.

A schematic representation of drilling effluent recycling system is given in

Annexure I.
c.

Air Quality:

(i)

Vehicles and equipment fitted with inter combustion engines are required to meet
the emission norms as stipulated in the relevant CPCB / EPA as notified in GSR
54. E, dated 5th February 1990) on Vehicular Exhaust Emission Standard and
Center Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 as notified on 2.6.1989 including subsequent
amendment thereof.

(ii)

Ambient air quality monitoring should be as per the stipulations of the respective
State Pollution Control Board. Exposure of working personnel in the operational
area to various toxic gas emissions should be restricted as per the OISD
occupational health Standards 166. Provision should be made to detect and
monitor H2S / HC or any other toxic gas.

(iii)

During production testing , produced gas should not be cold vented .

(iv)

Wherever pneumatic transfer of barite / cement is used, vent line of silos / surge

tank should pass through water bath.

d.

Noise:

(i)

Ambient noise levels should be maintained as per the Ministry of Environment &
Forest notification no. 92, dated Feb. 14, 2000 on the noise pollution (Regulation
and Control) rules , 2000 including subsequent amendment thereof, relevant
abstracts are appended (Annexure - VI)

(ii)

Exposure of personnel to normal high noise level in the operational areas should
be restricted to limits as prescribed in OISD Occupational Health Standards
(OHS) No. 166. Protective devices should be used by employees working in high
noise areas.

e.

Waste :

Waste generated should be dispose off / recycled as per following methods:

Left over drilling fluid / solids ... Transport / reuse

(Onland locations)
to other locations.

Left over chemicals .

(Onland locations)

Transport / reuse
to other locations.

For Offshore locations the Central Pollution Control Board Guidelines should be adhered
to or should re-injected to sub surface formation.

Cement returns

Salt water Brine from work over operations shall be transported back to brine plant
for treatment and use or injected to the suitable sub-surface formation.

Oil produced
Used/Burnt lube oil

collected in steel Tank and transported to GGS.

should be collected and sent back to base.

Empty containers, bags

Bags, used hand gloves

should be recycled/incinerated.
Bio-degradable to be disposed off / buried or nonbio-degradable to be recycled / incinerator.

Drill cuttings
(such as shale, lime, salt or dolomite)

should be disposed off to waste pit.

should be disposed off as pr follows.

Disposal of Drill Cuttings :

Drill cuttings generated should be examined for

their hazardous nature as specified by concerned

State Pollution Control Board and provisions of
Hazardous waste (Management and handling)
amendment rules 2000 of MOEF notification 6th
Jan. 2000. If hazardous nature of drill cutting is
confirmed then provision of disposal sites, design
and setting up of the disposal facility should be
developed as per the said notification. In case
hazardous nature of cutting is not confirmed then
the cutting may be disposed off or utilized in filling
and other civil works.
Proper records
documentation is required to be maintained.

Drill cuttings with traces of

radioactivity and toxicity

Ensure Safe limit of toxicity and

radioactivity should be ensured before its
disposal.(CPCB/Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Guidelines should be referred.)

5.6

RESTORATION:

i.

On completion of drilling activities, the site should be brought to normal

condition as far as possible.

ii.

Any soil contaminated by operations should be remediated as necessary. The

type, location and extent of contamination and remediation / restoration should
be documented and maintained in the site records.

iii.

Ditches, dikes and containment walls should be leveled. Top- soil, stock piled
at the site or hauled to the location, should be spread as part of the final
contouring. A productive top soil is necessary for plantation.

iv.

Upon completion of the location restoration, a programme of soil sampling /visual

inspection and record should be documented.

v.

Whenever tubewell is used and abandoned it should be plugged in accordance

with applicable regulations.

vi.

In case of a dry well, proper abandonment practices should be followed and a

record be maintained.

5.7

General

(i)

To ensure optimal removal of undesired solids from drilling fluid, the solid
control equipment should function efficiently.

(ii)

Review the specifications of mud additives wherever necessary so as to ensure the

use of only environment friendly sound products in drilling operations.

(iii)

Health hygiene and sanitation facilities at drill sites and site accommodation areas
should be maintained.

(iv)

As regard brine should be recycled / disposed off at suitable land as per

stipulations of SPCB.

(v)

Produced liquid / waste flow should be transported to the Group Gathering

Stations (GGS) / Oil Collecting Station (OCS).

(vi)

Adequate training to the drill site crew should be given

management.

(vii)

Water flow meter should be installed at the respective outlet of the facility for
monitoring of water consumption and conservation purpose.

on environment

6. REFERENCES
1. Oil Drilling and Gas Extraction Industry (72), Schedule VII National Ambient Air
Quality standards. No. 141, April 3, 1996, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. Ambient Air quality Standards for Ammonia, No. 707, October 29, 1998, Ministry of
Environment and Forests.
3. Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rule, 2000 No. 92, February 14 2000,
Ministry of Environment and Forests.
4. Environment (Protection) Second Amendment Rules 1993, General Standards for
discharges of environment pollutants. Effluents, Waste Water Generations, Load
Based Standards-Oil refinery industry. General emission, Equipment based standards
Concentration based standards. Load/Mass based standards. Noise Standards. No.
174, May 19, 1993, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
5. The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (Amendment) Rules,
1989 and The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical
(Amendment) Rules, 2000 No. 42, January 20, 2000, Ministry of Environment and
Forests.
6. Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (Amendment) Rules 1994
No. S. O. 2882, October 22, 1994, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
7. Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Amendment Rule, 1989, and
Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Amendment Rule, 2000 No. 13,
January 6, 2000, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
8. Coastal regulation Zone Notification, Ministry of Environment and Forests, 1991
including amendments.

9. Coastal Stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone No. 393, July 9, 1997, Ministry of
Environment and Forests.
10. Coastal Stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone (Amendment) No. 63, January 31,
1997, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
11. Coastal Stretches as Coastal Regulations Zone (Draft Notification) No. 482, August
5, 1999, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
12. Notification on Coastal Zone Management Authority for Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, Goa, Pondicherry, West Bengal, Daman & Dieu islands, Gujarat, Karnataka ,
Kerala, Lakshadweep , Maharashtra and Orissa No. 756, November 26, 1998,
Ministry of Environment and Forests.
13. Daugherty, F.W. Effect of some chemicals used in oil well drilling on marine
animals, sewage industrial wastes, 1951, 23:1282-1287.
14. Land, B, The toxicity of drilling fluid components to aquatic biological systems. A
literature review, Environment Canada Research and Development Directorate,
Fresh Water Institute, Winnipeg, Man, 1974, No. 487.

ANNEXURE I
Schematic Representation of Drilling Effluent Recycling System

Cementing Unit
Power
Pack

Drain

HSD&LDO
Enclosure

Rig Pumps

Well

Drain
Recycled Water Line

Cellar Discharge
Vib. screen

Drain

DeSander

Desilter

R E T A I N E R

P I T

Cuttings

Sand / Silt

Water

Drain

Recycling Pump

0.5 m
Valve to
drain
discarded
mud&
cement

.
.
.
.

Oil water separator

Drain

2.5
. x 1.5 x 1 m

CRITERIA FOR SITE SELECTION

ANNEXURE-I1

Public Safety

: The well site should be located to minimize impact on buildings,

roadways and public access areas (distance of effluent pit for
public road 15 meters railway track 45 meter), taking into
consideration the gases and liquids which are expected to be
encountered. This can be ensured while acquiring the land keeping
in view the safe distances. For wells where toxic gas is anticipated
radius of exposure analysis should be analyzed prior to site
selection. Further, provision should be kept for public hearing.

Size

: The disturbed areas should be minimized to the extent possible

while still providing an adequate work areas for all operations.
Flexibility in site shape and size may be necessary in
environmentally sensitive areas such as hilly terrains, coral reefs
mangrove area etc. Special care should be taken where cluster
drilling is planned. Recommended plot size for drilling a well
should range between 60 X 100 meters 70 X 100 meters.

Topography

: The existing topography should be utilized to minimize alteration

requirements. Contours and gradients should be considered in
selecting locations for the access road, reserve pit, trailer houses
and other equipments, so long as safety is not compromised.
Whereas in case offshore locations the presence of sub-sea pipeline
should be considered while placing the drilling rig.

Soil

Areas that will support equipment and traffic with the least
alteration should be used. Hydric soils (wet land) and areas of
instability or potential erosion should be avoided. Plans should be
made to stock pile top soil for site restoration whenever possible.
The type of soil, bed rock and ground water depth can have a
profound effect on the waste handling plan. In case of offshore
locations soil testing for stability / load bearing capacity should
be carried out.

Surface water

: Protection of surface waters (river, ponds, creeks, wet lands etc)

should be considered. Anticipated flow of rain water or snow melt
should be diverted from the location of contour, grading berms or
trenches. The sensitivity of regional water issues may influence
requirements to isolate equipment through the use of barriers,
dikes, ditches or boarded locations.

Ground water:

The location and usability of all aquifers should be determined so

that positive prospective measures may be taken. Excavations such as

the conductor, rat hole, mouse hole, cellar and the reserve pits may
require special planning. Surface casing should be set deep enough to
protect usable quality ground water in accordance with applicable

regulations.

Marine Wild life, Sanctuaries,

National Parks etc. :
Impacts on Marine life , wild life sanctuaries and National
parks etc. should be minimized. Obvious and potentials
habitat areas should be avoided. A life study or review
may be necessary to facilitate site selection and scheduling
in or near the areas inhabited or frequented by threatened
or endangered species. To ensure the fencing of the drill
site area and to close all the pits dug after cessation of
the drilling operations in order to prevent the loss of wild
life in the pits due to accidental fall.
Vegetation

The site should be chosen to minimize disturbance to

vegetation. An area review or study is necessary to identify
threatened, endangered, or wet land species or their habitat.

Cultural and Heritage :

A review of the surface owner and the state Archeological

Resources office or appropriate agency should be made to
determine the areas of concern. Sensitive areas shall
require an archeological survey.

Site selection

It is normally done in view of the geological and

geophysical findings. However, some relaxation in fixing
the location for site construction can be considered keeping
in view the environmental requirements.

(i)

Identification of alternative sites without compromising on

the geo-technical requirements.

(ii)

Adopting alternative technology (e.g.

drilling/horizontal wells) for achieving
objectives in environmentally sensitive areas.

(iii)

Though the drilling operation is a temporary development

activity, the process results in the alteration of land use
pattern affecting the flora and fauna as well as the ecosystem prevalent in the acquired land. Hence, a prudent
system to minimize this environmental disturbance is
warranted. Vegetation clearance to be kept minimum for a
safe operation.

(iv)

The drill site should be constructed with run on/run off

controls to minimize storm water entering the site/waste
pits. Drill site should be segregated into different zones
and dike to prevent waste fluids from discharging outside.
These can be connected by small drain to the waste pit
compartment.

directional
geological

ANNEXURE III

VEHICULAR EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARD

Standards for emission of smoke, vapour etc. from motor vehicles
EPA NOTIFICATION GSR 54 (E) DATED 5TH FEB. 1990
(Only relevant portion is reproduced here for reference only however, readers for more
details may refer the said notification and subsequent amendment thereof if any)
1) Every motor vehicle shall be manufactured and maintained in such condition
and shall be so driven that smoke, visible vapour, grit, sparks, ashes, cinders
or only substance.
2) On and from the 1st day of March, 1990, every motor vehicle shall comply
with the following standards :a) Idling CO (Carbon monoxide) emission limit for all four wheeled petrol
driven vehicles shall not exceed 3 per cent by volume;
b)

Idling CO emission limit for all two and three wheeled petrol driven
vehicles shall not exceed, 4.5 per cent by volume;

c)

Smoke density for all diesel driven vehicles shall be as follows:

Method of Test

Maximum smoke
Light Absorption
Bosch
Co-efficient
units

Hartridge
units

Full load at a speed of

60% to 70% of maximum
engine rated speed declared
by the manufacturer

3.1

5.2

75

Free Acceleration

2.3

65

3) On and from the 1st day of April, 1991, all petrol driven vehicles shall be so
manufactured that they comply, with the mass emission standards as
specified at Annexure I of the original act. The breakdown of the operating
cycle used for the test shall be as specified Annexure II given in the said act
and the reference fuel of such tests shall be as specified in Annexure III to
this schedule of the said notification.

4) On and from the 1st day of April, 1991, all diesel driven vehicles shall be so
manufactured that they comply, with the mass emission standards based on
exhaust gas capacity specified in Annexure IV of the said notification.
5) On and from the 1st day of April, 1991 all diesel driven vehicles shall be so
manufactured that they comply with the following levels of emissions under
the Indian driving cycle:
Mass of Carbon Monoxide
(CO), Maxmi, Grams/KWH.
14

Mass of Hydrocarbons
(HC), Maxmi. Grams per
KWH
3.5

Mass of Nitrogen
Oxides (Nox),
Mami. Grams per
KWH
18

EURO Norms Bharat I, II, III and IV for vehicle emissions

The vehicle and its emissions should confirm to EURO Norms I, II, III
and IV for vehicle emissions and corresponding applicable Indian Emission
Norms as notified by Central Pollution Control Board, June 1999.

ANNEXURE - IV

CENTRAL MOTOR VEHICLES RULES, 1989

(As notified on 2.6.1989)

Only Relevant Rules, Pertaining to Dangerous or Hazardous goods

Transport have been Reproduced
The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 including their subsequent
amendment has wide coverage on different aspects of Motor Vehicles Act
including a chapter on Construction , Equipments and Maintenance of Motor
vehicles. For reference only relevant portion is abstracted here. It covers
transportation of goods of dangerous or hazardous nature to human life,
manner of display of class labels, consignor to supply information about
dangerous or hazardous goods, Owners of the goods carriage to specify
classifications of dangerous or hazardous goods, Driver to take precautions,
Emergency information panel, Driver to be instructed , Driver to report to
police station about accident, Class labels etc. For more details, readers may
refer the said notification.

ANNEXURE V
DISPOSAL OF DRILL CUTTINGS
Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2000
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Notification, New Delhi, The 6th January, 2000.
(Only relevant portion is reproduced here for reference only however, readers for more
details may refer the said notification and subsequent amendment thereof if any)
8. Disposal Sites :
(1)

The occupier or any operator of a facility shall be responsible for identifying

sites for establishing hazardous wastes disposal facility.

(2)

The State Government, operator of a facility or any association of occupiers shall

identify sites for common hazardous wastes disposal facility in the state;

(3)

The State Government, occupier or any association shall after preliminary impact
assessment studies identify possible sites for disposal facility. They shall then
undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of these sites for selecting an
appropriate site for hazardous waste disposal facility;

(4)

The occupier or any association after identification as prescribed in sub-rule

(3) shall inform the State Government to take necessary action for notifying of the
site;

(5)

The State Government shall after identification or on receipt of information

regarding identification by such occupier or any such association shall cause a
public notice inviting objections and suggestions within thirty days.

(6)

The State Government shall on receipt of any objection conduct a public hearing
as per the procedure notified for Environmental Impact Assessment;

(7)

The State Government shall then, acquire or inform such occupier or any such
association to acquire the site before notifying the same. It shall also undertake to
compile and publish periodically an inventory of such disposal sites in the state,

8.A Design and setting up of disposal facility :

(1) The occupier, any association or operator of a facility, as the case may be shall design
and set up disposal facility as per the guidelines issued by the Central Government or

the State Government as the case may be ;

(2) The occupier, any association or operator, shall before setting up a disposal facility
get the design and the layout of the facility approved by the State Pollution Control
Board;
(3) The State Pollution Control Board shall monitor the setting up and operation of a
facility regularly.
8.B Operation and closure of landfill site :
(1) The occupier or the operator as the case may be, shall be responsible for safe and
environmentally sound operation of the facility as per design approved under Rule 8A
by the State Pollution Control Board.
(2) The occupier or the operator shall ensure that the closure of the landfill is as per the
design approved under Rule 8A by the State Pollution Control Board.

ANNEXURE VI
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS, NOTIFICATION, New Delhi,
The 14th February, 2000.
(Only relevant portion is reproduced here for reference only however, readers for more
details may refer the said notification and subsequent amendment thereof if any)
SCHEDULE
(see rule 3 (1) and 4 (1)
Ambient Air Quality Standards in respect of Noise
Area Code

Category of Area/Zone

Limits in dB(A) Leq*

--------------------------Day Time
Night Time

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Industrial area
Commercial Area
Residential Area
Silence Zone

75
65
55
50

Note :

70
55
45
40

1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
3. Silence zone is defined as an area comprising not less than 100 metres around
hospitals, educational institutions and courts. The silence zones are zones
which are declared as such by the competent authority.
4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four above mentioned
categories by the competent authority.
*dB(A) Leg denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels
on scale A which is relatable to human hearing.
A decibel is a unit in which noise is measured.
A, in dB(A) Leq, denotes the frequency weighting in the measurement of noise
and corresponds to frequency response characteristics of the human ear.
Leq : It is energy mean of the noise level over a specified period.

[F.NO. Q-14012/1/96-CPA]
VIJAI SHARMA, Jt. Secy.