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1
The term ‘HSE’ can be used interchangeably throughout this submission with the terms ‘HSSE’, ‘HSSE
& SP’, ‘HSE &SP’
The following are specific terms and/or words that require additional clarification in this
document:
Shell Canada Limited - in the context of this document Shell Canada Limited (Shell)
refers to the Operator of the Shelburne Basin Venture and the Shelburne Basin Venture
Drilling Project (the Project), as well as those parts of the Shelburne Basin Venture
Team that undertake activities on behalf of Shell Upstream Americas Exploration (UAX),
e.g., the Shelburne Basin Venture Leadership Team (VLT).
Shelburne Basin Venture - all activities related to the Shell Canada Limited EL
acquisitions of 2012 and 2013.
The Project - the 2015 Shelburne Basin Venture Drilling Project, which is comprised of
all activities related to the drilling, and the suspension or abandonment of, two
Deepwater exploration wells in the Nova Scotia Offshore Area, from mid-2015 through
2016.
This document:
• will be held in the Common Library and can be accessed via the Shelburne
Venture SharePoint site. Controlled versions and revision announcements will be
published, and communicated to the appropriate Shell and contractor personnel
to ensure local implementation. Copies or extracts of this document, which have
been downloaded from the Sharepoint site, are uncontrolled copies and cannot
be guaranteed to be the latest version.
1. GENERAL ........................................................................................................ 18
2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE .................................................................................. 19
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................... 20
3.1 Exploration Drilling Project versus Drilling Program ................................. 20
3.2 Initial Well locations .................................................................................. 21
3.3 Stena IceMax Drillship .............................................................................. 21
3.4 Helicopter Support .................................................................................... 21
3.5 Onshore Supply Base .............................................................................. 21
3.6 Support vessels ........................................................................................ 22
3.7 Office ........................................................................................................ 22
4. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................ 23
4.1 Regulatory Framework ............................................................................. 23
4.2 Guidance and Adopted Standards ........................................................... 25
4.2.1 Environmental Guidelines ............................................................ 25
4.2.2 Adopted Codes and Standards .................................................... 25
4.2.3 Shell’s Environmental Standards ................................................. 26
4.3 Applicable Plans and Procedures............................................................. 26
4.3.1 Routine Operations ...................................................................... 27
4.3.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response ................................... 30
5. SHELL HSSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM......................................................... 35
5.1 Leadership and Commitment ................................................................... 37
5.2 Policies and Objectives ............................................................................ 38
5.2.1 Shell’s Commitment and Policy ................................................... 38
5.2.2 Stena Health, Safety & Environmental Health Policy
Statement .................................................................................... 40
5.2.3 Stena Management System ........................................................ 41
5.2.4 Objectives & Targets ................................................................... 42
6. ORGANIZATION, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCES........................... 43
6.1 Venture Level Organization and HSE Accountability................................ 43
6.1.1 Contractor Level Roles & Responsibilities ................................... 44
6.1.2 Environmentally Critical Roles ..................................................... 45
6.2 EPP Responsibilities ................................................................................ 46
7. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK EVALUATION................................... 49
7.1 Hazard and Effects Management Process ............................................... 49
7.1.1 Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) ................................................... 50
7.1.2 Bow Tie Analysis ......................................................................... 51
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.1 Project Location ............................................................................... 20
Figure 5.1 HSSE & SP Control Framework ...................................................... 36
Figure 5.2 Shell HSSE & SP Commitment and Policy ...................................... 39
Figure 5.3 Stena Drilling Health, Safety and Environmental Health Policy ....... 40
Figure 5.4 Stena Drilling Environmental Protection Policy ................................ 41
Figure 6.1 Onshore/Offshore Operations Interface Organizational Chart ......... 48
Figure 7.1 Hazard Identification System ........................................................... 50
Figure 7.2 Risk Assessment Matrix .................................................................. 51
Figure 7.3 Bow-Tie Analysis Diagram ............................................................... 52
Figure 8.1 Onshore/Offshore Operations Interface Organizational Chart ......... 59
Figure 10.1 Management of Change .................................................................. 68
Figure 11.1 Shell’s continual Improvement Cycle ............................................... 73
It is Shell’s policy to comply fully with all applicable statutory and regulatory
requirements. Approvals granted under the CNSOPB for the Project do not exempt
Shell from complying with all applicable legislation and other legal requirements. Note
that if Shell requires a higher level of environmental protection or management than the
applicable laws and regulations, the most stringent requirement will apply. Should a
case be noted where local regulatory requirements impedes on the higher Shell
standard, the issue will be brought to the attention of the appropriate regulatory agency.
This EPP identifies and outlines the environmental management for all personnel,
including contractors, that function in any capacity within the project and has been
developed to provide effective guidance on environmental management for Project
activities.
The table below is a concordance table showing where each section of the CNSOPB/C-
NLOPB/NEB Environmental Protection Plan Guidelines (the Guidelines) can be found in
this document.
4.5 PLANNING
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK
7.1
4.5.1 EVALUATION AND RISK EVALUATION
7.2
MITIGATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
4.5.2 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 4.1 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
COMMITMENTS BY THE
4.5.3 5.2.4 OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS
OPERATOR
ADOPTED CODES AND STANDARDS
GUIDANCE AND ADOPTED 4.2.2
4.5.4 SHELL’S ENVIRONMENTAL
STANDARDS 4.2.3
STANDARDS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND
4.5.5 DISCHARGE LIMITS 12 COMPLIANCE MONITORING OF
WASTE STREAMS
4.6 IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONS
RESOURCES, ROLES,
ORGANIZATION, RESPONSIBILITIES
4.6.1 RESPONSIBILITIES AND 6
AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
AUTHORITY
LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT
COMMITMENT, LEADERSHIP AND 5.1
4.6.2 VENTURE LEVEL ORGANIZATION AND
PARTICIPATION 6.1
HSE ACCOUNTABILITY
Additionally, this EPP has been developed to meet the requirements for implementation
of a management system under the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum
Resources Accord Implementation Act (S.C. 1988, c.28) and Section 6(d) and 9 of the
Nova Scotia Offshore Drilling and Production Regulations (SOR/2009-317) which
require that an EPP is submitted in support of an application to conduct work or
activities related to drilling operations offshore Nova Scotia.
This EPP is the written demonstration that the Project complies with internal Shell,
external CNSOPB environmental management requirements and all related provincial
and federal legislation, including the Conditions outlined in the Decision Statement
issued under Section 54 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA)
(Appendix E).
The scope of the EPP includes activities for the Project which will consist of the drilling,
and the suspension or abandonment of two Deepwater exploration wells, commencing
Q4 2015. The wells will be drilled by a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU), with support
from one dedicated stand-by vessel, three offshore supply vessels (one of which will be
a back-up stand-by vessel), helicopter operations and a dedicated onshore supply base.
For the purpose of the EPP, the Project will consist of the drilling, and the suspension or
abandonment of two Deepwater exploration wells, commencing in Q4 2015. An
Operations Authorization (OA) and two Approval to Drill a Well (ADW) approvals will be
required from the CNSOPB prior to commencing operations.
The exploration drilling Project Area is shown in Figure 3.1 and encompasses portions
of Shell’s offshore ELs 2423, 2424, 2425, 2426, 2429 and 2430. The Project Area is
located approximately 250 km offshore from Halifax in a geographical offshore area
known as the Southwest Scotian Slope and a geological region known as the Shelburne
Basin. Water depths in the Project area range from 1500 m to 3000 m
Initially two exploration wells will be drilled in the Project Area, commencing in Q4 2015.
The specific technical details for the wells will be outlined in the drilling programs for
these wells, and will be submitted to the CNSOPB.
One of the helicopter’s will be used for crew change from Heliport to the Stena IceMax
while the other will serve as a technical back-up for the primary crew change helicopter
and for the SAR helicopter. A third helicopter is dedicated to Search and Rescue flights
and Medivac. It has the capability of rescue from vessels and the water using divers. A
thorough risk assessment has been performed for this operation and a mitigation plan
will be in place, with appropriate actions closed including pre-startup checks prior to rig
operations start-up.
3.7 Office
Project operations will be managed from the Shell Halifax Office, which includes an
Emergency Control Center. The address is as follows:
Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Geophysical Operations Regulations (and associated CNSOPB
Guidelines)
Nova Scotia Offshore Certificate of Fitness Regulations CNSOPB
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 CEAA
Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Regulations Environment Canada
Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations Environment Canada
Species at Risk Act Environment Canada, Parks Canada,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries Act and Regulations Fisheries and Oceans Canada and
Environment Canada
Hazardous Product Act and Regulations Health Canada
Navigation Protection Act and Regulations Transport Canada
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations Transport Canada
The Oceans Act, 1996 Fisheries and Oceans Canada
The Project will operate to current industry codes and standards along with Shell and
Contractor internal design standards to demonstrate asset integrity.
Shell and Stena also comply with applicable Marine Codes and standards from the
following organizations in regards to environmental protection and management:
Section 5.3 of the OSP provides a detailed list of Shell’s primary drilling and logistical
standards that will be adopted for the Project and are inclusive of environmental
protection and management requirements where necessary. In addition to these
primary standards, Shell’s Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Social
Performance (HSSE & SP) Control Framework (HSSE &SP CF) contains a number of
manuals that specifically outline the associated requirements for environmental
management. The following internal environmental standards outlined under the HSSE
&SP CF have been used to inform and guide the environmental protection and
management for the Project and construction of this EPP:
The sections below provide an overview of the associated plans established to support
routine Project operations as well as emergency response in association with
environmental protection and management. Relevant procedural and guidance
documents incorporated into the associated plans or used to guide the plan have been
referenced in the sections below as relevant.
The plans outlined in Table 4.2 are operational documents established to outline
environmental management and protection measures and requirements for routine
Project operations.
These plans outline Emergency Response procedures and follow the proper protocols
for establishing an incident command in support of all local and governmental
regulations.
Table 4.3 outlines the various emergency response plans that will be in place for the
Project and describes how they relate to the emergency response. Plans are available
in the Shell Halifax Office. Site-specific Emergency Plans are available for Aviation,
Marine, Shore-base, and Drilling. Plans will be exercised prior to initiating operations to
ensure proper protocols are adhered to. Plans will be exercised prior to initiating drilling
operations to ensure proper protocols are adhered to.
Shell maintains a high level of integrity to protect the environment and the people that
work at its locations. The following sections will outline the Shell HSE Management
System and how it will be applicable to working offshore Nova Scotia.
The Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework (Figure 5.1) forms the basis for all activity
level documents, plans and procedures. The HSSE & SP Standards are organized by
topic into Manuals covering appropriate subjects. Lower level plans and procedures are
available within each subject area. The HSSE & SP CF, Manuals and the 8 Elements of
the HSSE & SP Management System describe how HSSE & SP is managed in Shell
and who is designated with accountabilities and responsibilities within the Shell
Shelburne Basin Venture.
Shell’s HSE management system outlines the necessary leadership required to create
and sustain a culture that:
Shell Senior Leadership/Management ensure that HSSE &SP is an integral part of the
work place's culture by:
Shell’s HSSE & SP Commitment and Policy applies across the organization and is
designed to help protect people and the environment. It includes aims aligned with the
Shell General Business Principles on how we operate and work to involve communities
close to our operations.
Shell’s commitment and policy reflects the integrated way work is conducted across
Shell in the areas of HSSE & SP. All Shell companies, contractors and joint ventures
under operational control are required to manage HSSE & SP in line with the
Commitment and Policy.
The Shell HSSE & SP Commitment and Policy (see Figure 5.2) provides the foundation
for a systematic approach to HSSE & SP management and outlines specific
commitments regarding objectives and performance expectations. The HSSE & SP
Commitment and Policy is communicated to employees and contractors, as well as
being displayed in office and work locations and underpins Shell’s HSSE & SP MS.
Stena Drilling’s Health, Safety and Environmental Health Policy (Figure 5.3) outlines the
company core values and beliefs and their commitment and aim for all business to be
conducted in a safe and efficient manner with no injury to people, harm to the
environment, or damage to equipment and the workplace. To meet this goal a number
of objectives are outlined in their policy statement which has been endorsed by Stena’s
Managing Director and Operating Manager.
Figure 5.3 Stena Drilling Health, Safety and Environmental Health Policy
As part of Stena’s Health, Safety and Environmental Health Policy, Stena has
developed a separate Environmental Protection Policy to specifically outline Stena’s
Stena’s management system follows the Quality Standard ISO 9001 and is certified to
the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard. Stena Drilling has also achieved compliance
with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, an international standard for the
safe management and operation of vessels and for pollution prevention adopted by the
International Marine Organization (IMO) in 1995. Compliance with this code is
mandatory for drilling vessels and is verified on an annual basis. The Stena
Shell’s main objective is Goal Zero: no harm and no leaks, an accident free workplace
and one free of significant incidents. In addition, Shell has a vision to deliver safe,
profitable, environmentally and socially responsible activities and projects, in line with
the expectations of our customer & stakeholders.
HSE Representation
HSE representatives have been allocated for all Project components and workspaces
(MODU, Supply Base, Road, Marine, Aviation) to support execution of all parts of Shell
and contractor HSE management systems and the EPP. All Shell line management
personnel have an HSE oversite role.
Shell Staff are responsible for ensuring the EPP is followed while identifying areas for
improvement to their respective managers and team leaders.
Contractors
All Contractors are responsible for familiarizing themselves with Shell’s Operations
Safety Plan (OSP), EPP and other various work documents. Workers are orientated to
the EPP to ensure that Shell’s Environmental objectives are achieved and maintained.
All Contractors providing a service or support for the Project are required to work in
accordance with the provisions of this EPP.
Environmentally critical roles for the Project have been identified in association with
bowtie analyses performed to assess the identified major hazards for the Project.
Further information on Shell’s risk assessment and management and the associated
bowtie analysis can be found in Section 5.3 of this document as well as section 6.4.5 of
the OSP (EP201501216147).
• Drilling Supervisor
• Shell Onboard HSE Officer
• Stena HSE Officer
• Master/OIM
• Barge Master
• Senior DPO
• Chief Engineer
• Senior Operations Engineer
• Wells Operations Manager
• Rig Manager
• Drilling Superintendent
Further details regarding required competencies and training for individuals in HSSE
critical roles is included in Section 8.3. Full details of the individual training
requirements for environmentally critical position training requirements can be found in
the Shelburne Basin Training and Competency Management Plan (EP201508200655).
The Project will be managed by Shell, which organizes its deepwater exploration
ventures to include the disciplines and expertise required to deliver a project. During
drilling, the two largest disciplinary teams will be the Well Delivery Team and the
Subsurface Team. Additional disciplinary support teams associated with the Project
include: Contracting and Procurement; Logistics; HSSE & SP; Environmental;
Regulatory; Commercial; Social Performance; Stakeholder Consultation; Indigenous
Relations; External Communications; Legal; and Finance.
The Operations Manager, Shell Drilling Superintendent, Stena Rig Manager and OIM
will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring the execution of and compliance with the
EPP on the MODU during operations. The Logistics Lead is responsible for executing
the relevant components of the EPP that apply to the Supply Base, Road, Marine, and
Aviation operations.
Figure 6.1 outlines the organizational structure and interface for onshore and offshore
Project operations.
• Threats
• Barriers
• Hazards
• Top Event
• Recovery Measures (Barriers)
• Escalating Factors
• Consequences
• Barriers prevent hazards from becoming a top event by stopping the threat; and
• Recovery preparedness measures (or recovery measures) prevent the top event
from becoming a severe consequence (i.e., cause harm, damage, or
environmental impacts).
Escalation factors are conditions that lead to increased risk due to loss of controls
(barriers or recovery measures). Escalating factor controls (or escalating controls) are
measures put in place to mitigate the effects of escalation factors.
Increasing the number and/or quality of barriers reduces the probability of something
occurring. Increasing the number and/or quality of recovery measures reduces the
impact of something occurring. Reducing the probability and/or the impact reduces the
risk.
In addition to the Hazard and Risk assessment processes described above, Shell’s
HSSE & SP CF requires that an Impact Assessment (IA) be completed for all new
Projects to further identify and assess the potential environmental, social and health
impacts of a project and to implement mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts
and optimize any potential positive impacts. Where external regulatory requirements for
an IA exist, assurance is made that these external requirements allow compliance with
the Shell HSSE & SP CF framework requirements and additional analysis and
assessment are undertaken where gaps are noted.
In line with internal and external requirements, the primary study undertaken to identify
environmental hazards and evaluate environmental risks associated with the Project
was an environmental assessment (EA) pursuant to CEAA, 2012. The associated EIS
(Stantec 2014) documents the results of the EA, including a summary of baseline
environmental conditions and Shell’s commitments regarding mitigation measures to
avoid, prevent, reduce or manage risks to the environment. Relevant operational
mitigation measures and commitments to manage the potential environmental effects
noted in the EIS have been incorporated into the EPP where relevant. Table 7.1 below
provides a summary of the identified potential hazards (potential interaction) as well as
the identified and assessed potential environmental effects from the EIS. Additionally
Table 7.1 refers to the associated mitigations measure established as part of the EIS to
reduce the risk of the associated hazard and environmental effect to occur. Refer to
Appendix D for a full summary of the EIS mitigation commitments associated with the
Project. Additional requirements are outlined in the EA Report conditions released by
CEAA on June 15, 2015 and included as Appendix E.
Project Mitigation
Potential Hazard Environmental Effect
Component/Activity Measure
Project Mitigation
Potential Hazard Environmental Effect
Component/Activity Measure
(Marine birds) collision, incineration) No. 4, 18
• Change in Habitat Use and
Quality (attraction to MODU)
Exclusion Zone • Change in Availability of Appendix D:
(Commercial fisheries, Fisheries Resources No. 53, 54
Aboriginal Use) (localized exclusion)
• Change in Traditional Use
(avoidance –Fish)
Discharge of Drill Muds Cuttings Footprint • Mortality or Physical Injury Appendix D:
and Cuttings (benthic species and (smothering) No. 21, 22
habitat – Fish, • Change in Availability of
Commercial fisheries, Fisheries Resources (direct
Aboriginal Use) loss)
Direct or Indirect • Change in Habitat Use and Appendix D:
Exposure (Marine Quality (reduction in water No. 24, 25, 27, 28,
mammals, Sea turtles, and sediment quality, impact 53, 54
Fish, Marine birds, to prey species)
Commercial fisheries, • Change in Availability of
Aboriginal Use) Fisheries Resources
(avoidance- Fish)
• Change in Traditional Use
(avoidance – Fish)
Other Discharges and Indirect Exposure • Change in Habitat Use and Appendix D:
Emissions (Marine mammals, Quality (reduction in water No. 7, 26, 29, 35,
Sea turtles, Fish, and sediment quality, impact 53, 54
Marin birds) to prey species, temporary
avoidance)
• Change in Availability of
Fisheries Resources
(avoidance- Fish)
• Change in Traditional Use
(avoidance – Fish)
Direct Exposure • Mortality or Physical Injury Appendix D:
(Marine birds) (oiling, attraction to MODU) No. 7, 26, 29, 35,
• Change in Availability of 53, 54
Fisheries Resources (direct
loss)
• Change in Traditional Use
(direct loss)
Vertical Seismic Acoustic Emissions • Mortality or Physical Injury Appendix D:
Profiling (Marine mammals, (auditory injury) No. 50, 51, 52, 53,
Sea Turtles, Fish, • Change in Habitat Use and 54
Marine birds, Quality (sensory
Project Mitigation
Potential Hazard Environmental Effect
Component/Activity Measure
Commercial fisheries, disturbance)
Aboriginal Use) • Change in Availability of
Fisheries (avoidance- Fish)
• Change in Traditional Use
(avoidance – Fish)
Helicopter Transport Acoustic Emissions • Change in Habitat Use and Appendix D:
(Marine mammals, Quality (sensory No. 13, 14
Marine birds) disturbance)
Collision (Marine Mortality or Physical Injury Appendix D:
birds) No. 13, 14, 15
OSV Operations Vessel Strike (Marine Mortality or Physical Injury Appendix D:
mammals and Sea No. 8, 11, 12, 15,
turtles) 45
Acoustic Emissions • Change in Habitat Use and Appendix D:
(Marine mammals, Quality (sensory No. 11, 12, 53,54
Sea turtles, Fish, disturbance)
Marine birds, • Change in Availability of
Commercial fisheries, Fisheries (avoidance- Fish)
Aboriginal Use)
• Change in Traditional Use
(avoidance – Fish)
Light Attraction • Mortality or Physical Injury Appendix D:
(Marine birds) • Change in Habitat Use and No. 4, 18
Quality
Well Abandonment Physical Structure • Change in Habitat Use and Appendix D:
(Marine mammals, Quality (Localized No. 54, 55
Sea turtles, Fish, disturbance) Abandonment
Commercial fisheries, • Change in Availability of Plans
Aboriginal Use) Fisheries Resources (direct
loss)
• Change in Traditional Use
The following HSSE studies (Table 7.2) have been performed to comply with Shell’s
HSSE &SP CF requirements to identify Project hazards, evaluate the associated risks
and determine appropriate controls and mitigations. Copies of these studies are
available upon request via the Shell Halifax Office.
Bow-tie October 2014 Bow-tie assessments are required to detail the mitigation
Assessments strategy for hazards potentially having red risk, or yellow 5A or
yellow 5B risk according to the Shell RAM.
Health Risk February 2015 Shelburne Basin Health Risk Assessment takes every
Assessment (HRA) reasonable precaution in the circumstances to protect the
employee’s own health and safety that will minimize the effects
of exposure to those health hazards most commonly
encountered in offshore exploration drilling operations
HSE Case June 2015 Major potential HSSE risks are documented in an HSSE Case
to demonstrate the hazards and effects associated with an
installation and its operation have been fully identified and risks
managed within the principles of As Low As Reasonably
Practicable (ALARP).
For the Shelburne Basin Drilling activities there is a Stena
Safety Case.
Where applicable, the existing Aviation, Marine and Road
Transport HSSE Cases will be relied upon for the Project.
Table 7.3 outlines the Major Hazards and top events/worst case scenarios that were
identified as part of the HSSE studies conducted in association with the Project and that
could result in associated environmental consequences/effects. As part of these hazard
assessments, critical tasks and responsible positions have been identified and outlined
to prevent such an event. The associated bow-tie analysis and identified critical tasks
and roles to mitigate each hazard can be found in Section 6.4.5 – Table 8 of the OSP.
Table 7.3 also identifies the associated response plans to be implemented to address
the associated top event. Further information on these response plans is provided in
Section 4.3.2.
Potential Environmental
Top Event Response Plan
Major Hazard Consequence
HAZID
Reservoir Loss of Well Control – Environmental Damage ERP
Hydrocarbon Surface (product release to the OSRP
under Pressure Loss of Well Control - marine environment) Source Control
Subsea Contingency Plan
Well Control Plan
Shallow Gas Loss of Well Control- Environmental Damage ERP
Shallow Gas (product release to the
marine environment)
Approaching Ship Collision Environmental Damage (fuel ERP
Vessel or drilling fluid release to the
marine environment)
Engine Room Fire in Engine Room Environmental Damage ERP
Combustibles (resulting release of
combustibles, bilge to
marine environment)
Object at Dropped Object Environmental Damage ERP
Height (release or object loss to the
marine environment)
Air Transport Helicopter Ditching at Sea Environmental Damage (fuel ERP
Helicopter Ditching on the and/or material release to
MODU the marine environment)
Marine Bulk Loss of Containment Environmental Damage ERP
Transfers (release of product to the
Vessel to marine environment)
Vessel
Transfers
Environmental Impact Statement (Stantec 2014)
8.1 Awareness
All personnel are made aware of the existence of the EPP, Shell policies, plans and
procedures and how it relates to their role on the Project, during kick-off orientation
training. The EPP is described in the pre-start-up meetings to all workforce by the
Venture Operations Manager and the Venture HSE Lead with support from the
Environmental Lead. This meeting covers all aspects of the proposed drilling campaign,
including health, safety and environmental aspects. The environmental component of
this orientation will, among other things, address the environmental setting of the
Project, regulatory context and expectations as well as requirements for environmental
compliance.
8.2 Competence
Shell employees and contractors are qualified and competent to perform the work
required for the operations. The following processes are in place to provide competent
resources (Figure 8.1):
• Each Shell Employee and Contractor that will be working offshore prior to being
assigned to the project will have conducted and obtained a valid and full duty
Medical Evaluation as per CAPP’s - Atlantic Canada Medical Assessment for
Fitness to Work Offshore. These evaluations will be maintained by each
contractor at their respective location and will be available for assurance
purposes as required.
8.3 Training
Position specific training is provided to increase the knowledge and skill of workers.
Refresher training is provided at appropriate intervals. Mandatory training is listed in
each companies’ training plan or matrix and available on the MODU. The required
professional, marine, and trade certifications will be determined for the relevant roles
and maintained accordingly.
• All Shell personnel positioned in a HSSE Critical Roles performing any HSSE
Critical Tasks will have been assessed against the Front Line Barrier
Management Standard requirements that include Well Control Testing, Round 1
& Round 2 Well Diploma programs, and other standards that apply. These
qualifications will be verified through the training profiles found on SOU and with
Global Wells Training Coordinator. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor to
ensure these requirements have been followed and met.
• For Stena personnel, it is the responsibility of the OIM to ensure that all
employees assigned both Safety and Environmental Critical positions described
in the Stena HSE Case Critical Task sheets (refer to Table 8 of the OSP), has
met the training and qualification requirements outlined in the Stena HSE
Training Matrix for Competency Assurance for each identified critical task.
The Shell HSSE CF provides simple expectations for managing key HSSE risk. These
expectations are mandatory across Shell and are delivered in the form of the Contractor
HSSE Management Mandatory Manual.
In order to support bid evaluation, potential contractors are required to provide the
following for consideration :
• Past and current HSSE performance
• Demonstration of an existing HSSE MS that exhibits the same degree of
application and assurance as the Shell HSSE CF.
• Demonstration of an existing Competence Assurance process for personnel
• Demonstration that training programs support the management of the associated
HSSE risks
This information is used to assess whether the chosen contractor has the capability and
resources to manage the HSSE risks associated with the proposed work. HSSE
performance will be a key consideration in determining a preferred contractor and the
Shell Contractor HSSE Management Manual requires preferential selection of those
companies that show good HSSE performance. During operations, Shell will
continuously monitor and regularly assess the HSSE performance of the associated
contractors to ensure compliance with the HSSE performance agreed in contract. The
Shelburne Basin Venture will have an assurance plan which lists the various process
level and worksite level audits and assurances that will be executed during operations.
Shell and Stena have reviewed this EPP to ensure that the appropriate aspects of their
HSE management systems and environmental policies are integrated and that the
environmental protection and measures are consistent with company requirements and
capabilities as well as established regulatory commitments.
Once a quarter the EPP is to be reviewed for changes in all policies that could have an
impact on the EPP. Additionally this EPP will be reviewed at the close of Project
Operations to identify any required adjustments or revisions as a result of lessons
learned from Project operations and in advance of any future operational activities. If
changes are needed, they will made, reviewed by Shell Leadership and resubmitted to
the CNSOPB for final approval. Once approved the changes will be distributed
throughout the assets of the Shelburne Basin Venture.
Changes to the EPP shall only be made in accordance to Shell Canada’s Management
of Change (MOC) process (Section 8.3) and with the engagement and approval of the
CNSOPB. No changes to the outlined commitments of this plan shall be implemented
until formal approval is provided by the CNSOPB and a revision has been issued.
Any revisions to the EPP will be communicated to any affected stakeholders and
revised version distributed to hardcopy holders and managed in accordance with Shell’s
document control system.
Shell has a Document Control system to identify, collect, store, retrieve, route and
dispose of documentation to ensure operational integrity and regulatory compliance.
The process used to manage these documents is described on the Shell UA Control
Framework documents homepage. Printed documents are assumed to be uncontrolled,
potentially out of date, and require latest version verification. For more information, refer
to the Shelburne Basin Venture Document Management Plan (UAXSV-HSE0001-
PR01).
The contents of this EPP will be communicated, as appropriate, to all Shell and
contractor personnel involved with Project activities and with responsibilities associated
with the EPP. In addition, following finalization, Shell will disseminate hard copies to the
relevant parties involved in implementation and management of the EPP. Table 9.2
identifies the proposed hard copy distribution for the EPP.
In addition, all Shell and contract staff will have electronic access to the EPP through an
established online document management system. Interested public and first nation
stakeholders will be provided links to the document once finalized and posted on the
CNSOPB public document registry. Hard copies will be sent by mail as requested.
In addition and as described in Section 4.1 and 4.2 a number of statutory and guidance
documents are to be complied with and function to ensure environmental management
practices in addition to the internal standards and manuals
The equipment and installations that are to be used in the work or activity to be
authorized are fit for the purposes for which they are to be used. ECEs as well as Safety
Critical Elements (SCE), which are often one in the same, are identified during Bow Tie
analyses and other studies as outlined in the respective HSE Case. Refer to Section
6.2.4 of the OSP for a complete list of all structures, facilities, equipment and systems
critical to environmental protection, which are noted on the Bowties and listed with each
Hazard Sheet.
Stena Drilling inspects and maintains environmentally critical elements onboard the
Stena IceMAX on a routine schedule which include the following systems:
• Bilge System
• Deck Drainage
• Drill Cuttings Cleaning System
• Sewage and Grey Water Systems
• Helifuel System
• Fire Control Systems
• Bulk Fuel and Fluid Transfer Systems
In accordance with CNSOPB requirements, the drilling vessel will possess a Certificate
of Fitness that has been approved by the CNSOPB prior to starting operations.
Equipment contractors interfacing with the Project must ensure that compliance with
company, industry standards, and regulatory requirements are maintained. Stena will
have an OA required Certificate of Fitness provided by Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
Additionally, the equipment contractor must ensure that compliance with Class, other
regulatory requirements and industry standards are maintained and Shell will conduct
inspections and audits to ensure this compliance is maintained.
Shell will ensure that all Contractor equipment is fit for purpose. Only appropriately
certified equipment will be used.
Any additional critical equipment requires appropriate certification prior to use (e.g.,
pressure vessels, materials handling equipment and lifting gear). It is the responsibility
of the Contractor to ensure that any such additional equipment is fit for purpose and
safe to use prior to entering service with Shell.
Shell and its contractors maintain Quality Management Systems to ensure that all
equipment conforms to the specifications. These systems include procurement of
materials, inspection and testing, witnessed by third parties where appropriate, and final
inspections prior to installation.
Shell uses the MOC process detailed in the Shell Global Wells Management System
(GWMS) Manual (WS 38.80.31.11-Gen Rev 1). Stena uses the MOC process detailed
in Stena procedure “Management of Change Principle” – L2-PR-OPS-3389. Shell and
Stena are responsible to fully execute its respective MOC programs for changes that
they are responsible. Completed MOCs will be made available upon request by either
company.
Any MOC needed outside this scope will have the procedures identified through the
respective Bridging Documents. However, the minimum will be to follow Shell standards
until this has been identified. At a minimum the MOC processes shall be used to
manage permanent and temporary changes of the following types:
Ongoing changes will be managed through the MOC process to ensure that the integrity
of the design is maintained throughout its life. All proposed changes covered by the
MOC Process are screened for their impact to health, safety, environment or regulatory
compliance, reviewed and approved.
This EPP will be a controlled document and subject to Shell’s MOC procedures.
Compliance with Shell HSSE & SP requirements is checked through Management site
visits, onboard inspections, monitoring of proactive measures, and incident information,
and other assurance processes as described below. EPP specific considerations will be
added to these checks and observations prior to commencing operations. Specific
environmental monitoring programs to be implemented as part of the Project are further
discussed in Sections 12-13.
• Energy Use
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
• Flaring and Other Emissions
• Water Use
• Oil Discharged to Surface Water
• Waste
• Unintended Emissions and Discharges (i.e., hydrocarbon spills)
• Biodiversity
These measures are recorded in Shell’s online reporting tool. Overall effectiveness of
the EPP and environmental performance of operations shall be measured against these
parameters as well as inputs such as non-compliance reports and discussions during
any of the above process activities.
A formal project review will be carried out at the end of operations. Intermediate reviews
may be initiated based on audit findings, site inspections and incident / accident reports.
Project activities will be subjected to planned inspections and audits to identify potential
environmental and safety problems or non-compliances. The purpose of the inspection
and audit process is to ensure continued compliance with regulations, operational plans,
company plans and regulatory commitments. Audits are carried out in compliance with
Shell Assurance as well as local assurance and self-assessments. The auditor’s
requirements are defined in the HSSE & SP Control Framework.
All audit processes (local, internal, and external) are used to facilitate continuous
improvement of HSSE &SP based on the lessons learned and experiences gained from
the findings. The audit findings allow specific HSSE &SP issues to be identified early
and corrective actions to be taken, as well as providing assurance that the management
system remains current.
Corrective actions generated during audit and assurance processes, and incident
investigations are compiled and agreed with the affected discipline lead. The compiled
actions are prioritized, responsible parties are assigned, and target completion dates
are established and tracked to final closeout in Fountain Assurance.
Each location will maintain a Master Action List to track all audits, assurances, incident
investigations, inspections, and preventative maintenance issues that could result in a
problems associated with procedures and equipment. It is the responsibility of the
person in command (PIC) at each location to ensure that the Master Action List are up
to date and being addressed in a timely manner.
These records are stored at each site in such a way that they are readily retrievable by
heads of departments. They are protected against loss or damage and are traceable to
the work-site, activity, product or service involved.
Shell uses feedback from all parts of the management system to provide for continual
Improvement. The term “Management Review” is used to describe the process of
reviewing the feedback and taking action to improve.
• KPI’s/Performance/Objective Targets
• Contractor HSE Management Performance
• Due Diligence
• Status of (serious & high) incidents
• Audit actions (completion)
• Legislative updates
• New Opportunities (performance/ procedural improvement)
• Review of CNSOPB Reports (Environmental and Safety)
Corrective actions from the Management review will be included in the Business
Improvement Plan (BIP) and tracked by Fountain Assurance and a status report
provided to the Shelburne Basin Venture Leadership Team.
Additionally for each drilling installation for an exploration or delineation well, Shell will
ensure that an environmental report relating to each well is submitted to the Board
within 90 days after the rig release date and includes:
The environmental protection measures outlined within Section 12 are based on best
management practices to reduce and prevent the generation and/or discharge of waste
into the marine environment. All offshore waste discharges associated with the Project
will be managed in compliance with the Fisheries Act, the International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) of which Canada has incorporated
provisions under various sections of the Canada Shipping Act and its regulations, and
treated in accordance with the Offshore Waste Treatment Guidelines (OWTG) as
applicable (NEB et al. 2010) prior to discharge.
Wastes destined for onshore treatment, recycling and/or disposal will be managed in
accordance with the Nova Scotia Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations and
will comply with any applicable federal and provincial waste requirements as well as
municipal by-laws. A third-party waste management contractor will manage and dispose
of wastes transported onshore in existing approved disposal facilities.
The OWTG specify the waste discharges as authorized under the CNSOPB which are
subject to compliance measurements, monitoring and/or reporting for specific
measurements. Relevant waste streams for the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploratory
Drilling Program are described below.
Table 12.1 below includes a summary of normal operational discharges from the Stena
IceMax. The far right hand column indicates the section of the EPP where the discharge
is further described.
CNSOPB
Collected & Discharge Guidelines Addressed
Discharge Treated Prior Phase Applicable
Waste Stream in EPP
Type(s) to Discharge (Solid, Liquid, (Yes/No) Section
(Yes/No) Gas)
OWTG
Bilge & Sludge Oil in water Yes Liquid Yes 12.3
Ballast Water Seawater No Liquid No 12.3
Oil in water,
Deck Drainage Yes Liquid Yes 12.4
Residual chemicals
Drill Cuttings
Cuttings, Muds,
Cleaning Yes Solid Yes 12.7
Chemical residuals
System
Sewage Aerobically
digested sewage.
(Grey & Black Yes Liquid Yes 12.5
Grey water,
Water) Chorine residual
Macerated Food
Food Waste Yes Solid Yes 12.5
Waste
Cooling Water Seawater No Liquid Yes 12.6
Seawater,
Firewater & AFFF(Aqueous
No Liquid Yes 12.9
Fire Protection Film Forming
Foams)
Fresh/Potable
Water No Liquid No ~
Water
Power
CO, CO2, SOx,
Generation/ No Gas Yes 12.2
NOx
Flare and Vent
Glycol based
BOP Fluids No Liquid Yes 12.8
hydraulic fluid
BOP Seal Monoethylene
No Liquid Yes 12.8
Fluids Glycol
Various authorized discharges to the marine environment from a drilling installation are
subject to specific compliance monitoring requirements including:
12.1.3 Authorized Waste Discharges Requiring Routine Reporting but not Compliance
Monitoring
Authorized discharges under the OWTG which require regular reporting to the CNSOPB
but are not subject to monitoring for compliance to specific discharge limits include air
emissions, specifically greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
Authorized discharges identified in the OWTG which are subject to specific treatment or
handling criteria but are not subject to monitoring or compliance to specific discharge
limits or routine reporting include:
Some waste streams identified in the OWTG, are not to be discharged under any
circumstance, or if they are to be discharged, require individual approvals from the
CNSOPB. Prohibited waste streams not specifically permitted for discharge under the
OWTG including:
• Oil-based drilling muds or drill cuttings contaminated with such muds with greater
than 6.9g/100g oil on wet solids (synthetic on cuttings concentration)
• Whole synthetic or enhanced mineral oil-based muds
• Any other substances not permitted under the OWTG (e.g., sludges from oil-
water separator systems, spent lubricants, all plastics, excess or damaged
supplies of chemicals, etc.)
12.2.1 Overview
Anticipated air emissions for the Project will include exhaust emissions from diesel
engines powering the MODU and OSVs, potential flaring of solution or production gas
(i.e., dissolved gas in the wellbore or reservoir fluids) during routine well testing,
potential venting associated with non-routine encounters of hydrocarbons and
associated gas during drilling activities, and potential incineration of waste oil. These
emissions may include carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur oxides (SOX), nitrogen oxides
(NOX), particulate matter, carbon dioxide (CO2), and VOCs.
The impact of air emissions from drilling operations will be minimized to the maximum
extent possible.
• Shell will conduct ongoing monitoring, reporting and review of air emissions from
the Shelburne Venture Exploratory Drilling Project in support of efforts to reduce
• Shell will work with Stena to gather the required data to accurately reflect an air
emissions inventory from the operations of the Project. The air emissions
inventory will meet the requirements of the annual reporting to the CNSOPB.
• Stena manages and monitors air emissions in accordance with its procedure
entitled Environmental Signposts (Doc. No. L2-DOC-LPD-3810) which promotes
the minimization of power generation and flaring where possible and
maintenance of baseline records of emissions. The Stena IceMAX also maintains
a current International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (Cert No. 30052) which
is valid through June 21, 2012 to April 16, 2017.
There are no specific compliance monitoring requirements associated with air emissions
which apply to drilling operations.
12.2.5 Reporting
Shell will calculate GHG emissions associated with the Project on an annual basis and
report the results to the CNSOPB in accordance with the OWTG. Shell will also
determine the type and significance of VOC emissions and report them in accordance
with existing best management practices for oil and gas operations in Canada in
accordance with the OWTG.
12.3.1 Overview
A detailed description of the Stena IceMAX bilge and ballast system operations are
found in Remote and Local Manual Operation of Ballast-Bilge System Valves – Stena
IceMAX (Doc. No. L5-DOC-ICE-5015)
Bilge water discharges will be treated in compliance with the OWTG such that the
residual oil concentration does not exceed 15 mg/L.
• The Stena IceMAX has a separate bilge system which drains the ships
machinery spaces and is equipped with an oil-water separator as well as a high
concentration of oil in water alarm. Treated water from the oil-water separator will
be discharged from the bilge separation tank in the engine room.
• Ballast water will be managed in accordance with the Ballast Water Control and
Management Regulations made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to
minimize the uptake and transfer of sediment and non-indigenous organisms.
These regulations are harmonized with the International Convention for the
Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediment (not yet in force).
• The Stena IceMAX shall conduct mid-ocean ballast water exchange during
ballast-laden voyages in an area 200 nautical miles from any shore and in water
2,000 meters deep whenever possible, prior to entering waters under Canadian
jurisdiction. If this is not possible, saltwater flushing of empty ballast water tanks
shall occur in an area 200 nautical miles from any shore, whenever possible.
• Canadian vessels registered under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (e.g., OSVs)
shall maintain a ballast water management plan and adhere to the Ballast Water
Control and Management Regulations as applicable.
There are no compliance monitoring requirements for ballast water, although under the
Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations, Transport Canada may undertake
inspections and samples to verify compliance with the provisions of the Regulations.
12.3.5 Reporting
The volume of bilge water discharged to the marine environment via the oil-water
separator will be reported on a monthly basis in the Compliance Monitoring Report for
the MODU.
12.4.1 Overview
The Stena IceMAX has bilges which collect deck drainage and pump liquids to their
respective disposal areas. The bilge water from the exposed decks is collected in a
drain line and received into the deck drain tank (985 m3) through oil-in-water detectors.
The oil-in-water detectors installed on the port and starboard side route the deck drains
into deck drain tank through remotely operated valves based upon the detected oil
content in the drains. If the oil concentration is below 15 mg/L, then the drains can be
routed overboard through remotely operated valves. If oil concentration above 15 mg/L
is detected, the drains are routed to the deck drain tank. The drains from the port and
starboard decks is received into the deck drain tank through U-seals. Each U-seal is
fitted with high and low level switches. These switches are directly interfaced to the oil-
in-water detectors. During normal operations, the drains direct deck water into the deck
drain tank.
Drains from the drill floor and well test areas direct collected water to the topside drain
tank (985 m3 capacity). This tank is fitted with three drain valves which drain into the
drain holding tank. The control of these drain valves is carried out by the Integrated
Automated System (IAS). The contents of these tanks are transferred through an oil-
water separator which removes the oil from the bilge water, discharges clean bilge
water (< 15 mg/L) overboard, and returns the oily bilge water to the recovered oil tank.
The separated oil in the topside drain tank is periodically drained into the separated
bilge oil tank. The waste oil in the bilge oil tank will be disposed of onshore or may be
incinerated.
Deck drainage discharges shall be treated such that the residual oil concentration does
not exceed 15 mg/L prior to ocean discharge.
• Stena will ensure that all oil-water separation equipment is in good working
condition and will maintain applicable certification for such equipment.
The deck drainage system of the Stena IceMAX accepts drainage from various areas of
the topsides of the ship, including drilling areas. As a result, there is a need to ensure
that the oil-in-water meter used to monitor the quality of discharge with respect to the 15
mg/L discharge limit is functioning properly. As a result, Shell and Stena will implement
a sampling and analysis protocol onboard the Stena IceMAX to ensure that the water
discharged from deck drainage has an oil-water content of < 15mg/L. The Chief
Engineer is responsible for ensuring all monitoring and measurement associated with
the drainage system is carried out. This sampling and analysis protocol will be
implemented by trained personnel prior to and during drilling operations. The analysis
procedure will be consistent with Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater, 20th Edition, 5520 Oil and Grease, 5520 C Partition-Infrared Method and
5520 F Hydrocarbons.
Should the monitoring protocol described above detect that the 15 mg/L limit is being
exceeded, regardless of the information provided by the oil-in-water meter, the
discharge will be stopped and drainage water re-circulated until the cause of the
exceedance is determined and corrected. The CNSOPB will be notified of this
circumstance should it arise, as described below.
12.4.5 Reporting
On a monthly basis, the total volume (m³) of any deck drainage discharged in
conjunction with the oil-in-water levels determined by the sampling and analyses
described above will be provided in the monthly compliance monitoring report.
Should there be an upset condition or abnormal event that causes deck drainage
discharges to exceed 15 mg/L of oil in water or if a visible hydrocarbon sheen is
observed on the sea surface, the CNSOPB will be notified immediately as per the
reporting process in the Oil Spill Response Plan which will include communication of
being taken to remedy the situation.
Spills to the marine environment will be immediately reported to the Canadian Coast
Guard and the CNSOPB as required and outlined in the Shell Canada Oil Spill
Response Plan and the CNSOPB Incident Reporting and Investigation Guidelines.
Sewage and grey water discharges will comply with the OWTG. All sewage and food
wastes will be reduced through maceration to an average particle size of 4 mm prior to
discharge at sea.
• Sewage will be discharged via two sewage treatment systems and will be subject
to both automatic chlorine and non-chlorinated disinfection. The majority of the
sewage and grey water produced on the vessel will be passed through the non-
chlorinated system. Sewage that will be chlorinated will be injected as a 15%
solution on demand when the discharge pump is activated. The chlorine will be
substantially consumed during the disinfection process.
12.5.4 Reporting
12.6.1 Overview
Seawater may be used as cooling water and if so will be discharged without treatment.
No biocides will be added in seawater if used as cooling water.
12.7.1 Overview
The drilling of each offshore well can be broken into two components, starting with
riserless drilling (i.e., an open system with no direct drill fluid return connection to the
MODU) and continuing with riser drilling (i.e., closed loop system with direct drill fluid
return connection to the MODU). Each well is anticipated to take approximately 170
days to drill to true vertical depth (TVD).
During the drilling of the initial sections of the well, there is no close loop fluid (riser)
system in place to return drilling fluid back to the MODU (i.e., riserless drilling). As such,
the associated drilling fluids, excess cement and cuttings are directed to the seabed and
released directly to the seafloor. During this phase, the drilling fluid consists of seawater
or water-based drilling mud (WBM) to cool the drill bit as well as transport the cuttings to
the seabed. Riserless drilling will be used for the initial drill sections (conductor and
surface strings) of each well, prior to connection of a riser system for drilling the
additional sections to target depth.
Following the installation casing and the blowout preventer (BOP) stack to the wellhead,
the riser system creates a conduit to capture the associated drilling fluids and cuttings
and transport them back to the MODU for further processing.
During this phase of drilling, the remaining well sections are drilled to TVD using either a
WBM or synthetic-based mud (SBM). Drill cuttings will be separated from the drilling
fluid utilizing the ships solid control system. The separated cuttings will be processed
through the cuttings dryer prior to being discharged approximately 2 m below the sea
surface. Only synthetic based fluid adhering to cuttings after processing will be
discharged at sea in accordance with the OWTG. In the event of a system malfunction
SBM cuttings will be captured in containers.
• Drill cuttings from synthetic –based mud drilling operations will be treated to meet
a 48 hour mass weighted average of retained “synthetic-on-cuttings” not
exceeding 6.9g/100g oil on wet solids
• Drill cuttings shall not exceed the 48-hour mass average of retained “synthetic-
on-cuttings” or “enhanced mineral oil-on-cuttings” discharged to sea of 6.9
g/100g oil on wet solids criteria.
• No whole SBM or whole mud containing SBM as a base fluid shall be discharged
at sea.
• Spent SBM drilling mud that is returned to the MODU during riser drilling and
cannot be reused shall be transported to shore for disposal.
• Surplus cement used during riserless drilling shall be disposed on the seabed.
• Spent and surplus cement used during riser drilling shall be transported to shore
for disposal in an approved facility.
The concentration of SBM retained on discharged drill cuttings shall be measured every
12 hours in accordance with the Procedure for Field Testing Oil Based Drilling Muds
(API 1991). A mass-weighted rolling 48-hour average shall be calculated in grams of
synthetic fluid per 100 grams wet solids.
In accordance with the Data Acquisition and Reporting Guidelines and Drilling and
Production Guidelines, Shell will provide a Well History Report to the CNSOPB for every
well drilled under the Well Approval within 90 days of the rig release date. The report
will include the following details:
• the type of drilling fluid and summary of the properties maintained for each phase
of the hole
• any fluid disposal downhole, including volumes, rates, pressures, dates, and
nature of the fluid
12.7.5 Reporting
In accordance with the OWTG, raw and averaged data as described in Section 12.7.4
shall be provided to the CNSOPB on a monthly basis. Daily analysis of retained
“synthetic on cuttings” discharged to sea will be recorded and reported to the CNSOPB
daily.
Shell, in accordance with CEAA condition 3.12.1, will measure and report
concentrations in excess of the limits to the CNSOPB within 24 hours and adjust
treatments as necessary to prevent further exceedances.
12.8.1 Overview
The Stena IceMAX carries two BOP units onboard. The purpose of the BOP stack is to
contain well fluids in the event that the primary well control method proves to be
inadequate. The IceMAX has two Cameron 18 ¾ “ 15,000 psi BOP assemblies
consisting of a Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) and a Lower BOP Stack. The BOP
is used to shut in the well, strip out drill pipe under moderate wellbore pressure, and in
an emergency, the BOP can shear off the drill string and seal the wellbore pressure.
The BOP stack can control wellhead pressure in all phases of drilling.
The BOP system is a dual redundant electro-hydraulic system which utilizes electronic
signals to activate hydraulic valves for the BOP functions. All functions on the lower
marine riser package (LMRP) and the BOP stack are electro-hydraulically controlled
from remote control panels located at the surface on the drilling unit.
The hydraulic fluid used to control and operate the BOP is produced in a mixing unit on
the surface and pressurized by a hydraulic pumping unit (HPU) for transfer to the
subsea. The HPU consists of six electric motors which pump a water/glycol mixture
from the HPU supply tank to the goose-necks in the moon-pool and down conduit lines
on the riser string.
BOP control fluid contains 4% Erifon HD603 HP, 10% Glycol and 86% water. Erifon
HD603 contains the following constituent components:
Erifon has low aquatic toxicity; one of the constituents, Oxazolidine (1-5%), is
considered harmful to aquatic organisms.
The Stena IceMax is equipped with a return line so that “high volume” BOP functions do
not discharge control fluid to sea. This is a rare setup as most subsea BOP control
systems discharge to sea for every function. Instead, during routine functions/ testing
the BOP control fluid can be returned to the drill ship. “High Volume” functions are
defined as functions of the Ram/Annular preventors. The low volume functions (choke
and kill valves) however discharge BOP control fluid to sea.
The volume of BOP control fluid discharged to sea from the Stena IceMax is typically
110-130 litres (L)/week. However, based on the composition, this amounts to
approximately 5 L of Erifon discharged per week.
An additional discharge source relating to the BOP is around the area where the BOP
connects to the wellhead. Hydrate build up around this seal has the potential to prevent
the BOP from being disconnected from the wellhead. To prevent the buildup of
hydrates, approximately 5 gallons of monoethylene glycol will be pumped every 2 days
into this seal. This equates to 17.5 gallons per week (approx. 67 litres/week) of hydrate
seal glycol, while the BOP is connected. The glycol is discharged to sea through the
seal, removing any hydrates that may be present.
• During a failure of the primary BOP control system at the surface, secondary
independent control systems will be used. In this situation fluid may be
discharged to the marine environment. Quantities of BOP fluid discharged will be
monitored and reported as per Stena’s Discharges to Sea (Environmental) (Doc.
No. L2-DOC-LPD-0215).
The Subsea Engineer will be responsible for monitoring and measuring any discharges
of fluids to the marine environment associated with the operation of the BOP. Quantities
of BOP control fluid used and discharged is monitored using flow meters and recorded
by stock level balance checks on a continuous basis. The calibration of flowmeter
equipment to ensure accuracy and relevant records are maintained according to
Stena’s Planned Maintenance System. Monitoring will be carried out as described in
Stena’s Discharges to Sea (Environmental) (Doc. No. L2-DOC-LPD-0215).
12.8.5 Reporting
In accordance with the OWTG, the volume and types of any fluids discharged into the
marine environment will be reported to the CNSOPB on a monthly basis.
12.9.1 Overview
The Stena IceMax carries a fire suppression system consisting of 9 tanks that contain
the fire extinguishing agent Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). The AFFF to be used
is Ansulite 3% AFFF Freeze Protected. It contains 55% proprietary mixture of
hydrocarbon surfactants, fluorosurfactants, inorganic salts and water, 15% Diethylene
Glycol Monobutyl Ether and 30% Ethylene Glycol.
Onboard the IceMax, four tanks (450L each) supply the helideck, four tanks (2000L
each) supply the well test deck, and one 8000L main storage tank for foam supply to the
shaker house and pit rooms. Additionally, there are approximately fifteen 20L drums of
foam to be used at fire hydrants. Dispersal from the tanks is either through fire monitors
or sprinklers. Dispersal from the drums is via a fire hose. The system is tested monthly,
but no foam is used. The system is tested with seawater only.
During standard operation (non-fire events), the volume of Ansulite discharged to sea
from the IceMax is approximately 20 litres/month or 100L over the course of the drilling
activity for each well. The discharge is due to the annual sampling/chemical analysis of
the foam from all storage tanks as well as from training exercises. To the extent
possible, produced foam will be contained onboard and returned to the drain tanks.
• The fire protection system will be tested monthly, however no foam will be used.
• In accordance with the Offshore Waste Treatment Guidelines (OWTG), water for
testing fire control systems may be discharged without treatment.
12.9.5 Reporting
In accordance with the OWTG, prior to conducting scheduled testing of the fire
suppression system, and where fire suppression chemicals are expected to be
discharged to sea, Shell will notify the CNSOPB when this discharge is expected to
occur.
13.1.1 Overview
• 2 storage tanks
• a flexible steel hose
• a pneumatic/electric pump
• a dispenser unit with filter separation/monitoring and
• a hose reel.
The helifuel storage area is located on the starboard side of the accommodation block,
behind the firewall. The area is protected from deluge.
Due to the combustible nature of helifuel, and to ensure the safety of operators, the
drainage from the helideck is routed directly overboard without treatment. All spills and
releases of helifuel and other hazardous materials in the helideck area will be minimized
where possible and will be cleaned up and treated as solid waste. Helifuel is transported
in portable tanks that are sealed until in place in the bunded area where one tank at a
time is connected to the refueling pump.
Shell’s and Stena’s objective is to avoid any loss of fuel from the helideck into the
marine environment during normal operations.
• Spill containment materials for minor hydrocarbon spills will be available and
firefighting precautions will be in place at the helideck during helicopter refueling
operations. Where it is safe to do so, spills of aviation fuel on the helideck will be
contained and cleaned up immediately.
13.1.5 Reporting
All helifuel spills to the marine environment will be immediately reported to the Canadian
Coast Guard and the CNSOPB as required and outlined in the Shell Canada Oil Spill
Response Plan.
13.2 Transfer of Fuel, Bulk Drilling Fluids and Liquid Wastes between Vessels
and Rig
Bulk transfers of fuel, fluids, and wastes between OSVs and the MODU are carried out
in strict compliance with procedures to avoid spills of materials being transferred.
Strict compliance with Shell Canada Marine Operations Manual (OPS0011) is the basis
for environmental protection in these operations. Stena’s requirements for this operation
are consistent with these requirements and include but may not be limited to:
• Prior to beginning transfer of bulk products, check liquid levels, flows (including
direction of transfer), pressures and temperatures throughout the system. In
addition, confirm that monitoring devices and alarm systems are fully operational
and pumps and transfer lines are working properly.
• The drill rig will use floating hoses that are equipped with dry break connections
for fuel transfers.
• All transfers of fuel and other petroleum based products (e.g., SBM) will be
continuously monitored by operations personnel. Operations personnel will line
walk the system to visually inspect for leaks, damage and/or system
abnormalities. Any irregularities must be reported immediately.
• The Barge Master will maintain all records relating to bulk transfers and ensure
that relevant transfers are recorded in the oil record book as required.
13.2.4 Reporting
All spills to the marine environment will be immediately reported to the Canadian Coast
Guard and the CNSOPB as required and outlined in the Shell Canada Oil Spill
Response Plan.
The MODU and OSVs will adhere to standard operating and navigation procedures and
comply with the Canada Shipping Act, MARPOL, all applicable regulations, and
Canadian Coast Guard requirements.
Offshore waste streams, including those associated with vessel operations, are
summarized in Section 10.1 along with applicable reporting and/or monitoring
requirements and discharge prohibitions. Procedures for environmental protection and
compliance monitoring of waste streams from vessel-related air emissions, bilge and
ballast discharges, deck drainage, sewage and grey water, cooling water, and drilling
discharges are described in Sections 10.2 through 10.7. Transfers of fuels and bulk
liquids, including wastes, between OSVs and the MODU are addressed in Section 11.2
of this EPP. Any spills to the marine environment from the MODU or OSVs will be
immediately reported to the Canadian Coast Guard and the CNSOPB as required (refer
to Section 15 of this EPP for more information about environmental incidents).
Local metocean conditions will be monitored and extreme weather conditions that are
outside the operating envelope of the MODU or OSVs will be avoided if necessary.
Pilots will have the authority and obligation to suspend or modify operations in case of
adverse weather that compromises the safety of OSV or MODU operations. The
implementation of standard operating procedures, such as reducing vessel speed, using
appropriate sound and/or light signals, and relying on radar and navigation equipment
as appropriate, will help OSVs to navigate safely during foggy conditions. Icing
conditions and accumulation rates on OSVs and the MODU will be monitored during fall
and winter operations, particularly when gale-force winds may be combined with air
temperatures below -2 °C.
The MODU selected for the Project is the Stena IceMAX, a dual mast, dynamically
positioned, Polar Class 4, harsh environment, ultra-deepwater drillship, designed and
certified for year-round worldwide operations.
The Stena IceMAX is equipped with a Kongsberg Maritime Automation System (IAS), a
distributed monitoring and control system built for marine and offshore applications. The
IAS covers all important functions onboard the MODU, including:
• power management
• auxiliary machinery control
• ballast/bunkering monitoring
• fire and gas detection
The Stena IceMAX was designed according to the following operating criteria (Table
13.1).
Additional information about operational limits for the Stena IceMAX and appropriate
procedures are summarized in Environmental Effects and Operational Limits – DrillMAX
and IceMAX Class Vessels (Doc. No. L2-DOC-OPS-4834).
Shell and its contractors will adhere to all applicable mitigations identified within the
CEAA Decision Statement as well as the mitigation commitments made in the EIS,
including the following:
• Offshore waste discharges and emissions associated with the Project (e.g.,
operational discharges and emissions from the MODU) will be managed in
compliance with MARPOL and treated in accordance with the OWTG, as
applicable.
• A 500-m radius safety zone will be maintained around the MODU during Project
operations. No persons will be allowed within the safety zone without the
permission of the Master/ OIM. The Master/OIM has the authority, granted by the
• Other ocean users with potential to be affected by the Project will be notified
regarding the timing and location of Project activities and components (e.g.,
through direct communications and/or the issuance of Notices to Shipping) to
mitigate potential disruption.
The key manageable environmental risks related to OSV operations are associated with
vessel transiting (which has potential to affect marine mammals and sea turtles, Special
Areas, and commercial and Aboriginal fisheries and other offshore users) and routine
operational discharges (which have potential to affect fish and fish habitat, marine
mammals and sea turtles, marine birds, and Special Areas).
Shell and its contractors will adhere to all applicable mitigations identified within the
CEAA Decision Statement as well as the mitigation commitments made in the EIS,
including the following:
• In preparation for the Project, OSVs will undergo Shell’s internal audit process as
well as additional external inspections/audits, including the CNSOPB pre-
authorization inspection process, during Q2/Q3 of 2015.
• Offshore waste discharges and emissions associated with the Project (e.g.,
operational discharges and emissions from OSVs) will be managed in
compliance with MARPOL and treated in accordance with the OWTG, as
applicable.
• OSVs will be compliant with the Canada Shipping Act and national and
international regulations while at sea, Eastern Canadian Vessel Traffic Services
Zone Regulations when operating in nearshore or harbour areas, and applicable
Port Authority requirements when in a port. Ship operations will also adhere to
Annex I of MARPOL, of which Canada has incorporated provisions under various
sections of the Canada Shipping Act and its regulations.
• OSVs transiting to and from the MODU will use existing shipping routes, adhere
to standard navigation procedures, and travel at vessel speeds not exceeding 22
• OSVs will avoid the Gully, as per the Gully Marine Protected Area Regulations,
when travelling to and from the MODU; will avoid other critical habitat for the
northern bottlenose whale (Shortland and Haldimand canyons); and will avoid
critical habitat for the North Atlantic right whale (Roseway Basin) from June 1 to
December 31.
Project activities will require helicopter support for transfer of crew and light supply.
Helicopter routes take into account avoidance of a military “no fly” zone, which would
prohibit flying a straight line to the centre of the Project Area, and also avoid Roseway
Basin and Sable Island.
All helicopter operations will be conducted in strict adherence to Transport Canada and
International Aviation requirements. Transport of potentially hazardous materials will be
carried out in compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) requirements.
The key manageable environmental risk associated with helicopter operations offshore
is associated with refuelling on the MODU and the risk of spillage of fuel during
refuelling or in transport of fuel to the helipad from its storage location. Procedures for
environmental protection and compliance monitoring of waste streams from the
handling of helifuel are described in Section 11.1. Any spills to the marine environment
from Project helicopters will be immediately reported to the Canadian Coast Guard and
the CNSOPB as required (refer to Section 14 of this EPP for more information about
environmental incidents).
Operational limitations for helicopters will depend on the type of aircraft used. In
general, the following limits are applied for routine operations (Table 13.2).
Parameter Limit
Roll + or -3 degrees
Pitch + or -3 degrees
Rate of heave 1.3 m/s
Wind 50 knots
Extreme weather conditions that are outside the operating envelope of Project
helicopters will be avoided if necessary. Pilots will have the authority and obligation to
suspend or modify operations in case of adverse weather that compromises the safety
of helicopter operations. The implementation of standard operating procedures, such as
reducing helicopter speed and/or adjusting flight altitude, using appropriate sound
and/or light signals, and relying on radar and navigation equipment as appropriate, will
help helicopters to navigate safely during foggy conditions. Icing conditions and
accumulation rates on helicopters will be monitored during fall and winter operations,
particularly when gale-force winds may be combined with air temperatures below -2 °C.
Shell and its contractors will adhere to all applicable mitigation commitments made in
the EIS, including the following:
• Except in the case of an emergency, Project helicopters will avoid flying over
Roseway Basin and Sable Island.
• Helicopters transiting to and from the MODU will fly at altitudes greater than 300
m and at a lateral distance of 2 km from active colonies when possible.
Shell will preferentially select the lowest toxicity alternatives, and chemicals that
minimize residual impact if released into the environment (e.g., biodegradable, non-
chlorinated, etc.
Stena’s Heads of Departments are responsible for the storage of oil and chemicals
within their specific areas, while Stena’s Bargemaster and the Chief Engineer are
• High level alarms and overflow return pipes should be fitted, where possible, to
prevent spillage during filling and maintained through the Planned Maintenance
System (PMS).
• The volume indicators and the high level alarms should be calibrated to ensure
accuracy according to the PMS.
• Spill kits should be located near to permanent storage containers and any
materials replaced if used. Personnel should be fully trained in the use of spill kit
materials.
14.3 Reporting
In accordance with the OCSG, an annual report detailing chemical usage and discharge
quantities for the Project will be prepared and submitted to the CNSOPB.
Wastes destined for onshore treatment, recycling and/or disposal shall be managed in
accordance with the Nova Scotia Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations and
will comply with any applicable federal and provincial waste requirements as well as
municipal by-laws. A third-party waste management contractor will manage and dispose
of wastes transported onshore in existing approved disposal facilities. Please refer to
the Shelburne Basin Venture Waste Management Plan (EP201505209133).
A full BOP function test will be conducted weekly to ensure proper functioning of this
piece of equipment. During these routine testing activities, approximately 100 to 130L of
BOP fluid will be discharged to sea in accordance with the OWTG. See Section 12.8 of
the EPP for further information on the composition of the BOP fluid to be used in
association with the Project.
See Section 12.8 of the EPP for further information on this activity.
The fire suppression system onboard the MODU will be tested in accordance with the
procedure outlined in Stena’s Fire Systems Test Guidance – Stena IceMAX, Marine
RSWM (Doc No. L5-DOC-ICE-4098) document. During monthly testing activities,
approximately 20L of fire suppression chemical will be discharged to sea. See Section
12.9 of the EPP for further information on the composition of the fire suppression fluid to
be used in association with the Project.
VSP surveys will adhere to mitigation measures described in the SOCP and outlined in
Shell’s EA for the Shelburne Basin 3D Seismic Survey (LGL 2013) as well as those
identified within the CEAA Decision Statement for the Project.
Wells drilled during the first campaign that are required for testing in the second
campaign will be suspended for potential future re-entry. Abandonment will take place
immediately following drilling or well testing, if required and will be done in compliance
In association with well abandonment, approval may be sought to leave the wellhead in
place. If approval to leave the wellhead in place is provided by CNSOPB, the associated
subsea infrastructure that would be left in place would be a portion of the conductor
casing as well as the well head and would extend approximately 4–5m above the
seabed. As per CEAA Condition 5.3, if the abandoned wellheads are left on the
seafloor, Shell shall provide the location of the abandoned wellheads to the Marine
Communications and Traffic Services for broadcasting and publishing in the Notices to
Shipping.
Under Section 58 of the Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Drilling and Production
Regulations, the seafloor must be cleared of any material or equipment that may
interfere with other commercial uses of the sea. As such, a key consideration in
determining whether or not to remove or leave the wellhead in place will be the potential
for any interaction with other commercial users. Individual abandonment plans will be
developed and subject to approval by the CNSOPB on a case-by-case basis. Shell will
engage with commercial fisheries in regards to any planned abandonment activities and
will also seek approval from the CNSOPB for abandonment plans. All abandoned well
locations will be noted on nautical charts for future reference. Should well heads be left
in place on the seabed, this detail would be noted in association with the well locator to
reduce the potential for any subsea interaction. As per CEAA condition 5.2, if the
wellhead is proposed to remain in place on the seafloor , Shell will prepare a well
abandonment plan and consult with Aboriginal and commercial fishers on the plan.
Shell will take all reasonable measures to prevent accidents and malfunctions that may
result in adverse environmental effects and shall implement emergency response
procedures and contingency plans developed in relation to the Project as per CEAA
condition 6.1. The Incident Reporting and Investigation Guideline (referred to throughout
as “the Guidelines”) (C-NLOPB and CNSOPB 2012) define an incident as: “Any event
that caused or, under slightly different circumstances, would likely have caused harm to
personnel, an unauthorized discharge or spill or an imminent threat to the safety of an
installation, vessel or aircraft. It also includes any event that impairs the function of any
equipment or system critical to the safety of personnel, the installation, vessel or aircraft
or any event that impairs the function of equipment or systems critical to the protection
of the natural environment.” All incidents and near misses that occur in relation to the
Project will be reported to the CNSOPB and other applicable authorities in accordance
with the Guide.
Any Shell or contractor or employee that becomes aware of a hazard or incident during
the course of Project activities is expected to immediately report the occurrence to the
Shell Drilling Supervisor and the Stena Master/OIM. The Drilling Supervisor will be
responsible for ensuring that all incidents are investigated and reported in compliance
with regulatory and Shell requirements.
The Project will notify the CNSOPB of incidents, as required. There are three types of
notifications, immediate verbal, immediate written, and written notification (within 24
hours), as described in the Guidelines.
CNSOPB Duty Officers can be contacted for immediate verbal notification of an incident
24 hours a day, seven days a week at < Redacted>. The following incidents must be
reported immediately to the CNSOPB on-call Duty Officer:
• Fatality
• Missing person
• Major injury
• Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• Fire/explosion
Incidents will be reported by the PIC of a location. The PIC will use standard forms for
reporting of incidents available under their company HSSE &SP MS.
For all incidents written notification will be provided to the CNSOPB as soon as
reasonably practicable but no later than 24 hours after Shell becomes aware of any
incident.
After completing the mandatory indent reporting to the CNSOPB, in some instances,
direct contact by an operator with other authorities may be required at the request of
those agencies (e.g., federal or provincial departments or other regulatory agencies).
Shell is responsible for ensuring that all authorities are appropriately contacted. If a
health, safety, or environmental occurrence does not directly trigger incident-reporting to
the CNSOPB, but requires written notification to another authority, Shell will also notify
the CNSOPB and provide a copy of the written notification.
Authority Service/Contact
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) To be contacted immediately for all marine
pollution incidents. The CCG’s 24-hour
emergency phone number for Nova Scotia
is1-800-565-1633.
CCG Regional Operations Centre Contact for all incidents involving fatalities,
missing persons or injury/illness to
personnel working on a Canadian flagged
vessel or installation (1-800-565-1633 or
902-426-6030), CCG will then transfer
notification to Transport Canada Marine
Safety. The CCG Regional Operations
Centre should also be contacted to report
pollution of any type (to land, sea and air),
defective aids to navigation/hazards to
navigation, environmental emergencies,
and fisheries-related incidents.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation Contingency Contact for all aviation emergencies and
Operations (CACO) incidents at 1-613-947-5140 (from 0800–
1600 Monday to Friday, excluding statutory
holidays) or 1-877-992-6853 (24-hour
Authority Service/Contact
emergency line).
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Contact for all incidents involving criminal
activity (including serious injuries),
terrorism, fatalities or missing persons at
902-426-7766 in Nova Scotia.
Marine Animal Response Society (MARS), In the event of a vessel collision with a
CNSOPB and Canadian Coast Guard marine mammal or sea turtle, or any other
incident involving stranded, injured or dead
marine mammals, Shell will promptly report
to the CNSOPB through the Canadian
Coast Guard Radio, in accordance with
CEAA Condition 3.11. Additionally, Shell
will notify the Marine Animal Response
Society (MARS) (1-866-567-6277) of any
collision incidents of this nature.
All incidents will be investigated to find the underlying or root causes as well as to
identify remedial actions to prevent future recurrence of the incident or similar incidents
in the future. Such investigations will be conducted in accordance with Section 7 of the
Guide.
• Shell and CNSOPB standard forms shall be available for incident reports and
these shall be issued within agreed time frames following an incident (generally
within 24 hours).
• In addition to the Contractors and Shell’s Reporting criteria the CNSOPB also
mandates Incident and Investigation Reporting. The CNSOPB Drilling and
Production Guidelines identify the reporting requirements in Section 76 titled
‘Incidents’ which states:
o CNSOPB is notified of any accident or near-miss as soon as the
circumstances permit
o CNSOPB is notified at least 24 hours in advance of any press release or
press conference concerning any incident or near-miss
• Shell will review all incidents and near misses reported to determine the need for
further detailed reports produced by the Contractor. The investigation process
will include the Contractors Investigation Team and the inclusion of any Shell
individual assigned by Shell on shore management. Shell’s expectations are to
conduct a joint investigation with our contractors to fully understand the root
cause.
• Upon determination of the need for an Investigation Report the Contractor will
produce a satisfactory report within 7 days of request.
• In addition to the Shell requirements, any incident or near miss meeting the
below criteria will require an investigation report that will be submitted to
CNSOPB no later than 21 days after the incident has occurred:
• A lost or restricted workday injury,
• Death,
• Fire or explosion,
• A loss of containment of any fluid from a well,
• An imminent threat to the safety of a person, installation or support craft,
or
• A significant pollution event.
Incident learnings and applicable information will be disseminated through the venues of
HSSE &SP meetings (whether formal Safety meetings, Pre-Job meetings, Department
meetings or other group communication opportunities), safety ‘alerts’, industry
notifications, newsletters, and other industry publications. Lagging and leading
indicators are gathered, analyzed and circulated within the Shell, contractors and other
Partners in Safety on an ongoing basis.
In accordance with the Guidelines for the Reporting and Investigation of Incidents any
discharge that exceeds the limits prescribed in the EPP is considered an “unauthorized
discharge” and will be immediately reported to the CCG and CNSOPB as an incident.
If any exceedances or spills result in a visible sheen this will be included in the
unauthorized discharge or spill incident report. Sheens may also be observed during
normal operating conditions (i.e., discharges within approved operational criteria with no
hydrocarbon spill), Shell will immediately notify the CCG and CNSOPB for information
purposes. Sheens observed in the course of approved discharge will not be reported as
incidents.
For further information, please refer to the Incident Reporting and Investigation Guide
(EP201504207396).
Shell will undertake the Project in a manner that protects and avoids harming, killing or
disturbing migratory birds or taking their nests or eggs. In this regard, Shell shall take
into account Environment Canada's Avoidance Guidelines and actions in applying the
Avoidance Guidelines shall in be in compliance with the MBCA, 1994 and with SARA.
Routine checks for stranded birds will be conducted on the MODU and OSVs and
appropriate procedures for release will be implemented. If stranded birds are found
during routine inspections, they will be handled using the protocol outlined in The
Leach’s Storm Petrel: General Information and Handling Instructions (Williams and
Chardine 1999) (Appendix B) and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
bird salvage/handling permit obtained from the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS). The
draft Environment Canada document Best practices for stranded birds encountered
offshore Atlantic Canada – Draft 2 (April 17, 2015) may be referenced. Activities will
comply with the requirements for documenting and reporting any stranded birds to CWS
during the drilling program. To differentiate between Wilson’s Storm-Petrel and Leach’s
Storm-Petrel, photographs depicting their differences will be provided to crew members
trained to check for and handle stranded birds.
Bird mortalities will also be documented and reported to the CWS Atlantic Regional
Office:
Atlantic Region
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville NB
E4L 1G6
Phone: 506-364-5044
Fax: 506-364-5062
E-mail: nature@ec.gc.ca
In the unlikely event of an accidental spill, oiled birds will be collected and rehabilitated
as practical. As part of spill response, hazing techniques may be used if deemed
necessary to deter birds and marine mammals from entering affected areas and prevent
further oiling.
There will be no flaring associated with well testing during the initial drilling campaign for
the Project. The EPP will be updated accordingly for the follow up campaigns and
phases of the Project if flaring is to occur. Mitigation measures associated with flaring
Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) will be employed to monitor and report on marine
mammal and sea turtle sightings during VSP surveys to enable shutdown or delay in the
presence of a marine mammal or sea turtle species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA, as
well as all other baleen whales and sea turtles (refer to Section 14.3). Monitoring will be
accomplished through visual observations. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) may be
used if other operational mitigation options (i.e. no shut downs or start ups during night
or poor visibility) cannot be implemented.
MMO duties will involve watching for and identifying marine mammals and sea turtles;
recording their numbers, distances and reactions to the VSP survey; initiating mitigation
measures when appropriate (e.g., shutdown), and reporting results. Following the
program, copies of the marine mammal and sea turtle observer reports will be provided
to DFO.
Should it be used, PAM would be utilized during periods of low visibility (e.g., fog and
darkness) to detect vocalizing marine mammals. Access to PAM data, where available,
will be provided to DFO to help inform knowledge of marine mammals in the area.
In the unlikely event of an accidental event, Shell will implement measures outlined in its
ERP and integrated contingency plans (refer to Section 4.3.2) as applicable. Depending
on the incident, specific monitoring (e.g., environmental effects monitoring (EEM)) and
follow-up programs may be required and would be developed in consultation with
applicable regulatory agencies, Aboriginal groups, fisheries and other stakeholders, and
the public. In general, this may involve monitoring various aspects of the marine
environment until specific endpoints are achieved and residual hydrocarbons reach
acceptable background levels. In addition, records of marine mammals, sea turtles, and
birds encountered and any evidence of visible oiling would be maintained.
Any records of visibly oiled marine mammals, sea turtles and birds collected as a result
of any offshore accidental events, would be submitted to the CNSOPB to be made
available to the appropriate regulatory agencies. Frequency of provision would depend
on the nature and scale of an incident. In the event of a small scale, short-term incident,
records would be provided following clean-up and response. In the event of a larger
scale, longer term spill event, records would be provided at a frequency decided
Additional EEM for birds may include monitoring of behaviour relative to the spill (i.e.,
attraction, avoidance, preening), number and percentage of oiled individuals and
documenting number, percentage and timing of dead birds.
As part of the EA process under CEAA, 2012, the public has been engaged through
invitation to review various EA-related documents prepared by Shell and by the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency). Such documents,
including this EPP, will continue to be made available to the public via the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Registry (CEAR) website. This EPP and other documents
required in support of drilling authorizations will also be posted to the CNSOPB website.
Shell will develop and implement a Fisheries Communication Plan (FCP) for commercial
and Aboriginal fisheries representatives that will facilitate coordinated communication
around routine Project activities and components as well as accidental events.
The FCP will include a commitment to provide ongoing notifications and operational
updates during Project activities. Notification during operations will use a combination of
Notices to Shipping (NOTSHIP) and Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) as well as
individual e-mail notices sent directly to parties such as commercial fisheries
organizations and Aboriginal groups (i.e., potentially affected and interested First
Nations). These notifications will be disseminated weekly, and will include specific
details such as associated vessel/rig contact information, rig location and deployment
routes, and Shell personnel contact information in case potentially affected and
interested parties have concerns or impacts to report.
Development of the FCP to date has been based on input provided by numerous
members of the fishing industry, including commercial and Aboriginal fisheries contacts.
Active fisheries have numerous forums via the FCP to communicate with both Shell and
the operations crew regarding questions, concerns and information pertinent to their
activities. Input and information provided by fisheries stakeholders is then considered
and incorporated as necessary by the Project and operations staff. Specific questions or
concerns raised by active fisheries stakeholders are followed up and responded to in a
timely matter by Shell’s fisheries consultation representative.
• The first component of the FCP refers to proposed communications prior to and
during routine operations. It indicates Shell’s commitments with respect to
methods and frequencies of communications with fishers, as well as well as
types of information provided.
Shell will review both of these components of the FCP with potentially affected and
interested First Nations prior to the commencement of drilling in 2015 (pending
regulatory approval), specifically by seeking input on the content of the FCP,
appropriate contacts, and preferred communication channels.
The FCP is intended to be a two-way forum that facilitates engagement between Shell
and fisheries stakeholders, including the provision of updates and feedback as well as
the communication of, and response to, questions or concerns.
Fisheries stakeholders are welcome to contact Shell at any time during the life of the
Project to raise any questions, concerns, suggestions or feedback to help improve the
effectiveness of the FCP.
Shell believes that regular, ongoing engagement with Aboriginal fishing interests
throughout the life of the Shelburne Basin Venture will allow Shell to receive any
feedback on any Project effects or concerns from Aboriginal fishers. In the event that
issues and concerns are raised, monitoring and/or mitigation will be developed as
appropriate in consultation with applicable Aboriginal interests.
Shell will respond to any assertions of impacts to Aboriginal rights or commercial fishing
activities. Should an impact be reported, a Shell representative would seek to discuss
the situation with the complainant through direct contact (e.g., phone call, meeting). The
appropriate response to, and measures taken to address the identified impact would
depend upon the specific situation. For example, if a fisheries stakeholder indicated that
Shell damaged fishing gear, Shell would discuss the specific circumstances with the
applicable fisheries representative(s). Depending on the circumstances, specific
measures taken in response could include providing appropriate compensation, revising
the FCP, and potentially modifying aspects of Project activities. If a First Nation
indicated Shell’s operations prevented access to a preferred area for exercising
Aboriginal rights, depending on the circumstances, the specific measures taken in
response could include re-considering the routing of Project activities or modifying the
timing of Project activities in order to try to avoid the areas or times when conflicting
fishing activities would occur. In any event, Shell would respond by seeking to take
steps and implement reasonable measures to prevent such
damage/interference/impacts from reoccurring.
Shell is willing to review this EPP with First Nations and fisheries interests prior to its
implementation during the drilling program. The ERP and supporting contingency plans
referred to in Section 4.3.2 are currently being drafted for final submission to the
Regulatory agencies that participated in the EA process include the CEA Agency, the
CNSOPB, the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Environment Canada, DFO,
Transport Canada, and the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs.
Applicable regulatory agencies will be kept informed of the Project through review of this
EPP as well as applications for regulatory approval and the results of follow-up and
monitoring activities (including compliance monitoring and spill EEM if required). In the
event of an incident, the appropriate authorities will be notified as summarized in
Section 15.2.
Shell has provided draft versions of various Project plans and other documents
(including this EPP, the Safety Plan, Waste Management Plan, and the emergency
preparedness and response plans referred to in Section 4.3.2) to the CNSOPB to obtain
feedback and to ensure input from the CNSOPB and any other regulatory agencies are
considered. As part of CNSOPB’s review, they will facilitate review and acquire the
appropriate input from other relevant regulatory agencies. Shell will meaningfully
consider and address input as provided through this review process. Final versions of
these documents will be submitted to the CNSOPB prior to drilling.
Further, Shell completed a Major Tier III Oil Spill Response full day table-top exercise,
which took place in Halifax the week of April 20, 2015. As part of the planning for this
exercise, Shell hosted several planning meetings and workshops, attended by relevant
regulatory monitoring and response agencies. The purpose of these planning meetings
and workshops was to obtain valuable input from key regulatory agencies to ensure
Shell’s plans are functional, effective and ready for use, if required.
DFO [Fisheries and Oceans Canada]. 2007a. Statement of Canadian Practice with
Respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment. Available
from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/management-
gestion/integratedmanagement-gestionintegree/seismic-sismique/pdf/statement-
enonce-eng.pdf.
Williams, U., Chardine, J. 1999. The Leach’s Storm Petrel: General Information and
Handling Instructions. 4 pp. Available from:
http://www.cnlopb.nl.ca/pdfs/mkiseislab/mki_app_h.pdf.
The Bird:
Leach’s Storm-Petrels are small seabirds, not
much bigger than a Robin. They have relatively
long wings and are excellent fliers. Leach’s
Storm-Petrels are dark brown in colour and
show a conspicuous white patch at the base of
the tail. In the hand, you can easily notice a
small tube at the top of their bill, and you will
also notice that the birds have a peculiar, not unpleasant smell (although some Newfoundlanders
call these birds “Stink Birds”). Storm-Petrels are easy prey for gulls and other predators, and so
to protect themselves from predation, Leach’s Storm-Petrels are only active at night when on
land at the breeding colonies.
Nesting Habitat:
Leach’s Storm-Petrels are distributed widely in the northern hemisphere, however, their major
centres of distribution are Alaska and Newfoundland. The bird breeds on offshore islands, often
in colonies numbering tens or hundreds of thousands of pairs, even millions at one colony in
Newfoundland. The nest is a chamber, sometimes lined with a some grass, located at the end of a
narrow tunnel dug in the topsoil.. Depending on the colony, burrows may be under conifer or
raspberry thickets or open grassland.
1
Reproduction:
In Newfoundland, Leach’s Storm-Petrels lay their single egg in May and June. The egg is
incubated by both parents alternately, sometimes for stretches exceeding 48 hours. The egg is
incubated for 41-42 days, which is a long time for such a small egg. The peak hatching period is
in the last half of July. The young petrel remains in the tunnel for about 63-70 days. Once
breeding is over in late-August or early September, the birds disperse from the colonies and
migrate to their wintering grounds in the Atlantic. September is the most important period for
migration of Storm-Petrels to the offshore areas such as near the Terra Nova field.
Populations:
Canada alone supports more than 5 million pairs of Leach's Storm-Petrels. Most of them are
found in Newfoundland. The Leach’s Storm-Petrel colony located on Baccalieu Island is the
largest known colony of this species.
Nesting sites for Leach’s Storm-Petrels are found along the southeast coast of Newfoundland.
These are - i) Witless Bay Islands (780,00 nesting pairs), ii) Iron Island (10,000 nesting pairs),
iii) Corbin Island (100,000 nesting pairs), iv) Middle Lawn Island (26,000 nesting pairs), v)
Baccalieu Island (3,336,000 nesting pairs), vi) Green Island (72,000 nesting pairs), and vii) St.
Pierre Grand Columbier (100,000 nesting pairs).
Feeding Habits:
Leach’s Storm-Petrels feed at the sea surface, seizing prey in flight. Prey usually consists of
myctophid fish and amphipods. The chick is fed planktonic crustaceans, drops of stomach oil
from the adult bird, and small fish taken far out at sea. Storm-Petrels feed far out from the colony
and it would be reasonable to assume that birds nesting in eastern Newfoundland can be found
feeding around the Terra Nova site.
The Problem:
As identified in the C-NOPB Decision 97-02, seabirds such as Leach’s Storm-Petrels are
attracted to lights on offshore platforms and vessels. Experience has shown that Storm-Petrels
may be confused by lights from ships and oil rigs, particularly on foggy nights, and will crash
into lighted areas such as decks and portholes. Fortunately, this type of accident does not often
result in mortality, however, once on deck the bird will sometimes seek a dark corner in which to
hide, and can become fouled with oil or other contaminants on deck.
Period of Concern:
Leach’s Storm-Petrels are in the Terra Nova area from about May until October and birds could
be attracted to lights at any time throughout this period. The period of greatest risk of attraction
2
to lights on vessels appears to be at the end of the breeding season when adults and newly
fledged chicks are dispersing from the colonies and migrating to their offshore wintering
grounds. September is the most important period for migration of storm-petrels to the offshore
areas. Past experience suggests that any foggy night in September could be problematic and may
result in hundreds or even thousands of birds colliding with the vessel.
The Mitigation:
On nights when storm-petrels are colliding with the vessel, the following steps should be taken to
ensure that as many birds as possible are safely returned to their natural habitat.
• All decks of the vessel should be patrolled as often as is needed to ensure that birds are picked up
and boxed (see below) as soon as possible after they have collided with the vessel. After
collision, birds will often “freeze” below lights on deck or seek dark areas underneath machinery
and the like.
• Birds should be collected by hand and gently placed in small cardboard boxes. Care should be
taken not to overcrowd the birds and a maximum of 10-15 birds should be placed in each box,
depending upon its size. The birds are very easy to pick up as they are poor walkers and will not
fly up off the deck so long as the area is well-lit. They will make a squealing sound as they are
picked up- this is of no concern and is a natural reaction to be handled (the birds probably think
they have been captured to be eaten!).
• When the birds are placed in the box the cover should be put in place and the birds left to recover
in a dark, cool, quiet place for about 5-10 minutes. The birds initially will be quite active in the
box but will soon settle down.
• Following the recovery period, the box containing the birds should be brought to the bow of the
boat or to some other area of the vessel that has minimal (if any) lighting. The cover should be
opened and each bird individually removed by hand. The release is usually accomplished by
letting the bird drop over the side of the vessel. There is no need to throw the bird up in the air at
release time. If the birds are released at a well-lit part of the vessel they usually fly back towards
the vessel and collide again.
• If any of the birds are wet when they are captured (i.e. they drop into water on the deck) then
they should be placed in a cardboard box and let dry. Once the bird is dry it can be released as
per the previous instruction. Also, temporarily injured birds should be left for longer to recover
in the cardboard box before release.
• Any birds contaminated with oil should be kept in a separate box and not mixed with clean birds.
Contact Canadian Wildlife Service at (709) 772-5585 for instructions on how to deal with
contaminated birds.
• In the event that some birds are captured near dawn and are not fully recovered before daylight,
they should be kept until the next night for release. Storm-Petrels should not be released in
daylight as at this time they are very vulnerable to predation by gulls. Birds should be kept in the
cardboard box in a cool, quiet place for the day, and do not need to be fed.
• Someone should be given the responsibility of maintaining a tally of birds that have been
captured and released, and those that were found dead on deck. These notes should be kept with
other information about the conditions on the night of the incident (moonlight, fog, weather),
3
date, time, etc). THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE EXERCISE AS IT IS THE
ONLY WAY WE CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE EVENTS.
Handling Instructions:
• Leach’s Storm-Petrels are small, gentle birds and should be handled with care at all times.
• It is recommended that the person handling the birds should wear thin rubber gloves or clean,
cotton work gloves. The purpose of the gloves is to protect both the Storm-Petrel and the
worker.
• As mentioned Storm-Petrel’s have a strong odor that will stick to the handler’s hands.
Washing with soap and water will remove most of the smell.
• Handling Leach’s Storm-Petrels does not pose a health hazard to the worker, however some
birds may have parasites on their feathers, such as feather lice. These parasites do not present
any risk to humans, however, as a precaution we recommend wearing cotton work gloves or
thin rubber gloves while handling birds and washing of hands afterwards.
A relative of the Leach’s Storm-Petrel is the Wilson’s Storm-Petrel. They breed in the south
Atlantic and Antarctica and migrate north in our spring to spend the summer in Newfoundland
waters. This species is very numerous on the Grand Banks in the summer, and shares the same
nocturnal habits as the Leach’s Storm-Petrel. Thus it is possible that Wilson’s Storm-Petrels may
also be attracted to the lights of a vessel at night. The two species are very similar and should be
handled in the same way as described above for our Leach’s Storm-Petrel.
Permits:
A permit to handle storm-petrels issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service will be held on board
the vessel to cover personnel involved in bird collision incidents.
4
APPENDIX C – SHELBURNE BASIN VENTURE WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN (EP201505209133)
Disclosure None
Document Number: EP201505209133
Document History
REVISION STATUS APPROVAL
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Reference Documents .................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Waste Management Principles ..................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Scope and Organization ................................................................................................................ 5
1.5 Target Audience ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.0 WASTE CLASSIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Waste Definition ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Waste Classification ...................................................................................................................... 7
3.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES ............................................................................................... 10
3.1 Waste Identification and Management ........................................................................................ 10
3.2 Waste Transport Manifest ........................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Waste Disposal Record ............................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Waste Records ............................................................................................................................ 11
3.5 Waste Reporting ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Waste Management Facilities ..................................................................................................... 12
3.7 Audits .......................................................................................................................................... 12
3.8 Waste Segregation and Transport Schematics .......................................................................... 12
4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................... 15
5.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX A – WASTE MANIFEST (EXAMPLE) – OFFSHORE.................................................................. 23
APPENDIX B - MASTER WASTE DISPOSAL RECORD .............................................................................. 24
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
In association with Shell Canada Limited’s (Shell) proposed Shelburne Basin Venture
Exploration Drilling Project (the Project), an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
(EP201409207550) has been developed to outline the environmental management and
protection components for Project operations. In accordance with Section 9(h) of Nova
Scotia Offshore Drilling and Production Regulations (SOR/2009-317), the EPP outlines high
level waste management requirements for the Project inclusive of a commitment to prepare
and implement this WMP.
The purpose of this Waste Management Plan (WMP) is to detail the management processes
and procedures for waste that is generated in association with the Project. Shell endorses a
waste management philosophy of reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. As such, in
addition to compliance with all environmental laws and regulations, this WMP is established
to ensure that all waste associated with the Project is handled, transported and disposed of
in an environmentally sound manner.
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• Stena IceMax Waste Management of Waste Offshore (L2-DOC-LPD-0102);
• Standby and Supply Vessel Waste Management Procedures;
• Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework – Environment Manual for Waste;
1
This WMP addresses waste management associated with routine offshore exploration activities only. This WMP does not
address waste management associated with oil spill response. Such activities, should they occur, will be governed by
Shell’s Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) and an incident specific WMP created at the time of an incident.
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covered by this WMP and are addressed in the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
(EP201409207550) issued for this Project.
Where waste management plans and procedures are already in place for contracted
parties, these have been reviewed to ensure consistency with this WMP and compliance with
relevant regulatory requirements and standards. Where relevant, these existing waste
management plans and procedures have been referenced as part of this WMP.
The collection, segregation, handling, storage, labelling, manifesting and transport of all
waste generated on the Stena IceMax and the standby and supply vessels in association with
the Project will be conducted in accordance with this plan.
Waste arriving from the Stena Icemax, and offshore supply and standby vessels for onshore
management and disposal onshore will utilize this WMP.
Final disposal of Project wastes transported to the Blue Water shore base located in
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia will follow the prescribed methods identified by this plan. Project
waste generated onshore at the Blue Water base will be managed in accordance with the
existing waste management procedures outlined in the Blue Water Shore Base WMP.
This WMP is a five part plan comprising the following:
Section 1 – Overview and scope of the WMP;
Section 2 – Identification and classification of wastes anticipated for the Project;
Section 3 – Waste management summary and schematics;
Section 4 – Waste management roles and responsibilities; and
Section 5 – Waste management process
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2.0 WASTE CLASSIFICATIONS
This section provides a definition of waste as well as a description of how the waste streams
in association with the Project are classified for the purposes of this WMP.
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Hazardous Waste: Are waste that are regulated as dangerous goods under the
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. Classes of hazardous waste include flammable
liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, poisonous and infectious substances,
radioactive materials, corrosives and miscellaneous substances. Hazardous waste can
present risks to personnel, public health and to the environment if not handled and disposed
of adequately. Examples of hazardous wastes that may be generated include, but are not
limited to:
• Waste oil
• Waste chemicals
• Oily solid waste;
• Paint residues and thinners;
• Batteries;
• Acids;
• Fluorescent lamps
• Medical waste.
Non-hazardous Waste: Non-hazardous wastes are those that are not considered dangerous
under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, International Maritime Dangerous Goods
Code, and the International Air Transport Association Code. They are further divided into
two categories, those that are recyclable, and those that are non-recyclable.
Non-Recyclable: Waste not classified as hazardous, but, upon decomposition by
microorganisms or by action of water, can release pollutants to the environment (i.e. dirty
waste). This is waste that is disposed in approved landfills for decomposition. Examples
include:
• Domestic garbage
• General refuse
• Galley waste
• Food wastes
• Food packaging
Recyclable: Waste that can be changed into new products through existing recycling
processes or facilities and/or waste that does not release pollutants to the environment in
significant concentrations upon decomposition or by action of water (i.e. clean waste).
Examples include:
• Clean plastic
• Clean metal
• Clean glass
• Wood
• Paper/Cardboard.
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Table 2.1 below summarizes the various waste streams anticipated to be generated bythe
Project and to be transported onshore for management and disposal. Further details
regarding these waste streams can be found in section 5 of this WMP.
Table 2.1: Summary of Non-Hazardous and Hazardous Wastes Generated from the
Project
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3.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
3.1 Waste Identification and Management
All waste materials will be properly classified, labeled and segregated to ensure all
personnel in the waste management chain can follow appropriate safety, handling and
disposal practices. Waste classification will follow procedures outlined in the Transportation
of Dangerous Goods Act to appropriately label, handle and package waste for shipment.
In the case of hazardous waste, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be consulted to
identify the hazardous characteristics of the waste being handles or transported.
A waste management table is provided in section 5 outlining all potential offshore
exploration waste streams and detailing the following:
• A description of the waste material
• The waste classification
• Whether any treatment offshore is conducted
• How the waste is segregated and stored
• How the waste is labeled (all 45 gallon steel DOT drums and one tonne big bags will be
have labels attached/fixed to them that indicates the waste stored, and/or any TDG
required labels. All waste skips that have identification markings, will have the waste
detailed on the manifest under the skip identification number).
• Whether the waste is disposed of offshore or transported onshore for management and
disposal
• Onshore disposal/recycling method
• Onshore disposal/treatment/recycling facility
Section 3.7 provides two schematics summarizing the hazardous and non-hazardous waste
stream segregation, packing, and transport to shore base process.
Safety
Safety is a key consideration in association with any handling and storage of wastes. The
MSDSs must be consulted to ensure an adequate level of personal protective equipment is
used during the handling of all waste materials.
All personnel handling hazardous waste must have adequate Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System (WHMIS) training to match the hazards involved. Personnel
responsible for the shipment of hazardous wastes will also have training in Transportation of
Dangerous Goods as appropriate.
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3.2 Waste Transport Manifest
A waste transport manifest (Appendix A) will be issued for every waste shipment which is
transferred for onshore recycling, treatment and disposal (e.g. Stena IceMax and offshore
vessels to shore base, shore base to disposal facility). The transport manifest will be in
accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Good Act requirements and document the
transfer of each waste shipment from the MODU, supply/standby vessels, and shore base to
final disposal.
The rig and each vessel will have waste manifest forms onboard to record waste generated
and transported to the shore base for disposal. All manifest forms for the transportation of
waste to shore base, will be held by the Terrapure Waste Coordinator as each waste
shipment is received and verified. The manifesting and transport of waste from the shore
base to final disposal/recycling facilities will utilize Terrapure’s procedures and forms or
contractor supplied manifests.
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3.6 Waste Management Facilities
All waste management facilities that will be used to treat, store, dispose or recycle Project
waste streams will be reviewed and approved through the Shell Offsite Residuals
Management audit process. After the initial approval, facilities will be reviewed every 5
years to ensure continued compliance. Only those waste management facilities on the
approved list are to be utilized during in support of Project waste management.
3.7 Audits
Internal audits on the waste management processes and procedures will be conducted by the
Shell HSSE Lead on a quarterly basis. Audits will review waste management practices and
confirm that wastes are being managed in accordance with this WMP and in a safe and
environmentally responsible manner.
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Non Hazardous Waste
(Domestic and General Waste)
Non
Recyclable Recyclable
Scrap metal,
scaffolding,
Non macerated Aluminium – cans grinding waste,
Paper products, Plastics – bottles,
organics (coffee Glass – all glass And all aluminium Cigarette butts, toothpicks,
cardboard packing, bags, cups, etc. electrical cables,
filters, teabags, etc.) waste material contaminated
and waste paper scrap wood,
Compostibles with organic matter or
construction debris
mixed material
Collected in clear bags Collected in clear bags Collected, stored in Collected in clear Collected in big
Collected and clear bags and
and shipped in big and shipped in big bags. Shipped in bags labelled as
compacted. shipped in big bags
bags in waste skip bags in waste skip big bags Metal Compact waste
Stored in clear in waste skips. Collect in clear bags
bags. Placed in big
bags transported in
waste skip Transfer to waste skip for
Compact in batch onshore disposal.
and transfer to Complete manifest with type and quantity
waste skip for Transfer to big bags
onshore disposal Place in waste skip
for onshore disposal
Figure 3.1 Non Hazardous Waste Segregation, Packing and Transport Process
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Hazardous Waste
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4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The overall responsibility for the development of this WMP lies with the Health, Safety,
Security and Environment (HSSE) Team. Specifically, responsibility lies with the Logistics
HSSE and Technical Lead as well as the Environmental Lead for the Project.
The roles and responsibilities for the implementation of this WMP are outlined in the tables
below for each of the contractors previously mentioned
Table 4-1 Roles and Responsibilities - Stena IceMax
STENA ICE MAX
ROLE RESPONSIBILITY
Offshore Installation • Accountable for all aspects of waste management and responsible
Manager (OIM) for assuring that all aspects of this WMP are adhered to as relevant
to the MODU.
• Allocate duties to individuals and make arrangements for monitoring
compliance with the procedures and practices outlined in this WMP.
DECK SUPERVISOR • Responsible for coordination of waste shipment to shore including
ensuring that all waste collected onboard is appropriately
segregated, packed, labelled, and accompanied by the appropriate
paperwork (e.g., Waste Transport Manifest and Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS)) before being shipped ashore.
• Responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate storage of
wastes on the deck and for maintaining the storage area.
DECK LEAD • Responsible for filling out the Waste Transport Manifest, checking
information on wastes to be manifested and for ordering of material
(as indicated by the Deck Supervisor) necessary for the management
of waste onboard (containers, bags, etc.).
DECK CREW • Responsible for labelling waste and storage containers and ensuring
that all wastes on deck are appropriately segregated, packed and
identified.
STENA HSE ADVISOR • Responsible for assisting the OIM and personnel on board in
regards to implementation of this WMP.
• Responsible for conducting regular inspections and audits of waste
management onboard with Shell department support as required.
SHELL LOGISTICS HSE • Responsible for assisting the OIM and other personnel on board in
LEAD the adequate implementation of this WMP.
• Responsible to monitor the effectiveness of this WMP.
MEDIC • Responsible for ensuring that all wastes from clinic and galley are
appropriately segregated, packed and identified.
ALL PERSONNEL • Responsible for ensuring that all wastes are segregated and
disposed of in accordance with this WMP.
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Table 4-2 Roles and Responsibilities – Supply/Standby Vessels
SUPPLY/STANDBY VESSELS
ROLE RESPONSIBILITY
VESSEL MASTER • Vessel Masters have overall accountability for the segregation,
handling, storage and disposal of wastes on their vessel in
accordance with this WMP where relevant.
• Allocate duties to individuals and make arrangements for monitoring
compliance with the procedures and practices outlined in this WMP..
• Responsible for reporting to Shell Logistics on the status of onboard
waste management.
FIRST OFFICER • Responsible for coordination of waste shipment to shore including
ensuring that all waste is appropriately segregated, packed, marked
and accompanied by the appropriate paperwork (e.g., Waste
Transport Manifest and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)) before
being shipped ashore.
DECK SUPERVISOR • Responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate storage of
wastes on the deck and for maintaining the storage area.
DECK CREW • Responsible for labelling waste and storage containers and ensuring
that all wastes on deck are appropriately segregated, packed and
identified.
SAFETY OFFICER • Responsible for filling out the Waste Transport Manifest, checking
information on wastes to be manifested and for ordering of material
(as indicated by the Deck Supervisor) necessary for the management
of waste onboard (containers, bags, etc.).Responsible to inspect the
waste segregation and storage in the accommodations and external
areas.
• Responsible for ensuring that all wastes from galley and
accommodations are appropriately segregated, packed and
identified. Responsible to provide training, reviews, inspections and
audits with Shell Canada Logistics HSE support.
ALL PERSONNEL • Responsible for ensuring that all wastes are handled, segregated
and disposed of in accordance with this WMP.
SHELL LOGISTICS HSE • Responsible for assisting the Master and other personnel on board in
LEAD the adequate implementation of this procedure.
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Table 4-3 Roles and Responsibilities – Third Party Waste Contractor
ROLE RESPONSIBILITY
SHELL HSE LEAD • Overall accountability for all aspects of waste management and for
the effective implementation of Shell Canada’s WMP.
• Responsible for the continuing coordination and communication with
Terrapure to ensure that receipt, transport and disposal of waste
from the MODU and supply/standby vessels is in accordance with
regulatory requirements, and this WMP.
• Responsible for conducting inspections of the waste management
area, and of Terrapure to ensure that activities and practices are in
accordance with this WMP.
THIRD PARTY WASTE • Responsible for ensuring that all waste received is properly
MANAGEMENT segregated, packed, and identified.
CONTRACTOR • Communicates any waste management issues or non-conformances
to the Shell HSSE Logistics Lead.
• Document all waste received by manifest number in the Master List.
• File all waste manifests received.
• Responsible for recording the quantity and type of waste received,
handling of waste at the shorebase, and onward transport to the
appropriate disposal facility.
• Ensuring that all waste transported for final disposal is properly
packed and labeled.
• Coordinating transport of waste to disposal/recycling/treatment
facility with all the appropriate and required documentation.
• Responsible for verification of receipt of waste by the
disposal/recycling/treatment facility.
• Responsible to maintain all records related to the receipt of waste
onshorein paper and/or electronic format.
• Responsible for developing a monthly summary of waste received
and managed to the Shell Logistics HSSE Lead. This will be done on
the Shell Master List
• Responsible for providing training to crews and transport providers
on the handling of wastes at the shorebase, and transport to
disposal facilities.
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5.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
Table 5.1 below provides an overview of the waste management process for each type of waste anticipated to be generated as
part of the Project and transported onshore for final disposal.
Table 5.1 Waste Management Summary Table
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Material Classification Treatment/ Segregation & Labelling Transport Offsite Disposal/Recycle
Disposal Storage Disposal Facility
Offshore /Recycling
Chemical Hazardous None 45 gallon metal Chemical Supply Vessel to Depends on Terrapure- Sussex
Contaminated Waste DOT drums Contaminated shore base specific waste 17 Jones Court, Sussex, NB
(Sealed) Waste type
- Filters, Rags, Gloves, (in accordance
- Drums, containers with TDG)
- Etc.
Fluorescent Bulbs Hazardous None Lamp Cardboard Fluorescent Bulbs Supply Vessel to Landfill Terrapure- Sussex
Low wattage bulbs Boxes (or similar), (in accordance shore base Disposal 17 Jones Court, Sussex, NB
placed in waste with TDG)
skips
Used Batteries Hazardous None Big Bags (Lined) Used Batteries Supply Vessel to Recycle Terrapure- Sussex
(standard household (in accordance shore base 17 Jones Court, Sussex, NB
cells) with TDG)
Medical Waste Hazardous Place Place sharps box Clinical Waste Supply Vessel to Incinerate Stericycle
sharps in a and/or bio- w/Biohazard shore base 45 wright Ave, Dartmouth,
sharps box. hazards bin bags labels NS
Medical in 45 gallon metal (in accordance
waste in DOT drums with TDG)
bio-hazard
bin bags
Used Cooking Oil Non None 45 gallon metal Used Cooking Supply Vessel to Recycle BD Rae environmental
Hazardous DOT drums Oil shore base 31 Lacewood dr, Halifax, NS
Electronic Waste Hazardous None One tonne big Electronic Waste Supply Vessel to Recycle Aces recycling
and Non bags (in accordance shore base 99 Woodlawn rd,
- Phones, Monitors, Hazardous with TDG) Dartmouth, NS
CPUs, Etc.
- Toner Cartridges
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Material Classification Treatment/ Segregation & Labelling Transport Offsite Disposal/Recycle
Disposal Storage Disposal Facility
Offshore /Recycling
Empty Paint Cans Hazardous None Big Bags (Lined) or Empty Supply Vessel to Recycle Terrapure - Sussex
Empty Aerosol Cans 45 gallon metal Paint/Aerosol shore base 17 Jones Court, Sussex, NB
DOT drums Cans
(Sealed) (in accordance
with TDG)
Recyclables Non- None Segregate each Label each big Supply Vessel to Recycle Miller Waste
Hazardous recyclable bag as per shore base 20 Horseshoe Lake Drive,
- Paper
separately. contents (paper, Halifax, NS
- Plastic (cups, pails,
plastic,
drums) Place each
aluminum, glass)
- Glass category of waste
- Aluminum in one tonne bags
Scrap Metal / Metal Non- None Waste skips Metals Supply Vessel to Recycle John Ross & Sons
Chips Hazardous (depending on shore base 21 Mills Dr,
volume) Goodwood, NS
Scrap Wood Non- None Waste skips Scrap Wood Supply Vessel to Recycle Halifax C&D recycling
Hazardous (depending on shore base 16 Mills Dr, Goodwood, NS
volume)
Miscellaneous Non- Non- None One tonne big Miscellaneous Supply Vessel to Depends on Otter Lake Waste Processing
Hazardous Waste Hazardous bags Non-Hazardous shore base specific waste and Disposal Facility
Materials type 600 Otter Lake Drive
- Useless cement
Halifax, NS
- Bentonite/barite
- Non-hazardous
chemicals
- Other Domestic
Wastes
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Material Classification Treatment/ Segregation & Labelling Transport Offsite Disposal/Recycle
Disposal Storage Disposal Facility
Offshore /Recycling
Drill Cuttings (SBM) In Hazardous None Cuttings Skips SBM Drill Supply Vessel to Onshore Terrapure - Beechill
Excess of 6.9% ROC Cuttings Shore Base Disposal 1460 Beech Hill Rd,
Antigonish, NS
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Material Classification Treatment/ Segregation & Labelling Transport Offsite Disposal/Recycle
Disposal Storage Disposal Facility
Offshore /Recycling
Mud/Cement Hazardous None Segregate plastic WHMIS Supply Vessel to Reuse/Return Return to Vendor
Additives pails into lined big Shorebase pails to vendor.
bags.
Recycle sacks.
Store empty sacks
into big bags
Casing Protectors Non None Placed in one Casing Protectors Supply Vessel to Plastic and Plastic: Miller Waste
Hazardous tonne big bags Shore Base metal 20 Horseshoe Lake Dr
components Halifax, NS
separated and
then recycled Metal: John Ross & Sons
21 Mills Dr
Goodwood, NS
Non Macerated Non None Placed in clear Compostible Supply Vessel to Compost Miller Group
Organics Hazardous bags (double Material Shore Base Facility 80 Gloria McCluskey Ave
bagged) and then Dartmouth, NS B3B 2A4
sorted in one tonne
big bags
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Appendix A – Waste Manifest (Example) – Offshore
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Appendix B - Master Waste Disposal Record
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APPENDIX D – SUMMARY OF MITIGATION, MONITORING AND
FOLLOW UP COMMITMENTS
36 In accordance with the OWTG, the volume and types of any fluids discharged into the marine
environment will be reported to the CNSOPB on a monthly basis.
Accidental Events
37 Shell and its contractors will have measures in place to reduce the potential for vessel spills.
This includes:
• All activities adhering to Annex I of MARPOL
• Adherence to standard navigation procedures, Transport Canada regulations and CCG
requirements, and
• Special attention to activities presenting increased risks for marine traffic including loading and
offloading, docking and extreme weather events
38 Spills to the marine environment will be immediately reported to the Canadian Coast Guard and
the CNSOPB as outlined in the Shell Canada Oil Spill Response Plan and the CNSOPB
Incident Reporting and Investigation Guidelines.
54 Shell will continue to engage commercial and Aboriginal fishers to share Project details as
applicable. A Fisheries Communications Plan will be used to help facilitate coordinated
communication with commercial and Aboriginal fishers.
2.1 The Proponent shall, throughout all phases of the Designated Project, ensure its
actions in meeting these conditions are informed by the best available information
and knowledge, based on validated methods and models, undertaken by qualified
individuals and apply the best available economically and technologically feasible
strategies.
2.2 The proponent shall where consultation in a requirement of a conditions set out in
this decision statement
2.3. The proponent shall, where Aboriginal consultation is a requirement of a condition
set out in this decision statement, first consult each Aboriginal group on the most
appropriate manner in which to conduct the consultation.
2.4 The Proponent shall, within 90 days after each well is suspended and/or
abandoned, submit to the Board a report including an executive summary of the
report in both official languages. The Proponent shall document in the report:
2.4.1 implementation activities undertaken for each of the conditions;
2.4.2 how it met condition 2.4.1 in the implementation of the conditions set out in
this decision statement;
2.4.3 for conditions set out in this decision statement for which consultation is a
requirement, how it has considered any views and information received;
2.4.4 the results of the follow-up program requirements identified in conditions
3.12, and 4.4; and
2.4.5 any corrective actions taken by the Proponent, or proposed in relation to
subsequent wells to be drilled as part of the Designated Project, should the
predictions of environmental effects prove to be inaccurate or the mitigation
measures prove not to be effective.
2.5 The Proponent shall make the report, the executive summary referred to in
conditions 2.4 as well as the implementation schedule referred to in condition 7
available on its website when the report or schedule is submitted to the Board.
The proponent shall keep these documents available on its website for a
minimum of 5 years after completion of the Designated Project unless otherwise
specified by the Board.
2.6 The Proponent shall notify the Board as soon as possible if the Designated
Project is expected to be undertaken by another party due to a sale, a transfer, or
other circumstances that arise and would result in a new proponent taking over
the Designated Project in whole or in part.
3 Fish (including marine mammals and sea turtles) and fish habitat
3.1 The Proponent shall treat all discharges from the drilling unit into the marine
environment in compliance with the Offshore Waste Treatment Guidelines issued
jointly by the National Energy Board, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador
Offshore Petroleum Board and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum
Board, and in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Act, the
Migratory Convention Act, 1994 and any other applicable legislation.
4.1 The Proponent shall carry out all phases of the Designated Project in a manner
that protects and avoids harming, killing or disturbing migratory birds or taking
their nests or eggs. In this regard, the proponent shall take into account
Environment Canada's Avoidance Guidelines. The proponent's action in applying
the Avoidance Guidelines shall in be in compliance with the MBCA, 1994 and with
SARA.
4.2 The Proponent shall notify the Board at least 30 days in advance of flaring to
determine whether the flaring would occur during a period of migratory bird
vulnerability, and how it plans to prevent harm to migratory birds.
4.3 The Proponent shall implement measures to prevent harm to or killing of
migratory birds such as:
4.3.1 restricting flaring to the minimum required to characterize the well’s
hydrocarbon potential and as necessary for the safety of the operation;
4.3.2 minimizing flaring during night time and during periods of bird vulnerability
such as fledging or foraging; and
4.3.3 operating a water-curtain barrier during flaring.
4.4 The Proponent shall monitor effects on migratory birds, including species at risk,
to verify the accuracy of the predictions made during the environmental
assessment and to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures. The
proponent shall document and submit to the Board the results of any monitoring
carried out under conditions 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. The documentation shall
demonstrate whether the mitigation measures have proven effective and if
additional measures are required to comply with condition 4.1.
5 Aboriginal and Commercial Fishing
5.1 The Proponent shall consult with Aboriginal and commercial fishers to minimize
the potential for conflicts between the Designated Project and fishing activities,
6.1 The Proponent shall take all reasonable measures to prevent accidents and
malfunctions that may result in adverse environmental effects and shall implement
emergency response procedures and contingency plans developed in relation to
the Designated Project.
6.2 The Proponent shall prepare an Oil Spill Response Plan and a Well Containment
Plan in accordance with the Board’s requirements and submit the Plan to the
Board for acceptance at least 90 days prior to drilling.
6.3 The Oil Spill Response Plan shall include:
6.3.1 procedures to respond to an oil spill (e.g. oil spill containment, oil recovery);
6.3.2 measures for wildlife response, protection, and rehabilitation (e.g., collection
and cleaning of marine mammals, birds, and sea turtles) and measures for
shoreline protection and clean-up ; and
6.3.3 procedures to notify the Board and other relevant regulatory agencies on the
occurrence of any oil spill to water in accordance with applicable reporting
requirements.
6.4 The Proponent shall conduct an exercise of the Oil Spill Response Plan prior to
the commencement of drilling and adjust the plan to the satisfaction of the Board
to address any deficiencies identified during the exercise.
6.5 The Proponent shall review the Oil Spill Response Plan and update it as required
following completion of each well.
6.6 The Well Containment Plan shall include:
6.6.1 A Relief Well Contingency Plan; and
6.6.2 Well Capping Plan describing the plan to mobilize and deploy a capping
stack, if required.
6.7 The Proponent shall undertake a Net Environmental Benefit Analysis, to consider
all the available spill response options and identify those techniques, including the
possible use of dispersants, that will provide for the best opportunities to minimize
environmental consequences, and provide it to the Board for review 90 day prior
to drilling.
6.8 The Proponent shall consult with Aboriginal groups during the development of the
7.1 The Proponent shall submit an implementation schedule for conditions contained
in this decison statement to the Board at least 30 days prior to the start of drilling.
The implementation schedule shall indicate the commencement and completion
dates for each activity relating to conditions set out in this decision statement with
sufficient detail to allow the Board to plan compliance verification activities.
7.2 The Proponent shall notify the Board of any changes to the implementation
schedule required under condition 7.1 at least 30 days prior to implementation of
the changes, if feasible, and shall not implement the changes unless accepted by
the Board.
8 Record Keeping
8.1 The Proponent shall record, retain and make available to the Board, upon
request, at a facility in Nova Scotia, information related to the implementation of
the conditions set out in this decison statement including:
8.1.1 the place, date and time of any sampling that was conducted;
8.1.2 the dates any analyses were performed;
8.1.3 the sampling and analytical techniques, methods or procedures used;
8.1.4 the names and professional certifications of the persons who collected or
analyzed each sample; and
8.1.5 the results of the sampling and analyses.
8.2 The Proponent shall retain and make available upon request to the Board the