Study on the assessment and management of environmental impacts and risks resulting from the exploration and production of hydrocarbons : final report

This report assesses the environmental risks, impacts and risk management measures associated with the conventional exploration and production of hydrocarbons within Europe. It also covers processes and technologies associated with offshore unconventional activities. The study used a lifecycle approach to break down exploration and production of hydrocarbons into five stages following a similar approach used for previous studies for the European Commission. Sub-stages and processes were then identified for each life-cycle stage for both offshore and onshore. For each process and sub-stage the environmental risks were assessed based on 8 environmental aspects (e.g. noise) for offshore and 10 for onshore. To conduct this assessment the risks and impacts of each aspect were reviewed against a risk rating system, based on consequence and likelihood. The assessment was conducted using a combination of data gathered from the oil and gas industry, including environmental impact assessments/statements, and expert judgement. The impacts of management measures on risks were also assessed. Finally, the risks and impacts identified for onshore unconventional exploration and production from a preceding study were compared to the risks and impacts of offshore conventional exploration and production in this study to determine the environmental risks of offshore unconventionals at sea.