API RP 51:2001(R2013) pdf download.Onshore Oil and Gas Production Practices for Protection of the Environment
1 Scope
This standard provides environmentally sound practices for domestic onshore oil and gas production operations. It is intended to be applicable to contractors as well as operators. Facilities within the scope of this document include all pro- duction facilities, including produced water handling facili- ties. Offshore and arctic areas are beyond the scope of this document. Operational coverage begins with the design and construction of access roads and well locations and ends with abandonment/ restoration operations. Gas compression for transmission purposes or production operations, such as gas lift, pressure maintenance, or enhanced oil recovery is included; however, gas processing for liquids recovery is not addressed.
4 Government Agencies
Prior to drilling or construction, and, in some instances, prior to revision of onshore oil and gas production facilities, it may be necessary to obtain approvals from one or more gov- ernment agencies. In addition to drilling and building permits, permits may be required because of air emissions, discharges to surface waters or sewer systems, injection activities, storm- water discharges (including during construction activities), impacts to threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat, impacts to wetlands and other environmental impacts, or impacts to other cultural resources. Operators should ensure that all necessary permits have been obtained prior to commencing operations.
5 Lease Roads
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Lease roads are constructed and used to support various exploration and production operations. The environmental impact of the construction of a roadway can have long last- ing effects well beyond the limits of the right-of-way. Existing roads should be utilized, where feasible, to limit the extent of new road construction. When it is necessary to build new roadways, they should be developed in an environmentally acceptable manner consistent with land- owner recommendations. 5.2 PLANNING 5.2.1 Road alignment and right-of-way selection is a multi- disciplinary process. The total infrastructure that may later be developed should be considered during the selection process. Government agencies, landowners, tenants, and other users may need to be consulted during the planning process. 5.2.2 Standards should be established for the road based on its long-term function.
5.3.6 Field inspections and lab analysis of soil samples may be used to assess soil erosion hazards and slope stability. Properties of soils, length and gradient of slopes, and vegeta- tive cover contribute to soil stability. Fitting the profile to topography, locating roads on moderate slopes, providing adequate drainage, and stabilizing slopes decreases surface disturbance and reduces erosion and sedimentation.
API RP 51:2001(R2013) pdf download
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