UK Operators Publish Guidelines for Shale Well Operations

The United Kingdom Onshore Operators Group (UKOOG), the representative body for UK onshore oil and gas companies including exploration, production and storage, is publishing for the first time industry guidelines covering best practise for shale well operations in the UK.

The guidelines, which include hydraulic fracturing and the public disclosure of fracture fluid composition, were written by a high level workgroup which included operating and service companies with input from The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), The Environment Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The first issue of the guidelines relate to the exploration and appraisal phase of shale gas well developments and contain what is considered to be good industry practice. References where appropriate are made to relevant legislation, industry standards and practices including Oil and Gas UK Guidelines, particularly to the Well Integrity Guidelines (issued in July 2012).

Critically the guidelines set out that operators must publically disclose all chemical additives to fracturing fluids on a well by well basis, including regulatory authorisations, safety data and maximum concentrations and volumes. These disclosures meet or exceed all known standards in the shale gas industry.

Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UKOOG said “We have a strong regulatory environment in the UK, it is therefore important that the industry adopts the highest possible standards with respect to well integrity and fracturing operations. The publication of these guidelines demonstrates a commitment to comply with relevant legislation and best practice“.

Energy Minister John Hayes commented: “Shale gas is an exciting opportunity and could contribute significantly to our energy security. It is important that any development is safe and the public must be reassured that it is safe. I welcome these guidelines, which complement our robust regulatory system to ensure all operations are carried out to the highest possible standards and the environment is fully protected.”

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LNG World News Staff, March 05, 2013; Image: UKOOG