Presentation Transcript

1. Site Selection & Preparation Lesson Overview Site Selection & Preparation Well Construction Completing the Well Production • Review Learning Objectives • Present Lesson materials • Discuss Site Selection hazards • Discuss Site Preparation hazards • Review questions in the lesson • Wrap-up discussion-observations

2. Review Learning Objectives Upon completing the Site Selection & Preparation lesson, participants will be able to: • Explain how seismic helps with Site Selection • Identify the hazards associated with Site Selection • Explain who’s usually in charge of Site Preparation • List five typical hazards First Responders could expect to encounter during the Site Preparation phase

3. Site Selection & Preparation Fit with other wellsite development phases… Site Selection & Preparation Well Construction Completing the Well Production • A lease from the land owner is one of the first steps in site selection • Actual well location is based on geological studies and earlier seismic survey data • Once site is selected equipment moves in

4. Seismic Basics No seismic activities at the wellsite… • A few words about seismic… • Two forms of seismic surveys: • “Thumper trucks” • Explosives • Seismic crews roam and are difficult to locate • With global seismic crews, English communications can be challenging Source: EKT Interactive

5. Typical Wellsite Pad Construction Activities Measures taken to prevent silt and debris from leaving the pad… • A Marcellus wellsite pad averages 4-5 acres • Heavy equipment is used to level and stabilize the pad • A silt fence prevents erosion • Activities regulated by DEP and a site plan will be available upon request • Operator representative is not always at the construction site, but the Construction Foreman should be readily available Silt Fence Source: Range Resources

6. Vinyl Lined Pits Vinyl keeps liquids from leeching into the topsoil… • Two type of wellsite pits: • Impoundment ponds • Reserve/cuttings pits • Pits can be 10-20 ft. deep • Impoundment is large – 200-300 ft. on each side • Steep sides and vinyl lining make it slippery and dangerous • Once filled, “If you fall in, impossible to get out” Source: Marathon Oil Company

7. The Cellar Cellars vary widely in size and depth… • The cellar is built to hold drilling equipment • Cellars can be 8 ft. square and 6-10 ft. deep • Treat cellar as confined space entry situation • Remember, all below grade excavations are always oxygen deficient until proven otherwise. Cellar example with accumulated hydrocarbons reflected at the bottom Photo Credit: BP – Alaska

8. Conductor Installation “Spudding in” begins with a large-diameter conductor set… Rat Hole without cement Mouse Hole with tubular cemented Conductor being set in hole Conductor Source: EKT Interactive

9. Site Selection & Preparation Hazards Discussion of hazards associated with site construction… At this stage, the hazards no different than any other construction site • Common hazards, which include… • Vehicle accidents possibly in remote areas, large vehicles • Medical emergencies (heart attacks, broken limbs, and possibly crushing injuries), • Snake/Insect bite incidents • Additional response hazards during site construction include… • Equipment fires • Flammable/combustible liquid spills and or fires • Grass or forest fires (burn off of brush or cutting piles) Big Rule: Remember, as a below grade excavation, consider the cellar to be oxygen deficient until proven otherwise

10. Site Selection & Preparation Hazard – cont’d Discussion of hazards associated with site preparation activities… • A. During seismic activities to help locate the wellsite… • Explosives might be present if seismic surveys are being taken • B. During conductor pipe installation… • Slips, trips and falls can occur • Crushing injuries from heavy equipment & pipe • C. Pits may be very difficult to egress Big Rule: Don’t play in the water or mud

11. Exercise – Questions On the handout sheet, please answer the following questions… 1) Seismic crews are often found working on wellsite locations. [True or False] 2) Seismic sound waves are always generated by dynamite. [True or False] 3) The Operator Representative is usually in charge of a wellsite site preparation job. [True or False] 4) List at least five hazards First Responders might reasonably expect to encounter during the Site Preparation phase.

12. Exercise – Answers in Color Your handout sheet should have the following answers… • Seismic crews are often found working on wellsite locations. • [False, this work completed to select the wellsite] • 2) Seismic sound waves are always generated by dynamite. • [ False, thumper trucks can also be used] • 3) The Operator Representative is usually in charge of a wellsite site preparation job. • [False, but the Construction Foreman should be available] • 4) List at least five hazards First Responders might reasonably expect to encounter during the Site Preparation phase. • Crushing by heavy equipment • Chain saw accidents or falling trees • Slips and falls • Snake bite or insect stings • Drowning in water- filled pits • Earth or mud slides • Lightning strikes