Abstract

Health Safety and Environmental Impact Assessment (HSEIA) Studies were carried out to identify the potential hazards/impacts and adequate control measures to ensure the successful completion of operations while minimizing the risks to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) level. During the planning stage for Drilling and Testing Exploratory wells, data from offset wells suggested the presence of high H2S in target reservoirs. Along with HSEIA study, Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Study was carried to ensure the mapping of impacted receptors. Risk Assessment study aided in estimation of the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) and Emergency Awareness Zone (EAZ) areas to identify the potential stakeholders which need to be communicated/engaged during project implementation and to finalize the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) accordingly. The drilled exploratory wells are adjacent to some populated areas and existing infrastructure, such as residential settlements, highway, labor camps, schools and government facilities, environmental protected areas etc. An attempt has been made to identify hazards and impact of operations and develop the suitable mitigation measures to safely execute the Exploratory Drilling and Testing operations.