Some Methods Oil Companies Are Adopting to Help the Environment

The oil industry often comes under fire for the negative effects it has on the environment, the disasters and mistakes making headlines very month one way or another. The positive steps the industry takes however receive far less publicity.

There are many ways in which the oil industry is doing its best, just some being listed below:-

Reduction in Local Environmental Pollution

The disposal of engine oil has always been a problem, and the oil companies, looking to protect the environment, have come up a method that will help. By working with the designers of oil filters they have developed filters that trap the particles more effectively than traditional oil filters, the old oil is thus becoming ‘cleaner,’ therefore causing less pollution to the environment, by minimising the damaging affects of disposal on landfill sites.

This is just one method the oil companies are using, their scientists always looking towards using more environmentally friendly techniques by which the disposal of used oils, of all types, can be achieved.

Oil Drilling Techniques

Improvements in oil drilling techniques by way of advanced technology are also being given priority. Their use radically reduces the amount of land being used, thus more ‘surface land’ is protected. This means that footprints of these drilling sites have been reduced, therefore helping to protect both the land and migratory wildlife. This approach minimises waste without jeopardising production. According to an environmental index, (US department of energy) ‘Over the last 30 years,’ production footprints have been reduced considerably alongside reduction in the size of drilling pads.

Use of New Technologies

The use of satellite and aerial methods of surveying has also allowed oil companies to be more accurate in their findings, thus reducing the number of dry wells. To further reduce damage to the environment, British Petroleum is incorporating solar, wind and hydrogen power programs as a leading example to other companies, therefore reducing the amount of energy used.

New technologies also mean that fewer surface drill points are needed, these new methods enabling them to ‘branch out’ from their initial site. This reduces land disturbance and environmental hazards, such as water pollution, disruption of ecosystems, emissions of greenhouse gasses and air pollution.

Chevron has adopted an alternative energy policy and are encouraging clients to ‘use less energy and pay less for energy,’ in their businesses.

Increased Automation = Increased Safety

Because of these new technologies, there is a greatly reduced risk of oil spill, which has been a long standing problem associated with oil production. As with every human endeavour human error is a main cause of disaster. These new systems assist the human operator to make the correct decisions every day and thus reduce the possibility of spills etc.

The effects of more efficient drilling and increased production and recovery (of the oil underground) have resulted in the fact that old sites are less likely to be abandoned, which in turn removes the need for another oil well to be drilled.

Alternative Energy Production Alternatives Supported

The oil companies are also helping in other ways, For example, one big oil company promotes the re -introduction of wildlife and pays towards environmental education, whilst Chevron participate in research projects using alternatives to fossil fuels such as Solar electric and fuel cell technologies. By promoting these ‘eco-friendly industries’ in their quest to harness alternative energy sources, they too are helping the environment.