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Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry: An overview of the impacts and source management EEEE Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry: An overview of the impacts and source management

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Abstract

As a good deal as the manufacturing of oil and gas fuel generate tremendous costs on the environment, it also at once influences the economic system of the manufacturing nation. The latter, amongst different motives, is the motive for investing big capital inside the industry. This paper addresses and highlights the effects of the oil and gas industry apart from the focus on the economic benefits. This study universally looked through the process and incidents of the oil and gas industry and pointed out the impacts to the environment due to the refining process. A deeper understanding and studies of the interactions between the process and effects on the environment could assist manufacturing and responsible firms as well as producing nation governments in making better decisions on policies to reduce the impact and effect of development practices on the environment and public health from hazardous chemical.
Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry: An overview of the impacts and source management
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Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry:
An overview of the impacts and source
management
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor1
1Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30880/eeee.0000.00.00.000
Received 00 Month 2021; Accepted 01 Month 2021; Available online 02 Month 2021
Abstract: As a good deal as the manufacturing of oil and gas fuel generate
tremendous costs on the environment, it also at once influences the economic system
of the manufacturing nation. The latter, amongst different motives, is the motive for
investing big capital inside the industry. This paper addresses and highlights the
effects of the oil and gas industry apart from the focus on the economic benefits. This
study universally looked through the process and incidents of the oil and gas industry
and pointed out the impacts to the environment due to the refining process. A deeper
understanding and studie of the interactions between the process and effects on the
environment could assist manufacturing and responsible firms as well as producing
nation governments in making better decisions on policies to reduce the impact and
effect of development practices on the environment and public health from hazardous
chemical.
Keywords: Oil, Natural Gas, Economics, Environment, Impacts
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
2
1. Introduction
The term "sustainable development" is described in a variety of ways, the most popular of which is
“The development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations” [1]. Oil and gas are vital energy sources for most of the country’s economy. The energy
sector contributes a comparatively small share of a country's GDP in most countries, but it has a
substantial impact on economic development by spurring growth in other sectors [2]. For the past
decade, the oil and gas industry has been a significant engine of economic development in countries
with abundant natural resources. The contribution of the industry to Malaysian’s economy has been
enormous. Through its large supplier networks and long production, the oil and gas industry also
provide to the economy by providing jobs to maintain all the activities from upstream and downstream
such as oil and gas (O and G) exploration and production, drilling, equipment, and services, refining
and marketing, storage and transportation, coal and consumable fuels, and gas utilities.
The consequences of the global demand for the oil and gas industry's natural resources have been
increased to meet and satisfy the demand. Exploitation activity of oil and gas would always be with
some environmental side effects. Oil spills, damaged land, accident and fires, the incident of air and
water pollution have all been documented as environmental impacts from the manufacturing production
oil and gas industry at various times and locations. Management skills of these sources and
contaminants are challenging unless a concise schedule for the planned wastes and pollutants is in place
before development. Since the expense of managing waste and contaminants produced by crude oil and
natural gas processing is typically high, responsible companies tend to avoid this cost. Production
management is the main factor of the greenhouse effect since the unusable gas has been released into
the air which can affect the ozone layer. Also, releasing waste into bodies of water, and sprayed wastes
on the ground. This also faced threats to the survival of plants and animals in many developed countries'
producing communities.
Most of the future environmental effects of oil and gas industry operations have already been
reported. Finding ways to reconcile industrial growth with environmental sustainability with sustainable
development, remains a challenge. Crude oil must be refined after it has been recovered and shipped to
be processed into commercially valuable goods. Oil refineries are big polluters because they use a lot
of energy and water, produce a lot of wastewater, release dangerous gases into the environment, and
generate solid waste that is impossible to handle and dispose of.
1.1 Purpose and scope
This analysis aims to examine the possible environmental effects of oil and gas exploration and
development on Malaysia's coastal ecology and biodiversity to make suggestions to better confront the
situation from the start in order to prevent future repercussions. It should be remembered that it only
concerns exploration and development operations and does not go into detail on large-scale storage and
logistics problems or downstream processes. This study offers a high-level summary for important
industry and government stakeholders.
This study also provides on research of the relation between the resources in Malaysia, mainly oil
and gas industry and Malaysia’s economy. For the past decades, main income for Malaysia’s economy
is from oil and gas industry and it has been enormous or significant. The market for oil has been
significant and currently still going strong even in this COVID-19 situation. Thus, this research
investigate on the environmental impacts in terms of pollution, effect towards the ecosystem and human
beings.
1.2 Content of the document
This paper serves as a starting point for environmental concerns and management approaches
in oil and gas exploration and production activities, as well as a single point of the source. The
responsible bodies in oil and gas industry should follow the United Nations Environment Programme
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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(UNEP) regulations and acts as the guidance for the manufacturing process. In this short journal, it is
not feasible to offer a detailed discussion of all issues in the limited space available. Instead, this paper
serves as a context within which to apply numerous professional assessments and recommendations
that are already available from various sources. As a result, the document has an extensive bibliography
that is cross-referenced where necessary. The text provides a concise description of the oil and gas
discovery and development process, as well as an, examine of possible 'environmental consequences,'
or, as they are increasingly called, 'impacts,' on the environment. The regulatory structure and the
organizational approach to environmental policy are discussed as strategic management topics.
Environmental security policies are discussed in terms of operational considerations. Operations, future
consequences, and manufacturing process have been published as a separate section to make it easier
for the reader.
2. Environmental Impacts of Oil and Gas production
The oil and gas industry is divided into two parts: "upstream," which deals with exploration and
development, and "downstream," which deals with refining and processing crude oil and gas products,
as well as distribution and marketing. Companies in the industry may be completely integrated (i.e.,
they have both upstream and downstream interests), or they may focus on a certain field, such as
exploration and development (commonly known as an E&P company), or only refining and marketing
(commonly known as an R&M company) (an R&M company). Exploration and extraction of oil and
gas have the potential to have a wide range of environmental consequences. These 'effects' are
determined by the stage of the operation, the project's scale and scope, the quality and vulnerability of
the surrounding climate, and the efficiency of preparation, emissions reduction, mitigation, and control
strategies. The effects that has been mentioned are possible effects that can be prevented, reduced, or
mitigated with careful care and precaution. The sector has been successful in developing management
systems, business procedures, and engineering technologies aimed at reducing environmental effects,
and as a result, the number of environmental accidents has decreased dramatically. Long-term
ecosystems change within the oil and gas sector, as well as production practices, are the main
environmental changes that arise during the production of crude oil and natural gas (including plant part
repairs or replacement), waste disposal (e.g., processed water), noise (e.g., from good operations,
compressor or pump stations, flare stack, vehicle, and equipment), worker involvement, and possible
leaks are all factors to consider [3]. Several forms of possible consequences are covered in this article.
Human, sea ecosystem, as well as air pollution, are also included. It is also crucial to realize that by
management procedures that will discuss in section 3, the proposed solutions to analyze all stages of all
the exploration and development process can be evaluated analytically to reduce the environmental
impacts. Oil and gas activities could hypothetically impact the resources as explained below:
2.1 Noise impact
Wells production, intermittent flaring gas, pumping and compressor, and vehicle traffic are the
major sources of noise during crude oil and natural gas production. Localized disruption to animals,
recreationists, and inhabitants will be the main impacts of noise [4].
2.2 Air quality
Compressor and pumping station operations, truck traffic, output well operations, isolation of oil
and gas stages, and on-site disposal of crude oil are the main pollution sources during crude oil and
natural gas production. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) will be among the emissions (VOCs),
nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hydrogen sulfide, particulates, ozone, and methane [5]. Natural gas
(methane) may be vented or flared during oil drilling, well inspection, oil and gas refining, cavitation,
well leaks, and pipeline repair. Methane is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Air
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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contamination caused by oil and gas extraction has the potential to damage people's health and limit
visibility.
2.3 Waste Management and Hazardous Materials
During routine operations, industrial waste is produced (lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids,
coolants, solvents, and cleaning agents). As a routine procedure, these wastes are packed in containers,
characterized, numbered, and likely processed for a short time before being transported by a licensed
hauler to an appropriate approved off-site disposal facility [6]. If these wastes are not adequately treated
and released into the atmosphere, negative consequences can occur. Accidental leaks of herbicides or,
more importantly, oil could contaminate the environment. Chemicals used to store waste in open pits
may endanger wildlife and livestock. Fluids used in "fracking" may contain radioactive substances.
PAHs, methanol, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, glycol ethers, hydrochloric acid, and sodium
hydroxide are examples of compounds such as diesel fuel (which includes benzene, ethylbenzene,
toluene, xylenes, naphthalene, and other chemicals) [7]. Since sand isolated from produced water is
often polluted with tar, trace quantities of metals, or other naturally occurring constituents, it must be
properly disposed of [8]. These wastes may be shipped to a recycling facility offsite. During the
processing of crude oil and natural gas, produced water will become a major waste stream. The bulk of
this waste stream is disposed of underground, either in storage wells or in enhanced oil recovery wells
in developed generating areas, according to regulations.
2.4 Water resources impact
The integrity of the good casing and cement will assess the risk for harmful groundwater impacts
over the existence of a production well [9]. Aquifers will be affected by other non-potable formation
fluids if subsurface formations are not sealed off by the well casing and cement. Hydraulic drilling
fluids can contaminate freshwater wells that are used for drinking [10]. Stimulation fluids can penetrate
the surrounding formation and travel away from the fracture. When stimulation is turned off and activity
returns, these chemicals will not be fully retrieved and injected back into the wellbore, and if mobile,
they may be available to move into an aquifer. The majority of the water provided is unfit for domestic
or agricultural use. It will contaminate soil and surface water if it is disposed of by dumping it on the
ground without being handled. The bulk of extracted water is injected into drainage wells or improved
recovery wells for disposal [11].
2.5 Health and safety impacts
Manufacturing of the oil and gas industry is likely to persuade the changes of economic, social,
and cultural changes. However, it also can cause safety concerns to the labor in the oil and gas industry.
Accidental injuries or death of employees and, to a lesser degree, the general population are possible
effects on public health and safety during manufacturing. Contamination of water, dust, and other air
pollution, noise, soil contamination, and stress may all have negative health consequences. Fires and
explosions could endanger people's lives. Cavitation has the potential to start grass fires. Oil and gas
employees increased, or careless driving will also pose a safety risk during the process. Working in
potentially harsh weather and possible interaction with environmental hazards, such as rocky terrain
and dangerous plants, wildlife, or insects, are both health and safety concerns [12].
2.6 Ecosystem
An ecosystem such as plants and animals would be affected by the manufacturing of oil and gas
exploration. Any wildlife's migratory and other activities can be disrupted by the operation of an oil or
gas field. Where produced water is discharged improperly into the soil or surface water sources, salinity
levels may become too high to support plant growth. For the sea ecosystem, oil spills can be a long-
term environmental impact. Hence, it can be an overwhelming effect through the animal with the toxic
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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chemical reaction and can be a deadly factor to the sea ecosystem [13]. Oil and chemical leaks can bring
damage to the animals such as animals' livers, kidneys, spleens, brains, and other organs are harmed.
Cancer, immune system dysfunction, and reproductive failure are also possible side effects. Long-term
ecosystem changes may be triggered by destroying animal nests or breeding areas.
3. Strategies for The Protection Of The Environment
Figure 1 illustrates the Oil and Gas manufacturing impacts. (Credit: PETRONAS SDN BHD)
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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Flaring, venting, insufficient cementing or sealing of good bores, lack of maintenance of
production facilities, inadequate processed water, and solid waste management scheme, bad handling
of crude oil and natural gas contributing to spills and leakage, and non-compliance with legislation are
all factors that contribute to the release of these hazardous compounds into the setting. The following
methods have been suggested to restrict the release of these toxic compounds into the environment:
I. Commercialization of associated gas, implementation of emerging technology, re-injection
of associated gas, rules, laws, and advancement of best practices are only a few of the issues
that need to be addressed are some of the methods used in the crude oil and natural gas
processing processes to minimize flaring and venting.
II. The proper monitoring of well drilling and workover operations, as well as integrity tests
on oil and gas wells prior to abandonment, would aid in the prevention of oil and gas well
abandonment. seepage of water Improved well management procedures would avoid
blowouts by releasing oil and gas into groundwater.
III. In the oil and gas industry, valves and pumps are commonplace. Valve, pump, and other
equipment operation and repair schedules are typically prepared to ensure that they are in
proper working order and are not leaked fluids.
IV. The majority of manufacturing processes include produced water treatment facilities. In the
case of offshore areas, it may be a manufactured water injection device or procedure to an
allowable maximum before discharge into a water source.
V. For the production plant, a good and effective crude oil and natural gas handling protocol
is established, ensuring that all regulations pertaining to crude oil and natural gas
production are followed.
VI. The establishment of joint environmental units within the company will also help to
implement environmental risk management strategies. These teams are in charge of
assessing and resolving environmental issues at all levels of the company, as well as at a
variety of operational locations. These organizations can be useful for a variety of
environmental considerations, including external risk control and the procurement of
supplementary insurance, as well as company-specific concerns. Because of their in-depth
knowledge of the inherent threats at each operation site, ground-level management should
bear the primary responsibility for implementing the environmental framework.
VII. The oil and Gas Corporate industry should be now focusing on non-renewable energy as it
is one of the preparations for the future. For example, Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd.,
one of India's leading rooftop solar power manufacturers, has been acquired by
PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD ( PETRONAS). The company is trying to set up a
solar energy platform and purchasing funds as PETRONAS believes that it can be part of
a green energy strategy.
There are others several other ways for oil and gas producers to incorporate environmental issues
into their everyday activities. Although no one solution can solve the problems caused by these
destructive actions, a mixture of these methods can be able to mitigate the negative effects of these
operations on the environment. Environmental issues can continue to be an important way to manage
the environmental risks related with oil and gas production if they are incorporated into everyday
operations. And with these advancements, there is always worked to be completed by all those
concerned. Industry heads, as well as national and foreign governments and workers, should be more
concerned and try to find alternative ways with low risk and to minimize the impacts of the oil and gas
manufacturing to the greenhouse, environmental and ecosystem. Therefore, the industry and all
responsible corporates should find an alternatives way to provide an energy for the consumer with less
energy and less environmental impacts. By doing so, efficient system and organization needs to focus
on work professionally and always maintenance the equipment of the production in refinery
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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manufacturing to reduce any incidents from occur and reduce the possibility of the environmental
impacts.
4. Analysis & Discussions
Demand for crude oil and natural gas has continued to rise since Edwin Drake drilled the first
modern well in Titusville, Pennsylvania, resulting in the discovery and development of more deposits
in different parts of the world, including deep offshore areas. The increase in crude oil and natural gas
production over the years has been due to increased industrialization and electricity demand. Gas leaks,
gas flares, and effluent and waste disposal into the atmosphere are all possible outcomes of crude oil
and natural gas production. This has undeniable negative consequences for the environment and public
health, both locally and internationally.
One of the most difficult aspects of crude oil and natural gas production is the treatment of these
contaminants and emissions, as well as the resulting environmental and public health problems. Any
producing nation's economy has benefited from the export of crude oil and natural gas. Petroleum
corporations also created high-paying jobs for civilians, charged taxes and royalties to the government,
built facilities around their operations, and given people scholarships. For example, Universit Teknologi
Petronas (UTP) is one of the most top universities in Malaysia. PETRONAS also provides a scholarship
program to all qualified students. This way is a good method to teach the younger generation about the
oil and gas industry so that they will dedicate their studies to the PETRONAS company. As a result,
PETRONAS can implement and guide all their students to study and research regarding the new source
or non-renewable energy as a step to leads charge towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Despite the financial gains to the businesses, the operations have posed a threat to public health and
the atmosphere by the release of numerous radioactive substances into the environment. However, all
the oil and gas company has already begun their steps towards other sources. Scientifically, crude oil
and natural gas will vanish, and the industry will be prepared because the oil stock and price might be
volatile in the future. Therefore, by doing so, the environmental impacts from the oil and gas industry
would be reduced. In 2015, 195 countries agreed to sign the Paris Climate Agreement, which established
a global mechanism for averting this potentially catastrophic occurrence. Malaysia is one of the
countries that has signed the pact, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions. PETRONAS, the country's
national oil firm, is leading the push, aiming for a Net Zero Carbon Emissions (NZCE) target by 2050.
Chevron is an excellent example of the gains that can be gained by effectively developing an
advanced environmental risk management strategy. However, no other organizations in this field have
yet developed and implemented such a stringent approach to solving environmental issues in their
activities. Traditional national policy implementation plans are therefore incapable of eliminating
accidents triggered by oil discovery and development. Although the Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is in position to control and administer offshore oil and gas safety
laws, the law is not strict enough to deter disasters like the Deepwater Horizon Spill. Unfortunately, as
the Deepwater Horizon spill of 2010 demonstrated, ignoring site-specific threats and the risks of
subsequent projects can be particularly harmful to the atmosphere, culture, and the global economy.
Therefore, an environmental course should be implemented in engineering studies. All the oil and gas
companies have a duty to analyze all the factors before proceeding with the manufacturing process by
refers to the regulation and acts such as Petronas Crisis and Management Plan (CEMP), and Shipboard
Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP). Also, it is responsible for the oil and gas firm to have a permit
to work especially at the refinery and offshore territory. By doing that, the risk of the incident occurring
can be reduced and minimize. As a result, there is a need to upgrade current practices, especially in
developed countries to achieve energy with a lesser impact on the environment in the future.
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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5. Conclusion
Given the world's dependence on crude oil and natural gas for electricity and raw materials, the
industry has continued to investigate ways to optimize crude oil and natural gas supply at the lowest
possible environmental expense. The producing countries, especially developed countries, have already
enacted legislation to ensure that the production of crude oil and natural gas from the pipeline adheres
to certain protocols to ensure the protection of natural resources and the safety of the atmosphere.
There is the possibility of failures that could pollute the atmosphere with crude oil, natural gas,
produced sewage, solid wastes, or other compounds used in manufacturing. To brace for such failures,
contingency measures must be developed before the start of construction, and remediation technologies
must be developed to restore affected land and water to their natural states. Even if the probability of
an occurrence is minimal, the effects of an incident are exceedingly severe.
It is important to remember that increased sustainability policies in 1994 by the industries that
face the greatest environmental risks have resulted in a decline in greenhouse gas levels, with 2014
emissions reaching their lowest level [14]. However, most developed countries' crude oil and natural
gas output has given enormous economic benefits to both the region and its inhabitants. Thus, the
government and responsible bodies must understand the full scope of oil and gas exploration practices
to ensure that production is sustainable while still being environmentally and safe.
6. Recommendation
It is recommended that:
A professional working environment should be implemented and should be applied to all
the workers in oil and gas industrial to prevent any implications towards the environmental.
The organization should provide training and course to all the workers before doing any
production or manufacturing process since this is the way it can minimize the effects to
environment.
Universities in Malaysia should carry out the plan to teach the students especially in
engineering major regarding environmental impacts due to the any production such as solar
and oil and gas. This study can be applied into the engineering student’s course. For
example, most of the universities in Malaysia offer the students subject of Safety and
Health. In that case, Ministry of education should discuss with the responsible engineers’
body on how it can be implemented so that the universities can produce such an intellect
engineer for future generation.
All regulations bodies and acts should always monitor all the corporate companies
especially the oil and gas industries. Also, the regulation bodies have to figure out ways to
reduce the environmental impacts by providing any training and course to all the local and
international workers because adapting new environmental practices can necessitate
additional expenditures before the procedures can be implemented company wide.
Therefore, the safety of the workers at the facilities can be guaranteed and the workers will
always work professionally and follow the rules and acts that has been provided by the
responsible bodies.
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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Appendix
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
: Ahmad Zhafran Bin Ahmand Redzuan
: PETRONAS CARIGALI SDN BHD
: DRILLING ENGINEER
: https://tinyurl.com/brr7zcjb
: https://tinyurl.com/tf6t56f3
1) The most obvious negative effects on the oil and gas industry are sea pollution. For
example, an oil spill. It is necessary to find ways to conciliate industry development with
environmental protection. Is there any process or alternative ways to reduce sea
pollution?
In Petronas, before they conduct any jobs process, they will consult whereby they will refer
to oil spill response plans. It is required by regulatory bodies such as Malaysia agency and
Petronas internally. They will refer to the oil spill contingency plan, which is National Spill
Response for Malaysia, Petronas Crisis and Management Plan (CEMP), and Shipboard Oil
Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP). Other preventive actions, Petronas has a storage area
to store all the goods related to oil and gas production.
2) One of the most shocking incidents related to the oil and gas industry is the Deepwater
Horizon Oil Rog which owns by the company of Transocean that occurs on April 20, 2010.
This incident can cause a bad effect on the ecosystem, especially in the sea. In your
opinion, what is the probability of such an incident can be reduced to save the
environment?
After the incident, Petronas internally have done a lot of improvement on their system.
Especially on their permit to work and trainers/workers are required to perform the job. One
of the findings of the incident is the failure of the cement. Internally, Petronas has lots of
gates before operating the design and also execution of a project. Petronas also have their
assurance team go through the design or the specs propose. Then, they need to present to the
stakeholders and leadership team and also Subject Matter Expert (SME). SME people
normally have 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Also, during the operation,
there are a lot of HSC program to follows the international and Petronas standards. Petronas
have lesson learned database where they captured all the lesson that they learned from the
previous project and bring to next project. Additionally, Petronas has Communicating of
Practice (COP) where the workers share anything about what they have learned. To answer
this question, in the COP session they will share about any incidents to improve their
operation. Thus, this is a thing that improves by Petronas after the Macondo incident.
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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3) Are there any courses/qualifications that the workers must attend to work in the oil & gas
and refining industry? If yes, does the course explain the environment?
In Wells, Petronas do have. Most of it is done internally. For example, Petronas have HSC
in drilling and HSC Management System. It is also applied to other companies and workers
that are working under Petronas. All the regulations and act like the environmental impact
assessment are also covered in the training to followed by the country regulations and
internal Petronas procedure. Petronas also have Petronas Technical Standards (PTS) that
cover the environment.
4) At a certain time, there would be a large scale of flame released into the air from the
tunnel. In general, we know that it would be one of the factors to cause air pollution.
Because as we know, these chemicals would release a huge amount of carbon dioxide thus
will rapidly destroying the ozone layer. So, my question is it necessary to release the
flame? Is there any kind of process that can help or filter to reduce the air pollution before
releasing the flame into the air?
The process is called gas flaring. Flaring is preventive systems to ensure a large amount of
non-usable gas or a very hazardous gas to get rid of the facilities. This gas can be very
dangerous since it contains chemical gas like CO2 and H2S. It is also harmful to human
beings and dangerous to facilities. It cannot be released into the atmosphere just like that. In
offshore facilities, they need to vent them out even the space at the oil rig is small. It acts as
a process relief mechanism to vent out the non-usable gas or harmful gases from the process.
Next, as a waste product removal from Petronas chemical production process. Lastly, it is
safe combustion to eliminate all the volatile organic compounds.
5) Generally, if we see in the scope of an environment and greenhouse, in your own opinion,
do you see oil petroleum as non-renewable energy that is necessary or more important
compare to the other non-renewable energy?
In the scope of our country, Malaysia, Yes. Oil and gas are important energy. Currently.
Petronas not neglecting the impacts of using renewable energy. Petronas is venturing into
some renewable energy business like solar. In our current country regulation and country
energy sectors, oil and gas is important energy since Malaysia has abundant petroleum, and
it is contributed to Malaysia’s economy. Also, right now, Petronas is moving towards cleaner
energy. They try to use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Petronas generation facilities.
Petronas new initiative is net-zero carbon emission also talks about this part where Petronas
currently developing new technologies and collaborating with some technology providers
and some regulatory body to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050. It is a part of
Petronas planning to ensure that they have sustainable energy for the future.
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6) Lastly, do you think one day, people might be thinking that another non-renewable energy
like wind, solar, and so on is more useful compare to oil petroleum energy? Give your
opinion.
In general, yes. People would think that using other nonrenewable energy like solar, wind,
and wave would save the environment. Solar and wind do not produce any harmful gases.
But the problem that is faced by responsible sectors is how to achieve an efficient system.
For example, solar. We need to have a big landscape or area to install for the solar panel to
make solar farm, by huge cleaning amount of land, trees need to be cut down. So, it would
also have an environmental impact. By using wind, we need to find a vast amount of land
because wind turbine sometimes can be very dangerous if it has high wind spend and it will
also produce other environmental impacts such as noise pollution. Petronas is certain that
petroleum will be gone and will be replaced by other renewable energy. As a result, Petronas
has a new energy sector to investigate the new energy source. Petronas also have another
program which Petronas offer people in Malaysia to install solar panels at their home. Thus,
this is Petronas plan towards green energy.
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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[9] Ingraffea AR, Wells MT, Santoro RL, Shonkoff SBC (2014). Assessment and Risk Analysis of
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(30), July 2014.
[10] Osborn SG, Vengosh A, Warner NR, Jackson RB (2011). Methane Contamination of Drinking
Water accompanying Gas Well Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing. PNAS vol, 108 no. 20, May
17, 2011
[11] ] Rubinstein JL, Mahani AB (2015). Myths and facts on Wastewater Injection, Hydraulic
Fracturing, Enhanced Oil Recovery, and Induced Seismicity. Seismological Research Letters
vol. 86 No. 4 July/August 2015.
[12] McMichael AJ, Campbell-Lendrum DH, Corvalan CF, Ebi KL, Githeko AK, Scheraga JD,
Woodward A (2003). Climate Change and Human Health: Risks and Responses. World Health
Organisation, 2003.
[13] Macdonal C, Lockhart L, Gilman A (2007). Effects of Oil and Gas Activities on the
Environment and Human Health. AMAP Assessment, 2007
[14] Corporate Citizenship Report 2013. (2013). Retrieved April 26, 2015, from
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CitizenshipReport/2013/news_pub_ccr2013-2.pdf
Muhammad Asyriq Mukmin Bin Mohd Noor., Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry Vol. 0 No. 0 (2020) p. 1-8
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Engineers and Society (BEE10202/BEE32302)
Sem 2 2020/2021
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... Before the recent prevailing advocacy for renewable energy, fuels produced from crude oil were the major sources of energy. It has led to a significant creation of wealth and royalties for countries as well as job opportunities (Mohd Noor, 2021). Crude oil is composed of hydrocarbons from decomposed plants and animals that existed several centuries ago (Ranken Energy Corporation (n.d). ...
... If industrial waste is not properly treated before being released into the environment, it can pollute the environment, endanger human lives and livestock, and contaminate the surface of water bodies and the soil. The compounds in industrial waste that can pose a threat to the environment are; benzene, naphthalene, metals, hydrochloric acid, etc. (Mohd Noor, 2021). According to Epstein (2015), exposure to Benzene, etc. causes illnesses such as headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, cancer, leukemia, blood poisoning, etc. (Epstein, 2015). ...
... Operational activities of oil and gas companies pose several risks to the environment which have the potential to affect not only humans and other living species but the entire ecosystem adversely (Mariano & La Rovere, n.d.;Mohd Noor, 2021). In regards to how multinational companies address the environmental impact of their operations, existing literature has observed that in developing countries, the social issues addressed through CSR are poverty, illiteracy, inadequate social amenities due to government failures, corruption, etc. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
The objective of the paper is to explore how oil and gas multinationals use corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices to address the environmental impact of their operations. The paper also seeks to compare how the CSR practices of multinationals in the oil and gas sector differ in developing and developed country contexts. The qualitative methodology was used to analyze the information disclosed on the website and electronic reports of a selected oil and gas multinational company with branches in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
... Although the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g coal, oil, and gas) contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise, storm surges, and extreme weather events, can disrupt infrastructure and operations, and the oil and gas sector is particularly susceptible to these effects [1]. On the other hand, the techniques used to extract and produce oil and gas may has substantial negative impacts on the environment, including soil contamination, water pollution, and the loss of habitats [2]. These effects may be detrimental to ecosystem health, human health, and biodiversity. ...
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This study investigates the potential of integrating renewable energy and the ecosystems of blue-carbon for coastal climate change adaptation and mitigation in Indonesia's upstream and downstream oil and gas industry. The urgency for the integration is also discussed, including climate change mitigation, energy security, technological innovation, social and environmental justice, and long-term planning and resilience. The study uses Army Design Methodology to identify the key challenges and opportunities of integrating renewable energy and blue carbon ecosystems. The findings suggest that the integration of renewable energy and blue carbon ecosystems can play a crucial role in coastal climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in Indonesia's oil and gas industry. The paper concludes with recommendations for further research and policy development in this area.
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API II merupakan salah satu unit pengolahan limbah terakhir di PPSDM Migas sebelum dialirkan ke Sungai Bengawan Solo. Oleh karena itu, hasil pengolahan limbah API II harus memenuhi baku mutu pada regulasi yang berlaku. Tujuan penelitian ini dilakukan adalah untuk mengetahui kesesuaian kualitas hasil pengolahan limbah serta efektivitas unit API II. Parameter yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah BOD5, COD, Fenol, Ammonia, pH, temperatur, dan minyak lemak. Sampel yang digunakan menggunakan teknik grab sampling pada titik inlet dan outlet di API II. Hasil penelitian ini adalah hasil uji limbah cair pada unit API II PPSDM Migas menunjukkan persentase penurunan parameter BOD5 26%, COD 8.11%, fenol 9.49%, ammonia 42.13%, dan minyak lemak 48.5%. Nilai pH pada inlet sebesar 7.25, sedangkan pada outlet sebesar 7.18. Untuk temperatur limbah cair pada inlet yaitu sebesar 37.5oC, sedangkan pada outlet adalah 35oC. Semua parameter yang diuji telah memenuhi baku mutu.
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Full-text available
Significance Previous research has demonstrated that proximity to unconventional gas development is associated with elevated concentrations of methane in groundwater aquifers in Pennsylvania. To date, the mechanism of this migration is poorly understood. Our study, which looks at more than 41,000 conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells, helps to explain one possible mechanism of methane migration: compromised structural integrity of casing and cement in oil and gas wells. Additionally, methane, being the primary constituent of natural gas, is a strong greenhouse gas. The identification of mechanisms through which methane may migrate to the atmosphere as fugitive emissions is important to understand the climate dimensions of oil and gas development.
Article
Full-text available
Directional drilling and hydraulic-fracturing technologies are dramatically increasing natural-gas extraction. In aquifers overlying the Marcellus and Utica shale formations of northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York, we document systematic evidence for methane contamination of drinking water associated with shale-gas extraction. In active gas-extraction areas (one or more gas wells within 1 km), average and maximum methane concentrations in drinking-water wells increased with proximity to the nearest gas well and were 19.2 and 64 mg CH(4) L(-1) (n = 26), a potential explosion hazard; in contrast, dissolved methane samples in neighboring nonextraction sites (no gas wells within 1 km) within similar geologic formations and hydrogeologic regimes averaged only 1.1 mg L(-1) (P < 0.05; n = 34). Average δ(13)C-CH(4) values of dissolved methane in shallow groundwater were significantly less negative for active than for nonactive sites (-37 ± 7‰ and -54 ± 11‰, respectively; P < 0.0001). These δ(13)C-CH(4) data, coupled with the ratios of methane-to-higher-chain hydrocarbons, and δ(2)H-CH(4) values, are consistent with deeper thermogenic methane sources such as the Marcellus and Utica shales at the active sites and matched gas geochemistry from gas wells nearby. In contrast, lower-concentration samples from shallow groundwater at nonactive sites had isotopic signatures reflecting a more biogenic or mixed biogenic/thermogenic methane source. We found no evidence for contamination of drinking-water samples with deep saline brines or fracturing fluids. We conclude that greater stewardship, data, and-possibly-regulation are needed to ensure the sustainable future of shale-gas extraction and to improve public confidence in its use.
Book
Renewable Energy Has a Good Side and a Bad Side… Evaluate Both All energy sources affect the environment in which we live. While fossil fuels may essentially do more harm, renewable energy sources can also pose a threat to the environment. Allowing for the various renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy examines the environmental effects of all available renewable or alternative sources, as they increasingly play a large part in our energy supply, and provides a counterargument about the benefits of renewable energy. This book discusses both the merits and the physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental limitations of renewable sources of energy. It discusses the pros and cons of renewable energy, addresses environmental issues and concerns, and determines ways to avoid or minimize these impacts. This text contains nine chapters reviewing in depth: • Renewable energy impact on the environment • Major renewable energy types • Environmental health, safety, and ecological impacts • Impact on tribal sacrosanct areas Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy covers the adverse effects of major renewable energy sources. Environmental engineers working with renewable energy, environmental consultants/managers working with municipalities regarding environmental impact and land use, and undergraduate students taking related courses in environmental college programs can greatly benefit from this text.
Environmental Management in Oil & Gas Exploration and Production. An overview of Issues and Management Approaches
E&P Forum (1997). Environmental Management in Oil & Gas Exploration and Production. An overview of Issues and Management Approaches. UNCP/Earth Print, 1997
Oil and Gas Production Phase Impacts
www.teeic.indianaffairs.gov/er/oilgas/impact/prod/index.html. Oil and Gas Production Phase Impacts. Accessed 31 August 2016
Effects of Oil and Gas Activities on the Environment and Human Health
  • C Macdonal
  • L Lockhart
  • A Gilman
Macdonal C, Lockhart L, Gilman A (2007). Effects of Oil and Gas Activities on the Environment and Human Health. AMAP Assessment, 2007