Environmental and Safety Issues and Solutions Related to Oil and Gas Production

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, it is nearly impossible to imagine life without crude oil and natural gas. From everyday activities and materials to industrial processes, these resources are essential commodities on which we depend. The production of these resources is associated with severe environmental, health, and safety concerns, however, and oil and gas operations should be conducted in a manner that minimizes these concerns. This chapter provides a brief history of the oil and gas industry, identifies the major producers of oil and gas, briefly outlines the oil and gas production process, and summarizes the regulatory framework that governs oil and gas operations in various countries worldwide, while focusing on the legislation pertaining to health, safety, and the environment. The chapter also describes in detail the environmental, health, and safety concerns associated with oil and gas production. Additionally, it discusses several associations that relate to different aspects of the oil and gas industry. The chapter also discusses the key elements of environmental, health, and safety management and discusses in depth operational and technological changes that can be adopted to minimize environmental, health, and safety concerns pertaining to oil and gas operations.