EU Offshore Safety Directive: How to Identify Sensitive Coastal Features in Case of a Major Accident

Abstract

Abstract In June 2013, the European Commission (EC) published the EU Directive 2013/30/EU on Safety of Offshore Oil and Gas Operations (hereafter referred to as the EU Offshore Safety Directive). The objective of the EU Offshore Safety Directive is to reduce as far as possible the occurrence of major accidents related to offshore oil and gas operations and to limit the consequences of any such accident, including any damage to protected species and natural habitats. The Directive defines protected species and natural habitats by referring to Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (hereafter referred to as the Habitats Directive). In order to ensure that all sensitive environmental receptors that may be affected in the event of an accident are identified, eni Upstream, with the support of Amec Foster Wheeler, have mapped sensitive areas in the Mediterranean Sea based on a set of natural and socio-economic criteria. This has been conducted considering both the Habitats Directive and industry good practices. The mapping exercise is an iterative process; maps are based on data that are publicly available and are updated as new datasets become available. In selecting relevant sensitive areas, eni have considered both the EU Habitats Directive Annexes I and II and criteria aligned with the IPIECA/IMO/IOGP guidance document, Sensitivity Mapping for Oil Spill Response (2012). All data collected are geo-referenced and can be uploaded onto a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform; the data includes, but are not limited to: Protected Areas (including Natura 2000 sites);Habitats listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive;Species listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive;Species of commercial interest;Aquaculture infrastructure;Touristic areas; This desktop-based baseline can be used for several purposes. In addition to helping eni to comply with the new legislation (e.g. outlining potential environmental consequences of Major Accidents), the maps enable Environmental Specialists to inform decision-making processes along the project lifecycle regarding areas of high environmental value or special vulnerability where extra baseline studies may be needed. The maps can also be used to support Oil Spill Emergency Response teams, so that they can promptly identify sensitive receptors and make informed decisions during emergencies. This paper illustrates the main features of this GIS platform and provides examples of its application.