Recent Experiences: Building Waste Management Facilities in Remote Areas

Abstract

Abstract Many exploration and production (E&P) operations are located in developing countries or remote locations that often have poor infrastructure. Commercial waste management facilities of adequate quality may be nonexistent or prohibitively distant, and production expansions are filling the capacity of existing facilities at the E&P sites. ChevronTexaco's business philosophy includes continually improving processes to minimize pollution and waste. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve E&P waste management efforts, we are identifying cost-effective and environmentally protective alternatives for waste management including building new on-site facilities and equipment, evaluating available off-site options, and developing local businesses and infrastructure. We then optimize the selection of alternatives for each location using an overall waste review process. This paper will highlight recent and planned investments in our international waste management facilities including: In Venezuela in 2002, the company commissioned a U.S. $1.8 million state-of-the-art facility that is designed to handle a broad spectrum of wastes from the Boscan oil field.In Sumatra, Indonesia, a subsidiary of ChevronTexaco has reviewed its waste management strategies and developed comprehensive plans for additional waste management facilities and stand-alone equipment totaling U.S. $6.0 million that is awaiting governmental approval. This is in addition to several recently commissioned major facilities for improved management of oily wastes including a slurry injection facility and five soil bioremediation facilities.In Nigeria, plans are underway for a variety of new waste management facilities totaling U.S. $28 million including a landfill, incinerators, slurry injection, and a sewage treatment plant.In Kazakhstan, the company's joint venture Tengizchevroil has initiated design and construction of a U.S. $16 million integrated waste management facility. The facility will include a landfill, a recycling and treatment area, and a reception facility with a weighbridge. In 2004, the landfill and key site infrastructure elements will be commissioned.