Oil Infrastructure Research Articles

Associations Between the Density of Oil and Gas Infrastructure and the Incidence, Stage and Outcomes of Solid Tumours: A Population-Based Geographic Analysis.

BackgroundWe hypothesized that there are geographic areas of increased cancer incidence in Alberta, and that these are associated with high densities of oil and gas(O+G) infrastructure. Our objective was to describe the relationship between O+G infrastructure and incidence of solid tumours on a population level.MethodsWe analyzed all patients >=18 years old with urological, breast, upper GI, colorectal, head and neck, hepatobiliary, lung, melanoma, and prostate cancers identified from the Alberta Cancer Registry from 2004-2016. Locations of active and orphan O+G sites were obtained from the Alberta Energy Regulator and Orphan Well Association. Orphan sites have no entity responsible for their maintenance. ArcGIS (ESRI, Toronto, Ontario) was used to calculate the distribution of O+G sites in each census distribution area (DA). Patient residence at diagnosis was defined by postal code. Incidence of cancer per DA was calculated and standardized. Negative binomial regression was done on O+G site density as a categorical variable with cutoffs of 1 and 30 wells/100km2, compared to areas with 0 sites.Results125,316 patients were identified in the study timeframe;58,243 (46.5%) were female, mean age 65.6 years. Breast (22%) and prostate (19.8%) cancers were most common. Mortality was 36.5% after a median of 30 months follow up (IQR 8.4 – 68.4). For categorical density of active O+G sites, RR was 1.02 for 1-30 sites/100km2 (95% CI=0.95-1.11) and 1.15 for >30 sites/100km2 (p<0.0001, 95%CI=1.11-1.2). For orphan sites, 1-30 sites RR was 1.25 (p<0.0001, 95%CI=1.16-1.36) and 1.01 (p=0.97, 95%CI=0.7-1.45) for >30 sites. For all O+G sites, RR for 1-30 sites was 1.03 (p=0.4328, 95%CI=0.95-1.11) and 1.15 (p<0.0001, 95%CI=1.11-1.2) for >30 sites.ConclusionWe report a statistically significant correlation between O+G infrastructure density and solid tumour incidence in Alberta. To our knowledge this is the first population-level study to observe that active and orphan O+G sites are associated with increased risk of solid tumours. This finding may inform policy on remediation and cancer prevention.

Обоснование выбора HR-стратегии при размещении объектов транспортно-технологической системы нефтяных месторождений российской Арктики

The development of Arctic hydrocarbon resources is in the sphere of interests of many large companies. At the same time, the vast northern territories and polar seas do not have a developed infrastructure that would allow implementing various transport and technological solutions for the development of oil fields. The opportunities for attracting the resources of the Russian Arctic into economic circulation are currently being used to a small extent, which is caused by various factors, both objective and subjective, that were formed at the previous stages of the country's development. This work is devoted to the problem of choosing an HR strategy when placing objects of the transport and technological system of oil fields in the Russian Arctic, taking into account the ecological, economic and socio-economic features of this macroregion. Using the example of oil and gas fields in the coastal-shelf zone of the south-eastern part of the Barents and Kara Seas, the authors consider multivariate forecasts for the formation of a rational scheme for the transportation of hydrocarbons as an integral part of the regional oil and gas complex. The authors assign a special role to the important economic and socio-psychological components associated with the processes of organizing the work of oil workers. At the same time, they come to the conclusion that the shift method of labor organization, adopted by many large mining companies, should not displace, but only complement the traditional methods of attracting personnel to the Arctic oil infrastructure facilities. The use of the combined method of labor organization in the Arctic is the most optimal, allowing to integrate the advantages and localize the disadvantages of other methods of labor organization.

Environment and armed conflict in Colombia: terrorist attacks against water resources and oil infrastructure in Norte de Santander (2010-2020)

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the armed conflict in Colombia on the environment, and in particular, terrorist attacks on the oil infrastructure and the phenomenon of oil spills in river basins in the department of Norte de Santander. The study covers the last decade, from 2010 to 2019, and is focused on one of the most violent departments in Colombia, through which the country’s most important oil pipeline runs, connecting Caño Limón in Arauca and Coveñas in Sucre. Based on governmental and other reports, the papersituates these acts violence within within the wider dynamics ofarmed confllict. A model is also proposed pointing to the urgency of finding new variables and risk probability factors so that this threat to security in Colombia, currently as unpredictable as it is unresolved, may be effectively managed.

Technology Focus: Offshore Facilities (September 2021)

For this feature, I have had the pleasure of reviewing 122 papers submitted to SPE in the field of offshore facilities over the past year. Brent crude oil price finally has reached $75/bbl at the time of writing. So far, this oil price is the highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a good sign that demand is picking up. Oil and gas offshore projects also seem to be picking up; most offshore greenfield projects are dictated by economics and the price of oil. As predicted by some analysts, global oil consumption will continue to increase as the world’s economy recovers from the pandemic. A new trend has arisen, however, where, in addition to traditional economic screening, oil and gas investors look to environment, social, and governance considerations to value the prospects of a project and minimize financial risk from environmental and social issues. The oil price being around $75/bbl has not necessarily led to more-attractive offshore exploration and production (E&amp;P) projects, even though the typical offshore breakeven price is in the range of $40–55/bbl. We must acknowledge the energy transition, while also acknowledging that oil and natural gas will continue to be essential to meeting the world’s energy needs for many years. At least five European oil and gas E&amp;P companies have announced net-zero 2050 ambitions so far. According to Rystad Energy, continuous major investments in E&amp;P still are needed to meet growing global oil and gas demand. For the past 2 years, the global investment in E&amp;P project spending is limited to $200 billion, including offshore, so a situation might arise with reserve replacement becoming challenging while demand accelerates rapidly. Because of well productivity, operability challenges, and uncertainty, however, opening the choke valve or pipeline tap is not as easy as the public thinks, especially on aging facilities. On another note, the technology landscape is moving to emerging areas such as net-zero; decarbonization; carbon capture, use, and storage; renewables; hydrogen; novel geothermal solutions; and a circular carbon economy. Historically, however, the Offshore Technology Conference began proactively discussing renewables technology—such as wave, tidal, ocean thermal, and solar—in 1980. The remaining question, then, is how to balance the lack of capital expenditure spending during the pandemic and, to some extent, what the role of offshore is in the energy transition. Maximizing offshore oil and gas recovery is not enough anymore. In the short term, engaging the low-carbon energy transition as early as possible and leading efforts in decarbonization will become a strategic move. Leveraging our expertise in offshore infrastructure, supply chains, sea transportation, storage, and oil and gas market development to support low-carbon energy deployment in the energy transition will become vital. We have plenty of technical knowledge and skill to offer for offshore wind projects, for instance. The Hywind wind farm offshore Scotland is one example of a project that is using the same spar technology as typical offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Innovation, optimization, effective use of capital and operational expenditures, more-affordable offshore technology, and excellent project management, no doubt, also will become a new normal offshore. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 202911 - Harnessing Benefits of Integrated Asset Modeling for Bottleneck Management of Large Offshore Facilities in the Matured Giant Oil Field by Yukito Nomura, ADNOC, et al. OTC 30970 - Optimizing Deepwater Rig Operations With Advanced Remotely Operated Vehicle Technology by Bernard McCoy Jr., TechnipFMC, et al. OTC 31089 - From Basic Engineering to Ramp-Up: The New Successful Execution Approach for Commissioning in Brazil by Paulino Bruno Santos, Petrobras, et al.

Immersed in oil: Community journalism, petroculture, and environmental justice in Los Angeles

Courses Digital Storytelling, Community Journalism. Objectives This course is designed to introduce students to basic concepts in digital storytelling and community journalism. “Immersed in urban oil” is an interdisciplinary project-based, community-engaged course focused on documenting the historical and contemporary oil infrastructures of LA County. Students are taught how to produce a publicly accessible and immersive digital library that highlights issues of environmental justice in the past/present of local Los Angeles oil production. Visual journalism and community storytelling inform the reporting, media production, and digital methodologies components of the course.

Intelligent inspection robotics: an open innovation project

According to the World Bank review, National Oil Companies (NOCs) control approximately 90% of the world’s oil reserves and 75% of production (similar numbers apply to gas) and many major oil and gas infrastructure systems. However, NOCs fall behind many smaller companies in terms of innovation. The reason is the closed nature of their business, which constrains innovations. It has been suggested that this problem can be solved by the application of an “Open Innovation” paradigm. The concepts of Open Innovation suggest firms who would like to be more innovative to use internal as well as external sources for their idea generation. (Ibrahimov in Open innovation and application to petroleum industry. IFAC Papersonline, 2018). However, this is not easy to deploy due to these organizations’ traditions, values, and institutional culture, which act as innovation obstacles in those companies. Innovations should be “Open” to find better solutions but should be “Closed” to fit with the cultural requirements of NOCs. This contradiction needs to be solved quickly for the sake of innovation, which is the key to ensure environmental and societal benefits and to prevent further harm. This article stresses the importance of Open Innovation in the petrochemical industry and discusses the difficulties for the industry to embrace it, especially in light of the advances in intelligent robotic systems applications in the sector. The questions are: How should large NOCs adopt innovations and become more open to innovation so that the best intelligent automatic solutions are adopted in such contexts? Is there a theory of knowledge and innovation that can solve the contradictions between Closed versus Open Innovation? This paper posits that a solution to the contradictions surrounding innovations in NOCs could be found in Teorija rezheniya izobretatelskih zadach (TRIZ) (Theory of inventive problem solving), which has been used for decades to overcome contradictions and to develop inventive solutions, in a variety of similar sectors. In this paper, TRIZ theory has been suggested as a tool to deploy the “Open Innovation” paradigm to solve the above-mentioned contradictions, i.e., how to make things “Open” while keeping them “Closed” where necessary (or even required by regulations). Real-life examples from the oil industry, and recent applications from Azerbaijan specifically, are analyzed and interviews with the industry players used to test TRIZ theory as a tool for the Open Innovation paradigm in the oil sector. The paper sets out innovative solutions in intelligent robotic pipeline inspection systems, which operate in hazardous conditions unsuitable for humans, and which, for example, ensure that pipelines do not degrade to the extent, where they create environmental and societal damage. The problems, paradigms, and TRIZ praxis as applied in the oil sector examples given here offer important lessons for the global oil industry and other high hazard sectors globally; however, examples in the paper chosen from Azerbaijan and Caspian Region which is also the hometown of TRIZ.

Analysis of oil spill impacts along pipelines and the fate of sensitive environments in Nigeria

This study shows how mapping post-oil spill incidents can provide insights into the fate of sensitive ecosystems and serve as a decision-support tool for reducing the negative socio-environmental impacts of oil spills. The incidence of oil spills along pipelines have expanded in extent into habitats of sensitive natural ecosystems and threatens biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. These oil spills, directly and indirectly, influence critical ecosystems functioning such as protected areas, wildlife, wetlands, waterbodies, marine animals and plants, natural vegetation types and arable lands for food production. The geo-visualised oil spill records overlaid on GoogleEarth images provided geo-locational insights and intelligence that aid inferences on the impacts of oil spill incidents using geospatial mapping tools and web-service to support decision-making purposes in the oil spill management cycle. Furthermore, geospatial analysis of oil spills data from 2006 to 2019 along the ~5000 km of pipelines with the 2017 World Database of Protected Areas revealed numerous perils oil spills pose to the proper functioning and sustainability of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Results showed that ~630 verified oil spills occurred in the forest reserves along the pipelines. Approximately 120 verified oil spills were recorded in game reserves and ~210 verified oil spills occurred in Ramsar site-wetlands of international importance. The oil spills that occurred along these pipelines are threats to the existence of intact tropical rain forests, savannah forests and protected areas since they intersect critical ecosystems. Numerous terrestrial and marine inhabitant were affected by oil spill events including land and underground water pollution, loss of human livelihood, heavy metal pollution, loss of farmland and damage of animal habitat. This assessment showed that the fusion of relevant environmental dataset is crucial in evaluating the fate, sensitivity and vulnerability of landscapes to oil spills using geo-mapping and geo-visualization concepts. In the context of achieving environmental sustainability and smart oil pipeline provisioning in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is essential to use Geo-information tools such as integrated spatial planning and land-use concepts to evaluate potential perils linked to oil infrastructure development. Outcomes from impact assessment research of this kind should be incorporated as strategic tools for developing informed conservation economy policies, industry practices and good environmental governance mechanism for robust decision-making in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria towards attaining local-scale SDGs.

Norwegian Oil Experience and The Possibility of Benefiting From it in Iraq

It is obvious that the oil sector in Iraq is suffering from major problems related to oil infrastructure, in terms of extraction, production, transport, storage and export outlets. Generally, it is often said that the economic policy including the oil policy, have been failed in setting the short- and long-term plans to manage and best use the oil wealth. Although there are a number of official institutions to manage oil industry in Iraq, there is no competent authority in the area of investment and management of surplus reserves which is deposited in a development fund of Iraq (DFI). It is emphasized that Iraq’s need to invest these reserves, despite the existence of some intersections between the monetary policy and the fiscal policy. Yet, oil revenues, constitute more than 90% of the public budget of the country. On the other hand, the Norway experience has become a successful model in the oil industry among oil export countries, includes the level of extraction, manufacture and export of oil derivatives. it is possible to benefit from its experience in this sector through attempting to apply its oil investment policy and to be guided in all phases of the oil industry. As a result of its remarkable success is achieved in the oil sector, the researcher will study all development stages and the reasons for the success regarding the oil industry in Norway, particularly in term of establishing sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and its role in economic and financial stability

Применение технологии лазерного сканирования для контроля состояния защитных сооружений при перекачке нефтепродуктов

Laser scanning technology is actively used in various industries. Laser scanning has provenbe a highly precision method of collecting spatial data to solve various tasks. In the oil and gas industry, these are the tasks associated with the study of pipelines for degradation in order to prevent fuel leakage, study of tank state and assessment of their deformations due to various adverse factors, including soil subsidence, timely detection of mechanical damage to oil and gas infrastructure, assessment of the protective structure health, allowing to identify the degree of their reliability in case of emergencies. In order to use the laser scanning technology to identify most of the issues in a timely manner, as well as to assess their possible consequences, various studies are being carried out to develop data collection techniques, to increase the automation degree of the processing the surveying results and their accuracy, to develop methods of creating the final product, demonstrating the result of the processing in the desired form. These modern research trends in the laser scanning technology in order to control the state of protective constructions when transferring oil products are considered. Depending on a laser scanner position when surveying, 3 its types are distinguished: terrestrial, airborne and mobile. Recommendations of applying laser scanning types are discussed. The advantages of applying each type of laser scanning when monitoring various types of protective constructions are indicated. As an example, terrestrial and mobile laser scanning data are given for one site—the oil and gas condensate deposit area. Accuracy of laser scanning data and the reasons for possible errors in their pre-processing are analyzed. It is shown that additional surveying allows detecting changes in the state of various territory objects.

SCADA system algorithm and software

The oil and gas industry is characterized by complex technological processes, the management of which is impossible without the use of modern automation tools (APCs). For monitoring and dispatching control of a large number of remote objects, specialized SCADA systems are used, the main purpose of which is to provide the operator who controls the technological process with complete information about this process and the necessary means to influence it. The Russian control automation market is represented by both domestic and foreign SCADA systems, the most popular of which are: WinCC (Siemens, Germany), InTouch (Wonderware, USA), RSView32 (Rockwell Automation, USA), Genesis64 (Iconics, USA), Vijeo Citect (Schneider Electric, France), Trace Mode (AdAstra), Master SCADA (InSat NPF), Krug-2000 (Krug NPF), SARGON (NVT-Automation). Unlike foreign SCADA systems, Russian SCADA systems have a number of advantages – an acceptable price level, the possibility of operational technical support and, not least, Russian-language accompanying operational documentation. The article presents the control algorithms of the TREI-5B-05 programmable controller of the «ECO» series, which are used in the SCADA system of the oil and gas transport infrastructure. Sets of parameters of a functioning system are obtained. Software has been developed that monitors the functions of the controller and signals a detected failure. A series of tests was developed and tested, with the help of which the correct functioning of the TREI-5B-05 controller was checked on a specialized stand by modeling the errors that occur. The integration of this application with the existing automated operator's seat has been completed. A method for testing the performance of the TREI-5B-05 controller of the «ECO» series, as the most important element of the SCADA process control system in the oil and gas industry, is proposed. The transition to the use of this controller was carried out in accordance with the domestic policy of import substitution. Development of control algorithms and software for an automated system for monitoring the state of technological equipment involved in the transportation of liquid energy resources along oil and gas pipelines, as well as ensuring the smooth operation of the system and reducing its downtime in the event of equipment failure. In the course of the study, a software and algorithmic complex was created and tested to monitor the technical condition of the pump unit and the shut-off device with an electric drive. Special algorithms for testing signals at different values of control parameters have been developed and tested. Protocols are formed for all the tests performed and acceptable parameter values are determined for the specific system built. The analysis of XML files in the controller's memory and in RAM for their integrity is carried out. The developed application allows you to monitor the health of the system, as well as transmit signals about detected errors to the operator's automated control system. Timely signaling of failures in the transport system, in turn, allows you to quickly take measures to eliminate their causes.

Can Oil Speak? On the Production of Ontological Difference and Ambivalence in Extractive Encounters

Two disparate views emerge as rural people living along Timor-Leste’s south coast are confronted by extractive industries charged with implementing a large oil infrastructure project: emphasis is put either on the productive potential of the non-human environment or on the spiritual connections with particular sites. Whilst political ontology approaches posit that resource conflicts reveal underlying ontological differences between animism and naturalism, this article shows how differences are in fact produced by extractive encounters. Resource extraction promotes the articulation of clear-cut positions, thereby displacing more ambivalent relations with the inhabited environment. The ontological multiplicity of East Timorese origin accounts challenges the analytical prioritization of difference in political ontology and provides a model for attending to multivocality, ambiguity and political context.

Algorithmic Sangfroid? The Decline of Sensitivity of Crude Oil Prices to News on Potentially Disruptive Terror Attacks and Political Unrest

The paper postulates that enhanced informational efficiency and signal processing capacity, which have characterized the evolution of commodity markets’ architecture during the last two decades, have rendered commodity prices more robust with respect to external shocks. Our econometric analysis of times series over 2001–2015 revealed a persistent decline in the responsiveness of crude oil prices to inflows of information concerning potentially supply-disruptive events. International news on terrorist attacks involving damage to oil infrastructure including those occurring in proximity to oil extraction sites, political unrest, and conflicts of rivaling factions are all documented to exercise a decreasing impact on oil price volatility both over short and medium observation spans. The previously observed spikes in oil prices accompanying similar disruptive events in OPEC countries are also shown to flatten over time as price sensitivity to information shocks declines. The discovered weakening of market response becomes more pronounced from the mid-2000s, which corresponds to the period of rapid algorithmization of commodity trading.

Россия на фоне посягательств на объекты нефтяной отрасли в странах Ближнего Востока и Северной Африки

The article examines issues of criminal manifestations in the field of oil infrastructure in the Middle East and North. Particular attention is paid to the study of historical and modern methods of crime committing, information concerning hierarchical schemes of criminal groups, the identity of the offender, corruption in government agencies, including customs services, as well as the huge economic loss suffered by a state and the world economy as a whole. Specific examples of law enforcement practice reflect the reasons that make it difficult to impose sanctions on offenders from international legislation and the practical use of preventive measures in the framework of the problems under study. On the basis of modern analytical materials made by foreign researchers, the paper summarizes government measures to counter illegal challenges, and a positive experience and strategies to prevent crime in this area. The final part of the article describes the variety and distinctive area specificity of criminal manifestations, as well as features similar in the method of crime committing and in the objects of encroachment.

Using Nanomaterials in Stabilization of Soil for Oil Infrastructures

The design foundations of storage tanks for oil industry experiences significant problems due to the widespread occurrence of weak and compressible soil which resulted in foundation failure. In this study, soft soils were taken from two locations and mixed with three types of nanoparticles which were nano-alumina (nano Al2O3), nano-copper (nano CuO), and nano-magnesium (nano MgO). Nanomaterials were incorporated in small percentage (less than 1%) by dry weight of soil. The tested geotechnical characteristics included the water content, dry density, and the unconfined compressive strength. The results showed significant enhancements in the maximum dry density and unconfined compressive strength. The level of enhancement depended on the type of nanomaterials and the contents. Improved strength and hardening properties were shown with the utilization of nano CuO material in comparison to the soil samples with the other nanomaterials additions, with its optimum addition of 0.7% provided an increment rate of 662.7% while the optimum nano CuO which is about 1% showed a 532% increasing rate in the compressive strength of S1 soil. It was noted that the maximum dry density and unconfined compressive strength enhanced with the increase in the nanoparticles content until reaching a percentage in which the strength decreased. The optimum content of the nano MgO was 0.3% while the optimum nano Al2O3 content was about 0.3% for soil S1 and was about 0.1% for soil S2. The presence of nanomaterials in excessive contents caused agglomeration of particles which had negative influences on mechanical characteristics of the soils. Generally, the incorporation of finer particles like nanoparticles even with low amount would improve the geotechnical characteristics of soils with the consideration of the potential environmental benefits, these combined admixtures are intended to lower the cost and become a more sustainable and environmental alternative for soil stabilization

UKRAINE AND KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA: ESTABLISHING BILATERAL ONES ECONOMIC RELATIONS

The importance of the Persian Gulf region for Ukraine is due to the significant potential for mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. Despite the fact that Ukraine is one of the energy-deficient countries, the possibilities of import or transit of energy from the Gulf states are quite limited. The priorities of Ukraine's policy in the region are the development of balanced, equal and mutually beneficial relations, strengthening Ukraine's economic position in the region's markets, maintaining security at the southern borders of our state, strengthening regional security and stability. Ukraine considers important cooperation in the field of exploration, development, arrangement and modernization of oil and gas fields, design and construction of oil and gas infrastructure, joint production of hydrocarbons in the two countries and attracting investment in the modernization of Ukraine's gas transportation system. The automobile industry can become a promising area of Saudi-Ukrainian cooperation. An important area is cooperation in space, in particular, in the joint production of artificial satellite systems. launch of Saudi satellites. The aim of the article is to analyze the size and relation of commercial and investment between Ukraine and KSA, through finding the figures of the main product or services that changed or procured by the two countries, with raining the main impact factors that effecting the trade on the country level, also witnessed cooperation in various fields, as in 2016 the Kingdom and Ukraine signed agreements, including the double taxation agreement, the investment protection agreement, and the economic and commercial framework agreement for commercial, economic, scientific and technical cooperation. The main exported commodities were plastics and their articles, machinery and machine tools and their parts, fertilizers, and various chemical products, in addition to ready-made clothes. While the main imported commodities in the same year were: cereals, iron and steel (steel), fats and animal or vegetable oils, made of iron or casting (steel), and meat, offal and edible parts.

Crafting Spaces of Value

This ethnographic investigation of the rise of the artisanal oil refining industry in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, shows how oil infrastructures have become contested between the state, multinational oil corporations and local youths in what I call a ‘new oil frontier’. I argue that artisanal refineries are indicative of the politics of crude oil governance and reveal complex, integrated and innovative forms of extractive practices by youth groups within many Niger Delta communities. Using the example of the Bodo community in Ogoniland, where local youths operate refineries constructed with local materials and technology, I show that such refineries represent an emergent form of energy capture that transforms the creeks of the Niger Delta into islands of carbon sale and challenges state and corporate power.

Long Live the Heritage of Petroleum—Discoveries of Former Oil Sites in the Port City of Dunkirk

In the early days of the petroleum industry, oil infrastructure had a short lifespan. Individuals were creating their own company and competing with others, without the financial means of current great companies. Many oil facilities were established in port cities like Dunkirk, because they were the entrance gates to many nations. In the case of Dunkirk, many former oil sites became houses and schools in the current urban tissue, and official records lost track of many others. The limited data available on official records to inform the people on the pollution of their soil is a threat to their safety and health, and an obstacle for the planning strategies of public authorities. The analysis of archival documents, past and present aerial pictures, paintings and mapping techniques related to geographic information systems (GIS) can reveal lost industrial sites, and thus indicate potential pollution. This paper investigates the oil history of Dunkirk as a background for its petroleum history and its transferability to other petroleum related cities. A cross analysis of sources will attempt to complete French files and locate oil sites. The objective is to illustrate the transformation of former oil sites, and why the current land use is often not compatible with its history.

Investigation of Sinkhole Formation with Human Influence: A Case Study from Wink Sink in Winkler County, Texas

The formation of sinkholes in Winkler County, Texas is concerning due to the amount of oil and gas infrastructure and the potential for catastrophic losses. Evidences of new and potential sinkholes have been documented, and determining the cause of these sinkholes is paramount to mitigate the devastating consequences thereof. Studies have shown that the Wink sinkholes result from both natural and anthropogenic influences. Data depicting land-cover changes, alterations in the hydrologic systems, climate changes, and oil and gas activity were analyzed in an effort to better understand the link between these processes and sinkhole formation. Results indicate that the combination of these processes lead to the current state. Land cover changes were highest in shrub versus grasses, undeveloped to developed and croplands. Rises in temperature and a decrease in precipitation indicate a shift towards a more arid climate. Changes to the hydraulic system are a direct result of these land cover changes while the groundwater quality depicts an environment prone to dissolution. Historical oil and gas activities have created pathways of meteoric water infiltration to the underlying limestone and evaporite formation. The combination of these processes create an environment that accelerates sinkhole formations. Understanding these processes allows for the development and implementation of better land practices, better groundwater protections, and the need for monitoring and maintaining aging oil and gas infrastructure.

Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration: Analysing the Outcomes of Nigeria’s Post-Amnesty Programme

Disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) programmes are an essential part of most contemporary post-conflict peacebuilding processes, but they are seldom the subject of academic analysis. In this study, we seek to reduce this gap by examining the Post-Amnesty Programme (PAP) introduced in Nigeria in 2009. Our analysis shows that the programme contributed to the reduction of small arms and light weapons (SALW), fewer attacks on oil infrastructure and kidnapping of expatriates, and improved human capacity development. However, the programme has been ineffective in reintegrating ex-militants into civilian life because of serious shortcomings in its design as well as the extremely difficult implementation environment. In addition, the programme has proved to be hugely expensive. Despite these serious shortcomings, the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot simply terminate the programme because this will increase the risk that ex-militants enrolled in the programme will reignite the violent insurgency against the Nigerian state and international oil companies. The study concludes by reflecting on how this challenging situation can be resolved.

A Need for Investment in Nigerian Crude Oil Refining and Infrastructures: A Panacea to Refined Petroleum Shortages and Economic Growth

Despite the abundance of occurring natural crude oil resources, Nigeria continually suffers shortages of refined petroleum products, which undermines economic development of the country. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore the strategic role of how investment in petroleum refineries and infrastructures can improve supply and hence mitigate shortages or scarcity of refined petroleum products in the petroleum supply chain and enhance economic development in Nigeria. The research participants comprise of ten senior leaders from two private-sector Nigerian downstream petroleum supply companies located in the Niger Delta region, who had effectively implemented strategies for petroleum supply. The conceptual framework for the study was the resource based view theory. Data were collected through semistructured face-to-face interviews and review of operational and policy documents from the supply or marketing petroleum companies. Data were transcribed, analyzed, and validated through member checking and triangulation. The discoveries indicate the need to establish more refineries, privatize the existing moribund refineries, and build more infrastructures in Nigeria. Findings may be used by petroleum leaders and investors to optimize available crude oil natural resources, and to create investment strategies in the petroleum supply chain, leading to product availability, sustainability, poverty reduction, and economic development in Nigeria.&#x0D;