PETROLEUM AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Energy is the base for industrialization. Petroleum is not only the major source of energy but also has the greatest growth rate amongst the more important energy sources.

With industrialization has come urbanization, and with urbanization has come a recognition of conservation. The Torrey Canyon and the Santa Barbara incidents have focussed this public recognition on the oil industry.

When we speak of environment, we must include such things as the automobiles we drive and the plastics we use. We must consider our total environment and control its development for the good of all mankind - that is what conservation is about.

Conservation is the watchword of most of the Petroleum Industry. Esso spends in excess of five million dollars per year on direct environmental control research. The American Petroleum Institute spent three million dollars on Air and Water Conservation research in 1969, and 1970 will see an expanded budget.

At present 13 per cent of U.S.A.'s production of oil and gas comes from the seabed of the Gulf and Californian coasts where some 13 thousand million dollars have been invested. Of the 8,000 wells that have been drilled in Federal waters, only 16 have blown out — 12 gas and 4 oil — and only one of the latter has resulted in significant pollution — Santa Barbara. Contrary to emotional statements, informed sources have so far concluded that little detrimental effect has been sustained on marine life, whales, seals and commercial fish. Long-term effects are now being studied.

Australia this year should see the first substantial reduction in oil imports due in the main to oil from offshore sources — what effect will this have on our environment?

Techniques used in oil exploration today from seismic surveys to the drilling and production phases of the industry are preplanned, using all the data that can be gathered. Safety factors are built in to every phase of the plan including casing programmes, mud systems, and blow-out preventors and crude oil loading equipment. As an additional conservation measure, procedures for handling emergencies are also planned.

It is evident that the Oil Industry stands ready to do its share: are we as individuals doing ours?