OREANDA-NEWS. The official environmental review board has approved Gazpromneft Sakhalin’s “Project documentation for the construction of exploration well No. 3-SD at Dolginskoye oil field on the Pechora Sea shelf.” The audit confirmed that the documentation fully meets the environmental protection laws and will make it possible to implement the project safely.

In conducting an integrated assessment of the environmental risks of drilling an exploration well at Dolginskoye field, Gazpromneft Sakhalin used Preliminary Hazard Analysis methods which are generally accepted in this area of study. The company is taking great care not to disturb the unique natural environment of the Arctic region and to maximally reduce its impact on the environment.

In particular, the project will use such technologies as an automatic well verticality maintenance system (a rotary steerable system) that increases drilling speed and thereby reduces the project duration and the quantity of drill cuttings that will be transported to the continent for disposal.

In order to strengthen control over environmental safety, it will be possible to monitor drilling operations in real time with the use of logging while drilling (LWD) sensors. Only water-based drilling fluids will be used for the drilling operations. Use of satellite systems will provide regular monitoring of the region.

“Modern oil and gas projects begin with a detailed risk analysis, and that makes it possible during the design phase to choose the most optimal solutions to ensure environmental safety and prevent negative environmental impact. We understand that plans to develop the Arctic shelf entail stricter requirements for environmental safety, and we are especially attentive to that issue,” said Vadim Yakovlev, Gazprom Neft First Deputy CEO.