Environmental Impact Mitigation

Involves testing and adaptation of technologies to mitigate the environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration and production on coastal areas, through contracts to be established with other Texas organizations. A methodology to assess the environmental impact will be developed. The methodology will take into consideration various indicators related to air, water, land, human health and biodiversity. The goal is to develop specific methodologies for the various ecosystems across the United States, with the project focusing on the development of the methodology for a coastal plain/wetland environment. A draft methodology will be initially developed. The draft methodology will be discussed at a workshop that will, at a minimum, include representation from industry, academia and environmental organizations. After revising the draft methodology based on the outcome of the workshop, the draft methodology will be tested on technologies that have gone through the RPSEA competitive selection process. The scoring process will be used in subsequent years as key technologies are deployed and tested. As experience is gained, the scoring process will be reviewed.

For more information contact: Rich Haut, HARC, (281) 364-6093, rhaut@harc.edu