EIA for SAB#13 Development Well

Transcription

EIA for SAB#13 Development Well
WINSTAR TUNISIA B.V.
Leman Centre, Les Berges du Lac 1053 Tunis Tunisie
Phone : + 216 71 963 517 Fax : + 216 71 963 585
Sabria Concession
Environmental Impact Assessment for Sab#13 Development Well
Prepared by :
eam
Safety & Environment
Tél. : +216 71 950 621 Fax : + 216 71 951 041
March 2014
EIA for Sab#13 Development Well
Project:
Environmental Impact Assessment for Sab#13 Development Well
Version:
Final Report
Prepared by: Raja KHOUAJA & Mohamed CHERIF
Checked by: Salma TRABELSI
For and on behalf of : Environmental Assessment and Management
Approved by : Raja KHOUAJA
Signed :
Position :
General Manager
Date :
March 18th, 2014
This report has been prepared by Environmental Assessment and Management (EAM) with all reasonable skill, care and diligence
within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of
the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client.
We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of the above.
This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or
any part thereof, is made known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk.
This work has been undertaken in accordance with the Integrated Management System of EAM.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION /JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT ................................................... 18 1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 18 1.2 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT .................................................................................................... 19 2.0 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE .............................................................................................. 21 2.1 LEGISLATION AND TUNISIAN STANDARDS .................................................................................... 21 2.2 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS .................................................................................................... 24 2.3 INTERNATIONAL CRITERIA............................................................................................................. 24 3.0 PRESENTATION OF THE INVOLVED PARTIES ............................................................... 25 3.1 PRESENTATION OF THE OPERATOR AND THE CONCESSION ........................................................... 25 3.2 PRESENTATION OF THE CONTRACTOR ........................................................................................... 27 3.3 PRESENTATION OF THE CONSULTING COMPANY ........................................................................... 27 4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................ 29 4.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 29 4.2 LOCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 29 4.3 EXPECTED LITHOLOGICAL COLUMN .............................................................................................. 30 4.4 PROJECT SCHEDULE ....................................................................................................................... 31 4.5 SITE PREPARATION......................................................................................................................... 32 4.6 SAB#13 DRILLING .......................................................................................................................... 33 4.7 HUMAN RESOURCES....................................................................................................................... 38 4.8 UTILITIES........................................................................................................................................ 38 5.0 DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA ..................................................................................... 39 5.1 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING ............................................................................................................... 39 5.2 DEFINITION AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY AREA ................................................................. 39 5.3 POTENTIAL SENSITIVITIES.............................................................................................................. 40 6.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................... 41 6.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................................................. 41 6.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................................... 49 6.3 HUMAN ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................................. 50 7.0 METHODOLOGY OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT.................................................................... 52 7.1 INTENSITY ...................................................................................................................................... 52 7.2 EXTENT .......................................................................................................................................... 53 7.3 DURATION ...................................................................................................................................... 53 7.4 SIGNIFICANCE................................................................................................................................. 54 8.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT............................................................. 55 8.1 IMPACT OF THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE ......................................................................................... 55 8.2 IMPACTS OF THE DRILLING PHASE ................................................................................................. 59 Final Report, March 2014
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8.3 ACCIDENTAL IMPACTS ................................................................................................................... 61 9.0 MITIGATING MEASURES ....................................................................................................... 64 9.1 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE ............................................................ 64 9.2 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE DRILLING PHASE ...................................................................... 66 9.3 POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESPONSE ...................................................................................... 66 10.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................ 68 10.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 68 10.2 IMPACTS REGISTER ........................................................................................................................ 68 10.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................................... 72 10.4 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (ERP) ............................................................................................. 75 10.5 SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 76 10.6 ENVIRONMENTAL FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 77 10.7 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM ................................................................................... 77 10.8 CAPACITY BUILDING & STAFF TRAINING PLAN ............................................................................ 78 10.9 EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE CIRCULATION PLAN ................................................................................ 78 10.10 LOCAL RECRUITMENT PLAN .......................................................................................................... 78 10.11 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION PLAN FOR THE BASE CAMP ......................................... 79 10.12 DOCUMENTATION & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION ........................................................... 79 10.13 SITE RESTORATION ........................................................................................................................ 79 10.14 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT ............................................................................................................... 80 10.15 COST OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES ............................................................. 80 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 82 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................... 84 APPENDIX I LIST OF SPECIALIZED COMPANIES AUTHORIZED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOR
DRILLING RESIDUES TREATMENT............................................................................................................... 86 APPENDIX II HSE POLICY OF WINSTAR ...................................................................................................... 88 APPENDIX III ANALYSIS CERTIFICATES OF GROUNDWATER AND SOIL SAMPLES ..................................... 89 Final Report, March 2014
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1.1 EVOLUTION OF THE NUMBER OF LICENSES.......................................................................... 20 FIGURE 1.2 EVOLUTION OF THE NUMBER OF WELLS ............................................................................. 20 FIGURE 3.1 SABRIA CONCESSION MAP .................................................................................................. 27 FIGURE 4.1 ADMINISTRATIVE MAP OF THE STUDY AREA ...................................................................... 29 FIGURE 4.2 ACCESS ROADS TO THE STUDY AREA ................................................................................. 30 FIGURE 4.3 LITHOLOGICAL COLUMN ..................................................................................................... 31 FIGURE 4.4 PLANNING OF SAB#13 DRILLING ACTIVITIES ...................................................................... 32 FIGURE 4.5 CASING PROGRAM .............................................................................................................. 35 FIGURE 4.6 PERMANENT ABANDONMENT SCHEME ................................................................................ 37 FIGURE 5.1 LOCATION MAP OF THE WELL SITE..................................................................................... 39 FIGURE 6.1 SPATIOMAP OF THE STUDY AREA ........................................................................................ 42 FIGURE 6.2 GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE STUDY AREA ............................................................................. 43 FIGURE 6.3 SOIL MAP OF THE STUDY AREA .......................................................................................... 43 FIGURE 6.4 HYDROGEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE STUDY AREA .................................................................. 44 FIGURE 6.5 BIOCLIMATIC MAP OF THE STUDY AREA............................................................................. 45 FIGURE 6.6 SEASONAL AND ANNUAL WIND ROSES AT THE STATION OF KEBILI .................................... 48 FIGURE 6.7 PHYTOECOLOGICAL MAP OF THE STUDY AREA ................................................................... 49 FIGURE 6.8 DISTRIBUTION OF WORKING POPULATION IN THE DELEGATION OF EL FAOUAR .................... 50 FIGURE 7.1 PROCEDURE FOR IMPACT EVALUATION ............................................................................... 52 FIGURE 7.2 PROCEDURE FOR THE EVALUATION OF IMPACT INTENSITY .................................................. 52 Final Report, March 2014
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ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
ANGed
Agence Nationale de Gestion des Déchets
ANPE
Agence Nationale de Protection de l'Environnement
bbl
Barrel
BOP
Blowout Preventer
CPF
Central Production Facility
CRDA
Commissariat Régional de Développement Agricole
DGE
Direction Générale de l’Energie
DGRE
Direction Générale des Ressources en Eaux
DST
Drillstem Test
EAM
Environmental Assessment and Management
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP
Environmental Management Plan
ETAP
Entreprise Tunisienne d’Activités Pétrolières
GIS
Geographic Information System
INM
Institut National de la Météorologie
MD
Measured Depth
ppg
pound per gallon
RKB
Rotary Kelly Bushing
SOTULUB
Société Tunisienne de Lubrifiants
TD
Total Depth
TOL
Top Of Liner
UTM
Universal Transverse Mercator
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SUMMARY
Introduction
As part of its activities in exploration and production of hydrocarbons, Winstar Tunisia
B.V. intends to drill a development well, Sab#13 in Sabria concession in Southern
Tunisia.
In Tunisia, Winstar Tunisia BV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Serinus Energy Inc.
Serinus Energy Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and development company
round the world in Southeast Asia (Brunei), the Middle East (Syria), southcentral Europe
(Ukraine and Romania) and North Africa (Tunisia).
The proposed project falls within Annex I (A-6. Oil and natural gas exploration and
extraction projects) of the Decree no. 2005-1991 of July 11th, 2005 relating to
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As such, it requires an EIA (Article 2) which
intends to:

Describe the project;

Analyse the relevant features of the existing environmental conditions;

Identify and assess the possible environmental impacts of the project;

Propose mitigating measures to reduce, minimize or prevent adverse impacts of the
project on the environment;

Outline the Environmental Management Plan for the proposed project.
With reference to Article 9 of this Decree, the National Environmental Protection Agency
(ANPE) has a period of twenty-one working days (21 days) from receipt of the EIA
report to notify its decision of opposition to the realization of the project, and upon
expiration of this deadline, the approval is tacit for the realization of the project.
Winstar Tunisia B.V. has commissioned Environmental Assessment & Management
"EAM s.a." to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed
project in conformity with the Terms of Reference drawn by the ANPE for drilling
activities for the exploration and the production of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.
Every effort has been made to ensure this EIA report meets international good practice
and the requirements of Winstar Tunisia B.V. policies and objectives.
Project Description
The Sab#13 development well will be drilled in Sabria concession. Administratively, the
wellsite is located in El Faouar delegation, governorate of Kébili.
The geographic and UTM co-ordinates of the proposed well are as follows:
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Geographic co-ordinates
Spheroid Carthage
Prospect
Sab#13
33 ° 22' 16.821" N
8° 30' 8.585" E
UTM co-ordinates, zone 32
(Cent Merid 9°E), Carthage datum
X = 453756 m
Y = 3692 747 m
The drilling site of a surface of approximately 106 km2 is located in a desert area.
Drilling operations are planned to start in April 2014 and will last about 67 days.
The objective of the well is Hamra Formation. The total depth of the well will be
3860 m MD/RKB. Sab#13 well is planned to be drilled in five sections: 32", 24", 16",
121/4" and 81/2". Water base mud will be used for drilling the 32" and 24" hole sections,
while water base mud with polymers is planned to be used for drilling the 16", 121/4" and
81/2" hole sections.
The drilling unit have not selected yet. Electricity and water are the main utilities
consumed by the drilling activities. The electricity will be provided by autonomous diesel
generators. The average daily consumption of Diesel is 6 m3.
The water consumption for the drilling operations is estimated at about 150 m3/day for
the first 10 days. Water supply will be provided from the water well located near Sabria
CPF.
No production tests are expected to be undertaken after the drilling activities.
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The drilling activities will generate waste products such as sanitary wastewater, domestic
wastes, drilling mud and cutting, combustion emissions from the diesel generators. These
wastes will be managed in conformity with the environmental management plan proposed
by this study.
Existing Environment
The baseline analysis of the study area has been developed based on literature and
collected data from field survey.
For the needs of environmental analyses, all the environmental and socioeconomic
sensitivities were set in their geographical context by a Geographic Information System
(GIS).
The extended study area, the governorate of Kebili, belongs to the pre-Saharan area and
lies between the two Atlasic areas north and south Sahara. The geomorphology is
characterized by strong contrasts between the lowlands occupied by closed depressions and
higher ground ranging from the indented trays of Dahar to the southeast to the small
mountains bordering the Chott El Fejij to the north of the governorate of Kebili.
With an average rainfall less than 100 mm/year, the study area is classified in the
bioclimatic inferior saharan stage with cool winters. Most rains are recorded during
winter and spring and rarely exceed 15 to 25 mm/day.
The temperature is high in summer with a maximum reaching 39.8°C in July. The wind
regime is dominated by the frequent presence of sirocco.
The Vegetation of the study is typical of halophilic land around Chott Jerid, like
crassulescentes steppes of the hmadha salty soils.
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As for socio-economic conditions, the study area is underpopulated and undeveloped.
Pastoral activities are the main source of revenue of the local population.
Evaluation of Impacts
The impact assessment of the proposed development well is based on the significance of
the impact. This indicator assesses the gains and losses for the natural and human
components of the environment associated to the drilling activities. It integrates the
magnitude, the extent and the duration of the impact.
Impacts on flora and fauna, water resources, soil and air quality are evaluated as very
low. This is due to the temporary character of the project, the absence of sensitive
receptors and the control measures to be taken by Winstar Tunisia B.V. to minimize the
impact on the environment.
As for the noise impact, its importance is low considering the relatively quiet
environment in the study area (desert zone) as well as measures taken by Winstar Tunisia
B.V. to deal with any risk susceptible to undermine the security and the health of the
staff.
In case of production, the economic benefits will be more important.
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Environmental Management Plan
The environmental management plan is prepared by Winstar Tunisia B.V. to ensure that
all activities that have the potential to produce an environmental impact will be managed.
It includes the following:
 Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures are established by Winstar Tunisia B.V. in
order to avoid, reduce or to eliminate the adverse consequences of the project on the
biophysical and socioeconomical environment. The primary measures for avoiding
and mitigating the potential effects of the project on the environment are listed in the
table below.
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Source of Impact
Impact
Air Pollution
Noise
Soil Disturbance
Construction
Phase
Water Pollution
Groundwater and
soil contamination
Drilling Phase
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Groundwater
contamination &
Health risks
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
Cost (US$)
 Regular maintenance and servicing of onsite equipment and machines.
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
 Engines and machines are well maintained with manufacturer’s noise
and emission abatement equipment.
 Take measures in a way to avoid a noise source.
 Compressors, generators, etc…, will be installed as far away as
possible from camp life and offices.
 An appropriate ear protection will be worn in areas where the noise
level continuously exceeds 85 dBA.
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
 Use of existing tracks.
 Identify areas for temporary and permanent storage.
 Organize delivery and installation actions to reduce the area required
for storage.
 Avoid if possible removal of existing vegetation.
 All employees involved in the preparation of the site must be trained to
respect the limits of the defined site.
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
 Prohibit on-site disposal of lubricating oils, diesel fuel, etc.
 Transfer of oils and used lubricants by authorized transporters of
SOTULUB.
 Installation of suitable containers, cleaning equipment and materials to
prevent site contamination and spills.
 The feeding zones should be sealed with concrete and controlled.
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
Drilling Contractor
5,000
Drilling Contractor
10,000
Wash Water
Evacuation towards the drain pit then to the mud pit.
Sanitary Wastewater
 The collection of wastewater in cesspits
 The installation of septic pits, if necessary, to collect and treat
wastewater
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Groundwater and
soil contamination
& Health risks
Groundwater and
soil contamination
Domestic Waste
Disposal in the nearest landfill to El Faour delegation
Used Oil & Oil Filters
Storage of used oil in metal drums and delivery to SOTULUB
Drilling Contractor
30,000
Drilling Contractor
5,000
Drilling Contractor
40,000
Construction Contractor
15,000
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
20,000
Air pollution &
Health risks
Gas Emissions
 Regular maintenance of energy generators and other motors
 Monitoring continuously the air quality around the well with sour gas
(H2S) and combustible gas (CH4) detectors.
 Optimization of the well-cleaning period.
Mud & Cuttings
Groundwater and
 Use of an oversized pit for mud and cuttings discharges
soil contamination
 Waterproofing of the pit
 Sampling residual mud and cuttings for analyses & EIA for drilling
residues treatment
 Treatment and disposal of contaminated mud and cuttings
Groundwater and
soil contamination
Accidental Events
 Elaboration of Contingency Response Plan
 Elaboration of an "Emergency Response Plan"
 Provision of firefighting equipment
 Oil spill response equipment
 Staff training in the Health, Safety & Environment aspects
Company authorized by
the state secretary in
charge of environment
Winstar Tunisia B.V./
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
Drilling Contractor
25,000
30,000
20,000
20,000
5,000
5,000
Visual impact
Wellsite
Restoration
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 Ground leveling & Site restoration
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 Waste Management Plan: Waste management will be drafted in accordance with the
requirements of Law no. 96-41 relating to waste and the control of its management
and disposal, particularly:
-
Residual mud and cuttings of 32" and 24" holes which are non contaminated will
be collected in a watertight area. If analyzes will not show contamination of these
residues, Winstar Tunisia B.V. will proceed at the end of the drilling operations to
the embankment of the layout area over a minimum thickness of 1 m. However, if
samples analyses indicate a contamination of cuttings and residual mud, a
specialized company authorized by the state secretary in charge of environment
will be in charge of onsite treatment and disposal;
-
Cuttings from 16", 12¼" and 8½" holes (in total 368 m3) as well as muds from
16" hole (430 m3) will be entrusted to a specialized company authorized by the
state secretary in charge of environment for onsite treatment and disposal;
3
- Sanitary waters (24 m /day) will be collected in cesspools, or transported, if
necessary, by vacuum truck to the nearest wastewater treatment plant;
-
Wash waters (10 m3/day) will be continuously evacuated towards the drain pit,
then to the mud pit;
-
Used lubricants will be stored in metallic containers and delivered to the
SOTULUB for reprocessing;
-
Domestic wastes estimated at 120 kg/day will be evacuated towards the nearest
landfill.
The Environmental Protection Agency (ANPE) should be informed about the fate of
the drilling residues (drilling fluids and cuttings), in conformity with the Article 9 of
the Law no. 88-91, of the 2nd of August 1988 creating the ANPE.
 Emergency Response Plan (ERP): The drilling activities have risks of well control
loss and oil spill. Prevention of incidents is an integral part of operational procedures
and mitigation measures presented in this report. The implementation of these
measures demonstrates the commitment of Winstar Tunisia B.V. vis-à-vis the
preservation of the environment.
In order to ensure emergency interventions, the drilling contractor will establish an
emergency response plan covering all the exceptional situations that may arise on the
working site. Moreover, Winstar Tunisia B.V. will provide onsite sufficient materials
and equipment for fire fighting and pollution control as well as first care medicines
and safety means to be used in case of emergency.
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In this perspective, Winstar Tunisia B.V. and its drilling contractor have a response
procedure in case of well control loss.
Finally, it is important to mention that Winstar Tunisia B.V. has taken out liability
insurance to cover risks of damage to property and third parties caused by its project
including risks to the environment.
 Environmental Follow-Up Program: The follow-up program consists in ensuring the
implementation of measures to protect the environment as identified in the EIA. This
mainly concerns:
-
The waterproofness of pits used for disposal of drilling residues (muds and
cuttings);
-
The appropriate management of hazardous products, in particular the
establishment of appropriate areas equipped with diked areas for oil and
chemicals storage;
-
The follow-up of waste management during drilling and completion activities
and the holding of waste management register;
-
The treatment of muds and cuttings by a specialized company authorized by the
state secretary in charge of environment;
-
The commitment to submit a waste management report to the competent
authorities (ANGed and ANPE) at the end of the work.
The environmental follow-up program will be supervised by the HSE engineer of
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
 Environmental Monitoring Program: Environmental monitoring is necessary to gauge
the impact of operations on the site. By implementing appropriate plans with
sufficient detail, it is possible to minimize and control waste generation, limit
physical disturbances, and operate in a responsible manner. The environmental
monitoring program will be implemented by the field crew consistent with the
requirements of the Environmental Management Plan. It will include namely:
-
the continuous analyzes of sour gas (H2S) and combustible gas (CH4);
-
Bi-annual monitoring of groundwater quality in water well located in the vicinity
of Sab#13 well during the exploitation phase. This monitoring program will
include the analysis of the following elements: hydrocarbons, salinity and heavy
metals ;
-
the analysis of potential pollutants (total hydrocarbons and heavy metals:
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Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Zinc, Nickel, Arsenic, Iron, Copper and Mercury) in
three soil samples taken at the rig, the mud pit and storage of fuel locations after
abandonment of the drilling site. It is to mention that three soil samples were
collected in the drilling site in order to be analyzed and used as reference for soil
monitoring program.
Underground
water quality
Soil quality
Air quality
Monitoring’s
parameters
Salinity
pH
Total hydrocarbons
Heavy metals
Total hydrocarbons
Heavy metals
Sour gas (H2S)
Combustible
gas(CH4)
Sampling point
Frequency
Responsable
Water well in
the vicinity of
the well
After the end
of drilling
Winstar
At the rig, the
mud and storage
of fuel locations
In the vicinity of
the rig
After the end
of drilling
Winstar
During
drilling
Winstar
 Capacity Building & Staff Training Plan: This plan will explain how the drilling
contractor will train their employees in the Health & Safety aspects, but also how
they will make them aware of the aspects of protection and preservation of natural
resources. Training is divided into technical, theoretical and practical and supervised
by the HSE manager of Winstar Tunisia B.V. The program must be submitted to
Winstar Tunisia B.V. for review and approval.
People concerned

Frequency
Responsable
Fire fighting
Field personnel
Regulatory
Drilling contractor
First Aid
Field personnel
Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Confined space entry
Field personnel
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Defensive driving
Field personnel
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Hazardous substances & Field personnel
Oil spill
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Working at height
Field personnel
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Process safety
Technical staff
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
HSSE auditor
Technical staff
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Equipment & Vehicule Circulation Plan : This plan will contain all the actions
aiming to control the speed, route, circulation times and the application of penalties
in case of breach, for all equipment and vehicles involved in the work (e.g. vehicles,
drilling unit, ambulances and trucks).

Local Recruitment Plan: This plan will aim to identify and maximize the profile of
positions that can be filled by local population. It consists in defining the system and
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places of recruitment and developing a staff monitoring system.

Initial Environmental Examination Plan for the Base Camp: A base camp will be set
near the wellsite. Therefore, the drilling contractor will carry out an initial
environmental examination of the site proposed for the installation of the camp prior
to mobilization on site.

Documentation & Environmental Communication : The success of the environmental
management system of Winstar Tunisia B.V. requires a good communication with
stakeholders about its environmental aspects.
The following table outlines the different stakeholders' responsibilities in the preparation
of documents and communications.
Author
Addressee
Frequency
Drilling
Contractor
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
Be Included in the
contract
Drilling
During the drilling
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
Contractor
operation
Winstar Tunisia
ANPE
At the request
B.V.
Winstar Tunisia
End of treatment
ANPE
B.V.
work
Winstar Tunisia
ANPE
At the request
B.V.
Waste Treatment Winstar Tunisia B.V. End of treatment of
contractor
& ANGed
drilling residues
Winstar Tunisia
ANPE
At the request
B.V.
Winstar Tunisia
After wellsite
ANPE
B.V.
abandonment
Winstar Tunisia
After wellsite
ANPE
B.V.
abandonment
Situations' Description
Presentation of training and
HSE programs for review and
approval
Waste management report
Environmental report
Impact study for drilling
residue treatment
Cementing operations report
Waste Treatment Report
Water quality monitoring
report
Reclamation report
Soil quality monitoring report
The estimate cost for the drilling of Sab#13 development well is US$ 15 million. The
associated cost supported by Winstar Tunisia B.V. in order to preserve the environment is
about US$ 250,000.
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1.0
INTRODUCTION /JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT
1.1
Introduction
1.1.1 Purpose of the Report
This report has been prepared for Winstar Tunisia B.V. who proposes to drill a
development well Sab#13, in Sabria concession located in South Tunisia.
The proposed project falls within Annex I (A-6. Oil and natural gas exploration and
extraction projects) of the Decree no. 2005-1991 of July 11th, 2005 relating to
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As such, it requires an EIA (Article 2)
intending to:
 Describe the project;

Analyse the relevant features of the existing environmental conditions;

Identify and assess the possible environmental impacts of the project;

Propose mitigating measures to reduce, minimize or prevent adverse impacts of the
project on the environment;

Outline the Environmental Management Plan for the proposed project.
With reference to Article 9 of this Decree, the National Environmental Protection
Agency (ANPE) has a period of twenty-one working days (21 days) from receipt of the
EIA report to notify its decision of opposition to the realization of the project, and upon
expiration of this deadline, the approval is tacit for the realization of the project.
1.1.2 Scope of the Report
The scope of work is based on the following texts:
th
 Decree no. 2005-1991 dated July 11 , 2005 related to the Environmental Impact
Assessment;
 Terms of Reference drawn by the ANPE for the EIA of drilling activities for the
exploration and the production of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons;
 Contract between Winstar Tunisia B.V. and EAM for conducting the Environmental
Impact Assessment for Sab#13 Development well.
1.1.3 Structure of the Report
The remainder of the report is set out as follows:
Chapter 2
: Summarizes the main regulatory texts relating to the environment and the
petroleum activity in Tunisia;
Chapter 3
: Introduces the involved parties;
Chapter 4
: Presents a detailed description of the project;
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Chapter 5
: Delimits the study area;
Chapter 6
: Provides an analysis of the baseline environment concluding with a focus
on those elements most likely to be affected by the project;
Chapter 7
: Explains the methodology of the impact evaluation;
Chapter 8
: Identifies and assesses the potential impacts which might arise as a result of
drilling activities;
Chapter 9
: Describes measures proposed to avoid, reduce or offset adverse project
effects;
Chapter 10 : Constitutes the Environmental Management Plan for the Sab#13
Development well.
1.2
Justification of the Project
This justification deals with technical, environmental and socioeconomic aspects.
1.2.1 Technical Justification
In order to reach the targeted reservoirs and assess their hydrocarbon potential, Winstar
Tunisia B.V. has to drill Sab#13 Development well using a rig which has the capacity to
reach the depth of each reservoir stratum and have the sufficient power to deal with any
problem of the drilling bit sticking.
1.2.2 Environmental Justification
Environmental justification of the project choices concerns essentially:
 Choice of drilling rig : The rig will be fitted with all necessary mud handling
equipment, pollution control and waste management equipment;
 Choice of drilling fluids: Normally, water-base mud is used in order to lubricate the
bit during drilling, evacuate the cuttings to surface and form a hydrostatic column
which keeps the hole in good shape.
 Choice of mud and cutting disposal method : In order to avoid the contamination of
soil and water, mud and cuttings will be collected in a lined pit and treated onsite by a
specialized company authorised by the state secretary in charge of environment for
treatment and disposal;
 Well abandonment: the well will be abandoned in conformity with the circular of
DGE dated July 8th , 1996. At the end of phase of abandonment, drill site location will
be cleaned of any remaining debris and restored.
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1.2.3 Economic Justification
The exploration for hydrocarbons matches with the Tunisian energy strategy which
intends to increase the oil and gas national production. The Tunisian Government is
actively promoting onshore and offshore hydrocarbon exploration. Indeed, the number of
licenses has increased from 27 in 2000 to 54 in 2009. In 2010, 57 international and
Tunisian companies were involved in 52 exploration licenses. The Investment in the
exploration activity amounts to 374 millions US $ (year 2010).
Source ETAP, 2012
Figure 1.1 Evolution of the Number of Licenses
The number of exploration wells has increased from 9 in 2000 to 20 in 2007. 17
exploration wells were drilled during 2010 and 11 in 2011.
Source ETAP, 2012
Figure 1.2 Evolution of the Number of Wells
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2.0
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
In addition to its Corporate Environmental Policy and Best Practice for Oil and Gas
Industry, Winstar Tunisia B.V. is committed to conduct its operations in line with
national regulations and international agreements to which Tunisia is a signatory.
2.1
Legislation and Tunisian Standards
The main regulatory texts relating to the environment and petroleum activities are
summarized as follows.
2.1.1 Laws
 Law no. 66-27 dated 30 April 1966, notably articles 293 to 324, all the amending and
completing texts, notably Law no. 96-62 dated 15 July 1996 and Law no. 2007-19
dated 2 April 2007.
 Law no. 75-16 dated 31 March 1975, relating to the promulgation of the Water Code,
as amended by Law no. 2001-116 dated 26 November 2001. The Water Code
contains various dispositions managing, safeguarding and adding value to the public
hydraulic domain. According to the terms of article 109 of this code, it is illegal to let
flow, discharge, wastewater and waste or substances likely to harm public safety or
the potential use of such waters.
 Law no. 88-91 dated 2 August 1988, establishing the National Agency of
Environmental Protection, as amended and completed by Law no. 92-115 dated 30
November 1992, Law no. 93-120 dated 27 December 1993 and Law no. 2001-14 dated 30
January 2001. According to the terms of article 8 of this law, the operators who impact
the environment or whose activities cause environmental pollution through solid,
liquid or gaseous waste are required to eliminate, reduce or eventually recuperate the
discharged matters as well as to repair the resulting damages. The National
Environmental Protection Agency (ANPE) may go to court and defend any case in
order to restore any damages to public properties.
 Law no. 90-56 dated 18 June 1990, concerning the encouragement of exploration and
production of liquids and gaseous hydrocarbons.
 Law no. 94-35 dated 24 February 1994, relating to the Patrimony Code of
Archaeology, History and Traditional Arts. In case of accidental discovery of sites,
concerning prehistoric or historic ages, arts or traditions, the developer is required to
immediately
inform the corresponding services of the Ministry in charge of
Patrimony or the closest regional authorities in order for them to inform the
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concerned services, within a period not exceeding five days. The specialized
authorities will take all the necessary measures of preservation by themselves or if
needed the supervise the ongoing works.
 Law no. 96-41 dated 10 June 1996, relating to waste and the control of its
management and elimination. The waste products are classified according to their
origin as domestic waste or industrial waste and according to their characteristics as
hazardous, non-hazardous or inert waste. The management mode of the hazardous
waste is regulated. The list of hazardous waste is fixed by the Decree no. 2000-2339
dated 10 October 2000. Waste containing hydrocarbons, barium salts, chlorides,
heavy metals or polymers is considered as hazardous waste.
 Law no. 99-93 dated 17 August 1999, relating to the promulgation of Hydrocarbons
Code, as amended and completed by Law no. 2002-23 dated 14 February 2002, and
Law no. 2004-61 dated 27 July 2004, and Law no. 2008-15 dated 18 February 2008.
The Hydrocarbons Code defines the judicial regime of preliminary exploration
activities, exploration, the search and the exploration for hydrocarbons, as well as the
equipment and the installations pertaining to the execution of these activities.
According to the terms of article 87 of this code, the exploration well shall not be
drilled at a distance less than 50 meters from households, buildings or other
constructions and from affixed lands confined in walled barriers without the consent
of the owners.
 Law no. 2007-34 dated 4 June 2007, relating to the air quality.
2.1.2 Decree
 Decree of the Director of Public Works dated 19 November 1954, defining the safety
rules during the drilling operations for the exploration and exploitation of liquid and
gaseous hydrocarbons, minerals or water. This decree lists safety aspects related to
equipment, work and blow out.
 Decree no. 85-56 dated 2 January 1985, relating to the regulations of the rejections in the
receiving environment.
 Decree no. 2000-967 dated 2 May 2000, fixing the geographical coordinates and the
summits reference numbers of the elementary perimeters constituting the
hydrocarbons blocks.
 Decree no. 2002-693 dated 1 April 2002, fixing the conditions and modalities for
lubricants and used filters recovery, in an effort to ensure their rational management
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and to avoid any discharge to the environment.
 Decree no. 2005-1991 dated 11 July 2005, relating to the impact study on the environment
and fixing the categories of units submitted to the impact study on the environment and the
categories of units submitted to specifications.
 Decree no. 2005-2317 dated 22 August 2005, establishing the National Agency of
Waste Management and fixing its missions, its administrative and financial organization, as
well as the operating methods, With reference to the article 8 of this decree, the Agency
prepares the specifications and the authorizations files relating to waste management
in accordance with the regulation in force and follows-up their execution.
Additionally, the Agency is assigned to check the registers and the notebooks that
must be held by the professional establishments and the enterprises in charge of the
collection, the transportation, the elimination and the valorization of wastes for their
account or for the account of others.
 Decree no. 2005-2933 dated 1 November 2005, establishing the remit of the Ministry
of Environment and Sustainable Development, which includes the requirement that
the Tunisian government respects international environmental agreements.
 Decree no. 2005-3395 dated 26 December 2005, defining the conditions and terms
for collecting used accumulators and batteries.
 Decree no. 2010-2519 dated 28 September 2010, fixing the limit values of air
pollutants from stationary sources.
2.1.3 Order
 Order of the "Ministère de l'Economie Nationale" dated 20 July 1989, enacting the
Tunisian standard NT 106.02 which defines the conditions for discharging waste
effluents into the water system (marine public domain, hydraulic public domain and
public pipe network). This standard contributes to the adequate application of decree
no. 85-56 dated 2 January 1985, relating to the regulations of the waste disposal into
the receiving environment.
 Order of the "Ministère de l'Economie Nationale" dated 28 December 1994, relating
to the formation of the Tunisian standard NT 106.04 concerning the limit values and
guideline values of the pollutants into the ambient air.
 Order of the Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development dated
23 March 2006, relating to the creation of a hazardous waste treatment unit and
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reception, storage and transfer centers.
 Order of the Minister of Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources dated 19 July 2006,
fixing the list of rare and endangered wild fauna and flora.
 Order of the Minister of Agriculture and Environment dated 11 September 2012,
relating to the organization of hunting for the season 2012-2013.
The described regulating texts cover most of the environmental issues. According to the
nature of the questions, we can refer to the following information sources:
 The Hydrocarbons Code ;
 The Labor Code ;
 The Archeological, Historical and National Traditional Arts Heritage Code ;
 The International Conventions ratified by Tunisia.
2.2
International Conventions
The Tunisian environmental legislation extends to the following international
conventions :

Convention for the protection of the cultural and natural world heritage, adopted in
Paris of October 17 to November 21st, 1972 (ratified by the Law no. 74-89 of
December 11th, 1974);

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change signed in 1992 in Rio,
ratified by Tunisia on July 15th, 1993. Tunisia has the obligation to publish the
information related to the national inventory of greenhouse gases and to provide an
action plan to combat climate change and mitigate its adverse effects;

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity signed by Tunisia in Rio de
Janeiro on June 13th, 1992 and ratified on May 3rd, 1993;

The Kyoto protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
strengthens the international response to climate change, adopted in Kyoto on the
10th, December 1997 (ratified by Tunisian Law no. 89-54 of June 19, 2002);

The Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) adopted on May
22nd, 2001 and approved by Tunisian Law no. 2004-18 of March 15th, 2004.
2.3
International Criteria
In the absence of Tunisian environmental standards, we are inclined to apply the North
American Guidelines, European Guidelines, World Bank Guidelines, World Health
Organization Guidelines, etc.
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3.0
PRESENTATION OF THE INVOLVED PARTIES
3.1
Presentation of the Operator and the Concession
3.1.1 Presentation of the Operator
In Tunisia, Winstar Tunisia BV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Serinus Energy Inc..
Serinus Energy Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and development company
with projects around the world in Southeast Asia (Brunei), the Middle East (Syria), southcentral Europe (Ukraine and Romania) and North Africa (Tunisia).
Winstar Tunisia BV. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange with offices located in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada and international offices in Ukraine, Romania, Brunei, Tunis
(Tunisia) and Syria.
Winstar Tunisia BV currently has five (5) onshore concession blocks in Tunisia namely,
Sabria, Chouech Es Saida, Ech Chouech, Sanrhar and Zinnia. Winstar Tunisia BV is
currently reprocessing the existing 3D seismic data over Sabria, Chouech Es Saida and
Ech Chouech, and plan to commence a drilling campaign in the first quarter of 2014.
Winstar Tunis office is located in Rue du Lac Leman, 1053 Les Berges du Lac TunisRepresentative
: Dr. Trent REHILL
Phone
: + 216 71 963 517
Fax
: + 216 71 963 585
3.1.2 Presentation of the Concession
Kebili permit has been explored since the early 80s by the oil company AMOCO. It
made four exploration wells drilling, SAB N1 which became SAB-N1H, SAB-N2, N3
and SAB-SAB-W1 which became SAB-W1H. Exploration activities have led to the
discovery of the Sabria field.
In 2001, Mol Tunisia Oil & Gas LTD conducted three exploration wells, SAB-N3H,
SAB NW1-H and SAB-11.
Currently, Winstar Tunisia BV is the operator and co-owner with ETAP of Sabria
concession. Winstar provides production and gas and crude oil processing from four (4)
production wells, SAB-W1H, NW1H, SAB-N3H and SAB-11, located few kilometers
from Sabria CPF (see photos of the CPF).
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Well
Year of
drilling
Age
Depth
SAB-N2
1981
Cambrian
4343
SAB-W1H
1996
Ordovician
4063
SAB-N1H
1998
Ordovician
4001
SAB-NW1H
1998
Ordovician
4200
Oil and gas
Production
SAB-11
2007
Ordovician
4486
Oil and gas
Production
SAB-N3H
2008
Ordovician
4500
Oil and gas
Production
Hydrocarbon
Current state
P&A
Oil and gas
Production
P&A
SAB-W1H well
Effluents treatment unit
Control Room + Office Site Chief
Empty field
Evaporation pit
Meeting point
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Access to living quarter
Near living quarter
Figure 3.1 Sabria Concession Map
3.2
Presentation of the Contractor
The drilling contractor has not yet been selected. It will be selected among the best
known internationally in the field of petroleum activities. It will be communicated later to
ANPE.
3.3
Presentation of the Consulting Company
Environmental Assessment & Management "EAM s.a." was contracted by Winstar
Tunisia B.V. to prepare an environmental impact assessment for the proposed
Development well in line with the reference terms established by ANPE relating to the
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drilling activities for exploration and production of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.
EAM has completed in excess of 600 Environmental Impact Studies for exploration in oil
and gas, power and chemicals.
EAM was granted the ISO-9001: 2008, ISO 14001: 2004 and OHSAS 18001: 2007
certifications
Environmental
(Integrated
Impact
Management
Assessment,
System)
Hazard
for
the
Assessment
following
and
activities:
Management
of
contaminated sites. These certifications demonstrate EAM’s overall commitment to client
satisfaction, provided by the efforts, perseverance and interest of all its personnel, and
supported by the initiative and creative impetus of the management officers.
Address
:
Espace Zitouna, Bureau C12, Montplaisir 1073 Tunis
General Manager :
Raja KHOUAJA
Phone
:
+216 71 950 621
Fax
:
+216 71 951 041
E-mail
:
[email protected]
Web site
:
www.eamtunisia.com
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4.0
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1
Introduction
Following the interpretation of seismic data of the Sabria concession, Winstar Tunisia
B.V. is now planning to drill Sab#13 development well to a total depth of 3860 m
(MD/RKB).
4.2
Location
Sab#13 development well will be drilled in the Sabria concession, located in southern
Tunisia. On the administrative side, the wellsite will be located in the delegation of El
Faouar, governorate of Kébili (see Figure 4.1 Administrative Map of the Study Area).
Figure 4.1 Administrative Map of the Study Area
The approximate co-ordinates of the proposed well within a range of 1000 meters are as
follows:
Prospect
Sab#13
Geographic co-ordinates
Spheroid Carthage
UTM co-ordinates, zone 32
(Cent Merid 9°E), Carthage datum
33 ° 22' 16.821" N
8° 30' 8.585" E
X = 453756 m
Y = 3692 747 m
The wellsite covers a surface of approximately 106 km2.
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The route to get to the drilling site is as follows (see Figure 4.2 Access Road to the Study
Area):
 National Road RN20 ;
 Track leading to Sab#13.
Figure 4.2 Access Roads to the Study Area
4.3
Expected Lithological Column
The expected Lithological Column is presented on Figure 4.3.
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Figure 4.3 Lithological Column
4.4
Project Schedule
The drilling activities for Sab#13 are planned to start in April 2014 and will last about
67 days. Demobilization and the removing of the garbage from the site will take 2 weeks
following completion of the drilling activities. Site restoration for the well will take place
once the assessment of the contamination level of the drilling residues (mud and cuttings)
is completed.
The provisional planning of the principal operations of drilling well Sab#13 is shown
below :
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Figure 4.4 Planning of Sab#13 Drilling Activities
4.5
Site Preparation
The preparation of the site requires the following actions:
 Opening an access road from the track of the national road RN20 to the drilling site to
allow the access of the rig and the various equipment;
 Provision of road signs to facilitate the access to the site;
 Leveling and compaction of the drilling site;
 Construction of a tuff and concrete pad to serve as a platform for the drilling
equipment;
 Construction of two pits for liquid effluents approximately 3 m deep, having a
capacity of 1200 m3 and installation of a synthetic waterproof liner;
 Construction of one water pit approximately 3 m deep having a capacity of 1200 m3
and installation of a synthetic waterproof liner;
 Construction of ditches around the rig, the pumps and the mud containers in order to
collect the potential oil, hydrocarbons and drilling fluid spills and to transfer them to
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a lined drain pit;
 Construction and preparation of a camp for personnel (dormitory, galley, kitchen,
laundry, etc.);
 Construction of a concrete septic pit along with a cesspit for domestic wastewater
disposal.
The details of site construction will be determined after signing the contract with the
drilling contractor.
4.6
Sab#13 Drilling
4.6.1 Drilling Site Equipment
The equipment which will be used on site during the drilling operations consists mainly
of:
 Drilling unit;
 Drilling auxiliary equipment and accessories;
 Mixing and storage reservoirs;
 Diesel storage tanks;
 Maintenance shops;
 Warehouse containers;
 Power generators;
 Camp trailers (offices, galleys, accommodation, etc.).
4.6.2 Drilling Unit
The characteristics of the drilling unit will be determined when the contractor will be
chosen.
4.6.3 Drilling Program
4.6.3.1 Outline of the Drilling Steps
The proposed vertical well is planned for a TD of 3860 m (MD/RKB). The drilling
program will include the following operations :
 Drilling of 32" hole to 95 m;
 Run and cement 26" conductor;
 Drilling of 24" hole to 240 m;
 Run and cement 20" casing;
 Installation and testing of wellhead and blowout preventer;
 Drilling of 16" hole to 1080 m;
3
 Run and cement 13 /8" casing;
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 Drilling of 12 1/4" hole to 3550 m;
5
 Run and cement 9 /8" casing;
 Installation and testing of wellhead and blowout preventer;
 Drilling of 8 1/2" hole to 3860 m;
 Logging of 8 1/2" hole
 Run and cement 7" liner.
4.6.3.2 Drilling Fluids
Down to 240 m a water based mud system will be used. From 240 m down to TD a water
base mud with polymers will be used.
The mud characteristics of the drilling fluids for each interval are presented below.
Interval A: 32" hole, Surface to 95 m
Mud type
: Water based mud
Weight (sg)
: 1.06 – 1.10
Volume
: 200 m3
Interval B: 24" hole, 95 to 240 m
Mud type
: Water based mud
Weight (sg)
: 1.30 – 1.37
Volume
: 170 m3
Interval C: 16 " hole, 240 to 1080 m
Mud type
: Water based mud + polymers (NaCl)
Weight (sg)
: 1.20 - 1.25
Volume
: 430 m3
Interval D: 12 1/4 " hole, 1080 m to 3550 m
Mud type
: Water based mud + polymers (NaCl + KCl)
Weight (sg)
: 1.20 – 1.35
Volume
: 560 m3
Interval E: 8 1/2 " hole, 3550 m to 3860 m
Mud type
: Water based mud + polymers
Weight (sg)
: 1.70 – 1.75
Volume
: 310 m3
4.6.3.3 Casing and Cementing Program
Table 4.1 lists the casing program.
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Table 4.1 Casing Program
Intervals (m)
A
B
C
D
E
Hole Size
32"
24"
16"
12-1/4"
81/2"
Casing Size
26"
20"
13-3/8"
9-5/8
7" liner
Depth (m)
0 – 95
0 – 240
0 – 1080
0 – 3550
3400 - 3860
The casing scheme is illustrated in figure 4.5.
Hole size
Csg DEPTH
MRKB
32"
95 m
24"
240 m
16"
1080 m
12-1/4"
3550 m
8-1/2"
3860 m
Figure 4.5 Casing Program
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All the well casings will be cemented immediately after their running using a cement
slurry (cement class G) and additives such as antifoaming agent, cement extender,
cement accelerator and fluid loss control chemical. The ratios will be fixed based on
laboratory tests.
4.6.4 Well Testing
No production tests are expected to be undertaken after the drilling activities. Effluents
will be transferred to Sabria CPF located in 4.5 km from Sab#13 in order to be tested.
4.6.5 Well Abandonment
If the well is temporarily abandoned plugs will be set to isolate hydrocarbon bearing
formations and the well will be left with water-base mud, containing corrosion inhibitor
and oxygen scavenger, inside. A two barrier philosophy will be adopted within the well
bore to ensure that well integrity is maintained during any period of suspension or
abandonment.
In the case of a dry well, the well will be permanently abandoned by placing cement
plugs as follows (see Figure 4.6 Permanent Abandonment Scheme):
 A balanced plug to be set from 25 m below to 25 m above any defined hydrocarbon
bearing reservoir;
1
 A 100 m balanced cement plug from 50 m below to 50 m above the 12 /4" casing
shoe;
 A 50 m balanced plug at surface.
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Surface Plug
Csg Depth
MRKB
Cement Plug
Hole size
32"
95 m
Mud
24"
240 m
Cement Plug
Mud
16"
1080 m
Cement Plug
Mud
Cement Plug
12-1/4"
3550 m
Mud
8-1/2"
3860 m
Figure 4.6 Permanent Abandonment Scheme
If problems have been experienced during conventional casing cementations, cement
evaluation logs may be run to determine the height and quality of cement in the casing
annuli to ensure that isolation exists between any aquifers and between the aquifers and
surface. In case of presence of any uncertainty concerning the annulus isolation the
casing will be perforated and the annuli will be squeezed with cement.
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The well abandonment scheme will be submitted for approval to "Direction Générale de
l'Energie" (DGE) in the appropriate time in conformity with the circular of DGE dated
8 July 1996.
4.7
Human Resources
The onsite work team will consist of about 120 people. The camp (90 m x 90 m) will be
set near the wellsite. Camp premises will have sanitary installations, sufficient potable
water reserves, and adequate means for keeping provision stocks, temperature regulation
and lighting.
4.8
Utilities
4.8.1 Water
The water consumption for the drilling operations is estimated at about 100 m3/day. The
drilling water will be provided by the nearest existing water well.
4.8.2 Energy
The power needed for the personnel camp and the drilling unit is provided by
2 autonomous diesel generators.
The diesel daily consumption is estimated to be 6 m3. The diesel fuel will be stored in a
80 m3 tank within a protective berm and will be protected against any open fires, sparks
or other heating sources.
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5.0
DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA
5.1
Geographical Setting
The Sab#13 Development well will be drilled in the Sabria concession. The wellsite is
located in delegation of Fouar, governorate of Kébili (see Figure 5.1 Location Map of the
Well Site).
Figure 5.1 Location Map of the Well Site
5.2
Definition and Delimitation of the Study Area
Considering the project impact, the study area could be divided into two zones:
 A first zone which extends over 5 km radius around the drilling well location. In this
area, disturbances generated by the drilling activities can affect the biophysical
aspects;
 A more extended zone, which covers the governorate of Kébili, where the project
might generate positive impact on the economic side.
In the baseline study, the general aspects of this zone will be presented. The
environmental components likely to be affected directly or indirectly by the project
impacts will be highlighted.
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5.3
Potential Sensitivities
Based on the information collected during the field trip to the well site and its close
environment and taking into account the nature of the project and the potential extent of
its impacts, the aquifer is considered as a sensitive component to such activity.
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6.0
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
The baseline analysis of the study area has been prepared based on the bibliography. It
describes the existing physical, biological and socio-economic conditions in order to
provide an understanding of the quality of the potentially affected environment.
For the needs of environmental analysis, all the environmental and socioeconomic
sensitivities were set in their geographical context by a Geographic Information System
(GIS).
6.1
Physical Environment
6.1.1 Geomorphology
The extended study area, the governorate of Kebili, belongs to the pre-Saharan area and
lies between the two Atlasic areas north and south Sahara. The geomorphology is
characterized by strong contrasts between the lowlands occupied by closed depressions
and higher ground ranging from the indented trays of Dahar to the southeast to the small
mountains bordering the Chott El Fejij to the north of the governorate of Kebili.
In the study area lie the lowlands of closed depressions and especially the largest of them
which are the Chott Jerid and Chott El Fejij extending over 5920 km2 (more than 70% in
the governorate of Kebili ). Chott El Fejij corresponds to a depression dug into an
anticline and Chott Jerid is a large valley formed in a broad syncline in transition between
the Atlasic chains of Gafsa and the tabular platform of the Sahara. Around these two
major sebkhas, smaller and more ephemeral closed depressions (Garaa and behayer )
collect water wadis running down from Dahar and Jebel Tebaga.
The areas extending south of Chott Jerid are desert areas where altitudes vary between
200 and 100 m and where the terrain is marked in the southern part by the dune
formations of the Grand Erg Oriental. These are of two types: barkans and nebkas (cf.
Figure 6.1 Spatiomap of the Study Area).
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Figure 6.1 Spatiomap of the Study Area
6.1.2 Geology
The geology of Kebili region is marked by the contrast between, on the one hand , the
eastern lands where the limestone and marl Cretaceous sedimentary layers outcrop and
on the other hand, the western lands which lie the sand dunes and the most recent alluvial
formations (Quaternary) .
The situation of transition between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara platform explains
both the quasi tabular structure, low dipping sedimentary layers of Dahar and the
relatively more pronounced folds of the mountains of Chareb and Jebel Tebaga.
From north to south the following sediment layers outcrop:
 limestones, dolomites and marls of the Cenomanian and Turonian outcrop in the
mountains of Jebel Chareb and Tebaga ,
 bioclastic limestone , clays and evaporites of the lower and upper Senonian outcrop at
the level of Dahar trays,
 sandy and clayey conglomerates of the continental Mio- Pliocene outcrop in the area
of the oasis ( Kebili, Douz, El Faouar ) (see Figure 6.2 Geological Map of the Study
Area ).
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Figure 6.2 Geological Map of the Study Area
6.1.3 Pedology
According to the Soil Map, the study area is mainly covered by immature soils, C soils
and soil complex (see Figure 6.3 Soil Map of the Study Area).
Figure 6.3 Soil Map of the Study Area
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6.1.4 Hydrology
The drought and the irregular rain characterized the hydrography of the entire region of
Kebili and determine its membership to areic area and the rudimentary and intermittent
character of its runoff.
The extension of depressions over large areas is due most to the geological configuration
than to the intensity of rainfall and surface runoff.
Surface water that can be distinguished in the study area mainly comes from the southern
slopes of wadis Chareb flowing in the most western part of Chott El Fejij, Oued Talerma,
Oued Maya and Oued Bouhi.
6.1.5 Hydrogeology
According to the hydrogeological map, the study area holds the groundwater of Western
Nefzaoua and the Turonian deep aquifer (cf. Figure 6.4 Hydrogeological Map of the
Study Area).
Figure 6.4 Hydrogeological Map of the Study Area
(i) Groundwater of Western Nefzaoua
This groundwater covers the Tunisian- Algerian boundary region of El Faouar and the
northern part of the Grand Erg Oriental. The reservoir is constituted by alternating sand,
clay and gypsum sand with passages of fine clay Mio-Pliocene.
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The recharge of the groundwater occurs mainly by vertical drainance of water of the
Complexe Terminal groundwater upwelling and during exceptional rainfall.
The salinity of the groundwater is 4g / l.
The exploitation of the aquifer is about 0.09 Mm3/year. The resources are estimated at
0.78 Mm3/year (DGRE., 2005).
(ii) Turonian Deep Aquifer (Complexe Terminal)
At the level of Saharan region, this reservoir extends over a total area of 350 000 km2 of
which 23,500 km2 are in Tunisia. This aquifer is sandy nature in Djerid region, limestone
in the Nefzaoua with acceptable chemical quality. It currently provides the majority of
water used in agriculture. The general drainage direction is south-north with convergence
towards the Chotts.
In 2008, the exploitation of this aquifer is 325.87 Mm3/year. Its main use is for irrigation
and drinking (DGRE., 2008).
6.1.6 Weather Conditions
With reference to the scale of Emberger (1955), and given the weather characteristics,
the study area is classified as Mediterranean bioclimate of Superior Saharan stage with
cool winter.
Figure 6.5 Bioclimatic Map of the Study Area
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6.1.6.1 Temperature
The temperatures are excessively high, with average maximum temperatures in summer
ranging from 37.0°C in June to 39.8°C in July. Average temperatures hide important
inter-seasonal and inter-annual variations (minimum 4.4°C and maximum 39.8° C for the
period 2003-2012).
Table 6.1 shows the maximum, average and minimum temperatures in ° C recorded at the
station Kebili during the period from 2003 to 2012.
Table 6.1 Minimum, mean and maximum temperatures (°C) recorded at the station of Kebili
during the period from 2003 to 2012
Month
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Minimum
17.2 19.0 22.6 27.2 31.9 37.0 39.8 39.2 35.1 31.6 23.6 17.9
T° (°C)
Mean T°
4.4 5.8 9.6 13.5 18.2 22.3 25.1 25.0 22.3 18.2 11.2 5.7
(°C)
Maximum
10.8 12.4 16.1 20.4 25.0 29.7 32.5 32.1 28.7 24.4 17.0 11.8
T° (°C)
Source: INM
6.1.6.2 Rainfall
Rainfall is scarce (annual average in Kebili is 89.9 mm /year) and irregular (very
important inter-annual and inter-seasonal variation). The number of rainy days rarely
exceeds 20 days per year.
Table 6.2 Monthly Average Rainfall in mm Recorded at Kebili Station during the Period
from 2003 to 2012
Month
J
F
Rainfalls (mm)
4.3
2.1
M
A
M
9.4 11.5 8.4
J
J
A
7.1
0.9
1.1
S
O
N
D
Total
6.2 17.4 4.0 17.6 89.9
Source: INM
According to table 6.2, the wettest month is December with an average rainfall of 17.6
mm and the driest is July with less than 1mm of rainfall.
6.1.6.3 Evapotranspiration
In 2011, the annual evapotranspiration was 2908 mm. Seasonal evaporation recorded in
Kebili station is given in table 6.3.
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Table 6.3 Seasonal Evaporation (mm) recorded at the station of Kebili in 2011
Station
Kebili
Winter
381.1
Spring
746.0
Summer
1181.7
Autumn
599.2
Source: ODS., 2011
6.1.6.4 Relative Humidity
The relative humidity, in particular, depends on the temperature. It increases when
passing storm and drops abruptly during sirocco. The relative humidity in the study area
ranges from 45 % to 70 %. Details of monthly averages are given in table 6.4.
Table 6.4 Relative Humidity (%) recorded in Kebili Station during the Period from 2006 to
2008
Month
Relative
humidity (%)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Total
69
60
49
52
50
46
45
48
50
57
61
70
55
Source INM
6.1.6.5 Winds
The station of Kebili has very specific wind regimes because of its location in comparison
to the surrounding relief where the prevailing winds are blowing from the Northeast with
speed sometimes exceeding 15m / s.
The highest summer temperatures correspond to almost longer periods during which the
sirocco blows (27 days of chehili in Kebili) from the desert areas of the south and
southwest (see Figure 6.6 Seasonal and Annual Wind Roses in the Study Area).
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NE
Spring
Winter
NE
N
N
NW
NW
Calm
8.7 %
W
Calm
3.6 %
W
E
E
SW
SW
SE
S
S
SE
NE
Annual
N
> = 16
NW
11 - 15
6 - 10
Calm
5%
W
1-5
E
Calm
Scale
Wind Spreed (m/s)
0%
SE
SW
10 %
S
NE
Autumn
Summer
NE
N
N
NW
NW
W
Calm
2.3 %
SW
Calm
5.6 %
W
E
SE
SE
SW
S
E
S
Figure 6.6 Seasonal and Annual Wind Roses at the Station of Kebili
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6.2
Biological Environment
6.2.1 Flora
The Vegetation of the study is typical of halophilic land around Chott Jerid, like
crassulescentes steppes of the hmadha salty soils. It is represented mainly by the plant
community of Retama reatam, Arthrophytum schmittianum var. schmittianum and
Suaeda mollis which is found in alluvial depressions near sebkhas and plant groups
moderately to highly salt tolerant of Salicornia sp., Arthrocnemum indicum,
Halocnemum strobilaceum and Halopeplis amplexicautis (see Figure 6.7 phytoecological
map of the study Area) colonizing the Sebkhas and the saline soils.
Figure 6.7 Phytoecological Map of the Study Area
6.2.2 Fauna
The reptiles are the best represented zoological group in the desert regions. The species
that may be encountered are essentially sand viper (Cerastes cerastes), sand snake
(Psammophis schokari), the agama (Agama mutabilis and Agama tournevellei), the
skinks (Boulengeri sphenops and Scincus sincus) and the desert lizard.
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6.3
Human environment
6.3.1 Socio-economic framework
(i) Population
The study area is located in the sector of Gharib within the delegation of El Faouar,
Governorate of Kebili.
According to the 2004 census, the sector of Gharib counts 4 706 inhabitants grouped into
783 households and 857 houses. As for the Delegation of El Faouar, it extends over an
area of 671.3 km2 and has 12 296 inhabitants grouped into 26 549 households and 30 304
houses, with a density of 1.3 inhabitants per km2.
The population in the study area is totally rural, isolated or agglomerated.
(ii) Working Population
The Working population in the governorate of Kebili is 47 406 inhabitants of which 11%
are in the delegation of El Faouar (which corresponds to 4304 active people).
The distribution of the active population by sector of activity in 2010 in the delegation of
El Faouar is shown in Figure 6.8.
34%
Agriculture and Fisheries 52%
manufacturing Mines and Energy 10%
Public works and building service 1% 3%
Figure 6.8 Distribution of working population in the delegation of El Faouar
(ODS., 2011)
According to figure 6.8, 52% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, then 34% are
working in the services sector, then, 10% only are attracted by the public works and
building sector.
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It’s to note that the unemployment rate, in 2010, is estimated at 17.5% in the governorate
of Kebili and 7% in the delegation of El Faouar (ODS., 2011).
6.3.2 Socio-economic Activities
(i) Agriculture
The area of El Faouar is characterized by the predominance of oasis agriculture
occupying approximately 52% (2,095 jobs) of the working population and accounts for
most of the income generated by the export of dates. The table 6.5 presents the land use
areas in the delegation of El Faouar.
Table 6.5 Land Use in the Delegation of El Faouar
Designation
Delegation of El Faouar
Total area
967,226 ha
Agricultural area
2,867 ha
Oasis (irrigated)
3,894 ha
Non agricultural area
843,559 ha
Range land
119,824 ha
Forest
976 ha
In addition to the palm trees with a production estimated at 194, 000 tons in the region of
El Faouar, the oases are exploited by other tree plantations (such as olive, fig and
pomegranate) and the herbaceous crops (mainly fodder and vegetable crops).
(ii) Industry
Industrial activity occupies 3% of the workforce in the delegation of El Faouar. Jobs are
largely provided by the units of packaging dates that provide enhancement of agricultural
production and diversification of the economy.
(iii) Tourism
The Governorate of Kebili is potentially rich in tourist attractions of various kinds
(ecological, architectural, cultural ...). With this richness and diversity, Saharan tourism
has become a typical tourist activity in the region.
There are three most important tourist areas which are Douz, with a capacity of
3318 beds, Kebili with a capacity of 512 beds and El Faouar with a capacity of 300 beds.
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7.0
METHODOLOGY OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The adopted methodology in the evaluation of the impacts of Sab#13 Development well
is based on the appreciation of a synthesis indicator which constitutes the significance of
the impact. This indicator gives a judgment on the importance of the gains and losses for
the natural and human components of the environment related to the proposed activities.
The established judgment represents the integrated result of three components, including
the intensity, the extent and the duration of the impact.
Figure 7.1 graphically presents the main process allowing the impact evaluation.
Intensity of the Impact
Extent of the Impact
Duration of the Impact
Significance of the Impact
Figure 7.1 Procedure for Impact Evaluation
7.1
Intensity
The impact intensity shows the relative significance of the consequences attributable to
the observed alteration of a component. It compiles the social and the ecosystem value of
the component along with the anticipated disturbance degree of this component.
Disturbance Degree
Social and /or Ecosystem Value
Impact Intensity
Figure 7.2 Procedure for the Evaluation of Impact Intensity
The combination of the disturbance degree and the value assigned to the component
allows obtaining three levels of impact intensity: high, moderate and low.
 High, when the impact highly modifies the quality or significantly limits the usage of
a component presenting a main interest and exceptional qualities, whose conservation
or protection are subject to a formal legislation or a general consensus.
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 Moderate, when the impact reduces the quality or the usage of the component having
a certain social value and/or recognizable qualities without necessarily compromising
its integrity ;
 Low, when the impact modifies only in a little manner the quality, the usage or the
integrity of an environmental component whose interest and quality do not constitute
any growing concern.
7.2
Extent
The impact extent stands for the range or the spatial coverage of the effects generated by
the intervention on the site. This concept refers either a distance or a surface over which
the observed modifications felt by a component or else by the proportion of population
being touched by these modifications.
The three levels, being considered in quantifying the impact extent are:
 Regional extent, when the impact affects a wide space or many components, being
located within an important distance of the project or being felt by the whole
population or by a large proportion of the population of the study area ;
 Local extent, when the impact affects a relatively limited space or a certain number
of components located inside, nearby or at a certain distance from the project site, or
when it is felt by a limited proportion of the population in the study area (i.e. a
village);
 Pinpoint extent, when the impact affects only a very limited space or a component
being located inside or nearby the project site, or it is felt only by a limited number of
individuals of the study area.
7.3
Duration
The impact duration indicates its time extent, defined as being the period of time during
which the imposed modifications will be felt by a component.
The used method distinguishes the following impacts:
 Permanent, whose effects are felt in a continuous manner during the service life of
the equipment or even beyond ;
 Temporary, whose effects are felt during a limited time period, generally
corresponding to the drilling activities.
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7.4
Significance
The interaction between the intensity, the extent and the duration allows to define the
significance level of the impact affecting a components touched by the project. Table 7.1
presents the grid for determining the impact significance. This presents five significance
levels varying from very high to very low, considering the three determining factors of
the impact: the intensity, the extent and the duration.
Table 7.1 Grid for Determination of Impact Significance
Intensity
Extent
Duration
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Permanent
Temporary
Regional
High
Local
Pinpoint
Regional
Moderate
Local
Pinpoint
Regional
Low
Local
Pinpoint
Significance
Very high
High
High
Moderate
High
Moderate
High
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Low
Low
Very Low
Low
Very Low
In case the significance of the impact is considered moderate, high or very high, Winstar
Tunisia B.V. is inclined to consider, during the conception phase, measures of control
or/and mitigation to reduce or eliminate the negative repercussions of the project on the
biophysical and human environment.
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8.0
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
This section identifies and makes qualitative assessments of aspects of the drilling
activities that may have an environmental or socio-economic impact. The potential for
positive impacts from this activity (primarily socio-economic) should be recognised
together with negative impacts.
The qualitative assessment of these impacts facilitates the establishment of the necessary
measures serving subsequently for their mitigation. It involves the following factors:
 Physical environment (groundwater, soil, air and landscape);
 Biological environment (flora and fauna);
 Socioeconomic aspects ;
 Accidental events.
8.1
Impact of the Construction Phase
It is known that noise, atmospheric emissions and a variety of liquid and solid waste will
be generated in association with the construction activities. Predictable impacts on
biophysical environment associated with this phase are identified as:
 Impacts on air quality;
 Impact related to GHG emissions ;
 Impact of noise;
 Impacts of vibrations ;
 Impacts on soil and groundwater reservoir and soil;
 Impact on biological environment.
Besides, several potential socioeconomic impacts are expected as following:

Impact on employment ;

Impact on road traffic.
8.1.1 Impact on Air Quality
During the construction phase, atmospheric emissions will result from fixed and mobile
equipments (trucks, cranes, forklift trucks, generators, and other machinery).
Atmospheric emissions will also be generated by vehicles used to transport personnel to
the site. Emissions will be constituted of NOx, SO2, CO and TSP.
In addition, due to civil works including excavation, demolition, and construction, dust
will be generated and may be made worse due to strong winds.
Winstar Tunisia B.V. will ensure that equipment is fit to purpose, in good condition and
well maintained to minimise atmospheric emissions. In addition, the combined effects of
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the wind and the high temperature of exhaust gases will facilitate a rapid dispersion of
atmospheric pollutants.
Taking into account the relatively limited scale of the project, impact on air quality
would be considered low. With regard to the temporary and localised nature of the
construction activities, the impact significance on air quality is considered very low.
8.1.2 Impact linked to GHG Emissions
Construction activities generate greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to fuel combustion. CO2
emissions are especially related to movements of heavy vehicles used to truck material
and heavy equipment. However, these emissions are insignificant in comparison to the
total emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated at the local and national scales.
Also, the amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds are considered insignificant.
Therefore, the relatively small quantities of GHG emissions ensure that the impact
intensity is low. Due to the limited duration of the construction operations, the
significance of this impact is judged to be low.
8.1.3 Impact linked to Noise
During the construction period, the use of various fixed or mobile equipment naturally
generates noise. However, the noise levels are unlikely to increase the current noise
levels in the area.
The diversity of the construction activities makes it difficult to predict and to control
noise pollution. Nevertheless, and in order to comply with the procedures and the rules in
force, contractors should comply with the recommendations of the EU related to acoustic
levels:
 108 to 114 dB for hammers, manual cement compactor ;
 106 to 108 dB for cable hydraulic lifting, loading machines, etc.
Taking into account the above, and considering the character of the site, noise
surrounding impact is considered with low intensity. Having a limited duration and a
local extent, the significance of the impact is considered very low.
8.1.4 Impacts linked to Vibrations
Most vibrations originating from construction activities are due to excavations and some
other works including road construction and soil compaction. These vibrations may raise
the following issues:
 Malfunction of sensitive equipment (electronic equipment for control). These
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sensitive facilities are rarely met on-site but have very low admissible vibrations.
 People discomfort is noted at levels of vibrations more than 0.1 mm/s. Vibrations are
felt bothersome very quickly. The discomfort is felt depending on the vibration
amplitude and frequency (Hz).
Taking into account that the vibrations are intermittent and with short duration, the
intensity of the impact would be considered as low. With regard to the temporary and
local character of the construction activities, the impact significance of vibrations is
considered very low.
8.1.5 Impact on Soil and Groundwater Reservoir
Uncontrolled releases or spills of oil, lubricants, hydrocarbons and other pollutants would
alter the groundwater quality. Pollutants resulting from spills and releases can stay for
long time in soils and can affect their ventilation, fertility, carbon-nitrogen ratio and the
organic matter cycle. This can lead to soil physical-chemical properties alteration which
can affect vegetation as well as the surface and the groundwater quality.
Spills are likely to occur in localised areas of the drilling site as long as locations where
spills could occur are equipped with the appropriate containment facilities. In addition,
Winstar Tunisia B.V. will put in place procedures to prevent soil contamination and will
provide spill cleanup equipment and material. Any contaminated soil will be collected
and sent to an approved treatment contractor.
The residual impact related to the operational and accidental oil or chemical spills on the
soil quality is with low intensity. The impact will be localised and of short duration.
Therefore, impact significance is considered very low.
8.1.6
Impact on the Biological Environment
The main direct and indirect harms caused to fauna and avifauna during the construction
phase can be linked to the loss of vegetation, noise and vibration.
The human presence during the construction period constitutes a disturbance for both
fauna and avifauna. However, as construction will last a relatively short period and will
not irreversibly affect the durability of the ecological environment and its development, it
would not have a meaningful repercussion as for the reduction of biotopes and natural
habitats of the terrestrial fauna.
In the absence of particularly vulnerable or threatened species in the impacted area and
regarding the small loss of animal habitats the impact on the biological environment is
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considered of low intensity. Of local extent and short duration of land clearance the
impact significance is very low.
8.1.7 Socioeconomic Impacts
This section provides a summarized description of potential socioeconomic impacts
which are expected consecutively to the drilling site construction activities. These
impacts concern specifically:
 Impact on employment;
 Impact on RN20 road traffic.
8.1.7.1 Impact on Employment
The proposed project will directly employ an average of 120 people during the
construction phase. Besides, most of the socio-economic impacts of the project are
significantly positive especially on specific service sectors and in term of work supply.
However, economic profits are modest with regards to limited number of jobs and the
short duration of the construction phase.
Consequently, the positive socio-economic impact intensity will be moderate, with local
extent and short duration. So, the significance of this positive impact will be low.
8.1.7.2 Impact on Road Traffic
The construction phase activities will increase the existing road traffic particularly at the
RN20, because of personnel transport, the transport of construction material, equipment
and goods. The potential impact of the construction phase is linked to the increase of
existing traffic particularly in RN20 road and potential for road accidents since some
movements of heavy vehicles will be needed to truck material and heavy equipment.
The increased vehicular traffic on RN20 does not impose unnecessary problems to the
local residents. However adequate controls will be implemented to ensure that increased
traffic is managed in such a manner that risks are controlled. For transport of large and
heavy loads, the local authorities will be involved to minimise disruption to traffic.
The intensity of the impact is considered low. With local extent and short duration the
impact significance will be very low.
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8.2
Impacts of the Drilling Phase
8.2.1 Impact on the Physical Environment
8.2.1.1 Impacts on the Groundwater Quality
The risk of contamination of the drilling’s operations is low because of the use of water
base mud and the descent of the casing 133/8" which constitutes among others a factor of
security against the contamination of ground waters by hydrocarbons.
However, diesel storage, sanitary wastewaters, wash water and residual mud and drill
cuttings are potential sources for groundwater contamination. The contamination process
consists of a vertical migration of the pollutants until they reach the saturated zone, where
they progress and disperse horizontally following the water table flow direction.
Depending on the volume and the physical and chemical characteristics of the
contaminant, the lithology of the soil and the hydrodynamics of the aquifer, this type of
contamination could have an important extent yielding all possible impacts on health for
the users of this water resource.
The contamination of the groundwater by infiltration from the surface is very unlikely to
occur because of the following reasons:
 The mud pit is made waterproof using a waterproof synthetic membrane liner which
is punching resistant and provides perfect tightness;
 The mud pit is largely oversized in order to avoid any overflowing;
 The construction of two sanitary systems to reduce the organic pollution related to the
presence of the drilling staff;
 The installation of ditches in order to collect washing water towards drain pit;
 The use of a closed mud circulation system to contain mud and cuttings for removal.
As a consequence, the contamination risks of underground water associated to various
activities in relation with the drilling of Sab#13 well have low probability. The
significance of the impact is therefore very low.
8.2.1.2 Impact on the Soil Quality
The soil of the study area will be impacted as well during the well drilling. The quality of
soil is altered as a consequence of the following activities:
 The displacement of the rolling stock;
 The potential pollution by hydrocarbons or lubricants;
 The possible scouring and compaction.
Because there will be no land-take beyond what is required for the drilling of the
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Development well and the temporary occupation of the site, the intensity of the impact is
considered moderate. Having a local extent and temporary duration, the significance of
impact on the soil is, therefore, low.
8.2.1.3 Impact on Air Quality
Operational gas emissions are limited to combustion emissions from diesel power
generators, pumps, hoists and other drilling equipment. These emissions will occur only
for the short term period. As this impact has local extent and low intensity, its
significance is evaluated as very low.
However, during accidental situations such as well blow-out, the intensity of the impact
could be larger and will depend on the duration needed to get the well under control.
8.2.1.4 Noise Impact
The well drilling and the associated activities generate inevitably noise. The main sources
of this noise are the rotating machinery, handling of drilling pipes and casings and the
power generators.
Being a desert zone, without any human activity, the noise emission generated by the
drilling activities will have negligible noise impact.
8.2.1.5 Impact on the Landscape
The visual impact will be judged in terms of number of individuals who catch sight of the
facilities from where they stand. However, since the drilling area is unpopulated, the
visual impact due to the presence of the drilling rig is negligible.
8.2.2 Impacts on the Biological Environment
The well site construction and the opening of the access tracks come with uprooting of
the existing flora such as Anthyllis sercea. However, the importance of the impact for the
whole lost vegetation essentially depends on their abundance at the regional scale and the
degree of disturbance caused. Taking into account the low extent of the impacted area,
the dissemination and the low density of the vegetation cover, the intensity of the impact
is considered low and of local extent. The duration of the work being temporary,
therefore the importance of the impact is judged very low.
8.2.3 Economic and Social Impacts
The drilling of Sab#13 Development well will have a positive economic impact on both
regional and national scales.
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8.2.3.1 Impacts at the Regional Level
At the regional level and during the drilling activities, the project will create a number of
occasional jobs to the benefit of the local labor. In case of oil discovery, other permanent
jobs will be created. The significance of this impact is considered positive low.
8.2.3.2 Impacts at the National Level
At the national level, few million dollars will be introduced into Tunisian economy. The
service companies will be the main beneficiaries from the project.
In summary, the exploration and possible oil discovery will allow to:
 Add value to the natural resources of the country;
 Enhance the information relative to the geophysical and geological resources;
 Accomplish a self sufficiency in energy needs;
 Improve the foreign currency balance;
 Find solutions to unemployment by creating jobs;
 Stimulate the economic and social development of the region;
 Develop the industrial sector in general.
With a full respect to the environmental protection aspects, the prospecting and
exploration of these resources will contribute to a sustainable development of the country.
The moderate intensity of the impact is supported by profits generated from an eventual
discovery. The regional extent and the assumed temporary period of the impact highlight
the positive effects of the project on Tunisian economy. The impact is therefore
considered of positive moderate significance.
8.3
Accidental Impacts
8.3.1 Main Causes of Accidental Situations
The accidental scenarios, the response organization and the means to control accidental
release will be defined in Winstar Tunisia B.V.'s Emergency Response Plan document.
The main causes of accidental situations are listed below.
8.3.1.1 Diesel Spill
The storage of diesel presents risks such as fire incidents, explosion and soil and
groundwater contamination. In order to limit these risks, Winstar Tunisia B.V. has taken
the following precautions:
 Ensuring proper distances between the diesel storage installations and the ignition
sources;
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 Establishing procedures for diesel loading and supplying ;
 Providing on-site firefighting equipment to allow quick and efficient response against
any ignition or fire incident.
In addition, any accidental spill will be subject to an urgent intervention procedure
including the immediate recovery of contaminated soil. After delineation of the
contaminated area, all soils having a hydrocarbon vapor concentration exceeding 1 ppm
(measured by PhotoIoniser Dectector, PID) will be excavated and recovered in tight pits.
A specialized company authorized by the state secretary in charge of environment will be
responsible for their treatment and disposal according to regulations in force.
8.3.1.2 Blowout or Loss of Control during Well Drilling
If the counter pressure imposed by the mud column is insufficient, a sudden influx of
formation fluids (water, oil and gas) may occur, forcing drilling mud and other materials
up the bore hole in an uncontrolled manner. Although the probability of this event
happening is very low, it usually results from a series of deficiencies. The main causes
are:
 Failure to maintain the well full with drilling mud;
 Insufficient drilling mud density;
 Failure of BOP equipment.
In the unlikely event of a loss of control, the possible leakage of hydrocarbon will be
drained along the ditches located around the rig into the mud pit until the interventions of
well control. These interventions consist in closing the wellhead, eliminating the
formation fluid which was introduced in the well and adjusting the density under the
BOP in order to counteract the pressure.
8.3.2 Impact on Occupational Health
Petroleum products can affect accidentally the human health according to three exposure
scenarios i.e.: skin contact, hydrocarbon vapor inhalation and hydrocarbon ingestion.
The skin contact dries the skin and may induce dermatosis and eczemas, the aromatic
hydrocarbons can induce the skin cancer in case of long contact. Hydrocarbon vapor
inhalation causes throat and nose irritations and symptoms similar to those of
drunkenness. It is well established that these vapors such as benzene are in the long run
carcinogenic.
Important measures are taken by the operator in order to counterpart any risk likely to
undermining the safety and health of the personnel. In addition, the safeguard of the
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safety and public health of the personnel is an integral part of the safety and environment
policy of the operator.
Impact on the human health can occur only after accidental situation. Therefore, its
intensity is evaluated as low. The effect of the impact is local and the duration of the
project is provisional, making the significance of the impact very low.
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9.0
MITIGATING MEASURES
The discussion and assessment of the potential impacts of the drilling activities revealed
that adverse effects on biophysical environment are on the whole insignificant compared
to the positive economic impacts which are generated during the production phase.
The following mitigation measures have become current practices in the petroleum
activities and are incorporated, since the beginning, in the project design. They
essentially concern:
9.1

The construction of a lined oversized pit for the discharge of mud and cuttings ;

The combustion of associated gas during the well test;

The storage of chemical products;

The pollution prevention and response.
Mitigation Measures for the Construction Phase
The main safeguards and mitigation measures planned for the proposed drilling project
will be related to:

Reduction of atmospheric emissions, gas and dust;

Reduction of noise;

Protection of soil and groundwater resources quality;

Solid waste management.
Those topics will be described later in this section along with the specific mitigation
measures related to the construction phase.
9.1.1 Reduction of Atmospheric Emissions, Gas and Dust
For atmospheric emissions of gas pollutants and dust, the key mitigation measure consists
in the regular maintenance and servicing of onsite equipment and machines.
9.1.2 Reduction of Noise and Vibrations
Winstar Tunisia B.V. will make sure that engines and machines are well maintained with
manufacturer’s noise and emission abatement equipment. Also, in that respect vehicle
speed will be restricted.
In addition, the contractor will be instructed to use low noise engines and machines
where practicable, to comply with the international standards and in particular the
European directives relative acceptable acoustic levels:
 108 to 114 dB (A) for hammers and manual cement compactor;
 106 to 108 dB (A) for cable hydraulic lifting, loading machines, etc.
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9.1.3 Protection of Soil and Groundwater Resources
Contamination of soil and groundwater will be minimized by appropriate storage and
handling procedures for various liquids and chemicals (oil, lubricants, solvents, etc.).
Winstar Tunisia B.V. will elaborate adequate procedures and equipment to contain any
pollution that may occur during refuelling, maintenance or tank emptying operations.
Winstar Tunisia B.V. will immediately clean up any and all pollutants, which are spilled
accidentally. If an incident occurs and had an impact on the soil quality, the polluted soils
will be removed and transferred to an authorised centre for treatment and disposal.
9.1.4 Mitigation Measures for Solid Waste Disposal
Winstar Tunisia B.V. and involved contractors will ensure that all produced waste is
disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner including proper
segregation and treatment.
As a first priority, waste will be minimised as far as practicable. Waste will be collected,
and segregated according to the following categories:

Inert waste: excavated material, topsoil, wood debris, etc.;

Recyclable and reusable waste (wood debris, iron and steel scraps, etc.);

Domestic Waste;

Hazardous and Toxic Waste: Batteries, Maintenance Waste, lubricants, etc.
All the above wastes are to be segregated and treated in a proper and controlled manner,
described hereafter:
 Recycling – Reusing: Winstar Tunisia B.V. will recycle and reuse waste as much as
possible, depending on local available facilities. This will apply for instance to wood,
iron and steel scrap, batteries, empty drums, etc. Recyclable waste will be collected
and stored in appropriate bins and containers. Empty drums will be completely
emptied and cleaned before being compacted and scrapped.
 Temporary Storage and Discharge: Temporary storage can be implemented for inert
material disposal. Excavated materials shall be temporarily stockpiled if required for
backfilling or construction purposes and disposed of in approved locations. Stockpile
erosion shall be prevented by use of drainage control.
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9.2
Mitigation Measures for the Drilling Phase
9.2.1 Mitigating Measures of Impacts on Groundwater
The following measures have been taken by Winstar Tunisia B.V. to prevent the
groundwater pollution:
 The use of oversized mud pit in order to prevent the possible influx of reservoir fluids
and to prevent any overflow risk;
 Integrity of the mud pit intended for the disposal of water-base mud and the cuttings;
 The use of casing to protect the aquifers against any contamination risk.
9.2.2 Mitigating Measures of Impacts on Air
To preserve the air quality, Winstar Tunisia B.V. has taken the following measures:
 Regular maintenance of energy generators and other motors;
 Optimization of the well-cleaning period;
 Monitoring continuously the air quality around the well with specific hydrocarbon
gas (CH4) detectors placed near the shakers.
9.2.3 Mitigating Measures of Impacts on Soil
Winstar Tunisia B.V. has taken some measures aiming at avoiding the degradation and
the pollution of the soil, such as:
 Reservation of an isolated area for diesel oil storage, away from emission areas;
ignition sources or heating sources;
 Presence of ditches around the drilling unit in order to drain wash waters towards the
pit ;
 Contaminated soils by potential oil spills will be treated onsite by a specialized
company authorized by the state secretary in charge of environment for treatment and
disposal;
 Storage of chemical products in containers or on palettes equipped with plastic dust
cover against severe weather.
9.3
Pollution Prevention and Response
9.3.1 Pollution Prevention
All sites where hazardous substances are used or stored shall have a written Spill
Prevention and Control (SPC) Procedure. The purpose of the SPC Procedure is to prevent
pollution by identifying potential spill scenarios and developing procedures to prevent
and control them.
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The transportation of hazardous substances (including waste) will be carried out in
accordance with Tunisian regulations.
9.3.2 Pollution Response
Pursuant to Article 59.3 of the Hydrocarbons Code, the drilling contractor will establish
an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) which aims to ensure employee safety and the
cleanliness of the areas surrounding the drilling site in case of emergencies. This manual
ensures that interventions are carried out smoothly from the alert stage to the emergency
intervention stage allowing operations personnel to be prepared for the imminent
emergency situation and to take control of it.
Moreover, in order to ensure emergency interventions, Winstar Tunisia B.V. should:

Have on site sufficient materials and equipment for fire fighting and pollution control
as well as first care medicines and safety means to be used in case of emergency;

Work out safety and emergency plans covering all the exceptional situations that
may arise on the working site.
A copy of the said plans shall be provided to the Granting Authority and the Relevant
Authorities.
Winstar Tunisia B.V. is also required to contract insurance policies covering his civil
responsibility in case of damages caused to third parties estates because of his activity
including notably the risks of damaging the environment.
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10.0
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
10.1
Introduction
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) aims to describe the measures, actions and
means that will be implemented to eliminate or reduce to acceptable levels the significant
impacts of the drilling activities on the biophysical and socio-economic components as
identified in the EIA. More specifically, the EMP should ensure:
 Protection of personnel's health and safety and prevention of environmental hazards;
 Compliance with the standards, regulations, know-how and best practices along with
the use of appropriate technologies;
 Carrying out works according to principles of sound management and use of
appropriate equipment and good practices;
 Inclusion of environmental risks monitoring and control measures, and the
establishment of prevention and mitigation means in case of events that may pose
hazards to the health and environment.
The Environmental Management Plan of the drilling activities is divided into twelve
sections:
1. Impacts Register;
2. Waste Management Plan;
3. Emergency Response Plan;
4. Environmental Monitoring Program;
5. Capacity Building & Staff Training Plan;
6. Equipment & Vehicule Circulation Plan;
7. Local Recruitment Plan;
8. Initial Environmental Examination Plan for the Base Camp;
9. Documentation & Environmental Communication;
10. Site Restoration;
11. Environmental Audit;
12. Cost of the EMP.
10.2
Impacts Register
Based on the findings of the EIA, national and international standards and best practices,
the Impacts Register summarizes:
 Potential adverse impacts of the project on the environment;
 Mitigations for identified impacts;
 Responsibility for implementation and monitoring of adopted mitigation measures.
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Table 10.1 Impacts Register of Sab#13 Drilling Works
Source of
Impact
Impact
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
Cost (US$)
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
Construction Contractor
Included in
the project
cost
Air Pollution
 Regular maintenance and servicing of onsite equipment and machines.
 Engines and machines are well maintained with manufacturer’s noise and
Noise
Soil Disturbance
Construction
Phase
emission abatement equipment.
 Take measures in a way to avoid a noise source.
 Compressors, generators, etc…, will be installed as far away as possible
from camp life and offices.
 An appropriate ear protection will be worn in areas where the noise level
continuously exceeds 85 dBA.
 Use of existing tracks.
 Identify areas for temporary and permanent storage.
 Organize delivery and installation actions to reduce the area required for
storage.
 Avoid if possible removal of existing vegetation.
 All employees involved in the preparation of the site must be trained to
respect the limits of the defined site.
Water Pollution
 Prohibit on-site disposal of lubricating oils, diesel fuel, etc.
 Transfer of oils and used lubricants by authorized transporters of
SOTULUB.
 Installation of suitable containers, cleaning equipment and materials to
prevent site contamination and spills.
 The feeding zones should be sealed with concrete and controlled.
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Groundwater and
soil contamination
Groundwater
contamination &
Health risks
Drilling
Phase
Groundwater and
soil contamination
& Health risks
Groundwater and
soil contamination
Air pollution &
Health risks
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Wash Water
Evacuation towards the drain pit then to the mud pit.
Drilling Contractor
5,000
Sanitary Wastewater
 The collection of wastewater in cesspits
 The installation of septic pits, if necessary, to collect and treat wastewater
Drilling Contractor
10,000
Drilling Contractor
30,000
Drilling Contractor
5,000
Drilling Contractor
40,000
Domestic Waste
Disposal in the nearest landfill to El Faour delegation
Used Oil & Oil Filters
Storage of used oil in metal drums and delivery to SOTULUB
Gas Emissions
 Regular maintenance of energy generators and other motors
 Monitoring continuously the air quality around the well with sour gas (H2S)
and combustible gas (CH4) detectors.
 Optimization of the well-cleaning period.
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Groundwater and
soil contamination
Groundwater and
soil contamination
Mud & Cuttings
Construction Contractor
 Use of an oversized pit for mud and cuttings discharges
 Waterproofing of the pit
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
 Sampling residual mud and cuttings for analyses & EIA for drilling residues
Company authorized by the
treatment
state secretary in charge of
 Treatment and disposal of contaminated mud and cuttings
environment
15,000
20,000
25,000
Winstar Tunisia B.V./
Drilling Contractor
30,000
 Elaboration of an "Emergency Response Plan"
Drilling Contractor
20,000
 Provision of firefighting equipment
Drilling Contractor
20,000
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
5,000
 Staff training in the Health, Safety & Environment aspects
Drilling Contractor
5,000
 Ground leveling & Site restoration
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
25,000
Accidental Events
 Elaboration of Contingency Response Plan
 Oil spill response equipment
Visual impact
Wellsite
Restoration
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10.3
Waste Management Plan
10.3.1 Liquid Waste
Liquid wastes consist of sanitary waters, wash waters and used lubricants.
(i) Sanitary Waters
Sanitary waters (approximately 24 m3/day) are generated by the onsite personnel during
drilling operations. The effluents will be collected in two watertight pits. After
demobilization, the pits will be backfilled and covered to restore the natural terrain.
(ii) Wash Waters
Wash waters originate from the cleaning and washing operations of the rig. These
effluents, estimated at 10 m3/day, are continuously evacuated towards the drain pit, then
to the mud pit.
(iii) Used Lubricants
The engine oils, the hydraulic oils and gears lubricants, which result from the systematic
maintenance of the drilling equipment and machines are estimated at some liters. They
will be stored in metallic containers and delivered together with used oil filters to the
SOTULUB for reprocessing. A register will be maintained by the drilling contractor in
order to facilitate the traceability of these waste products in conformity with the
Decree no. 693-2002 of April 1st, 2002.
10.3.2 Solid Waste
With reference to the Law no. 96-41 of June 10th, 1996 relating to waste and the control
of their management and elimination and giving their origin, the project waste may be
classified in domestic waste and industrial waste.
10.3.2.1 Domestic Waste
Estimated at 1 kg per person per day, this waste (around 120kg/day) will be collected at
the site and evacuated towards the nearest landfill to El Faour delegation.
10.3.2.2 Industrial Waste
Three industrial wastes will be generated from this project: industrial trash, drilling fluids
and cuttings, and inert waste.
(i) Industrial Trash
Examples of industrial trash are wooden pallets, sacks, metallic barrels, used spare parts,
etc. Industrial trash will be collected by the drilling contractor for recycling by a
specialized company or will be transported to an authorized landfill for disposal.
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(ii) Drilling Fluids and Cuttings
Drilling will take place using a water mud type. Estimated mud volumes and cuttings
volumes are presented in table 10.2. Cuttings are small rock fragments carried to surface
by the drilling mud. At surface, these cuttings are separated from the mud at the shaleshakers, desander, desilter and centrifuges. Finally, the cuttings are transferred to a tight
pit whereas the fluid portion is recycled in the mud system.
Table 10.2 Volumes of Mud and Cuttings Generated by Sab#13 Development Well
Interval
Hole diameter
0 – 95 m
32"
Drilling fluids
volumes
200 m3
95 – 240 m
24"
170 m3
~50 m3
240 – 1080 m
16"
430 m3
~131 m3
1080 – 3550 m
12 ¼"
560 m3
~225 m3
3550 – 3860 m
8½"
310 m3
~12 m3
1 670 m3
~477 m3
Total
Cuttings volumes
~59 m3
- Management of Water-Base Mud and Cuttings of 32" and 24" sections
Residual mud and cuttings of 32" and 24" holes of non contaminated nature will be
collected in a watertight area. Upon the completion of drilling operations, Winstar
Tunisia B.V. will use the services of an independent consultant to collect samples of any
residual mud and cuttings, to analyze these residues for potential contaminants and to
prepare an assessment report, which will be submitted to Winstar Tunisia B.V.
In the absence of Tunisian regulation defining the threshold of waste contamination, it is
appropriate to refer to the applicable international standards.
By examining the law relative to the quality of the environment in Quebec, Canada
concerning hazardous waste, we notice that the maximum concentrations used for the
leachate of solid residues are slightly higher or equal to the limits applied for liquid
effluents. Based on these conditions, we can apply without reservation the standard
NT 106.02 to solid waste leachates.
As such, the contaminant thresholds concentrations are the following:
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Parameters
Concentrations (mg/l)
2
0.005
0.5
0.1
5
0.01
0.5
0.2
0.05
Hydrocarbons
Cadmium
Copper
Lead
Zinc
Chromium VI
Chromium III
Nickel
Arsenic
If there is no contamination, Winstar Tunisia B.V. will proceed at the end of the drilling
operations to the embankment of the layout area over a minimum thickness of 1 m. The
entire site will then be returned to blend into the natural terrain of the area.
If samples analyses indicate a contamination of cuttings and residual mud, a specialized
company authorized by the state secretary in charge of environment (See list in
Appendix II) will be in charge of onsite treatment and disposal. The process consists in
the stabilisation and encapsulation of hydrocarbons and heavy metals using cement and
soda silicates. After maturation, the leachate of treated waste will be analysed for
compliance with the Tunisian Standard NT 106.02 for discharge in the Public Water
Domain.
- Management of Muds and Cuttings of 16", 12¼" and 8½" holes sections
With reference to Decree no. 2000-2339 of October 10th, 2000 fixing the list of hazardous
waste, drilling residues containing hydrocarbons, barium salts, chlorides, heavy metals or
polymers are considered as hazardous waste. To this respect, the cuttings from 16", 12¼",
and 8½" holes (in total 368 m3) will be entrusted to a specialized company, authorized by
the state secretary in charge of environment for onsite treatment and disposal.
(iii) Inert Waste
This category includes the waste from the demolition works, which will mainly have a
mineral nature and free of any contamination by hazardous substances. This waste will be
removed and disposed off in the pits during site restoration work.
10.3.3 Gas Emissions
Exhaust gas emissions are generated by diesel engines from the generators. Engines will
be monitored and maintenance will be performed as needed to optimize performance and
minimize the effects on the environment.
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10.3.4 Noise and Vibration
Noise is generated by the machines, the drilling operations and the maintenance works.
Winstar Tunisia B.V. will take measures in a way to avoid a noise source, which could
affect the health or the safety of the workers. An appropriate ear protection will be worn
in areas where the noise level continuously exceeds 85 dBA.
10.4
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
The drilling activities have risks of well control loss and oil spill. Prevention of incidents
is an integral part of operational procedures and mitigation measures presented in this
report. The implementation of these measures demonstrates the commitment of Winstar
Tunisia B.V. vis-à-vis the preservation of the environment.
In order to ensure emergency interventions, the drilling contractor will establish an
emergency response plan covering all the exceptional situations that may arise on the
working site. Winstar Tunisia B.V. will also provide onsite sufficient materials and
equipment for firefighting and pollution control as well as first care medicines and safety
means to be used in case of emergency.
In order to avoid possible risk of eruption, the following measures are taken by Winstar
Tunisia B.V.:
 The establishment of a sufficient supply of barite and mud weighting material to
adjust the density of the mud, if necessary;
 The anchoring and cementation of casings;
 The equipping of the drilling rig with blowout preventers (BOP) allowing in any time,
if necessary, to close the well and prevent any risk of dangerous emissions.
 The elaboration of a response procedure in case of loss of control;
 The supply of stakeholders with equipment and recovery tools (shovels, buckets,
containers, absorbents, sand boxes, personal protective equipment, etc.), in order to
deal with spills or leaks of contaminants.
In case of a sudden influx, the interventions consist in closing the wellhead, eliminating
the formation fluid which was introduced in the well and adjusting the density under the
BOP in order to counteract the pressure.
In the unlikely event of a loss of control, the intervention procedure consists in an
immediate recovery of the reservoir fluids in tight pits. Contaminated soils which have a
hydrocarbon vapor concentration exceeding 1 ppm (measured by PhotoIoniser Dectector,
PID) will be also excavated and recovered in tight pits. A specialized company
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authorized by the state secretary in charge of environment will be responsible for their
treatment and disposal according to regulations in force.
Finally, it is important to mention that Winstar Tunisia B.V. has taken out liability
insurance to cover risks of damage to property and third parties caused by its project
including risks to the environment.
10.5
Safety
Considering the importance of the security and the protection of the environment, Winstar
Tunisia B.V. carry out an approach consisting in managing its activities safely.
In this context, Winstar Tunisia B.V. has prepared a specific emergency plan to the
drilling activities of Sab#13 well. This plan is designed to assist Winstar Tunisia B.V.
staff and its contractor to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency at any place
where activities related to drilling operations are undertaken.
Moreover, the contractor adopts the necessary measures and the appropriate means of
control to prevent and reduce hazards as well as to limit as much as possible their
consequences.
10.5.1 Blowout Prevention
Winstar Tunisia B.V. and its drilling contractor put in place a contingency plan in case of
well control loss. The main objective of this plan is to establish a response procedure and
to manage safely the problems associated with the well control loss.
Every effort will be made to avoid any risk of occurrence of a blowout. These efforts will
mainly concern:
 Storage on location of sufficient Barite, weighting material, to enable the mud density
to be increased if required;
 The setting and cementation of various casings;
 The permanent use of Blowout Preventer (BOP) which will be tested regularly.
The rig will be equipped with Blowout Preventers (BOP). The system will enable the shut
off of the well and prevent any risk of dangerous emissions.
If case of a sudden influx, closing the BOP will place the well under control until the
readjustment of the drilling mud density. In the unlikely event of a loss of control, the
possible leakage of hydrocarbon will be drained along the ditches located around the rig
into the mud pit until the well control interventions.
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10.5.2 Fire Response Equipment
All facilities onsite will be equipped with various fire extinguishers for all types of fire.
Fire response equipment will be easily accessible and clearly labeled. The Contractor will
carry out periodic inspection of this equipment.
10.6
Environmental Follow-Up Program
The follow-up program consists in ensuring the implementation of measures to protect
the environment as identified in the EIA. This mainly concerns:
 The waterproofness of pits used for disposal of drilling residues (muds and
cuttings);
 The appropriate management of hazardous products, in particular the establishment
of appropriate areas equipped with diked areas for oil and chemicals storage;
 The follow-up of waste management during drilling and completion activities and
the holding of waste management register;
 The treatment of muds and cuttings by a specialized company authorized by state
secretary in charge of environment;
 The commitment to submit a waste management report to the competent authorities
(ANGed and ANPE) at the end of the work.
The environmental follow-up program will be supervised by the HSE engineer of Winstar
Tunisia B.V.
10.7
Environmental Monitoring Program
Environmental monitoring is necessary to gauge the impact of operations on the site. By
implementing appropriate plans with sufficient details, it is possible to minimize and
control waste generation, limit physical disturbances, and operate in a responsible
manner. The environmental monitoring program will be implemented by the field crew
consistent with the requirements of the Environmental Management Plan. It will include
namely:
 The continuous analyzes of sour gas (H2S) and combustible gas (CH4);
 It is to mention that two water samples were collected, one in the existing water well
near the CPF and the other in the vicinity of El Franig area, were analyzed for
potential pollutants (total hydrocarbons and heavy metals) and used as reference for
soil monitoring program.
 It is to mention that one soil sample was collected in the drilling site in order to be
analyzed for potential pollutants (total hydrocarbons and heavy metals) and used as
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reference for soil monitoring program.
The certificates of water and soil analysis are included in Appendix III.
Table 10.3 Environmental Monitoring Program
Monitoring’s parameters
Underground Salinity
water quality pH
Total hydrocarbons Heavy
metals
Total hydrocarbons Heavy
Soil quality
metals
Air quality
10.8
Sour gas (H2S)
Combustible gas (CH4)
Sampling point
Water well near
Sab#13 well
Frequency
End of
drilling
activities
Responsible
Winstar
At the rig, the
mud and storage
of fuel locations
In the vicinity of
the rig
End of
drilling
activities
During the
drilling
activities
Winstar
Winstar
Capacity Building & Staff Training Plan
This plan will explain how the drilling contractor will train their employees in the Health
& Safety aspects, but also how they will make them aware of the aspects of protection
and preservation of natural resources. Training is divided into technical, theoretical and
practical and supervised by the HSE manager of Winstar Tunisia B.V. The program must
be submitted to Winstar Tunisia B.V. for review and approval.
Tableau 10.4 Staff Training Plan
Fire fighting
First Aid
Confined space entry
Defensive driving
Hazardous substances & Oil spill
Working at height
Process safety
HSSE auditor
10.9
People
concerned
Field personnel
Field personnel
Field personnel
Field personnel
Field personnel
Field personnel
Technical staff
Technical staff
Frequency
Responsable
Regulatory
Regulatory
Not Regulatory
Not Regulatory
Not Regulatory
Not Regulatory
Not Regulatory
Not Regulatory
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Drilling contractor
Equipment & Vehicle Circulation Plan
This plan will contain all the actions aiming to control the speed, route, circulation times
and the application of penalties in case of breach, for all equipment and vehicles involved
in the work (e.g. vehicles, drilling unit, ambulances and trucks).
10.10 Local Recruitment Plan
This plan will aim to identify and maximize the profile of positions that can be filled by
local population. It consists in defining the system and places of recruitment and
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developing a staff monitoring system.
10.11 Initial Environmental Examination Plan for the Base Camp
A base camp will be set near the wellsite. Therefore, the drilling contractor will carry out
an initial environmental examination of the site proposed for the installation of the camp
prior to mobilization on site.
10.12 Documentation & Environmental Communication
The environmental management process must be accompanied by monitoring tools
designed to document and communicate the results of the implemented plans between the
staff and the various responsibility levels involved in the project. Among these tools,
reports, minutes and periodic official communications produced by the various involved
parties which allow to document the undertaken actions, the non-compliance cases and
measures taken to adjust them.
The following table outlines the different stakeholders' responsibilities in the preparation
of documents and communications.
Table 10.5 Guidelines for Communication
Author
Addressee
Frequency
Drilling
Contractor
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
Be Included in the
contract
Drilling
During the drilling
Winstar Tunisia B.V.
Contractor
operation
Winstar Tunisia
ANPE
At the request
B.V.
Winstar Tunisia
End of treatment
ANPE
B.V.
work
Winstar Tunisia
ANPE
At the request
B.V.
Waste Treatment Winstar Tunisia B.V. End of treatment of
contractor
& ANGed
drilling residues
Winstar Tunisia
ANPE
At the request
B.V.
Winstar Tunisia
After wellsite
ANPE
B.V.
abandonment
Winstar Tunisia
After wellsite
ANPE
B.V.
abandonment
Situations' Description
Presentation of training and
HSE programs for review and
approval
Waste management report
Environmental report
Impact study for drilling
residue treatment
Cementing operations report
Waste Treatment Report
Water quality monitoring
report
Reclamation report
Soil quality monitoring report
10.13 Site Restoration
The site restoration will be executed as follows:
 Collection and transfer of domestic waste and industrial trash to the authorized
landfill in Tataouine (drill site location to be cleaned of any remaining debris);
 Non contaminated water-base mud and cuttings will be used for backfilling the pits;
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 Hazardous waste will be treated and dumped onsite by a specialized company
authorized by state secretary in charge of environment;
 Commitment to close the mud pit within twelve months following the end of drilling;
 Leveling the ground in order to restore the drilling site in its natural environment.
10.14 Environmental Audit
Environmental audits shall be carried out in accordance with ISO 19011 – Guidelines for
Quality and Environmental Management Systems Auditing.
Environmental internal audits are undertaken by persons independent of the work being
audited. Environmental audits are carried out against Company Standards (policies,
guidelines, procedures, etc.) and Tunisian Environmental Regulations to assess
environmental management performance in the area of air, water and noise emissions,
waste, etc.
A schedule of environmental audits will be developed and will ensure that at least the
following elements of the Environmental standard are audited:
 Implementation of mitigation measures;
 Waste Management Plan;
 Emergency Response Plan;
 Environmental Monitoring Program;
 Capacity building & Staff Training Plan;
 Equipment & Vehicule Circulation Plan;
 Local Recruitment Plan;
 Initial Environmental Examination Plan for the Base Camp;
 Documentation & Environmental Communication ;
 Site Restoration.
10.15 Cost of the Environmental Protection Measures
The estimate cost for drilling of Sab#13 Development well is US$ 15 million. Cost of
measures undertaken by Winstar Tunisia B.V. to preserve the environment is estimated at
US$ 250,000. It mainly covers:
 Staff and HSE consultants fees
$ 30,000
 Construction of oversized sealed pit
$ 15,000
 Sampling residual mud and cuttings for potential pollutants analyses
 Treatment of drilling residues by a specialized company
 Elaboration of a contingency plan
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$4,000
$ 125,000
$ 15,000
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 Installation of a certified fire fighting system
$ 10,000
 Oil spill response equipment
$ 5,000
 Used oil recovery and transfer for regeneration
$ 5,000
 Waste transport to authorized landfills
$ 10,000
 Site restoration and rehabilitation
$ 25,000
 Soil sampling and analyses after abandonment
$ 1,000
 Miscellaneous
$ 5,000
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REFERENCES
-
Ben Ferjani A. et al., Petroleum Geology of Tunisia – Publication de l’ETAP, 1990,
194p.
-
Blanc Ch. & Snane M. H. Les reptiles et les batraciens de la région du Bou Hedma ;
Bull. Soc. des Sci. Nat de Tunisie ; p : 3-10.
-
Chaïeb M. et al., 1998. Flore succinte et illustrée des zones arides et sahariennes de
Tunisie, 290 p.
-
Coque R. 1962. La Tunisie présaharienne. Etude géomorphologique ; Paris, Edit ; A.
colin ; 476p.
-
DGRE, 2003. Annuaire de l’Exploitation des Nappes Profondes. -Publication de la
Direction des Ressources en Eau -Tunisie, 2003.
-
Emberger, L., 1955. Une classification biogéographique des climats. Rev. Trav. Lab.
Bot. Fasc. Sci., Montpellier, 7: 3-43.
-
Floret Ch & Pontanier R. 1982 : L’Aridité en Tunisie présaharienne. Travaux &
Documents de l’ORSTOM.
-
Floret Ch. ; Pontanier R. 1982. L’aridité en Tunisie présaharienne. Trav. et Doc., n°
150, ORSTOM, Paris, 544 p.
-
Gounot M. 1969. Méthode d’étude quantitative de la végétation. Edit. Masson : 314 p.
-
Heinzel H., 1995.- Oiseux d’Europe, d’Afrique du Nord et du Moyen-Orient, 385p.
-
INM, 2000-2009. Données de l’Institut National de la Météorologie.
-
INS, 2005. Recensement Général de la population et de l’habitat pour l’année 2004.
Institut National de la Statistique, 2004.
-
Institut des Régions Arides, 1996. - Plantes Naturelles du Sud Tunisien (Programme
Main Verte - Ministère de l’Environnement et l’Aménagement du Territoire).
-
Le Houérou H. N. 1959. Recherches écologiques et floristiques sur la végétation de la
Tunisie méridionale, 2 vol., Inst. Rech. Sahar., Alger, mémoire n° 6, vol. 1 ; 281p. ;
vol : 229 p. + annexes.
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-
Le Houérou H.N. 1969. La végétation de la Tunisie steppique (avec référence aux
végétations analogues d’Algérie, de Libye et du Maroc). Ann. Inst. Nat. Rech. Agron.
De Tunisie, 42, (5), 640 p. + annexes.
-
Mamou A., 1990 - Caractéristiques et Evaluation des Ressources en Eau du sud
tunisien- Thèse de Doctorat d’Etat – Université de Paris-sud.
-
Nabli A., Essai de Synthèse sur la Végétation et la Phyto-écologie Tunisiennesvolume 4 à 6.
-
Office de Développement du Sud, 2010 - Le Gouvernorat de Tataouine en chiffres,
2010.
-
Pottier-Alapetite G., 1979-1981. - Flore de Tunisie. 2 volumes ; Programme Flore et
Végétation tunisienne ; 1190p, Imprimerie Officielle de la République Tunisienne.
-
Thomsen P. et al., 1979 - The birds of Tunisia, Edit. Rônnertz. Copenhagen, 169 p.
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APPENDICES
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Appendix I List of Specialized Companies authorized by the Ministry of
Environment for Drilling Residues Treatment
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Companies Authorized by the state secretary in charge of environment for Petroleum and Industrial Waste Treatment
N.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Establishment
Beneficiary
Phone and/or Fax
Address
Im Flamengo Apt n°12 D
Fax : 71 861 958
MEDES
Rocciola Pietro
Les Berges du Lac 2045
Phone: 71 860 767
Tunis
Route de Téniour km 19
Fax : 74 447 033
STB H2O
Genard Guillarait
BP n°32 CHIHYA 3041
Phone: 74 447030
Sfax
Phone: 71 280 566 / Résidence Erriadh Bloc A
22 211 115
NEW EAU-STER Youssef Dammak
appt A52 2092 l Manar 1
Tunis
Fax: 71 280 816
Résidence les palmiersPhone: 71 883052 / Immeuble A 1er étage
98 302 921
AMAL Services
Mongi Daoud
Appartement n°5 2092 El
Manar II B.P 61-1013
Fax: 71 888 303
Elmanzah IX
Rue du Lac Mizouria
IDS : International
Mohamed Adel Phone: 71 960 610 Imm. COGEM, étage 2
Drilling Services
Hannachi
Fax: 71 962 336
N°4- Les Berges du lac
1053 Tunis
Route
de
Gabès, Km 5.5
Phone: 74 675 843
Golden Petroleum
Rue de la Terre à coté du
Anis Derbel
Fax: 74 675 645
Services
marché de gros, Sfax
3000
Avenue Farhat Hached,
Phone : 74 453 880
SAP Environnement Groupe Zayani
Immeuble Maless, Pic
Fax : 71 453 603
Ville, Sfax
Phone : 74 849 405 Route Téniour Résidence
SSPE
Faouzi Miladi
Fax : 71 848 438
EL HANA La Chihia
Gov, de Sfax
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Type of activity
Type of waste
Capacity
Intervention zone
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum waste
30,000 T/year
Sfax, Gabes, Mednine,
Mahdia
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum waste
10,000T/year All the territory of Tunisia
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum waste
20,000T/year
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum and
industrial waste 72,000T/year
(mobile platform)
Governorate of Sfax
All the territory
of Tunisia
Industrial zone El Ghraba,
Governorate
of Sfax
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum and
industrial waste
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum waste 120,000 T/year
All the territory of
Tunisia
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum waste
17,500 T/year
All the territory of
Tunisia
Collection, transport
and treatment
Petroleum waste 100 000 T/year
All the territory of
Tunisia
220,000T/year
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Appendix II HSE Policy of Winstar
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Appendix III Analysis Certificates of Groundwater and Soil Samples
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