Oil Exploration and Production Waste Management Practices: Comparative Analysis for Reduction in Hazardous E & P Waste Generation in Offshore Oil Platforms in Nigeria

Abstract

One way in which oil exploration and production (E & P) has negatively impacted the environment of the host oil bearing communities is by the generation of hazardous E & P wastes and its’ unwholesome disposal. The study analyzed oil exploration and production waste generation in offshore platforms and the management procedures and practices in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the quantities of different forms of E & P waste being generated from offshore platforms so as to bring about a reduction in hazardous E & P waste generation in offshore platforms by using technology to recycle it into useful products. The study also assessed the effect of increase in years of usage (aging) of oil production platforms on the quantity of E & P waste produced in the platforms. The case study approach was adopted, in which 6 offshore platforms of Total E & P Nigeria Limited were used as case studies and statistical data on E & P waste generation in the platforms were collected from 2010 – 2013, spanning a 4- year period. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical method was employed in analyzing the data and F – Test was used to test the significance of the null hypotheses. The test showed the acceptance of null hypothesis, H_0A and the rejection of null hypothesis H_0B, and the conclusion that increase in usage years (Aging) of offshore oil platforms does not cause a significant difference in the quantity of E & P waste generation in the platforms. It was recommended among other things that modern waste recycling technology be adopted by stakeholders and continuously improved upon, to convert hazardous and other forms of E & P wastes into useful products.

Keywords: oil exploration, production waste, analysis, reduction, hazardous waste, generation, Nigeria.