Mr. Erik Milito - The House Committee on Natural Resources ...

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR ONSHORE OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS AND LEASES 31
c) Appropriate methods of collecting and recycling or disposing of waste generated during construction, operation,
and maintenance of the facility should be considered.
d) Operators should develop waste management plans. Refer to API Environmental Guidance Document: Onshore
Solid Waste Management in Exploration and Production Operations for additional information.
8.4 Construction Considerations
8.4.1 Site Preparation
<strong>The</strong> following site preparation steps must be taken before initiating construction:
a) soil characteristics should be checked to determine the appropriate foundation design for the site;
b) the size and type of equipment to be used during construction should be considered to allow sufficient room to
work in a safe manner;
c) adequate culverts and drainage ditches should be provided as required by the local environment;
d) the open end of lines under construction should be temporarily capped at the end of each workday if a line could
be accessible to wildlife.
8.4.2 Inspection and Testing
<strong>The</strong> following inspection and testing steps must be taken before initiating construction.
a) During construction, qualified personnel to ensure that design specifications are met should perform appropriate
inspections to ensure that design specifications are met.
b) Upon completion, equipment and facilities should be inspected for possible leaks. If necessary, equipment
should be pressure tested in accordance with applicable codes. If fluids are used to pressure test, collect and
dispose of the fluids, refer to API Environmental Guidance Document: Onshore Solid Waste Management in
Exploration and Production Operations for applicable information.
c) X-raying of welds should be considered in critical areas where extreme pressure or corrosiveness is anticipated
or where potential risk to the local environment is of great concern.
8.4.3 Qualification of Personnel
<strong>The</strong> qualifications of personnel working on the construction site should be evaluated to aid in ensuring the work will
be properly performed.
8.4.4 Selection of Contractors
Consideration should be given to requiring contractors to have performance bonds should be considered when
facilities are to be constructed in environmentally sensitive areas.