Foreword

At the time of independence, oil production in India was of the order of 0.25 million tonnes which increased to about 34 million tonnes in the year 2004-05 due to expansion in oil drilling and gas extraction industry.

Considering the growth and importance of exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources, it has been decided to develop Minimal National Standards (MINAS) for this category of industry.Industry-specific effluent/emission standards and guidelines for controlling pollution are prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with M/s ElL. . CPCB further revised the waste disposal guidelines and the same notified for implementation under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. For evolving such standards, CPCB prepares industry-wise comprehensive document based on the information collected through studies in representative industries and from various sources. Techno-economic criteria constitute an important component for the standards.

The present document deals with the Oil Drilling & Gas Extraction Industry with particular reference to water and air pollution, disposal of solid wastes and environmental standards & guidelines for these.

Dr. Inamul Haq, Addl. Director, Shri N.K. Verma, Addl. Director and Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary coordinated the study and prepared the report. Relevant information provided during the interaction meet with Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and Oil Companies including ONGC, Oil India, Cairn Energy, Hardy Oil, Reliance & Premier Oil etc. for finalisation of environmental guidelines is gratefully acknowledged.