Oil & Gas Compliance
Due Diligence
Are you leaving yourself open to liability? Risk associated with the acquisition of production properties can reduce the value of the assets. ESA offers a range of services designed to identify potential costs before the deal is closed. These services can be tailored to meet client-specific requirements or to meet published standards.
regulatory liaison/public relations
Don’t understand how regulators think? We do! Our highly experienced staff represents clients before regulatory agencies, boards, panels and courts to facilitate cost-effective solutions to compliance issues. We can also provide information services to help avoid confrontations with the public.
Research
Do you need an extra pair of hands? Use ours! Let our regulatory analysts search the files and databases for the information you need. Historical research, including review and interpretation of aerial photographs, maps and logs can give you and advantage by identifying potential problems and opportunities.
Reporting
Data entry got you down? ESA has data entry down. We can take on your completion reports, production reports, permits, and certifications along with preparing reports to document spills, cleanups, blow outs and other accidents.
Permitting
Why do I need a permit? The Railroad Commission uses permits to insure that activities in the oil field are safe and protective of the environment. ESA can provide fast turnaround and walk-thru service on most permits. Where statutory review requirements are in place, ESA will make certain that the permit application is administratively complete before it goes to the Commission.
Compliance
Hate surprises? So do we! At ESA, we want to take the hassle out of dealing with regulatory agencies and complying with rules and regulations in an ever-changing regulatory environment. Facility Inspections and Regulatory Compliance Audits help our clients identify and correct areas of non-compliance with OSHA, EPA and Railroad Commission regulations at regulated facilities in a timely manner. ESA offers on-site or remote environmental compliance services, including NORM screening and landfarming preassessments.
Operation and construction management
How can we help you? ESA has the experience and expertise to oversee many aspects of the drilling, completion and production process, including identification of suitable locations for disposal wells, construction of drilling locations, and tank batteries, and design of completion and plugging procedures. Expedited, walk-through service is available for all regulatory filings. We can also supervise annual integrity testing and surface equipment repair and replacement, and perform onsite services including fluid level measurement, NORM testing and auditing of existing facilities for compliance and safe, efficient operation.
Spill response
Why do spills always happen at night? Who knows? Paperwork, reporting deadlines, and compliance documentation are confusing and time consuming, and spills don’t wait for an opening in your schedule. Our 24-hour Spill Response Hotline 888-837-0404 allows us to respond to releases when they occur. We have extensive experience, allowing us to help you limit the financial impact and the inconvenience associated with a spill.
Wetland Permitting
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act prohibits unpermitted filling of “jurisdictional waters of the United States,” but a permit can take more than a year to process. ESA helps clients avoid the need for wetland permits by pre-inspecting proposed drill pad locations, pipeline corridors, or construction projects to identify areas that are not jurisdictional and will not require a permit. If a permit is required, ESA will prepare and submit the delineation report and mitigation plan, along with a permit application, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ESA will act as a liaison between the client and regulatory officials to obtain permits in an expeditious manner.
Expert Witness and Litigation Support
ESA has personnel with extensive industry, regulatory and consulting experience in a wide variety of disciplines to provide expert witness and litigation support. ESA can assist with disputes arising from regulatory compliance, agency policy, and environmental contamination, or with preparation for oil and gas or other regulatory proceedings.
Air Emission Compliance & Permitting
ESA provides service to ensure your industry is fully compliant with all local, state and federal air quality regulations and permitting requirements. A full air emission inventory of regulated pollutants can be assessed at your facility to determine your site specific requirements. Our staff will assist with or handle all interface with local, state and federal agencies, including: reporting, inspection liaison, and filing requirements.
