Environment

Our responsibilities

From the start of every project right through to completion, Pétrolia works hard to minimize environmental risks and impacts. As a responsible Québec company, we systematically analyze every one of our operations to make sure they comply with applicable legislation and the highest industry standards. In addition, we have an emergency response plan to ensure we can swiftly and effectively handle any incident that may occur.

Before drilling, Pétrolia signs an agreement with landowners covering numerous points, including:

• Pétrolia’s responsibilites
• The obligation of conducting an environmental study once work has been completed
• Land reclamation

Pétrolia’s environmental responsibilities include complying with government standards and holding sufficient insurance. We hold several types of insurance coverage in amounts that increase as our operations become more complex.

Our commitment to the environment has led us to adopt a number of measures:

• In the preparatory stage, Pétrolia ensures that chosen working methods minimize risk (spills, blowouts, etc.).  Using aboveground steel tanks instead of plastic-lined pits for drilling mud, to reduce the risk of leakage during drilling, is but one such example.
• During operations, the safety plan is followed to prevent incidents or minimize their impact.

Ultimately, only an across-the-board commitment to health, safety and environmental protection can ensure the quality and safety of our operations. Our work is only successful when it is completed in a safe and environmentally responsible fashion.

Our Emergency Response Plan
Despite the many precautions we take to prevent incidents, there is simply no such thing as zero risk. That is why it is vital to plan the critical actions to take in the event of an emergency.

Emergency drills are conducted to make sure everyone knows precisely what to do and verify the effectiveness of emergency procedures.

All employees receive health and safety training prior to starting work on the site. And before every shift employees attend a mandatory “toolbox meeting” to review relevant safety regulations. In addition, employees receive special training to help them maintain a safe site and respond appropriately in the event of an incident. Drilling technicians and supervisors hold standard certifications attesting to their ability to handle drilling incidents.

Given the remoteness of the Haldimand site, a nurse is also on hand for the duration of operations.

Low-severity Incidents
For low-severity incidents, the plan sets out emergency procedures to prevent a minor incident from developing into something more serious. For example, if someone is injured, the response will take the site location into consideration: Is it isolated or are there medical facilities nearby? Planning ahead for emergencies can help reduce the impact of minor incidents and prevent major damage.

Serious Incidents
The emergency plan also includes a component for serious incidents (well blowouts, oil fires, spills, etc.). In such an eventuality, special procedures will be implemented immediately to handle the situation as safely and efficiently as possible. To further help, a contact list of individuals or businesses that may be needed to help manage the crisis is drawn up.

The Emergency Response Plan is confidential, but it is distributed to the relevant authorities, including the fire department.