Projects
Bercha Group engineer engineering arctic ice escape evacuation rescue technology risk analysis HAZOP risk assessment arctic engineering ice engineering
Bercha Group Projects page - Listing of selected projects and links to more detailed project information.
2002

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P2204 STATISTICAL AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF OIL SPILL PERSISTENCE ON OPEN WATER

CLIENT: On Subcontract to: S.L. Ross Environmental Research Ltd., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada DATE: 2003

For: U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region

DESCRIPTION: This project was carried out and reported by Bercha International Inc. (Bercha), on subcontract to S.L. Ross Environmental Research Limited (SLR) the prime contractor to MMS for the project Persistence of Crude Oil Spills on Open Water. The objective of the project is to study the relationships between spill persistence and spill size, and to refine the spill persistence and size relationship in terms of other variables while providing possible predictive relationships such as cumulative distribution functions.

Essentially, the approach utilized by Bercha following receipt of the spill data from SLR, was to inspect the data for possible approaches, identify a series of statistical and numerical methods which could be used to study the relationships among the principal data variables, apply these methods, select the most statistically significant approaches, and further utilize these approaches to generate certain predictive algorithms and results. P2203 RISK AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF UTILITY CROSSINGS OF ROADS

CLIENT: Alberta Transportation DATE: 2002

DESCRIPTION: As part of the decision making process on the possible requirement of casings on municipal utility pipes crossing roadways, a risk and cost benefit analysis input has been identified as a desirable input by Alberta Transportation. Generally, such a risk and cost benefit analysis will take into consideration the costs of initial installation and replacement, durability (lifetime), and unscheduled failures during the lifecycle and associated costs of repairs. All costs will include estimates of associated disruption costs. In relation to unscheduled failures, cost of consequences will include the repair of the utility, repair of possible damage to the roadbed and surface, and the costs of any traffic disruption including temporary traffic management and possible road closure.

The general approach to the work was to construct a risk-economic model which gives cost expectations in current dollars at their time of occurrence, and discounts them utilizing a net (of inflation) discount rate to present value. P2202 PUBLIC SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF TWO ALTERNATE SUBDIVISION CONFIGURATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF TCPL NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

CLIENT: TransCanada Pipelines DATE: 2002

DESCRIPTION: An assessment of the risk and safety implications was carried out for two alternative subdivision configurations in the vicinity of the subject pipeline. The study includes: (1) review of pertinent information and data, (2) conduct of a quantitative accident probability analysis, and (3) Option recommendation based on study results. The two subdivision configuration options considered were: (a) Option 1 - TransCanada ROW located in stand-alone corridor behind housing, and (b) Option 2 - TransCanada ROW located in residential road median in front of housing. The methodology included the use of fault trees. P2201

ESCAPE, EVACUATION, AND RESCUE (EER) R&D PHASE 2

CLIENT: Transportation Development Centre, Transport Canada DATE: 2002 - 2003

Linked projects: P2707, P2701, P2601, P2501, P2401, P2301, P2201, P2101, and P2001

DESCRIPTION: Work initiated under P2101 is the foundation for this project. The project goal is to develop performance-based standards (PBS) for escape, evacuation, and rescue (EER) for Canadian East coast offshore oil and gas installations. Supporting research is an important part of the Standards development process. Bercha provides facilitation, expert personnel, and coordination of a team of offshore safety, human factors, marine operations, and medical experts. The PBS development program is carried out under the guidance of a steering committee, which includes representatives of Transport Canada, Transportation Development Centre, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and other experts. Bercha is responsible for the drafting and editing of the guidelines and organizing their development, stakeholder consultation, and promulgation. Supporting research projects explore human performance under extreme conditions and full-scale performance evaluation of specialized evacuation systems. Since experimental data are not available nor can be generated for performance under life threatening conditions, a compendium of all accident anecdotal data, applicable error rate and performance human factors data, and risk and reliability documentation is assembled, reviewed, and transformed into parameters applicable to the operation of the computerized EER probabilistic simulator. Specific systems targeted for evaluation are the Seascape 2000 proprietary system and the PROD or Preferred Orientation and Deployment lifeboat launch system.

2001

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P2112 CAROLINE WELL TIE-IN QRA

CLIENT: Shell Canada Resources Limited DATE: 2002

DESCRIPTION: Shell Canada proposes to drill, complete, and produce a well through a gathering system in the Caroline Gas Fields. The work consisted of a quantitative risk assessment of the proposed wellhead facilities and tie-in gathering system for the sour gas. A detailed risk model capable of simulating the variation in causal factors associated with these specific developments was prepared and applied to estimate risks to the public from the proposed project. P2111 GAS DEMAND COINCIDENCE FACTOR ANALYSIS

CLIENT: ATCO Gas DATE: 2001-2002

DESCRIPTION: In previous projects, Bercha studied the relationships among residential and commercial natural gas demands within the context of chronological temperature distributions. Various factors relating to peak demands for one hour, 4 hours, and days to average demands over appropriate periods were developed. Utilizing more advanced methodology, data sets provided by ATCO on various demand parameters were reviewed and algorithms for relating hourly and other period demands to average demands for both individual and gate stations were developed. Models were indexed for northern and southern Alberta regions. P2110 NEEPAWA PTH 16 ALTERNATIVE ROUTE RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: NDL DATE: 2001-2002

DESCRIPTION: In order to support planning and management decisions for alternate configurations of Highway #16 within the City of Neepawa, a detailed risk assessment for the existing configuration and alternative configurations was carried out. A risk model was developed based on five-year historical accident data for the existing configuration, and extended to consider two options; namely, a divided highway through town, and the existing undivided highway together with a bypass route. Risks were expressed as accident probabilities of three principal categories; those involving property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Results were provided in tabular and graphical format together with recommendations on risk mitigation. P2109

PANCANADIAN DEEP PANUKE OFFSHORE AND ONSHORE PIPELINE QUANTITATIVE RISK ANALYSIS

CLIENT: PanCanadian Energy Corporation, Halifax, Nova Scotia DATE: 2001-2002

DESCRIPTION: PanCanadian Energy Corporation (PanCanadian) is currently planning the production phase of its Deep Panuke Offshore Development Project (Deep Panuke), located offshore, approximately 250 km southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The project will produce and process natural gas offshore. The raw gas, which contains H2S, will be sweetened and processed offshore to a sales gas quality product. Market-ready gas will be delivered through a subsea and onshore natural gas pipeline to the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline (M&NP) mainline near the SOEI gas plant in Goldboro. PanCanadians onshore pipeline is part of an interprovincial natural gas pipeline system, (the M&NP line into which it feeds delivers south to the United States and north to New Brunswick), and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of the National Energy Board of Canada (NEB). The QRA was directed at the principal offshore and onshore pipeline risks associated with different routing alternatives.

P2108

RISK ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED ATCO WEED LAKE PIPELINE

CLIENT: ATCO Pipelines, Edmonton, AB DATE: 2001

DESCRIPTION: ATCO Pipelines is proposing to construct a 16 high-pressure sweet natural gas pipeline known as the Weed Lake Pipeline (WLP). The pipeline will extend approximately 30 km from a location east of Langdon, Alberta to the proposed AES Power Plant site located near Janet, Alberta. A risk analysis has been carried out to support engineering and management decisions in relation to the proposed project. The risk analysis consisted of the following principal steps: (1) Data Assimilation, (2) Hazard Scenario Definition, (3) Frequency Analysis, (4) Consequence Analysis, and Risk Assessment. In the definition of hazard scenarios, three representative release sizes were defined, corresponding to a leak, a hole, and rupture in the pipeline. Associated gas release volumes were estimated to form a basis for the subsequent consequence modeling.

P2107 INTERIM PROTOCOLS ON DISPERSION MODELING AND RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Alberta Energy and Utilities Board DATE: 2001-2002

DESCRIPTION: In this joint project with M.J. Zelensky of Public Safety and Air Quality Management, the Bercha Group provided specialized expertise on frequency and risk assessment aspects of sour gas safety. The project entailed the development of a protocol applicable uniformly to all sour gas developments in Alberta, including wells, pipelines, and facilities. A sequence of steps involving preliminary risk screening followed by quantitative risk assessment was identified and the primary benchmarks and methodologies for each of the steps were set out in the interim protocol together with technical appendices thereto giving quantitative information on appropriate parameters to be utilized as inputs to the risk assessments. P2106 RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY PIPELINE EASEMENT STUDIES

CLIENT: Brown, Winfield, and Cansoneri, Attorneys, Union Pacific DATE: 2002 - ongoing

DESCRPTION: The work under this project consists primarily of the provision of expert support and testimony by Dr. F.G. Bercha in regard to engineering issues associated with the construction and operation of high-pressure petroleum liquids pipelines within the Union Pacific 1,800-mile railroad right of way. In 1995, when this case was scheduled for trial, Bercha carried out a number of assessments including constructibility and risk analysis studies. This case was reopened in 2002, and supporting evidence and additional testimony by Bercha was provided thereto. P2105 RISK ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED CNRL LADYFERN PIPELINE

CLIENT: Cimarron Engineering Limited DATE: 2001

DESCRIPTION:

CNRL is proposing to construct a 12-km long 20-inch outside diameter high-pressure natural gas pipeline adjacent to a road from a producer hub in British Columbia to an existing TCPL transmission pipeline in Alberta. A risk analysis was carried out to support engineering and management decisions in relation to the proposed project. The risk analysis consisted of the following principal steps: data assimilation, hazard scenario definition, frequency analysis, consequence analysis, and risk assessment. P2104 RISK ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED ATCO SEEP EXTENSION

CLIENT: ATCO Pipelines DATE: 2001

DESCRIPTION: ATCO Pipelines proposed construction of a 24 high-pressure sweet natural gas pipeline primarily within the existing Edmonton Transportation and Utility Corridor (TUC). A risk analysis was carried out to support engineering and management decisions in relation to the proposed project. The risk analysis consisted of the following principal steps: data assimilation, hazard scenario definition, frequency analysis, consequence analysis, and risk assessment. The results of these steps were combined, together with estimates of likely exposure for typical residential and commercial personnel in the vicinity to produce estimates of risks. Individual risk transects were generated to illustrate the risks from the proposed pipeline to residents and commercial personnel in its vicinity. Finally, levels of ISR for the proposed ATCO SEEP project were compared to other risks to which individuals are commonly exposed. P2103 CONCEPT SAFETY EVALUATION FOR THE ALMA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Inc. (SOEI), Halifax, NS DATE: 2001

DESCRIPTION: A Concept Safety Evaluation (CSE) of the conceptual design of the Alma development project was carried out. The work included data assimilation, general hazard identification, qualitative and quantitative risk assessment (QRA), review of safety and EER systems, and the generation of conclusions and recommendations. A range of hazards was considered in the risk assessment. This Concept Safety Evaluation for a development offshore Nova Scotia is regulated by the Nova Scotia Petroleum Directorate, and, as such, is one of the requirements the Directorate sets out as a condition for permits to proceed with such a development.

The risks to personnel were the primary focus of the risk evaluation, and both individual and collective risks were evaluated. Individual risks (IR), the actual risks to which individuals with different jobs are exposed, were quantified and compared to Target Levels of Safety (TLS) established for the project. Collective risks (CR) were quantified in terms of Potential Loss of Life (PLL), and assessed within the context of the as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) principle. The IR TLSs were as follows: IR below 10-6 is negligible, IR between 10-6 and 10-3 is ALARP, and IR above 10-3 is intolerable.

Figure 1: Rendering of Alma platform

Figure 2: The study included a review of safety and EER systems. This schematic of the platform shows a possible EER system, the Skyscape (deployed).

P2102 QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED AES POWER PLANT

CLIENT: AES Calgary ULC DATE: 2001

DESCRIPTION: A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of the proposed AES Calgary Power Plant was conducted. The risk assessment included consideration of the engineering and operational parameters of the proposed plant within the context of the proposed location parameters. The primary focus of the risk assessment was quantification of acute risks to the offsite public. The scope of the work consisted of the following principal tasks: data acquisition, hazard scenario development, frequency analysis, consequence analysis, risk assessment and acceptability, description of risk mitigation measures, and conclusions and recommendations. The key results of the work are estimates of individual and collective risks to the public. P2101

ESCAPE, EVACUATION, AND RESCUE (EER) R&D PHASE 2 Linked projects: P2707, P2701, P2601, P2501, P2401, P2301, P2201, P2101, and P2001

CLIENT: Transportation Development Centre, Transport Canada DATE: 2001-2003

DESCRIPTION: Under this project is the development of performance-based standards (PBS) for escape, evacuation, and rescue (EER) for East coast offshore oil and gas installations together with the supporting research. In the first project, the development of the guidelines is carried out, with Bercha providing facilitation, expert personnel, and coordination of a team of offshore safety, human factors, marine operations, and medical experts. The PBS development program is carried out under the guidance of a steering committee comprising Transport Canada, Transportation Development Centre, Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and other experts. Bercha is responsible for the drafting and editing of the guidelines and organizing their development, stakeholder consultation, and promulgation. In the second element, there are two supporting research projects, one on human performance under extreme conditions, and the second on the full-scale performance evaluation of specialized evacuation systems. Since experimental data are not available nor can be generated for performance under life threatening conditions, a compendium of all accident anecdotal data, applicable error rate and performance human factors data, and risk and reliability documentation is assembled, reviewed, and transformed into parameters applicable to the operation of the computerized EER probabilistic simulator. In the second subproject, specifically, the Seascape 2000 proprietary system and the PROD or Preferred Orientation and Deployment lifeboat launch system are evaluated.

2000

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P2013 P2013 SAFETY OF NORTHERN AND POLAR SHIPPING (SONAPS) - ESCAPE, EVACUATION, AND RESCUE

CLIENT: National Research Council of Canada and European Union, Brussels DATE: 2000-2001

DESCRIPTION: Currently, no adequate standards or technologies exist for the safety of civilian or military ships operating in ice covered waters. Current SOLAS standards do not include requirements for ice reinforcement or ice capability in lifeboats, nor are current launching and evacuation devices suited for Arctic operations. The current project, led by the Bercha Group, addresses the problem of analyzing, developing, and implementing technologies and regulations to assure adequately safe escape, evacuation, and rescue (EER) procedures for a range of common ice conditions from solid ice to broken ice for vessels. The consortium, in addition to the leaders Bercha Group, consist of Scott Polar Research Institute of Cambridge University, Fortun Oil of Finland will provide icebreaker support, the European Union Joint Research Centre from Ispra, Italy, and advisors Umoe Schat-Harding of Oslo, Norway. Currently, the program is in its design phase, with Bercha supported by the National Research Council of Canada, and the other organizations supported by their respective nations. Ultimately, the work will consist of information assimilation, analysis and modeling, conceptual engineering, model testing, and full-scale tests. P2012 PIPELINE CORRIDORS AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

CLIENT: Banadyga Mitchell Partnership Architects, Regina, SK DATE: 2000-2001

DESCRIPTION: An investigation of public risks associated with the development of Wintergreene Estates as proposed adjacent to existing pipeline corridors was carried out. An assessment is underway, involving quantitative risk modeling for various pipeline parameters utilizing Bercha Group proprietary consequence and risk integration models, and review of guidelines relating to development in the vicinity of pipeline systems. P2011 STUDY OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PLACEMENT IN THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT

CLIENT: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) DATE: 2000-2001

DESCRIPTION: The placement and location of hydrocarbon pipelines with respect to road geometries and cross sections can have an effect on the safety of the highway system and its users and adjacent residents, as well as operational and economic impacts on highway maintenance, construction, and modification activities. To assess these risks and impacts, the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) commissioned Bercha Engineering Limited (Bercha) to conduct an in-depth, comprehensive study directed at generating a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the implications of locating pressurized natural gas pipelines in various locations within rural road right-of-ways. The study covered four primary representative road types together with their variations in ADDT, vehicle speed, and cross section, as well as three representative pipeline sizes and pressure categories for three different pipeline locations. The three pipeline locations consisted of one in the shoulder, one below the ditch, one just inside the edge of the right-of-way, and a fourth control location where the pipeline is away from the effects of the roadway. The method for systematically quantifying the risks to the public, considering the effects of the pipeline-roadway synergy, including effects on the pipeline failure rate as well as consequences of possible failure including ignition by vehicles, was developed and applied to each of the 108 generic cases. Both individual and collective risks and their variations for each of the different combinations were evaluated, and discussed. Similarly, economic impacts, including increases in the unit cost of common maintenance, construction, and reconstruction activities for the road operators were also identified. A series of conclusions and recommendations was generated, including definition of compatible and incompatible combinations of pipeline and location installations in terms of safety, cost, and constructibility; various risk and impact mitigation measures to enhance safety and reduce costs; and long-term approaches to optimize the situation. Although previous studies have been done on the use of common utility and transportation corridors, no comprehensive quantitative assessment of risks and economic impacts for representative combinations of road and pipeline characteristics has appeared previously, resulting in a significant volume of new observations and information available from the work reported herein. The report can be purchased online at the TAC bookstore. P2010

ALTERNATIVE OIL SPILL OCCURRENCE ESTIMATORS FOR THE BEAUFORT AND CHUKCHI SEAS

CLIENT: Minerals Management Service, United States Department of the Interior DATE: 2000-2001

DESCRIPTION: The project goals are to develop and apply alternative methodologies for the assessment of oil spill rates associated with exploration and production facilities and operations in deeper waters in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. The prediction of the reliability (or failure) of systems without history can be approached through a variety of mathematical techniques, the most preferable and accepted being fault trees, and their possible combination with secondary methods such as Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian statistics. Bercha International Inc. identified an optimal methodology for the prediction of oil spill rates for systems such as those operational or contemplated for the deeper waters of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas in the Alaskan OCS, and is applying these together with an estimate of their statistical robustness to these systems in order to generate predictions of oil spill rates. The procedure will be applied for each of the principal facility and operation types for exploration and production operations in the study area.

Click on the thumbnails to view enlarged images.

Figure 1: General Study Area

Figure 2: Work Flow Schematic

P9709 SAFETY CASE FOR THE SABLE OFFSHORE ENERGY PROJECT

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1997 - 2001

DESCRIPTION: The Bercha Group was the prime contractor for the Concept Safety Evaluation and subsequent safety case of the Sable Offshore Energy Project, providing overall project management, conducting the CSE for all onshore facilities, as well as selected segments of the offshore facilities including the Straits of Canso crossing and ship/collision probability assessments associated with the offshore platforms. Bercha conducted the QRA through a systematic sequence of data assimilation, hazard scenario development, frequency evaluation, consequence assessment, risk analysis, risk acceptability evaluation, risk mitigation measure development, and resultant or residual risk assessment. For each of the principal facility components, including marine pipeline, gas processing plant, NGL Pipeline, NGL Fractionation Plant, and NGL Products Distribution Terminal. Subsequent QRAs relating to the project were conducted by Bercha in the area of Statia Marine Terminal risk assessment, fire and explosion consequence analysis, offshore escape evacuation and rescue studies, several HAZOP and HAZ-IDs, and general risk management and safety program development for the safety case associated with the project.

P2009.02

TR AIR BREATHABILITY FOR THEBAUD

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project, Halifax, NS DATE: 2000, August

DESCRIPTION: A probabilistic analysis of breathable atmosphere in Thebaud TR for various complements was carried out.

P2009.01

THEBAUD MEG SYSTEM WHAT-IF HAZOP

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project, Halifax, NS DATE: 2000, July

DESCRIPTION: A HAZOP for the Thebaud Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) pipeline injection system was conducted. The methodology used was a knowledge-based What-If HAZOP for two principal nodes comprising the system. P2008 ATCO METERING STATIONS OFFSITE LIABILITY PROJECT RISK QUANTIFICATION

CLIENT: ATCO Pipelines, Edmonton, AB DATE: 2000, August

DESCRIPTION: An assessment of offsite risk for 12 ATCO meter stations was carried out. This was done by combining the consequence jet fire modeling results previously generated by others, with frequencies, damage criteria, and release orientation characteristics to assess risks to personnel, facilities, plant shutdown, and the potential for incident escalation. The key results of the work are the quantified risks and their ranking according to magnitude. Although the risks themselves were insignificant, there was a relatively large range of their expectations among the different facilities, and their relative values may be used as a basis for setting risk management program targets. P2007 MONCTON LATERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Maritimes and Northeast Pipelines DATE: 2000

DESCRIPTION: The proposed Moncton Lateral has been designed as an NPS 8 line from a total length of approximately 12.25 km with isolation valving at each end, connecting from the main line location to the City of Moncton. The route proposes to follow NB Highway 15 with an offset of approximately 8 m from the edge of the highway. The work consisted of the assimilation of data, and semi-quantitative risk assessment associated with the proposed project, culminating in a letter of opinion on risks to the public and project integrity associated with the pipeline as it is proposed. P2006 REVIEW OF CONSEQUENCE MODELS FOR HYDROCARBON PIPELINES

CLIENT: Canadian Energy and Pipeline Association (CEPA) DATE: 2000-2001

DESCRIPTION: The CEPA Pipeline Integrity Working Group project includes a review of consequence models applicable to the modeling of hazard effects resulting from a variety of pipeline failures. Over the last few years, with the vast increase in micro-computing capability together with extensive improvements in software computational, input-output, graphic, and export capabilities, a considerable proliferation of consequence and risk models applicable to the petrochemical industry has taken place. Whereas up to the late-1970s and early-1980s, models were typically in Fortran, operated in a DOS-based environment, with the advent of the Windows environment and powerful computational, programming, and graphic capabilities, a variety of multipurpose and specialized consequence models applicable to assessing hazard effects from pipeline failures have become available. These models vary significantly in their comprehensiveness, user friendliness, and cost, to mention only a few factors. Accordingly, a systematic compilation of data on these models together with a comparative assessment based on industry established standards was carried out. P2005 QUANTITATIVE RISK ANALYSIS OF MILLENNIUM WEST PIPELINE ADJACENT TO THE 401

CLIENT: St. Clair Pipelines (1996) Limited, Chatham, Ontario DATE: 2000, June

DESCRIPTION: A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of the proposed Millennium West Pipeline section adjacent to the 401 was conducted. The risk assessment included consideration of the engineering, construction, and operational parameters of the pipeline. The primary focus of the risk assessment was quantification of acute risks to the public. A detailed assessment of all factors affecting the risk was made, including inspection of databases to estimate pipeline diameter effects, and an acquisition and analysis of 401 traffic data to assess the possibility of traffic impacts on the pipeline. The work culminated in a detailed final report describing the project, methodology and assumptions, frequency analysis, consequence analysis, risk analysis, possible risk mitigation measures, and conclusions and recommendations.

Figure 1: Segment under study runs parallel to Highway 401, and is indicated by the red line Figure 2: Example of Natural Gas Pipeline Release Dynamics Figure 3: Example of Natural Gas Pipeline Release Dynamics

P2003 EPCOR ROSSDALE POWER PLANT MODIFICATION RISK ANALYSIS

CLIENT: EPCOR Power Generation Inc., Edmonton, Alberta DATE: 2000

DESCRIPTION: A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of the proposed EPCOR Rossdale Power Plant modification was conducted. The risk assessment included consideration of the engineering, construction, and operational parameters of the existing and modified plant. The primary focus of the risk assessment was quantification of acute risks to the public.

Figure 1: View of EPCOR Rossdale Power Plant in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Figure 2: Example Hazard Footprint Figure 3: Example of Individual Specific Risk Isopleths

P2002 INVESTIGATION OF RISKS TO AND FROM HAZARDOUS FACILITIES ADJACENT TO THE HALIFAX NATURAL GAS LATERAL PIPELINE

CLIENT: Maritimes and Northeast Pipelines DATE: 2000

DESCRIPTION: The work, a permit condition mandated by the National Energy Board, involves the assessment of interactive risks between the Halifax Lateral, a high-pressure natural gas pipeline, and adjacent hazardous facilities. These hazardous facilities include liquid propone storage tanks, the Air Liquide processing plant, various crude oil and other chemical storage facilities, and railway facilities including a railway yard and several main line level crossings at locations where the pipeline is located in the railway right-of-way. The work consisted of field and remote data acquisition, consequence modeling of both the pipeline and facility hazards and an assessment of risk levels associated with the interactive risk synergy. P2001

ESCAPE, EVACUATION AND RESCUE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Linked projects: P2707, P2701, P2601, P2501, P2401, P2301, P2201, P2101, and P2001

CLIENT: Transportation Development Centre DATE: 2000-2001

DESCRIPTION: A major multi-disciplinary project on the development of appropriate escape, evacuation, and rescue (EER) systems for east coast bottom founded and floating installations associated with the oil and gas industry off the East Coast of Canada. The work consists of a worldwide literature search, followed by the development of a risk profile tool, an expected value and a Monte Carlo simulator, of each component of and the entire EER process and the integrated process. Consideration of equipment reliability and human factors in the face of accident effects, emergency panic conditions, and the entire spectrum of weather conditions is incorporated. Conclusions will be generated on optimal systems as well as further research priorities for both the development of appraisal methods, technologies, and a regulatory framework for EER provisions in the study area.

R2003

Geomatics

Airborne Laser Topographic Mapping System

National Petroleum Company, Tehran, Iran

R2002

Geomatics

Military SAR and High Resolution Imaging System Development

Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka 1999

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P9918 EL BIBAN POWER PLANT AND SYSTEMS RELIABILITY AND MAINTAINABILITY ANALYSIS

CLIENT: Centurion International Inc. DATE: 1999 - 2000

DESCRIPTION: The El Biban Power Plant and associated equipment for the SEEB Electrical Company in Tunisia, Africa is proposing the development of a power plant and associated power distribution system fueled by an offshore oil field located in the southern Mediterranean Sea just off the coast of Tunisia. The system is a complex consisting of the wellhead platform, subsea pipeline, onshore battery and separation equipment, various interconnecting pipelines, the main power plant and turbine generator, a high-voltage power line to the STEG Substation and various supporting facilities. An integrated downtime risk assessment including both short-duration expected downtime for maintenance and temporary repairs and potential catastrophic or major failure downtime risk was assessed. The work was conducted through the utilization of industry and proprietary data bases for equipment failure rates, interruption times, times to repair, environmental data, and general reliability assessment combined through a probabilistic model capable of generating expected values and their distributions through a Monte Carlo procedure.

Click on thumbnails to view enlarged images.

Figure 1: General Project Location

Figure 2: Monte Carlo technique

P9917 ASSESSMENT OF REPORT ON RELATIVE CRITICAL SOUR GAS WELL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT DRILLING TECHNIQUES

CLIENT: Energy and Utilities Board DATE: 1999 - 2000

DESCRIPTION: The work involved the detailed review of an assessment of the relative risks associated with the drilling of critical sour gas wells based on overbalanced jointed pipe drilling and underbalanced jointed pipe or coiled tubing drilling. P9916 SAINT JOHN LATERAL HYDROELECTRIC DAM RISK ANALYSIS

CLIENT: Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of the review of risk assessments performed by hydroelectric consultants on the risks to the Saint John natural gas pipeline from dam failures in a system of dams adjacent to its route. P9915

ROSSDALE ATCO PIPELINE RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: ATCO Pipelines DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of a quantitative risk assessment of the proposed Rossdale natural gas pipeline from the Edmonton Ethane Extraction Plant to the Rossdale Power Generating Station. The work included quantitative scenario characterization, consequence modeling, risk assessment, risk mitigation analysis, and the generation of risk-based recommendations for six different potential pipeline routes for the high-pressure 20-inch natural gas pipeline. Included in the work was presentation and defense of results at the Alberta Energy and Utility Board hearing.

Risk analysis is an orderly process through which one can assess risk as well as methods of reducing the risk. The appropriate representation of risk for a pipeline is a risk transect showing variation in Individual Risk Intensity and Individual Specific Risk with the distance on either side of the pipeline, as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 1: Map showing general location of the study area (yellow) in the City of Edmonton.

Figure 2: Example of Risk Transect for Linear Source. Click on thumbnail to enlarge

P9914

ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AT ROAD-RAILWAY CROSSINGS

CLIENT: Code Hunter and Associates DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of the generation of definitive risk measures associated with a variety of road-railway level crossings including passive crossings, flashing light and bell crossings, and gated crossings. The work was based on nation wide statistics collected from the Transportation Safety Board, as well as industry confidential statistics provided by the transportation companies. Results of the work were utilized in support of a litigation associated with a major railway crossing accident.

Figure 1: Passive crossing marker in rural setting Figure 2: An urban crossing with flashing lights and bells Figure 3: Crossing marker with bells, lights, and gate

P9912 SAINT JOHN LATERAL RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of a quantitative risk assessment for the portion of the St. John Lateral running within St. John City limits. Included in the risk assessment was the assessment of the pipeline installation on the Reversing Falls Bridge. A detailed quantitative assessment of frequencies, consequences, risks, and mitigations was conducted, and quantitative results were presented in support of the National Energy Board M&NP application for a license. P9910 RISK ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED PEMBINA 11-32 CRITICAL SOUR GAS WELL

CLIENT: Petro-Canada DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of a detailed quantitative risk assessment for a proposed critical sour gas well drilling operation as well as a conceptual safety assessment of a potential sour gas development which would ensue if the well were successful. The process was conducted through public consultation with a Community Advisory Committee, involving extensive presentation of methodology, results, and interpretations at various stages of the work. Part of the work was carried out by Jacques Whitford Environment, who were responsible for the consequence modeling utilizing the GASCON 2 model, while Bercha was responsible for the balance of the work including scenario definition, frequency assessments, fire and explosion consequence modeling, consequence result integration, risk assessment, risk mitigation evaluation, and the generation of a final report including a detailed description of all aspects of the work.

P9709

.43

PLATFORM FIREWATER SYSTEM HAZOP

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A full guide word HAZOP was facilitated by Bercha with an SOEP technical expert team for the entire Thebaud platform firewater system following a test failure of the system. The work included a detailed HAZOP of 27 nodes of the system, and resulted in significant engineering and operational recommendations.

Click on thumbnails to view larger size.

Figure 1: SOEP Location Map Figure 2: Schematic of SOEP Facilities

P9709

.44

GOLDBORO GAS PLANT COMPRESSION HAZOP

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: Following the detection of a design fault, a full HAZOP of the compression facilities was undertaken, facilitated by Bercha with an SOEP expert team. Due to the complex nature of the system, the high level of expertise of the team, and the shortage of time, the initial mode was addressed using a full guide word HAZOP, but the balance of the nodes and operating modes were optimally accomplished using a knowledge-based HAZID approach. Important technical recommendations significantly improving system reliability were generated from the work. P9909 BRISK SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

CLIENT: National Research Council DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work included the development of specialized linear and point source risk analysis software for application to quantitative risk assessments associated with linear facilities such as pipelines and highways and point sources such as gas processing facilities, wellheads, and refineries. More information on BRISK. P9908 BPC Et Al Turner Valley QRA

CLIENT: Berkley Petroleum Corporation DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: Quantitative risk assessment of a proposed sour gas delineation well drilling operation in the Turner Valley area was conducted together to a level adequate for presentation at AEUB hearings. P9907 CHEVRON GAVIOTA OIL AND GAS PROCESSING FACILITY  CONDITION R1 REVIEW PROCESS

CLIENT: County of Santa Barbara Energy Division DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A semi-qualitative risk assessment of the risks mitigation provisions and conditions associated with a variety (over 12) scenarios for the future of the Chevron Gaviota oil and gas processing facility. P9906 P9906 PRODUCTION WELL SSSV RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Berkley Petroleum Inc. DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: An assessment of the risks associated with production well blowouts with and without a SubSurface Safety Valve (SSSV) was conducted. The work included a frequency evaluation of blowouts, and a detailed probabilistic cost-benefit analysis associated with the operation of the SSSV and alternative risk mitigation measures. P9905 REVIEW OF INCIDENT REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH WILD ROSE PIPE CORRIDOR

CLIENT: Kiewit Industrial Canada Ltd. DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A qualitative assessment within the context of the Suncor rating system was conducted to provide perspective based on fundamental risk assessment principles on a variety of incidents associated with activities of Kiewit on the Suncor construction site. P9904 RISK ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ROAD ROUTES TO LETHBRIDGE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

CLIENT: Reid Crowther & Partners Ltd. DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A risk assessment for alternative routings for hazardous chemical carrying trucks accessing the Lethbridge Water Treatment Plant was conducted. The assessment included evaluation of low and high-speed intersections, park roads, urban roads, and a turnoff ramp from Whoop-Up road. P9903 ST. CLAIR PIPELINE QRA

CLIENT: Union Gas DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A quantitative risk assessment for a section of the natural gas line adjacent to a primary highway was set out and initiated.

P9902

.2

HERMOSA BEACH QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: City of Hermosa Beach DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: Risk analysis and engineering consulting services were provided to the City of Hermosa Beach to assess, recommend mitigation, and quantify and define risks associated with the proposed MacPherson Oil project in the City of Hermosa Beach.

P9709

.42

FRACTIONATION PLANT HAZID & CE

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A precommissioning and commissioning procedure HAZID and Critical Examination of the procedure was conducted including facilitation of the HAZID with an expert team, scribing of results utilizing proprietary software, and the publication of a comprehensive final report describing the results and recommendations from the work.

P9709

.41

ONSHORE 26 GAS AND NGL PIPELINE HAZOP

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A detailed HAZOP for the NGL pipeline was facilitated, scribed, and reported by Bercha together with the HAZOP sessions conducted together with a team of experts from SOEP and owner companies.

P9709

.40

ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE (ECN) HAZOP

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A high-level knowledge based HAZOP procedure was facilitated, scribed, and reported by Bercha to ascertain that document and action integrity be maintained for the Engineering Change Notices generated and associated follow up procedures.

P9709

.39

NORTH TRIUMPH HAZID/CE

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A precommissioning and commissioning procedure HAZID and Critical Examination of the procedure was conducted including facilitation of the HAZID with an expert team, scribing of results utilizing proprietary software, and the publication of a comprehensive final report describing the results and recommendations from the work.

P9709

.38

GOLDBORO GAS PLANT HAZID/CE

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A precommissioning and commissioning procedure HAZID and Critical Examination of the procedure was conducted including facilitation of the HAZID with an expert team, scribing of results utilizing proprietary software, and the publication of a comprehensive final report describing the results and recommendations from the work.

P9709

.37

STRAIT OF CANSO PIPELINE CROSSING RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: A risk assessment associated with two principal types of crossing installations for the common trench pipelines across the Strait of Canso were investigated. The first installation involved a combination of bottom-lay, trenching, and successive layer armoring. The second alternative involved directional drilling. The risk assessment considered both risks associated with the construction and installation process as well as operational risks. Both risks directly attributable to the crossing installation and its operation and intrinsic risks (such as internal corrosion) independent of the installation method were assessed and quantified. Conclusions and recommendations were made.

Click on images to enlarge

Figure 1: Location map showing pipeline routing. Figure 2: Pipeline Armour - Typical Cross Section Central Zone. Figure 3: Pipeline Armour - Typical Cross Section Shore Approaches.

R9902

Geomatics

Airborne SAR Surveillance System Design and Specification

For Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka, with Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd.

P9901

.2

DYNEGY ABOVE GRADE SOUR GAS FACILITIES FAILURE FREQUENCIES

CLIENT: Jacques Whitford Environmental DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of a detailed assessment of the failure frequencies and their distribution among different failure types for a variety of sour gas wellhead and block valve installations in Southern Alberta Dynegy facilities.

P9901

.1

HVP PIPELINE FAILURE FREQUENCIES

CLIENT: Jacques Whitford Environmental DATE: 1999

DESCRIPTION: High vapor pressure pipeline failure frequencies were assessed commencing with an Alberta Energy Utilities Board database, together with assessment according to pipeline risk factors associated with a specific pipeline operation under consideration. 1998

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P9809 TRANSGAS CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS  REGINA AREA NATURAL GAS PIPELINES

CLIENT: TransGas DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION A consequence assessment for a designated set of segments of the TransGas pipeline network in the vicinity of the City of Regina was carried out. The principal technical steps of the consequence assessment included hazard scenario definition and quantitative characterization. Consequence evolution and consequence modeling, consequence potential assessment and detailed consequence analysis. A total of 11 segments was studies in detail including the above steps, while a detailed consequence assessment giving estimates of both casualties and property damage based on a worst-case situation was also conducted. Conclusions and recommendations were presented. P9808 RISK FROM MAGNETIC LEVITATION TRAINS TO ADJACENT BURIED STEEL PIPELINES

CLIENT: Donahue and Company Inc., U.S.A. DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: High-level consulting work directed at defining the risks associated with the operation of Mag-Lev trains parallel to pipelines. Specifically, effects of the electromagnetic pulsations associated with the train operation on induced currents in the steel pipeline were considered together with mitigation measures.

Following a literature survey of current magnetic levitation (Mag-Lev) train systems approaching the operational stage, a preliminary assessment of risks associated with the operation of Mag-Lev trains had a potential to induce substantial currents in adjoining steel pipelines and mitigation measures would have to be taken in order to avoid significant pipeline damage. P9807 POINT TUPPER LATERAL QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Maritimes & Northeast Pipelines DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: A comprehensive Quantitative Risk Assessment for risks to public, workers, environment, and project integrity for the common trench installation of an NGS8 natural gas pipeline and an NPS8 natural gas liquids pipeline from Goldboro to Point Tupper on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia was conducted. The work consisted of the modification of pipeline statistics to account for the synergy between the two pipelines constructed and operated in a common trench, and the impact of the resultant possible failure modes on public safety, the environment, and project integrity. Included in the work was the filing of a comprehensive report with the National Energy Board and attendance as an expert witness on behalf of Maritimes and Northeast Pipelines at National Energy Board hearings in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in November, 1998. P9806 QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT OF CENTRA NATURAL GAS PIPELINE FROM SQUAMISH TO WHISTLER, BC

CLIENT: Centra Gas Limited DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: A semi-qualitative risk assessment for the variation in risk between a pipeline installed in a right-of-way adjacent to a secondary highway in a mountainous region were conducted. Preliminary conclusions and recommendations were presented including an assessment of the principal risk causal factors associated with the unique aspects of the proposed installation. P9805 DEVELOPMENT OF END-TO-END RISK ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

CLIENT: National Research Council of Canada DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: The further development of the Bercha Risk (BRISK) was partially funded by NRC over a four month period in 1998. The work covered by the funding consisted of the expansion of the risk consequence evolution modeling using event trees which automatically couple into risk analysis spreadsheets with inputs of the principal probabilistic parameters and output risk transects giving individual specific risk and individual risk along an axis perpendicular to the centre-line of the pipeline. P9804 HERMOSA BEACH PROJECT INTEGRATED RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: City of Hermosa Beach, CA, USA DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: Integrated assessment of the proposed MacPherson Project to be located in a medium density residential and commercial area in Hermosa Beach was conducted. The work consisted of site visits, review of existing reports and data, a detailed QRA, attendance at stakeholders meetings, and attendance at public council meetings. The integrated risk assessment was carreid out in considerable detail to consider both non-homongenous population densities in space and time, and a variety of weather conditions in order to assess both representative and worst-case situations. Integrated risk measures, including individual risk, risk matrices, and risk spectra were generated in support of the work and presented at the citys Council meeting September 1998.

R9803

Geomatics

Airborne Laser Route Topographic Mapping System Design and Specification

ATRAK Energy Limited P9803 ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR HYDROCARBON PRODUCTS PIPELINE EASEMENTS

CLIENT: Brown, Winfield, and Cansoneri, Union Pacific Railway DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: Assessment of the value of pipeline easements on Union Pacific Railroad right-of-ways was conducted with special emphasis on construction, engineering, and risk issues. Constructibility of pipelines in the vicinity of the existing pipelines was quantitatively assessed. Engineering issues involving the operability and design requirements of pipelines operated in close proximity ranging from common trench installations to separations in excess of 20 were considered and quantitatively and qualitatively described to support the pipeline easement value assessment.

R9802

Geomatics

Detailed Design and Specification of Aerial Multi-Purpose Surveillance System for Malaysian Government

Mofaz Group, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia P9801 TORCH PT. PEDERNALES GAS PIPELINE QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: Santa Barbara County DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: An end-to-end quantitative risk assessment was carried out for the new operating configuration of the Torch Pt. Pedernales gas pipeline. Meteorological site conditions were analysed and included in the assessment. This new operating configuration consisted of an increase of allowable H2S concentration from 4,000 to 8,000 ppm. Both absolute value risk spectra and transects and incremental risk spectra and transects for the increase in H2S concentration were generated. A formal final report was generated together with support for public hearings in the County.

P9709

.33

SABLE OFFSHORE ENERGY PROJECT HAZOP FACILITATION

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1998

DESCRIPTION: A series of HAZOP sessions was facilitiated by the Bercha Group including organization of HAZOP team, facilitation of HAZOP services, and HAZOP reporting. Specifically, HAZOP was carried out for the specific onshore facilities including the gas processing facility at Goldboro and the NGL fractionation plant at Point Tupper. 1997

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P9709 SAFETY CASE FOR THE SABLE OFFSHORE ENERGY PROJECT

CLIENT: Sable Offshore Energy Project DATE: 1997 - 2001

DESCRIPTION: The Bercha Group was the prime contractor for the Concept Safety Evaluation of the Sable Offshore Energy Project, providing overall project management, conducting the CSE for all onshore facilities, as well as selected segments of the offshore facilities including the Straits of Canso crossing and ship/collision probability assessments associated with the offshore platforms. Bercha conducted the onshore analysis through a systematic sequence of data assimilation, hazard scenario development, frequency evaluation, consequence assessment, risk analysis, risk acceptability evaluation, risk mitigation measure development, and resultant or residual risk assessment. For each of the principal facility components, including marine pipeline, gas processing plant, NGL Pipeline, NGL Fractionation Plant, and NGL Products Distribution Terminal. Subsequent QRAs relating to the project were conducted by Bercha in the area of Statia Marine Terminal risk assessment, fire and explosion consequence analysis, offshore escape evacuation and rescue studies, and general risk management and safety program development for the safety case associated with the project.

R9709

Geomatics

Preliminary Design of Maritime Airborne Surveillance Program for Malaysian Exclusive Economic Zone

Malaysian Department of the Environment P9704 ECONOMIC RISK ANALYSIS OF SCHEDULE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ALPINE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

CLIENT: Tri-Ocean Engineering DATE: 1997

DESCRIPTION: A Monte Carlo simulation of the project time flow, together with the principal uncertainties associated with a schedule 1 analysis for a development project on the Alaskan North Slope was carried out. Principal areas of uncertainty included those associated with labour requirements and rates on the North Slope, success of the marine transport of principal equipment items around Point Barrow (given a 3 to 6 week ice-free window), logistics and operations on the tundra given a variability of weather windows for their conduct, and the integration of all these activities into a total project schedule risk evaluation.

R9703

Geomatics

Interpretation of ERS-1 Images

Amoco Worldwide Engineering and Construction Ltd.

Houston, TX, USA

R9701

Geomatics

SPOT Image Mapping, N.W.T.

Ranger Oil Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1996

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P9657 DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES IN MALAYSIA

CLIENT: CS Resources Limited DATE: 1996

DESCRIPTION: A high level program for the identification and development of commercial opportunities for the special

capabilities of CS Resources International within the Malaysian jurisdiction. The work involved the gathering of reserve,

development, and production data for the Malaya, Baram Delta, and Sabah Basins and the analysis of selected clusters of fields within the context of certain operational and economical parameters capable of being optimally met by the client company. Work included the design of a detailed presentation for international audiences showing the highlights of the Malaysian Development program envisioned. P9655 ANALYSIS OF RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OIL PRODUCTS PIPELINE ON RAIL ROAD RIGHT OF WAY

CLIENT: Southern Pacific Transportation Company, California & Delaware, U.S.A. DATE: 1996

DESCRIPTION: The provision of expert consultant services in the area of pipeline engineering, right of way management, and easement evaluation related to the operation of an existing oil product pipeline located on a rail road right of way within the city of Los Angeles. P9653

ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY RISK THRESHOLDS FOR LAND USE PLANNING PURPOSES

CLIENT: County of Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A. DATE: 1996

DESCRIPTION: Work is part of an ongoing program directed at the enhancement of safety through the incorporation of risk based guidelines in land use planning regulations. The work included the development of an objected method for assessing societal risk in the vicinity of hazardous facilities. The method developed was based on casualty and fatality risk spectra and included the development of a detailed procedure for implementing the guidelines. Technical review, sample calculations, and attendance at information sessions and hearings constituted the work.

Click on images to enlarge

Figure 1: Point Arguello area, County of Santa Barbara

Figure 2: Risk Mitigation Measures Applicable to Gas Pipelines

P9650 RISK IMPLICATIONS OF HIGH POWER TRANSMISSION LINES IN PROXIMITY OF PETROLEUM PIPELINES OF RAIL ROAD RIGHT OF WAYS

CLIENT: Southern Pacific Transportation Company, California, U.S.A. DATE: 1996

DESCRIPTION: Vision of expert consulting services and development of expert testimony relating to the risks and costs associated with the operation of electrical transmission lines on a rail road right of way within limits of the city of Los Angeles. P9616 RECOMMENDATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY THRESHOLDS FOR LAND USE PLANNING IN THE VICINITY OF HAZARDOUS FACILITIES

CLIENT: County of Santa Barbara DATE: 1996

DESCRIPTION: The work consisted of the development of feasible safety thresholds for public protection in the vicinity of hazardous facilities such as refineries, pipelines, and petrochemical plants. Work consisted of a review of existing criteria both nationally and internationally, with synthesis of the most relevant individual and collective risk criteria for inclusion in the CSV planning guidelines.

R9604

Geomatics

Digitizing and Conversion of Survey and Map Coordinates

Chauvco Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada P9603 INSTITUTION OF TEST METHODS FOR ICE RUBBLE

CLIENT: K.R. Croasdale and Associates Limited DATE: 1996

DESCRIPTION: The Development of a detailed program for the evaluation of global crushing strength of ice rubble formations including rubble piles, unconsolidated, semi consolidated, and consolidated ridges, and pile ups in the vicinity of offshore structures. Methods included the design of test procedures for the evaluation of pressure and global forces utilizing existing test facilities at the institute of ice dynamics and in private laboratories.

R9602

Geomatics

ERS-1 and Landsat Thematic Mapper Image Mapping

Komex International Inc.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

R9601

Geomatics

Conversion Of Digital Elevation Data Formats

Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1995

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P9524 CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING FOR HIGH PRESSURE GAS PIPELINE

CLIENT: Hill, Farrrer, and Burill DATE: 1995

DESCRIPTION: Analysis of effects of high pressure gas pipeline in vicinity of commuter train track, including evaluation of

interaction of pipeline and railway in a track twinning scenario. Work was conducted through Hill and Company on behalf of the Orange County Transportation Association, for a location in Orange County, California, near Newport Beach. P9515 NEW TAWAU AIRPORT QRA

CLIENT: KTA (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. DATE: 1995

DESCRIPTION: Risk to public and worker safety associated with the airborne operations of a proposed new airport for the Tawau region, located in east Sabah, Malaysia, was conducted. An investigation of the probability of aircraft crashes in the vicinity of the proposed airport was conducted utilizing the U.K. Health and Safety Executive algorithms for crash-rate distributions in the vicinity of runway thresholds together with ICAO Crash Statistics. In addition, a study was conducted for the fuel depot, including fuel storage at the airport site, loading and unloading, and transportation by tanker vehicles by road to the fuel depot. The work included accident frequency, spatial and temporal distribution assessment for the projected traffic patterns up to the year 2020, consequence quantification in terms of worker and public casualties, and risk mitigation recommendations. A draft emergency response plan was also prepared for consideration in the airport operating plan. Risk mitigation recommendations included the development of buffer zones over specified areas beyond each of the runway thresholds and land use control in adjacent areas.

P9513

.2

RISK ANALYSIS OF EXISTING SANTA FE PIPELINE WITHIN SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION COMPANY EASEMENT

CLIENT: Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison DATE: 1995

DESCRIPTION: An analysis of the risks to public and worker safety associated with the operation of a high pressure gasoline pipeline located in the Southern Pacific Right-of-way, extending from California to El Paso, Texas, was conducted. Particular consideration was given to the distinctive effects on risk of the location of the pipeline within the Right-of-way in close proximity to a frequently used freight and passenger train railway track. Risk indices were computed for urban and rural conditions, and an integrated risk for the pipeline operation was assessed based on actual conditions along the Right-of-way. The work served as support for expert testimony by Dr. F.G. Bercha in litigation between Southern Pacific Transportation Company and Santa Fe Pipeline Company, in support of Southern Pacific's position.

P9513

.1

PIPELINE AND FIBRE OPTIC CABLE ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTABILITY AND RISK ANALYSIS

CLIENT: Brobeck, Phleger, and Harrison DATE: 1993--

DESCRIPTION: The project consisted of the preparation and presentation of expert testimony on the general problem of

construction of new pipeline or fibre optic cable facilities in the vicinity of an existing high pressure oil products line located on a railway right-of-way. Studies consisted of the development of construction scenarios for locations at different separation distances from the pipeline and associated cost and risk evaluations. Unit costs were developed for the construction of new pipeline facilities at spacings ranging from approximately 1 foot tangent to tangent, to 10 feet and more from the existing pipeline. Worker and public safety risks associated with the close proximity construction scenarios were also conducted, based on construction in urban and rural conditions surrounding the right-of-way. In addition the engineering model of a possible equivalent pipeline system form California to Texas was developed and a replication cost estimate was generated. The work consisted of analysis computer modelling, engineering calculations, site visits at facilities locations in California (Richmond, Benicia, Martinez Merced), cost estimating reporting, depositions, and presentation of export testimony. P9510 JOINT INDUSTRY PROJECT ON RIDGE AND RUBBLE LOADS

CLIENT: K.R. Croasdale and Associates Limited DATE: 1995-96

DESCRIPTION: A joint-government industry project to develop new models for the prediction of ridge and rubble loads on fixed offshore structures. The project has included two sets of ice tank experiments of ridges being indented by structures, the development of an in-situ test method for the strength of rubble, and the detailed investigation of two new methods for the determination of ridge load, which both involve the full time analysis of the indentation of the ridge. The project is also examining the assumption of Mohr-Coulomb behavior of the ice rubble, the separation of the strength into components of cohesion and friction, and the physical characteristics of the ice motion against and around the structure. P9509 QUANTITATIVE RISK ANALYSIS OF A PROPOSED COAL HANDLING AND STOCKPILE STORAGE OPERATION AT TANJUNG MANIS FOR INCLUSION IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

CLIENT: U.P. Environmental Services Sdn. Bhd., Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia DATE: 1995

DESCRIPTION: An integrated public safety, worker safety, and environmental risk analysis was conducted for the proposed coal handling and storage operation located on the Batangiajanj River at Tanjung Manis in Northern Sarawak, Malaysia. The principal acute risks studies were those associated with the stockpile spontaneous combustion and potential dust explosions contained in a sea-going freighter hold during coal unloading. The work consisted of the assessment of initiating event frequencies, potential consequence analysis, and recommendation of risk mitigation measures. P9504 ICE LOAD CONCENSUS

CLIENT: K.R. Croasdale and Associates Limited DATE: 1995-96

DESCRIPTION: A joint-government industry project to achieve consensus on ice load levels for a number of typical ice load

events. Thirteen groups were asked to predict the load for five individual load cases, for a single event occurrence, and for the 1% exceedance load. Bercha have been involved in the analysis of the predictions including comparisons between the predicted loads, the methods used, the databases used, and the estimates of the effects of dynamics, and the 1% exceedance loads. A workshop between the participants and the predictors will be held to possibly arrive at some consensus regarding the methods to be used, the interpretation of databases, and hence arrive at some narrowing of the range of predictions. Geomatics Projects (1995) R9515 Licensing, Support and Training For ERMapper Software

Various Clients R9514 Conversion Of ERS-1 Image Formats

Komex International Inc.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9511 Digitising and Conversion Of Map Coordinates

Chauvco Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9507 SPOT Image Mapping, Algeria

PetroCanada Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9503 Feasibility Study For Remote Sensing Environmental Monitoring Of Pipeline Rights-of-Way

National Energy Board

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9502 Conversion Of Survey and Map Data For Input To ARGUS Mapping System

Chauvco Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1994

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P9428 NON-LINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS 42" PIPE TEES

CLIENT: Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd DATE: 1994-95

DESCRIPTION: Elastic-Plastic analyses of two 42" pipe tees in a metering station were analysed for changes in the operating

conditions of the natural gas pipeline, of which they formed part. Preliminary pipe stress analyses had suggested that these tees were over-stressed under certain conditions, but the margin was sufficiently narrow to warrant more detailed analysis of the tees. Finite element models of the pipe tees were developed using the commercial finite element package, Ansys. Models were developed using two forms of three-dimensional solid iso-parametric elements, and iso-parametric shell elements. Analyses were carried out for the previous operating conditions, and the proposed new operating conditions. The non-linear behaviour used was for material non-linearity only, using a von Mises yield criterion for the steel in the pipes. The results were input into a fatigue calculation using some estimated load cycles for the extreme load conditions. It was found that, on a single load cycle, some non-linearity did occur in the crotch of the tee, but that it was of very limited extent, Strain hardening was sufficient to limit stresses in subsequent cycles to the elastic range. It was concluded that the overall reliability of the pipe Tees was not compromised by the revised operating conditions.

P9426

NON-LINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF ICE RIDGE KEEL BEHAVIOUR

CLIENT: Public Works Canada DATE: 1994-95

DESCRIPTION: Non-linear finite element analyses of the interaction between the rubble in an ice ridge keel and a cylindrical

structure were undertaken. Analyses were carried out in both two- and three-dimensions. The rubble was modelled as a Mohr- Coulomb material with and without dilatancy. The structure was modelled as a rigid body, and the interface as either having, or not having, friction. The analysis was carried out assuming that there existed a continuous solid ice layer on the surface. Two forms of analysis were carried out: one in which the ice layer was made to fail against a sloping structure, and the other, in three dimensions, in which the ice layer was assumed to remain intact, but in which the ice rubble could slide along the underside of the ice layer. The rubble's natural buoyancy was modelled by appropriate mass density and accelerations. Each analysis was carried out by stepping the far-field of the ridge towards the structure in preset displacement steps, which the program automatically reduced as required to achieve equilibrium and convergence of the solution. Considerable difficulties were encountered with the curved interface between the rubble and the cylindrical structure, and particularly where the rubble left the structure at the back. Very large strains caused the interface nodes to oscillate between target elements, causing convergence problems. For extreme ridges (20 meters deep) maximum loads of the order of 17 MN were obtained.

P9408

P9418

DYNAMIC ANALYSIS AND MODIFICATION OF PUMP MOTOR BASE

CLIENT: Federated Pipelines Limited DATE: 1994

DESCRIPTION: A pump used in an oil pipeline, was experiencing unacceptable vibrations at speeds within its normal operating speed range. Field analysis of the pump and pump base had concluded that the steel base which supported the pump motor may have been causing the vibrations. A detailed dynamic finite element analysis of the pump base was undertaken to establish the frequencies and mode shapes of the fundamental vibration mode of the base. Although there were modes which would have caused the forms of deformation being observed in the rotor, the frequencies of these nodes were higher than the observed frequencies by an order of magnitude. Structural reinforcement of the base was designed to limit the amplitudes of these vibrations. It was finally concluded that the vibrations were being caused by the rotor itself.

P9406

P9315

NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT CROSSING ICE ENGINEERING

CLIENT: Public Works Canada DATE: 1993-1996

DESCRIPTION: A multi-year standing order for the provision of specialist ice engineering services in support of the design, construction, and operation of the Northumberland Strait Crossing. This crossing is the longest bridge in the world traversing a body of water which is ice covered for a significant portion of each year. It will be approximately 13 kilometres long, connecting the island province of Prince Edward Island to the Canadian main land. Northumberland Strait is ice covered from early January until the third week in April, although the date of last ice can vary over a period of two months. Ice is a significant design parameter of the bridge and its operation, both in terms of ice effects on the bridge and effects of the bridge on the ice climatology. Bercha was first retained as a consultant to Public Works Canada in 1986, and since that time has been evaluating all aspects of the ice-bridge interaction including ice forces on the bridge, effect of ice jams, environmental effect of changes in ice climatology, including microclimactic effects and effects on local fisheries. Under the present standing order, the work underway emphasized ice engineering aspects, particularly the effect of the bridge on ice jams and the adequacy and reliability of the ice design parameters, including pressures and global loads, used in the final bridge design. Click on thumbnails to enlarge

Figure 1: View of Confederation Bridge Figure 2: On the Confederation Bridge Figure 3: Location Map Figure 4: Pier-Ice Interaction Figure 5: Field Data Acquisition - SAR Image Figure 6: Field Data Acquisition - Ice floe motion schematic Figure 7: Field Data Acquisition - SAR Map Figure 9: Structural form elements Figure 8: Bridge section profile Figure 10: Bridge piers in ice - during construction phase

9403 BRICK DURABILITY ALGORITHM

CLIENT: Public Works Canada DATE: 1994

DESCRIPTION: A computer algorithm developed to assess the reliability of brickwork in buildings was tested. The algorithm required a considerable amount of environmental data for typical urban locations in Canada, and the merging of this data to obtain frequencies of specific combinations of environmental conditions. Once the data base had been obtained and analysed, the algorithm was tested for a number of typical locations to derive the frequency of failure as defined by spalling of the brickwork. Geomatics Projects (1994) R9425 SPOT Multispectral Image Deskewing

University of Calgary

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9424 Landsat TM and SPOT Panchromatic Image Mapping for Libya

PanCanadian Petroleum Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9423 Airborne SAR Image Processing and Mapping

United Nations Development Programme

Georgetown, Guyana R9422 Kara Sea Russian SLAR Image Processing and Ice Interpretation

Amoco Petroleum Co. Ltd.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA R9420 SPOT Panchromatic Image Mapping of Northern B.C.

Norcen Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9419 Landsat Thematic Mapper and SPOT Panchromatic Image Mapping of Turkey

Chauvco Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9418 SPOT Panchromatic Image Mapping of the Slave Lake Area, Alberta

Morgan Hydrocarbons

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9414 Image Processing of Northumberland Strait Crossing

Geomatic Technologies Inc.

St. John's, Newfoundland R9413 Russian SLAR and ERS-1 Image Processing of Pechora Sea, Russia

Amoco Petroleum Ltd.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA R9412 Landsat TM Image Mapping of the Chinchaga Area, Alberta

Amoco Canada Petroleum Co. Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9411 SPOT Panchromatic Image Mapping of Nacunen, Argentina

Norcen Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9407 Remote Sensing for Geology Workshop

Canadian Sedimentary and Petroleum Geologists Conference

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9404 Landsat TM Image Mapping and Geological Interpretation of Blackfoot, Montana

Numac Petroleum Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9402 Landsat MSS Image Mapping of Lacombe County, Alberta

LR Olson and Associated, Ltd.

Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada 1993

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P9329 RISK ANALYSIS OF A GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINE TRAVERSING A HIGHWAY CORRIDOR

CLIENT: Canadian Western Natural Gas Company Limited DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: CWNG was proposing to utilize portions of an existing highway Right-of-way for the installation of a new gas transmission pipeline loop and in reviewing this proposal, Alberta Transportation and Utilities questioned what risks the pipeline may pose to the public using the highway. A public risk analysis was carried out to measure of both the probability of a pipeline system failure and leak occurring and the resulting consequences for the public traveling along the highway. Concerns about the pipeline location included the following risk impacts:

a) pipeline construction and operations impact on highway facilities and vehicle traffic,

b) vehicle accidents impact on pipeline operations,

c) highway maintenance activities impact on pipeline operations,

d) potential highway widening activities impact on pipeline operations, and

e) other hazards such as falling rocks impact on pipeline operations.

The risk analysis included identification of potential hazards, quantification of pipeline leak frequencies, calculation of leak consequences, evaluation of risk mitigation measures, estimation of public risk exposure, and comparison with existing traffic accident risks.

P9324

SPECIFICATION OF STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MOBILE ARCTIC CAISSON, MOLIKPAQ

CLIENT: B. Wright and Associates DATE: 1993-94

DESCRIPTION: A 1/30 scale model of the Molikpaq was to be developed at the National Research Council of Canada ice tank in Ottawa. In order to construct the model and to provide the appropriate instrumentation to permit comparisons between the ice tank results, and the full scale data acquired during the structure's deployments in the Beaufort Sea, NRCC contracted to have the necessary structural characteristics provided. As Bercha had a long history of developing analytical models of the Molikpaq, they were asked to provide this information. The information included the overall stiffness of the structural system as it was deployed at Amauligak I-65, the relative stiffnesses of the individual structural components, and the primary load paths, the mass distribution for the same deployment, and the dynamic characteristics of the system. The specification of the dynamic characteristics included the natural frequencies of the complete system, and major components, and the level of damping of the various components. This latter parameter included the estimation of damping with and without the presence of ice.

P9321

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STACK

CLIENT: Monenco DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: TransAlta Utilities, the owner and operator of the Wabamun electrical generating plant, and the Alberta

Department of the Environment, wished to create additional access holes in the largest of reinforced concrete stacks in order to permit sampling of exhaust gases. Prior to the creation of the holes, they wished confirmation that the holes would not critically alter the integrity of the stacks. To do this, a non-linear finite element analysis of a portion of the concrete stack was carried out under the effects of extreme operating conditions, and the design wind pressures. Analyses were carried out both for the current arrangement of holes and with the proposed additional holes. The analysis was carried out with a special purpose non-linear finite element program which accounted for the tension-weak characteristics of concrete, the presence of reinforcing steel, and the time dependent behavior of concrete. The results indicated that the proposed additional holes did not compromise the reliability of the stack.

P9310

.01

ICE LOAD SENSITIVITY FOR EAST COAST STRUCTURES

CLIENT: National Energy Board DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: Sensitivity of specified environmental ice design loads in accordance with CSA S471. Carried out simulations of ice forces from impacts by: icebergs, bergy-bits, and sea ice with fixed and floating production structures in the Hibernia area of the Grand Banks. The analyses incorporated energy decay algorithms for the impact analysis with appropriate energy sinks depending on the particular interaction. For fixed structures these included crushing of ice as well as elastic structure response, and iceberg rotation and translation. For floating structures, local elastic and permanent deformation of the structure was included. Data on iceberg frequencies, dimensions, shape, and velocities were obtained from various sources to provide the most reliable distributions. For bergy-bits, recent reported data by Crocker was used for the size distribution. Sensitivities were carried out on ice strength, iceberg velocity, and iceberg arrival rate. Of these, the first was found to have the most effect on the specified design forces, while the second, velocity, was found to have the least effect.

P9303

.01

RISK BASED SITING AND PERMITTING OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY RELATED FACILITIES

CLIENT: County of Santa Barbara, California Utilities Commission DATE: 1993-1994

DESCRIPTION: The objective of this study was to develop the basis for a policy on application of risk analysis in the siting and permitting of hazardous energy related facilities in the County of Santa Barbara. General classes of facilities considered explicitly were oil and gas, automotive fuel, and electrical facilities. Only acute or immediate risks as opposed to chronic or long term risks were included in the scope of work.

Fundamentals of risk analysis were reviewed to establish a basis and terminology for the balance of the work. The general procedures for implementing risk considerations in the planning process were then described.

Results from a review of the general types of hazardous energy related facilities which exist or may exist in the near future in the County of Santa Barbara included:

a) classification of the facilities into oil and gas, automotive fuel, and electrical categories and sub-categories such

as gasoline, compressed natural gas, methanol, and ethanol stations in the automotive fuel category.

b) a brief description of the relative hazardousness of the principal substances handled by the facilities.

c) a general description and summary of the hazards associated with each type of facility.

d) a review of both US and worldwide guidelines and regulations designed to manage acute risks to the public.

e) a discussion of the role of risk analysis in the context of the planning processes for the County of Santa Barbara.

f) specific recommendations for the implementation of the results from this work.

P9302

.01

PUBLIC SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ANALYSIS TRAINING PROGRAM

CLIENT: Latin American Association of Oil Companies (ARPELL) DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: A formal two day seminar was delivered by two Bercha principals to forty professional and management level trainees from nine South American and Central American countries including Costa Rica, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Trinidad, Tobago, Argentina and Peru. The objective was to provide practical insights for the application of risk analysis to safety and environmental concerns within the petroleum industry. This introductory seminar involved preparation and distribution of a bi-lingual (Spanish and English) 180 page training work book, presentation of lectures in Spanish and English (with simultaneous translation), and leading specialized workshops involving the analysis of practical problems from each participant's workplace. Certificates of participation were issued to each trainee.

P9302

.02

RISK ANALYSIS APPLICATIONS FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

CLIENT: Latin American Association of Oil Companies (ARPELL) DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: A three day seminar on risk analysis applications within the context of the oil and gas industry was conducted. The seminar was given by two senior Bercha risk experts and consisted of a meld of lectures and workshops. The presentation was accompanied by simultaneous translation for the attendees who numbered in excess of 40. All phases of the risk analysis process from initiating risk or hazard to detailed consequence analysis were reviewed and each trainee participated in the formulation and conduct of a risk analysis project in an area of professional interest. Certification and performance evaluation was conducted at the conclusion of the seminar.

P9301 DEVELOPMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION, AND OPERATION OF HIGH PRESSURE SOUR GAS LINE

CLIENT: Shell Canada Limited DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: A risk management program was developed for the operation of a high-pressure sour gas pipeline from a gathering system to a sour gas treatment plant. All potential pipeline system failure scenarios such as thermal stress, differential settlement, third party effects, and other scenarios identified in previous studies by the Bercha Group were considered in this program. These scenarios were prioritized through the assignment of risk indices, considering probability and consequence severity, and a series of mitigative measures were developed and evaluated quantitatively. A specific risk management plan detailing the mitigative measures, technical responsibilities, and implementation procedures was then developed to address each principal risk scenario. Bercha risk analysts and engineers advised the Shell project and operating personnel in conjunction with the Shell engineering partner responsible for design and construction. Geomatics Projects (1993) R9332 SPOT Panchromatic Image Mapping of Lago Pellegrini Este, Argentina

Chauvco Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9331 SPOT Panchromatic Image Processing and Mapping of the Covunco Block, Argentina

Alberta Energy Company

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9323 Landsat MSS Image Processing and Mosaicking of Benin

ABACAN

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9322 SPOT Panchromatic Image Processing and Mapping of Neuquen, Argentina

Chauvco Resources Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9318

Seminar on Remote Sensing Project Management and Applications for Environmental Monitoring

Caracas, Venezuela Date completed: November 1993

Canadian International Development Agency

DESCRIPTION: The Bercha Group formulated curriculum, produced a manual, and conducted a technical seminar in Caracas, Venezuela as part of a Public Safety and Environmental Risk Management seminar series conducted in association with Geoexpert C.A. of Caracas. The three-day technical seminar covered a wide range of subjects, including: an introduction to remote sensing, general examples for environmental monitoring, sensor systems and airborne acquisition platforms, satellite sensors, manual interpretation, digital image processing, methods of map production from remotely sensed imagery, and applications to environmental monitoring. Although conducted in English, simultaneous translation occurred during the seminar, and seminar materials were available in both Spanish (Figure 1) and English.

The general objectives of this seminar were to provide managers, administrators, and other decision makers with a general understanding of the principals and applications of remote sensing with emphasis on environmental monitoring so that they can apply this understanding of remote sensing and its capabilities in support of management decisions. To achieve this general objective, the seminar focused on facilitating participants' understanding in the 10 key areas shown in Figure 2. An environmental monitoring example from the seminar is shown in Figure 3.

SERIE DE SEMINARIOS

SEGURIDAD PUBLICA Y MANEJO DEL RIESGO AMBIENTAL

CARACAS, VENEZUELA

SEMINARIO TECNICO 1B

APLICACIONES DE LA PERCEPCION REMOTA

AL MONITOREO AMBIENTAL

POR

BERCHA GROUP

CALGARY, CANADA

EN ASOCIACION CON

GEOEXPERT C.A.

CARACAS, VENEZUELA

NOVIEMBRE 1993

The Seminar's Specific Objectives

1. Understanding of the applications of remote sensing for environmental monitoring.

2. An assessment of the capabilities of remote sensing to determine whether or not it can assist in specific problems or applications in environmental monitoring.

3. Ability to plan a remote sensing project for a specific application.

4. Familiarity with standard remote sensing technology.

5. Understanding the differences among remote sensing, GIS, and classical photogrammetry.

6. an appreciation of the types, formats, precisions, and accuracies of information recorded by remote sensing systems.

7. General understanding of what satellite systems are available for different applications.

8. Familiarity with the principles of manual and digital image interpretation to obtain information from remote sensing images.

9. An understanding of digital processing techniques which are available for the extraction of information from remote sensing data.

10. An understanding of the important parameters such as cost, schedule, regional as opposed to detailed coverage, resolution, precision, and accuracy considered in the development of an application-specific remote sensing program.

Figure 1: Spanish cover

Figure 2: Ten Key Areas

R9317 Vegetation Change Detection using LANDSAT MSS Imagery in the Cold Lake Region, Alberta

Amoco Canada Petroleum Co. Ltd.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada R9309 Thematic Mapper Image Processing, Tunisia

Wascana Resources Limited R9308 Satellite Data and SAR Processing for Mineras Estratos

E. Valero, Venezuela R9305 Satellite Data and SAR Processing for Marawani Concession

Organization Cisneros, Venezuela 1992

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P9231.02 REGIONAL ICE MODEL THERMODYNAMICS

CLIENT: Atmospheric Environment Services, Ice Centre DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: The study consisted of a review of existing forms of the regional ice model utilized for the prediction of short

and long term ice motion and ice climatology, followed by the development of specific algorithms for improving modelling accuracy and efficiency. Model performance was evaluated through comparison to a series of real time ice observations obtained from airborne radar and satellite data. P9231.01 INVESTIGATION OF ICE GROWTH AND DECAY SCHEMES FOR REGIONAL ICE

CLIENT: Ice Centre - Environment Canada DATE: 1992-3

DESCRIPTION: Scientific assessment of existing ice growth and decay models for possible incorporation in the Multi-Category Regional Ice Model (MCRIM). A team of experts was assembled to review possible approaches and recommend models which could be included in MCRIM without altering the basic dynamic formulation and which would permit MCRIM to execute in an operational mode. The experts recommended a two-part approach: the Semtner zero-layer model for basic ice cover and a wave-driven model for edge effects. Algorithms were developed and coded into MCRIM as new subroutines which could be executed as options. All of the new coding was fully documented. A comprehensive series of sensitivity analyses were carried out to illustrate the effect of the new modelling on ice growth and decay at the top and bottom surfaces of the ice/snow slab. The necessary additional data to permit MCRIM to run with the new algorithms was obtained. Further, new data for the verification periods (see PA 9114) was also obtained. The verification procedures for the two periods for the east coast were run in a series of analyses to illustrate the effect of the new algorithms on ice edge movement and ice concentrations. P9228 COMMISSIONING AND START UP OF OPERATIONS READINESS REVIEW FOR A WORLD SCALE SOUR GAS PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND TREATMENT PLANT

CLIENT: Shell Canada Limited DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: An operational readiness review was carried out on a world scale sour gas production and treatment facility at Caroline to identify any critical deficiencies or concerns in the commissioning and start up plans. The review team included risk consultants in addition to independent operating personnel with instrumentation, operations, and maintenance experience. A broad cross section of the facilities operating team, including contractors, was interviewed to identify significant concerns, which may delay or endanger a smooth start up. The review was restricted to commissioning and start up and did not address steady state operations nor did it involve a detailed inspection of equipment. The review did provide an assessment of the management systems and implementation program performance.

Results from the operational readiness review included identification of the principal concerns among the following categories: (a) Organization, (b) Safety Procedures, (c) Equipment Readiness, (d) Training, and (e) Emergency Response. Following the identification of concerns, conclusions were presented which prioritized the concerns so they could be effectively addressed. In addition, any exceptional aspects of the commissioning and start up plans as presently being implemented were highlighted. P9227 PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ANALYSIS OF A REFINED OIL PRODUCTS PIPELINE

CLIENT: Interprovincial Pipe Line Inc. DATE: 1993

DESCRIPTION: The risk analysis methods employed in this project included a systems failure modes, risk and criticality analysis and an example worksheet from this task is attached. P9219 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FINITE ELEMENT SOFTWARE

CLIENT: National Research Council of Canada DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: A series of Finite Element Software programs which were originally developed as research tools were modified and augmented to allow their execution on IBM PC compatible computers. These improvements included, in some cases, whole-scale modifications to the original code to eliminate dated Fortran usage and introduce memory management processes prevalent in desktop PC's. Other improvements included the introduction of pre- and post-processors which simplified the preparation of data input, and the interpretation of output results. These were set up to run under a Windows environment. Finally, the ability to output results graphically was also added to the programs. This latter improvement required the creation of complex data management routines to permit user control of the results being output, and the orientation and scale of the plot. P9215 SYSTEMS FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS OF OIL PRODUCTION AND PIPELINE FACILITIES

CLIENT: Husky Oil DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: A systems failure mode analysis (SMFA) was carried out on two major oil pipeline terminals in order to identify potential significant failure modes associated with both the equipment and its operation, and to rank the associated risks. Following reviews of the engineering documentation and interviews with site personnel, each terminal facility was subdivided into individual systems and associated subsystems for the SFMA. The objective of the system breakdown used was to provide the framework for identifying significant failure modes, which would impact throughput, cost, safety, or the environment. A systems approach was taken in order to screen high priority risks with an optimum level of manpower resources. P9213 LEAK HAZARD ANALYSIS OF A HIGHER PRESSURE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE

CLIENT: Westcoast Energy Inc. DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: During construction of the new natural gas pipeline from the mainland to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, there was concern regarding potential hazards from an industrial facility located near the pipeline right of way. A study was therefore carried out to estimate the hazards resulting from any leak from the pipeline. Safety and property hazard zones, as defined by delayed or immediate ignition of potential leaks, were estimated using consequence models. Plume dispersion calculations were performed using the GASCON 2 model, while the effects on people from a fire were estimated based on the approach developed by Considine and Grint and using the probit equation of Eisenberg. The effects of thermal radiation on surrounding property were also evaluated using empirical data. P9212 PROBABILISTIC ANALYSIS OF RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEMAND FOR NATURAL GAS FROM A REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

CLIENT: Northwestern Utilities Limited DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: The client contracts for natural gas supply from a variety of producers, then provides an integrated delivery system of natural gas to many communities in the north central region of the province of Alberta. The majority of natural gas is supplied on an as and when required basis, however a number of large industrial users contract to specific delivery amounts. In order to design the gas delivery system including capacity requirements for underground storage, the client must estimate the maximum total gas demand, which consists of both temperature dependent and temperature independent components. Current designs were developed from worst case scenarios and the objective of the present study was to convert such criteria to a probabilistic basis more representative of the factors affecting the delivery system. An in-depth probabilistic analysis was therefore carried out on the extensive environmental data bases and gas consumption records for the client delivery system. The detailed design criteria for both the temperature dependent and temperature independent components of the gas load were evaluated and compared to the total gas load on the system. P9208

SIMULATION AND MODELING SERVICES FOR NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT PROJECT

CLIENT: Delcan/Stone and Webster Joint Venture DATE: 1992-3

DESCRIPTION: Continued work on the Jamming and Break-Up modelling for the Northumberland Strait Crossing Project as part of the Ice Committee's mandate to determine the impact of any bridge on the ice regime. Subsequently examined the winning design (SCI) and sensitivities of the jamming and break-up models to winter severity. Consulted with SCI, C-Core, and independent engineer on the ice forces on the piers, providing expert advice on the ice conditions in the Strait as well as executing independent calculations of ice forces for Public Works Canada. Initial calculations were on the original 8m cylindrical design and subsequent calculations on various forms of conical design. Work involved refinement of three-dimensional conical failure mechanisms for ice sheets with rubble and ridge keels. Provided advice to Public Works Canada on the reports from C-Core to SCI and the reports by the independent engineer, Buckland and Taylor.

P9206 COMPARISON OF RISKS BETWEEN ALTERNATIVE RAIL AND TRUCK MODES FOR TRANSPORTING LPGs

CLIENT: Shell Canada Limited DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: An investigation was carried out on the risk impacts from changing the mode of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) transportation in Eastern Canada from a rail operation to a truck operation. Of particular interest was the potential relative change in risk exposure corresponding to a change in transportation mode. The work was commissioned in phases, beginning with a top level analysis for management and continuing with a more detailed analysis providing a site and operation specific comparison. The preliminary risk analysis provided a management overview of historical rail and truck accident and release frequencies, in addition to the distribution of consequence hazard zones associated with an LPG release. Frequency analyses for both modes of transportation were based on analyses of published generic data for the transportation industry in Canada and North America. The consequence analysis involved both a statistical analysis of historical accident consequences and modeling of potential spill consequences in order to determine the associated hazard distances. The second phase of work continued with a more detailed analysis of site specific accident data and public exposure data. P9205

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STACK

CLIENT: Monenco DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: TransAlta Utilities, the owner and operator of the Wabamun electrical generating plant, and the Alberta Department of the Environment, wished to create additional access holes in the two of reinforced concrete stacks in order to permit sampling of exhaust gases. Prior to the creation of the holes, they wished confirmation that the holes would not critically alter the integrity of the stacks. To do this, a non-linear finite element analysis of a portion of the concrete stack was carried out under the effects of extreme operating conditions, and the design wind pressures. Analyses were carried out both for the current arrangement of holes and with the proposed additional holes. The analysis was carried out with a special purpose non-linear finite element program which accounted for the tension-weak characteristics of concrete, the presence of reinforcing steel, and the time dependent behaviour of concrete. The results indicated that the proposed additional holes did not compromise the reliability of the stacks.

P9203 PUBLIC RISK FROM SINKHOLES ON ARCTIC HIGHWAYS

CLIENT: Government of Northwest Territories, Department of Transportation DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: Due to a concern about the potential for vehicular accidents resulting from the occurrence of sudden sinkholes in the driving lanes of the Dempster Highway, a risk analysis was carried out and the results were quantitatively compared with those normally occurring risks associated with highway travel.

Results included an assessment of culvert and sinkhole data based on highway surveys and an evaluation of traffic and accident data based on additional highway surveys. Risk estimates were presented in the form of annual frequencies for an accident, an injury, or a fatality occurring as a result of an interaction with a sinkhole in one of three portions of the Dempster Highway and in one of four months of the year in which sinkholes occur. Quantified risk estimates were then compared with other risks from common experience and a sensitivity analysis of the risk estimates was presented. P9202 EVALUATION OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TWO GAS PLANT AND PIPELINE RISK ANALYSES

CLIENT: County of Santa Barbara, California Gas Commission DATE: 1992

DESCRIPTION: The County of Santa Barbara is involved in the approval process of industry applications for the development and operation o