Angus Energy is testing and analysing the existing well’s ability to flow oil at the Brockham Field.
The field has been in production for more than 30 years.
Angus Energy recently announced an approved commercial testing programme from its existing well at its Brockham Oil Field.
Occupying less than one per cent of the private, 500 Acre, Felton’s Farm, the field has been in production for more than 30 years. Given the programme is due to commence in the next few weeks, we asked Angus Energy’s Peter Eadsforth, how the latest testing programme will affect the surrounding community.
Peter is Angus Energy‘s On-Site Asset Manager at Brockham. He told Surrey Live the company is testing and analysing the existing well’s ability to flow oil. There is no drilling and the activities at the field remain the same as they have for decades.
Peter Eadsforth is Angus Energy‘s On-Site Asset Manager at Brockham
Here he answers our questions:
If you are not drilling, how will you conduct the tests?
Simply put, the Well is drilled therefore all we have to do is ‘turn on the tap’. It is more complex of course, but in many ways, it is similar to turning on a kitchen tap.
Do you plan to ‘frack’ at the Brockham Oil Field?
No. We are a conventional oil production company. The reservoir is naturally fractured, therefore fracking is a technique that would not have any purpose.
Do you inject wastewater into the well?
No. Production from the Portland reservoir at Brockham is a natural mix of oil and water (the water is not potable, nor is it from an aquifer, it is just part of the reservoir). The water is separated from the oil and placed back where it came from to assist in continued production. No water is added nor is the water a waste product.
Will you be putting any type of wastewater into the reservoir? Any chemicals?
No.
Is water extracted from the local aquifers?
No. There is no ground water abstraction anywhere near the site. The nearest is more than three kilometres away which is used for irrigation. The wells, which are sealed by cement, do not pass through nor are near any potable water sources.
It is important to note, an independent hydrogeological risk assessment was undertaken in consultation with the Environment Agency. It concluded that the proposed operations will not result in the pollution of surface water, groundwater or water supplies.
Will you be continuously flaring?
No. We do not have permission, nor did we seek permission to continuously flare. However, we have a flare on-site as a safety measure for emergencies.
We don’t need a flare because we have a better solution. The Company has an agreement with the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) to use this programme to install a generator to capture any gas produced. The power generated will be supplied to the local grid.
Will the site or test be emitting Hydrogen Sulphide?
No. There is no Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) present, therefore, none can be released
Will you be using any toxins during the test that can harm the environment?
No toxins will be released because none are present. However, using the same exact method as water companies, we may use diluted acid to clean the well.
The acid is not only organic but it is neutralized. This perfectly safe technique has been used for over hundred years and the same process used for wells providing drinking water.
Are you in compliance with future Environment Agency requirements, what is being called modern requirements?
We are in compliance with all the expected new requirements from the Environment Agency.
Are you using any new or controversial techniques?
No. We do not frack. The entire operation is using techniques that have been used for the last hundred years. They are well understood, tried tested and very safe.
How will your commercial testing programme affect your closest neighbours?
The Brockham Oil Field has been in production for more than 30 years. Nothing changes.
Share Talk: Published on Oct 15, 2018
How can I find out more?
Post: Angus Energy Plc, Building 3 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Street, London, W4 5YA
Source Link www.getsurrey.co.uk/special-features/angus-energy-begin-flow-tests
