| 07/06/2023 |
Steps taken to prevent waste provided by the operator: It is OXY's policy to route its stranded gas to a flare during an unforeseen and unavoidable emergency or malfunction, as the part of the overall process or steps to take to limit duration and magnitude of flaring. Oxy personnel are in the field 24/7 and can physically see when we are flaring which in turn are communicated to additional Oxy field personnel. Internal OXY procedures ensure that upon notice of flaring, malfunction gas compressor unit and/or multiple unit shutdown alarms, increased sensor line pressure alarms, etc., field production technician personnel are promptly notified, and are instructed to assess the issue as soon as possible to take prompt corrective action and minimize emissions. Oxy production technicians must assess whether the issue or circumstance is due to damage and repair is needed, or whether there are other reasons for its cause. In this case, there were multiple gas compression equipment issues at several facilities within the Dimension area, which suddenly and without warning, would trigger small intermittent instances of flaring to occur at the Dimension 6 CTB, as the flare at this location can accommodate a higher volume of gas and to protect equipment, environment, and personnel. In each instance in which a gas compressor malfunctioned due to detonation, bad valves, leaking PRV’s, overheating, sensor issues, etc., and shut down, Oxy production techs received compression malfunction and flaring alarms. Oxy production techs responded to each facility alarm received as quickly and safely as possible. Oxy production techs would immediately upon arrive to the alarmed facility and troubleshoot the compressor issues before clearing alarm panels and restarting compression equipment. Oxy requested that USA compression send a mechanic to be on Oxy’s full day in the Dimension area, to assist Oxy field personnel, while numerous compressors were malfunctioning in a short period of time. |