BS ISO 35103:2017 pdf download – Petroleum and natural gas industries Arctic operations Environmental monitoring
5.10.5 Physical parameters Physical attributes of the environment can be affected by environmental aspects. The effects can vary in scale and significance, Appropriate measurements should be made in those cases where physical changes are foreseen by the organization. Examples include landscape changes, erosion and deposition, sinkholes, temperature of water, air or sediment, noise and light, radiation, and the exclusion of the public on the grounds of safety or security. Physical attributes should be sampled and analysed using nationally approved or internationally agreed methods. The design of a physical monitoring programme shall consider:
a) natural variations in physical conditions;
b) extent to which modification of physical conditions can be attributed to environmental impacts;
c) time and spatial scales over which modification to physical conditions can take place.
5.10.6 Chemical parameters Chemicals released in emissions, discharges and wastes can be distributed in the environment via dispersion pathways; they can undergo changes in chemical composition as a result of physical, chemical and biological processes. Based upon environmental aspects that are assessed as being significant aspects (see 5.7.1), the organization should identify those elements and compounds that are to be analysed. Chemical attributes should be sampled and analysed using nationally approved or internationally agreed methods. The design of a chemical monitoring programme shall consider:
a) natural variations in chemical concentrations;
b) extent to which chemical concentrations can be attributed to environmental impacts;
c) definition of significant contamination based on statistical analysis of regional reference sampling locations;
d) whether compounds introduced to the environment are subject to physical, chemical or biological modification and the timescale over which such modification can take place. 5.10.7 Biological parameters Environmental aspects can affect attributes of the biological community at the location of the facility or activity. Environmental impacts can include elimination of species in the immediate location (e.g.by smothering), changes in the numbers or distribution of species (biodiversity and introduction of invasive species), the accumulation of chemicals and radiation in biological tissues, impairment of functions, such as reproduction, biological indicators of effect and exposure, and behavioural effects. Accurate identification is essential for the determination of species in all environments. The organization shall determine the taxonomic level to which flora and fauna identification will be carried out in order to meet the monitoring objectives. Taxonomic experts can be required in order to identify specimens. The organization shall ensure that there is a source of competent experts available for the identification of species. Biological attributes shall be sampled and analysed using nationally approved or internationally agreed methods. The design of a biological monitoring programme shall consider:
a) natural spatial variations in biological populations including near-field, far-field and regional sampling locations; natural diurnal, seasonal, inter-annual and long-term temporal variations;
b) extent to which a biological effect can be attributed to an environmental aspect at population levels;
c) likelihood of lethal or sub-lethal effects; d) whether effects can be acute or chronic;
e) possibility ofbioaccumulation leading to the presence of residues in biological tissues; redistribution of residues by biological mechanisms; bio-magnification in the food chain;
f) biodegradation of compounds;
g) critical paths for residues including species of interest (target species) owing to their presence in the food chain, including species used for human food from hunting and fishing activities.
5.10.8 Associated measurements When conducting monitoring, sufficient associated data should be collected to aid interpretation of results. Associated data include all those parameters that can be related to the target parameter. They can include: -hydrography: bathymetry, tides, sediment (granulometry, organic content);