WSB’s Energy Sciences team is composed of geoscientists and environmental specialists using our expertise in geology, geomorphology, climate science, and risk analysis to perform multidisciplinary consulting services for clients in the energy sector and private and public industries. Our goals are to protect people, improve and safeguard infrastructure, promote sustainability, and provide cost-effective and long-lasting solutions to our clients.
Services:
Services Specific to the Oil and Gas Industry:
Within the oil and gas industry, geohazard risk assessments and integrity management studies are performed to maintain compliance within pipeline integrity management plans (IMPs) per PHMSA regulations (Sections 192 and 195 of CFR Title 49).
Infrastructure often intersects a myriad of challenging landscapes which may negatively impact integrity. Geologic hazards, or geohazards, are naturally occurring (or man-made) processes which may lead to widespread damage or loss of property and/or life. WSB’s interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and risk assessment specialists can help you identify, mitigate, and manage these risks through services tailored to meet regulatory requirements and your company’s unique risk profiles.
Our hazard models pinpoint the geomorphic and geologic causative factors which lead to geohazard risk(s). When paired with a comprehensive field program, our geohazard risk assessments are not only more accurate but more cost-effective than other methods.
Assessments are preformed in three or four phases:
Geohazard services are provided for the following hazards:
WSB’s predictive and parametric geospatial hazard modeling is completed using systematic and structured approaches in GIS (geographic information systems) programming. Our risk-based models are visually informative, intuitive, and customizable, allowing clients to make proactive financial-based decisions.
Human modifications to the environment are powerful variables that impact geohazard risk; however, no dataset exists that catalogs those modifications. Supplementing advanced modeling techniques with field assessments provides a robust understanding of a location’s geomorphology and informs predications of how future natural events (e.g., heavy precipitation, earthquakes) will affect that location.
Risk estimation incorporates the information gathered during remote modeling and field assessments into a measure of risk. Typical methods result in a risk matrix. These tools drive future management of each geohazard risk, as well as long-term monitoring schedules and severe weather event inspections for specified locations. Typically, risk factors are incorporated into existing risk models or asset management systems.
Long-term monitoring is necessary to meet the requirements of integrity management guidance and to effectively manage geohazard risks over time.
Should mitigation measures be necessary, the baseline characterization collected during remote modeling and field assessments will provide guidance in designing and implementing a mitigation plan.
Our teams of experts work together to seamlessly deliver innovative and ground-breaking service. Learn about each of our groups.