Starting in 2011, Chevron engineers successfully implemented a zero-water-discharge system at our Duri heavy oil fields in Sumatra. Every day, we produce approximately 1 million barrels of water as part of our oil operations there. More than 80 percent of the produced water is used in enhanced oil recovery operations, while the remainder is treated and put into government-approved reservoirs that are approximately 1,000 feet (305 m) below the ground. Injecting the water into reservoirs is a preferred practice that eliminates any impact on natural canal systems. We plan to expand this zero-water-discharge practice to other fields in Indonesia.
"We are among the few oil and gas companies in Indonesia that implement a zero-discharge policy for excess produced water," said Ferry Martin, Chevron general manager of Health, Environment and Safety in the region. "It's a good example of teamwork with the government and our commitment to managing our environmental footprint. The government has asked us to share our best practices and applications with other companies. We're proud to do that."
Updated: May 2012