Newfield Exploration Company is sponsoring several training sessions over the coming months between BTI Services of Wild Well Control, Inc., and the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
The Wayne County EMA anticipates that nearly 200 local Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Fire Department personnel will receive the training from August through October.
The intensive, hands-on training emphasizes how responders can best manage an incident scene and work with energy industry professionals to assure a safe and successful resolution.
The goal is for responders to learn the best response practices to any incident involving natural gas with special regard given to the area's unique environment.
This training is part of an education effort by Newfield with local emergency responders as a precautionary measure.
Other efforts include: ongoing communication with emergency responders, sharing operational timelines, drilling pad layout diagrams and detailed site address and access information to facilitate 911 responses.
"This training and our reaching out to the emergency responders is a standard practice at Newfield drilling locations," said Pete Chacon, Newfield drilling superintendent.
"Responders have toured our sites in Wayne County to learn more about assessment wells, and we've made them aware of the extensive safety audits and public safety measures we employ in our operations. The safety of the public and our employees and contractors is the primary goal of Newfield operations and this training is another step in that direction. The Wayne County emergency responders are very dedicated professionals who take the initiative to learn the 'state of the art' approach to resolving any potential incident with special consideration for the area's unique environment."
BTI, of Troy, Pa., will conduct the training. BTI is a Wild Well Control company.
Wild Well Control, based in Houston, Texas, works closely with companies like Newfield to develop comprehensive training programs/emergency response plans, conduct rig audits, consult on challenging drilling situations and provides specialized equipment as needed.
“We appreciate the opportunity to tour and train at the Newfield drilling site,” said Pete Hooker and Steve Price of the Wayne County EMA office. “Their proactive concern regarding safety and their willingness to share information about their operations with us is most appreciated. The more we can learn about the specifics operations means the greater our effectiveness in the event some incident might arise at any natural gas drill site.”
Newfield Exploration Company is an independent crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company.
The Company relies on a proven growth strategy of growing reserves through an active drilling program and select acquisitions. Newfield's domestic areas of operation include the Mid-Continent, the Rocky Mountains, onshore Texas and the Gulf of Mexico.
The company has international operations in Malaysia and China.
