Astana, Kazakhstan, Dec.18
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
North Caspian Consortium (operator of the Kashagan project) held public hearings on the Environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the "construction project of objects within the framework of the experimental-industrial development of the Kashagan field. Field pipelines. Adjustment," said a statement of the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC).
"EIA includes project on replacement of the pipeline of sulfurous oil and sulfurous gas pipeline, designed for the transportation of the extracted products from the island D of marine complex to the Bolashak complex oil and gas preparation rig," said a statement.
The public hearings were attended by residents of Atyrau and Mangistau regions of Kazakhstan, representatives of NGOs and the local executive authorities.
"The analysis of a wide range of environmental aspects has been carried out in order to minimize the impact of our activities and the preservation of the unique biodiversity of the Caspian Sea," said the managing director of NCOC Stefan de Mayu at the meeting. "I would like to assure you that we intend to strictly follow the course aimed at the maximum reduction of environmental impact."
During the public hearings it was noted that the expected impact on the environment of the construction and operation of pipelines in normal mode will not lead to irreversible changes in the ecosystem.
It was also stressed that during the construction and operation of the field pipelines, a set of measures aimed at prevention and mitigation of their impact on the environment will be accepted. All the necessary environmental protection measures are provided in the design decisions and the existing requirements for environmental protection and safety.
The Kashagan field is one of the largest found in the last 40 years. The project is also one of the most difficult technical problems the international oil companies ever dealt with.
The project participants are KMG Kashagan BV, AGIP Caspian Sea BV, CNPC Kazakhstan BV, Exxon Mobil Kazakhstan Inc., INPEX North Caspian Sea Ltd., Shell Kazakhstan Development BV, Total E&P Kazakhstan.