The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) Group Companies give major importance to the environment and new projects and plans are launched to fulfil its green goal.
As part of its continuous efforts to improve the environment, process safety and asset integrity, Adnoc organised and hosted presentations by a reputable Belgian-based company on the subject of fugitive gas emission monitoring and pipeline integrity inspections.
Representing Adnoc, Ihab Tarmoom, Production Facilities Engineering manager, Offshore, E&P Directorate, delivered the opening speech in which he stressed the importance of keeping high standards in the field of environment, safety and integrity through the use of up to date technology and know how.
Fugitive emissions are the emissions into the atmosphere resulting from leaking piping sources and equipment.
The acknowledgements in loss of raw materials, the danger of explosions and the environmental aspect have made companies and organisations aware that they should work on their monitoring (LDAR-Leak Detection and Repair) programmes. If left undetected these emissions become the most significant cause of atmospheric pollution resulting from plant activities.
The presentations explained the identification process of fugitive emission sources like valves, pump seals, flanges, etc. The integrated approach to identify and subsequent repair emission sources will improve the environment and limit atmospheric pollution. It will improve the early detection of gas leaks thus decreasing the risk of explosions.
The presentation also dealt with the methods used to detect underground leaks, external coating failures and corrosion sites of buried pipelines.
The presentation was attended by representatives of all the oil and gas operating companies.
Meanwhile, the group Companies manage their individual environmental issues in accordance with Adnoc Group HSE Policy and a number of Codes of Practice and Guidelines.
There are a number of corporate facilities, activities and projects which affect the Group Companies:
Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous waste generated by the Adnoc Group Companies is centrally stored, segregated and reclaimed at the Waste Management Facility (WMF) at Al Ruwais. The WMF is operated by Ruwais Housing Division.
The WMF was set to be replaced with a modern, integrated Central Waste Management Facilities (BeAAT) towards end 2004. BeAAT will consist of treatment, recycling, & disposal facilities.
Halon Management
In 1997, Adnoc initiated a Halon phase-out programme and the Group Companies have replaced large volumes from their process facilities by utilising zero Ozone depleting fire-protection substances. The redundant Halon cylinders are currently processed, Halon recovered, and stored at a centralised facility waiting further trading. Adnoc EH&S Division has awarded contract for a third party to set up this centralised Halon Management Facility in Abu Dhabi.
Air Monitoring
A comprehensive plan air monitoring & management system is set to cover all Adnoc operating facilities and concession areas. Implementation of this plan will:
Provide an information and simulation tool to develop and implement an air quality management program
Forecast potential changes in air quality resulting from proposed business development projects
To model the distribution of accidental release of gases
HSE Impact Assessments
In principle all Group Companies will conduct HSE Impact Assessments (HSEIAs) for their own activities. New projects and major modifications to existing facilities are subject to compulsory HSE Impact Assessment studies, which require review by EH&S division and approval from the Group HSE Committee prior to project execution.
EH&S Division's further involvement in HSEIA activities extends to studies on environmental aspects which cross Group Company boundaries or reflect the Adnoc activities as a whole:
Cooling water discharges - Conducting an impact assessment of the cooling water discharges to the marine environments at DAS Island and Al Ruwais Industrial Complex.
Mercury in marine waters - An assessment study on mercury contents in marine waters sediments and organisms.
The EH&S Division maintains professional liaison on behalf of the Adnoc Group of Companies with all Federal and Abu Dhabi government bodies to ensure that emerging Environmental Laws and Regulations can be adopted and applied by the industry.
The Adnoc Group Companies have a comprehensive Heath, safety and environment (HSE) Commitment and Policy which is pursued to maintain the high standards which it sets.
