Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment into Exploration and Production Activities

By

 A. Abdou¹, S. Saad¹, Yehia El Sayed Abdel Hady²

(1) Khalda Petroleum Company, Cairo, Egypt (2) Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

 Recent environmental regulations as well as the Egyptian environmental law aim to protect the environment from impacts resulting from industrial and development activities and, in the mean while, prohibit disposing wastes without necessary treatment. The Egyptian current environmental law (Number 4, of 1994) states that “New establishments or projects, expansions or renovations of existing establishments must be subjected to an environmental impact assessment before a permit is issued.”

The main objective of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to examine the environmental effects of new projects and to ensure that these effects are taken into account in an appropriate manner at all stages of a project cycle. It is mandatory to ensure the protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources, including human health, aspects against uncontrolled development.

EIA is being presented in compliance with the Egyptian environmental law and regulations as well as Khalda’s conscious HSE policy. Khalda is committed to the exploration and production of oil and gas, fully respecting the natural environment of each work site and the surrounding population. It is therefore responsible for the environmental impacts of its operations.

This paper highlights the importance and characteristics of the EIA and its implementation into E&P projects.