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Environmental Impact of Offshore Oil and Gas Company Operations in the Southern Arabian Gulf: A Marine Environmental Survey
Geutebruck, E. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Herler, J. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Kikinger, R. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Stachowitsch, M. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Lorkin, M. (Zakum Development Company ZADCO)
Abstract A comprehensive overview of the status of the marine environment near the offshore facilities in the Southern Arabian Gulf, which was carried out for the Zakum Development Company (ZADCO) in 1999, was obtained by a marine environmental survey. This involved a team of marine biologists, chemists, surveyors and computer technicians in a multi-pronged effort including analyses of seawater and sediment, benthic sampling of hard and soft bottom habitats, a study of the fouling organisms on oil platform structures, and fish surveys. Special emphasis was placed on in-situ multisample collection by scuba divers and detailed underwater observation and documentation with still and video cameras. Basic laboratory work was performed onboard the vessel during the survey of approximately 4 weeks. The field survey was followed by an extensive 9-month biological laboratory work. The chemical, biological and photographic approaches yielded a very consistent picture. At virtually every site and for almost all investigated parameters, direct impacts were quantifiable only at the sampling stations directly adjoining the facilities. Parameter levels at these sites were directly correlated with the composition of the benthic communities: they differed significantly from the surrounding stations. The fouling survey on platform structures showed well-developed communities of encrusting and mobile organisms. These structures attracted a dense fish community that differed considerably from the surrounding seafloor underlining the potential positive effect of such artificial reefs. The diver observations showed that, as opposed to fringing reefs that had suffered a past mortality, the corals in the deeper water surrounding the facilities were largely intact and may represent a vital source of recolonisation. Biologically, a major challenge was the poor state of knowledge about the fauna of the Gulf. Thus, many species have never been described before. Among the nemertine worms, for example, 23 of the 29 forms were new to science. Introduction ZADCO has been operating offshore of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE since the 1970's and currently produce and export approximately 500,000 bbls of oil per day, making it the 3rd largest producer in the UAE. Operations are exclusively offshore, with the majority of production coming from the Upper Zakum field and smaller amounts from Umm al Dalkh and Satah fields. Zirku Island is the main processing and loading terminal base. Arzanah Island used to serve as processing and loading terminal for the Arzanah field until 1998 when the field was decommissioned. It now provides a Satah field service function only. In 1999 ZADCO commissioned Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH to conduct a marine environmental monitoring study to assess potential environmental impacts within its operating area in the Southern Arabian Gulf.
- Asia > Middle East > UAE > Abu Dhabi > Arabian Gulf > Rub' al Khali Basin > Zakum Concession > Zakum Field > Upper Zakum Field > Thamama Group Formation (0.99)
- Asia > Middle East > UAE > Abu Dhabi > Arabian Gulf > Rub' al Khali Basin > Zakum Concession > Zakum Field > Thamama Group Formation (0.99)
- Asia > Middle East > UAE > Abu Dhabi > Arabian Gulf > Rub' al Khali Basin > Umm Al Dalkh Field > Thamama Group Formation (0.99)
- (2 more...)
Marine Environment Survey Development and Execution for Offshore Oil & Gas Company Operations, Southern Arabian Gulf
Lorkin, M. (Zakum Development Company ZADCO) | Geutebruck, E. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Herler, J. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Kikinger, R. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH) | Stachowitsch, M. (Texplor Exploration & Environmental Technology GmbH)
Abstract Zakum Development Company (ZADCO) is one of the UAE's major oil and gas producing companies operating a concession area in the Southern Arabian Gulf offshore of Abu Dhabi. The operations include production from three offshore fields and support, processing and export facilities from two islands. As part of ZADCO's ongoing environmental protection programs a marine environmental monitoring program was commissioned. The aim was to assess operational impacts on the marine community and identify negative impact sources so that mitigation measures could be implemented. The shallow depths, extreme air temperatures, high evaporation rates and restricted water exchange of the Gulf with the Arabian Sea determine seawater characteristics in the area. The resulting offshore physical environment is sensitive, with a range of temperature and salinity extremes exceeding most other marine areas in the world. Gauging the condition of the marine environment required detailed analyses of a full range of physical, chemical and biological parameters. The challenge is to compare the results from the undisturbed situation with potential changes due to industrial impacts, and more specifically to correlate the chemical data with the biological status of the ecosystem. This required a complex sampling program involving water and sediment chemistry, soft and hard bottom biology, fouling communities, and fish surveys. The present study is a prime example of a multi-level partnership between the oil industry, consultant firms and universities to provide the best expert human resources for project support and to establish a solid foundation for the future large-scale and long-term monitoring of this marine ecosystem. This paper gives an overview of the legislative requirements relating to environmental protection placed on ZADCO by UAE Federal Agencies and Company Shareholders. It explains the reasons why a comprehensive marine environmental survey was necessary and briefly details the planning and execution of the study, the types of chemical & biological investigations made, data analysis, and the resulting conclusions and recommendations. Introduction Zakum Development Company (ZADCO) was established as per UAE law no. 9 of 1977 issued by H.H. Shiekh Zayed Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayan, the UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. ZADCO is now one of 17 operating companies of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Group of Companies. The company was initially mandated to develop and operate the Upper Zakum Field. Since then, in an attempt to rationalize several offshore operations, it has expanded. Today the company operates the offshore fields of Upper Zakum, Umm Al Dalkh and Satah making it the third largest oil production company in the UAE. In 1998 the previously operated Arzanah field was decommissioned. Two islands, Zirku serving as processing and loading terminal base, and Arzanah providing a Satah field service function are also under the company control. Figure 1 gives an overview of the locations of the facilities.
- Government > Regional Government > Asia Government > Middle East Government > UAE Government (1.00)
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- North America > United States > Utah > Island Field (0.99)
- Asia > Middle East > UAE > Abu Dhabi > Arabian Gulf > Rub' al Khali Basin > Zakum Concession > Zakum Field > Upper Zakum Field > Thamama Group Formation (0.99)
- Asia > Middle East > UAE > Abu Dhabi > Arabian Gulf > Rub' al Khali Basin > Zakum Concession > Zakum Field > Thamama Group Formation (0.99)
- (2 more...)