National Oil Corporation (NOC) presented, today, March 13, 2019 at the Higher Institute of Energy (HIE) in Jikharra, the findings of a twenty-month comprehensive environmental study of the Wahat district to local residents, allaying fears regarding the level of pollution while identifying areas of concern and remediation where appropriate. The study, undertaken in association with the Libyan Environment General Authority, included geological, hydrological and air quality assessments, in addition to a study of the characteristics of ground and ‘associated’ water.
According to Mr Khaled Bukhtwa, general manager of NOC’s General Department of Safety, Environment, Security and Sustainable Development: “This study was undertaken in direct response to concerns from the local community. While the vast majority of environmental risks have existed for a long time, study recommendations will help deliver cleaner air and water for residents. NOC will continue to support ‘quality of life’ initiatives in the area as part of its sustainable development programmes implemented in areas adjacent to its operations.”
Local environmental conditions were found to be within acceptable international standards by the report, with no trace of radioactivity within the area, nor concentration of air pollutants exceeding international norms. Local groundwater was also deemed unaffected by the current ‘associated water’ injection methods used in production.
The report highlighted three areas of concern:
• Well water was found to contain microbial and nitrate compound contamination caused by sewage pollution;
• A high concentration of ammonia gas was recorded due to agricultural activity, as well as a relatively high concentration of nitrogen dioxide, due to transport and flaring;
• Previous disposal of associated water had contributed to soil pollution of surrounding evaporation ponds.
The study recommended the implementation of a radioactive waste management project with approved environmental specifications for final disposal and improved efficiency of separation units, in addition to professional ‘associated water’ disposal management.
In support of local sustainability and environmental clean-up efforts, NOC has pledged to implement the following remediation initiatives:
• Improve incineration efficiency while switching to associated water injection as the primary method of waste disposal in production;
• Expedite the removal of oil accumulated in evaporation ponds.
In an immediate follow-up to the study, NOC is currently preparing an action plan in association with the local municipality outlining further environmental mitigation steps to be taken, including a timeline towards achieving zero-flaring and the establishment of a local Environmental Monitoring Laboratory.
The presentation was attended by municipality mayors, the Awjila member of the House of Representatives, teaching staff of the HIE, and a number of civil society organizations.
