Kuwait is one of the largest oil producers in the world. However, it is also the tenth most polluted nation in the world, as per a WHO report published in 2011. Very high population densities combined with the air circulation of emissions from industrial areas have created public health concerns in Kuwait.
Kuwait Oil Company, which is involved in the exploration, drilling and production of oil and gas within the State of Kuwait, has undertaken a landmark project in conjunction with the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) to develop and implement a regulatory air compliance management program (ACMP). The initial program was a five-year project (2011-2016). It is currently being carried forward as part of a new five-year project (2016-2021).
The Kuwait ACMP was borne out of the need to identify the extent of air pollution in Kuwait and to develop a strategy to reduce its impact. The challenge was to identify and address the impact of the air pollutants on the environment in general and on human health in particular. The project utilizes various advanced technologies, integrating advanced IT and air quality monitoring techniques to provide an effective way of managing emissions from exploration and production activities in Kuwait and reducing their impact on human health.
The ACMP is the first-ever joint venture of its type between the industry and regulators, and includes the development of a system that provides real-time measurement of pollution across the country as well as a pioneering national air quality inventory with research-grade dispersion modeling techniques to determine human health risks. Based on the modeling, an emissions abatement strategy and reduction program has been established. Subsequently, an innovative source apportionment study is undertaken, utilizing satellite based techniques to define pollutant source contributions from various sources.
The project was spread over 12 different phases that included baseline environmental and regulatory assessment, development of a new air compliance regulatory system for the whole of Kuwait, creation of a comprehensive web-based air emissions inventory, emissions reduction strategy, identification of pollutant hotspots for concern and action through modelling, source apportionment, personnel training and establishment of a nationwide network of real time pollutant monitoring stations. As part of the project, six monitoring stations were established across Kuwait and have since been expanded to a network of 13 fixed and two mobile stations at critical, identified pollution hotspots across Kuwait.
The project’s scope included development of visual-based emission information, use of hyperspectral remote imagery for surrogate estimation, use of remote sensing information for tracking pollutant masses during the project as well as carrying out a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) based on US EPA HHRA Protocol (HHRAP).
The benefits of the project will be felt indefinitely and will not all be realized at once, this is because the project will result in a permanent change in culture within KOC whereby reducing emissions is engrained and at the heart of KOC operations. Nevertheless, the ACMP is already contributing to emissions reductions; for instance in West Kuwait, the Gas Compression Project and Gas Reinjection Project became operational in March 2015 and these have resulted in huge reductions in emissions, on the order of 95% for the facilities involved.
The ACMP is improving knowledge regarding Kuwait’s air quality problem and with improved knowledge, better-informed decisions can be made to improve air quality and its effects on human health. The ACMP is particularly relevant in this era of low oil prices when there are pressures to produce greater quantities of oil whilst minimizing costs; the ACMP will help ensure that rigorous environmental standards will be adhered to.
The project is unique in its overarching aim and ambition and has been recognized with the following honors:
• 1st place at the 26th Session of Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment.
• HSE Initiative of the Year at the 2016 Middle East Oil & Gas Awards.
• Project Merit in Air Quality by the Environmental Business Journal (EBJ)
Statement from Yousef Al-Qallaf TL (HSE):
The HSE Group has been conferred with the 2016 Middle East Oil & Gas Award for the year 2016 under the HSE Initiative of the Year category. The winning entry, submitted by the Heath & Environment Team, featured the KOC Air Compliance Management Program. The award was announced at a grand ceremony featuring energy professionals from across the region gathered at the Sofitel Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche.
The project is a long term project that is aimed at protecting our environment as well as human health and minimizing the adverse impacts of KOC’s operations. This project is unique in its overarching aim and ambition in the region. It is the first-ever joint venture of its type between the industry (KOC) and regulators (Kuwait Environment Public Authority), and includes development of a system providing real-time measurement of pollution across the country as well a pioneering national air quality inventory with research-grade dispersion modeling techniques to determine human health risk. Subsequently an innovative source apportionment study is undertaken, utilizing satellite based techniques to define pollutant source contributions from various sources and develop abatement strategies.
The recognition of KOC’s efforts and achievements at a regional platform of such repute is a matter of great pride for KOC and as well as the HSE Group. The entry submitted by Health & Environment Team (HSE Group) was one of the 13 winners (from both upstream and downstream segments) across the whole region, who were recognized for their achievements and initiatives across various categories. The award further cements KOC’s position as an industry leader with its unique vision and commitment towards the environment and sustainable development.