SOCAR: Most modern environmental requirements introduced in Azerbaijani sector of Caspian Sea

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) identifies three main tools for the preliminary research, forecasting and overcoming possible disasters as a result of development of hydrocarbon resources in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, head of SOCAR ecology department Azer Aliyev said on May 4, commenting on consequences of the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon platform of BP in the Gulf of Mexico, which led to large-scale oil spills.

According to Aliyev, assessment of all possible risks was conducted in the preparation of all energy projects in Azerbaijan. In particular, were taken into account all the problems that may arise in the wells, both geological problems and in the process of drilling and exploitation. All these issues are reflected in the project decisions.

"First of all, these risks are reflected in the preparation of projects, which also envisages additional measures in case of such accidents," said Aliyev.

Secondly, according to Aliyev, SOCAR has its own waste management plans to eliminate possible pollutions, which are primarily aimed at their reduction and prevention of similar cases. In case of any problems, work is directed at reducing these consequences to a minimum.

Thirdly, the national authority responsible for recovery disaster and spills, and spills that may occur for reasons beyond a person, and man-made disasters is the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). MES has all necessary ships and equipment for the disasters.

According to Aliyev, the most advanced environmental standards are introduced in the implementation of projects in Azerbaijan under operator activities of British BP Company. According to Aliyev, it is impossible to compare the Gulf of Mexico with the Caspian Sea. The well is located in the Gulf of Mexico at water depth of around 1,500 meters, while in the Caspian Sea, the wells are located at a depth of several hundred meters.

"Our conditions are more lightweight, but the environmental standards are more stringent," said Aliyev.

According to him, it is wrong to say that after the incident in the Gulf of Mexico, the work towards security in the Caspian Sea will be strengthened, since these works were carried out here always and environmental requirements were stipulated in advance. But after the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, it needs to explore and take into account the events, ways to eliminate and overcome the accident and the damage done by this catastrophe.

The explosion occurred at the Deepwater Horizon on April 20. Two days later the oil platform sank, and the incident resulted in damage to wells and oil spills. Currently, a huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is located near the coast of the U.S. Louisiana State, there are fears that in the coming days it will reach the coast. BP has claimed full responsibility for the leak.


/Trend/