2d seismic surveys on kulandy east prospect

A new exploration stage in the development of the Aral oil and gas reserves is ongoing now. Offshore Oil Company KazMunayTeniz JSC starts 2D seismic surveys on Kulandy East prospect.

Within the Annual Work Program for Kulandy East a detailed design for seismic survey and a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) have been developed. Adhering to the legal norms and contractual provisions, KazMunayTeniz intends to inform population of the Aral region on forthcoming seismic prospecting operations planned to be performed during May 2-August 15, 2006.

According to the outcomes of the appraisal activities it has been revealed that the main sources of environmental impact caused by seismic prospecting operations include atmospheric emissions from fix-site and mobile sources (end products of fuel combustion in engines of motor vehicles, generators, different hydrocarbon compounds emitted from the fuel and lubricant storage facility during loading, storage and offloading of oil products); physical impact factors (noise of production equipment, engines, devices and mechanisms); water disposal (industrial and domestic water discharges);  wastes (liquid, solid).

It is expected that seismic surveys will be carried out using up-to-date techniques for collection and disposal of liquid and solid wastes, making no harm to the current sanitary and hygienic state of the region. All wastes will be collected, utilized, disposed of and buried in compliance with the best available technologies and environmental requirements of the law.

The range of impact caused by seismic surveys on biosphere elements will be within the adaptive capability of Kyzylorda regional ecosystems. Since the operational facility is situated far from any human settlement, it will have no adverse impact on health and living conditions of the population.

Pursuant to the requirements of the RoK Law on Environmental Expert Review, and recommendations by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, public hearings to take account of public opinion on the draft EIA of seismic surveys will be held in Kyzylorda on April 1-6, 2006.

In case hydrocarbon resources are discovered, the implementation of the project will have a significant positive effect for social and economic situation in the Kyzylorda oblast. New jobs will be created, regional infrastructure will have new impulses for further development, opportunities of local scientific potential will be made use of, social support will increase, relevant personnel will be trained, and tax flows will rise, including inflows to the local budget.