Environmental Impact Asessment of 3D Seismic Acquisition in The Badra Oilfield , Iraq

Abstract

This study represents the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of 3D Seismic Acquisition in the Badra oilfield, Wasit province, Iraq. Seismic acquisition is part of works under the contract for the development of the Badra oilfield, with a planned capacity of 2 billion barrels of oil, and its associated linear facilities to be located in Wasit, 160 km southeast of Baghdad, Iraq. The study was prepared for the Company – Gazprom Neft Badrah B.V. (GPN) in 2010.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was prepared to identify and assess the potential environmental effects of seismic operations, and in order to accomplish that goal, a baseline environment study was conducted first to illustrate the climate, geology, topography, natural resources, industrial activities, social and natural environment ( flora and fauna) of the region based on field visit and desktop history.

 Based on the baseline study, mitigation measures forming Environmental Management Plan was proposed aiming to minimize environmental and socio-economic adverse effects such as waste water, solid wastes, air pollution and to maximize positive ones.

The study also illustrated all related national and international laws and regulations to force the company to oblige them during work on the Iraqi land. It also detailed the national and international limits of air emission and liquid effluent quality not to be exceeded.