Impact of Port Fouad Offshore Gas Project on Surrounding Environment

Abstract

Abstract An EIA study was undertaken to assess the impact of the proposed Port Fouad Gas Development Plant on the surrounding environment. An environmental inventory was undertaken to present the baseline data of the surrounding environment. The surrounding environment of the site can be classified as unpolluted and contains significant natural resources such as Ashtoum El-Gamil Protectorate and Lake Marizala in addition to nearby residential areas such as a touristic village to the east and El-Garabaa Village to the west. The effect of the released wastes on the surrounding environment was evaluated and assessed in accordance with the local-and intentional standard specifications for air and water quality. Introduction Environmental Impact Assessment EIA is the prediction of the possible effects from the plant on the surrounding environment relating to biological, physical and social aspects, thus corresponding with the regulatory concept. EIA requires Knowledge of the proposed operation together with an understanding of the sensitivities of the receiving environment which can then be combined to assess the potential impact. An EIA study was made to assess the impact of Port Fouad Gas Development plant on the surrounding environment (Fig. 1,2) shows plant location. The plant comprises two main components: the Gas Production Platform GPP and the Gas and Condensate Treatment Plant GCTP The production. Platform and the Gas and Condensate Treatment Plant GCTP. The production platform is located about 35 km to the north of Port Fouad and is linked to the GCTP, (Fig.3) which is located about 10 km to the west of Port Said. The produced gas shall be transported via a 14" diameter pipeline tied with the national gas network at Port Said, whereas the produced gasoline shall be stored and transported either via a pipeline or by trucks to the nearest refinery. The main wastes released from the process are:–exhaust gases from the offshore flare.–exhaust gases from the onshore flare.–exhaust gases from onshore burning pit.–treated effluent from the onshore wastewater treatment plant.–domestic sewage from the onshore septic tanks. An environmental inventory was undertaken to present the baseline data of the surrounding environment. The main components considered are:–the Mediterranean Sea–Lake Manzala–Ashtoum El-Gamil Protectorate–The atmosphere–Damietta - Port Fouad Road–The soil The surrounding environment of the site can be classified as unpolluted and contains significant natural resources such as above mentioned, in addition to nearby residential areas such as a touristic village to the east and El-Garabaa Village to the west, as per treatment plant layout (Fig.4) PLANT DESCRIPTION Port Found field was discovered on 1981, 5 exploratory wells were drilled. The project comprises two main components: The gas Production Platform (Fig. 5) and the Gas and Condensate Treatment Plant, as per process flow diagram (Fig. 6) The production platform is located about 36 km to the north of port Fouad at water depth of 28m, and is linked to the GCTP, which is located about 10 km to the west of Port Said, by three gas, condensate and glycol sealines of 14" 6", and 3" diam., 53 Km length each. The daily capacity of the plant is 70 MMCUFT of dry gas and 550 m3 of condensate, from 4. production wells. The produced gas shall be transported via a 14" diameter pipeline tied with the national gas network at Port Said and shall have the following specifications: water dew point, not higher than 0 C at 70 bar abs. HC dew point, not higher than 5 C at any pressure below 70 bar abs. Dry gas delivery pressure at GCTP outlet 74 bar abs. P. 547