Saudi Aramco's South Ghawar production sets green standard

Saudi Aramco takes environmental protection seriously. That was the message in the exhibits and brochures at the Jan. 27-28 Environmental Awareness Campaign organized by the South Ghawar Producing Department (SGPD) of Southern Area Oil Operations (SAOO).
More than 300 people visited the exhibit in al-Sharqiyah Hall. On opening day, about 100 employees gathered as campaign coordinator Khalid Al-Hawal welcomed them and introduced the organizing team and participants.

SAOO executive director Saad A. Turaiki explained Saudi Aramco's master plan for environmental practices, which is applied to all the company's projects. The goal of the master plan is to ensure that established environmental standards and practices are followed.
According to Saudi Aramco, there is no financial return for the company on any environmental project, he said, but there is a definite and measurable environmental return. For example, recently installing smokeless flares at 29 GOSPS means fewer emissions and improved air quality.

"Saudi Aramco is becoming a model in environmental protection," he said, quickly adding that the "responsibility for protecting the environment falls on each one of us -- at work and at home."
SGPD manager Yousef A. Al-Furaidan referred to the campaign slogan, saying "Better Environment, Better Future" is at the core of environmental protection at Saudi Aramco. He said the benefits are permanent and that Saudi Aramco has the "utmost determination to achieve this goal."

The Environmental Coordination Division's Khalid M. Abuleif stressed the importance of ensuring a sustainable future through environmental protection.
"This event is a good example of the company taking a serious approach to protecting our environment," he said.
Turaiki and members of Southern Area management toured the exhibit as representatives of the various departments outlined their initiatives. The initiatives included groundwater protection, air-quality monitoring, flare mitigation as well as personal health issues such as smoking cessation and cancer prevention.

A highlight of the campaign was a visit by the 'Udhailiyah School seventh-grade science class. Teacher Brian Remsburg saw the campaign as an opportunity to offer his students an extension of their science class. The students listened as the department representatives explained what Saudi Aramco is doing to protect the environment. Several of the students expressed their enthusiasm.
"It is really interesting to talk to the people actually dealing with the day-to-day environmental work," said student Fatimah Badawy.
"We studied environmental issues in general last term, but this is more interesting," added Ana Maria Arocha.

On the second day of the campaign, apprentices in the ITC program visited the exhibit. They were equally interested in the practical applications of their studies. The success of the visit by both groups of students reinforced the idea of environmental outreach programs as a means of extending awareness. Ignorance leads to a lack of concern for the environment, which can be seen at the local beaches, often awash with trash.
Al-Furaidan acknowledged the work put into the event by all participants -- both Saudi Aramco and vendor representatives who travelled from al-Hassa, Dammam and Jubail to share their knowledge with visitors. Organizations participating in the campaign included South Ghawar Producing, Southern Area Production Engineering, Haradh Gas Plant, 'Uthmaniyah Gas Plant, Environmental Protection, 'Udhailiyah Community Services, Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization and 'Udhailiyah Fire Protection.