Environmental monitoring survey in Gemsa development lease of the Red Sea
An offshore oil field is located in the Gemsa development lease near the west coast of the Red Sea, 50 km north of Hurgada. The wells are accommodated at a 3 leg tripod jacket in 20m meter depth. The oil produced is exported untreated to treatment facilities onshore. Production commenced end 1991. The region of extensive coral reef formation is of considerable value in view of nature conservation, scientific studies, recreation and tourist industry and has a vulnerable ecology. The area is largely influenced by strong tidal currents and a prevailing NW wind. Bottom sediments are almost completely composed of carbonate material. Bapetco requested the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries to carry out an environmental monitoring programme, which started early 1992. Sediment samples were collected from 13 locations according to the recommendation of the Group of Experts on oil pollution of the Paris commission up to 2 km from the wells. This was repeated early collected by a grab sampler from a survey vessel with occasional help of divers. For positioning a single GFS receiver was used. The samples were analyzed in MM ways covering both the chemical composition (hydrocarbons, metals, organic carbon) and the bioactivity. Particulars of the analysis can be summarized as follows: Concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in all samples were of the same order of magnitude except one location in the immediate vicinity of the platform, still being within the margins of accuracy of the analysis methodology. Bottom flora and fauna in all samples were consistently rich as far as the variety of species and of the number of individuals within the various species is concerned. The observed change of flora and fauna of metals should be characterized as an improvement rather than as a decline. The concentrations of heavy metals declined. Organic carbon content did not show any significant change.
- OSTI ID:
- 414724
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960623-; TRN: 96:004555-0026
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International conference on health, safety and environment in oil and gas exploration products, New Orleans, LA (United States), 9 Jun - 12 Sep 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of The third international conference on health, safety & environment in oil and gas exploration and production. Proceedings - Volume 2; PB: 934 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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