Opportunity
The Surgil Gas and Petrochemical Complex project in Karakalpakstan consists of three main parts:
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Upstream: drilling and development of gas production wells and associated production infrastructure at the Surgil Field, including expansion of the existing complex gas treatment unit.
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Pipelines: construction and operation of below-ground gas and condensate pipelines to connect the Surgil Field to the new gas chemical complex.
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Downstream: construction and operation of a gas chemical complex and associated infrastructure. The principal exports from the gas chemical complex are high-density polyethylene and high-density polypropylene.
Solution
Mott MacDonald was commissioned by the Uzbek-Korean joint venture, Uz-Kor Gas Chemical LLC, to conduct an international standard environmental and social impact assessment and associated environmental and social management plan.
The assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Equator Principles and the standards of the IFC and Asian Development Bank. Key environmental considerations were water resource management, terrestrial ecology, waste management and emissions to air.
A number of baseline studies were undertaken by a local environmental consultant under our guidance. Predefined significance criteria were applied to each discipline to determine the potential effects and the level of mitigation required. Consideration was given to ensuring the project would have a positive effect on the local community.
As part of the documentation, a public consultation and disclosure plan was prepared. This strategic document set out appropriate consultation with stakeholders.
Outcome
We produced an environmental and social management plan to ensure transparent and effective monitoring, prevention, minimization, mitigation, compensation, and offsetting measures. The plan ensures that the environmental, health, safety, and social performance of Uz-Kor meets international standards and best practice.
A key challenge was to safeguard the rights and promote the development of the indigenous Karakalpak people, a historically marginalized people living in the Aral Sea region. Our plan locked in employment and training quotas for local men and women to enhance the project's benefits for the communities affected.