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Protecting the environment
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Recognising that its business activities have an environmental impact on the land, air and water, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) accordingly credits high priority to environmental management.
Evident to this is Bapco’s new comprehensive environmental compliance plan, a ten-year environmental programme, which is estimated to cost $248 million.
To ensure that the sound environmental practices are integrated into its operations to meet statutory requirements at highest standard possible, the company has set the Environmental Management System (EMS) throughout the company. It is consistent with the international environmental management standard ISO 14001:2004 and provides a framework for more effective control of environmental issues.
In consonance to this framework is the formation Environmental Affairs  Committee, which makes sure that environmental objectives and targets do comply with legal requirements and Bapco’s own EHS policy. The committee, held bimonthly, provides a forum to discuss all environmental related issues leading to a structures decision making process to improve environmental performance.
Speaking on behalf of Bapco, Ghuloom Al Ansari, General Manager, and Engineering Division, said: “Marine environment is of core importance to us. In addition to the Oil Spill Contingency Plan, a number of marine assessment studies have been carried out to assess the coastal ecosystem off the Bapco Refinery. The last assessment carried out in 2002 by the Stockholm University has indicated a significant improvement in the quality of the effluent outfall from the refinery.”
Al-Ansari also chairs the Environmental Affairs Committee.
“It is the company’s policy that any pollution incident at sea or land arising from its operations will be promptly addressed; the first priority in all cases being to present the pollution from happening in the first place. However, in the event of an incident, a comprehensive Oil Spill Contingency plan has been developed to mitigate the consequences on the environment at sea or land.”
This plan is exercised on a regular basis to ensure preparedness for emergencies and is intended to assist the company personnel in achieving a rapid and effective response to any oil spill arising from company operations. Recently, it has been updated to the internationally recognised Incident Command system (ICS).
The oil spill response organisation is manned with highly professional trained staff. Major exercises are performed regularly together with relevant governmental agencies to ensure effective preparedness and co-operation.
“We are also very much concerned on waste reduction,” he added. “The company is committed to continually minimise the impact on the environment from all its operations, including management of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. A hazardous waste management committee has been established to ensure that all hazardous waste produces within Bapco is identified and disposed through an appropriate waste disposal route in accordance with legal requirements and best practices.”
Starting with family
Bapco held its first-ever company-wide family event, and it was all about environment. The event, called ‘Bapco Environment Fair’ was held last 3 February, coinciding with Bahrain’s National Environment Day.
The fair was opened to all employees and their families. Activities highlighting Bapco’s role in protecting national environment were held. Practical tips were also taught on how to improve the environment.
The event was massively participated by national and local government entities. Of paramount support to the fair were the General Commission for the Protection of Marine resources, Environment & Wildlife; the Ministry of water and Electricity, the General Organisation for Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs.
Green School Award
Bapco Green School Award was launched on 21 February 2005. It is a national award-giving scheme rewarding Bahrain’s public secondary school for environmental projects undertaken by students. With a warm support received in the launch this year, it is intended that the award runs annually.
The scheme aims at raising the environmental issues among students and that in the longer run, these youth will eventually provide sustainable solutions to environmental problems. |
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