Delivering leading environmental performance in the technically complex Karachaganak Field is a constant challenge. KPO deploys world-class techniques and innovative technologies to protect the environment in which we operate and to contribute to global efforts tackling climate change.
Protecting the air, soil, water, biodiversity and ecosystems of Karachaganak is the main goal of our Environmental Programme. Environmental impacts are identified at the early stages of any new project through an environmental impact assessment (EIA), and a comprehensive set of monitoring programmes and prevention and mitigation measures are implemented for ongoing operations in accordance with the FPSA and applicable RoK regulations and the rules and procedures set in our Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSE MS). KPO HSE Management System was developed in accordance with industry best practices and ISO 14001 requirements. In 2011, KPO successfully completed Environmental Management System’s recertification for compliance with ISO 14001 requirements.
Since assuming the operatorship of Karachaganak in 1997, the Contractor has invested over USD 239.4 million in specific environmental protection measures to improve the environmental performance of the field.
Flaring reduction remains a key area of KPO’s commitment to further cutting down volumes of emissions while enhancing hydrocarbon production. Although only 0.08 per cent of the total gas produced by KPO was flared in 2011 (0.13 per cent in 2010), KPO continues to look for possible ways of maintaining high levels of plant reliability and introduce further emission reduction technologies, especially in the areas of well testing and well clean-up.
In 2011, KPO achieved a world-class gas utilisation rate of 99.92 per cent (99.87 per cent in 2010) whilst the regulatory target approved within Gas Utilisation Programme was 99.75 per cent.
