Introduction
The Additional Catering Facilities project in Dukhan is a pivotal development aimed at enhancing the services provided by QatarEnergy. A comprehensive combined Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Environmental Impact Identification (ENVID) study was undertaken to evaluate the potential risks and environmental impacts associated with the project. Conducted on May 17, 2023, the study involved a multidisciplinary team from various sectors, including health, safety, engineering, and project management.
- The ENVID key objectives included identifying environmental aspects, assessing their impacts, and proposing mitigation measures.
- Significant environmental concerns identified during the study included air quality impacts from emissions, management of wastewater discharges, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation.
- The Environmental Impact Identification (ENVID) study is a critical component of environmental management for new projects, aimed at identifying potential health, safety, and environmental issues associated with the implementation of new facilities or modifications.
- This case study focuses on the ENVID study conducted for the Additional Catering Facilities in Dukhan, following the guidelines established by QatarEnergy
Objectives
The primary objectives of the ENVID study for the additional catering facilities included:
- Identification of Environmental Aspects: Recognizing potential environmental impacts resulting from the project activities throughout all project phases, including construction, commissioning, and operations.
- Assessment of Environmental Impacts: Evaluating the extent and significance of the identified impacts on various environmental receptors in the vicinity of the facilities.
- Development of Mitigation Measures: Proposing controls and measures that could effectively mitigate or prevent identified adverse impacts.
Methodology
The ENVID study was executed through structured workshops involving a multidisciplinary team, which included project engineers, environmental consultants, and other discipline specialists. The workshops employed a comprehensive review process that included:
- Project Review: Examination of processes, activities, and associated environmental aspects, such as emissions, effluents, and resource utilization.
- Site Characteristics Analysis: Evaluation of the site’s environmental attributes and surrounding conditions.
- Impact Identification: Listing potential environmental impacts by analyzing project activities and their interactions with the environment.
The workshops included brainstorming sessions, where participants used Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and site layouts to visualize the interactions between project components and the environment, facilitating the identification of potential impacts such as:
- Emissions to Atmosphere: Evaluating both point and fugitive emissions.
- Water Effluents: Assessment of domestic and industrial wastewater.
- Waste Generation: Identifying hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams.
- Resource Use: Analyzing energy, water, and materials required by the project
Key Findings
The team identified several key environmental aspects associated with the Additional Catering Facilities:
- Air Quality Impact: Potential emissions during construction and operation, with measures identified for monitoring and control.
- Water Management: Strategies to manage wastewater discharges and utilize sustainable practices for water usage.
- Waste Management: Identification of necessary practices for hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal, compliant with QatarEnergy’s waste management guidelines.
Recommendations
The ENVID study concluded with several mitigation measures that were proposed to manage the identified environmental impacts effectively:
- Emissions Controls: Implementation of best practices for controlling air pollutants during construction and operational phases.
- Waste Management Plans: Establishment of a comprehensive waste management plan to reduce, recycle, and properly dispose of waste materials generated by the project.
- Monitoring Strategies: Development of an environmental monitoring framework to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
This proactive approach ensured that potential environmental impacts were addressed early in the planning process, reinforcing QatarEnergy’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
The ENVID study for the Additional Catering Facilities in Dukhan was instrumental in preemptively identifying potential environmental impacts and formulating governance strategies to mitigate those impacts. The methodologies implemented ensured a systematic approach, enhancing the overall sustainability and reducing the project’s ecological footprint. This proactive analysis aligns with QatarEnergy’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development practices.
The ENVID study recommended implementing emissions controls, establishing comprehensive waste management plans, and developing an environmental monitoring framework to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Overall, the study highlighted the importance of integrating environmental considerations into project execution, setting a benchmark for future projects in the region.