RK MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT HOLDS A REGULAR SESSION OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMISSION FOR STABILIZATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Chairman of the Commission, Minister of Environment Nurlan Iskakov during the session noted that by the oil reserves Kazakhstan is in the top ten of the world. The recoverable oil reserves amount to 2.2 billion, condensate - 690 million tons, about 2 trln.m3 of gas and this is without considering the Caspian Sea shelf. The projected oil resources are about 13 billion tons.

The annual oil output reaches 469 million barrels a year, however it is expected that after the Kashagan project this level will reach 850 million barrels a year. At present, disposal of gas is about 11 mlrd.m3, while during the year more than 6.9 mlrd.m3 associated gas burned at the flares. Analysis of approved programs for utilization of associated gas shows that by the end of 2010 in Kazakhstan should achieved almost 100% utilization of associated gas.

The meeting has also addressed environmental concerns of the Koshkar-Ata tailing. The tailing area (77 km2.) has no analogues in the world. The total area of waste disposal is 66 km2, eroded beach area at this time is 39 km2 and the process of reducing water phase is underway. Wastes at tailings consist of substances such as nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, iron, phosphates, fluoride, strontium, zinc, copper, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, lead, uranium, radium, thorium.

Such a big amount of toxic and radioactive waste on the shore of the Caspian Sea poses a serious threat to the environment and the health of the population of nearby settlements. Considering the importance of this issue, akimat of Mangistau region in 2002-2004, financed 5 projects totaling 64.5 million from its local budget.

Currently, the oblast nature management administration is considering the project on environmental remediation of “Koshkar Ata” tailing, which was developed by JSC “Mechanobr Engineering” (St. Petersburg). The budget of this project is 1.12 billion tenge. According to the project the annual operating cost will be 280 million tenge, in this way, within 4-5 years, with annual funding in these amounts provided, it will be possible to implement the project on recultivation “Koshkar Ata” tailing.

Source: CARNet, 23.01.2009