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Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have renewed their commitment to work together for the improvement of air quality control in Abu Dhabi by officially signing a terms of reference document. The document sets a framework for collaboration on data exchange and the preservation of air quality through the use of all means available to both parties.
This document is a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding that EAD signed with ADNOC in 2012 to strengthen collaboration on the preservation of the environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to contribute to the leadership's vision through a set of environmental initiatives.
Eng. Bakheet Salem Al Ameri, Manager of the Health, Safety and Environment Division at ADNOC, and Eng. Shaikha Al Hosani, Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Quality at EAD, were signatories to the terms of reference document.
The terms of reference set procedures for electronic linking (E-linking) of the central databases for air quality monitoring networks owned by both parties. In addition to outlining processes, the terms also included the development of a detailed schedule agreed by experts from both parties to complete the E-link within a specified period of time.
The terms define that the E-linking project will see the database being updated every hour at the ADNOC monitoring stations in Al Mubarraz Island, Sas Al Nakhl Island, Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Liwa, Asab and at any future stations to fall under this agreement.
EAD had recently announced the completion of phase 1 of the E- linking project at a meeting it with its strategic partners from government entities that operate air quality monitoring stations on both the local and federal levels.
The project, which falls under EAD's strategic projects, aims to provide in-depth information on air quality to facilitate a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of air quality, pollutants and emission sources. This exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of air quality monitoring will help shape the plans and programmes needed to reduce emissions and improve overall air quality in the Emirate.
The project is in line with the outcomes of the Ministry of Environment and Water brainstorming session. The UAE-wide air quality network, was approved and launched by the UAE Cabinet under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister in a meeting that was held in October 2014.
Eng. Bakheet Salem Al Ameri, Manager of Health, Safety and Environment Division, ADNOC, said: "This E-linking is in-line with ADNOC vision that ensures its commitment in contributing to the comprehensive sustainable development plan of the Emirate. ADNOC takes a leading part in the tangible efforts and collaborations by all stakeholders in consolidating initiatives and available resources for the protection of the environment.
As per ADNOC strategic objectives on Health, Safety & Environment 'HSE', a network of eight ambient air quality stations (AQMS) was established in year 2007 and were positioned in the close proximity of its major oil & gas operational facilities in the Emirate; seven of which are fixed and one mobile. Recently in year 2015 this network was expanded with the addition of five new AQMS stations; three of which are fixed and two are mobile. This addition will enable the assessment and monitoring of new pollutants in addition to the existing monitoring of criteria air pollutants, namely particulate matter of 2.5 micron in size (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds, ammonia, noise pollution, and atmospheric pressure."
Mr. Al Ameri further stated: "that ADNOC is proud of its leading role in contributing to Abu Dhabi Vision, which to guarantee sustainable and robust supply of energy to support the sustainable development of the country, this is done by implementing safe operational and environmental protection procedures, through the use of clean technologies that enhances resources & operational efficiency and environmental performance.
Furthermore, ADNOC and its Group of Companies applies the best international operational practices in its oil and gas explorations, productions, refining, gas processing, and petrochemicals facilities, which have yielded to a drastic 69% reduction in flaring volume rates by year 2014 when compared to the year 1995 rates. Sour gases 'containing hydrogen sulphide' are rarely flared but for safety reasons it would only be for limited times during processing facilities operational emergency (upset) conditions, maintenance shutdowns, and start-ups of the facilities, this is to avert and mitigate any potential adverse impact on employees and nearby environment. This flaring's ground level impact gets monitored and documented which has shown acceptable results against the national ambient air quality standards."
Eng. Shaikha Al Hosani, Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Quality at EAD, added: "EAD is contributing to the sustainable development of the Emirate in line with our leadership's vision through the collaboration with partners on strategic initiatives to improve air quality. Through such initiatives, we aim to consolidate efforts and do this through capacity integration and knowledge exchange to better support the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water in developing policies and regulations to improve air quality across the UAE."
Al Hosani elaborated: "Our partnership with ADNOC is part of a larger collaboration with all local entities operating air quality monitoring stations across Abu Dhabi. By linking all their networks to the EAD system, we will ultimately be able to build a comprehensive and accurate database that covers a wide geographic region stretching across the entire Emirate."
EAD successfully completed the first phase of linking air quality networks with the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA), ZonesCorp, National Center of Meteorology & Seismology (NCMS) and Dubai Municipality. Additionally, e-linking with federal entities including the National Center of Meteorology & Seismology (NCMS), the Dubai Municipality, was also completed in support of MoEW's efforts to oversee the UAE e-Linking initiative.
Al Hosani also emphasised that the maintenance of an up-to-date and accurate central database of information on air quality allows EAD to make science-based recommendations to better inform the decision making process. Furthermore, this step contributes to the future development of joint standards on air quality control and standardization processes for the monitoring stations.
Linking EAD air quality monitoring stations with ones that are operated by different entities was made possible by an EAD electronic system that allows for the timely and continuous flow of data. Information is then saved electronically on a central database which allows all e-linked parties to make use of the information whenever needed for research and analysis. EAD operates 20 monitoring stations at different locations across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Western region.
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About Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Established in 1996, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
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© Press Release 2016
