2. Contents
❑ Introduction of Petroleum Industry
❑ Raw Materials
❑ Industrial Process
❑ Emissions and Pollution
❑ EIA process for Petroleum Industry
❑ Application of EIA process
❑ Discussion of each stage EIA process
❑ Outcomes at each stage EIA process
❑ Case Study
❑ Conclusion
❑ References
3. Defining Petroleum
• A naturally occurring fossil fuel composed
primarily of crude oil and natural gas.
• Formed from the decomposition of
organic matter (plants and animals) buried
deep underground millions of years ago.
• Over time, heat and pressure transformed
this organic matter into a complex mixture
of hydrocarbons (molecules containing
hydrogen and carbon).
The Petroleum Industry: A Global Powerhouse
Global Energy Dominance
• Transportation: The dominant fuel source
for vehicles (gasoline, diesel), powering
road, air, and maritime transportation.
• Heating: Provides fuel oil for heating
homes, buildings, and industrial processes.
• Electricity Generation: A significant
contributor to power generation, fueling
power plants.
• Beyond Energy: Raw material for various
industrial products like plastics, fertilizers,
and pharmaceuticals.
4. Industrial Process
Distillation
o The first step in refining crude oil is
distillation, where the crude oil is
heated in a distillation tower.
o As the temperature increases,
different hydrocarbon fractions in the
crude oil vaporize at different
temperatures.
o The vapors rise through the tower,
and as they cool, they condense into
liquid fractions at different levels of
the tower.
o Lighter fractions, such as gasoline and
naphtha, condense at the top, while
heavier fractions, such as diesel and
residual fuel oil, condense at the
bottom.
Fractionation
o The liquid fractions collected
from distillation undergo further
separation in fractionation units.
o These units separate the fractions
into more specific components
based on boiling points and
molecular weights.
o Lighter fractions, like gasoline, are
often further processed to
remove impurities and improve
quality.
Conversion Processes
o Conversion processes are used
to modify the molecular
structure of certain fractions to
produce more valuable
products.
o Catalytic cracking breaks down
heavy hydrocarbons into lighter
ones, increasing the yield of
gasoline and other high-demand
products.
o Hydrocracking combines
hydrogen with heavy
hydrocarbons under high
pressure and temperature to
produce lighter, higher-quality
products.
5. Industrial Process
Treatment Processes
o Treatment processes remove impurities
and improve the quality of refined
products.
o Hydrotreating uses hydrogen to remove
sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities
from fuels to meet environmental
regulations and improve performance.
o Reforming involves rearranging the
molecular structure of hydrocarbons to
increase the octane rating of gasoline.
Final Product
Distribution
o Once the refining process is
complete, the finished products
are transported via pipelines,
trucks, ships, and railroads to
distribution centers, terminals,
and retail outlets.
o These products include gasoline,
diesel, jet fuel, heating oil,
lubricants, asphalt, and various
petrochemical feedstocks.
Blending
o After undergoing various refining
processes, different fractions and
additives are blended together to
produce finished products with
specific properties.
o Gasoline blending involves mixing
different grades of gasoline,
additives, and oxygenates to
achieve desired performance and
meet regulatory requirements.
o Diesel blending combines various
diesel fractions to achieve the
desired cetane number and
performance characteristics.
6. Emission & Pollution
Air Emissions:
o Combustion Emissions: Refineries use large amounts of
energy for heating, distillation, and other processes. This
energy often comes from burning fossil fuels, which
releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2)
and criteria air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere.
o Process Emissions: During refining processes like cracking,
reforming, and hydrotreating, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) may be
released. These include benzene, toluene, and xylene,
which are harmful to human health and the environment.
Water Pollution:
o Wastewater: Refineries generate large volumes of
wastewatercontaining contaminantssuch as oil, grease,
heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. If not properly treated,
this wastewater can pollute surface water bodies and
groundwater, harming aquatic ecosystemsand potentially
impacting human health.
o Oil Spills: Accidentalspills of crude oil or petroleum
products during storage, transportation, or refining
processes can result in water pollution. These spills can
have devastating effects on marine life, water quality, and
coastal ecosystems.
Soil Contamination:
o Leakage and Spills: Leakage from storage tanks,
pipelines, and equipment, as well as spills of petroleum
products, can lead to soil contamination.Hydrocarbons
and other contaminantscan seep into the soil, posing
risks to plants, animals, and groundwater resources.
o Refinery Operations: Some refining processes may
involve the use of chemicals or additives that can leach
into the soil if not properly contained or managed.
7. Emission & Pollution
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
o Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Petroleum refining is
energy-intensive, and the combustionof fossil
fuels for heat and power releases CO2, a major
contributorto global warming and climate
change.
o Methane (CH4): Methane emissions may occur
during various stages of the refining process,
including from storage tanks, pipelines, and
wastewatertreatment facilities. Methane is a
potent greenhouse gas with a much higher
warming potential than CO2 over shorter time
frames.
Particulate Matter and Smog Formation:
o Particulate Matter (PM): Refinery operations can
emit particulate matter, consisting of tiny
particles suspended in the air. PM can have
adverse effects on respiratory health and
visibility and contribute to smog formation.
o Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs
emitted from refineries can react with nitrogen
oxides in the atmosphere to form ground-level
ozone, a major component of smog. Ozone can
irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate
respiratory conditions like asthma.
Noise Pollution:
o Refinery operations, including equipment operation,
vehicle. traffic, and constructionactivities, can
generate significant noise levels, which may affect
nearby communitiesand wildlife habitats
8. Environmental Challenges
➢Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The combustion of petroleum-derived fuels releases greenhouse
gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change and global warming. Addressing
the industry's carbon footprint is essential for mitigating climate-related risks and transitioning to a
low-carbon energy future.
➢Air and Water Pollution: Petroleum extraction, refining, and transportation operations can result in
air and water pollution, contaminating ecosystems, harming wildlife, and posing risks to human health.
Oil spills, leaks, and industrial emissions represent significant environmental hazards that require
robust regulatory oversight and pollution prevention measures.
➢Habitat Destruction:The development of oil and gas infrastructure, such as drilling rigs, pipelines,
and refineries, can lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, threatening biodiversity and
disrupting fragile ecosystems. Balancing industrial development with environmental conservation is
paramount for minimizing ecological impacts and preserving natural habitats.
9. Screening:
• In the petroleum refining industry, screening involves
determining whether a proposed project, such as
constructing a new refinery or expanding an existing one,
requires a detailed EIA. Factors considered include the
scale of the project, its location, potential environmental
sensitivities, and regulatory requirements.
• This involves identifying key components such as crude oil
storage facilities, refining units, processing equipment,
storage tanks, and associated infrastructure.
Application & Discussion of steps of EIA process
10. Scoping:
• Scoping involves defining the boundaries and scope of the
EIA study for the petroleum refining project. This step
identifies the key environmental issues to be addressed,
the geographic area to be studied, and the stakeholders to
be involved.
• In the petroleum refining industry, scoping may focus on
aspects such as air emissions, water usage and quality, soil
contamination, noise pollution, waste management, and
the potential for accidents or spills.
11. Public Consultation:
• Public consultation refers to the process by which the concerns of local affected people and others
who have plausible stake in the environmental impacts of the project or activity are ascertained.
• There are two types of petroleum refineries, one is onshore and the other is offshore. The major
difference between onshore drilling and offshore drilling is that onshore drilling is seeking to release
resources from beneath the earth's surface, while offshore drilling is seeking to release resources from
beneath the ocean's seabed.
• In onshore drilling majorly environmentalists show concern about the aquatic life due to oil spills in
the water body.
• In offshore drilling the concerns of local people who are in the affected area are majorly considered.
Public hearing through meetings and publishing updates through website and newspapers is primarily
done in this process.
• Public consultation is not a decision making process, but is a process to collect views of the people
having plausible stake. If the SPCB/Public agency conducting public hearing is not convinced with
the plausible stake, then such expressed views need not be considered.
12. The screening process identifies projects with the potential for
significant environmental impacts, triggering the need for a
comprehensive EIA.
The scoping process provides a clear roadmap for the EIA, outlining
the specific environmental concerns to be investigated and the
data requirements for the assessment.
Public involvement fosters transparency, accountability, and trust in the
EIA process, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of all
stakeholders are considered in project planning and decision-making.
Screening:-
Scoping:-
Public
onsultation:-
Outcomes
13. 1)Air Quality Impact:-
▪ Assessment of emissions from refining
processes, including combustion, flaring,
and fugitive emissions.
▪ Evaluation of pollutants such as volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), particulate
matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen
oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and
hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
▪ Predictive modeling to estimate air
dispersion patterns and potential impacts on
ambient air quality in surrounding areas.
▪ Analysis of potential health effects on
nearby communities, considering exposure
to air pollutants and associated risks such
as respiratory diseases and cancer.
2)Water Quality Impact:-
▪ Assessment of wastewater generation,
including process effluents, stormwater
runoff, and sanitary wastewater.
▪ Analysis of potential contaminants in
wastewater, such as oil, heavy metals,
organic compounds, and dissolved solids.
▪ Examination of potential risks to aquatic
ecosystems, including effects on water
quality, aquatic habitat, and aquatic
organisms.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
Environmental Impacts:-
14. Socio-Economic
Impacts:-
• Analysis of potential socio-economic effects on local communities,
including employment, income, housing, and public services.
• Assessment of changes in land use patterns, property values, and
community character.
• Evaluation of potential risks to cultural heritage sites, archaeological
resources, and indigenous peoples' rights.
• Examination of opportunities for local economic development,
infrastructure improvements, and community benefits associated with
the project.
15. • In petroleum refining include installing pollution control equipment to reduce emissions, implementing spill
prevention and response plans, optimizing water usage through recycling and reuse, and
rehabilitating disturbed habitats.
1.Air Pollution Control Technologies:
• Installation of advanced air pollution control devices such as scrubbers, catalytic converters, and
electrostatic precipitators to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter.
2.Effluent Treatment and Management:
• Implementation of effective wastewater treatment systems to treat process water and refinery effluents
before discharge. This includes the use of biological treatment methods, oil-water separators, and
chemical treatment processes to remove pollutants and minimize the impact on water bodies.
3.Spill Prevention and Response Plans:
• Development and implementation of spill prevention measures, including regular inspections,
maintenance of storage tanks and pipelines, and installation of secondary containment systems.
• Establishment of emergency response plans and training programs to effectively respond to and mitigate the
impacts of oil spills on land and water environments
Mitigation Measures:-
16. •Reduced air emissions through advanced pollution control.
•Improved water management to minimize pollution.
•Enhanced spill prevention and response to protect ecosystems.
•Waste minimization and recycling to reduce environmental impact.
•Habitat restoration and conservation efforts.
•Community engagement for transparency and collaboration.
•Compliance with regulations and continuous improvement.
Mitigation Measures:-
▪ Quantification and characterization of emissions from petroleum refining industry, including Volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), Particulate matter (PM), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Carbon monoxide
(CO).
▪ Analysis of solid waste generation, such as Petroleum sludge and spent mercury cells, and their potential impacts on
soil and groundwater contamination.
Outcomes
Impact Analysis:-
17. 1. Extraction and Production: Assess the environmental impacts of extracting crude oil, including land
use changes, water consumption, and energy use. Consider the impacts of drilling, well completion, and
oil recovery techniques such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
2. Refining and Processing: Evaluate the environmental impacts of refining crude oil into petroleum
products, including energy consumption, emissions of air pollutants (e.g., sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides), and waste generation (e.g., spent catalysts, sludges).
3. Transportation and Distribution: Analyze the environmental impacts of transporting crude oil and
petroleum products, including emissions from pipelines, tankers, and trucks, as well as the risks of spills
and accidents during transportation and storage.
4. Use and End-of-Life: Assess the environmental impacts of using petroleum products, such as
emissions from combustion in vehicles or heating equipment. Consider also the end-of-life impacts,
including emissions from disposal methods such as incineration or landfilling.
This LCA can help identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts throughout the petroleum
product life cycle, such as improving extraction and refining efficiency, reducing emissions from
transportation, and promoting recycling and reuse of petroleum products.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT(LCA):-
Aplication & Discussion of EM tool:-
18. EIA REPORT
1. Project Description: Provide a detailed description of
the petroleum industry project, including the location,
scale, and activities involved, such as exploration, drilling,
refining, and distribution.
2. Impact Assessment: Evaluate potential environmental
impacts of the project, such as air and water pollution,
land use changes, biodiversity loss, and socio-
economic impacts on local communities.
3. Mitigation Measures: Propose measures to mitigate
identified impacts, such as implementing pollution control
technologies, minimizing habitat disturbance,
and providing compensation or alternative livelihoods for
affected communities.
4.Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Develop an
EMP outlining how mitigation measures will be
implemented, monitored, and enforced throughout the
project lifecycle.
. 5.Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement:
Describe the process for consulting with stakeholders,
including local communities, government agencies, and
non-governmentalorganizations, and how their feedback
has been incorporated into the EIA process.
19. ✓ Regulatory Review: Authorities assess the EIA report to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations, focusing on impacts like pollution and habitat
disturbance.
✓ Stakeholder Engagement: Engagement with local communities, environmental
groups, and government agencies informs the decision-making process and helps
address concerns.
✓ Risk Assessment: A thorough risk assessment evaluates potential environmental
and health risks, such as oil spills, guiding decision makers on mitigation measures.
✓ Decision Making: Based on the EIA report, stakeholder feedback, and regulatory
criteria, a decision is made to approve, reject, or request modifications to the
project, balancing environmental impacts with economic benefits.
Decision Making:-
20. CASE STUDY
(A case study for
environmental
impact
assessment of oil
refinery in Iran
with emphasis of
Environmental
and Social Action
Plan (ESAP))
Abstract
• Oil and gas projects contribute to industrial and economic growth, but they also have
negative environmental effects. These include water pollution, soil degradation,air
quality impact, loss of biodiversity, and irreversible damage to ecosystems.
• Integrating projects with social impact assessments reduces negative effects and
enhances positive impacts, contributing to sustainable development.
• The Tehran oil refineryservesasa case study,examiningthe socio-environmental effectsof the project.Byassessingphysical,natural,socio-economic,andcultural aspects,we evaluatebothshort-termandlong-termimpacts.
• Tehran Oil Refinery serves as a case study, examining the socio-environmental
effects of the project. By assessing physical, natural, socio-economic,and cultural
aspects, we evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts.
21. • Social learning facilitates communities with diverse and common interests to agree on
collective action to address shared problems.
• Social impact assessment involves identifying future consequences of actions on
individuals,organizations, and social systems.
• Oil explorationand industrialreliance on oil significantly alter the social and economic
landscapeof many countries, including Iran.
• Multiple and cumulative risks associatedwith oil exploration raise concerns.
• Iran's economic direction and history have been deeply influenced by oil.
• Early identificationof potential impacts allows for informed decision-making regarding
interventions.
• Oil's growing importance globally affects political, economic, and social equations.
• Oil revenues have both positive and negative effects on social groups and cultural
dynamics.
• Mismanagement of oil revenues exacerbates energy and environmental crises in Iran.
• Oil is a crucial component of internationalpower dynamics and negotiations.
• Oil can contribute to national solidarity and integration while strengthening governments.
• Iran's diverse nationaland religious makeup is balanced by strong central governance,
partly facilitated by oil revenues.
1.Introduction
22. 2.Methods & Parameters
• Model analyzes interactions of constructionand operating stages on environmental and
social parameters.
• Three general categories studied: social management, land usage, and future development
plans, considering socio-economic effects and cultural aspects.
• Elements and sociological parameters determined based on operational requirements.
• Parameters evaluated include severity, probability, importance, impact type, and
significance.
• Selected items for evaluation include severity of impact (negligible, moderate, critical,
catastrophic) and probability of impact (rare, seldom, occasional, likely, continuous).
• Impact types categorized as positive, negative, or no impact, consideringshort and long-
term effects, reversibility, and cumulative impacts.
23. 3. Process
• Environmental interactions of oil refineries studied across various units (executive, constructional,
operational, processing) and environmental parameters (physical, biological, socio-economic,
cultural).
• Major environmental impacts include gas emissions, effluents, solid wastes, noise, odor, and
visual/aesthetic impacts.
• All researches and studies about this issue entail three kinds of operations:
1)Detailed investigations and studies about environment :
The studies were conducted given refinery neighboring lands suitability
and surrounding environment and necessity to consider the soil and environment protection
by the vegetation.
2)Investigations and studies about oil refinery :
The studies were carried out given the main agents in production and interference in area oil
industry and as the major agent of oil pollution in the area. In this respect, oil refinery different
units were focused.
3)Investigations and studies about oil refinery environmental impact assessment :
Studies about oil refinery environmental impact assessment, given the diversity in crude oil
and creation of severe Environmental pollution by all oil refineries upon refinery technical
default (in all stages including design, execution and operating).
24. 3.1 Impacts on Environment
A. Air Pollution
i. Air pollution due to the refineries' operation mainly derives in operating stage according to the facilities' age
and employing processes by firing, steam boilers, furnaces, pumps, compressors, reserve tanks and
distillation towers.
ii. The most important air pollutants are sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, aldehydes, ammonia,
particles and hydrocarbons.
B. Water Pollution
i. Discharging effluents into the environment can contaminatesurface waters, soil and underground water due
to leak or oozing of raw materialsor products.
ii. Such a condition could be occurred due to tanks' or pipelines' leak.
C. Solid Wastes
i. Refineries produce noticeable amounts of solid wastes.
ii. The largest amount of solid wastes originate from cracking, coke production, sludge production and treatment
(sludge deriving from cleaning tanks), water and oil separators and effluent treatment system.
D. Ecosystem Demolition
i. In recent years, oil and gas prospecting and extraction operations imposed some damages to the marine and
land environments in the areas that are under oil industries operations due to lack of a definite description
for studying and investigating environmental impact assessmentservices.
25. 4. Results and Conclusion
• Fig 1 illustrates the gathered information on social and
environmental features within the project area.
• Aims to understand environmental, economic, social, and
cultural impacts of the project.
• Focuses on preventing negative social and environmental
consequences through effective project control.
• Construction of the oil refinery in Tehran province generates
both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• Local authorities and community input indicate low levels of
social pathologies before the industry's entry, such as drug
use, theft, and prostitution.
• Social cohesion and economic stability were maintained, with
acceptable levels of social interaction and goods price
inflation.
26. Conclusion:-
In conclusion, report for the petroleum industry provides a comprehensive
analysis of the project's potential impacts on the environment, society, and
economy. The report highlights key findings, including the identification of
significant environmental risks and proposed mitigation measures to address them.
It also evaluates the project's compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Stakeholder engagement has been an essential part of the process, with input from
local communities, environmental groups, and government agencies shaping the
assessment and recommendations. The EIA report concludes with specific
recommendations for decision-makers, emphasizing the importance of sustainable
practices and environmental protection in the petroleum industry. It also outlines
any limitations of the assessment and suggests areas for further study or
monitoring to ensure the project's long-term sustainability. Overall, the EIA report
serves as a valuable tool for informed decision-making, guiding the responsible
development of petroleum projects while minimizing environmental impact.