According to Ilam Gas Refining Company, CEO Rouhollah Nourian said short- and long-term programs, including the regular transfer of products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethane and gas condensates to the Ilam Petrochemical Complex, have prevented the release of significant volumes of gas.

Nourian said that as part of major overhauls and process-optimization plans, sulfur recovery units have been redesigned and reloaded with catalysts, reducing emissions of pollutants and tail gas. He added that using flare gas from amine units as fuel for incinerators has been an effective step in curbing excess emissions. By addressing temperature issues stemming from the original design and climate changes, the refinery has prevented the flaring of at least 1 million cubic meters of gas per day during the warm season.

The CEO said long-term measures and fundamental corrections are also underway, including the design and construction of new process equipment such as heat exchangers. Once installed and commissioned during next year’s major overhaul, these upgrades will fully halt unintended gas flaring during the warm season.

Nourian also highlighted key environmental actions, including the complete halt of water withdrawal from conventional wells in the Ivan area and the use of nonconventional water sources. He said more than 95% of effluent from the industrial wastewater treatment plant is recycled and reused for firefighting systems and green space irrigation.

He reported 70% progress on a project to drill groundwater monitoring wells at the refinery site, calling it a vital step for protecting water resources and continuously monitoring groundwater quality in the region.

Nourian added that under the refinery’s special waste disposal program, more than 300 metric tons of waste amine and over 23 metric tons of special and industrial waste have been sent to Environment Department–approved companies for proper disposal.