Marking Environment Week, Mohammadreza Naderi, head of HSE and Passive Defense at NISOC, praised operational and technical teams for their efforts to maintain sustainable production while protecting the environment. He said the company has increasingly relied on scientific and research-based solutions to enhance environmental performance and implement targeted HSE projects focused on reducing pollutants and mitigating environmental impacts.

Naderi said one of the projects focuses on upgrading the design, construction and operational standards of burn pits used in emergency situations involving potential oil leaks. The initiative, conducted in cooperation with the company’s HSE department and road and construction projects division, aims to improve both structural integrity and environmental performance.

According to Naderi, the project’s technical recommendations are expected to significantly reduce the risk of petroleum compound leakage while enhancing the safety and long-term reliability of these facilities.

Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil Management

He also highlighted a comprehensive soil management project designed to assess hydrocarbon contamination in operational areas. The study examines soil characteristics, contamination levels, depth and migration patterns, while evaluating various remediation methods under field conditions.

Following comparative assessments and prioritization, the project will recommend the most suitable cleanup solutions for different operational environments.

A third initiative is evaluating the effectiveness of phytoremediation in saline and highly saline soils contaminated with hydrocarbons. The project examines the potential of salt-tolerant plants, known as halophytes, to simultaneously remove petroleum hydrocarbons and other pollutants from affected soils.

Continued Efforts to Reduce Air Pollution

Naderi said NISOC has also continued efforts to curb air pollution through associated gas recovery projects, cooperation with petrochemical complexes such as Marun and Bid Boland Persian Gulf, flare gas utilization programs and skid-mounted processing projects.

Despite recent operational challenges, he said the company remains committed to managing associated gas and reducing flaring while maintaining stable oil and gas production.

“Environmental stewardship in the oil industry is not merely an administrative requirement, but a professional and ethical responsibility toward sustainable development and preserving resources for future generations,” Naderi said.