Environmental catastrophe threatens Ahwaz due to gas flaring and oil leaks

The General Directorate for Environmental Protection in Ahwaz has issued a stern warning to the Southern Oil Fields Company, holding it responsible for the alarming rise in air, soil, and water pollution across the region.

This warning comes after the detection of a significant increase in gas flaring, ruptured oil pipelines, and the leakage of pollutants.

According to the Directorate, “The sharp increase in gas flaring in oil fields in Ahwaz, particularly around the capital city, along with the recent rupture of crude oil transport lines in the Marun area near Al-Moatamediya, has led to severe contamination of the air, soil, and water resources. This poses a serious threat to public health and gravely damages the region’s natural ecosystems.”

Immediate Environmental Demands on the Company

Based on the company’s legal responsibility for environmental protection and in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law, the Directorate has called for the following:

An immediate and structured reduction in flaring operations in active oil fields;

Submission of a documented report detailing the corrective measures taken within a maximum of 10 working days;

A comprehensive review of the security of crude oil transport pipelines;

Urgent repairs of vulnerable points prone to leakage or rupture;

Immediate action to mitigate and compensate for the environmental damage caused in the affected areas.

Ongoing Monitoring and Coordination

The statement emphasized the need for full coordination with the Environmental Protection Directorate in Ahwaz to ensure continuous environmental monitoring and the sharing of data related to exhaust gases, pollution levels, and preventive measures.

The Directorate warned that “in the absence of effective and immediate action, and if the current situation continues, this office will be compelled to pursue the matter through the relevant legal and judicial authorities.”