Towards Sustainable Waste Management in the Sudanese Oil Industry - : a case study of Petrodar Operating Co.

Abstract: Proper management of different waste streams generated in conjunction with oil Exploration and Production (E&P) activities in Sudan is a major challenge for Petrodar Operating Company (PDOC) inter alia. PDOC generates a range of waste streams that are expected to significantly increase especially during and after the planned expansions. Therefore, there is a growing need for establishing an Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) through a systematic approach for enhancing the attempts to redirect PDOC’s efforts towards realizing its commitment to best HSE standards. This study introduces the composition of an Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) that incorporates better strategies and practices that particularly suit the case of PDOC’s Central Processing Facilities (CPF) (Al-Jabalayn site), Sudan in accordance with the Waste Management Hierarchy. In the first part; mainly the qualitative characterization of the past, current and the near-future situation at Al-Jabalayn site in terms of waste management strategies and practices are all described and analyzed, followed by the creation of a “waste inventory”. Accordingly the elements of a recommended set of appropriate waste management strategies and practices are identified in order to form a framework of an Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) that particularly fits the case of Al-Jabalayn site and its operating circumstances. The model framework that has been suggested based on this case study can be promoted, replicated and applied to similar Sudanese E&P sites; operating under same conditions. The adoption of such an approach shall pave the way to diminish the gap between the current situation and the most possible sustainable waste management system in the sector.