"Complex ecological examination of
Naftna industrija Srbije (NIS) production facilities"
- EnvironNIS -

The project team, consisting of 20+ international and local experts for environment, health and safety issues, has started the work in July 2010 and successfully completed the project in four phases, in January 2011 when final reports were submitted. Reports were prepared in two languages (English and Serbian) for each of the 12 facilities which were the subject of ecological assessment. That  makes 24 reports with about 2500 pages. The reports contain description of actual environmental status (soil, groundwater, waste water and air), evaluation of EHS management, as well as assessment of potential environmental risks and proposals for corrective measures.

The results of the study were presented at the press conference on March 17, 2011 in the Serbian Government’s press room, Nemanjina 11 in Belgrade and praised as "one of the best and the most comprehensive studies, ever performed in Serbia". 

The project activities have started with a throughout analysis of existing data from previous studies and investigations of soil, air, groundwater and wastewater status, as well as data from regular monitoring conducted by NIS, data on the current HSE management system, information on waste productions and waste management in general. Review of the input data has included relevant EU regulation and Serbian laws and regulation in the respective fields as well.

The analysis of input data was supported with the intensive audits carried out at 12 locations and covering environment, health and safety issues. These audits have allowed determining general environmental status of the facilities, identifying evidences of contamination and reviewing the adequacy and efficiency of the EHS management systems implemented at different levels in the company.

Based on the results of the data analysis and the outcomes of the site audits, the plan for further site investigation (soil and ground water, about 70 borings) was prepared, agreed with NIS in relation to drilling methodology to be used, numbers and types of samples to be collected. Samples were collected and tested in accredited laboratories. The results of these testing together with results of other investigation activities conducted in relation to air pollution, waste water and waste management allowed identifying the status of considered media and potential risks. A number of corrective / mitigation actions, which have been considered by the project team as suitable and efficient for improvement the environmental conditions and the environmental management, were recommended for each facility.

Actions proposed by the project were reviewed and accepted first by the top management of NIS and Gazprom Neft , then by the Serbian competent authorities since they were considered as a base for preparation of action plans for NIS facilities involved.