The Sohraab Field license was officially issued after expert reviews. Nasrollah Zarei, CEO of the Engineering and Development of Oil Company, addressed this issue at the symposium on the protection and restoration of the Hoor al-Azim wetland, stating that the issuance of this license took about five years and during this time it was revised and amended nine times.
Details of the Sohraab Field License
Zarei added: "The issued license consists of 38 pages and includes specific indicators, requirements, and commitments that must be adhered to. Furthermore, the Department of Environment has been alongside us since the beginning of this process." He emphasized that the oil industry will not undertake any actions without the license from the Department of Environment, and the issuance of this license was based on ecological laws and considerations.
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The CEO of the Engineering and Development of Oil Company clarified that this license is the result of two years of study and the use of consultants' and experts' opinions. Zarei also referred to the activities carried out in the Hoor al-Azim area after the flood of 2019, stating that since then, no new pads or roads have been created in this area.
The Importance of Dialogue and Expertise in Solving Hoor al-Azim Issues
Zarei emphasized the importance of resolving issues related to Hoor al-Azim through dialogue and expertise, adding that this matter, even if it requires more time, should proceed based on expert studies. He has also stressed in the Supreme National Security Council that the license or capacity of a specific entity should not be used to expedite the matter.
The CEO of the Engineering and Development of Oil Company further referred to the role of water structures in preserving the water of Hoor al-Azim, stating: "It should be transparently determined based on numbers, maps, and calculations what would have happened to the water that has entered the wetland so far if these structures did not exist."
He also mentioned Reservoir No. 5, stating that this reservoir was filled in 2019, but dried up in August of that year due to evaporation. Zarei added: "Our goal is to provide accurate information about the amount of preserved water and the role of these structures in the wetland."
Social Responsibility and Local Employment
Zarei also referred to the issue of social responsibility in the region, stating that efforts have been made to pursue this matter in a regulated manner. He also announced scientific and expert studies in collaboration with Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, and the results of these studies have been compiled into a book titled Priorities of the Azadegan Plain and Operational Area.
The CEO of the Engineering and Development of Oil Company regarding the employment of local forces stated that 81% of the workforce in the West Karun fields consists of local personnel, and this company is committed to maximizing the use of these forces in recruitment. Zarei emphasized that recruitment should be based on a specific mechanism and prioritize educated and capable local personnel.
Finally, Zarei announced that in expert meetings, details of the issue, including areas and water inflow rates, have been examined and presented accurately, and the oil industry is also prepared for managing incidents in Hoor al-Azim.
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