EAD, ADNOC renew commitment to improve air quality in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 17th February, 2016 (WAM) -- The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, EAD, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, have renewed their commitment to work together for the improvement of air quality control in Abu Dhabi by officially signing a terms of reference document. The document sets out a framework for collaboration on data exchange and the preservation of air quality through the use of all means available to both parties. The document is a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding that EAD signed with ADNOC in 2012 to strengthen collaboration on the preservation of the environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and to contribute to the leadership’s vision through a set of environmental initiatives. Bakheet Salem Al Ameri, Manager of the Health, Safety and Environment Division at ADNOC, and Shaikha Al Hosani, Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Quality at EAD, were signatories to the terms of reference document. The terms of reference set procedures for electronic linking (e-Linking) of the central databases for air quality monitoring networks owned by both parties. In addition to outlining processes, the terms also included the development of a detailed schedule agreed by experts from both parties to complete the e-Link within a specified period of time. The terms define that the e-Linking project will see the database being updated every hour at the ADNOC monitoring stations in Al Mubarraz Island, Sas Al Nakhl Island, Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Liwa, Asab and at any future stations to fall under this agreement. EAD had recently announced the completion of phase 1 of the e-Linking project at a meeting it with its strategic partners from government entities that operate air quality monitoring stations on both the local and federal levels. Al Ameri said, "This e-Linking is in-line with ADNOC's vision that ensures its commitment in contributing to the comprehensive sustainable development plan of the emirate. ADNOC takes a leading part in the tangible efforts and collaborations by all stakeholders in consolidating initiatives and available resources for the protection of the environment. As per ADNOC strategic objectives on Health, Safety and Environment, HSE, a network of eight ambient air quality stations (AQMS) was established in 2007 and were positioned in the close proximity of its major oil and gas operational facilities in the emirate, seven of which are fixed and one mobile. Recently, in 2015, this network was expanded with the addition of five new AQMS stations, three of which are fixed and two are mobile. This addition will enable the assessment and monitoring of new pollutants in addition to the existing monitoring of criteria air pollutants, namely particulate matter of 2.5 micron in size (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds, ammonia, noise pollution, and atmospheric pressure." Mr. Al Ameri continued, "ADNOC is proud of its leading role in contributing to Abu Dhabi Vision, which is to guarantee a sustainable and robust supply of energy to support the sustainable development of the country. This is achieved by implementing safe operational and environmental protection procedures, through the use of clean technologies that enhances resources and operational efficiency, and environmental performance. Shaikha Al Hosani said, "EAD is contributing to the sustainable development of the emirate in line with our leadership’s vision through the collaboration with partners on strategic initiatives to improve air quality. Through such initiatives, we aim to consolidate efforts and do this through capacity integration and knowledge exchange to better support the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water in developing policies and regulations to improve air quality across the UAE." EAD successfully completed the first phase of linking air quality networks with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, ADWEA, ZonesCorp, National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, NCMS, and Dubai Municipality. Additionally, e-Linking with federal entities including the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, NCMS, the Dubai Municipality, was also completed in support of MoEW’s efforts to oversee the UAE e-Linking initiative. She also emphasised that the maintenance of an up-to-date and accurate central database of information on air quality allows EAD to make science-based recommendations to better inform the decision making process. Furthermore, this step contributes to the future development of joint standards on air quality control and standardisation processes for the monitoring stations. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395291657158.html