Bongkot Floating Storage and Offloading Facility Mercury Contaminated Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

摘要

Mercury occurs, sometimes, naturally in the reservoirs thatrnproduce hydrocarbon products (gas, condensate and oil).rnElemental mercury and the compounds of mercury are present,rnin small quantities, in the gas and condensate produced fromrnthe Bongkot Field that is operated by PTT Exploration andrnProduction Public Company Limited. As a result manyrnsections of the process facilities may become contaminatedrnwith a sludge that contains small amounts of mercury andrnits compounds.rnMercury is a toxic substance that can cause acute or chronicrneffects depending upon the exposure pattern and can also enterrnthe biological food chain. Risk of exposure to mercury mustrntherefore be strictly controlled and wastes contaminated withrnmercury disposed of in the appropriate manner. The impact onrnthe environment must be minimized, consistant with nationalrnregulation and international best practice.rnMercury is characterized by a great affinity to organic matter,rnand thus can become biomagnified in the marine food chain.rnOne unit of concentration in water can lead to 106 units inrnfish. Thus species at the top of the food chain (includingrnhumans) may be susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury.rnIn order to prevent personnel exposure written procedures arernin place, periodically reviewed and updated as necessary.rnPersonnel are made familiar with the procedures throughrntraining sessions and information. A medical surveillancernprogram is in place for all personnel who may be exposedrnto mercury.