AIOC Early Oil Project, Caspian Sea and Black Sea region, Azerbaijan & Georgia
AATA served as the principal environmental auditor for EBRD and International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group for the Initial and Completion Audits of the Azerbaijan International Oil Company Early Oil Project, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Performed initial environmental review and completion audit for USD$14B oil project, which included Chirag offshore platform, undersea pipelines, Sangachal and Supsa terminals, and two major oil pipelines (northern and western routes). Inspected all major facilities and prepared summary completion report according to EBRD and World Bank requirements. Provided Completion certificate for compliance with all local, national, and international environmental requirements and standard industry practices. EBRD/IFC, UK and USA.
TengizChevroil Projects, Kazakhstan
Expert Witness Testimony Support - Sulfur Storage Litigation
AATA International, Inc. and our local branch, AATA Kazakhstan, provided expert witness testimony support to TengizChevroil in the litigation involving sulfur storage at TCO facilities at the Tengiz operations. The government of Kazakhstan charged TCO with a US$73MM lawsuit claiming all types of environmental, health, and safety damages. AATA Kazakhstan manager Ms. Svetlana Lebedeva served as the principal TCO technical witness to challenge regulatory precedents with support from Viktor Raykin and John Aronson, along with local AATA Kazakhstan staff. After a series of 5 court appearances and proceedings, the case was settled for US$7MM, a total of US$66M less than originally sought. The expert witness testimony included technical health, safety, and environmental analysis as well as regulatory analysis and interpretation by AATA Kazakhstan. Mr. John Miller was the lead attorney for TCO on the case and serves as a professional reference.
Technical Scheme for the Full Field Development
AATA managed preparation and permitting efforts of the Tengiz full field development (the Technical Scheme) to increase the production up to 32-36 million metric tons of oil per year and over 300 billion of cubic feet of gas annually through a series of carefully planned operational expansions over the next 10 years. The Technical Scheme operating plan encompasses the SGI/SGP planned field expansion. The EHS support for the Technical Scheme included an assessment of impacts and current baseline conditions, current environmental protection measures, an overview of ongoing monitoring programs, and an assessment of emergency response programs.
Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment
AATA served as principal environmental management consultant to TengizChevroil and ChevronTexaco in preparation of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment for the large TCO project, Kazakhstan. On-site field surveys, literature reviews, data compilation, analysis, and strategic environmental impact assessment were carried out using a modified Delphi panel approach. An SEIA website was developed.
Bakyrchik Gold Project, Kazakhstan
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the large-scale Western/Kazakh joint-venture gold mining and ore processing project in Kazakhstan. AATA organized a local environmental team using specialists from research institutes and consulting firms in Kazakhstan. Completed baseline environmental studies. Provided technology transfer and training to local specialists. Completed the environmental documentation necessary for successful permitting of the project, including the Kazakh Environmental Analysis Report (OVOS). Achieved Oblast- and Republic-level approval for the project.
Completed the comparative analysis of the Western and Kazakh environmental standards and regulations to assist the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan in reforming the environmental regulations.
Served as the chief environmental liaison with the leading Kazakh scientific and regulatory authorities during technical tours of underground mines in Canada, which used the state-of-the-art paste backfill techniques, and the most advanced ore roasting facilities in Australia. Bakyrchik Gold Company, Kazakhstan.
Betpak Dala Project, Kazakhstan
Directed environmental due diligence analysis of the large license territory occupied by the top-secret Russian military units involved in large-scale anti-ballistic missile testing operations. This task included a comprehensive literature review, satellite imagery analysis, site inspection, and interviews with local experts, regulatory authorities, and military officials. Confidential Client, Kazakhstan.
Inkai Uranium Project, Kazakhstan
AATA served as the principal environmental management consultant and EIA (OVOS) manager for the JV Inkai project, an in situ uranium mining project located in central Kazakhstan. Field and laboratory baseline studies were performed by a combined international and Kazakh technical team organized and managed by AATA Kazakhstan. Three dimensional groundwater modeling was conducted by GeoLink, a high tech Russian modeling consultancy in Moscow under the direction of Viktor Raykin, AATA FSU Coordinator and geohydrologist. Radiological studies were supported by Drs. Robert Meyer and Jan Johnson of Shepherd Miller, USA. JV Inkai, Kazakhstan/Cameco Corporation, Canada.
Naimanjal Gold Project, Semipalatinskiy Polygon, Kazakhstan
AATA served as the environmental consultant for the Western/Kazakh joint venture gold mining and ore processing project. The project site is located within a major nuclear testing area (Semipalatinsk Polygon) where the Soviet military conducted the majority of its nuclear testing between 1949 and 1989. Organized a local environmental team of experts from academic institutes and consulting firms in Kazakhstan. Completed environmental assessment for a Feasibility Study. Frontier Mining Limited, Kazakhstan.
Shaimerden Zinc-Lead Project, Kazakhstan
AATA served as the environmental management and contracting contractor for the Western/Kazakh joint venture zinc-lead mining project. Organized a local environmental team of experts from academic institutes and consulting firms in Kazakhstan. Completed baseline environmental studies. Provided technology transfer and training to local specialists. Completed the environmental documentation necessary for successful permitting and financing of the project, including the Kazakh Environmental Analysis Report (OVOS) and the Western-style Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Achieved Oblast- and Republic-level approvals for the project. ENNEX International, plc., Dublin, Ireland and Kazakhstan.
Varvarinskoye Gold-Copper Project, Kazakhstan
AATA served as the environmental management contractor for the Western/Kazakh joint venture gold-copper mining and ore processing project. Organized a local environmental team of experts from academic institutes and consulting firms in Kazakhstan. Completed baseline environmental studies. Provided technology transfer and training to local specialists. Completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the bankable feasibility study. KazMinCo, Kazakhstan.
Sakhalin II Onshore Environmental Management Program, Sakhalin Island, Russia
AATA International, Inc. serves as the Health, Safety, Environment, and Security Integrated Service Provider (HSES ISP) for Russian content, working as an integral member of the Royal Haskoning HSES ISP team working directly for Shell and Sakhalin Energy Investment Company.
AATA served as the principal international onshore manager and coordinator for the Sakhalin II project when Marathon Oil Company was involved (1998-1999), and, as such, has developed a deep understanding of the project and the environmental challenges of the entire project area. This project included over 500-mile-long oil and gas on-shore pipelines, pumping and compressor stations, production facilities, and oil and gas terminal. AATA organized and managed environmental team of over 65 Russian experts from academic institutes and consulting firms from Sakhalin Island, Moscow, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Magadan, and other regions in the Russian Far East to conduct environmental baseline studies in the region, representing the top specialists in water quality, meteorology, fisheries, vegetation and wildlife, socio-economics, and archeological/cultural resources. Served as a liaison between the client and local regulatory and government agencies.
Orenburg Field Development Program, Russia
AATA performed an Environmental Impact Assessment for the Eastern Orenburg Field Development Program for submission to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). The project was completed successfully in 7 weeks from start to finish, AATA’s most rapid performance on a major EIA effort. Remote sensing analysis using LANDSAT-TM data was used to supplement field observations and measurements. Achieved the OPIC approval for the project financing. JSC Stimul/Avalon International, LLC, Russia. This project was considered for financing by EBRD for the new company ownership in 2001 and the entire EIA was updated for the OPIC review and approval. Victory Oil, USA.
Sakhalin IV/V - Environmental Due Diligence Review, Sakhalin Island, Russia
AATA reviewed the available environmental information for two oil and gas lease areas offshore Sakhalin Island, Russia. AATA prepared a summary of the available information that included a baseline survey and OVOS (EIA) for a previous offshore exploration well. The task also included a comprehensive review of the Russian environmental regulations. The information needed for a Production Sharing Agreement and EIA was identified, and gaps in the existing information were identified and described along with a data acquisition program. BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd., UK/Continental Shelf Associates, USA.
Sakhalin V - Marine Biology and Fisheries Study, Sakhalin Island, Russia
AATA prepared a desktop study report that summarized the marine mammals and fisheries information for the Sakhalin V oil and gas concession area offshore Sakhalin Island, Russia. Extensive Russian and Western data and literature for the area were collected and summarized. The report was used in part to evaluate the potential impacts of seismic operations in the area. BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd., UK/Continental Shelf Associates, USA.
Baimaclia/Victorovka Gas Fields Project, Moldova
Evaluated baseline environmental conditions in the gas field region. Organized a local environmental team from academic and research institutes in Moldova. Completed baseline environmental studies. Provided technology transfer and training to local specialists. Completed an EIA document. Achieved the OPIC approval for the project financing. Redeco International, Oklahoma City, OK, Costilla Energy, Midland, Texas, USA.
Valeni Oil Field Project, Moldova
Evaluated baseline environmental conditions in the oil reserves region located in an ecologically sensitive nature preserve area located in a flood plain of a major European river. Organized a local environmental team from academic and research institutes in Moldova. Completed baseline environmental studies. Provided technology transfer and training to local specialists. Completed an EIA document. Redeco International, Oklahoma City, OK, Costilla Energy Midland, Texas, USA.
Mereya Graving Dock Construction, Sakhalin Island, Russia
AATA served as the environmental permitting contractor for the Western/Russian joint venture construction company. Developed initial assessment of the baseline environmental conditions for the 3 alternative sites in a near-shore wetland area. Developed the environmental documentation required by the local regulators to initiate the permitting process for the graving dock. Achieved the local level approval to start construction at the area most suitable for the graving dock construction. Dillingham Construction Company, Sakhalin Island, Russia.
EBRD Environmental Audit of Placer Mining, Russia
AATA serves as the principal environmental consultancy for the EBRD to perform comprehensive environmental audits and studies of the alluvial gold mining industry in Russia including large-scale gold producing companies, artels, and refineries located throughout the Urals region, Siberia, Sakha Republic, and the Russian Far East. The survey also includes development of the Environmental Action Plans (EAP) for each company audited, and will result in EBRD financing of the Russian gold mining companies that operated in accordance with sound technical and environmental standards. European Bank For Reconstruction and Development, London, UK.
Aginskoye Gold Project, Russia
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the Aginskoye gold mining project located near Milkovo on the Kamchatka peninsula of the Russian Far East. Conducted winter and summer environmental surveys, including local fisheries and water quality investigations. Completed Environmental Analysis Report (OVOS), achieving Oblast-level and Moscow-level approval. Organized team of local specialists to assist in the Expertiza process. Performed detailed limnological and fisheries investigations of the Aga Creek, Kopylye River, and Kopylye Lake, including remote, unattended monitoring of pH, Conductivity, Depth, Temperature, and Turbidity using modern CR10X datalogger coupled with YSI 6820 water quality sonde (system integration and programming by AATA). ASARCO/Kinross Gold USA.
Buryatzoloto Gold Project
AATA International, Inc., in close association with the Colorado School of Mines, is providing Environmental, Health, Safety, and Social Monitoring of the Zun Holba and Irokinda gold mining projects for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), London and Moscow. AATA conducts onsite inspections of the gold mines and mills in Buryatia, Russian Federation. AATA meets with regulatory agencies, investigates HSES activities at the sites, and reports to EBRD on a regular basis. Preventative safety measures are recommended, along with advanced environmental management and training. This project is performed in Buryatia, the republic that contains Lake Baikal, and is headquartered in Ulan Ude. EBRD, UK and Russia; Buryatzoloto, Russia.
Dukat Silver Project, Russia
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for this large silver mining project in the Russian Far East. AATA was responsible for all environmental coordination, preparation of EIA and OVOS documents, bank liaison with International Finance Corporation (IFC), monitoring, modeling, and permitting. Pan American Silver Company/Dukat Mining, Magadan, Russia.
Julietta Gold Project, Russia
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the gold mining project located near Omsukchan, Magadan Oblast, Russian Far East. Completing the Expertiza environmental permitting process. Conducted environmental baseline studies and Environmental Analysis Report (OVOS) in support of Expertiza permitting. Field investigations included disciplines of botany, hydrology, geology, chemistry, mammology, ichthyology, ornithology, reclamation, and hydrobiology. MPH Consulting and Julietta Gold Mining, Magadan, Russia.
Kubaka Gold Project, Russia
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the first Western/Russian joint-venture gold mining project in the Magadan Oblast, Russian Far East. Responsible for the management of the “Expertiza” environmental permitting process, environmental monitoring, and compliance planning. Organized a local environmental team using specialists from local research institutes. Completed baseline environmental monitoring programs. Installed, operated, and maintained high-tech meteorological and hydrological monitoring stations. Provided technology transfer and training to local specialists. Completed the environmental documentation necessary for successful permitting of the project, including the Russian Environmental Analysis Report (OVOS). Achieved Oblast-level and Moscow-level Expertiza approval for the project. Cyprus Amax Minerals/Amax Gold/Omolon Gold Mining Company, Magadan, Russia.
Kuranakh Gold Project, Sakha Republic, Russia
AATA serves as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the Western/Russian joint venture gold mining and heap leach project. Conducted a comprehensive environmental audit of the local gold mining and processing company called “Aldanzoloto.” Organized a local environmental team of experts from academic institutes and consulting firms in Siberia and other regions in the Russian Far East to conduct environmental baseline studies in the region with over 70 years of extensive gold mining/processing operations. Conducted comprehensive aquatic sampling and local stream gauging as a part of environmental baseline studies and water quality monitoring. Developed preliminary strategies for regulatory approval and permitting of joint venture activities with regional and Republic‑level environmental agencies. Echo Bay Mines/Confidential Client, Sakha Republic, Russia.
Kyuchus Gold Project, Sakha Republic, Russia
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the Western/Russian joint venture gold mining project. Completed preliminary environmental site investigation and analysis, and permitting strategy development. Western Pinnacle Mining and Partners, Sakha Republic, Russia.
Pokrovskoye Gold Project, Russia
AATA served as environmental management contractor for the feasibility phase environmental investigations of the Pokrovka Gold prospect near Tygda, Amur Oblast, Russian Far East. Conducted two field investigations of local physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the mine site. Assessed baseline water quality, local fisheries, plants, and wildlife of the area. Completed Environmental Analysis Report (OVOS) for the project, and performed liaison with International Finance Corporation. Hambros Bank/Homestake Mining Company/Minproc, Russia.
Shkolnoye Gold Project, Russia
AATA served as the principal environmental management and permitting contractor for the Western/Russian joint-venture gold mining project in the Magadan Oblast, Russian Far East. Installed a state-of-the-art meteorological station at the site to determine local meteorological conditions in support of a Western bank feasibility study. Worked with Russian specialists to quantify baseline conditions, which were used in an Environmental Impact Assessment. Conducted baseline studies and completed Western-style environmental impact assessment (submitted to IFC), and received OVOS approvals at the Oblast-level. Additionally, AATA completed the Public Consultation/Public Disclosure requirements for this project, which included hearings and meetings with the project proponents, Ten'ke Regional Administrator, and the public. RUX Resources/Bharti Engineering, Toronto, Canada, and Russia.
Vorontsovka Gold Project, Russia
Principal environmental consultants on initial pre-feasibility study of potential open pit gold mine and cyanidation mill in technically challenging terrain (limestone geology with abundant surface and groundwater). Reviewed existing information and defined overall strategies for project development. Cyprus Amax Minerals Company, Denver, CO.
Chernobyl Watershed Management Project, Ukraine & Belarus
AATA International, Inc. served as key participant of the Colorado Consortium, a multidisciplinary environmental engineering team tasked with evaluation of the long-term effects of the Chernobyl accident on the ecology of Belarus. Conducted literature and site reviews and served as principal watershed management consultant. US Government/Belarus Initiative, Ukraine and Belarus.
Port Study, Odessa, Ukraine
Client representative for coordination of Russian subcontractors for environmental study for a sulfur storage and loadout facility, Odessa, Ukraine. Performed aquatic studies, and air quality monitoring, and acted as regulatory liaison. Russian cooperating agencies include International Fuel and Power Association (Moscow), Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas (InBYUM, Odessa), Odessa Gidromet. Permit approvals for sulfur storage and loadout facility were obtained. Freeport McMoRan, Inc., Ukraine.
