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Article

20 Oct 2012

Author:
Makhambet Khakimov, Kaspi Tabigaty

[DOC] Well “Tengiz-37” is a 21st century bomb [Kazakhstan]

[Title and summary translation from Russian provided by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre] The consequences of the 1985 accident at well 37 in the Tengiz oil field were unprecedented. Burning oil and gas erupted from the earth’s depths leading to a spill of approximately 50 km in width. There was a huge negative environmental impact on the area within a radius of 400 km and the morbidity rate in the neighbouring Atyrau province of Kazakhstan increased to 50%. It took a year to extinguish the fire and the Well still remains dangerously explosive. It is feared that movements deep underground Tengiz may result in another large explosion 25-30 years after the original disaster that will endanger local people living in the Zhylyoisk region. Recommendations made by the USSR’s Ministry of Oil & Gas Industry in 1986 to prevent explosions were never implemented. At this stage, the condition of Well Tengiz-37 has been kept secret. TCO, Exxon Mobil, KazMunaiGaz, LukArco are all actively extracting oil and gas in Tengiz. However, they are more concerned about profit maximization than the prevention of another explosion. [also refers to Embaneft, Embamunai, TengizMunaiGaz, Chevron] [The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Tengizchevroil to respond. Tengizchevroil's response is below.]