Environmental Risks in Production and Transportation of Hydrocarbons in the Caspian–Black Sea Region

Environmental risks in production and transportation of hydrocarbons in the Caspian–Black Sea Region are discussed. Natural factors include storms, ice conditions in the Northern Caspian, sea level change, surges, extreme waves, flooding of the coastal zone, earthquakes, etc. Anthropogenic factors include accidents with tankers and oil/gas platforms at sea, damages of offshore pipelines (corrosion), violations of the rules and regulations of works in the construction and repair, violation of technical specifications in the manufacture of pipes and equipment, erroneous actions of operational and maintenance personnel, criminal punches, terrorism, sabotage, etc. The laying of pipelines leads to deforestation and degradation of agricultural lands, historical sites and monuments, nature reserves, and protected areas. Oil leaks in case of damage and improper use of pipelines cause pollution of drinking water sources, lands, and residential areas; violations of the habitat of plants and animals; and heavy man-made disasters: explosions and fires, often with fatalities. Some examples of offshore accidents in the oil and gas industry of the Caspian Sea are discussed.