Irans Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar Zanganeh (file photo)[/caption]TEHRAN Feb 28(Shana)--The Minister of Petroleum Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has ordered conducting an investigation regarding oil industry operations in West Karoun Region where it is said drilling and other oil industry operations have had a negative impact on environment and it is presumed to be partly the cause of dust storm that crippled southwest of the country in recent weeks.
In pursuit of Minister of Petroleum order Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC) announced the company has started its research related to possible impact of oil industry activities in the region.
Meanwhile head of HSE division at PEDEC announced that the company has send a report on the situation of Hour-Olazim Lagoon environment, where some believe oil industry operations in it has caused drying up and formation of dust storm in the region.
Karoun is the most important river of the country in southwest of the country and a number of large oil fields of the country lie in west bank of the river near the border with Iraq.
Zanganeh in his order has said oil industry would compensate if the investigations prove that oil industry activities have been responsible for damaging the environment.
Iranian officials have also held negotiations with Iraqs officials regarding dust storm and its origins which some experts believe heads from Iraq and Syrian territories. Dams have been built in Iraq is the other factor has restricted water flow toward Hour-Olazim Lagoon.
By SHANA
