Developing an environmental management approach to Libya's upstream petroleum industry.

Concern about environmental impacts of the upstream oil and gas industry in Libya, which is an essential part of the national economy, is increasing following more intensive development of the country's petroleum reserves. The petroleum industry recognises that potential environmental impacts and consequences are associated with their exploration and production activities.This thesis seeks to examine the environmental impacts and performance of the upstream oil and gas industry in Libya in order to establish an efficient environmental management approach to this important industry sector. The current environmental management approach to dealing with the environmental impacts of the Libyan upstream oil and gas industry is investigated. The research investigates the implementation of and compliance with environmental regulations. The research also investigates whether the Libyan National Oil Corporation (LNOC's) recently established environmental department and the Environment general Authority (EGA) can be regarded as competent bodies in dealing with environmental issues. Management of the petroleum sector is also reviewed, especially the relationship between the LNOC and its subsidiaries. In addition, the effect of sanctions, which were imposed upon the country for more than a decade, on the environmental performance of the oil and gas industry is investigated. The research comes to conclusions and makes recommendations for environmental management of the Libyan oil and gas industry sector. These include recommendations about implementation of the existing environmental regulations. The environmental policies and management systems adopted by the industry should be greatly influenced by this work.