Design and consultancy firm Arcadis has just announced that it will work with Al Hosn Gas to develop the Hail and Ghasha gas fields. Arcadis will support Al Hosn’s efforts by performing health, safety, and environmental impact assessment (HSEIA) studies. The development of the two fields is said to be one of the largest oil & gas projects currently underway in the UAE. Planning is already underway to create several artificial islands, which will enable Al Hosn to develop the sites, with the goal of producing and transferring gas and condensate from both fields. Arcadis will deliver a wide array of environmental consultancy services, including the oversight and project management of all the environmental baseline surveys being carried out, all the reporting and coordination between ADNOC and the Environmental Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD), as well as submitting the final HSEIA report on the project. The fields are in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO protected area, which is home to important habitats including seagrass beds, coral reef communities, macro-algae outcrop and mangrove vegetation. The reserve also provides a shelter and feeding ground for several vulnerable species. Arcadis says it’s crucial that the environmental impact of the development is fully understood right from the off, so that potential risks can be mitigated in advance of construction. “Developing the sour gas fields on Hail and Ghasha islands will help to improve quality of life by providing the people of the UAE with greater energy security. However, their location within an environmentally protected area means that thorough due diligence is required to make sure the development does not disrupt these natural habitats. It is great news that we are involved in the decision-making process and our aim is to deliver exceptional outcomes for both our client and the environment,” explained David Bunyan, Environment business director, Arcadis. The gas and condensate that will be extracted from the fields will help support the rising demand for power within the UAE. The project is also expected to deliver an economic boost to the country, and cement the UAE’s position as a hub in sour gas development and sulphur management.