Advantage and Hazard to the Environment from Construction and Operation of Underground Gas Storage Facilities

The paper describes positive and negative aspects of the basic UGS facilities’ impact on the environment using the results of the study of ecologically hazardous factors on the UGS operation areas. On the basis of results of ecological investigations at Russian underground gas storages that have been recently carried out a comprehensive estimation of UGS impact on the environment was given and ecological characteristics of surface fuel-consuming equipment and the processes of pollutant distribution from emission sources were studied. A few natural and technogenic zones with increased normative indices for pollutants related to UGS operation are of limited character. Location of zones with negative ecological effect requires constant ecological monitoring. Recovery of ecosystems and achievement of UGS environmental stability are based on a system of effective environmental measures that has been developed on the basis of accumulated research experience. Timely making of recommended environmental, technical and administrative decisions will eliminate negative impacts and improve ecological reliability of storages. It is shown that UGS ecological situation in Russia is in general positive and meets safety and reliability targets.