Following its program to gradually reduce environmental impact, Surgutneftegas invested over RUR 12 bn in nature conservation during the last three years. The money was spent on introduction of nature-conserving and resource-saving technologies, environmental pollution prevention and sustainable use of natural resources. To this end, in 2002 the Company’s costs totaled RUR 4.443 bn, and it is planning to spend another RUR 5.097 bn in the current year.

The bulk of investments went to the following:

-commercial water and waste utilization (RUR 1.622 bn in 2001, RUR 2.055 bn in 2002);

- construction of nature conservation facilities (RUR 1.405 bn in 2001, RUR 742 mn in 2002);

- pipeline repair and replacement (RUR 559 mn in 2001, RUR 1.087 bn in 2002).

This year we are planning to expand our nature conservation activities in the above areas. Investments in commercial water and waste utilization are to total RUR 2.185 bn, investments in construction of nature conservation facilities will reach RUR 1.588 bn, while investments in pipeline repair and replacement are to amount to RUR 974 mn.

In 2003, we intend to spend about RUR 35 mn for nature bodies and industrial facilities monitoring. The Company’s central base laboratory for eco-analytic and technological studies is one of the largest laboratories in the industry. Now the laboratory is accredited to conduct research on 374 criteria, including 88 criteria for air monitoring alone.

To better protect air from hazardous emissions, the Company has significantly increased its investments in construction of air protection facilities: 2003 will see RUR 1.488 bn spent for this purpose.

Press service of OJSC “Surgutneftegas”