Boysun gas field crisis: Efforts underway to contain high-pressure gas leak, minor poisoning cases reported

On September 11, the Ministry of Emergency Situations held a press conference on preparations for the autumn-winter season. During the event, officials were asked about the situation at the Boysun gas field and the impact on the local population.

“After the release of the toxic hydrogen sulfide gas at the Boysun gas field, officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Energy and local authorities, visited the site. The ministry initially stated that there was no cause for alarm, but numerous complaints have been received from the public regarding the difficulties they are facing. How does the ministry assess the situation, and what recommendations do you have for protecting public health?” asked a Gazeta.uz reporter.

Samandar Hikmatullaev, Deputy Head of the Ministry's press service, responded to the question.

“Today, a lot of information is circulating on social media and in the media about the situation in Boysun. Let me first provide a geological perspective. In our country, gas fields are primarily located in plains and foothill areas. Oil and gas fields typically exist between two layers, and since these layers prevent gas from escaping, gas accumulates in these areas. Various types of gases are present, not just methane. During drilling, when a high-pressure layer is breached, gas begins to escape under pressure. This has occurred both globally and in our country, sometimes resulting in major fires or explosions.

After the high-pressure layer at the M25 field was breached, gas began to escape. In addition to methane, sulfur gases are also present at this site. In facilities that process gas, these gases are typically separated and prevented from being released into the environment. However, this field is still in the process of being developed.

On September 1, when the gas began to escape, several nearby villages were evacuated, and the population was relocated. The direction of the wind affects where the gas travels, and since this is a foothill area, the wind can blow from different directions.

Currently, additional shafts are being drilled near the gas field to release the gas. Since the gas is harmful, it is being burned off to minimize its impact on the population and the environment. This is a common practice worldwide.

A government commission has been formed to manage the containment and compression of the gas, and work is underway. The main organization handling the issue is ‘Uzbekenergo.’ A headquarters has been established in cooperation with the commission, and measures to protect the population have been implemented immediately following directives from the country’s leadership.

However, some residents, concerned about their homes or livestock, have returned to the evacuated areas. At present, there have been no cases of mass poisoning. That said, we are aware of some individuals who have returned to check on their homes and livestock and have experienced mild intoxication. These cases have been quickly treated by medical professionals. For instance, some women who were poisoned a few days ago received the necessary medical care and have since resumed their normal activities. So, such incidents have occurred.

We are also studying international experience in managing such situations. The gas leak will be contained in the coming days,” said Samandar Hikmatullaev.

In response to a follow-up question about how long it would take to stop the gas leak, Hikmatullaev said it would be "within a few days."

“Our main task is to implement preventive measures and prevent the population from returning to the area. The government commission is working on this, and we are learning from international experience. We say it will be a short time, but as for the exact number of days... There is very high pressure at the site, and the gas is escaping under significant pressure. Work is being done, and the issue will be resolved within a short time,” concluded the Deputy Head of the Ministry’s press service.