Environmental Risk Assessment of Hydrocarbon-Rich Sludge of a Gas Refinery Using the Integrated Approach of PMBOK Standard Risk Management and FMEA Technique: A Case Study

Background: The present study aimed to assess the potential hazards of hydrocarbon-rich gas refinery sludge from the South Pars Gas Complex-First Refinery, Iran, and to analyze how these risks could impact the project goals based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guidelines. Methods: Statistical population of this analytical, cross-sectional survey was 31 health, safety, and environment (HSE) experts from the study refinery selected by purposeful sampling. Environmental, health, safety, and technical risks were categorized and identified using the PMBOK guidelines. Delphi method and 5-point Likert scale questionnaire were employed to assess the significance of each risk. Priority one risks within each category were determined using Primavera Risk Analysis version 8.7 software. Results: Following three Delphi steps, 17 out of 77 primary risks were identified and finalized. The first rank with the highest weight corresponded to time and cost group (the risk of soil contamination via sludge stored in the burn pit due to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons), human resources group (radioactive materials accumulated on the inner surfaces of pipes, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, boilers and other equipment and the risk of these materials being hazardous for human health), and quality group (failure to supply equipment and quality control systems and personal protective equipment). Conclusion: The research findings pinpointed 17 risks within various domains, encompassing time and cost, human resources, quality, contract, scope, and communication. These identified risks necessitate a comprehensive, integrated approach to risk management for effective mitigation and resolution.