Engineering Procedure

SAEP-339 06 October 2019

Marine Trenching, Dredging, and Landfilling Approval and
Permitting
Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope ................................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations ..................................... 2
3 Applicable Documents........................................ 2
3 Definitions .......................................................... 3
4 Instructions ......................................................... 4
5 Responsibilities .................................................. 5
Revision Summary................................................... 7
Appendix A - Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling
Permit Approval Request ................................... 8
Appendix B - Completion Certification Form ............ 9
Appendix C - Sample Table of Contents
Dredging/Landfilling Permit Request Package . 10
Appendix D - Excerpts from Royal Decree
No. M/9 & MEWA Permitting Requirements ..... 11
Appendix E - Excerpt from Royal Commission
Jubail and Yanbu Environmental Regulations-
2015 (RCER 2015) ........................................... 12

Previous Issue: 9 January 2019 Next Revision: 23 July 2021

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©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved.

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 Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAEP-339
Publish Date: 06 October 2019
Next Revision: 23 July 2021 Marine Trenching, Dredging, and Landfilling Approval and Permitting

1 Scope

This procedure establishes the environmental instructions, guidelines, and

responsibilities for obtaining the necessary government permits for coastal and offshore
trenching, dredging, and landfilling activities within Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters.
Notes:

1) Marine Trenching and Dredging permits shall be obtained from the Ministry of Environment,
Water and Agriculture (MEWA) as per Royal Decree M/9 dated 27 Rabi' I 1408 H
(18 November 1987).

2) Marine Landfilling permit shall be obtained from the Landfilling Committee (Ministry of
Municipal and Rural Affairs (Head of this committee), Presidency of Meteorology and
Environment (PME), Frontier Force, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Agriculture) as per
Royal Decree M/982 dated 15 Ramadan 1419 H (3 January 1999).

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.

Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.

3 Applicable Documents

The following are Saudi Aramco documents and industrial standards that have been
mentioned in this procedure:

3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-13 Project Environmental Impact Assessments
SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAES-A-111 Borrow Pit Requirements
SAES-A-114 Excavation and Backfill
3.2 Government Regulations
Royal Decree M/9 Regulations for Fishing, Exploitation, and Protection of
Marine Life in Saudi Territorial Waters 27 Rabi' I 1408 H
(18 November 1987)
Royal Decree M/982 Landfilling Committee 15 Ramadan 1419 H (3 January
1999
General Environmental Regulations and Rules of Implementation
Royal Commission Environmental Regulations

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 Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAEP-339
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3 Definitions

3.1 Acronyms
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
FEL Front End Loading
HAT Highest Astronomical Tide

Dredging The removal or movement, for any purpose, of

shoreline (below HAT) or subsea sediment, rocks,
boulders, coral, etc.
Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Study that describes the existing environmental
conditions followed by a description of the
expected environmental impacts that will occur
during construction and operation of the project.
Also provides an evaluation of project alternatives
that might reduce environmental impacts,
mitigation measures and monitoring required
during and after project execution. Required for
all new projects and responsibility of Project
Management Team (PMT) and proponent
organizations. Shall be in compliance with SAEP-
13.
Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) A statement that briefly describes the potential
impacts that a project might have on the
environment and considers project alternatives
that would better protect the environment.
Required for all new projects. Shall be in
compliance with SAEP-13. Responsibility of
FPD.
Front End Loading The Project Delivery System that provides
reference and directions to the Integrated Project
Teams and all the involved Functions in project
development, from the early / starting phase up to
execution and hand over to operations, thereby
enhancing the value of Company projects to all
stakeholders.
Highest Astronomical Tide The highest water level that can be predicted to
occur under average meteorological conditions
and under any combination of astronomical
conditions at a specific location.

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Landfilling The deposit, for any purpose, of sediment, sand,

rocks, or boulders along the shoreline or into the
marine environment at or below the HAT contour.
Offset Program designed to offset the impacts of the
project, designed to mitigate against the project’s
environmental footprint.
Sensitive Marine Habitat Coastal and offshore sensitive habitat areas including
but not limited to conservation areas, nesting sites
for birds and turtles, wetlands, shoals, littoral
zones, mangrove habitats, seagrass beds, coral
reefs, bays, lagoons, coastal sabkhas (below
HAT), and offshore islands.
Trenching The temporary removal of marine sediment to
create trenches to contain pipeline or submarine
power cables for safe marine operations. These
trenches will normally be backfilled with the
excavated materials, as long as this material is not
contaminated. If materials are contaminated per
PME or Royal Commission standards, alternate
backfill materials should be used from onshore
locations.

4 Instructions

4.1 All project proponents shall consult with EPD and shall comply with company,
national, and international standards and regulations.

4.2 Obtain EPD pre-approval for marine trenching, dredging, and landfilling
activities during project earliest stages (e.g., Business Case or Front-End
Loading (FEL) Phase 1).

4.3 For Maintain Potential Projects, PMT should obtain EPD pre-approval directly
after the approval of the annual ER fund.

4.4 Landfilling shall be prohibited in sensitive marine habitat (see definition) and
areas where changes in hydrodynamic circulation would have detrimental
impacts.

4.5 Consult with EPD to assess when an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),
sediment plume modeling, hydrodynamic modeling, and monitoring are required
to avoid, mitigate, and offset impacts during marine trenching, dredging, and / or
landfilling activities.

4.6 Include Best Available Technologies (BAT) mitigation and control measures in
the work method statement (e.g., special construction techniques, combining
dredge and fill projects, managing dewatering, use of silt screens, disposal of

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spoil into onshore area) to minimize impacts on sensitive marine habitats (such
as coral, seagrass, and mangrove) to be submitted with the permitting request
package.
Note: No trenching, dredging, or landfilling shall be permitted if it will impact on
sensitive marine habitats such as and not limited to mangrove and coral
habitats.

4.7 The source fill for any landfilling activity (where permitted) shall come from
onshore and comply with SAES-A-114, Excavation and Backfill and
SAES-A-111, Borrow Pit Requirements. Dredge spoil may only be used as a
source for fill in cases where a nearby dredging project designed to meet another
objective is justified and approved on its own merits.

4.8 Complete Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling Permit Approval Request and

Completion Certification Form and Permit Request Package prior to FEL-2
Approval.

4.9 Obtain EPD Manager concurrence on the Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling

Permit Approval Request and Completion of Certification Form and Permit
Request Package.

4.10 Proponent organizations (e.g., PMT for new facilities) to process through
Corporate Affairs the final concurred Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling Permit
package to obtain required permit from concerned government agencies.
Trenching/Dredging permit is to be obtained from MEWA. Landfilling permit
is to be obtained from Landfilling Committee.

4.11 Include details outlined in Appendix C to request trenching, dredging, and

landfilling permits in the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu areas.
Notes:

1) MEWA processing time at revision date of this document is 4-6 months.

Landfilling Committee processing time at revision date of this document is 8-10 months.

2) EPD recommends not to proceed with the ERA stage of the project without
obtaining the required permit.

3) EPD recommend not to contract trenching/dredging/landfilling contractors without a

permit in hand.

5 Responsibilities

5.1 Facilities Planning Department (FPD)

5.1.1 Consult with EPD regarding possible alternatives to planned trenching,

dredging or landfilling activities for prospective projects during earliest
stage of the project (e.g., Business Case, and FEL-1).

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5.1.2 Consultation with EPD includes trenching, dredging, and landfilling

impact mitigation and avoidance as part of the Environmental Screening
and Scoping Statement (ESSS) in FEL-1 and as per SAEP-13.

5.1.3 Secure additional funding and/or time which may be required to assess
impacts of proposed trenching, dredging or landfilling activities as
recommended by the EIA, or for offsetting programs requested by
permitting agencies.

5.2 Proponent (Project Management or Facility Operating Department)

For new facilities, Project Management, and for existing facilities the Proponent
organization is required to:

5.2.1 Complete Trenching, Dredging/Landfilling Permit Approval Request

and Completion Certification Form including Permit Request Package.

5.2.2 Obtain EPD Manager concurrence on the Trenching,

Dredging/Landfilling Permit Approval Request and Completion
Certification Form and Permit Request Package.

5.2.3 Process (through Corporate Affairs) the final concurred

Trenching/Dredging/ Landfilling Permit package to obtain required
permit from concerned government agencies. Trenching and Dredging
permit is to be obtained from MEWA. Landfilling permit is to be
obtained from Landfilling Committee.

5.2.4 Coordinate, through Corporate Affairs, with Royal Commission

Jubail/Yanbu when permit is required within their jurisdiction.

5.2.5 Coordinate, through Corporate Affairs, activities (meetings/field visits,

clarification, etc.) as required, between MEWA, Landfilling Committee,
or Royal Commission Jubail/Yanbu, to facilitate permit approval.

5.2.6 Follow-up, through Corporate Affairs, permit approval status, with

concerned government agencies, or Royal Commission Jubail/Yanbu,
as applicable.

5.2.7 Comply with issued permit conditions/limitations.

5.2.8 Provide to EPD a copy of the obtained permit.

5.2.9 Develop plans to implement the EIA requirements and conditions

required by governmental agencies and submit to EPD for review and
approval.

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5.2.10 Send signed completion certification on Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling

per permit approval conditions to EPD within 30 days after construction
work is complete.
Notes:

1) MEWA processing time at revision date of this document is 4-6 months.

Landfilling Committee processing time at revision date of this document is 8-10 months.

2) EPD recommends not to contract trenching/dredging/landfilling contractors without

a permit in hand.

5.3 Environmental Protection Department (EPD)

5.3.1 Assist the proponent organization, as needed, to complete Trenching,

Dredging, or Landfilling Permit Approval Request and Completion
Certification Form and Permit Request Package.

5.3.2 Review and Concur Dredging/Landfilling Permit Approval Request

and Completion Certification Form, including detailed Permit Request
Package.

5.3.3 Concur the Trenching, Dredging, and Landfilling Permit Approval

Request and Completion Certification Form and Permit Request Package.

5.3.4 Provide technical environmental support to proponent organization

throughout the permitting cycle.

5.3.5 Review and approve plans to implement the EIA requirements and
conditions required by governmental agencies before commencing
activities.

5.3.6 Give go ahead for operations to commence.

Revision Summary
11 May 2010 Major revision.
31 July 2012 Editorial revision to reflect the changes in committee members list.
23 July 2016 Revised the Next Planned Update, made minor changes, reaffirmed the content of the
document, and reissued as major revision.
10 June 2018 Editorial revision to change standards committee from Environmental to Environmental
Protection.
9 January 2019 Editorial revision to change contact person and Section 2 (Conflicts and Deviations).
6 October 2019 Editorial revision to extend next plan update.

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Appendix A - Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling Permit Approval Request

Complete Trenching/Dredging/Landfilling Permit Approval Request whenever landfilling and/or

dredging is planned below HAT (Highest Astronomical Tide) contour.
Submit with this form the Permit Request Package. Include bathymetric map(s) showing activity location,
UTM coordinates, HAT (or suitable reference), locations of existing structures, dimensions of proposed
trenching, dredging and/or landfilling, and spacing of any proposed structures. Other supplemental
information may be required and should be provided upon request.
Project/Operation title

[ ] Trenching [ ] Dredging [ ] Landfilling

Type of Operation [ ] New [ ] Maintenance
Justification for project

Project location

Timing/duration
Dimensions of trenched area
Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m)
Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m)
Volume of fill or dredging proposed (cubic meters)

Bottom type of area to be dredged or source of fill material

(Analytical results for selected hydrocarbons and heavy metals per PME standard requirements must also
be submitted as an attachment to this form)
Location of proposed dredge spoil disposal (as applicable)

Proposed method of trenching/dredging/landfilling and mitigation measures proposed

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 Document Responsibility: Environmental Protection Standards Committee SAEP-339
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Appendix B - Completion Certification Form

Complete Completion Certification Form whenever landfilling and/or dredging is planned

below HAT (Highest Astronomical Tide) contour.

Approval Request (as applicable)

_______________________________ ____________________
Project Manager's Signature Date

_______________________________ ____________________
Facility Manager's Signature Date

Concurrence

_______________________________ ____________________
Manager Date
Environmental Protection Department

Approval
Government Permitting Agencies (e.g., MEWA)

Certified Completion
I certify that the work was completed per permit approval conditions.

_______________________________ ____________________
Project Manager's Signature Date

_______________________________ ____________________
Facility Manager's Signature Date

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Appendix C - Sample Table of Contents Dredging/

Landfilling Permit Request Package

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and Project Justification/Description

1.2 Proposed Dredging/Landfilling Plan

2. Existing Environment

2.1 General Description

2.2 Biotopes/Habitat Description
2.3 Oceanographic and Meteorological Conditions
2.4 Bathymetry

3. Dredging/Landfilling

3.1 Environmental Considerations in Design

3.2 Detailed Amount of Dredging/Landfilling
3.3 Dredging/Landfilling Elevation Survey
3.4 Dredging Disposal Plan
3.5 Dredging/Landfilling Work Schedule

4. Marine Environmental Impacts

4.1 Short-term Impacts

4.2 Long-term Impacts

5. Mitigation Measures

5.1 Alternatives to Minimize Dredging/Landfilling

5.2 Use of Silt Screens/Controlled Dewatering/Other Containment Methods
5.3 Disposal of Clean Spoils Offshore to Deep Water

6. Attachments

6.1 Arabian Gulf or Red Sea Site Map

6.2 Bathymetric Chart/Dredge and Spoils Disposal Site Map
6.3 Detailed Dredge Site Bathymetric Map
6.4 Landfill Contour Map
6.5 Biotope Map with Proposed Spoils Disposal Sites

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Appendix D - Excerpts from Royal Decree No. M/9

and MEWA Permitting Requirements
Relevant Excerpts from Royal Decree No. M/9 “The Regulations for Fishing, Exploitation,
and Protection of Marine Life in Saudi Territorial Waters”
"Protection of Marine Life

Article 6: No one may cut trees or other plants growing on the Saudi coasts or islands, or remove from them any
fill or bird or turtle eggs or other organic material or make any coastal fills, without the prior approval of the Ministry
of Agriculture to be issued in coordination with the National Commission for the Protection and Development of
Wildlife."

"Rules of Implementation for the Regulations for Fishing, Exploiting and Protecting Live Water Resources
in the Territorial Waters of Saudi Arabia.

Article 64: The cutting of grass or trees growing on the shores or islands of the Kingdom or the moving of soil or
any organic substances beneficial to marine life is permitted only after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of
Agriculture.

Article 65: Burying, filling, or dredging may be done only after obtaining the approval of the Ministry, irrespective
of whether they are done for governmental or private agencies."

MEWA Permitting Requirements

1. Submit an official letter to the Office of the Deputy Minister for Fisheries, the Ministry of
Agriculture, allowing sufficient time (14-15 weeks) before the date of execution of the project.
The letter should state the title of the project, project requirements, the entity conducting the
environmental study and the supervising party. A copy of the project’s environmental study
(EIA) should be presented as follows:
a. Hard and electronic (CD) copies to the Office of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for
Fisheries.
b. Hard and electronic (CD) copies to the Fisheries Research Center in the Eastern
Province/Qatif, if the required project is in the Arabian Gulf.
c. Hard and electronic (CD) copies to the Jeddah Fisheries Research Center if the required
project is in the Red Sea.
d. Hard and electronic (CD) copies to the Ministry’s Consultant, Dr. Asaad Al-Thukair, at King
Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
2. The study should be presented in Arabic in full along with a hard and electronic (CD) copy of the
English version.
3. The study should include the environmental impact of the project, including the scope of impact
on the marine environment and mangroves in particular on the short and long terms.
4. Present a comprehensive study of the qualitative and quantitative environmental risk analysis
resulting from the project.
5. The study should include the proposed compensation for the area affected by the project.
6. Undertake to monitor and follow-up the project operations during the work, and for three years
following completion of the work, and submit the necessary reports every 3 months.
7. Undertake not to conduct any work, bring equipment, prepare the site, or take any other actions
before obtaining the Ministry’s final approval of the project.

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Appendix E - Excerpt from Royal Commission Jubail

and Yanbu Environmental Regulations- 2015 (RCER 2015)

SECTION - 6
Dredging
6.1 Dredging Regulations
6.1.1 No dredging or disposal of dredged material shall take place outside the Harbor
without specific approval being granted by the Royal Commission. Approval will
be subject to an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed dredging
and dredged material disposal activities, which will be based on information
provided to the Royal Commission on Permit Application Package (PAP-M2) form
included in RCER-2015, Volume II.
6.1.2 Dredging, dewatering, and disposal of dredged material shall not cause any form
of pollution of the marine ecology, including siltation, odors, and fugitive dust.
6.1.3 Silt curtain or any floating barrier shall be placed prior to the dredging operation,
particularly in sensitive marine areas, such as: seagrass bed, coral reef, mangrove
community and other areas of concern.
6.1.4 Offshore disposal of dredged material is prohibited unless authorized by the RC
(for area under its jurisdiction) or other concerned legal authority in special cases.
6.1.5 No dredged materials shall be disposed of within enclosed bays, inlets or within
the 20 m low tide depth contour unless the dredged material is being used for
approved construction purposes.
6.1.6 Dredged material that does not meet the standards in Table 6A (RCER 2015) shall
not be disposed of at offshore locations. Such materials may be disposed of at
onshore facility in accordance with sections 4 and 5 (RCER 2015).
6.1.7 Dredged materials proposed for beach nourishment or landscaping shall not exceed
the criteria provided in Table 6B (RCER 2015).
6.1.8 Dredged materials can be classified according to the level of pollution as
Non-polluted, Moderately polluted, and Heavily polluted as given in Table 6C
(RCER 2015).
6.1.9 Supernatant water decanted from dredged material shall not be disposed of within
enclosed bays or inlets or within the 20 m low tide depth contour unless a visual
clarity of at least 0.5 m has been achieved. Supernatant water quality parameters
shall meet the maximum pollutant level standards established in Section 3.2 (RCER
2015).
6.1.10 The use of surface impoundments to retain and settle dredged materials shall
conform to the standards given in Clause 3.4.8 of these Regulations.

Table 6A1: Maximum Pollution Level for Dredged Materials Disposal

PARAMETER DRY SEDIMENT (mg/kg)

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Volatile Solids 8%
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 50,000
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) 1,000
Oil and Grease 1,500
Mercury 1
Lead 50
Zinc 75
Arsenic 5
Cadmium 2
Chromium 100
Copper 50
Nickel 50

Table 26b: Maximum Pollution Level of Dredged Materials for Beach Nourishment

PARAMETER DRY SEDIMENT (mg/kg)

Oil and Grease Nil
Silt and Clay 10%
Sediment Moisture 25%
Mercury 0.5
Lead 25
Zinc 25
Arsenic 1.7
Cadmium 1.0
Chromium 10
Copper 10
Nickel 5.0

Table 6C: Guidelines for Classifying Sediments According to

Level of Selected Heavy Metals (μg/g dry wt)

Metal Non-polluted Moderately Polluted Heavily Polluted

Arsenic <3 3-8 >8
Cadmium - - >6
Chromium <25 25-75 >75
Copper <25 25-50 >50
Lead <90 90-200 >200
Mercury(Total) <1 - >1
Nickel <20 20-50 >50
Silver - - -
Tin - - -
Zinc <90 90-200 >200

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