The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will continue implementing ecological projects in areas belonging to the Bibiheybat Oil and Gas Producing Department (OGPD), said Azneft Production Unit Deputy General Director Faig Jafarov at a Saturday meeting.

The meeting was dedicated to oil pollution at the Bibiheybat OGPD.

Environmental projects to clean polluted lands will be conducted in industrial areas in the Balakhani field and the Pirallahi Island. These projects involve infrastructural reforms to resolve pollution problems, as well as modernizing field infrastructure, replacing separators, and laying new oil gathering centers. Jafarov said SOCAR intends to invest a major sum in the projects.

Roughly 5,500 trees and shrubs were planted in the area during the meeting.

SOCAR has salvaged 200 hectares of polluted lands since 2007.

"Such activities will continue as long until the area becomes a park," Jafarov added.