ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for authorization to drill some 31 wells in three offshore blocks.
A notice from the environmental agency is in today’s edition of the state-owned Guyana Chronicle and gives a breakdown stating that 25 of the wells will be drilled in the Stabroek Block and three each in the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks respectively.
The applications signal a continuous ramping up of drilling operations by Exxon even as it prepares for first oil in Guyana’s waters sometime later this month.
The EPA says that the projects have already been screened to assess their potential environmental impacts and it has been determined that “these projects will not significantly affect the environment, and therefore are exempt from the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
However, in the interest of “sound environmental management”, an environmental assessment and management plan must be undertaken to assess any possible impacts to the environment, human health. The plan also will detail specific mitigation measures to be undertaken to ensure that the proposed project is implemented in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.
It is in this vein that the EPA is asking members of the public, in accordance with EPA Act, that if they believe that they may be affected to lodge an appeal against the agency’s decision within 30 days from today.
Details on the procedure for submitting appeals can be obtained from the agency’s website.
ExxonMobil Guyana has made 14 discoveries offshore since May 2015 and will begin producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day from the Liza Phase 1 development.
