The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it can now monitor discharges from the Liza 1 Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) oil platform.
In a statement on Saturday highlighting the Agency’s 2022 achievements, it was disclosed that the EPA signed a contract with MAXAR Technologies to have satellite monitoring of onshore and offshore activities.
“The Agency is proud to have in place real-time reporting of environmental discharges from the Liza 1 FPSO, and a platform for tracking marine vessels in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” EPA said.
The contract also allows for the detection of oil spills, slicks and spills.
“In addition to remote sensing capabilities, the Agency has equipped staff with state-of-the-art field technology for monitoring and data collection in the form of tough tablets and field phones with thermal-sensors and specialized equipment to detect and monitor radiation, water and air pollution,” the EPA said.
The Agency has also partnered with the Hydrometeorology Department, Department of Fisheries, and Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) and conducted several water quality monitoring expeditions along the Essequibo River, and coastal waters
Last year, the Agency also installed five Air Quality Sensors provided by IQAir with capability to measure the concentration of key air pollutants-Particulate Matter (PM) – PM2.5, PM1, PM10, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Each sensor unit can cover a radius of 20-25 km and a performance accuracy of 82%. The sensors are located in Georgetown at the Agency’s Head Office in Georgetown, Eccles – East Bank Demerara, Vilvoorden – Essequibo Coast, Whim, Berbice, and in Linden.
Maxar describes itself as a trusted partner and innovator in Earth intelligence and space infrastructure.
“We deliver disruptive value to government and commercial customers to help them monitor, understand and navigate our changing planet; deliver global broadband communications; and explore and advance the use of space. Our unique approach combines decades of deep mission understanding and a proven foundation of commercial technology to deliver solutions with unrivaled speed, scale and cost effectiveness. Our team members are inspired to harness the potential of space to help our customers create a better world”, it said.
