S 21.0: Conclusion

The Environmental Impact Assessment Studies of the Enwhe Field Development Project was carried out in accordance with relevant local, national and international regulations. The methodology applied for the study involved field work, laboratory analyses, review of previous reports and current field data within the area. To achieve this objective, a multi-disciplinary approach was adopted in the assessment of the environmental status and sensitivities of the various biophysical components. The Enwhe Field Development Project is an opportunity to sustain gas supply to NLNG and maximize utilization of Gbaran CPF by developing gas and condensate in the Enwhe field. Other positive impacts of the proposed project include but not limited to the following: increase in business opportunities, provide Opportunity for direct and indirect Employment (Unskilled labour) and Opportunity for contracting.

The identified adverse impacts were generally short-term and can be prevented, reduced, ameliorated, or controlled if the recommended mitigation measures are implemented. An Environmental Management Plan and a Monitoring Plan have been developed to ensure that the identified potential impacts are reduced to “as low as reasonably practicable” (ALARP). The EMP should therefore form the basis for the actual project implementation and future monitoring of environmental components. The approval of this EIA report for the execution of the proposed project is hereby recommended.

xxxviii Acknowledgement

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited wishes to express sincere appreciation to the Department of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv), Bayelsa and Rivers State Ministry of Environment for their support, advice and invaluable assistance throughout the period of this study. The efforts of our environmental consultants, relevant Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are also highly commendable. Finally, we give special thanks to the Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads, Village Heads, Women and Youth Groups, Local Government Councils, etc. for their co-operation and willingness to express their views, concerns as well as expectation

1 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 1.1: Background Information

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), on behalf of its Joint Ventures partners (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Total, and Nigeria Agip Oil Company) conducted a Environmental Impact Assessment studies for the Enwhe Field Development Project. The Enwhe field development project is an opportunity to sustain gas supply to NLNG and maximize utilization of Gbaran CPF by developing gas and condensate in the Enwhe field. The Enwhe field is part of the phased development of Gbaran node to support SPDC’s gas supply obligation of 2bscf/d to NLNG; and also grow oil production in Gbaran node. The proposed development in the Enwhe field will involve the drilling of gas and oil wells from two surface locations, construction of oil and gas pipelines and manifolds to tie the field into the Greater Gbaran Infrastructure. The development strategy in the Enwhe field will be in two tranches. Tranche-1 (i.e. this project) is focused on gas, while Tranche-2 is oil and gas development after appraisal for oil in Tranche-1.

The proposed activities for the development of the Enwhe field will have various interactions with the environment, hence the need to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies. In line with the provisions of Part VIII – Section A, 3.0 of the Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum Industries in Nigeria, 2002 (EGASPIN), an environmental screening of all concept options and a preliminary assessment of the selected option was conducted and approval issued (Appendix 1.1). Post approval of the environmental screening and preliminary impact assessment report, the Terms of Reference/Scope of Work (ToR/SoW) was submitted to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) for consideration and an approval obtained (Appendix 1.2 and 1.3). This EIA study has identified the key potential impacts of the project activities on Biophysical, Social and Health components within the project area and proffered mitigation measures for Environmental Management. The findings are hereby incorporated in this report.

1.2: Objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment

The objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment studies for Enwhe Field Development Project include but not limited to the following:

• Acquire baseline data of the environment as well as the socio-economic and health conditions of the host communities;

• Use the baseline data to describe and characterize the study area;

• Identify the environmental sensitivities of the project area;

• Determine and evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed project activities on the identified environmental sensitivities and the interactions between the sensitivities;

• Recommend appropriate mitigation measures; and

• Develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

2 1.3 Project Location

The Enwhe field is located in the south-western corner of license block OML 22 and extends into license block OML 23 and is located about 36km to the East of Gbaran CPF. The field is part of the Gbaran Ubie Node which is a multi-field oil and gas asset. The Enwhe field is bounded by creek and creeklets of Orashi and Nun River. Major communities in the Enwhe field lies in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and Ahoada West and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas of Rivers State (Table 1.3.1).

Table 1.3.1: Major communities in the Enwhe field in Rivers and Bayelsa States

S/N State LGA Clan Community

1 Rivers state Abua/Odual Emughan Aminigboko

Owerewere Emesu Okoboh Emabu Obarany Egunughan

Ahoada West Igbuduya Obodhi

Ogbologbolo Ogbede

Odieke Ugbobi Odigwe

Engenni Ogbogolo (Ogbogolo, Opu Ogbogolo, Kala Ogbogolo, Egboama Ogbogolo)

Akiogbologbo Ikodi Engenei Okarki

Kunushia

2 Bayelsa State Yenagoa Gbaran Okolobiri

Obunagha

Epie Okutukutu

Agudama-Epie Kumboama Akenfa

3 Fig 1.3.3 Map of Nigeria showing Rivers and Bayelsa States

4 Fig. 1.3.1a: Map of Rivers State showing Ahoada West Local Government Area

Fig. 1.3.1b: Map of Bayelsa state showing Yenagoa Local Government Area

1.4: Legal and Administrative Framework

There are legislations, guidelines and standards that govern the assessment of environmental impacts of development projects in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. These regulations can be classified as follows:

1.4.1: Legislations guiding Environmental management in Nigeria The Mineral Oil (Safety) Act CAP 350 LFN 1990

Sections 37 and 40 of the Mineral Oil (Safety) Act CAP 350 LFN 1990 require provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the safety measures for workers in drilling and production operation in accordance with international standards.

Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Now FMEnv) Act No. 58, 1988

This Act, which was issued in 1988 and amended by Act No. 59 of 1992, provides the setting up of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, as the apex organization for the overall protection of the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources. The act also makes environmental impact assessment (EIA) mandatory for all new major projects. In compliance with its mandate, FEPA issued the procedure, guidelines and standards for the execution of EIA with emphasis on the significance associated with current and potential impacts of such

5 projects. The procedure also indicates the steps to be followed (in the EIA process) from project conception to commissioning in order to ensure that the project is executed with adequate consideration for the environment.

EIA Sectoral Guidelines for Oil and Gas Industry Projects, 1995

In compliance with its mandate, FEPA issued the EIA Sectoral Guidelines for Oil and Gas Industry Projects, 1995. Contained in the Procedural Guidelines (pg. 8) are Category I projects (mandatory study activities) and listed under item 15, sub-item (a) on page 10) (Petroleum) is Oil and Gas Fields Development, making an EIA mandatory for the proposed project. The Procedural Guidelines also indicate the steps to be followed (in the EIA process) from project conception to commissioning in order to ensure that the project is executed with adequate consideration for the environment. Annex C contains the EIA writing format as required by FMEnv. The guidelines are intended to assist in the proper and detailed execution of EIA studies of projects in consonance with the EIA Act.

S.I. 15 - National Environmental Protection Management of Solid and Hazardous Wastes