3.4: Project Activities
A reputable Geophysical Acquisition Contractor would be contracted by SPDC to carry out the 3D seismic data acquisition over the OML 77 & 74) fields. Company Site Representatives (CSRs) and SPDC staff would closely supervise the seismic re-shoot data acquisition activities. The seismic survey shall include the following activities:
The specific project activities to be carried out include:
• Pre-Mobilization
✓ Regulatory approvals
✓ Stakeholder engagements
• Mobilization
✓ Personnel
✓ Audit of vessels & equipment
✓ Vessels (and equipment) deployment to project sites
• Execution
✓ Seismic energy source and seismic data recording
• Demobilization
✓ Personnel, Vessels & Equipment from project sites
✓ Stakeholder engagements
3.4.1: Permitting / Stakeholder Engagement – Freedom To Operate (FTO)
Permitting is the process of obtaining consent from the neighbouring community and relevant government bodies to enable uninhibited access for the seismic operations. The neighbouring communities would be informed on seismic operations during permitting/FTO discussions and other subsequent fora where applicable e.g. people’s parliament, Project Advisory Committee meeting/Cluster Development Boards meetings, etc. Their consent would be obtained during permitting/FTO discussions before carrying out the seismic activities. The contractor’s community affairs staff and SPDC staff would engage neighbouring communities, relevant government bodies and other stakeholders at an agreed date to explain the processes involved in seismic operations and possible associated hazards. After the meeting, a permit form/FTO that would serve as agreement would be presented for signatures to ensure that peace and harmony prevail during and after the seismic operations. Cluster Development Boards (CDB) shall be used to manage issues related to the project where such bodies exist. Where such boards or any existing SPDC stakeholder relations committee arrangement have not been firmed up, an appropriate arrangement e.g. Project Advisory Committee (PAC) which will serve as a stakeholder relations committee comprising government representatives, community leaders/elders, youths and women representatives shall be set up prior to commencement of the seismic operations. The stakeholder relations committee’s duty is to manage issues that may arise with the communities or relevant government bodies in the areas of operation.
Periodic meetings will be held with the stakeholder relations committee members during the seismic survey operation. During such meetings, issues such as contractor’s company’s policy, community’s interest as it relates to the seismic activities in the area and demands shall be discussed. Community elders, chiefs, youths and women leaders would be invited to attend such meetings. Information on the seismic activities would also be disseminated to Government agencies. Some employment opportunities where possible shall be extended to the communities by the contractor with due regards to the required skills and the availability of such skills within the community members. The contractor’s Community Affairs Department would interview the selected people. Successful candidates shall be medically certified fit and possess all the mandatory offshore requirements before they can commence work.
The lists of communities so far identified that would be impacted by the proposed Project are shown on Table 3.1.
Table 3.1: Concept Selection criteria for Seismic Acquisition
Communities Local Government State
1. Okunbiri (Opu-Okunbiri) Brass Bayelsa
2. Sangana Brass Bayelsa
3. Ewoama Brass Bayelsa
4. Ibidi Brass Bayelsa
5. Obioku Brass Bayelsa
6. Oginibiri Brass Bayelsa
7. Okumbiribeleu Brass Bayelsa
8. Liama Brass Bayelsa
9. Beletiama Brass Bayelsa
10. Twon Brass Brass Bayelsa
11. Egwema Brass Bayelsa
12. Okpoama Brass Bayelsa
13. Odioma Nembe Bayelsa
14. Diema Brass Bayelsa
15. Kula Town Akuku-Toru Rivers
16. Sanga Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
17. Oye Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
18. Elija Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
29. Eliza Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
20. Idegeba Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
21. Maclean Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
22. Klinson Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
23. Ibieye Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
24. Elem Tombia Degema Rivers
25. Ngeribar Ama Akuku-Toru Rivers
26. Boko kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
27. Elem Oproama Degema Rivers
28. Iboro Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
Communities Local Government State
30. Owukori Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
31. Ekine Kiri Asari-Toru Rivers
32. Macfini Kiri Asari-Toru Rivers
33. Filokoma Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
34. Elegbe Kiri Akuku-Toru Rivers
35. Philama Akuku-Toru Rivers
36. Ineama Akuku-Toru Rivers
37. Gold Coast Akuku-Toru Rivers
38. Okolo-Ogono Akuku-Toru Rivers
39. Opolobiama Akuku-Toru Rivers
40. Lucky Land Akuku-Toru Rivers
41. Chris Island Akuku-Toru Rivers
42. Obudu Kiri Degema Rivers
43. Ke Town Degema Rivers
44. Elem Ifoko Degema Rivers
45. Abisa Degema Rivers
46. Elem Okpo Degema Rivers
47. Biobele Kiri Degema Rivers
48. Okomaso Island Akuku-Toru Rivers
49. Ekelema Akuku-Toru Rivers
3.4.2: Pre-Mobilization
Prior to mobilization, SPDC shall carry out pre-mobilization inspection of all items and personnel to be mobilized to site. In this regard, all equipment and personnel shall be certified fit for purpose and approved by SPDC before deployment to site. The contractor shall only mobilize all necessary personnel, materials and equipment to site after obtaining necessary approvals.
Equipment Calibration
All equipment would be calibrated, tested and maintained from mobilisation phase to project completion to meet set tolerances. Prior to mobilization, SPDC shall carry out pre-mobilization inspection of all items and personnel after which pre-mobilisation certificate would be issued. All equipment and personnel that would be involved in the seismic data acquisition activities shall be certified fit for the purpose and approved by SPDC before deployment to site.
3.4.3: Mobilization of Personnel and Equipment
Seismic data acquisition survey activities last for relatively short period of time and do not involve the establishment or use of long-term facilities and structures. The contractor shall mobilize all necessary personnel, materials and equipment to site after obtaining FTO consent. Mobilization involves movement of personnel and equipment (vessels) to site.
Project personnel (TBOSIET Certified) shall be moved to site by helicopters and/or marine craft in line with approved Security and Journey Management Plans. A general analysis of
the area and operating conditions are being undertaken before the commencement of the seismic data acquisition operations.
The proposed project area is a Shallow Water Offshore Environment. Materials, equipment and personnel will be mobilized to site after regulatory approvals. The marine vessels shall accommodate the project supervisors and equipped with standard living and office accommodations, messing area, recreational facilities, maintenance workshop, clinic, and telecommunication systems. All seismic data acquisition operations and other support staff will be on board the vessels during the acquisition campaign.
3.4.4: Shooting and Data Recording
Seismic data acquisition surveys are of relatively short duration by their nature. Safe shooting distances (based on EGASPIN standards) shall be maintained to avoid any damage to infrastructures and other facilities. The sound signal will be generated from arrays of towed energy sources called Airguns. An airgun is a device that releases a high-pressure bubble of air underwater as a source of energy to generate the acoustic/pressure waves that are used in seismic surveys.
These energy sources store compressed air (generated on the vessel), which is released on command from the towing vessel. The released air forms a bubble, which expands and contracts in a predictable fashion, emitting sound waves as it does so. The pressure variation in the water as a function of time caused by the high-pressure bubble is called the airgun signature. Individual energy sources are configured into arrays. These arrays have an output, which are more desirable than that of a single bubble and serve to focus the sound output primarily in the downward direction, which is useful for the seismic method. This array effect also minimizes the sound emitted in the horizontal direction.
The downward propagating sound travels to the seafloor and into the geologic strata below the seafloor. Changes in the acoustic properties between the various rock layers result in a portion of sound being reflected towards the surface of each layer. The nodes which are laid on the sea floor receive this reflected energy.
Use and operations of the airguns shall be tuned to the depth of investigation and balanced with environmental considerations to the lowest practicable output and power levels to achieve objectives. Local regulatory requirements and best practices shall be applied to mitigate the impact of acoustic sound generated by airguns on marine mammals. Offshore seismic data acquisition activities are guided by both National and International Environmental regulatory standards.
Furthermore, marine mammal observers and passive acoustic monitoring shall be deployed in the operations. Also, soft start of air guns shall be adopted to ensure marine mammals move away from the shooting area operation in addition to all other SPDC and industry best
In addition to the technical justifications, the impact of the project on the environment will be significantly minimized by using this seismic acquisition technique. This is because the Ocean Bottom Node technology is being deployed internationally, adopting the best industry practice, is of short duration utilization of best available weather window and only experience contractors are known to carry out these activities.
3.4.5: Demobilization
After completion of each phase of the activity, the Seismic Contractor will ensure the complete retrieval of the Ocean Bottom Nodes from the bottom of the ocean (sea-floor) and the seismic airguns from the water onto the seismic shooting vessel and sail back to base.
Personnel shall be moved by water/landing crafts and/or helicopter as necessary. During the acquisition process, the area will constantly be inspected to ensure that no hazardous substance is spilled or left behind at the end of the project.
3.5: Survey Programme
The survey programme will comprise a dual source, multiple streamer 3D survey or OBS Seismic survey system. The total data acquisition period is expected to cover approximately six months (dependent on weather conditions). The field programme will consist of the following main components:
• Premobilization (Regulatory Approvals and Stakeholder Engagements)
• Mobilisation (Audit of vessel, personnel, and deployment including seismic vessel and support vessel(s) to project site);
• Data acquisition (shooting and data recording), comprising the bulk of the programme (NB. Vessels may be kept on standby due to adverse weather conditions, equipment repair etc); and
• Demobilization (retrieval of equipment and demobilisation from the area).
During data acquisition, the seismic vessel is expected to follow the pre-determined sail lines.
However, this is subject to prevailing current and wind conditions. When the vessel is planning to return to port all in-water equipment will need to be retrieved. A seismic system consists of sources and detectors, the positions of which must always be accurately measured.
The sound signal comes from arrays of towed energy sources. These energy sources store compressed air, which is released on command from the towing vessel. The released air forms a bubble, which expands and contracts in a predictable fashion, emitting sound waves as it does so; individual energy sources are configured into arrays. These arrays have an output, which are more desirable than that of a single bubble and serve to focus the sound output primarily in the downward direction, which is useful for the seismic method. This array effect also minimizes the sound emitted in the horizontal direction. The downward propagating sound travels to the seafloor and into the geologic strata below the seafloor.
Changes in the acoustic properties between the various rock layers result in a portion of sound being reflected towards the surface of each layer. The detectors called hydrophones,
housed within submerged streamer cables and, are towed behind the seismic vessel (Streamer Technique) or deployed on the ocean bottom (OBS Technique) receive this reflected energy.
A typical node system consists of Data Acquisition Unit (DAU); Sensor Unit (SU); Acoustic Modem; Battery Units; Plastic Shell and Aluminium frame. A typical Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) carries out most of the control and communication tasks in the system. It stores digitized sensor data and status data onto files, contains the reference clock, and the system power supply. The Sensor Unit (SU) contains the primary seismic sensors (three geophones and a hydrophone). It also contains a hydrophone pre-amplifier with programmable gain. A dual-axis inclinometer measures the SU verticality with great accuracy. Nodes are placed in a basket which is then deployed overboard. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) removes nodes individually from the basket and is guided to location using a combination of positioning system and navigation software. When in the intended position on the seabed, the sensor unit is removed from the node and planted in the seabed. At each deployment station video and still images are captured, and details of the planting quality are recorded. A fix of the node is taken to ensure installation positioning accuracy when compared to preplot and for repeatability and recovery. Figure 3.6 below depicts a typical OBN vessel and ROV Node deployment respectively.
Figure 3.6: Typical ocean bottom node (OBN) deployed using an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) system
3.6: Waste Management Waste Sources and Types
Wastes sources during the seismic acquisition shall be from the operation of the survey vessel, personnel on board, and wastes associated with normal seismic data acquisition activities. The waste shall include sump oil discharge, ballast water discharge, grey water discharge, sewage discharge, solid waste discharge, faecal waste and waste from human activities such as biodegradable food remains (Table 3.2).
Waste Management procedures
The management (collection handling, treatment, re-use and disposal) of waste from the project activity shall follow SPDC Waste Management Guidelines, all applicable national and international regulations relating to waste management and discharges of materials into the marine environment. As part of premobilization checks, the survey vessels should have equipment, systems and written out procedures for prevention of pollution by oil, sewage and garbage in accordance with national and international environmental regulatory standards.
Where the decision is reached to manage the waste on-board, the survey vessel shall have waste treatment facilities. Where the decision is reached to evacuate the waste from survey vessel for subsequent treatment, an accredited waste management outfit shall be contracted to handle and manage the hazardous waste that shall be generated throughout the period of the project execution. There shall be a waste management plan written out for the seismic operations. Waste will be delivered to an approved waste management company ashore via supply vessel for proper disposal.
Table 3.2: Estimated Waste Generation for Vessels mobilized for the Seismic data acquisition project Waste General
Category Project Phase Specific Classification
Estimated Volume per day in m3 Ocean
Europe Ocean Sea Ocean Pearl
REM Aquarius
Non- Hazardous Waste
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Food Waste 0.14 0.14 0.2 0.24
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Plastic 0.15 0.3 0.2 0.01
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Domestic waste
Paper 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.01
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Glass 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.005
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Aluminium cans 0.01 0.05 0.05 0.005
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Wood 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Incinerator Ashes 0.01 NIL 0.01 NIL
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Cooking oil 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Hazardous Waste
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Operation waste
Oily waste
(Rags/filters） 0.057 0.11 0.1 0.01
- Mobilization
- Acquisition Fluorescent tubes 0.0029 0.003 0.003 0.001
Waste General
Category Project Phase Specific Classification
Estimated Volume per day in m3 Ocean
Europe Ocean Sea Ocean Pearl
REM Aquarius - Mobilization
- Acquisition - Demobilization
Medical waste 0.0001 NIL Nil NIL
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Aerosol Cans 0.0001 0.002 0.0015 0.001
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Hazardous waste
(Oily waste, etc.) 0.001 0.002 0.0015 0.001
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
Waste oil/ Sludge 0.004 0.008 0.005 0.01
- Mobilization - Acquisition - Demobilization
E-Waste 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.001
Table 3.3: Waste Management Plan
3.7: Safety Considerations
Prior to the proposed 3D seismic survey, SPDC shall design a detailed pre-survey programme, focused primarily at achieving personnel safety, minimising environmental and sea-related disturbances and ensure efficient waste management.
The essential considerations in pre-survey activities are:
• Survey transects shall be chosen to ensure maximum coverage of the area is achieved with minimum number of sweeps. Allowance shall be made in the schedule for bad weather contingency and equipment down time;
• All information regarding the survey/ ancillary vessel to be used and that of the workforce shall be collated prior to mobilisation to identify any areas where further equipment and crew training may be necessary;
• Log of daily activities shall be maintained including any incidents, which occur relating to safety of personnel and environmental effects;
• The provision of a support vessel with security 'look outs' onboard shall be considered.
The 'look outs' shall provide early warning of security threat to seismic crew; at which the seismic vessel will enter a 'lock down' mode until safe to continue operations;
• Management guidelines for storing and disposal of wastes shall be made available. All personnel shall be briefed on waste disposal and minimisation methods;
• An inventory of waste materials stored on the vessel shall be established and maintained.
Materials would be stored in suitable containers and labelled accordingly;
• Systematic timing of operation to reduce the likelihood of encounters with marine mammals and fishes; and
• Trained personnel shall be designated with the responsibility of maintaining health, safety, security and environmental issues on-board the vessel.
Guidance before and during Seismic Activity
All marine observations would be carried out from the source vessel (where the airguns are being deployed from). The marine mammal observer (MMO) would be positioned on a high platform with a clear unobstructed view of the horizon, and communication channels between the MMO and the crew would be in place before commencement of the pre-shooting search.
Pre-Shooting Search
Pre-shooting search would be conducted over a period of 60 minutes before the use of airguns. The MMO available on the vessel would make a visual assessment to determine if any marine mammals are within 500 meters of the centre of the airgun array.
Delay if Marine Mammals is within 500 Meters
In line with JNCC regulation, SPDC would delay the soft-start of the seismic sources if marine mammals are seen within 500 meters of the centre of the airgun array during the pre-shooting search, or if the transit of the vessel, results in the marine mammals being more that 500 meters from the source. In both cases, there would be a 20 minute delay from the time of the last sighting within 500 meters to the commencement of the soft-start to determine if the animals have left the area.
If PAM is used, it is the responsibility of the PAM operatives to assess any acoustic detection and determine if there are likely to be marine mammals within 500 meters of the source. If the PAM operatives consider marine mammals are present within that range, then the start of the operation would be delayed as outlined above.
Soft Start
Soft-start is defined as the time that airguns commence shooting till the time that full operational power is obtained. Power should be built up slowly from a low energy start-up (e.g. starting with the smallest airgun in the array and gradually adding in others) over at least 20 minutes to give adequate time for marine mammals to leave the area. This build-up of power should occur in uniform stages to provide a constant increase in output. There should be a soft-start every time the airguns are used.
The duration of the pre-shooting search (at least 30 minutes) and the soft-start procedure (at least 20 minutes) would be factored into the survey design. SPDC would also observe the following JNCC guideline recommendations during soft start activation:
• commence soft-start not longer than 20 minutes to minimise additional noise in the marine environment;
• start survey line immediately the soft-start has been performed;
• if, for any reason, firing of the airguns has stopped and not restarted for at least 10 minutes, then SPDC would commence a pre-shooting search and 20 minute soft-start;
• if a marine mammal is detected whilst the airguns are not firing, the MMO would advise SPDC to delay commencement, as per the pre-shooting search, if none are present then they can advise to commence firing the airguns;
3.8: Proposed Project Schedule
The project is planned to commence in Q3/2019 and be completed in Q1/2020 as shown in Table 3.7. All normal pre-mobilization processes shall be carried out before work commencement.
Table 3.7: Project Delivery Schedule
Activities/Period Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Feasibility Studies
EIA Scoping workshop - OML 77/74 Regulatory Approval (DPR / FMEnv) Stakeholder Engagement Mobilisation
Data Acquisition Demobilization
2019 2020
2018 2017
CHAPTER FOUR
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 4.1: Introduction
The current environmental status of the study area for the proposed 3d Reshoot Seismic Data Acquisition Project has been described in this chapter of the EIA report. One-season field data gathering (Dry season) conducted from 26th of November 2018 to 7th December 2018.
An integral and important part of an EIA study is the establishment of a comprehensive environmental baseline condition of the proposed project area. Such environmental baseline data provide information on the characteristics and features of the proposed project environment. It also provides the background/scientific basis for predicting, evaluating and mitigating the impacts of the planned project activities on the environment, monitoring environmental changes in the area, as well as support the decision making in future project design, operation and management.
The environmental components evaluated comprised ecological parameters interacting with ecological sensitivities within the project area. In addition, the statuses of the various ecological components of the project area were assessed from data obtained in 2018.
Environmental sensitivities likely to be affected and investigated include:
• Air quality and noise.
• Surface water quality.
• Sediment quality.
• Hydrobiology and fisheries.
Statistical tools such as analyses of variance (ANOVA), Dunnett’s test were employed to determine spatial variations between the control stations and sampling stations as well as their sources.
Sampling rationale
In line with international best practices and regulatory guidelines on sea bed sampling, environmental matrices were sampled using grid sampling techniques in the direction of persistent bottom current. All samples were analysed in a FMEnv accredited laboratory (International Energy Services Limited, Old Aba Road, Port Harcourt). Details of sampling rationale and quantity are presented in Table 4.1a.