Latest update February 4th, 2025 9:06 AM
Exxon to ramp up environmental studies as operations scale up to unprecedented levels
Kaieteur News – ExxonMobil, through its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is set to ramp up its environmental studies as it increases its oil operations to unprecedented levels in Guyana.
The company has faced criticisms from the Guyanese civil society about the potential harm its operations could cause to the natural environment and the livelihoods of local communities. Exxon is now placing more focus on the impacts of its operations, including the cumulative impacts.
To this end, EEPGL, the operator of the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje blocks, is hosting a request for information (RFI) clarification forum for suppliers interested in providing environmental impact studies and plans. The forum is scheduled for April 17 at the Marriott Hotel in Guyana.
The first RFI relates to biodiversity assessments and environmental monitoring. EEPGL has already conducted environmental studies and monitoring activities to understand the current state of the environment and the social and economic needs of communities in Guyana. However, it plans to conduct onshore and near shore biodiversity assessments and environmental monitoring in Guyana to continue these programmes.
The three oil blocks which are operated by ExxonMobil Guyana
The second RFI relates to the development of environmental and socioeconomic assessments, including environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIA), and Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP). EEPGL is looking for commercial and technical information from consultants interested in providing these services.
Exxon will be drilling dozens of wells in the Stabroek, Kaieteur, and Canje blocks, marking the most concentrated offshore exploration drilling period expected in the history of Guyana’s petroleum sector.
This will be happening simultaneously with Exxon’s drilling of production wells for its multiple development operations in the Stabroek Block. With the addition of projects like Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru, and Whiptail in the next several years, the cumulative impact of these operations is a growing concern for environmentalists.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been requesting EIAs for many of the proposed campaigns and developments. However, now that there is a ramp-up, more focus is being placed on the cumulative impacts of those operations. This was reflected when the EPA ordered a cumulative impact assessment (CIA) as part of the authorisation process for the 35-well Stabroek Block campaign. Exxon plans to begin this campaign later this year and continue it through 2028.
Exxon’s operations are not the only concern for environmentalists, however. The government plans to issue up to 14 blocks in the current bid round, and many high-profile international oil companies have signalled their intent to participate.
Once these blocks are issued, exploration operations could see an even sharper increase, further increasing the need for environmental studies and monitoring to ensure the sustainability of Guyana’s natural environment and communities.
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