EPA drops EIA requirements for shallow-water exploration

Dec 15, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled out the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a planned 3D seismic activity in shallow waters offshore Guyana.

According to project documents seen by this newspaper, the exploration activities are expected to be conducted over a three-year period, commencing January 1, 2026 to 2028. The seismic works are earmarked for three sites, measuring a total of 25,604.78 square kilometers or almost the size of the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil.

Seismic surveys are routinely used in offshore oil and gas exploration activities worldwide to detect and define geological structures under the seabed.

An application for the initial oil exploration works was made by CGG, an affiliate company of the Viridien group. Viridien is a global advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that provides a comprehensive range of data, products, services and solutions for complex digital, energy transition, natural resource, environmental and infrastructure challenges. In addition to proprietary offshore projects for clients such as Exxon, which discovered the successful Liza field from CGG data, CGG acquired the only two offshore multi-client projects available for licensing in Guyana (Stabroek Phase 1 & 2).

Regionally, CGG recently completed a multi-client project in Suriname in 2023. Covering 1,800 sq km, Phase IV completed the programmed 14,500 sq km survey of newly acquired 3D data in deep and shallow water in the Guyana-Suriname basin.

On 11 November 2025, CGG applied for an Environmental Authorisation to the EPA, seeking to conduct geophysical 3D surveys within shallow waters offshore of Guyana. The areas for the shallow water survey are outlined on a map attached.

The survey area is offshore of Guyana, east of the border of Venezuela and west of the border of Suriname. The closest shore distance is around 120 km away and ranges with water depths approximately 10 to 70 metres deep.

According to the Project Summary, a research vessel with a towed streamer will be used for the seismic acquisition. Towed streamer 3D seismic acquisition allows for the efficient and comprehensive mapping of offshore geological formations, providing valuable insights for oil and gas exploration and production activities.

“This is a common method used to gather detailed subsurface geological information in offshore exploration for oil and gas. CGG currently plans to use the BGP Prospector for this project.”

The company noted that the vessel is fully furnished with state-of-the-art equipment for seismic 3D surveys.

Kaieteur News understands that the activities will be conducted in a total of eight phases beginning with setup and deployment, data acquisition and closing with data processing and interpretation.

Impacts associated with the planned development includes marine noise, marine water quality and climate, fishing and marine traffic disruptions among others.

Marine seismic data acquisition is based on the principle of ‘seismic reflection’. The method involves releasing pulses of acoustic energy (i.e., sound waves) at regular intervals along designated transect lines. In general, the energy penetrates subsurface formations and is reflected back to the surface where it can be detected by acoustic receivers, or hydrophones, encased in a long cable (i.e., streamer), which is towed behind the seismic vessel. Each time a seismic pulse meets a change in rock properties; part of the pulse is reflected back to the surface and received by the hydrophones. Consequently, by measuring precisely the difference in arrival time of reflected seismic energy, distinct subsurface rock layers can be identified, and subsequently mapped. This map helps geoscientists understand the geology and structure of natural resources. It plays an integral role in decision making when exploring for and developing oil and gas reserves in ocean waters.

No EIA

The EPA in a decision published on its website explained that the developer will not be required to conduct an EIA for the three-year seismic activities. The regulator listed three reasons for its decision but indicated that the project has not yet been approved.

The Agency said, “The impacts are transient. The acoustic disturbance moves continuously with the vessel and does not result in permanent habitat alteration or permanent presence.”

Additionally, it noted that “potential biological and socio-economic disruptions are reversible immediately upon cessation of the activity; (meanwhile) impacts related to vessel operation, routine discharges, and resource consumption are standard for offshore activities and are adequately mitigated by compliance with international conventions (e.g., MARPOL) and the proposed EMP.”

The law provides for a 30-day period in which persons can appeal the EPA’s decision. All appeals must be addressed to the Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board, Dr. Mahendar Sharma.

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• 3D seismic, Drilling, EIA, EPA, Exploration, shallow water

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