ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is wasting no time when it comes to the development of the Stabroek Block.
In addition to the Liza Phase One and Two Projects that are already at various stages of development, the company now wants the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for a third project development called the Payara which is located in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block.
Payara is also located approximately 207 kilometers (approximately 128 miles) northeast of the coastline.
As part of its regulatory role, the EPA is considering recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Board and other government entities responsible for deciding whether and under what conditions to grant EEPGL’s application for Environmental Authorization.
EPA records show that Exxon’s subsidiary had filed an application for the permit on December 3, 2018. Guyana Standard understands that based on an initial assessment of the application, the EPA determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was required in support of the application.
The purpose of the EIA is to provide the factual and technical basis required by the EPA to make an informed decision on EEPGL’s application to permit the project.
EEPGL noted that for its EIA, it conducted a robust public consultation programme to both inform the public about the project and to understand community and stakeholder concerns. In fact, the company highlighted that more than 440 members of coastal communities and over 80 artisanal and commercial fisherfolk in Regions One to Six were contacted. The company said that this feedback was addressed and even incorporated into the EIA, as applicable.
It was further noted that the project will see the drilling of up to 45 development wells including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells; the installation and operation of subsea, umbilicals, risers, and flowlines equipment; the installation and operation of a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and—ultimately— project decommissioning.
EEPGL said that onshore logistical support facilities and marine and aviation services will be used to support each stage of the project.
