Page 102 - Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Second Edition

Safety and the Environment 89

Base Line
Study

Planned
Activity

Revise planned
EIA
activity

No
Is impact
acceptable?

Yes

Perform Activity

Figure 5.4 Application of an EIA.

planned activity (Figure 5.4). This will enable decision makers to determine
whether an activity is acceptable and if not, identify possible alternatives. Typically,
EIAs will be carried out for
seismic
exploration and appraisal drilling
development drilling and facilities installation
production operations
decommissioning and abandonment.

To allow objectivity of the findings, EIAs are usually carried out by independent
specialists or organisations. It will involve not only scientific experts, but also require
consultation with official and representative bodies such as the government
ministries for the environment, fisheries, food, agriculture and local water. In
activities which may impact on local population (terminals, refineries, access roads,
land developments) agreement with local NGOs may be critical. The EIA process