Dear Editor,
There are a few key questions which Exxon needs to always answer when presenting a new project. These questions must then be further explored in depth, supported by data, and the public must be comfortable that the answers provided are adequate to ensure the safety and well-being of all those who can be negatively impacted.
It is important to understand what is being done with the hazardous byproducts such as brine and produced water. The forecasted / estimated impact on the marine life, air and land and the resulting adverse effects on the economy and the livelihood of those impacted. Another key element to discuss in the public forum is the production rate and the safeguards in place to prevent an oil spill, and what is the estimated risk of one occurring and its impact if it were to occur.
Does Exxon have the equipment and safety features built into the new project that improves the response time? There must be continual improvement shown as the number of projects increase. This is essential due to risk of multiple spills occurring. The response to the previous problem with the compressor was disappointing at best. If the response time to operational problems continues to be that bad, then additional safety features must be included in the project. This should also occur as Exxon gains more operational knowledge from drilling in the area. The predictive, preventative and corrective maintenance involved should be more robust as operations progress.
How is this project different from the others and what new risks are contemplated, and what additional precautions have been put in place? These are some of the preliminary reoccurring questions that must be answered for each new project. We must also remember that at some point the level of hazardous waste produced such as “produced water” will have a very negative impact on the environment. Is this going to be reached with this new project? Managing the produced water becomes more critical as the drilling increases and Exxon should clearly outline how all of the hazardous byproducts of the drilling process will be managed to preserve the health of the environment.
There is no need to drink from the fire hose, nor any reason to get bogged down in the volume of their submittal. If we initially focus on understanding these key issues, the 3000 pages can be quickly dissected and the critical information brought to the surface.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
