Members of the public in Guyana are being urged to submit questions and comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the potential impact the proposed Liza Phase 2 development would have on the environment.
In a public notice on Thursday, July 12, the EPA reminded that ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has submitted an application for “Environmental Authorisation to undertake Liza Phase 2 Development Facilities for petroleum production estimated to last at least twenty years in the Stabroek License Area, offshore Guyana.”
The Liza Phase 2 Development project will comprise of activities including the drilling of development wells, mobilisation and installation of subsea equipment, umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF), installation of a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility; and production operations; and decommissioning.
The EPA further stated that the intended project will be conducted in the deepwater marine environment offshore within Guyana’s territorial waters and “it has been determined that there may be possible significant socio-economic and environmental effects, which may include impacts on marine water quality, air quality, and marine fauna, among others.”
As such, in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required before approval can be granted, EPA reiterated.
In view of this, “members of the public are hereby invited, within twenty-eight days of this notice, to make written submissions to the Agency, setting out those questions and matters, which they require to be answered or considered in the Environmental Impact Assessment.”
The EPA is, therefore, urging persons wishing to make inquiries or submissions to do so at their Sophia, Georgetown location.
I think more publicity needs to be done. Members of the public would like to have their say. However the information must be broadcast on the radio and television. Another medium could be used, for example meeting people on the street. This would be a great help due to the geographic conditions of Guyana. Some people live great distances.