Falklands : ROCKHOPPER EXPLORATION PRESENT EIA FINDINGS
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 05.05.2009 (Article Archived on 19.05.2009)
A public meeting to present an environmental impact assessment by Rockhopper Exploration PLC took place at the Falkland Islands Chamber of Function Room at 1730hrs on Monday, 04 May 2009.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN) Sam Moody, Mark Gillard, Scott McKelvie and Dave Brodecott at the chamber of Commerce on Monday
ROCKHOPPER EXPLORATION PRESENT EIA FINDINGS
Sam Moody, Mark Gillard, Scott McKelvie and Dave Brodecott at the chamber of Commerce on Monday
By J. Brock (FINN)
A public meeting to present an environmental impact assessment by Rockhopper Exploration PLC took place at the Falkland Islands Chamber of Function Room at 1730hrs on Monday, 04 May 2009.
Presenting information were Sam Moody, the Managing Director of Rockhopper Exploration PLC, Mark Gillard of SPD Ltd, the Well Construction Manager, Dr Scott McKelvie of RPS Energy, HSE and Risk Management and Dave Brodecott, Rockhopper Exploration’s Exploration Director.
In his remarks Sam Moody said that this was Rockhopper Exploration’s first public meeting in the Falklands or anywhere as a Company. He thanked Pippa Christie for organising the event, Kevin Kilmartin and Leann Harris for helping and Jenny Forrest for organising their travel to the Falklands.
He went on to say that Rockhopper Exploration were planning two to four exploration wells and that they were committed to two but should more money come available four would be drilled.
The assessment itself looked at all possible impacts on the environment, the risks, and mitigation of risks as well as a disaster Management plan. He continued that thus far $33 Million has been spent and that in the southern area (Earnest) no drilling has ever taken place.
There are two Environmental Impact Assessments covering Rockhopper Exploration’s Northern tranches which were taken over from Shell (PLO32 and PLO 33) and the other covering new acreage closer to Cape Dolphin in the Falklands (PLO23 and PLO24).
Five prospect have been identified and Rockhopper were prepared to drill in four of them should funding be available. Comments on the two Environmental Impact Assessments should be in by 12 May 2009. Mr Moody concluded that there was no noticeable impact on the environment after Shell had drilled in 1997/98.
Mark Gillard, the Well Construction Manager, showed those attending about how wells are drilled, with pipes if decreasing diameters being shoved one inside of another and encased in concrete. He showed slides of what a drill bit looked like and explained that there would be drilling through nearly two miles of very hard source rock to reach any hydrocarbons.
He went on to explain about the helicopters and supply ships needed to support the rig. He also mentioned that either a drill ship or semi submersible would do the job but it would be better if the operating companies could share the drill rig or ship.
Operations support would be based in Stanley, with a plant for mixing drilling muds and facilities for crew changes and vessels for logistical support like waste removal and the supply of water.
Documentation on all of this will be put together once the type of rig has been made known. Also, once the type of rig is known, back-up systems can be put in place.
Dr Scott McKelvie spoke about the impact on the environment that drilling would cause. He looked at the flora and fauna as well as the bird life and sea mammals. Dolphins and whales were important but post drilling samples from the Shell acreage showed that there was no negative impact on sea-life or birdlife in the area.
He also looked into emissions, discharges at sea and the potential for oil spills. Dr McKelvie also mentioned oil spill contingency plans and having a 500 metre exclusion zone around rigs. Given the safety and contingency plans in place, there was a low risk of oil spills.
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