EPA clears way for Exxon contractor to expand operations
Kaieteur News – Contr ExxonMobil
Layout of adjoining property
the actor who supports the Stabroek Block operations has been given the green light to expand his Guyana footprint.
Since then, Schlumberger of Houston has filed for and received the necessary approvals from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Source Storage and Calibration facility that will prepare well-used hole-down tools used for drilling, completion, and interventions.
The new infrastructure would be installed at Schlumberger’s 33,000 m2 offshore services center in East Bank Demerara (EBD) and include a liquid mud plant, dry bulk area, and workshop.
According to documents submitted to the EPA, construction would take about four months to complete.
Schlumberger has since allocated US $ 750,000 to the project while the EPA has determined that it would not significantly affect the environment.
As such, an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required but appeals can be filed.
The proposed project is located at the former Houston Warehousing Gafoor property and currently serves as Schlumberger’s Offshore Services Base.
According to the American conglomerate, the Source Storage and Calibration building is expected to be built while other construction and operational activities continue.
Schlumberger outlined in his proposal to the EPA that its temporary facilities will be housed east of the waterfront.
The company also said that the facility, when completed, will also be used to house its well intervention activities in order to best generate and maintain a continuous flow of the reservoir.
It was also noted that the facility will also be used for the storage and installation of radioactive sources in downstream equipment prior to removal at sea.
Importantly, Schlumberger noted in his brief to the EPA that the facility does not require the use of any process-related chemicals.
As it relates to general household waste, which must be thrown from the facility, Schlumberger said this is expected to be around 3.5 tonnes annually.
Industrial waste, according to Schlumberger, is expected to be around 1.5 tonnes annually and although this is expected to consist mainly of oil rags and other cleaning gear, it will be treated as hazardous waste.
According to Schlumberger, general waste will go to the Guyana landfill. It was also noted that industrial waste will be sent to Tiger Rentals Guyana.