EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF 2-D SEISMIC SURVEY IN PETROLEUM EXPLORATION: A CASE STUDY OF GNPC, VOLTAIAN BASIN PROJECT

One of the widely debated topics in petroleum exploration in the management of its undesirable adverse effects on the environment. An accurate evaluation of the potential biophysical and socioeconomic impact will minimize the negative impacts of petroleum exploration and enhance the benefits thereof. Due to higher uncertainties associated with the potential presence of oil and gas in the Voltaian Basin, a 2-D seismic survey is carried out by Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to help to target potential source rocks. In the knowledge that seismic surveys, as well as petroleum operations, greatly affect the environment, an accurate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be established. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the EIA, a qualitative evaluation will be run by pointing out the long-term impacts and the implementation of the mitigations measures. The EIA’s potential impact can be identified in the physical, biological, socio-economic/cultural environments, occupational safety, health and welfare of the seismic crew. This project points out data analyzed during this study, this research pointed the activities associated with the proposed seismic project as activities with minimal and reversible impact on the environment and the local community which are not expected to cause any long-term effect. In order to maintain control over the implementation of the EIA, it is necessary to ensuring project s compliance with all relevant environmental, social, health and safety regulations. It is also important to educating and training of project staff in the environment, social and safety awareness.

ABSTRACT   iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS  iv

LIST OF FIGURES  vi

LIST OF TABLES  vi

CHAPTER ONE  1

INTRODUCTION   1

1.0     Background of the Study  1

1.1     Statement of the Study  3

Research Question  4

1.3     Objectives of the Study  4

1.3.1       General Objective  4

1.3.2       Specific objectives  5

1.4     Limitations of the study  5

1.5     Scope of the Study  5

1.6     Organization of the Study  6

CHAPTER TWO   7

LITERATURE REVIEW    7

2.0     Introduction  7

2.1     Definitions  7

2.1.1       Overview of 2-D Seismic Survey  7

2.1.2       Environmental protection agency  10

2.1.2.1         Establishment of the Agency  10

2.1.2.2         Functions  10

2.1.2.3         Environmental impact assessment11

2.2     Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework  12

2.2.1       Government of Ghana policy  12

2.2.1.1         Oil and Gas Industry Development12

2.2.1.2         Protecting the Environment13

2.2.2       National regulatory framework, International standards and conventions  15

2.3     The Impact of Oil and Gas exploration on Ghana’s Environment15

CHAPTER THREE  18

METHODOLOGY  18

3.0     Introduction  18

3.1     Research Strategy  18

3.2     Research Approach  18

3.3     Data Collection Method and Tools  19

3.4     Sample Selection  19

3.5     Data Analysis  20

3.6     Research limitations  20

CHAPTER FOUR   21

DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS  21

4.0     Introduction  21

4.1     Project description  21

4.2     Identification and Assessment of Potential environmental Impact and Appropriate Mitigations Measures Suggested  24

4.2.1       Identifications and assessment of potential environmental impact24

4.2.2       Mitigations measures  26

4.3     Qualitative and quantitative analyses.26

CHAPTER FIVE  28

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  28

5.1     Conclusion  28

5.2     Recommendations  29

REFERENCES  30

APPENDIX   32

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS  62