EPA holds National Public Hearing on Jubilee Phase 1 EIA

EPA holds National Public Hearing on Jubilee Phase 1 EIA

November 13, 2009
The hearing was organised by the EPA to enable government officials and other strategic stakeholders to inform the public about the project and evaluate the potential risks and how to handle them in line with sustainable environmental management practices.

Participants at the hearing raised issues concerning the environment, the Floating Production and Storage Units, job opportunities and benefits of the project to the country in particular and the operational communities in general.

"We are ready to build partnerships for sustainable economic and social development for the benefit of the country and to support the future of enterprises and communities," he said.

In addition, the company will continue to engage with communities through the lifespan of the project.

On the livelihood of fishermen in the project area, Mr Essuon said inshore fishing and fish catches would not be affected although some fish would be attracted to the floating production and storage units.

While admitting that the project will generate a range of waste, Mr Essuon said the company was developing a long-term waste management strategy by working with local companies to manage waste.

The public hearing was part of the mandatory process Tullow was committed to before securing a permit to start oil drilling.

Ms. Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, said the development of sustainable environmental oil industry must be the concern for all.

Ms Ayittey expressed the hope that in future social impact assessment would be conducted separately from that of the environment.

GNA