RIASSUNTO
Abstract
Seismic exploration programs conducted in remote tropical regions typically emphasize operational efficiencies, security and safety, sometimes at the expense of mitigating environmental impacts in these highly sensitive environments.
Gran Tierra Energy Inc. and Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers have developed a set of benchmark environmental standards in Peru, based on 15 years of experience in the Amazon, that address significant impacts without putting onerous demands on the seismic contractor or inflating costs.
Significant direct impact mitigations include: minimizing clearing of rainforest vegetation for heliports, camps, drop zones and seismic lines; effective control of waste management practices in remote areas; journey management on roads; rivers and helicopter flights to reduce disturbance of sensitive wildlife areas. Significant indirect impact mitigations include: minimizing disturbance of normal community and economic activities in remote villages and small rivers; limiting access to remote areas by not opening trails or clearing rivers which facilitate pet collection, charcoal production, hunting and timber harvest.
The principal best practices include: no new road construction; limiting line widths and sizes of camps; restricting boat use; helicopter flight path restrictions, especially near sensitive areas; avoidance of Biologically Sensitive Areas (BSAs) in ground operations, restrictions on wood use, hunting, fishing and pet collection; removal of all non-biodegradable waste from project site; environmental education; transparent access negotiations, and community employment.
Investments in these benchmark environmental best practices for seismic exploration results in fewer impacts and good stakeholder relations for later phases of exploration