RIASSUNTO
Abstract
The Ecuadorian portion of the Amazon Basin, known locally as the Oriente, is the major oil producing region in Ecuador. The tropical rain forests of the Oriente contain some of the Earth's most biologically diverse and ecologically sensitive areas. In addition, the rain forest is home to several groups of indigenous peoples. When formulating an exploration plan and prior to beginning E&P activities in the Oriente, operators must understand the environmental and sociocultural issues in the region. These concerns are considered throughout the planning process, from project conception to project closure. An environmental management plan is adopted which addresses environmental and sociocultural concerns, minimizes environmental impact, prevents delays, and limits environmental liability.
Introduction
Many E&P companies are significantly expanding their international business efforts. At the same time, exploration for hydrocarbons is inexorably being driven into more remote and environmentally sensitive areas as traditional producing areas become depleted. Environmental concerns have shifted from a few western capitals to the international arena, and the issues have become important in both industrialized and developing countries.
The protection of local communities, indigenous populations and ecosystems, the reduction of emissions to air and water, land reclamation, waste management, and avoidance of oil spills are all important during E&P operations. Access to new exploration areas often depends upon the perception by foreign governments and communities that companies have made a commitment to good environmental practices.
At Amoco, environmental protection during E&P operations has been ensured by adopting and implementing an environmental management system which has a corporate standard of care as its basis. Environmental concerns must be considered throughout the planning process, from project conception to closure. Environmental strategic programs are integrated into business planning and decisions related to E&P activities. This prevents project delays, minimizes environmental impact, and limits exposure to environmental liability.
The goal of this paper is to describe the process involved when a petroleum company plans for hydrocarbon activities in an environmentally sensitive area in a country in which it presently does not have E&P operations. The focus of the paper is integrating environmental programs and systems throughout an exploration program.
Background
Tropical Rain Forests - General
Tropical rain forest ecosystems are very complex, poorly understood, and characterized by high biological diversity. Rain forest plants are habitats for a wide variety of animals and insects. Many have medicinal or ornamental value, are sources of edible fruits and nuts, and are valuable sources of timber. Tropical rain forests also help regulate the local climate, prevent soil erosion, and control the fate of watersheds.
Some tropical rain forests are being deforested at a significant rate. Many scientists consider rain forest deforestation a serious long-term threat to the local environment, species diversity, and human welfare. Because of these reasons, many groups have become very proactive in the cause of preserving the rain forests. Governments and companies operating in these areas are being challenged to address the pertinent issues and devise proper operating methods while preserving these forests for future generations.
Ecuadorian Oriente
The major oil producing region in Ecuador is the Ecuadorian portion of the Amazon Basin known as the Oriente (Fig. 1). Ecuador's 7th Exploration Bid Round, offering ten exploration blocks in the Oriente, opened in January 1994. In addition, Ecuador's master plan to increase oil production included plans to offer existing marginal fields for enhanced oil recovery in June 1994.
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