OBEN GAS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Table of Contents and Executive Summary
involved in the various phases (construction, drilling, flowline installation, operations and
decommissioning) of the project had impacts on the environment. Beneficial and adverse impacts were
identified, described and rated.
1.9.1 Construction Phase
The potential impacts of the construction phase could result from the various activities undertaken in the
phase.
1.9.1.1 Mobilisation
Mobilisation involving movement of personnel, equipment and materials will lead to impact such as
pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities. There are also
enhanced opportunities for employment, contracting, services and income generation. Other impacts
include increased pressure on existing infrastructure, social vices, third party agitations, cost of
living/inflation, nuisances, accidents and injuries.
1.9.1.2 Site preparation
Clearing of vegetation during site survey, site clearing and site excavation could result in the destruction
of indigenous plant communities in the acquired land area. This could lead to death and permanent
loss of some economic, medicinal and food crops, and potential emergence of species alien to the
environment.
Clearing of vegetation could cause loss of habitat for wildlife, provide increased access for hunting and
logging, increased erosion of the cleared area, and might expose field workers/community members to
attacks by poisonous snakes, bees, spiders/other wildlife, and contact with poisonous plants.
Noise, emissions and vibrations from heavy machinery used for site preparation could frighten wildlife
and scare them away. Destruction of vegetation and noise/emissions generated in the process could
lead to third party agitation while recruitment of labour force for site clearing could provide opportunities
for employment.
1.9.1.3 Construction/Drilling/Flowline Activities
The impacts from construction activities include increased pressure on existing infrastructure, and
diffusion of culture and traditions, which might result from increase in population, cost of living and
inflation. These impacts have negative, local and short-term effects, which are reversible. Some positive
impacts of these activities are increase in employment/contracting opportunities, and shift from
traditional occupations to financially more rewarding employment.
Other negative impacts that could arise are increased social vices, and road traffic accidents, which
could lead to third party agitation with consequences on corporate reputation.
1.9.1.4 Waste generations - emissions, effluents, solids
Emissions during construction activities could cause impairment of air quality, leading to increased
morbidity from respiratory tract diseases and consequent pressure on health infrastructure. Emissions
might also decrease the quality of the habitat and biodiversity.
Effluents and solid wastes could contaminate soil and surface water. Consumption of contaminated
water could cause illness, third party agitation, and pressure on health facilities. The management of
these wastes could, however, provide opportunity for employment and contracting.
1.9.1.5 Incidents
The main incidents that could take place include accidents, injuries and contact with poisonous
organisms. These could lead to third party agitations with effect on corporate reputation.
xx