MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Total says it takes environmental matters seriously following some critical questions raised by concerned Mossel Bay residents about a massive oil and gas drill rig called the DeepSea Stavanger currently in Mossel Bay waters.
The rig forms part of the Luiperd prospect off the coast of Mossel Bay and weighs about 44 000 tons.
It has, according to Total, the potential for the extraction of one billion barrels of gas condensate - "wet gas" which contains some oil.
The DeepSea Stavanger can cope with strong currents and drill a well of about 3 600 metres deep. The prospect is in the same Block, 11B/12B, where the Brulpadda discovery was made.
The block spans 19 000 square kilometres, with water depths ranging from 200 to 1 800 metres.
Residents are concerned about the risk of leakage and pollution posed by the difficult sea conditions in the proposed drilling area.
Afriforum has also raised questions about the public participation process that Total followed and said in a statement that the process was virtual and that it was also disrupted by power outages.
But, Total responded to questions asked by the Mossel Bay Advertiser and said that as a responsible energy major, Total adhered to the Environment Authorisation based on the Environment Impact Assessment and the Approved Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that is in place for all offshore operations.
"We have also appointed an independent Environmental Compliance Officer who monitors and audits our activities against the requirements of the EMP.
"Total South Africa takes environmental, social and governance matters seriously and in line with international best practices, the company has processes in place aimed at minimising its environmental footprint and managing the impact of its activities on biodiversity and natural ecosystems."
Total said the company had fulfilled all its obligations under the approved EMP. "Total will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders as it proceeds with the project."
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