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the west african gas pipeline
problem: Environmental Impacts
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Our recommendations
Work should halt until the EIAs
include:
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a redesigned pipeline route
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a plan to preserve threatened
species
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an updated EIA for the
Escravos-Lagos pipeline
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a risk impact assessment of the
pipeline on sensitive areas
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information on emergency
response
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an analysis of future activities
and impacts
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The WAGPco has commenced project work such
as clearing of pipeline route even though the
draft environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
are yet to be approved by the appropriate
authorities.
There are various gaps in the
current EIAs
.
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The Nigerian EIA did not evaluate
potential impacts related to upstream
activities (such as gas collection) or the
Escravos-Lagos portion of the transport
system, which was constructed in the 1980s
without an EIA.
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In the EIA for Ghana, the impacts of
industrial activities of WAGP energy
consumers in Ghana were not described, nor
was a quantitative risk assessment carried
out. Furthermore, explanatory maps were
missing, making it impossible to assess
impacts on turtle nesting sites, protected
and sensitive habitat areas and corals in
the vicinity of the pipeline route. In
addition, the EIA for Ghana failed to
examine the risks posed by the pipeline’s
proximity to a heavily trafficked
port.
There are a number of
issues
associated with the construction of the
WAGP
that may be a cause for
environmental concern. The burying of the
pipeline will require the use of highly
invasive construction methods. The exact
method to be used in each location has yet to
be determined, thus preventing full analysis
of the impact of construction.
However, it is clear that techniques used
during the construction of the pipeline will
be disruptive to a number of important
elements of the coastal ecosystem including
wetlands, coastal lagoons and mangroves,
barrier beaches, and the offshore
community.
Additionally, the
24 hour nature
of operations may pose problems
for
various forms of marine life including sea
turtles and marine mammals. A number of
threatened and engendered species, including
four species of sea turtle, live along the
pipeline route. The ecosystem disruptions
caused by construction are likely to have a
negative impact on biodiversity. In addition,
several sites of cultural and religious
significance lie close to the pipeline Right
of Way and are likely to be disturbed by
construction and operation of the pipeline.
The pipeline may also limit access to other
important cultural resources including
medicinal plants.
Read more about:
* Gas flaring
* Oil and Gas Conflicts in the
Western Delta
* End use
* Public consultation
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