DRAFT-Environmental Impact
Assessment Addendum
GuyanaSPAN2 Seismic Survey
GX Technology, Inc.
September 2016
www.erm.com
The business of sustainability
GX Technology, Inc.
DRAFT-Environmental Impact
Assessment Addendum
GuyanaSPAN2 Seismic Survey
September 2016
ERM Project No. 0356831
DRAFT
Charles Schalkwyk
Partner-in-Charge
DRAFT
Isolina Sánchez
Project Manager
Environmental Resources Management
One Beacon Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
T: 617-646-7800
F: 617-267-6447
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
2.0
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1
1
BACKGROUND
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2
2.1
SITE LOCATION AND TIMING
2
2.2
SURVEY OPERATIONS
2
3.0
SCOPING PROCESS
6
4.0
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
8
4.1
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
8
4.2
INTERNATIONAL
5.0
10
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
12
5.1
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
13
5.2
AIR QUALITY
14
5.3
ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS
15
5.4
FLORA
5.4.1
5.4.2
5.4.3
Plankton
Seagrass
Mangroves
15
15
16
17
5.5
FAUNA
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3
5.5.4
5.5.5
5.5.6
Coral Reefs
Macrobenthos
Fish
Marine Turtles
Marine Mammals
Marine Birds
19
19
20
20
22
27
31
5.6
PROTECTED AREAS
35
5.7
COASTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY
38
ii
6.0
5.8
OCEANOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS
5.8.1
Currents and Tides
39
39
5.9
SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
5.9.1
Demography
5.9.2
Economy
5.9.3
Fisheries
5.9.4
Tourism
5.9.5
Marine Navigation Routes
42
43
43
44
53
54
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
56
6.1
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
56
6.2
AIR QUALITY
56
6.3
ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS
57
6.4
FLORA
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
Plankton
Seagrass
Mangroves
58
58
58
58
6.5
FAUNA
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3
6.5.4
6.5.5
Macrobenthos
Fish
Marine Turtles
Marine Mammals
Marine Birds
58
58
58
59
59
60
6.6
PROTECTED AREAS
60
6.7
COASTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY
60
6.8
OCENOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS
61
6.9
SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
6.9.1
Fisheries
6.9.2
Socioeconomics
6.9.3
Tourism
6.9.4
Marine Navigation Routes
61
61
62
62
62
6.10
NON ROUTINE EVENTS
6.10.1
Inappropriate Waste Management
62
63
iii
6.10.2
6.10.3
6.10.4
6.11
7.0
8.0
Leaks and Spills
Vessel Collision
Fire Explosion
63
66
66
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
67
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
69
7.1
FRAMEWORK
7.1.1
Structure and Responsibility
7.1.2
Training, Awareness and Competence
7.1.3
Communication
69
69
69
70
7.2
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN DOCUMENTATION
7.2.1
Document Control
7.2.2
Operational Control
7.2.3
Audit Protocol, Monitoring and Measurement
7.2.4
Non-conformance and Corrective and Preventative Action
7.2.5
Records
7.2.6
Management Review
70
70
70
70
71
71
71
7.3
SPECIFIC MEASURES
7.3.1
Protection of Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles
7.3.2
Protection of Fishing Communities
7.3.3
Fuel Storage and Handling
7.3.4
Waste Management
7.3.5
Personnel Training
7.3.6
Marine Traffic
7.3.7
Public Engagement/Community Relations
7.3.8
Spill Emergency Response
72
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
74
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
75
8.1
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
75
8.2
PUBLIC REVIEW
76
9.0
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
77
10.0
LITERATURE AND REFERENCES CITED
81
iv
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1:
Total Acquisition Area and Sail Line Length, 2013 and 2016
Table 3-1:
Stakeholders Invited to the Stakeholder Engagement/Scoping Meeting
Table 4-1:
National Laws and their Relevance to the Project
Table 4-2:
International Conventions and their Relevance to the Project
Table 5-1:
Range of Temperatures in Paramaribo
Table 5-2:
Suriname Fish Community Statistics – Zones
Table 5-3:
Suriname Fish Community Statistics - Uses
Table 5-4:
Suriname Fish List
Table 5-5:
Turtle Species and IUCN Designation
Table 5-6:
Estimated Leatherback Turtle Nesting Counts
Table 5-7:
Marine Mammals Listed Occurring in Suriname Waters
Table 5-8:
Total Effort and Associated Number of Sightings
Table 5-9:
List of Threatened/Vulnerable Bird Species Known to be Present in
Suriname
Table 5-10:
Suriname Protected Areas and IUCN Classification
Table 5-11:
Suriname Overview
Table 5-12:
Classification of Fishing Fleets Operating in Suriname
Table 5-13:
Suriname Fisheries Techniques
Table 5-14:
Surinamese Seafood Production (tons)
Table 9-1:
Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1:
Proposed Acquisition Area
Figure 5-1:
Map of Suriname
Figure 5-2:
Annual Rainfall and Temperature Average Paramaribo
Figure 5-3:
Surinamese Waters. SeaWiFS Chlorophyll Concentration Image
Figure 5-4:
Mangrove Distribution along the Surinamese Coast
Figure 5-5:
Common Nesting Beaches of Eastern Suriname
Figure 5-6:
Real Time Tracking of Turtles Sea Turtle Conservancy
Figure 5-7:
Large Cetacean and Delphinids Recorded During Aerial Survey
Figure 5-8:
Estimated Marine Bird Counts from Ridoux’s 2010 Aerial Survey
Figure 5-9:
Location of Existing and Proposed Protected Areas
Figure 5-10: Guiana Current in Winter (January - March) According to the Mariano
Global Surface Velocity Analysis (MGSVA) Model. HYCOM Consortium
(2003)
Figure 5-11: Guiana Current in Spring (April - June) According to the Mariano Global
Surface Velocity Analysis (MGSVA) Model. HYCOM Consortium (2003)
Figure 5-12: Surinamese Fishery Production
Figure 5-13: Location of Suriname Ports
Figure 8-1:
Newspaper Advertisement of Public Meeting
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Summary of Stakeholder Engagement/Scoping Meeting August 10, 2016
Appendix B EIA/EMP Team Curricula Vitae
vi
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
BACKGROUND
In 2013 GX Technology, Inc. (GXT), a subsidiary of ION, submitted an
Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan
for a two dimensional (2D) seismic survey offshore Suriname. The
Nationaal Instituut voor Milieu en Ontwikkeling in Suriname (National
Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname, or NIMOS)
granted a permit to GXT to execute the survey and it was completed in
early 2013.
GXT now proposes to undertake an additional, comparatively minor 2D
seismic survey adjacent to the original survey acquisition area (see Section
2.0) in December 2016 (referred to hereafter as the Project) and has
contracted the consulting firm ERM (see Section 4.1) to assist in preparing
the necessary environmental permits and documentation required to
complete the Project. Based on guidance received by GXT from NIMOS in
early June 2016, an addendum to the EIA submitted in 2013 will be
required to support a permit for the currently proposed survey. A scoping
report and Terms of Reference must be submitted to NIMOS, and
stakeholders must be consulted prior to preparation of the EIA
addendum.
The objectives of this combined Scoping Report and Terms of Reference
(ToR) are to:
1. Describe the Project, especially the differences between the 2013 survey
and the 2016 proposal;
2. Document key issues and concerns as assessed by stakeholders in 2013
when the initial survey was assessed and permitted;
3. Provide an overview of the regulatory context relevant to the Project;
and
4. Summarize ERM’s proposed approach to the EIA addendum.
ERM
1
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
2.0
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1
SITE LOCATION AND TIMING
GXT proposes to conduct the Project in conjunction with another 2D
seismic survey proposed offshore Guyana in December 2016. The purpose
of the Project is to connect the area that was originally surveyed offshore
Suriname in 2013 with the new acquisition area offshore Guyana.
The currently proposed acquisition area and total sail line length is much
smaller than what was completed in 2013. Table 2-1 provides total area
and total survey line length for 2013 and 2016. The currently proposed
acquisition area and proposed sail lines are depicted in Figure 2-1.
Table 2-1:
Total Acquisition Area and Sail Line Length, 2013 and 2016
2013
Total acquisition
89,650
% Difference
2016
km2
15,740
km2
-82.4%
area
Total sail line
6,000 km
504 km
-91.8%
length
The duration of the 2016 survey is also anticipated to be much shorter
than the survey in 2013. Operations in Suriname’s territorial waters
associated with the Project are proposed to begin in December 2016 and
are expected to take approximately five working days to complete that
will be spaced over a 90-day period, including turns and line changes. The
2013 survey took approximately 2.5 months, from late January to midApril.
2.2
SURVEY OPERATIONS
The Project will consist of five stages: mobilization of the vessels to the
survey area, deployment of the towed equipment, data acquisition,
retrieval of the equipment, and demobilization.
Mobilization: The seismic vessel and chase vessel(s) are expected to
mobilize from the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago in December
2016. The vessel will have all equipment and supplies required for the
duration of the survey onboard at the time of departure. The chase vessels
ERM
2
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
will mobilize from Port of Spain simultaneously and accompany the
seismic vessel for the duration of the marine seismic survey.
Deployment of the towed equipment: Deployment of the towed seismic array
will consist of placing both the source array and streamer in the water
behind the seismic vessel. The array and streamer will be stored on
hydraulic winches. The arrays will be placed in the water behind the ship
with the use of a winch. The seismic vessel will use prevailing wind and
currents to assist in the deployment of the towed equipment. The
deployment process is not expected to take more than 1 day.
Data acquisition: During data acquisition, the seismic vessel will follow
predetermined survey lines within the survey area. The distance between
the survey lines may vary across the acquisition area, but will average
approximately 66 nautical miles.
ERM
3
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Figure 2-1:
ERM
Proposed Acquisition Area
4
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Retrieval of the towed equipment: Retrieval will consist of the same process
as deployment, but in reverse order. The array and streamer will be
winched onboard and secured for the return voyage to Port of Spain.
Demobilization: After retrieving the towed equipment, the seismic and
chase vessels will exit the survey area for Port of Spain, where waste will
be removed from the vessels for disposal.
Apart from the size of the acquisition area and the timing of the survey,
the survey proposed for 2016 is very similar to the one completed in 2013.
The 2D program will survey six lines within the survey area depicted in
Figure 2-1. The vessel will traverse pre-determined sail lines within the
survey area at a speed of approximately 8-9 km/hr. (4.5 knots). As the
vessel travels along the survey lines a series of noise pulses (every 20
seconds) will be directed down through the water column and seabed.
The released sound will be attenuated and reflected at geological
boundaries and the reflected signals will be detected using microphones
arranged along a single hydrophone cable (streamer) towed behind the
survey vessel. The reflected sound will then be processed to provide
information about the structure and composition of geological formations
below the seabed.
The source array and hydrophone array will be generally similar to the
arrays used in 2013, with some minor differences. The source array will be
comprised of a maximum of 48 single Sercel G-gun airguns (including 4
spares) vs. the 36 Sleeve and Bolt Long Life airguns proposed in 2013, but
the total combined source discharge volume in 2016 will be 6,060 in3
versus 6,420 in3 as proposed in 2013. The air gun mechanisms will be
arranged in four subarrays, two totaling 1,740 in3 each and two subarrays
totaling 1,290 in3 each. Air mechanisms within each of the four subarrays
will be spaced 3 m apart. As proposed in 2013, the source array will be
towed behind the seismic vessel at 8.5 m depth.
As in 2013, the hydrophone array will be installed on a solid streamer
cable that will extend 10,050 m in length. The tow depth proposed in 2016
is comparable to the depth proposed in 2013 (approximately 15 m in 2016
versus 9-16 m in 2013). The streamer will consist of 67 individual sections
of 150 m length. Each section will include 12 seismic data channels at 12.5
m intervals, and each channel shall consist of 8 individual Sercel Flexible
Hydrophone transducers arranged in a serial linear array. The streamer
cable will be equipped with a tail buoy with a radar reflector.
ERM
5
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
3.0
SCOPING PROCESS
Public participation is required during the scoping and impact assessment
stages of the EIA process, as outlined in NIMOS’ Environmental
Assessment Guidelines. During the original EIA process in 2012-2013, a
meeting with key stakeholders was conducted during the scoping phase.
Attendance at the key stakeholder meeting was by invitation, and invitees
received a copy of the draft EIA Terms of Reference (TOR) in advance of
the meeting. A presentation was given at the meeting to clarify the project
scope and potential environmental impacts. Comments solicited at the
meeting were considered in the final draft TOR submitted to NIMOS.
NIMOS informed GXT that it would also require a stakeholder
engagement/scoping meeting as part of the scoping process for this
project. The stakeholder engagement/scoping meeting was held on
August 10, 2016. Based on advice from NIMOS, stakeholders that
attended the 2013 scoping meeting were invited to the 2016 meeting. The
list of stakeholders that were invited to the 2016 stakeholder
engagement/meeting is provided in Table 3-1. Of the 24 stakeholders and
organisations invited, 7 were national authorities, 1 Suriname’s State oil
company (Staatsolie), 4 were major (including international) NGO’s, 5
were local and national media representatives. A major fisheries group
was also invited, as well as the main international commercial shipping
group, and 4 other offshore operators (Apache, Tullow Oil, Petronas,
Kosmos).
Table 3-1:
Stakeholders Invited to the Stakeholder Engagement/Scoping Meeting
Organization
Contact
Department of Fisheries – Ministry of
Mr. Radjeskumar Asraf – Policy Officer
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
Mrs. Yolanda Babb-Echteld
(“LVV”)
Conservation International Suriname
Mr. John Goedschalk - Director
WWF Guianas
Mr. Laurens Gomes – Suriname Country
Representative
Green Heritage Fund
Mrs. Monique Pool
Suriname Conservation Foundation
Mrs. C.G.J.de Rooij – Operations Manager
Staatsolie
Mrs. Marny Daal – Manager Petroleum
Contracts
Mr. Steve Mannes – Manager HSEQ Dept.
Maritime Authority Suriname - MAS
Mr. Lloyd Gemerts – Operations
Mr. Ryan Fung A Loi – Legal
Suriname Coastguard
ERM
Mr. Jerry Slijngard – head of Coastguard
6
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Organization
Contact
NIMOS
Mr. Cedric Nelom – Acting Director
Mrs. Marjory Danoe (offshore EIA)
Mr. Donovan Bogor (monitoring)
VSH United
Mr. Jamal Sastro – Executive operations
Radio Apintie
Redactie (coordinator)
Radio Kankantri
Redactie (Haidy Nelson)
Government
Mrs. Haydi Berenstein – representative of
Kabinet of the President of Suriname
STVS - Suriname Television Foundation
Ms. Jennifer Snijders – Redactie Coordinator
All four offshore operators atteded the meeting. Staatsolie sent 4
representatives covering different functional areas (HSE, Community
Relations, Petroleum Contracts, Production). Authorities represented
included NIMOS and the Kabinet of the President of Suriname (National
Environmental Policy Coordinator). National TV (“STVS,” local channel 8,
digital tv channel 8.1) also attended. Stakeholders’ concerns and questions
were generally related to technical operational aspects and environmental
commitments that GXT will make to manage potential impacts from the
Project.
ERM
7
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
4.0
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Suriname is governed according to the 1987 Constitution of the Republic
of Suriname. Suriname’s legislation at the national level is exercised
through Laws or Acts of Parliament (Wet, also called Verordening and
1
Landsverordening prior to 1975), Decrees (Decreet), Government Decree
(Staatsbesluit), Presidential Decree (Resolutie), Presidential Orders
(Presidentieel Besluit) or Ministerial Orders (Ministeriële Beschikking)
targeting various sectors including industry, tourism, nature conservation,
etc.
4.1
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
Suriname does not have an approved national law on environmental
management or EIA. Although it was not specifically identified in the
2013 EIA, the 2002 Draft Environmental Act defines the rules for
environmental conservation, management, and protection while
promoting sustainable development in Suriname. The provisions of the
Act do the following:
•
Allow for the creation and implementation of a comprehensive
environmental policy and planning process;
•
Establish the importance of environmental protection and equal
consideration of environmental issues with all other considerations;
•
Introduce and give effect to the Environmental Assessment
2
Guidelines ;
•
Enshrine the principles of access to information, participation and legal
protection for the Surinamese public;
•
Allow for the introduction of suitable regulations to address specific
issues of environmental protection;
•
Establish a framework for enforcement of environmental legislation
and regulations, together with penalties; and
1
Decrees date from the period of 1980 – 1986 and have the same status as past or
present Laws.
2
NIMOS published Guidelines for Environmental Assessment (including social
aspects) in Suriname in 2005, updated in 2009, and draft Guidelines in 2010.
ERM
8
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Establish the Nationaal Instituut voor Milieu en Ontwikkeling in
Suriname (NIMOS – the National Institute for Environment and
Development in Suriname) as the Environmental Authority in
Suriname.
•
NIMOS was originally established in 1998 by Presidential Decree as an
entity subordinate to the President’s office, but was formally transferred
to the Ministry of Labor, Technological Development and Environment
(ATM) as its technical division in 2001. State Decree 41 of 2015 reorganized the ATM, which is now the Ministry of Labor. The
environmental function is now officially part of the Ministry of Internal
Affairs (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken). Despite this reorganization
NIMOS remains the main environmental management policy and
advisory body within the national government, and also acts as a research
institute.
NIMOS published Final Guidelines for Environmental Assessment (2005,
updated in 2009) (including social aspects) in Suriname and project
proponents are expected to comply with the spirit of the guidelines. The
Guidelines also provide guidance for the Surinamese government on
determining the need for and scope/process of EIAs. Section 5.0 of this
report describes ERM’s proposed approach to the EIA addendum for the
Project as required by NIMOS.
There are several national acts that could apply to the EIA process and/or
project activities. Table 4-1 lists these acts and their relevance to the
project.
Table 4-1:
National Laws and their Relevance to the Project
National Law
Relevance to the Project
Petroleum Act 1990 (S.B. 1991 No.7) as
Establishes a common set of operating procedures for
amended in 2001
the oil industry in Suriname
Fish Protection Act, 1961 (G.B. 1961 No.
Prohibits the taking or disturbance of fish within
44 as amended by Act S.B. 1981 No. 66)
Suriname’s territorial waters (except during
established fishing seasons)
Sea Fisheries Act, 1980 (S.B. 1980 No.
Authorizes the government to make regulations for
144, as amended by Act S.B. 2001 No.
the protection of marine fish stocks, and provides for
120)
the creation of an Advisory Council for Sea Fisheries
which advises the Minister on matters affecting sea
fisheries.
ERM
9
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
National Law
Relevance to the Project
Law on the Territorial Sea and the
Defines the territorial sea of Suriname at 12 nautical
Continuous Economic Zone 1978 (S.B.
miles from the nearest point on the line of low-water
1978 No. 26)
mark along the shore and establishes a zone, and the
“Economic Zone," at 200 nautical miles from the
coast. Claims Suriname’s sovereign rights concerning
the exploration, exploitation, conservation and
management of living and non-living resources
within these zones.
Maritime Authority Act (S.B. 1998 No.
Provides for the establishment of the Maritime
37)
Authority in Suriname, which is responsible for safe
and efficient maritime traffic from and to Suriname
Source: FAOLEX, 2016 a-e
4.2
INTERNATIONAL
Several international conventions to which Suriname is signatory could
also apply to the EIA process and/or project activities. Table 4-2 lists these
conventions and their relevance to the project.
Table 4-2:
International Conventions and their Relevance to the Project
Convention
Relevance to the Project
International Convention relating to
Relates to potential for water pollution from oil
Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil
spills
Pollution Casualties 1969
Convention on the Prevention of Marine
Controls the deliberate, routine dumping of
Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other
waste and other materials at sea
Matter (Also called the “London Dumping
Convention”), 1972
United Nations Convention on Biological
Relates to biodiversity, land use, and protected
Diversity (UNCBD) and the Cartagena
areas
Protocol on Biosafety
United Nations Convention on the High Seas
Relates to water pollution, seawater quality,
(Geneva Convention, 1976);
waste management, and limit of jurisdiction
over territorial waters.
International Convention for the Prevention of
Establishes controls on routine discharges from
Pollution from Ships 1973 as modified by
maritime vessels
Protocol of 1978 relating thereto
(MARPOL73/78)
ERM
10
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Convention
Relevance to the Project
United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Establishes controls on routine discharges from
Seas (UNCLOS); 1982
maritime vessels and addresses national
jurisdiction over territorial waters
International Convention for the Safety of Life
Sets minimum standards for construction,
at Sea, 1974
operation, and safety equipment on board
vessels at sea
Basel Convention on the Control of
Controls international movement of hazardous
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
waste, especially from more developed to less
Wastes and their Disposal, 1989
developed countries
International Convention on Standards of
Sets training requirements for captains, officers,
Training, Certification and Watch keeping for
and watch personnel on vessels at sea
Seafarers, 1978
ERM
11
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
5.0
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
Suriname is located on the north coast of South America, bordered by the
Atlantic Ocean to the north, French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west
and Brazil to the south (see Figure 5-1). With a surface area of 163,270 km2
and a population of approximately 519,740 (in 2009), it is one of the least
densely populated countries in the world (Source: World Bank, World
Development Indicators, accessed 2011). Most of the population is
concentrated along the coast and near the capital, Paramaribo.
Figure 5-1:
Map of Suriname
ERM
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
5.1
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Suriname has a tropical climate with abundant rainfall, a uniform
temperature, and high humidity influenced by the movement of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). In the ITCZ, south-easterly and northeasterly winds converge causing convection and heavy rainfall.
Fluctuations in the position of the ITCZ result in the following four
seasons:
•
A minor rainy season from early December to early February;
•
A minor dry season from early February to late April;
•
A major rainy season from late April to mid-August; and
•
A major dry season from mid-August to early December (FAO 2000).
Average daily temperature in the coastal region is 27.40 Celsius, with a
daily variation of 5°C. Annual variation of the average temperature is 23°C. The interior has relatively similar figures, although variation of daily
temperatures can be larger (10-12°C).
Daytime temperatures in Paramaribo range between 22°C and 33°C, with
an annual average temperature of 27°C. The range in average
temperatures is presented in the Table 5-1 below.
Table 5-1:
Range of Temperatures in Paramaribo
Year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg. Temp (°C)
26
27
27
27
27
27
27
28
29
29
28
27
Avg. High Temp (°C)
30
30
31
31
30
30
31
32
33
33
33
31
Avg. Low Temp (°C)
23
23
23
24
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
23
Source: http://www.suriname.climatemps.com/ (Accessed September 2016)
The average annual rainfall in Paramaribo is 2,400 mm, which is close to
the country’s average. The annual volume of rainfall in the country is 355
km3/yr. Evapotranspiration and evaporation losses represent 49% of
precipitation. June is the wettest month in the north of the country and the
driest months are September and October, during which average monthly
rainfall is still more than 60 mm (FAO 2000). According to the 2nd national
communication to UNFCCC (20013), Suriname’s main freshwater source is
the abundant annual rainfall. Seven main rivers annually convey about 4,800
m3/sec of fresh water into the Atlantic Ocean, i.e. approximately 30% of the
annual rainfall.
ERM
13
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Figure 5-2:
Annual Rainfall and Temperature Average Paramaribo
Source: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Retrieved September 2016
Wind directions are predominantly the north-east and south-east Trade
Winds. Which of these is predominant depends on the position of the
ITCZ, which varies with the season, and is one of the primary drivers
behind the pattern of dry and rainy seasons in Suriname. The mean wind
force is 1.3 Beaufort, with maxima of 1.6 and 1.4 Beaufort in February –
March and September – October, respectively. Winds of up to 4.0 Beaufort
are often measured (NIMOS unknown date).
5.2
AIR QUALITY
Ambient air quality screening measurements were taken at two offshore
locations within Block 30 in March 2007 using a Multi Rae Plus Multigas
Analyser (Environmental Sciences Limited 2007). The parameters
monitored included Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Carbon Monoxide (CO),
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), LEL’s (Lower Explosive Level for
combustible gases) and Oxygen (O2) levels. Due to an absence of existing
activities or operations offshore Block 30, parameters such as oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), oxides of sulphur (SOx) and particulate matter (PM10)
were not monitored because ambient atmospheric levels were below the
detection limits of the monitoring equipment. The air quality data
collected within Block 30 illustrated that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were below detectable levels in the
study area.
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Given the proximity of Block 30 to the study area, air quality is expected
to be similar.
5.3
ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS
Suriname borders the Atlantic Ocean and is located on the South
American mainland near the equator and Amazon River. The biodiversity
is tropical with strong components from the Guiana Shield, Amazonian
terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and Caribbean influence.
Though most of the freshwater, marine ecosystems and biodiversity is
shared with neighboring countries, some are unique to Suriname and
countries of the Guiana Shield area.
5.4
FLORA
5.4.1
Plankton
Plankton can consist of three different trophic groups including:
phytoplankton, zooplankton and bacterioplankton. As a result of the river
outflow of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, Suriname waters are rich in
plankton and other primary organic matter. This provides a broad and
rich food source for marine life, especially fish and cetacea.
The Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Project, part of
NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, uses satellite remote sensing to measure
the concentration of phytoplankton in the ocean. This is achieved by the
satellite-based quantification of ocean color, made possible because the
color in most of the world's oceans in the visible light region (wavelengths
of 400-700 nm) varies with the concentration of chlorophyll and other
plant pigments present in the water, i.e., the more phytoplankton present,
the greater the concentration of plant pigments and the greener the water.
Phytoplankton composition depends on hydrological seasons; stability,
upwelling, coastal rains, or flood season, which affect nutrient supply and
vertical stratification. Sufficient nutrient supply and water column
stability (calm weather) are required to stimulate phytoplankton growth.
From satellite images of chlorophyll concentration in seawater it can be
interpreted that the primary producing phytoplanktonic community
occurs mainly near the shore and in shallow waters.
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Phytoplankton production in coastal waters is stimulated by nutrient runoff from the land and by mixing due to tides. The satellite images shown
in Figure 5-3 indicate seasonal variation, with the highest productivity
occurring between March and August in the shallow waters to the north
of Suriname [Note: SeaWiFS chlorophyll concentrations very close to
coastlines and in shallow water may be ‘contaminated’ by plants growing
on the bottom such as macro-algae and seagrass, so readings in very
shallow water may not give a good indication of primary production by
the phytoplankton].
Figure 5-3:
Surinamese Waters. SeaWiFS Chlorophyll Concentration Image
September – November
December – February
March – May
June – August
Source: SeaWiFS: hhttp://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/SeaWiFS/. Accessed 2016.
5.4.2
Seagrass
Seagrass beds are highly productive environments. Grazers, such as green
turtles, fish and sea urchins feed directly on the seagrass. Seagrass blades
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provide surfaces for epiphytes (algae and invertebrates) to attach.
Seagrass also serves as protective nursery grounds for the juveniles of
many commercially important species, including snapper, grunt, lobster
and conch. Seagrass beds help to maintain water clarity by reducing water
movement and inducing the settling of sediment particles, while the
rhizome and root system stabilize the bottom sediments preventing resuspension. Clear water is an important requirement for the maintenance
of healthy seagrass beds. Seagrass beds are abundant in Central America
and off the coast of Venezuela. Despite this, there are no recorded seagrass
beds within the proposed survey area (Global Seagrass Species Richness
[2003]).
5.4.3
Mangroves
The coastal zone of Suriname is characterized by vast intertidal mudflats,
narrow sand and shell beaches, and extensive mangrove swamps that are
bordered inland by shallow saline and brackish lagoons and swamps. The
mangrove forests and adjacent swamps along the coast of Suriname form
part of a continuous belt of coastal wetlands that stretch from the mouth
of the Amazon River in Brazil to the Orinoco Delta in Venezuela, also
referred to as the Guianan Mangrove Ecoregion. The extensive mangroves
and mudflats along this coast are some of the most productive on the
continent. The ecosystem map presented in Figure 5-4 shows an almost
uninterrupted mangrove belt along the Surinamese coast.
Mangrove species found in the Suriname include Avicennia germinans,
Rhizophora spp, and Laguncularia racemosa. Mangroves in Suriname cover
an estimated 100,000 ha, dominated by dense vegetation of Avicennia
germinans (parwa) with an average width of 3km along the coast line, with
other species dominating along tidal creeks (Laguncularia racemosa) and
riverbanks (Rhizophora spp.). These mangroves provide several major
ecological functions and services, including shoreline protection from
erosion, sustenance of coastal fisheries and as habitat for migratory
shorebirds, breeding waterbirds and other wildlife (ICZM 2009).
While two-thirds of Suriname’s mangroves and other coastal wetlands are
protected or managed for wise use, and various environmental laws and
regulations are in place, the management of mangrove resources in
Suriname is facing a number of major problems, such as habitat
destruction and conversion, coastal erosion and sea level rise,
hydrological disturbances and various other threats and challenges (ICZM
2009).
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Mangrove swamps constitute highly productive ecosystems, which
provide many products that can be harvested by local communities. The
Suriname mangroves are also an important breeding sites for more than
118 species of coastal birds (ICZM 2009), and staging areas for nonbreeding migrant waterfowl, particularly arctic and sub-arctic shorebirds.
Coastal wetland ecosystems play an important role in maintaining
shoreline stability and preserving biodiversity. The coastal system is a
globally critical refuge for millions of migratory bird species that visit
Suriname each year. At certain times, half of the migratory shorebird
individuals recorded in all South America may be found along the
western coast of Surinam. Every year up to 4 million birds from North
America migrate to these mangroves (ICZM 2009). The discharge of
freshwater into the brackish and saline zones along the Ocean is
considered essential for the healthy functioning of the mangroves and
other coastal wetlands (ICZM 2009). In portions of the ocean, a number of
hydrological barriers have been constructed which prevent the flow of
freshwater towards the mangrove zone; however, it is unknown how
these barriers have yet impacted the mangroves and associated ecosystem.
Since 1980, Staatsolie has developed oil production fields in the coastal
area of the Saramacca District of Suriname. Environmental Impact
Assessments have been carried out and environmental management
programs are in place. Through these Environmental Impact Assessments,
it has been determined that the impacts on the mangrove vegetation are
expected to be localized, small- scale and the mangrove vegetation is
expected to recover from this disturbance (ICZM 2009).
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Figure 5-4:
Mangrove Distribution along the Surinamese Coast
Source: UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (www.unep-wcmc.org, accessed 2016)
5.5
FAUNA
5.5.1
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs thrive in clear, shallow, oceanic, low-nutrient waters, with
plenty of sunlight and warm, stable temperatures. Coral growth can be
limited by high turbidity, exposure to fresh water or air, extreme
temperatures, changes in salinity, pollution and excess nutrients (Dudley,
2003). The Guiana Current carries a large volume of suspended solids
from the mouth of the Amazon River along the coast to the north. This
flow also brings high concentrations of nutrients increasing the trophic
status of the coastal waters to mesotrophic or eutrophic (Green and Brown
waters).
Coral reef ecosystems are absent along the Surinamese coast. This is due
to high nutrient outflow concentrations and high turbidity of coastal
waters which reduce light penetration. However, fossilized coral reefs
have been found to occur approximately 100 m below the surface of the
sea off the coast.
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5.5.2
Macrobenthos
Benthos refers to the benthic invertebrate community; a group of animals
that live on or in the bottom sediments of the seafloor. This group is
divided into infauna and epifauna. The latter may be sedentary (attached
to the substrate), such as small crustaceans, or mobile such as isopods.
Very little information was available remotely regarding the invertebrate
community; however, it was ascertained that over 20 species of crab and
11 species of shrimp are present offshore Suriname (UN Sustainable
Development 2002).
5.5.3
Fish
Marine fish species found offshore of Suriname represent 5% of the world
marine species. This proportion is high when compared with the
relatively small area covered by Suriname.
There are currently 727 marine fish species recorded in Surinamese waters
to date (November 2012). Pelagic fish constitute 31 of these species and
generally reside in open waters not categorized as being near the coast or
continental shelf. There are 206 recorded deep-water fish species, at
depths above 1,000 m.
Surinamese waters hold 11% of the world total of species used for game
fishing, in contrast to only 0.1% of the commercial species. The country’s
waters also contain approximately 3% of globally threatened species. The
commercial fish include the Pacuma toadfish (Batrachoides surinamensis),
Cascarudo (Callichthys callichthys), Longnose stingray (Dasyatis guttata),
Atipa (Hoplosternum littorale), Spotted hoplo (Megalechis picta), and
Thomas sea catfish (Notarius grandicassis). Of these six fish, none fall in to
the deepwater category. The Cascarudo, Atipa, Spotted hoplo are
freshwater fish, while the Pacuma toadfish, Longnose stingray and
Thomas sea catfish are saltwater fish.
The statistics on the Surinamese fish community are presented in Table 52.
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Table 5-2:
Table 5-3:
Suriname Fish Community Statistics – Zones
Classification
Number
Freshwater
380
Saltwater
727
Pelagic
31
Deep-water
206
Suriname Fish Community Statistics - Uses
Classification
Number
Commercial
6
Game
131
Endemic
11
Threatened
30
Froese, R. and D. Pauly (2012) editors of FishBase. www.fishbase.org. Version (05/2014).
A list of threatened fish species found within Surinamese waters is given
in Table 5-4.
Table 5-4:
Suriname Fish List
Common Name
1. Thresher
Scientific Name
Threat Category
Alopias vulpinus
Vulnerable
2.
Queen triggerfish
Balistes vetula
Vulnerable
3.
Oceanic whitetip shark
Carcharhinus
Vulnerable
4.
Dusky shark
5.
6.
7.
longimanus
Carcharhinus obscurus
Vulnerable
Gulper shark
Centrophorusgranulosus
Vulnerable
Painted electric ray
Diplobatis pictus
Vulnerable
Atlantic Goliath
Epinephelus itajara
Critically Endangered
Epinephelus striatus
Endangered
Hippocampus erectus
Vulnerable
10. Yellowedge grouper
Hyporthodus flavolimbatus
Vulnerable
11. Warsaw grouper
Hyporthodus nigritus
Critically Endangered
12. Snowy grouper
Hyporthodus niveatus
Vulnerable
13. Daggernose shark
Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus
Critically Endangered
grouper
8.
9.
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Common Name
14. Shortfin mako
Scientific Name
Threat Category
Isurus oxyrinchus
Vulnerable
15. Atlantic white marlin
Kajikia albida
Vulnerable
16. Hogfish
Lachnolaimus maximus
Vulnerable
17. Mutton snapper
Lutjanus analis
Vulnerable
18. Cubera snapper
Lutjanus cyanopterus
Vulnerable
19. Blue marlin
Makaira nigricans
Vulnerable
20. Giant manta
Manta birostris
Vulnerable
21. Red porgy
Pagrus pagrus
Endangered
22. Largetooth sawfish
Pristis microdon
Critically Endangered
23. Smalltooth sawfish
Pristis pectinata
Critically Endangered
24. Whale shark
Rhincodon typus
Vulnerable
25. Blunthead puffer
Sphoeroides pachygaster
Vulnerable
26. Scalloped hammerhead
Sphyrna lewini
Endangered
27. Great hammerhead
Sphyrna mokarran
Endangered
28. Smalleye hammerhead
Sphyrna tudes
Vulnerable
29. Bigeye tuna
Thunnus obesus
Vulnerable
30. Atlantic Bluefin tuna
Thunnus thynnus
Endangered
Froese, R. and D. Pauly (2012) editors of FishBase. www.fishbase.org. Version (05/2014)
5.5.4
Marine Turtles
Four species of endangered sea turtles nest along Suriname’s coast: Green
turtle (Chelonia mydas); Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea); Hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricate), and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). Mainly
the first two species nest in Suriname. The hawksbill is a very rare visitor.
For the leatherback Bigisanti is a relatively important nesting place in
America, although the numbers that come ashore are nothing in
comparison with those nesting at the French Guiana rookery E of the
Marowijne River mouth (Schulz 1975). The proposed survey area begins
approximately 29 km away from the coast and is not anticipated to
directly affect coastal turtle nesting grounds.
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Eastern Suriname and western French Guiana constitute parts of the most
globally important nesting beaches for Leatherbacks. See Table 5-5 for the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designations.
Table 5-5:
Turtle Species and IUCN Designation
Species
IUCN Designation
Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
Critically Endangered
Green (Chelonia mydas)
Endangered
Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Vulnerable
Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate)
Critically Endangered
Based on the number of clutches a female lays during one season and the
average inter-seasonal breeding intervals (Schulz 1975), the numbers of
females making up the entire female population nesting in Suriname
amounts to approximately:
•
7,600 Leatherbacks;
•
3,900 – 5,200 Green turtles; and
•
400 – 560 Olive Ridleys.
It has been estimated that over 40% of the world Leatherback population
nests in Suriname and French Guiana (Girondot 2007). The Olive Ridley
population that nests in the Galibi Nature Reserve in Suriname is the
largest and most important Olive Ridley population in the Western
Atlantic. Despite conservation measures carried out by the Foundation for
Nature Preservation in Suriname (STINASU), which reduced poaching of
Olive Ridley eggs the numbers of nesting females decreased drastically in
subsequent years (an estimated 80% reduction in 20 years between 1968
and 1989) (Reichart 1993). The Galibi Nature Reserve is also an important
nesting site for Leatherbacks and Green turtles. Less frequently, Suriname
is visited by Hawksbill turtles. Only on one occasion has a Loggerhead
turtle (Caretta caretta) been observed nesting on a Surinamese beach. The
nesting population of Green turtles in Suriname was relatively stable
between 1968 and 1989, and has been estimated at between 3,700 – 7,200
females (Reichart 1993). The average number of nests laid annually lies
between 5,000 and 6,000, which are among the largest populations in the
world.
The number of Leatherback turtles nesting in Suriname increased
significantly from 200 in 1968 to 12,401 in 1985 (Reichart 1993). This is
considered to be most likely due to the erosion of nesting beaches in
neighboring Guyana (Schulz 1975). The Leatherback population that nests
in Suriname and Guyana forms part of the Atlantic population that may
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be one of the last remaining viable populations in the world (WWF 2011).
Recent Leatherback nest counts have been conducted along the
Surinamese are shown in Table 5-6. Figure 5-5 provides a map of common
nesting beaches on the Suriname coast.
Table 5-6:
Estimated Leatherback Turtle Nesting Counts
Beach
2004
2005
- Babunsanti
2,300
3,650
- Thomas-Eilanti
X
750
- Alusiaka
X
250
Samsambo
450
3,000
Kolukumbo – Marie
850
350
Matapica, Diana Beach
3,000
2,000
Total estimated nests
6,600
10,000
Galibi Nature Reserve
Source: Goverse 2006
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Figure 5-5:
Common Nesting Beaches of Eastern Suriname
Source: Goverse 2006
Turtles generally use offshore waters for feeding and travelling.
Leatherbacks are recorded to be obligate predators of gelatinous
zooplankton including scyphozoan jellyfish and pyrosomes (Houghton
2006). Adult green turtles are largely herbivorous and feed predominantly
on marine algae and seagrasses. Olive Ridley turtles are assumed to be
less of a foraging species as they are more often recorded exhibiting deepdive behaviors and travelling in long-distance patterns. Adult hawksbill
turtles prey heavily on sponges generally within shallow coral reef
systems. Suriname waters are most likely used for migration purposes
and opportunistic foraging grounds, as sea turtles are known to travel to
higher latitudes for feeding and return to tropical breeding sites (i.e.,
Suriname coast).
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in partnership with other scientists,
STINASU, Sea Turtle Conservancy and Non-government Organizations
(NGO) of Suriname recently satellite tagged (May 2011) a leatherback and
green turtle on Shell beach, Guyana. Past satellite tagging from June 2006
on the beaches of Galibi Nature reserve have also monitored the
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movement of leatherbacks after nesting. GPS tracking have shown that
these turtles can travel 11,500 km across the Atlantic after nesting in
beaches of Suriname. The 2013 tagging initiated by the WWF Sea Turtle
Conservancy continued to monitor the turtles tagged from Shell Beach,
Guyana. The sea turtles discussed in this section and shown in Figure 5-6
below, displaying recent tagged marine turtles in Suriname, occur
predominately in May of each year.
Figure 5-6:
Real Time Tracking of Turtles Sea Turtle Conservancy
Source: Data © WWF and map © STC (Accessed November 2012)
The major threat to turtles in Suriname is illegal egg poaching.
Furthermore, marine turtles migrating and foraging offshore are at risk of
gillnet and fishing gear injury or entrapment causing death as well as
collision with boats. Goverse and Hilterman (2005) recorded 15-18% of
leatherback turtles in their 2002-2003 inventory showing signs of injury
related to the fisheries industry. Another major threat to turtle
populations in Suriname is habitat nest site degradation. In 1968,
STINASU started a conservation program in order to protect Suriname’s
marine turtles. This program consisted of a total ban on the harvest of
Olive Ridley eggs and limited and controlled egg harvesting for the other
species in cooperation with the local Amerindians. This strategy was very
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successful as poaching dropped significantly in the following years;
however, the number of nesting Olive Ridleys has not yet recovered.
The nesting seasons for turtles in Suriname overlap and cover the period
from February to July (Oceanic Society, 2007; STINASU):
5.5.5
•
Green: February to July;
•
Hawksbill: July to October
•
Leatherback: March to July; and
•
Olive Ridley: mid-May to July.
Marine Mammals
The IUCN designations have been included to show present global
assessment of the given species. Half of the identified species are listed as
Data Deficient with the remainder assessed as Least Concern, Endangered
or Vulnerable.
The listed marine mammal species in Table 5-7 are presumed to occur in
Suriname waters; however, current data is limited to support species
distribution, population size and frequency of occurrence.
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Table 5-7:
Marine Mammals Listed Occurring in Suriname Waters
Scientific Name
Common Name
IUCN Designation
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Minke whale
Least Concern
Balaenoptera borealis
Sei whale
Endangered
Balaenoptera brydei
Bryde’s whale
Data Deficient
Balaenoptera musculus
Blue whale
Endangered
Balaenoptera physalus
Fin whale
Endangered
Delphinus delphis
Short beaked common dolphin
Least Concern
Globicephala macrorhynchus
Pygmy killer whale
Data Deficient
Feresa attenuata
Short-finned pilot whale
Data Deficient
Grampus griseus
Risso’s dolphin
Least Concern
Kogia breviceps
Pygmy sperm whale
Data Deficient
Kogia simus
Dwarf sperm whale
Data Deficient
Lagenodelphis hosei
Frasers dolphin
Least Concern
Megaptera novaeangliae
Humpback whale
Least Concern
(saddleback)
Mesoplodon densirostris
Dense beaked whale
Data Deficient
Mesoplodon europaeus
Gervais beaked whale
Data Deficient
Orcinus orca
Killer whale
Data Deficient
Peponocephala electra
Melon-headed whale
Least Concern
Pseudorca crassidens
False killer whale
Data Deficient
Sotalia fluviatilis
Tucuxi
Data Deficient
Stenella attenuata
Pan-tropical spotted dolphin
Least Concern
Stenella clymene
Clymene dolphin
Data Deficient
Stenella coeruleoalba
Striped dolphin
Least Concern
Stenella frontalis
Atlantic spotted dolphin
Data Deficient
Stenella longirostris
Spinner dolphin
Data Deficient
Steno bredanensis
Rough-toothed dolphin
Least Concern
Tursiops truncatus
Common Bottlenose dolphin
Least Concern
Ziphius cavirostris
Cuviers beaked whale
Least Concern
Trichechus manatus
West Indian manatee
Vulnerable
Source: www.mammals-worldwide.info/suriname.htm; Sea Around Us Project 2012. IUCN 2010.
IUCN Red List of threatened Species. Version 2010. http://www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on
September 2016.
Aerial surveys and research in French Guiana open waters have
documented and confirmed the presence of a number of species in the
area (Ridoux 2010). Total effort accumulated to 63 hours of transect line
surveys (7,300 km) covering 138,000 km2 of area. Cetaceans, turtles, birds,
sharks and ray sightings were all recorded and numbers are provided in
Table 5-8. Sightings showing large cetaceans and delphinids are displayed
in Figure 5-7.
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Table 5-8:
Total Effort and Associated Number of Sightings
Transect Effort
Cetacean
Bird Sightings
Turtle Sightings
Sightings
73,000 km; 63h
Figure 5-7:
140 (10 taxa)
Sharks and Ray
Sightings
291 (11 taxa)
36
149
Large Cetacean and Delphinids Recorded During Aerial Survey
Source: Ridoux 2010
Identified species from the aerial survey included the Fin whale, Pygmy
killer whale, Rissos dolphin, Sperm whale, Tucuxi, Guiana Dolphin,
Spinner dolphin, Common Bottlenose dolphin, and Cuviers beaked whale
(Ridoux 2010). The Short-finned pilot whale, Melon-headed whale, and
False killer whale were recorded as likely species sighted, but not
confirmed. Most frequently observed cetaceans included the Tucuxi,
Guiana Dolphin, Sperm whale and humpback whale. The recorded
species in French Guiana is inferred for Suriname waters in this report
since French Guiana is neighboring Suriname and cetaceans are highly
mobile.
Studies southeast of Suriname near Morro do Pernambuco, Ilheus have
recently been initiated to study the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis).
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Data collected from July 2008 to June 2009 observed dolphins occurred
frequently in the area from May to October and only occasionally during
the summer (December to February) (Morais 2010). The area was mainly
used for feeding (50% of sightings) and travelling (23%). Sightings were
most frequently recorded near the coast in water depths less than eight
meters. However, studies may be biased by the land based surveys and
have limited offshore visibility.
The following species of whale and dolphin are listed as vulnerable or
endangered (IUCN Red List, 2012):
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus); endangered)
Blue whales are the largest baleen whale and largest recorded animal to
have lived on earth (Calambokidis and Steiger 1997). Blue whales
undertake extensive, seasonal north-south migrations each year from
wintering grounds in low latitude areas to productive feeding grounds in
mid to high latitude waters (Gregr 2006).
Blue whales communicate using low frequency sounds ranging
approximately 12-200 Hz (Heise 2007; Erbe 2002).
Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis; endangered)
Sei whales have been recorded to favor deep offshore waters. The Sei
whale tends to follow shelf contours and plankton gatherings. Sei whales
tend to swim in pods of 3-5 animals, and rarely dive deeper than 300 m.
Sei Whales migrate between tropical and subtropical latitudes in winter
and temperate and subpolar latitudes in summer, staying mainly in water
temperatures of 8 - 18°C.
Sei whales communicate using low frequency sounds approximately
1,500-3,500 Hz (Heise 2007; Erbe 2002). Vocalizations recorded from Sei
whales appear to be similar to other mysticetes and suggest that their
songs function as reproductive breeding displays (Gedamke 2001).
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus; endangered)
Fin whales are more gregarious in manner than other whales and are
usually found either in pairs (as in mother and calf) or in groups of 6 – 10
animals. Although individuals are also common, congregations of
approximately 100 can be found in feeding grounds.
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Fin whales communicate using low frequency sounds ranging
approximately 14-150 Hz (Heise 2007; Erbe 2002). Songs recorded from
only male fin whales have led researchers to believe that vocalizations
may function as reproductive breeding displays (Gedamke 2001; Croll
2002).
Manatee (Trichechus manatus; vulnerable)
Trichechus manatus is native to Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and Jamaica.
They are listed as Vulnerable because the number of mature individuals is
currently estimated to number less than 10,000 and is expected to decline
at a rate of at least 10% over the course of three generations (given a
generation time of ~20 years) as a result of both habitat loss and
anthropogenic factors. Worldwide, manatees are increasingly threatened
by commercial fishing and boat-strike mortality. The West Indian manatee
occurs in waters that have a salinity ranging from saltwater to freshwater
and that have sufficient depth (1.5 m to usually less than 6 m). They may
be found in canals, rivers, estuarine habitats, offshore cays, coastal lagoons
and saltwater bays. Individual manatees on occasion have been observed
as far as 15 km off the coast.
5.5.6
Marine Birds
There are over 700 bird species recorded in Suriname. The Surinamese
coast is considered a principal South American wintering ground for
migratory shorebirds from near arctic regions. The location of the project
site begins approximately 29 km offshore, thus will likely reduce the
number of bird species present and is not anticipated to directly affect
nesting sites.
Detailed research studies have not been conducted offshore, however
coastal birds have been included in this section as they may potentially
feed offshore in open waters. Thiollay (2007) studied raptors distribution
in French Guiana for over 23 years. Recorded raptor species commonly
occurring in coastal sites included the black vulture (Coragyps atratus),
osprey (Pandion haliaetus), rufous crab-hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis),
short-tailed hawk (Buteo brachyurus) and peregrine falcon (Falco
peregrinus). Ridoux’s 2010 aerial survey for cetaceans in French Guiana
also recorded marine bird species opportunistically sighted. Species
detailed identifications were not given, however most often observed
were frigate birds and terns. See Figure 5-8 for estimated marine bird
counts.
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Figure 5-8:
Estimated Marine Bird Counts from Ridoux’s 2010 Aerial Survey
Aerial surveys conducted in 1982-1986 counted more than 2.9 million
shorebirds along the entire South American coastline (approximately
28,000 km), including the Surinamese coastline (375 km). Along
Suriname’s coast alone, 1.5 million shorebirds were recorded; this is
approximately 52% of the total shorebird populations wintering in South
America (UN Sustainable Development 2002).
De Jong & Spaans (1984) list 118 bird species that can be found
regularly in Suriname and are ecologically dependent on coastal
wetlands. Seventy-seven of these are genuine waterfowl as defined by
the Ramsar Convention, and they represent a total number of over five
million birds in the saline and brackish zone. This includes
approximately:
•
4,000,000 shorebirds;
•
600,000 ciconiiform birds;
•
100,000 ducks;
•
100,000 larids and skimmers; and
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
•
30,000 others.
The coast of Suriname holds more colonies of ciconiiform birds than
any other coast of the same length between the Amazon and Orinoco
Rivers (Spaans 1990). Suriname is of critical importance as a nesting
area for the South American endemic scarlet ibis, with up to 35,000
pairs breeding in the country's coastal mangroves in top years. The
Wageningen breeding colony (30,000 pairs in 1986) in the NickerieCoronie swamp area is the second most important colony known for
the species.
Suriname is an important wintering area within South America for
shorebirds breeding in the boreal and arctic regions of North America
(UN Sustainable Development 2002). The coast of Suriname is of special
importance for the following species:
•
Black vulture (Coragyps atratus);
•
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus);
•
Rufous Crab-Hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis);
•
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus);
•
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus);
•
Greater yellowlegs (T. melanoleuca);
•
Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes);
•
Semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla);
•
Short-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus);
•
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus);
•
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus);
•
Black-bellied plover (Pluvialis squatarola); and
•
Ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres).
Maximum numbers estimated for the five most abundant species of
shorebirds are:
•
Semipalmated sandpiper 2-5 million;
•
Short-billed dowitcher and lesser yellowlegs 200,000 each; and
•
Greater yellowlegs and least sandpiper 50,000-100,000 each (Spaans
1990).
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Among the landbirds using the estuarine zone is the orange-winged
parrot (Amazona amazonica) and thousands of birds that feed inland may
also use the coastal area.
Table 5-9:
List of Threatened/Vulnerable Bird Species Known to be Present in
Suriname
Bird Species
IUCN Designation
Gray-bellied Hawk (Accipiter poliogaster)
Near Threatened
Agami Heron (Agamia agami)
Vulnerable
Blue-cheeked Amazon (Amazona dufresniana)
Near Threatened
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)
Near Threatened
Bicoloured Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor)
Near Threatened
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)
Near Threatened
Black Curassow (Crax alector)
Vulnerable
Long-tailed Woodcreeper (Deconychura
Near Threatened
longicauda)
White-streaked Antvireo (Dysithamnus
Vulnerable
leucostictus)
Rufous-sided Pygmy-tyrant (Euscarthmus
Near Threatened
rufomarginatus)
Orange-brested Falcon (Falco deiroleucus)
Near Threatened
Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)
Near Threatened
Guianan Warbling-antbird (Hypocnemis
Near Threatened
cantator)
Crested eagle (Morphnus guianensis)
Near Threatened
Wing-banded Antbird (Myrmornis torquata)
Near Threatened
Brown-bellied Antwren (Myrmotherula
Near Threatened
gutturalis)
Guianan Streaked Antwren (Myrmotherula
Vulnerable
surinamensis)
Marbled Wood-quail (Odontophorus gujanensis)
Near Threatened
Ruddy Pigeon (Patagioenas subvinacea)
Vulnerable
Red-and-black Grosbeak (Periporphyrus
Near Threatened
erythromelas)
Guianan Piculet (Picumnus minutissimus)
Near Threatened
White-bellied Piculet (Picumnus spilogaster)
Vulnerable
Blue-throated Piping guan (Pipile cumanensis)
Vulnerable
Bearded Tachuri (Polystictus pectoralis)
Near Threatened
Caica Parrot (Pyrilia caica)
Near Threatened
Ornate Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
Near Threatened
Great Tinamou (Tinamus major)
Near Threatened
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites
Near Threatened
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Bird Species
IUCN Designation
subruficollis)
Zigzag Heron (Zebrilus undulates)
Near Threatened
Source: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded
September 2016.
5.6
PROTECTED AREAS
Suriname has three types of protected areas: Nature Parks, Nature
Reserves, and Multiple Use Management Areas. UNEP World
Conservation Monitoring Centre lists the sites shown in Table 5-10 as
protected within Suriname. IUCN has classified the protected areas under
management categories according to their management objectives. The
listed categories are used for protected areas in Suriname:
•
Category II – National Park
o Category II protected areas are large natural or near natural areas
set aside to protect large-scale ecological processes, along with the
complement of species and ecosystems characteristic of the area,
which also provide a foundation for environmentally and
culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational
and visitor opportunities.
o Primary objective - To protect natural biodiversity along with its
underlying ecological structure and supporting environmental
processes, and to promote education and recreation.
•
Category IV – Habitat Species management area
o Category IV protected areas aim to protect particular species or
habitats and management reflects this priority. Many category IV
protected areas will need regular, active interventions to address
the requirements of particular species or to maintain habitats, but
this is not a requirement of the category.
o Primary objective – To maintain, conserve and restore species and
habitats.
Table 5-10:
Suriname Protected Areas and IUCN Classification
Level of
Category
Name
Size (ha)
Designation
National
Classification
Forest Reserve
Designations
Multiple-use
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IUCN
Mac Clemen
6,000
Not Reported
Snake Creek
4,000
Not Reported
Bigi Pan
68,320
Not Reported
35
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Level of
Category
Name
Size (ha)
Designation
IUCN
Classification
National
Management
Noord Coronie
Designations
Area
Noord Saramacca
No data
VI
15,000
VI
No data
Not Reported
North
Commewijne –
Marowijnedelphis
Nature Park
Brownsberg
8,400
II
Nature Reserve
Boven-Coesewijne
27,000
IV
Brinck-heuvel
6,000
IV
Central Suriname
1,600,000
II
Copi
28,000
IV
Coppename
12,000
IV
Galibi
4,000
IV
Hertenrits
100
IV
Kaboeri Kreek
68,000
Not Reported
Nani
54,000
Not Reported
Peruvia
31,000
IV
Sipaliwini
100,000
IV
Wane Kreek
45,400
IV
Wia-Wia
36,000
IV
12,000
Not Applicable
1,600,000
Not Applicable
Monding
International
Wetlands of
Coppename
Conventions
International
Monding
and
Importance
Programmes
(Ramsar)
World Heritage
Central Suriname
Convention
Nature Reserve
Source: UNEP World conservation Monitoring Centre. www.unep-wcmc.org/wdpa. Accessed
September 2016.
There are sixteen protected areas within the existing national protected
area system. The current system covers 2.1 million hectares or nearly 13%
of the country’s territory. The system captures examples of most
ecosystems present. Suriname’s ten coastal protected areas cover
approximately 373,000 hectares. The six terrestrial protected areas cover
approximately 1.76 million hectares. The 1.6 million hectare Central
Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR) located in the forested interior is the
nation’s largest, representing 75% of the total protected area system. The
CSNR is a World Heritage Site.
The locations of the protected areas are shown in Figure 5-9.
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Figure 5-9:
Location of Existing and Proposed Protected Areas
Source: GEF, 2016
•
Important Coastal Reserves
o Galibi Nature Reserve
This coastal reserve is famous as a primary nesting place for giant
sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs between February
and July. For reasons of conservation, access to these areas is
strictly controlled during the turtle season. Turtle species that can
be seen in Galibi include the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) the
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Leatherback (Demochelys
coriacea), and occasionally the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata).
Babunsanti, situated in the Marowijne Estuary, Galibi Nature
Reserve is recorded by Hilterman and Goverse (2006) to be
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
abundantly used for Green turtle nesting, moderate to abundant
use by leatherbacks, and minimally used by Olive Ridley for
nesting.
o Wia Wia Nature Reserve
The Wia Wia Nature Reserve is an important area for marine
turtles and migratory birds. All four of the IUCN Red listed
marine turtles forage in the marine areas of the reserve and all four
species nest in the area. The Wia Wia bank in front of the coast is
used as a feeding ground by several species of migratory birds
(www.wwfguianas.org). The Wia Wia Nature Reserve has
international standing as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve
but currently has no management structure.
o Coppenamemonding Reserve (Ramsar)
The Coppename Monding Ramsar Reserve forms part of the
estuarine zone of Suriname and has been designated a wetland of
international importance. It has been given this designation as
result of its high biological productivity, which is favorable to
supporting large numbers of bird species, especially waterfowl,
and also shrimps and fishes (for which it also serves as an
important nursery ground). The reserve is an important roosting
and feeding area for scarlet ibises (which can reach as many as
20,000 pairs), egrets and herons. It is also a wintering station for
thousands of migratory birds, especially waders.
5.7
COASTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY
A description of the geology and coastal geomorphology was provided in
the EIA for Offshore Seismic Survey Operations, Block 31, Suriname
(2008). As Block 31 is included in the current study area, it is expected that
its geology and coastal geomorphology will be similar for the remainder
of the proposed study area.
The ecological diversity in Suriname is largely determined by four
geomorphological zones (Mittermeier 1990). These are:
•
The young coastal plain: 0 – 4 m above sea level. Consists of swamp
clays, mangrove forests, open swamps with vegetation and several
types of swamp forest;
•
The old coastal plain: 4 – 11 m above sea level. Consists of swamp
clays and sand ridges covered with grass and lush swamps, swamp
forests, dryland forests and large areas of peat swamps;
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
•
The savanna belt: 10 – 100 m above sea level. A plain consisting of
bleached quartz sands and loam, dry land and swamp forests, and dry
to very wet grass and scrub savannas; and
•
The interior: up to 1,230 m above sea level. Rugged terrain consisting
of rolling hills on the ancient Guiana Shield covered with tropical rain
forest, interrupted by marsh forests along rivers and creeks. Occasional
granitic inselbergs and mountain ridges rise above the dense forest
cover.
The clay swamps along the coast consist of mud that originates from the
Amazon River in Brazil. The silt is deposited along the coast as watery
sediment called sling mud (Diephuis 1966). Settling of the sling mud
results in the development of very soft tidal mud flats, which can be up to
a few kilometers wide. Under the influence of the Guiana Current and the
waves generated by the north- east trade wind, the mud flats are eroded
on the east side and accreted on the west side at a rate of approximately 1
km per year (Augustinus 1978). The succession of accretion and erosion
has a cyclical character. Diephuis (1966) established that such a cycle takes
approximately 30 years. The continuous alteration of the shoreline gives
the coastal fringe a very dynamic character. The estuarine zone of
Suriname comprises vast tidal mud flats, narrow sand and shell beaches,
mangrove swamps that are bordered inland by shallow saline and
brackish lagoons, and swamps with some mangrove forests.
The Demerara Rise causes significant variations in bathymetry off the
Surinamese coast, where depths decrease from 2,000 m to 1,000 m over a
horizontal distance of approximately 30 km. The north-western ramp of
the Rise has a near constant thickness of pelagic sediments down to a
water depth of nearly 4,000 m. The Plateau has a water depth of
approximately 700 m and a sediment thickness of 2 to 3 km.
5.8
OCEANOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS
5.8.1
Currents and Tides
As the North Brazil Current (NBC) flows north along the north-eastern
coast of South America, it reaches French Guiana, where part of it
separates from the coast to join the North Equatorial Counter Current. The
NBC continues flowing north-westward to form the Guiana Current
(Condie 1991). Winter and spring current directions calculated by the
HYCOM Consortium of data-assimilative modeling are shown in Figure
5-10 and Figure 5-11 (HYCOM 2003).
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Figure 5-10: Guiana Current in Winter (January - March) According to the Mariano Global
Surface Velocity Analysis (MGSVA) Model. HYCOM Consortium (2003)
Figure 5-11: Guiana Current in Spring (April - June) According to the Mariano Global
Surface Velocity Analysis (MGSVA) Model. HYCOM Consortium (2003)
Source: http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlantic/guiana.html
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
The highest velocities in the Guiana Current occur along the edge of the
continental shelf with a calculated mean speed to be 41.6 cm/s. The
maximum speed occurs in April-May, while the minimum occurs in
September due to the migration of the ITCZ and the accompanying
variations in the Trade Winds (Gyory 2005).
A number of investigations have concluded that the Guiana Current does
not flow uniformly north- westward, but meanders. Several researchers
(Eisma 1969) have noted the presence of fresh water lenses in the Guiana
Current. These lenses originate as lobes extending from the Amazon River
and gradually separate from the river and expand as they move offshore
and mix with seawater.
The marine zone of Suriname stretches between the boundary of the
exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the coastline. The marine zone may be
subdivided into the Deep Sea and the Continental Sea (Lim A Pro 2008).
•
The Deep Sea is found from the northern boundary of the EEZ at 200
nautical miles (370 km offshore) up to the Continental Slope (80
nautical miles or 150 km offshore). This area has depths between 200 m
to over 4,000 m and covers about 75,000 km2;
•
The Continental Sea is found above the Continental Shelf, between the
Continental Slope and the coastline. From the relatively steep
continental slope (between the 200 m and 100 m depth contour) the
continental sea floor gradually climbs over a distance of 150 km up to
the coastline. The Continental Sea has an area of about 65,000 km2. In
the Continental Sea, three sub-zones, each approximately 50 km wide,
are distinguished:
o Blue Water Zone or Outer Zone: Located between the continental
slope and the 60 m depth contour. This zone covers an area of
about 25,000 km2. The water is clear and sunlight penetrates to the
ocean floor. Along the edge of the continental shelf (fossil) coral
reefs are found. Shrimp trawling, snapper trawling and snapper
long lining takes place up to a depth of 80 m;
o Green Water Zone or Middle Zone: Located between the 60 and 30
m depth contours (20,000 km2). The water in this zone is colored
green by the abundance of algae due to both nutrient availability
and sufficient light penetration compared to the Brown Water zone.
Shrimp trawling occurs between 30 and 50 m. Snapper trawlers and
snapper long liners are active in the area. Up to a depth of 50 m,
food fish trawling is common practice; and
o Brown Water Zone or Inner Zone: Located between the 30 m depth
contour and the coastline. The "brown" water is loaded with
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
sediment from the Amazon River, carried by the Guiana Current,
flowing west-northwest. Light penetration is less than 0.1 m.
The Amazon discharges a large volume of fine sediment into the Atlantic
Ocean, of which an estimated yearly load of 1- 2 x 108 tons is carried along
the continent's coast by the Guiana Current (Eisma 1969).
Suriname experiences semi-diurnal tidal fluctuations with a maximum
predicted sea level at Paramaribo of approximately 2.6 m above chart
datum. The predicted tidal fluctuations at Paramaribo between January 15
and March 15, 2013 are presented in Figure 5-10. The predicted tidal
fluctuations at Paramaribo between May 15 and July 15, 2013 are
presented in Figure 5-11.
5.9
SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
The Republic of Suriname is situated on the northeast coast of South
America bordered by Guyana to the west, French Guyana to the east and
Brazil to the south. About ninety percent of the total area of 163,265 square
kilometers is covered by tropical rain forest. Ten percent in the northern
zone is at sea level. Between these two areas are savannas. Available
agricultural land (89,000 ha) is concentrated in the coastal area (World
Bank, 2015).
The country is divided in 10 administrative districts with the capital
being Paramaribo. The Republic of Suriname became an independent state
in 1975.
Table 5-11:
Suriname Overview
Capital
Paramaribo
Population
524,143
Area (in sq. km)
163,821 km2
Area (in sq. mi)
63,251 sq. mi
Language(s)
Dutch
Poverty rate
48.8 %
Per capita income
USD 7,311.00
Human Development Index
0.687
Source: Human Development Atlas Suriname Copyright © UNDP 2013 United Nations
Development Programme Country Office Suriname, Gongrijgpstraat 25, Paramaribo, Suriname
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5.9.1
Demography
Suriname has a population of 524,143 Roughly 90% of the population is
concentrated in the capital city of Paramaribo and along the coastal
region, while the remaining 10% lives in the interior, mostly in small
villages. The population is ethnically diverse and comprises descendants
of African, East Indian and Javanese immigrants with smaller percentages
of indigenous people, Maroons, Chinese and descendants of Dutch
farmers. The demographic development is characterized by a growth of
1.2% in 1996. Life expectancy at birth is estimated at 70.7 years (UNDP
2016).
5.9.2
Economy
Suriname is an upper middle-income country and was one of the
Caribbean’s best performing economies over the last decade, largely due
to its rich endowment in natural resources. The economy grew by 4.5
percent per year on average between 2004 and 2014, bringing the per
capita income to US$9,300 (Atlas method) in 2015. GDP growth came to a
halt in 2015. With the end of the community boom, the economic
contraction has deepened in 2016, accompanied by currency depreciation
and high rates of inflation. The World Bank and other international
financial institutions are supporting the government’s economic reform
program to stabilize the economy. Recent investments in large oil and
gold operations are expected to help GDP growth recover in 2017, once
these operations enter full production (World Bank 2015).
Suriname’s economy is characterized by strong dependence on exports of
extractives and a large public sector. Alumina, bauxite, gold and oil have
historically made up three-quarters of total exports and have accounted
for a large share of the government’s revenue (reaching around 40 percent
in 2011). Around 60 percent of total formal-sector works are employed by
the government, and state-owned firms dominate a number of industries.
These factors make the economy vulnerable to shocks from changes in
world commodity prices (World Bank 2015).
5.9.2.1
Employment
As of 2013, the unemployment rate in Suriname was 7.80%, while youth
unemployment (age bracket 15 to 25) was 22.50%. The unemployment rate
in Suriname is calculated as the number of unemployed individuals
divided by the number of individuals in the labor force (ILO, 2013). As of
2004, 8% of total employees were employed in Agriculture, 23% in
Industry and 64% in Services.
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5.9.3
Fisheries
Suriname fisheries can be divided into two main groups - the industrial
trawl and the artisanal fleets. The industrial fleet can be divided into the
subcategories: fin fish fishery and shrimp fishery. The artisanal fishery is
more diverse with the biggest group of fishers consisting of at least 1200
fish catching units in different categories. In terms of fishery zones, the
Ocean Basin zone is subdivided into the Deep Sea Zone, which is the area
of industrial fisheries, and the Shallow Sea Zone, the area dominated by
small-scale (artisanal) fisheries.
The industrial trawl fishery is composed of bottom trawlers and shrimp
trawlers. The management system specifies the maximum number of
boats which could operate in a designated fishery category (CRFM 2012).
The country’s three (3) largest commercial /industrial marine capture
fisheries are finfish, seabob, and shrimp. The finfish and seabob fisheries
are reported to also be among the top three most valuable national
fisheries in terms of the gross value of catch (FAO 2015).
5.9.3.1
Industrial Fisheries
Industrial fishing activities take place at depths usually greater than 18 m.
This includes the shrimp-trawling fishery, which has constituted the bulk
of the fisheries output since the early 1960s, together with finfish trawls,
snapper fisheries and seabob trawls (FAO 2000). The majority of industrial
vessels are shrimp, seabob or snapper handliners. Deep water shrimp
species (P. brasiliensis, Pleisopenaeus Solenocera) are mainly harvested by
outrigger and stern trawlers (Project GloBAL 2011). Seabob fisheries tend
to operate in shallower waters ranging 10-20 m.
Trawling is prohibited at depths of less than 22.6 m from January to June
and 27.4 m from July to December. In the second period, shrimp
recruitment is expected to take place (FAO 2000).
In the second half of the 1980s, a number of shrimp trawlers were
converted into finfish trawlers because there was a market for the fish.
Large finfish are operated at depths ranging between 20-50m, whereas
small finfish are caught at depths between 10-30 m (FAO 2000).
In 1993 a new finfish fleet of North Sea trawlers entered Surinamese
waters. These vessels have introduced numerous pelagic fish species to
the market including barracuda and mackerel (FAO 2000).
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The snapper hook-and-line boats operating in offshore waters were not
registered until 1982. In 1985 an agreement was signed to permit a
maximum of 100 vessels every year to operate in Surinamese waters. In
1997, this maximum was exceeded (FAO 2000). Major industrial fisheries
exist for finfish, seabob and shrimp. These fisheries also generate
significant revenue.
5.9.3.2
Artisanal Fisheries
Fishing operations in depths less than 10 m are considered artisanal.
Artisanal fleets operate in rivers, brackish lagoons and estuaries. Many
artisanal fishermen use drifting gillnets of a length up to 4 km in the 3 - 10
m depth area and catch primarily Sciaenidae and Ariidae. Fishing boats
12-14 m in length (open “Guyana” boats) powered by 40-50 Hp outboard
engines or closed Guayana type boats 14-18 m long are generally used
(Madarie 2006). The small-scale fishery involves the most vessels in
Suriname, and the revenue generated is second only to the industrial
finfish fishery. In terms of employment, therefore, the small-scale fishery
is the most important contributor in terms of the numbers of persons
benefiting (FAO 2015).
In some seasons fishermen switch to bottom long-lining for marine
catfishes (FAO 2000).
In the estuaries of the main rivers, Chinese seines are primarily used for
small shrimp and secondarily for small fishes (partly juveniles of marine
species). The fishermen also set bottom long-lines for catfish.
There is also a small drifting gillnet fishery in the estuaries and lower part
of the main river and a seine fishery for freshwater Sciaenidae. Smaller
gillnets are set in the brackish-water lagoons where juveniles of marine
species make up the bulk of the catch. In some seasons, small seines are
dragged for penaeid shrimp juveniles (FAO 2000). Fixed gillnets, pin
seines, river seines and dragnets are also used.
5.9.3.3
Main Species
Shrimp Fisheries
The main species for Surinamese shrimp fisheries are: Penaeus brasiliensis
(red or pink spotted shrimp); P. subtilis (brown shrimp); P. notialis (pink
shrimp); P. schmitti (white shrimp) and X. kroyeri (seabob). Key features
include:
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•
A consistent picture of increasing fishing mortality associated with
decreases in biomass in relation to brown shrimp and pink spotted
shrimp. Likely factors determining this situation were fishing
mortality, increasing fishing close to the shore and environmental
factors possibly linked to rainfall and resulting river flows;
•
Analyses conducted for brown shrimp and pink spotted shrimp, which
gave strong indications that at the current levels of fishing effort,
aggregated economic results may be below the optimum. The Ad Hoc
Working Group concluded that further bio-economic analysis was
needed to monitor the situation;
•
A need to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the management tools
currently being used in the shrimp fisheries and how they can be
improved, including effort controls, closed areas and closed seasons;
and
•
A significant fishery for seabob that has existed for some years in
Guyana and Suriname.
However, there was an absence of information concerning the abundance,
spatial distribution and population dynamics aspects of these species at
the sub-regional level. Basic assessment will need to be undertaken on
seabob, as well as on white and pink shrimp, in future activities of the Ad
Hoc Working Group.
Red Snapper
The Ad Hoc Working Group focused on the abundance and state of
exploitation of red snapper, Lutjanus purpureus, and arrived at the
following conclusions and recommendations:
•
The red snapper was a poorly regulated fishery and inadequate
enforcement capability in most, if not all countries, was a serious
limitation;
•
Both coastal states and flag states needed to co-operate in controlling
fishing and reducing effort;
•
Until better information was available, fishing effort should, as a
minimum, be frozen and no additional fishing effort should be
allowed;
•
In some cases, there was also a need to increase the minimum size of
the fish being caught;
•
Adequate monitoring systems need to be implemented with the full
participation of both coastal and flag states; and
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
•
Effective management would require the countries to co-operate in
combining data and information in order to conduct a regional
fisheries assessment as a basis for developing an appropriate
management strategy.
Groundfish
The main species in Surinamese groundfish fisheries are:
•
Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper, vivaneav);
•
Macrodon ancylodon (bangamary, dagoetifi);
•
Micropogonias furnieri (croaker, cro-cro);
•
Nebris microps (butterfish, botervis);
•
Cynoscion virescens (kandratiki, curbina); and
•
Cynoscion jamaicensis (gongolare, salmon).
The conclusions and management recommendations of the Ad Hoc
Working Group were as follows:
•
Management was seriously hindered by lack of reliable information on
important species;
•
Results of assessments for most species, where information was
available, indicated high levels of exploitation, with most stocks being
fully exploited and frequently overexploited;
•
Capture of undersized individuals was a serious problem in all
countries both as bycatch and in directed fisheries;
•
Some gear, such as Chinese seines (fyke nets) and shrimp trawls, catch
large numbers of undersized fish. Effort with these gears should be
reduced;
•
Technical measures, such as increase in minimum mesh size, by-catch
reduction devices, time (closed seasons) and area closures, or a
combination, should be introduced;
•
Countries should sustain and improve their data collection systems
and programs;
•
All landings should be monitored to identify country of origin;
•
Exchange of information, especially between flag states and coastal
states, was recommended;
•
Observer programs should be implemented for data collection;
ERM
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
5.9.3.4
•
Regular regional reconciliation of all information for accuracy and
completeness should become the norm; and
•
Since most of the resources are shared or straddling stocks, there was
the need for sub- regional cooperation in assessment and management.
Fishing Fleet
According to the Review of current fisheries management performance and
conservation measures in the WECAFC area FAO report (2015), there are
1100, 22 and 32 licenses in the finfish, seabob and shrimp fisheries,
respectively. It should be noted that the numbers of participants and
vessels have increased in the finfish fishery over the past ten years, while
the seabob and shrimp fisheries showed a decline in the numbers of
participants as well as numbers of vessels.
The country does not have a formal definition of overfishing, and the
overall extent of overfishing is currently unknown. However, of the
industrial fisheries, overfishing is believed to be occurring only in the
finfish fishery. Fishing capacity has been measured only for the seabob
fleet. That noted, there is a sense that there is overcapacity in the
industrial fisheries and the regulations in the last two to three years have
focused on reducing fishing effort in the 3 industrial fisheries described.
While overcapacity is also believed to exist in the small-scale fishery, the
current regulations are not focused on reducing the effort levels in this
case. There is also concern of IUU fishing by foreign vessels (FAO 2015).
The type and number of fishing vessels operating in Surinamese waters
are presented in Table 5-12.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Table 5-12:
Classification of Fishing Fleets Operating in Suriname
Fleet Category
Type of Vessel
Type of Gear
No. of Licences (2005)
Industrial fleet
Outrigger trawlers
Fish trawl
67
Finfish trawl
15
Seabob trawl
30
Stern trawlers
High-opening trawl
5
Snapper boats
Hook and line
57
Shark and tuna
Long-line
9
Guyana boats
Drifting gillnet
390
Njawarie (banknet)
15
Long-line (bottom)
2
Large fuiknet
53
Artisanal fleet
Korjaal (canoes)
(Chinese seine)
Medium fuiknet
116
(Chinese seine)
Small fuiknet (Chinese
192
seine)
Drifting gillnet
100
Long-line (bottom)
21
Kieuwnet (fixed
63
gillnet)
Haritete (river seine)
8
Small canoes or beach
Drag net
2
based
Spannet (fixed gillnet)
5
Cast net
-
Source: FAO Fishery Country Profile, 2008
5.9.3.5
Fishing Grounds
Estuarine ecosystems are particularly important as spawning and nursery
grounds for marine fauna, including foodfish and shrimp that are caught
for export to international markets. The major commercial species in
Surinamese waters are red snapper, and shrimp (penaeid shrimp and
seabob). The spawning season for red snapper is generally May to August
(Riley 2004), although it can extend to October (NOAA 2007). There is a
peak in recruitment of the penaeid shrimp (Farfantepenaeus subtilis) in JulyAugust and a broader peak for red spotted shrimp (Farfantepenaeus
brasiliensis) around November (CRFM 2007).
Up to 90% of marine fish and shrimp species are found in or near
mangrove areas during one or more periods of their life cycle. High
production of seafood is found in near-shore habitats where small-scale
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
fisheries are practiced (in the shallow sea, river estuaries, tidal creeks,
lagoons and brackish swamps). These ecosystems provide the local
market with foodfish and shrimp. Large- scale industrial deep-sea
fisheries also benefit from the nursery function of these ecosystems.
It is estimated that the number of people employed in the primary and
secondary sectors of the fishery industry in 2003 was 5,169 (FAO 2000)
and in 2006 the contribution of the Fisheries Sector to the GNP was
calculated to be 0.7% (International Monetary Fund, 2007).
Local fishermen working along the Surinamese coast (full-time or parttime) are represented by almost all ethnic groups living in the country.
Most live in Paramaribo or in small settlements in the coastal plain (Galibi.
Matapica, Reynsdorp, Kroonenburg, Johanna Margaretha, Pomona,
Braamspunt, Hildesheim, Boskamp, Coronie, Nieuw-Nickerie and
surrounding polders). When fishing, people operate either from
temporary camps at Eilanti, Krofajapasi, Matapica canal, Beripan, Pralala
creek, Bladholo creek, and several lagoons in the Bigi Pan area, or directly
from their homes. In addition to local fisheries, a foreign fleet (mainly
originating from Guyana, Venezuela, Japan, and South Korea) fishes in
the territorial waters, farther off the coast than the local fishermen, and in
the adjacent Economic Zone.
5.9.3.6
Fishing Techniques
Table 5-13 shows the sea fisheries techniques per zone according to
Teunissen (2002).
Table 5-13:
Suriname Fisheries Techniques
Brown Zone
Depth
Zone (m)/
Technique
0-10
10-20
Green Zone
2030
30-40
40-50
Blue Zone
50-
60-
70-
80-
90-
100-
60
70
80
90
100
200
Shrimp
trawling
Fish
trawling
Snapper
longlining
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Brown Zone
Green Zone
Depth
Zone (m)/
0-10
10-20
Technique
2030
30-40
40-50
Blue Zone
50-
60-
70-
80-
90-
100-
60
70
80
90
100
200
Seabob
trawling
Small
scale
fisheries
Source: Teunissen, 2002
Table 5-14 shows Surinamese seafood production from 2000 to 2006,
according to the FAO (2000). The growth of annual fishery production is
presented in Figure 5-12.
5.9.3.7
Fish Production and Value
In terms of the annual amount of fish harvested, the country’s three (3)
largest commercial /industrial marine capture fisheries are finfish, seabob,
and shrimp. The finfish and seabob fisheries are reported to also be
among the top three most valuable national fisheries in terms of the gross
value of catch. The annual tonnage figures for major fisheries were given
only for the most recent year (2011): 29,000 tonnes for the finfish fishery
(industrial, as well as small-scale landings), 7000 tonnes for the Seabob
fishery (industrial, as well as small-scale landings, with small-scale
landings representing a mix of seabob and shrimp), and 570 tonnes for the
shrimp fishery.
The equivalent annual values for these fisheries in 2011 were: USD 58
million for the finfish fishery; USD 12.8 million for the seabob fishery, and;
USD 6 million for the shrimp fishery. In contrast, the small-scale/artisanal
fishery landed 23 tonnes in 2011. However, it is a very valuable fishery by
comparison, in terms of gross value of the catch, with the value in 2011
estimated at USD 36 million.
Table 5-14:
Surinamese Seafood Production (tons)
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Crustaceans
10,841
13,733
13,910
16,590
12,785
10,888
11,540
Marine Fishes
10,500
11,300
11,500
11,600
18,647
17,395
19,061
Total
21,341
25,033
25,410
28,190
31,432
28,283
30,601
Source: FAO Fishery Statistics (2008)
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Figure 5-12: Surinamese Fishery Production
3
Source: FAO Fishery Statistics, 2011
5.9.3.8
The Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC)
The WECAFC was established in 1973 by Resolution 4/61 of the FAO
Council under Article 4 of the FAO Constitution, in light of the challenges
faced by the fishing nations operating in the area. The WECAFC serves as
a fisheries management advisory body. The purpose of the Commission
was to assist in international cooperation efforts for the conservation,
development and utilization of living aquatic resources, especially shrimp,
of the Western Central Atlantic region.
The WECAFC Ad Hoc Working Group on Shrimp and Groundfish
Fisheries in the Brazil-Guianas Shelf has been working since 1996 on the
assessment of the status of major commercial shrimp and groundfish
species. The member countries of the Ad Hoc Working Group are Brazil,
French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.
The CARICOM Fisheries Programme supported the activities of the Ad
Hoc Working Group. The following information was obtained from the
3
Includes all commercial, industrial, recreational and subsistence purposes. The
harvest from mariculture, aquaculture and other kinds of fish farming is also
included.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
FAO fisheries report No. 676, (2002), which reports the findings of the Ad
Hoc Working Group.
5.9.4
Tourism
Suriname possesses many features of potential interest to tourists,
including vast tracts of wilderness, large pristine river systems, extremely
productive coastal ecosystems and unique cultural and historic
attractions. The country’s ecosystems provide habitat for a number of
species that provide special attractions (e.g., the giant otter and four
species of marine turtle). Suriname was an early tropical nature-based
tourism destination when it attracted significant international bird
watching tourism in the 1970s. The country’s unusual mix of African,
Asian, European and indigenous Amerindian cultures, including great
diversity of cuisine, religion, language, music and festivals contribute
further to Suriname’s enormous tourism potential. The Maroon cultures of
Suriname in particular are truly unique in the world. Complex and
fascinating history is told in the structure and character of Suriname’s
human settlements. Paramaribo retains hundreds of historic structures,
some dating from the 17th Century. These resources, in addition to the
relative safety of the country, reliable infrastructure and utilities, widely
spoken English and proximity to important nature and cultural tourism
source markets in North America and Europe, offer significant
opportunities for Suriname to develop ecotourism of considerable value in
the near future.
The type of tourism resources Suriname possesses – history, culture, and
pristine nature – are widely dispersed geographically and socially. Those
dispersed resources provide numerous and varied opportunities for
participation by a wide range of Surinamese entrepreneurs, small
businesses and rural.
Existing international tourism to Suriname is small, however tourism is
continues to increase marginally. In 2006, there were an estimated 158,837
international visitors. There were 162,500 visitors in 2007. Tourism
operators market nature, culture, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Paramaribo. The tourism industry relies heavily upon the protected areas
system. Although the forested interior is a major draw, the coastal zone is
an international wildlife destination with outstanding birding potential
and the market is estimated to be growing.
After the 1.6 million ha Central Suriname Nature Reserve and the city of
Paramaribo became UNESCO World Heritage sites, a number of studies
and reports on the tourism sector were produced, new tourism products
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
were identified and developed, and new sites, especially in the hinterland
of Suriname, were developed. Most attention was given to the
development of nature tourism and ecotourism.
The Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism requested
Conservation International Suriname’s support to develop a tourism plan
4
of action. A value chain analysis of the tourism sector was produced in
2011 by the UCLA Anderson School of Management. The Foundation for
Tourism in Suriname (STS) was the counterpart for this project, and
responsible for involving the tourism sector stakeholders. The document
analyses the tourism sector and the potential of the market for Suriname.
5.9.5
Marine Navigation Routes
The main ports in Suriname are:
•
Paramaribo
•
Paranam
•
Moengo
•
Smalkalden
•
Nieuw Nickerie
•
Wageningen
Figure 5-13 presents the location of Suriname’s main ports.
4
This study was implemented as part of a worldwide agreement between the UCLA
Anderson School of Management and Conservation International to utilize the
expertise of advanced students in field activities, especially when in--‐country capacity
for such studies was low. STS hired an international marketing bureau to develop a
tourism marketing plan for Suriname, which would also be part of the tourism plan of
action.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Figure 5-13: Location of Suriname Ports
Paramaribo is the main port for Suriname, with the greatest frequency of
ship movements in the spring. The most important navigation routes
depart from Paramaribo to Trinidad and Tobago to the north-west, and to
the Netherlands to the northeast. Traffic in these two routes ranges
between 800 and 1,000 vessels a year. A less used route goes to Belem in
Brazil monthly. Nickerie port, near the western border of Suriname, also
has some shipping; however, it is only a fraction of the shipping volumes
experienced in Paramaribo.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
6.0
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
This section presents a review of the Project’s impacts. The analysis is
organized according to the same receptors and impact mechanisms that
were originally assessed in the 2013 EIA.
The 2013 EIA used a risk-based methodology to assess potential impacts.
This methodology assessed the importance of each impact based on the
combination of its anticipated severity and the likelihood that it would
occur. The methodology included specific criteria for evaluating the
severity and likelihood of potential impacts. For the sake of consistency
with the 2013 EIA, ERM has reviewed the outputs of the 2013 assessment
and made adjustments to the impact ratings based on the differences in
scope and schedule between the two surveys as described in Section 2.0.
6.1
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Global Climate
Contribution to Climate
Negligible
Change from Exhaust
Emissions
The cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the international
sensitivity of the issue means that impacts on the global climate cannot be
overlooked; however, project emissions of greenhouse gases will be small
and of short duration. As described in Section 2.0, operations in
Suriname’s territorial waters associated with the Project are expected to
take approximately five working days over a 90-day period. Therefore, the
potential impact of emissions with respect to global climate is therefore
considered to be of negligible significance.
6.2
AIR QUALITY
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Air Quality
Reduction in Air Quality due
Negligible
to Exhaust Emissions
As in the 2013 survey, the principal sources of air emissions will be
exhaust gases from the survey- and support- vessels as well as emissions
from the sole onboard incinerator on the seismic vessel. These emissions
will include CO2 and oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, together with other
ERM
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
gases produced during the incineration of waste. These emissions have
the potential to reduce air quality in the vicinity of the sources. These
gaseous emissions are certain to occur and will have a direct, negative
effect on air quality, although they will be localized in nature and rapidly
dispersed. Due to a lack of receptors that are likely to experience the
effects of these emissions – effects on the workforce should be treated as
an occupational health issue and as such are not considered in this EIA
process – it is not considered that a localized, essentially short-lived
reduction in air quality will cause any notable effects. Impacts as a result
of a reduction in air quality are therefore considered to be negligible.
6.3
ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Coastline
Degradation of the Coastline
Negligible
due to Waste Disposal
Providing the waste management plans and systems are followed and
employees are trained with regard to waste management (i.e., segregation
of waste and no discharge overboard), effects on coastal landscape value
and potential ecotourism due to waste management will not occur. Should
the vessel’s waste management plan and systems not be followed, impacts
could occur, and this is discussed under non-routine events.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Water
Reduction in Water Quality
Negligible
due to Waste Management and
Bilge Water Discharge
The vessel utilized will be MARPOL (73/78) compliant and therefore any
required discharge of sewage will comply with the regulations. Oil/water
separators will ensure that the oil content of bilge water will be minimized
before discharge and will be compliant with legal limits. Due to short
duration of the survey (only 5 days in a 90 day period), the distance from
the coastline and associated sensitive habitats, the dilution potential of the
water column and to maintain regulatory compliance, impacts associated
with the discharge of sewage, deck-wash and bilge water are considered
to be negligible.
Receptor
Biodiversity
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Reduction in Biodiversity due
None
to the Introduction of Invasive
Species in Ballast Water
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
The currently proposed acquisition area and total sail line length is
reduced compared to the 2013 survey, therefore potential impacts to
biodiversity remain none. It is also assumed that no ballast water
exchange will take place near the Surinamese coastline and that associated
impacts to biodiversity and the Surinamese economy (due to the potential
negative effects on fisheries) will therefore not occur. Ballast water will be
removed by truck while in port.
6.4
FLORA
6.4.1
Plankton
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Plankton
Plankton Mortality as a result
Negligible
of Airgun Use
The only plankton organisms likely to be significantly affected by airgun
array discharges are those within a few meters of an airgun. The effects on
plankton would be insignificant in comparison to the size of the plankton
population in a survey area and the natural mortality rates for plankton.
6.4.2
Seagrass
There will be no impacts to seagrass.
6.4.3
Mangroves
There will be no impacts to mangroves.
6.5
FAUNA
6.5.1
Macrobenthos
There will be no impacts to the macrobenthos.
6.5.2
Fish
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Fish
Disturbance to Fish as a Result
Minor
of Airgun Use
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
The effect of seismic survey on fish is strongly related to their life cycle
stage. Fish eggs and larvae of many fish are mostly present close to the sea
surface and at risk to injury from seismic operations because they cannot
actively avoid sound sources. Adult and juvenile fish are rarely affected
by seismic operations as they are able to detect and physically avoid the
seismic source. Fish are considered to have good low frequency hearing
and so are likely to be able to hear seismic shots for up to several
kilometers from the source. Ramp-up procedures will mitigate these
effects and provide ample time for fish to move away from being directly
under the airgun. . Displacement of fish on a small scale is therefore likely
for the duration of the survey but significant physiological damage to fish
is unlikely to occur. Residual Impacts on fish as a result of the planned
seismic survey are therefore considered to be of minor significance.
6.5.3
Marine Turtles
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Marine Turtles
Disturbance to Sea Turtles as a
Minor
Result of Airgun Use
As the survey is planned to fall outside the majority of the sea turtle
nesting seasons, and provided the recommended mitigation measures are
implemented, it is unlikely that significant impacts to marine turtles will
occur. Avoidance behaviors as a result of seismic activity is expected to be
localized and limited to offshore waters not critical to nesting or feeding
grounds for turtles. Impacts on marine turtles are therefore considered to
be of minor significance.
6.5.4
Marine Mammals
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Marine Mammals
Disturbance to Marine
Minor
Mammals as a Result of Airgun
Use
Marine mammals are likely to experience effects from airgun operation
over a large area, although whether this would produce adverse
behavioral impacts is uncertain. The duration of impacts, providing no
pathological or serious physiological damage is caused (only likely in the
immediate vicinity of the airgun array) is likely to be short-term (i.e., the
duration of the survey, which in this case is 5 days in a 90 day period).
There are other noise inputs to the marine environment including other
shipping activities and as such this survey will add cumulatively to the
ambient noise level in the region. The mitigation measures proposed by
ERM
59
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
the BOERME, including the use of qualified marine mammal observers,
shut-down and ramp-up procedures, and Passive Acoustic Monitory (P
AM) will help to ensure that any marine mammals in the vicinity of the
survey vessel will have the opportunity to move away from the area
before full source power is utilized. With implementation of monitoring
and mitigation measures, no direct physiological injury is expected to
occur, although short term and small range behavioral responses such as
temporary avoidance of the area may be anticipated.
6.5.5
Marine Birds
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Marine Birds
Disturbance to Marine Birds as
Negligible
a result of Air Emissions
Any reduction in air quality will be extremely localized in extent and
marine birds will be able to avoid the area if air quality becomes
unfavorable. Impacts to marine birds are therefore considered to be
negligible.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Marine Birds
Disturbance to Marine Birds as
Negligible
a result of Airgun Use
Sea birds may be exposed to effects of noise if diving underwater within
the vicinity of seismic operations, although this is considered to be a
highly unlikely scenario as potential prey is likely to move away from the
vessel once surveying commences. Birds may be attracted to the vessel,
which may signify a potential resting platform or food source; however,
the seismic survey is not expected to result in significant noise effects to
birds above sea level. Due to the distance from the coastline of the
proposed survey, effects on marine birds inhabiting the coast are not
predicted to occur.
6.6
PROTECTED AREAS
No impacts to protected areas are expected.
6.7
COASTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY
There will be no impacts to the coastal geology and geomorphology.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
6.8
OCENOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS
There will be no impacts to oceanographic conditions.
6.9
SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
6.9.1
Fisheries
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Commercial Fisheries
Indirect Effects on Commercial
Minor
Fisheries due to Fish
Displacement as a result of
Airgun Use
Although a degree of fish displacement is likely to occur, it is expected to
be a short term displacement (hours) where displaced fish is anticipated to
return to the area following the cessation of the survey. The extent of
displacement is difficult to predict, though fish are likely to move to
adjacent areas within Surinamese waters and therefore remain available to
fishermen. Given the intermittence of the survey and the size of the survey
area, there are not anticipated significant impacts on commercial fisheries.
Therefore the impacts on this resource are considered of minor
significance.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Commercial Fisheries
Effects on Commercial
Minor
Fisheries due to Exclusion from
Fishing Grounds
It is difficult to predict the potential effects on the fishing community due
to the exclusion zone. While a temporary reduction in catch is possible for
some fishermen, others may experience increased catches due to fishing in
areas to which fish have been displaced. Fishermen are certain to be
excluded from the seismic survey area; however, due to short-term and
intermittent nature of the proposed activities and the public consultation
undertaken prior the survey, it is considered that any impacts on
commercial fisheries as a result of the exclusion zone will be minor
significance.
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61
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Artisanal Fisheries
Indirect Effects on Artisanal
Negligible.
Fisheries due to Fish
Displacement as a result of
Airgun Use
Due to the short term duration of the survey, the length of the sail lines,
the survey area and its locations, as well as the rapid attenuation of sound
waves in shallow water, it is considered that any impacts to the artisanal
fisheries will be negligible.
6.9.2
Socioeconomics
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Local Economy
Effects on the Local Economy
Beneficial
due to the Purchasing of Fuel
and Supplies
Fuel and supplies will be purchased in Suriname during the survey,
which will lead to a short-term economic boost.
6.9.3
Tourism
No impacts to tourism are expected.
6.9.4
Marine Navigation Routes
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Shipping
Disruption of International
Minor
Shipping due to the Exclusion
Zone Surrounding the
Streamers
Any shipping traffic that normally passes through the survey area will
need to circumnavigate the exclusion zone. This is unlikely to cause
anything more than a minor disturbance and impacts are therefore
considered to be of minor significance.
6.10
NON ROUTINE EVENTS
In addition to potential impacts from routine or planned Project activities,
impacts may arise from non-routine or unplanned events (e.g. accidental
oil spills). Potential environmental and social impacts resulting from nonERM
62
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
routine events are discussed in this section. These impacts do not differ
from the ones identified in the 2013 EIA. The Project intends to utilize best
maritime practices to alleviate the likelihood of such events.
6.10.1
Inappropriate Waste Management
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Water Quality
Discharge of waste overboard
Negligible
Waste management plans will be in place, but inappropriate waste
management considers the possibility that members of the crew will not
follow the agreed procedures. This could result in the discharge of waste
overboard, including plastics or oily waste.
6.10.2
Leaks and Spills
An accidental fuel spill has a remote likelihood of occurrence and low
significance of potential impacts. Nonetheless, in case of a fuel spill
occurrence, potential environmental impacts will include adverse effect on
biological resources and seawater quality. Potential social impact will
include impact to artisanal and industrial fishing. These impacts are
described as follow.
Receptor
Water Quality
Mechanism of Impact
Reduction in Water Quality
due to a Hydrocarbon Spill
Initial Impact Rating
Minor
Marine water quality is likely to be affected in the event of a release of
hydrocarbons from a fuel tank rupture. Due to its density, the majority of
oil will remain on the surface of the water column where it will be
weathered and degraded. Some oil droplets are likely to be entrained into
the water column, thereby increasing the hydrocarbon content, although
natural processes including bacterial degradation are likely to breakdown
the hydrocarbons to less toxic constituents. The vessel shall not be fueled
at sea, unless an exceptional circumstance occurs.
Due to the survey location and the lack of sensitive areas in the vicinity,
impacts due to a reduction in water quality as a result of a hydrocarbon
spill are considered to be of minor significance.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Air Quality
Reduction in air quality due to
Negligible
a hydrocarbon spill or
fire/explosion
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Air quality could be negatively affected due to the emission of combustion
products due to the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The extent of impacts would depend on the environmental conditions at
the time of the spill but are likely to be highly localized. In the case of a
spill in the survey area, coastal communities would not be affected due to
a reduction in air quality.
Evaporation products will be quickly dispersed in the atmosphere. As the
survey area is situated more than 29 km offshore, away from populated
areas, impacts due to a reduction in air quality as a result of a
hydrocarbon spill are considered to be negligible.
Receptor
Marine Mammal
Mechanism of Impact
Effects on marine mammals
due to a
Initial Impact Rating
Minor
hydrocarbon spill
A reduction in water quality as a result of a diesel spill may have
secondary effects on marine fauna including cetaceans. Marine mammals
could be affected through inhalation of vapors, direct dermal contact or
ingestion of contaminated prey.
Due to the protected nature of some marine mammals the potential
severity of impacts is conservatively considered to be major. The vessel
shall not be fueled at sea, unless an exceptional circumstance occurs.
Given the low probability of the impact, however, impacts on marine
mammals as a result of a hydrocarbon spill are considered to be of minor
significance.
Receptor
Marine Turtles
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Effects on marine turtles due to
Minor
a hydrocarbon spill
Large hydrocarbon spills are likely to affect sea turtle individuals in the
area through vapor inhalation or hydrocarbon ingestion.
Given the location of the survey area and the distance from important
coastal habitats it is considered that any impacts to marine turtles are
likely to be small but due to their endangered status, the severity of
potential impacts is conservatively considered to be major. The vessel
shall not be fueled at sea, unless an exceptional circumstance occurs.
Given the low probability of the impact; however, impacts on sea turtles
as a result of a hydrocarbon spill are considered to be of minor
significance.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Fish
Effects on fish due to a
Minor
hydrocarbon spill
Fish are highly mobile and have the ability to move away from areas
impacted by oil spills; this is particularly true in open-water locations
lacking important habitat types. Evidence would also suggest that
populations of free swimming fish are not adversely affected by oil spills
in the open sea (GESAMP, 1993). It is therefore considered that potential
impacts on fish due to a spill will be negligible.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Marine Birds
Effects on marine birds due to
Minor
a hydrocarbon spill
Due to the open water location, marine birds will be deterred from the
spill area using recommended deterrents to significantly reduce the
number of birds that may be affected. Impacts are therefore considered to
be of minor significance.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Plankton
Effects on marine birds due to
Negligible
a hydrocarbon spill
A large diesel spill is likely to cause plankton mortality in the immediate
vicinity of the spill; however, this would be on a small-scale and would
affect only a very small proportion of the overall plankton population in
the region. Potential impacts are therefore considered to be negligible.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Commercial Fisheries
Effects on commercial fisheries
Minor
due to a hydrocarbon spill
In the event of a large hydrocarbon spill, Surinamese marine agencies and
fishery representatives would be immediately informed. Radio broadcasts
would also be used to warn vessels in the area. This is likely to prevent the
oiling of fishing nets following a spill and allow fishing vessels to avoid
the area.
Due to the fact that fish are unlikely to be affected by an oil spill and the
ability of fisherman to move to other areas in search of fish, impacts are
likely to be small. However, given the importance of commercial fisheries,
disruption cannot be excluded and the severity of potential impacts due to
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
a hydrocarbon spill is conservatively assessed to be moderate. Given the
low probability of a large hydrocarbon spill, however, the potential
residual impact is considered to be of minor significance.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Artisanal Fisheries
Effects on artisanal fisheries
Negligible
due to a hydrocarbon spill
Given the fact that artisanal fisheries are located near to the coastline, it is
not anticipated that they would be affected by a hydrocarbon spill over 29
km from the coast. Impacts are therefore not predicted to occur.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
International shipping
Effects on international
Minor
shipping due to a hydrocarbon
spill
A diesel spill in the survey area is unlikely to severely affect international
shipping, although vessels may be requested to circumnavigate the area to
allow clean-up operations to proceed, if required. Good communications
following any large spill are likely to prevent any significant disturbance
to other vessels and potential impacts to shipping are therefore considered
to be of minor significance.
6.10.3
Vessel Collision
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Water Quality
Reduction in Water Quality
Minor
due to a Hydrocarbon Spill
Marine water quality is likely to be affected in the event of a release of
hydrocarbons from a fuel tank
6.10.4
Fire Explosion
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Air Quality
Reduction in Air Quality due
Negligible
to a Hydrocarbon Spill or
Fire/explosion
Air quality could be negatively affected due to the emission of combustion
products during a fire/explosion. The extent of impacts would depend on
the environmental conditions at the time of the fire but are likely to be
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
highly localized. In the case of a fire in the survey area, coastal
communities would not be affected due to a reduction in air quality.
Combustion products will be quickly degraded in the atmosphere. As the
survey area is situated more than 29 km offshore, away from populated
areas, impacts due to a reduction in air qualities as a result of a
fire/explosion are considered to be negligible.
Receptor
Mechanism of Impact
Initial Impact Rating
Weather
Contribution to Climate
Minor
Change due to a
Fire/explosion
Global climate is not only something that applies directly to the project
area; it is a global effect, and is effectively totally cumulative. The
cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the international
sensitivity of the issue means that impacts on the global climate cannot be
overlooked; however, even in the event of a fire or explosion, emissions of
greenhouse gases will be relatively small and of short duration. Potential
impacts to the global climate from a fire/explosion are therefore
considered to be of minor significance.
6.11
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative impacts are those impacts which can potentially result from
the combination of the project impacts and impacts from other existing
and planned projects in the general project vicinity. This may result from
combinations of individual impacts that, when considered individually,
are insignificant, but in some cases have the potential to significantly
affect the human or ecological environment when acting in combination.
The project is not anticipated to have an additive effect to the existing
impacts in the project Area. The limited spatial scale and extremely short
duration of this Project make it unlikely to provide any significant
contribution to existing impacts. This, combined with the limited impact
rating, discussed previously in this document, make it unlikely for the
project to contribute to any significant cumulative impact. The addition of
the project is unlikely to provide any measurable cumulative impacts or
additive effect and therefore is likely to be insignificant in scale and scope
to mark a discernable increase in impacts against the baseline.
The project seeks to limit adverse environmental and socioeconomic
impact through the use of Best Management Practices and numerous
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
‘designed in’ mitigation measures. Following this, the Project recognizes
its activities may result in residual impacts. Therefore, the Project intends
to institute the prescribed mitigation measures described herein. The
resultant of this will be predominantly negligible impacts with limited
potential of contributing to the long term cumulative impacts within the
project area.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
7.0
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The ESMP framework and operational control remains the same as the
one presented in 2013. Procedures such as document control, audit
protocols, monitoring and measurement of performance and the
application of corrective actions are standard to all GXT as per its quality
and HSE policies. This section of the EIA Addendum reiterates those
commitments.
7.1
FRAMEWORK
7.1.1
Structure and Responsibility
The successful implementation of an environmental management plan
(EMP) is determined by the clarity of the roles and responsibilities given
to employees to undertake the EMP. This requires the top-management
recognition of the necessary resources required to implement and control
the environmental management plan for the project. As done in the 2013
Project, a specific management representative is to be appointed to ensure
that the EMP is established, implemented and maintained.
7.1.2
Training, Awareness and Competence
GX Technology should identify the training needs for any workers that,
through their work, may create significant impacts on the environment.
Any skill deficiencies should be met with appropriate training.
GX Technology should establish and maintain procedures for making its
employees and subcontractors aware of:
•
The importance of conforming to GX Technologys environmental
policies and ESMPs;
•
The significant environmental impacts, actual or potential, of their
work activities and the environmental benefits of improved personal
performance;
•
Their roles and responsibilities in achieving conformance with the
environmental policy and procedures, and with the requirements of
the ESMP, including emergency preparedness and response
requirements; and
•
The potential consequences of departure from specified operating
procedures.
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7.1.3
Communication
Communication is essential for an effective EMP. As such, GX Technology
as well as its contractors will establish and maintain procedures for
internal communications between various levels of the organization
during the proposed seismic activities and to actively respond to
communications from interested parties on environmental performance.
7.2
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN DOCUMENTATION
7.2.1
Document Control
The environmental procedures that are operated under the EMP must be
maintained in paper or electronic format so that they can convey to
employees and subcontractors the core elements of the management plan
and provide direction to related documentation.
7.2.2
Operational Control
During the proposed seismic survey, there will be particular operations
and activities that could, if not carried out correctly, lead to environmental
impacts. To allow for the appropriate level of control, it is recommended
that these activities are identified, and controls are put in place to confirm
that they are undertaken appropriately. Controls should include
establishing and maintaining documentary procedures that stipulate
operating procedures (method statements) and establishing procedures
that cover situations where their absence could lead to detrimental
environmental effects.
7.2.3
Audit Protocol, Monitoring and Measurement
The ESMP may require periodic auditing to determine whether or not it
conforms to the planned controls and that it has been properly
implemented and maintained. This would typically be reported to
management teams. To be fully comprehensive, the audit procedures
should also cover the audit scope, frequency and methodologies, as well
as the responsibilities and requirements for conducting audits and
reporting results.
Monitoring and measurement of key environmental performance
indicators should be undertaken and documented.
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7.2.4
Non-conformance and Corrective and Preventative Action
A non-conformance is a deviation from an established operating
procedure, causing a loss in quality of service or environmental impact. It
is essential that employees, given the responsibility and authority to do so,
investigate all non-conformances relating to the ESMP.
Any corrective or preventative action taken to eliminate the causes of the
actual or potential non-conformances should be appropriate to the scale of
the problems and commensurate with the environmental impacts
encountered. Moreover, documentary evidence of any changes to
operating procedures should be made and communicated widely.
7.2.5
Records
As part of the ESMP, it will be important to establish a record system for
the identification, maintenance and storage of environmental records.
Environmental records should be legible, identifiable and traceable to the
activity involved. Records should be stored in such a way that they are
readily retrievable and protected against damage, deterioration and loss.
This system should contain the following components, if applicable:
7.2.6
•
Permits, licences, consents, certificates, registrations and other
authorizations for waste and hazardous material handling;
•
Waste management documentation, including manifests and receipts;
•
Plans, such as a spill response plan and emergency response plan and
the vessel’s health and safety procedures;
•
Inspection documentation;
•
Training documentation (where appropriate); and
•
Access to sensitive documents may need to be controlled.
Management Review
GX Technologyproject management teams should periodically review the
operating ESMP to ensure continuing suitability, adequacy and
effectiveness. Issues covered should include possible changes to
environmental policy (where appropriate) and other elements of the
ESMP, in light of audit results, changing circumstances and the
commitment to continual improvement. This review should be
documented.
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7.3
SPECIFIC MEASURES
ERM has conducted an assessment of the adequacy of the management
measures proposed in the ESMP section of the 2013 EIA. For the
assessment, we have taken into account the differences between the 2013
Project and the current one. The following sections present the results of
that exercise.
7.3.1
Protection of Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles
Measures contained in the 2013 EIA regarding this issue are considered to
be adequate and relevant to the proposed Project. GX Technology
Corporation plans to follow the industry accepted Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC) guidelines published in August of 2010
for minimizing the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals
from seismic surveys. The guidelines can be found at
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/jncc_guidelines_seismic%20guidelines_aug
%202010.pdf and are also summarized below.
Before activating the acoustic energy source the onboard Marine Mammal
Observers (MMOs) will perform a visual watch of the 1000 meter
exclusion zone around the source. After a period of thirty minutes in
which no marine mammals or turtles have entered the exclusion zone, the
ramp up procedure for the acoustic energy source will begin.
The ramp up procedure begins with the activation of the smallest acoustic
energy source component (40 cu. in.) and then gradually activates
additional components over a twenty minute period until full acoustic
energy source volume (6,060 cu.in.) is achieved. Once the acoustic energy
source ramp up procedure has begun and/or while at full volume, the
acoustic energy source will not be shutdown should marine mammals or
turtles enters the exclusion zone.
Should the source stop firing for a period of greater than 10 minutes, then
the MMO visual watch period will be required before beginning the
acoustic energy source ramp up procedure again.
During periods of poor visibility and/or darkness, a PAM system will be
used to monitor the exclusion zone, instead of the MMO visual watch,
before beginning the acoustic energy source ramp up procedure.
Additional mitigation factors include:
•
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72
DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
7.3.2
•
The use of a chase vessel usually positioned several kilometers ahead
of the seismic vessel
•
Turtle guards on the tail buoy
Protection of Fishing Communities
Given the limited duration of the survey and its location, outside the
artisanal fisheries areas, the figure of a community liaison officer is
considered not necessary, contrary to the 2013 EIA. However, the vessels
will have Dutch speakers on the bridge to facilitate communication and
interaction with local vessels.
7.3.3
Fuel Storage and Handling
No bunkering operations are planned while in Suriname waters.
7.3.4
Waste Management
All waste management measures contained in the 2013 EIA are considered
to be adequate and therefore will be maintained during the proposed
survey in 2016. This include to treat all sanitary waste in line with
MARPOL(73/78) regulations; segregation of waste for appropriate
disposal; storage of special wastes (oily wastes, solvents) in a secure
manner; and for workers handling wastes with appropriate personal
protective equipment and training.
7.3.5
Personnel Training
The measures contained in the 2013 EIA referring to personnel training
are considered to be adequate and therefore will be maintained during the
proposed survey in 2016. All staff and contractors will receive basic
environmental management training as well as specific training for
particular sensitive areas.
7.3.6
Marine Traffic
Marine traffic measures captured in the 2013 EIA remain applicable as
they pertain to communication and notification to the coastal authorities
and following up the ‘rules of the sea’ to avoid collisions.
7.3.7
Public Engagement/Community Relations
The measures related to public engagement in terms of this EIA
addendum, as specified in the NIMOS guidelines will be followed to
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
allow the public, NGOs and other interested parties to comment on the
findings of the addendum.
7.3.8
Spill Emergency Response
As captured in the 2013 EIA, the initial emergency response would come
from the seismic vessel assuming is not significantly damaged, in which
case evacuation procedures and Safety Of Life At Sea protocols [SOLAS],
IMO, 1974, will prevail, followed by activation of the Emergency
Response Team.
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8.0
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
The NIMOS Environmental Assessment Guidelines require public
participation at the scoping and reviewing stages of the EIA Process.
Public involvement related to this addendum EIA included a meeting
with key stakeholders to review the draft Scoping Report/Terms of
Reference (TOR), and will also include a period for public comment on
this draft EIA addendum report and a formal Public Consultation
Meeting.
8.1
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
GXT/ERM hosted a meeting of stakeholders on August 10, 2016 to discuss
the TOR. Invitees had been provided with a copy of the draft scoping
document together with the invitations. The objective of the session was to
consult with key stakeholders for the preparation of an EIA addendum
regarding the 2D-seismic survey in the offshore region of the Guyanas
and including part of Suriname’s territorial waters.
Presentations at the meeting clarified the scope of the project and the
potential environmental impacts to enable additional, focused feedback on
the Study Plan/TOR.
Issues and concerns expressed, responses from ERM/GXT and additional
follow-up information, were summarized in the final TOR document
submitted to NIMOS. Review comments on the draft TOR received from
NIMOS were addressed in the Final version sent on September 23.
A formal Public Consultation Meeting to discuss the findings of this EIA
addendum will be held on September 30, 2016. In addition to invitations, a
public notice was issued in newspapers several times throughout the
period of September 16–September 23, 2016. Figure 8-1 below captures the
advertisement on the newspaper.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Figure 8-1:
Newspaper Advertisement of Public Meeting
Full meeting minutes from participants in the September 30th consultation
meeting will be included in an Appendix to the final EIA addendum.
8.2
PUBLIC REVIEW
A non-technical summary of this EIA addendum report will be made
available to the public, together with information regarding major positive
and negative impacts of the project and proposed mitigation measures.
The final EIA addendum report will be made available at the NIMOS
offices in Paramaribo. If comments are received, ERM/GXT will address it
on the final EIA addendum report.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
9.0
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
The following table presents a summary of all the routine and non-routine
impacts identified in this EIA Addendum report and its correspondent
mitigation measures.
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Table 9-1:
Receptor
Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Project Action
Mechanism of Impact
Proposed Mitigation & Control Measures
Contribution to Climate Change
• The vessel is compliant with respect to air
Impact Residual Effect
Physical & Biological Environment
Global Climate
Engine/incinerator use
from Exhaust Emissions
Air Quality
Engine/incinerator use
Negligible
emissions;
Contribution to Climate Change
• Economic cruising speed to be used whenever
Negligible
possible to reduce fuel consumption;
from Exhaust Emissions
• No hazardous materials to be incinerated
Coastline
Waste Management
Degradation of the Coastline
• A waste management plan will be in place to
due to Waste Disposal
Negligible
ensure that waste disposal activities do not
result in unnecessary impacts
Water Quality
Waste management
Reduction in Water Quality due
• MARPOL (73/78) compliant with respect to
to Waste Management and
sewage. Sewage will be held onboard for
Bilge Water Discharge
appropriate disposal at onshore facilities. If
Negligible
appropriate facilities do not exist, treated sewage
may be discharged to sea at a distance greater than
12 nm from the coast, in-line with MARPOL
requirements
• Vessels shall be kept free of litter;
• Waste shall be segregated (e.g. metal, chemical,
paper, food) and those wastes not suitable for
recycling should be disposed of appropriately;
• Hazardous waste shall be stored in a secure
manner, and recycled if possible;
• Workers handling wastes shall have the
appropriate personal protective equipment
and training;
• No discharge of solid waste to the sea is
permitted;
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Receptor
Project Action
Mechanism of Impact
Proposed Mitigation & Control Measures
Biodiversity
Ballast water exchange
Reduction in Biodiversity due
• The currently proposed acquisition area and total
to the Introduction of Invasive
sail line length is reduced compared to the 2013
Species in Ballast Water
survey, therefore potential impacts to biodiversity
Impact Residual Effect
None
remain none. It is also assumed that no ballast
water exchange will take place near the
Surinamese coastline and that associated impacts
to biodiversity and the Surinamese economy (due
to the potential negative effects on fisheries) will
therefore not occur. Ballast water will be removed
by truck while in port.
Plankton
Fish
Marine Turtles
Marine Mammals
Air gun operations
Air gun operations
Air gun operations
Air gun operations
Plankton Mortality as a result of
airgun use
procedures) proposed by the BOERME for
Disturbance to Fish as a Result
marine mammals and turtles will likely reduce
of airgun use
the potential of adverse effects to fish populations
Disturbance to Sea Turtles as a
Disturbance to MarineMammals from Seismic
Disturbance to Marine
Surveys provides a minimum standard that will
Use
Air gun operations
• Application of JNCC Guidelines forMinimizing
Result of airgun use
Mammals as a Result of airgun
Marine Birds
• Seismic survey mitigation measures (ramp-up
Disturbance to Marine Birds as
a result of Air Emissions and as
a result of air gun use.
also be utilized as a guidance to follow for
Negligible
Minor
Minor
Minor
minimizing the risk of acoustic disturbance on
marine mammals in the study area.This includes,
ramp-up of airguns, trained marine mammal
Negligible
observers on seismic vessel, use of passive
acoustic monitoring, and pre- established safety
radius.
• Trained marine mammal observers on seismic
vessel - will report findings on a weekly basis
Socioeconomic Environment
Local Economy
Effects on the Local Economy
Beneficial
due to the Purchasing of Fuel
and Supplies
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
Receptor
Project Action
Mechanism of Impact
Proposed Mitigation & Control Measures
Shipping
Towing of streamers and
Disruption of International
• Liaise with the Maritime Authority of Suriname
establishment of exclusion
Shipping due to the Exclusion
to ensure that all local, national and international
zones
Zone Surrounding the
maritime users are warned of the survey and can
Streamers
avoid the area.
Impact Residual Effect
Minor
• Communication with, and notification to, the
coastal authorities; if other sea users are present
within the immediate survey area, the start of the
seismic survey should be delayed until they have
moved away.
•
Hydrophone strings shall not be deployed until
other sea users have been notified and have
moved away from the survey exclusion zone.
Fisheries
Establishment of exclusion
Indirect effects on commercial
zones and air gun use
fisheries due to:
Minor
1. Fish Displacement as a result
of airgun use
2. Exclusion from fishing
grounds
Indirect effects on artisanal
Negligible
fisheries due to fish
displacement as a result of
airgun use
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DRAFT – SEPTEMBER 2016
10.0
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Appendix A
Summary of Stakeholder
Engagement/Scoping Meeting August
10, 2016
Date/Time: 10 August 2016/9.00-11.00
Venue: Courtyard Marriott – Conference Room 1, Paramaribo.
Organizer: ERM Consulting
Introductory notes to the report:
ERM sent out invitations to all key stakeholders that were identified for the 2013
EIA, including newly identified stakeholders. This was done with at least a week
in advance to allow review of the draft ToR/Scoping Report that had previously
been submitted to NIMOS. In addition to the email invitation, personal telephone
contact was established with the invitees, so as to make sure they would not miss
the session. Considering another important event happening in the week of 8
August, the Guyana Shield Biodiversity Congress which takes place in Guyana,
heads of organisations with conflicting schedules, were asked to appoint
delegates for the Scoping session. Of the 24 stakeholders and organisations
invited, 7 were national authorities, 1 Suriname’s State oil company (Staatsolie), 4
were major (including international) NGO’s, 5 were local and national media
representatives. A major fisheries group was also invited, as well as the main
international commercial shipping group, and 4 other offshore operators
(Apache, Tullow Oil, Petronas, Kosmos).
Summary of the session:
The objective of the session was to consult with key stakeholders for the
preparation of an EIA addendum regarding the 2D-seismic survey in the
offshore region of the Guyanas and including part of Suriname’s territorial
waters, planned to start in October 2016.
As per agenda included in the invitation letter sent to all stakeholders: a brief
welcome (in which apologies on behalf of Jason Willey), and safety talk (Joy
Themen invited an attendee to act as evacuation coordinator in case of
emergency), after which a presentation on the project was provided , followed by
a discussion round. The presentation was prepared by Jason Willey and
delivered jointly by Dan Virobik (Company overview and Seismic Project
operational details) and Joy Themen (for the regulatory and environmental
aspects). Ms. Themen emphasized the much lower significance of impacts
expected by ERM considering low duration and area as compared to the 2013
work; also the high standards and HSE quality management systems presented
by the companies and which will be implemented for their activities in the
Suriname environment. Dan Virobik clarified the actual time of planned
presence in Suriname waters, and presented details on key mitigation measures
and best practice (e.g. chase vessel, greater than 500-m distance, trained certified
MMO’s, sharing of vessel’s oilspill prevention and response plans with the local
authorities of the countries where they work). Concerns and questions from the
discussion round were related to technical operational aspects and
environmental commitments hence directed to Dan Virobik and responded to
immediately (see Table 1).
After the discussion, all agreed to a period of 1 week for any additional postsession comments/questions to the team. Finally the team thanked the group for
their valuable input and after formal closing of session, the group continued to
engage over some snacks and drinks. Items brought up during this part of the
morning were also captured by the team.
All four offshore operators were represented, and Staatsolie sent 4
representatives covering different functional areas (HSE, Community Relations,
Petroleum Contracts, Production). Some NGO’s like Green Heritage Fund and
WWF, and authorities (Dept of Fisheries, NCCR/Coastguard) had expressed
their absolute interest prior to session but still could not attend for different
reasons. Authorities represented were NIMOS and the Kabinet of the President
of Suriname (National Environmental Policy Coordinator). National TV (“STVS”,
local channel 8, digital tv channel 8.1) was present and recorded the session, and
asked Joy Themen for a highlevel summary afterwards for their 7.30pm
eveningtransmission in Dutch, which she provided. The local Chinese TV also
came and recorded for their afternoon transmission but did not request any
interviews.
Table 1: Discussion round
Question/Comment
You mentioned
Trinidad as base.
Have you perhaps
considered other
mobilization bases?
We can definitely
provide the services
needed and have
experience with
similar work for
other companies.
Related to other
activities in the area:
we will be running
our own 3D seismic
program around the
same period. Could
you please be more
specific on your line
acquisition order so
that we can together
avoid interference in
our programs
Would you be
willing to share
Name/
Organisation
Sjoerd Poort/
VSH United
Response
Thanks for the
recommendation.
There were some
visa problems with
our Chinese crew
but we will certainly
let our vessel
owners know of the
Suriname options.
Action needed
ION informs vessel
owners for possible
future activities.
Ian Roberts/
Apache
Dan points out these
details are not
available yet, but we
are working on it.
Appreciates the
attention to time
windows. Also, the
line through
Apache’s activities
block is expected to
be very short.
ION will further
engage with Apache
(and other operators
where applicable) on
this.
Ian Roberts/
Apache
Dan indicates 1st
October is our best
ION interaction with
other operators
your navigation
data? We might
otherwise not be
able to allow you to
access our area.
Apache is expected
to finish activities in
October however.
Glad with
mitigation measures
such as MMO’s on
board and the
greater than 500-m
radius (1000-m as
mentioned), but
didn’t hear any fish
reps. Will that be
confirmed?
We seem to be
missing the
northern part of the
offshore which was
granted to Suriname
by UNCLOS
From a client
perspective: when is
your data set going
to be ready?
After session: STVS
requests small
interview to be sure
they’ve captured the
essence.
guess to start the
work, but we are
also still going
through the
permitting process
so it might be later
in October too.
Ian Roberts/
Apache
Dan confirms there
will be a fish rep on
board as well. And
as it stands, not
planning to go into
smaller fisheries
areas.
Clyde
Griffith/
Staatsolie
Dan commits to
double-check with
Andy Bliss on the
map.
Ian Roberts/
Apache
Dan indicates data
will be ready within
approx. 8 months,
say October 2017.
Joy Themen
provides brief
summary in Dutch.
Ms
Hokstam/
STVS
After session:
timeline for NIMOS
permitting
Marjory
Danoe/
NIMOS
Marjory
Danoe/
NIMOS
NIMOS clarifies:
after 1wk comments
are in, ERM finalizes
and submits final
Studyplan, for
NIMOS approval
upon which to
officially start the
addendum work.
The draft addendum
report/findings
should be sent to
stakeholders and
made publicly
available.
NIMOS clarifies that
after receiving draft
addendum, they
will take 30dd max
for review thereof.
Within that 30dd
period ERM/ION
are expected to
schedule and hold a
public stakeholder
session about the
draft addendum
findings. NIMOS
will only send their
review comments
after public
comments from the
session have been
ERM to resend email
(on 10 Aug) to all
invitees and including
actual attendees of the
session, informing
that ERM looks
forward to final
additional comments
by 17 August the
latest.
ERM to update and
agree with ION, on
the timeline for
permitting process.
After session:
Prevention of
potential issues due
to absence of some
key stakeholders.
captured/addressed
in a final addendum
report.
In the interest of
stakeholder
relations
maintenance, catch
up with key
stakeholders and
briefly inform
content of
presentation and the
low impact expected
from this project.
Ms. Themen in
contact with Fisheries
dept mr Asraf,
Monique Pool from
GreenHeritage Fund,
WWF Michael Hiwatt
through her, and
Slijngard from
NCCR/Coastguard.
Appendix B
EIA/EMP Team Curricula Vitae
Charles van Schalkwyk
Partner
Global Risk & Human Factors Specialist
Charles is the ERM Partner for Risk and Human Factors,
Americas. He is a Safety & Risk Management advisor
with over 13 years’ experience in the management of risk
identification and safety controls implementation
throughout numerous safety critical industries through
Oil & Gas and Mining specifically.
• Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
• Institution of Chemical engineers (IChemE)
• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
• Chartered Institute for Ergonomics and Human
Factors - Certified (CIEHF # 2508)
Fields of Competence
Charles has worked with various clients in various
industries throughout Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific
and Americas, as an advisor in assisting clients in the
management of their risk and determining the specific
safety critical controls necessary to manage the
associated safety critical and /or catastrophic risks. The
diversity of his experience includes Human Factors &
Sustainable Safety, Critical Control and Barrier
management, Hazard Identification studies (HAZID),
Bow-Ties, Process Safety Management (PSM), ALARP,
HSE & Process Critical Activities, Safety Critical
Task/Element Identification, Safety Critical and
Catastrophic Risk Identification and analyses,
Performance Standards (PS), Written Schemes of
Verification (WSV), Safety Cases (Design & Operational),
Non-technical risks, and Human Error and Incident
investigations. Charles also has experience of working
with various regulators (i.e. NORSOK, NOPSEMA, UK
Health & Safety Executive) and Operator Specific
Technical requirements (i.e. Shell DEPs, DCAF, TA,
Petronas PTS, Petronas E&P (2012) Safety Case
Guidelines, etc.). As part of the above listed experience,
Charles served as a Human Factors and Safety
Compliance Technical Authority (Asia Pacific) for Shell
Eastern Petroleum Ltd. for 5 years (2008-2012).
Professional Affiliations & Registrations
•Risk Management
• Safety Critical Controls and Barrier Management
• Safety Critical Task & Element Identification and
Analysis
• Catastrophic & Fatality Critical Risk Identification and
Analyses
• HAZID/ALARP/BOW TIE Facilitator
• Human Factors & Sustainable Safety
• HSE CASE (Design & Operations) – Safety Case
• Process Safety Management (PSM)
• Performance Standards
• Human Error and Incident Investigations
• Health and Safety
• Safety & Safety Leadership Training
Education
2011 - Hull University Business School, United
Kingdom (Triple crown accreditation - AMBA, EQUIS
and AACSB)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Classification: Distinction (First Class)
2002 - Zululand University, Kwazulu/Natal, South
Africa
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Hons) – Biokinetics
• Classification: Distinction (First Class)
2001 - Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
• Master of Science (MSc) – Human Factors
Engineering/Ergonomics
• Classification: Pass
1998 - Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
• Bachelor of Art (BA) (Hons) - Human Kinetics and
Human Factors / Ergonomics
• Classification: 2B
1995-1997 - Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South
Africa
• Bachelor of Art (BA) - Human Kinetics and
Ergonomics (HKE) - HFE
Languages
English
Afrikaans
Dutch (working)
Key Industry Sectors
• Human Factors
• Risk Management
Publications
• Publication in Journal of the Ergonomics Society of
South Africa December 1999, Volume 11, No. 2.
Co-Author: Prof. Charteris. Title: "Situational
Superiority in Strength Expression of Smaller
Workers: Ergonomics Implications."
• ESSA (Ergonomics society of South Africa)
Conference presenter, paper entitled: "Control
Positioning and Design: The old and new Industrial
Approach"
• Publication in Journal of the Ergonomics Society of
South Africa, 2002., "Control Positioning and Design;
The old and new Industrial Approach"
• Master of Science Dissertation: "The effect of control
design and working posture on strength and work
output: An Isokinetic Investigation". 2002
• Davies SEH and Van Schalkwyk CJ (2002).
Anatomical and Physiological considerations for
control positioning and design in industry. South
African Congress on Sport Sciences, University of
Pretoria, 30 September-02 October 2002
• Davies SEH and van Schalkwyk CJ (2003). The effect
05.14.15
•
•
•
•
•
of cold water immersion on grip strength and hand
dexterity. South African Sports Medicine Congress,
Spier Wine Farm, Cape Town, February, 2003
Representative on a Lower Back Pain and
Occupational injuries research board (2005).
Speaker at Wellbeing Show, Dubai, 2006: "The role of
ergonomics in the office."
Speaker at 4th Occupational Health Conference for
GCC, Dubai, 2006: "The role of ergonomics in the
identification of causal factors in the development of
chronic injuries in the oil and gas industry".
Speaker at Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors
Conference, 2012: "The role of Human Factors
Engineering (HFE) and Task Requirements Analysis
(TRA) in maximizing human-centered design in a
SCOT Reactor"
Speaker at SPE Conference (2013), Malaysia. " The
role of HFE in the Oil and Gas Industry. Does it add
value?"
Key Projects
ERM – Risk / Human Factors Specialist & Operations
Director SEA & ANZ (February 2014- Current)
Key experience (Feb 2014 to current) includes:
• Bergading CPP & Bridgelink WHP – Partner in
charge of complete project providing technical and
commercial overview to entire project. Ultimate
client, HESS Exploration and Petroleum.
• HESS RWHP - Partner in charge of complete project
providing technical and commercial overview to
entire project. Ultimate client, HESS Exploration
and Petroleum.
• Brunei Methanol Company (BMC) COMAH Safety
Case – Partner in charge and overall technical and
commercial overview to project. Project focussed on
attaining EDPMO regulatory approval for safety
case.
• SKO Safety Cases (CPPs, WHPs, Onshore receiving
and crude terminals) – Provide technical guidance
on development of safety cases and formal safety
CHARLES VAN SCHALKWYK
studies for 11 offshore and onshore facilities.
Ultimate client – JV between Shell and Petronas.
• Bertam FPSO – Partner in charge and Technical
Principal. Seconded into project in order to ensure
HSE integration between the Design, Operations
and SIMOPS stages of the development. In addition,
acted as technical lead in the development of the
advance management system and HSE management
system.
• Kasawari Gas Development (CPP) – Partner in
Charge (PIC)and Technical Principal.
• Baronia WHPs - TTJT-A & BNJT-K WHP EPCC Partner in Charge (PIC)and Technical Principal.
GL Noble Denton: Risk & Safety Manager (September
2012 – January 2014)
Safety & Risk Manager for GL Noble Denton Malaysia,
managing the Process Safety & Risk Team (32 people),
the Dynamic Simulation (Asset Optimisation) Team (12
People), and the Sales & Proposals Team (5 People).
Also acted as Principal Consultant for Human Factors
Engineering & Safety Compliance GL Noble Denton,
Malaysia.
Key Projects:
Key Safety & Risk focus areas include; Human Factors
Engineering, Hazard Identification studies (HAZID),
Process Safety Management (PSM), Bow Ties, ALARP,
Safety Critical Task/Element Identification, Safety Case
Development (design & Operations) Performance
Standards (Design & Operations), Written Schemes of
Verification (WSV), and Human Error and Incident
investigations for Major Project as detailed below (2012 –
current):
• Petronas TIPs (Technical Integrity Process Safety)
Projects – Overall Project Manager to update
selected facilities (Onshore and Offshore) Safety
Cases as per E&P 2012 Safety Case Guidelines.
• Terengganu Crude Oil Terminal (TCOT)– Project
Lead for Safety Case development as per E&P 2012
05.14.15
Safety Case Guidelines
• Umuroa FPSO – Safety Case and Performance
Standards update.
• Armada Claire FPSO – HFE for CCR and HMI.
• Arunothai FPSO – Safety Case and Performance
Standards
• Lewek - ALARP
• TEEKAY Knarr (Norway) FPSO – Safety Case,
Performance standards as per NORSOK regulatory
requirements. PSM support provided.
• Helene Berge FPSO - CONFIDENTIAL
• Espoir FPSO – Safety Case, Performance Standards,
Bow-ties.
• Cendor FPSO – Safety Case, Performance standards
• Naga & Pelikan WHP - Performance Standards and
written scheme of Verification
• South ACIS - HAZID
• North Minandao Facilities Terminal
• Dockwise, Boskalis, Emas (DBE) – Browse project.
Safety Case development roadmap as per the
NOPSEMA regulatory requirements and PSM
support.
• Central Diyabekir
• Bekok C – Safety Case, ALARP, Bow Ties
• Shell Malakai – Human factors and safety critical
task analysis
• Shell New Wave - Human Factors as per DEP
30.00.60.10 HFE In Projects and OGP Report 454 –
HFE in Capital Projects.
• Shell Monas – Human Factors as per DEP 30.00.60.10
HFE In Projects and OGP Report 454 – HFE in
Capital Projects.
Shell Eastern Petroleum Limited (SEPL): Regional
Human Factors Engineer. (April 2008- August 2012)
Charles was the regional Human Factors Engineer (HFE)
and Technical Authority (TA) 2 for Shell Eastern
Petroleum Limited covering the Asia Pacific region and
Global expert for HMI. He managed all aspects of the
safety critical design for Oil and Gas projects launched
by Shell, including numerous projects in excess of USD
CHARLES VAN SCHALKWYK
100mil. The holistic management of the HFE and
associated safety aspects of these projects is essential in
order to obtaining regulatory "sign-off" and continuation
of the projects to the next phase. Provided technical
support to projects with regard to process safety
management (PSM) and Pre-Startup Safety
Reviews(PSSR) and Ready for Startup Safety Audit
(RSSA).
Machine Interface (HMI) in Situational Awareness
(SA) and Control Systems, in order to optimise
design.
• Participate and lead HFE design reviews of projects
to ensure design supports to optimisation of
operations efficiency, productivity and
maximisation of safety (ALARP)
In addition, to his regional role he was accountable for
and managed the implementation and roll-out of two
global ERGONOMICS projects throughout Royal
Dutch Shell.
Key Projects
Shell Aviation Lead HFE and part of safety Team
• HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety critical
system development
• HMI and Usability Analysis
Key responsibilities:
• Provide expert Human Factors Engineering (HFE)
consultancy and services to upstream and
downstream Business Units, primary and 3rd party
stakeholders.
• Accountability for ergonomics throughout Royal
Dutch Shell globally
• Lead workshops focused on design and safe system
development for "tasks within a safety critical
environment/industry".
• Development of Safety Cases and ALARP
Demonstration, Performance Standards support.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) and Human
Factors TA support.
• Provide TA support to all projects (Select Phase
through EPC and finally Operation) for all Shell
project in Asia Pacific (Upstream and Downstream).
• Promote development of and provide support to
ensure strong organisational safety culture and
climate, focussing on "chronic unease approach".
• Facilitate analysis of Human Error and Designing for
Safety Critical Tasks for project and normal
operations.
• Participate in HAZOPs, HAZIDs, SAFOPs and
SIMOPs analysis.
• Lead HFE design analysis with regard to Human
05.14.15
Oman LNG Tanker Project
Lead HFE and part of
Process Safety Management (PSM) Team
• HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety critical
system development
• PSM
• Ready for Startup Safety Audit (RSSA).
Floating, Production, Storage and Offshore (FPSO), BC10
HFE Support to US Team
Gumusut – Deep water platform
Part of HFE
Team
• HFE support to project through all phases
• HMI and Usability Analysis
• Human error ALARP and safety case
Bugis SCOT Reactor project
Part of HFE Team
• HFE support to project through all phases
• Ready for Startup Safety Audit (RSSA).
Sulphur Recovery Unit (SRU) 5&6 Projects
HFE Team
• HFE support to project through all phases
Part of
Tianjin Lubricant Oil Blending Plant (LOBP) Project –
China Lead HFE and part of Process Safety
Management (PSM)Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
CHARLES VAN SCHALKWYK
•
•
•
•
PSM
Ready for Startup Safety Audit (RSSA).
HMI and Usability Analysis
Human error ALARP and safety case
HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
Zhuhai Grease Manufacturing Plant (GMP) Project
Lead HFE and part of Process Safety
Management (PSM)Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
PSM
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
Seraya NG Inclusion Project
Lead HFE and part of
safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
Zhapu – LOBP (China) Lead HFE and part of Process
Safety Management (PSM) Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
PSM
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
Seraya DCS upgrade project – Chemical Plant Part of
HFE Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
Global Bitumen HFE Specifications & Toolkit project
Part of HFE Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
Shell Retail Projects (Several)
Part of HFE Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
PCM/RDU Loading and Storage facility Part of HFE
Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
SMDS Wax plant
Part of HFE Team and PSM
•
PSM
•
Ready for Startup Safety Audit (RSSA).
•
HFE support to project through all phases
Bukom CO2 Reduction Project Part of HFE Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
Technical Services facility in Zhuhai GMP
05.14.15
Lead
Bukom LRCCU upgrade project - Refinery
Lead
HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
Bukom Regen Unit 6 project
Lead HFE and part of
safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
Ready for Startup Safety Audit (RSSA).
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
U-Village: New office tower project
Part of HFE
Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
South Australia LNG Part of HFE Team
•
HFE support to project through all phases
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
Pinkenba GMP – Australia (recommisioning)
Lead
HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
Hijau Lead HFE and part of Process Safety
Management (PSM) Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
PSM
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
CHARLES VAN SCHALKWYK
Malikai Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
South Piltin
Lead HFE and part of safety Team
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety critical
system development
•
HFE support to project through all phases
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
St. Joseph Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Lead HFE and
part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
F14, D12, F6 (3 separate projects)
Lead HFE and
part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
Marina Lead HFE and part of Process Safety
Management (PSM) Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
PSM
Monas Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system
•
HMI and Usability Analysis development
Putney Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
LAKSA Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
05.14.15
Cafee & Cogen Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
NCO Lead HFE and part of Process Safety
Management (PSM) Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
PSM
Leo & Silver
Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
Sakhalin
Lead HFE and part of safety Team
•
HFE Task Analysis and Human error for safety
critical system development
•
HMI and Usability Analysis
•
Human error ALARP and safety case
ProErgonomics: Manager & Lead Consultant (March
2005 – April 2008)
Owner/Manager and Lead Human Factors
Engineer/Ergonomist at ProErgonomics. This
consultancy specialised in HSE, HFE and Occupational
Health consultancy, within the Middle East, particularly
in the Oil and Gas industry.
Key responsibilities:
• Business and Budget development &
Management
• HMI and Usability specialist
• Human Factors consultancy and project
management
• Human Factors advisory/consultancy with
regard to workload, shift work, fatigue
monitoring, human error etc.
• Provide expert opinion on regulatory compliance
requirements to both regulators (Government
offices) and the Oil & Gas companies on
CHARLES VAN SCHALKWYK
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
compliance requirements.
Develop Management system and business
continuity plans for Oil and Gas projects.
Develop strategy for implementation of
programme to promote organisational safety
culture and climate.
Develop and deliver training aimed at promoting
understanding of safety culture development
(also includes coaching of leadership).
Occupational Health & Safety Management
Oil and Gas industry HFE, HSE, Ergonomics and
Occupational Health & Hygiene consulting and
management within the Middle East
Assessment of Human Error risk in onshore and
off-shore oil and gas facilities
Health Risk Assessments and Occupational
Health risk and advisory management.
Human Factors Hardware, Software and product
usability.
Research and design of products and working
environments for all genders, ages for all able
and disabled persons
Physiological and biomechanical assessments
Physiological heat stress evaluation and
monitoring
•
•
•
•
•
•
ADMA OPCO (Oil and Gas)
Dubai Petroleum Company (DPC)
Dolphin Energy Limited
Bunduq Oil Company
Dolphin Energy Limited
Qatar Gas (Dubai and Doha)
Key Company/Project
• Johnson & Johnson (J&J) ME
• The Dubai Executive Office
• Dubai Holdings
• Nissan ME
• Kinnarps Sweden Middles East
• Petrofac
• Foyer Décor
• CCC
• Dubai International Financial (DIFC)
• Dubal
• Royal Dutch Shell ME
• British Petroleum (BP) Dubai
• British Petroleum (BP) Sharjah
• ADMA OPCO (Oil and Gas)
05.14.15
CHARLES VAN SCHALKWYK
David W. Blaha, AICP
Mr. Blaha has 31 years of experience in environmental
assessment, natural and cultural resource management, and
land planning for local, state, regional, and federal
governments in the U.S. and internationally. He is
thoroughly familiar with both U.S. regulatory and
procedural requirements and international EIA best
practice (e.g., IFC Performance Standards and Equator
Principles). In addition to preparing Environmental and
Social Impact Assessments, Management Plans, and Action
Plans in accordance with international best practice, Mr.
Blaha has worked with many Equator Banks, bilateral and
multilateral banks, and other lenders to conduct
appropriate environmental and social due diligence, gap
analysis, and construction/operation compliance
monitoring relative to the IFC Performance standards,
Equator Principles, and other lender policy/requirements.
He has extensive experience addressing biodiversity,
indigenous peoples, and water resource issues. Special
expertise in evaluating energy, land use, mining, military,
water resource, and transportation projects. He has
extensive experience in multi-media permitting of large
(>$1billion) and often controversial infrastructure projects.
Professional Affiliaions & Registration
• American Institute of Certified Planners, 1986
• American Planning Association
• American Water Resources Association
• National Association of Environmental Professionals
Fields of Competence
• Environmental impact assessment for a wide variety of
projects including upstream (offshore exploration and
development) and midstream (LNG import and export
terminals, natural gas pipelines) O&G sector projects,
marinas, deepwater ports, and industrial development.
• Water resources, including water supply planning and
water quality management. Analyses of sources,
quantities, types, transport, and fate of pollutants. .
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
• Wetland ecology, including wetland delineation,
functional assessments, mitigation design, permitting,
and protection planning.
Education
• Master of Environmental Management, Duke
University, NC, 1981
• Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Gettysburg College, PA, 1978
Key Projects
Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port LNG Import
Terminal, Massachusetts, USA - Project Director for 400
MMcfd LNG deepwater port project proposed by
Excelerate as the 3rd Party EIS contractor for the U.S. Coast
Guard. The Project is located 13 miles offshore from
Gloucester MA in approximately 280 feet of water and will
use special purpose LNG carriers called Energy Bridge
Regasification Vessels to transport and regasify the LNG.
The deepwater port will connect to the interstate natural
gas system via a 16.1 mile submerged pipeline lateral. The
Project has been permitted and constructed.
Crown Landing Liquefied Natural Gas Project, New
Jersey, USA Project Manager for a 1.4 BCFD LNG Import
terminal for BP consisting of a marine terminal and an onshore regasification facility. Responsible for preparing the
Environmental Resource Reports as part of pre-filing
application with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) under Section 3 of the NGA.
FGS Natural Gas Storage Project EIS, Florida, USA Project Manager for preparation of EIS for construction of
natural gas liquefaction facilities with a capacity of 100
MMscfd, two LNG storage tanks with a capacity of 8 Bcf,
and natural gas vaporization and a 4-mile 20-inch-diameter
send-out pipeline capacity of 800 MMscfd on a 145 acre
brownfield site in Martin County, FL as a 3rd-Party EIS
contractor with FERC. Key issues included effects on
endangered species, wetlands, and public safety.
Guyana Seismic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),
Guyana. Project Manager for EIA addressing seismic
surveys and exploration drilling in Guyana territorial
waters for the Liza wells on behalf of ExxonMobil.
Keystone XL Pipeline EIS, USA - Senior advisor and lead
for alternatives and cumulative effects assessments for EIS
for highly controversial oil pipeline requiring a Presidential
Permit on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
Columbia Line MB Extension Project, Maryland, USA Project Manager for a proposed 21-mile-long, 26-inchdiameter natural gas pipeline serving as the 3rd Party EA
Contractor for FERC.
Columbia Gas Transmission, USA - Project director
overseeing Federal, state, and local permitting for several
natural gas pipeline replacement projects in MD and PA
totaling over 100 miles. Responsible for wetland,
floodplain, endangered species, forest conservation,
cultural resources, stormwater management, and
sediment/erosion control permitting.
Niko O&G Environmental Review, India and
Bangladesh; Ongoing - Project Manager supporting the
International Finance Corporation in reviewing
environmental and social management plans for offshore
drilling in India and Bangladesh.
LNG Export Terminal Expansion Feasibility Study,
Trinidad – Served as Technical Advisor on study
evaluating feasibility of adding an additional train to LNG
export terminal in Trinidad.
LNG Deepwater Port Feasibility Study, Eastern USA Project Director for a siting study and technology review
for a proposed offshore LNG deepwater port in the Eastern
U.S. for Chevron.
LNG Due Diligence Review and Fatal Flaws Analysis,
Puget Sound, Oregon USA - Project Director evaluating
two alternative sites for a proposed LNG export facility.
Liquefied Natural Gas Project, Florida, USA - Project
Manager for a feasibility study for a LNG facility in Florida.
Investigated permitting issues, potential sources of heat for
regasification, dredging issues, and endangered
species.Golden Pass LNG Project (TX).
Golden Pass LNG Project, Texas, USA - Technical
coordinator for preparation of environmental resource
July 2011
reports for a 1.0 BCFD LNG import terminal at Sabine Pass,
Texas for ExxonMobil.
Camellia Bay LNG Project, Alabama, USA - Technical
coordinator for preparation of environmental resource
reports for a 1.0 BCFD LNG import terminal south of
Mobile, AL for ExxonMobil.
Maritime Administration Deepwater Port Workshop Project Director for coordinating a LNG Deepwater Port
Conference for potential applicants and applicable state and
federal agencies on behalf of MARAD, including preparing
educational and reference materials on licensing process.
Camisea Block 56 Gas Field and Pipeline EIA, Peru Project Director for EIA evaluating the effects of developing
three gas fields, 30 km of gas flowlines, and the Malvinas
gas plant in Peru for Hunt Oil/Pluspetrol. The EIA is being
developed to meet Inter-American Development Bank
standards.
Liquefied Natural Gas Project, USA - Project Manager for
a 4 MMTPA LNG Import Project for a confidential client
consisting of a marine terminal, an on-shore regasification
facility and 30-mile-long natural gas pipeline in Maryland.
Responsible for preparing the Environmental Report for
FERC under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act, Project
Health and Safety Plan, Phase II due diligence
investigation, and federal and state permitting.
St. Lawrence-FDR Hydroelectric Project EIS, New York,
USA - Project Manager for third-party contract for
preparing EIS for the New York Power Authority, FERC,
and New York State. Coordinating innovative Cooperative
Consultation Process (scoping) involving over 40
stakeholders for one of the largest hydroelectric projects in
the eastern U.S. and the project that regulates water levels
in Lake Ontario.
Pebble Gold Mine ESIA, USA
Serving as Technical Director for an independent
environmental and social evaluation of the reportedly
largest gold deposit in the world in remote portion of
Alaska. Propose constructing an LNG import terminal to
provide project power.
LNG in the State’s Energy and Environmental Future Guest speaker at The Energy Council’s Trends in Energy
and the Environment Conference, Biloxi, MS.
DAVID BLAHA
Jason Willey
Impact Assessment Specialist
Mr. Willey has approximately fifteen years’ experience
in environmental and social impact assessment and
natural resource management with specific expertise in
aquatic and estuarine ecology. Most of his ecological
work has supported environmental impact assessments
and permitting projects for industrial projects,
particularly in the oil and gas sector. He has assessed
environmental impacts of various oil and gas projects in
the United States and Australia for onshore and offshore
components of upstream and downstream
developments. Mr. Willey works mostly in the USA,
having prepared numerous impact assessments to the
US National Environmental Policy Act standards, but he
has also applied international environmental impact
assessment protocols to projects in Southeast Asia, South
America, Australia, New Zealand, Greenland, and the
Caribbean.
Fields of Competence
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
• Aquatic and estuarine ecology, including quantitative
and qualitative fish community survey methods (EPA
rapid bioassessment protocol), aquatic
macroinvertebrate ecology, water quality sampling,
and in-stream macrohabitat assessment
• Threatened and Endangered Species Consultations
(NMFS and USFWS)
• Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) assessment
• Aerial photograph, landscape feature, and habitat
interpretation
• Wetland delineation and functional assessment
Education
• B.S., Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA,
May 1997
• M.S., Environmental Science and Policy, Johns
Hopkins University, MD, May 2007
Key Projects
Strategic Environmental Assessment, Exploration
Activities, ExxonMobil. Project manager for a Strategic
Environmental Assessment of exploration activities in
the Stabroek Block, a deepwater exploration block
offshore of Guyana. Was also responsible for delivering
the associated management plans and various
environmental approvals for the proposed activities.
Assisted ExxonMobil staff with an audit of potential
service providers in Guyana and Trinidad as part of the
tender evaluation process for waste management
services. Worked closely with the local Exxon affiliate in
Guyana to help navigate a poorly defined regulatory
structure in Guyana and deliver the necessary approvals
on an accelerated schedule.
Supplemental EIS Support, Keystone XL Pipeline (US
State Department). Reviewed comments received on
the draft Supplemental EIS for the Keystone XL Pipeline,
a proposed 875-mile pipeline infrastructure project that
would allow delivery of up to 830,000 barrels per day of
crude oil from Alberta, Canada and the Bakken Shale
Formation in the United States to Nebraska. Screened
comments for relevance to the project and content, and
categorized each comment received according to the
specific action required in order to address it in the Final
Supplemental EIS.
Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment,
Piceance Basin, Chevron. Authored the freshwater
biological component of the ESHIA for Chevron’s
Piceance Basin Project, which consists of directional
drilling, completion, and production of natural gas
wells, gathering of non-conventional natural gas
reserves, and construction and operation of supporting
facilities, including a new natural gas pipeline in
Colorado. Although the project was not subject to
NEPA, ERM completed an environmental, social and
health impact assessment under the company’s
corporate responsibility policies. Issues central to the
freshwater assessment included preservation of instream
water quality and habitat sufficient to support aquatic
biota in a semi-arid landscape.
Environmental Resource Report and EIS Review,
Crown Landing (BP). Fisheries and aquatic biology lead
on the FERC Resource Reports, Federal and state permit
efforts, and EIS review for a LNG terminal and
associated pipeline connections proposed on the
Delaware River in Logan Township in southern New
Jersey. Developed biologically-derived modeling
parameters for a comprehensive population-level
analysis of the effects of ichthyoplankton entrainment on
important fish species. Used natural mortality estimates
to translate direct losses from entrainment into an
equivalent loss of adult fish. Led consultations with
NMFS regarding potential impacts on the critically
endangered North Atlantic right whale and the
Federally listed Atlantic and shortnose sturgeons
(Acipenser oxyrhynchus and A. brevirostrum). Also
consulted with NMFS with regards to potential impacts
on Federally-regulated Essential Fish Habitat.
Environmental Impact Statement, Excelerate Energy
Northeast Gateway. Lead marine biologist on an EIS for
a proposed offshore natural gas offloading facility in
Massachusetts waters. Key biological issues included
potential effects on marine mammals, loss of
ichthyoplankton to ballast intakes, and effects on
shellfisheries and groundfisheries. Integrated a thirdparty entrainment modeling and equivalent adults
assessment into the EIS for the project. Developed a life
stage-specific assessment of the risks posed to
vulnerable life stages of over 15 species of crustaceans,
fish, and marine mammals from various project related
activities based on life history parameters. Particular
emphasis was placed on balancing safety concerns with
minimizing impacts on key resources such as Atlantic
herring (Clupea harengus) and American lobster (Homarus
americanus) with seasonally-dependent sensitivities to
specific project-related activities.
Environmental Resource Report and EIS Review,
ExxonMobil Golden Pass. Authored the FERC aquatic
resources resource report for a proposed natural gas
terminal on Sabine Pass in eastern Texas. Performed a
preliminary assessment of potential impacts on mud,
sand, and shell-hash intertidal and sub-tidal littoral
habitats on the Sabine River. Evaluated potential losses
of planktonic finfish and shrimp larvae from
entrainment in ballast water intakes and open-rack
vaporizers. Consulted with NMFS and USFWS
concerning potential effects on listed species,
particularly sea turtles and Gulf sturgeon (A. desotoi).
Environmental Impact Statement, Maritimes and
Northeast. Lead aquatic biologist on a FERC EIS for a
proposed upgrade and extension of natural gas pipelines
through Maine. Key aquatic issues included impacts of
stream crossings on sensitive aquatic species, especially
brook trout. Recommended measures to mitigate
potential effects, including conducting in-water work in
the dry, outside the spawning season, and appropriate
erosion and sedimentation control measures.
Pipeline Permitting, Columbia Gas Transmission
Corporation (NiSource). Provided wetland, hydrostatic
testing, surface-water discharge permitting services and
erosion and sediment control design services for
interstate natural gas and fiber optic pipelines in
09/17/15
Maryland. Acted as general liaison on behalf of
Columbia for the purposes of coordinating with the
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland
Department of the Environment, and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. Managed the federal, state, and
local permitting for a retrofit of Columbia’s MC-30 line
in MD in 2005. Managed a statewide threatened and
endangered species survey for Columbia’s pipeline
integrity management project in Maryland in 2006.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning,
Multiple Projects (Woodside Energy Ltd). Provided
general environmental impact assessment and planning
services for several petroleum exploration and
production facilities around Australia. Prepared EPBC
Act (Australia) referrals and environmental management
plans for offshore exploration projects. Coordinated oil
spill contingency planning and sediment transport
modeling to support EIA process for another offshore
project in a potentially sensitive marine environment.
Managed numerous concurrent modeling tasks to
support the EIA process for the project and an ongoing a
joint experiment by Woodside and the Australian
Institute of Marine Science to determine the effects of
accelerated episodic sedimentation on shallow IndoPacific reef building corals.
Environmental Impact Assessment, Great South Basin,
ExxonMobil. Managed an EIA for a marine seismic
survey in the Great South Basin off the coast of New
Zealand’s South Island. Key issues include potential
impacts on endangered marine mammals, marine
fisheries, and seabirds, as well as ecosystem-level effects
on sensitive habitats including the Sub-Antarctic island
archipelago. Project required collating scientific research
on the effects of noise and near-to mid-field interactions
with vessels on rare, threatened, and endangered marine
mammals. Impact assessment process included
consultation with several key government stakeholders,
and resulted in finding of no significant impacts and
favorable feedback from regulators.
AJ Lucas Ltd. Provided on-call environmental support
to an Australian engineering firm bidding on the design
and construction phase of a large, confidential oil and
gas production project in Western Australia. Project
would involve routing four gas trunklines through
sensitive near-shore coral reef and under sea turtle
nesting beaches. Recommended several key measures
that could be incorporated into the project approach and
design that could maximize efficiency while avoiding or
minimizing environmental impacts.
WILLEY
Yinka Afon, P.E.
Senior Acoustics and Air Quality Consultant
Mr. Yinka Afon is a Senior Acoustics and Air Quality
Consultant within ERM based in Annapolis, MD. He has
over 11 years of experience in the field of physical
resources management, with specific expertise in noise
and air quality impact assessment, ambient sound
surveys, noise modeling, ground-borne vibration and
airblast assessments, air emissions quantification,
meteorology, environmental management, and
regulatory compliance. Most of his noise, vibration, air
quality, and GHG work has supported environmental
and social impact assessments (ESIA) and permitting
projects for oil and gas, power mining, linear
infrastructure, manufacturing, petrochemical, and
transportation sector clients. Mr Afon is familiar with the
US National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) guidance manual for
environmental report preparation, and the International
Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental Health and
Safety Guidelines and Performance Standards. Aside
from the United States, Mr Afon has international ESIA
experience in countries such as Nicaragua, Suriname,
Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile,
Bahamas, Greenland, Canada, Guinea, and Nigeria.
Mr. Afon provided noise, vibration, air quality, and GHG
expertise for development of multiple natural gas storage
and liquefaction facilities, gas compressor stations, crude
oil pump stations, and associated pipelines across the US
and Canada. On the Applicant’s side, Mr. Afon has
managed the preparation of multiple Resource Report 9s
for natural gas projects across the United States. He also
served as the Noise, Vibration, Air Quality, and GHG
Lead for the construction and operation of a 272 km long
canal to connect the Pacific Ocean to Caribbean Sea
through Lake Nicaragua (total cost of US$40 billion). Mr.
Afon managed a group of six staff engineers and
coordinated environmental monitoring at sensitive areas
along the canal corridor. Addressed several noise, air,
and GHG-related comments from the public, Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and environmental
agencies (FERC, USDOS, USEPA, USACE, USFWS,
USCG, NOAA, Tribes, etc.) for multiple EIAs and EISs.
The world’s leading sustainability consultancy
Professional Affiliations & Registrations
• Registered Professional Engineer #33760, MD, 2009
• Member of Acoustical Society of America
• Member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Member of Air & Waste Management Association
Fields of Competence
• Air, GHG, noise, and vibration impact assessment
• Regulatory compliance (NEPA, FERC, IFC)
• Emissions inventory (criteria pollutants, HAPs,
GHGs)
• Noise modeling (Predeictor-Lima Software, Type
7810-G)
• Blasting assessments
• Environmental management and monitoring plans
Key Industry Sectors
• Oil & gas (onshore and offshore)
• Power generation (thermal, hydro, biomass, wind)
• Mining & ore/metals processing
• Linear infractructure (pipeline, canal, and
transmission lines)
• Manufacturing/ petrochemical
• Transportation
Education
• M.S.E., Environmental Process Engineering, Johns
Hopkins University, Baltimore, 2004
• B.S., Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola
University of Technology, Nigeria, 2001
Languages
• English, native speaker
• Yoruba
Publications
• Afon Y and Ervin D. An Assessment of Air Emissions
from Liquefied Natural Gas Ships Using Different
Power Systems and Different Fuels . Journal of Air &
Waste Management Association No.3, Vol 58, 404 –
411 (2008).
Key Projects
Keystone XL Pipeline Project for TransCanada
Keystone Pipeline, LP, Canada, U.S. 2012-2014. As
Senior Project Engineer and 3rd Party EIS contractor with
USDOS, provided noise, air quality, and GHG expertise
for preparation of a Supplemental EIS for construction
and operation of approximately 875-mile heavy crude oil
pipeline and associated facilities (pump stations) from
Alberta (Canada) to Nebraska (US). In addition,
evaluated effects of other transport alternatives by
quantifying air and noise emissions from other pipeline
routes, rail, and water transportation. Addressed several
noise, air quality, and GHG-related comments from the
public, NGOs, and environmental agencies.
Dalton Expansion Project for Transcontinental Gas
Pipe Line Company, LLC, GA. 2014-2015. Air Quality
and Noise Lead for preparation of a Resource Report 9 as
part of a FERC application for construction and operation
of 109.3 miles of new natural gas pipelines, one new gasfired turbine compressor station, and three meter stations
in Carroll, Bartow and Murray counties, GA. Quantified
emissions of criteria pollutants, HAPs, and GHGs.
Reviewed sound survey reports & performed acoustical
analysis for aboveground facilities and nine horizontal
directional drill crossings associated with the project.
Shell Franklin Petrochemical Project for Shell Chemical
Appalachia, PA. 2014-2015. As Noise Lead, provided
noise expertise and reporting for development of a
petrochemical complex in Beaver County, PA. Performed
noise modeling for the Early Works (including blasting),
Main Construction, and peak hour construction traffic
using Predictor V9.12 software. The software used ISO
9613-2 and FHWA TNM calculation methods.
Nicaragua Canal Project for HKND, Nicaragua. 20142015. Noise, Vibration, Air Quality, and GHG Lead for
preparation of an ESIA for construction and operation of
a 272 km long canal to connect the Pacific Ocean to the
Caribbean Sea through Lake Nicaragua. Construction
activities include dredging, excavation of over 4.4 billion
m3 of material, and blasting. Operational activities
include ship traffic, assist tugs, ferries, port, and lock
operations. Conducted noise surveys and performed
noise modeling for large ships that would use the canal
using Predictor V9.12 software. Evaluated noise impacts
of in-water piling, dredging, and vessel use on marine
mammals and fish during project construction.
Quantified GHG emissions from land use change, fossil
29.06.16
fuel combustion and indirect electricity use. Also
quantified the net GHG emissions due to changes in
shipping patterns with and without the canal project.
Merian Gold Mine and Power Plant ESIA for Surgold
Inc. (Newmont), Suriname. 2010-2013. Environmental
Lead for preparing multiple sections of an ESIA for the
development of an open pit gold mine in northeastern
Suriname with planned production of 5.5 million ounces
of gold over 12-14 years and processing of 150 million
tonnes of ore and 680 million tonnes of waste rock. The
Project also includes the installation of an onsite 52.5
MWe HFO-fired power plant. Resources evaluated
include noise, ground vibration, airblast overpressure, air
quality, GHGs, and climate. The Project was approved by
the Government of Suriname in May 2013.
NorthMet Mine & Ore Processing EIS for PolyMet
Mining Inc., MN. 2007-2015. Lead Acoustic Specialist for
preparing noise and vibration sections of an EIS for the
development of a 11.3 million tonne per annum open pit
mine (precious metals) and ore processing facility in
northeast Minnesota over a nine year period. Task
included evaluation of baseline noise conditions, noise
and vibration modeling, and report writing. Prepared the
noise and vibration sections of the EIS in accordance with
Minnesota Rules, part 7030.0040 and 6132.2900,
respectively. Coordinated with cooperating agencies
(USEPA, USFWS, Tribes) and addressed all their
comments and concerns related to noise.
Perryman 6 Power Plant Project, Constellation Power
Source Generation, Inc. (CPSG), Baltimore, MD. 20122013. Developed an air emissions inventory as part of
CPSG’s CPCN application to the Maryland PSC for the
construction and operation of two dual natural gas/ultra
low sulfur diesel-fired, simple-cycle combustion turbines
with a nominal capacity of 120 MW.
Buckeye Wind Project for Buckeye Wind LLC,
Champaign County, OH. 2009-2013. Author of the noise
and air quality impact assessment for a 3rd Party EIS for a
250 MW windfarm in Ohio on behalf of the USFWS.
Calculated criteria pollutant and GHG emissions avoided
from the proposed wind power project when compared
to a typical fossil-fuel type project with the same energy
generation capacity. In April 2015, the US District Court
in Washington D.C. granted summary judgement in
favor of the project following a suit that challenged the
issuance in 2013 of an Incidental Take Permit for impacts
to the endangered Indiana bat.
YINKA AFON
Peyun Kok
Associate Scientist, Impact Assessment and Planning
Peyun Kok is an Associate Scientist with ERM’s Impact
Assessment & Planning practice in Houston, TX. Peyun
specializes in applying a determinants of health
perspective to the assessment of inter-related social,
health and environmental impacts of development
projects. Since joining ERM she has conducted a number
of environmental, social and health baseline studies,
impact assessments, stakeholder analyses and social
investment strategies for oil and gas clients in the United
States (particularly Louisiana) and Africa, and
infrastructure projects in Central America. Involvement
has been in the development of research plans, primary
and secondary data collection, data analysis, stakeholder
mapping and analysis, and development of management
plans and social investment plans.
Prior to joining ERM, Peyun conducted situational
assessments, baseline studies and impact assessments of
communities affected by gold and bauxite mining
activity in Suriname. She also worked on developing
tools, policy and practices to assess the community
health and safety impacts of urban and suburban
development projects in Canada.
Specific skills include design of research methodologies,
design of social and health baseline surveys and
interview tools, qualitative, quantitative and GIS
analysis, stakeholder analysis, public health program
planning and evaluation, and policy analysis.
Peyun has worked for Health Canada, the Region of
Peel’s Public Health department, the Pan-American
Health Organization Suriname and the Commissie
Ordening Goudsector (Commission to Regulate the Gold
Sector - Suriname).
Fields of Competence
• Social and health baseline studies
• Social and health impact assessment
• Quantitative, qualitative and geospatial analysis of
health and social data
• Development of research frameworks and
methodologies
• Stakeholder analysis and engagement
• Development of social investment strategies
• Policy analysis and development
• Public health program planning and evaluation
Education
• MES Urban and Regional Planning. York University,
Canada, 2009
• Graduate Diploma in Health Services and Policy
Research. Ontario Training Centre in Health Services
and Policy Research, Canada, 2009
• Hon BSc. Biology and English, University of Toronto,
Canada, 2005.
Languages
• English (native)
• French (proficient)
• Spanish (basic)
Key Industry Sectors
• Oil & Gas
• Mining
• Transportation Infrastructure
• Government
• Public Health
Countries Worked In
• Canada
• Suriname
• Taiwan
• United States
Key Projects
SHIA for O&G Operational Facility Expansion,
Confidential Oil and Gas Supermajor, United States,
2014-2015
The objectives of this SHIA were to understand the
socioeconomic impacts of the company’s consolidation
of operational services to a new facility in Louisiana, as
well as the social and health impacts associated with
construction and operation of the new facility.
Nicaragua Grand Canal and Development Project
ESHIA, Hong Kong Nicaragua Canal Development
Company, Nicaragua, 2014-2015
This ESHIA involved extensive research planning to
ensure collection and integration of relevant primary
and secondary information sources to form a picture of
the social and health conditions in diverse communities
along a 270-km linear infrastructure project. Tasks
included stakeholder engagement planning, research
planning, development of data collection tools, data
analysis, social baseline development and assessment of
social impacts.
Strategic Marcellus Shale ESHIA, Confidential Oil
and Gas Supermajor, United States, 2014-2015
This ESHIA was conducted to characterize baseline
conditions in a 26-county area in the Marcellus Shale, as
well as providing a preliminary understanding of the
likely impacts of the client’s potential future
development in the region. Tasks included
development of a community health baseline, as well as
assessment of likely health impacts.
Office Campus Growth Project Social and Health
Impact Assessment, Confidential Oil and Gas
Supermajor, United States, 2014
This social and health impact assessment was
conducted to assess the potential impacts, both positive
and negative, of an office campus expansion on the
surrounding urban community in Louisiana.
Country Entry Strategy Stakeholder Analysis Report,
Confidential Oil and Gas Supermajor, Angola, 2014
This project involved the compilation of a detailed
stakeholder registry and report providing
characterization and analysis of stakeholder influence,
interest, stance and relationships to support an oil and
gas major’s early entry strategy to an African country.
Environmental Impact Statements, Various Oil and
Gas Companies, Angola, 2014
Developed multiple regulatory-driven Environmental
Impact Statements for various clients’ offshore oil and
gas development Projects in Angola, for submission to
the Angolan Ministry of Petroleum.
Pipeline SIA, Confidential Oil and Gas Client, United
States, 2014
This assessment was conducted over an eight-county
area in South Texas to identify social sensitivities in
communities proximal to a proposed new pipeline
ROW, and implications of these sensitivities for
potential Project impacts.
Case Studies of Climate Change Adaptation, InterAmerican Development Bank, Honduras and
Nicaragua, 2013
The main objective of this project was to support the
process of increasing climate change adaptation
capacity in communities in Central America,
particularly with respect to water resources
management. This included a focus on identifying and
laying out future potential investment projects for the
IADB in the area of adaptation and resilience.
Specific tasks included development of community
hazard profiles, and application of community
vulnerability assessment criteria used to identify,
compare and characterize areas of particular
vulnerability to climate change hazards.
LNG Export Terminal SHIA, Confidential Oil and Gas
Supermajor, United States, 2013
This assessment focused on understanding potential
social and health impacts and stakeholder perceptions
associated with the expansion of an existing facility in a
mid-sized city with high tourism activity. The project
also sought to identify and prioritize opportunities for
social investment. Tasks included leading the collection
and analysis of health data, participation in ERM-client
scoping and mitigation workshops, and preparation of
final deliverables.
Confidential Project Community Health Study,
Confidential Oil and Gas Supermajor, United States,
2013
This study was conducted to obtain an in-depth
understanding of baseline community health conditions
and concerns in the vicinity of the proposed site for a
major capital project. Tasks involved primary data
collection in the form of interviews with health and
social service providers and public safety officials, as
well as collection and analysis of secondary health
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
surveillance data and compilation of a final health
baseline report.
assessment of social and health impacts on residential
communities in the vicinity of the Project site.
Pipeline SHIA, Confidential Oil and Gas Supermajor,
United States, 2013
The objectives of this social and health impact
assessment were to determine the baseline social and
health characteristics of Texas and Louisiana
communities adjacent to the proposed corridor for a
200-km gas pipeline, to identify potential impacts
resulting from construction and operations activities,
and to develop the appropriate mitigation strategies to
avoid or minimize impacts. Results were also used to
develop recommendations for social investment
strategies. Tasks included leading the collection and
analysis of health data and preparation of a health
scoping report and impact assessment, as well as
conducting project team interviews and participating in
client workshops.
Strategic Plan for the ASGM Sub-sector, Suriname,
Ordening Goudsector, 2012
This project consisted of developing a five-year strategic
plan for the artisanal and small-scale gold mining subsector in Suriname. Tasks included background
research, gap analysis, report writing and stakeholder
engagement activities such as key informant interviews,
public opinion focus groups and a 2-day participatory
stakeholder workshop.
Gulf of Mexico 5-Parish Social and Health Baseline
and Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Confidential Oil
and Gas Supermajor, United States, 2013
This project involved development of detailed social
and health baseline studies for five coastal Louisiana
parishes falling within the footprint of the client’s future
Gulf of Mexico offshore operations. Specific tasks
included collection, integration and analysis of various
sources of health surveillance, health financing,
hospital, and social indicator data to provide a baseline
characterization of health status, vulnerabilities and
health services in each parish. Baseline findings were
then used in the development of both parish-level and
regional stakeholder engagement plans and social
investment strategies.
Mississippian Lime Shale Gas Social and Health
Scoping, Confidential Oil and Gas Supermajor,
United States, 2013
The scoping exercise for this project provided a baseline
characterization of current social and health conditions
of communities near planned oil and gas operations in
South Kansas. Tasks included desktop health data
collection, analysis and report writing, and participation
at a client scoping workshop.
Eagle Ford Shale Gas SHIA, Confidential Oil and Gas
Supermajor, United States, 2012-2013
This project was a social and health impact assessment
for a shale gas operation in South Texas. Tasks included
desktop research, baseline report writing, and
Situational Assessment of the ASGM Sub-sector,
Suriname, Ordening Goudsector, 2011-2012
Managed and executed the development of a policyoriented research report to fill gaps in information on
health, socio-economic and environmental security
issues in the lives of artisanal and small-scale gold
miners in Suriname. Tasks included background
research and literature review, development of
conceptual model and research design, development of
interview guide and survey instrument, primary data
collection and analysis, generation of recommendations,
and report-writing.
Discussion paper on the health impacts of
urbanization and development in Suriname, PanAmerican Health Organization Suriname, 2011
Co-wrote a discussion paper describing and analyzing
the historical and social context of development
patterns in Suriname, and the implications from a
determinants of health and health systems access
perspective.
ESIA for Lelydorp I /PNKN Bauxite Mine, Suralco,
Suriname, 2011
Assisted in the development of a social baseline for the
Social section of an ESIA relating to two proposed
bauxite mines in close proximity to several Amerindian
communities. Responsibilities included background
research, revision/finalizing of survey instrument, field
data collection, data analysis and report writing for the
social baseline section of the ESIA.
Feasibility Study and Options Analysis for mining
residual bauxite deposits, Suralco, Suriname, 2011
Assisted with the production of a report and analysis of
relocation options to mine residual bauxite deposits
adjacent to a Maroon community in Marowijne,
Suriname. Tasks included background research,
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
secondary data analysis, generation of
recommendations and report writing.
Test Application of a Healthy Development Index,
Region of Peel, Canada, 2010
Initiated a project that would test the application of
healthy development standards on selected
communities in the Region of Peel. Responsibilities
included background research, project idea
development, stakeholder engagement, RFP
development and selection of vendors.
Cancer System Quality Index for Ontario, Cancer
Quality Council of Ontario, Canada, 2009
Assisted in the production of an annual online Cancer
System Quality Index whereby health system data was
utilized to provide health care providers and the
general public with information on the quality of
Ontario’s cancer care system performance. Tasks
included procurement, analysis and graphing of
secondary health system data and report writing.
Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world
JOY INGRID THEMEN – Independent Consultant
Herman Sno straat 6A. Paramaribo Suriname.
Mobile: (597)8810396 Email: [email protected]
PROFILE
Dedicated professional, multilingual teamworker with 15+years experience, international exposure
across different organisational cultures and continents. Supporting well-informed decisionmaking,
specialised in mostly environmental but also broader HSEC and risk management aspects in
sustainable development projects (industry as well as governmental). Experience in HSEC
management systems in the minerals industry covering the conceptual phase, construction,
operations, and closure. Coordinate and engage with stakeholders in environmental and social impact
assessments (e.g. hydropower, sugarcane and ethanol, mining, petroleum), in potentially sensitive
environments. Agro-industrial interest: post-harvest technology, renewable energy use.
SKILLS
Environmental and social impact assessment, environmental compliance, stakeholder engagement,
risk assessment facilitating, analytical & problem-solving capability, HSEC management systems,
auditing, incident cause analysis method. Team and individual work environments.
LANGUAGES *Sworn Translator (November 2014, Government of the Republic of Suriname): Portuguese-English-Dutch.
English, Portuguese, Dutch – Full professional proficiency
Spanish – Professional working proficiency
Sranan Tongo – Native
French – Elementary proficiency
EDUCATION
Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP). São Paulo state, Brazil
Doutorado em Agronomia (Ph.D/Doctorate). Energia na Agricultura - 1998
Mestrado em Agronomia (MSc.). Energia na Agricultura - 1994
Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV). Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Bachelor’s degree. Agricultural Engineering. Post-harvest technology – 1990
WORKEXPERIENCE
Independent consulting services (current).
Independent consultancy.
ESIA Coordinator to Paradise Oil Company (POC): swamp, dryland, nearshore exploration drilling.
Stakeholder engagement, risk assessments, HSEC advice, compliance. Initiative team member,
actively contributed to the development of a National, strategic Oilspill Contingency Plan for Suriname
(NOSCP). Suriname 2013 - March-2016.
Independent consultancy.
ESIA Coordinator to Staatsolie’s energy projects (hydropower; agroindustrial: sugarcane to ethanol).
Stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, reporting. Staatsolie, Suriname 2010-2014.
Independent consultancy.
Specialist support to the mine closure and rehabilitation department. ALCOA-Suralco, Suriname 2009.
Project environmental consultant.
Support for regulatory compliance at actual mine closure/exit. Engaged in enterprise wide risk reviews
and risk management sessions. BHP Billiton – BMS, Suriname 2009.
Environmental manager.
JOY INGRID THEMEN – Independent Consultant
Herman Sno straat 6A. Paramaribo Suriname.
Mobile: (597)8810396 Email: [email protected]
Interfacing operations, exploration projects, mine closure departments, in times of significant
organisational change: a single operational site expanding into several incl. exploration and closure.
Engagement with partners, contractors, NGOs, government. Liaison between Surinamese air-flight
charter service X corporate safety auditors (fixed wing 2002-2009). HSEC audits: Nickel-West Australia
(BHP Billiton), Alu-Ref Expansion project Brazil (ALCOA/Alcan/BHPB JV). Judging panel member
Global HSEC Awards. BHP Billiton - BMS, Suriname 2007-2009.
Environmental, Health and Closure manager.
Introducing the concept of responsible mine closure planning in Suriname. Facilitated the realization of
Suriname’s first national governmental Future Landuse seminar. Lead team member, implemented
health guidelines (Fit for Work/for Life). Organizing committee member of Fatigue Management
workshop for the Aluminium Group; HIV/AIDS prevention program. Six Sigma Airflight cost reduction
project: 140K USD savings/8 months. BHP Billiton – BMS, Suriname 2005-2007.
Safety advisor.
Occupational safety supervision. Contractor safety, business improvement, audits, risk assessment,
incident investigation. BHP Billiton – Bayside/Hillside Aluminium smelters, South Africa 2004-2005.
HSE manager.
Aggressive safety improvement program, strongly focused on contractor management. Coordinated
training at all organisational levels in: fatal risk control, risk assessment, behavioral safety, audits,
incident investigation, defensive driving, emergency response. BHPBilliton-BMS, Suriname 2003-2005.
Environmental advisor.
Coordinated the company’s first ISO14001-certification. BHP Billiton-BMS. Suriname, 2002-2003.
Independent lead consultant.
Facilitated national stakeholder engagement/awareness raising on Montreal Protocol. Represented
Ministry of Labor, Technological Development and the Environment at UNFCCC sessions, BonnGermany. National Institute for Environment&Development in Suriname-NIMOS. Suriname 2001-2002.
Research intern.
Training in post-harvest technology (agroindustry): drying/storage methods, solar energy use. Centro
Nacional de Treinamento em Armazenagem-CENTREINAR. Viçosa-MG, Brazil. March 1987-Oct.1989.
FELLOWSHIPS and TRAINING
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Project Management Techniques for Development Professionals. Inter-american Development
Bank (IDBx edX Verified Certificate), June 2016.
Biodiversity Management Workshop – Achieving Biodiversity Conservation with the Private
Sector. Conservation International. Suriname, January 2016.
Understanding Dispersants in Oil Spill Response – OSRL Technical Forum. Trinidad &
Tobago, October 2015.
Subregional OPRC (Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation Convention)
ratification and implementation workshop; introduction to RETOS readiness analysis tool.
RAC-REMPEITC Caribe/IMO/UNEP. Suriname, November 2014.
Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300 courses and 420 for Executives. OSRL.
Suriname, July, October 2014.
Basic HSE Offshore Training (BOST). HHSL Safety Systems Limited. Suriname, July 2014.
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Local Content Master Class, CPD-Certified Pre-Conference training to SURIMEP 2014, 1
Suriname International Mining, Energy & Petroleum Conference and Exhibition. AMETRADE
UK. Suriname, June 2014.
JOY INGRID THEMEN – Independent Consultant
Herman Sno straat 6A. Paramaribo Suriname.
Mobile: (597)8810396 Email: [email protected]
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Impact Assessment and Decisionmaking in Suriname. SAIA/SRK Consulting, supported by
International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA). NIMOS. Suriname, May 2014.
Incident Command System (ICS) 100 and 200 Courses. Apache. Suriname, March 2014.
Incident Management Training (IMT) (BHP Billiton). Suriname, March 2009.
Six Sigma Green Belt (BHP Billiton). Trinidad and Suriname, 2007.
Integrated Leadership Program(BHPBilliton). The Woodlands Resort, Houston-TX. USA, 2007.
LEAN (BHP Billiton). Onverdacht. Suriname, 2007.
First International Seminar on Mine Closure – The university of Western Australia (Center for
Mine Rehabilitation) and Australia Centre for Geomechanics (ACG). Included workshop, field
visits. Perth, Australia. September 2006.
Incident Cause Analysis Method (ICAM) lead investigator/trained trainer (BHP Billiton).
Houston-TX. USA, 2006.
Thinking and Planning Strategically. Wits Business School. University of Witwatersrand.
Johannesburg, South Africa. August 2005.
Negotiation Dynamics. Wits Business School. University of Witwatersrand. Johannesburg,
South Africa, July 2005.
Managing and Measuring Organisational Culture. Wits Business School. University of
Witwatersrand. Johannesburg, South Africa, June 2005.
Strategic Alliances and Partnering. Wits Business School. University of Witwatersrand.
Johannesburg, South Africa, May 2005.
Leading Self and Teams (BHP Billiton). Ingwe-I-Campus. Middelburg, South Africa, Feb. 2005.
Modules from MBA Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy. FHR Lim A Po
Instituut/Maastricht School of Management. Suriname, 2003. (Fellowship).
Du Pont Operations Safety for managers and supervisors. Safety audits (BHP Billiton).
Onverdacht, Suriname 2003.
Risk assessment facilitator (EnterpriseWide Risk management) (BHP Billiton). Onverdacht,
Suriname 2003.
Contemporary Diplomatic Practice – Module V of the Course on International Policy Skills.
Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ in collaboration with FHR Lim A
Po institute for Social Studies. Suriname June-Oct 2002. (Fellowship).
Environmental Management for Developing Countries. Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy
Sources. Technische Universität Dresden /UNEP/UNESCO/BMU. Dresden-Germany. NovDec 2001 (Fellowship).
Especialista em Extensão Rural (Rural Extension). FAO LatinAmerican Program for
Capacitybuilding in Post-harvest Technology. Viçosa-MG, Brazil. June 1990. (Fellowship).
VI Curso Internacional de Armazenagem de Grãos (Grain Storage). CENTREINAR. ViçosaMG, Brazil. October 1986. (Fellowship).