Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study of exploratory oil well: A critical review

Abstract

Environmental Impact Assessment is a study of the effect of a proposed exploratory drilling project, plan or program on the environment. Exploratory drilling has a great impact on environmental component i.e. air, noise, land, water, biological and socio economic which will affect our ecosystem. But exploratory drilling wisely has greater impact on our country’s economy and is helpful in socio-economic development of the region. India is heavily dependent on imports of crude petroleum to meet the rapidly growing demand for petroleum products. Current requirement and supply projections indicate that the level of self-sufficiency is likely to decline to about 30% over the next few years. Substantial efforts are therefore, necessary to increase the level of exploration activity in the country, so that latest finds can be made and the level of crude oil and gas production significantly increase in the years to come. It is also evident that vast amount of capital investments are necessary if exploration efforts are to be significantly augmented. Therefore, there is need to attract both the National as well as private sector oil companies to invest in this critical area. This paper briefly highlights on issues related with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of exploratory drilling at national and international level.