One of the main tools of Environmental Management is the Environmental Impact Assessment, whose main objective is to assess the impacts that certain public and private projects may have on the environment, based on previously developed Environmental Impact Studies.

These studies should focus on projects that, by their nature, size or location, may have implications on environmental and social balance and harmony, so that the Environmental Impact Assessment becomes an effective instrument for environmental protection and management, as well as ensuring fair and balanced decisions by the public administration.

The Environmental Impact Study (EIA) is the document prepared under the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, which contains a brief description of the project, the identification and assessment of the likely positive and negative impacts that the project’s implementation may have on environment, as well as the proposed mitigation measures and a program for monitoring and monitoring the identified impacts.

Undoubtedly, environment is one of the most visible aspects of the oil and gas industry and it should become an effective contributor to the sustainable development of the world in which we live.

It is common practice for Governments to make the granting of exploration concessions or production licenses to oil companies subject to the submission of a detailed environmental impact study and an overall business plan whose HSE component meets at least the requirements imposed by the Government.

In an oil project, from the early stages of exploration to production, EIA studies are required for seismic campaigns, the initial drilling and installation campaign for surface units, as well as the final stages of plant abandonment, including abandonment of oil rigs (also known as the decommissioning phase).

In summary, environmental impact studies are important for the following reasons:

• Identify impacts and risks on humans, the environment, properties, reputation and economic aspects;
• Reduce impacts to minimum levels of acceptance or eliminate them if possible;
• Comply with regulations of the government agencies of each country;
• Comply with the HSE management systems;
• Improve operational practices;
• Communicate and set key performance indicators (KPI);
• Adjust the operating budget;
• Disclose the importance of environmental issues.

 EQS provides consultancy services in the preparation and analysis of environmental impact studies in the industrial, oil and gas and energy sectors.