[PHNOM PENH POST]
Cambodia's Ministry of Environment told a Japanese oil company yesterday
to better define the location of its initial onshore operations given
the potential impact on the local population and environment.
The
Ministry of Environment has required Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National
Corporation to specify where it planned to drill 6,000 close-proximity
holes for explosive seismic surveying in Cambodia’s Block 17, Mam
Sambath, executive director of extractive industries watchdog DPA-EISEI,
said yesterday.
Thailand-based International Environmental
Management Co Ltd, which JOGMEC contracted to do the environmental
impact assessment, said during the meeting that it would provide the
ministry with details within nine days, according to Mam Sambath, who
sent DPA-EISEI staff to the meeting. Members of the press were not
allowed to attend the meeting, which is described by the ministry as
open to the public.
The 6,500 square-kilometre Block 17 stretches
between Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom provinces and houses
two of Cambodia’s oldest temples, according to the EIA, which was issued
to the ministry in early September.
JOGMEC will consign
operations to Moeco Cambodia Oil & Gas Co Ltd, which is partially
owned by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co Ltd, according to the EIA. Although
the EIA says the state-owned Japanese company would focus on about 300
square kilometres for seismic data, there is no specification as to
where exactly on that plot the exploration will happen.
“We do
worry it’s going to be problematic for the public and for the
environment,” Mam Sambath said, referring to the close-proximity
drilling practice specified in the EIA.
International
Environmental Management Co Ltd also fell short of conducting meaningful
consultation with locals who may potentially be affected by future
exploration and drilling, Mam Sambath said.
“We realised the
locals don’t know about the process involved in oil exploration,” Mam
Sambath said. The extractive industries watchdog visited three districts
in Block 17 last week, he added.
Damage to inhabitants, as well
as to the environment, was rated in all but one instance as low and
short-term, according to the EIA. Only Sambor Preikuk, one of the
Kingdom’s oldest temples, could suffer what the report called “permanent
impact.” Preah Khan, an Angkorean-era temple, is also located in Block
17.
Diep Sareiviseth, spokesperson for the Cambodia National
Petroleum Authority, told the Post last week that Moeco’s assessment
process was following national law carefully. “They are making progress
every time,” he said in an email.
The Ministry of Environment yesterday declined to comment, as did both JOGMEC and Moeco Cambodia Oil & Gas.
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