(PESIA) Weg naar Zee 2D Seismic - Staatsolie

P-all consultants Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V.
PESIA Weg naar Zee 2D Seismic 2012
2. LEGAL AND INSTITUNIONAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 PERMITTING PROCESS
ESIA legislation is not yet in place in Suriname. So the ESIA process is voluntarily initiated by
Staatsolie because it is a logical step from the Vision and Mission of Staatsolie. The process is
conducted in a framework of accepting the authority of NIMOS.
Within the concession agreement of Staatsolie it is stated that the contractor should take all
reasonable measures in agreement with good oilfield practices for safe working and for adequate
treatment for the discharge of waste oils (article 11, sub 1 and 2). “Good oilfield practices”
means: “to comply, at a minimum, with applicable laws, regulations, standards and guidelines
for the protection of the environment and in their absence adopt the best practicable means to
prevent or minimize adverse environmental impacts”.
An extensive description of the legal framework for Staatsolie activities, including the Weg naar
Zee and Coesewijne activities, is available in: ‘Regulatory Framework’, Prepared for Noordam
Consultancy on behalf of: Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. and compiled by Nancy Del
Prado, Project consultant. This report was prepared in March 2012 and is available on the
web.site of Staatsolie.
2.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES
In Suriname environmental protection and the conservation of biological resources are regulated
through different legislative instruments (treaties, laws, decrees, orders, resolutions and
ordinances). Current environmental rules and regulations, directly relating to the project, are
found in the Mining Decree and the Petroleum Act.
Strict environmental rules and guidelines which were applied to this Project are embedded in:
• The Mining Decree, especially the articles 4, 16 and 30 regarding the environment;
• The Petroleum Act, article 7 and 28, regarding the environment;
• The Hindrance Act, preventing hindrance;
• In case archaeological artifacts are found the Monuments Law will be applicable.
2.2.1 MINING DECREE, E-58
Relevant environment-related articles in the Mining Decree are:
• Article 4, sub. 1: “during the mining operation all mining activities should be carried out
... applying the most modern international techniques ...professionally making use of
advanced technology and appropriate materials taking into account current requirements
regarding safety and health... including requirements to protect the ecosystems”.
• Article 16, sub 1: “after closure of the mining concession the holder of the right will, to
• the satisfaction of the Minister (of Natural Resources) take all necessary measures in the
interest of public safety, the conservation of the deposit, the rehabilitation of the land
concerned and the protection of the environment”.
• Article 30 sub 2: “the application for a mining concession should be accompanied by a
• Plan of Operations for the rehabilitation of mined out land”. This article is also covered
by the Petroleum Act, Article 7 sub 2 (see below).
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