Kayangel Governor Defends Palau Oil Exploration, Drilling Plans Titiml responds to criticism from Palau Conservation Society KOROR, Palau (Island Times, Oct. 21, 2014) – Kayangel Governor Jeffrey Titiml has strongly criticized the stance of Palau Conservation Society (PCS) Board Chairman Minoru Ueki regarding the plan to explore and drill for oil in the Palau North Bank (PNB) in Kayangel State. In a letter addressed to Ueki and dated October 16, 2014, Titiml said that they were appalled by the statements and position taken by Ueki regarding the oil project.{REG} Titiml’s letter was in response to an earlier letter by Ueki where the former Palau Ambassador to Japan expressed his concerns and opposition regarding the plan to drill and explore for oil in waters of Kayangel State. In the letter, Ueki said that recent events calling for the fast-tracking implementation of the oil regulations are premature and a cause for deep concern Ueki also said that offshore oil and gas drilling present a risk wherever it is conducted. He said that Palau should instead focus on developing its tourism industry instead of taking a big risk by going into oil exploration and drilling. Ueki also asserted that the project will only benefit large corporations and a few Palauans. The entire leadership of Kayangel State Government was appalled upon reading your October 2, 2014 letter characterizing as premature and a cause for deep concern timely implementation of RPPL Nos. 8-36 and 8-37, the Petroleum Revenue Management and Sharing Act and the Petroleum Act that the 15th Kayangel State Legislature had urged in its Resolution No. 15-23-10RS, the first part of the letter reads. Titiml also said that what the PCS Board did is tantamount to improper meddling. We regard what the Board of Directors of Palau Conservation Society, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has done as an improper meddling of legitimate affairs between Kayangel State Government and the Republic of Palau national government, the Governor said. The action, moreover, borders on Palau Conservation Society being an accessory to continued delay of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries, and Commerce to carry out their respective responsibilities required of them by law, Titiml added. The PCS is a local non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Palau’s biodiversity and natural resources. The Kayangel Governor also strongly criticized Ueki’s assertion that the oil project will only benefit a few Palauans. Lastly, the allegation of get rich schemes that are intended to benefit large corporations and a few Palauans is not only inflammatory but defamatory at that. Such an outrageous statement does not speak well of the otherwise untarnished reputation and integrity of our great Palau Conservation Society, Titiml said. Claim of environmental harm disputed Ueki also charged in his earlier letter that oil exploration and drilling will harm Palau’s pristine environment through toxic metals, carcinogens, drilling fluid and cuttings from oil rigs. Citing a compilation by Rainforest Action Network, Ueki pointed out over its lifetime a single rig can: Dump more than 90,000 metric tons of drilling fluid and metal cuttings into the ocean; Drill between 50-100 wells, each dumping 25,000 pounds of toxic metals, such as lead, chromium and mercury, and potent carcinogens like toluene, benzene, and xylene into the ocean. Pollute the air as much as 7,000 cars driving 50 miles a day. But in a presentation before Palau’s leaders in August of this year, Howard Smith, the Chief Executive Office of Palau Energy (PE) Pte. Ltd. said there is no reason for concern as they would be using a very-advanced and environmentally friendly drill ship to conduct the oil exploration. Smith disclosed that Palau Energy has chosen to use one of the most modern, efficient, environmentally-friendly, new build, DP3 dynamic positioned drillship Norshore Atlantic. Smith said that Norshore Atlantic is one of the most advanced drill ship in the world and listed some of its high-tech components and features that make it environmentally-friendly. These environment aspects include: DNV CLEAN DESIGN; No seabed footprint – DP; Engines NOx reduction system built-in; Waste compaction system built-in; Low pollution incinerator built-in; Bilge Water Separator built-in; Hull painted special anti-fouling; 8. Hi tech drilling fluid cleaning systems. Smith says it is very logical to use such drill ship in Kayangel waters due to the following factors: Small environmental impact (DP); Operating procedures meet international environmental maritime regulations; Safe & efficient drilling. Modern environmental design; Reduced engine emissions; Mobilization – self propelled; Able to continue to operate in rough sea All required Drilling supplies loaded onto vessel in Singapore; Operations can be supported by using local Palau companies / resources. Palau Energy, which is based in Singapore, and the US-based Palau Pacific Energy (PPE) have jointly expressed strong interest to conduct oil exploration in Kayangel’s waters and invest $15 million to determine if there are commercially-viable reserves of oil and natural gas in the area. The project is delayed by the non-promulgation of the rules and regulations of the petroleum laws. Minister Charles Obichang of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries, and Commerce (MPIIC), the office tasked with promulgating most of the needed regulations, said that a more thorough investigation and study are needed before the oil regulations are implemented. Island Times Copyright © 2014 Island Times. All Rights Reserved
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 02:19:17 +0000
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