putting biodiversity principles into practice

Cepu, Indonesia — 3D seismic exploration

Conducting Seismic exploration onshore requires extensive planning and preparation in order to minimize the environmental footprint, maintain high safety performance and achieve business and technical goals. The process involves sending sound waves into the ground and recording reflections as the waves bounce off different layers within the earth. These reflections give geoscientists information that helps them determine the presence of oil and gas. 

In Cepu, Indonesia, seismic data was acquired over an area of 1200 square kilometers. To support the efforts of up to 3000 workers over a 15-month period, 64 temporary worker camps were built in addition to the main base camp. The Cepu area contains teak forests, rice fields, roads, railroads, a major river, numerous towns and villages and a population of about 3 million. The challenge was to conduct the survey in harmony with the local environment. 

Prior to the survey, the environmental assessment was completed which included a review of available literature on the biology, culture and economics of the area, surface water and groundwater sampling, and wildlife observations. In addition, ExxonMobil met with elders and officials from 314 villages within the survey area. Based on community input and assessment findings, limits were placed on field activities and camps were located in areas to minimize the environmental and social footprint. 

The project was designed to avoid the need to move vehicles cross-country, thus minimizing the clearing of vegetation and avoiding the rutting and soil disturbance issues associated with heavy vehicles. This method reduces the environmental and social impact; however, it requires a significant number of workers to perform tasks.  

During operations, environmental management plans were in place to ensure that all wastes generated at the camp sites were disposed of properly. This included capture of all sewage, and disposal of all waste offsite in approved disposal facilities.  At the completion of the survey, all worker camps and seismic lines were reclaimed to their original condition. The entire survey was conducted safely for workers and the public, with minimal impacts on the forests, wildlife and day-to-day life of the villagers.