ERA FIELD REPORT 215

Location: Opolo-Epie, along the Tombia/Amassoma road, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Date of Visit: 11th March, 2010

INTRODUCTION
On March 11, 2010 ERA’s field monitor visited the site where Shell is constructing a gas flare furnace at Opolo-Epie. This trip took a course by Shell’s Kolo Creek Logistic Base at Imiringi where gas has continued to be flared for many years.

IN THE FIELD
At Shell’s Imiringi Flow Station the presence of the Military Joint Task Force prevented the monitors from going close to the facility. Pictures of the gas flare could only be safely taken from the confines of the car.
The story was the same at the new gas flare furnace site at Opolo-Epie. Security concerns prevented the field monitors from getting too close to make their observations. They however tried to get some photographs.

OBSERVATION/CONCLUSION
 There is no doubt that Shell is constructing a new gas flare furnace at a time when the rest of the world is concerned about climate change and proffering ways to curb it. The Nigerian government has been shifting the deadline for gas flare stoppage in Nigeria because of oil companies’ influence. It is shocking to see that Shell is being permitted to construct a new gas flare furnace when they ought to be shutting down existing flare sites. We hope the relevant authorities will ensure this project is halted before it contributes further to the pollution and degradation of our environment.