Questões

Environmental and economic impacts of crude oil and

natural gas production in developing countries

        Environmental impacts that occur during the production of crude oil would mostly occur from long-term habitat change within the oil and gas field, production activities (including facility component maintenance or replacement), waste management (e.g. produced water), noise (e.g. from well operations, compressor or pump stations, flare stack, vehicle and equipment), the presence of workers and potential spills.

        The adverse environmental impacts which could happen during production of crude oil and natural gas include: disturbance of wildlife due to noise and human activity; exposure of biota to contaminants; and mortality of biota resulting from collisions against aboveground facilities or with vehicles.

        The presence of production wells, ancillary facilities and access road reduces habitat quality, disturbs the biota and thus affects ecological resources. Discharge of produced water inappropriately onto soil or into surface water bodies can result in salinity levels becoming too high to sustain plant growth.

        Wildlife is always prone to have contact with petroleum-based products and other contaminants in reserve pits and water management facilities. Animals could become entrapped in the oil and drown, or they could ingest toxic quantities of oil, or succumb to cold stress if the oil damages the insulation provided by their feathers or fur.

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