Environment Ministry orders seismic surveys to stop
seismic surveys
24 Feb 2022
/ 12:31
The research vessel conducting the surveys has left the area near Corfu and data from its recent work has been requested.
The seismic surveys in the North Ionian have been temporarily halted. By order of the Ministry of the Environment, the research vessel conducting the surveys has left the area near Corfu and data from its recent work has been requested. This followed a letter from 15 environmental organisations to the Prime Minister requesting the immediate cessation of seismic surveys after three beaked whales were washed up in Corfu. The letter pointed out that this is not only required according to the contract for concession of the deposits, but also according to national and international legislation.
In a document sent to the company conducting the seismic surveys (ELPE Upstream) and Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management (EDAY), the Environment Ministry Department for Environmental Policy requested "an immediate and analytical update on the adherence to the terms included in the environmental plan of action" for the geophysical exploration in the area, which was approved in May 2021. According to ministry sources, the company was asked to remove the research vessel SW Cook from the area until it is discovered whether the exploration work is connected to the beaked whales recently being washed up on shore in Corfu.
The environmental organisation Greenpeace, whose boat Rainbow Warrior III has been in the area over the last few days, has confirmed that the research vessel left the area yesterday and is now located west of Paxos. In a statement issued yesterday, Greenpeace says, "In the direct communication our boat had with the crew of the SW Cook, we were told that the seismic surveys have been temporarily halted. However, they refused to answer any of our other questions and told us to contact the company.
"ELPE is obliged to officially call a complete halt to seismic surveys in the Ionian region, respecting the calls of the local communities, the scientific community and organisations," says Sandy Fameliari, Programme Director for Climate Change at the Greek Greenpeace office, who is on board the Rainbow Warrior. "What is happening today is proof, yet again, that hydrocarbon mining directly threatens biodiversity, the climate and the future of our country. Up to yesterday, there were no statements from either EDAY or ELPE regarding the incident.
The previous day, 15 environmental organisations sent an official letter to the Prime Minister as well as the Minister for Environment and Energy requesting the immediate cessation of seismic surveys. They pointed out that when there is suspicion of environmental damage, it is obligatory, not only according to the contract, but also according to national and international law, for work to be halted.
On behalf of EDAY and ELPE, the University of Patras is observing the sound intensity and range before, during and after the seismic surveys. Data from the surveys is being processed.
Kathimerini.gr
In a document sent to the company conducting the seismic surveys (ELPE Upstream) and Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management (EDAY), the Environment Ministry Department for Environmental Policy requested "an immediate and analytical update on the adherence to the terms included in the environmental plan of action" for the geophysical exploration in the area, which was approved in May 2021. According to ministry sources, the company was asked to remove the research vessel SW Cook from the area until it is discovered whether the exploration work is connected to the beaked whales recently being washed up on shore in Corfu.
The environmental organisation Greenpeace, whose boat Rainbow Warrior III has been in the area over the last few days, has confirmed that the research vessel left the area yesterday and is now located west of Paxos. In a statement issued yesterday, Greenpeace says, "In the direct communication our boat had with the crew of the SW Cook, we were told that the seismic surveys have been temporarily halted. However, they refused to answer any of our other questions and told us to contact the company.
"ELPE is obliged to officially call a complete halt to seismic surveys in the Ionian region, respecting the calls of the local communities, the scientific community and organisations," says Sandy Fameliari, Programme Director for Climate Change at the Greek Greenpeace office, who is on board the Rainbow Warrior. "What is happening today is proof, yet again, that hydrocarbon mining directly threatens biodiversity, the climate and the future of our country. Up to yesterday, there were no statements from either EDAY or ELPE regarding the incident.
The previous day, 15 environmental organisations sent an official letter to the Prime Minister as well as the Minister for Environment and Energy requesting the immediate cessation of seismic surveys. They pointed out that when there is suspicion of environmental damage, it is obligatory, not only according to the contract, but also according to national and international law, for work to be halted.
On behalf of EDAY and ELPE, the University of Patras is observing the sound intensity and range before, during and after the seismic surveys. Data from the surveys is being processed.
Kathimerini.gr
