The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) filed two general civil suits against Petrobras and federal agencies to request revocation Prior environmental authorization to expand exploration activities in the region Santos Basin before salt. The license was issued by the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (ibama), In September.
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The so-called fourth pre-salt phase aims to produce and transport oil and natural gas from the pre-salt Santos Basin. The project envisages the installation and operation of ten production units, located at a distance of no less than 178 kilometers from the coast of the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, in waters more than 1,880 meters deep.
The project must conduct prior consultations with traditional communities and complete environmental studies, the Fund stated in a press release.
“MPF highlights that the recently granted license resulted from an administrative procedure drawn up without transparency and hastily conducted by Ibama, as well as ignoring impacts that could jeopardize the environment and existence of traditional communities on the northern coasts of São Paulo and southern Rio de Janeiro,” the MPF said.
“MPF also requests that Ibama and the Federation be prevented, going forward, from issuing any new administrative laws related to Phase 4 until groups of artisanal fishermen, caiçaras, quilombolas and indigenous peoples of the region are consulted and express their views on the project.”
Required by value, the Petrobras He said that he respects the institutional role of the police in monitoring the legality of administrative actions. He added that the company continues to provide information whenever requested by the competent authorities.
According to the oil company, the company obtained the initial license for the fourth phase after meeting all requirements of Ibama and current environmental legislation. The state-owned company says Petrobras’ offshore operations are being carried out in full compliance with current standards, while following the best environmental and operational safety practices in the energy sector. Obama did not respond until this report was published.
The MPF is requesting the preparation of a new Environmental Impact Study (EIA) to address the gaps identified in the ongoing authorization and, at the same time, enable the review of oil spill contingency plans and the protection of vulnerable areas. The measure also requires that Petrobras, Ibama and the Union be obligated to pay 5 million Brazilian reals in compensation for the moral damage caused by this omission to the traditional communities of the region.