Since China re-opened its doors to multi-nationals in the 1980s, Shell has developed its oil and gas activities in the country. In the past 10 years, Shell has conducted near twenty environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) in China, ranging from offshore&onshore seismic survey, exploration drilling, gas field development, pipeline, coal gasification plant, to petrochemical complex. The implementation of EIA Law in September 2003 is a milestone in strengthening the environmental impact assessment process for development projects in China.

The learnings from these ESIAs are shared, notably in respect of the practicalities of conducting them to international expectations, and the importance of JV partners supports/buy-in to their successful implementation.

Keywords:
seismic survey, social impact assessment, government, social responsibility, sustainability, environmental impact assessment, esia study, requirement, esia report, esia process
Subjects:
Pipelines, Flowlines and Risers, Environment, Sustainability/Social Responsibility, Environmental and social impact assessments
Copyright 2004, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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