EMA Issues First CEC Under New Board To EOG Resources For Offshore Exploration Project

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to EOG Resources for the offshore exploration of two gas wells, TG1 and TG2, within the NCMA 4(a) Unlimited Block, located off the North Coast of Trinidad.

This approval marks a significant milestone, as it is the first CEC issued under the newly appointed Board of Directors for the Oil and Gas sector. Chairman of the EMA, Mr. Doolar Ramlal, highlighted that the approval was granted well within its statutory timeframe, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and timely decision-making processes.

“The Board is fully committed to supporting the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of advancing sustainable development across Trinidad and Tobago, while ensuring that regulatory processes are streamlined for greater efficiency, all without compromising our rigorous standards for environmental protection,” stated Chairman Ramlal.

The application for the CEC was submitted to the EMA on March 5, 2025, and underwent a comprehensive review process, which included several Requests for Further Information and Clarification and an extensive technical assessment of the proposed drilling activity.

The EMA’s assessment considered, among other factors:

• Stakeholder engagement efforts undertaken by EOG, alongside issues raised directly with the Authority.
• Detailed project documentation, including detailed descriptions, schedules, maps, vessel specifications, and associated support activities.
• Hydrocarbon spill and drill cuttings dispersion modeling, based on similar offshore projects.
• An Emergency Response Plan addressing potential accidents, natural disasters, and other hazards.
• Baseline data on the physical, biological, and socio-cultural environment.
• A conceptual Waste Management Plan with a qualitative assessment of potential environmental impacts, including noise, air emissions, marine discharges, and vessel traffic.

Following the evaluation of all submitted information, the EMA determined that the provided details were sufficient and, as a result, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required for the proposed activity.

The EMA reaffirms its commitment to environmental management, efficiency and transparency, in ensuring that environmental and regulatory standards are upheld while supporting sustainable national development and energy security in Trinidad and Tobago.