Project 2 | Stop The Spoil

PROJECT 2

OIL & GAS: Risks & Impacts

01 PROJECT GOAL

The main goal of the project is to use the oil spill model, coupled with social, ecological and biodiversity information, to show possible locations of contact, along the vulnerable coastal zone, continental shelf and shoreline, allowing for realistic assessments of the environmental, social and economic risks as well as the level of impact. This is aimed at ensuring decision-makers can make informed decisions linked to their planning processes, while stakeholders and the public have the information required to effectively challenge environmental authorisations in the form of scientifically supported knowledge of risks and potential impacts.

BACKGROUND

This project is a 2-year project funded by the Energy Transition Fund and follows-on from a project titled: “Oil Spill Model for South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone” which developed a model to predict the nature, behaviour, and trajectory of oil spilled from planned South African offshore oil and gas extraction wells. This model paved the way for a second phase of the project, by providing realistic scenarios for the assessment of environmental, social, and economic risks and impacts of major blow-outs and routine spills from drilling sites being pursued in South Africa’s Ocean.

02 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

To develop the coastal-shoreline interaction dynamics in the oil spill model, refining it to address specific characteristics (bathymetry, oceanographic and habitat features) to determine the expected nature, persistence, and dispersal of oil within the coastal areas (on the continental shelf and shoreline habitats) from deep-water drill site blowouts and operational leakages.
To undertake mapping and surveys of biodiversity, coastal fisheries, and coastal communities to assess the nature and magnitude of environmental, social, and economic impacts on downstream coastal areas of oil spilled from offshore oil and gas drill site positions.
To effectively communicate the risks and impacts of offshore exploration and extraction to decision-makers, the public and affected stakeholders.

03 PROJECT OUTCOMES

The model will help to determine the distribution and persistence of oil in the event of a spill, which is essential for understanding the potential impacts on the environment and people living in the area. This will ensure that risk assessments are based on realistic, accurate and local information. The model will also help to map and assess the potential impacts of oil spills on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including the effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, people, and the economy. This information can be used to inform decision-making and prevent risky decisions that could lead to environmental, social and economic damage. As a result of this project, decision-makers and civil society will have a clear understanding of the potential risks and impacts of deep-water oil and gas exploration and extraction.