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Environment
In Nigeria, as with all our operations, we work to reduce any negative impact of our operations on local communities and on the environment. The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has invested in projects to end flaring and to reduce spills from operational failures. SPDC has also taken action to protect biodiversity in the Niger Delta.
Flaring
Oil fields produce a mix of oil, water and natural gas. In the past it was standard industry practice to burn off, or flare, the gas if there were no nearby markets. But this produces carbon dioxide. It can also cause disturbance to local communities which have often grown up around the flare stacks.
Shell has already effectively stopped continuous flaring everywhere outside Nigeria. Inside Nigeria, a lack of joint venture funding and the uncertain security situation have made it more difficult. Yet between 2000 and 2008 SPDC has invested $3 billion and reduced flaring by 60% in the Niger Delta. SPDC continues to work on projects to end flaring where it has funding and safe access.
Spills
We are concerned about the negative impact of oil spills on local communities and the environment. The majority of oil spills – 85% by volume in 2008 – are the direct result of vandalism and other criminal activity. The volume of a spill often grows significantly because communities often delay teams from SPDC from accessing the site to stop the leak and start cleaning up.
The remaining oil spills are due to operational failures. SPDC is working hard to stop these happening. The amount of oil spilled through equipment, corrosion or human error was significantly lower in 2008 (8,325 barrels) than in 2007 (11,723 barrels).
SPDC provides clean water and food to affected communities and it works to clean up spills and restore the land, whatever the cause. SPDC is continuing its pipeline replacement programme and constantly monitors and maintains its pipeline system.
Biodiversity
The Niger Delta is rich in biodiversity. As part of measures to protect it, in 2006 SPDC helped local groups including government, forest communities, energy companies, regulators and NGOs to develop biodiversity plans to conserve two forest reserves.
