Consultancy services for conducting Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for “3D Seismic Survey Over Zakiganj and Patharia West Structure’ Project, at 02 Districts”.

The government of Bangladesh has the vision to become a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region. Its GDP is growing at a rate higher than 8% per annum. A reliable energy supply at an affordable price is a. precondition for sustainable growth. The present supply of gas, including LNG, is about 3,250 MMscfd against connected demand of about 3,658 MMscfd, which is estimated to be more than twice by 2041. Extensive uses of natural gas in power, fertilizer, industry, and households have made it the country’s energy of choice. It accounts for about 70% of commercial energy in Bangladesh.

The geological survey has been conducted 93 line-km in the Sitapahar structure of Rangama district during fiscal 2019-2020. In addition, 200 sq.-km 3D seismic surveys have been completed over Semutang Gas Field and adjoining structures. At the II date, BAPEX conducted a 3096 line-km geological survey, 15,621 line-km 3D seismic surveys, and 4070 sq.-km 3D seismic surveys to pursue oil and gas exploration. BAPEX is continuing its drilling and workover operations with its own 6 rigs. The image of BAPEX has been brightened at home and abroad for acquiring international standards in drilling and workover operations. Other forms of accidents may breakout from explosives, dangerous chemicals and radioactive materials, building and dismantling heavy machinery and equipment, high-pressure gas, water etc. Despite adverse situations, the employees of BAPEX have been working relentlessly to overcome the country’s gas crises through its extensive activities. Currently, BAPEX is planning to execute a new project,”3D seismic survey over Zakiganj and Patharia west structure”, in 02 Districts (Upazilla: Zakiganj, District: Sylhet and Upazilla: Barlekha & Kulaura, District: Moulvibazar). BAPEX will conduct seismic survey over those areas.

The consultancy services required under this project refers to the preparation of Initial Environmental Study (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report according to the requirement of the Bangladesh Government’s for the project along with obtaining Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from Department of Environment (DoE).

The delivery of the services has been divided into the following task and its sub-tasks.

• Task 1: Mobilization and Inception.

► Task la: Documentation of Existing Environmental Conditions.

► Task lb: Legislative and Regulatory Considerations

• Task 2: Detail Survey for Identification of Environmental and Social Features.

► Task la: Assessment of Environmental Significance of the Project Area.

► Task 2b: Environmental Quality Sampling and Testing.

► Task le: Assessment of Agricultural Impact.

► Task 2d: Assessment of Ecology and Impacts.

► Task 2e: Assessment of Socio-economic Status of the Project Area.

► Task 2f: Stakeholder Consultations.

• Task 3: Climate Change Resilient and Adaptation Assessment.

• Task 4: Impacts Assessment and Development of Mitigation Measures.

• Task 5: Analysis of Alternatives to the Proposed Project.

• Task 6: Establish an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

• Task 7: Preparation of IEE Report and Submission.