Engagement of Consulting Firm to conduct Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental impact Assessment (EIA) for “2D Seismic Survey Over Exploration Block 7 & 9” Project of BAPEX.

The government of Bangladesh has a 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. Reliable supply of energy at affordable price is a precondition for sustainable growth. 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 use of natural gas in power, fertilizer, industry, households has made it the energy of choice of the country. It accounts for about 70% of commercial energy in Bangladesh.

Geological survey has been conducted 93 line-km by in Sitapahar structure of Rangamati district during the fiscal 2019-2020. In addition, 200 sq.-km 3D seismic survey have been completed over Semutang Gas Field and adjoining structures. It can be mentioned that 11 date BAPEX conducted 3096 line-km geological survey, 15,621 line-km 2D seismic survey and 4070 sq.-km 3D seismic survey in pursuance of oil and gas exploration. BAPEX is continuing its drilling and work over operations with its own 6 rigs. 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, along with building and dismantling of heavy machinery and equipment, high pressure gas, water etc. Despite adverse situations, the employees of BAPEX have been working relentlessly for overcoming the gas crises of the country through its extensive activities.

Currently BAPEX is making a plan to execute a new project which is “2D seismic survey over exploration block 7 and 9 which is comprises of 18 districts of Bangladesh. BAPEX will conduct a 2D seismic survey over those areas to find out the petroleum contents and to make a database for future plannings.

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.