Brazil's Petrobras to simulate emergency plan for Foz do Amazonas basin

The Brazilian Environmental Agency Ibama approved on Monday the state-run Petrobras concept for an emergency plan that would assist local fauna if there was an oil spillage in the Foz do Amazonas Basin.

This move allows Petrobras a simulation of their plan. It could be the final step before Ibama decides on a drilling license for the company in the northernmost part of Brazil’s Equatorial Margin.

Petrobras considers this area to be the most promising oil frontier. It shares geology with Guyana, which is nearby, and where Exxon Mobil has developed huge fields.

Ibama stated that the approval was one of the necessary steps for the company to get the final green light in order to drill within the environmentally sensitive area. He added that it would now conduct tests and simulations, to verify Petrobras plan effectiveness.

Ibama refused Petrobras’ request for an offshore oil drilling license in the Foz do Amazonas region off the coast Amapa state. The reason given was environmental concerns.

The oil company filed an appeal shortly afterward, but the final Ibama ruling is still pending.

Tensions

Between the government agency, and the state-owned firm. (Reporting and editing by Natalia Siniawski, Fabio Teixeira from Rio de Janeiro, Andre Romani from Sao Paulo)

(source: Reuters)