Gas drilling projects due to start next year may not be in National Ecological Reserve zones, but will disturb areas containing archaeological remains.
The environmental impact studies (EIA) made for the 620,000 hectare Aljubarrota and Pombal onshore oil and gas concession areas, controlled by Australis Oil & Gas, show that the proposed drill sites are in areas of "high archaeological sensitivity."
"The diversity and abundance of archaeological, architectural and ethnographic remains registered in a wide area around the drilling project area indicate a high archaeological sensitivity. It is also worth mentioning the profusion of archaeological remains documented in caves, are highly sensitive," according to a report on the environmental impact of oil and gas exploratory drilling in the Aljubarrota and Pombal areas.
The study recognises that, in the case of Aljubarrota, because the drilling is close to sites with, "classified properties and other monuments, and sites and areas protected by law, such as the Serras de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park, this can condition the plan and execution of the project."
In 2019, Australis Oil & Gas intends to drill a vertical well up to 3,200 metres in Aljubarrota, with a horizontal branch at 1,200 metres depth, continuing for 300 to 700 metres. In Pombal, the same technique will be applied.
Australis has claimed that it will not be using the fracking gas extraction technique, yet is drilling in a way that lends itself to this type of gas recovery. The company held an information session on October 31st during which the company’s president guaranteed that it would not be fracking.
Few believe the company’s protestations, that it is the good guy and fracking will not be used, including the local councils that already have demanded contingency planning in case underground water reserves become polluted as a result of drilling and fracking.
With the withdrawal of Galp-ENI from offshore drilling in Portugal, the country’s environmental associations now are focusing on Australis Oil & Gas, an energy minnow compared to the big name companies that already have come and gone. The Australian company can expect some tough argument, and much eagle-eyed oversight, should drilling commence.
