3.1 Oil Infrastructure in the Graben
3.1.1 Roads, Oil Rigs, and Other Infrastructures
In a report
44 to parliament the Minister in charge of Energy and Mineral Development stated that about five roads had been identified and feasibility studies plus
Environmental and Social impact Assessments (ESIA) had been concluded to
support the timely production of oil and gas in the country.
45
However laying seismic lines and construction of roads damages the mangroves,
which can take more than thirty years to recover.
46 The roads also disrupt the
hydrology of Albertine mangroves through interrupting the proper flow of water
and destroy fish breeding grounds.
47
Stevens also states that the;
Dredging processes remove sediment, land creek banks, and vegetation and deposits it
alongside the new channel. Accumulated toxins are removed from the remaining land in
the channel and the dredged material. The toxins plus loosened sediment flow into and
disrupt the aquatic system.
48
Infrastructural developments in the Albertine have caused several challenges to
the land in the Graben and a 2008 NEMA report states that oil activities such as road
construction, drilling and movement of heavy machinery interfered with the Eco
system, human settlements and wildlife movements, feeding and breeding although
Environmental impact assessments had been taken and mitigation measures
proposed.
49
3.1.2 Refinery, Pipeline and Central Processing Facility (CPF)
Refineries are facilities where semi-finished hydro-carbons are refined and turned
into high grade products using processes of electrolysis or distillation whereas a
central processing facility (CPF) is an industrial facility that separates oil from water
and gas and usually also includes provision for water treatment and a power plant.
This facility typically covers an area of approximately 2–5 km
2 .
Upon refining several refined products are attained including liquefied petroleum
gas, gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuel, diesel fuel, fuel oils, lubricating oils, and feedstocks for the petrochemical industry.
44 MEMD (2017), p. 2.
45 Funding amounting to USD 531.00 million had been approved and to be availed over two
financial years.
46 Stevens (2014).
47 Stevens (2014).
48 Stevens (2014).
49 Kasimbazi (2012).
Land Conservation in the Albertine Graben Region of Uganda: A Critical. . .
85
3.1.1 Roads, Oil Rigs, and Other Infrastructures
In a report
44 to parliament the Minister in charge of Energy and Mineral Development stated that about five roads had been identified and feasibility studies plus
Environmental and Social impact Assessments (ESIA) had been concluded to
support the timely production of oil and gas in the country.
45
However laying seismic lines and construction of roads damages the mangroves,
which can take more than thirty years to recover.
46 The roads also disrupt the
hydrology of Albertine mangroves through interrupting the proper flow of water
and destroy fish breeding grounds.
47
Stevens also states that the;
Dredging processes remove sediment, land creek banks, and vegetation and deposits it
alongside the new channel. Accumulated toxins are removed from the remaining land in
the channel and the dredged material. The toxins plus loosened sediment flow into and
disrupt the aquatic system.
48
Infrastructural developments in the Albertine have caused several challenges to
the land in the Graben and a 2008 NEMA report states that oil activities such as road
construction, drilling and movement of heavy machinery interfered with the Eco
system, human settlements and wildlife movements, feeding and breeding although
Environmental impact assessments had been taken and mitigation measures
proposed.
49
3.1.2 Refinery, Pipeline and Central Processing Facility (CPF)
Refineries are facilities where semi-finished hydro-carbons are refined and turned
into high grade products using processes of electrolysis or distillation whereas a
central processing facility (CPF) is an industrial facility that separates oil from water
and gas and usually also includes provision for water treatment and a power plant.
This facility typically covers an area of approximately 2–5 km
2 .
Upon refining several refined products are attained including liquefied petroleum
gas, gasoline, kerosene, aviation fuel, diesel fuel, fuel oils, lubricating oils, and feedstocks for the petrochemical industry.
44 MEMD (2017), p. 2.
45 Funding amounting to USD 531.00 million had been approved and to be availed over two
financial years.
46 Stevens (2014).
47 Stevens (2014).
48 Stevens (2014).
49 Kasimbazi (2012).
Land Conservation in the Albertine Graben Region of Uganda: A Critical. . .
85