Chevron to place shale gas exploration rigs in Vaslui

Newsroom 12/07/2013 | 12:22

US oil group Chevron secured the environmental permits from local authorities and can start to set up shale gas exploration rigs in its concession located in Eastern Romania, Vaslui County, according to Mediafax newswire.

A technical committee of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Vaslui issued the permits after the company answered to points raised during public debates, which were held in three localities.

“Following the completion of procedures and the analysis of documents submitted by the project’s holder, it was concluded that all the legal requirements concerning environmental protection have been met,” said Madalina Nistor, director of EPA Vaslui.

Chevron will now be able to ask the Vaslui County Council to authorize the building of the rigs. The company will seek shale gas in the land outside the Bacesti, Pungesti and Gagesti localities.

Environment minister Rovana Plumb said earlier this week that shale gas explorations pose “no risk” for the environment or the healthcare of the people.

Chevron also owns three concessions in the Dobrogea region, close to the Black Sea coast.

Romania will decide on the potential exploitation of shale gas in the 2017 – 2018 period, when the exploration works should end, according to PM Ponta.