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Environment

Municipalities in Boyacá affected by Maurel & Prom oil exploration

The facts are that in the region of Boyaca where Maurel & Prom Colombia is conducting 3D seismic on November 5, 2012 there was the sound of explosives, the earth shook and water pipes broke in some of the affected areas. Water was out for up to five days in some municipalities. The municipalities accuse Maurel & Prom and their subcontractor Compañía Geofísica Latinoamericana (CGL) of being responsible. The subcontractor denies responsibility. Extracted and translated from thestatement published by a citizens’ action committeeand with commentary by Hydrocarbons Colombia.

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012
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Tuscany Drilling says drilling activity picking up in Colombia

A few weeks ago Baker Hughes pinned part of the blame on Colombia for a slowdown in Latin American rig activity. Today Tuscany Drilling gave its 3Q12 results and the story was consistent although more nuanced and ended on a more positive note.

Thursday, November 8th, 2012
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MinMinas launches voluntary program to reduce methane emissions in hydrocarbons sector

MinMinas announces a Global Warming related initiative directed at the hydrocarbons industry. On November 19, 2012, the ministry will hold a workshop. The program is voluntary but …Translated from a MinMinas press release with commentary by Hydrocarbons Colombia.

Thursday, November 8th, 2012
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Environment Ministery declares offshore block “Specially Protected Area”

Environment Ministery declares offshore block “Specially Protected Area”

This map is the portion of the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANLA)’s detailed map of exploration and production blocks in the area around the Caribbean islands of San Andres. The blue-grey color means the blocks are available for assignment but currently unassigned. It is doubtful if anyone will ask for them now. The Environment Ministry just had the area (known as “Seaflower”) declared one of 18 marine areas under the “Protocol on Specially Protected Wildlife Areas in the Caribbean Region”.

Thursday, October 25th, 2012
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Colombia’s “Contralora” loses control over environmental issues

Colombia’s Auditor General — known in Spanish as the Contralora — is supposed to be responsible for assuring that the nation’s resources are well spent and that revenues reflect economic activity. Lately however, Sandra Morelli Rico has become concerned that the Environment Ministry (MinAmbiente) has not been sufficiently vigilant on environmental issues, especially in the extractive sector. We commented on her letter about non-conventional hydrocarbons extraction here. On Monday, October 22nd the office published a report criticizing a number of projects in the extractive and energy sectors for reasons which — while they will play well to certain sectors of public opinion — in some cases appear to lack a basis in fact.

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
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ANLA encourages comments on Georeferencing system by November 18

ANLA encourages comments on Georeferencing system by November 18

The National Environmental Licensing Agency (ANLA) has issued a press release encouraging comments on a specification document for its new GeoDataBase system. The system’s goal is to unify all the environmental information that companies and the ANLA need to process an application. The idea, as described last week at the National Hydrocarbons Agency convention in Cartagena is to simplify and thus speed licensing and minimize requests for additional information.

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
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ANLA head Sarmiento comes out swinging in round two at ANH conference

We were very disappointed with National Environmental Licensing Agency head Luz Helena Sarmiento’s last minute participation in a ministerial panel yesterday. The industry leaders we spoke to afterward were perhaps even more disappointed. Maybe she just did not want to anticipate her scheduled presentation for today. This time she came out full of specific information on process improvements and did so full of self-deprecating humor that had a potentially hostile crowd laughing along.

Friday, October 19th, 2012
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MinMinas puts focus on exploration and growing reserves

October 11, 2012 From a MinMinas press release. Translated and with commentary by Hydrocarbons Colombia

Friday, October 12th, 2012
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MinAmbiente endorses law to improve sanctions for environmental damage

October 10, 2012
From a MinAmbiente Press Release. Translated and with commentary by Hydrocarbons Colombia

Thursday, October 11th, 2012
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MinAmbiente to work more closely with regional authorities

From a Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) press release. Translated and with commentary by Hydrocarbons Colombia.

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012
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