Waste Management in the Oil and Gas Industry in Guyana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This research focuses on the management principles of the oil and gas waste from Exxon Mobile and Tiger Rental Guyana, and possible environmental and health challenges for the people of Guyana. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the trajectory of the face-to-face data collection process. Subsequently, the data was collected through an online questionnaire process between Exxon Mobil and Tiger Rentals Guyana. The directors of the waste management department and the employees of these two companies who work together participated in the questionnaire process. The researchers used a Qualitative Study approach to determine how waste is disposed of and treated at the Stabroek Block Exxon Mobile Operation in Guyana's oil and gas industry. The Tiger Rental Guyana, a Waste Management Company is the company responsible for the management process of waste and the sustainability of the environment. The Ground Theory qualitative approach was implemented for the data collection process, which begins by scrutinizing, classifying, and amalgamating the data of the various sources including the online questionnaire reports from the senior stakeholders of Exxon Mobile and Tiger Rental Guyana. The data collected from these companies for Guyana Petroleum’s offshore waste management process revealed that the method and practice used are in line with the Guyana rule and regular requirements for oil and gas exploration in Guyana. They are safe and viable for the environment and populace of Guyana. The Findings revealed that the most employed techniques used onshore are incineration, separation, thermal unit, stabilization/ solidification, container cleaning, and wastewater treatment implemented by Exxon Mobile. Conversely, Tiger Rental Guyana, (TRG) employs three similar methods to Exxon Mobil of incineration, separation, and stabilization. TRG also employs the use of charcoal filters and vertical infrared technology. It was discovered that the offshore research revealed that these methods are carefully thought through, taking into consideration the environmental impacts. Therefore, the researchers conclude that the strategies implemented and used were safe and viable for the environment and populace of Guyana. The waste that is not transported by Tiger Rentals Guyana is collected and treated at Exxon Mobil’s facility offshore. This research aimed to identify the exploration and production practices of Exxon Mobil and Tiger Rental Guyana waste management practices in Guyana. Waste management is an important process in this industry because of the implications for humans and environmental health. Though history has proved that measures are usually in place for best practices in the Oil and Gas Industry, companies around the world have shared their challenges, best practices, and economic benefits that came with a price tag. They have recommended that companies engaged in petroleum and related activities must be encouraged to plan and implement effective strategies for the preservation of the environment and human livelihood. Thus, the researchers recommend that the companies covenanted with Guyana would continue to employ high ethical policies and principles that are reliable and robust to protect and prevent hazards to the health and wellbeing of the populace, and the environment of Guyana.