Abstract
In 2004, Japan Petroleum Exploration (JAPEX) entered into a service contract (SC) No.46 with the Department of Energy (DOE) and agreed to drill an exploratory well in a block located in Tanon Strait between Cebu and Negros Islands in Philippines. After seismic data acquisition was completed, it turned out that Tanon strait was designated as a protected seascape by National Integrated Protected Area Act and JAPEX had to go through environmental impact assessment process to obtain Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to drill a well. Environmental study was conducted following EIA guideline and extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign was carried out under co-operation with DOE. ECC was issued in March 2007 and the drilling operation was conducted through November 2007 to February 2008.
This paper outlines the process to obtain ECC for drilling a well in protected area in Philippines and also introduces severe borehole instability (pack-off) problems encountered during actual operation.
