Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Process

Abstract

Abstract The Chevron International Exploration & Production's (CIEP's) integrated Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) process is described together with the results of its implementation. The value added by an integrated approach to environmental, social, and health impact assessments is discussed. The key features of the process are the requirement for projects to be screened early in project development, stakeholder engagement to be conducted, and management plans to be developed for the construction and operations phases. The details of the process and its governance are addressed. ESHIA requires multi-disciplinary teams to evaluate environmental, social, and health impacts and risks. The clear expectations on social impact assessment and stakeholder engagement have generated high value cooperation between HES and public affairs specialists. The early identification of potential impacts has greatly improved the quality of project decision-making. ESHIA is critical to oil and gas companies who wish to access new opportunities, obtain external financing, acquire licenses to operate, deliver sustainable development, and enhance company reputation. In many areas of the world, there is little regulatory or cultural distinction between environmental, social, and health impacts. Stakeholder engagement is an increasingly important project requirement with increased expectations from governments and lending institutions. The integration of these factors into project decision-making is a key success factor to the delivery of long term project value.