Fortescue will assess the Environmental and Social Impact in Punta Colorada

The seasonal environmental and social monitoring tasks will last approximately 12 months, and the purpose is to carry out the campaigns corresponding to the four annual seasons and the evaluation of the impacts associated to the project.

The seasonal environmental and social monitoring tasks will last approximately 12 months, and their purpose is to carry out the corresponding activities to the four annual seasons and the evaluation of the impacts associated to the project.

The company explained that this scientific analysis, which will provide technical support and will be the initial assessment of the territory, would make it possible to understand the state of the environmental and socio-cultural components and all the technical aspects required in compliance with Provincial Law No. 3266. 

The study will be carried out by the engineering consulting firm AECOM, which is registered by the Secretariat of Environment and Climate Change of Río Negro, and by professionals from various local scientific and technological organizations. For example: the National University of Río Negro -UNRN-, National University of Comahue (UNCOMa), National Patagonian Center, Scientific and Technological Center of the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research -CENPAT-, and private consultants.

The Pampas Project is an initiative to produce green hydrogen and its derivatives in the Argentinean Patagonia. This includes the completely industrial-productive value chain, and seeks the integration and development of wind farms, electricity transmission lines, and green hydrogen production plant and port infrastructure. 

Work Details 

Concerning the characteristics of the Natural Environment Baseline Study, the company explained that the procedure includes the assessment of all aspects of the physical environment: climate, meteorology, air quality, noise, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, hydrogeology, soil. In addition, terrestrial and marine biological aspects, including plants, birds, terrestrial fauna and microfauna, coastal and deep-sea fish, marine birds, marine mammals, coastal vegetation and benthic environment, among others. 

The works began in the previous months with the evaluation of the background of the region, based on available information, including academic research and publications, historical documentation and databases. Field studies are planned with the objective of identifying, verifying, updating or improving the specific aspects of the Project's area of influence. 

Moreover, the Socio-Cultural Environment Baseline Study will provide a description of the initial social situation of the area under study in order to have a complete database of information on the area where Fortescue Future Industries could develop its green hydrogen production and transportation activities. This will include social, economic, archeological, paleontological, infrastructure and equipment, landscape characteristics, and identification of relevant or key social actors and interested/intervening groups or parties. 

These analyses will be carried out with the aim of achieving compliance with local environmental regulations and international best practice standards, and will allow further study of the natural and social environment of the Pampas Project.