Produced Water Monitoring Surveys are an important element of the marine environmental consulting services provided by CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) in the U.S. and internationally. In Trinidad, the CSA team has completed the second annual Produced Water Monitoring Surveys in Guayaguayare Bay for a regional oil and gas operator. Both surveys were conducted to meet regional regulatory requirements.

Keda Deonarine – Project Scientist (Trinidad)The Produced Water Monitoring Surveys were designed to examine conditions in the vicinity of the operator’s produced water discharge, which is within historic seagrass bed areas in Guayaguayare Bay off the southeast coast of Trinidad west of Galeota Port. CSA’s sampling design facilitated an understanding of marine environmental conditions within a 1,500 m radius of the produced water discharge outfall and seagrass beds 3 km east of the outfall. The CSA team mobilized a shallow draft vessel, survey equipment, operations specialists, and project scientists to acquire data in depths less than 15 m.

The CSA team collected seawater samples, sediment samples, and video and still imagery using a shallow-water drop camera system. Sediment and seawater samples were handled according to international protocols and laboratory guidelines, and biological and physicochemical characteristics were analyzed. Using the data and imagery, CSA scientists documented the marine environmental conditions in these areas of Guayaguayare Bay and examined potential impacts to the environment.

During the survey, health and safety requirements were strictly implemented, including mitigations and practice to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. CSA’s commitment to worker health and safety has enabled the successful completion of projects throughout its 50-year history.

CSA continues to leverage international experience; our local personnel, local networks, and in-country equipment all contribute to deliver quality monitoring surveys. For further details of CSA’s work please contact our team in Trinidad and Tobago, and request our Trinidad and Tobago Capabilities Statement.