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Environmental Monitoring with Hyperspectral Imaging
In the Niger Delta, where lush, /GlobalIssues/CorporateResponsibility/2002/images/clear.gif mangroves provide communities food and shelter, ChevronTexaco's affiliate, Chevron Nigeria, Ltd. (CNL), uses a space technology, called hyperspectral imaging, to "see" what the eye cannot. The company is a leader in environmental remote sensing among oil and gas companies in Nigeria. By conducting "environmental baseline" surveys using this technology, CNL better monitors its operations' impacts on the environment over time.
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| Using environmental baselineing technology, Chevron Nigeria launched a mangrove reforestation project. |
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The human eye sees a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum referred to as visible light. Hyperspectral instruments record more than 200 bands, allowing our technical experts to see objects over a continuous portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes ultraviolet, visible, near infrared and a portion of solar reflected infrared radiation. CNL uses this and other remote sensing techniques onboard airplanes and satellites to snap "photos" of the 6,500 square kilometers where it conducts drilling, production and transportation operations. With this technology, comprehensive information about the environment is obtained on a regional and ecosystem scale that reveals patterns and relationships unavailable when using traditional data-gathering techniques.
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| Hyperspectral imaging allows ChevronTexaco to map operations in ways that reveal significantly more information about the environment than possible with traditional data gathering. |
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As the result of a baseline survey, the company developed a detailed map for its operations in the Niger Delta to accurately depict the different vegetation types of the region. (See image, Detailed Vegetation Map of CNL Lease in Niger Delta.) The area is comprised of brackish and freshwater swamps, both of which are interspersed and connected by creeks, but they still maintain distinct characteristics in a delicate balance. Oil and gas activities can disrupt this balance. For example, pipeline construction or dredging activities that cross vegetation types can introduce salt water into freshwater zones causing damage to the freshwater habitats. By developing this detailed map, CNL is able to plan its construction activities to avoid sensitive areas and help preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem. CNL also uses the technology for facilities planning, improving dredging practices, restoring impacted sites and developing Environmental Sensitivity Index maps to aid in oil spill response.
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