Ministry of Environment: “The Government of Romania granted Chevron permits for exploration, not for exploitation”

Shale gas prospecting in Dobrogea, announced last week, has brought criticism by environmentalists, who believe that shale gas exploitation is dangerous, having fears related to the hydraulic fracturing method, considered hazardous for the environment and for the health of the population. It seems that the U.S. energy group Chevron obtained last week approval to perform exploration works on the Black Sea coast. The Environmental Protection Agency in Constanta County issued in April permits for seismic surveys for Costinesti and Vama Veche blocks, which allow the performance of “controlled explosions” at a depth of 10 to 15 meters. Late last week, the Ministry of Environment announced that the Government of Romania had granted environmental permits for the exploration activity (which involves prospecting) and not for exploitation.