WNPOC Refutes Allegations by Sign Of Hope Organization

Recently several local and international news media published reports based on accusations made by a Germany based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Sign of Hope (SOH) against White Nile (5B) Petroleum Operating Company (WNPOC), stating that WNPOC's operations in Thar Jath, Unity State, Sudan have caused water contamination within that area. WNPOC categorically denies and resents those accusations as they are baseless and unjustified. Further WNPOC conduct its operations in close co-operation and under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM). It has been WNPOC policy to always adhere to international HSE standard in carrying out its operations and strictly emphasise on zero pollutant and discharge in sensitive ecological areas, such as the Sudd Swamps. This policy is fortified by the certification of WNPOC HSE's adherence under the ISO 14001 (For Environmental Management System) and OHSAS 18001 (by Moody International in 2008. WNPOC obtained the recertification most recently. The EIA carried out for Block 5A reflected that the underground water in the Sudd Basin has a naturally high salinity. The salinity level of our Produced Water is much lower than that of the wells tested by Sign of Hope (SOH). The locations of the water bore holes tested by SOH are also quite a distance away from the CPF . Because of the dilution factor, the salinity level of the water from SOH's bore holes should be lower than the level of the salinity of our Produced Water. The level of nitrates, the alleged major contaminant as mentioned in SOH's claim, is also very much higher in the water wells as compared to our Produced Water. Soil analysis proves that the nature of the soil, in the area, has negligible permeability, thus virtually eliminating vertical and horizontal migration. The alleged elevated concentrations of the "contaminants" reported by SOH, do not bear any resemblance to our Produced Water samples. Mindful that the natural characteristics of the water around that area is saline which is reflected in our EIA Report, WNPOC, as part of Community Development built a water treatment plant for the local community. With regards to the mud pits, all of them are back filled and covered according to international standards and practices. Based on the foregoing reasons it is quite impossible for the Produced Water from our operations to be the source of the alleged contamination. As a responsible operator, WNPOC continuously conducts tests and monitors the quality and properties of the Produced Water from our operations. Our operations are always guided by the strictest international HSE standards and guidelines as practiced by the oil and gas industry globally. In addition WNPOC conducts regular audit internally, gives full co-operation and is transparent to the Government of Unity and Government of South Sudan (GOSS) whenever they require information or conduct visits. WNPOC had even arrange visits for the HSE representatives of GOSS, consulted relevant GOSS authorities and obtained their consent prior to the commissioning of the Bio-remediation project. In addition the oil industry operation in Sudan including WNPOC, had been audited by a Norwegian Directorate For Nature Management. WNPOC has also been informed that an international and reputable consultancy company (a third party) is being appointed by the MEM to conduct the next study.Based on the above it is evident that WNPOC has always strictly complied with all the environmental regulations and procedures and international best practices carrying out its operations. WNPOC reserve the right to take appropriate actions against any party who frivolously disseminate or publish unjustified, derogatory, disparaging or defamatory remarks or comments that suggest or insinuates that WNPOC conduct its operations without regard to the observance of good international HSE standards.