The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has granted a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) No. CEC7201/2026 to Primera Oil and Gas Limited (Primera), a subsidiary of Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Limited, for the drilling and production of natural gas and condensate at the existing Carapal Ridge-3 well site within the Central Block, Moruga.
This approval follows the successful performance of the Carapal-3 well and enables the development of two wells designed to increase national gas output from a newly identified gas-charged reservoir.
The project will utilise an already developed surface well location, significantly reducing potential environmental risks, minimising additional land disturbance, and optimising existing infrastructure. Early engagement between Primera and the EMA facilitated the submission of the CEC application and approval granted well within the statutory timeline.
The issuance of CEC7201/2026 marks the eighth major CEC granted under the new Board of Directors for priority projects within Trinidad and Tobago. Of these, seven approvals have been within the oil and gas sector, with one supporting tourism development, demonstrating a balanced regulatory approach across key economic sectors.
EMA Chairman Doolar Ramlal said, “By processing priority projects efficiently, without ever compromising environmental integrity, the EMA is actively enabling responsible investment, strengthening job creation and advancing long-term national resilience. Effective regulation is not a barrier to growth; it is the foundation of sustainable development.”
The EMA says it remains committed to upholding its mandate under the Environmental Management Act Chap. 35:05 to manage the nation’s environment while facilitating sustainable development that benefits present and future generations.
