Today was the third and final day of arguments in the SATIIM case challenging the Forestry Department and U.S. Capital Energy. Speaking on behalf of U.S. Capital Energy, attorney Derek Courtenay told the court that Executive Director for SATIIM Greg Choq knew about the plan for oil explorations in the park when he was presented with a copy of the product sharing agreement. He continued stating that Capital Energy has invested in the region of $1.6 million in the oil exploration and they stand to lose millions if they are interrupted in their work. He concluded that seismic testing studies are in fact scientific studies and do not form part of oil exploration.
In rebutting, the attorney for SATIIM argued that they are not contesting the product sharing agreement, but rather the license issued to Capital Energy by the Forestry Department and that seismic testing is in fact petroleum explorations.
The case will conclude tomorrow afternoon when Awich will make his ruling on the arguments presented.
