Passage direct from ERA (Friends of the Eath Nigeria):
When ERA observed the construction of a horizontal gas flare furnace close to Shell’s Opolo Well 4 by Shell in 2010, the company was quick to tell the world that nothing of that sort was taking place.
But, it actually came to pass that Shell flared gas at that very furnace [on completion] soon after ERA/FoEN’s observation and report. Although after repeated reports, Shell put off the flare and since then ERA’s field monitors has kept close watch on the site.
Only recently, ERA observed some sand filling activities around the gas flare furnace, linking the site directly with the Tombia/Amassoma Road; suspecting the company might soon ignite the gas flare furnace again. In this connection, it was not a surprise when ERA’s field monitors noticed the changed skyline on Opolo and environs on the night of 29th July, 2011.
Steps were immediately taken to verify the situation and, it was discovered that Shell has activated the furnace that same day; on the 29th of July, 2011. So, for the past two days, the gas flare furnace at Opolo-Epie has been spitting toxic substance into the atmosphere and also wasting our nonrenewable gas resource.
ERA DEMANDS:
Shell should put off the gas flare furnace at Opolo-Epie in view of the negative effects of gas flare to the health of the people and damage to the environment.
The Federal Government should prevail on Shell to put off this gas furnace at Opolo.
This economic waste should be discontinued forthwith.

Further information link: http://www.stakeholderdemocracy.org/opolo-epie.htm