Seismic Surveys Regulatory Process SEISMIC WORKSHOP RAMADA INN/MARINE INSTITUTE, ST. JOHN S, NL NOVEMBER 1 2, 2006
Seismic Surveys: Regulatory Process Brief overview of C-NLOPB Historical overview of seismic surveys in NL offshore area EA process Consultations with Fishing Industry Seismic Mitigations
Acronyms used C-NLOPB: EA: Environmental Assessment CEAA: Canadian Environmental Assessment Act NL: Newfoundland and Labrador VSP: Vertical Seismic Program GGEG: C-NLOPB s Geological, Geophysical, Environmental and Geotechnical Program Guidelines
Government of Canada Minister of Natural Resources Government of Newfoundland & Labrador Minister of Natural Resources The Board Chair and CEO Jointly Appointed by Government of Newfoundland & Labrador and Government of Canada 6 Board Members: 3 Appointed by Government of Canada, 3 Appointed by Government of Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Affairs Operations & Safety Exploration Resource Management Industrial Benefits & Regulatory Affairs Legal & Land Support Services
Responsibilities Ensure all activities are conducted in a safe, environmentally prudent manner Assess and ensure conservation of petroleum resources Promote industrial and employment benefits Administer rights issuance and land tenure system
Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area 1950s: geological reconnaissance on Southern Grand Banks Potentially prospective area >200,000 sq. miles Wells Drilled/Spudded (including sidetracks) [as of July 2006]: Exploration 135 Delineation 40 Development 131 306 Wells 1.8 million km of Seismic Data (2D and 3D) 58,489 km in 2006 23 Significant Discoveries 3 Commercial Discoveries
Geophysical Exploration Activity 2005 Labrador Shelf 2D Seismic Orphan Basin 3D Seismic Survey Jeanne d Arc Basin Vertical Seismic Profile 3D Seismic 3 Wellsite Surveys Laurentian Subbasin 3D Seismic Survey South Whale Basin Wellsite Survey
Geophysical Exploration Activity 2006 Labrador Shelf 2D Seismic Orphan Basin Resistivity Survey Jeanne d Arc Basin 2 Vertical Seismic Profiles 3D Seismic 2 Wellsite Surveys
Geophysical Exploration Activity Proposed 2007 (as of October 2006) West Coast 1 or 2-2D/3D surveys?
Geophysical Program Authorization (including Seismic Surveys) Application filed with Exploration Department Includes project information, Benefits Plan, Safety Plan, Financial Responsibility Requirements EA documents filed with Environmental Affairs Department Seismic programs also require Screening review under Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA)
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Project Physical activity (seismic program, drilling), or Physical Work/Undertaking (construction, production operation) Trigger Law List - Section 138(1)(b) and Section 139(4)(a) of the Accord Acts Federal Authority C-NLOPB
C-NLOPB Triggers Section 138(1)(b) authorizations Drilling Program Authorization (DPA) Geophysical Operations Authorization (seismic) Vertical Seismic Programs (VSPs) Wellsite/geohazard Surveys 2D/3D Surveys Other approvals (e.g., subsea equipment installation/construction) Section 139(4)(a) of the Accord Acts Development Plan Approval
Seismic Programs: Environmental Assessment Process Process Step Submission of Project Description Scoping Submission of EA Report Review of EA report Submission of EA addendum Determination of Significance of Project Effects Responsibility Proponent C-NLOPB Proponent C-NLOPB/Gov t. Dept. Proponent C-NLOPB
Seismic Programs: Environmental Assessment Process Public Participation CEAA Screenings public participation at discretion of C-NLOPB However Guidelines states that proponents must consult with fishers/industry EA report must report on those consultations and how issues addressed in EA C-NLOPB determines adequacy of consultation All EA information is posted on C-NLOPB website for review and comment
Seismic Programs: Environmental Assessment Process Fishery Consultation All consultation undertaken by proponent at early stage of EA process. Meetings held with local FFAWU representatives One Ocean fishers in towns/communities closest to project activities (i.e., Marystown, Burin, Stephenville, Corner Brook, etc.) Board considers concerns/issues raised by fishers when issuing Authorization Concerns raised by fishers have resulted to changes in program design (e.g., timing delay to avoid spawning/migration times)
Seismic Programs: Mitigative Measures The GGEG lists mitigations to be employed to reduce/eliminate potential impacts to to fish, marine mammals, and commercial fishery operations Environmental assessment report outlines all mitigations proponent will implement Authorization may include additional mitigations
Seismic Programs: Mitigative Measures Fish Avoidance of sensitive times (spawning/migration) Ramp-up procedures
Seismic Programs: Mitigative Measures Commercial Fisheries Avoidance of heavily fished areas Timing and spatial avoidance to reduce conflict with DFO RV surveys Notice to Mariners Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) Communication with Fishing Industry Gear Compensation Program Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
Seismic Programs: Mitigative Measures Marine Mammals Ramp-up procedures Shut down requirements Marine Mammal observation programs
Seismic Surveys: Regulatory Process Summary Points Consultation undertaken at early stages by Proponents EA process open to public for comment Issues/Concerns raised by fishers incorporated into EA reports Issues/Concerns are considered by Board in Authorization Standard mitigations required Non-standard mitigations may be warranted
Questions? Suggestions?