MMS is announcing its intent to prepare a PEIS to evaluate potential environmental effects of multiple G&G activities on the Atlantic OCS.  This NOI initiates the scoping process for this PEIS and also seeks interest from other Federal agencies, and State, tribal, and local governments to consider becoming cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS.  Through the scoping process, Federal, state, and local government agencies and other interested parties have the opportunity to aid MMS in determining the significant issues and alternatives for analysis in the PEIS.  If a PEIS is funded and started in early 2009, MMS estimates completion of the PEIS by late 2010.  Without funding, completion of the PEIS would be uncertain.

The proposed Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) will evaluate the environmental impacts of multiple geological and geophysical (G&G) activities in Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters of the Atlantic.  No National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) programmatic documents have been performed for G&G activities in the Atlantic OCS.  Previous programmatic NEPA documents for G&G activities in the Gulf of Mexico have been performed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey .  The PEIS is proposed for the Atlantic in light of multiple applications for permits received by MMS and industry’s expressed interest in expanding activities into the Atlantic offshore waters.  This PEIS will also review advances in G&G technology and improved knowledge of acoustic impacts on marine life.  This PEIS will determine whether significant impacts to Atlantic resources could occur as a result of G&G activities, and where needed, outline mitigation and monitoring measures that will reduce or eliminate the potential for impacts to the environment.

MMS requires a geological/geophysical (G&G) permit application be submitted for all exploration activities that occur on nonleased acreage or acreage leased by someone other than the company initiating the activity.  G&G regulations for oil, gas, and sulphur exploration are codified in 30 CFR 251.  G&G regulations involving the prospecting for minerals other than oil, gas, and sulphur (usually sand and gravel) are codified in 30 CFR 280.  These applications are reviewed for completeness of required information and compliance with all existing Laws (i.e., National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and several other relevant Laws, prior to permit issuance.
 

Notice of Intent (NOI) to Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) and Call for Interest for Future Industry G&G Activity on the Atlantic OCS

The comment period for the Notice of Intent to prepare a PEIS and Call for Interest for future industry G&G activity on the Atlantic OCS is now closed.

CGGVeritas
     Map of proposed survey area

GX Technology
      Map of proposed survey area

Spectrum Geo, Inc.
     Map of proposed survey area

Spectrum GGS (formerly Global Geo Services)
      Map of proposed survey area

WesternGeco
      Map of proposed survey area    

Uses of Geological and Geophysical Survey Data

Compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act for Geological and Geophysical Activities on the Atlantic OCS

Atlantic Geological and Geophysical Survey Regulatory Authority

Atlantic OCS Geological and Geophysical Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement

Descriptions of Geological and Geophysical Activities

National Environmental Policy Act Compliance for Geological and Geophysical Activity on the Atlantic OCS

Geological and Geophysical Exploration Regulations

Geological and Geophysical Data Acquisition - Outer Continental Shelf Through 2003

Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Geological and Geophysical Exploration for Mineral Resources on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS EIS/EA MMS 2004-054)

A brief history of the use of sound in ocean exploration:
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/sfmapping/soundhist.htm

A brief tutorial on seismic technology and how it is used:
http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/operations/sfmapping/seismic.htm