tlantic
Seismic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
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.
Applications received for Atlantic OCS seismic activities:
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
Additional resources:
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