News Releases 2003

Ammendment to SEA Released for Additional Public Comment

For Immediate Release
September 18, 2003

St. John’s, NL and Halifax, NS – The Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB) and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) are seeking written public comment on an addendum revising the boundaries of the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Laurentian Sub-basin.

The C-NOPB and CNSOPB have extended the boundary of the SEA study area southwards in anticipation of possible interest by the petroleum industry. This extension takes in the area covered by fishing unit area 4Vsc as defined by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). The extension increases the overall area covered by the SEA by approximately 25%.

The draft SEA was prepared by Jacques Whitford Environment Limited and was released previously for public comment in April 2003.

An SEA provides a broad overview of the existing environment and considers the scope and nature of any likely environmental effects of activities and possible mitigative measures. In addition to the SEA for a region, a more detailed and location-specific environmental assessment must be submitted to the relevant Board before any work – be it drilling, seismic testing or other petroleum-related activity – is permitted in the offshore area.

Written comments on the addendum to the draft SEA will be reviewed by both Boards, but for the ease of public participation, only need to be forwarded to the C-NOPB no later than 2:00 p.m. NDT on October 17, 2003 and addressed to Kim Coady, Environmental Assessment Officer, Canada – Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board; 5th Floor – TD Place; 140 Water Street; St. John’s; Newfoundland; A1C 6H6; or via e-mail at postmaster@cnopb.nf.ca.

Copies of the addendum and draft Strategic Environmental Assessment are available on the websites of both Boards – at www.cnsopb.ns.ca or at www.cnopb.nfnet.com. Those without access to the internet can request a copy of the addendum through the offices of either Board:

CNSOPB
6th Floor – TD Center
1791 Barrington Street
Hailfax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K9
902-422-5588

C-NOPB
Fifth Floor, TD Place
140 Water Street
St.John’s, Newfoundland
A1C 6H6
709-778-1400

SOURCE:
Susan Churchill
Legal Counsel
(709) 778-1408

Barbara B. Pike
Public Information Coordinator
CNSOPB
902-496-0744 / 902-221-5611

Simone Keough
Public Information Coordinator
C-NOPB
709-778-1418


News Releases 2003

DateUpdate
2003, Dec 182003 Land Sale Results
2003, Sep 18Ammendment to SEA Released for Additional Public Comment
2003, Sep 3Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Released for Public Comment
2003, May 16DECISION ON HIBERNIA PRODUCTION RATE INCREASE
2003, Apr 152003 CALL FOR BIDS
2003, Apr 10Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Released for Public Comment