The public is invited to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment scoping document for an exploratory drilling program being proposed by Chevron Canada Resources on behalf of its partners, Exxon Mobil and Imperial Oil for their eight jointly owned blocks in the Orphan Basin. Chevron and its partners are proposing to drill up to three wells initially, with the possibility of nine additional wells. Drilling could begin as early as mid-2006.
Before any petroleum-related activity can be undertaken in the Newfoundland & Labrador Offshore area, a detailed and location-specific Environmental Assessment (EA) must be submitted to the Board. In addition, this project is subject to the federal environmental assessment process pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). CEAA requirements indicate this environmental assessment must be reviewed using the comprehensive study process as the project is planned in an area not previously assessed by a comprehensive study or panel.
The scoping document for the Environmental Assessment defines the plan for the EA and outlines the extent of the project and the elements to be assessed. Written public comments on the scoping document will be accepted by the Board until noon on January 13, 2005.
The Project Description and Scoping Document are available on the Board’s website, www.cnopb.nfnet.com or by contacting the Board’s office at C-NOPB, 5th Floor – TD Place, 140 Water Street, St. John’s, NL, A1C 6H6.
Media Contact:
Simone Keough APR
Manager, Communications
(709) 778-1418
(709) 687-7429 (cell)