Comments sought on the draft Comprehensive Study Report for a proposed exploratory drilling program in the Orphan Basin
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The public is invited to comment on the draft Comprehensive Study Report (CSR) for an exploratory drilling program being proposed by Chevron Canada Resources on behalf of its partners, Exxon Mobil, Imperial Oil Ventures Limited, and Shell Canada Limited 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 (CEA Act ). CEA Act 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 draft CSR was completed pursuant to the CEA Act and the Scoping Document prepared by the C-NLOPB. Written public comments on the draft CSR will be accepted by the Board until noon on December 09, 2005.

Comments may be submitted electronically to ead@cnlopb.nl.ca or mailed to Kim Coady at the Board’s offices. Submitted comments should follow the format outlined in the Comment Request Form, available on the Board’s website.

The draft CSR and Scoping Document are available on the Board’s website, www.cnlopb.nl.ca or by contacting the Board’s office at C-NLOPB, 5th Floor – TD Place, 140 Water Street, St. John’s, NL, A1C 6H6, 709-778-1400.

Media Inquiries:
Edsel Bonnell
Public Relations
(709) 778-1418