BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. (BPXA)
Beaufort Sea, 2014
SUMMARY
BPXA has submitted an application for a permit to conduct an ocean-bottom-node, marine seismic survey to acquire 3D seismic data using an airgun array as the energy source in the Beaufort Sea Outer Continental Shelf Planning Area. The proposed program is planned to start June 1, 2014 and be completed by Sept. 30, 2014. Survey area map
For additional information, contact BOEM Alaska Region's Resource Evaluation Office at (907) 334-5320.
CHRONOLOGY
September 2, 2014: The Alaska Region Resource Evaluation Office receives notice that operations under this permit are complete.
May 12, 2014: The Alaska Region Resource Evaluation Office issues G&G Permit 14-03 to BPXA. Approval Letter and Attachments | Approved Permit Forms
May 8, 2014:Environmental Assessment | Finding of No Significant Impact
March 21, 2014: Public comment period closes.
March 4, 2014: BOEM SEEKS PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN PREPARING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE BPXA 2014 3D GEOPHYSICAL OCEAN BOTTOM SENSOR SEISMIC SURVEY IN THE U.S. BEAUFORT SEA
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed seismic survey by BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc (BPXA). The proposed survey area covers approximately 190 square miles, including State lands north and northwest of the village of Deadhorse, Alaska and waters of the Beaufort Sea. The project is proposed to take place between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2014. Although the EA will include an analysis of proposed activities within the entire proposed project area, BOEM's jurisdiction for issuing a permit is limited to activities in the Outer Continental Shelf. BOEM is inviting the public to comment on issues that should be considered by BOEM in preparing the EA. BOEM received BPXA's 2014 Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Permit application on December 27, 2013. BPXA's permit application 14-03, an associated area coverage map, and a BPXA developed environmental impact assessment are available for review at: http://www.boem.gov/About-BOEM/BOEM-Regions/Alaska-Region/Resource- Evaluation/Permits/14_03/index.aspx.
BOEM is only accepting and considering public comments submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. BOEM-2014-0005). The deadline to receive these comments is March 21, 2014 (midnight, EST). BOEM cautions that before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask BOEM (prominently at the beginning of your submission) to withhold your personal identifying information from public view, BOEM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so. BOEM will not consider anonymous comments.
Dec. 31, 2013: The application submitted by BPXA to BOEM’s Alaska Region for a G&G Permit to conduct seismic exploration activities is deemed complete. The proposed survey is designated OCS Permit 14-03. Review of the proposed activity begins, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review. North Prudhoe Bay Unit Ocean Bottom Sensor Seismic Survey Environmental Impact Assessment submitted by BPXA in support of this application.