SAExploration
Beaufort Sea, 2014
SUMMARY
SAExploration Inc. (SAE) 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 July 1 and be completed by Oct. 15, 2014. Survey Area Map
For additional information, contact BOEM Alaska Region's Resource Evaluation Office at (907) 334-5320.
CHRONOLOGY
September 29,2014: SAE notified the Alaska OCS Resource Evaluation Office that no activity was conducted in OCS waters.
July 18, 2014: The Alaska OCS Resource Evaluation Office issues G&G Permit 14-02 to SAExploration. Approval Letter and Attachments | Public 14-02 Forms BOEM-0327 and BOEM-0328
July 18, 2014: The Alaska OCS Environmental Analysis Office issues Environmental Assessment 2014-605 and Finding of No Significant Impact.
May 8, 2014: Public comment period closes.
April 16, 2014: BOEM Seeks Public Involvement in Preparing an Environmental Assessment for the SAExploration 2014 3D Geophysical Cable-free Ocean Bottom Sensor Seismic Survey in the Colville River Delta, U.S. Beaufort Sea. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed seismic survey by SAExploration (SAE). The proposed survey area covers approximately 890 square miles. This includes 440 square miles of federal waters, 265.51 square miles of state waters, and 184 square miles onshore. The project will be conducted on and offshore in the Colville River Delta of the Alaska Beaufort Sea. The project is proposed to take place between July 1 and Oct. 15, 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 on the Outer Continental Shelf. BOEM is inviting the public to comment on issues that should be considered by BOEM in preparing the EA.
BOEM is accepting and considering public comments submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. BOEM-2014-0040). The deadline to receive these comments is May 8, 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.
December 30, 2013: The application submitted by SAExploration Inc. 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 14-02. Review of the proposed activity begins, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review. Wildlife Interaction Plan/Procedure submitted by SAE in support of this application.