The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced today that the bureau is extending the public comment period for a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), released in March 2012. The PEIS evaluates the potential effects of seismic surveys and other proposed geological and geophysical activities in the Mid- and South-Atlantic. The comment period, originally scheduled to close on May 30, 2012, was extended. The comment period runs through July 2, 2012.
Following the release of the Draft PEIS, BOEM held eight public hearings in states along the Atlantic coast. BOEM will use the information received at these meetings, along with other feedback received through the comment process, in finalizing the analysis.
Completion of this PEIS is part of BOEM’s region-specific strategy with respect to oil and gas exploration and development in the Mid- and- South Atlantic, which is focused on the need to update information in order to inform future decisions about whether, and if so where, leasing would be appropriate in these areas. The PEIS evaluates the potential environmental effects of multiple G&G activities in these OCS planning areas and outlines mitigation and monitoring measures that will reduce or eliminate potential impacts.
Seismic studies and other activities evaluated in this study are important to understanding the location, extent and properties of hydrocarbon resources. These studies are also critical for identifying geologic hazards, archaeological resources and hard bottom habitats that would need to be avoided during exploration and development. A variety of G&G techniques, also evaluated in the study, are used to understand the potential to site renewable energy structures and locate marine mineral resources, like sand and gravel used for beach and barrier island restoration.
BOEM also uses G&G information to fulfill its statutory responsibilities to support environmental impact analyses and protect the environment, ensure receipt of fair market value for leased federal lands, and conserve oil and gas resources.
To access the draft PEIS, go to www.boem.gov/Atlantic-G-G-PEIS/. The PEIS and related documents will also be available for public inspection tomorrow in the Federal Register at: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/public-inspection/index.html.
The public may submit written comments by email to ggeis@boem.gov or by mail to:
Comments on the Draft PEIS for Atlantic G&G Activities
Mr. Gary D. Goeke, Chief, Regional Assessment Section
Office of Environment (MS5410)
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Gulf of Mexico OCR Region
1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore energy and mineral resources. The Bureau seeks to balance economic development, energy production, and environmental protection through oil and gas leasing, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies.