CHRONOLOGY
Feb. 25, 2014: BOEM Alaska Region response letter to BP Exploration (Alaska) Notification of Intent to conduct 2014 Winter on-ice Geotechnical and Seabottom Investigation, Liberty Development, Beaufort Sea, Alaska (Dec. 18, 2013). BOEM has determined the ancillary activities described in the notice comply with the performance standards under 30 CFR 550.202(a), (b), (d), and (e).
Feb. 10, 2014: BOEM Alaska Region stakeholders notification of receipt and review of BPXA’s Notification of 2014 Winter Geotechnical and Seabottom Investigation activities in support of Liberty Development. Also February 27, 2014 Update. (personal information redacted)
Feb. 6, 2014: BOEM Categorical Exclusion Reviewof Ancillary Activities Notice, BPXA 2014 Winter on-ice Geotechnical and Seabottom Investigation. A Categorical Exclusion Review (CER) was used to evaluate the activities described in the ancillary activity notice, and BOEM determined the activities: (1) are eligible for categorical exclusion under 516 DM 15.4C; (2) do not implicate any extraordinary circumstances; and (3) therefore, will not have a significant effect on the human environment.
Jan. 31, 2014: BSEE Review of BPXA Ancillary Activities, Winter 20 14, Liberty Development Project, Beaufort Sea, Alaska Memorandum.
Dec. 18, 2013: BPXA Notice of Intent to conduct 2014 Winter on-ice Geotechnical and Seabottom Investigation, Liberty Development, Beaufort Sea, Alaska. The project includes two areas of investigations: on shore and off shore extending into state and federal waters of the Beaufort Sea. The off-shore activities are scheduled to begin in March 2014, and conclude in May 2014; attached is the Project Description/Plan of Operations, project area map, copy of BPXA’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Letter of Authorization (13-12; issued July 3, 2013, expires: Dec. 31, 2014), Spill Emergency Response Plan, and Cultural Resources Review.
Feb. 1, 2013: PolarBear and Walrus Interaction Plan for BPXA Areas of Operation. Polar Bear and Walrus Interaction Plan for managing human-polar bear and walrus interaction within BPXA’s operating fields on the North Slope. BPXA’s Polar Bear and Walrus Interaction Plan is designed to minimize human/polar bear and walrus interactions, to ensure the safety of all personnel and mitigate any potential impacts to polar bear or walrus well-being or survival. Revision Date: Feb. 1, 2013; Next Review Date: Sept. 7, 2014.