SAExploration Inc.
Beaufort Sea, 2015
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. 30, 2015. Updated Survey Area Map (received June 8, 2015 -- see below).
CHRONOLOGY
August 13, 2015: SAExploration notifies BOEM they have canceled plans to collect seismic data in the area approved under G&G Permit 15-02 during 2015.
August 11, 2015: The Alaska Region Resource Evaluation Office issues G&G Permit 15-02 to SAExploration. Approval Letter and Approved Permit Forms
June 8, 2015: BOEM receives from SAExploration a revised map of the proposed survey area boundaries showing activity related to this permit will only be offshore.
June 3, 2015: BOEM seeks public involvement in preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for an SAExploration 2015 3D Geophysical Ocean Bottom Sensor Seismic Survey in the U.S. Beaufort Sea, state waters, and adjacent onshore land and water.
BOEM is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed seismic survey by SAExploration (SAE). The proposed survey is multi-year and multi-customer within a large rectangular area of approximately 1,761 square miles, consisting of 756 square miles of state waters, 1,055 square miles of OCS waters, and 852 square miles onshore. The project is proposed to take place between July 1 and Oct. 30 each year, with seismic data acquisition occurring approximately 70 days each year between July 25 and Sept. 30. 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 is accepting and considering public comments submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. BOEM-2015-0066). The deadline to receive these comments is midnight (Eastern Time) on June 15, 2015.
CAUTION: Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, 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.
April 8, 2015: 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 15-02. Review of the proposed activity begins, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review.
For additional information, contact BOEM Alaska Region's Resource Evaluation Office at (907) 334-5320.