Potential environmental effects in waters of the Gulf of Mexico
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is initiating an environmental analysis evaluating the impacts of geological and geophysical (G&G) activities on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and adjacent State waters to the shoreline (excluding estuaries).
As co-lead Agencies, BOEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Marine Fisheries Service or “NOAA Fisheries” are proposing the preparation of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The combined Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS and Notice of Scoping appears in today’sFederal Register.
The EIS will evaluate the environmental impacts of G&G activities in Federal and State waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) subject to BOEM and NOAA Fisheries’ regulatory authorities. These activities may be proposed over a period of five to 10 years. The proposed project area will encompass BOEM’s Western, Central, and Eastern GOM Planning Areas, as well as adjacent State waters. A draft PEIS is expected to be published in mid 2014.
The EIS will assess the potential environmental impacts associated with G&G activities that include, but are not limited to, deep-penetration and high-resolution seismic surveys, electromagnetic surveys, magnetic surveys, gravity surveys, remote-sensing surveys and geological and geochemical sampling. These activities provide information about the location and extent of oil and gas resources, bottom conditions for oil and gas or renewable energy installations, and suitable locations of sand and gravel used for coastal protection and restoration. State-of-the-practice G&G data and information are required for business decisions in furtherance of exploring for and developing offshore OCS oil and gas resources, assessing sites for offshore renewable energy, and locating marine mineral resources.
BOEM and NMFS will conduct public scoping meetings to solicit input on the scope of the proposed Programmatic EIS.
