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Chevron aims for seismic program Ashley Joannou Northern News Services Published Monday, June 6, 2011
The company has started putting out ads seeking qualified companies interested in conducting an offshore Beaufort marine seismic environmental assessment. "It is anticipated that Chevron will undertake one or more 3D or 2D seismic programs on or adjacent to parcel EL 460 or other Chevron holdings offshore Beaufort Sea between 2012 and 2014," the ad reads. An environment assessment is the first step in gaining regulatory approval to conduct a seismic program at the site located approximately 150 km off the north coast of the Yukon. Short-listed companies will be asked to submit proposals for the work, according to Chevron spokesperson Leif Sollid. "Assuming we go ahead with the program, that company would then conduct an environmental assessment for us that's part of the regulatory process we need to complete before gaining approval to proceed with the program," he said. It is too early to say how much money Chevron plans to spend on the project, Sollid said. There is currently a moratorium on offshore drilling in the Arctic while a review on safety regulations and permitting requirements is completed. Sollid would not say whether these plans mean Chevron is confident that drilling will be allowed to resume any time soon. "We believe the Canadian Arctic is an important future oil and gas region and we do intend to be part of the National Energy Board's review of safe drilling practices in the Arctic," Sollid said. "We take a long-term view of future oil and gas development in Northern Canada." The current ban does not place any restrictions on companies completing environmental assessments or seismic programs, according to Stacey Squires, communications officer with the National Energy Board. A 2D or 3D seismic program allows Chevron to better understand the area's subsurface and potential oil and gas targets, Sollid said. Chevron holds two exploration licences in the Beaufort Sea that cover a total of 3,140 square kilometres.
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