BEPCo. Canada Company - EL 2407 Exploration Drilling Program (Archived)

Scotian Slope (NS)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 04-03-2712
Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board: 30,008.14

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On May 5, 2004, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board considered taking action in relation to paragraph 142(1)(b) of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

BEPCo. Canada Company is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling program offshore Nova Scotia on the Scotian Slope, within the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board issued exploration licence (EL) 2407. The program entails the drilling of 1-3 wells between 2005-2007 and 1-3 appraisal wells between 2008-2009. It is estimated that each well will require approximately 50-100 days to complete. Exploration drilling is used to confirm the presence and type of hydrocarbons. It involves the use of a mobile drilling unit (e.g. jack-up rigs, semi-submersible rigs, and drill ships) which is supplied with the drilling equipment, crew, and crew supplies. The drilling process involves the use of a drill bit and associated drillings fluids (muds), which are used to drill a hole into the ground thereby determine the presence of oil or gas. Each well typically requires 50-100 days to complete. In the event that hydrocarbons are found, testing may be required to define the development potential. Testing typically requires 10-40 days and involves testing of the reservoirs associated with a well. Additional delineation wells are often drilled to determine the extent of a reservoir.

Environmental Assessment Report

Comprehensive Study Report

Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Final Decision

A decision was taken on June 29, 2005 and was that the authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.