Environmental Assessments

The CNSOPB is a federal authority under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). Under the CEAA, offshore exploration activities, including exploratory drilling and seismic programs,  require an environmental assessment  (EA)  prior to their authorization. Exploration projects require a screening level of assessment for which the CNSOPB, as the  Responsible Authority and in consultation with other federal government departments, will make an EA decision in accordance with the CEAA. Offshore production projects, however, require completion of a more detailed assessment in the form of a comprehensive study or panel review.

Parcel 1 is within the study area of the Sable Offshore Energy Project Environmental Impact Statement and the study area of the BEPCo Canada Company Comprehensive Study Report: Exploration Drilling on EL 2407 . The Sable Offshore Energy Project Environmental Impact Statement is available in CD format from the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board. To obtain a copy, please call (902) 422-5588.

Parcel 1 is located approximately 35 km south-southeast of the Haddock Nursery (also know as the "Haddock Box" closure area). Information on the Haddock Nursery Area can be found in the Environmental Assessment of Seismic Exploration of the Scotian Shelf , and in DFO Maritimes Regional Fisheries Status Report 98/2 E.