The Canadian government has asked for public input related to the ExxonMobil’s proposed offshore drilling project located 250 kilometers east of St. John’s, in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is determining whether an environmental assessment is required for the designated project. To assist in making its decision, the Agency is inviting public comments until October 19, 2016, on the project and its potential for causing adverse environmental effects.
ExxonMobil Canada Ltd. (ExxonMobil) is proposing to carry out an exploration drilling project within offshore exploration licenses located in both the Jeanne d’Arc Basin and the Flemish Pass Basin, approximately 250 kilometers east of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
As proposed, the Eastern Newfoundland Offshore Exploration Drilling Project would include the drilling of up to 35 wells within a 12-year period, starting in 2018. The project would allow ExxonMobil to determine the presence, nature and quantities of the potential hydrocarbon resource.
The drilling would be in areas within exploration licenses currently held by ExxonMobil and its partners. Should additional exploration licenses be acquired by ExxonMobil as a result of the 2016 Call for Bids processes (NL16-CFB01 and NL16-CFB02) being conducted by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, these may be incorporated into the environmental assessment should the Agency determine that one is required.