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Thursday, March 28, 2024

State receives first requests for seismic surveys

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Days after the federal government released a draft plan for offshore oil and gas exploration that includes the mid-Atlantic coast, two companies are ready to conduct seismic testing in the waters off the coast of North Carolina to determine what oil and natural gas resources are available.

Spectrum Geo and GX Technology, both Houston, Texas – based companies, filed requests with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management to conduct seismic testing in the federal waters off the North Carolina coast in 2015. Spectrum Geo plans to employ two ships with seismic airgun arrays early in the year, while GX Technology plans to employ one ship between July and December.

Typically in charge of handling permits for coastal development projects in state waters, the Division of Coastal Management does not have direct jurisdiction over the federal waters where the companies plan to conduct testing, but spokesperson Michele Walker said the group will review the submissions to assure their plans are consistent with the division’s program requirements. In particular, Walker said the division will work to ensure the companies mitigate potential  impacts to marine mammals and that ships do not disturb fishing tournaments or important fishing areas during peak activity

The division approved a request from the National Science Foundation to conduct seismic testing in 2014, requesting additional mitigation measures. Walker said the testing occurred without incident,

Public comment on the submissions will officially begin Feb. 1 and will be accepted through March 2.

The division expects to receive more applications to conduct seismic testing during the coming weeks, Walker said.

Check back for more on this developing story.

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