ConocoPhillips files for Seismic IHA in Chukchi
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. (CPAI) has requested that the National Marine Fisheries Service grant CPAI an Incidental Hazard Authorization for seismic oil and gas exploration in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska. The IHA would be issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It would authorize CPAI's non-lethal incidental take of marine mammals under the terms and conditions of the IHA.

CPAI wants the IHA to cover CPAI's site clearance and shallow hazard surveys of potential exploratory drilling sites in the Chukchi Sea during the 2008 open water season. The surveys will be in two areas within Lease Sale 193. The operation will be active 24 hours per day and use a single vessel to collect the geophysical data. CPAI anticipates completing the survey in 30-45 days between mid July and the end of November, depending on weather and other operational factors. Site clearance and shallow hazard surveys would begin in August, after completing mobilization in July. CPAI anticipates shooting approximately 5,300 linear kilometers.

NMFS has not yet set a date for public comment on this IHA.