The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management seeks public comment on a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate potential environmental effects of multiple Geological and Geophysical activities on the Gulf of Mexico OCS. These activities include, but are not limited to: seismic surveys, sidescansonar surveys, electromagnetic surveys, and geological and geochemical sampling. In addition to soliciting public written comment, BOEM is also holding public meetings on the Draft PEIS.
This Draft PEIS considers G&G activities for the three program areas managed by BOEM: Oil and gas exploration and development; renewable energy; and marine minerals. After the public meetings and the written comment period, BOEM will publish a Final PEIS.
This Draft PEIS is in part BOEM’s response to the Settlement Agreement in New Orleans federal court litigation between environmental NGOs and BOEM. Some of the alternatives discussed in the Draft PEIS are called “Settlement Agreement Alternative.” They include “mitigation measures from the settlement agreement.” BOEM will accept comments on this Draft PEIS will be accepted until November 29, 2016.
BOEM has scheduled the following public meetings:
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Wednesday, November 9, 2016,
Wyndham Garden New Orleans Airport,
6401 Veterans Memorial Boulevard,
Metairie, Louisiana 70003;
one meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. CST and ending at 7:00 p.m. CST;
- Gulfport, Mississippi: Thursday,November 10, 2016, Courtyard by
Marriott, Gulfport Beachfront MS Hotel,
1600 East Beach Boulevard, Gulfport,
Mississippi 39501;
one meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. CST and ending at 7:00 p.m. CST;
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida:Monday, November 14, 2016
Four Points By Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach
1325 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548;
one meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. CST and ending at 7:00 p.m. CST
- Mobile, Alabama: Tuesday, November 15, 2016,
The Admiral Hotel Mobile, Curio Collection by Hilton
251 Government Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602;
one meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. CST and ending at 7:00 p.m. CST;
- Houston, Texas: Thursday, November 17, 2016
Houston Marriott North
255 North Sam Houston Pkwy. East
Houston, Texas 77060;
one meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. CST and ending at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Click here for BOEM’s Federal Register notice of this action, which includes more detail and links.
