CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) has officially awarded CSA a task order to develop the first Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for areas in the mid and south Atlantic. The PEIS will evaluate potential environmental effects of multiple G&G activities, such as seismic surveys, that will be conducted to inform future decisions regarding oil, natural gas and renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf in the mid- and south Atlantic planning areas.

On 1 December 2010, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced an updated strategy for energy development on the OCS that included G&G studies in the mid and south Atlantic planning areas. The PEIS will identify potential environmental effects and inform decision makers and the public of reasonable alternatives to avoid or minimize adverse impacts and guide decision making about seismic research in the region and decisions about where to allow oil and gas leases, placement of renewable energy infrastructure, and development of non-energy mineral resource (e.g., sand and gravel). The analyses will also support BOEMRE environmental compliance efforts with other applicable laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. The draft PEIS will be made available for public comment in 2011. The final PEIS is expected to be completed in late 2012.

For more information on this important G&G PEIS being developed for areas in the mid and south Atlantic, please visit the BOEMRE website at www.gomr.boemre.gov.