The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board has approved seismic exploration offshore Cape Breton, but only under strict conditions. The direction to “proceed with caution” means that the first seismic testing may begin late this fall offshore by Hunt Oil Co. and Corridor Resources.

The conditions approved by the board include no activity before November; further consultation on mitigation plans; and the shutdown of activities when whales come within 1 kilometer. Most of the conditions were recommended by a multi-stakeholder committee, which reached consensus in several areas but not unanimous consent. The data may be collected between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28, 2004.

Ernest Fage, Nova Scotia’s energy minister, said the board’s decision had taken “significant steps” to protect the marine environment. “This is a directive to operators to proceed with caution,” said Fage. “The conditions around acquiring seismic data are extensive and address a number of issues regarding the impact this activity could have on the environment and the fishing industry.”

Among the conditions to be followed by the exploration companies are that operators must follow a 30-minute incremental ramp-up procedure to encourage marine animals to leave the operating area. A fisheries representative has to be on board the seismic vessel as well, and a trained biological observer on board will assist the operator marine mammal observations.

Hunt and Corridor had already filed environmental assessments with the board. Hunt’s licenses are in the Sydney area while Corridor was given approval in the Lawrence region. Originally, Hunt was issued an exploration license in July 1998 while Corridor was issued one in July 1999. Following a joint directive from the Canadian and Nova Scotia governments, the board held a public review of the effects of potential oil and gas exploration and drilling activities within the licenses. The working group began its work in May 2002 to provide advice in the regulatory process.

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