Environmental groups, which oppose arctic offshore drilling, want the government to reject permits sought by Shell to drill in the Chukchi Sea.
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The permits are for drilling only on the top section of wells.
However, BSEE is prohibiting Shell from drilling into hydrocarbon bearing zones until the company has its capping stack staged, available for deployment within 24 hours if needed.
Although most of Shell Oil’s Arctic drilling fleet is in Alaskan waters far from the reach of environmentalist protesters, so-called “kayaktivists” will have at least one more chance to mobilise against the Dutch company this weekend. “As Shell conducts exploratory activities, we will be monitoring their work around the clock to ensure the utmost safety and environmental stewardship”. Shell cannot drill into oil-bearing zones at this stage because it now does have not certain emergency response equipment on site. Consistent with regulatory requirements, a USFWS Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued on June 30 requires Shell to maintain a minimum spacing of 15 miles between active drill rigs during exploration activities to avoid significant effects on walruses in the region.
The vessel, which suffered a 39-inch gash in its hull and is bound for a Portland shipyard for repairs, is expected to be met by protesters concerned about Shell’s exploration of the high Arctic for oil and gas. However, the approval came with conditions that will slightly alter Shell’s plans.
Shell’s shaky track record of drilling attempts in the Arctic has also been raised.
In addition to defining the specific limitations described above, BSEE’s review of the APDs also included thorough analysis of information submitted by Shell – including well casing design, equipment design, testing procedures, safety protocol, third party certifications of key equipment and rig information – for technical adequacy, safety, and environmental compliance.
Shell spokeswoman Megan Baldino has told Petroleum News that the two drilling vessels under contract for the Chukchi Sea drilling have departed Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands for the Chukchi Sea.
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Todays approval by the Department of Interior of the permits Shell needs to resume drilling in the Chukchi Sea is good news for Alaska and our country, Murkowski said in a July 22 press release.
