The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) has been advised by Multiklient Invest (MKI) of its intention to postpone the conduct of the Environmental Assessment (EA) of its proposed multi-year seismic program for one year while they assess demand for new seismic data in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. 

Should MKI notify the CNSOPB at a later date that it plans to move forward with this EA, stakeholders will be so notified, and the CNSOPB EA Public Registry will be updated accordingly.  

The EA, if conducted, would predict how a seismic survey could impact the marine environment and sets out precautions that need to be taken to minimize or eliminate any potential impacts. In the conduct of an EA, there are opportunities for engagement. The public, key stakeholder groups, and Indigenous communities would be invited to submit comments once the EA report has been drafted and prior to it being finalized.  

It’s important to note that an EA is just one-step in support of a potential Geophysical Work Authorization application that may be submitted to the CNSOPB to conduct a seismic survey. To receive authorization, the proponent must demonstrate that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure regulatory compliance so as to protect safety and to minimize impact to the marine environment. 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board