The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) has granted an Approval to Drill a Well (ADW) to BP Canada Energy Group ULC (BP Canada), and has authorized the commencement of drilling operations for BP Canada’s Aspy D-11 exploration well.

“As we worked through the authorization and approval processes, we focused on ensuring that BP Canada has in place the necessary equipment, systems, operating plans and procedures, and appropriately trained and competent personnel,” said Stuart Pinks, CNSOPB CEO. “Our team is proud of our rigorous review process, and we remain diligent in our compliance monitoring to ensure BP Canada’s activities are conducted in a safe and responsible manner for the duration of the project.”

BP Canada’s proposed drilling program was previously subjected to an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. On February 1, 2018, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada released her Decision Statement indicating that the proposed project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and the project can proceed, subject to compliance with legally-binding conditions.

In granting its authorization to commence drilling operations, the CNSOPB will ensure that BP Canada complies with the conditions contained within the Minister’s Decision Statement. The CNSOPB, in conjunction with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency), will monitor and enforce BP Canada’s compliance with these conditions. The CNSOPB and the Agency have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the exchange of information to enable the effective and efficient monitoring and enforcement of these conditions. The MOU is available on the CNSOPB website here.

“We understand that the decisions we make can impact our environment and community,” said Pinks. “Feedback from Indigenous groups and key stakeholders, coupled with our knowledge of advancing technologies and practices that may lessen the impacts, have resulted in additional requirements being placed on BP Canada. We’re confident in saying that all reasonable precautions to maintain safety and environmental protection have been taken.”

The CNSOPB began reviewing information submitted by BP Canada in support of their planned drilling program in April 2017. An application for authorization to drill one deep-water exploration well approximately 330 kilometres from Halifax, and in approximately 2,800 metres of water depth, was officially submitted on September 21, 2017.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: CNSOPB