Atlantic Permit Application E14-004

The following document is a Geological and Geophysical (G&G) permit application from WesternGeco 

LLC to conduct an offshore marine two dimensional (2D) deep penetration seismic survey on the Atlantic 

Outer Continental Shelf of the United States. This survey will be conducted offshore South Carolina, 

North Carolina, and Virginia. 

WesternGeco will use one seismic survey vessel to conduct this survey. Marine 2D seismic surveys use 

an airgun array (active sound source) when acquiring data. The sound waves emitted by the source 

penetrate the subsurface and are reflected off the different subsurface rock layers back up to receivers 

towed behind the survey vessel. This type of survey is used to acquire subsurface data to study the 

regional geology over a large area. They are favored for regional work because they can acquire the 

necessary data quicker and more economically. This is because of the relatively large data acquisition 

grid size used. The information acquired is then used to determine potential areas of interest, as well as 

areas that are not of interest, for further exploration. The survey data will be acquired following a grid 

pattern. The outline on the public information map shows the extent of the survey grid with some 

exaggeration of the actual size and location to help protect survey confidentiality. The survey grid size 

sailed by the survey vessel depends on several factors, but principally the data resolution required. 

Typical 2D seismic survey grids, for the Atlantic surveys, range from roughly a 2.5 mi x 2.5 mi grid up to a 

50 mi x 70 mi grid. 

This Atlantic G&G permit application will be available for public review and comment on the 

Regulations.gov web site for a period of 30 calendar days starting on March 30, 2015. The application is 

placed on Regulations.gov after BOEM has received all of the pertinent application information from the 

permit applicant and before the completion of BOEM’s environmental review process. As part of 

BOEM’s environmental review process for G&G permit applications, BOEM will consider potential 

impacts to local and regional resources. This environmental review process will tier from the

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) prepared for G&G activities on the Mid-Atlantic 

and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. The G&G PEIS described and evaluated the potential 

environmental impacts associated with reasonably foreseeable G&G survey activities in Federal waters 

overlying the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), including potential effects 

on many resources such as marine mammals (e.g. north Atlantic right whales), sea turtles, and 

commercial and recreational fishing. The G&G PEIS also evaluated mitigation measures to reduce 

potential impacts of G&G activities on marine resources, such as marine mammal exclusion zones near 

airgun operations, and time-area closures. BOEM will require permit applicants to comply with 

applicable mitigation measures based on the results of the site-specific environmental analysis 

conducted for each Atlantic G&G permit application. BOEM will review the comments received during 

the public comment period for this permit applications and will take them into consideration during the 

environmental review process.

Please note that the G&G activities proposed under these Atlantic G&G permit applications will also be 

subject to additional public review and comments as part of the review processes undertaken by both 

State and Federal agencies. One of the Federal agencies that will review the proposed activities will be 

the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The review is required as part of NMFS’ statutory and 

regulatory obligations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Its statutes, regulations and guidelines 

govern NMFS’ authorization processes and public comment review periods. Additionally, States also 

have an opportunity to review the activities proposed under these permit applications as part of their 

federally-approved Coastal Zone Management Programs (CZMP) if it has been determined that the 
activity to be authorized under BOEM’s G&G permit may have an impact on their coastal resources. 

Please note that each State has its own process for public review and comment under its approved 

CZMP. 
(i5UC 

Attachment 1 

UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT 

New Orleans 

(Insert Appropriate Regional Office) 

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CONDUCT GEOLOGICAL OR GEOPHYSICAL 

EXPLORATION FOR MINERAL RESOURCES OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 

(Section 11, Outer Continental ShelfLands Act of August 7, 1953, as amended on September 18, 1978, 

by Public Law 95-372, 92 Statute 629, 43 U.S.C. 1340; and 30 CFR Parts 251 and 551) 

WesternGeco LLC 

Name of Applicant 

100 01 Richmond Avenue 

Number and Street 

Houston, TX, 77042 

City, State, and Zip Code 

Application is made for the following activity: (check one) 

Geological exploration for mineral resources 

^Geological scientific research 

x

 Geophysical exploration for mineral resources 

Geophysical scientific research 

BOEM 

APR 0 7 2014 

New Orleans, LA 

^SOURCE 

Submit: Original plus three copies, totaling four copies, which include one digital copy, and one public 

information copy. 

To be completed by BOEM 

Permit Number: E/^l'OOV Date: 0<\-ftfC- 7.0 ^ 

For m BOEM-0327 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used 

GOM OCS REGION 

BOCM „ 

RELEASABLE 

JUL 2 2 

^ccunp?RFSQURCEEVAUjAIION 
A. General Information 

1. The activity will be conducted by: 

WesternGeco LLC 

Service Company Name 

10001 Richmond Avenue 

Address 

Houston, TX, 77042 

City, State, Zip 

713-689-2023 / 713-689-5815 

Telephone/FAX Numbers 

jmayville®exchange.sib.co m 

E-Mail Address 

2. The purpose of the activity is: X 

For Schlumberger PTS Multiclien t 

Purchaser(s) of the Data 

10 001 Richmond Avenue 

Address 

Houston, TX, 77042 

City, State, Zip 

713-689-1160 / 713-689-5815 

Telephone/FAX Numbers 

KMoran®exchange.sib.com 

E-Mail Address 

Mineral exploration 

Scientific research 

3. Describe your proposed survey activities (i.e., vessel use, benthic impacts, acoustic sources, etc) 

and describe the environmental effects of the proposed activity, including potential adverse effects 

on marine life Describe what steps are planned to minimize these adverse effects (mitigation 

measures). For example: 1) Potential Effect; Excessive sound level Mitigation; Soft Start, 

MMOs, mammal exclusion zone or 2) Potential Effect; Bottom disturbance; Mitigation; ROV 

deployment/retrieval of bottom nodes) (use continuation sheets as necessary or provide a separate 

attachment): 

See attachment fo r section s A. 

4. The expected commencement date is: Apri l 01 , 2 015 

The expected completion date is: September 01 , 2015 

5. The name of the individual(s) in charge of the field operation is: 

Steve Chang 

May be contacted at: 

10001 Richmond Avenue Houston, TX, 77042 

Telephone (Local) 713-689-9600 (Marine) 713-689-5954 

Email Address: schang2@slb. com Radio call sign See Attachment 

For m BOEM-0327 (January 2012 - Supersedes ali previous versions of this form which may not be used.) Page 6 of 13 
6. The vessel(s) to be used in the operation is (are): 

Name (s) Registry Number(s) Registered owners) 

See attachment fo r sectio n A. 

7. The port from which the vessel(s) will operate is: Charleston , SC 

8. Briefly describe the navigation system (vessel navigation only): 

DGPS usin g 

Veripo s Ultr a and StarFi x 

B. Complete for Geological Exploration for Mineral Resources or 

Geological Scientific Research 

1. The type of operation(s) to be employed is: (check one) 

(a) Deep stratigraphic test, or 

(b) Shallow stratigraphic test with proposed total depth of , or 

(c) Other 

2. Attach a page-size plat showing: 1) The generalized proposed location for each test, where 

appropriate, a polygon enclosing the test sites may be used, 2) BOEM protraction areas; 

coastline; point of reference; 3) Distance and direction from a point of reference to area of 

activity. 

C. Complete for Geophysical Exploration for Mineral Resources or 

Geophysical Scientific Research 

1. The type(s) of operation(s) to be employed is (are): 

a) Acquisition method (OBN, OBC, Streamer): Streamer 

b) Type of acquisition: (High Resolution Seismic, 2D Seismic, 3D Seismic, gravity, magnetic, 

CSEM, etc.) 

2D Narrow Azimuth, Long Offset Seismic 

2. Attach a page-size plat showing: 

a) The generalized proposed location of the activity with a representative polygon, 

b) BOEM protraction areas; coastline; point of reference, 

c) Distance and direction from a point of reference to area of activity. 

3. List all energy source types to be used in the operation(s): (Air gun, air gun array(s), sub-bottom 

profiler, sparker, towed dipole, side scan sonar, etc.). 

For m BOEM-0327 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used ) Page 7 of 13 
A i r Gun Array s 

4. Explosive charges will will not X be used. If applicable, indicate the type of 

explosive and maximum charge size (in pounds) to be used: 

Type Pounds Equivalent Pounds of TNT 

D. Proprietary Information Attachments 

Use the appropriate form on page 9 for a "geological" permit application or the form on page 11 for a 

"geophysical" permit application. You must submit a separate Form BOEM-0327 to apply for each 

geological or geophysical permit. 

E. Certification 

I hereby certify that foregoing and attached information are true and correct. 

Print Name: Jef f Mayvill e 

SIGNED DATE J> ApmL Zdlf 

TITLE Marine Manager, Western Hemisphere 

COMPANY NAME: WesternGeco LLC 

TO BE COMPLETED BY BOEM 

Permit No. P: i f oo f Assigned by _ le^^ C Gyvy^H Date IQ-Aftf,20]iof BOEM 

This application is hereby: 

Accepted 

b. Retumed for reasons in the attached 

EL 

SIGNED TITLE Regional Supervisor DATE 

For m BOEM-0327 (January 2012 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used.) Page 8 of 13 
A. General Information (Attachment A.3) 

3. Describe your proposed survey activities (i.e., vessel use, benthic impacts, acoustic 

sources, etc.) and describe the environmental effects of the proposed activity, including 

potential adverse effects on marine life Describe what steps are planned to minimize 

these adverse effects (mitigation measures). For example: 1) Potential Effect; Excessive 

sound level Mitigation; Soft Start, MMOs, mammal exclusion zone or 2) Potential Effect; 

Bottom disturbance; Mitigation; ROV deployment/retrieval of bottom nodes) (use 

continuation sheets as necessary or provide a separate attachment): 

The survey crew consists of a single vessel which will tow a seismic energy source (as 

described in Section D - Energy Source) and a streamer array. There will also be two 

support (picket) vessels and a supply vessel associated with the survey. 

1) It is not anticipated that this equipment will have any environmental impact. 

The sources have been designed to output the minimum amount of acoustic energy in 

order to achieve the geophysical objectives. 

Several steps will be taken by the crews as follows to mitigate the effects of the seismic 

sources: 

• Use of a mitigation gun and soft start procedures as per NTL requirements 

• Use of a PAM system (or equivalent) 

• Application of a mammal exclusion zone for all acoustic energy sources 

• Use of Marine Mammal Observers 

2) There will be no bottom disturbance as no equipment will deployed to the sea floor. 
Ohio

Virginia

Florida

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Georgia

South Carolina

West Virginia

Maryland

New Jersey

Kentucky

Tennessee

New York Conne Massachusetts cticut

Delaware

Rhode Island

Bahamas

Taylor

Tibbet

Lanier

Adams

Jones

Russell

Hyman

Marmer

Evans

Wittman

Wraight Lippold

Hoyt Hills

Manteo

Pillsbury

Blake Spur

Cape Fear

(Unnamed)

(Unnammed)

Stetson Mesa

Harrington Hill

James Island

(Unnamed)

New York

Hatteras Ridge

Beaufort

Mc Alinden Spur

Block Canyon

Baltimore Rise

Richardson Hills

Currituck Sound

Jacksonville

Chincoteague

Brunswick

Salisbury Heezen Plateau

Hudson Canyon

Wilmington Valley

Block Island Shelf

Wilmington Canyon

Blake Escarpment

Georgetown

Orlando

Providence

Daytona Beach

Walker Cay

Wilmington

Savannah

Ft. Pierce

Bahamas

Newark

Providence

Powell

Hartford

Rocky Mount

70°0'0"W

75°0'0"W

75°0'0"W

80°0'0"W

80°0'0"W

40°0'0"N

40°0'0"N

35°0'0"N

35°0'0"N

30°0'0"N

30°0'0"N

East Coast Regional - 2D Marine

2D Seismic Survey

Atlantic Ocean

PUBLIC COPY

10001 Richmond Avenue

Texas, 77042