The Canada-Nova Scotia Petroleum (CNSOPB) announced today they’ve granted approval to BP Canada to drill an exploratory well on the Scotian Shelf.
The move comes just a day after a protest was staged outside the Liberal National Convention in Halifax.
“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, in a news release.
According to the release BP Canada’s proposed drilling program was subject to an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.
CNSOPB says they will ensure BP complies with conditions set out in the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s decision statement, which was made February 1, 2018.
The site will be monitored by CNSOPB and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to ensure compliance of conditions.
“We understand that the decisions we make can impact our environment and community,” said Pinks.
CNSOPB began reviewing information submitted by BP Canada in support of their planned drilling program in April 2017.
BP officially submitted 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, September 21, 2017.
