The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced that it is seeking public input on issues that should be considered by the bureau in preparing an Environmental Assessment for proposed geophysical survey activity in Arctic areas of the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

ION Geophysical Corporation has applied to conduct an exploratory two-dimensional marine seismic survey during the fall of 2012. The application proposes conducting operations throughout much of the Beaufort Sea Planning Area, with specific transect lines and segments within the Chukchi Sea Planning Area. Data obtained during this survey would be used by geologists and geophysicists to view and interpret large-scale subsurface geologic structural features and evaluate prospects for oil and gas reserves.

Comments must be submitted though the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The deadline to receive comments is April 30, 2012. BOEM will not consider anonymous comments.

Subsea World News Staff , April 13, 2012; Image: ION