Terms of Reference

Review of the Net Environmental Benefit Analysis in Support of the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project

Regional Science Response Process – Maritimes Region

January 23, 2015
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Chairperson: Andrew Newbould

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has received from the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) a ‘Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) Report” regarding proposed exploratory petroleum drilling by Shell Canada Limited in Shelburne Basin in the offshore of Nova Scotia. The report evaluates risks and response measures to a theoretical spill at the drilling sites. It presents the relative benefits and limitations of several response tools, including sub-sea and surface chemical dispersants, in the context of offshore (slope), nearshore (shelf) and shoreline zones, and in relation to a suite of marine ecosystem components (e.g., fish, birds, plankton, marine mammals, commercial fisheries etc.). The deadline for input is February 4, 2015.

Objectives

The objective of this Science Response Process is to provide science advice on the following question:

1. Does the document accurately describe and consider the marine ecosystem components that would be at risk from an oil spill incident?
2. Is the spill modelling used for the analysis consistent with the Department’s knowledge and understanding of bio-physical dynamics of the study area?
3. Does the document present its analysis, including concluding results and recommendations, in a manner that is logical and consistent with the Department’s understanding of oil spill risks, including those associated with the application of various spill response measures?

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Science
• DFO Fisheries Protection Program
• DFO Oceans Program

References

HDR. 2015 (DRAFT). Net Environmental Benefit Analysis Support for the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project. Draft 4b (December 23, 2014). 72pp.

Horn, M., and French McCay, D. 2014. Trajectory Modelling in Support of the Shelburne Basin Exploration Drilling Program: Analysis of Subsurface and Surface Dispersant Application. RPS ASA 2013-212. 17pp.