A trio of Newfoundland offshore drilling projects have moved a step closer to the exploration phase following the completion of federally-mandated environmental assessments.
In a news release issued Tuesday, the federal government confirmed the proposed BHP Canada, Central Ridge and West Flemish Pass exploration drilling projects can proceed. The proponents for the three projects, respectively, are BHP Petroleum (New Ventures), Equinor Canada and Chevron Canada. The exploration licences for all three projects are for areas located approximately 350-375 kilometres east of St. John's.
In the release, the federal government said the environmental assessments concluded "they are not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects when mitigation measures are taken into account." It noted the drilling projects are bound legally to comply with a number of conditions relevant to protecting fish and fish habitats, migratory birds, species-at-risk and the use of resources by Indigenous peoples.
The three projects may also still need to obtain further authorizations and permits from federal departments and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.
