IAGC

New Report from Joint OGP/IAGC Sound & Marine Life Task Force

noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:45:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce the publishing of a new report by OGP and IAGC entitled Fundamentals of Underwater Sound (May, 2008, OGP Report No. 406). This report has been produced by the Joint OGP/IAGC Sound & Marine Life Task Force and is the first in what we intend to be a series of technical monographs on aspects of the issue of how industry sounds (at all stages in the E&P lifecycle) may affect marine life. The report has been written as a primer to assist the reader in understanding the extremely complex topic of underwater acoustics. Inevitably, the report contains a number of physical and mathematical expressions that are essential to explain this intricate subject. We have tried to keep these to a minimum. A copy of this report is available for purchase from OGPs website (http://www.ogp.org.uk/), or the PDF file of the report can be downloaded for free at http://www.ogp.org.uk/pubs/406.pdf and at http://www.iagc.org/en/cms/?1117. If you would like further information on the...

25-Jun-08 4:45 PM

IAGC Submits Comments on Proposed Seismic Rule Change in Arkansas

noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:00:00 GMT

The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC), has proposed amendments to Commission Rule B-42 Seismic Rules and Regulations. Most of the current language of Rule B-42 has been retained and re-formatted for ease of use. However, they have proposed changes that are more than just adding clarity and that will have a potential detrimental economic impact to seismic operators. The IAGC submitted comments to the AOGC on behalf of the members on May 1, 2008 challenging the need to increase the application fee for a seismic permit, increasing the time the AOGC requires financial assurance to remain in effect and increasing the number of days a seismic contractor must give notice to a land owner prior to commencing field seismic operations.

IAGC will continue to monitor the progress of this proposed rule change in Arkansas and keep members updated.

16-May-08 5:00 PM

CNSOPB Decides to Suspend Discussions with IAGC and CAGC

noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:00:00 GMT

As reported in the IAGC March 2008 Newsletter on March 5, 2008 IAGC and CAGC sent a letter to CNSOPB expressing our displeasure with their latest proposal. On April 18, 2008 the CNSOPB responded stating that the Board had decided to defer its policy decision on non-exclusive seismic data until the end of 2008 and instructed the staff to suspend discussions with the IAGC and CAGC so as to allow the provincial government to pursue a broader initiative regarding offshore geoscience research designed to address the geoscience gaps that have been identified. In a follow-up conversation with CNSOPB staff it was learned that the provincial government would be contacting IAGC and CAGC to discuss this broader initiative and explore how its members could participate. Also it was learned that the CNSOPB would not be offering to the public non-exclusive seismic data at their Data Management Center until such time the Board has made a final determination regarding viewing of 2-D and 3-D non-exclusive data.

IAGC will continue to monitor this issue and will keep all members apprised of any meetings and discussions with the CNSOPB staff and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia regarding their geoscience initiative. If you have any questions, please contact the IAGC staff lead on this issue, Walt Rosenbusch.

16-May-08 4:00 PM

MMS issues Information Requirements for EPs and DOCDs NTL 2008-G04

noemail@iagc.org — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:15:00 GMT

Effective 1 May 2008, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR) issued NTL 2008-G04 Information Requirements for Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents. This NTL provides guidance on the information requirements for OCS plans required by 30 CFR 250, subpart B. Specifically, the NTL provides additional guidance on the information requirements regarding compliance with the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), provides guidance on replacing high-resolution survey lines with 3-D survey data and information for shallow hazards analyses, and makes minor technical amendments. This NTL requires lessees and operations to provide information to accompany OCS plans to describe how the proposed activities will be conducted in a manner consistent with the ESA and the MMPA, including monitoring and mitigation measures. During the week of 12 May 2008, IAGC staff will meet with MMS headquarters staff to discuss the implications of this NTL. More information will follow after this meeting.

Background documents:

13 April 2007 Federal Register Notice Final Rule regarding revisions to 30 CFR 250, subpart B

30 August 2005 Federal Register Notice regarding Final Regulations amending 30 CFR 250, subpart B

12-May-08 11:15 AM

EarthJustice files lawsuit to stop seismic surveys offshore Alaska

noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:00:00 GMT

On 5 May 2008, the non-governmental organization EarthJustice filed a lawsuit and motion for a preliminary injuction against Minerals Management Service (MMS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in an effort to stop marine seismic surveys from occuring in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in the summer and fall 2008. The plaintiffs include the Native Village of Point Hope, Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands (REDOIL), the Alaska Wilderness League, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Pacific Environment. The Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, and the Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez, were named as defendants in addition to MMS and NMFS. The lawsuit alleges that MMS has violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by issuing multiple permits for marine seismic surveys in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas for 2008 prior to the completion of a programmatic EIS. Also, the complaint alleges NMFS has violated NEPA by issuing Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHA) for the 'take' of marine mammals incidental to seismic operations in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.

9-May-08 11:00 AM

UK JNCC Consultation includes revised seismic guidelines - Call for comments

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:45:00 GMT

As part of a larger consultation to avoid deliberate disturbance of marine European protected species, the United Kingdom’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) revised their Guidelines for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey and the latest draft is now available for review by the public. The entire consultation document, The deliberate disturbance of marine European Protected Species: Guidance for English and Welsh territorial waters and the UK offshore marine area, is available at http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-4227. The deadline to submit comments on the consultation document, including the revised guidelines, is 4 June 2008. David Hedgeland, PGS, is coordinating the Joint OGP/IAGC Sound & Marine Life Task Force’s effort to review the consultation document and prepare comments. Please contact David at David.Hedgeland@pgs.com or Sarah Tsoflias at sarah.tsoflias@iagc.org if you would like to participate in the review process or have comments to...

10-Apr-08 10:45 AM

Canada DFO convenes Workshop to review scientific information

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:15:00 GMT

On 26-28 March 2008, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) convened the Review of Scientific Information on the Impacts of Seismic Sound on Fish, Invertebrates, and Marine Mammals Workshop II, 2008. In preparation for the Workshop, LGL, Ltd. prepared a summary report for DFO, Updated Review of Scientific Information on Impacts of Seismic Survey Sound on Marine Mammals, 2004-present. According to the DFO website, the workshop focused on the review of research studies and science publications from 2004 to present. The review addressed the following two questions: 1. Does the information contained in the published papers and reports released since 2004 warrant additions and/or changes to be made to the conclusions of the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Habitat Status Report 2004/002 – Review of the Scientific Information on the Impacts of Seismic Sound on Fish, Invertebrates, Marine Turtles and Marine Mammals? If yes: a) What would be the revised...

10-Apr-08 10:15 AM

Industry dialogue with Irish regulators

noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

IAGC, in coordination with the Irish Offshore Operators Association (IOOA) and the Joint OGP/IAGC Sound & Marine Life Task Force, continues to participate in discussions regarding the July 2007 implementation of Code of Practice for the Protection of Marine Mammals during Acoustic Seafloor Surveys in Irish Waters. The IOOA sent additional letters to the Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) outlining Industry’s concerns regarding mitigation measures stipulated in the Code of Practice. IAGC has requested its members to provide information regarding “typical” marine seismic surveys conducted in Irish waters. This information will be used to quantitatively demonstrate the increase in survey time and cost due to operating under the Irish guidelines as opposed to the existing JNCC guidelines. Finally, in an effort to more proactively engage in activities related to marine seismic operations in Ireland, IAGC has requested a seat on the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) Steering Group.

9-Apr-08 10:00 AM

Implications for Industry resulting from Canada NSERC’s decision regarding BATHOLITHS project

noemail@iagc.org — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:30:00 GMT

A joint team of Canadian and American researchers proposed a project, BATHOLITHS, to geologically map the Coast Mountain region in an attempt to better understand the complex structure of the earth’s crust (please refer to earlier IAGC newsletter article on this topic). However, the use of seismic sources in the project raised concerns for conservation groups, scientists, First Nations, and fishermen in the region. The Living Oceans Society (LOS) successfully convinced the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to terminate the proposed BATHOLITHS project. A statement in the June 2007 West Coast Environmental Law newsletter emphasizes the magnitude of NSERC’s decision and potential implications for offshore oil and gas exploration, “The NSERC decision is significant in that it establishes a precedent that seismic modeling using the blasting technique poses serious and unacceptable threats to marine life. Thus, the impact of the NSERC decision on the Batholiths Project has far reaching implications for the oil and gas industry.”

6-Apr-08 12:30 PM

New MMS study will investigate methods to reduce noise from seismic vessels

noemail@iagc.org — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Technology Assessment & Research (TAR) Program of Offshore Minerals Management has awarded Stress Engineering Services Inc. a contract to research methods to reduce noise from seismic vessels. The technical effort will focus on discovering and validating by proof-of-concept testing a method and equipment for affecting lateral noise reduction in the marine environment due to seismic operations. For more information, please visit http://www.mms.gov/tarprojects/608.htm.

6-Apr-08 10:00 AM

Joint OGP / IAGC Sound & Marine Life Task Force activities

noemail@iagc.org — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 GMT

In March 2008, OGP and IAGC jointly published the paper, Fundamentals of Underwater Sound (Report No. 406). Another report, Overview of Marine Seismic Operations, is currently undergoing final review with an expected publication date of July 2008. In addition, the Task Force has formed a working group, led by David Hedgeland (PGS), to review and identify issues with the JNCC consultation, The deliberate disturbance of marine European Protected Species: Guidance for English and Welsh territorial waters and the UK offshore marine area and prepare comments for submission.

6-Apr-08 9:00 AM

Aide Memoir for Geophysical Risk Assessors Fatalities

noemail@iagc.org — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Risk management has to be experienced-based, and hence needs a memory function. Risk assessments for low frequency, high potential incidents (fatalities) need to be done on the basis of collective industry experience. But with the great crew-change that is occurring today, to an extent this memory is being lost. To help address and improve this situation, IAGC and the OGP Geophysical HSE Subcommittee are assembling a database of fatalities from geophysical operations. We believe this important project will improve the industries’ HSE management of geophysical operations. The database would serve this purpose and furthermore: Provide essential training material for the new generation of professionals. Knowledge of what has gone wrong in the past. Avoid re-inventing of the wheel the hard way. Help answer the question: Has this happened before? Provide completeness checks on hazard registers and HSE guidelines and manuals. Provide further statistical...

31-Mar-08 3:00 PM

Spring Global HSE Forum Announcement

noemail@iagc.org — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The IAGC/OGP announces its spring 2008 Joint Global HSE Forum Meeting, organized to address current issues as they relate to Global Seismic Industry. Where: Negresco Hotel, Nice, France When: Monday, 14April 2008 (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM) What: Semi-annual meeting for the Joint IAGC/OGP Global HSE Forum; · Provides an opportunity for the seismic community to interact and share information/updates on specific HSE topics; · Provides updates and progress on issues worked both separately and collaboratively; · Provides opportunity to identify and prioritize new and current issues; · Provides processes for advancing the priorities. Topics to include: Land & Marine Step Change in Safety, Marine Environment Update, HSE Statistics, Land and Marine Seismic Safety Manual Updates, Aide Memoir for Geophysical Risk Assessors, Aviation Report Update, OGP 317 Workshop Update, Hi Potential Incidents – presented by Operations Managers! There will be no external...

18-Mar-08 2:00 PM

IAGC 2008 Annual Meeting Announcement

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

International Association of Geophysical Contractors IAGC 2008 Annual Meeting Announcement Where: London Hilton on Park Lane 22 Park Lane, London, UK W1K 1BE Tel: 44-207-4938000 When: Thursday, 21 February 2008 Registration commencing at 10:30 Meeting commencing at 11:00 What: - Election of IAGC Directors for 2008 – 2009 - Update of IAGC Global activities ...

7-Feb-08 10:00 AM

Spring Global HSE Forum to Coincide with SPE-HSE Conference

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:00:00 GMT

The Spring Forum is scheduled for April 14^th, 2008 and will be held in Nice, France at the Negresco Hotel. This Forum has been scheduled for one day and will coincide with the SPE-HSE Conference occurring the same week in Nice. There will be a number of papers presented at SPE-HSE Conference pertinent to IAGC members including one to be presented by our own Sarah Tsoflias and Chip Gill.

Be looking for an early announcement on the Forum to be coming out later this month.

17-Jan-08 2:00 PM

Dawson is Recognized for Best Practices

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

On August 14, 2007, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Deputy Director Jim Hughes announced the winners of the 2007 Oil, Gas and Geothermal Development Environmental Best Management Practices (BMP) Awards. The awards recognize oil, gas and geothermal operators or right-of-way grantees and their partners who are demonstrating leadership and creativity in reducing the impacts of developing natural gas, oil, and geothermal resources on federal public lands.

BP America and Dawson Geophysical Co. were honored in the category of Distinguished Integration of Environmental BMPs into Geophysical Exploration for a 2005 seismic project in the New Mexico portion of the San Juan Basin. The use of vibroseis machines, helicopter, pedestrians and/or ATV crews allowed BP and Dawson to minimize impacts to vegetation and wildlife the area. Click here to view a BLM news release about the BMP awards and to view a brief video explaining the mitigation measures Dawson used in completing the survey.

Congratulations Dawson!

5-Jan-08 3:00 PM

Notice of UK offshore Special Areas of Conservation Consultation

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 2007 became effective 21 August 2007 and form the legal basis for the implementation of the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) in United Kingdom (UK) offshore waters. The Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations require the selection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protected Areas (SPAs) in waters beyond 12 nm of the UK coast in order to protect offshore species and habitats. SACs are strictly protected sites designated under the EC Habitats Directive. Article 3 of the Habitats Directive requires the establishment of a European network of important high-quality conservation sites that will make a significant contribution to conserving the 189 habitat types and 788 species identified in Annexes I and II of the Directive. The listed habitat types and species are those considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level (excluding birds) (JNCC,...

20-Dec-07 9:00 AM

OGP E&P Sound & Marine Life Joint Industry Program Committee Meetings

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

During its meetings in August and November, the JIP Technical Management Committee (TMC) reviewed research proposals and recommended to the Executive Committee that approximately 15 new projects be funded and recommended supplementary funds for 6 existing projects. (*Please see below for an overview of some current and approved projects)
During its September meeting and also via subsequent email exchange, the JIP Executive Committee (ExCom) approved the projects for research as recommended by the TMC, essentially allocating the remaining 2007 monies. In addition, the ExCom discussed JIP research priorities for 2008 and long-term strategic planning. Also, the committee elected a new Chairman, John Young (ExxonMobil) and Vice Chairman, Bill Streever (BP). The next ExCom meeting is scheduled for 12-13 February 2008 in Sarasota, FL, USA.

New Research Projects include:

Testing of GPS/Depth Tags on Sperm whales
Environmental Assessment of Marine Vibroseis
Hearing Capabilities of Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Critical review of the Literature on Marine Mammal Population Modelling
A review of Literature to Estimate PCAD-transfer Functions
Application of Risk Assessment for Evaluating the Effects of Sound from E&P Operations on Marine Life
PAM Software Development: Detection, Classification and Localization Capabilities
Development and Implementation of Automatic Classification of Odontocetes within PAMGUARD

Ongoing Research Projects include:

3D Seismic Source Characterization Study
Single/cluster Airgun Measurements & Source Modelling
E&P Sound Inventory: Assessment of Industry Sound Sources
Mysticete Anatomical Ear Models
Fish Tissue Damage Study
TTS in Odontocetes
Cetacean Stock Assessment and Interactions with Seismic Operations
PAMGUARD
Density Estimation for Cetaceans from Passive Acoustic Fixed Sensors
Identification of Potential Utility of and Collation of Existing Marine Mammal Observer Data

1-Dec-07 9:00 AM

New NGO Campaign – Whales and Climate Change

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

At the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in May 2007 in Anchorage, AK, USA, two environmental NGOs, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) rolled out a new campaign - one dealing with impacts of climate change on whales. This campaign includes issuing a new report calling for government action - Whales in Hot Water, submission of a paper on the subject to the IWC Scientific Committee, and working up press coverage on the subject (a press release and multiple interviews, which resulted in fairly wide press coverage). The following quote from the press release gives a flavor of the approach these NGOs are taking. Note the references to E&P activities and to acoustic disturbance. Whales, dolphins and porpoises have some capacity to adapt to their changing environment, said Mark Simmonds, International Director of Science at WDCS. But the climate is now changing at such a fast pace that it is unclear to what extent...

1-Dec-07 9:00 AM

IACMST Underwater Sound Forum November Meeting

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The fourth meeting of the UK Inter-Agency Committee on Marine Science and Technology (IACMST) Underwater Sound Forum was held on 6 November 2007. Ross Compton (Westland GeoProjects) presented information on an ongoing research project “Mitigation of disturbance to marine mammals during seismic surveys – a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.” Ian Boyd (University of St. Andrews) provided an update on the field work for the AUTEC Behavioral Response Study. Though not as many whales were tagged as hoped, “definite responses [to sound] were observed and a good baseline was established.” In preparation for discussion at a future meeting, attendees agreed to summarize current available information regarding ocean noise budgets and determine if government agencies and international agencies such as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) use ocean noise budgets in decision making processes.

1-Dec-07 9:00 AM

IAGC Comments on Draft Brazilian Guidelines

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

In late November 2007, IBAMA requested Industry review and comment of its draft “Guide for Monitoring the Marine Biota during Offshore Seismic Surveys.” The IAGC Brazil Chapter reviewed the draft and submitted comments to IBAMA by 14 December 2007 as requested.

1-Dec-07 9:00 AM

Proposed Expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The United States National Marine Sanctuary System consists of 14 marine protected areas that encompass more than 150,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters. National marine sanctuaries are discrete portions of the marine environment designated to promote comprehensive management of their special conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, educational, or aesthetic resources. Sanctuary waters provide a secure habitat for species close to extinction and protect historically significant shipwrecks and artifacts. Each National Marine Sanctuary is managed according to a site-specific planning and management document that describes the objectives, policies and activities for a sanctuary. Management plans generally outline regulatory goals, and describe boundaries, research and education programs. They also guide the development of future management activities. The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) is located 70 to 115 miles off the...

1-Dec-07 9:00 AM

Industry Presentations at the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life International Conference

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life International Conference convened 13-17 August 2007 in Nyborg, Denmark. IAGC Vice President Sarah Tsoflias and John Young (ExxonMobil) presented a poster, “Marine Seismic Operations” at the conference. In addition, Robert Laws (Schlumberger) presented the paper he co-authored with David Hedgeland (PGS) on “The Marine Seismic Airgun” during the Anthropogenic Sources oral session. Both of these presentations were well received by the audience. Conference participants indicated that Industry presence and participation at the conference was welcomed and encouraged. The conference was attended by approximately 200 persons from academia, research institutions, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, the media, and Industry and was truly an international event.

1-Dec-07 9:00 AM

IAGC Launch New Website

noemail@iagc.org — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Welcome to IAGCs new website! We will be formally welcoming IAGC members shortly, but if you are unable to login in the usual way - username: email address, and normal password, and belong to an IAGC member company, then initially enter your email address and click on forgotten password. You should then receive an email with your password, which you can change if you wish. If your email address is not found in the new database (or you are not setup to login to the site), please email webmaster@iagc.org with any suggestions or comments.

5-Sep-07 6:00 AM

MMS provides clarification of mitigation measures

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

In April 2007, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR) sent an email message to geophysical contractors and MMO providers in an attempt to clarify the intent of NTL 2007-G02 Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected Species Observer Program. However, since that time, additional questions were raised by an IAGC member company addressing specific concerns related to wide azimuth surveys. On 19 June representatives of the IAGC member company, IAGC President Chip Gill, and MMS GOMR staff met to discuss marine mammal mitigation measures and seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. The following week, 27 June, this issue was discussed at the IAGC Americas Offshore Committee meeting and MMS was invited to participate. Following that meeting, the IAGC member company wrote a letter to MMS requesting clarification in writing of specific items discussed during the afore mentioned meetings. On 2 August, MMS officially responded to that letter. MMS has also sent this letter with its guidance (highlighted in yellow) to MMO providers for their information and clarification. Please read this document carefully and implement these measures if they apply to your operations. Items of particular note:

According to MMS, the NTL does NOT allow for any period of silence during the night or when the exclusion zone cannot be visually monitored. The only exception is if a passive acoustic monitoring system is used.
If passive acoustic monitoring is used, it must be deployed from ALL source vessels.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Workshop and Review of Noise Reduction Technologies

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

On 4-5 June 2007, the JIP-funded Workshop and Review of Noise Reduction Technologies Capable of Reducing Underwater Acoustical Footprints was held in Burlington, MA. Approximately 30 people, representing the E&P industry, government agencies, universities, MMO providers, and commercial contractors attended the workshop. Presentations included technologies to reduce sound energy produced from vessels, pile driving, dredging, drilling & production platforms, explosives, and seismic exploration. Marine vibroseis was presented as a technology to be used in certain environments and as a “tool in the toolbox” not a replacement for seismic surveys. A summary report of the workshop is in preparation and will be made available to JIP members, including IAGC.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Update on Single Airgun Measurement Study

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

The JIP-funded single airgun measurement study to collect near-field and far-field measurements of airgun signatures up to 50 kHz has been awarded to PGS. The contract was signed in June 2007. The experimental apparatus has been built and the initial testing program has begun in the Hjørundfjord, near Ålesund, Norway.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Update on 3D Seismic Source Characterization Study

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

The JIP-funded 3D Source Characterization Study will collect broad-band seismic data (up to 25 kHz) from an airgun array over a range of emission angles and azimuths. The field effort is scheduled to commence the first week of September 2007 in the Gulf of Mexico. If you would like a copy of the draft source characterization experimental design plan, please contact Sarah Tsoflias at Sarah.Tsoflias@iagc.org. Fairfield Industries is the contractor providing the source vessel, the M/V Fairfield Endeavor. A consortium of universities and the Naval Research Laboratory are tasked with deploying and recovering the acoustic recording devices from the M/V Cape Hatteras and analyzing the data. Thanks to the combined efforts of those contracted to conduct the study and members of the JIP, IAGC, and MMS, the project is currently on schedule.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Summary of IAGC Marine Seismic Operations, Contracting, and the Environment Workshop

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, 14 June 2007, IAGC hosted a one-day workshop to discuss issues related to marine seismic operations and the environment, and related contracting issues. The objectives of the workshop were to (1) review recent contractual and operational experiences with mitigations, (2) consider and if agreed, develop and recommend IAGC global guidelines, and (3) review and revise IAGC Marine Mammal Protection Statement of Principles (SOP). Approximately 15 people with experience in marine operations with international perspective on mitigation measures, marine exclusive and non-exclusive data acquisition business services, and contracting attended the workshop. First, participants discussed recent contractual and operational experiences with marine mammal mitigation measures. During the course of those discussions, several useful suggestions for revising the SOP were voiced and noted. Next, the attendees unanimously agreed to develop IAGC Recommended Minimum Mitigations for Whales during Geophysical Operations. During the workshop, the participants drafted a document outlining recommended minimum mitigations and agreed to provide comments on a draft to be circulated to participants after the workshop. Participants also agreed to revise the SOP to reflect discussions at the workshop. Once participants review and agree on drafts of the minimum mitigations and SOP, the workshop participants will circulate the documents through the appropriate IAGC committees for broader member comment. Finally, if IAGC members concur, the documents will be submitted for BOD approval.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Update on OSPAR “Underwater Sound” Background Paper

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

The most recent version of the OSPAR “Underwater Sound” Background Paper was discussed at the Joint OGP/IAGC E&P Sound & Marine Life Task Force meeting on 24-25 July 2007. The members of the Task Force agreed to provide additional comments on the document to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP). OGP submitted comments on the document to Wolfgang Dinter (German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation) on 24 August 2007 for consideration in revision of the document. The final draft of the paper will be submitted to OSPAR by 31 August 2007 in order to be considered at the next Environmental Impact of Human Activities (EIHA) Working Group meeting in early October.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Additional requirements for MMS G&G Permits

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

On 19 July 2007, the IAGC met with Resource and Evaluation (RE) staff of the MMS GOMR. During that meeting they outlined to representatives of the IAGC in attendance changes they will be making in the G&G permitting process.

In the past, electro-magnetic survey contractors have requested and MMS has granted (with some mitigation) the contractor the authority to leave behind on the seafloor anchors used in their operations. Due to environmental, lease operator issues and a new internal requirement arising from a Louisiana lawsuit (the MMS has to keep track of all items left on the seafloor from oil and gas operations) the MMS will no longer allow anchors to be left behind that are not degradable. As part of their review and analysis preceding this change the MMS determined that this change would not create a hardship on the contracting community because their research concluded that contractors had access to commercial available, degradable anchors. The MMS is developing a letter that will be sent to the contracting community announcing this change.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Australia releases revised guidelines for public comment

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

For the past several years, the Australian Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEWR) has been developing a revised version of its guidelines for marine mammal mitigation measures during offshore seismic surveys, Interaction between Offshore Seismic Operations and Whales. Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), with support from IAGC and others in Industry, has provided information to and has worked with the Australian government on the revision of the guidelines. On 3 July 2007, the Minister of DEWR announced that the revised guidelines had been released for public comment. APPEA is developing comments on the guidelines and has invited IAGC to participate in that process. A few key points from the revised guidelines are: For proposed seismic surveys that can demonstrate through sound modeling or empirical measurements that the received acoustic signal at 1km will not likely exceed 160dB re 1μPa2•s for 95% of the time, the following...

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

Summary of Detection & Classification of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics Workshop

noemail@iagc.org — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT

On 24-26 July 2007, IAGC Vice President Sarah Tsoflias attended the 3^rd International Workshop on Detection and Classification of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics in Boston, MA. The workshop was well attended by scientists from around the globe. Topics of oral presentations included underwater acoustics, 2D and 3D localization algorithms, tracking algorithms, cetacean abundance estimations, classification systems, real time systems, and automated systems. The workshop demonstrated that passive acoustic methods have improved over the last several years but real-time, automated, 3D tracking systems are still in development. Many researchers at the workshop expressed an interest in the JIP and the studies it wished to fund concerning detection, classification, and localization software. The JIP is presently drafting a request for proposals (RFP) to pursue these studies.

1-Sep-07 9:00 AM

IAGC Files Comments on EPA Proposed Rulemaking

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:00:00 GMT

On August 6, 2007 the IAGC filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to their Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) they published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2007 regarding the “incidental discharges from vessels”. A District Federal Court in California decision has vacated the federal regulation excluding discharges incidental to normal vessel operations from the Clean Water Act Permitting. Accordingly, the federal court is requiring the EPA to develop regulations that will create a permitting process by September 30, 2008. The EPA has appealed the District Court ruling.

The purpose of the ANPR is to provide notice to those entities likely impacted by this new regulation and to solicit information that would aide the EPA in drafting regulations. Comments submitted by IAGC included a discussion of the investment (dollars, time and personnel) that IAGC and its member companies make in the development, promotion and implementation of best management practices in the area of health, safety and environment. Additionally, IAGC proposed EPA to treat oceanographic research vessels uniquely and if EPA is unsuccessful in appeal to reverse the district ruling the EPA should develop a general permitting process for oceanographic research vessels because they are a distinctive class of ocean vessels, perform a distinctive type of operation, are not engaged in the transportation of cargo or goods and at worst, represent a risk of only de minimis discharges.

Go to the IAGC website to read the comments in their entirety.

2-Aug-07 3:00 PM

Translation of Land Safety Manual to Chinese

noemail@iagc.org — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:00:00 GMT

BGP International has graciously undertaken translating the Land Safety Manual( Verison 9) from English to Chinese. This translation has already begun and should be available in the very near future. A PDF version will reside on this website for free download. Hard copies of the manual will contracted based on interest. Many thanks to BGP International for this effort.

30-Jul-07 10:00 AM

Land Step Change (LSC) in Safety - Upcoming Crew Manager Meeting

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The second Crew Managers Network (CMN) meeting will be held at Schlumberger House at Gatwick Airport, England, on Friday, September 14th, 2007. A welcome dinner on Thursday evening the 13th September will precede the meeting.

The CMN will discuss the results of the First Safety Theme of Driving, rolled out in July 2007. Each attendee will present a High Potential Incident or Safety Alert and lead the discussion on lessons learned. These discussions will lead to the selection of choices for the Second Theme Week. Choices will then be presented to the Coordinating Committee for discussion and ultimately to the Steering Committee for final approval.

While the agenda is not yet final, we hope to have a presentation on a Special Topic.

Attendees will be selected by the Coordinating Committee company representatives. Details for hotels, dinner, and the meeting will be provided to those attending.

19-Jul-07 10:00 AM

New Statement of Principles on Security of Seismic Operations

noemail@iagc.org — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:00:00 GMT

The International Association of Geophysical Contractors, IAGC, Announces a New Statement of Principles on Security of Seismic Operations. Commencing in 2002 IAGC members have adopted a series of Statements of Principles (SOPs) which address those contractual areas between geophysical contractors and their clients which have been found to be the most contentious. The recent increase in security related risks associated with seismic operations and the experience when those risks develop into incidents, have spotlighted the complexity and importance of properly and thoroughly addressing this area in contracts for seismic operations. Based on experience, it became apparent that a geophysical industry SOP for how data acquisition contracts should manage operational security risks was needed. IAGC members commenced consideration of this subject in 2005 and recently completed a SOP for the industrys consideration and use. This new SOP is now available for download (see and download the ful...

5-Jul-07 3:00 AM

Land Step Change in Safety Initiates first Safety Theme Week

noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:00:00 GMT

The Land Step Change in Safety Initiative is world wide effort to bring awareness to the need for Safety in our crew operations. It was approved and initiated in early 2006 and is based on the highly successful Marine Step Change initiative. Land Step Change is being developed by IAGC members, while the Marine Step Change is an industry program. The Safety Posters are available to the industry. POSTERS The basis of the Land Step Change program is the same as Marine Step change and is made of up 3 committees with representatives from 6 ( originally 7) large contractors*. The Steering committee’s delegates are Senior Managers with responsibility for Land Operations. The Coordinating committee’s delegates are HSE professionals and most of the preparatory work falls on this committee. Last and probably most important is the Crew Managers committee which includes field crew managers. They are responsible for implementing the initiative and directives on their crews and...

29-Jun-07 2:00 PM

Dee Morris receives Honorary Lifetime Membership

noemail@iagc.org — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:00:00 GMT

In March 2007, IAGC recognized the many years of volunteer service DeWitt Morris has given to the Western U.S. Lands committee and bestowed to him Honorary Lifetime Membership.

Dee has been an active member of IAGC for over16 years, and served as Chair of the Western U.S. Lands committee for 6 years. He initiated and has been integral in the BLM/SHPO/NEPA efforts over these 16 years, investing his personal time and expense.

Dee has more than thirty years in the seismic industry and has worked for several companies. He now owns and operates Green River Energy Resources, and provides services to many IAGC members. His commitment to IAGC was fueled by his friend and mentor, Jim Krater, also an Honorary Lifetime Member of IAGC. Congratulations and thanks for all your efforts!

23-Mar-07 10:00 AM