Background
In 1999, a Joint Review Panel conducted public hearings on the drilling moratorium on Georges Bank. Both the federal and provincial governments accepted the Panel's report and recommendations, which included extending the moratorium until December 31, 2012.
At the time of the review, the Province also recognized a need to “…gather more research and scientific information about the Georges Bank ecosystem, particularly regarding fishing, petroleum activities and new technologies” (Nova Scotia Royal Gazette, April 12, 2000).
In March 2008, the Nova Scotia Department of Energy provided OEER with funding to support scientific research on matters specific to Georges Bank. In July 2009, OEER released two Invitations for Commercial Proposals (ICPs) for a 30-day scientific and technical review period by stakeholders. The ICPs studies, relating to Georges Bank, are titled “A Preliminary Review of Environmental and Socio-Economic Issues – Georges Bank” and “An Assessment of Existing and Emerging Technologies and Mitigative Measures - Focusing on Georges Bank”. Stakeholder feedback was incorporated and the Commercial Proposals were released for bidding in October 2009. OEER selected Stantec Consulting Limited of Halifax, in partnership with Gardner-Pinfold, as the successful consultants to complete the two studies.
A Preliminary Review of Environmental and Socio-Economic Issues – Georges Bank
The purpose of this study was to conduct an independent third-party preliminary review to outline the current state of knowledge on the science and issues that led to the 1999 Panel recommendation to extend the moratorium. In addition, Stantec Consulting Limited, in partnership with Gardner-Pinfold, undertook a preliminary review of issues related to potential environmental and socio-economic impacts pertaining to offshore petroleum activities on Georges Bank if such activities were to be permitted.
An Assessment of Existing and Emerging Technologies and Mitigative Measures - Focusing on Georges Bank
The purpose of this study was to conduct an assessment of technologies and practices in offshore exploration, drilling and production that have been developed or emerging since the 1999 Georges Bank review. Specifically, the study assesses the reliability of the technologies and practices, and their effectiveness in assuring that predicted environmental risks are adequately addressed and mitigated.
“These two studies will provide critical scientific information to the Minister of Energy that will help to ensure decisions related to Georges Bank are based on the most current and accurate information available,” says Dr. Wayne St-Amour, Executive Director of OEER. “Given the importance of these studies, we are confident that Stantec Consulting Limited has delivered high quality research, helping to fill the knowledge gaps that currently exist with respect to Georges Bank.”
Peer Review
OEER established a review committee comprised of scientific and technical experts made up of government researchers, academics, private industry consultants and the fishing industry (NORIGS3). Correspondence received March 24, 2010 indicated that NORIGS3 withdrew from the review committee.
The committee first independently reviewed Stantec’s two reports over a span of several weeks, and then together reviewed the reports over a two day period in April 2010. The committee members provided their technical, scientific and editorial recommendations and advice to OEER and Stantec prior to completion of the reports.
Final reports are now publicly available on the OEER website. Please click here to download them.