white rose oilfield development application - Husky Energy

5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTThe EIS (Comprehensive Study Part One) assesses the potential effects of the proposed White Roseoilfield development on the biophysical environment. The assessment reflects comments raised bystakeholders, the scoping document issued by regulatory agencies, CEAA and the C-NOPB guidelines(1988).Valued Environmental Components (VECs) considered in this EIS were determined through theregulatory review and issues scoping process, and include;• fish and fish habitat;• seabirds;• marine mammals; and• sea turtles.For each VEC, effects are assessed for the two to three-year development phase, and the expected 12 to14 year production lifespan of the project. Effects that could continue after decommissioning andaccidental events are also considered. The spatial boundaries of the assessment include the Grand Banksand the nearshore areas being considered for on-shore facilities.The assessment approach involved:• describing the existing physical and biological environments;• identifying potential interactions between the biophysical environment and the project;• identifying, evaluating and classifying anticipated environmental effects, including cumulativeenvironmental effects;• identifying mitigative measures;• assessing the residual environmental effects of the project after mitigation;• determining the significance of residual effects; and• identifying monitoring and follow-up initiatives.5.1 Existing Environment5.1.1 Regional Setting (Physical Environment)The White Rose oilfield is located on the northeast Grand Banks, in an open ocean site approximately350 km east of St. John’s. The climatic and oceanic conditions, and susceptibility to seasonal intrusionsof ice, make this area one of the harsher operating environments in the world.White Rose DA Project Summary • January 2001 Page 68