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Viewpoints, drilling offshore off the coast of Virginia. Offshore oil and gas decisions require an honest broker. 3/8/09. Date published: 3/8/2009
GLOUCESTER POINT --There has been much press lately concerning the proper role of science in policy and decision-making, on issues ranging from Chesapeake Bay restoration to climate change, and our nation's energy future.In 2006, Virginia's General Assembly made a policy decision to "support federal efforts to determine the extent of natural gas resources 50 miles or more off the Atlantic shoreline." Based on this decision, the federal Minerals Management Service included a portion of Virginia's outer continental shelf in its lease-sale process for oil and gas resources. The questions following from these actions provide an instructive case for defining the role of science in policy, and for clarifying how scientists can contribute to making informed decisions The bottom line is that effectively answering the questions surrounding offshore exploration requires "honest brokers" who are able to provide unbiased scientific information, and, just as importantly, to help clarify the policy options that are available. QUESTIONS NEED ANSWERS The questions are as complex and numerous as the steps required to transform sea-bottom hydrocarbons into saleable fuels: What is the extent of recoverable reserves within the Virginia lease-sale area? (This pie-shaped area of 2.9 mil-lion acres extends from 50 to 180 miles offshore, in water depths from 120 to 11,000 feet.) How might the seismic surveys needed to delineate reserves affect marine mammals? How might production platforms impact the marine environment during construction or operation? Would they pose a hazard to navigation? Could they survive a hurricane? Would they mar the view of boaters? (At 50 miles out they would be invisible from shore.) What are the probable environmental impacts of pipelines that would most likely carry gas or oil to shore? Should they rest on the sea floor or be buried? Pipelines could affect bottom-dwelling organisms, and might conflict with submarine communications cables, both commercial and military. Other potential conflicts involve interactions with commercial fishing gear, archaeological resources, and unexploded ordinance. Offshore drilling also raises concerns onshore. Where should a pipeline make landfall? Landfall on marsh, beach, dunes, or bluffs would each pose different environmental consequences. How about sea-level rise? What onshore structures are required for refining or processing? How could the pipeline and associated infrastructure be secured? Where might the offshore work force live?
Date published: 3/8/2009
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