The Policies and Regulations behind Seismic Line Development between North American Arctic Borderlands Vanessa N. Potvin

Overview Context Seismic Lines Policies and Regulations Importance of Cross-Border Relationships Conclusions Future Research Thank You

“we live in a very bordered world” Context “we live in a very bordered world” ̴ Diener and Hagen Borders PNWER Nunavut

Context The Oil and Gas Process AEPS IUCN

Seismic Lines Onshore 2D vs. 3D

Northern Alberta Seismic lines can be reused, but the conditions of this reuse are site specific. The terms under which these lines can be reused deal with their distance from existing lines, regrowth, the current utilization of the area, and disturbances that are occurring.

Northern British Columbia No specific regulations were found. In order to undertake seismic surveys, an application must be filled out in which it must state why the existing line is not being used – when within 400m of an existing line. This reasoning must be justified. It has also been noted that there is no incentive to restore existing seismic lines. This may suggest that there is a high re-use rate of present lines.

Northwest Territories After the seismic lines have been used, they are to be restored. As restoration is the primary goal after the line is used, one may assume that many lines will not be reused. The Oil and Gas Geophysical Operations Act does not mention reuse of seismic lines. However, it has been stated that existing lines should be used where appropriate to minimize impacts of future projects.

Yukon The reuse of the seismic lines depends on the current use of the line, and re-growth of the vegetation throughout the line.

Alaska Unknown

Importance of Cross-Border Relationships · economic issues · wildlife migration · government cooperation

Conclusion “Reuse of seismic lines – whether for gas and oil development or other purposes – is clearly an issue which has significant impact on borderlands where different regulatory frameworks may place obstacles in the way of cross-border economic development- particularly in the area of oil and gas development.”

Future Research Impacts on ecosystems Clyde River – Supreme Court of Canada Case The inclusion of ATK

Thank You Heather Nicol – Trent University Kate Neville – University of Toronto Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly – University of Victoria Nicole Bates-Eamer – University of Victoria