221216000714 - Application for Renewal of the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for the proposed 2D and 3D seismic survey operations covering Blocks 1708, 1709, 1710, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1908, 1909, 1910BREL, 1910A, 1910B, 1911, 2009, 2010A, 2011A, 2010B, 2011B,

The renewed ECC is required by the Proponent with respect to the proposed 2D and 3D multiclient seismic survey operations covering Blocks 1708, 1709, 1710, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1908, 1909, 1910BREL, 1910A, 1910B, 1911, 2009, 2010A, 2011A, 2010B, 2011B, 2012B, 2109, 2110B, 2110A, 2111A, 2111Bb and Parts of Blocks 1711, 1811A, 1811B, 1812, 1912A, 1912B, 2012A, 2013A, 2013B, 2113B, 2112A, 2112B, 2111Ba, 2211Aa, 2211Ab, 2210A and 2210B, Namibe and Walvis Basins, offshore Northern Namibia. The water depth of the initial proposed survey area covering the northern offshore Namibia falls within the Photic (ca-100m) and Abyssal Zones with steep to very steep seafloor profile (ca-4000 m). The proposed survey area totals about 204395sq kms with more than 80% of the area falling within the deep-water. The proposed survey is scheduled to start in January / February 2023 subject to the renewal of the ECC and request for seismic survey activities by the license holders. The duration of each survey event will be variable but averaging ninety (90) days at sea. The activities associated with proposed project have been characterised into routine, physical presence and accidental operational activities. The following is the summary of the proposed project implementation stages as assessed in the updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report with mitigation measures provided in the updated Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Report: (i) Mobilisation and pre-survey preparations. (ii) Actual survey operations. (iii) Post survey operations, and. (iv) Non-routine or accidental events. Both the survey and support vessels will use existing facilities in the Port of Walvis Bay for supplies, fuelling and crew changeover as may be required and if required. There will be no requirement for any additional port infrastructure to be constructed or modified to support the proposed survey. No helicopter crew transfer support is anticipated except in event of an emergency. Most of the impacts resulting from the proposed project activities will occur in the marine receiving environment within the survey area, and possibly immediately surrounding area, with some very limited to no potential to impact to the Walvis Bay Port facilities and receiving coastal and onshore environments.