In an environmental assessment of the company’s exploration plan, which involves 12 possible locations for “geophysical surveys, exploration and appraisal drilling,” MMS said its analysis found that Shell’s plans would not cause “undue or serious harm or damage to the human, marine or coastal environment.”

The agency’s approval, which is already receiving protests from environmental groups, was subject to 12 conditions, most of which involve the protection of wildlife in the region and include an approved “application for permit to drill.” A APD can’t be approved until the exploration plan has been deemed consistent with the State of Alaska Coastal Management Program (see Feb. 19 news bulletin).

Prior to the National Marine Fisheries Service open water meeting in April, Shell must also submit to MMS the final version of the 2007 conflict avoidance agreement with the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission and the Whaling Captains Associations of Kaktovik, Nuiqsut and Barrow.

In a separate letter, also dated Feb. 15, MMS approved Shell’s Beaufort Sea Regional Exploration Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan. The approval was subject to 22 conditions.

MMS said it will require Shell to conduct an equipment deployment exercise and an incident management team tabletop exercise to demonstrate the company’s ability to carry out the offshore response tactics described in the contingency plan. The agency said a 2007 mutual aid drill planned for Sept. 5 by Alaska Clean Seas will meet MMS’ needs for the Shell near-shore response tactics demonstration.

Shell’s 2007 drilling activities, which include four wells, will occur approximately 16 miles north of the Point Thomson unit.