Newfoundland and Labrador
BP is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling program within one exploration licence (EL) in the West Orphan Basin. Located between 343 and 496 kilometres offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, an initial exploration well called Ephesus is planned for 2023.
Exploring offshore Newfoundland and Labrador aligns with BP’s significant experience in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas offshore.
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Environmental assessment
In 2018, BP submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and EIS Summary document to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada for review by regulatory agencies, Indigenous peoples, and public stakeholders. These documents described the proposed drilling program activities and potential environmental and social impacts, as well as associated mitigation proposed to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts. On February 12, 2020 the Minister of Environment and Climate Change issued the Environmental Assessment Decision Statement indicating the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and establishing a set of conditions to which the project must comply if it proceeds. All documents associated with the environmental assessment process are available on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. BP will adhere with these conditions and work with the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board and other regulatory agencies to obtain additional approvals required before the drilling program can proceed.
Planning and incident prevention
Safe operations are BP’s priority. The company’s goals are clear: no accidents, no harm to people and no damage to the environment.
Throughout the lifecycle of projects and operations, BP aims to manage and mitigate environmental impacts. Offshore exploration activity requires operators to submit an environmental protection plan to the Canada-Newfoundland & Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) that will support appropriate management of statutory requirements, as well as conditions and commitments from the environmental assessment.
A suite of robust and fully compliant incident response plans will be developed for the Newfoundland & Labrador Orphan Basin Exploration Drilling Project.
Community engagement
BP recognizes the importance of early and ongoing Indigenous and stakeholder engagement that continues over the life of the project. In late 2017, we initiated discussions with Indigenous communities, fisheries stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to introduce our proposed exploration drilling program and to obtain early feedback on interests and concerns. BP will continue to engage with Indigenous communities and interested stakeholders during project planning and implementation.
Newfoundland & Labrador Orphan Basin Exploration Drilling Project - Associated Documents
BP Canada Energy Group ULC is conducting exploration drilling activities offshore Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023. In accordance with Condition 2.9 – Information Submission and Publication from the Decision Statement, issued under Section 54 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, BP Canada is required to post specific reports and information on a public website. The reports provided are in compliance with this requirement. The report listing will be updated as new information becomes available. Additional Environment Assessment background, related information, regulations, statutes and guidelines are available on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) websites.