Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Water Resources
Survey ships could contribute small amounts of fuel or oil to the ocean or river
through bilge discharges or leaks. Anchoring of the ships can cause sediment from
the seabed or riverbed to enter the water column. Negligible to minor impact on
water quality would be expected. Relatively limited amounts of water would be used
if drilling were required; this water could be obtained locally or it could be trucked
in with the drilling equipment. Land-based site evaluation activities are anticipated
to have minimal or no impact on water resources, local water quality, water flows,
and surface water/groundwater interactions.
Land Use
Very few offshore and onshore site evaluation activities are expected; consequently,
no impacts on existing land uses are anticipated.
Soils and Geologic Resources
Seabed, riverbed, and onshore ground disturbances would be minimal during the
site evaluation phase and, as a result, impacts on seabed and riverbed sediments or
soils are unlikely to occur. Site characterization activities would also be unlikely to
activate geological hazards.
Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources present within the project area could be impacted by any
seafloor, riverbed, or ground disturbance. Such disturbance could result from drill-
ing and sampling activities and, for land-based activities, vehicular and pedestrian
traffic. These activities would be very limited in scope during this phase and would
not be likely to affect paleontological resources. Surveys conducted during this
phase to evaluate the presence and significance of paleontological resources in the
area would assist developers in designing the project to avoid or minimize impacts
on these resources.
Transportation
Impacts on transportation are anticipated to be insignificant during the site evalua-
tion phase from the one or two survey vessels that might be deployed at any one time.
Vehicular traffic would be temporary and intermittent and would be limited to very
low volumes of heavy- and medium-duty equipment and personal vehicles.
Visual Resources
Site evaluation activities would have temporary and minor visual effects caused by
the presence of survey vessels, workers, vehicles, and equipment.
Socioeconomics
Site evaluation activities are temporary and limited and would not result in socioeco-
nomic impacts on employment, local services, or property values.
