Record of Decision: United States Implementing Organization's Participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, 36919-36933 [E8-14772]

Agencies

• NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 126 (Monday, June 30, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36919-36933]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14772]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Record of Decision: United States Implementing Organization's 
Participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Record of Decision: United States Implementing Organization's 
Participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. James Allan, Program Director, 
Ocean Drilling Program, Division of Ocean Sciences, National Science 
Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 725, Arlington, VA 22230. 
Telephone: (703) 292-8581. E-mail: jallan@nsf.gov.
SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has decided to proceed 
with funding the United States Implementing Organization's (USIO) 
participation in the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), an 
international research program that explores the history and structure 
of the earth as recorded in seafloor sediments, fluids, and rocks. The 
planned action will result in the United States providing and operating 
a light, riserless drilling vessel, the modernized and retrofitted 
JOIDES Resolution, also referred to as the Scientific Ocean Drilling 
Vessel (SODV). The Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Inc. (COL) and its 
partners, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University 
(LDEO) and Texas A&M University (TAMU) through the Texas A&M Research 
Foundation (TAMRF) have been selected by NSF to be the IODP-USIO for 
the light drilling vessel and related activities.
    Alternative B has been selected as the preferred alternative. In 
reaching this decision, the Director of the NSF Ocean Drilling Program 
has considered the potential environmental impacts addressed in the 
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for proposed IODP-
USIO activities. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a part 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was a 
cooperating agency in the preparation of the PEIS. The Director has 
also sought input from Federal agencies, research institutions, private 
organizations, and individuals. A Notice of Availability for public 
review of the draft PEIS was published in the Federal Register and 
copies of the document were made available for review to all interested 
parties including international and U.S. Federal agencies, research 
institutions, private organizations, and individuals. Two public 
meetings were conducted. No comments were received.
    NSF will distribute this Record of Decision (ROD) to all known 
interested and affected persons and agencies and will publish a notice 
of its availability in the Federal Register.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Decision

Background

    The NSF proposes to fund the USIO's participation in the IODP, 
which involves the operation of a light,

[[Page 36920]]

riserless drilling vessel, the JOIDES Resolution (SODV) and the 
performance of related activities to support earth sciences research 
throughout the world's oceans where riserless drilling is optimally 
suited. Proposed activities to be conducted by the JOIDES Resolution 
include the mechanical operation of the vessel, riserless ocean 
drilling, core sampling, and onboard research activities.
    The IODP is an integrated, multi-drilling platform scientific 
research program with objectives identified in the IODP Science Plan 
(ISP), which provides fundamental guidance as to the scientific and 
technical objectives. IODP studies will lead to a better understanding 
of the deep biosphere and the sub-seafloor ocean; environmental change, 
processes, and impacts; and solid earth cycles and geodynamics. The 
specific IODP initial drilling initiatives require the IODP to deploy 
closely linked drilling platform types simultaneously. A riserless 
drillship such as the JOIDES Resolution will enable the IODP to reach 
the ocean's greatest depths more effectively than the other two 
available drilling IODP platforms. Additionally, the JOIDES Resolution 
will serve as a state-of-the-art riserless drilling research platform 
that is critical for achieving the program's scientific goals, 
particularly as IODP drilling progresses into harsher environments, 
where the challenge of recovering biologically, chemically and 
physically intact samples continues to increase.

Alternatives Considered

    The PEIS focused on the evaluation of all SODV operations and 
research activities independent of specific geographic locations and 
considered the following alternatives:
Alternative A--Conduct Riserless Ocean Drilling Based Solely on 
Scientific Research Needs
    In Alternative A, riserless ocean drilling expeditions would be 
designed and conducted to meet site-specific scientific objectives as 
developed by the proponents of the research. In this alternative, the 
primary focus during the planning and implementation of riserless 
drilling expeditions would be on achieving the proposed scientific 
objectives and avoiding unsafe working conditions. Figure 1 identifies 
the process features and the environmental components of this 
alternative.

BILLING CODE 7555-01-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30JN08.024


[[Page 36922]]


    In this alternative, TAMU and LDEO, the IODP-USIO's science support 
contractors, would maintain a distinct, independent panel of safety 
experts (Safety Panel) to advise the USIO on safety issues and drilling 
hazards. The Safety Panel would review all site-specific data 
pertaining to each expedition and render a final decision regarding 
site safety. No additional review and advisory support would be 
provided such as guidance from the IODP.
    Prior to each expedition, a detailed Scientific Prospectus would be 
prepared by key operations and research personnel which reflects the 
agreed upon priorities and implementation strategies for each 
expedition. The Site Survey Package consisting of data required for an 
expedition would be published in the Scientific Prospectus. The 
Expedition Safety Package would then be prepared which would be a 
collection of all data and documentation (including the Site Survey 
Package) necessary to support a safe and environmentally compliant 
operation. Both the Site Safety and the Expedition Safety Packages 
would contain pertinent information on the potential geological or 
environmental hazards that would be used to determine appropriate 
contingencies during drilling.
    Prior to the vessel departure, the IODP-USIO would obtain necessary 
approvals for the areas in which the vessel would operate including 
permits and other regulatory notifications. In parallel, the vessel 
operator (ODL/Transocean) would ensure that vessel systems such as 
engines, incinerators, and wastewater treatment devices are functioning 
properly per regulatory requirements (e.g., MARPOL).
Alternative B--Conduct Riserless Ocean Drilling Based on Specific 
Scientific Research Needs and IODP Support
    In Alternative B, riserless ocean drilling expeditions would be 
designed and conducted to meet site-specific scientific objectives as 
presented by the proponents of the research and would incorporate 
advisory input from the IODP as well as the USIO's Safety Panel 
guidance as described in Alternative A.
    In this alternative, the value of the potential scientific results 
of any drilling proposal would be balanced against the possible hazards 
so that IODP-USIO riserless operations can achieve valuable scientific 
results without jeopardizing the health of individuals, the 
environment, or the future of the program. Figure 2 depicts the 
combined IODP and USIO review processes which would be used to select 
safe drilling locations and methods and identify site-specific 
environmental conditions that could be adversely affected by riserless 
drilling activities before an expedition is included in the drilling 
program.
    Proposals and associated data packages would then be reviewed by 
the Environmental Protection and Safety Panel (EPSP), an advisory panel 
comprised of multi-disciplinary experts drawn from industry, 
government, and academia to provide independent advice to IODP 
regarding potential safety and environmental hazards that may exist 
because of general or specific geology of the seafloor, as a 
consequence of human activities, or the potential impact on the marine 
life and their environment. During the EPSP review process, a 
representative proponent would make a presentation consisting of a 
project overview followed by an appraisal of each proposed drill site 
and a description of the key safety and environmental issues. The 
purpose of the presentation would be to provide the panel with 
information on the proposed drilling activities, environmental 
conditions at each drill site, and other site-specific features that 
would allow the panel to identify operational hazards and potential 
environmental impacts.

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30JN08.025


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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN30JN08.026

    Following their review, the EPSP would provide guidance on site 
selection and data processing to improve imaging of the sites, and on 
modification of site locations, so that the proposed sites would be 
safe to drill and will meet the scientific objectives. Final EPSP 
recommendations for each site may include approval as requested, 
approval with conditions regarding drill sites, drilling order, depths, 
associated monitoring requirements, or site-specific mitigating 
measures. In concert with EPSP advice, the IODP-USIO Safety Panel would 
review all site-specific data pertaining to a particular expedition and 
render a final decision regarding site safety.
    Prior to each expedition, a detailed Scientific Prospectus would be 
prepared by key operations and research personnel which reflects the 
agreed upon priorities and implementation strategies for each 
expedition. The Site Survey Package consisting of data required for an 
expedition would be published in the Scientific Prospectus. The 
Expedition Safety Package would then be prepared which would be a 
collection of all data and documentation (including the Site Survey 
Package) necessary to support a safe and environmentally compliant 
operation. Both the Site Safety and the Expedition Safety Packages 
would contain pertinent information on the potential geological or 
environmental hazards that would be used to determine appropriate 
contingencies during drilling.
    Prior to the vessel departure, the IODP-USIO would obtain necessary 
approvals for the areas in which the vessel would operate including 
permits and other regulatory notifications. In Alternative B, site-
specific environmental assessments, Incidental Harassment 
Authorizations (IHA), mitigating measures, monitoring strategies, and 
contingencies for alternate drill sites, would be developed based on 
conditions or requirements identified during the comprehensive review 
process, reviewed by the appropriate authorities, and incorporated into 
the operating plan. In parallel, the vessel operator (ODL/Transocean) 
would ensure that vessel systems such as engines, incinerators, and 
wastewater treatment devices are functioning properly per regulatory 
requirements (e.g., MARPOL).
Alternative C--Do Not Conduct Ocean Drilling (No Action Alternative)
    In Alternative C, the IODP-USIO would not operate the SODV and 
would not provide the riserless ocean drilling capability to the IODP. 
Unless the riserless drilling resources are realized from other 
sources, the IODP's goal to integrate multiple drilling platforms, 
exploratory tools, and diverse strategies to resolve outstanding 
research questions as identified in the ISP may not be achieved. The 
long-term U.S. commitment and expertise to support earth sciences 
research using riserless ocean drilling technologies would be lost.

Preferred Alternative

    Alternative B has been selected as the preferred alternative. As 
shown in Figure 2, critical environmental components will be identified 
during the review process and necessary contingencies and site-specific 
mitigating measures planned accordingly. For example, some common 
environmental issues addressed during IODP reviews include:
     Potential for encountering a pressurized section of the 
sub-seafloor while drilling;
     Indications of active (or previously active) vent systems 
or hydrocarbon seeps in the area of proposed drilling;
     Probability of encountering H2S (hydrogen 
sulfide) or hydrates during coring or core recovery activities;
     Presence of any biological communities within 100 meters 
of any proposed drill sites, their type (e.g., vents, deep-water 
reefs), and evidence for their existence (e.g., sampling, visual);
     Presence of a nearby fishery (species, typical gear), 
known local breeding ground, consistent feeding area, migration route, 
or habitat to threatened or endangered species; and
     Availability of alternative sites in the event that 
weather, currents, ice, sensitive biological communities prevent 
drilling.
    In addition, the site survey data required as a result of the 
comprehensive review process will characterize the area in the 
immediate vicinity (within 1 km) of each proposed drill site for the 
purpose of evaluating seafloor conditions (water depth, seafloor 
topography and stability) and identifying potential hazards and 
environmental concerns while allowing flexibility in the use of 
alternate drill sites if unexpected field conditions prevent drilling 
at primary locations. Benefits derived from the collaboration of USIO 
riserless drilling planning efforts and IODP SAS review processes will 
effectively contribute to minimizing adverse environmental impacts and 
include:
     Selecting the optimum drilling platform based upon site-
specific conditions and research objectives;
     Ensuring that site characterization data is adequate to 
support the proposed research objectives and identify potentially 
sensitive environmental conditions for protection;
     Selecting the most appropriate drilling locations and 
minimal number of boreholes to be drilled based on

[[Page 36925]]

research needs and local environmental conditions;
     Developing plans and procedures to limit vessel and 
drilling related discharges in environmentally sensitive areas to the 
minimum needed to support the intended research; and
     Minimizing the use of acoustic sources (e.g., transducer-
based equipment, seismic sources) in environments containing organisms 
sensitive to outputs from these sources.
    By contrast, the nominal planning and review process for riserless 
drilling expeditions that would be implemented by selecting Alternative 
A (i.e., to only meet proposed scientific objectives and avoiding 
unsafe working conditions) would not provide the mechanisms to identify 
sensitive environmental conditions and avoid potential impacts.

Impacts

    The findings of the PEIS indicate that a majority of the outputs 
associated with the performance of the preferred alternative will have 
minor and transitory effects on the environment. This alternative 
incorporates the IODP SAS review and advisory process to identify 
potentially sensitive environments and recommends the use of best 
management practices (BMPs) and site-specific mitigating measures to 
reduce environmental outputs associated with drilling and coring 
operations.
    A majority of the impacts resulting from the preferred alternative 
will be localized and will disappear once the vessel completes drilling 
activities at a particular site and leaves the area. Many of the 
outputs and resulting impacts associated with the operation of the SODV 
such as wastewater discharges, air emissions, and the propagation of 
underwater noise from propulsion equipment and transducer-based 
equipment are common to most merchant marine vessels. Some outputs 
associated with riserless drilling activities (seafloor disturbance, 
deposition of sediment drill cuttings, deployment of equipment or 
materials) may remain evident on the seafloor for extended periods of 
time after borehole drilling is complete; however, the effects on the 
benthic environment will be minor. Further details describing these 
impacts of the preferred alternative are provided below.
Marine Water Quality
    The impacts to water quality resulting from the mechanical 
operation of the SODV will include:
     Localized, short-term impacts resulting from SODV 
discharges of treated wastewater, greywater, treated bilgewater, deck 
drainage, ballast water, and treated lab discharges; and
     Localized disturbances resulting from mixing of the water 
column surrounding the SODV during thruster operation.
    Impacts to water quality associated with drilling and coring 
operations and borehole completion activities will include:
     Localized effects near a borehole resulting from the 
discharge of seawater drilling fluid, sediment displaced from the 
borehole, drilling mud, cement, and tracers.
Sea Bottom and Sediment Quality
    The impacts to the seafloor environment and sediment quality 
resulting from drilling and coring operations and borehole completion 
activities will include:
     Localized disturbances to the seafloor derived from the 
installation of boreholes and the introduction of naturally occurring 
drilling muds and cement;
     Localized deposition of drill cuttings and drilling mud 
particles, and alteration of seafloor topography;
     Displacement or smothering of benthic organisms in the 
immediate vicinity of the borehole; and
     Localized disturbances to the seafloor derived from the 
installation of permanent structures.
Air Quality
    The emissions resulting from SODV operations, including engine 
exhaust and incinerator combustion byproducts, are expected to be 
transitory and will not adversely impair local air quality. Fuel 
evaporative emissions resulting from SODV operations are not expected 
to be detectable or adversely affect local air quality. Similarly, 
emissions from volatile or gaseous chemicals used onboard the SODV for 
operations or in the laboratories are expected to be minimal. Because 
the chemicals are used on an intermittent basis and in small 
quantities, the resulting air emissions are expected to be minimal.
Acoustic Environment
    During transit, sound and vibration produced by the SODV engines, 
propulsion systems, and transducer-based instruments may be noticeable 
to nearby marine organisms. It is expected that many potential 
receptors will perceive the continuous noise produced by the 
approaching vessel and will deviate from the path of the vessel thereby 
avoiding exposure to peak and potentially harmful noise levels. For 
several reasons, it is unlikely that the transducer-based equipment on 
the SODV would cause a marine organism to be exposed to sound levels 
greater than the 180 dB re 1 [mu]Pa (rms) level which NMFS considers to 
be potentially harmful. First, most sound sources emit energy in 
narrowly focused beams directed toward the seafloor and would only 
affect organisms directly beneath the vessel. Second, at a typical 
cruising speed of 11 knots (20 km/hr), it is expected that if an 
organism were exposed to noise from the vessel, it would only be for a 
short period of time. Finally, the short pulse duration from the 
transducer devices reduces the risk of hearing impairment or other 
injury to exposed organisms.
    The noise created by the SODV while it is dynamically positioned 
over a drill site and the physical turbulence in the water caused by 
the vessel's thrusters are likely to deter many marine organisms from 
approaching the drillship and becoming exposed to potentially intense 
sound levels. Because most drill sites will be located in deep open 
ocean areas that are not densely populated by marine organisms, the 
potential that an individual or a population of animals may be exposed 
to continuous noise levels that could cause behavioral changes is very 
low.
    Similarly, the short-term increase in the ambient noise created by 
vessel operations or drilling and coring may deter some organisms from 
a particular area, resulting in temporary displacement and possible 
disturbance to an animals' feeding or spawning behavior. In general, 
the SODV will only occupy a drill site for a relatively short period of 
time (i.e., hours or days) allowing displaced organisms to repopulate 
the area when drilling ceases and the vessel departs.
    In most areas where the SODV is expected to operate, the range of 
potential effects to biological receptors resulting from riserless 
ocean drilling operations and related research activities are expected 
to be minimal. Generally, it is expected that expeditions will avoid 
sensitive marine environments such as native hunting areas, migratory 
routes, consistent feeding grounds, or local breeding grounds that 
concentrate cetaceans or other sensitive species in critical areas, 
thereby reducing the risk of exposure to acoustical outputs from the 
SODV operations. In the preferred alternative, mitigating measures may 
include modifying the schedule for an expedition, selecting alternate 
sites, or limiting the types of activities performed to avoid or 
minimize exposing sensitive marine organisms to potentially disturbing 
or harmful acoustic levels.

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    At drill sites where marine organisms that are potentially 
sensitive to acoustic sources may be densely populated or the proposed 
research activities may result in more intense or prolonged acoustic 
exposures, a supplemental environmental review may be prepared to 
evaluate the site-specific risks and develop recommendations for 
additional mitigating measures. Therefore, the extent of acoustical 
source impacts in the preferred alternative for all receptors including 
cetaceans and other sensitive organisms is expected to be minimal for 
IODP-USIO ocean drilling expeditions.
    Seismic surveys or vertical seismic profiling may be periodically 
performed and will incorporate BMPs to prevent marine biota from being 
exposed to sound levels that could result in injury (= 180 dB re 1 
[mu]Pa rms) or significant behavioral changes (= 160 dB re 1 [mu]Pa 
rms). Additional detail pertaining to the impact assessment of seismic 
sources is being prepared in a separate document, to be entitled the 
Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas 
Environmental Impact Statement for National Science Foundation-Funded 
Marine Seismic Research. This document will be released for comment in 
mid-2008.
Marine Biological Resources (Near-Coastal and Deep Sea)
    Potential impacts to marine biological resources resulting from the 
operation of the SODV and riserless ocean drilling activities are 
discussed below. Because the scope of the PEIS provided a general 
assessment of IODP-USIO riserless drilling and related research 
activities independent of specific geographic locations and time 
periods, the impact assessment focused on a qualitative analysis 
regarding the potential range of effects on these biological resources 
and their anticipated significance. Using the preferred alternative, 
these activities would be planned and performed following advisory 
support provided by the IODP SAS taking into consideration biological 
resources present at each specific drill site and potential impacts of 
the research.
Plankton
    The intensity, extent, and duration of potential impacts to 
plankton communities resulting from the discharges from SODV operations 
are expected to include:
     Localized, short-term impacts to zooplankton respiration 
resulting from increased turbidity associated with SODV discharges of 
treated wastewater, greywater, and other liquid wastes;
     Localized, short-term impacts to phytoplankton and 
zooplankton community structure due to increased salinity from 
brinewater discharges;
     Localized, short term, and reversible redistribution of 
phytoplankton and zooplankton communities within 100 m of the SODV as a 
result of turbulence created by thruster operations; and
     Interference with shallow or deepwater zooplankton feeding 
and respiratory activities due to the increased suspended solids 
concentrations within several hundred meters of the borehole.
Fish
    It is expected that most fish will avoid the area and the 
continuous output of noise generated by drilling and coring operations, 
the transponder beacon deployed near the drill site, and the turbulence 
created by the vessel's thrusters. The intensity, extent, and duration 
of potential impacts to fish communities resulting from the discharges 
from SODV operations and drilling activities include:
     Localized, short-term disturbances to fish resulting from 
turbulence created by the thrusters when the vessel is dynamically 
positioned at a drill site; and
     Localized, short-term disturbances to fish derived from 
the acoustic outputs generated by the vessel's thrusters, drilling/
coring operations, and transponder beacons deployed near the drill 
site.
    Overall, impacts to fish associated with IODP-USIO riserless 
drilling activities are expected to be minimal. Expeditions with longer 
durations will have the potential for greater cumulative noise and 
vibration impacts on fish species than those with shorter durations, 
but no significant behavioral changes or long-term loss or degradation 
to biological populations or communities or functional habitat value is 
expected.
Cephalopods
    It is expected that the discharge of liquids from the SODV will 
rapidly disperse minimizing contact and impact to cephalopods. No 
impacts are anticipated as a result of the release of the drill 
cuttings or drilling mud on most cephalopod species, due to their 
mobility and ability to temporarily leave an affected area. Significant 
impacts to cephalopod eggs, whether on substrates or suspended in the 
water column, are not expected, because of the limited dispersal area 
of material discharged focused around the borehole.
    Similar to fish, it is possible that some cephalopods may be 
deterred from an area by incidental noise from the SODV. The impacts 
associated with this deterrence may include a temporary disturbance in 
feeding and spawning behavior in the general vicinity of the vessel. 
Expeditions with longer durations at one particular drill site will 
have the potential for greater cumulative noise impacts on cephalopod 
species than those with shorter durations at each drill site. No 
significant long-term loss or degradation to biological populations or 
communities or functional habitat value is expected.
Benthos
    In general, the resulting impacts to benthos from riserless 
drilling expeditions may include:
     Localized alteration of benthic communities caused by 
physical changes in the substrate;
     Localized interference with benthic organism feeding and 
respiration due to suspended particles of drill cuttings and drilling 
mud; and
     Localized impacts to the benthic community derived from 
smothering effects of drill cuttings and drilling mud particles 
deposited on the seafloor.
    Overall, impacts to benthic organisms resulting from riserless 
drilling activities in the preferred alternative are not expected to be 
significant. Potentially sensitive benthic communities unique to a 
particular area will be identified during the IODP SAS planning and 
review process. As needed, drill site locations or particular 
operations may be modified to avoid significant adverse effects to 
these sensitive benthic organisms. For prospective drill sites where 
benthic organisms that are especially sensitive to the deposition of 
sediment from a borehole are densely populated, or the proposed 
research activities may result in more intense or prolonged exposure, a 
supplemental environmental review may be prepared to evaluate the site-
specific impacts, if any, and, if necessary, develop recommendations 
for additional mitigating measures.
Marine Mammals
    The presence of the drillship, whether in transit or at a drill 
site, is unlikely to interfere with the movement of marine mammals. 
Close approaches of the vessel to marine mammals (or vice versa) are 
expected to be rare, considering that the proposed action will only 
involve one vessel and that the average density of marine mammals in 
the open ocean is very low. When close approaches occur, the mobility 
of marine animals and their ability to

[[Page 36927]]

detect the ship would permit them to easily avoid contact, especially 
since the cruise speed of the ship is generally 11 knots or less. 
Therefore, collisions between the drilling ship and marine mammals are 
not expected to occur. Detours made by marine animals to avoid the ship 
will be a temporary response.
    Discharges from the drillship could potentially disturb marine 
mammals or their food sources. Effects on water quality from drillship 
discharges are expected to be minimal and localized near the ship. 
Because of rapid mixing and the assimilative capacity of the sea, 
marine mammals are not expected to be exposed to the discharges. Wake 
and disturbance effects such as turbulence created by the dynamic 
positioning thrusters are likely to deter most mammals from approaching 
the vessel, and instead will likely remain outside the small area where 
an adverse effect from discharges might occur. Direct physical or 
toxicological effects of various vessel discharges on marine mammals 
are therefore unlikely and few animals will be affected.
    Acoustic outputs from SODV operations have the potential to affect 
marine mammals exposed to the underwater sounds. No significant 
physiological effects to individual animals or marine mammal 
populations are expected to result from noise produced by the SODV. As 
previously noted, the noise produced by SODV operations may result in 
temporary displacement or disturbance of some marine organisms, 
including marine mammals, but the organisms are expected to return to 
the area after the vessel departs. The single-channel seismic surveys 
or vertical seismic profiling, which may be occasionally performed by 
the SODV at selected sites, represent an additional noise source. These 
activities will generally involve small seismic sources (1 or 2 
airguns) operated for short durations (less than 12 hours). Resulting 
effects to marine mammals, if any, will be minimal and temporary due to 
the consistent implementation of mitigating measures to prevent 
exposure to harmful sound levels or sound levels that may initiate 
adverse behavioral effects.
    Though infrequent, helicopter operations represent another noise 
source that may occur during SODV operations. Helicopter overflights 
will temporarily affect the surface environment at a given location. 
The noise from helicopter operations can cause a startle response and 
interrupt whales and dolphins while resting, feeding, breeding, or 
migrating. Both the noise and shadow cast by the helicopter can elicit 
a response from nearby cetaceans. These occurrences will be temporary 
and will pass within seconds, having no long-term impact on cetaceans. 
The greatest potential effect from helicopters is disturbance of 
pinnipeds breeding rookeries although such overflights would be 
severely limited through the use of mitigating measures.
    As prompted by the IODP SAS review and planning process for each 
expedition, the IODP-USIO will obtain necessary approvals for the areas 
in which the vessel will operate including permits and other regulatory 
notifications. As necessary, the IODP-USIO will consult with National 
Marine Fisheries Service with respect to rare or endangered species 
(e.g., North Atlantic right whale, Northeast Atlantic bowhead whale) 
listed in the Endangered Species Act to prevent harassment or 
interference to those species. In the event that a proposed expedition 
that has the potential to cause significant adverse behavioral effects 
or disturbances to marine mammals, the IODP-USIO will apply for an IHA 
as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Mitigating measures 
and operating conditions developed in response to these requirements 
and notifications will be incorporated into the Operating Plan and 
Scientific Prospectus for the expedition accordingly.
Marine Reptiles
    The potential for exposure of marine reptiles to SODV wastewater 
discharges is expected to be minimal since water column disturbances 
(e.g., turbulence) caused by the SODV's presence at a drill site is 
likely to deter the animals from approaching the vessel and coming in 
contact with discharged wastewater.
    Although sea turtles are generally not sufficiently mobile to avoid 
a moving ship in case of an imminent collision, such situations are 
expected to be relatively rare because the density of turtles in the 
open ocean is very low. Therefore, very few, if any, sea turtles are 
likely to be involved in collisions with the drillship, and the 
resulting effects on turtle populations will be minimal. Sea snakes, 
because of their greater mobility, are unlikely to be victims of a 
collision.
    Based on limited available data on sea turtles hearing abilities 
and effects relating to exposure to acoustical outputs, it is unlikely 
that sea turtles will exhibit behavioral changes as a result of 
acoustic outputs from SODV operations. If a sea turtle approaches the 
SODV during drilling, it is likely the animal will exhibit an avoidance 
reaction. Any effects on sea turtles will generally be short term, 
reversible, and are not expected to displace the animals from their 
preferred habitats, foraging, or breeding areas.
    Unless the SODV is operating in a concentrated area used by sea 
turtles for breeding, it is unlikely that sea turtles will be 
encountered during riserless drilling expeditions. Based on IODP SAS 
advice and guidance, mitigating measures will be developed to prevent 
significant adverse effects to marine reptiles by addressing site-
specific factors or seasonal variations that could affect the organisms 
near proposed drill sites. Overall, the resulting impacts to marine 
reptiles are expected to be minimal, with no significant loss or 
degradation of marine reptile communities or functional habitats, or 
seasonal migration patterns.
Birds
    No impacts to birds are expected as a result of air emissions 
generated during SODV operations, including the continuous release of 
fuel combustion byproducts when the SODV is in transit and is present 
at drill sites, intermittent use of the SODV's incinerators and the 
periodic release of vapors and gases from the vessels laboratories. The 
emissions from all sources are expected to disperse rapidly in the 
surrounding atmosphere.
    The SODV operations will result in discharge of wastewater and 
victual wastes each day the vessel is at sea. These discharges could 
potentially affect marine birds either directly while the birds are in 
the water or indirectly through the ingestion of fish or plankton. 
Since the points of discharge for liquid wastes from the drillship will 
occur very close to the vessel, there should be no significant direct 
physical or toxicological effects on marine bird populations.
    The SODV contains numerous sources of noise including the ship's 
diesel-electric engines, mechanical equipment, and various transducer-
based devices. The sounds from these sources will propagate in air and 
be transmitted through the vessel and into the water. It is anticipated 
that the impacts to bird communities as a result of the drillship and 
associated equipment operation will be minimal. SODV activities could 
affect marine birds through disturbances caused by helicopter 
overflights. However, these disturbances are expected to be very 
infrequent and temporary. Therefore, only minimal, short-term impacts 
on bird populations and their flying patterns are expected.

[[Page 36928]]

    Based on IODP SAS advice and guidance, mitigating measures will be 
developed to prevent significant adverse effects to sensitive bird 
species that may be present at specific drill sites. Overall, the 
resulting impacts to birds in the preferred alternative are expected to 
be minimal.
Threatened and Endangered Species
    As indicated above, activities associated with the proposed action 
will have minimal impacts on marine organisms including plankton, 
cephalopods, fish, marine mammals, marine reptiles, and birds. This 
conclusion also generally applies to endangered and threatened species 
of those groups; however, any impacts to diminished populations or 
limited ranges of threatened or endangered species will be greater than 
impacts to non-endangered species.
    The SODV will comply with all regulatory requirements pertaining to 
threatened species such as the Endangered Species Act. The IODP SAS 
review process will ensure that sufficient data is available to 
identify critical species near the proposed drill sites and recommends 
for implementation measures to mitigate potentially adverse impacts. If 
a riserless drilling expedition is planned in an area where endangered 
or threatened species may be adversely impacted or harmed, a 
supplemental site-specific environmental review will be performed to 
evaluate the risks of proceeding with the proposed action and to 
develop recommendations to mitigate unacceptable risks.
    SODV activities are generally not expected to result in substantial 
loss or degradation of the functional habitats that may be used by 
threatened and endangered species, nor are IODP riserless drilling 
activities expected to result in the impedance of fish or wildlife 
migration routes. Because of the sensitivity of some endangered 
populations to the loss of even just one individual, if endangered 
species, habitats or other critical breeding, feeding, or migratory 
areas are not identified in advance, some impacts resulting from the 
riserless drilling expeditions may have the potential to be 
significant. Therefore, drilling will be avoided at locations where 
outputs such as wastewater discharges, seafloor alteration, or 
acoustical outputs have a greater potential to adversely impact local 
biota, habitats, or disrupt behavior.
Biologically Sensitive Areas
    Despite the deep locations that the SODV will operate, a majority 
of the outputs associated with the operation of the vessels will occur 
near the surface and hundreds of meters away from sensitive communities 
and structures on the seafloor, such as coral reefs, hydrothermal vent 
(chemosynthetic) communities, and seamounts. Therefore, these types of 
outputs are not expected to result in significant impacts to these 
resources. Noise and vibrations generated by the operation of the SODV 
are expected to attenuate sufficiently with distance from the source to 
prevent most aquatic organisms from being exposed to noise levels that 
would result in adverse physiological effects. Although noise produced 
by the SODV during riserless drilling activities has the potential to 
displace sensitive marine organisms from their community, it is 
anticipated that these effects would only be realized during the 
relatively short period of time the vessel is on-site and drilling. 
Because affected organisms in biologically sensitive areas are expected 
to return once the vessel leaves the area, the resulting behavioral 
effects are considered minimal and short term in duration.
    Similar to threatened or endangered species, the IODP SAS review 
process will ensure that sufficient data is available to identify 
biological resources in sensitive ecosystems that may be adversely 
affected by the proposed drilling activities and will recommend 
appropriate site-specific restrictions or best management practices 
accordingly. For example, chemosynthetic communities may be unlikely to 
recover rapidly from drilling mud deposition, increased turbidity, or 
changes to substrates in the localized area surrounding the borehole. 
If the appropriate restrictions are not implemented, long-term impacts 
to these deepwater communities may potentially occur, with recovery 
times as long as 200 years for mature tube worm communities. Similarly, 
prolonged exposure of coral reefs to sediment build-up, at any depth, 
would have a negative impact on growth and long-term survival.
    Due to the diverse characteristics associated with seamounts, the 
potential impacts from the drilling operation in or near these 
structures could vary quite widely. Certain portions of the seamount 
would likely be less susceptible to severe impacts from the drilling of 
a borehole. The potential impacts associated with drilling on or near 
seamounts are very similar to those described for benthic organisms. 
Nonetheless, because seamounts represent such a diverse and in many 
cases slow growing ecosystem, the drilling impacts could be significant 
if they result in substantial alteration or destruction of habitat that 
prevents re-establishment of biologically significant communities.
    If a riserless drilling expedition is planned in an area where 
biologically sensitive organisms may be adversely impacted or harmed, a 
supplemental site-specific environmental review will be performed to 
evaluate the risks of proceeding with the proposed action and 
recommendations to mitigate unacceptable risks or select alternate 
sites will be developed.
Commercial and Native Fisheries and Aquaculture
    To the extent that impacts to marine fish species resulting from 
the proposed riserless drilling operations affect the subsistence value 
of fish used by individuals as a food source or the commercial 
harvesting of important species, there will be an impact to fisheries 
and aquaculture. However, the potential for impacts to open ocean and 
coastal marine fish resulting from both the presence of the SODV and 
the riserless drilling activities are not expected to be significant 
regardless of location.
    Due to the mobility of fish and thus their ability to avoid 
disturbances in their habits, impact to fisheries will be limited 
primarily to impacts such as disturbances to schooling fish or the 
smothering of food sources (e.g., plankton) or demersal eggs with 
drilling sediments. Considering the temporary nature of the drilling 
activity and the small area of the sea affected, overall impacts to 
marine fisheries and aquaculture are expected to be minimal.
    Appropriate best management practices will be implemented to 
protect fishery resources. For example, permanent structures installed 
on the seafloor such as observatories will be designed to be trawl-
resistant to prevent damage to fishing nets in areas where extensive 
bottom trawling occurs. If a riserless drilling expedition is planned 
in an area where fisheries or aquaculture may be adversely impacted or 
harmed, a supplemental site-specific environmental review will be 
performed to evaluate the risks and develop recommendations to mitigate 
unacceptable risks or select alternate sites.
Marine Vessel Transport and Trade Routes
    Because ship traffic within a geographic area is generally related 
to the region's proximity to trade routes between the world's major 
ports, the potential impacts associated with SODV

[[Page 36929]]

operations will be variable and dependent on the drilling location.
    Through normal expedition planning or vessel operations, potential 
interferences with marine transportation at any given site are expected 
to be minimal. When transiting or stationary at a drill site, the SODV 
will comply with all international conventions and regulations 
pertaining to navigational safety. When dynamically positioned at a 
drill site, the SODV, by nature of the activity, will be required to 
remain stationary and essentially ``tethered'' to the seafloor by the 
drilling equipment. All approaching large maritime vessels will be able 
to establish radar and/or visual contact with the SODV well in advance 
of any potential collision. When the SODV is positioned at a drill 
site, it will be the responsibility of the approaching vessel to choose 
a course which avoids a collision. However, the SODV will maintain 
visual and radar vigilance of pending traffic conflicts and communicate 
accordingly via radio and other means. In addition, the SODV will 
display universally-recognized maritime signal flags while drilling, 
indicating the vessel has restricted ability to maneuver.
Cultural Resources
    A majority of IODP-USIO riserless drilling activities will be 
conducted in water depths greater than 500 m. Therefore, most of the 
mapped historical and cultural resources, which are generally located 
in relatively shallow coastal waters, will in all likelihood not be 
affected by the proposed activity. However, there are undoubtedly 
untold numbers of undiscovered shipwrecks and other culturally 
significant artifacts lying at great depth throughout the world's 
oceans, particularly along historic trade routes.
    The comprehensive review and planning process involving the IODP 
SAS, the EPSP, and other review panels will evaluate each proposed 
riserless drilling expedition. The site characterization data in the 
site survey data packages will include information on known (mapped) 
cultural resources. If proposed drill sites are located near known or 
suspected cultural resource sites, recommendations will be made to 
either select alternate drill sites or implement mitigating measures to 
prevent damaging or destroying these resources.
Catastrophic Events
    The primary output resulting from a catastrophic event related to 
the SODV itself or drilling into a geological source would be the 
uncontrolled release of petroleum hydrocarbons to the marine 
environment. Based on IODP-USIO riserless drilling experience, the 
probability of a major spill or catastrophic release of petroleum from 
the SODV or a geological source is very low. This is readily 
demonstrated by 21 years of ODP/IODP experience involving riserless 
drilling of more than 1,900 boreholes without a major spill of fuel 
from the vessel or accidental release of hydrocarbons from a geologic 
source.
    Building further upon this experience, it is anticipated that this 
record of preventing catastrophic releases will continue with future 
SODV expeditions. The IODP SAS comprehensive review and advisory 
process combined with the stringent program of continuous real-time 
monitoring of hydrocarbon potential while drilling will further reduce 
the risk of an uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons from a geologic 
source to an extremely low level. Input from the IODP SAS review 
process may also include recommendations for site-specific mitigating 
measures such as additional detection tools (e.g., logging while 
drilling, measurement while drilling) and the availability of resources 
to respond to signs of geologic hazards. For example, the IODP SAS may 
recommend the availability of heavy drilling mud at certain drills 
sites which could quickly be deployed to abandon a borehole or seal 
specific stratigraphic intervals, thereby ensuring a maximum level of 
protection from potential petroleum releases.
    Severe weather represents a significant condition that could 
threaten vessel operations and contribute to a catastrophic release of 
petroleum. For example, if the ship were to be blown off a drill site 
during a severe storm without ample time to retrieve the drill string, 
the drill string could be lost and the ship may be severely damaged if 
it grounded in shallow water or onshore. Through best management 
practices including the operational planning process for each 
expedition and continuously monitoring ever-changing weather 
conditions, the SODV will be able to avoid environmental conditions 
which could contribute to the catastrophic release of petroleum from 
the vessel.
    During drilling, if conditions suggesting the possible release of 
petroleum hydrocarbons or other gasses (e.g., hydrogen sulfide) are 
detected during SODV operations, drilling will immediately cease and a 
series of pre-defined control measures will be implemented to stabilize 
and seal the borehole thereby avoiding an uncontrolled release to the 
marine environment. It is possible, though unlikely, that riserless 
drilling may penetrate a thin, relatively undetectable petroleum layer, 
resulting in its release from the borehole to the marine environment. 
In this instance, the amount of material released would be minimal.
Impact Summary
    The majority of identified potential environmental impacts are 
short term in duration, of local extent, and minimal intensity, with 
most impacts unlikely to occur. Unavoidable impacts focus around the 
effects of the drilling activity itself, and include drill cuttings 
deposited on the seafloor around the borehole and fine grained 
particles suspended in the water column or deposited on the seafloor in 
the borehole vicinity. Drilling locations will be sited so as to 
minimize these unavoidable impacts. Impacts with the most severe 
consequences--oil and gas releases from either a fuel spill from the 
drilling vessel or from a blowout caused by drilling into a pressurized 
geological source--have not occurred in 40 years of DSDP, ODP, or IODP 
operations (1968-2008), and are judged highly unlikely to occur. Table 
1 identifies the outputs associated with the preferred alternative and 
summarizes the significance of each potential impact.

Impact Mitigation

    During each riserless drilling expedition, Best Management 
Practices (BMPs) and site-specific mitigating measures will be 
implemented that are intended to effectively reduce or avoid impacts to 
the environment. The IODP-USIO will be responsible for implementing 
these measures and assuring compliance by all applicable IODP-USIO 
participants (e.g., contractors, field personnel, researchers). 
Additionally, using 30 years of riserless drilling experience, the 
IODP-USIO will continue to refine and implement various BMPs and 
mitigating measures to reduce or avoid adverse impacts to marine 
organisms and the physical environment.
    BMPs represent routine actions that may be performed during 
riserless drilling expeditions including measures that involve every 
phase of IODP-USIO operations. Many of the BMPs have already been 
incorporated into the operating procedures that will be used by the 
IODP-USIO, and have been designed to complement the IODP's core 
environmental principles to (1) Protect marine life and environment, 
(2) dispose waste materials consistent with applicable standards, (3) 
store and transport samples in such a way as to prevent contamination 
of the

[[Page 36930]]

environment, and (4) keeping the public informed such as through the 
dissemination of the PEIS.

                                     Table 1.--Summary of Potential Impacts From IODP-USIO Riserless Ocean Drilling
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Environmental impacts
                                                        Affected     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Process/activity               Output          environment                                                             Probability of    Severity
                                                                           Duration           Extent           Intensity        an  impact       rating
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operate the SODV (vessel in     Discharges         Water Quality      Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
 transit and at a drill site     (treated           Seafloor.
 using thrusters for dynamic     wastewater,
 positioning; note: Impacts      greywater,
 associated with drilling and    treated
 coring activities are           bilgewater, deck
 summarized below).              drainage,
                                 ballast water,
                                 treated lab
                                 discharges).
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    No environmental impacts                                           0
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Biological Resources
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Typical..........  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          2
                                                   Sensitive Areas..  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          2
                                                   Fisheries........  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                Physical           Water Quality....  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                 Disturbances.
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Seafloor.........                          No environmental impacts                                 0
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Marine Traffic...  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                Underwater Noise   Acoustical         Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          2
                                 (operation of      Environment.
                                 vessel engines,
                                 generators,
                                 thrusters,
                                 mechanical
                                 systems,
                                 instruments,
                                 transponder
                                 beacons).
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Biological Resources
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Typical..........  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                                   Sensitive Areas..  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                                   Fisheries........  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                Air Emissions:
                                 Exhaust   Air Quality......  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                 & vapors.
                                           Air Quality......  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                 Laboratory.
                                Hazardous          Vessel Crew &      Continuous.......  (Not Applicable)  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          0
                                 Materials          Resources.
                                 (storage & use).
                                Solid & Hazardous  Vessel Crew &      Continuous.......  (Not Applicable)  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          0
                                 Waste (handle,     Resources.
                                 store,
                                 incinerate).
Conduct Riserless Drilling and  Discharges         Water Quality....  Short term.......  Local; seawater   Minimal.........  Certain.........          2
 Coring (in addition to          (seawater                                                drilling fluid
 impacts associated with the     drilling fluid,                                          injected into
 operation of the SODV).         sediment                                                 the borehole at
                                 displaced from                                           <=1,900 L/min;
                                 the borehole,                                            fine grain
                                 drilling mud,                                            particles
                                 cement, tracers).                                        suspended in
                                                                                          the water
                                                                                          column may
                                                                                          extend 100+ m
                                                                                          from the
                                                                                          borehole.
                                                   Seafloor.........  Short term.......  Local; fine       Minimal.........  Certain.........          2
                                                                                          grain particles
                                                                                          deposited
                                                                                          within 100+ m
                                                                                          of the borehole.
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Biological Resources
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Typical..........  Moderate.........  Local; benthos &  Minimal.........  Possible........          2
                                                                                          fish eggs/larva
                                                                                          may be
                                                                                          displaced.

[[Page 36931]]

 
                                                   Sensitive Areas..  Long term........  Local; habit may  Moderate........  Unlikely........          3
                                                                                          be disturbed.
                                                   Fisheries........  Short term.......  Local; fish may   Minimal.........  Unlikely........          2
                                                                                          be displaced.
                                                   Cultural           Long term........  Local;            Minimal.........  Highly Unlikely.          3
                                                    Resources.                            deposition of
                                                                                          sediment.
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Physical           Water Quality....                          No environmental impacts                                 0
                                 Disturbances.
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Seafloor.........  Long term........  Local; drill      Minimal.........  Certain.........          3
                                                                                          cuttings mound
                                                                                          within ~5 m of
                                                                                          borehole.
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Biological Resources
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Typical..........  Moderate.........  Local; benthos    Minimal.........  Possible........          3
                                                                                          may be
                                                                                          displaced or
                                                                                          smothered.
                                                   Sensitive Areas..  Moderate.........  Local; benthos    Moderate........  Unlikely........          3
                                                                                          may be
                                                                                          displaced or
                                                                                          smothered.
                                                   Fisheries........  Moderate.........  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          3
                                                   Marine Traffic...  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                                   Cultural           Long term........  Local; damage or  Minimal.........  Highly Unlikely.          3
                                                    Resources.                            alteration.
                                Underwater Noise   Acoustical         Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          2
                                 (operation of      Environment.
                                 vessel engines,
                                 generators,
                                 thrusters,
                                 mechanical
                                 systems,
                                 instruments,
                                 transponder
                                 beacons,
                                 drilling/coring).
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Biological Resources
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Typical..........  Short term.......  Local...........  Minimal.........  Unlikely........          1
                                                   Sensitive Areas..  Short term.......  Local.