NorAsia begins Philippines sites surveys

Sept. 3, 2008
Operations have begun for site surveys in service contracts SC50 and SC51 offshore Philippines, according to NorAsian Energy.

Offshore staff

PERTH, Australia -- Operations have begun for site surveys in service contracts SC50 and SC51 offshore Philippines, according to NorAsian Energy.

A total of approximately 4 sq km (1.5 sq mi) will be covered by the surveys for each of three well sites. The surveys aim to identify potential drilling hazards such as cables, and evaluate the seabed topography and subsurface for shallow gas drilling hazards.

The site surveys are being conducted in anticipation of the company drilling two or three wells at the Calauit-2 location in SC50, and the Argao-1 and Bahay-1 locations in SC51.

The current operation began in SC50 on Aug. 22, and is expected to take approximately a week to complete assuming good weather remains in the area. The SC51 survey will then follow and is expected to be complete by mid-September 2008.

Detailed environmental baseline work will also be carried out in SC51. The company is conducting a number of environmental studies which comprise a benthic survey, marine and coastal water sampling, sediment sampling, and a desk-based fish study.

Additionally marine mammal observations are conducted during the site surveys. These studies will enable NorAsian to incorporate site specific environmental data into the project planning to enhance environmental safeguards that will be incorporated into the overall project design.

09/03/2008