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Page 2 <br />BCC Agenda Item <br />Resolution opposing seismic airgun testing <br />December 8, 2015 <br />Staff researched seismic airgun testing on the BOEM website and was able to find <br />published science notes from William Y. Brown, Chief Environmental Officer, BOEM <br />relative to potential marine mammal impacts. BOEM Science Notes from August 22, <br />2014 and March 9, 2015 are attached to this agenda item. <br />In summary, BOEM states the following relative to seismic air gun testing: <br />• Our bureau has stated publicly that it will not consider issuing any air gun seismic <br />survey permits in the Atlantic unless applicants have first obtained Marine <br />Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) authorization from the National Oceanic and <br />Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the required finding of no adverse <br />effect on marine mammal species or stocks. <br />• BOEM has no documented scientific evidence of adverse effects on population <br />sustainability. <br />• BOEM will keep researching for adverse effects of oil and gas activities on the <br />environment, including sound. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Staff recommends the Board support the Beach Committee's request and approve the <br />attached Resolution opposing seismic airgun testing and support more passive lower - <br />impact alternative technologies to explore oil and natural gas deposits. <br />ATTACHMENTS <br />1. Resolution <br />2. BOEM Science Notes and Fact Sheets <br />APPROVED AGENDA ITEM <br />FOR December 8, 2015 <br />Indian River County <br />Approved <br />Date <br />Administration <br />f) iji) <br />Budget <br />1 <br />/ <br />(42 <br />0,.. <br />Legal <br />h!�:' <br />`` TT' �1 <br />)?'L'IS <br />Public Works <br />C*"`- <br />a .2 -/s <br />Coastal Engr. Division <br />46 <br />121j115 <br />F -\Public WorksUamesG\Beach and Shore Perservation Advisory Committee\2015 - Committee Updates\BOEM <br />Letter'Resolution\Seismic Airgun Testing Resolution Agenda Item I2-8-15.docx <br />210 <br />