Looks like Shell Oil has been cleared to drill seven exploratory wells in the Chukchi Sea this summer.
http://www.popsci.com/shell-can-start-drilling-oil-arctic-summer?dom=gp&src=SOCSo I figured I'd start a thread.
The Noble Discoverer, the ship involved in eight felonies in Shell's last attempt in the arctic, will be back. Here's a quote from KTUU (Anchorage, Alaska):
"The charges are related to Noble's efforts to side-step environmental reporting laws and laws regulating the disposal of waste-water, and to conceal those efforts from authorities.
The company admits to making false entries about the collection, storage and disposal of oil in record-keeping books, among other crimes, according to the plea agreement.
According to prosecutors, Noble admitted to:
-- Knowing and willfully failing to notify the U.S. Coast Guard of hazardous conditions aboard the drill ship Noble Discoverer.
-- Failing to maintain an accurate “oil record book” and an accurate “international oil pollution prevention certificate.”
-- Failing to maintain a ballast water record book.
In a statement on the plea agreement, Noble Drilling parent firm Noble Corporation emphasized the voluntary nature of steps it has taken in response to the Justice Department allegations."
full story here:
http://www.ktuu.com/news/news/drilling-company-operator-of-kulluk-platform-admits-to-8-felony-crimes-while-working-for-shell-in-alaska/30120696