No decision made yet on Crogga's proposed initial exploratory phase
A local gas extraction firm has applied to survey the seabed off the Island's north eastern coast.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has confirmed Crogga, which was licenced to explore an area 8 miles off Maughold Head for natural gas last year, has now lodged an application to conduct a 3D seismic survey.
According to DEFA, the proposed dates for this are still to be agreed and no final decision has been made.
If the application gains approval, the department will submit it to the Wildlife Committee.
The statutory body within government will then consider the environmental aspects of this initial exploratory phase and if deemed appropriate, issue a licence.
The firm has said there will be no long-lasting effects on marine wildlife as a result of sub-surface surveying, adding any environmental impact will be 'kept to a minimum'.
Following a freedom of information request into the disclosure of Crogga's original licence application in 2017, the enivornmental sensitivity assessment was released.
In a statement the environment department says: "DEFA received the application on the 14th May. The department is currently gathering necessary information prior to the application being determined."
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