A radar panel and camera system are used to detect polar bears, including in dark and foggy conditions.
Polar bear sighted near the Point Thomson project.
The technology put in place at Point Thomson is believed to be one of the most advanced detection and avoidance systems ever deployed in a remote Arctic environment — where both human safety and polar bear protection are vital concerns. We are enhancing the system in 2016 with additional radar panels and cameras to provide greater coverage around the facility. A core component of ExxonMobil’s vision for Point Thomson is to be a good neighbor. We work with the local communities and government authorities in the project area to understand their concerns and avoid conflicts with their lifestyle. Through a comprehensive assessment approach and regular engagement, we are able to identify areas of concern to the local residents, and we have adopted corresponding measures to address these concerns. We also engage with stakeholders in local communities and with government and regulatory agencies to help address biodiversity and sustainability challenges. For example, ExxonMobil participates in meetings and workshops with North Slope Borough officials and residents to develop a deeper understanding of local concerns and priorities.
Polar bears, which are a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, travel through the Point Thomson area. ExxonMobil has taken several measures to identify and avoid potential contact with polar bears and polar bear dens, including the use of forward-looking infrared cameras to survey surrounding areas. We also provide training to Point Thomson employees and contractors on best practices for avoiding and mitigating interactions with wildlife. Early detec- tion of polar bears helps workers to maintain a safe distance, improves our ability to monitor bear movement and, if neces- sary, allows us to warn workers to seek safe haven or safely redirect bears away from our facilities in accordance with procedures approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In April 2015, we upgraded and expanded the use of GSR technology to detect polar bears and other large animals approaching from distances greater than one kilometer. This pilot program combines state-of-the-art radar with pan-tilt-zoom infrared and visual spectrum cameras to provide visual confirmation of objects detected by the radar.
Point Thomson, ExxonMobil has made it a priority to effectively manage environmental impacts. We have implemented comprehensive measures to mitigate potential impacts on tundra, wildlife, aquatic resources and subsistence activities. As part of the project, care is taken to ensure wildlife and wildlife habitat in the area are protected. We use marine mammal and wildlife protection plans that are recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a North Slope industry best practice. We continually look for technological advancements to improve our understanding of the wildlife near our operations. In 2015, we piloted and enhanced a series of emerging technologies in the oil and gas industry, including the use of satellite-based remote sensing technology, ground surveillance radar (GSR) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to monitor local wildlife and improve our environmental performance in the vicinity of our Point Thomson project site.
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Technological innovations in Arctic wildlife protection exxonmobil.com/citizenship
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