Abstract BEB has in the context of a comprehensive environmental impact study investigated all environmental issues in connection with the operation of 3D seismic to arrive at an environmentally more acceptable operation. This is mainly achieved through changes in the planning procedure and through precautions taken before the start of the operation. Special attention has been given to environmental impact of materials used in seismic like bentonites, explosives and equipment but also to the procedures in the field. A major step ahead was the development of a secure shot hole plugging technique. Further successful development of drilling rigs together with the high flexibility in the positioning of shot points and geophone groups enables 3D seismic to meet the strictest environmental regulations. This is shown in a case study of a 3D survey in an highly evironmentally protected area.