5. pipel iicr m*f* ables · 5. pipel iicr m*f* "ables the pea (usoi, mms ivi '} contains...

44
5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables. There are existing pipelines within.ISO meters (490 feet) of the prr«os*d *• .-ucture-removal activities. Preia-Jtions < » accordance with NTL Ko. 83-3, Section IV.B., must be taken prior to conducts 'j 'he removal activities; therefore, the p-oposed work will not pose a hazard to pipelinesfs) risei ccblc(s) in the area. , 6. C h e r Mineral Resources No impacts are expected as a result ^ proposed i c t i v ? tie*. Fo» analysis information, see the PEA reference \n uie Introduction 7. Human Health and Safety The PEA (USDI, MMS, 1987) describes tfwj hazardous conditions for workers during structure-removal activities. The operator has proposed tte use of explosives in conjunction with the :tructure removal activities. Existing legal and regulatory safety requirements will keep the impacts of the proposed vork on human health and safety at a very low level. E. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS A *l rcussion of unavoidable adverse impacts can be fcurv. in the .'CA (u\>C! t MMS, 1987). Two areas of primary concern are the potential impact to protected, threatened, and/or endangered species and potential loss of habitat to the marine environment Both topics are discussed in the r 't* and p w i r "v in this document. Cher unavoidable adverse impacts aw considered tc ot minor. IV. PUBLIC OrINION A discussion of prhKc concems regarding structure-remc V activities can be found in the PEA (uT. . MMS, 1987). The p-oposed structure-. moval o.Hvlties have generated no comm.'nts from the publ ic V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION IP accordance with the provisions o* Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, fhe orcr ed structure-removal operation has heen coordinated with the NMFS. Thei. feasant?' ere Included In Appendix C. The NMFS concluded that removal of the structvr. *111 not Ukely jeopardize the continued existence of any threat* r..* jr endangered spedes under their purview. Additionally, they tcncloied that the proposed removal may result in thc Injury or mortality of logger need, Kemp's ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. Therefore, they established a low level of Incidental take and discussed various measures necessary to monitor and minimize this Impact (see Appendix C ) . The NMFS noted that no Incidental taking of aarine mammals was authorized under Se tion 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 In connection with the proposed structure-removal activities herefore, taking of marine mammals by the operator would be prohibited unless they successfully apply for and obtain a peneit or waiver to do so from NMFS. 7

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Page 1: 5. Pipel iicr M*f* ables · 5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables

5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables

The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables. There are existing pipelines within.ISO meters (490 feet) of the prr«os*d *• .-ucture-removal ac t iv i t i es . Preia-Jtions < » accordance with NTL Ko. 83-3, Section IV.B., must be taken prior to conducts 'j 'he removal act ivi t ies; therefore, the p-oposed work wi l l not pose a hazard to pipelinesfs) risei ccblc(s) in the area. ,

6. Cher Mineral Resources

No impacts are expected as a result ^ proposed ic t iv ? t i e * . Fo» analysis information, see the PEA reference \n uie Introduction

7. Human Health and Safety

The PEA (USDI, MMS, 1987) describes tfwj hazardous conditions for workers during structure-removal activities. The operator has proposed tte use of explosives in conjunction with the :tructure removal activit ies. Existing legal and regulatory safety requirements will keep the impacts of the proposed vork on human health and safety at a very low level.

E. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

A *l rcussion of unavoidable adverse impacts can be fcurv. in the .'CA (u\>C!t

MMS, 1987). Two areas of primary concern are the potential impact to protected, threatened, and/or endangered species and potential loss of habitat to the marine environment Both topics are discussed in the r't* and p w i r "v in this document. Cher unavoidable adverse impacts aw considered tc ot minor.

IV. PUBLIC OrINION

A discussion of prhKc concems regarding structure-remc V activit ies can be found in the PEA (uT. . MMS, 1987). The p-oposed structure-. moval o.Hvlties have generated no comm.'nts from the publ ic

V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

IP accordance with the provisions o* Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, fhe orcr ed structure-removal operation has heen coordinated with the NMFS. Thei. feasant?' ere Included In Appendix C. The NMFS concluded that removal of the structvr. *111 not Ukely jeopardize the continued existence of any threat* r..* j r endangered spedes under their purview. Additionally, they tcncloied that the proposed removal may result in thc Injury or mortality of logger need, Kemp's ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. Therefore, they established a low level of Incidental take and discussed various measures necessary to monitor and minimize this Impact (see Appendix C) . The NMFS noted that no Incidental taking of aarine mammals was authorized under Se tion 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 In connection with the proposed structure-removal activities herefore, taking of marine mammals by the operator would be prohibited unless they successfully apply for and obtain a peneit or waiver to do so from NMFS.

7

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VI BIBLTOGRAPhf AND SFV' AL REFERENCE(S)

Fritts, T.H., A . l . Irvine, R.D. Jenn'r«», L.A. Collin, W. Hoffman, and M.A. McGehee. 1983*. Turtles, birds, and mammals in the northern Gulf of Mexico and nearby Atlantic wt ers. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, D.C.

Fuller, D.A. and A.M. Tappan. 1986 The occurrence of sea turtles in Louisiana -oastal waters. Coastal Fisheries tavtitute. Center for We and Resources. Louisiana State University. Baton Rrug*, LA. %

T«**»: i. ndy G. and An'.nony Martinez. 1988 annual report of the sea turtle stranding and salvage network. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. January - December *)S8. Naticnal Marine Fisheries Service. Southeast Fisnerles Center, Miami Labot vory, 75 Virginia Drive, Miami, FL.

U.S. Department of 'ha Interior. Minrals Management Service. 1989. Final Environmental Impac: Statement. Gulf of Mexico Seles 123 and 125: Central ard Western Planning Areas. OCS EIS/EA MMS 89-0053. Washington, O.C. Available from NTIS. Springfield, VA: PB-89234900/AS.

U.S. Department of the ioteHor. Minerals Management Service. 1988. Final Environmental Impact S. .ement. Proposed OCS oil and gas lease sales 118 and 122 (Central and Western Gulf of Mexico). OCS EIS/MMS 88-0044. Washington, D.C. Available from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB-U4185/AS.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Minerals Manage *ot Service. 1987. Programmatic Environment' • *>sessment. Structure-removal activ. 'Jes Central and Western Gulf of Mexico riannirq Areas. OCS/EA 87-C0C2. Gulf of htxico OCS Region. M* Orleans. L*.

i

8

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I 1

I ii

I

V I I . PREPARERS

Author * ' '

Bonnie LaBordeIJohrt n - Physical Scientist

Typist

Joan Boiteaux

3

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III. APPENDICES

A. ARCO* OIL AND GAS C'/̂ANY CORRESPONDENCE

B. HNS SUMMARY EVALUATION

C. NMFS CORRESPONDENCE

10

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APPEMOIX A

ARCO OIL AM) 6AS COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE

11

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ARCO Cil an" G.. Company E . i * • 1" :: ct

^r-.t C." cc Hoi j KoYr icn. Texas i*72i» 1 Teitphone 711 5S4 6639

Mr. Dan B. Bourgeois Regional Supervisor - Field Operations CULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION Minerals Management Service U.S. Department of the Interior 1201 Eimwood Park Boulevard

September 5, 1989

Nev Orleans, LA 70123-2394 \. —'—"

ATTN: Mr. Arv ind Shah

RE: Application for Use of Explosives for Structure Removal West Cameron 205 and 238 Fields

Dear Mr. Shah:

ARCO Oil and Gas Company, a Division of Atlantic Richfield Company, hereby submits applications for use of explosives to remove fiv e abandoned caisson wells in the West Cameron 205 and 238 f i e l d s . Wells WC 205 No. 5, WC 212 No. 2. WC 238 No. 4, and WC 239 No. 4 w i l l requira use of 75 lb charges due to the size of the caisson. WC 211 No. 1 w i l l require use of a 50 lb charge. We plan to remove the caissons as soon as the attached applications are approved.

I f you need any further information, please c a l l me at (713) 584-6)04.

Belinda V. Breaux Senior Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Coordinator

cc: G.E. King - 3238 HMB R.M. Royce - 3236 HMB B.D. Richards - SOP File - WC 205 05 ADM.

Sincerely,

- WC 211 01 ADM. - WC 212 //2 ADM. - WC 238 //4 ADM. - WC 239 04 ADM.

AMCO 0>l a n d G . i C o m p j n , i t i D i n t i o n o' A ! i « n t c M i c n t i « i d C o < " p « n ,

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PPOPOSED OCS PLATKOPM/STRUCTURE REMOVAL

Responsible* Party

A. Least Opsrator Name ARCO OIL & GAS COMPANY

B. Address 15375 Memorial Dr ive

Houston, TX 770 79

C Contact Person and Telephone Number Belinda B-eaux

(713) 584-6104

I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f Structure to be Removed

A. Platform Nana West Cameron 20 5 |5 Caisson Well

B. Location (Lease, Area, Block, and Block Coordinates) WC 205

OCS-C 2 8 3 2 , X - 1,368,097 Y - 224,129

C. Date i n s t a l l e d (Year) 1*84

n . Propossd Dete of Removel (Month/Year) September 1989

C. Water Depth 60'

Deacription of Structure to be Removed

A. Configuration (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 48" X 60" Caisson

C. Number of Legs/Casings/Pil ings 48" X 60" Caisson with 3 strings

Of c a s i n q ; 24" X 1 8 - S / 8 H X 1 3 - 3 / 8 "

t

13

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/ Page 2

D. Diameter and Wall Thickness o f Legs/Casings/Pil ings 60" - 2" wt ; t

24" - 1 - 1 / 2 " w f 1 8 - 5 / 8 " - 0 . 4 3 5 " w t ; 1 3 - 3 / 8 " - 0.480 wt

Z. Are Pi les Grouted? Yes Inside or Outside? Inside

60" X 24" i s not cemented.

F. Brief d e s c r i p t i o n of s o i l composition and cond i t ion Surface

so i l s are s t i f f moderately p l a s t i c gray c l a y .

IV. Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structure

Well la no longer productive and has been P&A'd.

V. Removal Method

A. Brief description of the method to be used A charge w i l l be

lowered into the 13-3/8" casing 16' BML, set off charge and

pull up caisson.

B. I f explosives are to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of. Explosives OCTOL Focus with 50 grain detenonating cord

2. Number and Sizes of Charges 1 § 75 lb.

a. Single Shot or Multiple Shots: Single

b. I f multiple shots, sequence and timing of detonations

14

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Pa ?o 3

3. 'Bulk'or Shaped Charge? Focused charge

aj Depth of Detonation Below Mud Line 16'

b. Inside or Outside Piling? Inside Caisson i

1

Pre-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Is the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed? No

If yes, provide the following:

a. Number and Kind

b. Size of Charges

c. Brief description of how, where, and when scare charges or

acoustic devices w i l l be uaed

2* Will divers or acouatlc devices be used to conduct a pre-removal

survey to detect presence of turtles and marine mammals? NO

I f yes, b r i e f l y describe the proposed detection method

Post-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Will transducers be used to measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? No

2- Will divers be used to survey the area after removal to determine

any effects on marine l i f e ? Yes

15

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Page 4

VI. Biological Information i

I f avai lable , J rov ide the resul ts of any recent b i o l o g i c a l surveys conducted

i n the v i c i n i t y of the s t ruc tu re . I f a v a i l a b l e , describe any recent .

observations of t u r t l e s or marine mammals at the s t ruc ture s i t e . •

16

Page 11: 5. Pipel iicr M*f* ables · 5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables

,V3 W*rt*-rv^t

A. Si)*?? r.

&h AVAILABLE COPV

c7" TT

yy* V

<S M/MLABLE COPY

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orxs zsiz'x* 'A'AJTAAIA e /3t3<*'A& HcemiAjrAIM: i38S6'/KS

&AZZA fa-/' f*£ 0 /?,CZ0' A<B orrs i.sCz"TO 'A' < "AAi'.e i3tV3'AK8 NL AZ*e*JTAY titzeAL c /3,C3+'AA£ 1Z) "-A~7V)~ l3>1Si 'AKi &>' A,:A 0 0,101*A?K6 CK. 0 'A'AJ.TAALA _P /Zfjf'AA

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Page 12: 5. Pipel iicr M*f* ables · 5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables

OM'̂ ON : WEST CAMSRGN 205 *T ft

m • I • > * * > *

'ff) 36

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r)5Y ~

... ••• * • • * —

tf0

W90-

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18

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fA'ELl. No. 5 I L O C K 205 |V. CAMET.ON AREA

OCS <l-2832

r

WATER L INE

57 WD

,' .CO Of^ Go" Cerr.^utty , , » . n r e f j n r : r\ *TDi

Page 14: 5. Pipel iicr M*f* ables · 5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables

31 y n - j ^

PROPOSED OCS PLAT. ORM/STRUCTUhE REMOVAL • * • Responsible Party

I

A. Lease Jperator Name ARCO OIL & GAS COMPANY

b. Address 15375 Memorial Drive

Houston, TX 77079

C. Contact Person and Telephone w "iber Belinda Breaux

(713) 584-6104

Identification of Structure to be Removed

A. Platform Name West Cameron 2 2 »2 Caisson Well

B. Location (Leaae, Area, Block, md Llock Coordinates) WC 212,

OCS-G 4758, X-1, 367, 052.46' Y-213, 586.47'

C. Dete I n s t a l l e d (Year) 1985

D. Propoaed Date of Removal (Month/Year) September, 1989

E . Water Depth 60'

Deacription of Structure to be Removed

A. Configuration (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 60" X 48" Caisson

C. Number of Legs/Casings/Pil ings 60" X 48" Caisson with 3 casinq

s t r ings ; 30w X 20" X 13-3/8"

20

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Pa^e 2

D. Diameter ani V»all Thickness of '-egs/Casings/ f i l i n g s __6n" ~ 1-1/2" » t r I l

30" ' 1-1/2" wt? 20" - 0.438" w t ; J_3__J_j____l_ILlfL-g-~

E . Art

10" w _ : _ u v , . - » - . w ^ w , - •

:_ Pi_|«s Ciouted? ves Inside or Outside? Casing Annulus

F. Brief description of s o i l composition and condition Surface,

s o i l s are s t i f f moderately p las t i c gray c lay .

Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structure —Zone I s

depleted^ wel l i s PfcA'd.

Removal Method

A. Brief description of the method to be used Insert charge Inside

13-3/8 casinq, 16 f t below mud l ine , set charge off and pul l up

caieeon* — —

B . i f explosives ara to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of Explosives Octol focus with 50 grain detonating cord.

2. Number and Sizes of Charges 1 #. 75 lb „

a. Single Shot or Multiple Shots: Single shot _ _

b. I f multiple shots, sequence and timing of detonations

21

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3. Bulk T Shaped Charge? Fvcused charge

a. .Depth of Detonation Below Mud Line __16'

b. inside or Outside !•} ling? Inside

C. Pre-Removal Monitoring Techniques 1

1. is the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed?_No_

If yes, provide the following:

a. Number and Kind -

b. Size of Charges

Pago 3

c. Brief description of how, where, and when scare charoes or acoustic

devices w i l l be used

2. Will divers or acoustic devices be used to conduct a pre-removal survey

'.o detect prsstt.ice of tur t l e s and marine inammals? No

I f yes, b r i e f l y describe the proposed detection method

D. Post-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Will transducers be used to measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? No •

2. Will divers be used to survey the area after removal to determine any

effecta on marine l i f e ? Yes .

22

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Page 4

V I . B io log ica l Info^rinatlon

I f available, provide the results of any recent biological surveys conducted i

i n the vicinity of the structure. I f avai lable , describv any recent

observations of turt l - s or saxine raanmals at the structure s i t e .

23

Page 18: 5. Pipel iicr M*f* ables · 5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables

-! :ers! t irp -se Vorksl-; :

To A r LEAST / S ' AsnL .

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. C«H«o» / D r * v J_. ' • Schematic

TOP o f *5oTi cc<tT%2

TOP of 4 1 V

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BOTTOM« C . ^ C N

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20'Itf COO'XTCC

Page 20: 5. Pipel iicr M*f* ables · 5. Pipel iicr M*f* "ables The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal ect ivi cie* or pipelines and cables

WATER LINE

MUO LINE

ARCO OH and Gas Company <!%

SOUTH TEXAS DISTRICT

Well No. i i

Block JLlA Area W_sr CPMOOti ,

OCS 0L_fV__3

26

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* PROPOSED OCS PLATFORM/STRUCTURE REMOVAL

I . Responsible P a r t y (.

A. LeajLe Operator Name ARCO O I L & GAS COMPANY

B. Address 15^75 Meroorial D r i v e * ,

Houston, TX 77079 J

C. Contact Person and Telephone Number Be l inda Breaux

(713) 584-6104

I I . I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of S tructure to be Removed

A. P la t form Name _ West Cameron 238 14 Ca i s son Well

B. Locat ion ( L e a s e , Area, B l o c k , and Block Coordinates ) OCS-G 2834

WC 238 , X - 1 ,433,659.35' Y • 161,620.34'

C. Date I n s t a l l e d ( Y e a r ) . 1984

D. Proposed Date of Removal (Monch/Year) September 1989

E . Water Depth 70' •

I I I . Descr ipt ion o f S truc ture to be Removed

A. C o n f i g u r a t i o n (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 60" X 48" Cais son

C Number of L e g s / C a s i n g s / P i l i n g s 60" X 48" Ca i s son with 2 c a s i n q

s t r i n g s : 30", 16"

i

27

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Page 2

D. Diameter and W a l l Thickness o f L e g s / C a s i n g s / P i l i n g s 60" - 1.5" wt

. 0 " - * 1 . 5 " w t , 16" - 0 . 3 7 5 " w t

E. Are P^.les Grouted? NO I n s i d e o r Out ; i ie?

F . B r i e f d e s c r i p t i o n o f s o i l c o m p o s i t i o n and c o n d i t i o n . S u r f a c e

s o i l s a r e s t i f f mode ra t e ly p l a s t i c gray c l a y .

Purpose

B r i e f d i s c u s s i o n of the reason f o r removing the s t r u c t u r e Well i s no

longer p r o d u c t i v e and has been P&A'd. ^«_____«__________«______-___

removal Method

A. Br ie f d e s c r i p t i o n of the method to be used I n s e r : charge i n s i d e

16" c a s i n q 16' BML, s e t o f f charge and remove c a i s s o n .

B . I f e x p l o s i v e 0 are to be used , provide the f o l l o w i n g :

1. Kind o f Exp los iver _ OCTOL FOCUS wi th 50 g r a i n detonating c o r d .

2. Number and S i z e . ges 1 - 75 l b .

a . S i n g l e S.iot c r l e Shots : S i n g l e

b . I f m u l t i p l e shot s , uence and t iming of detonations _____

28

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Pa gc 3

3. Bulk or Shaped Charge? Focused

a>. Depth ot Det:- at'.cn Relcv.- Mud Line 16'

I n s i d e or Outs ide P i l i r g ? I n s i d e c a i s s o n

r

C. Pie-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. I s the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed? No

I f yes, prov< ie the f o l l o w i n g :

a. Number and Kind ____________________

b. Sire of Charges ___________________________________________̂

c. B r i e f description of how, where, and when scare charges or

acoustic devices w i l l be used

2. W i l * divers or acoustic devices be'used to conduct a pre-removal

s u r v • to detect prese ice of t u r t l e s and marine mammals? No

I f yes, b r i e f l y describe the proposed detection method _______________

D. Post-Removal '• m i t o r i n g Techniques

1. W i l l transducers be used t o measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? No

2. W i l l divsrs be used to survey the area a f t e r removal to determine

any e f f e c t s on marine l i f e ? Ye?

29

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Page 4

V I . B io log ica l I r j f orrnation

I f ava i lab le , p rov ide the resu l t s of any recent b i o l o g i c a l surveys conducted

i n the v i c i n i t y o f the s t ruc tu re . I f ava i l ab l e , describe any recer^

observations o f t u r t l a s or marine mammals at the s t ruc tu re s i t e .

30

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"K*1 10.(1.

fc.'. O-O"

TOWS*

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(ft m, 11O'Ov

4*

60"4 To H'tt * I.U V.T.

£."2d frflRtt 9 T i - t * * " TJ :r>o - ia i

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r,t ! F'vr-JO": '//ori .hoot

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ALL -sc; jnzzrJtY* f CAISSONS £r:/r.9\/£0 TO &r>L< CUT- z^lt' 723Q €* SOO *A** creA s<sraw n" csc<§> +z3 je& TOC f£ Z$; *AAS CIO'AML)

orrs Z3&*£0 'A'AUTAIHSS*? s+7' i zsio'

T£t//lA/A/tflUS AtUXV ' JS AAC ^ 3*AN ATA A

300* SALAACAP C£AI£NTACUC XV TBC/ T9C/CSC AUAJVUAS (S'Hf-SftS'j CZBA **ras z-Vt"rB&* SHO'

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8

(oO* < I'/j'uJT

ARCO OU and Gas Ccmpany <> O i v i l i o n ot Al l»nt ic«ichf .»>ldCompany

SOUTH TEXAS DISTRICT

Well No. __:

Block 238

Area VlesrCAm&o*)

OCS Q 2 8 _ _ ,

33

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3lY %<\-lc<\

| PROPOSED :>CS PLATFORM/STRUCTURE REMOVAL >

I

I . Responsible Party 1

A. Lease Operator Name ARCO OIL fc GAS COMPANY

B. Addre8s 15375 Memorial Drive

Houston, TX 77079

C. Contact Person and Telephone Number Belinda Breaux

(713 ) 584-6104

I I . Identification of Structure to be Removed

A. Platform Name West Cameron 239 »4 Caisson well -_»«--_-_-_—

B. Location (Leaae, Area, Block, and Block Coordinates! OCP-G 3965

WC 239, X-1,408,985.090' Y - 166,:'93.00'

C. Date Installed (Year) 1983

D. Propoaed Date of Removal (Month/Year) September 1989

B. Water Depth 50'

I I I . Description of Structure to be Removed

A. Configuration (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 60' X 48" caisson

C. Number of Legs/Casings/Pil ings 60" X 48" Caisson with 3 casing

Strings 30" X 20" X 13-3/8"

34

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»

Page 2

D. Diamet4r and Wall Thickness of Lers /Casings/Pi l ings 60" • 1.5 • t j

J 3Q" - i " w t ; 20" - 0 . 438 " w t ; 1 3 - ! / t ' - . 4j "wr

E . Are P i l es Grouted? Yes Inside or Oct! -e -si^--

60" X 30 i s not cemented. 1

F. Brief description of s o i l composition ar.d coi . ion Sur lace

s o i l s are s t i f f moderately plas ic gray ~lay. ______________________

I V . Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structurs Well ls no

longer productive and has been PtA'd.

V. Removal Method

A. Brief description of the method to be used Piece charge inside

13-3/8" casing 16' below mud l ine . Set off charge and pull up

caisson.

B. I f explosives ara to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of Explosives OCTOL FOCUS with 50 grain detonating cord.

2. Number and Sizes of Charges 1 j 75 lb .

a. Single Shot or Multiple Shots: Single

b- I f multiple shots, sequence and timing of detonation.*

35

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Page 3

3. Bulk or Shaped Cnarge? Focused charge

A- r j ep th of" D e t o n a t i o n Below Mud L i n e 16' i

b. Inside or Outside Piling? Inside caisson

C. Pre-Removal Monitoring Technigues ^

1. Is the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed? NO

I f yes, provide the fo l l o w i n g :

a. Number and Kind __________________

b. Size of Charges

c. Brief description of how, where, and when scare charges or

acoustic devices w i l l be used

2. Will divers or acoustic devices be used to conduct a pre-removal

survey to detect preserve of turtles and marine mammals? NO

I f yss, briefly describe the proposed detection method ________________

Post-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Will transducers be used to measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? NO

2. Will divers be used to survey the area after removal to determine

any effects on marine l i f e ? Yes

36

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t

Page 4

V I . Biological jlnformation

I f available, provide the results of any recent biological survey© conducted

in the v ic in i ty of the structure. I f avai lable , describe any recent

observations of t u r t l e s or marine mammals at the structure s i t e .

37

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F<>§

AO ft' l- jrpo$t Wor'i3iieot

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roc <Sf 7St'AAS dO'SA't)

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7U6X/UC /A/V//ULUS ACUTS j£AHATgK

CT6P scrxtJlWrAie 73zr ; J r?00 ' d$*lAA>C£D cASf&vT -CV [ rea - rzfC/czi AAAWLUS (iczS-l&S^ SAKE A 3<-l AKA e? 1+1S9

orxs 'xA 1 *ie£V£ O tKxZ>)£ 7ft/' errs Asms (tXIS*x*)m 7+13'

Br WA

AAK£A *c-t AAA <? 713C' KtcemetJT AL«$ I 11to'~ tt+t'

BAKEK 'oS' AKite Z^z' 'AS-Z' AIUC serxA/>z A&AALA* r/rf\ 07TS S-Z AJXAftB OxiS'xo)* 3M' PBTo: y'gzsv # nso' i*£zs\j <* i+so' „f so' c**r Toe cB TrQO'

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W, zo", A MA4* <g> MS' AT6

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(fZ SAA)

tCAl-fl', J/0/-T/OS,' ini-IS'AA* C/ZSAA-)

A£o/)tAcq:0AJ CASXAJC : 1»t 1S-4A-JI0 x ^; 73 Z* A-/to/y~0<3> 9S+l'

+1* S-13T LTXZ ® /d,3Zl'AK3 7/ 3S* AW LXA/£C l l Z i S * > < #

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WELL No.4-BLOCK Z37

IW. CAMilRCN AREA

Tideland Si ' - VI Corp. 177 EFI Ma AO Lantern

AUTOMATIC POWER INC. MODE'. S A - 8 5 0 - 4

- WATER LINE

- O * 4 8 " w / I 1/2 WT Driven to I P O ' Below Mudlme

— MUO L I N E

AH CO C ! ">d Ga* Ccmpc: 1

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APPENDIX B

HMS SUMMARY EVALUATION

40

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United States Department of the Interior MINERALS MANAGEMENT SCRVJCK

W ASHINGTON. IK; 20240

',! ? 5 fOGl

C E I V E D Or. William Fox Assistant Administrator for Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service Department of Commerce Washington, D.C. 20235

De. Or. Fox:

In November 1986, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) agreed to procedures for expedited Endangered Species Act section 7 formal consultations on individual and groups of proposed oil and gas platfonn and structure removals 1n the Gulf of Hexico (GOM). This letter confirms telephone calls made by MMS to NMFS personnel ir headquarters and the Southeast Regional Office on November 7, 1989, reques•Iny an expedited consultation under these procedures. We have o?s1grah.ed ihi • Expedited Consultation 68 for reference and recordkeeping purpose.

This application for platform/structure removal *a* suUtltt^ by A t\ OO Gas Co. for removal of the following structures.

- Caisson No. 5, Block 205, West Cameron cas? A- -i - Caisson No. 2, Block 212, West Cameron i_ease Are? • Caisson No. 4, Block 238, West Cameron '.-ease Area - Caisson No. 4, Block 239, West Cameron Lease Area

Consultation under the expedited procedures Is needed because the company ha* requested permission to set explosive charges of greater than 50 pounds and, therefore, the activities cannot be considered for Inclusion under the Standard Consultation Issued on July 25, 1988. Information, procedure, aad evaluation documents for this consultation are enclosed. These documents Include correspondence from the operator (with attachments detailing specifics about the proposed removals) and a summary evaluation prepared by MMS GOM Region. To facilitate the consultation, MMS has provided a duplicate set of these documents directly to Dr. Tyrrell Henwood in the NMFS Southeast Regional office.

The enclosed documents specify that production efforts from these structures have been suspended and the structures are being removed under normal salvaging procedures. The structures represent potential navigation hazards and liability risks and the company requests to be allowed to.remove the structures as Is required to comply with MMS regulations under 30 CFR Part 250 and section 22 of standard MMS leases. Therefore, MMS requests an expedited completion of this formal consultation to enable the operator to remove the structures, as requested.

Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that no marine mammals or endangered or threatened sea turtles are present or likely to be affected by the removal. Based upon previous monitoring of platform removals by NNFS, it 1s unlikely

41

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Or. Williaa Fox 2

that marine mammals or sea turtles will be affected by the removal activities. Therefore, MMS believes that these removals will be accomplished with minimal risk, 1f any, to these animals.

If you have any questions pertaining to the requested consultation, please-address them to Dr. Robert W. Mlddleton, Minerals Management Service, Parkway Atrium Building, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, iirqinit 22070 (703-787-1729; FTS: 393-1729), or Mr. Jake B. Lowenhaupt, Minerals Management Service, 1201 Eimwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 (504-736-2594; FTS: 680-9594).

Sincerely,

(SGD) WILLIAM D. BETTENBERG

Associate Director for Offshore Minerals Management

Enclosure

(all copies w/ enclosure) cc: Mr. Robert Zlobro

National Marine Fisheries Service 1335 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Dr. Tyrrell Henwood National Marine Flshtri- cervice 9450 Koger Boulevard St. Petersburg, Florida 33702

bcc: Official F i le (BEO) A0/0MM 0EAD RF RS/LE, Gulf of Mexico Region Chief, BEO Klddleton/Turner/Strlght Hannon, BEE BEE/BEM/BES Offshore Chron (l)/(2) BEO RF

LMS:0EAD:MS644:Middleton:mr:l/25/90:9-787-l727:M1ddleton:ec6fFox.ltr

42

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Enclosure

SUMMARY EVALUATION

Possible Ef fec t s !on Endangered Species and Protected Marina. Mammals from Proposad Structure Removal of Caisson Nos. 5 2, 4 fend 4

West2Cameron Area, "locks 2C5, 212, 2 38 and 2 39 (Leases pCS-G 2832 */58, 2834, end 3965, respectively!

ES/SR 89-104 t

Determination 1

ARCO Oil and Gas Company proposes to remove the subject caissons from their respective leasa block locations. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has determined that since thm proposed oparations v i l l u t i l i z e explosives, sea turtles and marine mammals may be affected.

Background In/ormatlon

The operator plans to remove West Cameron 205 Caisson No. 5 and three casing strings, West Cameron 212 Caisson No. 2 and three casing strings, West Cameron 238 Caisson No. 4 and two casing strings, and West Cameron 239 Caisson No. 4 and three casing strings vith 75-lb. charges dua to the size of the caissons. See Table 1 for s p e c i f i c data regarding the proposed explosive removal operations.

Tne proposed a c t i v i t y does not meet the requirements for consideration under the generic structure-removal c r i t e r i a as stated in the July 25, 1988, Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service.

L i t t l e in.ormation i s available on tha likelihood of encountering sea turtles or marine mammals during the proposad a c t i v i t i e s . Hovever, both sea turtles and dolphins I.ava been observed in the vi c i n i t y of other structure removals vithin- tha past year. Recent data indicate that sea turtles are distributed throughout offshore Louisiana vaters. For this reason, i t i s possible that marina mammals and sea tur t l e s aay be present in the v i c i n i t y during the time of the proposed structure removal.

Mitigation

No mitigative measures vera identified by the ope tor in the application to reduce the likelihood of death or injury to sea tur t l e s and marina mammals.

Tha folloving mitigative measures vara identified by MMS during the application evaluation to reduce tha likelihood of death or injury to sea turtles and marina mammals:

1. Observers from MMS may ba employed to look for saa turtles and marine mammala prior to and aftar detonation of tha charges.

43

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2. The KMS will encourage the operator to conduct structure removal operations during daylight hours. The actual determination should be made pn all sitr-specific facts at the time of the removal. '

Sea turtles and marine mammals may be present in the vicinity of the structures during proposed removal activities. I f th^y are close enough, they may be hurt or killed by the detonation of explosives. Mitigative measures to be taken w i l l , in our opinion, reduce the probability of harming sea turtles or marine ma.omals. However, the proposed structure removals may affect sea turtles and protected marina mammals.

Summary

'Leasing and Environment Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Johnson: ml: 10-3/17-89:89-104. se

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Table 1

Explosives Prc_ >3ed by ARCO Oil and Gas Company ' for the Structure Removals in

West Cameron Area, Blocks 205, 212, 238, 239 j (OCS-G 2832, 4758, 2834, and 3965)

Type of Explosives

OCTOL Focus with 50 grain detonating cord

Number and Size of Charges

West Cameron 205 Caisson No. 5 - one 75-lb. charge West Cameron 212 Caisson No. 2 - one 75-lb. charge West Cameron 238 Caiason No. 4 - one 75-lb. charge West Cameron 239 Caisson No. 4 - one 75-lb. charge

Employment of Charges

Inside casing, 16 feet below the mudline

Stqugncing of Ditonationi

Single shots

R E C E I V E D

OCT 19 1989 Offica cf Structural

end Technical Support

45

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APPENDIX C

NMFS CORRESPONDENCE

46

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U M l T S U M t A T I i O t K ^ M T M i . ^ T O K C O M M I H C I

FEB 151990 Mx . Bairy A*. W i n laiueon D i r e c t o r • » M i n e r a l * Manafeeraer.t S e r v i c e U . S . Department of the) I n t e r i o r Weehington, D.C. 20240

J -..iMI'... moment Jo: v p.? A Envircnov."'

neer Mr. Williamson: ^

T h i e : s in response to ycur Jn :unvy i t , 1990, requocft i . i an Fndar.qered Speciee Act (ESA) Section 7* Consultat ion fv-? proposed removals by ARCO O i i fc Ges Co. c f ca isson Noe. 5, 2. 4 and 4, in West Cameron Area, B locks 205, 217 238 and 339, r e s p e c t i v e l y . T h i s Expedited Consu l ta t ion has been designated ae number 68. The Summary E v a l u a t i o n attached to yc\ir l e t t e r ind ica te s that th« proposed operation w i l l u t i l i z e exploeivee, and t h a t protected *ea tur t i ee and marine mammals may ba e f f ec ted .

The operator plans t o remove West Jameron 205 Celsacn No. 5 and t h r e e casing s t r i n g s . West Caaoron 23 » Caisson No. 2 and three c a s i n g str ings , West Cameron 23t CeiKSon No. 4 and two casing » t r i n g s , and West Cameron 239 Ca'.sson so . 4 and three casing e t r i n g e with 75 l b . charges detonated 16 feet below the mudline Minera l s Management Serv i ce (MMS) has determined that the charges a r e appropriate f o r these removals.

The National Marine P i s h e r i e s Serv ice (NMFS) i s sued a "standard" B i o l o g i c a l Opinion on J u l y 25, 1988, addressing removal of s t r u c t u r s s in the o u l f of Mexico. Accounts of endangered and threatened species which occur in the project a r e a , contained in the r standard" op in ion alao apply to t n i s consu l ta t ion and are hereby incorporated by reference.

Based upon the bes t a v a i l a b l e informetion concerning t_h» frequency of occurrence of sea t u r t l e s i n proximity to o i l p lat forms end re r a t e d s truotures , we be l ieve that i t I s un l ike ly t h a t a s i g n i f i c a n t number of t u r t l e s w i l l occur i n the project a r e a during detonation of the chargee. Although the shock and impulse forces r e l e a s e d into the marine environment as a r s s u l t o f &he proposer, a c t i o n may r e s u l t in the loss c f ind iv idua l aea t u r t l e s , i t ie our opinion that renoval of these s truotures i s no t l i k e l y to j e o p a r d i s e the continued existence of threatened and endar. tered s p e c i e s that are tht. respons!tv. 1 i t y of NMFS. However, w*. h .av§ determined that the prcpoeeu a c t i v i t y may r e s u l t i n the injury or m o r t a l i t y of loggerheaa, Kemp's r i d l e y , green, hawksb i l l and l ea therback t u r t l e s . Therefore, pursuant to S e c t i o n 7(b)(4) of the ESA, wo have eatabllahed a low l e v e l of tn< id.m'-cl take and terms and conditione necessary to minimise - n i tr.r t h i s Impact. These terms and t o~dl t i _>ne ate

i the enclosed Incidental taku statement. Compliance ;.'th * 4 *v . l f ied terras and cond.'tions ia the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of

47

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n Jen '.'A 7 Co.' o'M

rhe proposed uee o f «t 75 l b . OCTOL focus device** t v v ... « i « ; r i - . cv i iH increases thc l a t h e ; range c f the b l a a t a , a: i cou ld s i g n i f i c a n t l y increase the r i u K a t o p ro tec ted epeciee i . \ the v i c i n i t y o f t h r s s t r u c t u r e . T h e r e f o r e , as an a d d i t i o n a l i p r ecau t ion , d i v e r surveys or t h e araa baneath the s t r u e t u r e e are mandatory f o r those removals.

ihe i n c i d a n t a l t a k e statement a p p l i e s only t o endangered and i threa tened SUA t u r t l e s . I n o r d e r t o a l l ow ar. I n c i d e n t a l take d i a marine mammal spec ies , t h s t a k i n g must be a u t h o r i z e d under 1 Sec t ion 101(a ) (5 ; o f the Marine Mammal P r o t e c t i o n Act o f 1972. Al though i n t e r e s t hae been expressed l n o b t a i n i n g an e x c e p t i o n A u t h o r i z i n g a l i m i t e d take o f d o l p h i n s i n c i d e n t a l t o abandonment a c t i v i t i e s , no marine mammal t ake i s au thor i zed u n t i l a p p r o p r i a t e smal l take r e g u l a t i o n s are i n p lace and r e l a t e d " L e t t e r s o f A u t h o r i z a t i o n " a r e Issued.

Consu l t a t i on must be r e i n i t i a t e d i r : (1) th s amount o r e x t e n t o f t a k i n g s p e c i f i e d l n the i n e i d e n t e l take statement i s «>;vaededj (a) new i n f o r m a t i o n reveala impacts c f the p r o j e c t t h a t may a f f e c t l i e t e d apec lee !n a manner or t o an e x t e n t not cor ia lda ied tnue f a r i n ou r o p i n i o n s ; (3) the i d e n t i f i e d a c t i v i t i e s are m o d i f i e d i n a manner t h a t causes an adverse e f f e c t t o l i s t e d species not p r e v i o u s l y cons ide red ; or (4) a now e r o d e * i s l i s t e d or c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t i s des ignated t h a t may ba a f f e c t e d by the p r o j e c t .

I lcok forward t o your con t inued coopera t ion i n f u t u r e c o n e u l t a t l o n a .

S i n c e r e l y ,

Enclcsu:

48

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Incident*? Take statement i

Saction 1(b) [4j of tiie Bi.W^.»a Species Aot (ESA) reij-iree that whan a propooed age..;.;/ actior. -a found to jje consistent with Section 7(a)(2) of the Act * r * tr*c propoeed action may incidentally take individuals of l i s t .1 specioe, tae Naticn/.l Marine Fisheries Service (HMFSJ wtlo, i*su«« a statement thai specifies ths impact (amount or extent) of sunn incidental ' taking. Incidental taking by tus Federal agency or applicant, that complies with the specified teraa and conditions of this statement, i s authorized and exempt from the taking prohibition of tho ESA.

Baaed on stranding records, Incidental captures aboard commercial shrimp veseels and hiatorlcal data, five species of sea turtles are known to occur in northern Gulf <f Mexico waters. Curront available information on the relationship between sea turtle mortality and the use of high-velocity explosives to remove o i l platforms indicates that injury and/or death of soa turtles may reeult froa the proposed action. Therefore, pursuant to Section 7(b)(4) of the SSA, an incidental take (by Injury or mortality) of one documented Kemp's ridley, green, hawksbill or leatherback turtle or two loggerhead turtles i s set for theee removala. I f the incidental take meete or exceeda thia level, Minerals Management Service (MMS) must reinitiate consultation. NMFS Southeast Region w i l l cooperate with MMS ln the review of ths incident to determine the need for developing further mitigation meeeuree.

The reasonable and prudent measures thst NMFS believes ara necessary to minimise the impact of ineidentel takings have been" discussed with MMS and are incorporated in the pletform removal design. T2w fo^ I >wlng .erms and conditions are established for these removele to imp! >nt these ...anuria and to document ths incidental taka should uacr. t*ks occur:

1. Qualified observer(s), s i approved by NMFS, must be used to monitor the area e*.oo!><* -.he s i t s before, during and ifter detonetlon of the chargts Surface observations aust bs conducted for as long a time as possible before reaoval of the structurs (48 hou/ i s recommended).

2. On the day of blast, a 30-mir.utS aerial sut /ey must be conducted within o**e hour before and one hour after the detonation. This survey should encompass a l l wators within one mile of the s' ucture. A qualified observer must be used to check Oie presenoe of turtles and, i f possible, to Identify spsciss. I f weather conditions (fog, excessive winds, etc.) make l t impossible to conduct the aerial survey, blasting a c t i v i t i s s aay be allowed to proceed i f approved by the deslgnsted NMFS and MMS repreeentetives on eite.

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i

7Q378 'Ht{{-

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• . I f *ea t u r t i e e ara observed in tha v i c i n i t y of th* p la t fonr (within 1000 yards of the s i t e ) p r i o r to detonat ing the charge, b l a s t i n g w i l l bo delayed u n t i l attampte are , succes s fu l i n removing them at l e a s t 1000 yards from the blast s i t e . ! The a e r i a l survey must bo repeated p r i o r to resuming detonation of charges .

* , 4 Detonation of explosives w i l l occur no sooner than one hour

following s u n r i s e and no l a t e r than one hour before sunst* Howsver, i f i t i s determined bv the NMFS or MMS o n - s i t e represent at-i ves that s p e c i a l circumstances j u s t i f y a modif icat ion of these time r e s t r i c t i o n s and that c o d i f i c a t i o n lu not l i k e l y to adversely impect l i s t e d species, the b l a s t may be allowed to proceed outside of t h i s time frame.

Pre- and poet- detonation d i v e r surveys must be conducted to ecan the areaa surrounding t h s ca isson for sea t u r t l e s . Mandatory d i v e r eurveys are required because of the l s rge aaount of explos ives (73 pounds) proposed for t h i s removal, end the increased r i s k to protected speciea essoc lated with such a l a r g e detonation. During addit ional d iv ing operations (working dives aa required in the courae of the removal), d i v e r s w i l l be i n s t r u c t e d to watch for t u r t l e s and marine mammala. Any s ight ings must bs roported to the NMFS or MMS o n - s i t e peraonnel. Upon completion of b l a s t i n g , divers must report and attempt to recover any s ighted injured or dead aea t u r t l e s or marine mammals.

>. fhe use of scare chargee ehould be avoided t a minimize the "chumming effect.** Uss of s care charges may be allowed only I f approved by the NMFS and/or MMS on-eite personnel .

K A report summarising the r o s u l t s of the removal and mit igat ion measures must be submitted co the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region within 15 working days of tha removal. This rsport should include an sva lua t ion of ths e f f ec t ivenees of charge(s) used, snd a determination ss to whether t h i s reaovsl oould have been accompllshsd using l e s s explos ives . A copy of the report must be forwarded to NMFS Southeast Region.

SO