feb 221985 gentlemen · 24" overshot packer, 2000 psi w.p. ... regan type kfdj diverter...
TRANSCRIPT
I n Np ly Refer .0: RP-2-1
FEB 221985 Exxon Company U.S.A. At tent ion: Wr. Fred A. Eal and Post Office i!ax 4279 Houston, Texas 77210
Gentlemen:
Reference Is aide to your I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration ami Environmental Report received February 8, 1985. fo r Lease OCS-G 6702, Block 285, South Marsh Island Area. Th" -Man Includes the ac t i v i t i e s proposed for Mells A through F.
! n accordance al th 30 CFR 250.34, revised December 13, 1979, and our letter-dated January 29, 1979, t h i s plun has been determined to be complete as of February 22, 1985, and Is now being considered for approval.
Your plan control number I s !J-2019 and should be referenced In your communicat i o n and correspondence concerning th is plan.
Sincerely yours.
Ori5 Sgd. A. Dear: -Tic* [Jj?
Dat D. H. Solanas Regional Supervisor Rules and Production
bcc: Lease XS-G 6702 (OPS-3-2) (FILE ROOM) LQPS-3-4 w/Pub!1c I n f o . Copy of the plan and ER (PUBLIC RECORDS ROOM)
DO-4
MJTolbert:gcw:2/8/85 Disk 3b
Office ef Pror-v- S< -v'res
FEB %\ 1985
Records Manafement Section
» — — . v . — — - •• 1 —~- MWI|WP>1
» - »
EXXON CORPORATION
INITIAL PLAN OF EXPLORATION
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, WORTH ADDITION
GOLF OF MEXICO
MINERALS MANAGEMENT SU.VIZ OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
S E C T I O N 1 : PLAN D E S C R I P T I O N
FEB Cb 1985
RULES ' S3 PKCOtfSTKKI SECTION 2: DRILLING EQUIPMENT
SECTION 3: GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY RESULTS, AND
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
SECTION 6
SECTION 7
SECTION 8
SHALLOW DRILLING HAZARDS REPORT
LOCATION
OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY
MUD ADDITIVES
PERMITS
PROPRIETARY DATA
"FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION"
I N I T I A L PLAN OF EXPLORATION
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 1: PLAN DESCRIPTION
This i n i t i a l P l an o f E x p l o r a t i o n f o r South Marsh I s l a n d , N o r t h A d d i t i o n Block 2 8 5 , OCS-G 6702 c o n s i s t s o f f rom one t o s i x p o s s i b l e w e l l s as shown be low:
WFLL ANTICIPATED LOCATION
A 1000'FSL L 74001FWL
B 15001FSL I 6950'FWL
c 15001FSL & 4900'FWL
D 1900'FSL & 4900'FWL
R 2125'FSL & 4900'FWL
F 950'FSL & 6500'FWL
I n the even t a d d i t i o n a l s e i s m i c s u r v e y s are conducted i n the a rea , a c o n v e n t i o n a l ocean-qoing se i smic s u r v e y ves se l equipped w i t h an a p p r o p r i a t e hydrophone c a b l e and non-dynami te enerqy source ( e . q . , a i r qun) would be used .
D r i l l i n g o f W e l l " A " , i s Dlanned f o r about J u l y 1 , 1985 and and w i l l r e q u i r e about 54 days t o c o m p l e t e . The d r i l l i n q o f subsequent w e l l s " B " th rouqh "F" w i l l depend on t h e r e s u l t s o f v / e l l "A" and o t h e r g e o l o g i c a l da ta w h i c h w i l l be deve loped . The t o t a l d r i l l i n q and c o m p l e t i o n t i m e f o r the I n i t i a l P l an o f E x p l o r a t i o n depends on the d r i l l i n q o f a l l s i x w e l l s , and c o u l d r e q u i r e about 11 months t o c o m p l e t e . A con t inuous d r i l l i n q p roqram, however i s no t l i k e l y . I t i s our c u r r e n t p l a n t o d r i l l t hese w e l l s s e q u e n t i a l l y w i t h no more t h a n one be inq d r i l l e d a t a t i m e .
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NnRTH ADDITION
OPFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 2: DRILLING EQUIPMENT
A. DESCRIPTION
We intend to u t i l i z e the Zapata Heritaqe d r i l l -ig platform or similar equipment. This r i g i s a se l f - e l e v a t i n g mobile offshore platform ABS approved, fo r exploration and development d r i l l i n g . The p r i n c i p a l dimensions are 180' long x 175' x 25' deep h u l l w i t h three 344' legs. The Heritage i s designed to withstand any foreseeable weather conditions i n the Gulf of Mexico. A schematic of the d i v e r t e r system, and a l i s t i n g of blowout prevention equipment with a con f i q u r a t i o n schematic are attached. A de s c r i p t i v e brochure f o r t h i s r i q i s also included.
B. EMERGENCY PLAN
Our plan f o r abandoning the l o c a t i o n , i n case of an emergency such as a w e l l k i c k , w i l l vary i n accordance with the s e v e r i t y of the occasion.
Transportation w i l l be avai l a b l e to evacuate personnel from the r i g and area as need be. Appropriate U. S. Coast Guard prescribed l i f e r a f t s , j a c k e t s , and r i n g buoys w i l l be provided.
C. SAFETY FEATURES
Safety features w i l l include w e l l control and blowout prevention equipment t o comply with OCS Order No. 2.
D. POLLUTION PLAN
Washed cut t i n g s and table scraps w i l l be disposed of i n t o the Gulf. P o l l u t i o n prevention and c o n t r o l features w i l l prevent contamination, i n accordance with OCS Order No. 7. The vessel i s equipped with d r i p pans and coaming, and such w i l l be maintained. The r i g has a USCG approved sewage u n i t i n s t a l l e d .
BLOCK 285 y SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
OFPSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 2 : DRILLING EQUIPMENT (con t inued )
E. PROJECTED D £ O U S EMISSIONS
P r o j e c t e d e m i s s i o n s f rom the Zapata H e r i t a q e a re f rom f i v e s o u r c e s : power q e n e r a t i o n e n g i n e s , emerqency g e n e r a t o r , cement ing u n i t , m i s c e l l a n e o u s s e r v i c e , and s t o r a q e t a n k v a p o r s . Eauipment i n use and the l o c a t i o n o f the e m i s s i o n d i s c h a r q e a r e shown i n the a t t a c h e d c a l c u l a t i o n s and s k e t c h .
The a t t a c h e d Table shows p r o j e c t e d emiss ions f o r f a c i l i t i e s i n t h i s P l a n . S i x w e l l s may be d r i l l e d f r o m t h i s b l o c k . The s h o r t e s t d i s t a n c e t o shore f r o m any p o i n t on t h e l ease i s 25.2 m i l e s . The a i r emiss ions c a l c u l a t i o n s c o n t a i n e d h e r e i n a r e based on t h a t d i s t a n c e - and t h e r e f o r e p resen t a c o n s e r v a t i v e a n a l y s i s
Based on t h e exemption f o r m t as nown i n 30 CFR 2 5 0 . 5 7 - 1 ( d ) and the a t t ached c a l c u l a t i o n s , i t i s b e l i e v e d t h e f a c i l i t i e s proposed i n t h i s P lan o f E x p l o r a t i o n a re exempt f r o m f u r t h e r a i r q u a l i t y r e v i e w . Onshore f a c i l i t i e s a re d e s c r i b e d i n S e c t i o n 4 ; t h e y are not new nor are they t o be m o d i f i e d .
DIVERTER SYSTEM SCHEMATIC Zasata Heritage Jack-up Rig
(To be used through 2D " setting depth)
r l o v l l a e
In a drilling node, the Innermost high pressure diverter valve (2) and the flowline valve (3) ire in the open position. The secondary diverter valve (4) is kept in the closed position. The port and starboard valves (5) are kept 1n the open position. When the annular COP 1s closed, the flowline valve (3) closes and the secondary diverter valve (4) opens. The upwind diverter valve (5) 1s then closed. Each component of the diverter system can also be operated from the remote station.
. Reagan Model KFDJ-20G0 BOP/Diverter Assembly
. 12" ball valve, 2000 ps1 working pressure; high pressure diverter valve.
. 10" gate valve 150 psi working pressure; flowline valve
. 10" gate valve 150 ps1 working pressure; secondary diverter valve
. 10" gate valve 150 psi working pressure; port and starboard diverter valve
. 10" overshot packer, 500 ps1 W.P. (drilling below 30") 24" overshot packer, 2000 psi W.P. (drilling below 20")
D R I I L I N G HlCi Z a P a t a Hg"1tage
BLOWOUT PRETENTION PROGRAM
CASING 00 BOPs (HUM0tRv KIND, PRESSURE, BATING, ABO ACCOMPANYING EQUIPMENT)
Diverter (30" & 20")
Blowout Preventers (13-3/8", 9-5/B") 7"
BOP Control System
Sen-face Manifold
Regan Type KFDJ d i v e r t e r sya tea i . Working p r e s s u r e l a 150 pa i ( d i v e r t e r v a l v ? e ) . D i v e r t e r l i n e a a r e 10" O . D . . S e e a t t .ched d i v e r t e r aVetch td d e a c r l p t l o n .
One - 13-5/0", 5,000 pst WP annular preventer One - 13-5/0", 10,000 psi WP Cameron Type Double "U" preventer equipped with blind rears and
pipe rams. One - 13-5/B", 10,000 psi WP dr i l l ing spool with two side outlets equipped wilh * choke and
k i l l line containing 3-1/16" valves i 2-1/16" valves respectively. One - 13-5/B", 10,000 psi WP Cameron Type Double "0" Preventer equipped with plr
Surface Accumulator BOP Control Unit 3000 psi system with 270 gallon gallon accumulator. Two remote control panels.
Surface Manifolding System with two hand adjustable chokes and one hydraulic i adjustable choke.
Jackup Mobile Platform (
ZAPATA HERITAGE Nominal water depth rating 250'
Drilling Equipment
Overall Length Overall Width Hull Depth Overall
Lag Length Available
Lag Length Beiow HuD
Drilling Slot Cranes
Anchoring System
Towing Speed in Calm Sea
Storage
Dr*Mir-g Water Potabie Water Diesel Fuel Liquid Mud Bulk Mud Bulk Cement Sack Mud
and Cement Heliport Quarters
Personnel Survival
Friede & Goldman L-780 Class design with three triangular legs, electro-mechanical type lacking system U S A BuiR 1961 by FEL Shipyard. Singapore 180' 175' 25'
344'
285' Cantilevered Two ABS rated 75 ton Link-Belt 21 BA cranes with 120' booms
Four electric driven wireline anchor winches, rated for 36.000 lbs. pud at 39 fpm. four Baidt 10.000 Ib. anchors; lour anchor lines 1 t t " diameter x 2.500' long; and four anchor buoys
4 knots with 9.000 hp sea tug
5.000 bbls. 1.000 bbls 2.000 bbls 1.600 bbls. 3.000 cu.ft. 3.000 cu.f l
3.000 sacks 62'diameter (for S-61 N) Air-conditioned and heated quarters for 64 persons with galley and separate recreation room
Two 44-passenger serf-propelled survival type lifeboats: five 20-person inflatable life rafts; Me preservers, life rings and various other safety equipment
Drawworks
Pumps
Rotary
Crown Block Traveling
Block Swivel Hook
BOP Equipment
Derrick
Substructure Mud Mixing
Pumps
Cementing Unit Drill Collars
and Drill Pips
National 1320-EU 2.000 hp electric driven unitized, powered by two GE-752 electric motors and with Elmagco 7838 brake Two National 12-P-160 triplex. 1.600 hp each, unitized with two GE-752 motors Four Caterpillar D-399 turbocharged and after cooled engines, each 1.215 hp at 1.200 rpm. with 600 volt ac generators Ross-Hill SCR system National 37ft". independent electric driven, with two-speed gearbox, unitized with GE-752 motor ft50ton
National 650 ton National P-650 B.J. model 5500 Dynaplex hook wilh automatic positioner. 500 ton capacity Regan model KFDJ-2000 BOP/Diverter assembly with housing and 20" insert 13H" 10.000 psi wp stack consisting of: 13H" 5.000 psi wp annular BOP 13H" 10.000 psi wp single ram BOP 13H" 10.000 psi wp double ram BOP Two sets 5" pipe rams and one set blind rams 13H" 10.000 pei wp drilling spool with 3" side outlets. Two 3" 10.000 psi wp choke ana valves, one hydraulically operated Two 2" 10.000 psi wp kill tone valves (manually operated) plus check valve 147' x 30' x 30' derrick. 125 mph wind load capacity, a 1,044,000 nook load capacity Cantilevered
Four 6" x 8" centrifugals with 100 hp electric motors Dowel
8" OO x 2 " / u N 10 x 30/ sick d r i collars. 614" OD x 2V*" ID x 30* spiral zip grooved drill collars. 5" OD. 19.50 Ibs./ft. Grade E and Q. Range2
CALCULATION OF PROJECTED EMISSIONS ZAPATA HERITAGE
BLOCK 285 SOUTH WRSH ISLAND
I . Electr ic Power Generation consisting of f ou r C a t e r p i l l a r D399-SCAC 1325 rated horsepower, turbocharged, seawater a f te r cooled diesel engines driving 930 kw AC generators.
Average Fuel use is 47.6 barrels (2000 gal lons) per day.
Emission factors provided by the Engine Div is ion of the C a t e r p i l l a r Tractor Company f o r the D399-SCAC engine at f u l l l o id (1325 HP) are as follows:
l b . / 1 0 3 g a l . of No. 2 diesel
TSP 4.5 N0X 205.6 CO 18.3 VOC (HC) 4.1 S02* 28.3
* Based on su l fu r content of 0.2 percent (by weight) in No. 2 diesel f u e l .
Example Calculations
N0X for Electric Power Generation (Source - lb . /day)
205.6 1b.N0x X 2.000 10 3 ga l . * 411.2 1b.N0x
10T gal . day day
N0X for Electric Power Generation (Fac i l i t y - Tons/well)
411.2 lb.NOx X 60 day X 1 Tons » 12.33 Tons N0X
day wel l TUOo" ~TB7 Well
I I . Emergency power generat ion engine is a C a t e r p i l l a r D-343 d iesel engine rated at 360 horsepower d r i v i n g a 250 kw, 480 v o l t AC generator.
Average fue l use i s 19 gallons per hour (456 gallons per day). The unit is operated two hours per week or 9 t imes dur ing a 60 day we l l .
Page 2
Emission factors provided by the Engine Div is ion of the C a t e r p i l l a r Tractor Co. for the D-343 engine at f u l l load (360 horsepower) ere as fol lows:
lb./103 ga l . No. 2 Diesel
TSP 6.7 N0X 210.C CO 19.0 VOC (HC) 4.2 S02* 23.3
* Based on 0.2 percent by weight s u l f u r content in No. 2 d i ese l fue l .
Example Calculation
• N0X for emergency power generation (Source - lb/day) - as
• N0X for emergency power generation ( F a c i l i t y - Tons/well)
6.0 lb. N0X X 9 days X 1 Ton - 0.03 Tons N0X
~day wel l 7000 TBT well
X I I . Cementing Unit Is a Dowel 1, R-626-J wi th a rec i rcu la t ing mixer and mixer skid powered by two GM8V-71 and two GH-3-53 diesel engines.
Average fuel consumption 1s 64 gallons per hour. For the purpose of th is calculat ion, i t is assumed a l l f u e l i s consumed by the la roer engines. The u n i t 1s operated 2 hours per week or 9 times per 60 day well.
Emission f ac to r s provided by the Detro i t Diesel Division of 6eneral Motors Corp. for the GM8V-71 engine at f u l l load (300 horsepower) are as follows:
lb./103 gal. No. 2 Diesel
TSP 47.9 N0X 688.7 CO 434.6 VOC (HC) 29.5 SO2* 28.3
* Based on 0.2 percent by weight of su l fu r content in No. 2 diesel fue l .
Page 3
Example Calculation
• N0X for cementing un i t operation (Source - lb/day) - as above
• M0X for cementing un i t operation (Fac i l i t y - Tons/WeV )
88.2 lb.NOx X9 days X 1 « 0.39 Tons day weTT 2000 weTT
IV. Miscellaneous Use ( fork l i f t , ergency s ta r t ing a i r , welding machines, e t c . ) Fuel use is estimated to be 10 gallons per day
Emission f a c t o r s from EPA AP-42 Sect ion 3.3.3 Sasoline and Diesel Engines Table 3.3.3-1 are as fo l lows:
lb./103 gal. No. 2 Diesel
TSP 33.5 N0X - f '9 .0 CO iOi.O VOC (HC) 37.5 S02* 28.3
* Based on 0.2 percent fry weight s u l f u r content in No. ? d iese l f u e l .
Example Calculation
• N0X for miscellaneous use (Source - lb/day) - as abo>.
• N0X for miscellaneous use (Fac i l i t y - Tons/Well)
4.7 lb.NOx x 6 0 days X I Ton » ° - 1 4 Tons ~3ay weTT 2TO TFT weTT
Page 4
V. Fuel Tank Vapors from diesel f ue l storage and use. Average stored volume Is about 1350 bb l . whi le da i l y consumption is 2030 gal lons.
Evaporative emission fac tors f o r Ho. 2 diesel fuel are obtained from EPA AP-42 Section 4.3 Storage of Petroleum Liquids Table 4.3.
Breathing Loss 0.0039 l b . / 1 0 3 gal/day
Working Loss 0.023 l b . / 1 0 3 gal./throughout
Example Calculation
Breathing Loss -
0.0039 lb . VOC/day X (56.7) 10 3 ga < 0.22 l b . V
IO3" gal day
Working Loss -
C.023 l b . VOC X (2.0) 10 3 g a l . - 0.05 »b. VC"
gal /thru day dt.v
Total Vapor Loss - 0 . 2 7 l b . VOC 3ay
» V.C for Fuel Tank Vapors ( F a c i l i t y - Tons/well)
0.Z7 ih VOC X 60 Days X 1 Tons » 0.01 Tor.v " day weTT "2000 "TFT weTT
Exempt icn Calculation-
Wells
E f o r N0 X , TSP, ViX- ri.tf SO? - (33.3)(2S3 r j*-9 j / Y r .
F w r CO » ( 3 4 0 0 ) M 2/3 -c« ,??4 T , f r .
ZAPATA HERIl/.i£ PROJECTED EMISSIONS
BLOCK 285 SOUTH HARSH ISLAND AREA
PROJECTEO EMISSIONS (1)
SOURCE ELEVATION SO? rSP NOx
FEET lb./day T/We'l lb./day I/Well lb./«lay * Vj I I
I . t \ " t r i e Pnwr EVl I * * t iOO 200: qpu (2)
I I . Emergency setter ator 19 gpd -2 hrs per (3 i
I U . Cementing Uni' 64 gpd -2 hrs pt. v. '
IV. Miscellaneous service 10 gpd (2)
V. Tank Vapors 13S0 Pbl storage 2000 gal use '.2)
TOTAL ":...VATf
E-cepl \ E with D • 252«lles (4)
no
95
&
•75
70
vor ./well
56.6 2.0 9.0 0.3 411.» lr\3
3.6 <0.1 <0.1 88.2 0.4
0.3 <0.1 0.3 <0.1 4.7 0.1
839 839 2C9
•i.T£5:
; i ) See attac .d .:«I ,at ions. (21 Based on continuous Miss ion for a 60 day we l l . (3) Based on operation of eaergency generator 2 hours per week er c tiaes for a /> (4) Shortest distance to shore froa any point on '.he lease.
8.2 0.2
1.1 <0.1 0.3 <0.1 8.J <0.1 0.2 <P.l
3.8 <«'.'.
o.» Co.i
0 • <0.1
839
CO
Ih./day T/Well
J6.6 l . l
0.7 <0.1
55.6 0.3
1.0 <0.1
29,224
ZAPATA HERITAGE
Main Generator 110'
Emergency Generator 95'
Cementing Unit 65'
m BLOCK 285, $OJ)r~' ?.A*SK ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
Gr̂ .'.HORB LOUISIANA
SECTION 3: GEOLOGICAL AND CEQ1SYSICAL SUT.VEY RESULTS, AND SHALLOW HAZARDS P^O'YRT
A l l an t i c ipa ted qeoDhyv.Jcal work preparatory to i n i t i a t i o n o f explora tory 3r£n.J.nri operations has been completed.
Water depth on South Marsh I s land (North A d d i t i o n 1
block 285 va r i e s from 52 f ee t t o 64 *eet. There are no suspected • __?tural resources* anomaliec at our proposed d r i l l i n q l o c a t i o n s .
Pursuant to Notice to Lessees and Operators No. 83-3, dated September 7, 1983, and to 30 CPR 250.34 and 30 CFR 250.11, we have examined available hiqh resolution qeophvsical data (sparker) , seismic CDP and briqht soot information, velocity data, and geologic dati. for potentially danqerous shallow an-; cYep d r i l l i n g hazards. The locations are a l l considered free of obvious d r i l l i n q hazain&.
Location "A" f a l l s on the edqe of an areplitutde anomaly at approximately 380 mi l l i seconds C 5 - 1 0 0 0 ' ) . Appropriate d r i l l i n q personnel ha^e been advisee] o f th i s c o n d i t i o n poss ibly i n d i c a ' j v e of gas. Appropriate d r i l l i n q procedures v . i l l be taker whi l e d r i l l i n g the zone at t h i s s p e c i f i c l o c a t i c n .
I "~ :—" " : : T".— .... , mmm^^jA
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 4: LOCATION
A. LOCATION MAP OF BLOCK AND SHORELINE.
Please see attached.
B. DESCRIPTION OP ONSHORE SUPPORT BASE PACILITIES.
We intend t o use e x i s t i n q support f a c i l i t i e s at I n t r a c o a s t a l C i t y , Louis iana. A l l f a c i l i t i e s are considered adequate; no acqu i s i t i ons f o r f a c i l i t y expansions are contemplated.
Other v-.han an Exxon d ispa tcher , i f reoui red , i t i s not sn t i c ipa ted that a d d i t i o n a l employees w i l l be required to man t h i s f a c i l i t y . No a d d i t i o n a l emoloyments are forecas t at t h i s time? and impact on housing, services , and pub l i c f a c i l i t i e s i s expected t ••» be minimal . The number of persons on the d r i l l i n g vessel w i l l qenera l ly be between 50 and 65.
Ar. cu r ren t explora t ion a c t i v i t y leve ls we expect approximately 20 he l i cop te r f l i q h t s and 20 boat t r i p s per month from these f a c i l i t i e s . The docks ate approximately ten miles from open water, :hey w i l l t r a v e l the most p r a c t i c a l , d i r e c t route to the r i g . The subject block i s approximately
48 miles southeast of I n t r a c o a s t a l C i t y , Louis iana .
C. LOCATION MAP OF BLOCK WITH WELL LOCATIONS
Ple-jse see attached.
SOUTH MARSH
ISLAND
3
0
Lr
~L 0
EUGENE ISLAND
0 0
0
SHIP SHOAL
0
3 0
>OO|K>I
l i t
M 2 U S
ro 20 JOrrt,
VICINITY MAP Ja/rtf MAXS/I /JIAMP 3LK. 285
GULF OF MEXICO
Exxon Company, U.S.A. (A DIVISION OF EXXON CORPr TiONi
P R O D U C T I O N D E P A R i M E N T NEW ORLEANS
C H | C « I O _ .
INC* UCTOC BEVISfC. ICAU- Shown xm MO. rm HO
RLOCK 235, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
OPFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 5l OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY
Procedure* f o r orevent ing , r e p o r t i n g , and cleaning up o i l a o l l l n or waste materials are included in contingency manuals developed by Exxon's Southeastern Divis ion o f f i c e and revis ions approved January 9, 1985 by thw O i l and Gas Supervisor, Gulf of Mexico, Minerals Management Service. A l l procedures, personnel t r a i n i n g , a.id eguipment are designed t o be in compliance w i t h OCS Order No. 7 .
The p o s s i b i l i t y o f a s p i l l o f any nature and magnitude has been contemplated by the Clean Gulf Associate**. This o rqan i za t i on has a membership of almost every operator i n the Gulf of Mexico, inc lud ing Exxon. CGA maintains s p i l l and containment equipment at s t ra teqic l o c a t i o n s along the coast; and as a member of the o r q a n i z a t i o n , t h i s equipment i s immediately available to Exxon. A l i s t of the p r i n c i p a l items of such equipment i s included in Sect ion I I I of the CGA "Oi l S p i l l Contingency Manual."
Response t ime i n the event of an emergency on t h i s spec i f i c lease:
1. Approximately 35 minutes by h e l i c o p t e r .
2. Approximately 6.5 hours by Clean Gulf from i t s base at I n t r a c o a s t a l C i t y , Louis iana , where f a s t response systems are loca ted .
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 6: MUD ADDITIVES
A. BASIC MUD COMPONENTS
B a r i t e ( B a r i u m S u l f a t e ) B e n t o n i t e (Sodium M o n t m o r i l l o n i t e C lay ) L i g n o s u l f o n a t e (Chrome L i g n o s u l f o n a t e ) L i g n i t e ( L e o n a r d i t e - B r o w n C o a l ) C a u s t i c Soda (Sodium Hydrox ide )
B. MUD ADDITIVES
Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) SAPP (Sodium A c i d Pyrophosphate) Sodium B i c a r b o n a t e Lime ( C a l c i u m Hydrox ide )
C. SPECIAL PURPOSE ADDITIVES
F r i c t i o n Reducers ;
L u b r a - G l i d e (Copolymer Beads) T o r o - T r i m (Vege tab le O i l Base)
L o s t - C i r c u l a t i o n M a t e r i a l :
Mica
Nut H u l l s
S p e c i a l F l u i d - L o s s C o n t r o l A g e n t s :
CMC ( C a r b o x y m e t h y l C e l l u l o s e ) Res inex ( S u l f o n a t e d L i g n i t e s and Resin)
Defoaming A g e n t s :
Aluminum S t e a r a t e Magconol ( 2 - e t h y l Hexanol)
D. MATERIALS SPOTTED IN HOLE BUT NOT DISCHARGED TO OCEAN
Pipe Lax (Napha Base) B lack M a q i c ( O i l Base) O i l f a z e ( C l a y s , Res ins , E m u l s i f i e r s , and F a t t y A c i d s )
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 7: PERMITS
A. Requi red S t a t e P e r m i t s : None
B. Required F e d e r a l P e r m i t s : C o a s t a l Zone Manaqement Review:
The a c t i v i t i e s d e s c r i b e d i n d e t a i l i n t h i s P l an o f E x p l o r a t i o n and the a c t i v i t i e s a u t h o r i z e d by r e l a t e d F e d e r a l p e r m i t s and l i c e n s e s comply w i t h the L o u i s i a n a Coas ta l Zone Manaqement Proqram and w i l l be conduc ted i n a manner c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h a t p r o q r a m . The p r i n c i p a l Fede ra l Pe rmi t s are l i s t e d b e l o w :
MMS A p p l i c a t i o n f o r P e r m i t t o D r i l l :
I t i s a n t i c i p a t e d the MMS, Form 331C w i l l be f i l e d about June 15 , 1985 pursuan t t o t h i s P l a n o f E x p l o r a t i o n .
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE SYSTEM (NPDES GENERAL PERMIT - TX 0085642
L e t t e r o f reques t t o be covered under q e n e r a l p e r m i t s u b m i t t e d June 27 , 1984.
Corps o f Eng inee r s , U . S. Army, N a t i o n w i d e P e r m i t E f f e c t i v e J u l y 2 2 , 1982.
I n a d d i t i o n t o a c t i v i t i e s a u t h o r i z e d by the above p e r m i t s , Exxon w i l l conduc t c e r t a i n s u p p o r t i n g f u n c t i o n s pu r suan t t o v a r i o u s a d d i t i o n a l Fede ra l p e r m i t s , l i c e n s e s , and a p p r o v a l s , such as those a u t h o r i z e d by the Fede ra l Communications Commission and the Federa l A v i a t i o n Admini s t r a t i o n . A l l such a c t i v i t i e s comply w i t h t he L o u i s i a n a C o a s t a l Manaaement Program and w i l l be conduc ted i n a manner c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h a t p rog ram.
BLOCK 285, SOUTH MARSH ISLAND, NORTH ADDITION
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 8: PROPRIETARY DATA
A s t r u c t u r a l map and two schemat i c c ross s e c t i o n s w i t h expec ted dep th marker f o r m a t i o n s are a t t a c h e d . Also a t t a c h e d i s a p l a t showinq w e l l l o c a t i o n s
A t a b l e d e s c r i b i n q w e l l p e r m i t dep ths i s shown b e l o w .
Exxon c o n s i d e r s the da ta i n t h i s S e c t i o n t o be p r o p r i e t a r y and exempt f r o m d i s c l o s u r e under the Freedom o f I n f o r m a t i o n Ac t (5 U . S . C . 552 ) and implement ing r e g u l a t i o n (43 CFR P a r t 2 ) . ~
-
278 1 2 8 . 0 8 5 .69
O p t n
E x x o n
:86 2 8 5 284
O.C.S.-G 6702 4 90O'
7AOQ
Y = 1 1 3 , 3 2 7 . 5 4
Exxon O.C.S. -G 1177
0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
SCALE
c SOUTH MARSt
GL
KC.S.-G6702 H ISLAND BLK. 285 AREA LF OF MEXICO
Exxon Company, U.S.A. (DIVISION OF EXXON CORPORATION, P R O D U C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T
NEW ORLEANS
i n r . i u rn rm i • •u>un «*•*••• /"-" *°°o-iO * NO. Fi l l NO.
RAW / / * m / s *
iO * NO. Fi l l NO.
_OASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
CONPTSTENCY CERTIFICATION
INITIAL PLAN OF EXPLORATION Type of Plan
South Marsh Island Area, ^lock 283, North Addition Area and"Block
OCS-G 6702 r ease Nvmber
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s described i n d e t a i l i n t h i s Plan comply
w i t h Louisiana's approved Coastal Management Program and w i l l
be conducted i n a manner consistent with such Program.
Arrangements have been made with the State-Times i n Baton Rouqe,
Louisiana to publish a p u b l i c notice of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s
no l a t e r than February 25, 1985.
EXXON CORPORATION Lessee or Operator
C e r t i f y i n g O f f i c i a l
February 7. 1985 Date
ADDITIONAL STATEMENT
The prorosed a c t i v i t y w i l l be ca r r i ed out and completed w i t h the guarantee of the f o l l o w i n g i tems:
1. The best ava i l ab le and safest technologies , as set f o r t h in the Gulf o f Mexico Region OCS Orders, w i l l be u t i l i z e d throughout the p r o j e c t . This includes meeting a l l applicable requirements f o r eguipment types, general project l ayou t , s a f e t y systems, and equipment and monitorinq systems.
2. A l l operations w i l l be covered by a MMS approved o i l s p i l l contingency p l a n .
3. A l l applicable Fede ra l , State and l o c a l reguirements reqarding a i r emission and water q u a l i t y and discharge for the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , as w e l l as any other permit condit ions, w i l l be complied w i t h .
Due t o the nature and l o c a t i o n of the proposed d r i l l i n q opera t ions to be conducted pursuant to the Plan of Explora t ion , and based on the impact assessments contained i n the Environmental Report, Exxon submits tha t no adverse impacts on coastal resources can reasonably be expected to occur. Likewise, a c t i v i t i e s conducted pursuant t o t h i s Plan o f Explorat ion are not expected to adversely a f f e c t or impact land or water uses w i t h i n the coastal zone. The term " a f f e c t i n g land or water uses" i s not d e f i n e d by s ta tute , r e q u l a t i o n , or j u d i c i a l decree. To the e x t e n t that the s t a t u t o r y lanquaqe i s unclear, Exxon reserves i t s r i g h t to seek fu ture c l a r i f i c a t i o n as circumstances may r e q u i r e .
1 . T I T L E PAGE
Co*fon&»foi AscceieJes, Inc. P. 0. Box 3609 Jupiter/Tequesta, Florida 33458
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT (PLAN OF EXPLORATION)
GULF OF MEXICO: OFFSHORE LOU I ST. t. lA SOUTH MARSH ISLAND AREA, NORTH A D D I " I O N
BLOCK 285 (OCS-G 6 7 0 2 )
CORPORATION
| L l i U b V4BBEBRUARY 1985
.jjm Ma raooucnoH
M r . W. R. WARNACK EXXON COMPANY, U . S . A .
P . O . BOX 4279 HOUSTON, TEXAS 7 7 2 1 0 - 4 2 7 9 TELEPHONE: (713 ) 5 9 1 - 5 3 9 0
'Applied Marine Sciena md Technology'
TAP.LE OF CONTENTS
1 . T I T L E PAGE
L I S T OF FIGURES
2 . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
( a ) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED TRAVEL MODES AND ROUTES AND FREQUENCY FOR MOVING SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL TO AND FROM THE OFFSHORE ACTIVITY SITE AND THE ONSHORE BASES
( b ) IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORT BASES AND NUMBER AND TYPES OF NEW WORKERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED A C T I V I T I E S . REFERENCE I S ALSO MADE TO THE MOST CURRENT UPDATE OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA BASE REPORT
( c ) IDENTIFICATION OF THB NUMBER, LOCATION, AND S I Z E OF ANY KTW SUPPORT F A C I L I T I E S THAT WILL NEED T u BE PROVIDED FOR THX PROPOSED A C T I V I T I E S
( d ) DESCRIPTION OF ANY NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY AFFECT COASTAL WATERS
( « ) MAPS SHOWING LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED A C T I V I T - E S I N RELATION TO «5ACH OF THE AFFECTED STATES' COASTAL ZONES
( f ) FOR DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENTS. THE MEANS PROPOSED TO TRANSPORT O I L AND GAS TO SHORE FROM THE LEA AREA AND THE ROUTES TO BE FOLLOWED AND THE ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF O I L AND GAS TO BE MOVED ALONG SUCH ROUTES
3 . DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS
( a ) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
(1 ) COMMERCIAL FISHING
(2 ) SHIPPING
(3) SMALL CRAFT PLEASURE BOATING, SPORT FISHING, AND RECREATION
(4) CULTURAL RESOURCES
(5) ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE FEATURES
(6) EXISTING PIPELINES AND CABLES
(7) OTHER MINERAL USES
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
(8) OCEAN DUMPING ACTIVITIES
(9) ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES
(b) SOCIOECONOMIC
UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
(a) SUMMARY OF THB UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
(b) STATEMENT CONCERNING THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
REFERENCES
FINDINGS
FIGURE
L I S ' * OF FIGURES
DESCRIPTION
1 LOCATION OF SO^ I H ..<VRSH ISLAND AREA BLOCK 285 RELATIVE TO THE LOUISIANA COASTAL Stt*Z (ADAPTED FROM: USDOI, MMS, 1 9 8 4 a ) .
1
2 . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
( a ) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED TRAVEL MODES AND ROUTES AND FREQUENCY FOR
MOVING SUPPLIES ,iND PERSONNEL TO AND FROM THE OFFSHORE ACTIVITY S I T E
AND THE OKSHCKE BASES
Exxon Company, U . S . A . , a d i v i s i o n o f E x x o n C o r p o r a t i o n , p l a n s t o
c o n d u c t e x p l o r a t o r y a c t i v i t i e s i n Sou th Marsh I s l a n d Area B l o c k 2 8 5 .
H e l i c o p t e r s and b o a t s w i l l move s u p p l i e s and p e r s o n n e l t o and f r o m t h e
o f f s h o r e and o n s h o r e l o c a t i o n s . H e l i c o p t e r s w i l l make 20 r o u n d t r i p s p e r
m o n t h , and b o a t s w i l l make 20 r o u n d t r i p s p e r m o n t h . I f s e r v i c i n g o n l y
t h e p roposed l e a s e a r e a , h e l i c o p t e r s and b o a t s w i l l n o r m a l l y t a k e t h e
m o s t d i r e c t r o u t e , w e a t h e r and t r a f f i c c o n d i t i o n s p e r m i t t i n g ( see
F i g u r e 1 ) .
( b ) IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORT BASES AND NUMBER ANU TYPES OF NEW WORKERS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED A C T I V I T I E S . REFERENCE IS ALSO MADE TO
THE MOST CURRENT UPDATE OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA bASE REPORT
The s u p p o r t bese w i l l be l o c a t e d i n I n t r a c o a s t a l C i t y , L o u i s i a n a .
T h e base la c a p a b l a o f p r o v i d i n g t h e s e r v i c e s n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e p r o p o s e d
a c t i v i t i e s . No new f a c i l i t i e s o r w o r k e r s w i l l be needed f o r t h e p r o p o s e d
a c t i v i t i e s . The i n i t i a l OCS S o c i o e c o n o m i c D a t a Base R e p o r t w i l l be
d e v e l o p e d a f t e r t h e MMS a n d t h e S t a t e s o f A l a b a m a , L o u i s i a n a , and
M i s s i s s i p p i have i d e n t i f i e d t h e s p e c i f i c p a r a m e t e r s t o be a d d r e s s e d i n
t h e s e semiannua l r e p o r t s .
( C ) IDENTIFICATION OF THE NUMBER, LOCATION, AND SIZE OF ANY NEW SUPPORT
FACILITIES THAT W I L L NEED TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE PROPOSED
ACTIVITIES
No new s u p p o r t f a c i l i t i e s w i l l be needed f o r t h e p r o p o s e d
a c t i v i t i e s .
r J i i i i i i i ! ( )
VEPUHON
SOUTH AoornoN
SOUTH MARSH
ISLAND
SOUTH MARSH
ISLAND
SOUTH A 00 IT ON
CUOENE ISLAND
EUGENE ISLAND
SOUTH ADDITION
SOUTH TiMBALiE"
SHIP SHOAL
SOUTH ADDITION
SOUTH T I U O A L I E R
SCUiH AODlTlON
z GUANO ISLE SOUTH ADDITION
WEST DELTA SOUTH AOOlTiON
SCALE IN MILES 10 20 30
• 4C
•LOUISIANA COASTAL ZONE 0 30 60 SCALE IN KILOMETERS
FIGURE 1. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF SOUTH Mfc"9H ISLAND AREA BLOCK 2 6 6 RELATIVE TO THE LOUISIANA COASTAL ZONE (AOAPTED FROM: USDOI. MMS. 1084a). .
3
(d) DESCRIPTION OF ANY NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY
AFFECT COASTAL WATERS
No new techniques or unusual technology w i l l be used during the
proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
(e) MAPS SHOWING LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TO EACH
OF THE AFFECTED STATES' COASTAL ZONES
Figure 1 shows the l o c a t i o n of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s i n r e l a t i o n
t o each of the a f f e c t e d States' coastal zones. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s
w i l l take place i n waters adjacent t o the S t a t e o f Louisiana.
<f) FOR DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENTS, THE MEANS
PROPOSED TO TRANSPORT OIL AND GAS TO SHORE FROM THE LEASE AREA AND
THE ROUTES TO BE FOLLOWED AND THE ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF OIL AND
GAS TO BE MOVED ALONG SUCH ROUTES
This Plan i s e x p l o r a t o r y . No o i l or gas w i l l be produced f o r sale
from these proposed a c t i v i t i e s at t h i s time.
4
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS
(a) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
(1) Commercial Fishing
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located within some of the most
productive fishing grounds i n the Gulf of Mexico. National Marine
Fisheries Service Zone 16, which includes the western half of the lease
area, accounted for approximately 18% of the commercial fisheries harvest
from the western and central Gulf of Mexico; National Marine Fisheries
Service Zone 15, which includes the eastern half of tne lease area,
accounted for approximately 28% of the commercial fisheries harvest from
the western and centr a l Gulf of Mexico (USDOI, BLM, 1981, Visual No. 5;
USDOI, MMS, 1984a, Visual No. 4-1). Gulf waters account for
approximately 30% of the t o t a l annual U.S. fisheries harvest (USDC,
1982).
The Gulf fishery i s dominated by the s h e l l f i s h fisheries. Shrimps,
crabs, and oysters (with smaller amounts of clams and scallops) are the
most valuable fisheries and are usually worth three or four times more
than the greater volume of f i n f i s h catch (USDOI, BLM, 1979). The USDC
(1982) l i s t s the annual commercial fisheries landings s t a t i s t i c s for the
northern Gulf coast area onshore from the lease area.
The shrimp fishery i n the Gulf of Mexico includes the brown (Penaeus
aztacus), white (£. s e t i f e r u s ) , and pink (P. duorarum) shrimps. These
species are taken almost exclusively by trawls i n depths ranging from
approximately 2 to 73 m (6 to 240 f t ) . These shrimps are
estuarine-dependent species which spawn i n the open ocean, go through a
5
series of larval phases i n the plankton- migrate during the post-larval
phase to the estuarine nursery areas, and then return to the open Gulf as
adults. The USDOI, BLM (1977, Visual No. 5) indicates the seasonal
variation in the habits of each of these species. The lease area i s
located within the spawning grounds and migration routes of the brown and
white shrimps i n the northern Gulf (USDOI, MMS, 1984a, Visual No. 4-1).
Planktonic eggs and l a r v a l stages of a l l commercially important shrimp
species may occur periodically in the lease area.
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) makes up 98% of the crab harvest
i n the Gulf of Mexico (Riley, 1970). I t s l i f e cycle i s similar to the
shrimps' in that i t has planktonic, estuarine, ard open ocean phases.
Adults spend most of t h e i r lives i n the estuaries thus, the blue crab
harvest is taken primarily inshore of the leare -i-ea. Gravid females
migrate to the open Gulf to release their ring spring and summer.
Consequently, gravid females and planktonic may occur seasonally
in the lease area.
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located within commercially important
f i n f i s h fishing grounds (USDOI, MMS, 1984a, Visual No. 4-1). Three
species of menhaden known from the Gulf make up the major f i n f i s h tonnage
taken. These are Brevoortia patronus, B_. gunterl, and B. smi t h i .
Brevoortia patronus comprises most of the Gulf catch. Purse seining i s
the major capture method used i n t h i s fishery (Lindall et a l . , 1972).
Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and various species of grouper
(i . e . , the red grouper Epinephelus morio and gag Mycteroperca microlepla)
compose the commercial hook-and-line fishery of the northern Gulf of
b
Mexico. These fishes may be taken over irregular bottom areas i n depths
of 2 to 305 ra (5 to 1,000 f t ) (TerEco Corporation, 1976).
The striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) i s generally found i n nearshore
areas such as harbors, estuaries, bays, and along beaches. I t i s a
schooling fish and i s generally taken with seines and trawls.
Th«» K sntic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) i s u.1 abundant f i s h
i n estv \rine v j t e r s . Perret et a l . (1971) reported croaker to be the
most abuno i juvenile commercial r ' i h take, i n estuaries. Croaker i s
harvested and marketed both as a tood f i s h and as an ind u s t r i a l bottom
f i s h (Lindall et a l . , 1972).
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) i s primarily an inshore
f i s h that is taken mostly i n the surf or at parses. I t i s seasonally
abundant (January to A p r i l ) i n shrimping areas.
The Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculetus) migrates seasonally
along the Gulf coast. I t i s generally taken in nearsl. >re areas.
The red drum (Sciaenops o c e l l i us) i s taken predominantly i n
nearshore habitats, as are the sheepu.iead (Archosargas probatocephalus) ,
flounders, and the black drum (Pogonias cromis).
Seatrouts, including the spotted (Cynoscion i.ebulosua), tlie s i l v e r
(C. nothus), and the sand (£. arenarius), are important to the bottom
f i s h fisheries i n the northern Gulf (Lmdall et a l . , 1972). They are
usually taken i n offshore areas with bottom trawls.
TerEco Corporation (1976) describes some additional f i s h species of
the northern Gulf which are important to commercial and/or sport
fishermen and t h e i r predominant method of capture. Most of the northern
Gulf fishes are temperate, with some incursions from >ribbean fauna.
7
They exhibit seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n and abundance f luctuat ions related to
oceanographic conditions (USDOI, MMS, 1984a, p . 63). Many of the coastal
species (e .g. , the croaker, Micropogomas undulatus) are
estuarine-dependent, because estuaries or coastal marshes are a c r i t i c a l
habitat during some phase of their Li fe cycles. Rogers (1977) postulated
a net inshore-offshore movement for many demersal shelf f i s h species.
Thus, vt is probable tha t many of these species may occur i n the lease
area at some phase of t h e i r l i f e cycles.
Egqs and larvae (ichthyoplankton) of various commercially important
f i s h species are probably also present i n the lease area on occasion.
Sixty-nine f i s h species have been i d e n t i f i e d from zooplankton samples
taken along the northern Gulf coast. Dominant taxa were the famil ies
Sporidae, Lutjanidae, Tr ig l idae , Serranidae, and Synodontidae.
Stenotomus caprlnus. Pristipomoides aquilonaris , Prionotus paralatus,
Serranus atrobranchus, and Synodus foetens were the most important
species (Chittenden and Moore, 1976). Since the majority of
ichthyoplankters are at the mercy of water movements, the i r d is t r ibut ions
vary considerably w i t h space and time. The primary factors inf luencing
ichthyoplankton i n the northern Gulf are the LCOD Current, the
Mississippi River, and l o c a l runoff . Due to "patchinese" i n
dis tr ibut ions, presence and abundance of ichthyoplankton at any giver
instance cannot be predic ted.
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s probably w i l l temporarily degrade the water
quality in the immediate v i c i n i t y of the d r i l l s i t e due to discharges of
d r i l l i n g f lu ids and cu t t ings . This may cause certain f i s h species to
avoid the area. Commercial f ishing may be af fec ted temporarily. The
8
s i t u a t i o n should r e v e r t t o normal as soon as d r i l l i n g i s completed.
Cumulative e i roc t s o f i n c r e a s i n g o i l and gas a c t i v i t i e s o f f the no r the rn
G u l f coast on annual ca tches are as yet unknown. However, there are no
d a t a t o indicate t h a t o i l and gas a c t i v i t i e s are respons ib le f o r any
l e d ine i n annual catches (JSDOI, BL", 1979, p . 181) .
Any o i l s p i l l t h a t wou ld impact the s e a f l o o r c o u l d conceivably k i l l
b e n t h i c organisms such as shr imps or cause a v a r i e t y o f s u b l e t h a l
e f f e c t s . The p o t e n t i a l l o n g - t e r m e f f e c t s o f a s p i l l on the benthos are
unc lea r because r e s u l t s o f hydrocarbon analyses are i nconc lus ive (USDOI,
BLM, 1979, p . 160).
An o i l s p i l l would t e m p o r a r i l y degrade water q u a l i t y and in t roduce
t o x i n s i n t o the water . I c h t h y o p l a n k t o n , i f p r - ' ^en t , may be k i l l e d o r
f u n c t i o n a l l y impai red . However, most a d u l t f i s h e s encounter ing a s p i l l
and associated t o x i c wa te r wou ld probably e x h i b i t avoidance behavior .
T h i s e f f e c t would be temporary and f i s h e s should r e t u r n t o the area a f t e r
d i s p e r s a l of the s p i l l . No s i g n i f i c a n t or p e r s i s t e n t d i r e c t e f f e c t s f rom
an o i l s p i l l on f i s h p o p u l a t i o n s would be expected. Recruitment f rom
surrounding areas shou ld q u i c k l y r ep len i sh any a f f e c t e d i ch thyop lank ton
popula t ions once the s p i l l has d ispersed . Any s p i l l would be handled
according to an o i l s p i l l con t ingency p l an approved by the MMS.
(2 ) S h i p p i n g
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are l oca t ed approximate ly 40 km (22 NM)
south-southeast o f the f a i r w a y l ead ing t o V e r m i l i o n Bay (USDOI, MMS,
1984a, Visual No. 11 ) . The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are r a t e d as having
minimum p o t e n t i a l impact on s h i p p i n g as they are g rea te r than 5 km
( 2 . 6 NM) from a f a i r w a y (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p . 145) . The o f f s h o r e
9
structure w i l l be equipped wi th a l l safety equipment required by the U.S.
Coast Guard and the MMS to a l e r t ships of i t s presence i n a l l weather
conditions.
(3) Small Craft Pleasure Boating, Sport Finning, and Recreation
Ditton and Graefe (1978) determined that o i l and gas structures
are the most popular offshore recreation dest inat ion areas, a t t rac t ing
87% the boats that f i shed offshore i n t he i r study area. Certain
pleasure boats ( i . e . , sa i lboats , pleasure yachts, and/or open ocean
racing power boats) may be s l i g h t l y inconvenienced by having to maneuver
around the offshore s t ructure and i t s support vessels. This
inconvenience i s considered extremely minor as offshore structures can be
avoided and ample maneuvering room i s available.
Any sports f i s h i n g which might occur i n the lease area could be
temporarily affected by degradation of water q u a l i t y during d r i l l i n g .
Such a change in water q u a l i t y could cause some desirable species to
avoid the immediate lease area. However, any such e f fec t s are expected
to be temporary and loca l ized and should not a f f e c t any f ishery po ten t ia l
i n the area as a whole. Populations should re turn to normal once
d r i l l i n g is completed.
(4) Cultural Resources
Coastal Environments, Inc. (1977) has i d e n t i f i e d two types of
cu l tura l resources which may be found i n the northern Gulf of Mexico
area: (1) his tor ic c u l t u r a l resources or shipwrecks and (2) prehis tor ic
cu l tura l resources or traces of previously undescribed human
c iv i l i za t ions (USDOI, MMS, 1983, pp. 228-240). Approximately 82% of the
known shipwrecks ara located wi th in 10 km (5 NM) of shore, with only a
1 0
small percentage occurring on the OCS (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p. 91). Known
submarine archeological sites are extremely rare, with none being
ident i f i e d to date in Federal offshore leasing areas (USDOI, BLM, 1979,
p. 91).
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located inside the Historic and
Prehistoric Cultural Resources High Probability Lines (USDOI, MMS, 1984a,
Visual No. 11) and therefore are n a large offshore area where h i s t o r i c
and prehistoric resources are considered l i k e l y to be found. An
Archeological Survey was required for South Marsh Island Area Block 285
and the results are summarized below.
The magnetometer and side-scan sonar records v e r i f i e d the presence
of a crude o i l pipeline running northeast to southwest through the
southeast portion of Block 285. An abandoned wellhead located
approximately 1,674 m (5,500 f t ) south of the block's center was also
vi s i b l e in the magnetometer records. Several unidentified magnetic
anomalies were detected i n association with the pipeline and wellhead.
The remaining magnetic anomalies were small and probably represent modern
debris, but isolated and larger unidentified anomalies were detected i n
the southwest, west central, and eastern portions of Block 285. None of
the above-mentioned features were vi s i b l e on the side-scan sonar data and
al? nrovide constraints to the s i t i n g of a d r i l l i n g r i g and deployment of
anchor patterns. I t i s advisable to avoid the immediate v i c i n i t y [152 ra
(bOO f t ) ] of the larger anomalies u n t i l they can be shown to be other
than cultural resource features. No tentative shipwreck locations have
been assigned to Block 285 and no evidence of such wrecks was seen i n the
survey data. No evidence of l i k e l y locations for the preservation of
11
drowned p r e h i s t o r i c s i t e s was seen i n the subbottom p r o f i l e r records and
no such areas are recommended f o r avoidance (Comap Geosurveys, I n c . ,
1984) .
(5) E c o l o g i c a l l y S e n s i t i v e Features
Several areas o f environmental concern are l oca t ed onshore o f
t h e lease area. The L o u i s i a n a Coastal Zone Management Program has been
dev.'ioped by the S ta te t o r egu la t e the s i g n i f i c a n t l and and water
a c t i v i t i e s between the o u t e r l i m i t o f the c o a s t a l waters and land up t o
t h e Intracoasta*. Waterway and/or the 1 0 - f t c o n t o u r . Land uses which are
regu la ted are those t h a t have a d i r e c t and s i g n i f i c a n t impact on the
coas t a l area r e q u i r i n g a S ta te pe rmi t , and those which are r e q u i r e d by
Federal law to be c o n s i s c e n t w i t h the management program (USDC and LDNR,
1980). The program p r o v i d e s f o r the p r o t e c t i o n o f beaches, dunes,
wetlands, submerged grass beds, b a r r i e r i s l a n d s , o y s t e r r e e f s , c u l t u r a l
resources, water q u a l i t y , a i r q u a l i t y , b i o l o g i c a l resources , and w i l d l i f e
h a b i t a t . Unique e c o l o g i c a l feat" -es i n c l u d e z o o l o g i c a l , b o t a n i c a l , and
geologica l creations c h a r a c t e r i s t i c o f c o a s t a l processes (Burk and
Associates, I n c . , 1975; USDC and LDNR, 1980). B i o l o g i c a l l y s e n s i t i v e
areas al the n o r t h - c e n t r a l Gulf area i nc lude e s t u a r i n e and c o a s t a l
ecosystems comprised o f s a l t marshes, o y s t e r beds, grass beds, b a r r i e r
beaches, and dunes ( C o a s t a l Environments, I n c . , 1980) . These c o a s t a l
ecosystems conta in nu r se ry areas f o r many species o f economic importance
as w e l l as h a b i t a t , r o o k e r i e s , major o v e r w i n t e r i n g s i t e s , and n e s t i n g
areas fo r many endangered and threatened spec i e s , such as the southern
ba ld eagle, brown p e l i c a n , golden eagle, osp rey , r ed cockaded woodpecker.
12
American peregrine f a l c o n , and var ious marine t u r t l e s (USDOI, BLM, 1979,
V i s u a l No. 3; Coastal Environments , I n c . , 1980; USDC and LDNR, 1980; .
There are two e x i s t i n g "Specia l Management Areas" designate i by the
Lou i s i ana Coastal Management Program (USDC and LDNR, 1980, pp . ' 0 4 - 1 0 8 ) .
These areas are the " L o u i s i a n a Offshore O i l Po r t " (LOOP or Superpor t ) and
t h e "Marsh Is land W i l d l i f e Refuge and Game Preserve ." The lease area i s
l o c a t e d 48 km (26 NM) south-southwest o f Marsh I s l a n d W i l d l i f e Refuge and
Game Preserve and 188 km (102 NM) west-northwest o f the LOOP. None o f
t h e proposed a c t i v i t i e s i n t h i s lease area shou ld have any e f f e c t upon
t h e Special Management Areas .
Conspicuous areas o f environmental concern f o r Louis iana are
d e p i c t e d by the USDOI, BLM (1979, V i sua l Nos. 1 and 4) and the USDC and
LDNR (1980, Figure No. D - 1 ) .
The coastal zone a rea i s a lso o f r e c r e a t i o n a l importance t o
res iden ts and t o u r i s t s . Most r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s focus on the a rea ' s
water resources which i n c l u d e beaches, b o a t i n g areas, and f i s h i n g areas .
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s s h o u l d have no e f f e c t on p r o t e c t e d areas o f
b i o l o g i c a l s i g n i f i c a n c e , remnant coas ta l banks, o r oys t e r grounds.
While o i l s p i l l s d u r i n g d r i l l i n g opera t ions are r a r e (Danenberger,
1976), the p o s s i b i l i t y o f a s p i l l does e x i s t . O i l f o u l i n g i n any c o a s t a l
a rea could d i r e c t l y o r i n d i r e c t l v a f f e c t a v a r i e t y o f species , i n c l u d i n g
threatened or endangered species or species impor t an t t o commercial and
s p o r t f i s h e r i e s . D i r e c t e f f e c t s on b i o t a would i n c l u d e f o u l i n g
( p a r t i c u l a r l y b i r d s ) , s u f f o c a t i o n ( p a r t i c u l a r l y f i s h e s and t u r t l e s ) , and
t o x i c i t y from con tac t o r f r o m the i n g e s t i o n o f o i l or contaminated f o o d .
Any of these e f f e c t s c o u l d be l e t h a l , cause weakening, or cause a g rea te r
11
s u s c e p t i b i l i t y to p reda t i o n . S i g n i f i c a n t e c o l o g i c a l or economic impacts
c o u l d also r e s u l t f r o m t h e f o u l i n g o f oys t e r beds and h a b i t a t s . I n d i r e c t
e f f e c t s would inc lude the d e s t r u c t i o n o f c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t s , e s p e c i a l l y
b r e e d i n g and nursery a r ea s . Any e f f e c t s on endangered or threa tened
spec ies would be s i g n i f i c a n t .
O i l t ou l ing o f the c o a s t a l area cou ld a i s o have adverse
socioeconomic e f f e c t s . Tourism i s an impor t an t p a r t o f Gulf coast
economies. Removal o f beach or other c o a s t a l areas from r e c r e a t i o n a l use
by o i l f o u l i n g would s i g n i f i c a n t l y decrease t o u r i s m i n the a f f e c t e d area
and cause loss o f income and a v a r i e t y o f r i p p l e e f f e c t s i n l o c a l
economies.
Any s p i l l would be handled according t o an o i l s p i l l contingency
p l a n approved by the MMS. I f a s p i l l d i d occur d u r i n g ope ra t ions , i t i s
u n l i k e l y that i t would a f f e c t any nearshore o r onshore areas or
resources .
(6) E x i s t i n g P i p e l i n e s and Cables
An Exxon C o r p o r a t i o n 12-in o i l p i p e l i n e runs northeast t o
southwest through the southeast p o r t i o n o f South Marsh I s l a n d Area
B lock 285 (USDOI, MMS, 1984b). The p i p e l i n e w i l l be avoided d u r i n g the
proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
(7) Other M i n e r a l Uses
Other than p o t e n t i a l o i l and gas reserve J , the re are no known
m i n e r a l resources i n t h e lease area.
(8) Ocean Dumping A c t i v i t i e s
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are not l o c a t e d i n an area designated
f o r ocean dumping a c t i v i t i e s .
u
(9) Endangered o r Threatened Species
The USDOI, BLM (1979, p . 45) considers p o s s i b l e impacts o f
l e a s e a c t i v i t i e s on endangered species i n t h i s area o f the G u l f t o be
temporary, l o c a l i z e d , and chance occurrences . I t has judged the
p o t e n t i a l impacts on endangered species t o be remote p o s s i b i l i t i e s
w i t h o u t major p o t e n t i a l f o r d i r e c t e f f e c t s on any s i n g l e species . I n
a d d i t i o n , i t has been de te rmined t h a t lease a c t i v i t i e s w i l l not r e s u l t i n
t h e des t ruc t ion or m o d i f i c a t i o n o f designated c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t s or
p o t e n t i a l c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t s . Onshore f a c i l i t i e s are l oca t ed i n a
p r e v i o u s l y developed area and pose no new o r a d d i t i o n a l t h r e a t t o
endangered or th rea tened spec i e s .
Approximately s i x endangered species o f cetaceans occur i n the Gu l f
o f Mexico. They are t h e b l u e whale (Balaenoptera musculus) , f i n whale
(Balaenoptera p h y s a l u s ) , humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangl iae) , r i g h t
whale (Eubalaena g l a c l a l i s ) , s e i whale (Balaenoptera b o r e a l i s ) , and sperm
whale (Physeter c a t o d o n ) . G e n e r a l l y , most o f these l a r g e r cetaceans
occur i n c o n t i n e n t a l s h e l f , s l o p e , or deep oceanic waters (USDOI, BLM,
1981). The s ta tus and m i g r a t i o n pa t t e rns o f these species i n the Gu l f o f
Mexico are unknown (Lehman, 1982).
Several endangered o r threa tened species o f sea t u r t i e r , , i n c l u d i n g
t h e Kemp's r i d l e y (Lep ldoche lys k e m p l l ) , h a w k s b i l l (Eretmochelys
i m b i r c a t a ) , l ea therback (Dermochelys c o r i a c e a ) , loggerhead (Caret ta
c a r e t t a ) , and green (CheIon ia mydas), may o c c a s i o n a l l y v i s i t the lease
area.
The primary danger t o marine t u r t l e s would be pos s ib l e c o l l i s i o n s
w i t h boats. Adu l t t u r t l e s , e s p e c i a l l y loggerheads, seem t o be a t t r a c t e d
15
to offshore structures f o r feeding and resting (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p. 165)
increasing the p r o b a b i l i t y of coll i s i o n s . No c r i t i c a l habitat for any of
these species i s known to exist in the lease area (USDOI, BLM, 1979,
pp. 73-74).
(b) SOCIOECONOMIC
The i n i t i a l OCS Socioeconomic Data Base Report w i l l be developed
after the MMS and the States of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi have
identified the specific parameters to be addressed i n these semiannual
reports. No new personnel w i l l be needed f o r the proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
1 6
4. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
(a) SUMMARY OF THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
Offshore structures w i l l result in minimal navigational interference
to ships using established fairways. However, during times of reduced
v i s i b i l i t y , vessels have the greatest potential to deviate from
established fairways and impact offshore structures (USDOI, BLM, 1979,
p. 230). Discharge of d r i l l i n g muds and cuttings and a i r emissions
during d r i l l i n g operations w i l l adversely a f f e c t marine organisms, water
and air quality, commercial fishing as described by the USDOI, BLM (1979,
pp. 229-2" 1). These impacts are temporary, however, and w i l l be limi t e d
to an extremely small area. They are j u s t i f i e d by the national interest
i n discovering and developing badly needed reserves of o i l and gas.
During the exploratory operations, a l l discharges w i l l comply with a l l
applicable MMS and EPA requirements. No si g n i f i c a n t adverse impacts are
expected. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s covered by t h i s Plan should not result
in unavoidable impacts on wetlands, c u l t u r a l resources, recreational
activities, shoreline aesthetics, or other land uses.
(b) STATEMENT CONCERNING THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
None of the environmental consequences expected during normal
operations shculd produce significant or cumulative adverse environments^
effects. The ef f e c t s of a possiDle o i l s p i l l should have no overall
cumulative or long-term effect on the environment, except in the possible
event of contamination of endangered marine species. A s p i l l would be
handled according to an o i l s p i l l contingency plan approved by the
MMS. Thus, i t i s unlikely that a s p i l l would occur during operations and
17
affect any nearshore or onshore areas or i », ources. The proposed
a c t i v i t i e s should havs no significant imp.st *n endangered species or
c r i t i c a l habitat. The information presentad i n t h i s Environmental Report
indicates no clear or p-«*sent reason not to proceed with the proposed
a c t i v i t i e s . Withdrawal of the Plan would result i n the loss of potential
hydrocarbon production from this area.
1 8
5. REFERENCES
Burk and Associates , I n c . 1975. Lou i s i and Coasta l Resources I n v e n t o r y . V o l . I , Geographic areas o f p a r t i c u l a r concern . New Or leans , LA.
Chit tenden, M. E . , J r . , and D. Moore. 1976. Co v p o s i t i c u o f the ichthyofauna i n h a b i t i n g the 110-ra ba thymetr ; . contour o f the Gu l f o f Mexico, M i s s i s s i p p i River to the Rio Grande. Department of Marine Resources I n f o r m a t i o n Center f o r Marine Research, Texas A&M Un ive r s i t y . 15 pp .
Coastal Environments, I n c . 1977. C u l t u r a l resources e v a l u a t i o n o f the northern Gu l f o f Mexico. Na t iona l Park Se rv i ce , Washington, D.C.
Coastal Environments, I n c . 1980. CPA-2, O f f s h o r e Miss i s s ipp i -Alabama-F lo r ida , b i o l o g i c a l l y s ens i t i ve areas. Baton Rouge, LA.
Comap Geosurveys, I n c . 1984. A Geohazards and A r c h e o l o g i c a l Survey f o r South Marsh I s l a n d Area Block 285. A r e p o r t f o r Ex;.on Company, U.S.A., Houston, TX. 20 pp.
Danenberger, E. P. 1976. O i l s p i l l s , 1971-1975. u l f o f Mexico ou te r con t inen ta l s h e l f . USGS C i r c . No. 7 4 1 .
D i t t o n , R. B. and A . R. Graefe . 1978. Rec rea t iona l F ishery Use o f A r t i f i c i a l Reefs on the Texas Coast. Department o f Rec rea t iona l Parks, Texas A&M U n i v e r s i t y . 155 pp .
Lehman, J . 1982 ( p e r s o n a l communication). U.S. Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , M i n e r a l s Management Serv ice G u l f o f Mexico OCS O f f i c e , Metaire
L i n d a l l , W. N . , J r . , J . R. H a l l , J . E. Sykes, and E. L . A r n o l d J r . 1972. L o u i s i a n a Coastal Zone: Analyses o f Resources and Resource Development Needs i n Connection w i t h Es tua r ine Ecology. Sec t ions 10 and 13, F i she ry Resources and t h e i r Needs. A r e p o r t f o r the U.S. Army Corps o f Engineers , New Orleans , LA. C o n t r i b u t i o n No. 14-17-002-430. 323 pp.
f e r r e t , W. S., B . B . B a r r e t t , W. R. L a t a p i e , J . F . P i l l a r d , W. R. Mock, C. B. Adkins , W. J . Gaidry, and C. J . Whi te . 1971. Cooperat ive Gulf o f Mexico Es tuar ine Inventory and Study, Lou i s i ana . Phase I , Area d e s c r i p t i o n and Phase I V , B i o l o g y . Louis iana W i l d l i f e and Fisheries Commission.
R i l ey , F. 1970. F i s h e r i e s o f the U n i t e d S t a t e s , 1969. U.S . Department the I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Commercial F i s h e r i e s . C.F.S. No. 5300. 87 pp.
Rogers, R. M . , J r . 1977. Trophic i n t e r r e l a t i o n s h i p s o f s e l ec t ed f i s h e s on the c o n t i n e n t a l she l f of the n o r t h e r n Gulf o f Mexico. Ph.D. d i s s e r t a t i o n , Texas A&M U n i v e r s i t y . 229 pp.
19
TerEco Corporation. 1976. Ecological Aspects of the Upper Continental Slope of the Gulf of Mexico. A report for the U.S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , Bureau of Land Management Gulf of Mexico OCS Office, New Orleans, LA. Contract No. 085S0-CT4-12.
U.S. Department of Commerce. 1982. Current Fisheries S t a t i s t i c s No. 8200. Fisheries of the United States, 1981. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
U.S. Department of Commerce and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. 1980. Louisiana Coastal Resources Program Final Environmental Impact Statement. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA.
U.S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , Bureau of Land Management. 1977. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed 1977 Outer Continental Shelf O i l and Gas Lease Sale 47, Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , ureau of Land Management. 1979. Final Environmental Impact State . . i t . Proposed 1979 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 58A, Western and Central Gulf of Mexico. 181 pp.
U.S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , Bureau of Land Management. 1981. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed 1981 Outer Continental Shelf O i l and Gas Lease Sales 67 and 69, Gulf of Mexico. 300 pp.
U.S. Dep?"•'"'•ent of the I n t e r i o r , Minerals Management Service. 1983. Final -gional Environmental Impact Statement. Gulf of Mexico. 1,004 pp.
U.S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , Minerals Management Service. 1984a. Final Knviro•omental Impact Statement. Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sales 81 ar o4. Gulf of Mexico. 474 pp.
U.S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , Minerals Management Service. 1984b (personal communication). Gulf of Mexico OCS Office, Metairie, LA.
] 20
6. FINDINGS
J - 1) Exxon's Plan o f E x p l o r a t i o n (Sec t ion-? ! f o r OCS-G 6702 addresses a l l
o f the permits , l i c e n s e s , and clearances needed t o conduct the
a c t i v i t i e s descr ibed i n the P l an .
I
2) To the best o f our knowledge, a l l o f the da ta necessary f o r Coas ta l
Zone Management Review i s conta ined i n t h i s Environmental Report and
- i the accompanying P l a n .
3) The proposed d r i l l i n g a c t i v i t i e s are l o c a t e d ou t s ide o f the Lou i s i ana
Coastal Zone, and a r e n o t expected t o a f f e c t any Specia l Management
Areas.
4 ) No s i g n i f i c a n t d e t r i m e n t a l impact i s l i k e l y t o occur t o water o r l and
uses i n the c o a s t a l zones as a r e s u l t o f a c t i v i t i e s proposed i n the
Plan of E x p l o r a t i o n .
5 ) Each of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , t h e i r a s soc ia ted f a c i l i t i e s , and
t h e i r e f f e c t s are c o n s i s t e n t w i t h the p r o v i s i o n s o f the Louis iana
Coastal Zone Management Program.
J
] 1 J
1