in reply ref tr lo: rp-2-1 / wg 2 2b84in reply ref tr lo: rp-2-1 / wg 2 2b84 lxxon coapany, u.s.a....
TRANSCRIPT
In Reply Ref tr lo: RP-2-1 / WG 2 2B84
Lxxon Coapany, U.S.A. A t t a n t i o n : Mr. U. k. Wantack Post Off ice Box H I * Houston, Texas 77210
Gaatltfaea:
Reference is aade to your I n i t i a l Plan of exploration ai.d Envlrooawtal Report received August 13 t 1964, for ceases OCS-C 6708 and t>789, Blocks 129 and 144, respect ive ly , West Delta Area. Tnis plan Includes the ac t i v i t i e s proposed for s i x we l l s .
in accordance with 30 CFR 2S0.J4, revised uecaaoer i 3 , 1973, and our l e t t e r dated January 29, 1979, t h i s plan has been determined to be complete as of August 22, 1984, and 1s now being considered for approval.
Ycur plan control nuatoer Is M-17B4 ara should be referenced In your coaaunlca-t l o n anu correspondence concerning chis p lan.
bcc : L^ase uCS-C 67©t) (OPS-2-3) (FILfc ROOM) Lease OCS-G 6789 (OPS-2-3) (FILt ROOM)
\OPS-2-5 w/Publlc I n fo . Copy of the plan and CP. (PUBLIC RECORDS ROOM)
AOCooert:stj:6/i3/d4 Disk 3a
Sincerely yours.
(Orig. Sgd.) D.W. Solanas
ftUG 2 3 1984
• '""WMENT SERVICI
E ^ O N COMPANY U.S.A. AUG 13 884 POST OFFICE BOX 42 79 •HOUSTON TEXAS ? 72 10-4279
MUS AND PRODUCTION
<X»1C*> ATION Of»**TM£NT GlA.* »T14*T ; - DIVISION N.ASKA PACl*lC DIVISION
HBMl* .INC- August 10, 1984
I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration Exxon OCS-G 6788 and OCS-G 6789 Blocks 129 and 144 West Delta Area Offehore Louiaiana
EXXON PROPRIETARY
Mr. D. W. Solanas Minerala Management Service P. 0. Box 7944
M e t a i r i e , L o u i a i a n a 7 0 0 1 0 - 7 9 4 4
D e a r M r . S o l a n a s : E n c l o s e d a r e n i n e c o p i e a o f an I n i t i a l P l a n o f E x p l o r a t i o n ( f o u r o f w h i c h a r e l a b e l e d " F o r P u b l i c I n f o r m a t i o n " ) , an E n v i r o n m e n t a l R e p o r t , a n d a CZM C o n s i s t e n c y C e r t i f i c a t i o n f o r t h e a u b j e c t b l o c k s . We p l e n t o d r i l l t h e f i r s t w e l l c o v e r e d by t h e P l a n w i t h t h e Z a p a t a Y o r k t o w n , » s e m i - s u b m e r s i b l e r i g o r a i m i l a r e q u i p m e n t a n d a r e h o p e f u l t h a t o p e r a t i o n s can commence a b o u t S e p t e n b e r 1 4 ,
I f y o u h a v e any q u e s t i o n s r e g a r d i n g t h i a P l a n , E n v i r o n m e n t a l R e p o r t , o r C o n s i s t e n c y C e r t i f i c a t i o n , p l e a s e c a l l me a t 7 1 3 / -5 9 1 - 5 3 9 0 o r Ma. M a r e l l e May a t 7 1 3 / 5 9 1 - 5 2 3 1 .
1 9 8 4 .
S i n c e r e l y ,
W. R. Warnack
M B M : f a
E n c l o s u r e s
» DIVISION o r r * » O N CO«PO«»tiON
Addi t ional Statement
The proposed a c t i v i t y w i l l be carr ied out and completed wi th the guarantee of the f o l lowing "Items:
1 . The best available and safest technologies, as set for th 1n the Gulf o f Mexico Region Oto Orders, w i l l be ut i l ized throughout the project . This Includes meeting a l l applicable requirements r equipment type general project layout , safety systems, and equi; ient and monitoring systems.
2. A l l operations w i l l be covered by a M.M.S. approved o i l s p m contingency plan.
3. A^l applicable Federal, State and local requirements regarding a i r emission and water qual i ty and d i s charge for the proposed ac t iv i t ies . , as well as any other permit condi t ions, w i l l be complied w i t h .
Due to the nature and location of the proposed d r i l l i n g operations to be conducted pursuant to the Plan of Explorat ion, and based on the Impact assessments contained 1n the Environmental Report, Exxon submits that no adverse Impacts on coastal resources car reasonably be expected to occur. Likewise, ac t i v i t i es conducted pursuant to t h i : Plan of Exploration are not expected to adversely af fect or Impact land or water uses within the coastal zone. The Federal consistency provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act only apply to OCS a c t i v i t i e s which af fect land or water uses wi th in the coastal zone. The term "af fect ing land or water uses" 1s not defined by statute, regulat ion, or j u d i c i a l decree To the extent that the statutory language 1s unclear, Exxon reserves I t s r igh t to - i k future c l a r i f i ca t i on as circumstances may require.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION
INITIAL PLAN Qg EXPLORATION Type of Plan
WEST DELIA AREA. BLOCKS 129 and 144 Area and Block
OCS-C 6788 and OCS-C 6789 Lease Number
The proposed act iv i t ies described 1n deta i l In t h i s Plan comply with
LOUISIAHA approved Coastal Management Program(s) and w i l l be conducted
1n a manner consistent w i th such Program(s).
Arrangements have been made w i th the State-Times in Baton Rouge* Louisiana
t o publish a public notice of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s no la te r than
August 22, 1994
Exxon Corporation Lessee or Operator
Cer t i fy ing Off ic ial"
August 10, 1984 Date
ttfc iff 3
INITIAL PLAN OF EXPLORATION
BLOCKS 129 and 144, WEST ELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 1: PLAN DESCRIPTION
This i n i t i a l Plan of Exploration for Weat Delta Area, Blocks 129 (OCS-G 6788) and 144 (OCS-G 6789) consists of six possible wella as shown belowt
WELL ANTICIPATED LOCATION
Block 129 Lease 6788
A 500'FSL & 7150'FEL
B 2500'FSL & 7100'FEL
C 500'FSL & 2500'FEL
D 7750'FSL & 3000'FEL
Block Lease
144 67B9
A 1500*FNL & 7800'FEL
B 2800'FNL & 8100'FEL
In the event add i t i o n a l seismic surveys are conducted in the area, a conventional ocean-going seismic survey vessel equipped with an appropriate hydrophone cable and non-dynamite energy source (e.g., a i r gun) would be used.
D r i l l i n g on Well "A", Leaae OCS-G 6788, Block 129, West Delta Aree, i s planned to commence about September 14, 1984 and and w i l l require about 92 days to complete.
The d r i l l i n g of subsequent wells through "0" on Block 129 and wells A and B on Block 144 w i l l depend on the r e s u l t s of well "A" and other geological data which w i l l be developed. The t o t a l d r i l l i n g and completion time for the I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration depends on the d r i l l i n g of a l l six wells and could require about 20 months to complete. A continuoua
EXXON CORPORATION
I N I T I A L PLAN OF EXPLORATION
BLOCKS 129 and 1 4 4 , WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 1 : PLAN DESCRIPTION
SECTION 2 : DRILLING EQUIPMENT
SECTION 3 : GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY RESULTS, AND SHALLOW DRILLING HAZARDS REPORT
SECTION 4 : LOCATION
SECTION 5 : OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY
SECTION 6 : MUD ADDITIVES
SECTION 7 : PERMITS
SECTION 8 : PROPRIETARY DATA
"FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION"
9&
BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST DELTA A1EA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 1» PLAN DESCRIPTION ( c o n t i n u e d )
d r i l l i n g p rog ram, however, i s no t l i k e l y . I t i s our c u r r a n t p i a n t o d r i l l these 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 w e l l be ing d r i l l e d a t a t i a e .
BLOCKS 129 and 144, WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 2: DRILLING EQUIPMENT
A. DESCRIPTION
We intend to u t i l i z e the Zapata Yorktown, a 200' x 260' semisubmersible d r i l l i n g vessel, or similar d r i l l i n g equipment. The Yorktown i s moored on l o c a t i o n with an B-line spread with each l i n e consisting of 2500' of 2-3/4" chain and 4500' of 2-3/4" wire rope. Each l i n e i s connected to a 40,000 pound Moorfast anchor. A schematic of the diverter system and a l i s t i n g of blowout prevention equipment with a configuration schematic are attached.
A d e s c r i p t i v e r i g brochure was f i l e d i n 1981.
B. EMERGENCY PLAN
Our plan fo r abandoning the l o c a t i o n , in case of an emergency such as a well k i c k , w i l l vary i n accordance with the severity of the occasion. I f the well cannot be c o n t r o l l e d by our usual normal methods, and a possible broaching i s imminent, then anchor chains on the down wind side of the vessel w i l l be tightened and the r i g moved o f f the l o c a t i o n . Transportation w i l l be available to evacuate personnel from the r i g and area as need be. Appropriate U. S. Coaat Guard prescribed l i f e r a f t s , j a c k e t s , and ring buoys w i l l be provided.
C. SAFETY FEATURES
Safety features w i l l include well control and blowout prevention equipnent to comply with OCS Order No. 2.
0. POLLUTION PLAN
Washed c u t t i n g s snd 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 control features w i l l prevent contamination, i n accordance with OCS Order No. 7. The vessel ia equipped with drip 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 .
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE FOR TBE ZAPATA YORKTOWN DIVERTER SYSTEM
The s u r f a c e diverter system shown on the attached schematic i s c o n t r o l l e d by a hydroe lec tr i c system from ei ther the nain panel on the d r i l l f loor or from the remote contro l panel i n the c o n t r a c t Toolpusher's o f f i c e . Pluid flowing up the r i s e r can be d irected to either the port or starboard of the d r i l l v e s s e l by pneumat ica l ly control led valves through 12" welded steel l i n e s . In normal operation, the d i v e r t e r element and the valve on the 14" l i n e to the gumbo box are open. The valve on the 12" l ine leading to the two overboard l ines i s c lo sed . The valve on the downwind diverter l ine i s always open. I n the event of flow, tha valve on the 12" iine leading to the overboard l i n e s i s opened. Once t h i s valve is f u l l y opened, the valve on the 14" l ine to the gumbo box automatically c l o s e s . The d i v e r t e r element i s then c l o s e d and the flow i s d i v e r t e d away from the ship through the downwind diverter l ine .
GUMBO BOX
STARB0ARD_i2JLJ3i DIVERTER ~™
PORT DIVERTER
REGAN KFDS
DIVERTER
RISER
AIR ACTIVATED VALVE
- _
ZAPATA YORKTOUN BLOWOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM
EQUIPMENT OESCRIPTION
RISER AND DIVERTER
BLOWOUT PREVENTERS
BOP CONTROL SYSTEM
SURFACE
Regan Type KFDS Diverter. Canieron Riser system with two 12" diverter lines, one to starboard, one to port. Riser - A Cameron 21" OD, 1/2" wall with Integral 3-1/2" choke and k i l l lines.
Two - i8-3/4\ 10,000 psl WP Caneron type Double "U" BOP's with wedge locks. (Four rams - bottom three are pipe rams and top ram is a blind/shear ram.) Two - 21-1/4", 5000 psi WP Shaffer Spherical BOP's.
Cameron Payne 3000 psl hydraulic surface accumulator unit with air and electric pumps. Dual control pods are supplied by two (2) subsea hoses and a 2-7/8" OD rigid power fluid conduit Is attached to the rise*".
10,000 psl system with one (1) positive, two (2) manually adjustable, and two (2) remote controlled hydraulically adjustable chokes.
G
A
IC
I o
•I I-Awvlr
•I I-and i
BHrtJ/
Pi*
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BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF HEX1CO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 2: DRILLING EQUIPMENT (continued)
E. PROJECTED GASEOUS EMISSIONS
Projected emissions from the ZaK>. * Yoi . town are From four sources: power generation .gines, emergency generator, cranes, and storage tank vapors. Equipment i n use and the l o c a t i o n of the emission discharge are shown in the attached calc u l a t i o n s and sketch. The attached Tsble shows projected emissions for f a c i l i t i e s i n t h i s Pian. Six wells msy be d r i l l e d from these blocks. The shortest distance to shore from any point on the leases is 11.8 miles. In e a r l i e r Plan subm i t t a l s , distances to each well were used based upon our i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of the Regulation that exemption calculations are to be based on s p e c i f i c distances of each proposed well s i t e from shore. However, the MMS area o f f i c e suggested using the center of the block for en "average" distance to avoid cumbersome emissions calc u l a t i o n s for each s i t e . The nearest point of the block i s more conservative, so we have chosen to use that "worst-case" distance and the "worst-case" well i n t h i s pian ss a "one-., e" ca l c u l a t i o n of proposed emissions. I t i s not ant i c i p i t c r" *at these wells w i l l be d r i l l e ir. the same: v
Based on i .-xemption formulas shown i n 30 CFR 250.57-1(d) and the attached c a l c u l a t i o n s , i t i s believed the f a c i l i t i e s proposed i n t h i s Plan of Exploration are exempt From further a i r q u a l i t y review. Onshore f a c i l i t i e s are described i n Section 4; they are not new nor are they to be audi f ied.
CALCULATION OF PROJECTED EMISSIONS ZAPATA YORKTOWN
West Delta Blocks 129 and laa
I . E l e c t r i c Power Generation consisting of three EMD MD16F-. 1950 rated horsepower, 2-Cycle, Roc-ts blown diese l inc.- • drivir.q 1400 KM 600 Volt generators.
Average Fual use i s 73.2 barrela (3074 gallons) per day.
Emission factors provided by the Electro-Motive Divis ion of the General Motor- Corp. for the MD16E8 engine at f u l l load (195C HP) are a* follows:
I b . A o 3 c a l . of hz. 2 d i e se l
ISP fc».C NOx 597.5 CO 88 .7 VOC .HC) 19.4 S 0 2 * 28 .5
* Based on su l fur content of 0.2 pei reiki; (by weight) i n No. 2 diesel f u e l .
Example Calculations
110X for E l a c t r i . Fo*r- aeration (Source - lb . /day)
597.5 lb.NO x X 3.6.1 I t . 3 gal - 1836.7 lb.NOx 10 3 gal. day day
NOx for E l e c t r i c r far Generation ( F a c i l i t y - Tona Ae 11)
1836.7 lb.NO x X Ii j day X 1 Tons • 131.3 Tons NO,
day wel l 2000 l b . wel l
21. Emergency Power generator engine i a a C a t e r p i l l ^-353-JNAC 490 horsepower d i e s e l engine. Unit i s operated t - t two hours once esch
Estimated fue l use i s 27.4 gallons pei hour
Page 2
. r . ' i s s ion factors provided by the Engine D i v t « i o n of the C e t e r p i l l s r Trsctor Co. for tha D3S3».Tg*r eng ins s t f u l l load %490-BP) ara as fol lows:
'lg* g a l . x No. > d iese l
TSP 2,19 NOx 241.23 CO 16.08 VOC (HC) 8.0 S 0 2 * 28.51
* Based on sulfur content of 0.2 percent L v weight) i n No 2 dlass l f u e l .
B> ..rpie Calcul * 'ions
NOx for Emergency Generator (Source - lb . /day) - As at eve
NO x for Emergency Generator ( F a c i l i t y - T ^">s/vell)
13.22 l b . Kv>f X 20 day* X 1 Tons • /.i3 Tons N0X
'dsy " weTT 2000 l b . well
* These sre inienr 4 tr. nt operations resul t ing in f luctuating emissions. rjnerge.^cy generator i s operated 2 hours r * week or 20 times CVKC g a 143 day we l l .
Cranes are equipped with Caterp i l l ar F -ISJ'-JWAC diese l engines rated at 490 horsepower. Average use 'XJ&MtB to ona crar-for e ight hours per day.
Fue l consumption i a 219 gallons for * hours.
2&iss£o;< 1 actors provided by the Caterp i l l ar Tractor Co. are the vr K as in I I above.
" xa:nple Cslculstions
NOx f o r crsne engines (Source - lb. /day) - As sbove XI
NOx f o r crane use ( F a c i l i t y - Tons/well)
52.88 lb.NO x X143 day X 1 • 3.78 Tons NC^ day weTT 2000 well
Page 3
Tank vapors result from di • s l o i l storage. To ta l storage capac i ty i s 24T, L L l . (30- i a> supply! while da l ly c.-.sumption i s 7 8.6 bbl . Refueling i s parformed about once pe" reek. Evaporative emission factort for tfr>. 2 d i e se l fuel aro obtained fron EPA AP-42 Section 4.3 Storage of Petroleum Liquids , Table 4 .3-4.
Breathing I w i 0.0039 l b . / 1 0 3 gal . /day
Working Tof* 0.023 l b . / 1 0 3 gal./throughout
Example Cs cuiitiona
Average Stored Volume
2400 b b l - 3.5 dsys (78.6 b b l . ) - 2125 bbl - 89.25 X 10 3 g a l .
D a i l y eonsump'.*on
78.6 b b l . • 3.3(0 X 10 3
Breathing Loss
0.0039 l b . VOC 10 3 g*: : / d a y
X 89.25 30 3 ga l . - 0.35 l b . VOC day
Working Lo**
0.023 l b . vrc 10 3 gal .thru.
X 3.300 10 day
gal thru - 0.08 l b . VOC day
. T o t a l vapor losa - 0.43 l b . VOC oay
Exemption Calculations
E f y . TSP, VOC snd BO ? «• ( J 3 . 3 ) ( J L 8 ) - 3 9 2 > 9 T / y r .
E iftr fC - (1400) ( I K S - J 7 f 6 2 2 T / y r .
ZAPATA VOMTU'N PROJECTED IHISS;*S
West Delta Biock 12* an l»»
SOURCC
I . M In Po-er(2) r«ncrat ion .914 Six'
11. Energency 0 ) Generator 2 hours per week 27.4 gphr
I I I . Cranesl 4) 6 hours oer day
IX. Vapor loss t f ) Bbl Storage
J IGO ci d us*
TOTAL Mvl t ITT
E x e ^ i i j n E with D • | | . t
50
50
60
40
PROJECTED EMISSIWTS ( I )
ELEVAT ION SO? - TSP NO, VOL CO fEET lb./day T/Well Ib./day T/Well lb./day T/Well lb./day T/Well Ib./day I /Vei l
87.6 4.) 40.0 2.9
1.6 <o.» O.I <0. l
6.? 0.4 0.5 <0.1
1836.7 131.9 59.6 a.3 272.7 19.3
13.? O.J 0.4 <0. l 0.9 <0.|
S2.8 M 1.8 0.1
0.4 <0. l
3.5 0.3
9S.4 4.7 40.6 2.9 1902.7 133.2 62.2 4.4 277.1 19.1
392.9 392.9 392.9 392.9 17,627
NOTES: (1) See attached calculations. (21 Based on continuous emission for < i*3day (3) Base<* on operation of energency generator I hours per week or 20 tines for a|*3 day we l l . (4) Ba»eo * - (verage operation of one crane 8 hours per day.
FORWARD * ^
AUXIUVRY GEN. MAIN GEN. EXHAUST AT 50' EXHAUST AT 50'
MAIN DECK PLAN ZAPATA
YORKTOWN Note: Heights above
sea at drlg. draft
BLOCKS 129 and 14a WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 3 : GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY RESULTS, AND 5HALL0W HAZARDS' REPORT^
A l l a n t i c i p a t e d g e o p h y s i c a l w o r k p r e p a r a t o r y t o i n i t i a t i o n o f e x p l o r a t o r y d r i l l i n g o p e r a t i o n s has been c o m p l e t e d .
Water d e p t h on t h i s b l o c k v a r i e s f r o m 310 t o 4 1 5 ' . The " c u l t u r a l r e s o u r c e s " r e q u i r e m e n t was n o t i n v o k e d f o r t h i s l e a a e .
P u r a u a n t t o N o t i c e t o L e s s e e s and O p e r a t o r s N o . 8 3 - 3 , d a t e d S e p t e m b e r 7 , 1 9 8 3 , and t o 30 CFR 2 5 0 . 3 4 and 30 CFR 2 5 0 . 1 1 , we have e x a m i n e d a v a i l a b l e h i g h r e s o l u t i o n g e o p h y s i c a l d a t a ( s p a r k e r ) , s e i s m i c CDP and b r i g h t s p o t i n f o r m s t i o n , v e l o c i t y d a t a , and g e o l o g i c d a t a and m d t o t h e b e a t o f o u r k n o w l e d g e , t h a t t h e r e a r e no s i g n i f i c a n t s h a l l o w d r i l l i n g h a z a r d s a t t h e p r o p o s e d d r i l l i n g l o c a t i o n s .
P r o p o s e d d r i l l i n g l o c a t i o n s on B l o c k 1 4 4 , West D e l t a Area do n o t f a l l w i t h i n t h e r e s t r i c t e d t h r e e m i l e
ne a r o u n d S a c k e t t Bank a d d r e s s e d i n S t i p u l a t i o n 2 o f t h i 8 l e a s e .
BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 4: LOCATION
A. LOCATION MAP OF BLOCK AND SHORELINE.
Please aee attached.
B. DESCRIPTION OF ONSHORE SUPPORT BASE FACILITIES.
The f o l l o w i n g described commercial f a c i l i t i e s for storage, staging, and supply are operated by A-Z Terminal, Inc. on Haliburton Road, Venice, Louisiana.
Approximately 1200 feet of dock front adjacent to 32 acres of land storage area. Office spaces, covered storage and warehouse f a c i l i t i e s are available as needed. Approximately 1345 square feet of o f f i c e space. 30 parking spaces. Diesel fuel and gasoline are available from commercial f a c i l i t i e s w i t h i n one mile of the terminal; therefore, no fuel storage i a required. Potable water i s available at dockslde.
The fo l l o w i n g described helicopter f a c i l i t i e s are operated by Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. on Tidewater Road, Venice, Louisiana:
27 concrete helicopter pads equipped with windsock d i r e c t i o n i n d i c a t o r . Adequate parking (.paces, o f f i c e space, and waiting f a c i l i t i e a are av a i l a b l e .
Helicopter fuel and water are available at the pad.
A l l f a c i l i t i e s are considered adequate; no acquisitons for f a c i l i t y expansions are contemplated.
Other than an Exxon dispatcher, i f required, i t i s not anticipated 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 add i t i o n a l employments are forecast at t h i s time. Impact
BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTTON 4: LOCATION
on housing, services, and public f a c i l i t i e s i s expected to be minimal. The number of persona on the d r i l l i n g vessel w i l l generally be between 55 and 70.
At current exploration a c t i v i t y levels we expect 20 boat t r i p s and 25 helicopter f l i g h t s per month from these f a c i l i t i e s . The docks are approximately two miles from West Bay, via Tiger Pass, and once boats reach open water, they w i l l t r a v e l the most pract i c a l , d i r e c t route tc the r i g . A l l helicopter f l i g h t s f o l l o w the mcst p r a c t i c a l and dir e c t route to the r i g . The subject well i s approximately 37 miles southwest of Venice, Louisiana.
C. LOCATION MAP OF BLOCK WITH WELL L0CATT0NS
Please see attached.
SCALE
O.C.S-G <S7#8 Wesr Dei/A &i*>
Exxon Company, U.S.A. (DIVISION OF EXXON CORPORATION) PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
NEW O R L E A N S i w r j o . - l i o w K V I U O «-Air eooo' JO* NO. PILC MO. JO* NO. PILC MO.
1
Morothon.ot ol 147 O.C.S-G 4476
eooo i i—
eooo 4ooorr.
SCALE
Exxon Company, U.S.A. (DIVISION OF EXXON CORPORATION) PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
NEW ORLEANS zooo' JOB NO. FILE NO.
BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST DELTA AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 5: OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY
Procedures for preventing, r e p o r t i n g , and cleaning up o i l s p i l l s or waste materials are included i n contingency manuals developed by Exxon's Southeastern Division o f f i c e and revisions approved January 12, 1984 by the Oil and Gas Supervisor, Culf of Mexico, Minerals Management Service. A l l procedures, personnel t r a i n i n g , and equipment are designed to be in compliance with OCS Order No. 7.
The p o s s i b i l i t y of a s p i l l of any nature and magnitude has been contemplated by the Clean Gulf Associates. This organization has a membership of almost every operator i n the Gulf of Mexico, including Exxon. CGA maintains s p i l l and containment equipment at stra t e g i c locations along the coast, and as s member of the organization, 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 i n Section I I I of the CGA " O i l S p i l l Contingency Manual."
Response time i n the event of an emergency on t h i s s p e c i f i c lease:
1. Approximately 23 minutes by helicopter.
2. Approximately 6.8 hours by Clean Gulf from i t B base at Grand I s l e , Louisiana, where fast response systems are located.
BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST 3ELTA ARFA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION 6: MUD ADDITIVES
A. BASIC MUD COMPONENTS
Barite (Barium Sulfate) Ber mite (Sodium Montmorillonite Clay) Lig ulfonate (Chrome Lignosu)fonate) L i g n i t e (Leonerdite-Brown Coal) Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)
B. MUD ADDITIVES
Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) SAPP(Sodium Aci Pyrophosphate) Sodium Bicarbonate Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)
C. SPECIAL PURPOSE ADDITIVES
F r i c t i o n Reducers:
Lubra-Glide (Copolymer Beads) Torq-Trim (Vegetable O i l Base)
Lost-Circulation M a t e r i a l :
Mica
Nut Hulls
Special Fluid-Loss Control Agents:
CMC(Carboxymethyl Cellulose) Resinex (Sulfonated Lignites and Resin)
Defoaminq Agents:
Aluminum Stearate Magconol (2-ethyl Hexanol)
D. MATERIALS SPOTTED IN HOLE BUT NOT DISCHARGED TO OCEAN
Pipe Lax (Napha Baae) Black Magic (Oil Baae) Oilfaze (Clays, Resins, Emulsifiers, and Fatty Acida)
BLOCKS 129 and 144 WEST PELTA AREA
GULF r ,r<IC0
OFFS! 'L LOUISIANA
PERMITS
A. R e q u i r e d S t a t e P e r m i t s : None
B. R e q u i r e d F e d e r a l P e r m i t s : C o a s t a l Zone Management R e v i e w :
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 a P 1 ~:n o f E x p l o r a t i o n and t h e a c t i v i t i e s a u t h o r i z e - ' !'>; r e l a t e . ' F e d e r a l p e r m i t s and l i c e n s e s comp/.) m t r , t h e L o u i s i a n a C o a a t a l Zone Management P r o g i r . r anci w i l l be c o n d u c t ' 4 i n a manne r c o n s i s t e n t n i e * . t h a t p r o g r a m : h . p r i n c i p a l F e d e r a l P e r m i t a a re l i s t e d b e l o . 4 :
HMS Art-1 ' 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 t h e MMS, Form 331C w i l ' be f i l e d a b o u t A u g u s t 3 0 , 1984 p u r s u a n t t o '. h i a P l a n o f E x p l o r a t i o n .
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES GENERAL PERMIT - TX 0085642
L e t t e r o f r e q u e s t t o be c o v e r e d unde r g e n e r a l p e r m i t s u b m i t t e d June 6 , 1 9 8 4 .
Corps of Engineers U. S. Army, Nationwide Permit Effective Ji ily 22, 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 t h e above p e r m i t s , Exxon w i l l c o n d u c 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 p u r a u a n t t o v a r i o u s a d d i t i o n a l F e d e r a 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 , s u c h aa t h o a e a u t h o r i z e d by t h e F e d e r a l C o m m u n i c a t i o n s C o m m i s s i o n and t h e F e d e r a l A v i a t i o n A d m i n -i a t r a t i o n . A l l such a c t i v i t i e s c o m p l y w i t h t h e L o u i s i a n a C o a s t a l Management P r o g r a m and w i l l be c o n d u c t e d 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 g r a n .
BLOCKS 129 •nd 144 WEST DELTA, AREA
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE LOUISIANA
SECTION Bt PROPRIETARY DATA
Loca t ion p l a t s , a s t r u c t u r a l aap and t h ree schemat ic cross s e c t i o n s M i t h rr .pected depth marker f o r m a t i o n s are a t t a c h e d .
A t a b l e d e s c r i b i n g we l l pe rm i t depths es t ima ted d r i l l i n g d a y s , and water depths i s shown below.
Exxon c o n s i d e r s the data i n t h i a Sec t i on to be p r o p r i e t a r y and exempt f^om 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 Act (5 U«5.C. 552) i n d " " " implement ing r e g u l a t i o n (.43 CFft Par t 2 ) .
1 . T I T L E PAGE
Cwltune tbi AficocioXes, Inc. P. 0. Box 3609 JupAter/Tequesta, Florida 33458 Jupiter/Tequesta, Florida
-
ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT (PLAN OF EXPLORATION)
GULF OF MEXICO: OFFSHORE LOUISIANA WEST DELTA AREA
BLOCK 129 (OCS-G 6 7 8 8 ) AND
BLOCK 144 (OCS-G 6 7 8 9 ) EXXON CORPORATION
10 AUG'ST 1984
-_
:
MR. W. R. WARNACK EXXON COMPANY, U . S . A .
P . O . BOX 4279 HOUSTON, TEXAS 7 7 0 0 1
TELEPHONE: ( 7 1 3 ) 5 9 1 - 5 3 9 0
:
J "Applied Marine Science ami Technology
t J . ' V ... —
i i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1 . TITLE PAGE i
LIST OF FIGURES i v
2 . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 1
(a) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED TRAVEL MODES AND ROUTES 1 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 1 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
(C) IDENTIFICATION OF THE NUMBER, LOCATION, AND 1 SIZE OF ANY NEW SUPPORT FACILITIES THAT WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
(d) DESCRIPTION OF ANY NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL 3 TECHNOLOGY THAT 4AY AFFECT COASTAL WATERS
(e) MAPS SHOWING LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED 3 ACTIVITIES I N RELATION TO EACH OF THE AFFECTED STATES' COASTAL ZONES
( f ) FOR DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION 3 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 O I L AND GAS TO BE MOVED ALONG SUCH ROUTES
3 . DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 4
(a) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL 4
(1) COMMERCIAL FISHING 4
(2) SHIPPING 9
(3) SMALL CRAFT PLEASURE BOATING, SPORT 9 FISHING, AND RECREATION
i i i
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
PAGE
(4) CULTURAL REFOURCES 10
(5) ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE FEATURES H
(6) EXISTING PIPELINES AND CABLES ^5
(7) OTHER MINERAL USES 16
(8) OCEAN DUMPING ACTIVITIES 16
(9) ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES 16
(b) SOCIOECONOMIC 17
4 . UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS 18
(a) SUMMARY OF THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS 18
(b) STATEMENV CONCERNING THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE 18 IMPACTS
5. REFERENCES 20
t . FINDINGS 22
1
i v
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE DESCRIPTION PAGE
1 LOCATION OF WEST DELTA AREA BLOCKS 129 AND 144 2 RELATIVE TO THE LOUISIANA COASTAL ZONE (ADAPTED FROM: USDOI, MMS, 1983).
2 LOCATION OF DRILLSITES IN WEST DELTA AREA BLOCK 14 144 RELATIVE TO SACKETT BANK (ADAPTED FROM: USDOI, MMS, 1983) .
I
_
! I 7
0
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
( a ) DESCRIPTION OF FROPOSED TRAVEL MODES ANC ROUTES AND FREQUENCY FOR MOVING SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL TO AND FROM TriE OFFSHORE ACTIVITY SITE AND THE ONSHORE" BASfig
Exxon Company, U . S . A . (Exxon) a d i v i s i o n o f Exxon
C o r p o r a t i o n pl&ns t o conduc t e x p l o r a t o r y a c t i v i t i e s i n West
D e l t a Area Blocks 129 and 144. H e l i c o p t e r s and boats w i l l
move supp l i e s and p e r s o n n e l t o and f r o m the o f f s h o r e and
onshore 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 25 round t r i p s per
month , and boats w i l l make 20 round t r i p s per month. I f
s e r v i c i n g on ly t h e p roposed lease a r ea , h e l i c o p t e r s and boa t s
w i l l normal ly t ake t h e most d i r e c t r o u t e , weather 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 igure 1 ) .
( b ) IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORT BASES AND NUMBER AND TYPES OF NEW WflRKERg Ags6gl.ATED Wl¥H THB PROPOSED A f f l r i V l M E S . REF^RENCE I'S ALSO MAbE TO THB H6S1 CURREN'T tiPftATE 6P THE SOCioECONOMlC DATA BASE REIPOR?
The suppor t base w i l l be l o c a t e d i n V e n i c e , L o u i s i a n a .
The base i s capab le o f p r o v i d i n g the s e r v i c e s necessary f o r
t h e proposed a c t i v i t i e s . No new f a c i l i t i e s or workers w i l l
be needed ?or t h e proposed a c t i v i t i e s . The i n i t i a l OCS
Socioeconomic Data Base Report w i l l be developed a f t e r t he
MUS and the *"taces o f Alabama, 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 parameters t o be addressed i n
these semianr. :al r e p o r t s .
(C) IDENTIFICATION OF THS NUMBER, LOCATION, AND SIZE OF ANY NEW SUPPORT FACILITIES THAT WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDE*!)
P6R fHE PROPOSED AgflVITtES
No new support f a c i l i t i e s w i l l be needed fo r the
proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
n c i czi 11 tm mn i 1 i m f _i i i # i r j i i um \ i i i f i
3
(d) DESCRIPTION OF ANY NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY
THAT MAY A F F E C T OOASfAL WATERS
No new t e c h n i q u e s o r unusual t e c h n o l o g y w i l l be used
d u r i n g the proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
( e ) MAPS SHOWING LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES I N
RELATIOM TO EACH OF THE AFPECfEb STATE5 1 C6* .TAL 26NES
Figure 1 shows t n e l o c a t i o n o f t he proposed a c t i v i t i e s
i n r e l a t i o n t o each o f t h e a f f e c t e d S t a t e s ' c o a s t a l zones .
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s w i l l take p l ace i n waters a d j a c e n t t o
t h e S ta te o f L o u i s i a n a .
( f ) FOR DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENTS,
THE MEANS PR6P6SED TO TRANSPORT OIL AND <5AS TO SHORE T ~ H THE LEASE AREA AND THE ROUTES TO BE FOLLOWED AND THE ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF OIL AND GAS TO BE MOVED ALONG SUCH ROUTES
Th i s Plan i s e x p l o r a t o r y . No o i l o r gas w i l l be
p roduced f o r s a l e f r o m these proposed a c t i v i t i e s a t t h i s
t i m e .
4
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS
(a) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
( 1) Commercial F ish ing
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located w i t h i n some o f
the most productive f i s h i n g grounds i n the Gulf of Mexico.
Nat ional Marine F i she r i e s Service Zone 13, which includes the
lease area, accounted f o r approximately 8.5% of the
commercial f i s h e r i e s harvest from the western and cen t ra l
Gulf of Mexico (USDOI, BLM, 1981, Visua l No. 5; USDOI, MMS,
1983, Visual No. 4 ) . Guif waters account f o r approximately
30* of the t o t a l annual U.S. f i s h e r i e s h * ( U S D C , 1982).
The Gulf f i s h e r y i s dominated by t e l f i s h
f i s h e r i e s . Shrimps, crabs, and oysters (wi th smaller amounts
o f clams and sca l lops ) are the most valuable f i s h e r i e s and
are usually worth three or four times more than the greater
volume of f I t f i sh catch (USDOI, BLM, 1979). The USDC ( 1982)
l i s t s the anrual commercial f i s h e r i e s landings s t a t i s t i c s f o r
the no~*-*"**-a Gulf coast area onshore from the lease area.
Ji nip f i s h e r y in the Gulf of Mexico includes the
brown ( aztecus) , white (P. s e t i f e r u s ) , and pink
(P. duo-a. shrimps. These species are taken almost
exclusively by t r a w l s i n depths ranging from approximately 2
t o 73 m (6 to 240 f t ) . These shrimps are estuarine-dependent
species which spawn i n the open ocean, go through a series o f
l a r v a l phases i n the p lankton, mi< ra te during the p o s t - l a r v a l
phase to the es tua r ine nursery areas, and then re turn to the
open Gulf as a d u l t s . The USDOT, BLM (1977, Visual No. 5)
indicates the seasonal v a r i a t i o n i n the habi ts of each o f
these species. The lease area is located outside the major
shrimp spawning grounds and migra t ion rcutes i n the nor thern
Gulf (LSDOI, MMS, 1983, Visual No. 4 ) . Planktonic eegs and
l a r v a l .tages o f a l l commercially important shrimp species
may occur p e r i o d i c a l l y in .he lease area.
The blue crab (Cal l inectes sapidus) makes up 98% of the
crab harvest i n the Gulf of Mexico ( R i l e y , 1970). I t s l i f e
cycle is s i m i l a r t o the shrimps' i n tha t i t has p lank ton ic ,
estuarine, and open ocean phases. Adul ts spend most of t h e i r
l ives in the e s tua r i e s ; thus, the h i u e crab harvest i s taken
pr imari ly inshore o f the lease area. Gravid females migrate
o the open Gulf t o release t h e i r eggs du-ing spring and
summer. Conseo - e . i t l y , gravid females and planktonic larvae
nay occur seasonally i n the lease area.
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located w i t h i n commercially
important f i n f i s h f i s h i n g grounds (USDOI, MMS, 1983, Visua l
No. 4 ) . Three species of menhaden known from the Gulf make
up the major f i n f i s h tonnage taken. These are Brevoor t ia
patronus, B. g u n t e r i , and B. s m i t h i . Brevoortia patronus
•omprises most o f the Gulf catch. Purse seining i s the major
capture method used in t h i s f i s h e r y ( L i n d a l l et a l . , 197?).
Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanu*-1 and various species
of grouper ( i . e . , the red grouper Epinephelus morio and gag
I 31 •'it
Mycteroperca microlepis) compose the commercial hook-and-1ine
fishery of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Thesp fishes may be
taken over i r r e g u l a r bottom areas i n depths of 2 *-o 305 m (5
to 1,000 f t ) (TerEco Corporation, 1976).
The s t r i p e d mullet (Mugil cephalus) i s generally found
in nearshore areas such as harbors, estuaries, bays, and
along beaches. I t i s a schooling f i s h and is generally taken
with seines and trawls.
The A t l a n t i c croaker (Mlcropogonias undulatus) i s an
abundant f i s h i n estuarine waters. Perret et a l . (1971)
reported croaker to be the most abundant j u v e n i l e commercial
f i s h taker, i n estuaries. Croaker i s harvested and marketed
both as a food f i s h and as an i n d u s t r i a l bottom f i s h ( L i n d a l l
et a l . , 1972).
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) i s p r i m a r i l y
an inshore f i s h that i s taken mostly in the surf or at
passes. I t i s seasonally abundant (January t _ A p r i l ) i n
shrimping areas.
The Spanish mackerel (Sc -fcoeromor » majulatus) migrates
seasonally aJ ng the Gulf coast. I t is generally taken in
nearshore areas.
The red drun (Sciaenops ocellatus) i s taken
predominantly i n nearshore ha b i t a t s , as are the sheepshead
(Archosargus probatocephalus), flounders, and the black drum
(Pogonias cromis).
•MIM vyiJXifiU'^ MW~r • -r-r-- •-.<-
Sea t rou t s , i n c l u d i n g the s p o t t e d (Cynosc ion n e b u l o s u s ) ,
t n e s i l v e r (C. n o t h . s ) , and the sand (C a r e n a r i u s ) , are
i m p o r t a n t to the bo t tom f i s h f i s h e r i e s i n the n o r t h e r n G u l f
( L i n d a l l e t a l . , 1972 ) . They are u s u a l l y t aken i n o f f s h o r e
a r eas w i t h bottom t r a w l s .
TerEco C o r p o r a t i o n (1976) de sc r ibe s some a d d i t i o n a l f i s h
s p e c i e s o f the n o r t h e r n G u l f which are i m p o r t a n t t o
commercia l and/or s p o r t f i she rmen and t h e i r predominant
method o f c a p t u r e . Most o f the n o r t h e r n G u l f f i s h e s are
t empera t e , w i t h some i n c u r s i o n s f rom Car ibbean fauna . They
e x h i b i t seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n and abundance f l u c t u a t i o n s
r e l a t e d to oceanographic c o n d i t i o n s (USDOI, MMS, 1983,
p . 174) . Many o f the c o a s t a l species ( e . g . , the c roake r ,
Micropogonias u n d u l a t u s ) are e > t u a r i n e - d e p e n d e n t , because
e s t u a r i e s or c o a s t a l marshes are a c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t d u r i n g
some phase of t h e i r l i f e c y c l e s . Rogers (1977) p o s t u l a t e d a
n o t i n s h o r e - o f f s h o r e movement f o r many demersal s h e l f f i s h
s p e c i e s . Thus, i t i s p robab le t h a t many of these spec ies may
o c c u r i n the lease area a t some phase o f t h e i r l i f e c y c l e s .
Eggs and l a r v a e ( i c h t h y o p l a n k t o n ) o f v a r i o u s
commerc ia l ly i m p o r t a n t f i s h species are p r o b a b l y a l s o p r e s e n t
i n the lease area on o c c a s i o n . S i x t y - n i n e f i s h spec ies have
been i d e n t i f i e d f r o m zoop lank ton samples taken a long the
n o r t h e r n Gul f c o a s t . Dominant taxa were the f a m i l i e s
Spar idae , L u t j a n i d a e , T r i g l i d a e , s e r r a n i d a e , and
Synodont idae . Stenotomus c a p r i n u s , P r i s t i p o m o i d e s
8
a q u i l o n a r i s , P r i o n o t u s p a r a l a t u s , Serranus a t rob ranchus , and
Synodus foetens werp t h e most impor t an t spec ies ( C h i t t e n d e n
and Moore, 1976). Because the m a j o r i t y o f i c h t h y o p l a n k t e r s
a r e a t the mercy o f w a t e r movements, t h e i r d i s t r i b u t i o n s v a r y
c o n s i d e r a b l y w i t h space and t i m e . The p r i m a r y f a c t o r s
i n f l u e n c i n g i c h t h y o p l a n k t o n i n the n o r t h e r n G u l f are the Loop
C u r r e n t , the M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r , and l o c a l r u n o f f . Due t o
" p a t c h i n e s s " i n d i s t r i b u t i o n s , presence and abundance o f
i c h t h y o p l a n k t o n at any g i v e n ins tance cann h be p r e d i c t e d .
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s p robab ly * t e m p o r a r i l y
deg rade the water q u a l i t y i n the immediate i c i n i t y o f t he
d r i l l s i t e due t o d i s c h a r g e s o f d r i l l i n g f l u i d s and c u t t i n g s .
T h i s may cause c e r t a i n f i s h species t o a v o i d the area .
Commercial f i s h i n g may be a f f e c t e d t e m p o r a r i l y . The
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 q i s
comple t ed . Cumula t i ve e f f e c 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 n o r t h e r n G u l f coas t on annual catches a re
as y e t unknown. However, t h e r e are no d a t a tt- i n d i c a t e t h a t
o i l and gas a c t i v i t i e s are r e s p o n s i b l e f o r any d e c l i n e i n
annua l catches (USDOI, BLM, 1 979, p . 1 8 1 ) .
Any o i l s p i l l t h a t would impact t he s e a f l o o r cou ld
conce ivab ly k i l l b e n t h i c organisms such as shrimps o r cause a
v a r i e t y of 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 of a s p i l l on t h e benthos a re u n c l e a r because r e s u l t s
o f hydrocarbon ana lyses are i n c o n c l u s i v e (USDOI, BLM, 1979,
p . 160).
9
An o i l s p i l l w o u l d t e m p o r a r i l y degrade water q u a l i t y and
i n t r o d u c e t o x i n s i n t o the wa t e r . I c h t h y o p l a n k t o n , i f
p r e s e n t , may be k i l l e d o r f u n c t i o n a l l y i m p a i r e d . However,
most a d u l t f i s h e s e n c o u n t e r i n g a s p i l l and a s soc i a t ed t o x i c
w a t e r would p robab ly e x h i b i t avoidance b e h a v i o r . T h i s e f f e c t
w o u l d 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 o f the s p i l l . No s i g n i f i c a n t o r 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
e x p e c t e d . Rec ru i tmen t f r o m s u r r o u n d i n g areas should q u i c k l y
r e p l e n i s h any a f f e c t e d I c h t h y o p l a n k t o n p o p u l a t i o n s once the
s p i l l has d i s p e r s e d . Any s p i l l would be handled acco rd ing t o
an o i l s p i l l c o n t i n g e n c y p l a n approved by the MMS.
(2) Sh ipp ing
The n o r t h w e s t co rne r o f West D e l t a Area Block 144
and the nor thwest h a l f o f West D e l t a Area Block 129 are
l o c a t e d w i t h i n t he f a i r w a y l e a d i n g t o Southwest Pass (USDOI,
MMS, 1983, V i s u a l No. 1 1 ) . The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are r a t e d
as having maximum p o t e n t i a l impact on s h i p p i n g as they are
l e s s than 5 km ( 2 . 6 NM) f r o m a f a i r w a y (USDOI, BLM, 1979,
1 p . 145) . A l l s t r u c t u r e s w l l l be l o c a t e d o u t s i d e the s h i p p i n g
f a i r w a y . The o f f s h o r e s t r u c t u r e w l l l be equipped w i t h a l l
s a f e t y equipment r e q u i r e d by the U.S. Coast Guard and the MMS
t o c l e r t sh ips o f i t s presence i n a l l weather c o n d i t i o n s .
(3) Small C r a f t Pleasure B o a t i n g , Spor t F i s h i n g , and "Recreat ion
D i t t o n and Graefe (1978) de t e rmined t h a t o i l and
gas s t r u c t u r e s a r e t h e most p o p u l a r o f f s h o r e r e c r e a t i o n
10
des t ina t ion areas, a t t r a c t i n g 87% of the boats that f i shed
o f f s h o r e in t h e i r study area. Certain pleasure boats ( i . e . ,
s a i l boa t s , pleasure yach ts , and/or open ocean racing power
boats) may be s l i g h t l y inconvenienced by having to maneuver
around the of fshore s t r u c t u r e and i t s support vessels. This
inconvenience i s considered extremely minor as o f f shore
s t ructures can be avoided and ample maneuvering room i s
ava i l ab l e .
Any sports f i s h i n g which might occur i n the lease area
coul 1 be temporari ly a f f e c t e d by degradation ~>f -are q u a l i t y
dur ing d r i l l i n g . Such a chanqe in w ^ t i r qua- • Id cause
some desirable species to avoid the •* t araa.
However, any such e f f e c t s are expected t temporary and
loca l ized and should not a f f e c t f i s h e r y po ten t i a l i n the
area as a whole. Populations i.houl«_ r e tu rn to normal once
d r i l l i n g Is completed.
(4) Cu l tu ra l Resources
Coastal Environments, Inc . (1977) I..s i d e n t i f i e d
two types of c u l t u r a l resources which may be found i n the
northern Gulf of Mexico area: (1) h i s t o r i c c u l t u r a l resources
o r shipwrecks and (2) p r e h i s t o r i c c u l t u r a l resources or
traces of p rev ious ly undescribed human c i v i l i z a t i o n s (USDOI,
MMS, 1983, pp. 228-240). Approximately 82* of the known
shipwrecks are loca ted w i t h i n 10 km (5 NM) of shore, w i t h
only a small percentage occurring on the OCS (USDOI, BLM,
1979, p. 91). Known submarine archeological s i tes are
11
e x t r e m e l y r a r e , w i t h none b e i r J idem i f i t i r.o date, i n Federa l
o f f s h o r e leas ing a r t a s (HSDOI, ELM, 1979, p . -> 1 ) .
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s .ire l o c a t e d o u t r i d e the Mist _>ric
and P r e h i s t o r i c r < l t u r a * Resources High P r o b a b i l i t y L ines
(USDOI, MMS, 1 >83, V i s u a l N'T. 11) and t h e r e f o r e a t f i n a
l a r g e o f f s h o r e area whe. h i s t o r i c and p r e h i s t o r i c resources
a r e considered u n l i k e l y t o be found . An A r c h e o l o g i c a l Survey
was not requi red f o r t h i ; lease ar ea.
(5) E c o l o g i c a l l y S e n s i t i v e Features
Several a r eas o f env i ronmenta l r?onc«:rn are l o c a t e d
onshore o f the l ease a r e a . The L o u i s i a n a C o a s t a l Zone
Management Program has been developed by t l i e S ta te t o
r e g u l a t e the s i g n i f i c a n t l a n d and w a i t f a c t i v i t i e s between
the outer l i m i t o f t h e c o a s t a l writers and l and up t o the
I n t r a c o a s t a l Waterway a n d / o r the 1 0 - f t c o n t o u r . Land uses
which are r e g u l a t e d a r e those tha t have a d i r e c t and
s i g n i f i c a n t Impact o n t h e c o a s t a l area r e q u i r i n g a S t e t e
p e r m i t , and those w h i c h a re r e q u i r e d by Federa l law t o be
c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e management program (USDC and LDNR, 1980) .
The program p r o v i d e s f o r t he p r o t e c t i o n o f beaches, dunes,
we t l ands , submerged g r a s s 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 r e s o u r c e s , 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 r e s o u r c e s , 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 f e a t u r e s 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
g e o l o g i c a l f o r m a t i o n s 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 A s s o c i a t e s , 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 of the no r th -cen t r a l Gulf area
include estuarine and coas ta l ecosystems comprised of s a l t
marshes, oyster beds, grass beds, b a r r i e r beaches, and dunes
(Coastal Environments, I n c . , 1980). These coastal ecosystems
contain nursery areas f o r many species o f economic importance
as wel l as hab i t a t , r o o k e r i e s , major overwinter ing s i t e s , and
nest ing areas f o r many endangered and threatened species,
such as the southern bald eagle, brovm p e l i c a n , golden eagle ,
osprey, red cockaded woodpecker, American peregrine f a l c o n ,
and various marine t u r t l e s (USDOI, BLM, 1979, v i sua l No. 3;
Coastal Environments, I n c . , 1980; USDC and LDNR, 1980).
There are two exis t ing "Special Management Areas"
designated by the Louisiana Coastal Management Program (USDC
and LDNR, 1980, pp. 104-108). These areas are the "Louisiana
Offshore Oil Port" (LOOP or Superport) and the "Marsh Island
Wildlife Refug-> and Game Preserve." The lease area i s
located 233 km (126 NM) east-southeast of Marsh Island
Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve and 4 7 km (25 NM) southeast
of the LOOP. None of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s in this lease
area should have any e f fec t upon the Special Management
Areas.
Conspicuous areas o f environmental concern f o r Louisiana
are depicted by the USDOI, BLM (1979, Visua l Nos. 1 and 4)
and the USDC and LDNR ( 1980, Figure No. D-1) .
The coastal zone area is also of recrea t ional importance
t o residents and t o u r i s t s . Most recrea t iona l a c t i v i t i e s
.
]
_
13
f o c u s on the a r e a ' s wate r resources wh ich i n c l u d e beaches,
b o a t i n g areas, and f i s h i n q areas .
One area o f d e s i g n a t e d b i o l o g i c a l s i g n i f i c a n c e i s
l o c a t e d i n the v i c i n i t y o f the proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
Accord ing to the USDOI, MMS, the sou thwes t co rne r o f B l o c k
144 i s loca ted w i t h i n the "3 M i l e Zone" o f Sacket t Bank and
i s sub jec t t o t he c o n d i t i o n s o f t h e b i o l o g i c a l lease
S t i p u l a t i o n No. 2 . Th i s s t i p u l a t i o n s t a t e s t h a t f o r
a c t i v i t i e s o c c u r r i n g w i t h i n the "3 M i l e Zone" the Opera to r
has the o p t i o n o f s h u n t i n g a l l d r i l l i n g c u t t i n g s and f l u i d s
t o the bottom t h r o u g h a downpipe t h a t t e r m i n a t e s no more t h a n
10 m (33 f t ) f r o m t h e bo t tom, or c o n d u c t i n g an e n v i r o n m e n t a l
m o n i t o r i n g p l a n des 'gned t o assess t h e e f f e c t s o f o i l and gas
e x p l o r a t i o n and development o p e r a t i o n s on the b i o t i c
communities o f t h e nearby bank (USDOI, MMS, 1983) . Exxon
proposes to d r i l l two e x p l o r a t o r y w e l l s i n Block 144. These
w e l l s and a l l a s s o c i a t e d e x p l o r a t o r y a c t i v i t i e s w i l l be
l o c a t e d i n the a rea o f the b lock o u t s i d e the "3 M i l e Zone"
where the b i o l o g i c a l S t i p u l a t i o n No. 2 does not app ly ( F i g u r e
2 ) . The proposed e x p l o r a t o r y a c t i v i t i e s ' w i l l not a f f e c t any
re.nnant c o a s t a l banks o r o y s t e r g r o u n d s .
While o i l s p i l l s du r ing d r i l l i n g o p e r a t i o n s are r a r e
(Danenberger, 1 9 7 6 ) , 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 .
011 f o u l i n g i n any c o a s t a l area c o u l d d i r e c t l y or i n d i r e c t l y
a f f e c t a v a r i e t y o f spec i e s , i n c l u d i n g th rea tened o r
endangered spec i e s o r species i m p o r t a n t t o commercial and
——:——— •—~"~ ' —•• .. —
- i
i i
15
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 ami t u r t l e s ) , and to> i c l t y f r o m c o n t a c t o r f rom the
i n g e s t i o n o f o i l o r con tamina ted 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, o r cause a g r e a t e r
s u s c e p t i b i l i t y t o p r e d a 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 o r
economic impacts c o u l d a l s o r e s u l t f r o m the f o u l i r i o f o y s 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 i n - 1 j d e 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 t.; sed ing and
n u r s e r y areas. Any e f f e c t s on endangered o r th rea tened
spec ies would be s i g n i f i c a n t .
O i l f o u l i n g o f t h e c o a s t a l area c o u l d a l s o have adverse
socioeconomic e f f e c t s . Tourism i s an i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f G u l f
c o a s t economies. Removal o f beach o r o t h e r c o a s t a l areas
f r o m 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 tour i sm i n the a f f e c t e d area and cause los s 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 wou ld be handled a c c o r d i n g t o an o i l s p i l l
cont ingency 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 o p e r a t i o n s , i t seems u n l i k e l y t h a t i t would a f f e c t any
nearshore or onshore areas or r e s o u r c e s .
(6) E x i s t i n g P i p e l i n e s and Cables
There a r e no e x i s t i n g p i p e l i n e s o r cables i n B l o c k
144 (USDOI, MMS, 1 9 8 4 ) . A Marathon P i p e l i n e Company 1 2 - i n
o i l p i p e l i n e , a Texas Eastern T r a n m i s s i o n Company 2 0 - i n gas
p i p e l i n e , an Exxon P i p e l i n e Company 1 2 - i n o i l p i p e l i n e , and
16
an Exxon P i p e l i n e Company 8 - i n l i q u i d qas p i p e l i n e a l l r un
p a r a l l e l t o each o t h e r i n a nor thwes t t o southeas t d i r e c t i o n
th rough the n o r t h e a s t co rne r o f Block 129 (USDOI, MMS, 1984) .
The p i p e l i n e s w i l l be avoided d u r i n g t h e proposed
a c t i v i t i e s .
(7) Other M i n e r a l Uses
Other t h a n p o t e n t i a l o i l and gas r e s e r v e s , t h e r e
a r e no known m i n e r a l resources i n t he l ease area .
(8) Ocean Dumping A c t i v i t i e s
The p roposed a c t i v i t i e s a re n o t l o c a t e d i n an area
des ignated f o r ocean dumping a c t i v i t i e s .
(9) Endangered o r Threatened Species
The USDOI, BLM (1979, p . 45) c o n s i d e r s p o s s i b l e
impacts o f lease a c t i v i t i e s on endangered species i n t h i s
area of 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 s p e c i e s t o be remote p o s s i b i l i t i e s w i t h o u t m a j o r
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 spec i e s . I n
a d d i t i o n . I t has been determined t h a t lease a c t i v i t i e s w i l l
no t r e s u l t I n t h e d e s t r u c t i o n o r m o d i f i c a t i o n o f d e s i g n a t e d
c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t s o r 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 o c a t e d 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 endanqered or t h r e a t e n e d
spec ies .
A p p r o x i m a t e l y s i x endangered spec i e s o f cetaceans occur
i n the Gulf o f M e x i c o . They are the b l u e whale (Ba laenop te ra
17
m u s c u l u s ) , f i n whale (Ba l aenop t e r a p h y s a l u s ) , humpback whale
(Megaptera n o / a e a n g l i a e ) , r i g h t whale (Eubalaena g l a c i a l i s ) ,
s e i ./hale { B a l a e n o p t e r a b o r e a l i s ) , and sperm whale (Physe te r
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 , o r deep ocean ic waters (USDOI, BLM,
1 9 8 1 ) . The s t a t u s and m i g r a t i o n p a t t e r n s o f these spec ies i n
t h e G u l f o f Mexico a r e unknown (Lehman, 1982) .
Several endangered o r t h r ea t ened species o f sea t u r t l e s ,
i n c l u d i n g the hemp's r i d l e y (Lepir^och*?: . s kempi . ) . n a w k s b i l l
( Erotmoche lys i m b i r c a c a ) , l e a t h e r b a c k (T.-: rmochelyc cor j gcea) ,
loggerhead ( C a r e t t a c a r e t t a ) , and jt:eer. ( v j i e l c n ^ j _ ' !__"> r rcay
o c c a s i o n a l l y v i s i t t h e lease a-e?.
The p r imary danger t o it a r i n e t i i t t l ^ e J . . • s s ' .b le
c o l l i s i o n s w i t h b o a t s . Adu l t : t i e s , e«?r..-eii ' . y
loggerheads, seem t o be a t t r a c t e d t o o f f J 1 0 ' . « . L ' <.-cu«"es f o r
f e e d i n g and r e s t i n g (USDOI, BLM- 1 S 7 ° , c . 165) i n c r e a s i n g t h e
p r o b a b i l i t y o f c o l l i s i o n s . No c r i i c a l h a b i t a t f o r ar.y o f
these species i s known t o e x i s t i n the lease are* (USDOI,
BLM, 1979, p p . 7 3 - 7 4 ) .
(b ) SOCIOECONOMIC
The i n i t i a l OCS Socioeconomic Data Base Report w i l l be
developed a f t e r t h e MMS ar.d t h e S t a t e s o f Alabama, 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 the s p e c i f i c parameters t o be
addressed i n t i . e se semiannual r e p o r t s . No npw pe r sonne l w i l l
be needed f o r t h e proposed a c t i v i t i e s .
4. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
(a) SUMMARY OP THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
Offshore s t ruc tures w l l l r e s u l t in minima' nav iga t iona l
interference to ships using establ ished fa i rways . However,
during times o f reduced v i s i b i l i t y , vessels have the greatest
po ten t ia l to deviate from establ ished fairways and impact
offshore s t ruc tu res (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p . 230). Discharge o f
d r i l l i n g muds and cut t ings 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
a i r q u a l i t y , and commercic f i s h i n g as described by the USDOI
BLM (1979, pp. 229-230). These impacts are temporary,
however, and w i l l be l i m i t e d to an extremely small area.
They are j u s t i f i e d by the na t iona l i n t e r e s t i n discover ing
and developing badly needed reserves of o i l and gas. Durinq
the explora tory operations, a l l discharges w i l l comply wi th
a l l appl icable MMS and EPA requirements. No s i 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 r e s u l t In unavoidable Impacts
on wetlands, c u l t u r a l resources, r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s ,
shoreline aes the t ics , or other land uses.
(b) STATEMENT CONCERNING THE UN'VOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS
None o f the environmental consequences expected during
normal operat ions should produce s i g n i f i c a n t or cumulative
adverse envl rc n t a l e f f e c t s . The e f f e c t s of a possible w»il
s p i l l should have no o v e r a l l cumulative or long-term e f f e c t
on tn erwiro .ment, excep' in the possible event of
contamination of endanqerr ' marine species, * s p i l l would be
handled according to an o i l s p i 1 1 contingency plan approved
by the MMS. Thus, I t i s u n l i k e l y tha t a s p i l l would occur
during operations and a f f e c t any nearshore or onshore areas
o r resources. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s should have no
s i g n i f i c a n t impact on endangered species or c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t .
The information presented In t h i s Environmental Report
indicates no clear or present reason not to proceed wi th the
proposed a c t i v i t i e s . Withdrawal of the Plan would r e s u l t i n
the loss of p o t e n t i a l hydrocarbon production from th i s area.
5. REFERENCES
B u r k and A s s o c i a t e s , I n c . 1975. L o u i s i a n a c o a s t a l r e sources 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 O r l e a n s , LA.
C h i t t e n d e n , M. E. , J r . and D. Moore. 1976. Composi t ion o f the i c h t h y o f a u n a i n h a b i t i n g the 110-m b a t h y m e t r i c contour o f t h e G u l f o f Mexico, M i s s i s s i p p i River t o t he Rio Grande. Department o f Marine Resources I n f o r m a t i o n Center f o r Mar ine Research, Texas A&M U n i v e r s i t y . 15 pp.
Coas t a l Env i ronments , 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 t he n o r t h e r n G u l f o f Mexico . N a t i o n a l Park S e r v i c e , Washington, D.C.
Coas ta l Environment 's , I n c . 1980. CPA-2, O f f s h o r e M i s s i 3 P i p p i - A l a b a m ? . - F l o r i d a f b i o l o g i c a l l y s e n s i t i v e areas. Baton Rouge, LA.
Danenberger, E. P. 1976. O i l s p i l l s , 1971-1975. G u l f o f Mexico o u t e r c o n t i n e n t a l s h e l f . G e o l o g i c a l Survey C i r c u l a r No. 74 1.
D i t t o n , R. B. and A . R. Grae fe . 1978. R e c r e a t i o n a l f i s h e r y use OL a r t i f i c i a l r e e f s on the Texas c o a s t . Department of S e c r e a t i o n a l Parks , Texas A&M U n i v e r s i t y . 155 p p .
Lehman, J . 1982. Personal communica t ion . M i n e r a l s Management S e r v i c e , OCS O f f i c e , M e t a i r e , LA.
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 c o a s t a l zone: Analyses o f resources and resource development need i n c o n n e c t i o n w i t h e s t u a r i n e e c o l o g y . S e c t i o n s 10 and 13, F i s h e r y Resources and t h e i r Needs. Report t o the U.S. Army Corps o f E n g i n e e r s , New O r l e a n s , LA. C o r . t r i b u t i o n No. 14-17-002-430. 323 pp.
P 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. A d k i n s , W. J . G a i d r y , and C. J . W h i t e . 1971. C o o p e r a t i v e G u l f o f Mexico E s t u a r i n e I n v e n t o r y and S tudy , L o u i s i a n a . Phase I , Area d e s c r i p t i o n . Phase I V , B i o l o g y . Louis iana W i l d l i f e ar.d F i s h e r i e s Commission.
R i l e y , F. 197L. F i s h e r i e s o f t he U n i t e d S t a t e s , 1969. U.S. Department o f the I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Commercial F i s h e r i e s . C.P.S. No. 5300. 87 pp .
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Rogers , R. M . , J r . 1977. Troph ic i n t e r r e l a t i o n s h i p s o f se lec ted f i s h e s on the c o n t i n e n t a l s h e l f o f the n o r t h e r n Gul f o f Mexico . Ph .D. d i s s e r t a t i o n , Texas AiM U n i v e r s i t y . 229 p p .
Te rEco C o r p o r a t i o n . 1976. E c o l o g i c a l Aspects o f the Upper C o n t i n e n t a l Slope o f the Gul f o f Mex ico . A r e p o r t t o the U.S. Department o f the I n t e r i o r , Bureau OL Land Management, G u l f o f Mexico OCS O f f i c e . New Or leans , LA. Contract No. 08550-CT4-12.
U . S . Department o f Commerce. 1982. C u r r e n t F i s h e r i e s S t a t i s t i c s No. 8200. F i s h e r i e s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , 1981. U.S. Department o f Commerce, N a t i o n a l Oceanic and Atmospheric A d m i n i s t r a t i o n
U . S . Department o f Commerce anc L o u i s i a n a Department o f Natura l Resources . 1980. r o u i s i a n a Coas ta l Resources Program F i n a l Env i ronmen ta l Tmpact S ta tement . L o u i s i a n a Department o f N a t u r a l Resources, Baton Rouge, LA.
U . S . Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Land Management. 1977. F i n a l Env i ronmen ta l Impact S ta tement . Proposed 1977 Outer C o n t i n e n t a l Shelf P i l and Gas Lease Sale 4 7 , Gul f o f Mex ico .
U . S . Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o t Land r*nagement. 1979. P i n a l E n v i r o n m e n t a l Impact Sta tement . Proposed 19?) Cuter C o n t i n e n t a l •' e l f C i l and Gas Lease Sale 58A, Westerr. and C e n t r a l Gul f of Mexico . 181 pp.
U . S . Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Land M;. nageuent. 1981. F i n a l Env i ronmen ta l Impact Sta tement . Proposed 1981 Outer C o n t i n e n t a l Shel f O i l and Gas Lease Sales 67 and 69, G u l f o f Mexico . 300 pp .
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 S e r v i c e . 1983. F i n a l R e g i o n a l env i ronmen ta l Impact Sta tement . Gulf o f M e x i c o . 1,004 p p .
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 S e r v i c e . 1984. Pe r sona l communicat ion . OCS O f f i c e , M e t a r i e , LA.
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6. FINAL STATEMENT
Exxon's Flan of Exp lo r a t i on (Secti.on-7) f o r OCS-G 6788
and OCS-G 6789 addresses a l l of the permi ts , l icenses ,
and clearances needed to conduct the a c t i v i t i e s described
i n the Plan.
To the best of our knowledge, a l l of the data necessary
f o r Coastal Zone Management Review is contained in t h i s
Environmental Report and the accompanying Plan.
Th- proposed d r i l l i n g a c t i v i t i e s are located outside o f
the Louisiana Coastal Zone, and are not expected to
a f f e c t any Special Management Zone.
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 to occur t o
water or land uses i n the coastal zones as a resu l t o f
a c t i v i t i e s proposed i n the Plan.
Each of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , t h e i r associated
f a c i l i t i e s , and t h e i r e f f e c t s are consistent wi th the
provisions o f the Louisiana Coastal Managoment Program.