Union txpi>mtloa Partners, Ltd. Attention; Kr. J M Done* Font Of f loc Bos 7096 Hounar Louisiana 70)61

Gentlenen 1

Reference ia ands to four In i t ia l Plan of Exploration aod aooonpaaying information received Juna 16, 1968, for L e a a ^ J g ^ J g j J , Blook 233, Main Paaa Area. This plar includes tha StlvxfQa^llpcsed for Wella A, B, and C.

Ir aooordanoe with 30 CFR 250.33, thia plai is hareby deemed subinitted and ls now baine oonnidered for approval.

I j r plar* j^j^| j^^^^| |Lj^|^^^^| j^^8>*^ r ^ * * J ° U ^ b * r o fsrencef l in >wur ootSBini-

Sincerely youra,

(0r,6. S d.) A. Donald Giroir Dor 0. J . bourgeois

Hee;ional Superviaor Field Oparatlona

W i l l 1 ana ftn: ock: 06/ 27/ 66: p oeo CM

Office of Program Services

Jl'L 05 1988 Infrx.nation Services

- 5? a n t i r n i •••••HUH » •

Unoea! Oil 4 Oaa Division Unocal Corooration P O Box 7C96 Houma. Louisiana 70361 Teiaonona (504)876-1150

UNOCAL^

June 15, 1983 as

9,

*;. S. Department of che Interior Minerals Management Service 1201 Wholesalers Parkway New Orleans, Louisiana 70123

Attention: Mr. Mike Joseph

Dear Sir:

Union Exploration Partners, Ltd. herewith submits for your review and approval five (5) proprietary and six (6) public information copies of a Plan of Exploration for OCS-G 6827, Main Pass Block 233, Offshore, Louisiana. Also submitted are three (3) copies of Potential Geologic Hazards Survey for the subject block prepared by Intersea Research, Inc.

Your cooperation in this matter i s certainly appreciated, advise i f additional information i s needed.

Please

Yours very truly,

UNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTD

Joa Danoa Drilling Engineer

JD:dl Attachments

PUBUC

UNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTO.

PLAN OP EXPLORATION

OCS-0 6827 : ~T

WELLS NO. A THRU C

MAIM PASS BLOCK 233

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

At this time one 6,000* well i s planned for Block 233 (see attached vicinity map). Intent i s to d r i l l Well No. A on or about September 15, 1988. This start up date t r i l l be dependant on rig availability. Wells Number B and C (see attached "Well Locetion Plat") are located to provide adequate delineation of the structures under this block. Any or a l l of these wi l l be drilled contingent upon information obtained from Well No. A. Wells Nos. A - C w i l l require approximately 20 days to d r i l l each well. I f the wells are dri l l e d as planned and the drilling? program i s continuous, this project should take sixty (60) days to compl ..te. These wells w i l l be tests of the 2,900* , 3,100' and 3,200* Sand Horizons, see attached structure maps. The dril l i n g mud used on these wells w i l l be a Lignosulfonate type (see attached d r i l l i n g mud additive l i s t ) . The mud system wi l l be continuously monitored in accordance to OCS Order No. 2.

DRILLING STRUCTURE

The average water depth ranges in Block 233 ffrom 174' to 184', and i t i s planned to d r i l l these wells with a "*ack-up type drilling r i g , in accordance with OCS Order No. I t wi l l be equipped with necessary equipment to comply with OCS Order No. 7.

POLLUTION PREVENTION

In accordance with OCS Order No. 7, o i l or toxic fluids will aot be disposed of into the Culf. All creak case o i l recovered from drip pans/sump w i l l be brought into an onshore location for disposal. There are no plans for use of o i l base mud in these drilling operations; therefore, the cuttings from these wells w i l l contain no o i l . A l l trash and burnable items w i l l be burned at the location over water in wire mesh baskets. Thoae items that caimot ba burnad w i l l alao be brought into an onahore location for disposal.

During the exploratory operations, a l l applicable safety standards eatahliahed by tha U. 8. Coast Guard and Department of Interior f r i l l bm compiled with to enaure safety of li f e and property and to protect thm offahora environment.

Tha Southeast Oparatlona District, Union Exploratio. Partners, Ltd. has a formal Oil Spill Contingency Plan for usa within tha geographic limits of District. Tha Plan was initiatad in July, 1970; sinca that original data, tha Plan has been raviawad semi­annually and modified and updatad annually on July 1 of tha respective calandar yaar. Spacifically tha Plan dascribaa and axplaina actions to ba takan by personnel in tha avant of an oil or waste material s p i l l on navigable waters of tha United Statas. In addition, procedures for proper notification of Federal and State environmental and regulatory agencies ara explained. Also included in tha Plan i s a listing of sp i l l control and cleanup equipment and material available from Union Exploration Partners, Ltd. facilitiea within the District aa well as equipment and aarvicea available from various pollution and s p i l l control and cleanup contractora. Union Exploration Partners, Ltd., being a member of both the Offshore Operators Committee and tha Claan Gulf Associates, has access to the standby pollution control equipment as outlined in their Cooperative Plans for oil s p i l l control and removal.

A xerox copy of the aforecited Offshore Oil Spill Contingency Plan, Southeast Louisiana Operations District, Union Exploration Partners, Ltd. is on f i l e with M.M.S., Metairie, Louisiana. Pollution prevention and control equipment and limited personnel for a minor loss or s p i l l incident are available from Union's Main Pass 6 Production Facility within twelve (12) hours after notification. Necessary personnel to handle equipment immediately would be available from drilling crew. If deemed ne.essary and warranted, contract personnel would be added within six hours to assist in cleanup operation.

Union Exploration Partners, Ltd. is a member of Clean Gulf Associates. Bquipm»r>t i s presently located at Galveston and Freeport, Taxas; Cameron, Intracoastal Cicy, Grand lala, and Venice, Louiaiana. Soma of tha equipment available includes a ahallow watar skimmer systam with a 40-barrel storage capacity, a fast response oan saa and bay systam with two (2) 180-barrel tanks used in &dimming and storing, and a high volume open saa skimmer with 1000-barrel storaga capacity. Tha amount of tima raquirad to gat to tha apill araa will vary on location of work boats for immediate chartar. Thia tima may vary anywhere from a minimum of fiva (5) houra to a maximum of 24 hears.

SUPPORT BASK FACILITIES

For ths immediate foreseeable need o* exploration activity on thase blocks various support f a c i l i t i e s locatad in tha Venice Area of the Louisiana Gulf Coast w i l l be used. In a l l instancas these support f a c i l i t i e s and/or functions are in existence and have bean operational for a period of time. By virtue of now being operable in established accomodations located on properly utilized lands, such f a c i l i t i e s that are to be used to service and support exploration activity w i l l not require additional lands, rights-of-way easements for the only and singular benefit of activity on the subject block.

In most circumstances for this consideration designated and' required storage and support f a c i l i t i e s are located on some body of navigable water in the aforecited general geographic area. I t i s anticipated that the f a c i l i t i e s w i l l provide services that include, but are not limited to, supply fuel to rig, aupply potable water to rig, supply d r i l l i n g fluid additives for drilling operation, supply o i l field pipe, fittings, valves and associated equipment and supply third party actions for cementing, logging and perforating. Some of the f a c i l i t i e s w i l l be utilized to dock personnel crewboats and to dock, load and unload supply and work boats.

In conclusion, the proposed Plan of Exploration for Main Pass Block 233 w i l l not necessitate or require additional land, construction or expansion of existing storage or support f a c i l i t i e s to effectively and safely service the proposed activity.

GEOPHYSICAL DATA

Reference attached "Plan of Exploration Report", by W. Scott Huey and John Smyth.

PROPOSED LOCATIONS

WELL DESIGNATION LOCATION

3200'FSL & 4000'FEL of Blk. 233 Surface & BHL

B 5200'FSL ft 5450'FWL of Blk. 233 Surface & BHL

C 2250'FNL ft 37501FEL of Blk. 233 Surfaca 5775'FNL ft 3750 * FEL cf Blk. 233 BHL

AIR QUALITY STATEMENT

Referance attachad "Projected Air Emission H Report.

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Reference attached "Environmental Report Exploration".

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION.

Attached.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

EXPLORATION Type of Plan

MAIN PASS BLOCK 233 Area and Block

OCS-G 6827 Ls«»a Number

The proposed activities described in detail in this Plan comply with Louisiana's approved Coastal Management Program and w i l l be conducted in a manner consistent with such Program.

Arrangements have been made with the State-Times in Baton Rouge, La. to publish a public notice of the proposed ac t i v i t i e s no later than June 30, 1988.

UNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTD. Lessee or Operator

^Ih^r Certifying O f f i c i a l

June 15. 1988 Date

•Jh ' h i . h b b h h h h -H ftilir^lirMh1Hli: c §.

Trade Nama

DRILLING UD ADDITIVES

Common Naat Chemical Trade Kama of Componen cs

MAGCOBAR Baric*

MAGCOGEL Gal

SPERSENE Lignosulf ona ta

TANNATHIN Lignica

XP-20 Chroma Lignica

CAUSTIC CansCic

LIME Lima

RESINEX Resinex

SUPERDRIL Gilsonica

UME •

Eoulsifiar eu

DESCO ™»

Tii inner

CMC CMC

DD Soap

PIPE LAX Pipa Lax

CYPAN Cypan

DRISPAC D»ispac

S.A.P.P. Sapp

MAGCOPHOS Magcophos

Barium Suiface

Benconice (Non-Metallic Mineral - Cla

Chroma Lignosulfonaca (Lignin)

Lignica (Natural sub-coal Mineral)

Potassium Chroma Lignica

Sodium Hydroxide

Calcium Hydroxide

Polymer Bland

SoliCifiad Bituminous Hydrocarbon

Surfaccanc - Alcohol

Chroma Quebracho

Sodium Carboxyl Mechyl Cellulose

Drilling Detergent (Surface Ar five Ag

Blend of Surfaccanes in Solvent

Sodium Polyacrylonicrila

Polyanionic Cellulose

Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate

Sodium Tetraphosphate

Unocal Corporation 1016 HarrJog Straat, P.O. Bex 51388 Laaayam, LouWam 70605 TaJaphona (318) 232-972*

UNOCAL®

UNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTD. PUBLIC INFORMATION

MAIN PASS BLOCK 233 OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT

Union contracted Intersea Research in November of 1984 to conduct a Potential Geologic Hazards Survey and Cultural Raaourcaa evaluation of Main Pass Block 233. Fathometer, subbottom profiler, mini-sparker, watar gun, magnetometer and aide scan sonar ware operated continuously during the survey.

Records were examined for features such aa faults, paleochannels, gas charged sedimants, sida scan sonar targets, magnetometer anomalies, shipwrecks, pipelines, etc. A l l three pro; osed wells are at least 500' from any identified anomaly with tha exception of location "A".

Location "A" i s located within an iaolated coarse sand zone and probable transgressiva sand bar. Location "A" ia approximately 200' from the northern edge of this coarse sand/sand bar araa and haa bean deemed to have no hazardous potential by our d r i l l i n g department.

Enclosed are the sparker, near trace and aubbottom profiler plots for line MP233-12N (through Locations "A" and "C") and line MP233-7CS (through Location "B").

By: £John 8myth

Geophysicist May 12, 1988

•

Unocal OH 6 Q n Dtvtaton Unocal Corporation 1018 Harding Straat P.O. Box 51368 Lafayatta, Louiaiana 70505 Tataphona (316) 232-9724

UNOCAL®

UNION EXPLORATION P A R T ^ R S , LTD. OCS-G 6827 WBT L HQ. A

MAIN PASS BLOCK 233 WlTgflvM. alOTIglJUIA

EXPLORATORY DRILLING PLAN

B. PROPOSED SUITE OF LOGS DIL/LSS/GR FDC/CNL/GR SHDT

C. INTERVALS TO BE CORED fc TESTED SIDEWALL CORES fc TESTING AS INDICATED BY LOG ANALYSIS.

D. LOCATIOM OF WELL SURFACE: 3,200' FSL fc 4,000' FBL OF MAIN PASS BLOCK 233.

E. ATTACHE MAP

3100' SAND

F. ATTACHED CROSS SECTION A-A'

H. SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT SEE ATTACHED LETTER BY MR. JOHN SMYTH

MAMEftg fc PPy-gCTIvgg BSXIflATBP PBPTHg 2900' SAND 3100' SAND 3200' SAND

- 3,275' - 3,695' - 3,795'

OFFSHORE EXPL. GEOL MAT 12, 1988

/cw

ATTACH. (1)

Unocal Oil « O M Dfvftlon Unocal Corporation 1018 Harding Straat. P.O. B Lateyatta. Louiaiana 70606 Talephona (316) 232-9724

UNOCAL®

A.

B.

C.

D.

B.

P.

H.

JNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTD. OCf-G 6827 WELL NO. B MAIN PASS BLOCK 233 «»BPMt LWIglAHA

EXPLORATORY DRILLINO PLAN

PROPOSED SUITE OF LOOS DIL/LSS/GR FDC/CNL/GR SHDT

INTERVALS TO BE CORED & TESTED SIDEWALL CORES & TESTING AS INDICATED BY LOG ANALYSIS.

VOCATION Pf WfiM, SURFACE: 5,200' FSL & 5,450' FWL OF MAIN PASS BLOCK 233.

ATTACHBP MAP 3100' SAND

ATTACHED CROSS SECTION A~A' SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT

SEE ATTACHED LETTER BY MR. JOHN SMYTH

W. SCOTT HUBY OFFSHORE EXPL. GEOL MA* 12, 1988

/cw

ATTACH. (1)

Unocal Oil * Oaa DMsJon Unocal Corporation 1018 Harding Straat P.O. Boa 51388 Lafayatta. Louiaiana 70506 Telaphona (316) 232-9724

UNOCAL®

UNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTD. OCS-0 6827 WELL NO. C MAIN PAfS BLOCK 233 OFFS HOR k. t,oyTfrTftMn

EXPLORATORY DRILLING PT.AW

A. MARKERS a) Qp.JfiCTTVflg

B. PROPOSED SUITE OF LOGS DIL/LSS/GR FDC/CNL/GR SHDT

C- INTERVALS TO BE CORED & TESTRp SIDEWALL CORES & TESTING AS INDICATED BY LOG ANALYSIS.

D. LOCATION QF Wfifrfc SURFACE: 2,250' FNL & 3,750' FBL OF MAIN PASS BLOCK 233 BHL: 5,775' FNL & 3,750' FEL OF MAIN PASS BLOCK 233

B. ATTACHED MAP 3100' SAND

F- ATTACHED CROSS SRCTTQM ft-ft*

H. SHALLOW HAZARDS RgPOflf SEE ATTACHED LETTER BY MR. JOHN SMYTH

BY: W. SCOTT HUBY OFFSHORE EXPL. GEOL MAY 12, 1988

/CW

ATTACH. (1)

V M * * i l l l l i i l l i i » W I M > I I

MAIN PA88 BLK. 233 OMSHOM. LOUISIANA

LOCATIOH PLAT

Union Explorat ion Partners, L td . Ai r Qua l i ty Calculations Exploration Hain Paas Block 233 walli A-C

Air quality calculations ara baaed on the drilling of three exploratory walls. Operations are scheduled to begin on or about September 15, 1988 and to require approximately 60 days of trouble free drilling. During the period the drilling rig is expected to have an average daily fuel consumption of 1,500 gallons. Details of the calculations are presented in Tables 1-3. All projected emissions Are below the maximums and thus the proposed operation i s exempt.

•MISSION SOURCE

VROJECTED AIR EMISSION WELLS A-C BLOCK _2JJ

TAKEOFF FUEL CON-RUNNING & LAND- SUMPTION TIME/DAY INC 5/DAY CAL/DAY

EMISSION FACTORS POUND/1000 GALS.

EMISSION FACTORS AIRCRAFT TAKEOFF 6 LANDINGS

PROJECTED EMISSION 1-DAY PROJECTION INf

DRILLING RIG 24 HRS.

CARGO BOAT 2 HRS. (IN BERTH)

CREW BOAT 2 HRS. JIN BERTH)

HELICOPTER TAKE­OFF & LANDINGS

SO« NO* CO TSP VOC SO* NOi CO TSP VOC SOi NO* CO TSP VOC

1500

4

31.2 469 102 33.5 37.5

31.2 469 102 33.5 37.5

31.2 469 102 33.5 37.5

46.1 704 153 50.3 56.3

0.1 1.9 0.4 0.1 0.2

0.1 1.9 0.4 0.1 0.2

.18 .57 5.7 .25 .52 0.7 2.3 23 1.0 2.0

1-DAY TOTAL 47.7 710 177 51.5 58.7

Projected •missions ars based on data froai "Compilation of Air P o l l u t a n t Ewiaaion Factors". 3rd Ed i t i o n AP-42. EPA, 1977. Tabla 3.3.3.-1 and Tabla 3.2.1.-3.

ABOVE NUMBERS IN POUNDS

AREA M«jn P«M BLOCK 233 WELLS A-C

PROJECTED EMISSIONS PROM BACH SOURCE

BY AIR POLLUTANT FOR 1988-89 YEAR

DRILLING OPERATIONS - WELLS

SOURCE AIR POLLUTANT

S02 NOx CO TSP VOC

D r i l l i n g Rig Projected Emissions (Lb/Day) 46.8 704 153 50.3 56.3

Transportation— Cargo Boat, Crew Boat, Helicopter (Lb/Day)

.9 6.1 23.8 1.2 2.4

SUB-TOTAL (Lb/Day) 47.7 710 177 51.5 58.7

Miscellaneous 25% of Sub-Total

11.9 178 44.3 12.9

TOTAL (Lb/Day) 59.6 888 221 64.4

14.7

73.4

TOTAL in Tons/Year 10.9 162 40.3 11.8 13.4

TABLE. 3

AREA Main t i l l BLOCK . 213 VELLS A-C

EXEMPTION CALCULATIONS

for carbon monoxide

for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, total suspended particulates, and volatile organic compounds

Statute Miles

CO

SOt, NO* , TSP, and VOC

HIGHEST YEAR

POLLUTANTS "B" (T/YR.)

PROJECTED EMISSIONS (T/YR.) EXEMPT

SOt 1,166 10.9 Yes

NOx 1,166 162 Yes

CO 1,388,333 40.3 Yes

TSP 1,166 11.8 Yes

VOC 1,166 13.4 Yes

E • The emission exemption amount expressed in tons per year.

D - Tha diatance of the f a c i l i t y from the cloaest onshore araa of a atate expressed in statute miles.

E - 3400 (D» 3)

I • 3 \ 3 D

D - _ 35

E - 1,388L333

E - 1,166

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

EXPLORATION

MAIN PASS AREA, BLOCK 233

UNION EXPLORATION PARTNERS, LTD. Houma, Louisiana

contact person

Joe Danos P. O. Box 7096

Houma, Louisiana 70361 (504) 876-1150

May 26, 1988

(2) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSKP ACTION

(A) TRAVEL MODES AMD ROUTES

Union Exploration Partners, Ltd. plans to conduct exploratory d r i l l i n g on Main Paas Block 233. Oparatlona are anticipated to begin on or about September 15, 1988. Threa wells are expacted to be required to determine i f hydrocarbons are preaent in commercially producible quantities. Onshore support w i l l ba provided from Venice. Boat traf f i c i s expected to total seven to ten round trips weekly and helicopter t r a f f i c should total two round tripa daily. Boat t r a f f i c w i l l u t i l i z e the Mississippi River and either Main Paas or Pass A Loutre for acceas to the Gulf and then go directly to the well aite. Helicopter t r a f f i c is normally by the roost direct route, weather and tr a f f i c conditions permitting.

(B) SUPPORT BASE

Onshore support w i l l be provided from one of the mud company bases at Venice, Louisiana. The operations planned are expected to help maintain this base at or near i t a present level of operations. No new positions are l i k e l y to be created and no expansion of the physical f a c i l i t i e s i s forseen because of the exploratory d r i l l i n g planned for Block 233.

(C) NBW SUPPORT FACILITIES

No new onshore support f a c i l i t i e s such as new land bases, refineries, storage f a c i l i t i e s , pumping stations, boat docks, helicopterr pads, or fueling f a c i l i t i e s are expected to be required. Should a commercial discovery occur, the hydrocarbons would be likely to be transported to shore through connections with the nearby offshore pipeline network and processed in the present onshore f a c i l i t i e s . No new support f a c i l i t i e s or personnel should be required.

(D) NBW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY

No new techniques or unusual technology i s expected to be required for this operation.

(B) MAPS OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY

Maps ara includad with the POB showing tha Block in ralation to affected atatea and tha propoaad d r i l l s i t e s .

1

(F) TRANSPORTATION OF OIL QR GAS

Tha proposed d r i l l i n g i s for exploratory purposes. Should commercially valuable deposits of oil/gas be found, i t i s l i k e l y that the hydrocarbona would ba transported to shore via connectlona with the nearby offshore pipelina network and processed in the present onshore f a c i l i t i e a .

(3) DESCRIPTION OF THB AFFFBCTKD ENVIRONMENT

(A) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

(1) Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing off the coast of Louisiana i s centered on the harvest of menhaden, shrimp, unclassified industrial bottomflsh, and reef type fishes such aa snapper and grouper. Louiaiana usually leads the nation in the tonnage and value of the catch. The fisheries extend from the shallow coastal bays and inlets to the edge of the continental shelf at a depth of approximately 600 feet.

Menhaden are a schooling species found near the coast and generally taken in waters of 30 feet or less in depth and within 12 to 15 miles of shore. Major uses are pet food, f e r t i l i z e r , and chicken feed. Block 233 l i e s about 48 miles offshore with water depths of 174-184 feet. The project area thus l i e s well beyond the menhaden fishery and no impacts are anticipated.

Shrimp are taken in large quantities from the inland, coastal, and offshore waters to approximately the 100 foot depth contour. Beyond this point to the edge of the continental shelf, at a depth of about 600 feat, the catch i s much smaller. The water depth and distance from ahore places Block 233 beyond the outer edge of the moat productive part of the shrimping —rounds.

The Louisiana shriap catch usually averagee between 55,000,000 and 100,000,000 pounds annually (heads on). Tha 1983 catch totalad 77,000,000 pounda, a 15 percent drop froa the 1982 catch of 90,530,000 pounda ("The Shriap Boat", August, 1984). Tha total catch during any given year ia ralatad to watar terperatures and s a l i n i t i e a during tha spring in tha inland waters. At this tiae total shriap harveat i s considered to be at i t s maximum auatainable l i a i t . The exploratory dri l l i n g planned for Block 233 w i l l , for the duration of the d r i l l i n g , remove about five acrea froa that potentially available to shrimpers. The amount of seabottom removed i s so small in relation to that reaaining open, that no detectable iapacts to this fishery are forseen.

Unclassified industr a l bottomfish represent another of the major fiaheries. They are harvested by bottoa trawls and are used as pet foot, f e r t i l i z e r , and in soae instances, for human consumption. The project area l i e s within this fishery to the east of the mouth of the Mississippi River. For the duration of the exploratory d r i l l i n g , approximately five acres w i l l be removed froa that potentially available to bottoa trawlers. Since this i s an under utilized fishery, and the area removed i s so small in relation to that reaaining open, no detectable impacts to this fishery are forseen.

The harvest of reef type fishes such as snapper and grouper i s normally concentrated around hard bottoa areas known as snapper banks or a r t i f i c i a l reef habitats such aa those found around wrecks or the underwater portions cf production platforas. None of thaaa conditions are found on Block 233. Should a discovery occur, and a platfora be sat hare, a positive lapact could occur in that tha platform would serve as an a r t i f i c i a l raaf and thus enhance the potential for reef typa fishes since water dapth and conditions ara favorable. Thus, no negative impacta ara forsaan and thara ia tha possibility for a positive impact should a discovery occur.

(2) Shipping

There are no shipping fairways, anchorage areas, or transit zonae in or immediately adjacent to Block 233.

(3) Recreation

Tho primary recreational activity off the Lou - ~«t i s sport fishing and divir.g. T .es are usually centered around h-.ra bottoms or production platforms in the OCS areas. Recreational shrimping i s normally conducted near shore by small boat,. Since none of these conditions are found on Block 233, recreational value i s considered to be minimal. Even i f a discovery should occur, and a platform be set here, the distance from suitable shore f a c i l i t i e s such as launch ramps or marinas, would tend to limit recreational use of this Block. Thus no impacts are seen to recreational interests from this propr^ed drilling program.

(4) Cultural Resources

A cultural resources ana ais of the data gathered for Block 233 was performed by Roy Pettis, Marine Archaeologist. Two magnetic anomalies and one side Lean sc nar target were recorded during the survey. The single side scan anomaly correlated with one of the magnetic anomalies. The side scan anomaly consisted of three closely spaced shallow depressions in the sea floor arranged in a triangular pattern, which almost certainly indicates a former jackup rig location. The associated magnetic anomaly ia presumably caused by either magnetic debris dropped over the side of the rig or by metallic parts of a presumed abandoned wel". The various seismic records around the site cf the second magnetic anomaly were examined in detail, but revealed no cauaes for the anomaly. No evidence of shipwrecks was seen. This particular block haa been submerged for approximately 14,000 years which makes i t

4

unlikely that prehistoric sites would be found. There wes no evidence of such sites found in the analysis of the data. Consequently, no reatrictiona or conditions were recommended for the exploratory d r i l l i n q planned for this block.

(5) Ecologically Sensitive Features

No ecologically senaitive features have been identified on or in the vicinity of Block 233.

(6) Pipelines and Cables

No pipelines or cables have been identified on Block 233.

(7) Other Minerals

There are no known plans at this time for the development of minerals other than hydrocarbons for Block 233.

(8) Ocean Dumping

Ocean dumping i s prohibited in this area.

(9) ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES

The coastal waters off Louisiana are utilized to some degree by five endangered species of whaler, three endangered species of sea turtles, and two threatened species of sea turtles. The endangered species are the blue whale, sea whale, sperm whale, humpback whale, finback whale, Atlantic ridley turtle, hawksbill turtle, anu leatherback turtle. Threatened species are the loggerhead and green sea turtles. Of the whale specie?, the sperm whale i s perhaps the most common in the Gulf of Mexico and the blue whale the least common, with only two sightings of the latter having been reported. The other three species of whales may be considered uncommon in the Gulf, although the humpback was once hunted commercially in the central Gulf during the 19th century (Schmidly, 1981). The leatherback turtle i s believed to prefer the deeper oceanic watera while the other species of t' '"es are conaidered to be more coaatal in nature. The turtles t end to prefer the more saline waters and are not very c<. near river moutha or other aimilar points where fresh water enters the Gulf. Whalea likewiae prefer the more aalty waters and .re found moat frequently over the continental alope where the water exceeds 600 feet in depth.

5

General over exploitation of both turtlaa and whales for food and other products has bean the r.ajor cause of their decline. A few nations s t i l l harvest whales and turtlaa are taken in many parts of the world. Additionally, turtlaa are often k i l l e d when they become trapped in flahing nets and are unable to surface for a i r . Their neating grounda are often disturbed and the egga may be harveatad for food. New evidence indicates that turtlaa are being k i l l e d through the ingestion of plastic trash, that when floating in the water, appears to resemble j e l l y f i s h (a favorite turtle food.

Drilling and support vessel a c t i v i t i e s have the potential to cause a minor and limited disturbance to any whales or turtles in the v i c i n i t y . However, these creaturea are mobile and are likely to avoid areas where such activity occurs. To date, no sc i e n t i f i c evidence haa been found that would indicate that disturbances related to o i l and gas activities have been of significance in the decline of whale and turtle populationa. Consequently, the exploration d r i l l i n g planned for this area should no': have a significant or lasting impact on turtle or whale populations in the Gulf.

(4) UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

Gallaway (1981) completed an extensive review of petroleum related activities in the Texas-Louisiana continental shelf region. Potential negative impacts addressed by him were discharge of d r i l l cuttings, d r i l l i n g fluids, o i l s p i l l s , and produced formation watera.

Dril l cuttings are small fragments of the formation cut by the d r i l l bit and discharged into the water on a continuoua basis during the drilling of each well. The larger cuttings tend to move directly towards the bottom, and in shallow watera are likely to accumulate on the seafloor in mounds or piles. In deeper waters, or where wave and current action are vigorous, the mounds may not develop. When a pile accumulates, any immobile benthic organisms trapped beneath i t wtll smother. Over time, plants and animals w i l l colonize the mound and the aeafloor wi l l return to a condition similar to that in existence before drilling began.

Large-scale discharge of d r i l l i n g mud occurs on an average of 8-10 times suring the d r i l l i n g of eech well. Also, as the cuttings are discharged, some mud w i l l be entrained on them and wi l l waah free aa the cuttings d r i f t towards the bottom. The clay particles in the d r i l l i n g f l u i l tend to flocculate on contact with aalt watar, and along with the finer d r i l l cuttings, form a turbid plume down-current from the d r i l l rig. When a large-acale release of mud occurs, this plume may reach down-current or a

distance of up to 3,200 foot before i t is completely diluted. The toxicity of tho cuttings snd the drilling mud coaponents is very slight snd there i s l i t t l e impact on wster quality. Ths primary affact is a raduction of light penetration which may reduce primary production by phytoplankton.

Tha briny watar from tha formation being exploited i s the primary affluent discharged during production. Since tha work planned for the project area ia for exploration, there ahould be no discharge of formation water except possibly for a limited time during the testing of a well. These waters usually contain a high concentration of inorganic aalta and low concentrations of hydrocarbona and other organic compounds. This water ia slightly toxic within a few yarda cf the point of discharge. Beyond this point the salts and other minerals present tend to be broken down by bacteria and are incorporated into the food chtun as nutrienta.

An area of aeabottom of up to five acres will be temporarily removed from that available to bottom trawlers. The area removed is so small in relation to the veat areas remaining open, that no detectable impacts to the fish catch are forseen. Oil spills are always a possibility. However, good industry safety practices combined with strict adherence to applicale rules and regulatlona has greatly reduced the chances of a damaging s p i l l . In fact, at this time, more oil is added to the Gulf of Mexico from the flow of the Mississippi River than from OCS oil and gas operations.

In summary, unavoidable adverse impacts associated with this exploratory drilling are considered to be minor and temporary. No major or permanent damage tc the marine environment or to man'a use of i t is forseen.

(5) MygMNCgg

Bright, T. J . , and Rjzak 1976 "Pishing Banks of tha Taxaa Continantal Shalf", in Bull i s , H. R., Jr. and A.C. Imes, ads. Procaadinoa; Colloguia on Snapper-Grouper Fishery Resources of tha Wfs^ern Central Atlantic Ocefn. Texas A M University Sea Grant College, Niasissippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, and Florida Sea Grant College Program. College Station, Texas; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Gainesville, Florida.

Christmas, J . Y., and D. J. Btzold 1977 "The Menhaden Fishery of The Gulf of Mexico, United Stntes: A Regional Manac/e^ent Plan", Gi-^f Coast Research L&b., Ocean Springe, Mississippi.

Conant, R. 1975 A Field Guiue to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company, Bos ton.

Fritts, T. H. , and R. P. Reynolds 1981 "Pi^ot Study of The Marine Mammals, Birds, and Turtles in OCS Areas of The Gulf of Mexico", U. S. Fish Wildlife Ser., Office of Biological Services, Washington, D.C, FWS/OBS/-81/36.

Gallaway, Benny J. 1981 An Ecosystem Analysis of Oil and Gas Development on The Texas-Louisiana Continental Shelf. U. S. Fish Wildlife Ser., Office of Biological Services, Waahington D.C., FWS/OBS-81/27.

Gallaway, Benny J. and G. S. Lewbel 1982 The Ecology of Petroleum Platforms in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico; A Community Profile. Bureau of Land Management and U. S. Fish Wildlife Ser., Biological Servicea Program, Washington D.C, FWS/OBS-82-27.

LGL Ecological Research Aaaociates, Inc. 1983 Ecological Effects of Energy Development on Reef Fish of The Flower Garden Banks. Prepared for National Marine Fiaheries Service, Galveston, Texas.

Lowery, G. H. , Jr. 1974 Tha Mammals of Louisiana and it a Adjacent Watera. Louisiana State University Press, Baton Rouge.

Mumphrey, X. J., and G. D. Carlucci, J r. 1978 "Environmental Planning for Offahora Oil and Gaa", Volume V: Regional Statue Reporta., Part 3: Gulf Coast Region. The Conaervation Foundation, Washington, D.C, and U. 8. Plah Wildlife Ser., Biological Servicea Program, FWS/OB8-77/61.3.

Schmidly, David J. 1981 "Marine Mammals of The Southeaatern U.S. Coast and Tha Gulf of Mexico". U. S. Fiah Wildlife Ser., Office of Biological Services Waahington, D.C. FWS/OBS-80/41.

Sea Grant College 1980 Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Fishery Management Plan and Regulatory Analysis and Proposed Regulations. 3eef Fish R^aourcr'S of The Gulf of Mexico. Gainesville, Florida.

South Atlantic Fiahery Management Council 1979 Fishery Management Plan for The Atlantic Billfishes"": White Marlin. Blue Marlin. Sa i l f i s h . and Spear fi s h . Miami, Florida.

Sout1 aast Fisheries Center 1*78 Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish (Gulf of Mexico. Prelim. Draft, National Marine Fisheries Ser., Miami, Florida.

US Department of Commerce 1980 Final Environmental Impact Statement for The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program. Office of Coastal vAe Management, Washington, D.C

US Department of Commerce 1980 Fishery Statistics of The United States, 1976. NOAA, Sta t i s t i c a l Digest #70, Washington, D.C.

US Department of Commerce 1980 Marine Recreational Tishery Statistics Survey, Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, 1979. NOAA, Current Fishery Statiatica, *8063, Washington, D.C.

US Department of the Interior 1982 Draft Regional Environmental Impact Statement. Gulf of Mexico. Minerala Management Service, Metairie, Louiaiana.

US Dapartmant of the Interior 1982 Final Supplement to Final EIS. S Year Oil and Gas Lease Bala Schedule. Jan. 82 - Dec. 86. Minerala Management Servica, Matairie, Louisiana.

US Department of ths Interior 1983 Draft MS. Gulf of Mexico. (Leaae offerings: Central Gulf Western Gulf, 1984) Minerala Management Ser., Metairie, La.

Van Lopik, J . R., K. H. Drummond, and R. E. Condrey 1979 Draft Environmental Impact Statement Fishery Management Plan for The Shrimp Plenary of The Gulf of Mexico. US Watera. Center for Wetlands Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.

Ward, C. H., M. B. Bender, and D. J . Reish, eds. 1979 The Offfshore Ecology Investigation. Effecta of Oil Drilling and Production in A Costal Environment. Pice University Studies, Vol. 65. #4, 5, Houston, Texas

(6) STATEMENT

Ths proposed activity will be carried out snd completed with the guarantee of the following items:

(A) The best and safeet techniques will be utilized throughout the project. This includes meeting a l l applicable requirements for equipment types, general projact layout, aafety systems and equipment and monitoring systems.

(B) All operations will be covered by a Minerals Management Service epproved oi l spi l l contingency plan.

(C) All applicable Federal, State and Local requirements regarding air emission and water quality and discharge for the proposec activities, aa well as any other permit condition, will be complied with.

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