JUL - Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement · Support Vaaaala, Deacrlptlon, Travel Frequency Plat, Transportation Routes and ... procedurea to be followed ln the event that

In «op.y *tf«r To: KO-2-1'

JUL $*u»l Offfhorr Inc.. Attention- Nr. 0. G. Godfrt-•nax Of Met tox Mi 5* Ntm Orl-ant, Louisiana 7C16A

(toMltatto:

** f *rvoc* l i n t> to vour Ini t ia l Pltn of taploratlon t**i Fwlrono»«nt .1 *>y©rt r*cc**+4 June I f , 1*54, for LOOM OCS-G 6779, Block 30*, Soutn Tl*»* l ler «,r-a. Thi* pi«n i-clj<v»t th* octlv1t1t ntapttotl for VtlH * throua* ?•

t - mze******" - ' U . Cfr. _:-: ».J4. r—mr.! a,'C*oa\.r 11, irt7«*. an. oor i - r t*r •late* January 21, I H t , tnla plan hat ham Ortr*mtn*ci to h* couplet* at of July f, N N , at* now IK-IIHJ tif^tttfffrt **or approval.

Your plan control ngwonr 1t N-l717 «aj shouM ho roVVroncvH In your conttaiMti tlon and corr-»*oon«l«rK« eof»c»rn1in) tnl* plan.

bee: Ltast OCS-C «77Q (OPS-2-3) (FILF tOOM) /0PS-2-5 u/ruL>11c Info. Copy o' thc plan ton ER (PU811C RtCOROS ROOM)

Sioeortiv yourt.

Dt kl. SoUnat 2*0,1 ona! St,«rvi*or Ral-J* an<* Production

Wtfctrt;atJ;6/lQ/ft4 uitk 3a

JUL

# Shell Offshore Inc. A gyfcJUnr, tf Um» 0> Go«n©t«y

O m Shtll Squ.r t P O O e a O O i S S Ntw OrkMJnt louiwent TO 1*0

Onahc r« Catt Production Division

Juna 15.1984

MMCtAlS UANAfllUClit tirnCM

Kegional Supervisor Offahora Rules and Production Minerals Managaaer* Servica P. 0. Box 7944 Metalr la , LA 70010 Dut t AMD PtOOOCTIOS

JUN 18 Mt

Dear S i r :

SUBJECT: PLAN OF EXPLORATION SOI OCS-C 6779, SOUTH TIHBALIER BLOCK 302 SOUTH TIHBALIER BLOCK 301 PIELD OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

Shal l Offahora Inc. (SOI) herewith submits for your approval a Plan of . Exploration for tha captioned laaaa. SOI plana to directionally d r i l l exploration walls onto thla leasa. froa a platfora which la alraady installed on adjacent Block 301.

This Plan ls subalttad ln accordanca with 30 CFK 230.34, effective Dacaabar 13, 1979, and subsequent guidelines.

Thla Plan consists of a aarlae of attachment* describing details of our intended oparatlona. Tha attachments wa daalra to ba axaaptad fron disclosure under the Fraadoa of Information Act ara aarkad "Confidential."

Tha d r i l l i n g rig wa propoaa to uaa, platfora r ig Shall Rig 12, haa previously baan approved for use in the Gulf of Hexlco, and is praaantly being operated by SOI on South TlabsTier t ck 301.

D r i l l i n g and othar oparatlona w i l l ba conducted undar tha applicabla proviaions of OCS Orders and othar regulatlona, ordara and notices including thoaa regarding tha avoidance of potential dr i l l ing hasarda and it, tha intaraat of safety and pollution prevention and control.

A anarch for cultural raaourcaa prior to coasaanclng oparatlona on thla laaaa la not required.

Wo would appraclata your approva. of our POE aa aoon aa possible. I t l s anticipated va aay wieh to commence dril l ing aa aarly aa August 1 , 1984.

t C84166008P

2

Should you require additional information, please contact D. L. Forsander at 588-6314 or 6312, or H. 0. Aaadon at 588-6338.

Youra vary truly,

Production Administration Managar

DLF:ELS

Attachments

cc: (w/attachments) Diatrict Superviaor Houma Diatrict Minerals Management Sarvica P. 0. Box 10145 Houma, LA 70361

LC8M66008P I 1 i Will-

INDEX OF ATTACHMENTS PLAN OF EXPLORATION

SOI OCS-C 6779, SOUTH TIMBALIER BiOCK 302 (IN SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 301 FIELD)

OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

Index of Attachments

Description of Activities

Schedule of Activit ies

Plat, Surface Location of Uella

Plat, Propoaed Bottom-hole Locationa

Table, Bottom-hole Locations and Daptha

Hap, Structura, "B" Sand

Analyala, Shallov Dri l l ' ig Hazards

Plat, Bathymetry, Shallov Hazards

Deacrlptlon. «h«iiov Geophysical Survey Equipment

Liat , Dr i l l ing Mud Component a and Addltlvea

Commenta, S p i l l Prevention, Control and Countarmeaeure Plan

Commenta, Air Emieeions Data

Support Vaaaala, Deacrlptlon, Travel Frequency

Plat, Transportation Routes and Shore Baaa Deacrlptlon

Certificate of Consistency, Louiaiana

Envlronmantal Raport

ATTACHMENT NO. DESCRIPTION

NO. OP COPIES

* Confidential Attachment

LC84165U07W

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES PLAN OF EXPLORATION

SOI OCS-G 6779, SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 30? (IN SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 301 FIELD

OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

801 l s presently drilling walls on South Timbalier Block 301, to develop lower Pleistocene sands which have been deposited on the southwest flank of a salt dome. The sands have been disturbed by radial faulting aaaociated with upl i f t of tho dome.

Tha planned exploratory wella In BlocV. 302 ara deaigned tu delineate the extent of reservoirs on the south and aoutheaat flank of tha ealt dome. Theae wella w i l l bm dr i l l ed from SOI'a existing Platform 'B' on adjacent Block 301. Six loc at iona may be required.

Tha wel la wil) ba dril led, evaluated and either temporarily or permanently abandoned ln accordance with OCS Order No. 3. I f further exploration ,and/or development/production ara to ba undertaken thereafter, supplemental plana w i l l ba Bubmitted.

A l l d r i l l i n g operationa w i l l ba conducted under the provisions of OCS Order No. 2 and other applicabla regulatlona and notlcea, Including thoae regarding tha avoidance of potential d r i l l i n g hazards and eafety and pollution prevention aad contro l .

Attachment 2

LC84.65007W

Y » - I T S . S S I — CHEV E T A L O C S - 6 4 8 9 0 BLK 297

BLOCK 301 SOI

OCS-G 3594 8

PLATFORM'S" I zsoo'

ATTACHMENT4

SMELL OFFSHORE INC. IA SUSSICMARV OF SHELL OIL COMPANY)

PROPOSED SURFACE LOCATIONS OF WELLS

PLAN OF EXPLORATION SOI OCS-G 6779

SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302 (IN SOUTH TIMBALIE R BLK 301 FLO)

OFFSHORE7 LOUISIANA

0* 2000' 4O00*

I I '

o

BLOCK 302 SOI

OCS-G 6779

Y * - 133,523 40 OPEN BLK.313

% PLATFORM"* "ft PHOPOSCO SURFACE LOCATION FOR W E L L S A THROUGH F

SHALLOW GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY EQUIPMENT MAN OF EXPLORATION

SOI OCS-G 6779, SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302 f j l SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 301 FIELD)

OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

The following equipment was uaad ln tha shallow hazards survey dona In prepara­tion f o r thla plan:

1. Raydlat Radio Rang* P c l t i o n Systea

2. E.C.4C. Modal SMS 960 Dual Channel Side Scan

3. O.R.E. 3.5-7 kHz Sub-Bottom Profiler

4. High Resolution Sparker et '00 joulee

5* Geometries Marina Magnetometer

LC841650G7V

Attachment 10

MILLING mm turn u—TI * APPOTTM PUS or OPLQMTIOM

tOI OCS-C t l H , KOTO I.MAL1M BLOCK XI tra sown TIMAMM rfgfl

OIIMOM mmm>

I I I W M M OH A W T M M S l I i

JHCO.

DEL-L1C CLCLS CAurnc no*

L I W

CLS MM ua 11 CAM

rw. - i »T

bC-KMPftR

CYPAM iw WL-100

DtlSPAC

cir M C / n r E R n u

SUCK MCIC n p v a m i o r r )

UML IV

D E L - M C U

INCO LIC at-iu

USB INCO m a SCO* ASM mcMS roLT ax IMD Nil

CHC INCO LOID CTPA* Ot WL-100 PTtNLOID MIKPAC CTP HM/SUPKRNIL SUCK MCIC

S t m H I I (STT) LMMi(l»M INCO NYC*

Btans/saaoia mm em Q-1

CC-1* SOM ASM B1CAAB

CYPAM Ot WL-100 Dfxrt io

CTP

BUCK MCIC arariii (SIT)

TDM) T t IN

NIC* T O

MUTMWMK HI L O L

BBM-UQ-C

W t t J M K (SIT) liNMIML NIL-NIC*

I I I (SPI) MCOUMO! MflO-HIC*

I1CAAJ MCAM • I C A M I1CAM0NATT. OP SBM cnurrtoL-1 KCS IMM p i L T t n STXRCTPT *OLTNM BUM) N.S. t - t MRUPAMK n r n n B DPTPMCPMT M.O. UtPOAM HjftCCONOL HKMPMK NO-PUAN

PIMLMC BKPtANCt (USUALLY ALCOHOL BASM) H0M1OMIC MSB KOKMCTMT

CMC CMC CMC tOtlUM CARK-XT MKTMTL PPI! HOW MILSTAMCM NT LO JKL MEW-STABCM PMCKLATINia* STAMCN c m s ot WL-100 CTP AM OK WL-100 CTP AM BOBIM POLTACKTUZB PCM-LOSE n u r SAL M I L O H OBCBKC POLTMM H U P AC D* I SPAC BR1SPAC POLTAMIOMIC m I I M n t t CTP CTP CTPSUP! CTPSUM ( P U S T O OP P M I S ) NHE/SVPKMKIL IMC/SVPCRHtlL •MK SOPMDtlL CILSOMITC ' TWA TIP) - RATOtAL MTTMMUMKtOM

BUCK M O C SUCK NKCM BUCK MAC1C BBB CTMCENTIATI POt SKsBBBBK P U B

LCS4I65O07W

A t t H M t l t 11

2

11 ( C W 4 ) LCB*165007W

SPILL PREVENTION. CONTROL AND COUNTERM EASURE PLAN

PLAN OF EXPLORATION SQ7 OCS-G 67~9, SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302

(IN SOUTH~TIMBALi.ER BLOCK 301 FIELD) OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

SOI's latest revisions to i t s "Spill Prevention, Control and Countemeasure Plan" vara approved by tha MMS on October 17* 1983. Tha dr i l l ing plana propoaad herewith v i l l raly primarily on tha a p i l l eqnipment atorad at tha Claan Gulf Aaaoclataa baaaa ln Grand Isle and Venice, * juisiana. Saction I I I of the aubmitted plana l i s t s available equipment at these baaee plus other baaaa from vhich additional equipment can be drawn. Section I I l i s t s the preventive meesures to ba taken to minimise o i l spi l ls and the reporting procedurea to be followed ln the event that one occurs. Section VI provides e detailed discussion of the clean-up proceduree to be init iated, including a Hating of the petaonnal that make up the clean-up organization. The training of theee personnel la eumaarlced lc Section X I I . Assuming two houra to load out equipment and e 12-knot cruising speed, a fact response unit cen normally be on location in 9 houra.

Attachment 12

LC84165007W

,,IR EMISSIONS DATA PLAN OF EXPLORATION

SOI OCS-G 67 T , SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302 ( I N SOUTH '. IMBALIER BLOCK 301 FIELD)

OF "SHORE LOUISIAiNA

DRILLING PHASE

T a b l e 4 .2 of EPA's 450/3-77-026 Rcoort e n t i t l e d "Atmospheric Emissions fvom O f f s h o r e O i l end Gee Development tv d P r o d u c t i o n " ehovs that f o r e t y p i c a l d r i l l i n g r i g , 3,400, ' 9 0 0 , 300 hoisepover ere r e q u i r e d f o r (1) d r i l l i n g , ( 2 ) t r i p p i n g , casine, .nd c o r i n g and (3) surveys and logs r e a p e c t i v e l y . T a b l e 4.3 of t h i s aame r e p o r t provicea a ecener lo o f e 30-day, 10 ,000- foo t v e i l i n d i c a t i n g a t o t a l horsepover usage ot 597,200 HP-hr I f l t i e aaeumed tha t t h e aame breakdown o f r i g a c t i v i t y a i d pover requirementa i a a p p l i c a b l e to the proposed exp lo ra t ion p rogram, then t h i t o t a l horsepover usage f o r t h l a p r o j e c t w i l l be approximately 2 ,400 ,000 HP- i r . . Baaed on the emission ra tes f o r o i l - f i r e d r e c i p r o c e t i n g englnea (Table 4 . 4 ) , the f o l l o w i n g gaseous emiasona wc a id be generated d u r i n g the 120 days d r i l l i n g and complet ion a c t i v i t y .

. EMISSIONS (TONS)

D a i l y Yearly (120 days)

NO^ 0.284 34

S0 2 0.U19 2.3

HC 0.009 1.08

CO 0.042 5.04

Par t i cu la tes UNK UNK

WATER TRANSPORTATION

The horaepover uaege o f the tvo vessels to be uaed l n c o n j u n c t i o n v i t h t h l a o p e r a t i o n are as f o l l o w s :

176 F t . Cargo Vessel

2 . 4 0 0 hp X .80 load f a c t o r X X U ' f f l * J 4 months - 3,980,000 HP-hr. t r i p month

Attachment .3

LC84165007W

>

80 Ft . Standby V t H i l

155 hp X .80 load fac to r X 2 3 X 120 daya - 364,000 ILP-hr.

1,000 hp X .80 load factor X -^rjj^- X 120 daya - 96,000 HP-hr.

TOTAL 4,440,000 HP-hr.

Pnaad on Tabla 4.4, tha gaseous emissions gcnaratad by watar transportation ara aa follows:

EMISSIONS (TONS)

Daily Yearly (120 daya)

N0x 0.53 63.1

S02 0.04 4.8

HC 0.02 2.4

CO 0.08 9.6

Perticuletee UNK UNK

Attachment 13 ( C o n t ' d . )

LC84165007W

EXEMPTION CALCULATION FOR DRILLING, ACTIVITIES

Tht) propoaad location la 60 milas f roa tha naaraat ahoral int . Therefore, tha emission exemption (E) f o r tha various pollutants la aa fol lows:

E - 3,400 ( 6 0 ) 2 / 3 - 52.000 tons/year

S02 E - 33.3 (60) - 2,000 tona/yaar

HC

Particulataa

To t a l p ro jac t emissions from tha d r i l l i n g operationa ( D r i l l i n g and Watar Transportat ion) are:

Tone/120 daya

N0x 97.1

S02 7.1

H ; 3.48

C3 14.64

Particulates UNK

The t o t a l emission fo r any one pollutant does not exceed the exemption totala above; conaequently, no f u r t h e r a i r quali ty review la required for thc emissions from th.- operationa i n connection wi th South Timbalier 302

Attachment 13 (Cont'd)

LC84165007U

»

SUPPORT VESSELS PLAN OF EXPLORATION

SOI OCS-G 6779, SOUTH TIMBALIER 5LOCK 302 (IN SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 301 FIELD)

OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

ITEM SIZE OR MODEL USE TRIPS PER WEEK

Boat 176'* Cargo 3 or 4

Boat BO'-lOO' Standby N.A.

Helicopter Ball 205, 206B or 212 Craw Change and Misc. 18 to 22

Attachment 14

LC84165007W

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES PLAN OF EXPLORATION

SOI OCS-C 6779, SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302 (IN SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 301 FIELD

OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

Exploratory drilling la achadulad Co bagln about August 1, 1984, provldad tha p l a t f o r a dril l ing rig Shall Rig 12 la available. Dri l l ing aach location la axpactad to require about 20 daya, thus tha antlra program would require about 120 daya. Tha valla w i l l not necessarily be dri l led ln the alphabetical order shown.

Confidant ia l Attachment 3

LC84165007W

s » t r . :AHYO>.

! I

'S*

ATTACHMENT 15 SMCLLO»F*MO«l IHC

IA SUBSIDIARY Of SMtLL OIL COMPANYl

LEASE VICINITY & TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

PLAN OF EXPLORATION

r t SOIOCSG6779 SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302

~i (lN SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK301 F L D ) OFFSHORE LOUISIANA 0 12 24 l l i l l

MILES

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

PLAN OF EXPLORATION Type of Plan

SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 302 Areas and Blocks

SOI OCS-C 6779 Laaaa Numbers

Tha propoaad actlvlclaa daacrlbad ln detail In thla Plan comply with Loulalana'a approved Coaatal Resources Program and w i l l be conducted ln a Banner consistent with auch Program.

Such findings are summarized on the f inel page of the atteched Environmental Report (ER).

A raqueat la being made to tha o f f i c ia l atate Journal, The Stetea Times, published in Baton Rouge, for publication on July A , 198* of our notice of exploration plana.

SHELL OFFSHORE INC. (SOI) Operator

f^^ " v T ^ ? ^ I r ^ Safety and Environmental Conaervation

—0'^ 1^*1

Attachment 16

LC84165007V

3 3 « *

1. TITLE PAGE

CmuW bi <SW| Associates, Inc. P . O. Box 3609 J u p i t e r / T e q u e s t a , F l o r i d a 33458

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT (PLAN OP EXPLORATION)

CULP OF MEXICO: OFFSHORE LOUISIANA SOUTH TIMBALIER AREA

BLOCK 302 (OCS-G 6779) SHELL OFFSHORE INC.

15 JUNE 1984

mmxnns mmmwnvn ****

JUN 18

BVUt AND PMMCTMI

MR. T . M. RANDOLPH STAFF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER

SHELL OFFSHORE INC. ONE SHELL SQUARE

P.O. BOX 60159 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70160

TELEPHONE: (504) 588-6468

"Applied Marine Science and Technology"

1

i i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

1. TITLE PAGE L

LIST OF FIGURES i v

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 1

(a) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED TRAVEL NODES AND ROUTES 1 AND FREQUENCY POR MOVING SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL TO AND PROM THE OFFSHORE ACTIVITY SITE AND THE ONSHORE BASES

(b) IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORT BASES AND NUMBER AND 1

TYPES OP NEW WORKERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSE^ ACTIVITIES . REPERENCE IS ALSO MADE TO THE MOST CURRENT UPDATE OP THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA BASE REPORT

(C) IDENTIFICATION OF THE NUMBER, LOCATION, AND 3

S I Z E OP ANY NEW SUPPORT P A C I L I T I E S THAT WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE PROPOSED A C T I V I T I E S

(d) DESCRIPTION OP ANY NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL 3 TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY AFFECT COASTAL WATERS

(e) MAPS SHOtVNG LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED 3

A C T I V I T I E S IN RELATION TO EACH OF THE AFFECTED STATES' COASTAL ZONES

( f ) POR DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION OOCUMENTS, 3 THE MEANS PROPOSED TO TRANSPORT OIL AND GAS TO SHORE FROM THE LEASE AREA AND THE ROUTES TO BE FOLLOWED AND THE ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF OIL AND GAS TO BE MOVED ALONG SUCH ROUTES

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS 4

(a) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL 4

( ) ) COMMERCIAL FISHING 4

(2) SHIPPING 9

(3) SMALL CRAFT PLEASURE BOATING, SPORT 9

PISHING, AND RECREATION

I :

:

:

:

]

:

]

:

:

-

:

i

i i i

TABLF OP CONTENTS (CONTINUED)

(4) CULTURAL RESOURCES

(5) ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE FEATURES

(6) EXISTING PIPELINES AND CABLES

(7) OTHER MINERAL USES

(8) OCEAN DUMPING A C T I V I T I E S

(9) ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES

(b) SOCIOECONOMIC

4. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

(a) SUMMARY OF THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

(b) STATEMENT CONCERNING THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

5. REFERENCES

6. FINAL STATEMENT

PAGE

10

11

15

15

16

16

17

18

18

18

20

22

:

:

]

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE DESCRIPTION

1 LOCATION OF SOUTH TIMBALIER AREA BLOCKS 301 AND 302 RELATIVE TO THE LOUISIANA COASTAL ZONE.

2 LOCATION OF PLATFORM "B" IN SOUTH TIMBALIER AREA BLOCK 301 RELATIVE TO DIAPHUS BANK.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

(a) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED TRAVEL MODES AND ROUTES AND "FREQUENCY FOR MOVING SUPPLIES AND PERSONNEL TO AND FROM

THE OFTSHORE ACTIVITY SITE AND THE ONSHORE BASES

Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) plans to conduct exploratory

activities in South Timbalier Area Block 302 by directionally

drilling from existing Platform "B" in South Timbalier Area

Block 301. Helicopters and boats w i l l move supplies and

personnel to and from the offshore and onshore locations.

Helicopters w i l l make approximately 18 to 22 round trips per

week, and beats w i l l make approximately 14 round trips per

month. I f servicing only the proposed lease area,

helicopters and boats will normally take the most direct

route, weatner and t r a f f i c conditions permitting (see Pigure

1).

(b) IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORT BASES AND NUMBER AND TYPES OP TTFW WORKERS ASSOCIATED WITH THfi PR6P6SED ACTWlTtlS. KEFERENCE r ALSO MADE TO THE HOST CURRENT QpbATE OP THE

goeioEeoMQM" : DATA BASE REPORT

The support base will be located in Venice, Louisiana.

The base i s capable of providing the services necessary for

the 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 wi l l

be needed for the 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 after the

MMS and the States of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi

have identified the specific parameters to be addressed in

these semiannual reporta.

c a cja NM mn Pamm kfttJ \<t\ imi i • i I I I f -i »• <

3

(C) IDENTIFICATION OF THE NUMBER, LOCATION, AND SIZE OP ANY NW'suTToTT FACILITIES THAT WILL HEEb TO BE RROVIbEb FOR jgg PROPOSED ACttviTTEs"

No ncw support f a c i l i t i e s w i l l be needed for the

proposed a c t i v i t i e s .

(d) DESCR '?TION OP ANY NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY

THAT HW AFFECT COASTAEHtATERS

No new techniques or unusual technology wi l l oe used

during the proposed a c t i v i t i e s . (e) MAPS SHOWING LOCATION OP THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES IN

TOEATIOH TO EACH OF THE AFFECTED STATES' COASTAL IONES Figure 1 shows the location of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s

ln relation to each of the affected States' coastal zones.

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s w i l l take place in waters adjacent to

the State of Louisiana.

(f) POR DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENTS, THE MEAN'S PR0P-05E5 TO TRANSPORT OIL AND OAS TO SHORE FROH THE LEASE AREA AMD THE ROUTES TO BE POLLOwEb AND THE ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF OIL ANb OAS TO BE MOVED ALONG SUCH ROUTES

This Plan is exploratory. No o i l or gas wil l be

produced for sale froa these proposed a c t i v i t i e s at this

time.

-

2 a

4

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AWD IMPACTS

(a) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

(1) Commercial Fishing

The proposed ac t i v i t i e s are located within some of

the most productive fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico.

National Narine Fisheries Service Zone 14, which includes the

lease area, accounted for epproxlaately 7% of tne commercial

fisheries harvest from the western and central Gulf of Mexico

(USDOI, 1981, Visual No. 5; USDOI, 1983, Visual No. 4). Gulf

waters account for approximately 30% of the total annual U.S.

fisheries harvest (USDC, 1982).

The Gulf fishery is dominated by the shellfish

fisheries. Shrimps, crabs, and oysters (with smaller amounts

of clams and scallops) are the most valuable fisheries and

are usually worth three or four times more than the greater

volume of finf i s h catch (USDOI, 1979). The USDC (1982) l i s t s

the annual commercial fisheries landings s t a t i s t i c s for the

northern Gulf coast area onshore from the lease araa.

The shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Mexico includes the

brown (Penaeus attecua), white (P. setiferus), and pink

(P. duoiarum) shrimps. These species are taken almost

exclusively by trawls in depths ranging from approximately 2

to 73 m (6 to 24u f t ) . These shrimps are estuarine-dependent

species which spawn in the open ocean, go through a series of

larval phases in the plankton, migrate during the post-larval

phase to the estuarine nursery areas, and then return to the

open Gulf as adults. The USDOI (1977, Visual No. 5)

indicates the seasonal variation in the habits of each of

these species. The lease area is located outside the major

shrimp spawning grounds and migration routes in the northern

' iu l f (USDOI, 1963, Visual No. 4). Planktonic eggs and larva l

stages of a l l commercially iaportant shrimp species may occur

per iod ica l ly in the lease area.

The blue crab (Cal l inectcs sapidus) makes up 98% of the

crab harvest in the Gulf of Mexico (Ri ley , 1970). I t s l i f e

c y c l e is similar to the shrimps' in that i t has planktonic,

e s tuar ine , and open ocean phases. Adults spend most of their

l i v e s in the estuaries; thus, the blue crab harvest is taken

primari ly inshore of the lease area. Grav'd females migrate

to the open Gulf to release their eggs during spring and

summer. Consequently, gravid females and planktonic larvae

may occur seasonally in the lease area.

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located within commercially

iaportant f inf i sh f i shing grounds (USDOI, 1983, Visual No.

4 ) . Three species of menhaden known from the Gulf make up

the major f inf i sh tonnage taken. These are Brevoortia

patronus, B. gunteri, and B. smithl. Brevoortia patronus

comprises most of the Gulf catch. Purse seining is the major

capture method used in this fishery (Lindal l et a l . , 1972).

Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and various species

of grouper ( i . e . , the red grouper Epinephelus reorlo and gag

Mycteroperca m i c r o l e p i s ) compose the commercial hook-and-1ine

f i shery of the nor thern Gulf of Mexico. These f i s h e s may be

taken over i r r e g u l a r bottom areas in depths of 2 to 305 m (5

to 1,000 f t ) ( T e r E c o Corporat ion , 1976).

The s t r i p e d mul let (Mug i l cephalus) i s g e n e r a l l y found

in nearshore a r e a s such as h a r b o r s , e s t u a r i e s , bays , and

along beaches. I t i s a schooling f i s h and i s g e n e r a l l y taken

wit* seines and t r a w l s .

T'..e A t l a n t i c c io sker (Ml.v< ; ncnias undulatus) i s an

abundant f i s h i n e s t u a r i n e waters . Perre t et a l . (1971)

reported croaker to be the mo-.: abundant juven i l e commercial

f i s h taken i n e s t u a r i e s . Croake. 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 F l o r i d a pompano (Trachinotus c a r o l i n u s ) i s p r i m a r i l y

an inshore f i s h t h a t i s taken mostly i n the s u r f or at

passes . I t i s s e a s o n a l l y abundant (January to A p r i l ) in

shrimping a r e a s .

The Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) migrates

seasonally along the Gulf coas t . I t i s g e n e r a l l y taken in

nearshore a r e a s .

The red drum (Sclaenops o c e l l a t u s ) i s taken

predominantly in nearshore h a b i t a t s , as are the sheepshead

(Archosargus probatocepha lus ) , f l o u n d e r s , and the black drum

(Pogonias croml s ) .

7

Seatrouts, including the spotted (Cynoscion nebulosus),

the silver (C. nothus), and the sand (C. arenarlus), are

important to the bottom fish fisheries in the northern Gulf

(Lindall et a l . , 1972). They are usually taken in offshore

areas with bottom trawls.

TerEco Corporation (1976) describes some additional fish

species of tha northern Gulf which are important to

commercial and/or sport fishermen and their predominant

method of capture. Most of the northern Gulf fishes are

temperate, with some incursions from Caribbean fauna. They

£ ..libit seasonal distrib tion and abundance fluctuations

related to oceanographic conditions (USDOI, 1483, p. 174;.

Many of the coastal species (e.g., the croaker, Mlcropogonias

undulatua) are estuarine-depcndent, because estuaries or

coastal marshes are a c r i t i c a l habitat during some phase of

their l i f e cycles. Rogers (1*»77j postulated a net

inshore-offshore movement for many demersal shelf fish

species. Thus, i t is probable that many of these species may

occur in the leaae area at some phaso of their l i f e cycles.

Eggs and larvae (ichthyoplankton) of various

commercially important fish species are probably also present

in the leaae area on occasion. Sixty-nine fish species have

t in identified from zooplankton samples taken along the

northern Gulf coast. Dominant taxa were the families

Sparidae, Lutjanidae, Trig.idae, Serranidae, and

Synodontidae. Stenotomus caprlnus. Prist 1pornoides

8

aquilonaris, Prlonotus paralatus, Serranus atrobranchus , and

Synodus foetens were the most important species (Chittenden

and Moore, 1976). Because the majority of ichthyoplankters

are at the mercy of water movements, their distributions vary

considerably with space and time. The primary factors

influencing ichthyoplankton in the northern Gulf are the Loop

Current, the Mississippi River, and local runoff. Due to

"patchinesa" in distributions, presence and abundance of

ichthyoplankton at any given instance cannot be predicted.

The proposed activities probably will temporarily

degrade the water quality in the immediate v i c i n i t y of the

d r i l l s i t e due to discharges of d r i l l i n g fluids and cuttings.

This may cause certain fish species to avoid the area.

Commercial fishing may be affected temporarily. The

situation should revert to normal an soon as d r i l l i n g i s

completed. Cumulative effects of increasing o i l and gas

activities off the northern Gulf coast on annual catches are

as yet unknown. However, there is no evidence to link o i l

and gas a c t i v i t i e s with declining yield per hectare of sea

bottom (USDOI, 1979, p. 182).

Any o i l s p i l l that would impact the seafloor could

conceivably k i l l benthic organisms such as shrimps or cause a

variety of sublethal effects. The potential long-term

effects of a s p i l l on the benthos are unclear because results

of hydrocarbon analyses are inconclusive (USDOI, 1979,

p. 160).

An o i l s p i l l would temporarily degrade water quality and

introduce toxins into the water. Ichthyoplankton, i f

present, may be ki l led or functionally impaired. However,

most adult f i shes encountering a s p i l l and associated toxic

water would probably exhibit avoidance behavior. This effect

would be temporary and fishes should return to the area after

dispersal of the s p i l l . No s igni f icant or persistent direct

effects from an o i l s p i l l on f i s h populations would be

expected. Recruitment from surrounding areas should quickly

replenish any affected ichthyoplankton populations once the

s p i l l has dispersed. Any s p i l l would be handled according to

an o i l s p i l l contingency plan approved by the MMS.

(2) Shipping

The proposed activities are located approximately

14 kfi- (8 NM) north of a fairway (USDOI, 1983, Visual No.

11). The propored activities are rated as having minimum

potential impact on shipping as they ate greater than 5 km

'2.6 NM) from a r>irway (USDOI, 1979, p. 145). The offshore

structure will be equipped with a l l safety equipment required

by the U.S. Coast Guard and the HMS to alert ships of its

presence in a l l weather conditions.

(3) Small Craft Pleasure Boating, Sport Fishing, and Recreation

Ditton and Graefe (1978) determined that oil and

gas structures are the most popular offshore recreation

10

destination areas, attracting 87% of the boats that fishM

offshore in their study area. Certain pleasure boats

sailboats, pleasure yachts, and/or open ocean racing power

boats) may be slightly inconvenienced by having to maneuver

around the offshore structure and i t s support vessels. This

inconvenience i s considered extremely minor as offshore

structures can ba avoided and ample maneuvering room i s

available.

Any sports fishing which might occur in the leaae araa

could be temporarily affected by degradation of water quality

during d r i l l i n g . Such a change in water quality could cause

some desirable species to avoid the immediate lease area.

However, any such effects are expected to be temporary and

localized and should not affect any fishery potential in the

araa as a whole. Populations should return to normal once

drilling i s completed.

(4) Cultural Pesources

Coastal "nvironm^nts. Inc. (1977) hai identified

two types of cultural rescurceu which may be found in the

northern Gulf of Mexico area: (1) historic cultural resources

or shipwrecks and (2) prehistoric cultural resources <

traces of previousl- ndescribed human c i v i l i s a t i o n s (USDOI,

1983, pp. 228-240). Approximately 82% of the known

shipwrecks are located wi-.hin 10 ka (5 NM) of shore, with

only a small percentage occurring on the OCS (USDOI, 1979,

p. 91). Known submarine archeological sites are extremely

11

rare, with none being identified to date in Federal offshore

leasing areas (USDOI, 1979, p. 91).

The proposed ac t i v i t i e s are located outside the Historic

and Prehistoric Cultural Resources High Probability Lines

(USDOI, 1983, Visual No. 11) and therefore are in a large

offshore area where historic and prehistoric resources are

considered unlikely to be found. An Archeological Survey was

not required for this lease area.

(5) Ecologically Sensitive Features

Several areas of environmental concern are located

onshore of the leaae area. The Louisiana Coaatal Zone

Management Program has been developed by the State to

regulate the significant land and water a c t i v i t i e s between

the outer limit of the coastal waters and land up to the

Intracoastal Materway and/or the 10-ft contour. Land uses

which are regulated are those that have a direct and

significant impact on the coastal area requiring a State

permit, and those which are required by Federal law to be

consistent with the management program (USDC and LDNR, 1980).

The program provides for the protection of beaches, dunes,

wetlands, submerged grass beds, barrier islands, oyster

reefs, cultural resources, water quality, air quality,

oiological resources, and wildl i f e habitat. Unique

ecological features include zoological, botanical, and

geological formations characteristic of coastal processes

(Burk and Associates, Inc., 1975; USDC and LDNR, 1980).

12

B i o l o g i c a l l y s e n s i t i v e areas of the n o r t h - c e n t r a l Gulf area

i n c l u d e e s t u a r i n e and coastal ecosystems comprised of s a l t

marshes, o y s t e r beds, grass beds, b a r r i e r beaches, and dunes

(Coastal Environments, I n c . , 1980). These c o a s t a l ecosystems

c o n t a i n nursery areas f o r many species of economic importance

as w e l l as h a b i t a t , r o o k e r i e s , major o v e r w i n t e r i n g s i t e s , and

nes t i n g ar as f o r many endangered and threatened species,

such as the s o u t h e r n bald eagle, brown p e l i c a n , golden eagle,

osprey, red cockaded woodpecker, American p e r e g r i n e f a l c o n ,

and various marine t u r t l e s (USDOI, 1979, V i s u a l No. 3;

Coastal E n v i r o n - e n t s , I n c . , 1980; USDC and LDNR, 1980).

There are two e x i s t i n g " S p e c i a l Management Areas"

designated by the Louisiana Coastal Management Program (USDC

and LDNR, 1980, pp. 104-108). These areas are the "Louisiana

Offshore O i l P o r t " (LOOP or Superport) and the "Marsh I s l a n d

W i l d l i f e Refuge arid Game Preserve." The lease area i s

loca t e d 182 km (98 NM) southeast of Marsh I s l a n d W i l d l i f e

Refuge and Game Preserve and 56 km (30 NM) southwest of the

LOOP. None of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s i n t l . i s lease area

should have any e f f e c t upon tne S p e c i a l Management Areas.

Conspicuous areas of environmental concern f o r Louisiana

are depicted by t h e USDOI (1979, V i s u a l Nos. 1 and 4) and the

USDC and LDNR (1980, Fiqure No. 0-1).

The c o a s t a l zone area i s a l s o of r e c r e a t i o n a l importance

t o residents and t o u r i s t s . Most r e c r e a t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s

focus on the area's water resources which i n c l u d e beaches,

13

boating areas, and fishing areas. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s

should have no effect on protected areas of biological

significance, remnant coastal banks, or oyster grounds.

The only offshore area of designated biological

significance i s Diaphus Bank located 5 km (2.6 NM) southwest

of South Timbalier Area Block 302 (Figure 2) and located by X

- 2,205,050, Y - -209,485 (Louisiana Lambert Grid System).

Shell plans to conduct exploratory a c t i v i t i e s in South

Timbalier Area Block 302 by directionally d r i l l i n g froa

Platform "B" in South Timbalier Area Block 301. Platfora "B"

is located at X -'2,215,046.02, Y - -183,761.86 (Louisiana

Lambert Grid System). Because this platform i s located 8,411

m (27,596 f t ) froa Diaphus Bank, operations should not be

restricted. Environmental monitoring studies on Baker Bank,

where exploratory d r i l l i n g and production operations were

conducted within 4,000 m (13,124 f t ) of sensitive r,_ ^ogical

habitats, have shown no discernable effects on the bank's

biota (Gettleson et a l . , 1980). No adverse effects are

expected on Diaphus Bank from a c t i v i t i e s in Blocks 301 and

302.

While o i l s p i l l s during d r i l l i n g operations are rare

(Danenberger, 1976), the p o s s i b i l i t y of a s p i l l does exist.

Oil fouling in any coastal area could directly or indirectly

affect a variety of species, including threatened or

endangered species or species important to commercial and

sport f i s h e r i e s . Direct effects on biota would include

_i m f pj m MM mm mm i « MM »sa tna Mas m ma ioa MM mm wm i

FIOURE 2. LOCATION OF PLATFORM " S * IN SOUTH TIMBALIER ARCA BLOCK SOI RELATIVE TO DIAPHUS BANK. „

15

fouling (particularly birds), suffocation (particularly

fishes and t u r t l e s ) , and toxicity from contact or from the

ingestion of o i l or contaminated food. Any of these effects

could be le t h a l , cause weakening, or cause a greater

susceptibility to piedation. Significant ecological or

economic impacts rould also result from the fouling of oyster

beds and habitats. Indirect effects would include the

destruction of c r i t i c a l habitats, especially breeding and

nursery areas. Any effects on endangered or threatened

species would be significant.

Oil fouling of the coastal area could also have adverse

socioeconomic affvets. Tourism i s an important part of Gulf

coast economies. Removal of beach or other coastal areas

from recreational use by o i l fouling would significantly

decrease tourism in tha affected area and cause loss of

income and a variety of ripple effects in local economies.

Any s p i l l would be handled according to an o i l s p i l l

contingency plan approved by the MMS. If a s p i l l did occur

during operations, i t seems unlikely that l t would affect any

rearchore or onshore areas or resources.

(6) Existing Pipelines and Cables

There are no existing pipelines or cables in the

lease area (USDOI, 1934).

(7) Other Mineral Uses

Other than potential o i l and gas reserves, there

are no known mineral resources in the lease area.

16

( 8) Ocean Dumping A c t i v i t i e s

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are not l o c a t e d i n an area

des igna ted f o r ocean dumping a c t i v i t i e s .

(9) Endangered or Threatened Species

The USDOI (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 spec ies i n t h i s area o f the

G u l f t o be t e m p o r a r y , l o c a l i z e d , and chance o c c u r r e n c e s . I t

has judged the i L e n t i a l impacts on endangered spec ies t o be

remote p o s s i b i l i t i e s w i t h o u t ma jo 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

de te rmined t h a t l e a s e 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 he

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 a re

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 or

a d d i t i o n a l t h r e a t t o endangered o r threatenc-d s p e c i e s .

A p p r o x i m a t e l y s i x endangered spec ies o f cetaceans occur

i n the Gulf o f M e x i c o . They are t h e b lue whale (Ba laenop te ra

muscu lus ) , f i n whale (Ba laenopte ra p h y s a l u s ) , humpback whale

(Megaptera n o v 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 whale ( 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 , or deep oceanic waters (USDOI,

1981) . 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 Gulf o f Mexico are unknown (Lehman, 1982) .

Several endangered or t h r e a t e n e d species o f sea t u r t l e s ,

i n c l u d i n g the Kemp's r i d l e y ( L e p i d o c h e l y s k e m p i i ) , h a w k s b i l l

( Eretmochelys imbircata) , leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) ,

loggerhead (Caretta care t ta ) , and green (Chelonia mydas), may

occasionally v i s i t the lease area.

The primary danger to marine turt les would be possible

c o l l i s i o n s with boats. Adult tur t l e s , especially

loggerheads, seem to be attracted to offshore structures for

feeding and resting (USDOI, 1979, p. 165) increasing the

probabil ity of c o l l i s i o n s . No c r i t i c a l habitat for any of

these species i s known to exist in the lease area (USDOI,

1979, pp. 73-74).

(b) SOCIOECONOMIC

The i n i t i a l OCS Socioeconomic Data Base Report w i l l be

developed after the MMS and the States of Alabama, Louisiana,

and Mississippi have identif ied the spec i f i c parameters to be

addressed in these semiannual reports. No new personnel w i l l

be needed for the proposed a c t i v i t i e s .

18

4. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

(« SUMMARY OF THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

Discharge < d r i l l i n g muds and cuttings and air

emissions during d r i l l i n g operations w i l l adversely affect

•ar ine organisms, water and air qual i ty , commercial f i sh ing,

and ship navigation as described by the USJOI (1979,

pp. 229-231). These impacts are temporary, however, and wi l l

be limited to an extremely small area. They are j u s t i f i e d by

the national interest in discovering and developing badly

needed reserves of o i l and gas. During the exploration

operations, a l l discharges wi l l comply with a l l applicable

MMS and EPA requirements. No s ign i f i cant adverse impacts are

expected. The proposed ac t iv i t i e s covered by this Plan

should not result in unavoidable iapacts on wetlands,

cultural resources, recreational a c t i v i t i e s , shoreline

aesthetics, or other land uses.

(b) STATEMENT CONCERNING THE UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

None of the environmental consequences expected during

normal operations should produce s ignif icant or cumulative

adverse environmental ef fects . The effects of a possible o i l

s p i l l should have no overall cumulative or long-term effect

on the environment, except in the possible event of

contaaination of endangered marine species. A s p i l l would be

handled according to an o i l s p i l l contingency plan approved

by the MMS. Thus, l t seems unlikely that a s p i l l would occur

during operations and affect any nearshore or onshore areas

or resources. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s should have no

significant impact on endangered species or c r i t i c a l habitat.

The information preaented in this Environmental Report

indicates no c l e a r or present reason not to proceed with the

proposed a c t i v i t i e s . Withdrawal of the Plan would rrsu l t in

the loss of potential hydrocarbon production from this area.

20

REFERENCES

Burk and Associates, Inc. 1975. Louisiana coastal resources inventory. Vol . I . Geographic Areas of Part ular Concern. New Orleans, LA.

Chittenden, M. B . , J r . and D. Moore. 1976. Composition of the ichthyofauna inhabiting the 110-m bathymetric contour of the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River to the Rio Grande. Department of Marine Resources Information Center for Marine Research, Texas AtM University. 15 pp.

Coastal Environments, Inc. 1977. Cultural resources evaluation of the northern Gulf of Mexico. National Park Service , Washington, D.C.

Coastal Environments, Inc. 1960. CPA-2, Offshore Mississippi-Alabcma-Florida, biologically sensit ive areas. Baton Rouge, LA.

Danenberger, E . P. 1976. O i l s p i l l s , 1971-1975. Gulf of Mexico outer continental ahel f . Geological Survey Circular No. 741.

Gettleson, D. A . , C. E . Laird , R. E . Putt, and R. E . Abbott. 1990. Environmental monitoring associated with a production platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1980. p. 263-271.

Ditton, R. B. and A. R. Graefe. 1978. Recreational fishery use of a r t i f i c i a l reefs on the Texas coast. Department of Recreational Parks, Texaa A&M University. 155 pp.

Lehmvi, J . 1982. Personal communication. Minerals Management Service, OCS O f f i c e , Metaire, LA.

Lindai l , W. N . , J r . , J . R. H a l l , J . E . Sykes, and E . L . Arnold, J r . 1972. ..ouisiana coastal sonet Analyses of resources and resource development need in connection with estuarine ecology. Sections 10 and 13, Fishery Resources and their Needs. Report to the U.S. Army Corps of engineers, New Orleans, LA. Contribution No. 14-17-002-430. 323 pp.

ferret , w. s . , B. B. Barrett , w. R. Latapie, J . P. P i l l a r d , If. R. Mock, C. B. Adkins, W. J . Gaidry, and C. J . White. 1971. Cooperative Gulf of Mexico Estuarine Inventory and Study, Louisiana. Phase I , Area description. Phase IV, Biology. Louisiana Wildl i fe and Fisheries Commission.

21

Riley, F. 1970. Fisheries of the United States, 1969. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. C.F.S. No. 5300. 87 pp.

Rogers, R. M., J r . 1977. Trophic interrelationships of selected fishes on the continental shelf of the noLthern Gulf of Mexico. Ph.D. dissertation, Texas AtM University. 229 pp.

TerEco Corporation. 1976. Ecological Aspects of the Upper Continental Slope of the Gulf of Mexico. A report to the U.S. Departaent of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Gulf of Mexico OCS Office, New Orleans, LA. Contract No. 08550-CT4-12.

U.S. Department of Commerce. 1982. Current Fisheries S t a t i s t i c s No. 8200. Pisheries of the United Statea, 1981. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

U.S. Department of Commerce and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. 1980. Louisiana Coastal Resources Program Pinal Environmental Impact Statement. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 1977. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed 1977 Outer Continental Shell Oil and Gas Lease Sale 47, Gulf of Mexico.

U.8. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 1979. Pinal Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed 1979 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 58A, Western and Central Gulf of Mexico. 181 pp.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 1981. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed 1981 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sales 67 and 69, Gulf of Mexico. 300 pp.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service. 1983. Pinal Regional Environmental Impact Statement. Gulf of Mexico. 1,004 pp.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service. 1984. Personal communication. OCS Office, Metarie, LA.

22

6. FINAL STATEMENT

To the best of our knowledge, the set of findings

included in the Environmental Report and Plan indicates that

each of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , their associated f a c i l i t i e s

and effects are a l l consistent with and coroly with the

provisions and guidelines of the Louisiana-approved Coastal

Zone Management Program. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s w i l l be

conducted in a manner consistent with the Coastal Zone

Manageaent Program as outlined in USDC and LDNR (1980).

The proposed ac t i v i t i e s w i l l be carried out and

compiled with the guarantee of the following items:

1. The bast available and safest technologies w i l l be

utilized throughout the project. This includes meeting a l l

applicable requirements for equipment types, general project

layout, safety systems, and equipment and monitoring

systems.

2. All operations will be covered by an o i l s p i l l

contingency plan approved by the MMS.

3. All applicable federal, State, and local

requirements regarding air emissions, water quality, and

discharge for the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , as well as any other

permit conditions, w i l l be complied with.