In iej> ly Rtftr Tor bS-2-2 SEP 14 1983
Gulf 011 Exploration and P, "ction Company
AtttnJon: Nr. R. L. Ntlntrt Poat Office Box ol590 Now Orleans, Louisiana 70161
Gentleman:
Reference is made to your Init ial Plan of Exploration ond Environmental Report received September 13, 1983, for Lease OCS-G 5631, Block 259, South Timbalier Area. This plan Includes the dri l l ing of five wells.
In accordance with 30 CFR 290,34, revised OeceOer 1979, and oer letter dated Jenuary 29, 1979, iMs plan has been determined to bn complete as of September 14, 1983, and 1s now being considered for approval.
Your plan control number 1s N-1320 and should be referenced In your ccwwunlca-tlon and correspondence concerning this plan.
Sincerely yours.
Original Signed John L Ward
^ 0. M. Solanas Regional Supervisor Offshore Operations Support
bcc: Leese OCS-G 5631 (OMS-2-3) '0MS-2-2 w/PubHc Info. Copy of the plan and ER
HHekmatdoost:gtj:«/14/83 Disk 3b
R9cor<is Mm
• • » . S - H o r v a t h
E n p l o r a t l o n Manager Nav Or laaaa Araa
P O Boa 61BOO Naw Oriaana. LA 701«1
September 12, 198p
/ f
LSD
Deputy Minerals Manager Offshore, Operations Support U. S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico, OCS Region Post Office Box 7944 Metairie, LA 70010-7944
Dear S i r :
B t CfOtOCfCW sevrv
SEP 13 1983 urilUTlOfta sjwotr
CUtf flf MEXICO REGION MCTAMK, w.
Plan of Exploration Block 259, OCS-G-5631 South Timbalier Area Offshore, Louisiana
Gulf Oil Corporation plans to d r i l l 5 wildcat wells on the subject block. Tbe wells are A, B, C, D, and E.
Well "A" wi l l be a straight hole at site 4950' from the south line and 5950 f om the east line of the block. We proposed to begin work with the J. S orn No. 7 type rig between October 1 and December 31, 1983. As a dry hole the raeration should last about 200 days. As a producer about 245 days will le required.
Well "B" wi l l be a straight hole at site 4450' from the north line and 1200' from the east line of the block. As a dry hole the operation should last about 200 days. As a producer about 245 days should be required.
Well "C" wi l l be a straight hole at site 6400' from the north line and 500' from the east line of the block. As a dry hole the operation ahould last about 200 days. As a producer about 245 days should be required.
Well "D" w i l l be a straight hole at site 8550' from the north line and 1200' fron the east line of the block. Aa a dry hole the operation should last about 200 days. As a producer about 245 days should be required.
Well "E" w i l l be a straight hole at site 1550' from the eouth line 1200' from the east line of the block. As a dry hole the operation should last about 200 days. Aa a producer about 245 days should be required.
The rig w i l l be equipped and operated in compliance with OCS Order Nos. 2, 5, and 7. A l i s t of the drilling mud omponents and additives is included among the enclosures to this letter. Other enclosures illustrate the Opjfggigs of this test relative to the block lines and shoreline. a r i ageinent S
Manment
* O'vi»io* or out* On co»ao»*r.oN
D . p « y M i n . r . l . f U » U . r - 2 - September 12, 1983
Ir/site wi l l be about 67 miles from Leeville, La. Our operation wi l l be serviced by boats and helicopters using existing fac i l i t i e s at Morgan City and Leeville. The helicopters wi l l use the PHI heliports et Morgan City and Leeville. The boats wil l ut i l ize existing dock fac i l i t i e s maintained by Gulf. Our oi l s p i l l contingency plan I s on f i l e with your office. Gulf i s a member of Clean Gulf Associates (CGA). CGA maintains equipment at Grand I s l e , La. about 67 miles from this location. The response time within a 100 mile radius is 12 hours.
I f the test I s successful, l t v i l l be left with a buoyed casing stub covered by a protective dome. The stun w i l l facil itate the installation of a platform to accomodate surface producing equipment and possible additional dr i l l ing . Oil that may be discovered v i l l be bazged, at least in i t ia l ly . We wi l l seek a pipeline connection for Gas. I f the well i s not a success i t wi l l be abandoned according to the terms of OCS Order Nos. 3. Any additional dri l l ing that ls proposed subsequent to this test w i l l be described by a nev plan.
Gulf has collected the data required by the notice to Lessees and Operators No. 75-8 (Dril l ing Hazards). These data are being forwarded to you under separate cover. An air emissions statement is also attached. We have evaluated the data and find no evidence of any shallow hazards to dri l l ing or anything of cultural or archaeological Interest. Please contact this office for any additional information you may require.
GULF OIL CORPORATION
Exploration Operations Manager
RF/RLM/ec
Enclosures:
Shoreline Veclnity Plat Location Plat List of Mud Additives Air Emission Data Rig Description Consistency Certification Anomaly Plat Site Clearance Letter for
Shallow Dri l l ing Hazards Environmental Report Public Notice Certification
SHORELINE VICINITY PLAT
SCALE I tl W II M 111
I I I I I I MILES
SOUTH TIMBALIER BLK. 259 BATHYMETRY MAP M M
0 6000 FEET
259
SOUTH TIMBALIER BLK. 259 LOCATION PLAT
O IOOO
DRILLING HUP COMPONENTS AWD ADDITIVES J
I
'i bentonite
Ben-ex
starch
Drispac
barite
defoamer
Desco
11 gno Sulfonate
clay !
floeculant and clay extender
non-fermenting
polyanionic celulose
barium sulphate
alcohol base
organic thinner
dispersive agent
Projected Air Emissions
Major Sources
Emissions In (lbs/day) tons per year
CO VOC NOx S0 2 * . TSP
Power onboard drilling vessel (Total footage drilled - 24,000' (26.33) 4.81 '9.73) 1.78 (121.66) 22.20 (8.09) 1.48 (8.68) 1.58
(1) Based on 60 hp hr/ft from Table 4-3, "Atmospheric Emissions from Offshore Oil and Gas Development and Production*, EPA No. 450/3-77-026, June 1977.
(2) Emission factors from Table 3.3.3-1, "Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors", Third Edition, EPA Report AP-42, August, 1977.
Minor Sources
Includes helicopter landings and takeoff, one trip p;r day; supply and crew boats at dockside, one trip per day; fuel storage and transfer; loading and unloading operations; and incineration of waste paper (average 750 lbs/mo.) for duration of project of 1225 days.
Emission in tons/year
CO VOC NOx so 2 TSP
Minor Sources 5.60 1.20 2.90 0.70 0.50
Total a l l Sources 10.41 2.98 25.10 2.18 a 2.08
Emission Exemption (tons per year)
CO Exemption - E - 3400 D2/3; NOx, VOC, S02# TSP Exemption - E - 33.3 D
O - Distance from shore = 58 miles
CO E -50,945tons; NOx, VOC, S0 2 TSP E -1,931 tons
The projected air emissions during tbe drilling of the five proposed wells are considered below the exemption levels for each of the pollutants; hence no further air quality reviews ar_ indicated. Onshore Sources
No new fa c i l i t i e s will be installed at the onshore base.
I «
Rig Description
i J. Storm VII ; Marine Drilling Company
Thii Is a Bethlehem mat supported cantilever iackup drilling unit. The rig power ie mechanical. Three (3) Superior PTDS-8 diesels power the drawworks and rotary table. Two (2) General Motors EMD 12V-567 diesels mach drive a generator rated at 700 KW, three phase, 480 VAC. The mud pump system is driven by two (2) GMC EMD 16V-567 diesels.
Other equipment using diesel engines are two (2) Link-Belt ABS 138 cranes, each powtred by a GMC 6V-92N diesel engine and a Schlumberger Cyber Service wireline unit which is powered by a GMC 4-7IT diesel engine. A 150 KW, three phase, 480 VAC standby generator iw powered by a GMC 8V-71N.
Attached is schematic of this rig with a drawing of the surface diverter system for rig safety in accordance with OCS Order No. 2. A l i s t follows of the rig's blowout preventer system for safety and pollution prevention as required by OCS Orders 2 and 7.
1 - 20" Hydril, 2000 pei W? w/diverter spool
1 - 13-5/8" Hydril G.K., 5000 psi WP
4 - 13-5/8" 10,000 pel WP; 3 pipe rams and 1 blind ram; BOP's actuated with 2- 80 gal. 3000 psi accumulators with control console at driller's station and remote located
J STORM" 301
DEKCO SERIES 150
r I T I A I R - 0
BUITUFLY
DEKCO '"SlR IES II>0
-OPERATED
VALVE 1
12- AIR-OPERATED
BUTTERFLY VALVE 12" NOMINAL
^ Valve] i l l y Cpen
— 12" >*>iDyLL
N3TE: AIR-CP VALVES 70 BE CLOSED AS REODIRZD FOR KJ**?XND DIVERSION.
DTVLKJ LH LIKE ABCVT BELL NIPPLE
t<—< Hydraulic Acornulitor
I ? " N W W l — '
•pivixiu< c?rj Ticy pyrrnRS 1. At f i r s t f^gn of kick, pick up kelly Above 20"
Hydril. 2. 'Cpen any norniAlly closed valve in diverter line.
• dose BCP. 3. Divert any flew to down-wind side of rig by
closing Appropriate valve in diverter l ine.
8" Ncrninal
DEMCO SERIES BDO
8" rrDTuuuc B" Iterninal
KorjTAlIy Cpen
VTALVE RSttlKS CPEN AT ALL TIMES 20" x 3D" Swage
VALVE REMAINS CPD* AT ALL TIMES
: • • • 1 1 •
1*7'o" DERRICK
&0' X ID' BASE
• • • * • . . .
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• • • -•. V . • • t
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EMERGENCY 6 ENE RATOR • OUSE
DERRICK FLOOR •TET £
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J STORM 3ZJI
'* • • " • • C ; .
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. * *
MD3ILE DRILLING BARGE oV> SIDE ELEVATION :
DIMENSIONS OF PIATFORM i V ' M "i
L r**TK~|»V(EXCLUDES H E L I P O R T ) *...* •',.; S V • • W .DTH-115*
WIDTH AT COLUMNS-ISO*
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70* X 70* HE ICOPTER D2 ' .. ELEVATION 40* . ;
1 • . . • i j ; ; *: j « \ \ y% [% :
OUTER COLUMKS
IS'-IS ' -O" 0. D.-. • ; . .
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HURRIC rf- • i » ! : • /
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f S X . TC r u 7»* tarn i t • * I • • t . . . • • I ; ;
0 ' • •
f COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION
Exploration Type of Plan
South Timbalier Black 259 Area and Block
OCS-G-5631 Cease Numoer
The proposed activit ies described 1n detail 1n this Plan conply with
L o u i s i a n a approved Coastal Managenent Program(s) and will be
conducted 1n a manner consistent with such Program(s).
G u l f o n F v p l n r a r i rm A, P ^ M p r i r n Company Lessee or operator
August 30, 1983 uate
Figure 4
ST 259/ 16
•». • H o r v t
August 29, J933
Exploration M«B«g«r N«* OTlatna Araa
P. O • e n 619BO N . w O r l e a n s . LA ? O l « 1
IOTl
It ineral Management Service 'Area Office for Operations Support P. 0. Box 7944.
'Metairie, Louisiana 70010 Attention: D. W. Solanas
Mineral Management Service Houma District P. 0. Box 10145 Houma, Louisiana 70361 Attention: Mr. John D. Borne
Re: Shallow Hazard Clearance from High Resolution Geophysical Data South Timbalier Are, Block 259 OCS-G - 5631, Wells A, B, C, D and E, Gulf of Mexico
Gentlemen:
Ve have reviewed the high resolution geophysical data in the vicinity of Gulf's five proposed wildcats on this lease and find that there are no shallow hazards at these locations.
WELL WATER DEPTH LOCATION
A 303 ft. 4950* FSL, 5950* FEL B 296 ft. 4450' FNL, 1200* FEL C 300.5 ft. 6400* FNL, 500* FEL D 304 f t . 8550* FNL. 1200' FEL E 316 ft. 1550* FSL, 1200' FEL
Although the contractor Interpretation Indicates location A to be within a sone of chaotic reflections, the digitally processed sparker data shows good bedding continuity to as deep as 500 milliseconds tvo way time or about 1400 ft. subsea.
Very truly yours,
W. H. Murphy \ —-V Technical Manager - Exploration
WHM:rm
A D i v i s i o n OF GULF OIL CO*»0»ATiON
- \
Environmental Report (Exploration)
for
South Timbalier Area Block 259, OCS G-5631
Lessee
Gulf Oil Exploration and Production Company
September 12, 1983
Contact Person:
Mr. L. R. Henry P. 0. Box 61590 New Orleans, LA 70161 (504) 569-3430
, . (2)1 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION
(a) TRAVEL MODES AND ROUTES j
Transportation of material, supplies and personnel between
South Ti^bklier Block 459 bases at Leeville and Morgan City,
Louisiana v i l l be by boat and helicopter. Boats from Leeville v.. j
terminal will travel to the d r i l l site via Bayou Lafourche outlet
through the Gulf of Mexico. Boats from the Morgan City terminal
will travel to the d r i l l site via the Atchafalaya River outlet
through the Gulf of Mexico to the d r i l l site. Helicopters will
generally travel the most direct route from PHIs bases at Leeville
and Morgan City to the d r i l l site, although weather conditions may
sometimes alter this route. Helicopter flights transferring crew
members to and from the d r i l l site will be done weekly. If severe
weather conditions prohibit these flights, the crews v i l l be trans
ferred by cuv boats. Other service company and operator personnel
travel may require approximately 10 round trip flights of the heli
copter (Bell 206 and 212 models) per veek. The supply boat v i l l
make daily runs from Leeville or Morgan City to the d r i l l site.
(b) SUPPORT BASE
The onshore support base for any proposed drilling operations
on Block 259 v i l l be from the existing Gulf dock at Leeville and
Morgan City, Louisiana. No enlargement or changes in these fa c i l i t i e s
v i l l be needed to accommodate the proposed drilling activity. Approxi
mately 40 rig crev members, and supervisory personnel v i l l be required
on each seven day tour. In addition, about 25 other service company
people will be required diring the course of the drilling operation.
Radio dispatchers working on 12 hour shifts v i l l be located at
the shore bases. Other personnel located at each the shore base
- 1 -
include a shore basd supervisor and three transportation supervisors
to handle the loading and transfer of supplies and material onto
workboats for use at the d r i l l site. Workboats require a crew of
(c) NEW'SUPPORT FACILITY K. j
It Is not known if the proposed exploratory effort will
be productive of o i l and/or gas; however, i t would not be
expected that any additional expansion of the onshore base
would be needed in any event since the existing facility
i s not being operated at ful l capacity.
(d) DESCRIPTION OF NEW TECHNIQUES OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY
There will not be any new techniques or unusual technology
required in carrying out the proposed drilling operation.
(«) MAP OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITH RESPECT TO STATE'S COASTAL ZONE
A shoreline vicinity plat showing the location of South
Timbalier Block 259 with respect to the coastline of the State
of Louisiana is attached. Also attached is a plat showing the
location of the d r i l l site within Block 259.
(f) FOR PLANS OF DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION, THE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
OF OIL AND GAS
The proposed activity Is to conduct an exploratory Investigation
for oil and gas. I f hydrocarbons are discovered, a development/
production plan w i l l be submitted at that time describing the
plans for transporting oil and gas to shore and to markets on the
mainland.
tours of 7 to 14 days
(3> DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACT
(a) PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
(1) Commercial Fishing
- 2 -
«
The lease site is' approximately 54 statute miles offshore
Louisiana in water depths ranging from 268' in the northwest corner
of the blodk to 324' in the southeast corner of the block.
Offsptjre Louisiana* ranked f i r s t in both commercial fish
landings and dollar value in 1979 in comparison with catches
from other states in the Gulf Region. The Louisiana parishes
(Lafourche and Terrebonne) adjacent to the d r i l l site harvested
approximately 47.7Z of the total shrimp harvest taken from a l l
of the Lousisiana coastal parishes in 1978. The Gulf fishery is
dominated by the shell fisheries; i.e., shrimp, crabs, and
oysters with small amounts of clam and scallops. The doi lai.'
value is twice that of the finfish harvest although the finfish
landings are much greater. The shrimp fishery in the Gulf includes
brown, white and pink shrimp and are taken almost exclusively by
trawl fishing in water depths from 6 to 250 feet. Smaller amounts
of sea bobs and royal reds from deep water are also taken (3Z).
These species of shrimp spawn in the open ocean and undergo A
series of larval phases in the plankton, followed by migration in
the post-larval phase to an estuarine nursery area, then return to
the ocean as adults.
The crab is also an important commerial fishery offshore
Louisiana. The blue crab makes up 98Z of the crab harvest for the
Gulf Region (Riley, 1970). Its l i f e cycle is similar to the shrimp
in that i t undergoes the planktonic, estuarlne, and open ocean
phases. Gravid females migrate to the open Gulf and release their
eggs in the spring and summer months. The adult crabs are found
in the estuarines and thus inland from the leased area.
- 3 -
The South Timbalier area is also an important commercial fish
ing ground for finfish. Among the more important species off
Lafourche Parish coast include the red drum, black drum, sheephead,
Sea trout, both silver and white, are bottom fish in the Northern mm
Gulf and are usual ly taken by bottom trawls. Other important
species include red snapper and grouper which are taken by hook
and line in water depths from 5' to 1000'. The Atlantic croaker
i s an abundant f i shery in Lousisana's estuarine waters. The
Flor ida pompano i s an inshore f i s h taken in the surf or at passes
and is seasonally abundant from January to Apri l in shrimping areas.
The proposed d r i l l i n g operation may degrade the water quality
i n the immediate v i c in i ty of the d r i l l s i te temporarily due to
discharges of d r i l l mud and cuttings. Such a change in water
qual i ty may cause some species to avoid the area surrounding the
d r i l l site during this period while active d r i l l i n g operations
are underway. Once d r i l l i n g i s completed the population should
re turn to the area.
Some larvae and eggs of certa in species could als > ie adverse
l y affected in the immediate area of the d r i l l s i te due to tem
porary degradation of water qual i ty . This condition would be short
term and would not be expected to have any measurable effect on
any fishery.
The impact from the discharge of d r i l l cuttings would be to
smother sess i le benthic organisms in the area around the wel l .
The^e f i sh species are usually tiken ntc*r shore.
- 4 -
Studies have shown that these deposits are quickly re-colonized
(Zingula, 1975). Also, heavy solids contained in d r i l l mud dis-
charges may also be deposited on the bottom as a light coating
whiihl may have spine temporary adverse effect. These areas appar
ently* are quickly repopulated indicating no persistant toxicity of
the mud sediments. (Reigh et a l , 1980; Gilbillau et al, 1980)
An oil s p i l l could also cause water quality degradation due
to the introduction of possible toxins into the water column.
Most adult fish, however, would probably avoid such areas and
no significant or persistent direct effect on fish population
would be expected. Any s p i l l would be subject to immediate con
tainment and clean-up. Oil sp i l l s have a low probability of
occurring during exploratory drilling. (Dannenberger, 1976)
(2) Shipping
There are no designated shipping safety fairway or anchorage
area crossing or located within South Timbalier Block 259. (U.S.D.I.,
FREIS, 1983, Visual No. 11)
(3) Small Craft Pleasure Boating, Sport Fishing, and Recreation
Studies have shown that fish which would normally be scattered
throughout large areas are often concentrated in small areas
surrounding petroleum platforms and are attracted by the food
and shelter which the structure offers. Many of the fish species
that congregate around petroleum structures are prime sport fishing
targets including snapper, grouper, mackerels, cobia, etc. I t is
believed, too, the new a r t i f i c i a l reefs have l i t t l e , i f any,
effect on the carrying capacity or the size distribution of fish
on the natural reefs (Stone - 1979). It could, therefore, be
- 5 -
assumed -that the qulality and quantity of offshore fishing would
be further enhanced by any increase in petroleum structures on the
Mexico Pishery Management Council (G.M.F.M.C) recently published
data indicating that red snapper stocks were on the decline and
ihis condition was possibly due to over fishing by the recreational
fisher (1980 b). The GMFMC report suggested the possiblity, too,
that the apparent decline in snapper population may not be a real
one but rather the population spread out over greater areas due to
increasing numbers at platforms being installed. According to the
report, natural reef fishing habitat in the Gulf provides approximately 2
39,000 KM . The habitat provided by 2,000 petroleum platforms,
assuming an area of 50 meters by 50 meters each, would provide
another 5,000 KM2 of habitat.
(4) Cultural Resources
S.uth Timbalier Block 259 is located approximately 21 miles
seaward of the line marking the outer limits of the zones
designated as "high probably lines for prehistoric and historic
cultural resources" (U.S.D.I., FREIS, 1983, Visual 11) and, as
such, the requirements of Lease stipulation No. 1 were not invoked
as being applicable to the block (Letter to the Lessees by MMS,
Gulf of Mexico Region, July, 1983). Ti:e side scan sonar and magneto
meter interpretation indicated many very small depressions or pock-
marks, particularly in the south half of the block. No magnetic
anomalies were observed in the block (Recal Geophysics, 1983).
OCS. As> a result, thes'. structures provide both sport and commercial
abundant fish population*. The Gulf of
- 6 -
I
The most widely accepted theory advanced as a cause for these pock-
marks is tfiat they are due to the removal of surface sediments by
the upward' flow of gas or liquids i n which the sediments were swept i
away b> f>o|ttom currents. (King and MeLean, 1970). No active seeps
were detected in the water column above these features.
(5) Ecological Sensitive Features
There are no biologically sensitive features or areas of
particular concern i n the project area. The closest designated
b i o l o g i c a l l y sensitve area (Diaphus Bank) is approximately 32
miles to the southwest. (U.S.D.I., FREIS, 1983, Visual No. 10)
A l l the coastal area of Louisiana has been included in the
state's coastal zone management plan. As such, any proposed OCS
a c t i v i t y must be reviewed by the state's CZM authorities and, as
provided by Federal law, such a c t i v i t y must be consistant with
the state's management plan before a permit for the project can be
issued hy the responsible Federal agency.
(6) Existing Pipeline and Cables
There are no pipelines or no known cables crossing the project
area. (U.S.D.I., FREIS, 1983, Visual No. 7)
(7) Other Mineral Uses
There are no known miner. 1 resources on Block 259 other than
possible o i l and gas deposits.
(8) Ocean Dumping A c t i v i t i e s
The leased area i s not located within any EPA designated ocean
dumping site or any interim dumping sit e that has been so designated
by EPA. (U.S.D.I., FREIS, 1983, Visual No. 11).
(9) Endangered or Threaten Species
Seven species of marine mammals that have been sighted i n the
Gulf of Mexico have been c l a s s i f i e d as endangered species (Federal i
Regisjt^r, 1975). "'. Tfrese are the sperm whale, r i g h t whale, humpback
s e i whale, f i n whale, blue whale, and the West Indian manatee.
Five species of marine t u r t l e s that occur i n the Gulf area are
also on the endangered or threatened species l i s t . These are the
loggerhead, green, A t l a n t i c r i d l e y , hawksbill, and the leatherback.
According to Hildebrand, a major feeding area f o r the A t l a n t i c
r i d l e y may be o f f the Louisiana coast and reports have indicated
t h a t portunid crab com^ricis a large p o r t i o n of the diet of the
specimen examined. Except f o r reported occasional nesting along the
southern Texas coast, t h i s species nests e n t i r e l y along a 14 mile
s t r e t c ' i of the Mexican coast near Tamaulipas, Mexico. The number
of nesting females has declined from over 40,000 i n the 1940's to
about 400 - 500 i n 1976 and the species is t r u l y an endangered one.
The le.-therbac^, also l i s t e d as an endangered species,
ran *.cughout the Gulf of Mexico and western North A t l a n t i c
as f a r north as Nova Scotia. The species has also been observed i n
inshor waters during c e r t a i n periods of the year i n areas where
j e l l y f i h are found i n abundance, presumably which they f o l l o w and
feed upon.
Any impact of th*. proposed a c t i v i t y on marine mammals and
t u r t l e s cannot be accurately assessed but would appear to be somewhat
dependent upon the p r o b a b i l i t y of an o i l s p i l l , the population size
and d i s t r i b u t i o n of the species, as well as the size and l o c a t i o n of
the sea impacted by the s p i l l e d o i l . Recent studies, however, have
- 8 -
indicated that oil remaining on a beach for one year after a spill
did not significantly affect mortality of sea turtle eggs. The
effect of petroleum on the development and survival of turtle embryos
is s t i l l iicbnclusive,'a^though fresh o i l on top of the sand may cause
(b) SOCIQ-ZCONOMIC
No new personnel or other significant changes that might other
wise affect the coastal communities are contemplated by the proposed
exploration effort.
Most of fhe unavoidable adverse impacts are of a temporary
nature and the environment should be completely restored soon after
drilling operations have ceased. Discharges of d r i l l mud and cuttings
may cause some water quality degradation while drilling. Similarly,
the deposition of d r i l l cuttings on the ocean floor could smother
sessile benthic organisms but these, LOO, should quickly re-colonize.
Air quality will be temporarily degraded due to emissions from the
exhaust of diesel engines and possibly hydrocarbon vapors from
diesel storage tanks. Any hydrocarbons vented to the atmosphere
while testing the well may also cause some degradation of air
quality. Any blowout of a well which caught fire may also
introduce into the atmosphere large amounts of carbon particulates,
and other pollutants such as oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. In
most cases, such a condition would be dissipated rather quickly by
climatic conditions ard would not seriously impair air quality at
the shoreline.
can be expected within the foreseeable future.
incubating sea turtle eggs.
(4) UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACT
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Because of. the c r i t i c a l need to develop new energy reserves for
the economy and securi ty of the United States, the proposed ac t iv i ty
should be implemented without Jelay. No new feasible technology that
wouljdjtend to mfrtigate these minimal and temporary adverse impacts
can be expected within the foreseeable future.
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(5) REFERENCES
Recal Geophysics, Incorporated, July, 1983, A High Resolution Geophysical Survey of South Timbalier Block 259, Houston, TX.
nenberger, E. P., 1976, Oil Spills, 1971 - 1975, Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf, Geological Survey
United States Department of the interior, Bureau of Land Management, and Minerals Management Service, Various, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale
United Stated Department of Commerce, 1980, Final Environmen il Impact Statement for Louisiana Coastal Resources Program, Office of Coastal Zone Management, Washington, D.C.
(6) STATEMENT
The proposed activity will be carried out and completed with
the guarantee of the following items:
(1) The best available and safest technologies will be utilized
throughout the project. This includes meeting a l l applicable re
quirements for equipment types, general project layout, safety
systems, and equipment and monitoring systems.
(2) All operations will be covered by an MMS approved oil s p i l l
contingency plan.
(3) All applicable Federal, State, and Local requirements regard
ing air emissons and water quality and discharge for the proposed
activities, as well as any other permit conditions, will be complied
with.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION
Exploration * Type of Plan
!
South Timbalier Area, Block 259 Area and Block
OCS G-5631 Lease Number
The proposed a c t i v i t i e s described in deta i l in th is Plan comply with
Louisiana approved Coastal Management Program! s) and w i l l be conducted
in a manner consistent with such Program(s).
Arrangements have been made with the State-Times in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana to publish a public notice of the p cposed Act iv i t i e s no
later than September 15, 1983.
G u l f O i l E x p l o r a t i o n and P r o d u c t i o n Company Lessee or Operat:>r
R. F. Thomas Certifying 61Flciml
September 12 . 1983 Date
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"lenient