la *t«iy •••tr To: iP-t-i

Ex*^n C'-pany. ".S.». Attention: Mr. M. I, Jomwor PMt 0* f f<* I n 6)707 NCM OrWMIS, LMvltftil '0H1

iMMflMBMH

ft«f>r*«c» it MB** to your inlMal Plan »f kx»lor«?lnn «M llHfMMMJMtMl "*t*rt r*ce1vt4 D«CM*«r * , 1985, for Leitt OCS-G S0*C. i>1oc* 827, Mn»1l» »r*e. THU p i t * tnclMdei tht K t W i t l r ' . proposed for 14*111 A. P. a** C.

In *CCcrMsnc# »1th 90 Cff 2*0.34, r+*\%f« U»c ««•>•• r 13, 1479, and ow l * tUe dat»d January 29, 1979, th*v pUn h*w» d*»'»r»»*rd to b* OMp1«>t« *s of r>KW»ir 1VS, and It I»OM ta*fMg cpnstdrr«*i f.»r approval.

Yo»r plan contrrl nnMW i». N-23G3 and ;»»ou1i< rv r - ' t r -ncH in yiwr ccaamMHca-tloft and corr^spondunci- concernIM| tirlt olan.

t ec : Leat* OCS-G 506C (0PS-3-..; (FtU R0"M) ICfrS-3-4 a/Public Info. Copy of thr plan and FP (PUBLIC RtCntOS HOOM)

StiWJt r r ' y y <ur ,

(Orig. Sgd.) A. Donald Giroir

MJTolbart-.gcw: 12/6/85 Dia l 3B

OMca of f n Services

2 4 1985

Inform ifion S«rvic#»t S< :t.on

ETgON COMPANY U S.A.

• •OOoC' -ON M M A f M M I I U T M N O'ViSON

" * » i . » N C I ,OMNKM

Dear Mr. Solanas:

Enclosed are eleven copies each of an I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration (six of which are labeled "For Public Information"), an Environmental Report, and a CZM Consistency C e r t i f i c a t i o n for the subject block. We plan to begin d r i l l i n g the f i r s t wel l covered by the Plan with the Atwood Oceanlc's Vlcksburg, (a jackup r i g ) or s imi lar equipment about February 1, 1986.

The Cul tura l Resources Report fo r this block was reviewed by MMS, and the requirements were sa t i s f i ed by your le t ter dated August 11, 1983.

I f you have any questions regarding this Plan, Environmental Report or Consistency Cer t i f i ca t ion , please cal l me at 504/561-3708.

December 5, 1985

I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration Exxon OCS-G 5060 Block 327, Mobile Area Offshore Alabama

EXXON PRQPRIFTMRY

Mr. 0 . W. Solanas Minerals Management Service 3301 N. Causeway Blvd. Imper ia l Office Building M e t a i r i e , Louisiana 70011

MttffMM MAHAGrMrNT MBNHI

DEC 0^ 19*5

turn A.-io pwotfenon

Sincerely,

EXXOri COflPANY, U.S.A.

H. E-. Johnson

HEJ/DLM/ljn Enclosures

EXXON CORPORATION

SECTION l l

SECTION 2:

SECTION 3:

SECTION 4:

SECTION 5:

SECTION 6:

SECTION 7:

SECTION 8:

INITIAL PIAN Of LXPLORAIION

BLQCK 027. MOBILE AREA

aPMBBBl ALABAMA

DEC 0 6 1985

PLAN DESCRIPTION n : i > , „ ; j , : r T , r ,

DRILLING EQUIPMENT

OEOLOfrlCAL AND GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY, RESULTS, AND ftHAT.T/Mt DRILLING HAZARDS REPORT

LOCATION

O I L S P I L L CONTINGENCY

MUD ADDITIVES

PERMITS

PROPRIETARY DATA

PUBLIC INFORMATION"

BLOCK 927 MOBILE AP!^

Sec t ion 1: Plan Deecription

This I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration for Mobila Aroa, Block 827 (OCS-G 5060), consist* of froa ona to thraa possible w a l l a ao shown balowx

HELL ANTICIPATED taaSIXeaal

A 8130 'FSL and 2700'FEL

B 7 0 0 0 ' F S L and 7 0 0 0 ' F E L

C 650 'FSI and 1500 'FEL

In tha avant additional eeismic surveys ara conductad in tha area , a convantional ocean-going seismic survey vassal equipped with an appropriate hydrophone cable and non-dynamite energy aourca (e .g . , a i r gun) w i l l ba uaed.

Dr i l l ing on wall "A" could commence about mid-December, 1985, and w i l l require approxiaataly 187 daye to complete. D r i l l i n g of subsequent wel ls "B" and "cM i a contingent on the resul ts of wal l "A" end othar geological date which w i l l ba developed. The total d r i l l i n g and completion t iae for t h i s I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration depends on the d r i l l i n g of a l l three wa l la and could require about one eni one-half years to evaluate taking Into consideretion thoee factors which appear to ba predictable et th i s t i ae . The propoaad t iae frame and sequence of a c t i v i t i e s v i l l ba affected by r i g a v a i l a b i l i t y , perait acquis i t ion, d r i l l i n g reaul ta , and numerous other factors.

Water depth on this block ranges froa 36 to 54 feet .

BLOCK 127. MOBILE AREA

QFFSHP; K ALABAMA

SECTION 2: DRILLINC EQUIPMENT

A. DESCRIPTION

We plan to utilize Atvood Oceanic'• Vicksburg jackup rig or aiailar aquipaant. This rig ia a three-legged jackup, vith aquare lag sections, deeigned end built in 1976 by Marathon Le Tourneau. The hull ia triangular aheped - 248 feet long, 200 feet vide end 26 feet deep. The vicksburg is designed for veter depths up to 300 feet and has s ratad drilling depth of 24,000 feet. A schematic of the diverter systea and a Hating of blovout prevention equipment vith a configuration scheaatic ara etteched. A description brochure for this rig ia on f i l e vith MMS.

B. EMERGENCY PLAN

Our plan for abandoning tha location, in case of an aaergency such aa s vail kick, v i l l vary in accordance vith the severity of the occeeion.

Transportation v i l l ba available to evacuate personnel froa tha rig and area aa need be. Appropriate U.S. Coaat Guard prescribed l i f e rafts, jackets, end ring buoys v i l l be provided.

C. SAFETY FEATURES

Safety features v i l l include veil control end blovout prevention equipment to comply vith CCS Order No. 2.

D POLLUTION PLAN

Hashed cuttings and tabla ecreps v i l l ba disposed cr into the Gulf. Pollution prevention snd control features v i l l prevent contamination, in accordance vith OCS Order No. 7. Tha vassal i s equipped vith drip pane and coaming, and such v i l l ba maintained. The rig hee a USCG approved savage unit installed.

ATWOOD VICKSBURG BLOWOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

DIVERTER 21 1/4" 2,000 psi UP Bag-Type Preventer with two 6" diverter lines end 6" ISO psi WP valves.

BLOWOUT PREVENTERS

One - 13 5/8", 5,000 psi UP annular preventer. One - 13 5/8", 10,000 psi UP Cameron type U single preventer equipped with blind raws. One - 13 5/8", 10.000 psi Dril l ing Spool with two 3 1/8" side outlets. One - 13 S/8", 10,000 psi UP Cam on typ* U double flanged preventer equipped with pipe

reus.

BOP CONTROL SYSTEM

Koomey Surface Accumulator BOP Control Unit, Model T 20150-36, 3,000 psi system SYSTEM with two remote control panels.

SURFACE Surface manifolding system with one SUACO hydraulic adjustable choke, one Cameron hydraulic adjustable choke, one Cameron manual adjustable choke and one Cameron manual positive choke.

I I L L I

C PIPB

PIPE

DIVERTER SYSTEM

ATWOOD OCEAN CS

VICKSBURG JACKUP RIG

Flo-lint fn>$

To Trip T*nk

Port Overboard

From Tr ip T#nk

From Seawater Pumps

Starboard Overboard

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Diverter system has two 12" ball valvts which are normally kept in the closed position. When the annular BOP is closed, both diverter valves will automatically open. The upwind diverter valve is then closed with a separate control. Each component of the diverter system can also be operated from the remote station.

LEGEND

1. 12" hydraulically actuated Grove ball valve with 1?" ANSI RF flanges. Ball valve and flanges are >NSI Class 300.(720 psi WP).

2. 21-1/4", 2000 psi diverter spool with 2-12" outlets.

3. Annular BOP. 21-1/4", Hydrii MSP, 2000 Ufl WP.

4. Manually operated valves.

5. 12" Overboard discharge line.

-28-

BLOCK 827. MOBILE AREA

QrrgHORE ALABAMA

SECTION 2: PRILLING EQUIPMENT fCONTINUED)

E. PROJECTED GASEOUS EMISSIONS

Projected emissions froa the Vicksburg ere fron three sources: power generetion enginee, emergency generator, and storage tank vapors. Equipment in use end the l c at ion of the emission diecherge are shown in the ettached calculations and akatch. The attached table shows projected emissions for facilitiee in this Plan. Three wells aay be drilled froa this block.

The shortest distance to ehore froa eny point on the leeee ie three mileo. The eir emissions calculations contained herein are baeed on that distance - end therefore present a conservative analyaia. I t is not anticipated that a l l deecribed wells will be drilled in the eaae year.

Based on the exemption formulas shown in 30 CFR 250.57-1 (d) and the attached calculations, i t is believed the facilitiee propoeed in this Plan of Exploration ere exempt froa further eir quality review. Onehore fac i l i t i e e are deecribed in Section 4; they are not new nor are they no be aodified.

CALCULATION OF PROJECTED EMISSIONS VICKSBURG

BLOCK 827 MOBILE

I . E l e c t r i c Power G e n e r e t i o n c o n s i s t i n g of f i v e C a t e r p i l l a r D399-SCAC 1325 rated horsepower, turbocharged, seaw&ter e f t e r cooled d i e s e l e n g i n e s d r i v i n g seven 750 horsepower DC genera tora and t h r e e 930 KW AC g e n e r e t o r s .

A v e r a g e F u e l uae i s 4 7 . 6 b a r r e l s (2000 g a l l o n s ) per day.

E m i s s i o n fac tors p r o v i d e d by the Engine D i v i s i o n of the C a t e r p i l l a r Tractor Company for the D399-SCAC engine a t f u l l load (1325 HP) a r e ea fo l lows:

l b . / 1 0 3 g a l . of No. 2 d i e s e l

TSP 4.5 NO x 205.6 CO 18.3 VOC (HC) 4.1 S 0 2 * 28.3

* Based on s u l f u r c o n t e n t of 0.2 percent (by weight) i n No. 2 d i a s a l f u e l .

Example C a l c u l a t i o n s

N O x f o r E l e c t r i c Power Generat ion (Source - l b . / d a y )

2 0 5 . 6 lb .NO x X 2.000 1 0 3 g a l . 411.2 l b . N O x

103gal. day day

NO x f o r E l e c t r i c Power Generation ( F e c i l i t y - T o n a / w e l l )

4 1 1 . 2 lb .N0 X X 187 day X 1 Tons - 38.44 T o n > N Q X

day w e l l 2000 l b . w e l l

I I . Emergency Power g e n e r a t i o n i a Generel Motora 250 KW w i t h a GM 12V-71 d i e s e l e n g i n e . Unit i s operated for two hours once e a c h week or 27 t imes dur ing the 187 day d r i l l i n g operat ion p a r w e l l .

E e t i m a t e d f u e l use i s 27 ga l lona per hour.

Page 2

Emission factors provided by the Detroi t Diesel Divis ion of the General Motors Corp. for the GM 12V-71 diese l engine et f u l l load (445 HP) ere es follows:

l b . / 1 0 3 gal of No. 2 d iese l

TSP 48.4 NO x 688.7 CO 434.6 VOC (HC) 29.5 so 2 * 28.3

Bese'*. on sulfur content of 0.2 percent (by weight) in No. 2 diesel fuel .

Example Calculations

NOx for Emergency Generator (Source - lb. /day) - As above

NOx for Emergency Generator ( F a c i l i t y - Tons/well)

37.19 lb. N0X X 27 day* X 1 Tons « 0.50 T o n » N O x Jay weTT 2666 I B T " well

* These ara intermittent operations result ing in l luctuat ing emissions. Emergency generator i s operated 2 hours per week or 27 times during a 187 day w e l l .

I I I . Tank vapors r e s u l t from diesel o i l storage. Total storage capacity is 2790 b b l . while dai ly consumption i s 47.6 bbl . Fef ue" ing io performed about once per week. Evaporative emission factors for No. 2 diese l fue l are obtained from EPA AP-42 Section 4.3 Storeje of Petroleum Liquids, Table 4.3-4.

Breathing Loss 0.0039 l b . / 1 0 3 gal . /day

Working Loss 0.023 l b . / 1 0 3 gal./throughout

Example Exemptions

Average Stored Volume

2790 bbl - 3.5 deys (47.6 bbl.) - 2623 bl 1 - 110.18 10 3 ga l . Jay"

Daily consumption

47.6 bbl. - 2.000 10 3 gal .

Page 3

B r « a t h i n g Loaa

0.0G3> l b . VOC X 110.18 10 3 g a l . - 0.43 l b . VOC 10) g a l . / d a y day

If o r k ing Loaa

0.023 l b . VOC X 2.00 10 3 g a l t h r u • 0.05 l b . VOC

10 3 g a l . t h r u . day day

T o t a l vapor loaa - 0.48 l b . VOC Cay

Exemption C a l c u l a t i o n s

V a l l a

E for NOx, TSP, VOC and S0 2 - [22.3) ( 3 ) • 100 T / y r .

E for CO • (3400) ( 3 ) V 3 « 7,072 T / y r .

AiHout acuaics v ia ptajcnu WISS MM

MOBILE HOC* 827

Clival ua SO; IS* aa, voc co f'f! te./io m y is./say I^jjJJ i m t t m.Jmmt 1/mM m.mmt M u l l

I. Mac trie NBV OS Sa.i 5.3 <*) 9.0 0.8 U) 411.2 3<J.4<*) 1.2 0.«<*> 114 J.4«>

I I . I i r i i i r y 101 l.S <0.1 <*> I . i <0 I <3> 17.2 O.sU) 1.4 <0.l(l> 21.1 O.jU)

V fjft-t art par at.

I I I . 1«* toper? H t . i <0 . lW 2421 taTT Merest

tel. aaa

faaaattaa I vtta 0 • 3 al.HJ

100 100 100 100 7.012

SM alaaaaal c«ic«utt«M. aa caattoMM* ait st tan for 187 days. OM totarameat a*arattaa of mac* mar warn* far 2 Nourt ar 27 tlats far • 187 t t j mail.

itttoaae u taara fraa aaj mo toi aa taa leaae.

MAIN DECK PLAN Vtntt-Eltv .-78' VICKSBURG 248 x J66 x 26 SELMLEVATING DRILLING "W

BLOCK 827. HQPILg AREA

OFFSHORE ALABAMA

SECTION 3t GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY RESULTS. AND SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT water depth on Mobile Blook 827 veriee froa 36 to 54 feet. Tha "cultural reeourcea" and "live bottomH

etipulationa ware invoked on the block.

There era magnetic anomalies on the block, e l l of vhich ara ba l laved to ba the reault of recent ehipping or boating debr is . Tha locationa ara in excese of 500 feet f roa magnetic anomaliee, and no "cultural reaourcea" impact i s anticipated.

No c r i t e r i a for hard box.toa nor "live bottom" vere obaerved.

Pursuant to Notice to Leasees and Operetors No. 8 3-3, dated September 7, 1983, and to 30 CFR 250.34 and 30 CFR 250.11, ve have examined avai lable high reeolution geophyaical data, s e i sa ic CDP and bright spot inforaa­tlon, v e l o c i t y data, and geologic deta and f ind to the beat of our knowledge thet there ara no s ign i f i cant ahallow d r i l l i n g hasarda at tha propoaed d r i l l i n g locetiona.

BLOCK 827 MOBILE

OFFSHORE ALABAMA

SECTION 4 : LOCATION

A. LOCATION MAP OF BLOCK AND SHORELINE.

Please see attached.

B. DESCRIPTION OF ONSHORE SUPPORT BASE FACILITIES.

We intend to use exist ing support f a c i l i t i e s in and around Mobile, Alabama. A l l f a c i l i t i e s are considered adequate; no acquis i t ions for f a c i l i t y expansions are contemplated.

Other than an Exxon dispatcher, i f required, i t 1s not anticipated that addit ional employees w i l l be required to man th i s f a c i l i t y . No addi t ional employments are fore­cast at t h i s t ime, and impact on housing, services, and public f a c i l i t i e s is expected tc be minimal. The number of persons on the d r i l l i n g vessel w i l l generally be between 35 and 50.

At current explorat ion a c t i v i t y l eve l s , we ant ic ipate about 30 boat t r i ps and 5 hel icopter f l i g h t s per month from these f a c i l i t i e s . The docks are approximately ten miles from open water, and once boats enter open water, they w i l l travel the most p rac t i ca l , d i r ec t route to the r i g . A l l helicopter f l i g h t s follow the most pract ical and d i rec t route to the r i g . The subject lease is approximately 33 miles south of Mobile, Alabama.

C. LOCATION MAP OF BLOCK WITH WELL LOCATIONS

See attached.

AFP UC AT ION BY EXXON COMPANY, U.S.A. A DIVISION OF EXXON CORPORATION

V/c/tv/TY MAP

• f .«f- 1 'iZlf _ • It .isc mTA-Sm?9S

L

Exxon Exxon

Tr. 115

State Lease 538

%\%\% oy * U.S.A.

Exxon

Blk. 627

O.CS.-G 5060

V 1 0 .8 4 5.-. 4 0

Open Blk.871

Trac t 116

State Lease 539

N O T E : C O O R D I N A T E S S H O W N A R t BASED ON TMS U N I V E R S A L

T R A N S V E R S E M E R C A T O R ORIO S Y S T E M . Z O N E f t .

rest i I N : «»« < t

O.CS.-G 5060 MOBILE B L K . 8 2 7 AREA

QULF OF MEXICO

Exxon Company, U.S.A. (DIVISION Of EXXON CORPORATION) PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

N E W O R L E A N S

Hff SK'tOH.™ mm\tmmtt torn NO. na NO

£4-4t9i K«I0 - C LQird

torn NO. na NO

£4-4t9i

BLOCK 827, MOBILE AREA

OFFSHORE ALABAMA

SECTION 5: QIL SPILL CONTINGENCY

Procedures f o r preventing, reporting, end cleaning up o i l s p i l l s or vests nater ia le ere included in contingency manuala developed by txxon's Southeaetern Division O f f i c e snd revis ions approved January 9, 1985, by the O i l snd Gas Supervisor; v»ulf of Mexico Ares, Minerals Management Service . A l l procedures, peraonnel t r a i n i n g , snd equipment sre deeigned to be in coaplianca v i t h OCS Order No. 7.

The p o s s i b i l i t y of s s p i l l of any nature and magnitude has been contemplated by tha Claen Gulf Aseociates (CGA). Th i s organization has a aeabership of almoat every operator in the Gulf of Mexico, including Exxon. CGA aaintaina a p i l l and containment equipment st strstegic locations along the coest, snd aa a member of the organisation, th ia equipment i a immediately available to Exxon. A l i s t of the pr inc ipal i teaa of such equipment i s included in Section I I I of the CGA "Oil S p i l l Contingency Manual.**

Raaponae t i a e in the event of an emergency on th i s specif ic leaaa:

1. Approxiaataly .22 hours by helicopter.

2. Approxiaataly three houra by CGA froa i t e bese et Theodore, Alabama, where feet response systerna are locatad.

Additional equipment i s avai lable et Venice, Louisiana, and Peneaa Ci ty , F l o r i d a .

•LOCK B27. MOBILE AREA

PrrgHQRI ALABAMA

A. BASIC MUD COMPONENTS

Bari t* (Barium Sulfata) Bantonita (Sodium Montmorillonite Clay) Lignoaulfonata (Chroma Lignoaulfonata) Lignite (Leonardita-Brovn Coal) Cauatic Soda (Sodiua Hydroxide)

B. MUD ADDITIVEr<

Soda Aah (Sodiua Carbonate) SAPP (Sodiua Acid Pyrophoaphate) Sodium Bicarbonate Liaa (Calcium Hydroxide)

C . SPECIAL PURPOSE APDITIVES

friction Rtductn; Lubra-Glide (Copolymer Beads) Torq-Trim (Vegetable Oil Base)

Loit-Clrcuiitlpr, Maturitl;

Mica

Nut Bulla

Special Fluid-Loss Control Aaenta:

CMC (Carboxymethyl Celluloee) Reainex (Sulfonated Lignite* and Basin)

Defoaming Agents; Aluainua Stearate Magconol (2-ethyl Hexanol)

D. MATERIALS SPOTTED IN HOLE BUT MOT DISCHARGED TO OCEAN

Pipe Lex fNaptha Baae) Black Magic (Oil Bass) Oilfaza (Claya, Resins, Emulsifiers, and Petty Acids)

B. B 2 t SCAVENGER

Zinc Carbonate

BLOCK 827. MOBILE AREA

OFFSHORE ALA"AMA

SECTION 7: PERMITS

A. Required State Pennits: Nona

B. Required Federal Peraitax Coaetel Zone Management Review:

The e c t i v i t i e a deecribed in de ta i l in th i s Plan of Exploration and the a c t i v i t i e e authorised by related Federal permits and l icenses comply with the Alabama Coastal Zone Management Prograa and v i l l be conducted in a aannar consistent with that prograa. The pr inc ipa l Federal Permits are l i s t ed below:

MMS Application for Permit to D r i l l :

I t i s anticipated the MMS, Form 9-331C, w i l l ba f i l e d in December, 1985, pursuant to t h i a Plsn of Exploration.

ENVIRONMENTAL g a Y O i m f l j AGENCY NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE SYSTEM (NPDES GENERAL PERMIT - TX 0085642

L a t t e r of request to be covered under general perait submitted March 11, 1982.

Coroa of Engineers. U.S . A rev

Nationwide Permit E f f e c t i v e on July 22, 1982.

In addit ion to a c t i v i t i e s authorised by the above p e r a i t s , Exxon w i l l conduct certa in supporting functions purauant to various addi­t ional Federal peraits , l i censes , snd approvals, such aa those authorized by the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Adainistration. A l l such a c t i v i t i e s coaply with the Alabama Coastal Manageaent Prograa and w i l l be conducted in a Banner consistent with that program.

BLOCK 827. MORTTE AREA

SECTION 8: P££P£22Agv_JftXA

A structural nap and two schematic cross sections with expected depth Barker formations are attached. A table describing well permit depths ia shown below. Location plats are included in Section 4.

BOBI) CCJTBldjtTB

"FOR PUBLIC INFCR4ATION"

ADDITIONAL HA!

Tha proposed s c t i v i t y w i l l be carr ied out snd completed with the guarantee of the fol lowing i teas:

1. The best a v a i l a b l e and safest technologies, aa eat forth in the Gulf of Mexico Region OCS orders, v i l l ba u t i l i s e d throughout tha project . Thia includes aeet ing a l l applicable requirements for equipment types, general project layout, sa fe ty systems, and equipment and monitoring ayeteas.

2. A l l operstiona v i l l be covered by a MMS approved o i l s p i l l contingency p l a n .

3. A l l eppllcable Federal , S tate , and l o c a l requirements regarding s i r emissions end vater qual i ty and discnerces for the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , aa v a i l as any othar permit conditions, v i l l be complied v i t h .

Due to the nsture and location of the propoaed d r i l l i n g operations to be conducted pursuant to the Plan of Explorat ion, and baaed on tha iapact sssessaanta contained in the Environmental Report, Exxon submits thst no adverse impacts on coaatal resources can reasonably ba expected to occur. Likeviee , a c t i v i t i e e conducted pursuant to t h i a Plan of Exploration are not expected to adveraely a f f ec t or impact land or vatar uses within the coasta l sone. The Federal cons latency proviaiona of the Ccaatal Zone Manageaant Act only apply to OCS a c t i v i t i e s vhich a f f ec t land or vatar uses within the coaata l sons. Tha term "affecting land or vater uses" i s not def ined by statute, regulat ion, or j u d i c i a l decree. To th* extent t h a t the statutory language i s u. c l ear , Exxon reserves the r ight to seek future c l a r i f i c a t i o n aa circumstances may require .

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION.

INITIAL PLAN or EXPLORATION Type of Plan

Mobil* A r i l , Block » 7 Area and Block

OCS-g 5Q6Q Leaae Number

The proposed activities deecribed in detail in this Plan c-aply

with " d Coaatal Zone Management Prograa and wixl

be conducted in a ma ;r.er consistent with such Program.

EXXON CORPORATION Lessee or Operator

Certifying Off ic ia l

Date

( 1 ) T I T L E PAGE

ceocAjxtes, Inc. P. O. Box 3609 J u p i t e r A a q u a a t a , F l o r i d a 33458

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT (PLAN OT EXPLORATION)

GULP OP MEXICOt OFFSHORE ALABAMA MOBILE AREA

BLOCK 827 (OCS-C 5 0 6 0 )

EXXON CORPORATION

M r . N . R. Marnack Exxon Coapany, U . S . A *

P .O . Box 4279 H o u s t o n , T a x a » 7 7 2 1 0 - 4 2 7 9 T a l a p h o n a : 713 ) 5 9 1 - 5 3 9 0

15 NOVEMBER 1985

S W M \ J M«MAciMt*rr semes

DEC 06 1985

fi z$ vi nrrvrm

"Applied Sconce and Technology"

l i

TABLE Of CONTENTS

P.»GE

(1 ) TITLE PAGE 1

L I S T OT FIGURES l V

(2 ) DESCRIPTION OP THE PROPOSED ACTION

(a) Description of Proposed Travel Nodes and Routen and Fr«KjU«ncy for Moving Supplies and Personnel to and from the Offshore A c t i v i t y S i t e and the Onshore Bases

(b) Ident i f i ca t ion of Support Bases and Number and Types of New Workers Associated with tha Proposed A c t i v i t i e s . Reference I s Also Made to the Most Current Update of the Socioeconomic Data Base Report

( c ) I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of the Number, Location, ind S ise of Any New 1 Support F a c i l i t i e s That W i l l Need To Be Provided for the Proposed A c t i v i t i e s

(d) Description of Any New Techniques or Unusual Technology That 1 May Affect C o a s t a l Waters

(e ) Maps Showing Locat ion of the Propoaed A c t i v i t i e s in Relation 1 to Each of the Affected 8tates' Coastal Zones

( f ) Por Development Operations Coordination Documents, the Means 3 Proposed to T r anc port O i l and Gas to Shore from tho Lease Area and the Routes To Be Followed and the Estimated Quantities of O i l and Gas To Be Moved along Such Routes

(3) DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS A

(a ) Physical and Environmental A

(1) Commercial Fishing A

( i i ) 'Shipping 7

( i l l ) Small C r a f t Pleasure Boating, Sport F i sh ing , and 7 Recroation

( iv) C u l t u r a l Resources 8

(v) E c o l o g i c a l l y Sensit ive Features 8

(v i ) E x i s t i n g Plpel lnos and Cables 1 1

( v i i ) Othet Mineral Uses 1 1

I l l

TABLE OT UJOTEJfl'g (CONTINUED)

PACE

( T i l l ) Ocean Dumping A c t l v l t l e a 11

( I K ) Endangered or Threatened Speciea U

(b) Socioeconomic 12

(4) UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS 13

(a) Summary of the Unavoidable Adverae Impacts 13

(b) Statement Concerning the Unavoidable Adverae Impacts 13

(5) REFERENCES l *

(S) FINDINGS 1 6

Iv

LIST Of FIGURES

FIGURE DESCRIPTION. PAGE

1 LOCATION OP NOBILK AREA BLOCK 827 RELATIVE TO THE ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, AMD MISSISSIPPI COASTAL ZONES (ADAPTED FROM: USDOI, MMS, 1984).

2

1

(2) DESCRIPTION Of THE PROPOSED ACTION

(a) Description of Proposed Travel Modes and Routes tnd Frequency for Roving 8uppllea and Peraonnel to and froe> *".he Offshore Act iv i ty Site and the Onahore Bases

Exxon Coapany, U . S . A . , a d iv i s ion of Exxon Corporation, plana to

conduct exploratory a c t i v i t i a a in Mobile Area Block 82.7. Helicopters and

boa* . w i l l move suppl ies and peraonnel to and from the offahore and

onahore locations. He l i copters w i l l make approximately 5 round tr ipa per

month and boats w i l l make approximately 30 round t r i p a per month. I f

s erv ic ing only the proposed lease area, he l icopters and boats w i l l

normally take the most d i r e c t route, weather and t r a f f i c conditions

pera l t t inq (see F igure 1 ) .

(b) Ident i f icat ion Support Bases and Number and Types of Hew Workers Associated with the Proposed A c t i v i t i e s . Reference is Also Made to the Most Current Update of tha Socioeconomic Data Base Report

Th* support baae w i l l be located in Mobile, Alabama. The base i s

capable of providing the serv ices M<weiary for tne propoaed a c t i v i t i e s -

No new f a c i l i t i e s or workers w i l l be needed for the proposed a c t i v i t i e s .

Ti.e i n i t i a l ocs Socioeconomic Data Basa Report w i l l be developed af ter

the MMS and tne States of Aiabamt., Louis iana, and Miss i s s ipp i hav«

H e n r i * l e d tha s p e c i f i c parameters to oe addressed in these semiannual

reports .

( c ) Ident i f icat ion of the Number, Location, and Sit.- of Any Saw Support F a c i l i t i e s That W i l l Need to be Provided for the Propoaed Act iv i t ies

No new 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) Description of Any New Techniques or Unusual Technology That May Affect Coastal Maters

No new techniques or unusual technology w i l l be used during the

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

( • ) Maps Showing Locat lo. of the Propoaed A c t i v i t i e s ln Relation to Each of the Af >cted S t a t e s ' Coastal Zones

Figure 1 shows the Location of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s ln re la t ion

to each of the a f f e c t e d S t a t e s ' coawtal cones. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s

w i l l take place ln waters adjacent to the State of Alabama.

F I G U R E 1. L O C A T I O N O F M O B I E AREA B L O C K 827 R E L A T I V E T O T H E ALABAMA. LOUISIANA. ANO MISSISSIPPI C O A S T A L Z O N E S (ADAPTED F R O M : U S O O L MMS. 1 S S 4 ) .

3

( f ) f o r Develop— nt Operations Coordination Docuwnti , the Means Propoaed to Tranaport Oi l and Gaa to Shore f roe the Leaae Area and the Routes To Be Pol lowed and the Estimated Quant I t lea of O i l and Gas to be Moved along Such Routes

This Plan lu exploratory. No o i l or gas w i l l be produced for sale

f rom these propoaed a c t i v i t i e s at this time.

4

(3) DESCRIPTION OF THRAFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS

( a ) Physical and Environmental

(1) Commercial F i s h i n g

Tha proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located east of some of the most

productive f i sh ing grounds ln the Gulf of Mexico. National Marine

F i s h e r i e a Service Zone 10, which includes the lease area, accounted for

approximately 1.3% of the commercial f i s h e r i e s harveat from the western

and central Gulf of Mexico (USDOI, BLM, 1981, Visual No. 5; USDOI, MMS,

1984, Visual No. 4 - 1 ) . Gulf waters account for approximat«ly 30% of the

t o t a l annual U .S . f i s h e r i e s harvest (USDC, 1982).

The Gulf f i s h e r y in dominated by the s h e l l f i s h f i s h e r i e s . Shrimps,

c r a b s , and oysters (with smaller amounts of clams and sca l lops) are the

most valuable f i s h e r i e s and are usually worth three or four times more

than the greater volume of f i n f i s h catch (USDOI, BLM, 1979). The USDC

(1982) l i s t s the annual commercial f i s h e r i e s landings s t a t i s t i c s for the

northern Gulf coast area onshore from the leaae area.

Ths shrimp f i s h e r y in the Gulf of Mexico includes the brown (Penaeus

aztecus) , white (P. set I f erus ) , and pink (P. duorarum) shrimps. These

species ara taken almost exclusively by trawls ln depths ranging from

approximately 2 to 73 » (6 to 240 f t ) . These shrimps are

estuarine-dependent s p e c i e ) which spawn ln the open ocean, go through a

s e r i e s o" larva l phases ln the rlankton, migratu during the p o s t - l a r v a l

,>has( to the es tuarine nursery areas, and thin return tc the open Gulf &s

adu l t s . The USDOI, BLM (1977, Visua. No 5) indicates the seasonal

var ia t ion lit the hab'.ta oi each of these spec ies . The leaae area i s

located within the major spawning ground and migration route for the

brow., jhrlmp in tho northern Gulf (USDOI, MMS, 1984, Viuual No. 4 -1 ) .

Planktonic eggs and l a r v a l stages of a l l commercially important shrimp

species nay occur p e r i o d i c a l l y ' the lease area.

Tha blue crab (Call lnecte*. tapldus) makes up 98% of the crab harveat

l n the Gulf c Mexico ( R i l e y , 1970-. I t s l i f e cycle i s s imi lar to the

shrimps' in that i t has planktonic, estuarine , and open ocean phases.

Adults spend most of t h e i r l i ve s in the es tuar ies ; thus, the blue crab

harves: Is taken p r i m a r i l y inshore of the lease area. Gravid females

5

migrate to tha opan Gulf to release thair eggs during spring and summer.

Consequently, gravid females and planktonic larvae may occur seasonally

in the lease area*

The proposea ac t iv i t i e s are located within commercially lmoortant

f in f i sh fishing grounds (USDOI, MMS, 1984, Visual No. 4-1). Three

spec iea of menhaden known from the Gulf make up the major f inf ish tonnage

taken. These are Brevaortia patronua, B. gunterl, and B_. smith! •

Bravoortia patronus comprises most of the Gulf catch. Purse seining is

the major capture method used in this fishery (Lindall et a l . , 1972).

Red snapper (Lutjanus cempechanus) and various species of grouper

( i . e . , the red grouper Eplnephelus morlo and gag Nycteroperca mlcrolepls)

compose the commercial hook-and-line fishery of the northern Gulf of

Mexico. These fishes may ba taken over Irregular bottom areas in depths

of 2 to 305 a (5 to 1,000 f t ) (Terlco Corporation, 1976).

The striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) is generally found in nearshore

areas such aa harbors, estuaries, bays, and along benches. I t is a

schooling fish and is generally taken with seines and trawls.

Tha Atlantic croaker (Mlcropogonlas undulatus) is an abundant fish

in estuarine waters. Perret et a l . (1971) reported croaker to be the

most abundant juvenile commercial fish taken in sstuariea. Croaker is

harvested and marketed both as a food fiah and as an industrial bottom

f i sh (Lindall et a l . , 1972).

The Florida poevpano (Trachlnotus carollnus) is primarily an inshore

f ish that is taken mostly in the surf or at passes. It is seasonally

abundant (January to April) in shrimping areas.

Tha Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorua maculatus) migrates seasonally

along the Gulf coast. I t is generally taken ln nearshore areaa.

The red drum (Sciaenopa ocellatu*) is taken predominantly ln

nearshore habitats, as are the sheepshead (Archoaargus probatocephalus),

flounders, and the black drum (Pogonias cromls).

Seatrouts, including the spotted (Cynoscion nebulosus), the si lver

(C. nothus), and tha sand (C. arenarlua), are important to the bottom

f i sh fisheries in the northern Gulf (Lindall et a l . , 1972). They are

usually tAken in offshore areas with bottom trawla.

6

rerEco Corporation (1976) describes some addit ional f i s h species of

that northern Gulf which are important to commercial and/or sport

fishermen and their predominant method of capture, moat of the northern

G u l f f ishes are temperate, with some incurs ions from Caribbean fauna.

They exhibit seasonal d i s t r i b u t i o n and abundance f luctuations re" .ted to

oceanographlc conditions (USDOI. MMS, 1984, p . 63 ) . Many of the coastal

spec ie s (e .g . , the c r o a k e r , Hicropogonlas undulatua) are

estuarlne-dapendent, because estuaries or c o a s t a l marshea are a c r i t i c a l

h a b i t a t during some phase of their l i f e c y c l e s . Rogers (1977) postulated

a net inshore-offshore movement for many demersal shelf f i s h spec ies .

Thus , i t i s probable that many of these species may occur in the lease

a r e a at some phase of t h e i r l i f e cyc les .

Eggs and larvae (Ichthyoplankton) of various commercially important

f i a h species are probably a l so present ln tha lease area on occasion.

S ix ty -n ine fiah species have been ident i f i ed from zooplankton samples

taken along the north a m Gulf coast. Dominant taxa were the fami l ies

Sparidae , Lutjanidae, T r i g l i d a e , Serranldae, and Synodontidae.

Stenotomua caprlnua, Prlstipomoldes aqu l lonar i s , Prlono'.us para la tus ,

Serranus atrobranchue, and Synod us foetens were the most Important

spec ie s (Chittenden and Moore, 1976). Since the majority of

ichthyoplanktars are at the mercy of water movements, the ir d i s tr ibut ions

vary considerably with space and t i a e . The primary factors inf luencing

ichthyoplankton in the northern Gulf are the Loop Current, the

Mis s i s s ipp i River, and l o c a l runoff. Due to "patchlness" ln

d i s t r ibut ions , presence and abundance of ichthyoplankton at any given

instance cannot be p r e d i c t e d .

The propoaed a c t i v i t i e s probably w i l l temporarily degrade the water

q u a l i t y in the immediate v i c i n i t y of the d r l l l s i t e due to discharges of

d r i l l i n g f luids and c u t t i n g s . This may cause cer ta in f i s h species to

avo id the area. Commercial f ishing may be af fected temporarily. The

s i t u a t i o n should r e v e r t to normal as soon as d r i l l i n g i s completed.

Cumulative ef fecta of Increas ing o i l and gas a c t i v i t i e s off the northern

G u l f coast on annual catches are as yet unknown. However, there are no

data to indicate that o i l and gas a c t l v l t l e a are responsible for any

dec l ine ln annual catches (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p. 181).

7

Any o i l s p i l l that would impact the seaf loor could conceivably k i l l

benthic organ lams auch aa ahrlapa or cause a variety of sublethal

e f f e c t s . The potent ia l long-term ef fecta of a s p i l l on the benthos are

unclear because reau l ta of hydrocarbon analyaea are inconclusive (USDOI,

BLM, 1979, p. 160).

An o i l a p i l l would temporarily degrade water qual i ty and introduce

toxins into the water. Ichthyoplankton, i f present, may be k i l l e d or

functional ly impaired. However, most adult f i shes encountering a a p i l l

and associated toxic water would probably exhibit avoidance behavior.

T h i s effect would be temporary and f i shes should return to the arc* a f ter

d i spersa l of the s p i l l . No s ign i f i cant or pers is tent d irect e f f e c t s from

an o i l s p i l l on f i s h populations would be expected. Recruitment from

surrounding areaa ahould 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.

( i i ) Shipping

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s are located approximately 0.8 km

(0.4 nmi) north and 5 km (2.6 nmi) east of a fairway (USDOI, MMS, 1984,

V i s u a l No. 11). The propoaed a c t i v i t i e s are rated as having maxiv 1

potential impact on shipping aa they are l ess than 5 km (2.6 nmi) ' m a

fairway (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p. 145). The offshore structure w i l l be

equipped with a l l sa fe ty equipment required by the U.S . Coaat Guard and

the MMS to a lert sh ips of i t s presence ln a l l weather conditions.

( i l l ) Small C r a f t Pleasure Boating, Sport Flahing, and Recreation

Ditton and Graefe (1978) determined that o i l and gts s tructures

are the moat popular of fshore recreation dest ination .ureas, a t t rac t ing

87% of ths boats that f l s h e offshore ln the ir stud- area . Certa in

pleasure boats ( i . e . , s a i l b o a t s , pleasure yachts, and/or open ocean

racing power boats) may be s l i gh t ly inconvenienced by having to maneuver

around the oLfshore s t r u c t u r e and i t s support vesse l s . This

inconvenience ia considered extremely minor as offshore structures can be

avoided and ample maneuvering room i~ a v a i l a b l e .

Any sports f i s h i n g which might occur ln the lease area could be

temporarily af fected by degradation of water qual i ty during d r i l l i n g .

Such a change ln water q u a l i t y could cauae some desirable species to

fl

avoid tha immediate leaae area. However, any such effects are expected

to be temporary anc loca l i s e d and should not affect any fishery potential

ln the area as a whole. Populations should return to normal once

d r i l l i n g is completed.

(iv) Cultural Resources

Coastal "j.vironments, Inc. (1*77) haa identified two typos of

cultu r a l resources which m-y ' • in the northern Guif of Mexico

area: (1) h i s t o r i c c u l t u r a l or shipwrecks and (2) prehiatoric

cultural resources or traces i previously undescribed human

c i v i l i s a t i o n s (USDOI, MMM, 198J, pp. 228-24C). Approximately 82% of the

known shipwrecks are located within 10 km (5 nmi) of shore, with only i

smaM percentage occurring on the OCS (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p. 91). Known

submarine archeological s i t e s are extremely rare, with none being

identified to <*«te in Federal offshore ..easing areas (USDOI, BLM, 1979,

p. 91).

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s axe located inside the Historic and

Prehistoric C u l t u r a l Resources High Probability Lines (USDOI, MMS, 1984,

Visual No. 11) and therofo. are ln a large offsho e area where h i s t o r i c

and prehistoric resources are considered l i k e l y to be found. An

archeological survey waa performed in the Federal portion (southern half)

of Mobile Area Block 827 and the r e s u l t s are summarized below.

Five magnetic anomalies were detected in the Federal portion of

Block 827, ranging from 6 to 16 gammas in strength. These magnetic

anomalies probably represent burled modern debris from fishing and/or

shipping a c t i v i t i e s . No side-scan sonar targets suggestive of c u l t u r a l

resource featurea ware seen within the block. s area has been

subaerged for approxlr ely 8,0^0 years. This i s wirhin the range of

human occupation along tho Gulf coast, although iu predates known

prehistoric s i t e s ln the Mobile area. The suotottom p r o f i l e r data gives

no indication of l i k e l y locations for drowned prehistoric s i t e s wltuin

the lease area (CoaMp Geoeurveys Inc., 198.:).

(v) E c o l o g i c a l l y Sensitive taaturcs

Several areaa of environmental concern ara located onshore of

the lease area. The Alabama Coastal Zone Management Prograa has been

9

developed by the State to regulate the s i g n i f i c a n t land and watar

a c t i v i t i e s between the outer l i e i t of the coaatal waters and land up to

the Intracoaatal Waterway and/ jr the 10-ft contour. Land uait which are

regulated are thoae that hav .• a d irect and s i gn i f i c an t impact on the

coaatal area requir ing a State permit, and those wnich are required by

Federal law to be consistent with the management program 'USDC and ACAB,

1979). The program provides for the protection of beaches, dunes,

wetlanda, subaerged grass beds, barr i er ls lande, oyater ree f s , c u l t u r a l

resources, watar q u a l i t y , a i r qual i ty , b io log ica l resources, and w i l d l i f e

habitat . Unique ecolo-fical features include zoological , botanical , and

geological formations c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of coas ta l processes (Burk and

Associates, I n c . , 1975: USDC and ACAB, 1979). B io log ica l ly sens i t ive

areas of the north-centra l Gulf area Include estuarine and coasta l

ecosystems comprised of sa l t marshes, oyster beds, grans beds, barr i er

beaches, and dunea (Coaatal Environments, I n c . , I960). These coastal

ecosystems contain nursery areas for manv species of economic importance

as well as habi tat , rookeries, major overwintering r i t e s , and nesting

areas for many endangered and threatened apecles, such aa the southern

bald eagle, brown pe l i can , golden eagle, oapvey, red cockaded woodpecker,

American perjgrine fa lcon , and various marine t u r t l e s (USDC and ACAB,

1979; USDOI, BLM, 19">9, Visual No. 3; Coastal Environments, I n c . , 1980).

Alabama has designated two typea of "Special Management Areas":

( i ) geographic areaa of par t i e s 1 ar concern (GAPC) and ( i i ) areas for

preaervation and reatoratlon (AP«»» (USDC and ACAB, 1979, pp. 77-84).

Current Alabama "Special Management Areaa" are Hated below:

Geographic Arear. of Areaa for Protection Part icular Concern and Restoration

Port of Mobile Point aux Pins Wetland System

Mobile-Tensaw Rivei Delta National Audubon Society w i l d l i f e Sanctuary (Dauphin Is land)

Mobile Area Block 827 i s located approximately 13 km (7 nmi)

eaat-aoutheast of the National Audubon Society W i l d l i f e Sanctuary,

approxiaataly 37 km (20 nmi) east-southeast of the Point aux Pins Wetland

System, approximately 47 km (25 nmi) east-southeast of the Port of

Mobile, and approximately 48 km !?6 nmi) aouth of the Mobile-Tensaw River

10

D e l t a . None of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s ln Block 827 should have any

e f f e c t upon these "Special Management Areas."

Conspicuous areas of environmental concern for Alabama are depicted

by t h a USDOI, BLM (1979, V i s u a l Nos. 1 and 4) and the USDC and ACAB

(1979, Figure Nos. I V 2 - I V 4 ) .

The coastal cone area i s also of recreat ional importance to

r e s i d e n t s and t o u r i s t s . Most recreational a c t i v i t i e s focus on the area 's

watar resources which include beachea, boating areas , and f i sh ing areas .

O f f s h o r e t e r r e s t r i a l areas ( i . e . , barr ier i s lands) of p a r t i c u l a r

e c o l o g i c a l s ignif icance to Alabama are Bon Secur National W i l d l i f e

Refuge, Dauphin Is land Sanctuary, and Gulf I s l a n d National Seashore.

Submerged areaa of c r i t i c a l concern ara the oyster grounds in the

southeas t and southwest poi ion of Mobile Bay, and the a r t i f i c i a l f i s h i n g

r a a f a which ara located of f Mobile Bay (USDOI, MMS, 1984, Visua l Nos. 4-1

and 1 1 ) . The proposed a c t i v i t i e s should have no e f fec t on offshore

t e r r e s t r i a l areas of eco log ica l s igni f icance , a r t i f i c i a l f i s h i n g ree f s ,

p r o t e c t e d areas of b i o l o g i c a l s igni f icance , remnant coastal banks, or

o y s t e r grounds.

A live-bottom a n a l y s i s based on geophysical data was required for

the proposed a c t i v i t i e s in Blo^k 827. Data was obtained from the Federal

p o r t i o n cf Block 827 south of the State boundary, and extended beyond the

block l i m i t s for an approximate distance of 1,800 a (5,906 f t ) in a l l

d i r e c t i o n s . Bathymetric data depicted a generally smooth, gently

undula t ing seafloor with no surface i r r e g u l a r i t i e s which might be

I n d i c a t i v e of rock outcrops. Side-scan sonar revealed a variablo sand,

j i l t , and aud seafloor with no evidence of rock exposures. There i s r.o

ev idence available in the geophysical data that Block 827 contains

l ive -bot tom areas (Comap Gensurveys I n c . , 1982).

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 poss ib i l i ty of a s p i l l does e x i s t . O i l fouling in any coasta l

a r e a could direc* ..y or i n d i r e c t l y a f fect a var ie ty of species , including

threatened or endangered species or species lay ortant to commercial and

s p o r t " i sher ies . D irec t e f f e c t s on biota would include foul ing

( p a r t i c u l a r l y b i r d s ) , suf focat ion (par t i cu lar ly f i shes and t u r t l e s ) , and

t o x i c i t y froa contact or f r o a the Ingestion of o i l or contaminated food.

11

Any of these effects could be l e tha l , cause weakening, or cause a greater

s u s c e p t i b i l i t y to predet ion. S ign i f i cant ecological or economic impacts

cou ld a lso result from the foul ing of oyster beds and habitats . Indirec t

e f f e c t s would include the destruction of c r i t i c a l habitats , e spec ia l ly

breeding and nursery a r e a s . Any e f fec t s on endangered or threatened

s p e c i e s would be s i g n i f i c a n t .

O i l fouling of the c o a s t a l area could also have adverse

socioeconoaic e f f e c t s . Tourism i s an important part of Gulf coast

economies. Removal of beach or other coasta l areas from recreat ional use

by o i l fouling would s i g n i f i c a n t l y decreaae tourism in the affected area

and cause loss of income and a variety of r ipple ef fects In loca l

economies.

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

p l a n approved by the MMS. I f a s p i l l did occur during operations, i t i s

u n l i k e l y that i t would a f f e c t any nearshore or onshore areas or

re sources .

( v i ) Exist ing P i p e l i n e s and Cables

There are no e x i s t i n g pioel ines or cables in the leaae area

(USDOI, MMS, 1985).

( v i i ) Other Mineral Uses

Other than p o t e n t i a l o i l and gaj reserves, there are no Known

minera l resources in the lease area,

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

The propoaed a c t i v i t i e s are not located in an area designated

f o r ocean Jumping a c t i v i t i e s .

( i x ) Endangered or Threatened Species

The USDOI, BLM (1979, p. 45) considers possible impacta of

l ease a c t i v i t i e s on endangered species ln t h i s area of the Gulf to be

temporary, local ized, and chance occurrences. I t has judged the

p o t e n t i a l impacts on endangered species to be remote p o s s i b i l i t i e s

without aajor potent ia l for d irect e f fec t s on any aingle species . In

a d d i t i o n , i t has been determined that lease a c t i v i t i e s w i l l not reault in

the destruction or modif icat ion of designated c r i t i c a l habitats or

p o t e n t i a l c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t s . Onshore f a c i l i t i e s are located in a

12

previously developed area and pose no new or addi t ional threat co

endangered or threatened spec ies .

Approximately s i x endangered species of cetaceans occur ln the Guif

of Mexico. They are the blue whale (Balaenoptera mu a cu ius ) , f i n whale

(Balaer.optera physalua) , humpback whale (Hegaptera novaeangllae), r ight

whale (Eubalaena g l a c l a l l s ) , .ei whaJ' (8a ia> , - .T*»:« borea l ia ) , and sperm

whale (Pnyaeter catodon). General ly, most of these larcrir cetaceans

occur ln continental s h e l f , slope, or deep oceanic waters (USDOI, BLM,

1981). The status and migration patterns f these species in the Gulf of

Mexico are unknown (Lehman, 1982).

Several endangered or threatened species of sea t u r t l e s , including

the Kemp's ridley (Lepldochelys kempli), hawksbi l l (Iratmochelys

imbircata) , leatherback (Dermochelya c o r l a c e a ) , loggerhead (Caretta

c a r e t t a ) , and green (Chelonia mydas), may occas ional ly v i s i t the lease

a r e a .

The primary danger to aarine turt les would be possible c o l l i s i o n s

wi th boats. Adult t u r t l e a , especia l ly loggerheads, seem to be a t tracted

to offshore structures for feeding and res t ing (USDOI, BLM, 1979, p. 165)

increas ing the p r o b a b i l i t y of c o l l i s i o n s . Mo c r i t i c a l habitat for any of

these species i s known to ex i s t ln the lease area (USDOI, BLM, 1979,

pp. 73-74).

(b) Socioeconomic

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

a f t e r the NHS and the S ta tes of Alabama, L o u i s i a n a , and Miss i s s ippi have

i d e n t i f i e d the s p e c 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 .

13

( 4 ) UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

( a ) Summary of the Unavoidable Adverse Impacts

Offshore s tructures w i l l result ln minimal navigational Interference

to shipa using e s tab l i shed fairways. However, during times of reduced

v i s i b i l i t y , vessels have the greatest potent ia l to deviate from

establ i shed fairways and impact offshore s t ruc tures (USDOI, BLM, 1979,

p . 230). Discl.arge of d r i l l i n g auda and cut t ings and a i r emissions

dur ing d r i l l i n g operat ions w i l l adveraely a f f e c t marine organisms, watar

and a i r quality, and commercial f i shing aa described by the USDOI, BLM

(1979, pp. 229-231). These iapacts are temporary, however, and w i l l be

l i m i t e d to an extremely small area. They are j u s t i f i e d by the national

i n t e r e s t in discovering and developing badly needed reserves of o i l and

gaa . During the exploratory operationa, a l l discharges w i l l comply with

a l l applicable MMS and SPA requirements. No s i g n i f i c a n t adverse iapacts

a r a expected. The proposed a c t i v i t i e s covered by t h i s Plan should noc

r e s u l t ln unavoidable i a p a c t s on wetlands, c u l t u r a l resources,

recrea t iona l a c t i v i t i e s , shoreline aes thet ics , or other land uses.

(b) 8tateaent Concerning the Unavoidable Adverse Iapacts

None of the environmental consequences expected during normal

operat ions should produce s i gn i f i c an t or cumulative adverse environmental

a f f e c t s . Tha e f fec t s of a possible o i l s p i l l should have no overa l l

cumulative or long-term e f f e c t on the environment, except in the possible

event of contamination of endangered mar in.' spec ie s . A s p i l l would be

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

MMS. Thus, i t i s u n l i k e l y that a s p i l l would occur during operations and

a f f e c t any nearshore or onshore areas or resources . The proposed

ac ' - . lv i t l e s should have no s i g n i f i c a n t impact on endangered species or

c r i t i c a l habitat. The information presented in t h i s Environmental Report

i n d i c a t e s no clear or present reaaon not to proceed with the proposed

a c t i v i t i e s . Withdrawal of the Plan would r e s u l t in the loss of potent ia l

hydrocarbon production from t h i s area.

14

(5) pjyjfjggM

Burk and Associates , I n c . 1975. Louis iana Coastal Resources Inventory. Vol. I , Geographic areaa of p a r t i c u l a r concern. New Orleans, LA.

Chittenden, N. B . , J r . , and D. Moore. 1976. Composition of t ichthyofauna inhabit ing the 110-tn bathymetric contour of tne Gulf of Mexico, M i s s i s s i p p i River to the Rio Grande. Oepartment of Marine Resources Information Center for Marine Research, Texas AIM University. 15 pp.

Coastal Environments, I n c . 1977. C u l t u r a l resources evaluation of the northern Gulf of Mexico. National Park Service , Washington, D . C .

Coaatal Environments, I n c . 1980. CPA-2, Offshore Mississippi-Alabama-Florida, b i o l o g i c a l l y sensit ive areas . Baton Rouge, LA.

Com.,-. Geosurveys, I n c . 1982. Shallow Basard A Environmental Survey, Mobile Block 827. A report for Exxon Company, U.S.A.

Danenberger, E . P. 1976. O i l s p i l l s , 1971-1975. Gulf cf Mexico outer continental s h e l f . USGS C l r c . Mo. 741.

Dit ton, R. B. and A. R. Graefe. 1978. Recreat ional Fishery Use of A r t i f i c i a l Reefs on the Texas Coast. Department of Recreat ional Parks, Texaa ASM Univers i ty . 155 pp.

Lehman, J . 1982 (personal c -muni cat i o n 1 U .S . Department of the Inter ior , Minerals Management Servioe Gulf of Mexico CCS O f f i c e , Metaire. LA.

L i n d a l l , W. N. , J r . , J . R. H a l l , J . E . S /kea, and E . L . Arnold, J r . 1972. Louisiana Coasta l Zone: Analyses of Resources and Resource Development Needs in Connection with Estuarine Ecology. Sections 10 and 13, Fishery Resources and the ir Needs. A report for the U . S . Aray Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, LA. Contribution Ko. 14-17-^02-410. 323 pp.

P e r r e t , W. S . , B. B. B a r r e t t , W. R. Latapie , J . F . P i l l a r d , W. R. Mock, C. B. Adkins, W. J . Geldry, and C. J . White. 1971. Cooperative Gulf of Mexico Eatuarine Inventory and Study. Louiaiana. Phase I , Area description and Phase IV, Biology. Lout liana W i l d l i f e and Fisheries Commission.

R i l e y , F . 1970. F i s h e r i e s of the United S ta tes , 1969. U .S . Department the Inter ior , Bureau of Coaaerclal F i s h e r i e s . C . F . 8 . No. 5300. S7 pp.

Rogers, R. M., J r . 1977. Trophic in terre la t ionsh ips of selected f i s h e s on the continental she l f of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Ph.D. dissertat ion, Texas ASM Univers i ty . 229 pp.

15

TerEco Corporation. 1976. Ecological Aapacta of tha Uppar Continental Slope of tha Gulf of Mexico. A report for tha U.S . Department of the Inter ior , Bureau of Land Management Gulf of Mexico OCS o f f i c e . New Orleans, LA. Contract No. 08550-CT4-12.

U . S . Department of Coearerce. 1982. Current Plsheriea S t a t i s t i c s No. 8200. F i s h e r i e s of the United S'.atea, 1981. U.S . Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

U . S . Department of Ccamaerce and Alabama Coasta l Area Board. 1979. The Alabama Coastal Area Management Program and Pinal Environmental Impact Sta -merit. 264 pp.

U . S . Department of the I n t e r i o r , Bureau of Land Management. 1977. P ina l Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed 1977 Outer Continental Sht If O i l and Gas Lease Sale 47, Gulf of Mexico.

U . S . Department of the I n t e r i o r , Bureau of Land Managaaant. 1979. P inal Environmental Impact L'tatement. Proposed 1979 Outer Continental Shalf O i l and Gas Least- Sale 58A, Western and Central Gulf of Mexico. 181 pp.

U . S . Department of the I n t e r i o r , Bureau of Land Management. 1981. P inal Environmental Impact S atement. Propoaed 1981 Outer Continental Shalf Oi l and Gas Leaae Sales 67 and 69, Gulf of Mexico. 300 pp.

U . S . Department of the I n t e r i o r , Minerals Manageaent Service . 1983. Pinal Regional environmental Impact Statement. Gulf of Mexico. 1,004 pp.

U . S . Department of the I n t e r i o r , Minerals Management Service . 1984. Pinal Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed O i l and Gas Lease Sales 81 and 84. Gulf of Mexico. 474 pp.

U . S . Department of the I n t e r i o r , Minerals Management Serv ice . 198S. Gulf of Mfixxco OCS Of f i ce , Metair ie , LA.

16

(6) FINDINGS

1) Exxon's Plan of Explorat ion (Section-7) for OCS-G 5060 addresses a l l

of the permits, l i c e n s e s , and clearances needed to conduct the

a c t i v i t i e s descr ibed in the E l a n .

2) To the best of our knowledge, a l l of the da^a necessary for Coasta l

Zone Management Review ia contained in t h i s Environmental Report and

the accompanying P l a n .

3) The proposed d r i l l i n g a c t i v i t i e s are located outside of the

Alabama Coastal Zone, and are rot expected JO af fect any "Special

Management Areas".

4 ) Mo s ignif icant detrimental impact i s L ike ly to occur to water or Land

uses in the c o a s t a l zones aa a resul t of a c t i v i t i e s proposed ln the

Plan of Explorat ion .

5 ) Each of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , the ir associated f a c i l i t i e s , and

their effecta are consistent with the provisions of the Alabama

Coastal Z -9 Management Program.