In Reply Rfefer To: KP-2-J

ODECO Oil and Gas Cowpar.y Attent ion: Hr. i . S. fircda Post Of f ice rox 61760 New 0r1»:ns, Louisiana '0161

uHntlrtntn:

Reference is jaadr- -o your I n i t i a l Han of Exploration and F.nv1r;u_rM_;i_al fi_u»>rt received June 26, fur Lease OCS-C 6S75, riock 161, Viosca Kr 1. Area. Thi- plan includas tha ac t i v i t ies proposed 'or itells A and P.

In Accoroance v i th 30 CFR 250.34, revised Becefflber i i , 1979, cur le t te r dated January 29» i973, t i l ls plan nai !*wfrri d*»u»mined tti be c piste as ot' July 10, 1985, ami i* now being conis.1dflr.td for approval.

Your plan control nuflber l> r4-2193 end should b*' referenced in your cotapynica­tion and correspondence concern ino -*>'s plan.

Ifnccrc-lji yours,

(Orig. Sgd.) A. Donald Giroir n . t. Solanas

'»»i$i}rv i *cir Rules and proline t ion

t>cc: Least OCS-G 6870 (OPS-3-2) (FILL ROOM) ( OPS-_M w/Public Info. Copy ot" thr plan and F.R (PUBLIC RECORDS ROOM)

D0"-c'

MJToibert:e>cw:7/9/85 Disk 3a

\

TELEX: 58-4124 PHONE: 504-561-2811

O D E C O O I L & G A S C O M P A N Y

OOECO BUILDING • 1600 CANAL STREET MAIL TO: P O BOX 6 1 780. NEW ORLEANS. LA 70161

June 24, 1985

****** '.MrfAGfWfjfr SE»V|;£

U. S. Department of Interior Minerals Management Service Area Office for Operations Support P. 0. Box 7944 MIES ANO P«0_UCTIJN

JS85

Metairie, LA 70011

Attention: Mr. D. W. Solanas

Re: Plan o f Explor at ion OCS G 6876

Viosca K n o l l Block 161

Gentlemen:

Enclosed he rewi th are t h i r t e e n sets o f Plan of Environmental Report f o r the above reference.- .ureas. We r e s p e c t f u l l y request tha t a speedy review be made t o determine whether the plan i s complete. Should a d d i t i o n a l data be requi red , please advi -e us immediately.

Every e f f o r t you extend i n order to e f f e c t an ea r l y approva l o f t h i s plan w i l l be g r e a t l y apprecia ted.

ESB/cba

Enclosures

CC: Minera l s Management Service New Or leans , D i s t r i c t With Enclosure 1

Yours very t r u l y .

E. S. Breda O i l & Gas S' Supervisor

INDEX

PAGE

X. General j

XX* Locetlon, Proposed T.D. , and Tentative Commencement and Completion Dates for Me 11 l

111. F a c i l i t y 1

XV. Oil Spill contingency Plan i t

V. Fuel Consumption - Dril l ing Operetions 2

V I . Safety Standards a. Programs 3

V I I . Baae of Operations 3

V I I I . Type D r i l l Mud Uaed and Chemical Components 3

XX. Archeological ft Shallow Hazards Survey 4

X. Gaseous Emission Data 4 fc

X I . Attachments K

/ /

orrcr on & cxf COKTA . PLAN OT EXT LOCATION

VIOSCA KNOLL ftLOCK 161

X. General Plan

Xn accordance with 30 CFR 250.34. revised December 13, 1979 thia Plan of Explorstion i s being submitted. Our plans ere to d r i l l two exploratory ve i l s on this lease. Ihese wells ere designated as OCS C 6876 locations A, end ft. numerical designation wi l l be assigned at a later date. Should the proposed wells have no commercial production, they wi l l be plugged and abandoned with casings removed 15' belov mud line.

XX. Tentative starting and completion dates, surface end bottom hole locations, total depths and objectives of proposed wella t

OCS C 6876 Location A Estimated Commencement date: March 2, 1988, Complete Ma'--' *' l 4 i 8 S

Surfece Location: 6700'FWL and 2800' FNL ©f Block 1 6 1 , Viosca Knoll ftottom Hole Location: Straight Hole Total Depth; 25,000'

Objective: Norphlet ^ A t - See geological program

CCS C 6876 Location ft Estimated Commencement date: May 2, 1988, complete J u l V 2» 1 9 8 8

Surfece Location: 2850* m and 8000' FNL of Block 1*1, Viosca Knoll ftottom Hole Location: Straight Hole Total Depth: 25,000*

Objective: Norphlet M I * , - S t e geological program

111. F a c i l i t y A. D r i l l Barge - ODECO's •Ocean Star-

See attachment for rig specifications, pollution control snd diverter system.

ft. Ho additional f e c i l i t i e s w i l l be edded offshore or onshore es s result of these exploration act iv i t i es .

XV. Oil S p i l l Contingency Plar.

Odeco O i l a Oas Company f u l f i l l s i ts o i l s p i l l contingency plan by being a member of Clear. Culf Associates, P. o. ftc* 51239, New Orleans, Louisisns 70151, ar. egency which handles clean up operations in the event of en o i l s p i l l . Fast Response Service can be obtained by calling Halliburton Services in Harvey, Louiaiana (504) 355-1735.

A. Estimated deployment time of the equipment to th i s exes l s 9 hours.

Page t

Oil S p i l l Contingency Plan (Cont'd.)

h. De> . iption of clean ut equipmenti

1. Fast Response System Model X consists of <

s . Primary and suxil l iary skid vith ISO bbl. tank on each skid

b. One "Don Milson" skimmer

c . One basket and one lot of Rennet o i l boom section.

d. Tire extinguisher akid

2. Fast Response Syster Model XI consists oft

s . Sectior. of floating o i l boor.

b. Skimmer

c . Outrigger

d. Pump

3. High volume open sea skimmer and aystsm (HOSS Barge).

4. Shallow vater skimmer system.

5. Auxil l iary shallov vater skimmer and booms.

fc. Helicopter spray systee (HUSS Units).

7. Waterfowl rehabilitation units and bird scarers.

6. Miscellaneous Material.

9. Medio Systems

Fuel consumption - Drilling Operations

D r i l l i n g r ig uses an average of 50 bbls. of diesel fuel per dey during dr i l l ing operetions. Each eupply best uses epproximately 25 bbls. (42 gal . /bbl . ) of diesel per day. Two boats service dr i l l ing rig ds i ly .

BOATS RIG

Approx. Rig Days Bbls./Day Consumption

Total Fuel Consumption

120 a 50

6000 bbls.

120 X SO

6000 bbls.

•••• , s.-t-J

i

• Page 3

VI. Safety Standards and Programs - Drill ing Oparationa

ODLCO believe* thi sa!et> of I U er^ loyeet it d i rer t l ) proportional to each employee'e s k i l l and knowledge of the work to be per formed. To Improve these s k i l l s and increase this knowledge, a "Rig Crew Training Program* has beer. Instituted. This program provides the necessary on-the-job training to enable esch employee to make a planned progression from roustabout to d r i l l e r . I t consists of on-site video csssette programs, Internationa! Association Dr i l l ing Contractors approved "Home Study Courses." Minerals Management Service required Crane Operating Slow Out Prevention Training and United States Coast Guard'a Seamen's Training. M l employees Bust pess required testing in each of these courses. A payincentive i s included to encourage employee participation. In addition, this prog rar i s supported by generally accepted methods of rig inspection d r i l l s and safety meetings which are i n ­compliance with U.S.C.G. and K.K.S. standard: which, we believe, wi l l ultimate! enhance the safe work performance of our employees.

V I I . Base of Operat ons

A. Marine service to service dri l l ing operations i s provided from Dulac, LA.

S. A ir Service (helicopter) i s provided from Houms, Louiaiana.

V I I I . Type D r i l l Mud Used and Chemical Components

A. Bariod

B. Chemicel Components

Aktaflo-S

Aluminum Stearate

Aquagel

bariod

Bicarbonate of Soda

Carbonox

Caustic Soda

CC-16

Cellex.

Destrid

HXE

Imp enc ex

Micatex

Q-Broxin

Sapr

Sodiur Ash

Soltex

Superdril l Tr> r f - T r i n

Mixed oxyethylated phenols

(CHjtCHj^COO) 3AL

Sodium montmorillonite

Banur Sulfate

Na MC03

Lignitic Humic Acid Powder

Sodium Hydrocide

Caustited Carbonox

Sodiur Carboxymethylcellulose

Dextrinised Polysaccharide Powder

Selective, nonionic surfactent-Chemco product

Starch

Calcium Hydroxide

Mica Flakes

Ferrochrome Lignosuifonate

Sodiur Acid Pyrophosphate

Sodiuir Chromate

Hydrocarbon Powder

Gilstone

I

E M M

Pegs «

XX. Shallow Harard* Survey

. * h * " r d l • u r v " y «•* conducted in the entire block in May 4 June by intersea Res e ar ch. Two « * , n , t l c ^ a - l m are p r e M n l x n t h e l > l o c k § o f

these locations ere ln cloee proximity to eny shallow haterd.

X. Ceseous Emission Data

A. Bsussior.

1. Pug,: Ocean Star „ 4 l l ^ u , e d . Estimated rig days for dr i l l ing these wells wi l l be!2- days. Emission calculated for 120 days -stated ir. (lbs./day) tons/1^ days. See attachments for emi SS ior surcar> t j n c and b a m fc: calr-latior cf furxary.

a. CO IM*.04) 32.94 b. Hydrocarbon ( l ie . 19) 7.00 C H0x (34p?.44) 209.31 d. SOj (284.00J 17.04 e. Particules (3"*.99) 2.28

2 . copters 1 Estimated round trips hours per round trip • in (lbs./day) tons per attached for emiasions

a. Ct (.20) .01 r . Hydrocerbor. (.04) .OC c. RC (.*6j .05 d. •*>; (S.68) .14 e. Particulet (.09) .C l

hours operating time. Stated lys, averaged to 120 days. See

3. Boats (crew)= Eight> sin (sei trips in 120days at 1? hours per round trif -103: hours. (Supply) Fifty twc (5,2) tr ips i r l.Cdays at 27 hours round trip • 1404 hours. 1032 • 1404

• 2439 operating hours. Stated in (lbs./days) tons per 120 days, averaged to 120 days. See attached for emission per hour of use.

a . CO (4f .S«) t . Hydrocarbon (17.11) 1.03 c. H: m (214.9:) 12.9 d. S0 2 (14.37) .fl» e. Particules (1S.74) .94

4. Supply Base - io ton crane. Estimated i r 12 days • 31C hours. Stated ln (lbs./day) tor. 120 days. Averaged to 120 days. See attached for emission per hour.

e. CO (12.98) . 7 * b. Hydrocarbon (1.21! .07 c. N: (31.67)1." c. ! ( l . c : . . *. »art»culei (1.7., . l r

X. Caseous Emission Dots

Exertions: Distance fro* shore 75 .t . tut. 1 1 . . .

1. Hydrocarbons, MO,, .o , , Partic-la. 33.3 . 7 5 . 2 4 9 7 . 5 0

tons/365 day. for aach. or 2497.50 « 4 - .990.00 tons/,65 day..

2. CO (3400 a 75)2/3 or 3700 tons/365 days.

*2. Attachments

A. Vicinity Map

E. ^ological Program with atructure map. and Shallow Drilling Hasard. at.tament with Missic ^ for s.ch wall.

t>. Mission 6u.rn.ry with ba. i . of calculation, for d r i l l barge.

t. Emission hourly rat. for boats, helicopter, and crane.

VICINITY PLAT »000 tOOO 9 T

SCALE

PROPOSED MINERAL DEVELOPMENT

VIOSCA KNOLL (NH 16-7) GULF OF MEXICO

OATE: ODECO OIL 8 GAS COMPANY

OOECO OIL & GAS COMPANY FEBRUARY 22, 1985

GEOLOGICAL PROGRAM AND WELL RECOMMENDATION OCS-G 6876 WELL NO. A VIOSCA KNOLL BLOCK 161

LOCATION: 2800' FNL & 6700' FWL

SP 290 Line 81-AF-29

WATER DEPTH: 114'

TOTAL DEPTH: 25.000'

WELL CLASSIFICATION: Explora t ion Wildcat

LOGGING SERVICES:

1. ) ISF-Sonic-GR-SP:

Surface casing to t o t a l deoth

2. ) FDC-CNL:

Surface casing to t o t a l depth

3. ) S idewal l Cores:

I n a l l zones of i n t e r e s t indicated by w i r e l i n e logs

4. ) HRD:

Surface casing t o t o t a l depth

5. ) Mud Logging:

Surface casing to t o t a l depth

6. ) V e l o c i t y Survey:

Surface casing to t o t a l depth

WELL OBJECTIVES: This w e l l i s designed to evaluate Norphlet sands in a salt cored a n t i c l i n e . Norphlet

sands are productive at Mary Ann F ie ld i n Mobile Bay.

PAI.EONTOLOGICAL MARKERS:

M-l + 4.000' Het. T 9,000' Too Cretaceous Til,000* Too Smackover T22.000'

Abnormal oressur? and salt are not expected to be encountered in this well.

Geological Program and Well Recommendation OCS-G 6876 Wel l No. A Viosca Kno l l Block 161 February 22. 1985 Page Two

Submitted by: J l j . y_ (pA&tri,^^ »oney /

Senior Geologist

Approved b^: S^-JU^ . en

Explorat ion Geology

•ved bu: I . J L W. V. A l l . J P ± ( / V Manager E:

APPROVALS

MV*PHY OIL USA, INC.

By:

%te:

TEXOMA PRODUCTION COMPANY

Bv:

Date:

SANTA FE ENERGY COMPANY

Bv:

Date:

ODECO OIL I GAS COMPANY

VIOSCA KNOP.L AREA" BLOCK 161

O C S - G - 3 8 7 6 WELL * k LOCATION PLAT

i t TIRMETAT.l. • < • * " " |CQNTQU« IHT tW VAL

° * U "3 /8 f f I 0 4C00-

O D E C O O I L & G A b C O M P A N Y O D E C O B U I L D I N G . 'eo - CANAI STRJ FT

P * BOX 61 780 NE A ORLE ANS LA 7D-61

TflBX 56-4-24 PHONE 604.561-2611

March 6, 1985

Mr. Jack Sandridge D i s t r i c t Supervisor Minerals Han absent Service 115 Circ le Way Lake Jackson, Texas -,7566

Dear S i r . ~ '

there appears to LVno E ^ S ' S ^

v.. e : A S : ' — a t e d o n ^e attached plat, the seismic lines reviewed

CW-7. CW-20. 81-AF-27. 81-AF-29 and DI-598

Respectfully submitted,

RRS/chs

Attachment

It* J*?.* R. R. Gregory Staff Geophysicist

ODC U) OIL & GAS COMPANY FEBRUARY 22, 1985

GEOLOGICAL iROGRAM AND WELL RECOMMENDATION OCS-G 6876 WILL NO. B VIOSCA KNOLL BLOCK 161

LOCATION: 8000* NL & 7850' FEL

SP 80Una cw-7

WATER DEPTH: 114'

TOTAL DEPTH: 25,00"

WELL CLASSIFICATION Explora*-ion Wildcat

LOGGING SERVICES:

). ) JSF-Sonic- JR J:T:

Surface casing to Lotal depth

2. ) FDC-CNL:

Surface casing to total depth

3. ' Sidevall Cores :

In a l l zones of interest Indicated ly wireline logs

U.) HRD:

Surface CP i n , : t ' t a l depth

5 . ) Mud Logff •JT£ :

Surface casing to. totpl depth

6.; Velocity Survey :

Surface casing to total depth WEL! OBJECTIVES: This well is designed fo evvuate Norphlet

sands in a salt cored ancle* Norphlet sands are productive a: Mary Ann Field in Mobile Bay

PALEONTOLOGICAL MARKERS:

M-l + .'•,000' Het. T S.000' Top Cretaceous *11,000' Top Smackover 722,000'

Abnormal pressur* *nd sal t are not expected to be en juntere-d in this wel l

Senior Geologist 7 Approved by:

Manager Explora t ion Geology

i p?RpyALs

MURPHY OIL USA, INC.

By:

D a t e :

TEXOhA PRODUCTION COMPANY

By: •

Date : _

SANTA FE -:£RGY COMPANY

By:

Date:

ODECO OIL A QAS COMPANV

VIOSCA KNOLL AREA BL I C K 161

O C S - G - 6 8 7 6 WELL * B LOCATION PLAT

INTERPRETATION BT " } 'tO? f OUR INTERVAL

I - _ 4000'

TELEX 58-4124 *HONE 504.561-2811

ODECO O I L ft G A S COMPANY ODECO BUILDING • 1600 CANAL STREET

MAILTO PO BOX 61 780 NEW ORLEANS LA 7Q161

March 6, 1985

Mr. Jack Sandridge District Supervisor Hinerals Management Service 115 Circle Way Lake Jackson, Texas 77566

RE: Shallow Hazard Report on Odeco Oil & Gas Company's Proposed Locations in Viosca Knoll Block 161 OCS-G 6876

Dear Sir:

thm f S ? ? ? h ? 8 i c a l i ? a t f i n the vicinity o f t h e u r o p 0 s e d i o C a t i o n 0 f the following wells in the above referenced block has been reviewed and thrre appears to be no evidence of shallow dr i l l ing hazards-

Odeco 012 & Gas Company "A" OCS-G 6876 Odeco Oil & Gas Company

"B" OCS-G 6876

were: As indicated on the attached plat, the seismic lines reviewed

CW-?. CW-20, 81-AF-27, 81-AF-29 and DI-598

Respectfully submitted,

R. R. Greg* Staff Geophysicist

RRG/ rt

Attachment

OCEAN STAR BETHLEHEM MAT SUPPORTED JACK-UP

B A R G E D A T A

MAT ZIO" Lcng i |70" Wide i 10' Deep *'tf i 2" scouting skirt. Slot m Mat is

85' Long i 9C Wide

PLATFORM Contins all living and woumg aieas 163' Long « 86' Wide i 20' Deep.

Slot m Piattoim is 50 * 5C

COLUMNS .3 Cyimdncai Columns - 10' Dimeter i 234' Long

HORIZONTAL SKIDDING- 5 *< l r tf'.t'i

QUARTERS Fo? 49 -en

HELIPORT 3630 sq. tt.

i

agjgsga gM£jaJ

CLEARANCES & DIMENSIONS

DIMENSIONS OPERATING DEPTH

6 0 C I I _ MBHTU* Muii'cane Seas:'1

Mm^u1"

1 '' 5: IH | .. • m at i<"3 i5C

L^OWOUT PREVENTER A C \ /ATION

Tbe Blowout Preventers on the drilling rig i r t

HYDRAULIC A L L Y activated from controls located on the rig floor, and the living quarters.

DIVERTER SYSTEM OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE

The Diverter System as shown in Attachment j i s installed so that the

HCR valve (s) will open automatically when the hydrii is closed. The

diverting valves will remain open and be used to divert wellbore fluids down­

wind when necessary.

Prior to drilling the hydrii shall be closed and seawater pumped through the

system. The diverting valves shall be function tested at this time.

lathe event it is necessary to use the diverter system for well control, the

following sequence is recommended:

A) Clear Kelly from hydrii.

B) Close hydrii

C) Use diverting valves to direct well fluids downwind

D) Pump mud in hole as fast as possible. Pump seawater

If mud is expended

y ^ S WECO UNION ( T Y "

2 0 - 2 0 0 0 PSI W.P. H Y D R I L

6"0VB'D. STB'D.

y S " HOSE (TYP)

SPOOL

NMI ^ H C R VALVE

(TYP)

OCEAN STAT?

DIVERTER SYSTEM

CDECC INTi R-C» F'CE CC ^ = E SPC SD E SCE

R. S. C l e v e r L O C N. O.

FRCM w . J . Wi lk inson LOC N. O.

5 . F . - C T z \Vis:e D i s p e l l f.-c-rr D / B O C £ # l C

The D / B G £ £ / ) Q ^ r A l d . ^ £ s construc.ee wi th c c r ; i i r , feciures wr. ch were incorporated spec i f ica l ly to stop any pollutant l i ke ly to be found d u r i n g rorrr .a l d r i l l i ng operations. I t is equipped wi th c r i p pans ar.d/or c r i a n s ur.rer f loor and other machinery to r e t a in a l l o i l sp i l l s .

P r o v i s i o n s have been mace for the co l lec t ion , storage, and later t r ans fe r to shore base of a l l used o i l f r o m machinery on the d r i l l i n g p l a t f o r m .

>.«.. .a. t . i ».i. c r. ft* c>•«cew .v , ; a . .£ . c7 .-c a r t o n s , cans, etc. , which cannot be ir .cire .-c'^c tc a ere Vi.se,

Copies of OCS Order Nos. 1 through 10 which are applicable to the con t r ac t d r i l l i n g operations rave beer, f j r r . i s h e d the toolpushers. Rig s u p e r v i s o r y personnel have been sVown ".he seriousness of control of po l lu t an t s .

Should i t come to your attention that any l iqu ids or solids have escaped in to the Gulf without our knowledge, I s incere ly ask that you bring this to mv attention.

-ML AH SI AH"

SOURCt STACK HO. SOttCE HT. ( f t .

F.N. 180 8 - 1 / 8 . 10 Cyl 37 F.N. 380 8 - 1 / 8 . 10 c y l 37 F.N. 380 8 - 1 / 8 . 10 c y l 37 L t * 8 c I t (GN 6-711 54 l i n k t t l t (GN 4-71) 54

Cold S U r t (10- I I 37 Welder (GN 2-71) 40 Schlo-berger 60 H a l l i b u r t o n |GN 353) 38 H a l l i b u r t o n (GN 8«7I ) 38

H a l l i b u r t o n (GN BV/I I 28

EMISSIONS SUMMARY

STACK

l.b 1.5 1.5 .42 .33

.13

.25

.13

.25

.5

.5

to HYDROCARBON •tf," ' HHICUUIK 1-Pi.

32.92 7.09 209.1/ 2.28 I/.U3

32.92 7.09 209.17 2.28 17.03 32.92 7 „9 209.17 2.28 1/03 0.52 0.11 3.30 0.C4 0.27 0.15 • t J 0.03 0.95 0.01 0.08

0.01 Meg 0.06 tte? Neq

0.04 0.01 *< 0.25 Mtg U.02 0.06 0.01 0.38 Ne, 0 U3 0.08 0.02 0.51 MM U.04 0.29 0.06 1.84 0.02 0.15

0.29 0.06 1.84 0.02 0.15

Tota l 100.20 21.57 636.64 6.93 51.83

P o l l u t a n t from dio^r.- engines on d r i l l i n g r i g s wore c a l c u l a t e d

using the f o l l o w i n g :

TON? = .0096563 X C X P X (BHP) YR

where

- .0096563 = c o n v e r s i o n f»cm G r e m s / h r . t o T o T s / y r . - c = Cr. i r . is /BHP-Hr o f p o l l u t a n t - see (1) - P = A v e r a g e % use r ' - see (2) » - BHP = Ra t e d HP o"

(1) A v a i l a b l e dota from manufacturers «_,£ d i e s e l engines and t h e o r e t i c a l combus t ion d a t a was s u r v e y e d , and t h e f o l l o w i n g v a l u e s c h o s e n :

P u l l u t a n t . Grams/BHP-HR

N0X 18.3 S 0 2 1.49

Hydrocarbon 0 .62 CO 2 .88

P a r t i c u l a t e 0 . 2 0

(2) Ow ^ i o n o f equipment d a t a f r o m s e v e r a l r i g s was r e v i e w e d t o <. . - - . ' l i n % useage. Based on t h i s r e v i e w , t h e f o l l o w i n g da ta was u t i l i z e d i n p r e p a r i n g e m i s s i o n s e s t i m a t e s . T h i s d a t a i s p r o b a b l y c o n s e r v a t i v e , because i t was assumed :"nat e i j i n e s we re o p e r a t i n g a t a l l t i m e s a t r a t e d h o r s e p o w e r :

Engine Applscation _ Average Ye?

Main Engine 74

Emerg. Engine 0. Primary Crane 7 Back Up Crane 3 Fork L i f t 3 Cement Unit 3 Logging Unit 1 Welding Unit 2 Desander/Des i I t e r 10 Cold Start A i r Comp. 2 Rig A i r Comp. 10 Ma i n Mud Pump 50 Mud Mix Unit 10 Draw works 60 Bulk Air Co;np. 3

Basis For Calculations of Caseous emissions of Boats - Helicopters and Crane at Supply Base for Rig Related Operations

I . Boats: Equiped v two V 12 marine engines and two generators. bs/Hour

CO Hydrocarbon No S 0 2 Particules 6 8 2 -5 31.5 2.1 2.3

I I . Hel icopter : For transportation of men. Size 206 Lbs/Hour

CO Hydrocarbon N o x SO, Particules • 5 - 1 2.2 1A.2 .2

I I I . Supply Base - Crane - with GM 6-71 diesel engine with 228 BHP dr i v i n g a 30 ton crane

Lbs/Hour CO Hydrocarbon Nov cn« t» • i 3.77 .35 9.18 f f t Particules

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT FOR

PLAN OF EXPLORATION

VIOSCA KNOLL AREA Block 161

Lease OCS-G 687'.

Prepared For mm n j r.

ODECO Oil 4 Gas Company

Prepared By

C H . Fenstermaker & Associates P.O. Box 52106

U f a y e t t e , Louisiana 70505

WELL NOS. A & B

May 3 1 , 1985

Company Contact

Mr. E. S. iSreda ODECO O i l 4 Gas Company

P.O. Box 617PO New Orleans, LA 70161

504/561-2300

TABLE UF CONTENTS

Section Page Number

1.0 DESCRlPTIOt, OF PROPOSED ACTION I

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS . 5

3.0 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS 13

4.0 STATEMENTS OF GUARANTEE 15

5.0 CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION 16

6.0 REFERENCES 19

i I

a m i

LIST OF TABLES

Table Numb-

Wildl i fe Refuges aad Preserves.

Page

9

LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure Number

Location Map of block 161, Vioaca Knoll Area

Proposed Surface Locations of Wells A & B Located In Block 161, Viosca Knoll Area . .

Page

3

111

SKCTION 1.0 DESCRIPTI N OP PROPOSED ACTION

A. TRANSPORTATION MOD*.:,

Proposed exploration ac t iv i t ies for crude o i l and/or natural gas ln Viosca Knoll Area, Block 161, w i l l Involve tht d r i l l i n g of two (2) wells froa 0DEr 's "Ocean Star", a uat-supported, jack-up tg, In water depths ranging from U S ' to 120'. Operations at these wells w i l l be serviced by marine veiae*. z from Dulac, IA, and by helicopters from Houoa, LA. A description of the type and sequence of ac t iv i t i e s to be conducted, the d r i l l i n g vebflnl, and travel modes, routes and frequencies l s provided In the Plan of Exploration (POE)

B. SUPPORT PASES AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

A discussion of the onshore support bases to be used fo r the proposed a c t i v i t y i s found ln the POE.

Personnel required ln the exploralion phase are outlined below:

1. Onahore Employment. The Dulac and Houma areas are established centers for d r i l l i n g and producing operations, both onshore and of fshore . Accordingly, i t ls expected that personnel required for routine onshore ac t iv i t i es w i l l be readily avai lable . The proposed expLoratlon ac t iv i ty l s not expected to create any requirements f o r new or additional workers ln the Dulac-Houma area.

2. Offshore Employment. Approximately 54 to 68 offshore service personnel w i l l be needed to d r i l l the two proposed wells In Viosca Knol l Block 161. This Includes 14 to 18 people fo r transportation crews which w i l l be contracted Locally, and 40 to 50 individuals furnished by ODECO for d r i l l i n g crews. The l a t t e r w i l l consist of posit ions such as toolpushers, d r i l l e r s , derrlckmen, motorman, floormen, crane operators, roustabouts, e lec t r ic ians , welders, and galleymen.

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A Socloecono.nl.. »*»*.. Base Report addressing ODECO's OCS acclvlcles wil l be •ubel ted when che Minerala Management Service's (MMS) requirements are

C. NEW l-L'PORT FACILITIES

As desuribei ear l ier , existing onshore faci l i t ies ac Dulac-Houma wi l l prov Me euch, l f noc a l l , of Che necessary supplies Co conduce che proposed acclvlcy. Further, other service industries have been established throughout coa Lai Louisiana in past years which can provide addldonal services, l f nec»ssiry. Therefore, no new land acquisition or construction of nev support faci l i t ies ls expected ln Louisiana or Alabama as a resulc of Che propoaed acclvlcy ln Viosca Knoll Block 161*

D. NEW OR UNUSU." TECHNOLOGY

There are no n > or unusual operating procedures which w i l l be used during che proposed exploratory drilling activity whlsh may affect coastal wstersa

E. MAPS

Figure 1 depicts the location of Viosca Knoll Area, Block 161, in relation to the Louisiana and Alabama coaatal zon«s. Figure 2 shows the surface locations from which che proposed wells t.111 be drilled in Block 161.

F. I'EANS, ROUTES, QUANTITIES, AND DESTINATION OF PRODUCTION

This discussion ls not applicable since the proposed acclvlcy i s • Plan of Exploraclon. /*

FIGURE I Location Map of Viosca Knoll Area, showing Block 161, Gulf of Mexico, Offshore, La.

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VI 0334.560.00

160

204

3J0g_ 3000

OCS-G 6976 ODECO OIL & GAS COMPANY

BLOCK 161 VIOSCA KNOLL AREA OFFSHORE, LOUISIANA

r-l 0,818,720.00

205

FIGURE 2

Proposed Surface Locations of Wells A & B locn'ed in Block 161, Viosca Knoll Area Onshore, Louisiana.

SECTION 2.0 OESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS

A. PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

1. Commercial Fishing. Vloaca Knoll Block 161 ls located In the National Marine Fisheries Service Grid Zone 11, which extends from Mobile Bay on the east tn the Blloxl-Gulfport region on the west then south to the outer l i m i t s of the Contlnenal Shelf. This zone l s one of the least productive fishery regions In the Gulf of Mexico o f f the coast of LA, when compared to zone grids 13-17. In considering the zone as a whole, Industr ial f ishes, croaker, menhaden, snapper and grouper comprise nearly 75X of the volume of a l l the f isher ies , with shrimp composing the remaining 25 X . Viosca Knoll Block 161 Is found In the area described as the high to moderate brown shrimp product ivi ty area, and pr inc ipa l Indus t r i a l bottomflsh harvest area. Major open oyster harvest areas near the proposed a c t i v i t y l i e approximately 50 statute miles to the west In the marshes of Plaquemines Parish, LA, and 30 s ta tute miles to the north In Mobile Bay, AL (BLM 1979, pp. 11-66 and 67, Visual No. 5; BLM 1981, p. 109; MMS 1983a, Visual No. 4; MMS 1983b, Visual No. 4-1) .

No kelp harvesting or mariculture occurs ln or near Viosca Knoll Block 161.

No s ign i f i can t long-term Impact on the area's commercial fisheries should result from the proposed a c t i v i t y . Short-term effects w i l l Include temporary losses of sea bottom and degraded water quality w i t h i n and around the Immediate v i c i n i t y of the r i g , primarily because of Increased t u r b i d i t i e s during d r i l l i n g a c t i v i t i e s (Monaghan et a l . , 1976). Increased turb id i t ies and suspended solids concentrations w i l l occur on a temporary basis as the result of i n s t a l l a t i o n and removal of the d r i l l i n g r i g and upon I t s departure. Additionally, discharges of d r i l l i n g muds and cuttings during exploration ac t i v i t i e s w i l l create a t u r b i d i t y plume and cause Increases In suspended sol ids . Studies have shown that background seawater suspended solids concentrations occur within approximately 1,000m of the discharge point (Monaghan et a l . , 1976; Ayers, 1980). Field Investigations In offshore areas l n Texas have shown that d r i l l i n g f l u i d discharges may result In Increases of trace metals ln bottom sediments, with concentrations decreasing w i t h Increased distances from the point of discharge (BLM, 1978b; pp. 105, 114). In a review of available l i t e ra tu re , Ayers (1980) and Neff (1980) concluded that discharges of d r i l l i n g f lu ids have no measurable long- or short-term effects on marine l i f e and minimal effects on water q u a l i t y .

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Discharges ot domestic and sanitary wastewater wlLL be treated In accordance with DCS Urder No. 7 and EPA NPDES effluent limitations guidelines, which w i l l resuLc In a negligible effect on water q u a l i t y .

S t a t i s t i c s available for the northern Gulf of Mexico indicate that for the period of 1964-1981 a t o t a l of 1UU blowouts had occurred, with only 9 blowouts resulting tn losses of o i l and/or condensates. Further, most blowouts producing spllLages were associated with production activities and not with exploration as proposed herein. Data available for 1967-1980 showed that d r i l l i n g operations accounted for Less than bX of known o i l spillage Into the Gulf. Gther records for 1964-1981 revealed that ln the event spllLages shouLd occur they wllL be Less than 50 barrels In quantity 99X of the time and less than one barrel 89/. of the time (BLM, 1981; pp. 266-270). No significant Impact is expected on commercial nekton because of 1) the low probability cf accidental spillages, 2) the mitigative measures that w i l l be taken to contain and cleanup any i oleases of oil/condensates as described In the POE, and 3) the a b i l i t y of these organisms to avoid areas of disturbance.

Due to the distance of the proposed ac t i v i t y from the oyster grounds (about 50 statute miles from LA and 30 statute miles from AL), and estuaries associated with the Louisiana coast (about 35 miles) and the Alabama coast (about 25 miles) and the lack of pipeline construction to onshore areas; no Impacts are anticipated on the oyster beds or to the nursery areas found ln the estuarine region north and west of Viosca KnoLL Block 161.

In addition, any commercial trawlers u t i l i z i n g the area ln Block Ib l w i l l have to avoid the area around the r i g to prevent fouling t h e i r nets in d r i l l i n g equipment.

2. Shipping. As Shown on Figure 2, The extreme NE corner of Viosca Knoll Block lbl ls located within the boundaries of a shipping fairway; however, both well locations are well outside the fairway. Therefore, no Impacts to or from shipping should occur athough, vessels w i l l have to avoid the area of the d r i l l i n g r i g (BLM 1978a, Visual No. I ; MMS 1983a & b, Visual No. 11).

3. Small Craft Pleasure Boating, Sport Fishing, Recreation. I t has been estimated that about 100,000 recreational boats u t i l i z e the offshore waters of the central and w istern Gulf. Nearly a l l of these boaters are thought to be recreational fishermen. In studies of recreatlonaL fishing, l t was found that the annual catch has averaged approximately 70 kg (kilograms) per fisherman. Most of the f i s h i n g activity tccurs In nearshore waters or in inland bays and sounds; however, party and charter boats do venture out farther In the Gulf. Party boats w i l l often anchor near an a r t l t l c l a l reef,

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while charter boats w t l l usually spend more time t r o l l i n g . Grunts, croakers, sea trout , drums, snappers, etc. , comprise the majority of the volume of fishes caught ln the OCS waters (BLM l r p '87; BLM 1978a, pp. 11-57 to 11-59). in the wetlands and »• ig he Louisiana and Alabama coasts north and west of Blo*-- 5, f i sh ing for species such as spotted seatrout, red .< ,d croaker; and crabbing and shrimping are common rf«: .-A pastimes. Waterfowl hunting Is popular In the c-: .--J S, and more passive forms of recreation are enjoyed by om.' iu . form of acclvlcles such as swimming, power boating, sa i l ing can- ing and blrdwatchlng. As shown on Visual No. 4 by JLM (1979. .. .«d MMS (1983a) and on Visual No. 4 - U by MMS (1983b), developed or proposed state and federal park areas In the general area of Block 161 and the shore bases Include the Edward Douglas White State ''ark I n Lafourche Parish, LA; the Jean Laf i t te Park and the Grand Isle State Park In Jefferson Parish, LA; the Isle Dernleres State Park I n Terrebonne Parish, LA; Shephard SP l n Jackson County, MS; and the Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, AL.

As discussed under the section for commercial f i sher ies above, no long-term detrimental Impacts should occur on recreational f i sher ies In offshore, nearshore, estuar'ne or onshore areas. Some short-term effects (e .g . , Increased f i d i t les and suspended so l ids ) w i l l take place In and aroui *lg during ins t a l l a t ion , d r i l l i n g , and removal, but these ha\ en shown to be s i g n i f i c a n t . No prolonged lrpacts o >rt f i sher ies should occur In the event of a well blowout «. ental spillages of oil/condensates due to the fact that bU and s ign i f i can t spillages do not generally occur during ex. .atory d r i l l i n g operations, the mitigative features associated with the rapid Implementation of the Oi l Spi l ls Contingency Plan, the species a b i l i t y to avoid areas of disturbance, and the distance of Block 161 from the coast. No detrimental Impacts are envisioned on recreational f a c i l i t i e s or opportunities, Including the park areas cescrlbed above.

4. Cul tura l Resources. The results of the multi-sensor engineering survey revealed two, unident i f ied magnetic anomalies; one, un ident i f ied sonar target; some paleochannelIng and paleotroughing; and possible levee deposits In Block 161. iowever, none of the features occur near the proposed well locations, and the cul tural resources report Indicated that there was no evidence of h is tor ic resources and a low potential for the existence of prehistoric c u l t u r a l ent i t ies . Addi t ional ly , no adverse Impacts are envisioned on cu l tu ra l resources within Louisiana or Alabama due to the distance of Block 161 from these enti t les and present development I n the Dulac-Houma area (MMS i983b, Visual No. 11).

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features. A general description and Impact evaluation of ecologically sensitive features ls provided on the fo l lowing pages under pertinent headings.

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(a) W i l d l i f e Refuges and Preserves. State and Federal w i l d l i f e refuges and preserves found along the Louisiana and Alabama coasts, which are within a 50-mile radius of Viosca Knoll Block, lb I and the Dulac-Hou«aa area, are shown in Table 1. No Impacts to these sensitive areas should occur from the proposed a c t i v i t y .

Marine and Estuarine Sanctuaries. Based or. Information shown cn Visual No. 7 (BLM 1979) and Visual No. LU (MMS 1983a & b), uhe nearest protected area of biological significance to "iosca Knoll Block Ibl la Sackett Bank i n Block 146, West Oelta South Addition. This reef Is fourd about 110 miles SW >f Llock I b l , and wl ' -»t be impacted by the proposed a c t i v i t y . Although i—c s.nown on this map as protected areas, the estuaries found west and north of Bloc*" '61 are considered sensitive and important ecosystems. As s • . -d e a r l i e r , no Impact Is expected on >ese significant are^s.

(c) Areas of Particular State Concern. The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program Fin.. Environmental Impact Statement (Office of Coastal Zone Managt nt and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, 1980), and ln particular Chapter V: Section C; and the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program and Final Environmental Impact Statement (Office of Coastal Zone Management and Alabama Coastal Arei Board 1979), and ln particular Chapter 4: Section IV: Special Management Areas; was consulted to determine the areas of concern. Ln general, these areas include the Marsh Island Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve, Louisiana Cf hore Oil Port, barrier islands, areas of high erosion, wetlt areas suitable for enhancement by freshwater diversion. Lake Pontchartrain Basin, the Port of New Orleans, special areas of rapid delta growth, and special corridor areas In Louisiana. In Alabama the areas consist of Port of Mobile, Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Point atx Pins wetlands system, and the National Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary at Dauphin Island. Due to tl.e nature of the project ( I . e . , exploration vs. production), the distance of Viosca Knoll Block 161 and the o- .'.ore bases of operation In Dulac and Houma, LA from many of these area., existing developme.it ln the vi c i n i t y of the onshore bases, and the lack of need for any f a c i l i t y expansion, no adverse Impacts should occur on these areas of particular state concern.

(d) Breeding and Spawning Grounds, Migration Routes. The proposed a c t i v i t y should not appreciably disrupt breeding habitats, spawning grounds or migration routes of nektonlc rrganlsms due to their a b i l i t y to avoid areas of disturbance. Less mobile species w i l l not be affected unless they occur In the region of disturbance such as areas with Increased t u r b i d i t i e s .

Table I

WILDLIFE REFUGES AND PRESERVES

Name Ownership

Approximate Distance

From Dulac-Houma

LA*

Appioxlmate Distance

From Viosca K n o l l Area

Block 161*

Attakapas W i l d l i f e Management Area State

S3 miles 45 miles

NW-NW 185 miles W

Polnte au Chien W i l d l i f e Management Area State

20 miles 20 miles

NE-SE 125 miles WSW

Wlsner W i l d l i f e Management Area State

40 miles 45 miles

ESE-SE 120 miles SW

Salvador W i l d l i f e Management Area State

45 miles 30 miles

NE-NE 120 miles W

Breton N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e Refuge Federal

110 miles 115 miles

NE-ENE 35 miles W

Gulf I s lands Na t iona l Seashore & Wilderness Area Federal

150 miles 145 miles

NE-NE 25 b i l e s N

M i s s i s s i p p i S a n d h i l l Cranes Nat ional W i l d l i f e Refuge Federal

145 miles 140 miles

NE-N t 45 miles NW

Bon Secour Na t iona l W i l d l i f e Refuge Federal

190 miles 185 miles

h i -NE- 40 miles NE

*Statute miles.

Source: BLM (1979, Visual No. 5), MMS (1983, Visual No. 4), MMS (1983b, Visual No. 4 - I I ) .

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(e) <e t lands . Marshes are found throughout the coas ta l reg ion of L o u i s i a n a . Westerly ot Viosca KnoLL Block I b l and I n the Dulac-Houraa area these wetlands are genera l ly charac te r ized by b rack i sh and sa l ine marshes adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico w i t h a g r ada t i on to f resher types as one moves In land (Chabreck and Llnscombe 1978). Along the coast of Alabama, s a l i n e marshes occur on the western side of Mobile Bay near the mouth and near Fort Morgan on the peninsula . The remaining wetlands are t y p i f i e d by submerged grassbeds, cypress - tupe lo swamp and f o r e s t e d wetland communities (MMS 1983a & b . Visua l No. 6 ) . No de t r imenta l e f f e c t s t o these wetlands are expected from the proposed a c t i v i t y due to the d i s t a n c e o f Block 161 from the coasts of Louisiana and Alabama, t o the fac t that e x p l o r a t i o n w i l l be conducted Ins tead o f product ion, as the r e s u l t of u t i l i z a t i o n o f e x i s t i n g shorebase f a c i l i t i e s , and m i t i g a t i v e f ea tu res a s soc ia t ed w i t h rapid Implementation of the O i l S p i l l s Contingency Plan.

( f ) Oyster Reefs . Descript ions of the l o c a t i o n of major oyster reefs and an t i c ipa t ed impacts were discussed p r e v i o u s l y I n s e c t i o n 2 . 0 . A . ( 1 ) Commercial F i s h i n g . As mentioned, no Impacts are expected, e s p e c i a l l y since no p i p e l i n e s I n t o the Lou i s i ana co s t a l zone w l l L be constructed w i t h the proposed a c t i v i t y .

6. E x i s t i n g P i p e l i n e s and Cables. Based or. tne r e su l t s of the h i g h - r e s o l u t i o n engineering survey ar.d a check w i t h the MMS, no p ipe l ines or cables occur i n the lease area. Re la t ive t o other hazards such as areas wi th poss ib le unstable sediments, paleochannels , paleotroughs, none are Located near the proposed locat ions which may cause problems.

7. Other M i n e r a l Uses. No o i l or gas I s presently being produced from Viosca KnoLL Block I b l , nor are o ther mineral resources such as s u l f u r known t o occur. The proposed a c t i v i t y w i l l not a f f e c t any minerals e x t r a c t i o n i n nearby leases .

8. Ocean Dumping A c t i v i t i e s . EPA approved ocean dumping s i t e s are located at 27 degrees 12 minutes North t o 27 degrees 28 minutes North and 94 degrees 28 minutes West to 94 degrees 44 minutes West, and 28 degrees 00 minutes North t o 28 degrees 10 minutes North and 89 degrees 15 minutes West to 89 degrees 30 minutes West. A d d i t i o n a l l y , an approved s i t e f o r disposal of p r i m a r i l y organoehlorIne wastes ls found at the f o l l o w i n g l o c a t i o n : 27 degrees 06 minutes 12 seconds N o r t h , 93 degrees 24 minutes 15 seconds West; 26 degrees 32 minutes 24 seconds Nor th , 93 degrees 15

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minutes 3U seconds West; 26 degrees 19 minutes UU N o r t h , 93 degrees 56 minutes UU seconds West; and 26 degrees 52 minutes 40 seconds N o r t h , 94 degrees U4 minutes 40 seconds West (BLM, 1979; p . 11-46 and V i s u a l No. 5 ) . A l l of these areas are s i t u a t e d south of the ou t e r l i m i t s of the Cont inen ta l Shelf and w i l l not a f f e c t the e x p l o r a t o r y operations at Viosca Kno l l Block 161, and v i ce versa.

The Corps of Engineers mainta ins s i t e s In the Gulf f o r d i sposa l of dredged mater ia l s from n a v i g a t i o n channels along the Louisiana and Alabama coas ts . The&o d i sposa l areas are located In the v i c i n i t y o f the channels and w i l l not be Impacted by the proposed a c t i v i t y , nor w t l l they i n any way a f f e c t the p ro j ec t (BLM 1979, pp. 11-46, 4 7 ) .

Endangered or Threatened Species. Endangered or threatened species t h a t a r e presumed or known t o occur l n the area which might be a f f e c t e d by the proposed a c t i v i t y Include some species o f aquat ic mammals and r e p t i l e s . T e r r e s t r i a l or seml-aquatlc species are not d iscussed here in because no onshore or nearshore Impacts are expected t o resu l t from the exp lo ra to ry operat ions I n Viosca Kno l l Block 161 . No f a c i l i t y expansion l s requi red , and a l l t r a n s p o r t a t i o n w i l l o r i g i n a t e f rom the Dulac-Houma area and u t i l i z e e x i s t i n g nav iga t ion channels or the airways. A d d i t i o n a l l y , no p i p e l i n e s w i l l be constructed f rom Viosca Kno l l Block 161 t o the Louisiana/Alabama coast l i n e w i t h t ' ie proposed a c t i v i t y . T h e r e f o r e , hab i t a t s f o r res ident or t ransient species such as the American a l l i g a t o r , A r c t i c peregr ine f a l con and bald eagle w i l l not r ece ive any a d d i t i o n a l Impact than already occurs l n the region around the Dulac-Houma area. A brown pel ican f eed ing and nes t ing h a b i t a t l s located 30 miles west of Block 161, however no adverse Impact should occur.

Endangered aquatic mammals Inc lude the s e l , f i n b a c k , b l u e , humpback, and sperm whales. These species occur l n the c e n t r a l and Western Gu l f of Mexico, but adequate In format ion concerning t h e i r p o p u l a t i o n s ta tus and m i g r a t i o n patterns In the Gulf does not e x i s t (BLM 1978a, 11-40; BLM 1978b, 11-52; BLM 1978c, 11-44; 3LM 1979, 11 -41 ) . I t i s known that the proposed wel ls l n Viosca K n o l l Block 161 w i l l be located In 115' t o 120' of water, which are adequate water depths f o r these large mammals. However, I t l s expected tha t l i t t l e , I f any, Impact w i l l occur to these species f rom the proposed a c t i v i t y because the endangered cetaceans are uncommon I n the a r ea , are sighted only on ra te occasions, and they are h i g h l y mobi le and can avoid areas o f disturbance (MMS 1983a, p . 923) .

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Five species of sea Cureles comprise che endangered repel Les l n Che area ot Viosca Kno l l Block I b l : ( I ) loggerhead, (2 ) green, ( 3 ) Kemp's Ridley, (4 ) hawksb l lL , and (5) leacherback. The e n t i r e nesting populat ion of Kemp's Ridley sea t u r t l e l s p r e s e n t l y l i m i t e d to Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, although at tempts are presently being made to e s t ab l i sh a n e s t i n g colony on Padre s land Nat ional Seashore o f f the Texas coas t . One au then t i ca t ed nesting record was made f o r the loggerhead on Padre I s l a n d I n 1979 a l so . Nest ing f o r the loggerhead and other three species Is generally L imi ted t o the F lo r ida coast (U.S . Fish and W i l d l i f e Service 1984; BLM L978a, L l -49 ; BLM 1978b, 11-52; BLM 1978c, 11-44; BLM 1979, 1 1 - 4 1 ) .

A l though no d e f i n i t i v e s tud ies have been made on the Impacts of d r i l l c u t t i n g s and muds, c e r t a i n cumulative ImpacCs could occur f r o m inges t ion of these m a t e r i a l s by t u r t l e s (see the POE f o r a d e s c r i p t i o n of the mud components). E f f e c t s o f l esser s i g n i f i c a n c e Include those associa ted w i t h marine t r a f f i c Co Viosca Kao l l Block 161, and Che possible occurrence o f Cur t les near the r i g and i t s associa ted dis turbances . The grea tes t p o t e n t i a l Impact to the endangered r e p t i l e s would occur d u r i n g a blowout or during accidents when suspended s o l i d l eve l s would increase and discharges o f o i l /condensates may occur . These p o s s i b l e e f f e c t s w i l l be lessened by the lack of concentrated numbers and assemblages o f t u r t l e s l n Gulf waters , by evapor > t lon and breakdown of the o l l / co . i densa t e s , by the lack o f nes t ing h a b i t a t s In nearby coasta l a reas , and by rap id Implementat ion of Che O i l S p i l l s Contingency P l a n . Evaluations of a v a i l a b l e data by the BLM (1979, pp. 111-23 Co 111-26) lndlcace ChaC Che lack o f i n f o r m a t i o n on Impacts of o i l and gas operations on marine t u r t l e s precludes an t lma te assessment f o r these spec ies .

B. SOCIOECONOMIC

A Socioeconomic Data Base Report w i l l be prepared by ODECO f o l l o w i n g Issuance o f the f i n a l requirements by the MMS. As Ind ica ted e a r l i e r , the proposed a c t i v i t y l s not expected t o c rea te a s i g n i f i c a n t Impact on socioeconomic condi t ions l n Louisiana or Alabama since no f a c i l i t y expansion w i l l be required or new personnel employed other than through the d r i l l i n g and t ranspor ta t ion c o n t r a c t o r s .

12

SECTION 3.0 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

Explora t ion a c t i v i t i e s at Well Nos. A 4 B, Viosca K n o l l Block l o l , w i l l have c e r t a i n e f f e c t s that are unavoidable. These include Increases Ln t u r b i d i t i e s and suspended so l ids associated w i t h the i n s t a l l a t i o n and removal of the d r i l l i n g r i g and discharges of d r i l l i n g muds and c u t t i n g s . These ac t ions are expected to adversely impact p lanktonic and son.* benthic communities w i t h i n the area of d is turbance through water and sediment q u a l i t y degrada t ion or b u r i a l w i t h the release of muds and c u t t i n g s . T l w e f f e c t s do not appear to be s i g n i f i c a n t based on a review of past ' i i e a r : n by the N a t i o n a l Research Council (1983) on the e f f e c t s o f d r l l L l n g f l u i d s and cu t t i ngs I n the marine environment. The Council reported tha t the e f f e c t s of I n d i v i d u a l discharges are l i m i t e d In extent and are conf ined mainly to the ben th ic environment. Fu r the r , research r e s u l t s IndicaL*-that the envi ronmenta l r i s k of exp lo ra to ry d r i l l i n g discharges to i40st 0».S communities are s m a l l , i n the event of a blowout or o ther accidents where discharges o f crude oil/condensates occur , p o t e n t i a l Impacts inc lude a l t e r a t i o n o f community s t ructures and m o r t a l i t i e s w i t h i n the urea of In f luence . The magnitude of t h i s Impact w i l l be diminished by evaporat ion and breakdown of the crude oi l /condensates at the water surface-atmosphere In t e r f ace and l n the water column, and r ap id deployment i f clean-up measures descr ibed I n the O i l S p i l l s Contingency Plan.

Ai r q u a l i t y i n the v i c i n i t y of the r i g w i l l be a f f e c t e d , but w i l l be l o c a l l n extent and q u i c k l y diss ipated by c l i m a t i c c o n d i t i o n s . This a c t i o n also applies to p o i n t s along t r ave l routes used by surface vessels and a i r c r a f t , but a i r q u a l i t y w i l l be degraded to a lesser degree because these emission sources w i l l be In t r a n s i t the m a j o r i t y of the t i m e . These impacts are not considered s i g n i f i c a n t ; q u a n t i f i c a t i o n of these emissions l s provided i n the POE. Should a blowout or s p i l l a g e of o i l /condensates occur, a i r q u a l i t y degradation would be minimal unless a f i r e was to occur. I n the event of a f i r e , l o c a l a i r q u a l i t y would be degraded but no e f f e c t l s a n t i c i p a t e d on land resources or human q u a l i t y (BLM 1979, p . V - l ) .

Discharges o f s a n i t a r y waste w i l l have a n e g l i g i b l e e f f e c t on water q u a l i t y and associa ted biota since they w i l l be t rea ted I n accordance w i t h OCS Order No. 7 and EPA NPDES e f f l u e n t l i m i t a t i o n s g u i d e l i n e s .

No unavoidable adverse impacts are expected to occut on c o a s t a l a c t i v i t i e s or resources w i t h i n the States of Louis iana such as commercial f i s h i n g , shipping, r e c r e a t i o n a l resources and o p p o r t u n i t i e s , c u l t u r a l e n t i t l e s , e c o l o g i c a l l y s e n s i t i v e fea tures , and endangered or threatened species.

13

Bused on the long-term beneficial effect , ( i . e . . supply t l na* • " • W reserve* foe the economy and security of the United Staue) which wtll result froa potential production, and the current envlroi mental safeguards, I t l« felt that the atnor nature of the adverse Iapacts described above are justified with regard to the explorat on activities proposed for Vlo.ca Knoll Block 161. Dr i l l cuttings could be transported to shore, but this Is not considered coet feasible and wouid augment the potential for long-term Impacts to freshwater resources wit!in Louisiana through disposal ln pits or landfi l l areae. Air eaissions could be eliminated, ee could the potential for accidental spillages and a blowout, by not conducting the drilling operations, but this Is also not considered a practicable solution to the Nation's energy problems.

14

SECTION 4.0 STATEMENTS OF GUARANTEE

The proposed a c c l v l c y w i l l be c a r r i e d ouC and completed by ODECO O i l 6 Gas Company w i t h the guarantee of the f o l l o w i n g Items:

1. ) The best ava i l ab l e and sa fes t technologies w i l l be u t i l i s e d throughout the p r o j e c t . This Includes meeting a l l a p p l i c a b l e requirements f o r equipment types, general p r o j e c t l a y o u t , sa fe ty systems, and equipment and moni tor ing systems.

2. ) A l l ope ra t ions w i l l be covered by a MMS-approved o i l s p i l l cont ingency p l an .

3. ) A l l a p p l i c a b l e Federal, scate and l o c a l requirements regard ing a i r emissions and water q u a l i t y and discharge f o r the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , as w e l l as any other permit c o n d i t i o n s , w i l l be compiled w i t h .

15

SECTION 5.0 CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

The Federal Of f i ce of Coascal Zone Management approved Louisiana's Coastal Zone Management Plan In September 19b0. Review of the Louisiana Final Envlronaental Impact Statement, par t icu lar ly Chapter I I and Chapter V, Section C; and the Alabama's Final Environmental Impact Statement, pa r t i cu la r ly Chapter IV, Sections IV & V I I ; and comparison with the findings l n sections 1.0 through 4.0 In this Environmental Report show that the proposed ac t iv i ty at Viosca Knoll Block 161 w i l l be conducted In a manner consistent with the coastal management programs of Louisiana and Alabama.

The Consistency Cer t i f ica t ion forms fo r Louisiana and Alabama are found on the fo l lowing pages.

l b

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

Plan of Exploration Type of Plan

Viosca Knoll Area. Block 161 Area and Block

OCS-G 6876 Lease Nuaber

The proposed ac t iv i t i es described In de ta i l ln this Plan coaply with che

State of Louisiana approved Coastal ManageaenC Prograa and w i l l be

conducted In a manner conslscenc wich such Prograoa. Arrangeoencs heve

been aade wich che State Times l n Bacon Rouge, LA, Co publish a Public

Nocice of che proposed ac t iv i t i e s no later than JULIO « 1985.

ODECO Oi l & Gas Coapany Lessee or Operator

Cert i fying O f f i c i a l

JUN 2 4 1985 Date

17

COASTAL ZONE HANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

Plan of Exp lo ra t i on Type o f Plan

Viosca Knoll Area. Block 161 Area and Block

OCS-C 6876 Lease Number

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s described ln d e t a i l In this Plan comply with the

State of Alabama approved Coastal Management Program and w i l l be conducted

In a manner consistent with such Programs.

ODECO Oil & Gas Company Lessee or Operator

1 ? C e r t i f y i n g O f f i c i a l

JUN 2 41335 Date

18

V* u % w .

ocullON b.O REFERENCES

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B r u n e t t , L . and D. W i l l s . 1978. A Guide to W i l d l i f e Management Areas. Louisiana Department of W l l d L l f e and F i s h e r i e s . W i l d l i f e Education B u l l e t i n No. 116. 100pp.

Bureau of Land Management. 1974. F ina l Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 1974 OCS 011 and Gas Uase Sale 34. New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bureau of Und Management. 1978a. F i n a l Environmental impact Statement Proposed 1978 OCS 011 and Gas Uase Sale 5 1 . New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bureau of Und Management. 1978b. F i n a l Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 1978 OCS O i l and Gas Uase Sale 65. New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bureau of U n d Management. 1978c. F i n a l Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 1978 OCS O i l and Gas Uase Sale 45 . New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bureau of Und Management. 1979. F i n a l Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 1979 OCS O i l and Gas Uase Sale 58. New Orleans, Louisiana.

Bureau of Und Management. 1980. F i n a l Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 1980 OCS 011 and Gas Uase Sales A62 and 62. New Orleans,

Louisiana.

Bureau of Land Management. 1981. F ina l Environmental Impact Statement Proposed 1981 O i l and Gas Uase Sales 67 and 69 . New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Chabreck, R .H. and G. linscombe. 197«, VegeCaCLve Type Map of Che Louis iana Coascal Marshes. Louisiana Department of W i l d l i f e and F< Merles. New Orleans, Louis iana.

C H . Fenstermaker & Associates. 1982. Envi -onraentaL Report for Plan of Exploraclon, Viosca Knoll Area, olock 987. Prepared for P h i l l i p s Petroleum Company, Houston, TX. 18pp.

C H . Fenstermaker & Associates. 1984. Environmental Report for Plan of Exploraclon, South Pass Area, Block 44. Prepared for Conoco I n c . , New Orleans, LA. 20pp.

C H . Fenstermaker & Associates. 1984. Environmental Report for Plan of E x p l o r a c l o n , Viosca Kno l l Area, Blocks 779. Prepared f o r OOECO O i : & Ga- Company, New Orleans, LA. 2 0pp.

Minerals Management Service. 1982. Draft Regional Environmental ImpacC Statement Proposed 1983 OCS O i l and Gas Lease Sales 72, 74 and 79. New Or leans , Louisiana. 131pp.

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Minerals Management Service. 1983b. F i n a l Environmental ImpacC Statement Propoaed O i l and Gas Lease Offer ings , Central Gulf of Mexico ( A p r i l 1984), Western Gulf of Mexico (July 1984). New Orleans, LA 474pp.

Monaghan, P . H . , C O . McAuliffe, and F . T . Weiss. 1976. Environmental Aspects of D r i l l i n g Muds and Cutting from O i l and Gas Extract ion Ope ons in Offshore and Coastal Waters. Sheen Technical Subcommittee, Offshore Operators Committee, New Orleans, Louisiana 50pp.

National Research Council . 1983. D r i l l i n g Discharges l n che Marine Environment. Panel on Assessment of Faces and Ef fec t s of D r i l l i n g Fluids and Cuttings ln Che Marine Environment. National Academy Press , Washington, D.C. 180pp.

Neff, J . M . 1980. Review of che Toxic i ty and Biological Ef f eccs of Used Offshore Dr i l l ing Fluids Co Marine Animals. In Connection wich Senate B i l l S-2l lg , "Georges Bank Protection Act ," Joint Hearing: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Subcommittee on Energy Resources and Materiel Producclon, U.S . Senate. Washington, D.C. March 25, 1980.

20

Off ice of Coastal Zone Management and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. 980. Louisiana Coastal Resources Program Fina Environmental Impact Statement. U. S. Department of Comlerce. and r l t l T t T i C ^ K t ™ ? h * < 1 * Administration, W a s h i n g D.C., p " t 0 ? £ Louisa ,a Department of Natural Resource* P.ton Rouge, Louisiana. 190pp. * appendices.

° f f l C T h f A ? T t a i r Z ° n e H a n a 8 e » e n t ** d A laba«aa Coastal Area Board. 1980. The Alabama Coastal Area Management Plan and Pinal Environmental Impact Statement. U. S. Department of Commerce, N a t i U a l T e a n i c and Atmospheric Administration, Washington, D .C , aid Alabama C o i t a l Area Board, Daphne, Alabama. 264pp. coastal

U.S. Fish and Wi ld l i f e Service. 1985. Endangered and Threatened

S H I L I I ° L l ? S ° U t h e a a c e r n U n l c e d ^a tes . Off ice of Endangered bpecies, Region 4, Atlanta, GA.

U ' S " n i ? ! 8 " * W ^ i r \ U e ! 5 W i e * l 9 8 0 ' E n d ^ 8 « e d Specie, of T.xa. and Oklahoma, 1980. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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