In Reply Refer Te: RP-2-1 APR I 6

Union Texas Petrol eun Corporation Attention: Ms. Kay I . Morgan Post Office Box 2120 Houston, Texas 77252

Gentlemen:

Reference la Bade to your Initial Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD) and Environmental Report received March 19. 1986, for tease OCS-G 6677. Block 237. Verailion Area. This DOCD includes the activities proposed for Platforms A and B and Hells Nos. 1 through 5.

In accordance with 30 CFR 250,34. revised December 13. 1979. and Notice to Lessees and Operators No. 84-1. this DOCD has been determined to be complete cs of April 16. 1986. and is wm being considered for approval.

Your control nwaber is 8-2437 and should be referenced in your communication and correspondence concerning this DOCO.

Sincerely yours, ^ . o t f . , A. Donald Giro*

Acting Regional Supervisor Rules and Production

bcc:. Lease OCS-G 6677 (OPS-3-2) (FILE ROOM) (0P5-3-4 w/Publlc Info. Copy of the DOCD and ER (PUBL. REC.) ^WP2 ~ ~

NJTolbert:gcw:3/28/86 Disk la

Cr''-

IntcKtnation Services Saction

UnionTexas Petroleum

Southern Region

•WfiomO.* tt.-

March 1?, 19A*

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SEf ICE Gulf of Mexico Region P. 0. Box 7944 Metair ie, Louisiana 70010

Attention: Mr. A. Donald Giroir

RE: UNION TEXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION Development Operations Coordination Document VermiHon Block 237/OCS-G 6677 Offshore Louisiana

Gentlemen:

Union Texas Petroleum Corporation as Operator of the subject lease herewith submits for your review and ult imate approval the attached Development Operations Coordination Document (nOCD).

The anticipated date for the commencement of these development ac t i v i t i es 1s on or about September 1 , 1<«86.

Should you have any questions concerning th is submittal or require additional information to deem the plan complete, please contact me at (713) 968-4478 at your ear l iest convenience.

Sincerely, > i

l6ry -c. Morgan J Permit Coordinator

Attachments: (5) Copies of DOCD (Confidential)

Acting Regional Supervisor Rules and Production

lUCTIOfl

(4) Copies of DOCD (Public Information)

cc - United States department of the In te r io r Minerals Management Service PUBLIC IwrUiiW. Attention Mr. Robert H. narrow 620 Esplanade Street, Suite 104 Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENT

GULF OF MEXICO

OFFSHORE LOUISIANA

VERMILION BLOCK 237 OCS-G 6677

MARCH 1986

COMPANY CONTACT ka L. Morgan

Union Texas etroleum Corporation P. 0. Box 2120

Houston, Texas 77252 (713) 968-44"*8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Proposed Typ? *nd Sequence of Activities and General Information Page 1

Vicinity Map Appendix 1

Platform and Well Locations Appendix 2

Platform Data Appendix 3

Geological Data Appendix 4

Shallow Hazards Letter Appendix 5

Projected Air Emissions Appendix 6

Consistency Certification ....Appendix 7

Environmental Report Appendix 8

UNION TEXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENT

'ERMILION RLOCK 237/OCS-G 6677

PROPOSED TYPE AND SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES ANO GENERAL INFORMATION

In compliance with 30 CFR 250.34, NTL Rl-12 of September 1, 1981 and NTL 84-1 of February 10, 1QR4, the following information 1s submitted for the planned devel­opment and production activities in Vermilion Block 237.

I . OESCR IPTION

A total of five (5) wells are currently planned to be involved in the devel­opment and production activities for VermiHon Block 237 (Appendix 2). Four wells f»l thru #4) were dri l led under the Plan of Exploration. One additional well (* ) Is proposed for d r i l l i n g . P1atform "A" well protector wi l l be Installed over the existlnq Wells #1 thru #4 (3100' FNL and 4700' FEL). Well #5 will also be dr i l led from Platform "A". Production Platform "B" containing the production fac i l i t i es and living quarters wi l l be immediate­ly adjacent to Platform "A" and wi l l be bridge-connected.

A pipeline wi l l be Installed from Union Texas' production platform to t ie 1n with an existing pipeline 1n the Gulf of Mexico near Block 237. The size of this pipeline w i l l he determined at a later date. Flowlines wi l l he installed to transport the production from the wells on Platfonn "A" to the production f ac i l i t i e s on Platform "B" via the 100-foot bridge connection.

I t . SCHEOULE

I t is anticipated that Platforms "A" and "B" wi l l be installed on or about September I , 1906. The existing wells will be tied back and completed and Well #5 will be drilled at a later date. The estimated time to com­plete production activities is approximately 8-1/2 years.

I I I . LOCATION OF THE LEASE BLOCK, PLATFORM AND ONSHORE FACILITIES

Vermilion Rlock 237 is located approximately 63 miles south of the Louisiana coastline. A vicinity map of Block 237 relative to the shore 1s given in Appendix 1.

The onshore support base required to support these offshore operations will he located in Intracoastal City, Louisiana. The base will be an existing facility in which Union Texas Petroleum Corporation will lease space. Vari­ous facilities such as office space, mud companies, dock space, warehouses and helipads are found in Intracoastal City. Existing facilities are judged

adequate for handlinq various ac t i v i t i es and no addit ional space w i l l be required at this t ime.

Roth helicopters and boats w i l l be used in the transportat ion network. Dependent on weather condit ions, travel routes w i l l be the most d i rect feas­ib le from the Intracoastal City shore base. A crewboat, supply boat and standby boat w i l l he u t i l i z e d . The l a t t e r w i l l be anchored near the r i g during d r i l l i n g operations. I t is estimated that the crewboats w i l l average f i v e t r ips weekly and the supply boats w i l l average three t r i ps weekly dur-d r i l H n q operations, and helicopters w i l l average f i ve t r i p s weekly. Dur­ing the production phase, helicopters w i l l average seven t r i ps weekly and supply boats w i l l average one t r i p weekly.

TV. GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL DATA

Information on geological hazards and the surface locations of the proposed platforms "A" and "R" were discussed in the Plan of Exploration. A shallow hazards survey was done by Comap Geosurveys, I nc . , i n June 1984, copies of which were included in the Plan of Explorat ion. The results of the survey indicate that the surface locations are free of shallow dr i 1 !1ng hazards.

The geological hazards and the surface locations of the proposed platforms re la t ive to anomalies 1s addressed in Appendix 5.

The bottom-hole locations of the wells and geological data are considered to be CONFIDENTIAL Information and are included in Appendix 2 and 4 (excluded from Public Information copies).

V. DESCRIPTION OF DRILLING RIG ANO POLLUTION PREVENTION EQUIPMENT

Union Texas Petroleum Corporation w i l l u t i l i z e a jack-up type mobile d r i l l i n g r i g to d r i l l the development w e l l . Attached 1s a schematic of the typ ica l jack-up r ig anticipated to be used. The r i g w i l l be equipped with typical pol lut ion control equipment inc luding, but not l imi ted t o , deck drains, sumps, dr ip pans, sewerage treatment f a c i l i t i e s .

Included is a schematic of the diverter system planned to be u t i l i zed for well control during the development program. A l i s t of mud additives is also attached 1n conformance with the non-pollut ion requirements of OCS Order No. 2. Mud and d r i l l cutt ings w i l l be treated to remove o i ! pr ior to discharge 1n the Gulf of Mexico. Items that cannot be treated properly w i l l be transported to shore for disposal.

The Oil Spi l l Contingency Plan for Union Texas Petroleum Corporation, revised July 5, 1985. was approved by the MMS on July 12, 1985.

Union Texas Petroleum Corporation is a member of Clean Gulf Associates. In the event of a s p i l l . Clean Gulf Associates equipment, consisting of skim­mers, booms, and spray systems, could arr ive at the designated area wi th in 1? to 15 hours of no t i f i ca t i on from the i r shore base located at Intracoastal C i t y , Louisiana.

The goal of th is development program is the gathering of information on the productivi ty of the leased area, in a safe manner, with minimal d i s ­ruption of thp environment. D r i l l i ng operations w i l l be conducted by a contractor under the supervision of a qua l i f ied Union Texas Petroleum Corporation representative who w i l l he on the r ig at a l l t imes. Regular t raining of operations personnel is a necessary complement to the po l lu ­t ion prevention features 1n the design of equipment and operations.

Platform "A" w i l l he a 4-p1lp A-* { well protector platform. Platform "R" w i l l he a manned 4-p i le str. re to house the production f a c i l i t i e s and l i v ing quarters, and w i l l be r idge-connected to Platform "A".

In addit ion, the production plat orms that are planned for ins ta l la t ion in Block 237 w i l l be equipped with a l l required safety features and pol lut ion prevention and control equipment to ensure that Union Texas is in f u l l compliance wi th the applicable MMS and U.S. Coast Guard regulat ions. Details of such equipment w i l l be provided with the structure and pro­duction f a c i l i t i e s applications when they are f i l e d with the MMS.

VERMILION BLOCK 237 DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

ME •ONI 13

ft Q

• DRILL * W

PLATFORM E

• BID

"j mf tdMH p

ELLS

•OR.

ESIGN, FABRIC ft FACILITIES

NSTALLATION

I COMPLETE

• HOOK-UP

PELINE

t PRODUCTION START DATE

ATE JACKET

WELLS

1984 1985 1988 1987 1988

L4

tier + 35

u q 1

\ \

of n r"

1

1 Dm 1

1 •SlOE ELEVATION- - END ELEVATION.

•PLAN-

P L A N & E L E V A T I O N

T Y P I C A L J A C K - U P D R I L L I N G STRUCTUR

Vennilion Block 237 OCS-G 6677

DOCD

N O S C A L E

APPLICATION BY UNION TEXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION

I

3 0 " DIVERTER SYS . EM

FILL UF LINE

6 * ' D I V E R T E R • F O O L w / 6 " OUTLETS

C " C U T L E T LINE ' V Z R B O A R D

H Y D R A U L I C V A L V E

FLOWLINE

RISER FIFE

2 9 . 6 0 " SERIES SOO

DIVERTER

0 " HYDRAULIC VALVE

6 M OUTLET LINE OVERBOARD

• 0 " I LANCE

SO" DRIVE FIFE

DRILLING MUD COMPONENTS THAT MY BE UTILIZED OFFSHORE

PRODUCT TRADE NAME :OMMON NAME CHEMICAL TRADE NAh;

I . WEIGHT MATERIALS AND VISCOSIFIERS

MIL-BARR bar i te

MILGERR ber ton i te

SALT WATER GELR a t tapu lg i te

FLOSALR Zibestos f i be r

I I . DISPERSANTS (Thinners)

UNI-CALR

DESCOR

Hgnosulfunate

modified tannin

barium surfate

bentonite

a t t ap j l g i t e clay

chrysot i le asbestos

sodium l ignosulfonate

sulso methylated tannin + fodium di chromate

I I . FILRATION CONTROL ADDITIVES

LIGCON1*

CHEMITROLr-X

DRISC0SER

DRISPACE

caustr ic ized l i g n i t e

polymer-treated l i g n i t e

CMC

PAC

NaCH treated l i g n i t e

ploymer-treated l i g n i t e

sodium carboxy methyl cel lulose

polyanionic cel lulose derivat ive

IV. CHEMICALS

Caustic Soda

Soda Ash

Bicard of Soda

MIL-LIME

V. SPECIALTY ADDITIVES

LD-8R

caust ic

soda ash

bicarb

1 ime

defoamer

sodium hydroxide

sodium carbonate

sodium bicarbonate

calcium hydroxide

non-hydrocarbon defoamer

Pine ?.

PRODUCT TRADE NAME COMMON NAME CHEM"CAL TRACE NAME

Aluminum Stearate

NOXYGEN

NOXYGEN L

LUBRI-SAL

SUPER SHALE-TROLR20:

MILCHEM*MD

SOLTEX*

defoamer

oxygen scavenger

oxygen scavenger

1uo< icant

Shale-Trol

d r i l l i n g detero-r t

shale co**r*»l addi t ive

aTunirv* stearate

*.atfi ':...."-, sodium s u l f i t e pwd

catalyzed * r * r -w i . b i s u l f i t e - o i j t i o n

b1odergrad#t«e, non-pollut ing vegetable oU

Aluminum organic acid complex

d r i l l i n g f l u i d detergent

modified hydrocarbon (non po l l u t i ng )

V I . LOSS QF CIRCULATION- ADOITIVES

MIL-PLUG* LCM

MILMICA* LCK

KWIK-SEAL LCM

DIASEAL-fi" high water loss los t c i r cu l a t i o : squeeze n e t l .

ground tut sheT i *>

f lake mici

combination of gr«»:jles, flakes an?* f ibers

non-hazardous diatoaHe blend

iTEXAS,

i

o VF V ,.37

X ' l , t « « , 0 S 4 95 uSOS O n ' M O N U M t N T T . 325,338 34 a

L*T Z8°40 ' 54 853 LONG92 9 23 ' l2 .829~

T t ? , 0 » 4 . 2 5 *

L * r 28° 36 0 8 52« ' t o ^ 6 . ^ « • i J • o ^ 4 4 4 • •

X ' 1.854. f61.196 T i - . 4 . 4 » W 1 T

LAT. i t * ST' 20 u r ' \.OHU. w t * ' u . t r t"

LAT t a ' 4 0 ' M l « « " ONG. W a 2 0 ' 28,780

T > . 2 1 . • 5 2 . 2 8 7 LAT 2 8 ° 5 6 09 63

L 3 * 6 9 2 * 2 0 23 »2«.

3 COO

SCALE

600C

al

VCHMiMON B L K . 2 3 7 OULF OF MEXICO

PROPOSED MINERAL DEVELOPMENT

A P P L I C A T I O N I Y : UNION T I X A t P E T R O L E U M HOUSTON T l K A j

•7ot4 n r

Su' 0 -

0 C S - G - 6 6 77

UNICV TEXAS PETROLEUM 68.67%

AQIP PETROLEUM 32.33%

T • - 2 t . M 2 . 2 l 7 -

W E L L LOCATION PLAT

I !

I I

W I L L M O T C C T O * F l A T P O f t l l " A " PHOOUCTION f t ATF OHM " E "

ELEVATION

i • i •

V

! !

V

! !

P" i r +

l V C U M O T t C T O * PLATFOHM "A* f*«OOUCTIOH M.Ar»OftM "B"

FLAN

CfiS ENGINEERING, INC. Houston, Teriss

•fc... --EC «T. t»ao

p M I C M O • » A#»aO»t» ft*

UN'ON TEXAS PETROLEUM

WELL PROTECTOR & PRODUCTION PLATFORM MANNED & UNMANNED

fwcsitCT • ^ J _ P _ » > t - * m ± _ o w G KO S K - O O A , M v

J

Union Texas Petroleum

Southern Region

February 10, 1986 f33G Post 0.1- SfVO P'j Bo'HZ) "cv,5:o" re«as 77252-21X ,7i3>623-6544

Mr. Robert Darrow District Supervisor Mineral Management Service 620 Esplanade Street, Suite 104 Lake Charles, LA. 70605

RE: Vermilion Bloclc 237

Dear Mr. Darrow:

In July of 1984, C-imap Geosurveys, Inc. conducted a high resolution geophysical survey over Vermilion Block 237 for Union Texas Petroleum. Geophysical equipment used in the survey included, a Raytheon DSF-6000 dual frequency digital survey fathometer, an EDO Western Model 4055 integrated sidescan sonar and high resolution sub-bottom profiler, a Sea Mai VIII marine magnetometer and a Texas Instruments DFS V 24 channel stismie data recording system. Two energy sources were used during the survey, initiall y a 160 cu.in. water gun and later an 8.0 kilojoule Sparkarray. The survey grid consisted of 31 north-south lines spaced at 150 meter intervals and 5 east-west lines spaced at 900 meter intervals.

Comap Geosurveys, Inc. made an interpretation of the field data and included their observations and recommendations in a report consisting of written material and maps showing (1) survey post-plot; (2) Bathymetry and Seabed features; (3) Isopach; (4) Drilling constraints chart, and (5) Archeological Report. I have inspected the following location for shallow drilling and seabed hazards.

The results of inspection of the survey indicate the location to be free of shallow drilling hazards and no archeological features present. The load-bearing capacity and shear strengths of the seabed sediments may be suspect ind our engineers have been made aware of this situation and will use caution upon siting of the seabed-mounted structures.

Sincerely,

A. C. Medley Development Geophysicist

ACM/jjm

cc: G. B. Langille D. R. Dodson K. L. Morgan

(A) 3100' FNL - 4700' FEL

PROJECTED AIR EMISSIONS

VERMILION BLOCK 237/OCS-G 6677

OEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENT

The DOCO for VermiHon Rlock 237 describes two phases of operations. Five wells are planned for the development activity, four of which have already been dril l e d . The drilling of the one acditional well would take approximately 60 days with completion operations continuing for an additional 14 days. Production will occur from one unmanned and one manned platform with all production facilities located on Platform "B". The projected air emissions for these development/ production operations are as follows:

I . DRILLING/COMPLETION PHASE

MAJOR SOURCE (OFFSHORE) Power used aboard d r i l l i n g EMISSIONS *NJIBS/DAY)** TONS PER PROJECT vessel approximate footage NOX CO VOC TSP SO-2 drilled 13,000'* (401.25) (96.83) (32.1) (26.67) (26.68)

12.04 2.60 0.96 0.86 0.80

* Rased on fiO hphr/ft. from Table 4-3, "Atmospheric Emissions from Offshore 011 and Gas Development and Production", EPA No. 450/3-77-026, June 1977.

** Emission factors from Table 3.3.3-1, "Compilation of A1r Pollutant Emission Factors", Third Edition, EPA Report AP-42, August 1977

MINOR SOURCES (OFFSHORE)

1. Helicopters used during drilling/completion operations are expected to make 53 round trips, based on approximately 5 round trips weekly.

2. Workboats and crewboats may use 74,412 gallons of fuel during d r i l l i n g / completion operations.

3. Incinerators are expected to burn approximately 1 ton of paper wastes during drilling/completion operations, based on burning approximately 750 pounds of paper wastes per month.

EMISSIONS IN TONS PER YEAR*** m—cn—VTJC—TS?—sir? 10.07 4.30 1.92 0.02 1.01

* * * Tables 3.2.1-3, 3.2.3-1 and 2 . 1 - 1 , "Compilation of A1r Pollutant Emission Factors", Third Ed i t ion , EPA Report AP-42, August 1977.

TOTAL ALL SOURCES (OFFSHORE):

NOX CO VOC TSP SO-2 MAJOR 12.04 2.60 0.96 0-85 0.80 MINOR 10.07 4.39 1.92 0.02 1.01

TOTAL 22.11 6.99 2.88 0.88 1.81

ONSHORE SOURCES:

These should he about the same a.- winor Sources unless new f a c i l i t i e s are I n ­sta l led at tne Intracoastal City shore base. No additional f a c i l i t i e s are planned or anticipated at th i s time.

PRODUCTION PHASE

The estimated producing l i f e of Vermilion Block 237 is approximately 8-1/2 years. These projected a i r emissions were calculated for one year of producing operations. The projected emissions for the engines to be used aboard the production platform are estimates, due to the fact that the production f a c i l i t i e s have not yet been designed. I f the proposed emissions are found to be s ign i f i can t ly d i f fe ren t a f te r the design is completed, the MMS wi l be so no t i f i ed .

MAJOR SOURCE (OFFSHORE) Power used aboard production EMISSIONS IN TONS PER YEAR»*»* platform for one (1) year NOX CO VOC TSP SO-2

47.32 10.25 3.79 3.38 3.15

**** Emission Factors from Tables 3.3.3-1 and 3.3.2-1, "Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors", Third Edition, EPA Report AP-42, August 1977.

MINOR SOURCES (OFFSHORE)

1. Helicopters used during production operations are expected to take 365 round trips per year, based on approximately 1 round t r i p per day.

2. Supply hoats may use 54,080 gallons of fuel during one year of production.

3. Incinerators may burn 4.5 tons of paper wastes during one year of produc­tion, has<»d on burning approximately 750 pounds of paper wastes pe.* month.

3

EMISSIONS IN TONS PER YEAR***

—m—m—vac—TSP so-2 7.40 4.69 1.67 0.13 0.76

*** Tables 3.?.1-3, 3.2.3-1 and 2.1-1, "Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors", Third Edition, EPA Report AP-41, August 1977.

TOTAL ALL SOURCES (OFFSHORE): ~ NOX CO VOC TSP SO-2

MAJOR 47.32 10.25 3779 3.38 3.15 MINOR 7.40 4.69 1.67 0.13 0.76

TOTAL 54.72 14.94 5.46 3.51 3.91

ONSHORE SOURCES:

These should be about the same as the Minor Sources unless new fac i l i t i es are installed at the Intracoastal City shoe base. No additional fac i l i t i es are planned or anticipated at this time.

EMISSION FXEMPTION DETERMINATION

Proposed development and production operations in Vermilion Block 237 are located approximately 63 miles from the closest onshore area. The onshore support base for this aci t ivi ty w i l l be located in Intracoastal City, Lousisiana. The emission exemption limitations are as follows:

For CO: E=3400D-2/3 = 3400(63)-2/3 = 53,906 Tons per year For Nox, VOC, TSP, SO-2: E=33.3D = 33.3(63)= 2098 Tons per year

These projected air emissions for operations associated with the proposed de­velopment and production operations for Vermilion Block 237 are believed to be conservative; that i s , actual emissions should be less than indicated. Even so, the Indicated emission rates are quite small. Considering the lack of pollution in offshore ambient a i r , the distance of the subject block offshore, and the relatively shore duration of these emissions, any potential effects from the emissions must be considered insignificant.

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

Development Operations Coordination Document

Type of Plan

Vermilion Block 237 Area and Biock

OCS-G 6677 Lease Number

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s described 1n deta i l in th is Plan comply wi th

Louisiana's approved Coastal Management Program(s) and w i l l be

conducted in a manner consistent wi th such program(s).

Union Texas Petroleum Corporation

Lessee or operator

< Eeffify ^ March 12, 1986

Date

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENT

VERMILION BLOCK 237 OCS-6 6677

OFFSHORE VERMILION, IBERIA AND ST. MARY PARISHES, LOUISIANA

MARCH 1986

Union Texas Petroleum Corporation P. 0. B">x 2120

Houston, Texas 77252

Contact Person: Kay L. Morgan (713) 968-4478

I . DESCRIPTION pr PROPOSED ACTION

Union Tpxas Petroleum Corporation plans to conduct development and production activities on VermiHon Rlock 237 (OCS-G 6677). As p-oposed, the Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD) describes d r i l l i ng operations on one (1) additional well and completion/production operations on a total of f ive (5) wells. Four of these wells (Wells #1 thru #4) were drilled under the Plan of Exploration.

Proposed development activities include the installation of one 4 p1l*» 4-*lot well protector platform ("A") and a 4-p1le production platform ("B"), ich wi l l he manned and bridge-connected to Platform "A". Platforms "A" anf "B" wi l l be installed at the location of existing Wells #1 thru #4 (3100' FNL and 4700' FEL).

Thes"; devel opment/product ion activities are scheduled to commence on or September 1. 1986.

A. Travel Modes, Routes and Frequency

The proposed development activity for Vermilion Block 237 wi use of a jack-up r ip to d r i l l the one additional development v, ...fe rig wi l l be moved to Rlock 237 from an unknown location in the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to the d r i l l i n g r i g , service boats will be used to transport equipment, material, personnel and supplies to the platform locations. During d r i l l i n g operations, i t 1s estimated that the crewboats will make five trips each week and supply boats w i l l make three trips each week from the supply base located in Intracoastal City, Louisiana. From this point the vessels move through Vermilion Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and then to Vermilion Rlock 237.

Helicopter flights to Vermilion Rlock 237 wi l l average five trips per week during the d r i l l i n g phasa and w i l l originate from and return to Intracoastal C1tf. The HelIcopters w i l l take the most direct route of travel feasible '^'veen the onshore support base and Block 237.

•ring the producing phase, approximately 1 helicopter trip per day and :nply boat t r i p per week wi l l be made to the location. These heli-

r and boat trips likewise w i l l originate and return to the shore -id w i l l most likely be done in conjunction with other Union Texas -les in the area.

fc. • i ^ ^ r t Base

Ti.e proposed activities w i l l u t i l i z e a support base at Intracoastal City, Louisiana. The base provides 24-nour service, a radio tower with phone patch, dock space, office space, a parking l o t , equipment and supply storage space, drinking and d r i l l **ter, etc. These proposed development activities w i l l help maintain this base at its present levels of activity. No expansion of the physical f a c i l i t i e s or the creation of new jobs is expected to result from the work planned in conjunction with Block 237.

C. New Support Facilities

No new onshore support facilities such as new land base., refineries, storage f a c i l i t i e s , pumping stations, boat docks, helicopter pads, or fueling f a c i l i t i e s are likely to be requirv 4 because cf the activities planned for Rlock 237. Any newly discovered deposits of hydrocarbons should help to maintain onshore facilities and activities at or near their present levels rather than result in some type of -xpansion.

n. New Techniques or Unusual Technology

No new techniques or unusual technology will be required for this oper­ation.

E. Maps of Proposed Activity

As shown by the attached Vicinity Plat, the proposed activity is located approximately 63 miles from the Louisiana shore. Also included is a sketch of the proposed well protector and production platforms.

F. Transportation of Oil and/u Gas

The produced hydrocarbons from the Platform "A" wells w i l l enter flowlines and will t i e in to the production facilities on Platform "B". Transportation of the produced hydrocarbons from Platform "B" wi l l enter a gas pipeline which will subsequently tie-1n to an existing natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico near Block 237.

DESCRIPTION OF THF AFFECTED ENVIRONMFNT

The environment of this area of the Gulf of Mexico is adequately described in various Environmental Impact Statements prepared by the BLM and the MMS. Thesp reports are listed under "Reference" (page 7 ).

A. Physical and Environmental

For a more complete discussion of the environment and possible impacts of oil and gas operations, refer to the Final Environmental Iirpact State­ment done 1n January 1983, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement done in August 1984 for the OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 94, 98 and 102, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement done in November 1985 for Sales 104 and 105.

1. Commercial Fishing

Vermilion Rlock 237 1s located approximately 63 miles from shore where the water depth is aoproximately 130 feet. Shrimp and men­haden are the primary fishing resources found in this area.

The placement of the well protector and production platform w i l l re­move a portion of the seafloor and waters above from harvesting by commercial fisheries. Additionally, the waters adjacent to the platform may become temporarily turbid due to dr i l l i n g and r'*oducing operations. These operations should have no significant impact on commercial fisheries. The platform will probably enhance the com­mercial fishing industry by providing a suitable habitat for the fish.

3

?. Shipping

Vermilion Rloc:. 3/ Is clear of a l l fairways and anchorage areas. Operations in t ins area w i l l te 1n accordance with M.S. Coi ' t Guard's regulations regarding navigation standards. There .hould *)e M t t l e or no Impact on shipping resul t ing from the proposed operations.

3. Recreation

The proposed a c t i v i t i e s , which are primari ly confined to Vermilion Rlock 237 are located approximately 63 miles south of the Louisiana coast l ine. Along the coastl ine at Vermilion Bay, West Cote Blanche Ray, and Atchafalaya Ray, are located several beaches, - d barr ier Islands Including Marsh Island and Point Au Fer Isla>'. • . . \h are recrea­tional resources 1n the area. To protect these recr< c'. lona > resources, Union TexiS w i l l comply with OCS Order No. 7 regarding pol lut ion pre­vention ana cont ro l , and has established an 011 Spi l l C: tlngency Plan which was approved b V e Minerals Management Service. " rere are no adverse Impacts e - .:eu as a result of the proposed a c t i v i t i e s .

Oil and gas rigs •. *d platforms character is t ica l ly act as hubs for sport- f 1sh1ng heat* her.ause they are attractants for s . v c a l species of commercial g.'me f i s h . Placefi^ent of the platforms shou d enhance local f i sh ing .

4. Cultural Resources

VermiHon Rlock 237 l ies inside tne Cultural Resource Sensi t iv i ty Oemarcatlon Line (US0I, 1979, Visual 1) and, therefore, f a l l s 1n an area where cul tura l resources are l i ke l y to be found. An archaeo­logical survey was required for VermiHon Block 237. Results of the archaeological survey for Vermilion Rlock 237 Indicate no areas of possible drowned prehistoric si tes or shipwrtcks. A copy of the arch­aeological survey was Included with the PI^n o f Exploration for Block 237. Union Texas Petroleum Corporation agrees that i f any s i t e , struc­ture , or object of h is tor ica l or archaeological signif icance should be discovered during development operations, the flnoings w i l l be im­mediately reported to the Supe-v1sor and every reasonable e f fo r t w i l l be made to preserve and protect the cul tural resource from damage unt i l the Supervisor has given di rect ion as to I ts preservation.

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features

There are no known ecologically sensit ive features located on Vermilion Block 237. Alon y the coastal shores of Vermilion, Iber ia , St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes, Louisiana, the ecologically sensit ive features Include oyster harvest areas, the bald eagle feeding ground and wading bird rookerips. Service vessels for the proposed ac t i v i t i es may pass through or near these sensit ive coastal areas: however, these ac t i v i t i es w i l l have no ef fect on these sensit ive features.

6. Existing Pipelines and Cables

There are no existing pipelines or cables crossing Vermilion Block 237 (per Carol Williams - MMS and Visual No. 7) of Final Environmental Im­pact Statement for OCS Leaso Sales 104 and 105).

7. Lther Mineral Uses

No oil or gas 1s presently being produced from Vermilion Block 237, nor other mineral resources known to occur. Therefore, development activities proposed for Block 237 will have no direct or indirect Impact on other mineral JS?S.

8. Ocean Humping

Ocean dumping is prohibited 1n this area.

Endangered or Threatened Species

Union Texac' proposed operations at. VermiHon Block 237 are located approximately 63 miles south of the Louisiana coastline off Vermi11onv

Iberia, and St. Mary Parishes, Louisiana. These coastal shores and upland areas are the habitat of several endangered or threatened spe­cies. These species Include the Arctic alligator, the red wolf and Kemp's ridley sea turtle. These species may be affected by the de­velopment of coastal lands and/or the occurrence of oil spills which may affect tf>e species directly or through their food sources. Since the proposed a:t!v1ties include no nlans for the development of the coastal lands, the Impact on endangered or threatened species is p r i ­marily based on the occurrence of o i l spills.

On pages 191 - 221 of the Oraft Environmental Impact Statement for OCS Lease Sales 94, 9B and 102, there is a discussion of the factors for estimating the significance of o i l spills and their impacts. The impacts on various endangered and threatened species will depend on the nature of the s p i l l , weather conditions, proximity of spill to species, tolerance for oil of species, and the response time and ef­fectiveness of the oil spill cleanup and containment services. Given these variables, the impact on the various endangered or threatened species w i l l vary from l i t t l e or no effect to serious.

The experience of oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Mexico In­dicates that there is a small probability of occurrence of an o i l s p i l l . The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for OCS Sale No. A-62 and 62 Indicates on page 71 that "the aggregate 15 year s p i l l rate 1s .0009 percent of the total of volume produced". Table 7, page 73, of the DEIS indicated that there has been only 30 Incidents of oil spills for this 15 year period. The probability remains low because of the level of technology used by the oil and gas industry to insure safe and responsible operations. Union Texas, as a prudent operator, will take the necessary measures to reduce the probability of oil spills. Union Texas' proposed development operations at Vermilion 237 should pose no threat to any endangered or threatened species.

5

R. Socio-Economic

1. Related New Employment

Not applicable at th is time.

I I I . UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

The proposed production and development operations should result in minimal adverse impacts. The impact on water qua l i ty and marine organisms would be a result of a non-tox1c tu rb id i t y last ing for a re la t ive ly short time and would be l imi ted to the area around the platforms. The impact on a i r qual i ty would also only be local in nature and would be quickly dissipated by the environment. There should be no impact or e f fect on any onshore area.

Most effects of o . l and gas development operations are temporary, last ing for the l i f e of the project or for a shorter t ime. I t has been shown that production platforms ^ o v i d e a very favorable habitat for f i sh and other marine organisms. No other adverse environmental impacts w i l l result from the proposed development a c t i v i t y .

SUMMARY

The proposed a c t i v i t y w i l l he carr ied out and completed with the guarantee of the fol lowing Items:

1. The best avai lable and safest technologies w i l l be u t i l i zed throughout the pro ject . This includes meeting a l l applicable requirements for equipment types, general project layout, safety systems, and equipment and monitoring systems.

?.. AH operations w i l l be covered by a Minerals Management Service approved Oil Sp i l l Contingency Plan.

3. All applicable federa l , state and local requirements regarding a i r emis­sion, and water qual i ty and discharge for the proposed a c t i v i t i e s , as well as any other permit condit ions, w i l l be complied w i th .

* The proposed a c t i v i t i e s comply with Louisiana's approved coastal manage­ment program and w i l l be conducted 1n a fanner f u l l y consistent with I t (consistency c e r t i f i c a t i o n is included as Appendix 5 of th is Development Operations Coordination Document).

REFERENCES

i. United States Department of the Interior, BLM Draft Environmental Impact Statement, DCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales A-62 and 62.

?. United States Deportment of the Interior, RLM Final Environmental Impact Statement, OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales A-62 and 62.

3. United States Department of the Interior, BLM Final Environmental Impact Statement, OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 47.

4. United States Department of the Interior, BLM Draft Environmental Impact Statement, OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 67 and 69.

5. United States Department of the Interior, BLM Final Environmental Impact Statement, OCf 011 and Gas Lease Sales 67 and 69,

6. United States Department of tha Interior, Minerals Management Service, Final Regional Environmental Impact Statement, January 1983.

7. United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, July 1983.

8. ihitei States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 94, 98 and IP", August 1984.

9. United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales 94, 98 and 102, December 1984.

10. United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed OCS 011 and Gas Lease Sales 104 and 105, November 1985.

11. Comap Geosurveys Inc., Engineering Hazards and Archaeological Survey, July 1984.

12. J. Connor Consulting, Environmental Report for Federal Lease OCS-'; 6677, Vermilion Block 237, Plan of Exploration, July 1984.

WELL PROTECTOR PLATFORM "A' PRODUCTION PLATFORM " 8 '

ELEVATION

WEU. PROTECTOR PLATPORM "A ' PRODUCTION PLATFORM " j } '

PLAN

CBS ENGINEERING. INC. Houston, Texas UNION TEXAS PETROLEUM

•fcrr' ,eo Uf ICUI ' ; OO . WELL PROTECTOR & PRODUCTION PLATFORM MANNED & UNMANNED m * m M ZIEMAK MAR l f A

. WELL PROTECTOR & PRODUCTION PLATFORM MANNED & UNMANNED

MOJfCT mn 0 2 1 ^ S S DWR HA SK"*>04 • ( «