n -inn OCS-G-U> fS&

iwm 12. 1987

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bcc. L* *M X S - G 6158 (OPS-3-2) (F ILE ROOM) icoOfCS) I OPS-3-4 »/Publ1c. 1n<o. Copy of tNf DOCD .nO ER (PUBLIC RECOWb)

•IXiobortid*) iO/OT/87 idoedcow

JUN \ 5 1387

iptufitMtton

(conoco)

Production Dope rt mon t LlfcJMUi OMMtn PO loi IUM

l*av«m. LA TOM iV»> 236 5000

May 29, 1987

U. S. Dtpartatnt of th* Interior Minerals Management Service Gulf of Maxico OCS Ragion 1201 Elnvood Park Boulevard New Orleana, LA 70123-2394

Attention: Regional Supervisor, Of f i c e of F i e l d Operationa

Gentleaen:

Development Operations Coordination Docuaent, High I s land Block 134, OCS-G615S

Enclosed ara tha required coplaa "f our Davelopaant Operations Coordination Docuaent for High Tsiand Block 134 (OCS-GM58). Plva copies contain proprietary Infornat ion and are so narked. I f any addi t ional Infornation l s needed, you can contact Mr. Bob Soptai at (318) 236-5080.

Yours very t r u l y ,

D. L. Byera Coordinator Envlronnental Affairs

JUS: ah Enclosures

RS3/101

'**r^|fi|#ji-' HICH ISLAND BLOCK 134, OCS-G6158 ™ X 4 >

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENT

Conoco has drilled and taaporarlly abandoned Cha Nuaber 1 a a l l and la currantiy dri l l ing and plana to taaporarlly abandon tha Nuaber 2 wall in cha eubject block. Thla plan provldaa for tha Inatallation of a platfora, pipeline, recaalng walla No. I and 2 aa High laland 134 walls A-l and A-2, d r i l l i n g of four additional walls (A-3, 4, 3, 6) , coapletion of Walls A - l , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 snd production. Tha estimated tlaa to coaplete ths propossd development snd production a c t i v i t y i s approxlaately eleven yeare. A t i a * schsdula for tha projsct i s given balow:

July 27, August 10 August 17 Saptaaber October 1 Deeeaber Fsbruary A p r i l 14, June 13,

August 12, August 12,

1987 - August 9, 1987 , 1987 - Auguat 16, 1987 . 1987 - Septeaber 15, 1987 16, 1987 - October 16, 1967

7, 1987 - Deeeaber 15, 1987 16, 1987 - Fsbruary 13. 1988 14, 1968 - Apri l 13, 1986 1988 - Jun* 12. 1988

1988 - August i l , 1988

1968 - August 11. 1997 1997 - Octobsr 10, 1997

I n s t s l l Platfora Jacket I n s t s l l Platfora Dack Saction Coaplsta Wall A-l (Mo. 1) Coaplsts Well A-2 (No. 2) D r i l l snd Coaplsts Wall A-3 D r i l l and Coaplsts Wsll A-4 D r i l l snd Coaplsts Woll A-5 D r i l l snd Coaplsts Wsll A-6 I n s t s l l Pipellna/Production Equipaant Production Reaove Production Equlpaa walla

Additional well information la aa follows:

Wall No.

Proposed Surface

Location

A-3 5584*FSL 6 2536'FWL

A-4 5584'FSL 4 2536'FWL

A-5 5 564'FSL 4 2536'FWL

A-6 5584'FSL 4 7536'FWL

Propoaad Bottom Hole Location fTD

Anticipated Spud Date

October 17, 1987 60

Deceabar 16, 1987 60

February 14, 1986 60

April 14, 1988 60

Reaervee are expected to bs depleted in nine yeare with th* cumulative production being 80.3 BCF of natural gss sad 241.5 MB of condsnsats.

Productlou froa losss OCS-G6158 ls currently not undsr contrsct. I t ls axpsctsd thst production froa tha High Inland 134A Platfora v i l l flov through an 8-lnch pipeline into sn axlatlng 16-inch Blsck Marlin pipalina. Th* gsa/condtnsats v l l i coa* on shors ln Chambers County, Taxss just ssst of Galveaton.

RS 3/099

High Island Block 134 la locatad approximately 26 alias froai Its closest point onshore (Southeaat of Jafferaon County, Texaa). Operations v i l l bs aerved by Conoco's existing shore bases which ara locatad ln Cameron and Morgan City, Louisiana. These shore bases wi l l serve tha following purpoees: 1.) loading point for toola, equipment and machinery to ba delivered to our offahora locations; 2.) craw change and tranaportatlon bass; and 3.) temporary storsgs for materials and equipaant. The bases v l l i ba equipped vf th ths nscssssry load g docks and cranes for convenient and aaf a oparationa. F u l l tlaa dispatchers rra employed st Cameron ln order to maintain 24 hour contact vlth offshore personnel. During construction/ hook-up operstlons a atandby boat v i l l ba pressnt 24 hours psr dsy and a helicopter will maka 21 flights par weak froa tha fac i l i ty . During drilling/completion oparationa, a atandby boat wi l l be praaant 24 houra par day, a work boat wi l l make four round trips par wsak, and a helicopter wil l maka 21 flights par week froa tha fac i l i ty . During production oparationa, a vork boat will make two round trlpa par week and a helicopter wi l l aake 7 f l i g h t s psr wssk from tha fac i l i ty . Tha onahore activities aasoclstsd with High laland Block 134 w i l l not reault ln any lncraaaa ln tha s lss or nuaber of onahore support and atoraga fac i l i t l aa or land and personnel raqulrementa.

This well will be coaplated by a moblle, aalf-elevatao dri l l ing platform similar to tha Glomar Main Pssa IV. Drip pana are inatalled undar a l l equipment which could bs a source of pollution. No waate producta which contain oil will ba disposed of into Gulf of Maxico watera. Domsatlc vaster will ba traslsd by onbosrd sanitation treatment fac i l i t i e s . These vatsrs plua formation snd d r i l l vstara v i l l ba disposed of at tha sits ln accordance with applicabla Faderal regulationa.

Safsty ln completion oparationa wi l l ba accomplished through: 1.) adequately dealgnad caalng prograaa; 2.) ths uae of blowout prevsntors and assoclstad wall aqulpaent of sdsqusts prsaaure rating to contain anticipated pressu es; J . ) the use of sufficient aud volumes to lnaura control of the well; 4 . ) tha uaa of aud monitoring equipment; and 5.) tha uaa of aupervlsory personnel properly trslnsd ln prssaura control. Firs d r i l l s , abandon ship d r i l l s , tha inatallation and uss of requirad navigational aids and lifesaving aqulpaent snd s l l othsr shipbosrd ssfsty requirements wil l bs conducted purauant to Coaat Guard ragulatlons.

Conoco Inc. ls s member of Clean Gulf Assoclstea (CGA). CGA ls s cooperative dealgnad to own and aalntain s lsrg* lnvsntory of o i l oplll clsan-up equipaant. This squlpasnt and the necasssry marine supervisors for use ln sn sdvlsory cspsclty srs avallabla to meob»r companies during s p i l l evanta. Major equipment items available through CGA ara faat rssponaa open aaa and bay skimmers, high volume open aaa skimmer pyateas, shsllow wstar skimmer systems, snd sn lnvsntory of knovn reeourcee available for emergency o i l api l l clean-up and control. Our updated Accidental Diacharge Contingency Plsn vss spprovod by ths MMS on April 6, 1967. Tha naaraat CCA Bass vould ba Caae ron or Galveaton. Deployment time vould be approximately 8 hours.

Aa psr tha Air Quality Regulations 30 CFR 230.57 (Federal Rsglstsr March 7, 1960), Attachaent I l s a l i s t of projsctsd emissions durlt j ths propoaad oporstions. Emissions froa aach faci l i ty vers estimated froa EPA AP-42 and

RS3/099

•11 calculations vara based on worst possible case. Actual aalaaions ara axpected to be consldsrsbly below thoea aatlaatad. Attache ent I I ls a schematic of the dr i l l ing oparationa and indicates the height of salaalona ahove sss level.

Tha period of tlaa tha f a c i l i t y wi l l ba polluting la baaed on tha abova schedule. Drilling end coapletion operationa ara expected to lsat 300 daya. During thla tiae emissions sra baaed on the following:

Rig: 6000 HP (5 Cat D-399TA diaaala at 1200 HP aach) 24 hrs/dsy snd 7 dsys/week.

Work Bost: 24 hrs/day snd 7 dsys/waak. Standby Boat: 24 hrs/day and 4 dsys/wssk . Tug Bost: 2 - 4500 HP Diesels. 24 hra/day for 4 dsys to tow rig

ln snd out. Welding: 1 - 50 HP dieosl turning 4 houra/day to power welding

unit. Cementing: 2 - 200 HP disssls to pover unit running 28 hro/vsll. Crane: 2 - 110 HP d Use la to pover crana running 4 hrs/dsy. Hslicopter: 3 flights/day.

Construction operationa ars expected to consume 14 dsya while Installing the platfora jacket snd 7 days while Installing tha dack aactlon. Emiaaion calculations sre baaed on ths folloving:

Derrick Bsrga: 4500 HP Running 24 hra/dsy for 2 dsys. Helicopter: 3 flighta/day. Stsndby Bost: 24 houro/dsy snd 7 dsya/veek. Work Boat: 24 houra/day and 4 days/week. Welding: 4 - 50 HP wrldlng machines working 12 houra/dsy.

Production hookup and breakdown is expected to laat 120 days. Emiaaion calculations sre baaad on the following:

Crane: 1 - 110 HP diesel to power crsna running 2 hours/dsy. Helicopters: 3 flights/day. Standby Bost: 24 houro/dsy, 7 dsya/wask. Work Bost: 24 hours/dsy, 4 dsys/week. Welding: 4 - 50 HP welding machines working 12 houra/dsy. Pipeiine Barge: i - 135 HP dlaael angina running 24 hours/dsy for

14 dsys to power barge. Tug: 1 - 4500 HP dieaal working 24 houra/day for 14 dsys to

ss s l s t bargs.

During production salssions srs bsssd ou ths folloving assumptions:

1 - 135 HP diassl engine running 24 hours/dsy to power tha generator. 1 - 110 HP dlsssl engine to power crsna running 1 hour/day. I - 50 HP engine running 24 houra/dsy for welding or wireline vork

45 days/year. 1 - Boat slongslds 2 hours/dsy, 2 times/week. 1 - Helicopter flight per day. Fugitive emissions fron vslvss snd flsngss srs negligible.

RS3/099

Using Che above Informacion plus cha attached aalaslon factora a table of project emissions was compiled. These emissions ara baaad on maximum run conditions. Also Included In thla tsbls are ths aaxlmua allowable emissions. These values ware bssed on exemption formulas l n ths Fsdsrsl Register and tha dr l l l lng/complet lon/product lon operationa being 26 a l ias from tha nearest ahoro. Considering th la Information ws do not plsn to I n s t s l l uir qual i ty p o l l u t i o n control .

A a ha llow hazarda roport and other pert inent Information wss supplied ln ths Plans of Exploration f o r Wells No. 1 snd 2. An Environmental Raport, l i s t of d r i l l ing /comple t ion f lu ids slong w i t h additional Information ara atteched.

0 . L. Byers Coordinator Environmental A f f a i r s

U S saa Attachments

RS3/099

Attachment I (Page 1) PROJECT EMISSIONS HI BLK. 134; "A" PLATFORM; OCS-G6158

POUNDS PER DAY OF OPERATIONS

Pollutant D r i l l i n g Rig

6000 HP

Boat w/200 KV

Generator

Helicopter 3T0L Cycloa Two Engines

Tugboat 2-4500 HP Diesels

C a n e 2-110 HP Diesels

Cement 2-200 HP Diesels

Welding 1-50 HP Diesels

so2 295.30 6.20 1.08 442.94 1.80 19.68 .41

TSP 317.18 0.00 1.50 475.77 1.94 21.14 .44

"°X 4440.53 32.20 3.42 6660.79 27.14 296.04 6.17

CO 961.06 14.30 34.20 1441.59 5.87 64.08 1.33

VOC 355.24 4.10 3.12 532.86 2.17 23.68 .49

Total FaIssIons (Tone)

Year SO ; TSP NO CO VOC

1987 1988 1969 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

21.79 22.82 28.03 29.20

1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 1.33 1.41 2.93 2.55

340.51 77.25 412.13 95.02

19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 19.49 5.05 40.26 11.33

27.65 33.62

1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 3.49

Max.Allovable 865.8 854.8 865.8 29839.7 865.8

Hotel: MM. Allowable (Tone Per Year) - 3400D"J for CO

33.3D for SOj, TS?, NO , VOC, where D - 26 allot

Note 2: H.P. • hra run/day » g/HP hr - #May, where g/HF hr cornea from table 454 gr/ff " 33.3/of EPA AP-42. Compilation of Air Pollution Emiaaion Factora

RS/22

Attachment I (Paga 2)

PROJECTED EMISSIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION HI BLK. 134; "A" PLATFORM

OCS-C 61 58 POUNDS PER DAY OF OPERATION

Derrick Barge Boat w/200 Helicopter Welding 4500 HP kw 1 TOL 4-50 HP

Po l lu t an t Dlaaal Ceneretor Cycle-2 Engine Diesels

«°2 221.47 6.20 1.08 4.92

TSP 237.89 0.00 1.50 5.29

"Oa 3330.40 32.20 3.42 74.4

CO 720.79 14.30 34.2 16.02

voc 266.43 4.10 3.12 5.92

Attachment 1 (Page 3)

PROJECTED EMISSIONS DURING HOOKUP HI BLK. 134; "A" PLATFORM

OCS-G6158 POUNDS PER DAY OF OPERATION

Boal w/2 Helicopter Welding Crane Barge Tug kw 3 TOL 4-50 HP l-l10 HP 1-135 HP 1-4500 HP

Pollutant Generators Cyclea-2 Engine Diesels Diesel Diesel Diesel

SO., 6.20 1.08 4.92 .45 6.64 ?21.1

TfP 0.00 1.50 5.29 .48 7.14 237.89

NO X

32.20 3.42 74.40 6.78 99.91 3330.40

CO 14.30 34.20 16.02 1.47 21.62 720.79

V(»C 4.10 3.12 5.92 .54 7.99 266.43

JMP/02

Attachnent I (Page 4)

PROJECTED EMISSIONS DURINC PRODUCTION HI BLK. 134; "A" PLATFOilM

OCS-C 61 ^8 POUNDS PER DAY OF OPERATION

Welding Genera tor Crane H e l i c o p t e r W i r e l i n e Boat w/200 1-135 HP 1-110 HP 1 TOL 1-50 HP kw F u g i t i v e

P o l l u t a n t D i e e e l Diese l Cyc le -2 Engine D ie se l Generator Emissions

so2 6.64 .21 .36 1.23 .52 N e g l i g i b l e

TSP 7.14 .24 .50 1.32 0.00 N e g l i g i b l e

MO x 9 9 . 9 1 3.39 1.14 18.50 2.68 N e g l i g i b l e

CO 21.6? .73 11.40 4.00 1.19 N e g l i g i b l e

voc 7.99 .27 1.04 1.48 .34 N e g l i g i b l e

HT 134

r j PSL. ?$*V Ff*.1

25 iw' CWL

CONOCO INC. LOCATION fLKT HIGH ISLKND BLOCK 134

WELL NO.I SCME-.l^ooo

fnv U

ELEYATICN Propostd Mobile Drilling Rig

CONOCO INC. HI fcLOCk 134-

ocs- okis* *N' PLAT FCS IA Mtacn 1

P \ a K o m Cottar D e c k

PROPOSED QAS PIPELINE H.I. 134 "A" DEVELOPMENT

HIGH ISLAND 160 FIELD

13? \ 136 135 J

APPROX. PLATFORM COORDINATES XS 3.573.357'

" A " Y S 662.062' .—, 5564' FSL L J 2536' FWL

t 134

159

\

160

r /

/

/ /

\ /

PROPOSED 6* QAS PIPELINE t 6.3 MILES

* 8 5/6* 0 0 . SCH. 80 1440 PSI OESION 1100 PSI MAOP

162

173 / / 172

1 7 1 N

PROPOSEO TIE-IN COORDINATES: X = 3.556.039' V « 630.146'

M+acWtATL-CD

CONOCO

MAY 1967 JTO

NOT TO SCALE

WATER DEPTH: 1 50'

BEST AVAILABLE COPY

Thm following is a U s t of drilling and completion fluids thst msy bs used in this plan.

Thtrt will be no Intentional discharge of hazardous materia: in violation cf EPA or DOI regulations. Dr i l l ing mud will be dltpostd of on s i t t provided I t Is not oil based and

provided It conpllts with EPA's permitting procedures and guideline*.

PRODUCT

AJCDVT 10-S

Aluminum S toar ats

Aroo Seal

AZ-32

Bactron IW-7

HAT ito

Basco-bO

Basco Bestos

Benax

Bantonite

Bicarborat of Sods

S i t Luce

breakers

Eridce Heal

Buffer

Calcium Bronide

Calcium Carbonate

DtSCKIPTICN

Mixed Oxyethylated Phenols, Sonyipr.er.cls and Potassium Hydroxide

Alunrlnun Salts roactsd with Stearic Acii

Shreddad Cellophane

Vegetable Oil base with HydToxyatfr/l Cellulose typo Polymer with Aldehyde

Corrosion Inhibitor with bacterial properties

Barium Sulfate

Nonfejcmenting starch

Shredded cellophane

Anhydride Co-polymer

Wyoming Bentonite

Synthetic Polymers snd Carbonates

Sodium Bicarbonate

High pressure lubricant with Potsssi'jn Hydroxide end Sulfurized Phenols

Cellulose Enzymas, Sodium Persulfate

Calcium Lignosulfonates, Calcium Caxbonatas and Esterated Polysaccaharide

Sodium Acetate

Calcium Bromide

Calcium Carbonate

Revised 10-79

CaUciitTi Chloride

CKbO PlM

CAllJUIUJt

Caustic Sed*

C C - 1 6

OKU-O-M*1

-X

CJ0

Cirootex

czycxs Clary

Q C

Sen Det

Corson 126

Cortron *-66

Cortron H>14

Cortron HD-2202

Cortron H>2264

Cottonseed Oil

CQ

CtCPBW 609

Cronox 235

CY

CaJciun Chloride

Orgarophiiic dsy with tall Cil «ltr

Lignite Material

Sodlua Bydroxide

Sol.rriTlaad Sodiun Salt of Lignitic Susie Acid Power

Shrertieo Cellophane

Mixture of Cal rim Aliisinatas snd Silicates

reutiied lignite bese with sn Ccgsno Aery lets Composition

Idgnranil «onats

Blend of sized

Giroms Lignite -

Sub—Bentonite

Sodiun Cszhoxymethyl Cellulose

Anionic Surfactant

Axdne Samite

Filming Amine

Quaternary Amine

Corrosion Tnri Ihi tor with bacterial properties

with soluble smins with amine sulfite snd oxygen scavengers

vegetable Oil fron oottoneeed

Causticized Ferrochrome Lignosiilfosnte

Ethoxy letsd Amine with ISA

Ethoxylated Amine with IPA

Co-polymer contains Aery lanade

PRODUCT

Cypan

ED

Daxolita

Dextrid

Dowell F-75

Drillaid 420

Drilltreat

S3L-5

E-Z Mul

analaite

Fiber Seal

Flo Tex

FOOD Ben

Gel lone

Gold Fury

Gypeum

HAI 75

HDQ-48

HEC

LffiSCHJJr*gCN

Sodiun Polyacylate with Acrylonitrils

Aqutoue blend with Dischenol Amides

Mor>h Oekota Lignite

Sulfcellcylated Tsnnin rmtn 1ns chroms

NorifeiusuiLing starch

FluorochtsBical Oustac ary of Methyl Irr*-<re>

Bentonite Extmnder snd Selective Flocculent

Phnerhrtlipia Surfactant nrtrrs 1nf Lecithin

Polysnionic Can nines

T.iqnltir Material

Mineral Oil Surfactant snd laopropyl Alcohol

Wwilslfiar with Methanol snd Maleic Anhydride

f i i f j ^ Lignite OsB—l T vS

Cane Fiber

Blend of lagnosulfanstss, Ps'Siitydia snd Carbon

end Octyl Tri-butyl Organic S11 Intra.

, six surfonic N-60

Clecium Sulfate

Polymer Beads

Hydroxyethyl Cellule at

Calcium Ugnoeulf onats Calcium

Hytec

Isoo Flo

Isoo ftas

Inco 96

loco Thia

Tmsmiiix Jel Flak*

K-Flo

K-Lig

Kontol 101-12

JClsenup

Kwix Saal

LD-8

Ethcoeylatac" Nonyl-phenol snd Alkylated Phenol

Bland of Synthetic PolyssBS and sized

Banuock

Sodiun Tatxsphosphata

Sulfonated Alcohol ether and Ethoxylated Alcohol

Sodiun Hydroxide and Lignite

Pre-gela^inixed starch

Shredded r*yy*f**—m

Oxide Adduct of cayoerins

Potassium Salt of Uoniric Material

Potas slum Chloride

Potassiun Hydroxide

Corroaion inhibitor of imidazoline sales and

Calcium Lignoanslfonate

•land nf Surfactants, Butyl-cellosolve, snd

Flakes

Ligco

Ligcon

Ligcox

Lignite

Combination of granules, and fibers

Aluminum salt i * a fatty add in Prcrcocy lated Oleyl Alcohol

ehrr**r* Callcchana

Lignite

Sodiun Salt of Lignitic Material

Lignite

Lignite

Um Calcium Hycrodde

Lubri Fila Aluminum Salt of an organo fatty

i** ODKplaOC

Lubri Glids Polystyrene Teflon Baads

MD Ethcon/latad Alcohol with Sodium Silicat* Buff ar and CMC Viscosifier

Macco Inhibitor 303 Bland of MarpnoLine Amino typo with IPA

Ksgconol 2- othyl Baoonol. 2 ethylhexyl Alcohol

Magccphoa Sodiun Tetraproepriata

Mica Mica Flakes (S111 rataa)

Milcon Baevy natal snr?1 fieri Ugnita - mVlflarl with Zlzr

Kilflo Benlock

Miltax Mica

Men Pac Polyanionic CMlaaVaaSj

Mud Cleaner it-Acid QCS) Hydrochloric acid and iaoprccenol

Mud -

M; - Lo - Gel Corn Starch

Nylo Seal Ground Shredded Nylon

Nut Pack Ground qp nut sheila

Nutplug Ground walnut shells

OB Bi Cal Calcium Hydroxide

Oilphos Sodium Tetrsphosphsta

Pal Mix 110 Cellulose type Polysaccharide

Pal Mix 210 100% Tri-butyl Phosphate

Pal Mix 235-A Contains *lxyl Pyridine with leas than 2% GlueersJdahyde

Pal Mix 380

Pad Mix DcacTdeu:

PTJ 5A

Pw I Tia DMStt

P a n a m a

Potassium rsTtrsiata.

Potassium Chloride

Protecto Hul B

O^Bzoxin

QusUireh

Ray flo

RD-111

Rht

Paoyal Saal

SA-58

S a l t

S a l t Gal

SAM-5

S.A.P.P.

S l i x - 5

Soda Aah

Glucose Baaa Polyme.

Buffer-izarganic Alkaline Phosphate

Mathanol

Aluminum Chrona lignceulf onata

Oroano-Clay

LeMnated Ttmwrmt Plastic

Potassium Caaa*SBjSjsj

Potaaaium Chloride

Bland of ettxpuleite clay, msg.a*ium oxide, snd coconut coathenolsmina

Paiiuchmia Iagnrsml fonats

Tannin from Ouauiacrio Bark

Blsndarf lignosul fmsts cnntsins Bichromate

Cc-pclyraer of a Su" fonatad Lignite snd s Phenol Formalcatfryde

Qixome Xlenosulfonsts

C»roun<iup Movie Pilm

Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids

Sodium Chlorine

Attapulgita Clay

Solium Acid Pyxophcaphata

Nonionic Surfactant

Li grata Surflube Surfactant

Sodfasl Carbcnata

«ES1

P3CD0CT DSSCRTPTXCN

Sodiun Bichromate

Sodiun Qiromets

Spacer Mix

Speed Dri l l

Spars, ana

Stab-Vis

Stabi-Prop

Stabloid

Starch

Super-Col

Super Lig

Superdrill '

Supertron 62

Surfactant

Surf cots

Synargic

Tanco

Tannathin

Tannex

Therm X

Unicai

Uni flow

VC-10

Via co 931

Sodiun Dichrcnete

Sodiun Chronsts

Oleic Acid, Prinary OleyLsaade n-itf riaexl Oleic Acid snd Free Patty Add

Tal l Oil Soap fmilslfior

CetSaT^aBea l T..1 t j p f ^ f ^ s T t ^ ^ n r \ a * * ^ a E

^ S e a T C B V a l ^ n O f f ^ a l ^ ^ ^ t s a ' ^ a E

Chrome Lignite

jeSBXoa" "T"1 pg Starch

Pre-gelatinized Starch

Hydrophilic Oiusitj-Clsy Complex

Lignite

Gilaonite ri.ini.sim1 with Causticized Lignite

9% COoodiamine with Sodium Sulfite, Msthyl Alcholo snd TmloSTaUna Alcohol

Cbysthalatad Phenols

Oi l soluble Amine Dcdecyl Sulfonate

PotaasivTO Sodium Silicate with s Tannin

Causticized Ugdts-wAavaracho

Lignite

Quebracho Extract

Sodiun Stearate

Chrome Sodium Lignosulfonate

Gilsonits

Modified Ugnosulfonata with Chrons

Partially OAoaternized Polyamine in IPA snd Water Solution

Vix-Tex

Whites FT 294

Wrutes PT 296

W.O. Defoamer

x-tend

XC Polymer

XMDC (PD)

XP-20

Zinc Brand*

Zinc Carbonate

Zinc Chloride

C

Blend of Synthetic Polymers end Sized r*-bonal

Contain lifjaid Cvarteznary AnxitcuA

Bactericide mntslns rnrnalhehyde

Contains Potass iin Bvdrcadde

Co-polymer Bentonite

High ffnlonilaT weight long-chained Polyaar Xautliun Qun

Bland of Monodoalxyl Polycixyethylene end Phosphates

Chrome Lignite contains Potassium Hydroxide

Zinc

Zinc

Zinc QOoride

SERssp

BEST «Mu*I COPY

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FOR COASTAL MAIIAGEMENT CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION

OE VEL OPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION DOCUMENT

GULF OF MEXICO

FOR

HIGH ISLAND AREA BLOCK 134 (OCS-G-6158)

SUBMITTED TO:

MR. D. L. BYERS

COORDINATOR. ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

CONOCO INC.

P. 0 . BOX 51266

LAFAYETTE. LOUISIANA 70505

(318/236-5000)

MAY 26, 1987

PREPARED BY:

JOHN E. CHANCE I ASSOCIATES, INC.

REGULATORY I ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

PROJECT #87-8073

John E. Chance A Ammoo^ Inc.

Table of Content!

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Page

I. Title Page 1

Table of Contents 11

L is t of Figures 1v

I I . Description of the Proposed Action 1

A. Travel Modes, Routes, and Frequencies 3

B. Support Base and New Personnel 4

C. New Support Facil it ies 4

D. New or 'Jousts' Techno.ogy 5

E. Locati ot* of tha Proposed Activities 5

F . Proposed Mean', i » Transporting 011 and Gas 5

I I I . Description of the Affected Environment and Impacts €

A. Physical and Environmental 6

1. Commercial Fishing 6

2. Shipping 12

3. Recreation 12

4. Cultural Resources 13

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features 14

6. Existing Pipelines and Cables 15

7. Other Mineral Uses 15

ii

8. Ocean Dumping 15

9. Endangered or Threatened Species 15

8. Socio-Economic Impacts 17

IV. Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 18

V. Literature Cited 23

Coastal Zone Management Consistency Certificate 26

111

J o h n E . C h a n c e at A e n o n ^ ataou

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE Page

I—Vicini ty Map of High Island Arta Block 134 2

iv

John £. Chance et Amnoo^ Ino.

I I . Oescription of the Propostd Action

This rtport addresses tht activity propostd by Conoco Inc. for High

I s i ind Arte Block 134 (OCS-G-6158). Tht approximate location of tht

a c t i v i t y 1s presented 1n Figure I, a gtntral v icini ty map of the Outer

Continental Shelf (XS) lease areas off tht coast of Louisiana.

Conoco Inc. has dri l led and temporarily abandoned OCS-G-6158 Nell No. 1

and 1s currently dril l ing and plans to temporarily abandon OCS-G-6158 Nell

No. 2. Conoco Inc. proposes to Install a platfona (to bt designated the

High Island 134A Platfom) at tht Ntil No. 1 and No. 2 common surf act

loca t ion , redesignate Nells No. 1 and No. 2 as Nells A-l and A-2,

respectively, and dri l l and complete four additional walls (A-3, A-4, A-5,

and A-6 ) . A propostd 8-lnch pipeUne will bt Installed free tha High Island

134A Platfora to an axisting 16-Inch Black Marlin pipeline locattd In High

Is land Arta Block 171. Hydrocarbons will ho routtd to short near Galvtston,

Chambers County, Tex*;*. More specific Info "Station can bt found 1n tht

attachad Development Operatio..s Coordination Docunent.

Tht propostd act iv i t ies will bt carried out by Conoco Inc. with a

guarantee of the following:

1. The best available and safest technologies will bt utilized

throughout tht proj te t . This Includes meeting all applicable

requirements for eqjlpment types, gtntral project layout,

safety systans, equipment and monitoring systeas.

MISSISSIPPI ALABAMA

\ BALDWIN

JOKV t . CHANCE B ASSOC.. IMC

. I F SOUTH CONOCO, INC.

BLOCK I M HIOH ISLAND ANC A

VICINITY MAP

0 40 SOm

2. All operations trill be eovtrtd by M.M.S. approvtd 011 Spil l

Contingency Plan.

3. All applicabla Federal, State, and local requirements

regarding air emissions, wattr quality, and discharge for

tht propostd act iv i t ies, as wtll as any othtr permit conditions,

will bt complied with.

A. Travel Moots, Routes, and Frequencies

Conoco Inc. wi l l operate out of their service bast fac i l i t i es

established In Cameron, Louisiana and Morgan Ci ty , Louisiana. Conoco

I n c . anticipates using ont helicopter, ont work boat, and ont stand-by boat

to support thalr High Island Arta Block 134 act iv i t ies .

During the dr i l l ing phase of this project, tht htllcopttr will travel

to tht location a total of twenty-one times ptr week and the work boat will

travel to tht location a total of four times ptr wetk. During the

production phase of this project, tht htllcopttr will travel to tht location

a total of stvtn times per week and the work boat will travel to the

location a total of two times ptr wetk.

I t 1s antlcipattd that tht transportation vessels will ut i l ize tht eost

direct route froa. the Cameron, Louisiana and Morgan City, Louisiana service

bases. Because a vessel supporting tht High Island Arta Block 134

production act iv i t ies , as outlined in the Developnent Operations

Coordination Document, nay bt scheduled for othtr stops in tht arta , tht

3

kthn £ Chance A Amwoom, ino.

exact route for tach vessel on tach par t icu lar t r i p cannot be predetermined.

B. Support Bast and Now Personnel

Conoco Inc. will u t i l i ze support bast f a d 1 H i t s established In

Catatron, Louisiana and Morgan City, Louisiana. Tht Cameron, Louisiana

support base Is locatad approximately fifty-seven a ' ! * * froa tht block and

tha Morgan City, Louisiana support bast 1s locattd approximately one hundred

seventy-five miles froa the block.

Because helicopter and ear int fac i l i t i es art currently avail abl t at the

serv ice base and art presently and continuously Banned, no additional

onshore employment 1s expected to bt generated as a result of these

a c t i v i t i e s .

The Initial OCS Socio-Economic Data Bast Rtport for tht service bast

f a c i l I t f ts utilized by Conoco Inc. will bt prepared for submission pursuant

to the specific parameters to be established bv the DOI/MMS and scheduled to

be Issued at a later date.

C . New Support F a c i l i t i e s

The propostd production activi t i ts for High Island Arta Block 134 will

not require the development of any new support f a c i l i t i e s .

4

John E. Chmnom et mXWmmm rnmx

D. Ncw or Unusual Technology

The production act iv i t ies for High Island Area Block 134 wi l l not

warrant util izing any new or unusual technology that may affect coastal

waters.

E. Location of the Proposed Activities

High Island Area Block 134 Is located approximately fifty-seven miles

from) Cameron, Louisiana, approximately one hundred seventy-five miles from

Morgan City, Louisiana, and approxlaately twenty-six elles froa the Texas

coos': of Jefferson County. Figure 1 presents the location of the block In

re la t ion to the Texas and Louisiana .oast, as well as the geographic

relationship between High Island Area Block 134 and the other OCS lease

areas.

F. Proposed Means of Transporting 011 and Gas

An eight-inch pipeline wi l l be Installed froa the proposed High Island

134A Platform to an existing 16-Inch Black Marlin pipeline located In High

Island Area Block 171. Hydrocarbons wi l l be transported to shore east of

Galveston, Chambers County, Texas.

5

John E. Chanco et Ammoo^ Inc.

I I I . DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS

A. Physical *nd Environmental

I. Commercial Fishing

The Mississippi Delta area 1s known as the "Fertile Fisheries Crescent"

because It 1s one of the eost productive commercial fishery grounds 1n the

wond. As a resul t , Louisiana Is traditionally one of the top states In the

nation 1n teres of commercial f isheries, which amounted to 1,334,884,40"

pounds »orth $118,754,742 1n 1984 -.nd 1,822,321,060 pounds worth

$109,765,223 in 1983 (USI* , NMFS, 1985). Ten species of finfish and

shel l f ish represent 99 percent of Louisiana's commercial fishery landings:

brown shr1-p (Penaeus aztecus), white shrimp (P. set l ferus) , blue crab

(Callinectes sapidus), oysters (Crassostrea virginica), Gulf menhaden

(Brevoortia patronus), red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus). black drue

(Pogonias cromis), red drum (Scianops ocellatus), spotted seatrout

(Cynoscion nebulosus), and striped mullet (Mugil cephalus). All but one of

these species are estuarine dependent.

The must valuable ' pedes to Louisiana ire the brown shrimp and white

shrimp, which tcnetKe» * .duce by far the greatest shrimp harvest 1n the

Gulf of Mexico. Loulr'w shrimp fishermen harvested 106,681,071 pounds

(heads-on) of shrimp worth $143,116,739 in 1984 (USDC, NMFS, 1985).

Although harvest data for these species -re not separated for stat ist ical

purposes, the brown shrimp dominates the Louisiana shrimp harvest, as I t <s

6

•Mohn £. Chanco et Amnoo^ Inn.

the eost abundant spedes in thet region of **e gulf (White and Boudreaux,

1977). Both of these shrlep are estuarine depende.. -nd have similar 11ft

histories, with the eejor differences being the time and location that the

various Ufe stages begin and reach their maximum levels. Generally,

spawning occurs offshore with tlie resulting larvae migrating Inshore to

cVcelop 1n estuaries. Brown shrlep spaw.i from November to April 1n 30 to

120 eaters of watar, while white shrimp spawn froa March to October In 8 to

34 eaters (Benson, 1982). Juvenile and adult brown shrlep migrate offshore

from May to July, and white shrlep trt grata between June and November

(atnson, 1982).

Tht High Island Arta under consideration fa l ls within the "high to

moderate brown shrlep productivity area" (USDOI. MMS, 1986, Visual No. 2)

wherein the possibility of shrlep fishing activity exists . Som documented

Impact" of petroleum exploration and production on tht shrimp fishery

Include the removal of trawling space during the dri l l ing and exploration

phases and the possibility of fishing gear conflicts with txlsting wtll

heads. These conflicts could result 1n loss of catch, loss of or damage to

nets, vassal damage, and/or fishing downtime losses. Additional discussion

of tha Impacts on the commercial fishing Industry Is contained 1n the Final

Regional Environmental Impact Statement, Gulf of Mexico, Volume 1, pages 327

to 332 (USDOI, MMS, 1983a).

Tha Gulf menhaden or "pogy" fishery Is Louisiana's second most valuabl*

f ishery, accounting for 1,756,285,058 pounds worth $68,601,156 1n 1984

(USDC, NMFS, 1985). Gulf menhaden spawn offshore from mid-October through

7

March fn 40 to 140 meters of water, with tha larvae subsequently moving Into

shal low, low sa l i n i t y estuaries from February to May (Benson, 1982). Here

I n the shallow estuar ies , the larvae metamorphose Into Juveniles and change

from being carnivores to f i l ter-*eed1ng omnivores. The juveni les and

subadults migrate from the estuaries Into offshore vaters from December

through February (Benson, 1982). The adults only rarely venture far

of fshore (Hoese and Moore, 1977); Indeed, about 93 percent of the commercial

f i s h i n g ef for t occurs wi th in ten el les of shore (USDOI, MMS, 1983a).

The ac t i v i t ies as proposed are unl ike ly to have any adverse e f fec t on

the menhaden f ish ing as High Island Area Block 134 l i es outside the

"Pr inc ip le Menhaden Harvest Area" (USDOI, MMS, 1986, Visual Ho. 2 ) .

The Eastem oyster 1s most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico from Aransas

Bay, Texas, to Apalachicola Bay, Florida (Beccasio et a l . , 1982). Louisiana

oystermen landed 13,488,274 pounds of oysters worth $24,476,569 In 1984,

making oysters Louisiana's th i rd most valuable f ishery (USDC. MMFS, 1985).

Oysters thrive at s a l i n i t i e s between 5 and 15 parts per thousand and water

depths of 2.5 to 8 meters (Beccasio et a l . , 1982). Oysters spawn Inshore

dur ing ihe summer, and the free-swi emi ng larvae attach and develop 1n the

same estuarine hab i ta t . The proposed a c t i v i t i e s In High Island Area Block

134 are not expected to have any Impact on the oyster f ishery in Louisiana.

The blue crab ranges from Nova Scotia to Uruguay and supports the

la rgest crab f ishery 1n the United States (Marine Experiment S ta t ion , 1973).

I n 1984, 29,692,067 pounds of crabs worth $8,395,002 wart landed In

8

John E. Chanco at Ammoo^ ino.

Louisiana (USDC, NMFS, 1985). Blue rrabs Inhabit shallow water and can be

found 1n high salinity sounds, bays, and channels where they spawn from

March through November, with a peak ."rom May to September (Benson, 1982).

The resulting planktonic larvae pass through several molts and stages before

the juveniles drop to the bottom of tlie estuarine nurseries, where they

remain throughout the year (Benson, 1982). The fishery for blue crabs 1s

unlikely to be significantly affected by production activities as this block

Is located offshore of the coastal and estuarine waters 1n which this

fishery occurs.

Red snapper landings in Louisiana amounted to 1,487,456 pounds worth

$2,479,817 in 1984 (USDC, NMFS. 1985). Snappers are demersal predatory fish

thet are common over or near banks, coral reefs and outcrops, submarine

ridges, rocks, and, especially offshore Louisiana, man-made structures such

as shipwrecks and offshore drilling platforms (Benson, 1982; Hardy, 1978).

Red snapper spawn In the Gulf of Mexico from June to Mid-September, In water

depths of 16-37 eaters, over bottoms of hard sand and shall with rocky reef

areas; spawning may actually take place at the surface (Hardy, 1978).

L i t t l e or no Information 1s available about larval red snapper, but

juveniles are typically found Inshore 1n high salinity (24 to 40 ppt) water

v-91 meters In dtpth (Benson, 1982). Tht proposed activities should create

a suitable habitat for red snapper, and therefore, this fishery should be

benefited.

The drums (Scianidae) art ona of the three most abundant families of

fishes In tht Gulf of Mexico in terms of biomass, and they outnumber all

9

o the r feel 1 I t s 1r. the nueber of spedes (Hoes« and Noort, 1977). Thr t t

species of drums are commercially Important to Louisiana. Thest Include

b lack drum, red drum, and spotted seat-out. In 1984, Louisiana landed a

t o t a l of 5,557,25' pounds of drums worth $4,290,068 (USDC, NMFS, 1985). The

red drum fishery Is t h t most valuable, accounting for 51 percent of the

t o t a l drum catch while t h t spo'.ted seatrout and black drum account for equal

amounts of the remainder.

Typical ly, scianids are euryhaline species that spawn in shallow

nearshore Gulf waters, producing larvae that enter coastal estuaries for

development (Benson, 1982; Johnson, 1978; Hoese and Moore, 1977). Spotted

sea t rou t spawn at night in deep channels and depressions adjacent to shallow

f l a t s , grass beds, and bayous 1n the estuary, from March to September with a

peak from April through Ju ly (Benson, 1982). Thc larvae associate wi th

bottom vegetation (predominantly sea grasses) or shell rubble In channel

bottoms (Johnson, 1978). The Juveniles spend at least the i r f i r s t 6 to 8

weeks on the nursery grounds, usually wi th in 50 meters of the shorel ine,

u n t i l la te fa l l when they move Into the deoper parts of the estuary (Benson,

1982) . Adult spotted seatrout rarely I t av * the estuaries (Benson, 1982).

Black drum spawn from February to Apr i l 1n or near t ida l passes ard 1n

open bays and estuaries (Benson, 1982). The larvae are transported to

sha l low estuarine marshes, but may move to deeper estuarine waters or

sha l low waters o f f sandy beaches as large Juveniles (Johnson, 1978). Adult

m ig ra t i on 1s largely res t r i c ted to spring and f a l l movement through the

passes between estuaries and nearshore environments (Seccaslo et a l . , 1982).

10

John £. Chanco ee Awmoo* Inc.

Red drum Inhabit estuaries and coastal waters out to 22 kilometers from

shore, at depths up to 40 eaters (Becassio et a l . , 1982). Spawning occurs

1n the fall and winter, pr1 eerily from September to November, and the larvae

are carried by currents Into shallow estuaries and bays where they tend to

associate with seagrasses and marshes (Johnson, 1978). They usually remain

i n or near estuaries unt i l they are three years old, but some leave at the

end of their f i r s t year, migrating Into the Gulf In the fa l l (Benson, 1982/.

Louisiana harvested 3,157,215 pounds of mullet worth $999,936 In 1984

(USDC, NMFS, 1985). Mullets are one of the most abundant fishes 1n the Gulf

of Mexico (Hoese and Moore, 197"). Mullet have been observed In Alabama

Inland as far as 607 kilometers from the Gulf, and offshore as far as 80

kilometers and as deep as 1,385 meters (Benson, 1982). Mullet spawn from

October to May, and some females spawn more than once In a season 'Benson,

1982). Larvae move Inshore In the spring and the Juveniles are found 1n the

shallow areas r the estuaries. Offshore movement from the estuaries occurs

during the fall (Reccaslo et a l . , 1962).

Overall, commercial fishermen have benefited from the growth of the

petroleum Industry 1n the OCS waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While

technological leprovements have enabled ccemerclal fishermen to Increase the

volume of landings, development of the petroleum Industry has also had a

positive lepact on f ish ing. Because OCS petroleum development 1s dependent

on extensive marine vessel ut i l izat ion, harbors and ports have been

Improved, port access waterways have been expanded and Improved, and the

11

John E. Chanco & Assoc., Inc.

availability and quality of marine vessel maintenance and repair facilities

have Increased significantly. These Improvements have definitely had a

positive effect on fishermen (Lassiter, 1980).

2. Shipping

A designated shipping fairway Is located approximately six miles north

of High Island Area Block 134. tt I t likely that marine vessels supporting

this block will utilize the shipping fairway to gain access to the support

base; however, ft 1s unlikely that fairway traffic will bt significantly

affected. The production platform and each of the marine vessels will be

equipped with all U. S. Coast Guard required navigational safety aids.

3. Recreatlo.i

Tht open Gulf encompasses a broad expanse of saltwater which 1s

utilized by numerous sports fishermen and a small but -apldly Increasing

number of SCUBA divers. Many fishermen charter boats to deep-sea fish and

sport dive in the northern Gulf. Tht statts of Alabama, Mississippi, and

Louisiana support approximately 120 charter boats which conduct a majority

of their fishing activities 1n tht waters of tht OCS (USDOI, MMS, 1983a).

Petroleum platforms In the northern Gulf provide recreation for fishermen

and scuba divers because they act as artificial reefs attracting and

establishing aquatic communities Including highly sought after food and

sport fishes. The reef effect created by petroleum platforms Is wall known

and 1s evidenced by the numerous private boat owners who regularly visit

12

J o h n E . C h a n c e at emmmmmeawi Aao.

off short facilities to harvest food and sport fishes.

Frequently, off short rigs and platform serve as navigation points for

small commercial and recreational mrint craft. Manned drilling rigs and

platform can also provide a haven for mail craft operators forced to

abandon their vessels during storm or following boat accidents The

installation and use of navigational aids, lifesaving equipment, and other

sef ety requirements pursuant to Coast Guard regulations are standard

procedure for production platform and marine vessels utilized by Conoco

Inc.

4. Cultural Resources

Visual No. 4 from the Final Environmental Impact Statement (USDOI, MMS,

1986) Indicates that High Island Area Block 134 falls within the zone

designated as an area with a high probability of historic and pre-historic

cultural resources. Intersea Research Corporation performed a high

resolution survey In High Island Area Block 134 for Conoco Inc. frm

November 5 - 8, 1983. The Shallow Hazards to Drilling Raport (1984)

prepared by conoco Inc. Indicates that the side scan sonar data recorded a

single unidentified retangular-shaped sonar target (possibly representing

debris or a topographic expression) In the south-central portion of the

block. The magnetometer detected four magnetic anomalies but the sources of

these anomalies have not been Identified and none correspond to any sonar

targets (Conoco, 1984). Subbottom profiler and sparker data Indicate

several probable paleochannel fragments, generally trending east-west. An

13

C C h a n c o at

erosional surface 1n the northern portion of the block may be the southern

boundary of a large paleochannel or paleolagoon; several seal Ier channels

were observed within this larger feature (Conoco, 1964). Careful

ex aai notion of the data indicate thet no unusual hazards to drilling should

be encountered while drilling this proposed location (Conoco, 1984).

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features

High Island Area elock 134 Is located approxlaately sixty-three miles

north of Claypile Bank, approxlaately twenty-eight miles southeast of

McFaddin Ma sh National Wildlife Refuge, and approximately twenty-eight

a l ias south of Sea R1* National Wildlife Refuge (USDOI, MMS. 1986, Visual

No. 4) . There are no other <nown ecologically sensitive areas near High

Island Area Block 134.

The Cameron, Louisiana support base which will be utilized as the

operations base for the production activities 1s located approxlaately

thlrty-alles west of the Rockefeller State Refuge (USDOI. MMS. 1986. Visual

No. 3) . The Morgan City. Louisiana support base which will also be utilized

as the operations base for the production activities Is located

•pproxleately thirty miles northeast of Marsh Island Wildlife Refuge (USDOI.

MMS, 1986. Visual No. 3).

In genera1 if al 1 activities are executed as planned, encountering no

unusual circumstances, the environmentally sensitive areas will not be

affected.

V

14

J o h n E . C h a n c e at afeseaaeBw aVaO.

6 Existing Pipelines and Cables

A search of Company data Indicated that there are no known pipelines or

cobles in High Island Area Block 134.

7. Other Mineral Uses

There are no other known art neral resources located In or near High

Island Area Block 134.

8. Ocean Dumping

The major sources of ocean dumping related to the proposed production

activity will be the discharge of produced water and treated domestic

wastes. There will be i.o Intentional discharge of any oily or hazardous

materials 1n violation of c I or EPA regulations.

9. Endangered or Threatened Species

Endangered or threatened species which aright occur In High Island area

Block 134 are blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), finback whale

(Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), sel whale

(Balaenoptera borealis). sperm whale (Physeter catodon). Kemp's ridley

turtle (Lepidochelys kamp11), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill

turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

15

John E. Chanco & Assoc., Inc.

•nd loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) (USDOI, Region IV Endangered Species

Notebook).

Endangered or threatened species expected to occur In the vicinity of

the Cameron, Louisiana onshore base are Arctic peregrine falcon (Falco

peregrinus tundrius), brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), and American

Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (USDI, Region IV Endangered Species

Notebook). Endangered or threatened species expected to occur In the

vicinity of the Morgan City, Louisiana onshore base are bald eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephelus) and American alligator (Alligator

mississippiensis) (USDI, Region IV Endangered Species Notebook.

The brown pelican wes a common resident of Louisiana but this species

beceere virtually extinct 1n the late 1950's (Fritts et a l . , 1983). By 1930,

the estimated population of brown pelicans was four birds (NFWL, 1980).

Re-est abl 1s hment of a breeding population In Louisiana has met with varying

success (Fritts et a l . , 1983). No brown pelicans have been sighted ... the

Cameron Area since 1956 (Lowery, 1974 and Walther, 1984). Arctic peregrine

falcons are migrants through the area and are not considered a component of

the resident bird population. Bald eagle nesting areas occur between Morgan

City and Houma (Beccasio et a l . , 1982). The American alligator 1s

classif ied as threatened 1n Louisiana due to similarity of appearance. This

species Is neither endangered nor threatened biologically 1n Louisiana and a

regulated harvest Is permitted under State Law (USDI, Region IV Endangered

Species Notebook). The presence of marine mammals 1n coastal Louisiana 1s

considered sporadic and probably no resident populations exist. I t Is

V

16

unl ikely that onshore cr exploration act iv i t ies related to High Island Area

Block 134 will have any effect on the previously named species.

B. Socio-Economic Impacts

In accordance with DOI/MMS guidelines (OS-7-01), dated November 20,

1980, the Init ial OCS Data Base Report wi l l be developed for submission on

or before the prescribed due date Subsequent Environmental Reports

provided by Conoco Inc. w i l l address this data and related act ivi ty Impacts

as required.

17

John E. Chance at Amwoo^ Inc.

IV . UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

The greatest threat to the natural environment 1s caused by Inadequate

operational safeguards that nay cause or contribute to an oil sp in or well

blowout. These accidents can oe greatly reduced In number by uti l iz ing

trained operationa) personnel and employing al l available safety and

pollution control sys tears. These measures are standard operating procedure

for Conoco Inc. Conoco Inc. has an approved 011 Spill Contingency Pian.

I t should be noted that nust large crude and refined products

s p i l l s have occurred during transportation and not during d r i l l i n g or

production operations. Furthermore, the probabi l i ty of an o i l s p i l l

occurr ing during exploratory d r i l l i n g operations Is low (Danenberger, 1976).

Trensportation and r i v e r runoff contr ibute an estimated 34.9 percent and

26.2 percent, respect ive ly , to the hydrocarbon contamination of the world's

oceans while offshore production a c t i v i t i e s account for only 1.3 percent

(National Academy of Sciences, 1975). Natural seeps of petroleum and

natura l gas, which occur throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (Zo B e l l ,

1954; Gayer, 1979), cont r ibute an estimated 9.8 percent to the contamination

o f the world's oceans (National Academy of Sciences, 1975). Add i t iona l ly ,

1 t was noted 1n the ext u t l ve summary of J recent study of petroleum

production p la t fo rm In the central Gulf of Mexico (Bedinger, 1981), that

natura l disturbances ( I . e . r i ve r f looding and s to rm) can more greatly

a f f e c t nonaal b io logical communities than the current Industr ia l development

o f the Louisiana OCS. The preceding discussion 1s ^ot Intended to minimize

the significance of major o i l sp i l l s resu l t i ng f r m petroleum exploration

13

Ja?*** LW Chmnom at A s s o c . , ate.

and production activit ies but fs p r o v e d to establish a perspective

relative to thefr probable occurrence.

Thirteen of the forty-six blow-outs on the OCS between 1971 and 1978

were associated with exploratory dri l l ing ac t iv i t ies , none of which released

any oil to the ferine envlroneent (Dar.enberger, 1980). The IXTOC I spi l l of

1979, however, demonstrates that advanced dri l l ing technology and available

safety and pollution control systems are not Infa l l ib le . Most sp i l l s are

subjected to immediate containment and cleanup efforts. The ultimate fate

wf oil spilled 1n the eer Ine environment 1s generally considered to be or.?

or a combination of the following: evaporation and decomposition 1n the

atmosphere, dispersal in the water co urnn. Incorporation Into sediments, and

oxidation by chemical or biological means (Nation*! Academy of Sciences,

1975).

The unavoidable adverse Inpacts that will occur as a result of platform

Installation and production are few <- number and temporary fn nature. The

primary adverse Impacts Include a localized degradation of water Quality In

the vicinity of the production platfona during disposal of produced water,

domestic wastes and sewage; the potential obstruction to commercial and

recreational fishing vessels; and the disruption and/or k i l l ing of benthic

and/or pelagic organisms during Installation of the platform.

Discharging from the production platf' >s Inevitable during OCS

operations. Any materials that ray contain oil or other hazardous

materials, and therefore would rave a much greater adverse Impact on the

19

envli^.mmnt, will not bt discharge «lly. Any discharging win bt

dore pursuant to all DOI and EPA rtf*. Tht discharges to bt disposed

overboard as a result of the production «c;1v1\v will Include produced wattr

end domestic waste and sewage that 1s treated on the platfona.

Galloway tt a l . (1980) concluded that produced waters art only slightly

toxic and that direct effects on marine fauna art generally restricted to

within a few meters of the outfall. They further concluded that uptake of

produced wattr contaminants 1s minimal and 1s usually restricted to the

biofouling community of the platform.

The following discussion of pipelines and associated Impacts 1s

summarized from the Regional Environmental Assessment, Gulf of Mexico,

Pipeline Activities (USDOI, MMS, 1983b) Unavoidable Impacts associated

with pipeline Installation Include destruction of organisms and habitat by

lay barge anchors and by jetting during trench excavation. Biota may also

be smothered by the overburden suspended by the jetting operation. About 20

acres of sea bottom are affected by each linear nautical mile of trenched

pipeline Installed. The magnitude of the Impact diminishes with d1s*"ce

from the pipeline (with decreasing sediment deposited. Impacts art 'ess

stvtrt) . Currents eventually f i l l the trench and ltvtl tht mounds

essentially returning tht arta to prt-p1ptl1nt conditions. Suspension o'

sediments associated with jetting Is considered a short-term Impact as

dilution occurs rapidly and background conditions are generally retched

within 300 fttt of tht Optra tion. Turbidity would have a nominal Impact on

phytoplankton productivity. Inpacts on fish and invertebrate larvat art

20

•Mohn E. Chmnom am Amwoo^ Ina.

considered In t l gnlf leant when th t Un i t ed extent of th t t u rb id i t y pi unt tnd

U s re la t i ve ly short duration art considered 1n view of the vast numbers of

such larvae and th t l im i ted t ine they ar t 1n any «nt locat ion.

O f f short act iv i t i t s gentratt a seal 1 but s ign i f icant anount of a i r

p o l l u t a n t s due to the emissions of d'esel engines; tnerefore, the

de te r i o ra t i on of a i r qua l i t y Is unavoidable in an OCS operation area. In

most Instances, these omissions affect only th t Immediate production

a c t i v i t y s i t t and art rap id ly dissipated by t h t atmosphere depending upon

c l i m a t i c conditions. An A1r Quality Review Report has been prepared for

High Is land Arta Block 134 and 1s Included 1n the Development Operations

Coordinat ion Document.

Cceaaerclai and recreational f ishing «ould be affected by OCS

development, but pr imar i ly <n terms of Inconvenience and Interference.

Although th t unavoidable adverse Impacts could Include some smothering of

s h e l l f i s h , snagging of trawl nets, reduction of area presently used for

u n r e s t r i c t e d f ish ing, and minimal f i n f i sh k i l l i n g , commercial f i sh ing

a c t i v i t i e s would not be s ign i f i can t l y ef fected, t xc tp t in th t un l ike ly event

of an o i l s p i l l . An o i l s p i l l would resul t in serious economic losses dut

to the contamination of cotaserclal f ish specie' over a large area.

There Is a remote p o s s i b i l i t y ;hat offshore areas of h i s t o r i c a l ,

c u l t u r a l , or biological s igni f icance could be damaged or destroyed by OCS

product ion cperations. Visual Mo. 3 froa the Final Envlronatntal Iapact

Statement (USDOI, MMS, 1986) Indicates that no archeological, c u l t u r a l , or

21

Jtaiari £". Chmnom A Aamoo^ 4v?.

h is tor ic areas are 1n tht v ic in i ty of High Island Area Block 134. Conoco

Inc . w i l l make every e f fo r t to avoid disturbing any historical ly,

cu l tu ra l l y , or biologically significant feature.

22

•Mohn £ Chmnom tt Arnmoo,, inc.

I1TERATURE CITED

Beccasio. A. D., N. Fotherlnghaai, A. E. Redfield. et. a l . 1982 Gulf coast ecol cj l cal Inventory: user's guide and Information base.

Biological Services Program, U. S. F1sh and wildlife Service, Washington D.C: FWS/OBS-82/55. 191 pp.

Bedinger, C. A., J r . 1981 Ecological Investigations of petroleum production platforms lr

the central Gulf of Mexico. Volume I I I : Executive Summary. Submitted to the Bureau of Land Management, New Orleans, Louisiana. Contract No. AA551-CT8-17. 29 pp.

Benson, N. G., ed. 1982 Life history requirements of selected finfish and shellfish In

Mississippi Sound and adjacent areas. U. S. F1sh and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, D.C: FWS/OBS-81/51. 97 pp.

Conoco Inc.

1984 Shallow Hazards to Drilling Report, High Island 134 f i , OCS-G-6158.

Danenberger, E . P . 1976 011 sp i l l s , 1971 - 1975, Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf.

Geological Survey Circular 741. 47 pp. Danenterger, E. P.

1930 Outer Continental Shelf 011 and Gas Blowouts. U.S.G.S. Open-File Report. 80-101. 15pp.

Fritts, T. H., A. B. Irvine, R. D. Jennings, L. A. Collum, W. Hoffman, and M. A. McGehee

1983 Turtles, birds, and mammals 1n the northern Gulf of Mexlcc and nearby Atlantic waters. U. S. F1sh and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-82/65. 455 pp.

Galloway, B. J . L. R. Martin, R. L. Howard, G. S. Boland and G. D. Dennis 1980 A case study of the effects of gas and oil production on artificial

reef and demersal fish -nd macrocrustacean communities In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Expo Cham 1980, Houston, Texas.

beyer, R A. 1979 Naturally occurring hydrocarbon seeps 1n the Gulf of Maxico and

Caribbean Sea. College Station, Texas: Texas A A M University Press.

Hardy, J . D. J r . 1978 Development of fishes of the M1d-At1 antic Bight. Volume I I I :

Aphredoderidae through Rachycentridae. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Serv4 es, Washington, D . C : FWS/OBS-78/12. 394 pp.

23

John Em Chmnom at Ammoo arms.

h n t , H. D. tnd R. H. Moore 1977 Fishes of tht Gulf Of Mexico. Ttxtt ASM University Press,

Col logo Station, Ttxtt. 27 pp.

Johnson, &. D. 1978 Development of flthtt of tht Mld-Atlantlc Bight. Vol umt IV:

CarangUae through Ephippidae. U. S. Ffth and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington. 0. C : FWS/OBS-78/112. 314 pp.

Lassiter, Ronald C . 1980 Tht Georges Bank: F1sh and Fuel . Ninth Annual Sea Grant Lecture,

MIT fambrldge. Massachusetts.

Lowtry. G. H., J r . 1974 Loui s i tna birds. Third ed. Louisiana State Univ. Press, Baton

Rouge, Louisiana, xxx and 651 pp.

Marine Experiment Station 1973 Coastal and offshore environmental inventory Cape Hateras to

Nantucket Shoals. Marine Publication Series No. 2, University of Rhode Island.

National Academy of Sciences 1975 Petroleum In tht marine environment. Washington, D.C. 107 pp.

National Fish and Wildlife Laboratory (NFWL) 1980 Selected vertebrate endangered species of tht seacoast of the

United States: Brown Pelican, eastern and California subspecies. U S. F1sh and Wll dil f t Service, Biological Strvlcts Program FWS/OBS- 80/01.40. 16 pp.

U. S. Department of Commerce, National Marina Fisheries Service 1985 Louisiana landings In 1984 and 1983. Unpublished report. National

Marine Fisheries Service, New Orleans, LA.

U. S. Department of the Interior, F1sh and Wildlife Service 1976 Endangered «nd threatened species of the southeastern United States.

Region IV, Atlanta, Georgia (periodically updated).

U. 'j. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 1983a Final Regional Environmental Impact Statement, Gulf of Maxico.

Vol. 1. Prepared by Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Metairie, Loui t l ana. 527 pp.

U. S. Department of the Interior, M1 neralt Management Service 1983b Regional environmental attetsmtnt, Auif of Mexico, pipeline

a c t i v i t i e s . Prepared by Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Metairie, Louisiana. 175 pp.

U . S . Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 1986 Final Environmental Impact Statement, Propoted 011 and Gat Lease

Sales 110 and 112, Gulf of Mexico OCS Ragion, Prepared by Minerals

24

Jotm C Chmnom tt Ammoo-, mto.

Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleens, Louisiana.

Nsi ther, J . 1964 (Personal communication) Refuge Manager, Sabine National Wildlife

Refuge, Hackberry, Louisiana.

White, C. J . and C. J . Boudreaux 1977 Development of an areal manag ami nt concept for Gulf penaeid shrlep.

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Cornelsslo... Technical Bulletin No. rt .

Zo Bell, C. E. 1954 Marine bacteria and fungi. Fisheries Bulletin 55 (89): 217 - 222.

APPENDIX 1

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATE

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION

Typt of PUn

HIGH ISLAND AREA BLOCK 134

Arta tnd Block

OCS-G-6158

L t t s t Nunber

Tht propostd a c t i v i t i e s described 1n detai l In th t i t tach td Plan comply with Louisiana's approvtd Coastal Management program and w i l l bt conducted In a manner consistent with such Program.

CONOCO INC.

Lessee or Operator

.„&Z.Mig~:.

Cer t i f y ing O f f i c i a l

D a t t "

27

John k\ Chmnom tt As»uc^ Inc.