Io Randy *Umr Tot fO-2-1

OATA INP

On

July 12,

Conoco Inc. attention. »f». i i . L . Byera Poet Offioo Box 51266 Lafayette, Louieiaea 70509

Gentleewjoc

Reference la aode to yoar I n i t i a l Plan of Bxploration, received June 30, 1960, for ^ a j a C O j ^ J O j n . Block 31*5, Oalvoaton Araa. Thla plan includes tne aotivir! Well Ho. |«

In acooreanoe with 30 CFI 250-33, tola alao la he roby doomed subait tod and la nov bains aonalderod for approval.

Tour plan cation ana

end should Do referenced in your ccununl-ti& this plan.

Mncerely youra,

D. J . Bourgeois Regional Supervisor Pie 14 Operations

bcc: Lease OCS-G 90*3 (OPS-3-2) (FILE ROOM) (QPS-3-* w/ Public Info . Copy of tbe plan (PUBLIC RECORDS)

Willlaavson: cok: 07/06/88: poeooai

wtf

Office of Program Service*

JUL 12 1988 infomtatiof, Services

ioctton

Cconoco)

Production Oepertment Lafayette Division

Conoco Inc. PO Box 51266 Lafayette. LA 70505 ' 18)236-5000

June 29, 1988

Minerals Management Service 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard Nev Orleans, LA. 70123-2394

Attention: Regional Supervisor, Office for Rules and Production

Gentlemen:

I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration, Galveston Block 315 (OCS-G9043)

Enclosed are the required copies of our I n i t i a l Plan of Exploration for Galveston 315 (0CS-G9043). Five copies contain proprietsry information and are so marked. I f any additional information i s needed you can c a l l me at (318) 236-5078 or John Tarasievicz at (318) 236-5081.

Tours very truly,

D. L . Byers Coordinator Environmenta) Affairs

JJT/jgf

Attachments

JJT2/056

PUBUC INFORMATTOH

INITIAL PLAM OF EXPLORATION GALVESTON BLOCK 313. OCS-09043

This i n i t i a l plan of exploration provides for tha dr i l l ing of ona (1) well, No. 1 on OCS-G9043, r»1 • nii^US^Hjl M j _ Individual ve i l Information is as follows:

Surf act I f JUN 3 0 19OU g p t i c i p M d

Location % * rifLD j t Af Spud Data Days to Drill

1 8100* FEL 4 7300' FSL

August I, 1988 90

Tha fabrication and inatallation of platforma, producing facilities and pipelines ia contingent upon tha succaaa or failure of thla wall.

This exploratory well will ba drilled by a mobile, self elevating drilling platform similar to the Glomar Main Paaa IV. Drip pane are installed under all equipment which could be a aource of pollution. All waste produc ta which contain oil will be properly treneported to land and disposed of at approved dlapoael facllitiee. Domestic wastes will be treated by onboard sanitation treatment facilities and will be disposed of into Gulf of Mexico waters. These waters plus formation and water base d r i l l waters will be dlschsrged overboard at the alte following NPDES regulations. All other' solid end liquid vesta which cannot be disposed of at the site will be transported to lend in epproved containers and then disposed of in sccordance with Louisiana regulations.

Projected amounts snd rates of drilling fluid and cuttlnga dischargee are besed on a typical directional drilled hole end ere computed et 23Z over a gsuge hole.

Discharge Amount of Discharge per dey

Hole Casing Setting Amount of Drilling Days to per dey Drilling Slao SUe Depth Cuttlnga Fluid Drill Cuttings Fluid

26" 20" 1000' 4609 Ft* 1231 bbls 3 1536 Ft* *410 bbla 13 3/8" 4500* 7308 Ft* 1952 bbls 5 1462 Ft* 390 bbla

121" 9 5/8" •*77l2f 3286 Tt* 878 bbls 8 411 Ft* 110 bbls

sr 7" 11,008' 1624 Ft* 434 bbls 14 116 Ft* 31 bbls 6" 5" 13,206' (MD) 539 Ft* 144 bbls

1 12 45 Ft* 12 bbls

* Asturn oo 1.5 bbls of said loat /bbl of cuttlnga • ** A-sum eo KOP - 4700' and building to 25 • 5650' TVD.

Galveston Block 315 lo locsted approximately 17 miles from ito cloeeat point onehore (Southweet of Brasoria County, Texaa). Operetione will be served by Conoco'o shore beses wnich nre located in Csnorca nnd Morgan City, Loulalana. Theee shore beeea will aerve tho folloving purposes! I.) loading point for toe la, equipmeut nod machinery to be delivered to our offshore locationa; 2.) crow change and trans aorta­tion bono; and 3.) temporary storage for materiala and equipment.

JJT/155

basts v i l l ba equipped with tha necessary loading docks and cranee for convenient and aef a operationa. Full tine dispatchers are employed at Cameron ln order to maintain 24 hour contact with offshore personnel.

Ssfsty ln drilling operationa will be accomplished through: 1.) adequately deelgned caalng programs; 2.) the uae of blowout preventora and associated well equipment of adequate preaaure rating to contain anticipated pressures; 3.) the use of sufficient mud volumes to insure control of the well; 4.) the uae of mud monitoring equipment; and 5.) the use of supervisory peraonnel properly trained ln preaaure control. Fire drills, abandon ship drills, the inatallation and uee of required navigational aids snd lifesaving equipment and ell other ehlpboerd safety requirements will be conducted pursuant to Coaet Guard regu­lations.

Conoco Inc. la a member of Clesn Gulf Assoclstss (CGA). CGA is s cooperative designed to own and maintain a large Inventory of apill clean-up- equipment. Thia equipment and the necessary marine supervisors for use ln an advisory capacity are available to member companies during spill events. Major equipment items available through CGA are fast response open sss and bay skimmers, high volume open sea skimmer systems, shallow water skimmer systarns, snd an inventory of known reaourcea available for emergency oil spill clean-up and control. Our updated Accident Diacharge Contingency Plan was approved by the MMS on April 6, 1987.

As per the Air Quality Regulations 30 CFR 250.57 (Federal Register March 7, 1980), Attachment I la a liat of projected emissions during thc proposed operetlons. Emissions from each facility were estimated froa EPA AP-42 and all calculations were baaed ou worst poeelble case. Actusl eaissions sre expected to be considerably below those estimated. Attachment I I is a schematic of the drilling operations snd Indicatee the height of eaissions shove sea level.

Ths period of time the facility will be polluting is baaed on the time schedule aa shown above. Drilling operationa are expected to leat 90 days. During this tine emissions are baaed on the following factora:

Rig: 6000 HP(5 Cat D-399TA diesels st 1200 HP each.) 24 hra/day and 7 daya/week.

Standby Boat: 24 hra/day and 7 days/week. Work Boat: 24 hra/day and 4 days/week. Tug Boat: 2-4500 RP diesels 24 hrs/da;- for 4 daya to tow

rig in and out. Voiding: 1-50 HP dieael running 4 hrs/day to power welding

unit. Cementing: 2-200 HP dlesels to ? ear unit running 28

hrs/well. Crane: 2-110 HP dlesels to power crane running 4

hrs/Uny. Helicopters: 3 flights/day

JJT/155

Using the above estimates, too table ln Attachment I vaa compiled. Also Included ln thia table are the marl mum allowable emlaalona. These values vers bssed on exemption formulas in the Federel Register snd the drilling operationa being 17 miles from the nearest shore ss shown lu Attachment I I . Considering this information, ve do not plen to install air quality pollution controla.

A structure map, croaa section, a location plat, shallow hazards survey s l i s t of drilling/completion fluids, culturel resource evalu­ation and Environmental Report are ettached.

D. L. Byera Coordinator Envlronnental Affairs

JJT:mh Attachments

cc: File

JJT/155

JJT7155

PROJECT EMISSIONS GALVESTON BLOCKS 315 (OCS-C9043) Walls 1

FQTJKPS P O PAT OF OPtKATIOBS

Pollutant Dril l ing t ig

6000 KP

lost v/200 KV

Gsnorstor

Hsllcoptsr 3TOL Cyclss Two Encloss

Tugboat 2-4500 HP Dlsssls

Crana 2-110 IP Dlsssls

Caawnt 2-200 HP Diasala

Waldina 1-50 KP Dlsssls

•°2 295.30 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 4440.33 32.20 3.42 6660.79 27 14 296.04 6.17

CO 961.06 14.30 >4.20 1441.59 5.87 64.08 1.33

VOC 355.24 4.10 3.12 532.86 2.17 23.68 .49

Totsl Ealssions

VAST f 2 TSP ! ° « CO TOC

1988 14.77 15.41 217.25 46.28 17.62

Has Allowable 566.1 566.1 566.1 22.474.82 566.1

Has. Allowable (Toaa Psr Tsar) - 34000"'' for CO

33.3D for SO^ TSP. HO ,̂ VOC. where D - 17 a l ia s

H.P. a hrs ran/day % t/BP hr - #/dsy, where g/HP hr coaas froa tabla 454 fr /# 3.3.3-1/of CPA AP-42. Cosjpilstlon of Air Pollution Eaission Factors

JJT/155

\ •

CONOCO INC.

GALVESTON BLOCK 31 o

WELL NO. 1

PSL: 8100' FEL & 7300* FSL

NO. 1

r

1

t t l FVA TION

Propostd Hobim Drilling Kg CONOCO INC.

•ALV6STOM 6 LocK BIS Weti, » OCS-*****

i n ^ l T U • - - c a u t i o n ^ ^ t ^ ^ ^

ES;;? arrjiwar"--1 ,f hMi d0UJ Mtvr1<) Jn vloljtjon ef

Pftxucr

AKTAF 10-S

Mvjntrnn Staexata

Arco Saal

A2-32

Bactron KM-7

Baxita

Basco-50

Bcntonita

Bax

of

Sit

with Stearic Acid

)5?? , ,! l l U 0 1 1 "ytewyathyl Csilufcs* typa Polyaar withUdrtiyd,

Ganaaifln Iflhihitor with bactarial .

Barivji Sul fata

Miydsldi Cc*-polyrrar

wyadng Ban ton!ta

eTynttetic Polyirar* and Ou£ona

High

eridg* Haai

Buffar

lubricant with Potaaaivin and SuOfurixad Phanols

QiUulgaa bizyttaw. Sodium Parsulfate

Ugrx^Ufdnataa, Calciiw and Eitantad l^lyaaxxaharida

CaicliiB

ftiviaad 10-7*

C a l c i c OJanda

Caustic Soda

CC - l i

O / C L S

Clay

Con Dat

Cortren ft-66

C o m n PU-14

t r a Fk>2202

CO, UUl FD-2264

Oil

C3

Calciua Cilorioa

<*w»Oj*ilie day with tall Oil atuUif

Ugnita Material

* « m ^ ^ U g a i t i c

A^oaiMtaa and Sil ica

with an Oroano

Of Calri jB

Cauf-lxad lignita

of %Lmd

Ugnitj. -

•ulfita

fllsajaj

Inhibitor witb bactarlal

with •ulfita

^syialila Oil

609

23S

UonomiJJosiTfet

« M l ZH\

with 2H\

C»an

DO

Dakoli'

Sodim Polyacyiat. with Acrylo-—

**mm bland with Diathanol Amida*

North Dakota Lignita

Dowall f-75

Dri11aid 420

Dril l m a t

Q u w , * « y Of Mtthyl lod

and Salactiva Floccu.

Dura

E-Z fell maaral ou

Bailalfiar with 1 Ale

Hatha**! and Mnlaic

Cauatlc Ugait* Fibar Sttal

Flo Tax •land of and Gaxh

Octi-l Tri-butyl

Gal Tbna

Gold Fury

GypansB

HU 75

HDQ-43

rataie IMO

HME

Hytac

Imoo Flo

Iraoo SfrS

Inco Thin

Jai FLaka

K-rio

K-Ug

Kontol KW-12

IQoanup

KWik S#Al

Lignita

g j j U « llonyl-pr^nox and JQkviat.

j ^ Q g f y m f i t ^ c Polymara and siaad

HydroKioa and Lignita

tait of Lignitic mtnrial

inhibitor of laUdaaollm Mlti and

• l y d of fuxlaiiijAica, tatyl-calloaolva.

• t i t of a fatty add in Fropoaylnad Qlayl

Linnia.

Salt Of Lignitic I * tarial

Lubri M2a

Lubri GUds

ft)

Magco Inhibitor 303

Mica

Miloon

Milfio

Mtltax

Mon Pac

Mud Claanout Acid (MS)

Mud -

My - Lo - Gal

Nylo

Nut

Nutplug

08 Si Cal

OUphoa

Pal Mix 110

H I Mix 210

F l l Mix 233-A

A ^ M r S a l t of an organo fatty

^ly* tyrana Taflon

W ^ l a ^ xioohol with Sodiun Silicat*

2 •thylhaxyl Alcohol

)

with XL*

2- athyl

witto line •odifiad lignita - ndifiad

Hydrochloric acid and

Nylon

ills

Containa ADcyl I-yridina with law than 2%

Pai Mi- 310

Pal Mix £xtarx5ar

PW an r'nixua* tiling

Royal Soal

SA-58

Salt

Salt Gal

SAM-5

SJUP.P.

SUk-S

GLuoosa laaa Poiymar

B u f £ ^ i w c « » j ^

i

Blandad Xlgnom^onata contain liehrona

°^y*ysar of a Sulfbraad Ugnita and

Sodi'jm Sichronata

Sodiif. Circmta

Spaoar Mix

Spaad DriU

Stab-Vis

Stabi-Prop

Stabloid

Starch

?upa/>Ooi

Supar Ug

€2

Surf OJ La

Synargic

Tannathin

Tharw X

Unical

Uhiflcw

VT-10

Viaoo 931

Sodium Diehxsoata

Scdiun Chrcnata

Olaic Acid, Hlwnriaad Olaic

Tall Oil

Olaylaalda Patty Acid

Li

Ligr

HycrophJLlii

UfBit i

OUaeoita

t l with CaoitieiMd Ligni

with Sodium Sulfita, HS->TV Zaldasalin. Motel

Oil aoltfela M a t Daoeeyl Bamclna

SodioB Silicata with a ftmin

Ufnlta

SodiwS

with

folyaalaa la Oft

ttlitaa FT 294

Hiitna FT 291

W.O.

X-1

XC Polymar

XMX (FD)

XP-20

Zinc arcndoji

Zinc Carbonata

Zinc Chlorida

OiMla liquid aartwary ( w ,

K J ^ J ^ ^ l e ^ ^

*4»»it» contain* rotaulta

Zinc v t i

SDK tap I

/ —

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FOR COASTAL MANAGEMENT CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION

PLAN OF EXPLORATION

6ULF OF MEXICO

FOR

GALVESTON AREA BLOCK 315 (OCS-G-9043)

SUBMITTED TO:

MR. D. L. BYERS

COORDINATOR, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

CONOCO INC.

P. 0. BOX 51266

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 70505

(318/236-5000)

JUNE 27, 1988

PREPARED BY:

JOHN E. CHANCE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

REGULATORY & ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

PROJECT NO. 88-8111

Table of Contents

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Page

I. Title Page 1

Table of Contents 11

List of Figures 1v

II. Description of the Proposed Action 1

A. Travel Modes, Routes, and Frequencies 3

B. Support Base and New Personnel 3

C. New Support Facilities 4

D. New or Unusual Technology 4

E. Location of the Proposed Activities 4

III. Description of the Affected Environment and Inpacts 6

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

8. Ocean Dumping 15

9. Endangered or Threatened Species 16

B. Socio-Economic Impacts 17

IV. Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 19

V. Literature Cited 23

Coastal Zone Management Consistency Certificate 26

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE

1—Vicinity Nap of Galveston Area Block 315

/ —

II. Description of the Proposed Action

This report addresses the activity proposed by Conoco Inc. for

Galveston Area Block 315 (OCS-G-9043). The approximate location of the

activity Is presented In Figure 1, a general vicinity aap of the Outer

Continental Shelf (OCS) lease areas off the coast of Louisiana.

It Is anticipated that a jack-up type rig will be utilized to drill one

well in Galveston Area Block 315. The activities proposed by Conoco Inc.

for this block are included In the attached Plan of Exploration.

The proposed activities will be carried out by Conoco Inc. with a

guarantee of the following:

1. The best available and safest technologies will be utilized

throughout the project. This Includes aeeting all appl1c ole

requirements for equipaent types, general project layout,

safety systems, equipment and aonltoring systems.

2. All operations will be covered by M.M.S. approved Oil Spill

Contingency Plan.

3. All applicable Federal, State, and local requirements

regarding air emissions, water quality, and discharge for

the proposed activities, as well as any other permit conditions,

wil. be complied with.

1

MISSISSIPPI

HANCOCK , HARRISON I JACK SO

TEXAS

CAST B R E A K S

AREA

GAROEN B A N K S AREA

MISSISSIPPI CANYON

ARCA

E WING BANK ANSA

• N U N CANYON ARCA

JOHN E. CHANCE ft ASSOC.. INC

CONOCO INC.

VICINITY MAP BLOCK 315

•ALVCfTCN AREA o

A. Travel Nodes, Routes, and Frequencies

Conoco Inc. will operate out of their service base facilities

established in Caaeron, Louisiana and Morgan City, Louisiana. Conoco Inc.

anticipates using one helicopter, ona work boat, and one stand-by boat to

support their Galveston Area Block 315 activities.

The helicopter will travel to the location a total of twenty-one times

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

per week. It Is anticipated that the transportation vessels will utilize

the most direct route froa the Cameron, Louisiana and the Morgan Ci ty,

Louisiana service bases. Because a vessel supporting the Galveston Area

Block 315 exploration activities, as outlined In the Plan of Exploration,

may be scheduled for other stops In the area, the exact route for each

vessel on each particular trip cannot be predetermined.

B. Support Base and New Personnel

Conoco Inc. will utilize support base facilities established in

Cameron, Louisiana and Morgan City, Louisiana. Galveston Area Block 315 1s

located approximately one hundred twenty-one miles from Cameron, Louisiana

and approximately two hundred thirty-six miles from Morgan City, Louisiana.

Because helicopter and marine facilities are currently available at the

service bases and are presently and continuously manned, no additional

3

onshore employment Is expected to be generated as a result of these

activities.

The Initial OCS Soc1o~Economic Oata Base Report for the service base

facilities utilized by Conoco Inc. will be prepared for submission pursuant

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

be issued at a later date.

C. New Support Facilities

The proposed exploration activities for Galveston Area Block 315 will

not require the development of t.ny new support facilities.

0. New or Unusual Technology

The exploration activities for Galveston Area Block 315 will not

warrant utilizing any new or unusual technology that may affect coastal

waters.

E. Location of the Proposed Activities

Galveston Area Block 315 Is located approximately one hundred

twenty-one miles from Cameron, Louisiana, approximately two hundred

thirty-six miles from Morgan City, Louisiana, and approximately seventeen

miles from tha Texas coast of Brazoria County. Figure 1 presents the

location of tha block In relation to the Louisiana coast, as wall as the

< JohnE.Chm^

I I I . DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS

A. Physical and Environmental

1. Commercial Fishing

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

because It Is one of the most productive commercial fishery grounds in the

world. As a result, Louisiana is traditionally one of the top states in the

nation in terms of commercial fisheries, which amounted to 1,834,884.407

pju.ds worJi $1:3,754,742 In 1964 and 1 622,321.060 pounds worth

$109,765,223 1n 1981 (USDC, NMFS, 1985). Ten rpsuies of finfish and

shellfish represent 99 percent of Louisiana's cotMerclal fishery landings:

brown shrimp (Efinaejii izlftfilii), white shrimp (£. set 1 fer US), blue crab

(Callinectes sapidus). oysters (Crassostraa Vlrg1n1ci)> Gulf menhaden

(Brevoortia patronus), red snapper (JjiUiDjii caiTOtthtnus), black drum

(Pooonlas cromis). red drum (SclinQP? ocellatus). spotted seatrout

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

these species are estuarine dependent.

The most valuable species to Louisiana are the brown shrimp and white

shrimp, which together produce by far the greatest shrimp harvest In the

Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana 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 ara not separated for statistical •

purposes, the brown shrinp dominates the Louisiana shrinp harvest, as It 1s

the nost abundant species 1n that region of the gulf (White and Boudreaux,

1977). Both of these shrinp are estuarine dependent and have similar life

histories, with the major differences being tlie tine and location that the

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

spawning occurs offshore with the resulting larvae migrating Inshore to

develop in estuaries. Brown shrimp spawn from November to April In 30 to

120 meters of water, while white shrimp spawn from March to October In 8 to

34 meters (Benson, 1982). Juvenile and adult brown shrimp migrate offshore

fron May to July, and white shrinp nigrate between June and November

t'Btnson, 1982).

The Galveston Area under consideration falls within the "high to

moderate brown shrimp productivity area" (USDOI, MMS, 1986, visual No. 2)

wherein the possibility of shrimp fishing activity exists. Some documented

Impacts of petroleum exploration and production on the shrimp fishery

Include the removal of trawling space during the drilling and exploration

phases and the possibility of fishing gear conflicts with existing well

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

nets, vessel damage, and/r- fishing downtime losses. Additional discussion

of the Impacts on the commercial fishing Industry Is contained In the Final

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

to 332 (USDOI, MMS, 1983).

Tha Gulf menhaden or "pogy" fishery is Louisiana's second most valuable

fishery, accounting for 1,756,285,058 pounds worth $68,801,156 In 1984

7

(USDC, NMFS, 1985). Gulf menhaden spawn offshore froa aid-October through

March in 40 to 140 aeters of water, with the larvae subsequently moving Into

shallow, low salinity estuaries froa February to Nay (Benson, 1982). Here

in the shallow estuaries, the larvae aetaaorphose Into juveniles and change

froa being carnivores to filter-feeding oanlvores. The juveniles and

subadults migrate froo the estuaries Into offshore waters froa December

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

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

fishing effort occurs within ten miles of shore (USDOI, MMS, 1983).

The activities as proposed are unlikely to have any adverse effect on

the menhaden fishing as Galveston Area Block 315 lies outside the "Principle

Menhaden Harvest Area" (USDOI, MMS, 1986, Visual No. 2).

The Eastern oyster 1s most abundant 1n the Gulf of Mex.co from Aransas

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

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

making oysters Louisiana's third most valuable fishery (USDC, NMFS, 1985).

Oysters thrive at salinities between 5 and 15 parts per thousand and water

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

during the summer, and the free-swimming larvae attach and develop in the

same estuarine habitat. The proposed activities In Galveston Area Block 315

are not expected to have any Impact on the oyster fishery In Louisiana.

Tha blue crab ranges froa Nova Scotia to Uruguay and supports the

largest crab fisnery In tha United States (Narine Experiment Station, 1973).

8

\

In 1984, 29,692,067 pounds of crabs worth $8,395,002 were landed In

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

found In high salinity sounds, bays, and channels where they spawn froa

March througr vember, with a peak froa Nay to September (Benson, 1982).

The resulting planktonic larvae pass through several molts and stages before

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

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

unlikely to be significantly affected by exploration activities as this

block is located offshore of the coastal and estuarine waters in 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

thai are comnon over or near banks, coral roefs and outcrops, submarine

ridges, rocks, and, especially offshore Louisiana, man-m*de structures such

as shipwrecks and of'shore drilling platforms (Benson, 1982; Hardy, 1978).

Red snapper spawn n the Gulf of Mexico fr m June to Mid-September, In water

depths of 16-37 meters, over bottoms of hard sand and shell wilh r cky reef

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

Little or no Information Is available about larval red snapper, but

juveniles are typically found inshore in high salinity (24 to 40 hpt) water

9-91 meters in depth (Benson, 1982). The proposed activities should create

a suitable habitat for red snapper.

The drums (Sclanidae) are one of the three most abundant families of

fishes Irt tha Gulf of Nexico In terms of biomass, amd they outnumber all

9

\

other families In the number of species (Hoese and Moore, 1977). Three

species of drums are commercially Important to Louisiana. These Include

black drua, rad drua, and spotted seatrout. In 1984, Louisiana landed a

total of 5,557,259 pounds of drums worth $4,290,068 (USDC, NMFS, 1985). The

red drum fishery 1s the most valuable, accounting for 51 percent of the

total drum catch while the spotted seatrout and black drum account for equal

amounts of tha remainder.

Typically, sclanlds 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

seatrout spawn at night in deep channels and depressions adjacent to shallow

flats, grass beds, and bayous in the estuary, from March to September with a

peak from April through July (Benson, 1982). The larvae associate with I

bottom vegetation 'predominantly sea grasses) or shell rubble in channel

bottoms (Johnson, 1978). The juveniles spend at least their first 6 to 6

weeks on the nursery grounds, usually within 50 meters of the shore1ine,

until late fall when they move Into the deeper parts of the estuary (Benson,

1982). Aduit spotted seatrout rarely leave the estuaries (Benson, 1982).

Black drum spawn froa February to April In or near tidal passe*; and in

open bays and estuaries (Ben*on, 1982). The larvae are transported to

shallow estuarine marshes, but may move to deeper estuarine waters or

shallow watery off sandy beaches as large juveniles (Johnson, 1978). Adult

migration Is largely restricted to spring and fall movement through the

passes between estuaries and nearshore environments (Beccasio et al., 1982).

10

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

shore, at depths up to 40 meters (Becassio et al., 1982). Spawning occurs

In the fall and winter, primarily froa 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

in or near estuaries until they are three years old, but some leave at the

end of their first year, migrating into the Gulf in the fall (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 In the Gulf

o. Mexico (Hoese and Moore, 1977). 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 in the

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

during the fall (Beccasio et al., 1982).

Overall, commercial fishermen have benefited from the growth of the

petrol MM Industry in the OCS waters of tne Gulf of Mexico. While

technological Improvements have enabled commercial fishermen to Increase the

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

positive Impact on fishing. Because OCS petroleum development Is dependent

on extensive marine vessel utilization, harbors and ports hava been

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

11

avai labi l i ty and quality f aarlne vassal maintenance and repair fac i l i t i es

have Increased signif icantly. These improvements have def ini tely had a

positive effect on fishermen (Lassiter, 1980).

2. Shipping

A designated shipping fairway Is located 1n the southeast corner of

Galveston Area Block 315 (USDOI, MMS, 1986, Visual No. 3). It 1s Hkely

that marine vessels supporting this block will utilize the shipping fairway

to gain access to the Cameron, Louisiana support base; however, It 1s

unlikely that the marine vessels will have a significant effect on fairway

traffic. The drilling rig and each of the marine vessels will be equipped

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

3. Recreation

The open Gulf encompasses a broad expanse of saltwater which Is

utilized by numerous sports fishermen and a small but rapidly Increasing

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

sport dive in the northem Gulf. The states of Alabama, Mississippi, and

Louisiana support approximately 120 charter boats which conduct a majority

of their fishing activities In the waters of the OCS (USDOI, MMS, 1983).

Petroleum platforms In the northern Gulf provide recreation for fishermen

and scuba d1ve.as because they act as artificial reefs attracting and

establishing aquatic communities Including highly sought after food and

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

12

and Is evidenced by the nimrous private boat owners who regularly visit

offshore facilities to harvest food and sport fishes.

Frequently, offshore rigs 1 platforas serve as navigation points for

snail coaaarcial and recreational aarlne craft. Manned drilling rigs and

platforas can also provide a haven for saall craft operators forced to

abandon their vessels during storms or following boat accidents. The

Installation and use of navigational aids, lifesaving equipaent, and other

safety requireaents pursuant to Coast Guard regulations are standard

procedure for drilling rigs and aarlne vessels utilized by Conoco Inc.

4. Cultural Resources

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

1986) indicates that Galveston Area Block 315 fall within the zone

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

cultural resources. A Preliminary Cultural Resources Evaluation of the

geophysical data for Galveston Area Block 315 was prepared by Gulf Ocean

Services, Inc. (1988) and the following has been extracted from that report.

Reference to charts published by the Department of the Interior (CEI,

1977; USDI, MMS, 1984) and the Department of Transportation (1984 to

Present) Indicate that no shipwrecks have been reported within the tract.

Nor are any modern or petroleum-related structures recorded within this

block.

/ \

Twenty-two (22) magnetic anomalies were recorded. All remain

unidentified. Although the archival review does not indicate any known

shipwrecks within the tract, the Block is close enough to historic shipping

routes along the coast of Texas that unrecorded wrecks could exist in the

area. The anomalies should be avoided.

Thr subbottom profiler data recorded two (2) sets of burled fluvial

channe - Both sets of channels appear to have been truncated during carine

transgre<~iM. The geomorphlc landforms normally occurring with

subaerially formed channels with which pr istoric archac .ogical sites

would be associated appear to have been eroded. It Is not likely that any

in situ prehistoric archaeological materials remain in this area.

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features

Galveston Area Block 315 is located approximately eighteen miles

southeast of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, approximately nineteen miles

east-southeast of Peach Point Wildlife Management Area, • id approximately

twenty-four miles east of San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge (USDOI, MMS,

1986, Visual No. 4). There are no other known ecologically sensitive areas

near Galveston Area Block 315.

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

operations base for the Galveston Area Block 315 activities Is located

approximately thirty miles wast of Rockefeller State Refuge (USDOI, MMS,

14

V

*

1986, Visual No. 3). Tha Morgan City, Louisiana support base which will

also ba utilized as the operations base for the exploration activities Is

located approxiaately thirty alles northeast of Marsh Is. -nl Wildlife Refuge

(USDOI, MMS, 1986, Visual No. 3).

In general if all activities are execute as planned, encountering no

unusual circumstances, the environmentally sensitive areas will not be

affected.

6. Existing Pipelines and Cables

The Geophysical Survey Report for Gaiveston Area Block 315 prepared by

Gulf Ocean Services, Inc. (1988) Indicates that no modern or

petroleum-related structures were recorded within this block. Conoco Inc.

is not aware of any pipelines or cables located In Galveston Area Block 315.

7. Other Mineral Uses

There are no other known mineral resources located In or near Galveston

Area Block 315.

8. Ocear. Dumping

The major sources of ocean dumping related to OCS petroleum exploration

activity ara drilling fluids, or "muds", and drill cuttings. After the

exploratory drilling In Galveston Area Block 315 Is completed, Conoco Inc.

15

•ay discharge their excess water-based drilling fluids (approx1Lately 1,200

bbls). If any oil-based and Is used in the drilling operations, It will be

transported to shore for proper disposal.

Dril; cuttings are brought up by the drilling aud and range in size

froa grains of sand to pebbles. These cuttings are separated and sifted and

then disposed overboard. Treated domestic wastes and drill waters will also

be disposed at the proposed drilling site. There will be no Intentional

discharge of any oily or hazardous materials in violation of DOI or EPA

regulations.

9. Endangered or Threatened Species

Endangered or threatened species which might occur in Galveston Area

Block 315 are blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). finback

whale (Balaenoptera phvsaVjs). huapback whale (HtgaPtera novaeangliae), sei

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

turtle (Leoldochelvs kemolil. green turtle (Chelonia iyjf]|i)? hawksbill turtle

(Eretmochelys imbricata). leatherback turtle (Dermochelys cor 1KM) and

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

Notebook).

Endangered and threatened species expected to occur in the vicinity of

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

peregrinus tundrius). brown pelican (Pelecanus KCldtntllll). and American

alligator (Allioator mississippiensis) (USDI, Region IV Endangered Species

Notebook). Endangered or threatened species expected to occur in the vicinity

of the Morgan City, Louisiana onshore base ara bald eagle

(Haliaeetus IfUCOCWhllUl) and American alllgatcr (Alligator

•1ss1ss1pp1ens1s) (USDI, Region IV Endangered Species Notebook). The brown

pelican was a common resident of Louisiana but this species became virtually

extinct 1n tha late 1950's (FHtts et al., 1963). By 1960, the estimated

population of brown pelicans was four birds (NFWL, 1980). Re-establishment

of a breeding population in Louisiana has aat with varying success (Fritts

et al., 1983). No brown pelicans have been sighted In the Caaeron area

since 1956 (Lowery, 1974 and Walther, 1984). Arctic peregrine falcons are

Migrants through the area and are not considered a coaponent of the resident

bird population. Bald eagle nesting areas occur between Morgan City and

Houma (Beccasio et al., 198?). The Aaerican alligator Is classified as

threatened in Louisiana due to similarity of appearance. This species is

neither endangered nor threatened biologically In Louisiana and a regulated

harvest is penaltted under State Law (USDI, Region IV Endangered Species

Notebook). No Inpacts on American alligators are expected. The presence of

marine mammals in coastal Louisiana is considered sporadic and probably no

resident populations exist. It Is unlikely that onshore or exploration

activities related to Galveston Area Block 315 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 Initial OCS Oata Base Report will be developed for submission on

17

<

or btfort tht prescribed due date. Subsequent Envlronaental Reports

provldtd by Conoco Inc. will address this data and related activity Inpacts

as required.

IV. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE INPACTS

The greatest threat to the natural environment Is caused by Inadequate

operational safeguards that aay cause or contribute to an oil spill or well

blowout. These accidents can be greatly reduced In nuaber by utilizing

trained operational personnel and employing all available safety and

pollution control systems. These measures are standard operating procedure

for Conoco Inc. Conoco Inc. has an approved Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

It should be noted that most large crude oil and refined products

spills have occurred during transportation and not during drilling or

production operations. Furthermore, the probability of an oil spill

occurring during exploratory drilling operations Is low (Danenberger, 1976).

Transportation and river runoff contribute an estimated 34.9 percent and

26.2 percent, respectively, to the hydrocarbon contamination of the world's

oceans while offshore production activities account for only 1.3 percent

(National Academy of Sciences, 197S). Natural seeps of petroleum and

natural gas, which occur throughout the northern Gulf of Nexico (Zo Bell,

1954; Geyer, 1979), contribute an estimated 9.8 percent to the contamination

of the world's oceans (National Academy of Sciences, 1975). Additionally,

It was noted in the executive summary of a recent study of petroleum

production platforms In the central Gulf of Nexico (Bedinger, 1981), that

natural disturbances (I.e. river flooding and storms) can more greatly

affect normal biological communities than the currant Industrial development

of the Louisiana OCS. The preceding discussion 1s not Intended to minimize

the significance of major oil spills resulting from petroleum exploration

and production activities but 1s provided to establish a perspective

relative to their probable occurrence.

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

were associated with exploratory drilling activities, none of which released

any oil to the aarlne environment (Danenberger, 1980). The IXTOC I spill of

1979, however, demonstrates that advanced drilling technology and available

safety and pollution control systems are not Infallible. Nost spills are

subjected to Immediate containment and cleanup efforts. The ultimate fate

of oil spilled in the marine environment Is generally considered to be one

or a combination of the following: evaporation and decomposition in the

atmosphere, dispersal in the water column, Incorporation Into sediments, and

oxidation by chemical or biological means (National Academy of Sciences,

1975).

The unavoidable adverse Impacts that will occur as a result of the

exploratory drill1rq and discharging of drilling fluids, and treated sewage

will be few In number and temporary In nature. The primary adverse impacts

Include a localized degradation of water and air quality in the vicinity of

the drilling site, the potential obstruction to commercial and recreational

fishing vessels, and the disruption and/or killing of benthic and/or pelagic

organisms during location of the drilling rig and during disposal of muds,

cuttings, and domestic wastes and sewage.

Discharging from the drill site Is Inevitable during OCS operations,

particularly during exploration. Any materials that may contain oil or

20

other hazardous materials, and therefore would have a auch greater adverse

Inpact on the environment, will not be discharged Intentionally. Any

discharging will be done pursuant to all 001 and EPA regulations. The

discharges to be disposed overboard as a result of the exploration activity

will Include domestic waste and sewage that 1s treated on the rig before

discharging, drill cuttings, and excess water-based mud.

The envlronnental fate and effects of drilling muds and cuttings has

been extensively addressed In a recent symposium (See Ayers et al., 1980 for

detailed discussions). The discharging of drill cuttings and water-based

mud will result 1n an Increase in water turbidity, burial of benthic

organisms, and possible toxic effects on marine organisms in the immediate

vicinity of the drilling rig. A reduction 1n photosynthetic activity and

plankton populations can also be expected as a result of discharging. It 1s

expected, however, that pelagic and benthic organisms will repopulate the

araa rapidly after discharging if the effects are minimal and Intermittent

as expected.

Offshore activities generate a snail but significant amount of air

pollutants due to the emissions of diesel engines; therefore, the

deterioration of air quality Is unavoidable In an OCS operation area. In

most Instances, these emissions affect only the Immediate exploration

activity site and are rapidly dissipated by the atmosphere depending upon

climatic conditions. An Air Quality Review Report has been prepared for

waives ton Area Block 315 and Is Included as an attachment to the Plan of

Exploration.

21

/ —

Commercial and recreational fishing would ba affected by OCS

development, but primarily In terns of Inconvenience and Interference.

Although the unavoidable adverse Impacts could Include soae smothering of

shellfish, snagging of trawl nets, reduction of area presently used for

unrestricted fishing, and Minimal finfish killing, coaaarcial fishing

activities would not be significantly effected, except 1n the unlikely event

of an oil spill. An oil spill would result in serious economic losses due

to the contamination of commercial fish species over a large area.

There Is a remote possibility that offshore areas of historical,

cultural, or biological significance could be damaged or destroyed by OCS

exploration operations. Visual No. 3 from the Final Environmental Impact

Statement (USDOI, MMS, 1986) indicates that no archeological, cultural, or

historic areas are In the vicinity of Galveston Area Block 315. Conoco Inc.

will make every effort to avoid disturbing any historically, culturally, or

biologically significant feature.

22

r LITERATURE CITED

Ayers, R. C, N. L. Richards and J. R. Gould 1980 Proceedings o f a symposium. Research on environmental fate

and effects of drilling fluids and cuttings. Washington, D.C. 1,122 PP.

Beccasio, A. D., N. Fotherlnghaa, A. E. Redfield, et al. 1982 Gulf coast ecological Inventory: user's guide and Inforaation base.

Biological Services Prograa, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.: FWS/OBS-82/55. 191 pp.

Bedinger, C. A., Jr . 1981 Ecological Investigations of petroleum production platforas in

the central Gulf of Nexico. Voluae I I I : Executive Summary. Subaitted to the Bureau of Land Nanageaent, 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 edjacent areas. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washirgton, D.C: FWS/OBS-81/51. 97 pp.

C-nenberger, E. P. 1976 011 spi l ls , 1971 - 1975, Gulf of Mexico OutT Continental Shelf.

Geological Survey Circular 741. 47 pp.

Danenberger, E. P. 1980 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Blowouts. U.S.G.S Open-File

Report. 80-101. 15pp.

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

1983 Turtles, birds, and mammals in the northern Culf of Mexico and nearby Atlantic waters. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, D. C. FWS/OBS-82/65. 455 pp.

Geyer, R. A. 1979 Naturally occurring hydrocarbon seeps In the Gulf of Mexico and

Caribbean Sea. College Station, Texas: Texas A I N University Press.

Gulf Ocean Services, Inc. 1988 Geophysical survey report, block 315, Galveston Area, offshore

Louisiana, OCS-G-9043 for Conoco, Inc.

Hardy, J . 0. J r . 1978 Developaent of fishes of the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Voluae I I I :

Aphredoderidae through Rachycentridae. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, 0. C : FWS/OBS-78/12. 394 pp.

23

-

r Hoese, H. D. and R. H. Moore

1977 Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A Jt M University Press, College Station, Texas. 327 pp.

Johnson, G. D. 1978 Development of fishes of the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Volume IV:

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

LassIter, Ronald C. 1980 The Georges Bank: Fish and Fuel. Ninth Annual Sea Grant Lecture,

MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Lowery, G. H., Jr. 1974 Louisiana birds. Third ed. Louisiana State Univ. Press, Baton

Rouge, Louisiana, xxx and 651 pp.

Marine Experiment Station 1973 Coastal aM offshore environmental Inventory Cape Hateras to

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

National Academy of Sciences 1975 Petroleum in the marine environment. Washington, D.C. 107 pp.

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

United States: Brown Pelican, eastern and California subspecies. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program FWS/OBS- 80/01.40. 16 pp.

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

Marine Fisheries Service, New Orleans, LA.

U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 19/6 Endangered and threatened species of the southeastern United States.

Region IV, Atlanta, Georgia (periodically updated).

U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 1983 Final Regional Environmental Impact Statement, Gulf of Nexico.

Vol. 1. Prepared by Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Metairie, Louisiana. 527 pp.

U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 1986 rinal Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed Oil and Gas Lease

Sales UO and 112, Gulf of Nexico OCS Region, Prepared by Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Nexico OCS Region, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Walthar, J. 1984 (Personal comrunIcation) Refuge Manager, Sabine National Wildlife

Refuge, Mackberry, Louisiana. 24

V J o h n Em Ghmsdoo at 4 8 8 9 a , ftio.

\

White, C. J. end C. J. Boudreaux 1977 Developaient of an areal management concept for Gulf penaeld shrimp

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, Technical Bulletin No 22.

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

25

APPENDIX 1

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATE

26

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

EXPLORATION

Type of Plan

GALVESTON AREA BLOCK 315 (OCS-G-9043)

Area and Block

The proposed activities described in detail in ttr attached Plan of Exploration comply with Louisiana's approved Coastal Management pregram and will be conducted in a manner consistent */1th such Program.

Arrangements have been made with the State Times in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to publish a Public Notice of the proposed activity no later than ..v\0y.9*.»W

CONOCO INC.

Lessee or Operator

Certifying Official

Date