49
In Reply H H r To: RP-2-1 'XT | 7cr Cornus Christi 011 Slid '.es Cos-nenv Attention: Hr. Joe C. (skew, J r . Post Office Box 2926 Ccrpus C h r i s t i , Texas 7H403 Gentles**: Reference 1s sssde to your Initial Plsn of Exploration and Envlroteaeeital 8 -sport receive* Seeteater 17, IMS. for Lease XS-G 7613. Block 312, West Cessarne Ai'ea. 1h1s plan Irv ' -.des the activities proposed for Malls R through 0. :n accordance with 30 CFR ?»,J.34, revised uecessher 13, 1979, aad oer letter dated January 29, 1979, this plan has heen dete mined to be crasplete at ef October 1, I9S5, find 1s now *v»1ng considered for approval. Towr plen control rajsaW is R-2297 and should be referenced la yoer cosssunlca- tlon nnd corresponde»4Ce conceding this plan. Sincerely yours. Orfcli-u! Lns L Pr i meaux Acting Regional Stoervlsor Rales and Production bcc: Leas* OCS-G 7613 (OPS-3-2) .'FILE ROOM) lOPS-3-4 w/Public Info. Copy of the plan and ER (PUBLIC RlCOROS ROOM) MJTo1bert.:gcw:9/17/85 Disk 3B CWffceof Program Servfcat OCT 0 3 1985 Information Services Section

Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

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Page 1: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

In Reply HHr To: RP-2-1 'XT | 7cr

Cornus Christi 011 Slid '.es Cos-nenv Attention: Hr. Joe C. (skew, J r . Post Office Box 2926 Ccrpus Christ i , Texas 7H403

Gentles**:

Reference 1s sssde to your In i t ia l Plsn of Exploration and Envlroteaeeital 8-sport receive* Seeteater 17, IMS. for Lease XS-G 7613. Block 312, West Cessarne Ai'ea. 1h1s plan Irv ' -.des the activities proposed for Malls R through 0.

:n accordance with 30 CFR ?»,J.34, revised uecessher 13, 1979, aad oer letter dated January 29, 1979, this plan has heen dete mined to be crasplete at ef October 1, I9S5, find 1s now *v»1ng considered for approval.

Towr plen control rajsaW is R-2297 and should be referenced la yoer cosssunlca-tlon nnd corresponde»4Ce conceding this plan.

Sincerely yours.

Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux Acting Regional Stoervlsor Rales and Production

bcc: Leas* OCS-G 7613 (OPS-3-2) .'FILE ROOM) lOPS-3-4 w/Public Info. Copy of the plan and ER (PUBLIC RlCOROS ROOM)

MJTo1bert.:gcw:9/17/85 Disk 3B

CWffceof Program Servfcat

OCT 0 3 1985

Information Services Section

Page 2: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

toaCoM M I MMf KM

CORPUS CHRISTI OIL AND GAS COMPANY iMt too ftKDms

» O K M 7*21

CORFU* CMBiSII ItKAJ 'MO3

Sep t a r t e r 13, 1985

U. S. Department of the I n t e r i o r r "^".rr.uwT M , r , Minerals Management Service P. O. Box 7944 c .._ Meta i re , Louisiana 70010 *>tr' u L935

A t t n : D. W. Solanas

Re: OCS-G-7613 Plan of Exploration Block 312 West Cameron, West Addition

Corpus Chr i s t i Oi l ard Gas Conpany i s the designate operator of OCS-G-7613 Block 312, West Cameron, West Addi t ion, Gulf of Mexico and i s requesting approval of this Exploratory Program so that cperations can be i n i t i a t e d Jo d V i l l on Block 312.

Eni cosed i s the following supportive data:

1 . Copy of the Designation o f Operator, Form 9-1123. 2. Cul tu ra l Resource and £'hal lov Geo Ionic Hazard Survey.

. Approval of QtRrgenc", r i a n to control arvu remove o i l «.d waste s p i l l s . Updated January 2, 1985 and approved January 10, 1985.

4. Basic development plan •xnd exploratory map. 5. P l a t showing location o l proposed wells , v e r t i c a l depths, measured

depths and water depths. 6. A i r quali ty emission ca l culations. 7. Errviromental report. 8. Generalized mud program t o be followed. 9. I n formation showing the type of d r i l l i n g r i g t o be used during

the exploration phase.

Page 3: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

Explora t ion rian Block 312 Page 2 Seotrsttjer 13, 1985

Your ea r ly consideration of t h i s request i s appreciated.

Yours very t r u l y .

- ''Jam E. Eskew, J r . Vice President, Operations

JCH/ba Enclosures

Page 4: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

F»n» ( - l l t l <IW<. U K l l t l I

(Submit in b i j lu to appropriate Regional Oil and (loa at Muxinj Suporrieo*)

DESIGNATION OF OPERATOR

The undersigned u, on the records of the Minerals Management Service, holder of lease

DISTRICT LAND OF nee

SERIAI No.: M e t a i r i e , l o u i s i a n a OCS-G 7613

and hereby designates

N A M I : ADDRESS

Corpus C h r i s t i O i l and Gas Company P. 0 . Box 2928, Corpus ^ n r i s t i , TX 78403

as his operator and local agent, with full authority to act in his behalf in complying with the terms of the lease and regulations applicable thereto and on whom the supervisor or his representative may serve written or oral instructions in securing compliance with die Operating Regulations with respect to (describe acreage to which this designation is applicable):

A l l o f Block 312, West Cameron Area, West A d d i t i o n , OCS Leasing Map, L o u i s i a n a Map No. IA .

It is understood that this designation of operator does not relieve die ' rssee of responsibility for c implianre with the terms of the lease and the Operating Regulations. It is also understood that this designation of operator docs oot constitute an assignment of any interest In : leaae.

In case of default on the part of the designated operator, the lessee will make full and prompt compliance with all regulations, lease terms, or orders of die Secretary of the Interior or his representative.

The lessee agrees promptly to notify the supervisor of any change in the designated operator.

copies CHRirn FXTLOFATTO?: COWPAMV

t..«ni>twS» ̂ uium ^ .\\i%(f,itC£ tat—aa— rf M

Les l i e W. Dunn, President P. 0. Box 2928

J u l y 8 1 1935 Corpus C h r i s t i , TX 78403

* tO- S M

Page 5: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

BLOCK 312

West Cameron, West Area

A review of the Archaeological ard Hazard Report f p r Block 312 indicates no archaeological or shallow geologic hazards at the proposed surface loca t ions for Wells A, B and D. Location C os w i t h i n boundary of a shallow buried channel but i s s u f f i c i e n t distance from the edge of the channel to preclude any problems. No magnetic anomalies well located near any of the proposed locat ions.

JCH/ba

Page 6: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

OIL SPILL CONTROL

BLOCK 312

Corpus Chr i s t i Oil and Gas Corpany is a member of Clean Gulf Associates and therefore has access to their o i l sp i l l containment equipment. Corpus Chr i s t i Oil and Gas also has an agteement with Peterson Maritime Services, Inc. to furnish men and materials as needed to handle any minor or major o i l s p i l l . A response to any need for the type equipment w i l l come from Cameron, Louisiana and response time to Block 312 West Cameron, West Addition is estimated to be within six to eight hours.

JCH/ba

Page 7: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

MET *>,»•£.. I OU'S.*>».*. 7O0U

UM-I S1-477C

lr k t ; i y f;£fer l c : RF-2

Ccpus Cr . r t s t l CT. ind u»s Lorsant A t t e n t i o n : Kf. joe L. Elite*, J ' . ^ost O f f i c e to>. 292f Corpus C n r i s t i , Texas

Gentlemen:

Your l e t t e r ciated January 2, 1985, transmitted the resul ts of the annual review of Corpus Chr i s t i 011 and Gas Company's Oil Sp i l l Contingency Plan. The plan Is hereoy approved in compliance with paragraph 3.2 of OCS Order No. 7. I t has been f i l e d 1n th is o f f i ce and copies have been nt to our D i s t r i c t Of f ices .

Please f u r n i s h six copies of f u - t he r revisions or amendments to your Oil Sp i l l Contingency Plan.

Sincerely yours .

D. V. Solanas Regional Supervisor Rules and Production

Page 8: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

BASIC DO'LORATORY PIAN

Con .-us C h r i s t i Oi l and Gas Company plans to d r i l l four wells i n Block 312. Wells A and B w i l l be d r i l l e d as straight holes w i t h Wells C and D beinq d r i l l e d d i rec t iona l ly . As can be seen from the attached structure map, miocene sands at 4,000' subsea w i l l be the primary target although other zones w i l l be penetrated and evaluated. The anticipated size and shape o f the structure w i l l require several wells to adequately explore and develope.

Corpus C h r i s t i Oi l and Gas Cornpany w i l l set s u f f i c i e n t strings of casing t o comply wi th a l l Minerals Management Service rules to contain a l l f l u i d s i n the s t ra ta where they are found. A mud logging u n i t w i l l be on location t o he lp evaluate a l l zones o f in teres t and to monitor any gas i n the mud system. More detailed d r i l l i n g information w i l l be furnished when the s p e c i f i c w e l l d r i l l i n g permit i s requested.

The w e l l s w i l l be d r i l l e d w i t h a jack-up type r i g , such as the J . Storm I , w i t h onshore support i n the Cameron, Louisiana area. Rig a v a i l a b i l i t y i s an t i c ipa t ed to be from l a t e 1985 to early 1986. D r i l l i n g time i s estimated t o be t h i r t y days for each w e l l w i t h a l l four wells t o be conpleted w i t h i n s i x months.

Geologic evaluations of each w e l l d r i l l e d may point out additional w e l l l o c a t i o n s needed for opt imm explorat ion development of these blocks.

JCH/be

Page 9: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard
Page 10: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

Wel l A - Surface Location 1750' FEL fc 4100' FNL

312

Wel l B - Surface Location 5800' FEL fc 5600* FNL

Water Depth 57'

We l l C - Surface Location 260C' FWL & 1900" FSL

• A

W e l l D - Surface Location 3800' FWL & 6700' FSL

TVD - 6500'

* B

TVD - 6500'

• O

TVD - 14,500'

1

1 j

Water Depth 54'

1 •c

1

I 1

TVD - 14,500'

1 j i

j CORPUS CHRISTI OIL AND GAS COMPANY

J BLOCK 312

j West Cimeron, West Addition

i 1 Gulf of Mexico

i > SCALE 1" s 2000'

Page 11: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

HXX^Mi: "-EP .'flJD PrWGRAM

Operator: Corpus Chr is t i o i l and Gas

. f e l l Name and Number: Proposed

Offshore Area: West Cameron Block No.. 312

Date: September 10, 1985

Prop-sod Depth: 14,500 feet

State: Louisiana

Casing: Surface: 13-3/E" • 4,500 feet Intermediate: 9-5/8" * 8,700 feet D r i l l i n g Liner: 7-5/8" 3 9,500-10,000 feet Production: 5-J" 9 14,500 feet

RECCK-E-2CDFD MUD PROPERTIES TREATMENT

Depth (feet) Spud-4 500

Weight V i s c o s i t y ( sec /g t )

44-48

F i l t r a t e (cc/30 min.)

N.C. o f prehydrated

soda^ and seawater.

(A) (B) (C) (D) Spud wi th and maintain a viscous- mixture AQUAGEL , caustic Supplement with ZEOGEL" i f additional carrying capacity i s required through sections of sand or gravel . I f gel strengths beccme .excessive, minute amounts of Q-BROXTN w i l l a id i n t he i r reduction. Either c o n t r o l = d r i l l sands or pump viscous AQUAGEL p i l l s t o prevent overloading. annulus. Circulate fresh AQUAGEL s lur ry p r i o r to running surface casing.

3000-60001 9.0-9.5 38-44 20t Maintain a minimum sol ids , non-dispersed system. Add CARBONOx f o r both gel strength reduction and f i l t r a t i o n con t ro l . Q-BROXIN^ should be Jised for thinning and DEXTRID or PAC ..for f i l t r a t i o n cont ro l . CARBONOx and 0-BROXIT, should be used ven* sparingly fo r rheological control up tlie hole. Monitor f lowline mud density and sand content to prevent overloading cf the annulus. Baroid o f f e r s CON-DEr i n f i v e (5) gallon cans to help a l lev ia te b i t and/or s t ab i l i ze r ba l l ing while d r i l l i n g through "gumbo" section".

REMARKS: (A) Operate desander and d e s i l t e r continuously u n t i l a 10.0 l b /ga l . mud i s required.

(B) In s t a l J and operate a BAROID DOUBLE DECK SHAKER and i BAROID MUD CLEA. ER. Operate che mud cleaner aa a d e s i l t e r u n t i l 10.0 l b / g a l . mud weight i s required.

(C) Set 13-3/8" surface casing at 4,500 fee t . Assuming 9.0 l b /ga l . t.-essures at 4,500 f e e t , the calculated f rac ture gradient i s 14.5 l b / g a l . equivalent (Eaton).

(D) D r i l l out cement, shoe and ten feet of new formation. Test by the "leak-off" method.

Page 12: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

TJRPUS CHRISTI OIL ANL GAS 83COMMENDED HUD PROGRAM - 2 -

RDTJCftlDDED bmJD PFOPERTIES TREATMENT

Depth Wtight Viscosity Filtrate (feet) (lb/gal) (sec/gt) (cc/30 min.) 6,000 9.5-10.0 36-42 T t t Continue s . *r as possible with e

lightly dispersed system, using CARBONOOfT for f i l trat ion control. CMBCNOx can be -supplemented vith PAC" or DEXTRID for f i l trat ion control. Maintain reasonable rheological control .with light treatment* of Q-*TOKDr. Continue fu l l tine use of desander and desilter, in addition tr. "lving fina mesh screens on BAROID'S DOUB L. DECK SHAKER.

6,500 10.0*11.5 36-42 5-3 As . weighted system i s required, CARBONOX* wi l l be useful in controlling f i l t rat ion rate and also in providing soae rheology control. Aa che mud dersity i s increased, 0-BROXirr should be added to ful ly disperse the system. Mud densities for this interval should be determined by hole conditions and dri l l ing para-asters.

7,500 11.5-12.5 36-42 2 or less Mud weights uti l ized on adjacent wells are included in the Reference Wall Section of this program. Ihe British American - OCS-G-0917 41 well in Block 312, had 10.8 lb/gal . mud at 7,220 fast and a 12.1 lb/gal . mud et 7,982 feet (next entry on mud recap.). Tha Forest O i l , OCS-G-0914 t] well in Liock 305, uti l ized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of a l l mud properties, both physical ard chemical, should continue aa tha mud system is fully broken over.

8,500 12.5-13.5 38-44 2 or less Continue with a CARBCtO^/Q-BRDXIN* system. Continue to reduce the f i l tratt as mud density i s increased by adding nore CARBONOX7 and DRISPAC . Utilize Q-BPCXIir for rheological control. Intermediate casing depth selection should be considered by n, :^ feet.

Page 13: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

CC7PUS Q IF J STI OIL AND GAS mxjnmoo) MUD PBTCA - 3 -

RBCUMMENDED MUD PROPERTIES TREATMENT

Depth ( fee t )

Weight (lb/gal) 13.5-15.5

Viscosity (sec/gt)

40-46

F i l t r a t e (cc/3^ min.) 2 or ' ess

9,500

10,000

16.0-16.5

17.01

44-50

44-50

2 or less

HPHT § 250*F 15-10

(E)(F> Monitor hole conditions and dril lx.<g parameters ca r e fu l l y . Increase mud density as indicated. Set casing into no more than 13.5 l b /ga l . equivalent pore pressures. Mud density may be increased to as much as 15.5 l b / g a l . pr ior to d r i l l i n g ahead beneath intermediate casing.

Continue with CARB^T^/Q-BROXIN^ svstem. Add DEXTRID and DRISPAC as required fo r fur ther wal l cake qual i ty improvement and f i l t r a t i o n rate reduction.

(G) (H) Set a d r i l l i n g l iner aa mandated by fur ther pore pressure increases. The requirement of mud densities above 16.6 l b /ga l . would necessitate the running of a d r i l l i n g l i r e r . The B r i t i s h American, OCS-G-0917 #1 we l l (1962), i n tha block of the propoaed, u t i l i z e d a 15.3 l b /ga l . mud at 9,635 feet wi th heaving shale. A 17.0 l b / g a l . mud waa i n use by 10,200 feet . A kick was takan at near th i s depth. (Refer to Reference Well Section.) The Forest O i l , OCS-G-0914 f l we l l took a saltwater flow at 10,000 feet and subsequently u t i l i z e d a 17.5 l b / g a l . mud by 10,130 feet . Begin DURENEX additions fo r ha gh-pressure, high- temperatui. e f i l t r a t i o n rate con t ro l .

REMARKS; I E T Set 9-5/8" intermediate casing to 8,700 feet in to no more than 13.5 Lb/(«1. pore

pressure requiring 14.0 l b /ga l . mud. Assuming 13.5 lb /ga l . prssures at 8,700 fee t , the calculated f rac ture pressure at the casing shoe i s 17.1 l b / g a l . equivalent (Eaton).

(F) D r i l l out cement, shoe and ten feet of new formation. Test by the "leak-off" method.

(G) I f a 7-5/8" d r i l l i n g l i n e r ia set in to 16.5 l b / g a l . pressures a t 10,000 feet , the calculated fracture pressure is 17.? l b / g a l . (Eaton).

(H) D r i l l out canent, si.oe and ten feet of new formation. Test by the "leak-off" me t h a ' .

Page 14: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

CORPUS CHRISTI OIL AID GAS RECOMMENDED MUD PROGRAM

RECOMMEfDCD MUD PROPERTIES TREATMENT

Depth (feet) 12,700±

Weight (lb/gal) 17.5-18.1

Viscos i ty (sec/gt)

>-54 4f-

Filtrate (cc/30 min.) —10=6

14,500 18.1 46-54 8 or less

Monitor hole conditions, d r i l l i n g and A.D.T. parameters c a r e f u l l y . Increase mud density as indicated. The Forest O i l , OCS-G-0914 41 wel l u t i l i z ed a 17.5 lb /ga l . mud as deep as 12,275 fee t . By 12,548 fee t , th i s wel l had a 17.9 lb /ga l . mud and by 12,572 feet an 18.1 lb /ga l . mud. This wel l eventually reached 14,714 feet wi th 18.1 lb /ga l . mud. Continue with OU^BCTWX /̂r/-BROXIN /̂DURENEX^ system to t o t a l depth.

Refer to Packer Flu id Section o f th i s program for packer f l u i d recommendations.

THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE STATEMENTS OF OPINION ONLY, AND ARE MADE WTINOuT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND AS TO PERFORMANCE AND WITHOUT ASSUMPTION OF ANY LIABILITY BY NL INDUSTRIES, INC., OR ITS AGENTS.

Page 15: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

NL Baroid Dc* Flu Id Products Function and Dc and Toxicity Chart

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Page 16: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

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Page 17: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

K,:n?SE DF.ZLUNG COMPANY - J PTORM I "

Capacity 20,UCD'

Twin Hull Mobil Platform - Hydraulic Self-Elevating-Drilling Capacity 70,000' - Propulsion Assist

Drawworks: KSCO 130 double drum powered by three (3) Superior PTD-S diesel engines, Parkersburg 70" double hydromatic brake.

Pumps: Two (2) Kational 10P-130 triplex pumps, each independently powered by one (1) EKD 16-567 diesel engine.

D e r r i c k : Continental-EMSCO 1 4 7 ' , 1,400,0000 c a p a c i t y , KSCO 750-F crown block with 7-50" diameter sheaves grooved f o r 1 3 /$ m l inm - 500 ton c a p a c i t v .

Travelin? Equipment: NSCO 65OG-500 ton block-hook with KSCO KB 2 5 swivel , 450 ton capacity. j

Rotary: KSCO C-375, machaniaally driven from drawworks.

Kud System: 1500 bbls. tank capacity, two (2) 6" x 6" centrifugal mud mixing pumps and two (2) 6" x 8" centrifugal charging pumps, three (3) Turbo-Mixers, Demco desanders, Demco desilter, dual standpipe and hoses, well control degasser and dual Rumba shale shaker. *

Blow-out Preventers: One 20" Hyuril (bored to 21k ) , one 13 5/8" 50008 WP CK Hydril, one 13 5/8" 10,0001 wp Cameron Type "V" double, and one 13 5/8" 10,000$ WP Cameron Type "IT Single each witb two (2) 4" cutlets,

J!2S treated, Koomey closing unit, 160 gal. 3000 psi accumulator, - seven (7) station remote control.

Electrical System: Two (2) 500 XV generator units powered by 8-567 EMD engine.

Drill String: 15,000 f t . of 5" O.D. x.M. 19.50 l b / f t Range 2, Grade K drill pips, 21-7k" O.D. 2 7/8" I.D. x 30' drill collars with 5hm H-90 connections, 2-8* O.D. x 2 3/4" I.D. x 30' drill collars witb € 5/8m B-90 connection*.

Cenenting System: Halliburton skid unit. Model 867 KPCP, twin BT 400 GN, 8071 unit, three (3) Halliburton 1350 cu. f t . each bulk cement tanks, one surge tank.

Communication System: RF Communication "singleside Band" radio, VHF Marine telephone, ship-to-ahore radio.

Platform Capacities: Drilling water 4848 bbls., potable water 402 bbls., fuel oil 1,796 bbls., bulk cud 3,900 cu. f t . , sack mud 3,000 sacks, two (2) link-belt 50 ton cranes, air conditioned quarters and galley for 48 men.

Hull Specifications: Maximum water depth 225' non-hurricane, 180' hurricane season, Nat: 210' long by 170' wide by 10' high with slot 90' wide by 87' long. Platform: 176' long by 109' wide with slot 58' long by 50' wide.

Propulsion System: Two (2) 8' diameter, 3-blade propellers, each driven by one EKD 12-567 engine.

Survival Equipment: Rig is equipped with two (2) Whittaker Survival Capsules Model 9091.

Page 18: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard
Page 19: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FOR COASTAL MANAGEMENT CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION

PLAN OF EXPLORATION MINER AIS KAiMcrwrm «r" i . i

GULF OF MEXICO SEP 1? 1985

NEST CAMERON AREA BLOCK 312 (OC5-G-7613)

SUBMITTED TO: JOE ESKEW, JR.

VICE PRESIDENT/OPERATIONS CORPUS CHRISTI OIL ANO GAS

THE 600 BUILDING CORPUS CHRIST I , TEXAS 7840"

(512/888-9301)

SEPTEMBER 13, 1985

Prepared by: JOHN E. CHANCE A ASSOCIATES, INC.

Reyulatory A Environmental Division Project #85-8234

John E. Chanco & Ammoo* hw.

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Table of Contents

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Page

I. T U I * Pago 1

Tablt of Contents 11

L i f t of Figures Iv

L1tt of Tables v

I I . Description of the Proposed Actlor 1

A. Travtl Mooes, Routes, and Frequencies 3

B. Support ease and New Personnel 3

C. Ntw Support Faci l i t ies 4

0. Mow or Unusual Technology 4

E. Location of the Proposed Activities 4

I I I . Description of the Affected Environment and Impacts 5

A. Physical and Environmental S

1. Commercial Fishing 5

2. Shipping 13

3 . Recreation 13

4 . Cultural Resources 14

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features 14

6. Existing Pipelines and Cables 15

7. Other Mineral Uses 16

John E. Chance at Aaaoc^ km. 11

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8. Ocean Dumping 16

9. Endangered or Threatened Species 16

B. Socio-Economic Iapacts 18

IV. Unavoidable Adverse Iapacts 19

V. Literature Cited 23

Appendix 1—Coastal Zone Management Consistency

Certification 25

V John E. Chanco at Assoc., Ino,

111

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE Page

1 — v i c i n i t y Hip of West Caaeron Aree Block 312 2

iv

Page 23: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE Page

1— Cooaeerclally Iaportant Shellfish of the

Gulf of Mexico 8

2 — Check List of Commercial A Sport Fishes

of The Northem Gulf o. Mexico 11

John E. Chanco at Assoc.. inc. V

Page 24: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

I I . Description of the Proposed Action

This repor t addresses the exploration ac t i v i t y proposed by Corpus

Christ i O i l and Gas for Nest Caaeron Area Block 312 (OCS-G-7613). The

approximate location of the a c t i v i t y s i te i s presented in Figure 1 , which i s

a v i c i n i t y *ap of the Outer Continental Shelf (XS) lease areas o f f the

coast o f Louisiana.

I t 1s anticipated that a jack-up type r i g s imi la r to the J Storm I

Mil l be moved on location and four (4) wells w i l l be d r i l l e d . The surface

location f o r the proposed wells and additional in foraat lon regarding the

specif ic a c t i v i t i e s proposed by Corpus Christ i 011 and Gas for th is block

are Included in the attached Plan of Exploration.

The proposed act iv i t ies w i l l be carried out by Corpus Chr ist i Oil and

Gas Company w i th a guarantee of the fol lowing:

1 . The best available and safest technologies w i l l be u t i l i zed

throughout tne project . This includes meeting a l l applicable

requirements for equipment types, general project layout, safety

systems, equipment and monitoring systems.

2. A l l operations w i l l be covered by M.M.S. approved Oil - v - l l

Contingency Plan.

3. A l l applicable Federal, State, and local requirei. .nts regarding

a i r emissions. Mater qua l i t y , and discharge for the proposed

a c t i v i t i e s , as well as any other peralt condi t ions, w i l l be

John E. Chance & Assoc., Inc. 1

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ALABAMA

OANOCN HANKS

U S T BKCftxS

JOHN E CHANCE & ASSOC , INC

• M E N CANYON •OOILC SOUTH

VlCIMITY MAP

40 WOrni

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complied with.

A. Travel Modes, Routes, end Frequencies

Corpus Christi 011 end Ges wi l l operate out of their service base

f a c i l i t i e s esublished In Caaeron, Louisiana. Corpus Christi 011 and Gas

anticipates using one helicopter, one crew boat and one wort boat to support

their aast Can ron Area exploretlon ectivlty. The helicopter and the work

boat w i l l travel to the location one tiae per week end the crew boat will

travel to the location seven times per week.

I t 1s anticipated that the transportation vessels will ut i l ize the aost

direct route froa the Caaeron, Louisiana service base. Because the vessels

supporting the West Caaeron Aree Block 312 Exploration activit ies aay 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

Corpus Christi 011 and Ges wi l l ut i l ize support base faci l i t ies

established in Caaeron, Louisiana. The Caaeron, Louisiana support base Is

located approxlaately fifty-two al ios froa West Caaeron Arw» Block 312.

Because helicopter and aarine fac i l i t ies are currently available at the

service base and are presently and continuously aanned, no additional

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

John E. Chanoe & Assoc., ino. 3

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ac t i v i t i es .

The Ini t ial OCS Socio-Economic Date Base Report for the service base

f a c i l i t i e s utilized by Corpus Christi 011 and Gas Company wi l l be prepared

for submission pursuant to the specific parameters to be established by the

DOI/MMS end scheduled to be Issued et a later date.

C. Mew Support Facil i t ies

The proposed exploration activit ies for West Cameron Area Block 312

w i l l not require the development of any new support fac i l i t ies .

D. New or Unusual Technology

The exploration act iv i t ies for West Caaeron Aree Block 312 w i l l not

warrant util izing any new or unusual technology thet iy affect coastal

waters.

E. Location of the Proposed Activities

West Cameron Area Block 312 1s located approximately f i f ty-two miles

from the Caaeron, Louisiana support base and f i f t y miles from the Louisiana

coast of Cameron Parish. Figure 1 presents the location of the block In

re lat ion to the Louisiana coast, as well as the geographic relationship

between West Cameron Area Block 312 and the other XS lease areas.

John E. Chanco S Assoc., Inc. 4

Page 28: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

I I I . DESCR'PTION OF THE AFFE ED ENVIRONMENT ANO IMPACTS

A. Physical and Environmental

1 . Coaaarcial Fishing

Coaaaerclal fishing has t rad i t i ona l l y providod an important economic

base f o r a majority of the coastal communities along the Gulf of Mexico. In

1982, the Gulf coastal states landed 2.3 b i l l i o n pounds of f ish products

representing a th i rd of the not ion 's t o t a l , valued at over 600 mi l l ion

d o l l a r s . The f ive commercial f isher ies of the greatest economic Importance

arc the shrimp, menhaden, oyster, Industr ial bottom f i s h , and crao

f i s h e r i e s .

In 1982, Gulf fishermen landed over 209.9 m i l l i o n pounds of shrimp

representing 75 percent of the nat ion's to ta l and valued at over 425 m i l l i on

dol i e r s . The northern Gulf shrimp fishery Is comprised mainly of three

species; the brown shrimp (Penaeus azteeus). the white shrimp (P. set i ferus)

end tho pink shrimp (P. duorarum). The smaller brown shrimp represent

approximately 60 percent of the shrimp taken, the pink shrimp 10 percent,

and the white shrimp account fo r a majority or the remainder. Three othor

species, the r c k shrimp, royal reds, and the seebobs, are also taken

commercially In the northern Gulf but together comprise less than 4 percent

of the t o t a l shrimp landings.

V J o h n £ , C h a n c e at A a m o o - . Arms. 5

Page 29: Orfcli-u! Lns L Primeaux · Liock 305, utilized 11.4 lb/gai. mud at 6,630 feet and a 12.1 lb/gal. mud at 7,350 feet. C ire ful monitoring of all mud properties, both physical ard

Preliminary statistics compiled by the National Narine Fisheries

Service Indicate that 76,953,733 pounds of shrimp (heads on) valued at over

130 million dollars were landed at Louisiana ports in 1983. It should be

noted that catch statistics aro recorded by the area landed a.id do not

necessarily Indicate that the species were actually caught In waters

adjacent to the ports where they wore landed.

Nost shrimp are taken by trawl and are estuarine dependent 1n that they

require estuaries during some stage of their Hfe cycles. Nature shriap

leave the estuary for the open Gulf where they spawn (release eggs). The

>ggs and subsequen larval stages circulate f<se1y In the currents of the

0:s end con be found In virtually all OCS waters. Young juveniles then

erter the estuary to feed, mature, and repeat the cycle.

Tho West Caaeron Area under consideration falls within the "high to

mode-ate white shriap productivity area" (U.S.O.I., FREIS. Gulf of Mexico,

1983. Visual No. 4-1) wherein the possibility of shriap fishing activity

exists. Some documented Impacts of petroleum exploration and production on

the shrimp fishery Include the reaoval 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 daaage to nets, vessel damage, and/or fishing downtime losses.

Additional discussion of the Iapacts on the coaaarcial fishing Industry 1s

contained in the Final Regional Environmental Iapact Statement, Gulf of

Mexico, Volume 1, pages 327 to 332 (U.S.D.I.. 1983).

John £. Chance at Assoc.. ino. 6

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The Gulf oyster fishery provided over 40 percent of the oysters landed

nationally In 1982 totaling 24.2 million pounds of meat worth over 312

•11 Hon d o l l a r s . Most Gulf oysters ere taken by oyster dredging In

estuarine and coastal waters within 5 miles of shore. According to National

Narine F isher ies Service stat ist ics over 13 million pounds of oysters valued

at over 17 mill ion dollars were landed at Louisiana ports in 1983. The

proposed a c t i v i t i e s In West Cameron Area Block 312 are not expected to have

any impact on the oyster fishery In Louisiana.

In 1981 the Gulf States also landed 37.4 million pounds of blue crebs

(Callinectes sapidus) valued at over 8 million dollars. Most were captured

In "pots" (belted traps) 1n shallow estuarine or near shore waters. Blue

crabs ere a lso caught using "trotlInes" (shallow, multlhalted l ines) end

bottom trawls These crabs are estuarine dependent with planktonic eggs and

larv 1 stages Blue crab landings at Louisiana ports totaled over 18

million pound:, valued at over 16 million dollars in 1983, according to

National Marlre Fisheries Service Stat ist ics. The fishery for blue crabs

will not bo effected by exploration and production act iv i t ies In these

blocks es I t 1s offshore of the coastal and estuarine waters In which this

fishery operates.

Table 1 presents a l i s t of commercially Important shellf ish found In

the northern Gulf of Mexico.

The menhaden or "Poyy" fishery Is the nation's second most valuable

John E. Chance at Assoc.. Inc. 7

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TABLE 1 COMMERCIALLY IMPnJTMMT SHELLFISH

OF THE GU IF MEXICO

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME HARVEST METHOD

SHRIMP:

Brown Shr iap Penaeus azteeus BT

White Shr iap P. se t i fe rus BT

Pink Shrimp P^ duorerua BT

Sea bob Xlphopenaeus kroyeri BT

Royal Red Shriap Hyaenopenaeus robustus BT

Rock Shr iap S1cyon1a brevlrostr is BT

Blue Crob Cal l inectes sapidus CT.BT.TL

Oysters Crassostrea sp. OD.OT

BT Bottoa Trawl

CT Baited Crab Trap

00 O y s t D r e r j % ,

OT Oyster Tongs

TL "Trotl Ine"

John aT. Chance at Amoco*, ino.

8

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fishery accounting for 1.2 billion pounds valued et «7 million dollars or

roughly half of the toul 1981 fish poundage landed In the U. S. Spurred by

a 55 percent Increase In menhaden landings from the Gulf coast states, the

U. S. hod a record setting menhaden catch 1n 1982. Gulf landings wore 1.9

billion pounds worth over 72 million dollars. Four species are said to

comprise the menhaden fishery but the Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus)

accounts for most of the catch. Nenhaden are processed Into fish meal, fish

oi l . ond fish solubles for Industrial use. Nenhaden ere estuarine dependent

with planktonic eggs. Most C ama ron Area Block 312 Hes beyond the

"Principal Nenhaden Harvest Area11 (U.S.D.I.. FREIS, Gulf of Mexico. 1983.

Visual No. 4-1), therefore negative Impacts on menhaden fishing are

unlikely.

Industrial bottoaf Ishes make up a large fish y in the Gulf, within

this group are fishes taken on or very near the botton by commercial

trawlers. The following fishes generally account for 95 to 98 percent of

the Industrie 1 bottomflsh trewl fishery: c<*oaker, spot, sand seatrout,

silver seatrout. catfish, and longspine porgy (U.S.D.I., 1983).

Many of the species taken In the industrial bottomflsh category spawn

In offshore waters, and It 1s possible that the eggs might be adversely

affected by contact with drill cuttings and/or drilling mud If they were

present noor the rig during such rtl eases. These discharges may also cause

temporary relocation of adults due to Inundatlo f feeding ground at the

drill s i t e . Fishing activity will be temporarily Interrupted by the

placement of thi drilling rig but no long-term effects are anticipated as a

J o h n C C h a n c e at Ammoo^ Jrao. 9

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r e s u l t of th is proposal. Industr ia l bottomflsh are usually sold as

i n d u s t r i a l flshaeal and f i sh solubles, but th is group also produces some

f c o d f i s h , pet food, and FPC ( f i sh protein concentrate).

Other species for which s ign i f i cant commercial f isher ies exist Include

s t r i p e d mul let , groupers, snappers, and f lounders. Mi: 1 l e t are taken near

shore and In estuarine waters in seine nets, g i l l nets, and cast nets.

Snappers and groupers are taken by hook end l i n e throughout the OCS wherever

n a t u r a l l y occurring or man-made benthic features provide suf f ic ient habi ta t .

Flounders are also caught commercially by hook an*' l i n e and are taken

seasonally in very shallow estuarine water by gig (barbless spear).

Weak f i s h e s , croakers, and drims are also taken commercially by hook and l i n e

as foodf ishes. Table 2 presents a l i s t cf commercially Important Industr ia l

bovtomfishes and sport f ishes found 1n the Gulf of Mexico.

Overa l l , comrrercial f-.shermen have benefited from the growth of the

petroleum industry in the OCS water of the Gulf of Mexico. While

technological improvements have enabled commercial fishermen to Increase the

/olume of landings, development of the petroleum industry has also had a

pos i t i ve impact on f i sh ing . Because OCS petroleum development 1s dependent

an extensive msrine ve->sel u t i l i z a t i o n , barbers and ports have been

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

a v a i l a b i l i t y and quality of marine vessel maint^ ince and repair f a c i l i t i e s

have increased s ign i f icant ly . These improvements have def in i te ly had a

p o s i t i v e ef fect on fishermen ( l ass i t e r , 1980).

John E. Chance A Assoc., inc.

10

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TABLE 2

A CHECK LIST OF COMMERCIAL a SPORT FISHES

OF THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO1

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME2

Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus

llsrdheed C a t f i s h Arlus f e l l s

Gaff topsail Ca t f i sh Bag re mannus

Warsaw Grouper Epinephelus n ig r i t us

Jewfish Epinephelus I t a j a ra

Red Grouper Epinephelus morio

Rock Hind Epinephelus adscenslonls

Florida Pompano Trachlnotus carol 1ntis

Red Snapper Lutjanus eampeehanus

Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus

Northern King f i s h Menticirrhus saxat lHs

Black Drum Pogonlas cromis

Atlantic Croaker Micropogonias undulatus

Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus

Sand Seatrout Cynoscion arenarlus

Red Drum Sciaenops ocel latus

Spot Leiostomus xanthurus

Striped Mu l le t Mugil cephalus

King Mackerel Scomberorrorus caval la

V John Chnnco & Assoc., ino.

l l

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TABLE 2 (cont'd)

A CHECK LIST OF COMMERCIAL I SPORT FISHES

OF THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

Spanish Mackerel Scosfteromorus maeulatus

Unc lass i f ied Flounders Parallchthys spp.

1 . Based on landing s t a t i s t i c s compiled by the National Marine

Fisher ies Service. New Orleans, Louisiana.

2. Sc ien t i f i c nomenclature from American Fisheries Society (I960)

John E. Chance tt Assoc.. km.

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2. Shipping

A designated shipping fairway Is located approximately twenty-six miles

north o f West Cameron Area Block 312. I t 1s l i k e l y t h r t the vessels

support ing the block w i l l u t i l i z e the shipping fairway located north of the

block t o gain access to the support base, however, I t Is unlikely that the

marine vessels wi l l have any s ign i f i can t e f fect on fairway t r a f / l c . The

d r i l l i n g r i g and each of the marine vessels w i l l be equipped with a l l U. S.

Coast Guard required navigational safety aids.

3 . Recreation

The open Gulf encompasses a broad expanse of saltwatf which I s

u t i l i z e d by numerous sports fishermen and a small but rapidly Increasing

number of SCUBA divers. Many fishermen charter boats to deep-sea f i sh and

sport d ive In the northern Gul f . The states of Alabama, Mississippi , and

Louisiana support approximately 120 charter boats which conduct a majori ty

of t h e i r f ishing ac t i v i t i es In the waters of the X S (U.S.D. I . , 1983).

Petroleum platforms In the northern Gulf provide recreation for fishermen

and scuba divers because they act as a r t i f i c i a l reefs at t ract ing and

es tab l i sh ing aquatic communities Including highly sought af ter food and

spor t f i shes . The reef e f fec t created by petroleum platfonns 1s well known

and i s evidenced by the numerous private boat owners who regularly v i s i t

o f f sho re fac i l i t i es to harvest food and sport f i shes .

V John E. Chance & Assoc., Inc. 13

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Frequently, offshore rigs end nlatforms serve es navigation points for

small commercial and recreational marine c ra f t . Manned dr i l l ing rigs and

platforms can also provide e haven for small craf t operators forced to

abandon their vessels during storms or following boat accidents. The

instal lat ion and use of navigational aids, lifesaving equipment, and other

safety requirements pursuant to Coast Guard regulations are standard

procedure for dr i l l ing rigs and marine vessels ut i l ized by Corpus Christi

(HI and Gas Company.

4. Cultural Resources

Visual No. 11 froa the Regional Environmental impact Statement

(U.S.D.I. 1963) indicates that Most Caaeron Area oiock 312 fal ls within the

zones designated as areas with high probabilities of historical or

pro-historical cultural resources. An archeological assessment was

performed for Nest Caaeron Area Block 312 by John E. Chance ft Associates,

Inc. This report indicates that there wi l l be no significant Iapacts upon

cul tural ly significant resources.

5. Ecologically Sensitive Features

West Cameron Area Block 312 Is located approxlaately forty r i les froa

the Sea Rla National Wildl i fe Refuge and forty-eight alias froa the McFaddin

Marsn National Wildlife Refuge. There are no other known ecologically

sensitive areas near West Caaeron Area Block 312.

John £. Chance et Aaaoo^ hte. 14

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Cameron, Louisiana will be used es operations base for Mast Cameron

Aree Block 312. The support base Is located approximately five miles from

Rutherford Beach State Park and eighteen miles from Rockefeller Stete Refuge

(U.S.O.I. Wildlife Refuge, P* r IS, Gulf of Mexico, 1963, Visual No. 3).

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

unusual circumstances, the environmentally sensitive areas will not ba

affected.

6. Existing Pipelines and Cables

Tho shallow hazards survey performed for Corpus Christi 011 and Gas by

John E. Chance A Associates, Included as an attachment to the Plan of

Exploration Indicates no faults or seismic amplitude anomalies were observed

on the analog sparker data. Acoustic void zones wore detected at depths of

20-33 foot below the seafloor across the eastern portion of the lease. The

voids may represent pockets of sedimentary gas and may exhibit higher

pressure states ai compared to the surrounding strata. Corpus Christi 011

and Gas Company is aware of the potential hazards and has taken the

neces ary precautionary measures.

There Is one known abandoned well located within West Cameron Area

Block 312. There are no known pipelines located within the block.

V John E. Chance & Assoc.. Inc.

15

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7. Mineral Resources

There ere no other known Mineral resources located in or near West

Caaercn Area Block 312.

8 . Ocean Dumping

The major sources of ocean dumping related to OCT petroleum exploration

e c t i v l t y are d r i l l i ng f l u i d s , or "muds," and d r i l l cu t t ings . After the

exploratory d r i l l i ng In West Cameron Area Block 312 1s complete. Corpus

C h r i s t i 011 and Gas does ant ic ipate dump'ng the i r excess water-based d r i l l i n g

f l u i d s (approximately 1400 b b l s ) . I f any oil-based mud Is used during the

d r i l l i n g operations. I t w i l l bo returned to the vendor for proper disposal

at an approved s i te .

D r i l l cuttings are brought up by the d r i l l i n g mud and range In size

from gra ins of sand to pebbles. These cutt ings are separated and s i f t ed and

tnan disposed overboard. Treeted domestic wastes and d r i l l waters w i l l also

be disposed at the proposed d r i l l i n g s i t e . There w i l l be no Intentional

discharge of any o i ly or hazardous materials 1n v io la t i on of DOI or EPA

regu la t ions .

West Cameron Area Block 312 1s not located w i th in an approved E.P.A.

disposal area or mi l i tary ordinance disposal area.

9. Endangered or Threatened Species

Endangered or threatened species wnlch might occur in West Cameron Area

John C Chance at Asaoo^ inc.

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Block 212 are biut whali (Balaenoptera musculus), finback whala

(Balatnoptera physalus). humpback whala (megaptera novaeangliae). se< whale

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

turtle (Lepidochelys kempii). green turtle (Chelonia mydas). hawksbill

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

snd loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) (U.S.D.I . . Region IV L. angered

Species Notebook).

Endangered and threatened species expected to occur In the vicinity of

the onshore base are bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). the brown

pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). and American alligator (Alligator

• Iss lss lpp lens ls ) (U.S.D.I.. Region IV Endangered Species Notebook). The

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

virtually extinct In the late 1950's (Fritts et a l . , 1983). By 1960. the

estimated Louisiana population of brown pelicans was four birds (NFHL,

1980). Re-establ 1 sheent of a breeding population 1n Louisiana has met with

varying success (Fritts et a l . , 1983). The act ivi t ies proposed by Corpus

Christi 011 end Gas are expected to have no impacts on the brown pelican.

The American alligator Is c lass i f ied as threatened biologically In Louisiana

and a regulated harvest 1s permitted under State law (U.S.O. I . , Region IV

Endangered Species Notebook). No Impacts on American alligators are

expected. The presence of marine mammals In coastal Louisiana Is considered

sporadic and probably no resident populations exist . I t 1s unlikely that

onshore or exploration activit ies related to West Cameron Area Block 312

will have any effect on the previously named species.

John E. Chance at Assoc.. ino.

17

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I. Soc 1o-Economic Iapacts

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

1980, tht init ial OCS Data last Report will be developed for submission en

or before tho proscribed due date. Subsequent Environmental Reports

provldtd by Corpus Christi 011 tnd Gas will address this data and related

activity Impacts as required.

V John E. Chance at Assoc., Ino. 18

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IV. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE INPACTS

Tht greatest threat to tht natural environment Is caused by Inadequate

operational safeguards thet may cause or contribute to an oil spill or well

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

trained operational personnel end employing all available safety nd

pollution control systems. These measures are standard operating procedure

for Corpus Christi 011 and Gas Company. Corpus Christi Oil and Gas Coapany

has an approved Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

It should be noted that aost Urge crude oil and refined products

spills hove 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 estlaated 34.9 percent and

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

oceans while offshoie production activities account for only 1.3 percent

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

natural gas, which occur throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (ZO Bell,

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

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

It was noted In tht executive summary of a recent study of petrol turn

production platforms In the central Gulf of Mexico (Bedlnger, 1981), that

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

affect noraal biological communities than the current Industrial development

of tho Louisiana OCS. The preceding discussion 1s r.jt Intended to minimize

John E. Chance et Assoc.. inc. 19

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the signif icance of major oil s p i l l s resulting from petroleum exploration

and production activities but 1s provided to establish e perspective

relative to their probable occurrence.

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

were associated with exploratory dril l ing act iv i t ies , none of which rele sed

any oil to the narine environment (Danenberger, I960) The IXTOC I spill of

1979, however, demonstrates thet advanced drilling technology snd available

safety and pollution control systems are not In fa l l ib le . Most spi l ls are

subjected to Immediate containment and cleanup efforts. The ultimate fate

of oil s p i l l e d 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 segments, and

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

1975).

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

expliz-atory drilling and discharging of drilling fluids and treated sewage

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

Include a 1 oca 1 ized degradation of watar and air quality In the vicinity of

the d r i l l i n g s i te , the potential obstruction to commercial and recreational

fishing v e s s e l s , and the disruption and/or I 11 Ing of benthic and/or pelagic

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

cutt ings, and domestic wastes and sewage.

V John €T. Chance £ Assoc.. inc.

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Discharging froa the d r i l l site Is Inevitable during OCS operations,

part icularly during exploration. Any materials that may contain oil or

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

Impact on the environment, wil l not be discharged intentionally. Any

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

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

wi l l Include domestic waste and sewege that Is treated on the rig before

discharging and drill cuttings and mud.

The environmental fate end effects of dri l l ing muds and cuttings has

been extensively addressed In a recent symposium (See Ayers et a l . , 1960 for

detailed discussions). The discharging of dr i l l cuttings and water-based

mud w i l l result in an Increase In water turbidity* burial of benthic

organi sen , and possible toxic effects on marine organisms In the Immediate

v ic in i ty of the drilling r ig . A reduction In photosynthetlc activity and

plankton populations can also be expected as a result of discharging. I t Is

expected, however, that pelagic and benthic organisms will re populate the

area rapidly after discharging i f the effects ara minimal and Intermittent

as expected.

Offshore activities generate a small but significant amount of a i r

poi'.utants; therefore, the deterioration of air quality 1s unavoidable In an

OCS operation area. In most Instances, these emissions affect only the

Imadlato exoloration activity s i te and are rapidly dissipated by the

atmosphere depending upon climatic conditions. An Air Quality Review Report

has been performed for Most Cameron Area Block 312 and Is Included as an

Jnhn E. Chance at Assoc., hw.

21

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attachment to the Environmental Report.

Commercial and recreational fishing would be affected by KS

development, out primarily In terms of Inconvenience and Interference.

Although tho unavoidable adverse Impacts could Include some smothering of

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

unrestricted fishing, and minimal finfish killing, commercial fishing

activities would not be significantly effected, except In the unlikely event

of an oil sp i l l . An oil spill could result In serious economic losses due

to the contamination of commercial fish species.

There Is a remote possibility that offshore areas of historical,

cultural, or biologic?, significance could be damaged or destroyed by X S

exploration operations. Visual No. 11 fron the Regional Environmental

Impact Statement (U.S.D.I.. 1983) indicates that no archeological. cultural,

or historic areas are in the vicinity of Wast Cameron Area Block 312.

Corpus Christi Oil and Ges will make every effort to avoid disturbing

anyhistorically, culturally, or biologically significant feature.

John E. Chance at Assoc., htc.

ZZ

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LITERATURE CITED

American Fisheries Society 1980 A List of Cannon and Scient i f ic Names of Fishes from the United

States and Canada (Fourth Edi t ion) . Special Publication No. 12. Bethesda. Maryland. 174 pp.

V e r s . R. C . N. L. Richards and J . R. Gould 1980 Proceedings of a symposium. Research on environmental fate

and effects of d r i l l i n g f lu ids and cu t t i ngs . Washington, D.C. 1.122 pp.

Bed inge r , C. A . , J r . 1981 Ecological Investigat ions of petroleum production platforms In

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.

Danenberger, E. P. 1976 Oil sp i l l s , 1971 - 1975, Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental She'f.

Geological Survey Circu lar 741. 47 pp.

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

Report. 80-101. 15pp.

F r i t t s , T. H., A. B. I rv ine , R. D. Jennings, L. A. Col lum, U. Hoffman, and M. A. McGehee

1983 Turtles, birds, and mammals In the northern Gulf of Mexico and nearby Atlantic waters. U. S. Fish and Wi ld l i f e Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, 0. C. FWS/OBS-82/65. 455 pp.

Gal lawiy, B. J . 1981 An ecosystem analysis of o i l and gas development on the Texas-

Louisiana continental shel f . U. S. Fish and Wi ld l i fe Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, D. C. FWS/OBS-81/27. 89 pp.

Gallaway, B. J . and G. S. Lewbel 1982 The ecology of petroleum platforms in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico:

a community p ro f i l e . U. S. ."Ish and W i l d l i f e Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, 0. C. FWS/OBS-82/27. Bureau of Land Management, Gulf of Mexico OCS Regional Of f ice, Open-File Report 82-03. XIV +92 pp.

Gallaway, B. J . , L. R. Mart in, R. L. Howard, G. S. Boland, and G. 0. Dennis 1981 Effects on a r t i f i c i a l reef and demersal f i sh and macrocrustaceen

comr-inltles. Pages 237-293 In B. S. Mlddledltch, ed. Environmental ef fects of offshore o r production. The Buccaneer Gas and Oil Fie ld Study. Marine Science, Vol. 14. Plenum Press, New York, New York.

John E. Chance & Assoc., Inc.

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

Caribbean Sea. College Station, Texas: Texas AAM University Press.

National Academy of Sciences 1975 Petroleum In the marine ervironment. Washington, D.C. 107 pp.

National F ish and Wildlife Laboratory (NRIL) 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 Prograa FWS/OBS- 80/01.40. 16 pp.

National Marine Fisheries Service 1984 Louisiana landing s ta t is t ics from personal communication with Lee

USI A, NMFS, New Orleans, La.

U. S. Departmen; of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 1976 Endangered and threatened species of the southeastern United States.

Region IV, Atlanta, Georgia (periodically updated).

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

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

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

John E. Ghana* at Assoc.. Inc.

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APPENDIX 1

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATE

John E. Chance tt Assoc., Inc. 25

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COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

EXPLORATION

Type of Plan

WEST CAMERON AREA BLOCK 312 (OCS-G-7613)

Area and Block

The proposed activit ies described in detail In the attached Plan of Exploration comply with Louisiana's approved Coastal Management prograa and will be conducted In a manner consistent with such Prograa.

Arrangements have been made with the State Times in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to publish a Public Notice of the Proposed activity no later than

CORPUS CHRISTI OIL ANO GAS COMPANY

Lessee or Operator

• • . . . . . . . Certifying" Official

Date"

V John E. Chance at Assoc., Ino. 26