5. Pipel iicr am* "able*

The PEA (USOI, MMS ivi '} contains e description of the impacts of structure-removal activi cie* or pipelines end cables. There are existing pipelines within.ISO meter; (490 feet) of the prr*os*-d »• .-ucture-removal ac t iv i t i es . Preia-Jtions «-i accordance with NTL Ko. 83-3, Section IV.B., must be taken prior to conductif3 'he removal act ivi t ies; therefore, the proposed work wi l l not pose a hazard to pipel Ines fs) risei ccblc(s) in the area. ,

6. Cher Mineral Resources

No impacts are expected as a result ^ proposed ac t iv '? ie 5 . Fo* analysis information, see the PEA reference \n uie Introduction

7. Human Health and Safety

The PEA (USDI, MMS, 1987) describes tfwj hazardous conditions for workers during structure-removal activities. The operator has proposed tte use of explosives in conjunction with the :tructure removal activit ies. Existing legal and regulatory safety requirements will keep the impacts of the proposed vork on human health and safety at a very low level.

E. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

A *l rcussion of unavoidable adverse impacts can be f c u n i n the .'CA (u\>C!t

MMS, 1987). Two areas of primary concern are the potential impact to protected, threatened, and/or endangered species and potential loss of habitat to the marine environment Both topics are discussed In the r't* and prev1<\ . v In this document. Cher unavoidable adverse impacts aw considered tc ot minor.

IV. PUBLIC OPINION

A discussion of pro I c concems regarding structure- remc V activit ies can be found in the PEA (uT:. , MMS, 1987). The p-oposed structure-. moval o.tivities have generated no comm.'nts from the publ ic

V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

IP accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of the Endangered Spedes Act, fhe nror ed structure-removal operation has heen coordinated with the NMFS. Thei. tOBemm?' ere Included In Appendix C. The NMFS concluded that removal of the structvr. *111 not Ukely jeopardize the continued existence of any threat* r..* j r endangered spedes under their purview. Additionally, they ccncloied that the proposed removal may result in thc Injury or mortality of logger need, Kemp's ridley, green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. Therefore, they established a low level of Incidental take and discussed various measures necessary to monitor and minimize this Impact (see Appendix C) . The NMFS noted that no Incidental taking of marine mammals was authorized under Se tion 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 In connection with the proposed structure-removal activities herefore, taking of marine mammals by the operator would be prohibited unless they successfully apply for and obtain a permit or waiver to do so from NMFS.

7

VI BIBLTOGRAPhT ANO SFVf AL REFERENCE(S)

Fritts, T.H., A . l . Irvine, R.D. Jenn'r«», L.A. ColItn, W. Hoffman, and M.A. HcGehee. 1983*. Turtles, birds, and mammals In the northern Gulf of Mexico and nearby Atlantic wt ers. U.S.,Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, D.C.

Fuller, D.A. and A.M. Tappan. 1986 The occurrence of sea turtles in Louisiana -oastal waters. Coastal Fisheries tavtitute. Center for We and Resources. Louisiana State University. Baton Rr.ug*. LA. %

T«*a: u ndy G. and Anthony Martinez. 1988 annual report of the sea turtle stranding and salvage network. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States. January - December '988. Naticnal Marine Fisheries Service. Southeast Fisheries Center, Miami Labot vory, 75 Virginia Drive, Miami, FL.

U.S. Department of he Interior. Minrals Management Service. 1989. Final Environmental Impac: Statement. Gulf of Mexico Seles 123 and 125: Central ard Western Planning Areas. OCS EIS/EA MMS 89-0053. Washington, O.C. Available from NTIS. Springfield, VA: PB-89234900/AS.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Minerals Management Service. 1988. Final Environmental Impact S. .ement. Proposed OCS oil and gas lease sales 118 and 122 (Central and Western Gulf of Mexico). OCS EIS/MMS 88-0044. Washington, D.C. Available from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB-U4185/AS.

U.S. Department of the Interior. Minerals Manage *ot Service. 1987. Programmatic Environment' • Cessment. Structure-removal activit ies Central and Western Gulf of Mexico riannirq Areas. OCS/EA 87-C0C2. Gulf of htxlco OCS Region. Mr Orleans. L*.

i

8

I 1

I ii

I

V I I . PREPARERS

Author * ' '

Bonnie LaBordejjohrs n - Physical Scientist

Typist

Joan Boiteaux

3

III. APPENDICES

A. ARCO* OIL AND GAS a WANY CORRESPONDENCE

B. HNS SUMMARY EVALUATION

C. NMFS CORRESPONDENCE

10

APPEMOIX A

ARCO OIL AM) 6AS COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE

11

ARCO Cil an" G.. Company E . i * • 1" :: ct

^r-.t C." cc Hoi j KoYr icn. Texas i*72i» 1 Teitphone 711 5S4 6639

Mr. Dan B. Bourgeois Regional Supervisor - Field Operations CULF OF MEXICO OCS REGION Minerals Management Service U.S. Department of the Interior 1201 Eimwood Park Boulevard

September 5, 1989

Nev Orleans, LA 70123-2394 \. —'—"

ATTN: Mr. Arv ind Shah

RE: Application for Use of Explosives for Structure Removal West Cameron 205 and 238 Fields

Dear Mr. Shah:

ARCO Oil and Gas Company, a Division of Atlantic Richfield Company, hereby submits applications for use of explosives to remove fiv e abandoned caisson wells in the West Cameron 205 and 238 f i e l d s . Wells WC 205 No. 5, WC 212 No. 2, WC 238 No. 4, and WC 239 No. 4 w i l l requira use of 75 lb charges due to the size of the caisson. WC 211 No. 1 w i l l require use of a 50 lb charge. We plan to remove the caissons as soon as the attached applications are approved.

I f you need any further information, please c a l l me at (713) 584-6)04.

Belinda V. Breaux Senior Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Coordinator

cc: G.E. King - 3238 HMB R.M. Royce - 3236 HMB B.D. Richards - SOP File - WC 205 05 ADM.

Sincerely,

- WC 211 01 ADM. - WC 212 //2 ADM. - WC 238 //4 ADM. - WC 239 04 ADM.

AMCO 0>l a n d G . i C o m p j n , i t i D i l u t i o n o' A ! i « m c M i c n t i « i d C o < " p « n ,

PPOPOSED OCS PLATKOPM/STRUCTURE REMOVAL

Responsible* Party

A. Least Opsrator Name ARCO OIL & GAS COMPANY

B. Address 15375 Memorial Dr ive

Houston, TX 770 79

C Contact Person and Telephone Number Belinda B-eaux

(713) 584-6104

I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f Structure to be Removed

A. Platform Nana West Cameron 20 5 |5 Caisson Well

B. Location (Lease, Area, Block, and Block Coordinates) WC 205

OCS-G 2 8 3 2 , X - 1,368,097 Y - 224,129

C. Date i n s t a l l e d (Year) 1*84

P. Propossd Dete of Removel (Month/Year) September 1989

C. Water Depth 60'

Deacription of Structure to be Removed

A. Configuration (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 48" X 60" Caisson

C. Number of Legs/Casings/Pil ings 48" X 60" Caisson with 3 strings

o f c a s i n q ; 24" X 1 8 - S / 8 H X 1 3 - 3 / 8 "

t

13

•

/ Page 2

D. Diameter and Wall Thickness o f Legs/Casings/Pil ings 60" - 2" wt ; t

24" - 1 - 1 / 2 " w f 1 8 - 5 / 8 " - 0 . 4 3 5 " w t ; 1 3 - 3 / 8 " - 0.480 wt

Z. Are Pi les Grouted? Yes Inside or Outside? Inside

60" X 24" i s not cemented.

F. Brief d e s c r i p t i o n of s o i l composition and cond i t ion Surface

so i l s are s t i f f moderately p l a s t i c gray c l a y .

IV. Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structure

Well la no longer productive and has been P&A'd.

V. Removal Method

A. Brief description of the method to be used A charge w i l l be

lowered into the 13-3/8" casing 16' BML, set off charge and

pull up caisson.

B. I f explosives are to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of. Explosives OCTOL Focus with 50 grain detenonating cord

2. Number and Sizes of Charges 1 § 75 lb.

a. Single Shot or Multiple Shots: Single

b. I f multiple shots, sequence and timing of detonations

14

Pa ?o 3

3. 'Bulk'or Shaped Charge? Focused charge

aj Depth of Detonation Below Mud Line 16'

b. Inside or Outside Piling? Inside Caisson i

1

Pre-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Is the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed? No

If yes, provide the following:

a. Number and Kind

b. Size of Charges

c. Brief description of how, where, and when scare charges or

acoustic devices w i l l be uaed

2* Will divers or acoustic devices be used to conduct a pre-removal

survey to detect presence of turtles and marine mammals? NO

I f yes, b r i e f l y describe the proposed detection method

Post-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Will transducers be used to measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? No

2- Will divers be used to survey the area after removal to determine

any effects on marine l i f e ? Yes

15

Page 4

VI. Biological Information i

I f avai lable , J rov ide the resul ts of any recent b i o l o g i c a l surveys conducted

i n the v i c i n i t y of the s t ruc tu re . I f a v a i l a b l e , describe any recent .

observations of t u r t l e s or marine mammals at the s t ruc ture s i t e . •

16

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31 y

PROPOSED OCS PLAT. ORM/STRUCTUhE REMOVAL • * • Responsible Party

I

A. Lease Jperator Name ARCO OIL & GAS COMPANY

b. Address 15375 Memorial Drive

Houston, TX 77079

C. Contact Person and Telephone w "iber Belinda Breaux

(713) 584-6104

Identification of Structure to be Removed

A. Platform Name West Cameron 2 2 »2 Caisson Well

B. Location (Laaaa, Area, Block, md Llock Coordinates) WC 212,

OCS-G 4758, X-1, 367, 052.46' Y-213, 586.47'

C. Dete I n s t a l l e d (Year) 1985

D. Propoaed Date of Removal (Month/Year) September, 1989

E . Water Depth 60'

Description of Structure to be Removed

A. Configuration (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 60" X 48" Caisson

C. Number of Legs/Casings/Pil ings 60" X 48" Caisson with 3 casinq

s t r ings ; 30w X 20" X 13-3/8"

20

Pa^e 2

D. Diameter ani V»all Thickness of '-egs/Casings/ f i l i n g s __6n" ~ 1-1/2" » t r I l

30" ' 1-1/2" wt? 20" - 0.438" wt; J_3__J_j____l_P.lfL-1,,..

E . Art

10" w _ : _ u v , . - » - . w ^ w , - •

:_ Pi_|«s Ciouted? ves Inside or Outside? Casing Annulus

F. Brief description of s o i l composition and condition Surface,

s o i l s are s t i f f moderately p las t i c gray c lay .

Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structure —Zone I s

depleted^ wel l i s PfcA'd.

Removal Method

A. Brief description of the method to be used Insert charge Inside

13-3/8 casinq, 16 f t below mud l ine , set charge off and pul l up

caieeon* — —

B . i f explosives ara to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of Explosives Octol focus with 50 grain detonating cord.

2. Number and Sizes of Charges 1 #. 75 lb „

a. Single Shot or Multiple Shots: Single shot _ _

b. I f multiple shots, sequence and timing of detonations

21

3. Bulk T Shaped Charge? Fvcused charge

a. .Depth of Detonation Below Mud Line __16'

b. inside or Outside !•} ling? Inside

C. Pre-Removal Monitoring Techniques 1

1. is the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed?J_o

If yes, provide the following:

a. Number and Kind -

b. Size of Charges

Pago 3

c. Brief description of how, where, and when scare charoes or acoustic

devices w i l l be used

2. Will divers or acoustic devices be used to conduct a pre-removal survey

'.o detect prsstt.ice of tur t l e s and marine inammals? No

I f yes, b r i e f l y describe the proposed detection method

D. Post-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Will transducers be used to measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? No •

2. Will divers be used to survey the area after removal to determine any

effecta on marine l i f e ? Yes .

22

Page 4

V I . B io log ica l Info^rinatlon

I f available, provide the results of any recent biological surveys conducted i

i n the vicinity of the structure. I f avai lable , describv any recent

observations of turt l - s or saxine raanmals at the structure s i t e .

23

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ARCO OH and Gas Company <!% D.r,i«jn ot A f W « * « n ( i « « « C o m M - y

SOUTH TEXAS DISTRICT

Well No. i i

Block JLlA Area W_sr CPMOOti ,

OCS 0L_fV£_3

26

* PROPOSED OCS PLATFORM/STRUCTURE REMOVAL

I . Responsible P a r t y (.

A. LeajLe Operator Name ARCO O I L & GAS COMPANY

B. Address 15^75 Meroorial D r i v e * ,

Houston, TX 77079 J

C. Contact Person and Telephone Number Be l inda Breaux

(713) 584-6104

I I . I d e n t i f i c a t i o n of S tructure to be Removed

A. P la t form Name _ West Cameron 238 14 Ca i s son Well

B. Locat ion ( L e a s e , Area, B l o c k , and Block Coordinates ) OCS-G 2834

WC 238 , X - 1 ,433,659.35' Y • 161,620.34'

C. Date I n s t a l l e d (Year) . 1984

D. Proposed Date of Reaoval (Monch/Year) September 1989

E . Water Depth 70' •

I I I . Descr ipt ion o f S truc ture to be Removed

A. C o n f i g u r a t i o n (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 60" X 48" Cais son

C Number of L e g s / C a s i n g s / P i l i n g s 60" X 48" Ca i s son with 2 c a a l n g

s t r i n g s : 30", 16"

i

27

Page 2

D. Diameter and W a l l Thickness o f L e g s / C a s i n g s / P i l i n g s 60" - 1.5" wt

. 0 " - * 1 . 5 " w t , 16" - 0. 375" w t

E. Are P^.les Grouted? NO I n s i d e o r Out ; i ie?

F . B r i e f d e s c r i p t i o n o f s o i l c o m p o s i t i o n and c o n d i t i o n . S u r f a c e

s o i l s a r e s t i f f mode ra t e ly p l a s t i c gray c l a y .

Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structure Well i s no

longer productive and has been P&A'd. ______________________________

removal Method

A. Brief description of the method to be used I nser: charge inside

16" casing 16' BML, set off charge and remove caisson.

B. I f explosive 0 are to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of Explosiver _ OCTOL FOCUS with 50 grain detonating cord.

2. Number and Size. ges 1 - 75 lb.

a. Single S.iot cr le Shots: Single

b. I f multiple shots, uence and timing of detonations _____

28

•

Pa gc 3

3. Bulk or Shaped Charge? Focused

a>. Depth ot Det:- at'.on Relcv.- Mud Line 16'

I n s i d e or Outs ide P i l i r g ? I n s i d e c a i s s o n

r

C. Pre-Removai Monitoring Techniques

1. I s the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed? No

I f yes, prov< ie the f o l l o w i n g :

a. Number and Kind _____________________________________________

b. Sire of Charges

c. B r i e f description of how, where, and when scare charges or

acoustic devices w i l l be used

2. W i l * divers or acoustic devices be'used to conduct a pre-removal

s u r v • to detect prese ice of t u r t l e s and marine mammals? No

I f yes, b r i e f l y describe the proposed detection method ________________

D. Post-Removal '• m i t o r i n g Techniques

1. W i l l transducers be used t o measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? No

2. W i l l divsrs be used to survey the area a f t e r removal to determine

any e f f e c t s on marine l i f e ? Ye?

29

Page 4

V I . B io log ica l I r j f orrnation

I f ava i lab le , p rov ide the resu l t s of any recent b i o l o g i c a l surveys conducted

i n the v i c i n i t y o f the s t ruc tu re . I f ava i l ab l e , describe any recer^

observations o f t u r t l a s or marine mammals at the s t ruc tu re s i t e .

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ARCO OU and Gas Ccmpany <> O i v m o n ot At lorHicRiCnnotdCompony

SOUTH TEXAS DISTRICT

Well No. ____

Block 238

Area VlesrCAm&o*)

OCS Q 2854- _ _ ,

33

3lY %<\-lc<\

| PROPOSED :>CS PLATFORM/STRt'CTURE REMOVAL >

I

I . Responsible Party 1

A. Lease Operator Name ARCO OIL fc GAS COMPANY

B. Addre8s 15375 Memorial Drive

Houston, TX 77079

C. Contact Person and Telephone Number Belinda Breaux

(713 ) 584-6104

I I . Identification of Structure to be Removed

A. Pletfora Neae West Caaeron 239 »4 Caisson well __»__-»___

B. Locetion (Leese, Area, Block, and Block Coordinates! OCP-G 3965

WC 239, X-1,408,985.090' Y - 166,:'93.00'

C. Date I n s t a l l e d (Year) 1983

D. Propoaed Date of Removal (Month/Year) September 1989

B. Water Depth SO'

I I I . Description of Structure to be Removed

A. Configuration (Attach a Photograph or a Diagram)

B. Size 60' X 48" caisson

C. Number of Legs/Casings/Pil ings 60" X 48" Caisson with 3 casing

Strings 30" X 20" X 13-3/8"

34

»

Page 2

D. Diamet4r and Wall Thickness of Lers /Casings/Pi l ings 60" • 1.5 •t_

J 3Q" - i " w t ; 20" - 0 . 438 " w t ; 1 3 - ! / t ' - . 4j "wr

E . Are P i l es Grouted? Yes Inside or Oct- 3e -si^--

60" X 30 i s not cemented. 1

F. Brief description of s o i l composition ar.d coi . ion Sur lace

s o i l s are s t i f f moderately plas ic gray ~lay. ____________________

I V . Purpose

Brief discussion of the reason for removing the structurs Well ls no

longer productive and has been P-A'd.

V. Removal Method

A. Brief description of the aethod to be used Place charge inside

13-3/8" casing 16' below aud l ine . Set off charge and pull up

caisson.

B. I f explosives ara to be used, provide the following:

1. Kind of Explosives OCTOL FOCUS with 50 grain detonating cord.

2. Nuaber and Sizes of Charges 1 j 75 lb .

a. Single Shot or Multiple Shots: Single

b. I f aul t lp le shots, sequence and timing of detonation.*

35

Page 3

3. Bulk or Shaped Cnarge? Focused charge

A- r j ep th of" D e t o n a t i o n Below Mud L i n e 16' i

b. Inside or Outside Piling? Inside caisson

C. Pre-Removal Monitoring Techniques ^

1. Is the use of scare charges or acoustic devices proposed? NO

I f yes, provide the f o l l o v i n g :

a. Number and Kind

b. Size of Charges

c. Brief description of how, where, and when scare charges or

acoustic devices w i l l be used

2. Will divers or acoustic devices be used to conduct a pre-removal

survey to detect preserve of turtles and marine mammals? NO

I f yss, briefly describe the proposed detection method

Post-Removal Monitoring Techniques

1. Will transducers be used to measure the pressure and impulse of the

detonations? NO

2. Will divers be used to survey the area after removal to determine

any effects on marine l i f e ? Yes

36

t

Page 4

V I . Biological jlnformation

I f available, provide the results of any recent biological survey© conducted

in the v ic in i ty of the structure. I f avai lable , describe any recent

observations of tur t l e s or marine mammals at the structure s i t e .

37

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WELL No.4-BLOCK Z37

IW. CAMilRCN AREA

Tideland 3 i ~ VI Corp. 177 EFI Ma MS Lantern

AUTOMATIC POWER INC. MODE'. S A - 8 5 0 - 4

- WATER LINE

feO* 4 8 " w / I 1/2 WT Driven to I P O ' Below Mudlme

— MUO L I N E

AH CO C ! ">d Ga* Ccmpc: 1

APPENDIX B

HMS SUMMARY EVALUATION

40

United States Department of the Interior MINERALS MANAGEMENT SCRVJCK

W ASHINGTON. IK; 20240

',! ? 5 fOGl

C E I V E D Or. William Fox Assistant Administrator for Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service Department of Commerce Washington, D.C. 20235

De. Or. Fox:

In November 1986, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) agreed to procedures for expedited Endangered Species Act section 7 formal consultations on individual and groups of proposed oil and gas platfonn and structure removals 1n the Gulf of Hexico (GOM). This letter confl-ms telephone calls made by MMS to NMFS personnel ir headquarters and the Southeast Regional Office on November 7, 1989, reques iny an expedited consultation under these procedures. We have o?s1grah.ed ihi • Expedited Consultation 68 for reference and recordkeeping purpose.

This application for platform/structure removal *** suUrftt!** by A t\ OO Gas Co. for removal of the following structures.

- Caisson No. 5, Block 205, West Cameron cas? A .i - Caisson No. 2, Block 212, West Cameron i.ease Are? • Caisson No. 4, Block 238, West Cameron '.-ease Area - Caisson No. 4, Block 239, West Cameron Lease Area

Consultation under the expedited procedures Is needed because the company ha* requested permission to set explosive charges of greater than 50 pounds and, therefore, the activities cannot be considered for inclusion under the Standard Consultation issued on July 25, 1988. Information, procedure, aad evaluation documents for this consultation are enclosed. These documents include correspondence from the operator (with attachments detailing specifics about the proposed removals) and a summary evaluation prepared by MMS GOM Region. To facilitate the consultation, MMS has provided a duplicate set of these docicients directly to Dr. Tyrrell Henwood in the NMFS Southeast Regional office.

The enclosed documents specify that production efforts from these structures have been suspended and the structures are being removed under normal salvaging procedures. The structures represent potential navigation hazards and liability risks and the company requests to be allowed to.remove the structures as Is required to comply with MMS regulations under 30 CFR Part 250 and section 22 of standard MMS leases. Therefore, MMS requests an expedited completion of this formal consultation to enable the operator to remove the structures, as requested.

Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that no marine mammals or endangered or threatened sea turtles are present or likely to be affected by the removal. Based upon previous monitoring of platform removals by NNFS, it 1s unlikely

41

Or. Willi a* Fox 2

that marine mammals or sea turtles will be affected by the removal activities. Therefore, MMS believes that these removals will be accomplished with minimal risk, 1f any, to these animals.

If you have any questions pertaining to the requested consultation, please-address them to Dr. Robert W. Mlddleton, Minerals Management Service, Parkway Atrium Building, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, iirqinit 22070 (703-787-1729; FTS: 393-1729), or Mr. Jake B. Lowenhaupt, Minerals Management Service, 1201 Eimwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 (504-736-2594; FTS: 680-9594).

Sincerely,

(SGD) WILLIAM D. BETTENBERG

Associate Director for Offshore Minerals Management

Enclosure

(all copies w/ enclosure) cc: Mr. Robert Zlobro

National Marine Fisheries Service 1335 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Dr. Tyrrell Henwood National Marine Flshtri- cervice 9450 Koger Boulevard St. Petersburg, Florida 33702

bcc: Official F i le (BEO) A0/0MM 0EAD RF RS/LE, Gulf of Mexico Region Chief, BEO Klddleton/Turner/Strlght Hannon, BEE BEE/BEM/BES Offshore Chron (l)/(2) BEO RF

LMS:0EAD:MS644:M1ddleton:mr:l/25/90:9-787-l727:M1ddleton:ec6fFox.ltr

42

Enclosure

SUMMARY EVALUATION

Possible Ef fec t s !on Endangered Species and Protected Marine. Mammals from Proposed Structure Removal of Caisson Nos. 5 2, 4 and 4

West!Cameron Area, "locks 2C5, 212, 2 38 and 2 39 (Leases f)CS-G 2832 */58, 2834, end 3965, respectively!

ES/SR 89-104 t

Determination 1

ARCO Oil and Gas Company proposes to remove the subject caissons from their respective lease block locations. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has determined that since thm proposed operations v i l l utilize explosives, sea turtles and marine mammals may be affected.

Background In/ormatlon

The operator plans to remove West Cameron 205 Caisson No. 5 and three casing strings, West Cameron 212 Caisson No. 2 and three casing strings, West Cameron 238 Caisson No. 4 and two casing strings, and West Cameron 239 Caisson No. 4 and three casing strings with 75-lb. charges due to the size of the caissons. See Table 1 for specific data regarding the proposed explosive removal operations.

Tne proposed activity does not meet the requirements for consideration under the generic structure-reaoval criteria as stated in the July 25, 1988, Biological Opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service.

L i t t l e information i s available on the likelihood of encountering sea turtles or marine mammals during the proposed activities. However, both sea turtles and dolphins I.ave been observed in the vicinity of other structure removals vithin- the past year. Recent data indicate that sea turtles are distributed throughout offshore Louisiana waters. For this reason, i t i s possible that marine mammals and sea turtles may be present in the vicinity during the time of the proposed structure removal.

Mitigation

No mitigative measures were identified by the ope tor in the application to reduce the likelihood of death or injury to sea turtles and marine mammals.

Thm following mitigative measures verm identified by MMS during the application evaluation to reduce thm likelihood of death or injury to sea turtles and marine mammals:

1. Observers from MMS may be employed to look for sea turtles and marine mammals prior to and aftar detonation of the charges.

43

2. Tne KMS will encourage the operator to conduct structure removal operations during daylight hours. The actual determination should be made pn all sitr-specific facts at the time of the removal. '

Sea turtles and marine mammals may be present in the vicinity of the structures during proposed removal activities. I f th^y are close enough, they may be hurt or killed by the detonation of explosives. Mitigative measures to be taken w i l l , in our opinion, reduce the probability of harming sea turtles or marine mammals. However, the proposed structure removals may affect sea turtles and protected marine mammals.

Summary

^Leasing and Environment Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

Johnson: ml: 10-3/17-89:89-104. se

Table 1

Explosives Prc\ >3ed by ARCO Oil and Gas Company ' for tha Structure Removala in

Weet Cameron Area, Blocks 205, 212, 238, 239 j (OCS-G 2832, 4758, 2834, and 3965)

Type of Exploeivee

OCTOL Focua with 50 grain detonating cord

Number and Size of Charges

West Cameron 205 Caisson No. 5 - one 75-lb. charge West Cameron 212 Caimson No. 2 - one 75-lb. charge West Cameron 238 Caiason No. 4 - one 75-lb. charge West Cameron 239 Caisson No. 4 - one 75-lb. charge

Employment of Charges

Inside casing, 16 feet below the mudline

Stq\i«nclng of Di to nati oni

Single shots

R E C E I V E D

OCT 19 1989

Office cf Structural md Technical Support

45

APPENDIX C

NMFS CORRESPONDENCE

46

U M l T S U « > A T I M O t K ^ M T M i . ^ T O K C O M M I H C I

FEB 151990 Mx . Bairy A*. W i n lammon D i r e c t o r • » M i n e r a l * Manafeeraer.t S e r v i c e U . S . Department of the) I n t e r i o r Washington, D.C. 20240

J -..iMI'... moment Jo: v p.? A Envircnov."'

n e a r Mr. Williamson: ^

T h i e : s in response to ycur Jn :unvy i t , 1990, requocft i - J an Fndar.qered Speciee Act (ESA) Section 7* Consultat ion fw.i proposed removals by ARCO O i i fc Ges Co. c f ca isson Noe. 5, 2. 4 and 4, in West Cameron Area, B locks 205, 217 238 and 339, r e s p e c t i v e l y . T h i s Expedited Consu l ta t ion has been designated ae number 68. The Summary E v a l u a t i o n attached to yc\ir l e t t e r ind ica te s that th« proposed operation w i l l u t i l i z e exploeivee, and t h a t protected *ea tur t i ee and marine mammals may be e f f ec ted .

The operator plana t o remove West Jameron 205 Celsacn No. 5 and t h r e e casing s t r i n g s . West Caaoron 23 » Caisson No. 2 and three c a s i n g str ings , Weet Cameron 23t Cei««on No. 4 and two casing » t r i n g s , and West Cameron 239 Ca'.sson so . 4 and three casing e t r i n g e with 75 l b . charges detonated 16 feet below the mudline Minera l s Management Serv i ce (MMS) has determined that the charges a r e appropriate f o r these removals.

The National Marine P i s h e r i e s Serv ice (NMFS) i s sued a "standard" B i o l o g i c a l Opinion on J u l y 25, 1988, addressing removal of s t r u c t u r s s in the r ju l f of Mexico. Accounts of endangered and threatened species which occur in the project a r e a , contained in the r standard" op in ion alao apply to t n i s consu l ta t ion and are hereby incorporated by reference.

Based upon the bes t a v a i l a b l e informetion concerning t_h» frequency of occurrence of sea t u r t l e s i n proximity to o i l p lat forms and re r a t e d atruotures , we be l ieve that i t I s un l ike ly t h a t a s i g n i f i c a n t number of t u r t l e s w i l l occur i n the project arem during detonation of the chargee. Although the shock and impulse forces r e l e a s e d into the marine environment as a r s s u l t o f &he proposer, a c t i o n may r e s u l t in the loss c f ind iv idua l sea t u r t l e s , i t i s our opinion that renoval of these s t r u c t u r e s i s no t l i k e l y to j e o p a r d i s e the continued existence of threatened and endangered s p e c i e s that are tht. respons!tv. 1 i t y of NMFS. However, w*. h .av§ determined that the prcposeu a c t i v i t y may r e s u l t i n the injury or m o r t a l i t y of loggerheaa, Kemp's r i d l e y , green, hawksb i l l and l ea therback t u r t l e s . Therefore, pursuant to S e c t i o n 7(b)(4) of thm ESA, wo have eatabllahed a low l e v e l of tn< id.m'-c.l take and terma and conditione necessary to minimise - n l tr.x.- t h i s Impect. These terms and t o~dl t i _>ne ate

i the enclosed Incidental taku statement. Compliance ;.'th *4. ewl f l ed t u r n s and cond.'tions ia the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of

47

n Jen '.'A 7 Co.' o'M

rhe proposed ut*e o f «t 75 l b . OCTOL focus devices t v v ... « i « ; r i - . cv i iH increasua thc l e t h a j range c f the b l a a t a , a: i cou ld s i g n i f i c a n t l y increase the r i u K a t o p ro tec ted epeciee the v i c i n i t y o f thtfe s t r u c t u r e . T h e r e f o r e , as an a d d i t i o n a l i p r ecau t ion , d i v e c surveys or t h e araa baneath the s t r u e t u r e e are mandatory f o r those removals.

ihe i n c i d a n t a l t a k e statement a p p l i e s only t o endangered and i threa tened so* t u r t l e s . I n o r d e r t o a l l ow ar. I n c i d e n t a l take d i a marine mammal spec ies , t h s t a k i n g must be a u t h o r i z e d under 1 Sec t ion 101(a ) (5 ; o f the Marine Mammal P r o t e c t i o n Act o f 1972. Al though i n t e r e s t hae been expressed l n o b t a i n i n g an e x c e p t i o n A u t h o r i z i n g a l i m i t e d take o f d o l p h i n s i n c i d e n t a l t o abandonment a c t i v i t i e s , no marine mammal t ake i s au thor i zed u n t i l a p p r o p r i a t e smal l take r e g u l a t i o n s are i n p lace and r e l a t e d " L e t t e r s o f A u t h o r i z a t i o n " a r e issued.

Consu l t a t i on must be r e i n i t i a t e d i r : (1) th s amount o r e x t e n t o f t a k i n g s p e c i f i e d l n the i n c i d e n t a l take statement i s «>;waededj (a) new i n f o r m a t i o n reveala impacta c f the p r o j e c t t h a t may a f f e c t l i e t e d apec lee !n a manner or t o an e x t e n t not cons lde ied tnue f a r i n ou r o p i n i o n s ; (3) the i d e n t i f i e d a c t i v i t i e s are m o d i f i e d i n a manner t h a t causae an adverse e f f e c t t o l i s t e d species not p r e v i o u s l y cons ide red ; or (4) a now e r o d e * i s l i s t e d or c r i t i c a l h a b i t a t l a dealgnated t h a t may ba a f f e c t e d by the p r o j e c t .

I icok forward t o your con t inued coopera t ion i n f u t u r e c o n e u l t a t l o n a .

S i n c e r e l y ,

Enclcsu:

48

Incident*? Take statement

Saction 1(b) [4j of tiie Bi.W^.»a Specl*s Act (ESAj reij-lres that whan a propooed sg *>..>;/ actior. -a found to jje consistent with Section 7(e)(2) of the Act * r * tr»« propoeed action msy incidentally take individuals of l i s t .1 specioe, tne Naticn/.l Marine Fisheries Service (MMFS) wilo. i*su«« a statement thai specifies ths impact (amount or extant) of euch incidental ' taking. Incidental taking by tus Federal agency or applicant, that cou.plies with the specified terms and conditions of this statement, i s authorized and exempt from the taking prohibition of tho ESA.

Baaed on stranding rocords, Incidental captures aboard commercial shrimp veseels and hiatorlcal data, five species of sea turtles are known to occur in northern Gulf <f Mexico waters. Curront available information on the relationship between sea turtle mortality and the use of high-velocity exploalves to remove o i l platforms indicates that injury and/or death of soa turtles may reeult from the proposed action. Therefore, pursuant to Section 7(b)(4) of the SSA, an incidental take (by Injury or mortality) of one documented Kempfa ridley, green, hawksbill or leatherback turtle or two loggerhead turtles i s set for theee removala. I f the incidental take meete or exceeda thia level, Minerals Management Service (MMS) muet reinitiate consultation. NMFS Southeast Region w i l l cooperate with MMS ln the review of tha incident to determine the need for developing further mitigation meeeuree.

The reasonable and prudont moasuros that NMFS believes are neceaaary to minimise the impect of ineidentel takings have been" discussed with MMS and are incorporated in the pletform removal design. T2w fo^ I >wing .arms and conditions are eatabllahed for theae removele to imp! >nt theae ...anuria and to document the Incidental taka should uacr. t*ks occur:

1. Qualified observer(s), s i approved by NMFS, muat be used to monitor the area miQ%JA*C -.he s i t s before, during and ifter detonetlon of the chargts Surface observations must be conducted for as long a time as possible before removal of the structure (48 hou/ ia recommended).

2. On the day of blast, a 30-mir.utS aerial sut /ey must be conducted within one hour before and one hour after tha detonation. This survey should encompass a l l wators within one mile of the s' ucture. A qualified observer must be used to check Oie presenoe of turtiee and, i f possible, to Identify spsciss. I f weather conditions (fog, excessive winds, etc.) make l t impossible to conduct the aerial survey, blasting a c t i v i t i e s may be allowed to proceed i f approved by the deslgnsted NMFS and MMS repreeentetives on eite.

i

70378 'Hta-i

• . I f sea t u r t i e e ara wbaerved in tha v i c i n i t y of tha p la t fonr (within 1000 yards of the s i t e ) p r i o r to detonating tha charge, b l a s t i n g w i l l bo delayed u n t i l attempts a i e , bucca i s fu l i n removing them at l e a s t 1000 yards fiom the blast s i t e . ! The a e r i a l survey must bo repeated pri->r to resuming detonation of chargaa.

* , 4 Detonation of explosives w i l l occur no eccner than one hour

following aunrlae and no later than one hour before sunst* Howsver, i f i t i s determined bv the NMFS or MMS on-site representativee that special circumstances jus t i f y a modification of these time restrictions and that codification lu not li k e l y to adversely impect list e d species, the blaat may be allowed to proceed outside of this tiae frame.

Pre- and poet- detonation diver surveys must be conducted to ecan the areaa surrounding the caisson for aea turtles. Mandatory diver eurveys are required because of the large amount of explosives (73 pounds) proposed for this removal, end the increased risk to protected apeciea associated with auch a large detonation. During additional diving operations (working dives sa required in the courae of the removal), dlvera will be instructed to watch for turtles and marine mammala. Any aightings muat bs roported to tha NMFS or MMS on-site peraonnel. Upon completion of bleating, divere must report and attempt to recover any sighted injured or dead aea turtles or marina mammals.

>. fhe use of eoare chargee ehould be avoided t a minimize the "chumming effect." Uae of eoare charges may be allowed only If approved by the NMFS and/or MMS on-eite peraonnel.

K A report summarising the rosults of the removal and mitigation measures must be submitted co the MMS Gulf of Mexico Region within 15 working days of tha removal. This raport ahouid include an evaluation of the effectiveneea of charge(s) used, and a determination aa to whether this reaoval oould have been accompliehed using less explosives. A copy of the report must be forwarded to NMFS Southeast Region.

SO