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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

New Orleans, Louisiana

FINAL

S I T E - S P E C I F I C ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

No. N-3570

Exploratory Activity

High Island Area, East Addition,

South Extension, Blocks A-373 and A-374

LSSSSS OCS-G 7367 AND OCS-G 11405

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Commodity O i l and G l _ SEA Mo. N-3570

United £ a* *s Department of tha I n t e r i o r Minerals Management Service

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region New Orleans, Louisiana

OCS SITE-SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSI TENT

October 10, 1990

Operator: Santa Tt I n t i m a t i o n s ! Corporation Plan Type: Plan ot Exploration Area: High H i and Aria. East Addition.

South Extension. Blocks A-37 3 and

J L e a s e : O C S - G 7367 AND O C S - G 11405 Date Submitted: Januarv 8. 1990

Plan Commencement Date: Spring. UM

J Prepared by Tad StlChnann

Related Environmental Documents:

F i n a l EIS f o r PCS Lease Sale Nos. 81. 84. 94. 98. 102 104. 105. 110. 112. 118. and 122

EA NQS. 500. 504. 505. 506. 507. N-1730. N-1798. N-1845. N-1882. N-1S17. H-2.38. M-22QQ. N-22Q1. N-2624

M-27S8. H-34Q3. and N-34Qtt,

ArasvldS EA for Exploration and Production Act iv i t i e s within the Four-Mila zone ot tha E m and West Flower garden Panto

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

I have considered the Plan of Exploration for Santa Fe International Corporation

(OCS-G 7367 and OCS-G 11405). SEA No. N-35?o. Based on the environmental

analysis and aitigative aeasures contained In the s i te -speci f ic environmental

assessnent, there is no evidence to indicate that the proposed action(s) will

signif icantly (40 CFR 1508.27) affect the quality of the huaan environaent i f the

penalt/applIcation is approved subject to a l l of the ait igative aeasures.

Preparation of an environaental Impact stateaent Is net required.

casino and Environaent Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

I i 1990 Date

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AEA Areawide Environmental Assessment f o r E x p l o r a t i o n and Production A c t i v i t i a a within tha Pour-Mi l a Zona of tha Eaat and Meat Flower Cardan Banks

CGA Clean Gulf Associates

COE Corps of Engineers

FWS U.S. Fiah and W i l d l i f e Sarvica

GOM Gulf of Mexico

H2S Hydrogen Sulf ide

MMS Minerala Manageaent Sarvica

NCSC Naval Coaatal systems Canter

NEPA National Environaental Policy Act

NPDES National Pollutant Diacharge Elimination system

NTL Notice to Lessees and Operators

OCS Outer Continental shelf

POE Plan of Exploration

SEA Si te-Speci f ic Environmental Assessment

SER s i t s -Spec i f i c Environaental Raport

USEPA U.S. Environaental Protection Agency

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

INTRODUCTION

I. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION

A. GENERAL

B. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

C . SCHEDULE OF A C T I V I T I E S

D. TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

E . PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

F . TECHNOLOGY

G . CONTINGENCY PLANS

H . DISCHARGES AND EMISSIONS

1. Genera1

2 . So l id Wastes

3 . Liquid Maata

4 . Gaseous Wastes

I . STATE CERTIFICATION

J . MEASURES FOR COMPLIANCE

K. NEARBY PENDING ACTIONS

I I . ALTERNATIVES TO THB PROPOSED ACTION

I I I . DESCRIPTION OF THB AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

A. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Environmental Geology and Hasarda a. General D e a c r i p t i o n of Geology b. P o t e n t i a l Geolog ic Hazards o. Petroleum Geology

2. Meteorological Conditions S. Temperature b. Cloudinsss and V i s i b i l i t y c. Hind d. Prsc ip i ta t ion a. Savara Weather

3. Physical Oceanography a. Saa Teaperature and S a l i n i t y b. Currents

c. Tidaa and Sea Stata

4. Watar Quality

5. Air Quality

B. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Coastal Habitata

2. Offshors Habitata a. Pelagic Environaent b. Benthic Environaent

c. Seneitive Underwater Features

3. Endangered or Threatened Spaciaa

4. Breading Habitata and Migration Routaa

5. Protected Araaa of Biological Routaa

C . SOCI0EC0N0M1. CONDITIONS AND CONCERNS

1. Economic and Demographic Conditiona

2. Land Uaa

3. Onahora Support Facllitiea

4. Public Opinion

5. Navigation

6. Military Warning/Use Araaa

7. Coaaarcial Fishing

S. Recreation

9. Cultural Raaourcaa

10. Othar Coaaarcial Uses

11. Othar Mineral Uses

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12. Pipelines and Cablaa 11

13. Ocean Duaping 11

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 12

A. ACCIDENTAL HYDROCARBON DISCHARGES 12

1. O i l S p i l l A c c i d e n t s 12

2. Vulnerabil ity of Coaatal Land Segaents to O i l Spi l l s 12

3 . Assumptions about tha Character i s t ies and Fates of an Accidental O i l or Gaa Diacharge at the Fl.ovar Garden Banka 13

4. Effects of O i l S p i l l s on the Environaent 13

5. Oil S p i l l Containment/Cleanup Capabi l i t ies and

Ef fectivaneaa 13

B. IMPACTS CONCERNING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 13

1. lapacta Concerning Geology 13

2. lapacta Concerning Meteorology 13

3. Inpacts Concerning Phyaical Oceanography 13

4. Impacta on Watar Quality 14

5. Impacta on A i r Quality 14

C . IHPACTS ON THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 14

1. lapacta on Coaatal Habitata 15

2. lapacta on Offshore Habitata 15 a. Iapacts on tha Pelagic Environaent 15 b. lapacta on tha Benthic Environaent 15 c. lapacta on Sensitive Undarvater Features 15

3. Inpacta on Endangered or Thraatanad species 16

4. Impacta on Branding Habitata and Migration Routaa 16

5. lapacta on Protected Araaa of Biological Concern 16

D. IMPACTS ON SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND CONCERNS 16

1. Impacta to Economic and Daaographic Conditiona 16

2. lapacta on Land Uaa 16

3. Inpacts o f C c n a t r u c t i o n of Onahora Support P a c i l i t i a a

4. Inpacts of P u b l i c Opinion

5. Inpacta on Navigat ion

6. Inpacta Concerning M i l i t a r y Uaa

7. Iapacts on Commercial F i s h i n g

8. lapacta on R e c r e a t i o n / T o u r i s m

9. Inpacta on C u l t u r a l Raaourcaa

10. Iapacts on Other Commercial Uaea

11. lapacta on Other Mineral Uaea

12. Inpacta Concern ing P i p e l i n e s and Cablaa

13. Inpacta of Ocean Dumping

E . UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

V I . BIBLIOGRAPHY

V I I . PREPARERS

V I I I . APPENDICES

A . LEASE STIPULATIONS

B . REVIEWS FROM MMS

C . REVIEWS FROM OTHER AGENCIES

TABLE

I - l Gaseous E m i s s i o n s

FIGURE

I - l Location of the Propoaad D r i l l S i t s and Bathymetry Map

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INTRODUCTION

T h i s Site-Specif ic Environmental Assessment (SEA) , submitted in support of an Area-Wide Environaental Assessment (AEA), i s w icten for exploration a c t i v i t i e a propoaad for High Island Area, Ease Addit ion, South Extension, Blocks A-373 and A-374. The SEA contains s i t e - s p e c i f i c and updated information for the proposed action in Blocks A-373 and A-374 that i a not contained in the AEA. The SEA waa prepared using the AEA dated October 1984, ent i t led "Area-Wide Environmental Assessment for Exploration and Production Act iv i t i ea wi th in the Four-Mile Zona of tha Eaat and West Flower Garden Banks" aa a baaa document. Thia baae document can ba obtained through the Publ ic Recorda Office of tha Minerala Manageaent Service, Gulf of Mexico Region, Outer Continental Shelf O f f i c e . Those sections of the AEA that are referenced in the SEA ara indicated throughout the t e x t .

I n compliance with the National Environaental Policy Act (NEPA) , thia AEA/SEA concept implements tha t i e r i n g process outlined in 40 CFR 1502.20 which ancouragaa agencies to t i e r environaental documenta to eliminate repet i t ive discussions of tha same issue. By use of reference to tha AEA, the SEA concentrataa on tha issues s p e c i f i c to tha proposed act ion. Tha SEA conforms to tha MMS and othar appropriate guide1ines for preparing environmental assessments in compliance with the requireaenta NEPA, uaing information praaentad in tha AEA.

I . DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION

A. GENERAL

A Plan of Exploration (POE) for a c t i v i t i a a in High Island Araa, Eaat Addition ( E . A . ) , South Exteneion ( S . E . ) , Blocka A-373 and A-374, Leases OCS-G 7367 AND OCS-G 11405 waa f i l e d by Santa Fa International Corporation (SFIC) , on January 8, 1990. Blocks A-373 and A-374 ara loeatad approxiaately 169 ka (105 a i ) aouthaaat of tha nearest coastline in Taxaa. The watar depths in tha blocka average approxiaately 106-158 a (350-520 f t ) . Tha laaaa holder and designated ; of OCS-G 7367 AND OCS-G 11405 ia Santa Fe Intern* ' /orat ion.

•ive of tha propoaad a c t i v i t i a a ia to exploit for o i l am .vaa in High Is land Araa, E . A . , S . E . , Block A-374. A aa sibla d r i l l i n g r i g , tha "Diamond M Hunter" would be uaad tc c tha exploratory d r i l l i n g of Wall No. 1 froa an axiat ing, pr .ly apt~>ved aurfaca location in Block A-373 to a bottom-hole loot on in Bi'*ck A-374. The aurfaca location of Wall No. 1 i a propoaad at 2300' FNL and 2150' FWL of Block A-373 (Figure I - l ) . Wall No. l commencement data ia scheduled for the Spring of 1990. T h i s fc'Jtiesj ia considered routine for tha Gul:? of Mexico. For addi t lona . inforaation concerning tha propoaad action, rafar to Santa Fa ' s POE.

S U R F A C E LOCATION FOR OCS-G-11405

WELL NO. I I ^ J - *

B. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT SYf %u

The equipment associated * i * C the rooosed d r i l l i n g r ig i s dr s e n s e d in the operator's oi :» G r i g i s required to be equipped with safaty ar/! moni ;r5ng systems ao ac to coaply with a l l OCS regulations. No H2S i s oxpvct td baaed on previous d r i l l i n g experience neat thia araa (Appendix 8;

Tha r ig uaad *rllj ba equipped with a l l aafaty and pollution-prevention equips***' and atandarda required by MMS OCS o e r a t i n g Regulations, Cflf -G. OSHA, and EPA (SFIC, 1990).

The onahora support f a c l l i t i e a ara loeatad in Sabine Pass, Taxaa. Tha propoaad a d ; i l a i would not require any naw construction (SFIC, iBSC,

C. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

f+nm sxploratory wal l »!• propoaad. D r i l l i n g for tha wall i a pl?. . wd to start in tha Spring of 1990. Tha propoaad d r i l l i n g scne • ilo for the wall i a 45 daya. Should tha wall prove produc-tit'e, SFIC vould be required to submit a r-- elopment opeiotions Coordination Document to rover produ t ion.

C . TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

Helicopters and t >att w i l l be uaad to tranaport peraonnel and e'iipment between High I s l a n d Arsa, E A , S . E . , Blocks A-373 - n l A-3 7- and Sabine Paaa, Taxaa. rhe hel it ->ptrra would make an eatimated 7 round tripa/waak u&ing ->.:• aost iiraot route feasible ftom Sabine Paaa. A craw boat voulc* t\f . , n o.ti .-.ted 7 round trios/week, and a aupply boat would make o ».yinri t r ip every three day* (SFIC, 1990).

E . PERSONNEL REQU1REMEI. . i

Tha operator esdmai'. . hat approximately 80 tc 100 to.ai workara would ba noadad for d r i l l i n g and related support op«rati*»na.

Normal contract cr,-vs vould ba u:-ed for tha proposed wor.c. There would be minimal addit ional personnel (SFIC, 1990).

F . TECHNOLOGY

No nav or unusual technology vould ba usad in tha prcpoeed d r i l l i n g act iv i t i es ( S H C , 1990)

G. CONTINV Ci PLANS

Santa Fa interna t i .nai Corporation has f i l e d an O i l S p i l l Co.itingency Plan v i th tha MMS. Santa Fa, aa a member of Clean Gulf Aacociates , vould usa thm CGA equipment in the event of an r i l sp i t ' . . A l l personnel arm im.tvucted to lmmadlatalv raport any diacharge of o i l to t h a l r /su'itrvl*..-. A l l reports vou.Vd f o l i o / vha propar proct un and i f a af U l occurs, the O i l f p i l l and Vi ir jency Contingent Plan vould go into affact (SFIC, 1990).

T.-.e cleanup equipment available to SPIC ia tha ant i ra equipaent invertoriua of Clean Gulf Aeecslates. There ara eight equipaent stockyards rn tha Text'./ mala'mi Salt Coast. r>?onse t iae for tha major piece* i f o i l s p i l sc. .ii riaen. equlpaant to High Ii land Area, L . A . , S . L . , Blocks A-*'3 and A-374, ir. 17.5 hours. ( S f l C , 1990). Additionally, Santa "a %h«il ccsply v i t t tha lr s i t e - s p e c i f i c o i l

i l . ' "'an aa atated in Vneir »-oE.

V DISCHARGES AND EMIS^J >NS

x. General

Solid and l iquid ,'iache.rgea and gaseJUS ealsslons vould ba generated by offahora and onahora a c t i v i t i a a and transportation operationa resulting froa tha propoaad plan of operation. At tha d r i l l nite, High Ialand Area, I . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-373 and A-374, a l l dis chargaa to th« SON wo.ilc ba undar a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination ystaa (NPDES) permit regulated by the U.S. Environmental I ioteccion Agency (USEPA).

2. Solid Wasrjs

D r i l l Cuttings - Approxiaately 4,520 barrels of d r i l l euttlnga would ba generated. These cuttings would consist of natural subfc, Vee aedimen* Tha estimated volume waa determined froa tha holt t-. metry. D i l l * cuttings would be disposed j f b ' shunting (SFIC, 1990).

Other Solia \ .. iter - other ao] id waatea generated both offahora and at tha aupply bvt* can ba classed aa: (1) combustibles (mud sacks, plaatic cont 'rare, rage, miscellaneous timber and paper froa tha office anc ..Hay) J (2) metals (OSvtny r e a c t o r s , used r l r i l l b its, cut d r i l l l i n e , and aatal acraps i .om ti.e *» n..re/vclding shop). Tha combujtiblee which would average about 100 i -'/day would ba compacted and/or collected in aatal traah co il a Inera and shipped periodically to tha onahora aupply baaa for diaPwMl by a comaarc a l sarvica. Soaa **-toi, auch aa caaing protecco.-s and uaad b i t s , vould ba reuse" ur reworked. Tha remaining aatal waataa vould ba sold aa scrap iron (SFIC, 1990).

3. Liquid waste

Treatment of li q u i d waste affluents vould ba in coapllance vith tha NPDES permit. No fraa o i l vould ba discharged into tha (sail. I t vould ba stored and than transported to shore for disposal at an appropriate dump a l t a . Tha estimated daily quantity, content, and description of tha discharges ara given below. Tha quantity cf discharged d r i l l auds vas calculated using hole geometry assuming a stra i g h t hole ( S F I C , 199 .

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D r i l l i n g Muds - Santa Pa estimates that a ae:<i*ija ut 3500 bbla of muds (dr i l l ing flulda) vould ba discharge J . 'Af lad* t.iupoeed for uaa ara l isted n Santa Pa'a POE. Tha aud» * -Jc; ha rtiachargad by shunting aa di".* tad in tha laaaa s t ipulat ion JSFTf, 1990).

Savaaa - Approxiaately 40 bbla por day of treated vaste vould ba discharged overboard. These vastes vould ba treats J by Red Pox unit rated at 5,000 qallons-per-day (SFIC, 1990).

Domaatlc Wast** - Domestic vaataa consist of ehr >••»£-, wash, fr,„ .alley vatar . Appe >:innately 60 bbla par day vould ba discharged overboard (SPIC, 1990).

Watar Dis t i l la t ion Unite - Thii. saltwater diacharge conaiata of seavater that has had freah vatar osmotically raaovad. Tha only chanrje i a an increase in t o t a l dissolved so l id s . Tha rata of diacharge vould ba approxiaately 4,321 gallona par day (SFIC, 1990).

Deck Drain Waste - Deck drain wasu conaiavs wf r ig wash vatar, rain vater and othar substances that ara vaahad » oa ths f loor of tha r i g . On a typical seni-aubnersible r i g approximately 70 bbla par day of deck drain vould ba discharged. Deck drain vaate i a treated • sump to reaova any o i l and greaaa prior tc overboard diacha*-.,* ( sr iC, 1990).

B a l l a s t Watar - ..4] l a s t vatar consista ot veavate' that haa baan pumped into a Bal l lCC tank. Approxiaately ©,JcC ailons par day Of seavater ballast vou? d ba discharged. Th.'s war r i a stored in dadicatad tanks and i a not exposed to any cuntaitina .ion (SFTC, 1990).

Blovout Preventer Solution - Mo dis hary- of BOP solution v i l l occur. Thia r ig i s equipped v i t h a closed syAtaa (SFIC- 1990).

Cooling Watar - A quantity of 126,000 gallons par day of aa i vatar i s estimated for diacharge over*. ard fro? a typical semi­submersible r ig (SFIC, 1990).

4. Gaseous Waatas

Tha POE indicates that < Z well v i l l be d r i l l e d . Gaseous vastas generated froa tha pr»posed ac t iv i ty both onshore and oftshore vould come froa hal copters, boats, and tha d r i l l i n g i ig . Santa Fa propoaea uaing a seaii-aubaersible d r i l l i n g r i g . Tt»» Lotal emissions sxpected at tha laasa s i t e and froa transportation both on a da i l / and lifetime basis ara given in Table I - l .

Tabl* I - l

Gaseous E a i * * i o r #

Pollutant Maximum Daily Eaiaalon Rata (Iba/day)

1 rojact L i f a Ealaalona (tcna/year)

Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) 90.26 S u l f u r Dioxides (SO ) 56.11 Carbon Monoxide (CO) 606.80 Organic Compounds (VOC) 272.21 Nitrogen oxides (NO.) 2,661.07

.91 1.13

1 . 6 8 16. 53

Source: Santa Pa'a Air Quality Raport (SFIC, 1990).

The operator calculated the valuaa for pollutants froa tha boat and a i r t r a f f i c uaing tha USEPA publication: AP-42 "Coapllatlon ot A i r Pollutant Eaiaalon Factora" Tha calculat lona vara made uaing tha typ ica l fuel consumption of a aeai-aubjiaraible d r i l l i n g r i g (SFIC, i r i O ) .

I . STATE CERTIFICATION

A shorebase loeatad in Taxaa ia propoaad; t i . r e f o r a , a C e r t i f i c a t e of c . a s t a l Zona Consistency i a not required for the propoaad activ. i c » .

J . MEASURES FOR COMPLIANCE

No spacial aonltoring programs, over and abova those required by OCS Operating Regulations, Noticaa tc Lessees and Operators, and applicable ragulationa i.ra required for tha propoaad action. Theae regulations provide for training i>t employees and tha design, i n s t a l l a t i o n , operatior, and aainten»nce of equipaent in a aannar vhlch conserves and protects other lescurcee or a c t i v i t i e s . In pactions ara conducted regularly oy MMS peraonnel to enforce a l l OCS Operating Ragulationa, Noticaa to Lessees and ^ r era tors , e tc .

Coaplianca v i t h OCS Operating Regulations for th i s v e l i coaparad to othar OCS v a l l a ia not d i f f eren t . Th* OCS Operating Ragulationa do require pollution prevention equlpaant such ss 1rip pane. .Pollution control equipaent and aatarial t i ara avai lable to Santa Pa through i t a membership ln Clean Gulf Associates. Through Clean liul* Associates, training sessions ~r fami l iar i sat ion v i th tha pollution prevention and control requirements ara aix part as tha etandard procedure for coaplianca v i t a tha res Operating Regulations for any OCS v a i l .

No spacial requireaenta for NPD7J permita ara involved for thaaa blocka. Tha general NPDES pemit lm applicable tc t h i s ac t ion . There v i l l ba a c t i v i t i a a v i t h i n tha t o c - r . i . a shu..t aaaa. A l l dr l l ing f l u i d and d r i l l cutting discharges mi l l ba dispose.* of throug B shunt that v i l l and v i th in 10 a (33 f t ) of tha ocean

f l o o r . Santa F* proposes to uaa wall f lu lda containing no free o i l in tha GOM. Santa Fa haa atated i t a intended coaplianca with a l l applicable ragulationa of tha MMS, USEPA, and U.S. Coast Guard ( S F I C . 1990).

K. NEARPY PENDING ACTIONS

Presently in the AEA er<* chare ara aavaral propoaad actiona. CNG Producing Company haa a:. -vpro.'«d plan to d r i l l four exploratory w a l l in High Ialand Araa, B1..V.S A-313, A-377, and A-364 and three exploratory walla in A-^80. Mobil Producing Taxaa and Naw Mexico Incorporated haa an appi vad exploration plan for f ive walla in High Ia land Slock A-374. Union O i l Coapany of Cal i forn ia haa an approved plan of envelopment/production for a p lat fora and aix walla in High Ia land Bio, k A-384.

San Exploration and Production Coapany haa an approvad plan for two exploratory walla in Garden Bank* Block 95 and f ive wella in High Ialand, E . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-388 and A- 00. Union O i l Coapany of Cal i fornia haa an approvad plan of explo ion for three walla in High Ialand, E . A . , B . B . , Block A-401. Aaoco production Coapany haa an approvad plan of exploration fer eleven v i s in Garden Banka Block 135 and High Ialand A-399. San*** Fa 1. i an approvad plan of exploration tor aix wal la in High Ialand Araa, E.A, S . E . , Block A-373.

I I . ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION

Alternatives inclu .ng approval of tha propoaal aa or ig ina l ly aubaittad ara I

Nona DP r oval of tna Propoaal - Santa Fa International Corporation vould not ba allowed to undertake tha propoaad plan of exploration a c t i v i t i a a in High Ialand Araa, E . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-373 and A-374. Thia a l t ernat ive could prevent discovery and development of aach needed hydrocarbon re oui :es and vould raault in loae of roya l ty incoaa for tha United Statea. Considering thia aapect and tha fac t that Minimal iapacts ara anticipated, th ia alternative vaa not dee-ned neceaaary.

Approval vi th Ex i s t ing Mitigation - Due to tht location of the v e i l withii tha f o u r - a i l a zone, shunting of a l l dr.'.lj. euttlnga to wi th in 10 a (33 f t ) of tha ocean floor i a raqulrad. ether aaaauraa vhich Santa Fa proposes to implement to H a l t pollution a f facta ara discussed in tha plan, e.g. aaaauraa to mitigate imports raault ing f roa an accidental o i l s p i l l . Outer Continental Shelf Operating Ragulationa, Noticaa to Lessees and Operators, and Sales 84 and 12: Laaaa stipulations Nos. 1 and 2 vara ident i f ied throughout th ia assessment aa axiating a i t igat ion for potential anvironaantal lapacta aaaociated v i t h tha propoaad POE.

I I I . DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONNENT

A. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Environmental Geology and Hazards

a . General Daacrlptlon of Geology

Tha watar depths in Blocks A-373 and A-374 range froa 106-158 a (350-520 f t ) (Figure I - I ) . Tha blocks l i s in tha aouthern continental shel f structural province vhich i s char, tar isad by an interconnected aaaa of sa l t mastifs vhich fora semi continuous d iapir ic u p l i f t a . Tha aaafloor haa occasional pockmarks and alopaa downward toward tha southeast about 25 faat par mile Magnetometer results indicate no aagnatlc anoaallea loeatad v i t h i n tha propoaad d r i l l i n g araa (SFIC, 1990).

Seaf loor sediments in thaaa blocka ara composed of aand, s i l t , s i l t y c l a y , and clay of la ta Pleistocene age (USDOI, 1983a, Viaual BO. 2) .

Tha stratigraphy of Blocka A-373 and A-374 i a associated v i t h •a l t a a s t l f s vhich fora semi-continuous d i a p i r i c u p l i f t s . Growth faulta, d i a p i r i c up l i f t s , and intervening aynclinea ara developing praaantly. Additional inforaation ia included in Section I I I . A l . a . of tha AEA.

Probable active fault ing, and possible shal lov gaa pockets ara potential hasarda or conatrainta of a local geologic nature. Additional inforaation ia included in Section I I I . A . l . b of tha AEA.

Inforaat ion on thia section i s included in Section I I I . A . l . c of tha ABA. Additional s i t e - s p e c i f i c information provided by SFIC and tha Laka Jackson Dis tr ic t of MMS i s considered proprietary.

2. Meteorolog -a l Conditions

Inforaat ion in ths following sections i s Includsd in Section I I I . A . 2 of tha ABA.

a . Taaparatura

b. Cloudiness and V i s i b i l i t y

c . Mind

d. Precipitation

a . Severe Weather

b. Potential Geologic Hazarda

c . Petroleum Geology

3. Phys ica l Oceanography

Inforaation in ths following ssctions i s includsd in Section I I I . A . 3 of tha AEA.

a. Saa Teaperature and Sa l in i ty

b. Currents

c. Tidaa and Saa Stata

4. Watar Quality

Inforaation in th ia section is included in Section I I I . A . 4 of tha AEA.

5. A i r Quality

Onahora - Tha onahora araa affected by th ia propoaad ac t iv i ty would include tha support baaa araa at Sabine Pass, Taxaa. The nearest coastal arsa to tha offahora operationa ia loeatad in Galveston County, Texas. Thi s coaatal araa i a in Air Quality Control Region No. 216. Galvaaton County doaa not aeet the prlnary atandard for No, aatabllahad by tha National Aabient Air Quality Standarda and is therefore c l a a a i f i a d aa a nonattainment araa for thaaa pollutants. Otherwiae, tha county ia c l a a a i f i a d aa batter than national atandarda or cannot ba c l a a a i f i a d for tha c r i t e r i a aatabl lahad by NAAQS for: TSP, so,, CO, and No,. Neither araa i a dealgnated aa a Prav i t ion of Signif icant Deterioration (Class I ) Araa (40 CFR 81). Auuitional inforaation ia included in Section I I I . A . 5 . of tha AEA.

Offahora - The a i r qua l i ty of tha offahora araa i s conaidered bet ter than tha national atandarda for a l l a i r pollutants; however, due to tha lack of data tha araa ia unc lass i f i ed .

B. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

1. Coastal Habitats

Inforaation in th ia aaction ia included in Section I I I . B . l of tha AEA.

2 . Offshors Habitats

a. Pelagic Environaent

Inforaation in t h i s section is included in Section I I I . B . 2 . a of tha AEA.

b. Benthic Environment

Information in th.s • • c t i o n i s includsd in Ssction 11 I . B . 2. b of ths AEA.

c . Sensitive underwater Pssturss

w s l l location No.l i s v i t h i n tha 4 -a i la zona of tha Eaat Flover Cardan Bank. Tha biota and importance of tha Bank ara diacuaeed in Section 11 I . B . 2. c of tha AEA.

3. Endangarad or Thraatanad Species

Inforaat ion in thia • • c t i o n i s included in Section I I I . B . 3 . of tha AEA.

4. Breeding Habitats and Migration Routaa

Inforaat ion ln thia sect ion i a included in Section I I I . B . 4 . of tha AEA.

5. Protected Araaa of B io log ica l Concern

Inforaat ion in thia • • c t i o n i s included in Section I I I . B . S of tha ABA.

C. SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS AMD CONCERNS

1. Economic and Demographic Conditiona

Santa Pa doss not propose to h ire additional aaployaaa for tha proroaad a c t i v i t i e s in Blocka A-373 and A-374. Inforaation in th ia ssct ion i s included in Section I I I . C . l of tha AEA.

2 . Land Uss

Inforaat ion in th i s sect ion i s included in Section I I I . C . 2 of tha ABA.

3. Onahora Support P a e i l i t i a a

Santa Fs ' s support baaa f o r tha propoaad a c t i v i t y v i l l ba in sab ina Pass , Texas (saa Pigura B of ABA). Santa Pa*s support t e r a l n a l includes a boat dock and a helicopter baaa ( S F I C , 1990).

4. Public Opinion

P u b l i c hearings vara bald concerning tha propoaad OCS O i l and Oas Laaaa Sales Ros. 84 and 122, vhich Includsd High Is land Arsa, S .A. , S . B . , Blocks A-373 and A-374, reapectively. No adveree testimony vas recsivad at tha hearing.

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5. Navigation

High Ialand Araa, E . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-373 and A-374 ara loeatad approximately 16 ka (10 St H) north of a ahipplng fairway. Additional inforaation i a included in Section I I I . C . 5 . of tha AEA.

6. Military war rung/Use Araaa

High Ialand Araa, B . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-373 and A-374 ara not loeatad within a dasignatad a i l i t a r y warning or uaa araa. Boat and a i r t r a f f i c aaaoeiatad with tha propoaad plan i a not e j e c t e d to antar any a i l i t a r y araaa. Additional inforaation ia included in Section I I I . C . 6 of tha AEA.

7. Commercial Fishing

Inforaation in th ia section ia includad in Saction I I I . C . 7 of tha ABA.

0. Recreation

Inforaation in th ia section i s includad in Saction I I I . C . 8 of tha AEA.

9. Cultural Raaourcaa

Inforaation in th ia sect ion ia includad in Saction I I I . C . 9 of tha ABA.

10. Othar Coaaarcial Uses

Inforaation in th ia section ia includad in Saction I I I . C . 10 of tha ABA.

11. Othar Mineral Uses

Inforaation ln t h i s sact ion i s includad in Saction I I I . C l l of tha ABA.

12. Pipalinaa and Cables

There ara no pipalinaa or cablaa in Blocks A-373 snd A-374. Sinca tha propossd operations s r s exploratory, thsra would ba no p ipal inaa constructed as a raau l t of th i s a c t i v i t y . Additional inforaat ion ia included in Section I I I . C . 12 of tha AEA.

13. Ocean Duaping

Inforaation in t h i s sact ion i a includad ln Section I I I . c . 13 of tha AT

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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

A. ACCIDENTAL HYDROCARBON DISCHARGES

1. O i l Sp i l l Accidents

A complete discussion of tns csusss of both aajor and minor o i l s p i l l s resul t ing froa sxplorst ion ac t iv i ty in tha Gulf of Mexico ia includad in Saction I V . A . l . of tha AEA.

2. Vulnerability of Coaatal Land Sagaenta to O i l S p i l l a

A Summary of tha t ra jec tory analyaia ( for 10 daya) simulated aa a part of tha Oil S p i l l Riak Analyaia ia praaantad in Table IV-3 of the AEA. Rafar to Saction I V . A . 2 . of tha AEA for background inforaation concerning thaaa hypothetical o i l a p i l l t r a jector iee . High I s l a n d Area, E . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-373 and A-374 f a l l within o i l • p i l l Araa 29 (aaa Figure A of tha AEA). An o i l a p i l l occurring within t h i a araa haa a 3% chance of contacting Galveston and Chambers Countiee, Texaa, and a 1.1% chance of contacting Jaffaraon County, Taxaa. (Figure B of tha AEA), within tan daya. lapacta froa an o i l a p i l l occurring in th ia o i l a p i l l area ara discussed in tha AEA. An o i l a p i l l in Araa 29 would hava a 34% of passing over tha Flower Garden Banka. Potential lapacta froa an accidental a p i l l or blowout at thia location ara discussed in Saction IV.A.3 of tha AEA. Rafar to Saction I V . B . 3 .d. of tha Fina l Regional Environaental Iapact Stateaent (USDI, MMS, 1983b) for a discussion of the factora a f f ec t ing tha aavarity of an o i l a p i l l .

Tha proapact of there being an o i l a p i l l i a minimized agalnat through ut i l i zat ion of s tate-of - the-art d r i l l i n g and blowout prevention equipaent and through tha uaa of baat possible d r i l l i n g pract ices by thoroughly tra ined peraonnel. Thaaa safeguards would be ra inforcad by operators curtailment programs enforced whenever ssa s t a t a and weather conditions require. In ths unsxpactad event that an accidental o i l a p i l l ahould occur, SFIC vould conduct an emergency response to contain and cleanup tha s p i l l e d o i l . General raaourca mobilization and raaponaa plana ara outl ined in Santa Fa'a approvad O i l S p i l l Contingency Plan for tha Gulf of Mexico, along with tha CGA a p i l l plan, and in Santa F E ' a POE (SFIC, 1990).

I n summary, tha r iak due to tha propoaad a c t i v i t y appaara smal l . Moat sp i l l s vould ba naturally dispersed v i th in 60 daya. In addit ion, aoat s p i l l s vould ba subjected to containaent and cleanup e f f o r t s . Ths operator i s a member of CGA rfhich haa a p i l l containaent and cleaning equipment s tra teg ica l ly loeatad along tha Gulf Coaat. Details of CGA a l e r t , reporting, and cleanup proceduree ara contained in tha POE (SFIC, 1990) and Santa Fa*a Oi l S p i l l Contingency Plan. In addit ion, MMS conducta reviews of tha varioua applicationa for coaplianca v i t h OCS operating ragulationa, Noticaa to Lessees, etc. to i r sure safe d r i l l i n g oparatlona.

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3. Assumptions about tha c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and Fates o f an A c c i d a n t a l O i l or Gaa Discharge a t tha Flower Gardan Banks.

Inforaation ia includad in Saction IV.A.3 of tha AEA.

4 . Ef facta of O i l S p i l l a on tha Environment

Rafar to Saction I V . A . 3 . of tha AEA for discussions of o i l a p i l l impacta to coaatal habitata, benthic communities, andangarad or thraatanad apaclaa, othar wi ld l i f e including migratory watarfowl, commercial flahlng, recreat ion/tour ism, c u l t u r a l raaourcaa, watar q u a l i t y , and a i r qual i ty .

5. Oi l S p i l l Containment/Cleanup Capabi l i t ies and Ef fact ivanass

Information ia includad in Saction IV.A.5 of tha AEA and in Saction I . G . of tha SEA.

B. IMPACTS CONCERNING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

1 . Impacta Concerning Geology

A l l wall locati ona ara c laar of any of the potential gaologic hazarda mantionad in Saction I I I . A . l . b (SFIC, 1990).

I n order to identify potential geological hazarda, tha avai lable geological and geophysical data for High Ialand Araa, E . A . , S . E . , Blocka A-373 and A-374 ware reviewed by the Technical Assessment and Operationa Support Saction in F ie ld Operationa which resul ted in a recommendation of approval (Appendix B ) . Tha Operationa Support Unit indicatad that no shallow hazarda ware expected and did not recommend that further aaaauraa ba implemented concerning geology.

2 . Impacta Concerning Meteorology

M i t i g a t i o n to ba taken during hurr icanes , i s discussed i n S a c t i o n IV .B .3 . of t h i a SEA. I n condi t iona o f h igh winds and reduced v i s i b i l i t y due t o f o g or r a i n , h e l i c o p t e r t r a f f i c —<d/or boat t r a f f i c between tha r i g and shorebase would ba t empora r i ly suspended .

Interferences due to weather conditiona ara axpactad to ba short-term and infrequent, producing only an inaignlf leant e f fec t on tha aoveaent of auppllea and peraonnel to and from tha f a c l l i t i e a . Tha a f f a c t on offahora oparatlona should ba a i n i a a l . Additional inforaat ion ia includad in Saction IV.B .2 of tba AEA.

3. lapacta Concerning Phyaical Oceanography

Oceanographic conditiona which could adversely a f fac t tha operation hava baan taken into conaidaration during tha planning and designing of ths propossd action. D r i l l i n g r igs ara designed to oparata in rough aaa conditiona, and precautions would ba taken by

13

tf

Stnta Fa i f a hurricane approached Blocka A-373 and A-374. A c t i v i t i e s would ba halted, protective aaaauraa taken, and f a c l l i t i e a aecured. No a ign i f i cant inpacta froa normal phyaical oceanographic conditiona would ba axpected during the implementation of t h i a exploration plan.

4. Impacta on Watar Quality

Water quality ia axpected to quickly return to normal in tha araa a f t * i dr i l l ing operationa hava baan completed. No a ign i f i cant inpacta to tha water qual i ty of tha araa ara expected aa a raaul t of tha propoaed ac t iv i t i ea . Aa diacuaeed in Saction I . J . , a l l diachargea ara required to adhere to the atandarda imposed by the NPDES Permit. Refer to Section IV.A. of th ia SEA and tha correeponding section of the AEA for a discussion of o i l s. i l l Ispacts to watar quality. Additional inforaation ia included in Saction IV.A.4 of tha AEA.

5. Impacts on Air Quality

Onshore - Tha e f fects of ths a i r ealaalona onahora would be negl igible due to the distance of the d r i l l s i t e s to tha coaat. The percent increases in ambient concentrationa contributed by tha on; T O aecondary ealaalons froa ths proposed s c t i v i t i s s would ba inaignl f leant . Additional i "ormation ia includad in Saction XV. B.S of tha AEA and in tha operato a plan.

Offshora - Data praaantad in Table I - l of th ia SEA and in tha operator's plan indicate that tha total emissions expected frnm the proposed ac t iv i t iaa in Blocka A-373 and A-374 would ba wall below tha ca lcu lated exemption l eve la , qualifying thaaa a c t i v i t i a a for exemption from further a i r quality review. Tha s i t s - s p e c i f i c a i r qual i ty review conducted by NMS aa a part of thia environaental ana lys i s concluded that ther* could ba no a igni f icant a f fec t on a i r qual i ty froa tha proposod act ion. Tha saisoions exemption ca lculat lona uaad in . ia analyaia ara given in tha Air Quality Review (Appendix B). Additional inforaation ia includad in Saction I V . B . 5 AEA and in tba operator's plan.

C. IMPACTS ON THE BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Due to the distance of Blocks A-373 and A-374 froa shore [169 ka (105 a i ) ] and the uaa of an aatabllahad onahora support baaa requiring no nav conatruction, dredging, or f i l l i n g , impacta othar than thoma from o i l s p i l l s on the area*a biological environment would ba inaignlf leant. Further s i t e - s p e c i f i c discussion of potent ia l lapacta to tha benthos and aenaitive underwater features ara includad undar the i r reapective headings. Rafar to Saction IV .A . of th ia SEA and tha correeponding eection in tha AEA for a discuss ion of o i l a p i l l lapacta to tha biological environaent.

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1. Impacts on Coaatal Habitata

Ro aignificant iapact i a axpactad on coaatal habitata.

•trMif.ional lx:.'oraation i a includad in Sacticn IV.C.l of tha AEA.

2. Iapacts cn C f shors Habitata

a. lapacta on the Pelagic Environaent. No significant iapact it. axpactad on tha Pelagic Environaent.

Additional inforaation i a i i eluded in Saction IV.C.2.a. of tha AEA.

b. lapacta on tha ienthic Environment.

Tha iapacts to ths benthic environment ara generally diacuaeed in Saction IV.C.2.b of tha AEA. lapacta to tha benthos of tha Plover Garden Banka, ara diacuaeed in tha lapacta to Sanaitiva Undarvater Features, Saction IV.C.2.c of thia SEA.

c. lapacta on Sanaitiva Undarvater Features

Tha biota of tha Eaat Plover Garden Bank haa baan determined to ba worthy of protection. HNS haa attached a special laaaa atipulation to Laaaaa OCS-G 7367 AND OCS-G 11405 in order to insure protection (Appendix A). T*e propoeed wall location i a within tha four-Bile zona eatabliehod *••> ths stipulation. Thia atipulation requires that a l l d r i l l outi ngs and flulda generated within tha four-mile zona ba disposed of by shunting them to within 10 a (33 ft) of tha aaafloor. Santa Fa haa outlined i t a methods in tha POE of complying with tha atipulation regarding diapoaal of d r i l l euttlnga and d r i l l i n g flulda by shunting (SFIC, 1990).

Tha National Research Council (1983) concluded that aoat of tha dr i l l i n g diacharge deposition i a limited to within 1,000 m (3,300 ft) of tha d r i l l a i t a . Tha proposed wsll location i a approxiaately 5,065 a (16,500 ft) froa tha 100 a (330 ft) isobath of tha Eaat Flower Garden Bank. Shunting haa baan found to ba an affactive aitigative measure in araaa near topographic highs since ths effluent i a generally confined to depths greater than whara tha sensitive organiaae l i e (Ibid). Natar (and tha shunted sfflusnt) cannot flow froa tha baaa of tha bank to t h i level of tha l i v i n g raaf (USDI, MMS, (1983b). Santa Fa proposes using a semi­submersible d r i l l i n g r i g . A diagram showing anchor patterns indicates that no anchoring iapacts ara axpactad. Tharafora, inpacta to tha Eaat Flower Gardens s r s not sxpsctsd to ba signific i t . Tha Fish and Mildlifa Sarvica and tha National Marina Fishsriss Sarvica hava raviavad tha proposed a c t i v i t y i n High Island Blocka A-373 and A-374. Their commente ara includad i n Appendix C. A diecueeion of tha l r coaaanta i a includad in Saction V of th i a SEA. Additional inforaation in th i s section i s included i n Saction IV.C.2.C of tha AEA.

15

3. Impacts on Endanqered or Threatened Species

No significant iapact ia expected on endangered or thraatanad spsciss. Additional inforaation ia includad in section IV.C.3 of tha AEA.

4. Iapacts on Breeding Hsbitsts snd Migration Routss

No significant ivr.;t i s sxpsctsd on breeding habitata or migration routes. *<t.tional inforaation ia includad in Section IV.C.4 of tho AEA.

5. Iapacts on Protected Areaa of Biological Concern

No aignificant lapacta ara axpactad on protected araaa of biological concern. Additional inforaation ia includad in Saction IV.C.5 of tha AEA.

D. IMPACTS ON SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND CONCERNS

1. Iapacte to Econoaic and Demographic Conditiona

No aignificant lapacta ara axpactad to econoaic and daaographic conditions. Information in this ssction i s includsd in Saction IV.D.l. of tha AEA and in Santa Fa's POE (SFIC, 1990).

2. lapacta on Land Uaa

No aignificant iapact ia axpactad on land uaa. Inforaation in thia saction is Includsd in Saction IV.D.2 of tha AEA.

3. lapacta of Conatruction of Onahora Support Facilitiaa

No iapacte of construction of onahora eupport facilitiaa can ba axpactad sines Santa Fa proposes using existing facilitiaa (SFIC, 1990).

4. lapacta of Public Opinion

No e Uleant public opposition to ths plsnnsd operation haa aurfacad lata.

5. lapacta on Navigation

Exploratory activitiaa in Blooks A-373 and A-374 ehould hava an inaignlf leant affect on shipping. Tha block i s locsted 169 ka (105 •i ) offshora and 11a outside of any aajor shipping lanaa or anchorage araaa in tha Gulf of Mexico (USDI, MMS, 1913a Visual No. 11). Marina traffic in eupport of tha propoaad activitiee i s not expected o significantly affact shipping s c t i v i t i s s in tha Sabine Paea Araa, in part, bacauaa of tha eetabliehed port facilitiaa already in axietenca and tha temporary nature of tha propoeed activitiaa. Tha iapacts of tha drilling rig on aarina tranaportatlon (fishing and pleasure boating) oould ba both adverse

16

and b e n e f i c i a l . Stationary atructuraa could raptaaent obstacles to navigation, but they alao could serve aa navigational aide. The operator i a reguired to comply with U.S. Coaat Guard regulations re lated to tha aafaty of peraonnel and tha diaplay of prescribed navigational lights and aignala for tha aafaty of navigation. Santa Fa i a a lao required to obtain permits from tha U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prevent obstructions to nevigetion. Additional information ie includad in Saction IV.D.5 of tha AEA.

6. lmpacte Concerning Mi l i tary Uaa

No lmpacte to or froa mi l i tary uee of tha Gulf ara axpactad einca tha d r i l l i n g operationa and eeeoeleted t r a f f i c ara not expactad in any of tha designed a i l i t a r y warning a-«aa.

7. Impacts on Commercial Fiehing

D irec t effecte of exploratory operetione on commercial fiehing in Blocka A-373 end A-374 would ba the removal of a Ha l ted araa cf seaf loor froa uee and tha temporary degradation of wa- er quality at tha immediate eree of ssch d r i l l s i t s . Although seas commercial f lah lng could occur within tha v i c i n i t y of Blocka A-373 and A-374 no a i g n i f i c a n t confl ict of uaa i a axpacted to develo** in tha area of tha propoaad action due to tha distance froa s h c . s . Rsfsr to Section I V . A . of this SEA and tha correeponding eection of tha AEA for a diecueeion of o i l e p i l l iapacte to coaaarcial f iehing. Addit ional information ie included in Section XV. Is. 7 of the AEA.

8. lapecte on Recreat ion/Tour iaa

Dus to the dietance offshora and the temporary nature - f tha i ' or -ad ac t iv i t i ea , impacta to tha aesthetics and recreational

es of ths coaetal and offehore «ree would ba inaignlf leant. k 3 Section IV.A. of t h i a SEA and tha corresponding section of

UMI AEA for e diecueeion of o i l s p i l l impacta to recreat ion/ tour iaa . Addit ional inforaation i s includsd in Ssction IV.D.S of ths AEA.

9. Ispacts on Cul tura l Reeourcee

Tha operator states that axiating onahora eupport f e c i l i t i e e would ba ut i l i zed; tharafora, no impacta to onahore cul tural reeourcaa ara anticipatad. Stipulation No. 1 of Lease Sale 84 (Appendix A) providee further aafaguerde for tha protection of praaantly unknown cul tura l raaourcae. Tha operator ia raqulrad to raport , upon discovery of any a i t a , atructure or object of h i s t o r i c a l or archaeological s ignif icance, to tha Regional Director, MMS, and t make every reaaonable ef fort to preeerve and protect that c u l t u r a l resource. Additional inforaation ia includad in Saction IV.D.9 of tha AEA.

17

10. Impacts on Othar Coaaarcial Uaaa

Ther. ara no othar coaaarc ia l uaaa in Blocks A-37 3 and A-374 to ba a f fac tad by tha exploration a c t i v i t y .

11. lapacta on Othar Mineral Uaaa

There ara no plana or proposals for mining othar mineral raeourcea othar than o i l and gaa in Blocka A-373 and A-374; therefore, no conf l ic t of uaa i a axpactad.

12. Impacta Concerning Pipelinee and Cablaa

No c o n f l i c t of uae ie axpactad because there ara no known existing pipelinee in Blocks A-373 end A-374, snd because pipelinee cannot ba propoeed ee e part of thie exploretion ac t i v i ty .

13. Iapacte of Ocean Duaping

No c o n f l i c t of uae ie axpactad because there ara no axiating o ean duaping araee deelgnated in the eree of tha Plover Gardena. The operator haa ateted that coaplience with tha USEF A NPDES perait wi l l ba aaintainad. Addit ionally, OCS Operating Reguletione require that tha operator locate and re tr ieve any large dabrla lost overboard aa a reeult of tha propoaad a c t i v i t i a a .

E . UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE INPACTS

l r format ion in thia eection ie includad in Saction IV.B of tha AEA.

V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

In accordance with provlaiona of DN 655, copies of tha plan ware forwarded to tha U.S. F iah and Wildl i fe Sarvica and the National Marina Fiaheriee S a r v i c a . A copy of tha comments of theae agencies ±s includsd in Appendix C. No controversial issues ware identi f ied re la t ive to Santa Fc*a proposed e c t l v i t y in Blocke A-373 and A-374.

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V I . BIBLIOGRAPHY

National Research Council. D r i l l i n g Diachargea in tha Marina Environaent. Washington, D . C : National Academy Press. 1983.

Santa Fa International Corporation (SFIC). Plan of Exploration. High I a l a n d Area, Eeet Addition, South Exteneion, Blocka A-373 and A-374, Laaaee OCS-G 7367 AND OCS-G 11405. Deliar., Taxaa, l ° 9 0 .

U.S. Dapartaant of tha I n t e r i o r . Minerele Mana< esc it Service. F ina l Environaental Iapact Statasant . Propoeed OCS O i l and Gaa Laaaa Sa lea 81 and 84 (Central and Western Gulz of H*rtic©» . Washington, D . C : Avelleble fron NTIS, Springfialo vA. 1983a.

U.S. Dapartaant of tha I n t e r i o r . Minerele Mai-agement Service. F ina l Regional Environmental Iapact Stateaent Propoeed OCS O i l And Gaa Laaaa Salea 94, 98, and 102 (Central, W*>:. fc*n, and Laatern Gulf of Mexico) . Washington, D . C : Available 'ror WrjR, Springfield, VA. 1983b.

U.S. Dapartaant of tha I n t e r i o r . Minarale Manag:uent Service. F ina l Regional Environaental Impact Statement. Propoeed OCS O i l And Gaa Laaaa Salee 104 end 105 (Central and Western Gulf of Mexico) . Waahington, D C : Available f roa NTIS, Springf ie ld , VA. 1984.

U.S. Dapartaant of tha U l t e r i o r . Minerala Management lerv ice . F ina l Regional Environaental Iapact Stateaent. Propoeed OCS O i l And Gee Laaaa Salee 118 and 122 (Central and Weet aim Gulf of Mexico;. Waahington, D . C : Available f r o a NTIS, Springf ie ld , VA. 198f.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Compilation of * ' r Pollutant Emission Factors, 2d ed. AP-42. 1976.

V I I . PREPARERS

Author

Ted Stechmann - Biologist

Typiat

Anna Naranto - Clark Typiat

VIII. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C

LEASE STIPULATIONS

REVIEWS FROM MMS

REVIEWS FROM OTHER AGENCIES

*1

APPENDIX A

LEASE STIPULATIONS

22

•tfMnaii or na snttion HI KHALI NAJUCDQVr SUtriCE

Oatar CMttaNMl U n i t , a n t r a l Oalf of a n i t * t l ami Hm U M * of f a r m Oaly i ta . )

ort-c 7367 trtfauTioi at. i - cavnauo.

(•) "Cultural • i i M i c i " W M M My alta. t u w i w t . M M } M I •( alatortc ar araaiatarlt arc -ooioaicai • I p i f l i m i . t f t r u i t M " M M aay 4r i l l lag. aiain, . ar aeaatraatlaa ar ylataaaat af aay at rae taaa far aaalaratlaa. Oaval-M M . ar praatntM af taa laaaa.

(a) U taa aafttaaal Hmogor (IN) Mllacra a caltaral raaaaria My aalat fa taa laaaa araa. tM Bl v f U aat l fy tM laaaaa la wt t taa . 1 U laaaaa aaall tMa MMlr alta i a i i i Miaal I (1) ttowaaft ( » .

(1) mor ta aaaaaaa tag aay ayaratlaaa. tM laaaaa aMl l at*» aara a taaat** M ayMffiai ay tM fa* ta MxarMaa tM yataatlal oaistance af aay aaltaral raaaaria tMt aay M af foe taa* ay ayaratlaaa. I M rayart. n a j w i i ay aa ant ra alatlot M i gaaaaj i la lat . aMl l M MaM aa aa M M M M M af lata froa raaata aaaalaa, rarraya aM m n yaattoaat caltaral M 4 aawrlrocaaaatal lafamatlM. Too U M M aMl l aaMft thi« tapaat ta tM M far ravlM.

(2) If taa ralitaaa aaattaata tMt a aaltaral tatrattt My aa •raaaat. tM laaaM aaall a l tMri

(1) U M M t M al ta af aay aaatatlta aa M Mt u MV aaa aly af fMt tM araa M a n t M aaltaral raaaaraa My M| or

(11) lataallaa ta tM aatlafaatlaa af tM B l tMt a aaltaral raaaaraa M M aat aalat ar w i l l aM M aaaaaaaly • f fa t t t f ay at trai l M I . Tale a M l l U a n a ky faatMr erateaalatlnl Miaat lMt laa. ceMattM ay aa anaaailaylat M i a aaaveyelelet. Miatj aaroay aajaiaaaat aai l a tM lwra i M M i a m t i t r y ay rM B l . k rayart aa tM laveeilea-tlaa a M l l M eaUfttac ta tM M far revlev.

(J) I f tM Bl i a i araaa aa tMt a caltaral raaaaraa la l lM ly w aa BBaBB M B U U a M M i My M aiaaiaaly af fMMi ay aaaratUM, U M i l aMlfy tM laaaaa M a a l l a n l y . T M laaaaa a M l l M M aa aatUa tMt aey aiaaraaly affact tM aaleetcl raaaaraa a M l l tM B l Ma t a l i t M laaaaa Ma to yrateet i t .

(a) I f tM 1 aaraa M i i w i n aay aalaaral i n afsUa aaaia i l la i t^MMUM aa tM Uaaa a n a . tM laaaaa aMl l rayart tM I I a raa a n a — f l a i i l y M tM Bt. I U U M M aMll taaa every rara iMHi af tort M i t i n e r a tM aalMral l a a i a m aMl l t U Bl U a M i i t M U M M U a to araaact I t .

r t IFVLATIOB m. i - IIOLOCICAL

23

siy.tta.tata' si • i

Cl.ypl la Baak' 90 * M U . . - i O - * OS Coffee laaaf) « M t a M -act f lower ca rd* . I f * ( M l a M ky ayatea) tawflam Cardan leek* IOO (deflata ky ta* ayatea)

10 r.theei tank oo M r a t nee Seta §9

ffltokoaUao)1

ham tollei mmmm - eely yatMrata ( i ) of tk. .11p«Utlea

Othar OMJOS) T W M leaka - paragra** («) of tha at tpalat toe aaall M O ayylyi C M BratanlM ami ieeaUyMM *y*MttaM M l y . tM) piai lalaM ol paiayatfO f » a M l l amply l a Mck SM " I m i 9 Zona* aM tha "J Mlla

5Cnntral U i l f of OMI 11 baak talk • pertloa of Ita "1 Hlle laaa" aaa1/or "1 Mlla loaa" to BWJOOM Oalf af t i r l l l

riowar fliaiaa I M N • U e e "4 Mto M M * eta* *S M i a toaa"; l a tka "1 M U Uaa," aarayraa* (a)(1) af cM atipulation a M l l aaal? to addltloa M paragraph (b); U tha "0 Mlla U a a . " aaly paragraph (b) akall apply.

(a) 0* MMMMM. d r i l l i n g rlga. M pipalinaa M i l U BllMBl within tha toeUtU af tM banka l l a t M abova.

(bi Oparatlona Mtkta taa M M f U t M " I M U Uaa" (aay ettaaaod) aaall M raatrlctM by aaaailaaj a l l d r i l l cuttings M i dri l l ing f lulda to tha bottoa threat* a MMylye tbat t i r a l M i M g i p i l i l i dlataaca. U t M M M thae wa Mtara. frM tU I BOOM.

(c) OytrMlMO tatkta tka a m etaaa ee "1 MU Uaa" (aay attached) aMll U raatrtttM aa M M f f i t i U aitkar (1) ar (1) M U * M tka eat lea ef tM U M M .

ky qualified, Mtoatllto faaMMal aM tMt t M M a n i i M i l eal a l l racuirae

a « U M Mallaklt M the tta* af operatloae. T U •Mlt t t lMj Maa M i l atatat I M f l a i l * * * u i k • a i

by th« tn. or M M l l B i l l y to M M af i M l l i l i l M y a M the biota af t U kook BMall la* directly f r M drl l l l e* M otMr oeeratleea. If It lc decided tkat aerfaco f l i p i l l l of ar111 lag fUtaO M euttlnga

. M f M l M i BMltarlag af tkat partlaelM M i l M y U t * f*M M U ke MtMUji , I f , M M T , OU) M a l l M U f prograa

af the bank are belag hareed. M I f BUM ta • M M * l l M l t U M t U t tywMI— ef t U * aertleulc*

M tU) M M * af tta beak, tha BMjtaM at aat lay ae ayaalftai ta (i>

24

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE 3 ""ERICR

MINERALS MANAGEMENT SRVZCE

Out«r C o n t i n e n t a l S h e l f , Western Gul f of Mexico Oil and Gaa Laaaa sale 122

OCS-G 11403

a f c l n u l e t l a e aa . l . -arafca^fc laa e j i r a . ^ i e a l r a l laaoureea .

(a) "Archaeological resource" means any p r e h i s t o r i c or h i a t o r i e d i s t r i c t , a l t a , b u i l d i n g , s t r u c t u r e , or objec t ( inc luding , shipwrecks) ; euch t a r n inc ludes a r t i f a c t s , recorda , and remains which s r s r e l a t e d to euch e d i s t r i c t , s i t s , b u i l d i n g , s t r u c t u r s , or objec t ( I S U . S . C . 470w(5)) . "Operations" means any dr i l l ing , mining, or conatruction or plaeeaent of any atructure for exploration, development, or production of tha laaaa.

(b) Zf tha Regional Direct (RD) believes an archaeological resource aay exist *n tha laasa araa, tha RD wil l notify tha laeeaa ln writing. Tha laaaaa ahall than coaply with subparagraphs (1) through ( 3 ) .

(1) Prior to caaaincing e. y operations, tt .< ssee ahal l prepare a report, as specif*- A by tha RD, to determine tha potential exletenca of any archaeological resource that aay ba affected by operations. Tha raport, prepared by an arc* tool og ist and s gsophysicist, shal l ba bsssd on sn assessment of _ ca froa reaote eenelng surveys and of othar pertinent archeaological and environaentel information. Tha laasaa shall submit thia raport to tha RD for rav law.

(2) I f tha evidence euggeete that an archaeological resoures aay be present, tha lessee ahall either:

(1) Locate tha elte of any operation ao aa not to adversely effect tha araa where tha archaeological resource aay ba; or

Cll) Establish to Uta satisfaction of tr tD that an archaeological reojcuroo does not exist or v i l l not bs sdvaraaly i f f acted by operations This ahall ba done by further archaeological invaat lgat lon, conducted by aa archaeologist and a '•c physicist; using aurvay equlpaant and technlquee deaaad necessary by tha RO. A raport OA tha investigation ahall ba subaitted to tha RD for review.

25

(3) Xf the RO determines thet an archaeo log i c a l raa ou rea ia l ike ly to ba praaant in tha laaaa araa and aay b* adversely affactad by operations, tha RD v i l l notify tha laaaa immediately. Tha laaaaa ahal l taka no action that aay advaraa a f f a c t tha archaaological reeouree u n t i l tha RD haa told th l r -see how to protect i t .

(c) Xf tha laaaaa dlocovera any archaaological raa r :a w*. lo conducting oparatlona on tha laaaa araa. tha laaaae. an*, raport tha discovery immediately to tha RD. Tha laaaaa aha l l make every reasonable a f f o r t to preserve tha archaeologies reaource until tha RD haa told tha laaaaa bow to protect i t

I U P R I I U Q B BO. i--Fretsotioa of T Q P < M r , B h < M MitTirti

w ^ r r f c S t h U to bs applied to block, of

No A c t i v i t y Zone Defined by Isobath

Ban^ Name (meters)

Shalf Edge. tUnha

Waat Flower Cardan Bank1 ioo

(daflnad by 1/4 Eaat Flower

Garden Bank1 100 (daflnad by 1/4

MacNeil Bank 82 29 Fathom Bank 64 Rankin Bank Gayar Bank Elvara Bank Bright Bank9. McGrall Bank9

Rarak Bank5

S i d n e r Bank Parkar Bank Stataon Bank Applebaun Bank 85

85 85 85 SS 85 85 • 5 •5 62

Bank Naaa

l m Rtl l t f pa^ka2

Mysteric is Bank

No Activity Zona Daflnad by Isobath

(meters)

1/4 1/4 aystaa) Coffaa Lump

1/4 1/4 systsa) Blackfiah Ridga Big Dunn Bar Small Dunn Bar 32 Fathom Bank Claypile Bank3

74,76,78,80,84 (saa laaaing asp)

Various leasing aap)

70 65 65 52 50

South T«v» Dream Bank 7 8,82 Southern Bank 80 Hospital Bank 70 North Hospital Bank 68 Aransas Bank 70 South Baker Bank 70 Baker Bank 70

r i J T f 2?!-?? • * n * * : - X l 1 Paragraph (c) a "4-ftil* Sons" rather than a "lHtlle Bona" appl las. * ? J U L , * n k ? r " 0 n l y P*«^fraph (a) appliaa.

c . . L a y p i I T \ i^rao^pha (a) and (b) apply. In paragraph i t l • o n i t o r i n J , 0 « fha affluent to dateraine tha affact on tha blot* of Clsyplls Bank shall ba raqulrad rather than sauntlMt Jj" , t h *^tas Banka-^4aUy paragraphs (a) and (b) apply, cai.cral oulf of Mexico bank with a portion of I t T - l H U l a Zona- and/or "3-Mile Bona" in tha Western Gulf of Mexico.

L V . J 2 « I ^ 1 : A ? T , i n c l u d l n 9 etructures, dri l l ing rigs, pipalinaa, ? L ? . n ? J o r : n g » • •Alaataa vithin tha listed leobath ("Mo Activity Zona" as shovn on Map 3) of tha banks aa listed abova.

27

(b) Operations v i t h i n the a r e a shown as "1,000-Meter Zona" s h a l l £ i r t ! S t ^ * d X • h u n t i n 2 « r i l l cuttings snd dril l ing f lu id , to ths bottos through s downpipe, thst terminate, sn spproprists distance, but no more than 10 meters, froa ths bottoa.

( w ) . , ° p # r i l t i o n s w i t h A n t h m m r *+ «hovn ss "i-Miie Sons" on Map 3 l ^ J i "5 r f f t r i c t * d ^ -hunting s l l d r i l l out tings snd dril l ing f lu ids to the bottoa through e downpipe that terminates an appropriate distance, but no mora than io aetera, froa tha bottom. (Where there la a "1-Mile Sons" designated, tha "1,000-Meter Sons" in peregreph (b) ie not dealgnated.)

(d) Operationa within t»«e araa shown ss "3-ffiIs Sons' on Nap 3 ! ? ! t l l r * * i r i < * * d hunting a l l d r i l l euttlnga and dril l ing f lu lda froa development operationa to the bottom through downpipe thet terminates sn spproprists distance, but no sore then 10 meters, froa the bottom.

28

APPENDIX B

REVIEWS PROM MMS

29

In Pari? refte ?*: fC.W-1

Lent* **• !i)tt«Tatl«*«l Cor*>oretlta Attsnt:.onr Mr. J . » . Jerra* 1**M *lMl I d . , Suit* 1100 Sal las ? # » T«240

OSStlSSaai

•oreranea U aaf» U) year Init Lai Pla* of rxBieratioa ana a*oes*a«ytn* Ir.formttor. r e t i r e s January 8, 1*a0, for Laaaa OCS-4 1140*3, tUoc* a-374. r i r h Island Arse. Tale elart laolotfoa Uw aati T i t l e s pr i s i es . far Bel l Ba. 1.

Ia • • • i r . M i i vita 30 CVI 250.33. tale plea la aeratr daaaaf eaaeUtetf aad Aa now Bala* considered far 8saaaaal.

(Orig. Sgd.) A. Donald Giroir 11 aaar i l y .

a7- 0. J .

riaia

Uaaa OCS-Q 11 BBS (OPS-3-2) (PUB BOOM) OfB-3-4 a/ Pallia Xafe. Gssy af the pisa

aai eeeesa. iafa. (POBUC 8BC08D8)

JEST AVAILABLE COPY

30

AIR QUALITY. BIOLOGICAL. AND CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW

CER/EA No. sV~3^70 Due Date ^ - / ~ Lease OCS-C 7^7/C*j*xZ

Area and Block / ^ y j 3 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 571 ^? - 3 7<S

MR QUALITY REVIEW t f / i 7 7 * < W & 0 )

Onshore Base: New or Revised: Yes No

Rig Type: Distance Offshore e i : Exeapt: Yes . No

Information Source(s):

Corwnents/Recoemendations:

MeterologTst Date

U.S. Fish ife Service Coaaents Required: Yes ^ No ,*>frVr**" V

Th- cr * »t i, i aay Impact a biologically sensitive area or *twuy: Yes No

Spedai ^otcrtlve aeasures relative to endangered/threatened species reflecting p-evious biological opinions are recoamended as conditions of plan/application approval: Yes No *S

information Sources(s): /£VJ U,iJO*Cy 3m^mmm\\j£*, £Zi3£L

' DaU

CULTURAL RESOURCES AND SLAPLWR HAZARDS REVIEW

Ntw Surface Activities: Yes i^T No

Cul. Res. Rpt. Required: Yes No ^ Submitted: Yes No

Potential or known cultural resources within area of concern Identified at location of tht proposed action: Yts No

Description:

Inforaation Sources(s): t4fej^ &t*t££+ ^tMaflE

Ls/Recommendations: ^t^^cS

so.

iv 1 ewer Dttt

31

A IK QUALITY REVIFW

CFR/EA No. kj-y.L 7C Due Date X ' % ~ 10 Laaaa(a) OCS-C ~73C 7 j / / < / e f

chit) ' j j ± t 2 2 1 Araa U . j L T s / * * ^

Or.»r>ort tattslor.a

Onahora laaa: 3a h/'n-r Pei S S Maw or Ravi sad: Yaa No ^

Chi hor* Emissions Calculations (If onshore base l t nev or revised):

SO^ tons/yr; CO tons/yr; VOC tons/yr;

TSP tons/yr| SOj cons/yr

Offahora EaJttlont

Major Soureea - Offshora Ealaalona Calculatlona:

NO tont/yr; CO tona/yr; VOC tona/yr;

TSP tont/yr; SOj 1 . 0 ° tona/yr

Minor Source* - Offahora Enlaalona Calculatlona:

s o

x tont/yr; CO /«Xg tona/yr; VOC •m*P tona/yr;

TSP tona/yr; SO^ » t S tont/yr

Total Offshore Enieeions:

H0x ItjXjf tont/yr; CO tont/yr; VOC tons/yr;

TSP » ? / tona/yr; SO, tona/yr

Ealaalona Exeaptlon Calculatlona

Distance to Naaraat Land ln Statute Milaa: / / £

Exeaptlon- Por CO; t - 3400D 2 / 3 • pY, 7 9 & tons/yr

For HO . VOC. TSP. S0 2; I - 33.30 - ^ <?**Lf Xona/yr

There w i l l ba aignificant effect on air quality froa tha propoaed action:

Tee Ho S

Inforaation Source (a): ^t^K*.

Coaaenta/nocoen toilet loae: Ui3-*%JL~.—"

~7l*~-t&r^f / - 3 / ~ f o 1 * Meteorologier* HBate

32

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM Tat.*:

To: Unit Supervisor, (FO-2-1)

Fron : Bait Supervisor, (TO-1-2)

Subject: Review of POE/DOCD, Control Io. / j / - 3 <—

Le«ce(a) OCS-C / / , Oper*tcr_J

Arced) f fcfcSaatt* Biock(a)

C leaa I f lotion of Area per 250.67(c)

I 1 Zone(s) known to contain H2S

1 1 Zonc(a) where the presence of R2S la unknown

P<1 Zcoe(s) where the absence of R2S baa been oonf

Recomaondttlon/Ccaaonts

L ^ l Approval recommended. Normal precautions wil l bo adequate while conduct ina activitlea propoaed ia thia plan.

\ j Approval recommended with the followine conditions:

] ) Modification 1 auijaasuilod aa follows:

["I Disapproval reooaaanded for tbe followine reesoo(s)

• C M .

Enclosed are the followine reviews ss per your request:

hazards Review £ 3 Geophysical £53 Geological r l • ? Onlt Supervisor.

Enclosures

33

HAZARDS REVIEW

Plan of Expioratlcn/CCCO

Area(a) L C t f < C j C J t M I L C ^ W ^ \

BlockCa) •

L l lM( l ) C " \tmm WWW

Operator »xtt^ t S

Control No..

Tho subjtct propoaal Includos platform and

- o i l s .

Soafloor Hazards:

Subsurface Htztrdt:

Othar Hazarda (Pipalinaa* Sunken Ships, Cal: r . ate.) L a g " —

Preperere(a): I

M

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORAfCUV

T o : Supervisor* Exp lo ra t i on /Deve lopment P lans U n i t * Plans* P l a t f o r m snd P ipe l ine S e c t i o n . F i e l d Opera t ions . G u l f o f Mexico OCS Region (FO-2-1)

F rom: Supervisor* P l a t f o r m / P i p e l i n e U n i t * P lans* P l a t f o rm and P i p e l i n e Section* F i e l d Opera t i ons * Gu l f o f Mexico X S Region (FO-2-2) »* bu.it or Mex.1

S u b j e c t : Plan of E x p l o r a t i o n f o r

J J . J Z / L ^ a Area . Block A - >? 7 < • Lease OCS-G / / < / O S ~

30 CFR 250.34 C o n t r o l No. / V - 3 ^ 7 P

Proposod N e l l / P l a t f o n n :

I d e n t i f i c a t i o n and L o c a t i o n E x i t i n g P i p e l i n e s N l t i . l n 500 Feet

Remarks:

FTorres:JJ:LEXITYPE Disk 7

35

AIR QUALITY REVIFW

COL/LA No. flfcjfjjg Duo Doc* z / f / f o Loose(•) OCS-C l / i J c f . 73 C 7

Block(s) A"374^ A' 373 Ares ZS/O^HCL

Onshore Eel»ilong

Onshore Bas vSA6t*)€. P A S ± Hew or Revised: Yaa No X

Onshot- Falaalona Calculatlona (If onahora baae la new or ravlaad):

HO tons/yr; CO tons/yr; VOC tons/yr;

TSP tons/yr; SO^ tons/yr

Offshore Ealsslons

Major Sourcas - Offahora Em ssions Calculatlona:

NO l C tona/yr; CO V tona/yr; VOC / tons/yr;

TSP *%0 tona/yr; S0 2 / tona/yr

Minor Soureea - Offahora Ealaalona Calculatlona:

N0x 11 S3 tona/yr; CO /.J~Q tona/yr; VOC »kfS tona/yr;

TSP «/ / tona/yr; S0 2 » / 3 tona/yr

Total Offahora Ealsslons:

H 0 „ sal '^ tona /yr ; CO 4~.2<> tona/yr; VOC I . i f tona/yr;

TSP , 9 / tona/yr; SO, / , / J tona/yr

Ealaalona Exeaptlon Calculations

Dlatanca to Naaraat Land ln Statute Milaa: / / ^

Exeaptlon: Por CO; E - 3400D 2 / 3 - _V, 7 f (0 tons/yr

Por N0„. VOC. TSP, SOj; E - 33.3D • ^ 9 J-~ 7 tone/yr

Tbere wi l l be slgnificsnt effect on s i r quslity froa che proposed action:

Tos Ho X

Inforaation Source (a): P J U ~ > . A Q Q.m.<u l ^ - h o * j

Coasaanta/Raccasandaclons: A / * W ^ ,

. _________ LL -f* Haceoaologlac Daca

36

r

O I L S P I L L REVIEW

Company Name-

. O I L BP

Seefe Ft C E R / E A NO.- A) ~ ^ . f 7 0

L o a a * OCS-cS M A C / '

A r o a and B l o o k - H X J /V " 3 ? 3

I I

P r i a a r y o i l . o l l l • a u l » M n l b a e e - C ^ V ^ g i j ^ T , A

Response t i m e - / 7 -

T r a j e c t o r y a n a l y a i a e u b m l t t e d Y a a NO

The o p e r a t o r s r e e p o n e e t i m e / t r a j e c t o r y a n a l y e i e l a acJeojuato Vee

Information Source a- I^JAA/, £ Z j | J"A^

f -^vMsVUV LtaiT R e v i e w e r Daee

3EST AVAILABLF COPY

37

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM

Dati

y • To: tnief, Plans, Platfom, and Pipeline Section, Offshore

Field r ions, GOM OCS Region (FO-2-1)

Froa: Chief naental Operations Section, Leasing and Env' OM OCS Region (LE-5)

Subject: Pr * lK . x< Re. lew of Pi an/Appl Ication No. A / ~ 3 J ~ 7 j £

CULTURU RES0»JR T_

Th_r_ <s " not _g a Cultural Resource problea requiring modification of the r OQC-.V >cation(s).

Ti._ orob'e* i

Ui* probl a an be resolved by

There is Is not ^ a Biological Resource problem requiring modification of the proposed locatlons(s).

The probl ee Is

The problea can be resolved by.

011 Sol l l Infomation Review

There 1s (see attached review) Is not * ^ a n oi l spi l l Inforaation probUj requiring supplemental Inforaation.

^ * ^ e r r y Brashier

c c : CER File (LE-5)

APPENDIX C

REVIEWS PROM OTHER AGENCIES

39

United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

DIVISION OF ECOLOGICAL SERVICES 17629 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 211

HOUSTON. TEXAS 77051

March 9, 1990

h BQRARPUH

TO: Regional Director, Attn: Field Operations (FO-2-1), Gulf of Mexico OCS REgion, Now Orleans, LA

FROM: Field Supervisor, Ecologicsl Services. Houston, TX

SUBJECT: Initial POE, by Corpus Chi isti Oil snd Gas Coapnay for Veil Ho. 1 in Block 374, High Ialand Area

He have reviewed the eubject plana, and believe it conpliea with all

currently applicable environmental requirenente.

Thank you for the opportunity to coaaent.

<-.o

i I :

I i i i I

UNITED S T A T E S D E P A R T M E N T O f C O M K . a t f C E

MA TONAL M A R E " ' " S H " RI E^^SE PVTCI"

Southeast Regional Office 9450 Roger Boulevard St. Petoreburi, FL 33702-2432

March 9. 1990 F/SZRU2/TW:op 409/766-3699

Mr. J . Rogers Pearcy, Regional Director U.S. Department of the In ter ior Minerele hanageaent Serv ice , FO-2-1 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. Now Orleene, LA 70123-2394

Dear Hr . Pearcy:

Tha Netlonel HerIne Fieherlee Service (NMFS) hee reviewed the Supplements' Plen of Exploretion prepered by Santa Fe Int national Corporation for leeee OCS-G 11405, Block A-374. High Ieiend Area (Control Ho. H-3570J .

Santa Fe propoeee to d i rec t ione l d r i l l en exploretory well froa e eurface locetion ln High Ielend Block A-373 to e bottoa locetion in High Ielend Block A-374. The propoeed a e l l le within the "4-Mila Zone" of Ieet Flower Garden Bank, and therefore, le eubject to Minerele Hanageaent Service e topographic feeturee stipulations The leeeee hee indicatad the 4-Mile Zone" stipulation involving tha ehunting of d r i l l s o l i d s and liquids to within 10 aetere of the bottoa. ee defined ln Soct. C, (1) of the leasa st lpulst lons l i s ted in recent Environmental Iapact Stateaent e ( I I S ' a ) for control Gulf of Mexico OSC leeeo ealee. w i l l ba adhered to.

Therefore, the NHFS hee no changes to reccaaend on the eubject plen of exploretion.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide these coaaente.

Sincerely youre.

V1 aadreas Hager. J r . * Aeaietant Regional Director Habitat Conservation Diviaion

) S Years St imulat ing Amer ica 's Progress • 191 3-1911

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