Xn Reply Pefer Tot PP-2-1

Conoco Inc. At tout ion i hr. D. L . By ere Post Office Ecu 51266 Lafayette, Tcuiniana 70505

Contleswjni

Pol or once ie Dade to vour Init io! Plan ot Eaploratlon and Environmental Report race! vac Dec en-be r 16, 1965, for Laaaa OCS-G (340, Eloca 119, Cardan Banks Aran. This plan includes tha active tos propoaad tor Wall Ko. 1.

ln accorek ... vith 30 CPP 250.34, revised December 13, 1979, and out letter bated January 29, 1979, this plan has baan determined to ba conplete aa of Decesibor 30, 1985, and la now bo iny conaidarad for approvai.

Tour plan control nrafcai ls n-2367 ond should bo rafarancad in your coooun ica tion and correspondence concerning thia plan.

6incerely yours.

Acting Regional Superv oor Pulae ano Production

KJTolber 11rbr112/30/85 Disk la

Office of Prccrs.Tj Cervices

JAN 0 6 1388

Information Ser Aces Section

Cconcco) /V - 2x7

Production OtpvHnitnt L j ' i v t t te D'vjwn

Conoco Inc P 0 Bo» 51266 UfsvtJte, LA 70508 13181 236-SOOO

'tssrwm savin December 6, 1985

CC 16 1935

Minerals Management Serv ice P. 0. Bex 7VA4 M e t a i r i t , LA 70010

A t t e n t i o n : Regional Supe rv i so r , O f f i c e f o r Rules and Product ion

Cent Lemon:

I n i t i a l Plan of E x p l o r a t i o n , Garden Banka Block 119, QCS-C634Q

Enclosed are the r e q u i r e d copies o f our I n i t i a l Plan cf E x p l o r a t i o n f o r Garden Banks Block 119 (OCS-C6340). Five copies ccnta'.n p r o p r i e t a r y i n fo rou t i on and are so marked. A l l geophys ica l data f o r t h i s w e l l w i l l be sent d i r e c t l y to the Lake Charles D i s t r i c t O f f i c e . I f any a d d i t i o n a l information is needed you can c a l l me a t (318) 236-5078 or Bob Soptei at (318) 236-5080.

Yours verv t r u l y ,

D. L . Byers Coord inator Environmental A f f a i r s

RJStnh Enclosures

RS/105

DtCl fi 1985 INITIAL PLAN OF EXPLORATION W w B f ^

GARDEN BANKS BLOCK 119. 0CS-C6340 I , T-

This i n i t i a l plan of exploration provides for tha d r i l l i n g of one (1) wall, N'o. 1, on 0CS-G6340, Catdan Banks Block 119. Individual wsll iniormation ia aa follows:

Proposed Proposed Wsll Surface Bottom Hols Anticipated Days Co No. Location Location PTD Spud Pats D r i l l

I 2600*FNL* Fsbruary 1. 90 4025'FVL 1986

Ths fabrication and i n s t a l l a t i o n of platforms, producing f a c l l i c l s s , and pipslinss ls contlngsnt upon chs succsss of th i s w a i l .

This sxplorstory v s l l w i l l bs d r l l l s d by a Semisubmersible d r i l l i n g r i g similar to the Penrod 73. Drip pans ars installed undar a l l squlpmsnt which could be s sourcs of pollution. No wasts products which contain o i l w i l l be disposed of into Gulf of Msxico watsrs. Domestic wastes w i l l bs trsatsd by onboard sanitation treatment f a c i l i t i e s . Thess watsrs plus formation and d r i l l watsrs w i l l bs disposed of at tha slta ln accordance with applicable Fsdsrsl Regulations.

Cardan Banks Block 119 is located approximately 116 miles from i t s closest point onshore (South of Vermilion Parish, Louisiana Operations w i l l be ssrvsd by Conoco's shore bases which ars located Camsron and Morgan c i t y , Louisiana. Thsss shors basts serve tha following purposes: 1) loading point for t o o l s , equipment and machinery to be delivered to our offshore locations; 2) crew change and transportation base; and 3) temporary storage for materials and equipment. Tha bases are equipped with ths nscsssary loading docka and cranes for convenient and ssfs opsrstions. F u l l time dispatchers are employed at Cameron ln order to maintain 24 hour contact with offshora psrsonnsl.

Safety ln d r i l l i n g operation w i l l ba accomplished through: 1) adsquately daaigned casing programs; 2) tha uss of blowout prsvsntsrs and aaaociatad w a l l equipment of adequate preaaura rating to contain anticipated pres­sures; 3) the use of s u f f i c i e n t mud volumes to inj u r s control of tha well; 4) the use of mud monitoring equipment; and 5) the use of suparvlaory personnel properly trained i n praaaure control. Fire d r i l l s , abandon ship d r i l l s , the installation and use of required navigational aids and l i f e -saving equlpaent and a l l othar shipboard safety requirements w i l l ba conducted pursuant to Coaat Guard regulations.

Conoco Inc. is a member of Clean Gulf Associates (CGA) • CGA ls a coopera­t i v e designed to own and maintain a large inventory of u i i s p i l l clean-up equ^ment. This cqulpoant and tha necessary marins supervisors for use in en advisory capacity are available to member companies during s p i l l eventa. Major equlpaent items available through CGA ara fast responsn open sas and bay skimmers, high volume open aaa skimmer systems, shallow wster skimmer systems, snd an inventory of known resources available for emergency o i l

s p i l l clean-up and control. Our updated Accidental Discharge Contingency Plai< was appro/ed by the MMI on March 14, 1985.

As per the Air Quality Regulations '0 CFR 250.57 (Federal Register March 7, 1960), Attachment I ia a l i s t of L--ejected emissions during thc propossd operations. Emissions from each f a c i l i t y were estimated from EPA AP-42 n.d a l l calculations were based on worst possible caaaa. Actual emissions .ire expected tn be considerably below those estimated. Attachment I I is a sche.nat.c of the d r i l l i n g operations and indicates the height of salaslms abov.? . r * level.

The period of time the f a c i l i t y w i l l be polluting ls based on the rime achedule as shown above. D r i l l i n g operations ara expected to laat 90 days. During this time emissions are based on the following factors:

Rig: 12.280 HP (Four EMD Model 16-645E9B dlesels each at 3070 HP each) 24 hrs/day and 7 days/week.

Standby Boat: 24 hra/day and 7 days /weak. Work Boat: 24 hrs/day and 4 days/week. Tug Boat: 2-4500 HP dlesels 24 hrs/day for 4 days to tow r i g

ln and out. Welding: 1-50 HP diesel nnlng 4 hra/day to power welding

u n i t . Cementing: 2-200 HP diesels to powsr unit running 28 hrs/well, Crane: 2-110 HP dlesels to power crane running 4 hrs/day. Helicopters: 3 flights/day.

Using the above estimates, the table in Attachmant I waa compiled. Also Included ln this table are the maximum allowable emissions. These values were baaed on exemption formulas ln the Federal Register and the d r i l l i n g operations being 116 miles from the nearest >iore as shown in Attachment I I . Conaiderlng this information, we do n i plan to I n s t a l l air quality p o l l u t i o n controls.

A structure map, cross ssction, location pla t , shallow hazards survey, and a l i a t of drilling/completion f l u i d s ars attached.

D. L. Byers Coordinator Environmental Affairs

RS:cjw Attachments

RS/A5

PROJECT EMISSIONS GARDEN BANKS 119; WELL NO. 1; OCS-C6340

POUNDS PER DAY OP OPERATORS

Pollutant D r i l l i n g Rig 12,280 HP

Boat w/200 KW

Generator

Helicopter 3TOL Cycles Two Engines

Tugboat 2-4500 HP Diesels

Crane 2-110 HP Diesels

Ceaent 2-200 HP Diesels

Welding 1-50 HP Diesels

604.37 6.20 1.08 442.94 1.80 19.68 .41

TSP 649.16 0.00 1.50 475.77 1.94 21.14 .44

9088.28 32.20 3.42 6660.79 27.14 296.04 6.17

j 1966.96 14.30 34.20 1441.59 5.87 64.08 1.33

VOC 727.06 4.10 3.12 532.86 2.17 23.68 .49

Total Emissions (Tons)

Year S02 TSP NO CO x VOC

1986 28.62 30.35 426.39 94.31 34.35

Max. Allow. 3862.8 3862.8 3862.8 80869.40 3862.8

Not* 1; Max. Allow (Tons Par Year) - 3400D for CO

33.3D for SOj, TSP, HO , VOC, where D - 116 alias

Note 2: H.P. x hrs run/day x g/HP hr - f/day, where g/HP hr comes froe; table 33.3/ of EPA AP-42, Compilation of Mr Pollution Emission Factors

RS/A5

JEFFERSON DAVIS

I W BATON

V SAINT 1 \ MARTIN \

4—L

~i—k

srM-srf TTT

-4TT

«7

I 1 T "Tp H : '1

TTT •••••• IL ; : ::

44^

lib Wiles

mm

m

CONOCO INC VICINITY PUT

S OCIr ifl

WELL NO.1 M" TASHKENT 3L-(t)

t

• • ' F 1 1 P 1 1 I ' ' 1 ? • rmmtrn • * i • . ' ! ' . ' " • " ' ' 3 » I i l ' ' L C L ' F •

Neatest CG-A base would be C a m i o n OC InWaCoasVoA C i f y

o Well No.1

FWL

G6 US CONOCO IHC t-OCvriovi PLAT

BLOCK vf\ ocs-*t4*0 VftLV. MO.l SCM.E: l''=2oOO

ShFETY FMWNY

OCS-G to to v/ELL NO. 1

The following is a l i s t of d r i l l i n g and completion fluids that may be used i n this plan.

There w i l l be no in tent ional discharge of hazardous material <n v io la t i on cf EPA or DOI regulations. D r i l l i n g mud w i l l be disposed of on s i te provided i t is not o i l based and

provided i t complies wi th EPA's permitting procedures and guidel ines.

PRODUCT

AKTAF 10-S

Aluminun S tea rate

Areo Seal

AZ-32

Bactron KM-7

Barite

Basco-50

Basco Bestos

Benex

Bentonite

Bex

Bicarbonate of Soda

B i t Lube

Breakers

Bridge Heal

3uffer

Calcium Bromide

Calcium Carbonate

OESCRIPTICN

Mixed Oxyethylated Phenols, Nonylphenols and Potassium Hydroxide

Aluminum Salts reacted with Stearic Acid

Shredded Cellophane

Vegetable O i l base with Hydroxyetnyl Cellulose type Polymer with Aldehyde

Corrosion Inhibicor with bacterial prcperto.es

Barium Sulfate

>toriferrrenting starch

Shredded Cellophane

Anhydride Co-polymer

Wyoming Bentonite

Synthetic Polymers and Carbonates

Sodium Bicarbonate

High pressure lubricant with Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfurized Phenols

Cellulose Enzymes, Sodium Persulfate

Calcium Lvgnosulfonates, Calcium Carbonates and Esterated Polysaccaharide

Sodium Acetate

Calcium Bromide

Calcium Carbonate

Revised 10-79

CcUcisa Chloride

Carbo Free

Caztoonox

Caustic Soda

CC - 16

f i l l n ie.ni

Cement

Cheroerol-X

Circe tex

CL/CLS

Clay

Q C

Con Det

Cor trcai 126

Cortron R-66

Cm trail PD-14

Cartror. HD-2202

Cortron SD-2264

Cottonseed Oil

CQ

Crcpoac 609

Cronox 2Z5

CY Ben

Calcium Chloride

Crganccriilic Clay with t a l l Oil atulsif ier

Lignite Material

Sodium Hydroxide

Solubilized Sodium Salt of Lignitic Humic Acid Power

Shredded Cellophane

Mixture of Calcium Aluminates and Silicates

Cautized lignite base with an Organo Aerylate Composition

Blend of sized carbonates

Chrome Lignite - Chrome Ligncsulf anate

Sub-Bentonite

Sodium Carboxymethyl CaJ lulose

Anionic Surfactant

Amine Sulfi te

Filming Amine

Quaternary Amine

Corrosion Inhibitor with bacterial properties

Water soluble amine with amine sulf i te and oxygen scavengers

Vegetable Oil frcm cottBBS—d

Causticized Feu.udii.ume Lignosulf cante

Ethoxy lated Amine with IPA

Bthoxy Lated Amine with IPA

Co-polymer coataiaa Acrylamide

??DDXT TICK

Cypan

DD

Daknlite

Desco

Dextrid

Dowell F-75

Drillaid 420

Drilltzeat

Drispac

DUXBtODB

EDL-5

E-Z Mul

Ernulsite

Fiber Seal

F lo Tex

Foam Ban

Gal Tone

Id Fury

Gypsum

HAI 75

HDQ-48

HEC

Heals

Sodium Polyacylate with Acrylcnitrile

Aqueous blend with Diethanol Amides

North Dakota Lignite

Suifoallcylated Tannin contains chrcme

HOPOB i IHU Ling starch

Fluorochamical Quaternary of Methyl Iodide

Bentonite Extender and Selective Flocculen

Phospholipid Surfactant contains Lecithin

Polyanionic Cellulose

Lignitic Material

Mineral Oil Surf actant and Iscccopyl Alccfcu

Rfmlsifisr with Methanol and Malaic Anhydride

Caustic Lignite Ccnpound

Processed Cane Fiber

Blend of Lignosulf cnatss, Carbohydrates, and Carbonates

Octyl Tri-butyl Phosphate and Organic Silicone

Organo—Clay

Dagreaser, six more surfionic N-60 surfactant

Clacdum Sulfate

Iscprcpanol

Polymer Beads

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Calcium Idejnosulfonate Calcium Carbonates

P333CC".

HME

Hytee

Imco Flc

Imco Phos

~cc SV5

Imco Thin

Iit-jMrmix

Jel Flax.

K-Flc

K-Lic

KCL

ROB

Kantoi KW-12

Kemhreak

Klaenup

Kwik Seal

LD-8

7 MttCB Flakes

Ligco

Ligcon

Ligcox

Lignite

Sthoxylated Ncnyl-phenol and Alkylated Phenol

Blend of Synthetic Polymers and sizad Carbonates

Hemlock Extract

Sodium Tetraphosphate

Sulfonated Alcohol Ether and Ethoxy Lated Alcohol

Sodium Hydroxide an_ Lignite

Pre-gelatinized starcr

Shredded Cellophane

Oxide Adduct of Glyosrine

Potassium Salt Lignitic Material

Potassium Ouoririe

Potassium Hydroxide

Corrosion innihi tor of. u - -.-..-oline salts and methanol

Calcium Lignosuirc t vt

Blend of SurfactA-...- , Sutyl-cellcsolve, and Monoemine drt/« r^nt compounds

Canfcination of grivrfvjas, end fibers

Aluminum salt ox a fatty add dispersed in Propoxylatec Oleyl Alcohol

Shredded Cejlophane

Lignite

Sodium Sell: of Lr'.gnitic Material

Lignite

Lignite

Calcium Hydroxide

Lubri Film

Lubri Glide

MD

Magcc Inhibitor 303

Magconol

yagcophos

Mica

Milcon

Milflo

Miltax

Mon Pac

Mud Cleanout Ada QCS)

Mu2 - Sv<«cy

My - Lo ~ Gml

Nylo Saal

Nut Pack

Nutplug

Hi. Cal

Oilrhr*

' - - Mix 110

Pal Mix 210

Pal Mix

\uminum Salt of an organo ra-__y add carp lex

Polystyrene Teflon Beads

Ethoxylated Alcohol with Sodium Silicate Buffer and Q C Viscosifier

Blend of Morpholine Amine type expounds with IPA

2- ethyl Hexanol. 2 ethylhexyl Alcoho"

Sod.'in Te^xaphosphate

li* "i .'lakes (Silicates)

He*v/ metal modified lignite - mrrll fieri with Zinc

BeraLvdc Bark Fxtract

Mica FLe'ies

Polyanionic Cexlulcoe

Hydrochloric a c J i . ' xsopropanol

Spacer

Com Starch

Ground Shrrdoad Nylon

*r? nr TUt

G w v ' - Inut shells

jalcium Hydroxide

Sodium TeLrsvlimitate

Cellulose type Polysaccharide

100% Tri-butyl Phosphata

Contains Alky?. P* ridine with lass than 2% Glutaraldehyde

Pal Mix 380

Pal Mix Extender

PEN 5A

Parana-thinz

1 strro-tone

Phtsnoseal

Pottssium Carbonate

Potassium Chloride

Prote.rto Mol B

Q^Brcocin

Qualbrach

Ray f lo

FD-111

Resins*

Rhe o ect)

Royal Seal

SA-53

Sa l t

Sa l t Gel

SAM-5

S.A.P.P.

Sl iX-5

sr-x Soda Ash

Glucose Base Polymer

Buffer-inorcanic Alkaline Phosr*"**-ti

Methanol

Aluminum Chrome agncsulfonate

Organo-Clay

laminated Th' ctoseL Plastic

Potassium ja:.r5T>«fc2

Potassium Chiariek

Blend of attapulgite clay, magnesium oxide, and coconut diethanolamine

rerrochtomt Ligr * .donate

Tannin from QuebrLc'x) Bark

Bemlcck Sark Extract

Bl smart Ij.gnosulfor n* contains Bichromate

CA> •Tu^lywar of a :.11iionated lignite and d Ittaacl TarmdOM^ydm

Chrome IJ.^osu.U:nate

Groundup Movie Film

Aliphatic Carroxylic Acids

Sodium Chloride

At.-apulgite Clay

Spaaxr

Sodi'j-i .;w . 2 /^/rophosphete

.-tanionv: g'^aacUHL

. ignite Sorflub* Sirfaetant

Sodium Citbonate

??30CCT

Scdium Bichromate

Sodium Chrcrate

Spacer Mi/

Speed D r i l l

Spersene

Stab-Vis

S t a i i -

S t a b l e r

Starch

Super-Col

Super Lig

SuperdrlU

Supertron 52

•i i irfactart

Surfcote

Synergic

'lanco

Taruiathin

Tannex

Therm X

l a i c a l

Uni f lov

VC-10

Vis co 938

D55CCTTIQK

Sodiux Dichromate

Sodium Chroroate

Oleic Acid, Pr:m?,.y Oleylamide Dimerized Oleic Ac J and Free Fatty Acid

Ta l l O i l Soap Etoolsifier

Chrome Lignosulfcnate

Chrome Lignosulfonate

Chrome Lignite

Nonferroenting Starch

Pre-gelatini;4id Starch

Hydrcphilic Organo-Clay Complex

Lignite

Gilsonite Compound with Causticized Lignite

9% Ccoodiamine with Sodium Sulfits . Methyl Alcholo and imidazaline Alcohol

Oxyethalated Phenols

O i l soluble Amine Dodecyl Benezine Sulfonate

Potassium Sodium Si l ica te with a Tamin

Causticized Lignita-Ouer^cho

Lignite

Ouebracho Extract

Sodium Stearete

Chrome modified Sodium Lignosulfonate

Gilsonite

Modified XlgncouUcrate with Chrome

Par t ia l ly Quaternized Foly amine i n IPA and Water Solution

Whites PF 294

Whites PF 296

w.c. Kafosaer

X-tend

XC Polymer

XMDC (HD)

Zinc Bromide

Zinc CarbxJtta

Zinc Chic ride

Blend of Synthetic ~~lyners and Sccad Carbonates

Contain liquid Cjuartarnary Ammonia

Bactericide contains Formaldehyde

Contains Potassi' s Hydroxide

Co-roiymer JxAarlxn >:taander

£»t-yS molecular weiaht long-chained Pciyjar X*&ttari G>*B

Blend of Mono aalxyl Polyaxyethylene and Phosphates

Chrome Lignite contains Potassium

Hydroxide

Zinc Bromide

Zinc Carbonate

Zinc Chinrirte

SDX:e?

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

FOR COASTAL MANAGEMENT CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION

PLAN OF EXPLOR'.""*

GULF OF MEXICO

FOR

GARDEN BANKS AREA BLOCK 118 (OCS-G-6339) GARDEN BANKS AREA BLOCK 119 (OCS-G-6340)

SUBMITTED TO: D. L. BYERS COORDINATOR

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS P. C. BOX 51266

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 70505 (318/236-5000)

DECEMBER 04, 1985

Prepared by: JOHN L. CHANCE 4 ASSOCIATES, INC.

Regu<ate./ & Environmental Division Project ,-35-3305

John C Chance <% Asmon^ Ino.

Table of Contents

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

Page

I . T i t l e Page 1

Table of Contents 11

L i s t of Figures Iv

L i s t of Tables v

I I . Description of the Proposed Action 1

A. Travel Modes, Routes, and Frequencies 3

a. Support Base and New Personnel 3

C New Support F a c i l i t i e s 4

D. New or Unusual Technology 4

E. Location of the Proposed Act iv i t ies 4

I I I . Description of the Af fected Environment and Impacts 6

A. Physical and Environmental 6

1. Conmercial Fishing 6

2. Shipping 14

3. Recreation 14

4. Cultural Resources 15

5. Ecologically Sensit ive Features 15

6. Existing Pipel ines and Cables 16

7. Other Mineral Uses 16

John E. Chanco & Assoc, tno.

11

8. Ocean Dumping . . , 17

9. Endangered or Threatened Species 17

B. Socio-Economic Impacts 18

IV. Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 19

V. Li terature Cited 24

Coastal Zone Consistency Cer t i f i ca t i on 16

John E . C h a n c o & A s s o c . . Inc . i l l

r

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE Page

i—Vic in i t y Map of Garden Banks Area Blocks 1.6 and 119... 2

J o h n E. C h a n c e at A s s o c . , kmc — V iv

r

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE P a 9 e

1 — Conmercial ly Important Shellfish of the

Gulf of Mexico 9

2 — Check List of Commercial 4 Sport c shes

of The Northern Gulf of Mexico 12

John E. Chanco A Assoc., Inc.. V

I I . Description of the Proposed Action

This report addresses the exploration ac t i v i t y proposed by Conoco Inc.

for Garden Banks Area Block 118 (OCS-G-6339) and 119 (OCS-G-6340j. The

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

a v i c i n i t y map of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease areas o f f the

coast of Louisiana.

I t Is anticipated that a semi-submersible d r i l l i n g r i g w1U be moved on

locat ion and one well w i l l be d r i l l e d in Block 118 and one well w i l l be

d r i l l e d In Block 119. The exact location for the proposed wells and

add i t iona l Information regarding the specif ic a c t i v i t i e s proposed by Conoco

Inc. f o r t n l s block are Included 1n the attached Plan of Exploration.

The proposed ac t i v i t i e s w i l l be carried out by Conoco Inc. with a

guarantee of the fol lowing:

1 . The best available and safest technologies w i l l be u t i l i z e d

throughout the p ro jec t . This Includes meeting a l l applicable

requirements for equipment types, general project layout, safety

systems, equipment and monitoring systems.

2. Al l operations w i l l be covered by M.M.S. approved 011 Spi l l

Contingency Plan.

3. Al l applicable Federal, State, and local requirements regarding

a i r emissions, water qua l i t y , anc discharge for the proposed

ac t i v i t i e s , as well as any other peral t condi t ions, w i l l be

V John E. Chance & Assoc.. Snc. l

MISSISSIPPI ALABAMA

TEXAS

EAST BREAKS

ARC*

•AROCN BANKS •RCA GREEN CANVON ARC*

MOBILE sowrx

VICINITY MAP

40 80m.

JOHN E. CHANCE S ASSOC.. INC

complied * i t h .

A. Travel Modes, Routes, and Frequencies

Conoco Inc. w i l l operate out of their service base f a c i l i t i e s

established In Cameron and Morgan City, Louisiana. Conoco Inc. anticipates

using one helicopter, one work bo*t, and one stand-by boat to su nort the

Garden Banks Area Block 118 and i i ' i a c t i v i t y . The helicopter wi travel to

the location a total ot twenty-on- times per week. The work boat w i l l

t rave l to tne location a t o t a l of four times per week and the stard-by boat

w i l l remain on locat ion seven days per w«»ek on a twenty-four hour per day

bas is .

I t Is anticipated tha t the transportation vessels w i l l u t i l i z e the most

d i r e c t route from the Cameron and Morgan C1tyt Louisiana bases. Because the

vessels supporting the Garden banks Area Block 118 and 119 exploration

a c t i v i t i e s may be scheduled for other stops m Ue area, the exact route for

each vessel on each pa r t i cu la r t r i p cannot £>e predetermined.

B. Support Base and New Personnel

Conoco Inc. w i l l u t i l i z e support base f a c i l i t i e s established in Cameron

and Morgan City, Louisiana. The Cameron, Louisiana support base Is located

approximately one hundred fo r t y miles from the block and the Morgan C i ty ,

Louisiana support base i s located approximately one hundred fo r t y -s i x miles

John E. Chance £ Assoc., Inc. 3

from the block.

Because helicopter and marine f a c i l i t i e s are current ly available at »e

service base and are presently d continuously manned, no additional

onshore employment 1s expected to be generated as a resu l t of these

a c t i v i t i e s .

The i n i t i a l OCS Socio-Economic Data Base Report for the service base

f a c i l i t i e s u t i l i zed by Conoco Inc. w i l l be prepared for submission pursuant

to the speci f ic parameters to be established by the DOI/MMS and scheduled to

be Issued st a later date.

C. "rat Support Fac i l i t ies

The proposed exploration a c t i v i t i e s for Garden Banks Area Block 118 and

119 w i l l not require the develop"ient of any new support f a c i l i t i e s .

D. New or Unusual Technology

The exploration a c t i v i t i e s f o r Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 w i l l

not warrant u t i l i z i ng any new technology that may a f fec t coastal waters.

E. Location of the Proposed A c t i v i t i e s

Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 1s located approximately one

hundred f o r t y miles from the Caaeron, Louisiana support base and ona nnnc>ed

John E. Chanct* JL Avsoc., Ino. 4

f o r t y - s i x miles from the Morgan C l t / , Louisiana support base. Figure 1

presents the location of the block 1n re lat ion to the Louisiana coast, as

wel l as the geographic re la t ionsh ip between Garden Banks Area Block 118 and

119 and the other OCS lease areas.

John £ Chanco st Ammoo* ina 5

I I I . DESCRIPTION OF "HE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACTS

A. Physical and Environmenul

1 . Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing has t r a d i t i o n a l l y provided an Important economic

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

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

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

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

are the shrimp, menhaden, oys ter , industr ia l bottom f i s h , and crab

f i s h e r i e s .

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

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

d o l l a r s . The northern Gulf shrimp f ishery 1s comprised mainly of three

spedes ; the brown shrimp (Penaeur a z tec us) , the white shrimp (P^

s e t l f e r u s ) and the pink shrimp (P^ duorarum). The smaller brown shrimp

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

percent, and the white shrimp account for a majority of the remainder.

Three other spedes, the rock shrimp, royal reds, and the sea bobs, are also

taken commercially 1n the northern Gulf but together comprise less than 4

percent of the total shrimp landings.

John C Chanco & Assoc., Ino.

Preliminary s ta t i s t i cs compiled by the National Marine Fisheries

Service Indicate that 76,953,758 pounds of shrimp (heads on) valued at over

130 m i l l i o n dollars were landed at Louisiana ports In 1983. I t should be

noted t ha t eaten s ta t i s t i cs are recorded by the area landed and do not

necessari ly Indicate that the species were actual ly caught In waters

adjacent to the ports where they were landed.

Most shrimp are taken by trawl and are estuarine dependent In that they

require estuaries during some stage of the i r Mfe cyc les. Mature shrimp

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

eggs ano subsequent larval stages c i rcu la te f reely in the currents of the

OCS anc! can :-a found In v i r t u a l l y a l l OCS waters. Young juveni les then

enter the estuary to f ed, mature, ar d -epeat the cyc le .

The Garden Banks Areas under consideration f a l l w i th in the "hl^h to

moderate Royal red shrimp product iv i ty area" (U .S .D . I . , FREIS, Gulf of

Mexico, 1983, Visual No. 4-1) wherein the poss ib i l i t y of shrimp f ishing

a c t i v i t y ex is ts . Some documented impacts of petroleum exploration and

production on the shrimp f ishery Include the removal of trawling space

during the d r i l l i n g and explorat ion phases and the poss ib i l i t y of f ishing

gear c o n f l i c t s with exist ing wel l heads. These c o n f l i c t s could resul t in

loss o f catch, loss of or damage to nets, vessel damage, and/or f ishing

downti, sses. Additional discussion of the Impacts on the commercial

f i sh ing Industry Is contained In the Final Regional Environmental Impact

SUtement, Gulf of Mexico, Volume 1 , pages 327 to 332 (U.S.O. I . . 1983).

John E. Chanco £ Ammoo^ tno. 7

The Gulf oyster f ishery provided over 40 percent of the oysters landed

na t i ona l l y in 1982 to ta l ing 24.2 mi l l ion pounds of meat worth over J J

m i l l i o n dol lars. Most GUI'" oysters are taken by oyster dredging 1n

estuar ine and coastal wat v s . . ' th in Smiles of shore. According to National

Marine Fisheries Service s U w ; .>*'cs (ver 13 mi l l i on pounds of oysters valued

at over 17 mil l ion dol lars w\ire l^noed at Louisiana ports 1n 1983. The

proposed ac t i v i t ies l r -*en Hanks Area Block 118 and 119 are not expected

to hav.» any Impact on M t j ys te r c shery 1n Louisiana.

In 1981 the Gulf States also landed 37.4 m i l l i on pounds of blue cabs

(Cal 1 inectes sapidus) t l l u e d a i over 8 mi l l ion do l l a rs . Most were captured

In "po ts " (baited traps) In shallov estuarine or near shore wators. Blue

crabs are also caught using " t r o t l nes" (shallow, mult ibal ted l ines) and

bottom t rawls . The*-? crabs arc* efr*<trine dependent wi th planktonic eggs and

la rva l stages Blue crab landings *H Louisiana ports totaled over 18

m i l l i o n pounds value! at over 16 11 Hon dol lars in 1983, according to

National Marine Fisheries Servicr S ta t i s t i cs . The f ishery for blue crabs Is

u n l i k e l y to be s igni f icant ly avfected hy exploration and production

a c t i v i t i e s in these blocks as I t i s offshore of the coastal and estuarine

waters 1n which this f ishery operates.

Table I p<«*:eiit! * ! * s t of commercially lutportant she l l f i sh found in

the r>»rti't»A Gulf of Mexico.

• Tr.- menhaden or "Pogy" fishery Is the nation's second most valuable ' John E. Cham a st Assoc., Bno. 3

TABLE 1 COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT SHELLFISH

OF THE GULF OF MEXICO

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME HARVEST METHOD

SHRIMP:

Brown Sirimp Penaeus aztecus BT

White Shrimp P. s e t l f e r u i BT

Pink Shrimp P^ duorarum BT

Seabob Xiphopenaeus kroyerl BT

Royal Red Shrimp Hymenopenaeus robustus BT

Rock Shrimp Si cy on id brev i rost r is BT

Blue Crab Cal l inectes sapidus CT.BT.TL

Oysters Crassostrea sp. 00,OT

BT Bottom Trawl

CT Baited Crab Trap

00 Oyster Dredge

OT Oyster Tongs

TL "Tro t l lne"

John E. Chanco st Assoc., Inc. 9

f i shery accounting for 1.2 b i l l i o n pounds valued at 47 m i l l i o n dollars or

roughly ha l f of the total 1981 f i s h poundage landed in the U. S. Spurred by

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

U. S. had a record sett ing menhaden catch In 1982. Gulf landings were 1.9

b i l l i o n pounds worth over 72 m i l l i o n dol lars. Four species are said to

comprise the menhaden f ishery but the Gulf menhaden (Br-ev Port ia patronus)

accounts for most of the ca tch . Menhaden are processed Into f ish meal, f i sh

o i l , and f ish solubles for I ndus t r i a l use. Menhaden are estuarine dependent

wi th planktonic eggs. Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 l i e s beyond the

"Pr inc ipa l Menhaden Harvest Area" (U.S.O. I . , FREIS, Gulf of Mexico, 1983,

Visual No. 4-1), however, the poss ib i l i t y of negative impacts on menhaden

f i s h i n g do not exist .

Indust r ia l oottomflshes make up a large f ishery in the Gulf. Within

t h i s group are fishes taken on or very near the bottom by commercial

t r a w l e r s . The following f ishes generally account for 95 to 98 percent of

the Indus t r ia l bottosfish t rawl f i shery : croaker, spot, sand seatrout,

s i l v e r seatrout, ca t f i sh , and longsplne porgy (U.S.O. I . , x 13).

Many of the spedes taken In the industr ial bottomfish category spawr.

In o f fshore waters, and I t 1s possible that the eggs might be adversely

a f f ec ted by contact with d r i l l cu t t ings and/or d r i l l i n g mud I f they were

present near the r ig during such releases. These discharges may also cause

temporary relocation of adul ts due to Inundation of feeding ground at the

d r i l l s i t e . Fishing a c t i v i t y w i l l be temporarily in terrupted by the

placement of tha d r i l l i n g r i g but no long-term e f fec ts are anticipated as a

John £, Chance 4 Assoc.. Ino. 10

r e s u l t o f th is proposal. Indust r ia l oottomfish are usually sold as

I ndus t r i a l flshmeal and f i sh so luo les, but th is group also produces some

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

Other species for wnich s i gn i f i can t commercial f isher ies exist include

s t r i p e d mul let , groupers, snappers, and flounders. Mullet are taken near

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

Snappers and groupers are taken by hook and 1 ine throughout the OCS wherever

n a t u r a l l y occurring or man-made bentnlc features provide su f f i c ien t hab i ta t .

Flounders are also caught commercially by hook and Une and are taken

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

Weakflshes, croakers, and drums are also taken commercially by hook and Une

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

bottomflshes and sport i fshes found In the Gulf of Mexico.

Overa l l , commercial fisherme have benefited frora the growth of the

petroleum Industry in the X S water of the Gulf of Mexico. While

technological Improvements have enabled commercial fishermen to Increase the

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

p o s i t i v e Impact on f i sh ing . Because OCS petroleum development Is dependent

on extensive marine vessel u t i l i z a t i o n , harbors and ports have been

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

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

have Increased s ign i f i can t l y . These improvements have de f in i te ly had a

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

John £ Chanco sf Assoc., Inc.

n

TABLE 2

A CHECK LIST OF COMMERCIAL 4 SPORT FISHES

OF THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO1

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME2

Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus

Hardhead Catfish Arlus f e l l s

Gaf f topsa i l Catfish Bagre marlnus

Warsaw Grouper Eplnephelus n lg r l tus

Jewflsh Eplnephelus 1ta,.ara

Red Grouper Eplnephelus morio

Rock H1nd Eplnephelus adscenslonls

Flor ida Pompano Trachlnotus carolInus

Red Snapper Lutjanus caropachanus

Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus

Northern Kingfish Mentidrrhus saxa t l l l s

Black Drue Pogonlas cronls

A t lan t i c Croaker Micropogonias undulatus

Spotted Seatrout Cynosclon nebulosus

Sand Seatrout Cynosclon arenarlus

Red Drue Sdaenops ocel latus

Spot Lelostonus xanthurus

Str iped Mullet Mugll cephalus

King Mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla

John £. Chanco & Assoc.. Ino. 12

TABLE 2 (cont'd)

A CHECK LIST OF COMMERCIAL 4 SPORT FISHES

OF THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus macule,;

Unc lass i f ied Flounders Par a l ien thy s spp.

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

Fisher ies Service, New Orleans, Louisiana.

2. Sc ien t i f i c nomenclature from American Fisheries Society (1980).

John £. Chanco A Assoc., Inc. 13

r

2. Shipping

A designated shipping fairway is located w i t l i ' Garden Banks Area Block

118 and 119. Conoco I nc . ' s proposed ac t i v i t i es wi i l not oe located wi th in

t h i s shipping fairway. I t i s unl ikely that the marine vessels w i l l u t i l i z e

the shipping fairway located w i th in the blocks to gain access the support

bases, therefore, I t i s un l i ke l y that they w i l l have any e f fec t on fairway

t r a f f i c . The d r i l l i ng r i g and each of the marine vessels w i l l be equipped

w i th a l l V. S. Coast Guard required navigational safety aids.

3 Re -e.,t1on

The open Gulf encompasses a broad expanse of sa' -. ' .er which 1s

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

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

spor t dive in the nortnern Gul f . The states of Alabama, Miss iss ipp i , and

Louisiana support approximately 120 charter boats which conduct a majori ty

of t h e i r fishing a c t i v i t i e s In the waters of the OCS (' - S . D . I . , 1983).

Petroleum platforms in the northern Gulf provide recreation for fishermen

and scuba divers because they act a- - t l f l d a l reefs a t t ract ing and

estab l ish ing aquatic communities Including highly sought af ter food and

spor t f ishes. The ree* e f f e c t created by petroleum platforms Is well known

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

o f fshore f ac i l i t i e s to harvest food and sport f i shes.

John £ Chanco A Assoc., Inc. 14

Frequently, offshore r tgs and platforms serve as navigation points for

small corraercia! and recreat ional marine c r a f t . Manned d r i l l i n g r igs and

platforms can also provide a haven for small c r a f t operators forced to

abandon their vessels during storms or following boat accidents. The

i ns ta l l a t i on and use of navigational a ids, l i fesaving equipment, and other

safety requirements pursuant to Coast Guard regulations are standard

procedure for d r i l l i n g r igs *..d marine vessels u t i l i z e d by Conoco Inc . .

4 . Cultural Resources

Visual No. 11 from the Regional Environmental Impact Statement

(U.S.D. I , 1983) Indicates tha t Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 f a l l s

beyond •'.e zones designated as areas with high probab i l i t ies of h is tor ica l

and prehistorical n a t u r a l resources, therefore, I t Is unl ikely that any

a c t i v i t i e s planned for these blocks w i l l have any s ign i f i can t Impacts upon

cu l t u ra l y s igni f icant fea tures .

5. Ecologically Sensit ive Features

Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 are located approximately four

miles from the Sidner Bank, e ight miles f»-om the Rezak Bank and eleven miles

from the Fathom Bank. There are no other known ecological ly sensit ive areas

near Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119.

The Cameron, Louisiana support base Is located approximately f i ve miles

John E. Chance & Assoc., Inc. 15

fron the Rutherford Beach State Park and the Morgan City, Louisiana support

base Is located approximately thirty-three miles from the Marsh Island

Wildlife Refuge (U.S.0.1. FREIS. Gulf of Mexico, 19c. . Visual No. 3).

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

unusual circumstances, the environmental1 sensitive areas will not be

affected.

6. Existing Pipelines and Cables

A shallow hazards survey was performed for Conoco Inc. This report

Indicates that no magnetic anomalies were detected within the block. Three

major seafloor depressions are present within the block. The processes

which formed these depressions are not known, and I t Is not known whether

they are active at the present time. Conoco Inc. 1s aware of the potential

hazards and has taken the necessary precautionary measures.

There are no known pipelines located with the blocks.

7. Other Mineral Uses

There are no other known Mineral resources located In or near Garden

Banks Area Blocks 118 and 119.

John fc Chmnom st AmWm%%* km. 16

8. Ocean Dumping

The major sources of ocean dumping related to OCS petroleum exploration

a c t i v i t y are d r i l l i ng f l u i d s , or "muds," and d r i l l cu t t i ngs . Conoco Inc.

does anticipate dumping t h e i r excess water based d r i l l i n g f lu ids

(approximately 1200 bb ls ) . I f any oil-based mud Is used during the d r i l l i n g

operat ions, i t wi l l be returned to the vendor for proper disposal at an

approved s i te .

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

grains of sand to pebbles. These cut t ings are separated and s i f t ed and then

disposed overboard. Treated domestic wastes and d r i l l waters w i l l also be

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

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

regu la t ions .

Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 are not located wi th in an approved

E.P.A. disposal area or m i l i t a r y ordinance disposal area.

9. Endangered or Threatened Species

Endangered or threatened species which might occur in Garden Banks Area

Block 118 and 119 are blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), finback

whale (Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). se1

whale (Balaenoptera bo rea l i s ) , sperm whale (Physeter catodon), Kemp's r id ley

t u r t l e (Lepidochelys kempi i ) , green t u r t l e (Chelonia mydas), hawksalll

t u r t l e (Eretmochelys Imbr ica ta ) , leatherback t u r t l e (Dermochelys corlacea)

John C Chanco & Assoc., Ino. 17

and loggerhead tur t le (Caretta caret ta) (U.S.O. I . , Region IV Endangered

Species Notebook).

Endangered and threatened species expected to occur In the v i c i n i t y of

the onshore ba«es are bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the brown

pel ican (Pelecanus occ iden ta l i s ) , and American a l l i g a t o r (Al l igator

mlss lss lpplenslsHU.S.O.I . . Region IV Endangered Species Notebook). The

brown pelican was a common resident of Louisiana but t h i s species became

v i r t u a l l y ext inct 1n the l a te 1950's (F r i t t s et a l . , 1983). By I960, the

est imated Louisiana population of brown pelicans was four birds (NFUL,

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

vary ing success (Fr i t t s et a l . , 1983). The a c t i v i t i e s proposed by Conoco

Inc. are expected to have no Impacts on the brown pel ican. The American

a l l i g a t o r 1s c lassi f ied as threatened in Louisiana due to s imi la r i t y of

appearance. This species Is nei ther endangered nor threatened b io log ica l ly

In Louisiana and a -egu1 ed harvest Is permitted under State law (U.S.O. I . ,

Region IV Endanger*:.. * es Notebook). No Impacts on American a l l iga tors

are expected. The pres*. ce of marine mammals 1n coastal Louisiana Is

considered sporadic and probably no resident populations ex is t . I t 1s

u n l i k e l y that onshore or explorat ion ac t i v i t i es re la ted to Garden Banks Area

Block 118 and 119 w i l l have any e f f ec t on the previously named species.

B. Socio-Economic Impacts

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

1980, the I n i t i a l OCS Oata Base Report w i l l be developed for submission on

John E. Chanco et Assoc., Inc. 13

r or before the prescribed due date. Subsequent Environmental Reports

provided by Conoco Inc. w i l l address this dara and related activity Impacts

as required.

John E. Chance & Assoc.. Inc. 19

_

IV. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS

The greatest threat to the natural environment Is caused by Inadequate

operational safeguards that may cause or contribute to an o i l sp i l l or e l l

blowout. These accidents can be great ly reduced 1n number by utH1:1ng

t ra ined operational personnel and employing a l l avai lable safety am

po l l u t i on control systems. These measures are standard operating procedure

for Conoco Inc. . Conoco Inc. has an approved Oil Sp i l l Contingency Plan.

I t should be noted that most large crude o i l and ref ined products

s p i l l s have occurred during t ransportat ion and not during d r i l l i n g or

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

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

Transportation and r iver runof f contr ibute an estimated 34.9 percent and

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

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

'Nat ional Academy of Sciences, 1975). Natural seeps of petroleum and

natural gas, which occur throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico (Zo Be l l ,

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

of the wor ld 's oceans (National Academy of Sciences, 1975). Addi t ional ly ,

I t was noted in the executive summary of a recent study of petroleum

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

natural disturbance: ( I . e . r i v e r f looding and storms) -an more greatly

a f f ec t normal biological communities that the current Industr ia l development

of the Louisiana OCS. The preceding discussion Is not intended to minimize

the s igni f icance of major o i l s p i l l s result ing frora petroleum exploration

John E. Chance & Assoc., Snc. 20

and production ac t i v i t ies out 1s provided to establ ish a perspective

r e l a t i v e to their probable occurrence.

Thirteen of the f o r t y - s i x blow-outs on the OCS between 1971 and 1978

were associated with explorat ion d r i l l i n g a c t i v i t i e s , none of which released

any o i l to the marine environment (Danenberger, 1980). The IXTOC I sp i l l of

1979, however, demonstrates that advanced d r i l l i n g technology and available

safety and pollut ion control systems are not i n f a l l i b l e . Most sp i l l s are

subjected to Immediate containment and cleanup e f f o r t s . The ult imate fate

of o i l sp i l l ed in the marine environment is generally considered to be one

or a combination of the fo l l ow ing : evaporation and decomposition in the

atmosphere, dispersal In the water column, Incorporation in to sediments, and

ox ida t ion by chemical or b io log ica l means (National Academy of Sciences,

1975).

The unavoidable adverse impacts that w i l l occur as a resul t of the

exp lora t ion d r i l l i ng and discharging of d r i l l i n g f l u i ds and treated sewage

w i l l be few in nu-.Jer and temporary 1n nature. The primary adverse impacts

Include a localized degradation of water and a i r qual i ty in the v i c i n i t y of

the d r i l l i n g s i t e , the potent ia l obstruction to commercial and recreational

f i s h i n g vessels, and the d isrupt ion and/or k i l l i n g of benthic and/or pelagic

organisms during location of the d r i l l i n g r ig and during disposal of muds,

c u t t i n g s , and domestic wastes and sewage.

John *?. Chance & Assoc* inc. 21

r Discharging from the d r i l l s i t e Is inevitable during OCS operations,

p a r t i c u l a r l y during explorat ion. Any materials that may contain o i l or

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

Impact on the environment, w i l l not be discharged In ten t iona l l y . Any

discharging w i l l be done pursuant to a l l DOI and EPA regulat ions. The

discharges to be disposed overboard as a resul t of the exploration ac t i v i t y

w i l l Include domestic waste and sewage that 1s treated on the r i g before

discharging and d r i l l cu t t ings-

The environmental fate and e f fec ts of d r i l l i n g muds and cutt ings has

been extensively addressed 1n a recent symoslum (See Ayers et a l . , 1980 for

de ta i l ed discussions). The discharging of d r i l l cut t ings and water-based

mud w i l l resul t in an Increase in water t u r b i d i t y , bur ial of benthic

organisms, and possible toxic e f f ec t s on marine organisms in the Immediate

v i c i n i t y of the d r i l l i ng r i g . A reduction In photosynthetlc ac t i v i t y and

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

expected, however, that pelagic and benthic organisms w i l l repopulate the

area rap id ly after discharging I f the effects are minimal and Intermit tent

as expected.

Offshore act iv i t ies generate a small but s ign i f i can t amount of a i r

p o l l u t a n t s ; therefore, the de te r io ra t ion of a i r qual i ty 1s unavoidable In an

OCS operation area. In most Instances, these emissions a f fec t only the

Immediate exploration a c t i v i t y s i t e and are rapidly dissipated by the

atmosphere depending upon c l ima t i c condit ions. An A i r Quality Review Report

has been performed for Garden Banks Area Block 118 and 119 and Is included

John tZ Chance & Assoc* Inc. 22

as an attachment to this Environmental Report.

Commercial and recreat ional f ish ing would be affected by OCS

development, but pr imari ly 1n terms of inconvenience and interference.

Although the unavoidaole adverse Impacts could Include some smothering of

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

un res t r i c ted f ishing, and minimal f i n f i s h k i l l i n g , commercial f ishing

a c t i v i t i e s would not be s i g n i f i c a n t l y ef fected, except In the unl ikely event

of an o i l s p i l l . An o i l s p i l l could resul t in serious economic losses due

to the contamination of commercial f ish species.

There is a remote p o s s i b i l i t y that offshore areas of h i s t o r i c a l ,

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

exp lo ra t ion operations. Visual No. 11 from the Regional Environmental

Impact Statement (U.S.D. I . , 1983) Indicates that no archeological, c u l t u r a l ,

or n l s t o r l c areas are In the v i c i n i t y of Garden Banks Area Block 118 ar.d

119. Conoco Inc. w i l l make every e f f o r t to avoid disturbing any

h i s t o r i c a l l y , cu l t u ra l l y , or b io log i ca l l y s ign i f i can t feature.

John E. Chat.GO 6 Assoc* Inc. 23

LITERATURE CITED

American Fisheries Society 1980 A List of Common and Sc ien t i f i c Names of Fishes from the United

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

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

and effects of d r i l l i n g f lu ids and cu t t i ngs . Washington, D.C. 1,122 pp.

Bedinger, C. A., Jr . 1981 Ecological Invest igat ions of petroleum production platforms In

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

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

Geological Survey Ci rcu lar 741. 47 pp.

Danenberger, E. P. 1980 Outer Continental Shelf 011 and Gas Blowouts. U.S.G.S. Open-File

Report. 80-101. 15pp.

F r i t t s , T. H., A. B. I r v i ne , R. D. Jennings, L. A. Col lum, W. Hoffman, and M. A. McGehee

1983 Turtles, b i rds , and mammals In the northern Gulf of Mexico and nearby Atlantic waters. U. S. F1sh and Wi ld l i f e Service, Division of Biological Services, Washington, D. C FWS/OBS-82/65. 455 pp.

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

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

Gal l away, B. J . and G. S. Lewbel 1982 The ecology of petroleum platforms In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico:

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

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

communities. Pages 237-293 in B. S. Middledi tch, ed. Environmental effects of of fshore o i l production. The Buccaneer Gas and Oil Field Study. Marine Science, Vol. 14. Plenum Press, New York, New York.

V J o h n E . C h a n c o st A m m o c * I n c . 24

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

Caribbean Sea. College Station, Texa*. Texas A 4 M University Press.

National Academy of Sciences 1975 Petroleum 1n the marine env1rc« vjtnt. Washington, D.C. 107 pp.

National Fish and Wi ld l i fe Laboratory (NFV .) 1980 Selected vertebrate endangered \ic*es of the seacoast of the

United States: Brown Pelican, ea :-ern and Cal i fo rn ia subspecies. U. S. Fish and W i l d l i f e Service, Biological Services Program FWS/OBS- 80/01.40. 16 pp.

National Marine Fisheries Service 1984 Louisiana landing s t a t i s t i c s from personal communication with Lee

JSIA, NMFS, Mew Orleans, La.

U. S. Department of the I n t e r i o r , Fish and Wi ld l i f e Service 1976 Endangered and threatened species of the southeastern United States.

Region IV, A t lan ta , Georgia (per iodical ly updated).

U. S. Department of t h i I n t e r i o r , Minerals Management Service 1933 Final Regional Environmental Impact Statement, Gulf of Mexico.

Vol. 1. Prepared by Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Me ta i r i e , Louisiana. 527 -^p.

Zo B e l l , C. E. 1954 Marine bacteria and fung i , Fisheries Bu l le t in 55 (89): 217 - 222.

John E. Chance A Assoc* inc. 25

APPENDIX 1

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATE

J o h n E . C h a n c o A A s s o c * I n c . 26

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

EXPLORATION

Type of Plan

GARDEN BANKS AREA BLOCK 118 (OCS-G-6339) GAROEN BANKS AREA BLOCK 119 (OCS-G-634U)

Area and Block

Tne proposed ac t iv i t i es described In detail in the attached Plan of Exploration comply with Louisiana's approved Coastal Management program and wi l l be conducted In a manner consistent with such Program.

Arrangements have been made with the State Times in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to puollsh a Public Notice of the Proposed ac t i v i t y no ear l ie r than \2J1LIV •

CONOCO INC.

Lessee or Operator

Cert i fy ing O f f i c i a l - D. L. Byers Coordinator Environmental A f fa i rs

John £. Chanco 4 Assoc., Inc.

27