Appendix F 

Air Quality Review
EXPLORATION PLAN (EP)

AIR QUALITY SCREENING CHECKLIST

COMPANY Woodside Energy

AREA WR

BLOCK 325

LEASE 32673

PLATFORM

WELL A-D

COMPANY CONTACT Debra K. Benoit

TELEPHONE NO. 713-401-0083

REMARKS debra.benoit@WoodsideEnergy.com
EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS 1ST YEAR

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Woodside Energy WR 325 32673 A-D Debra K. Benoit 713-401-0083

OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT RATING MAX. FUEL ACT. FUEL RUN TIME MAXIMUM POUNDS PER HOUR ESTIMATED TONS

Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D

Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D

Burners MMBTU/HR SCF/HR SCF/D HR/D DAYS PM SOx NOx VOC CO PM SOx NOx VOC CO

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 61200 2955.96 70943.04 24 151 43.14 197.89 1482.82 44.48 323.52 78.16 358.57 2686.87 80.61 586.23

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

BURNER diesel 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

AUXILIARY EQUIP<600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 1800 86.94 2086.56 8 129 1.27 5.82 43.61 1.31 9.52 0.66 3.01 22.58 0.68 4.93

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.57 2.64 19.76 0.59 4.31

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.57 2.64 19.76 0.59 4.31

No Tugs Required VESSELS>600hp diesel(tugs-2) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FACILITY DERRICK BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

INSTALLATION MATERIAL TUG diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00

DRILLING OIL BURN 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

WELL TEST GAS FLARE 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2013 YEAR TOTAL 47.37 217.29 1628.19 48.85 355.24 79.97 366.86 2748.96 82.47 599.77

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 102282.55

165.0
COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Woodside Energy WR 325 32673 A-D Debra K. Benoit 713-401-0083

OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT RATING MAX. FUEL ACT. FUEL RUN TIME MAXIMUM POUNDS PER HOUR ESTIMATED TONS

Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D

Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D

Burners MMBTU/HR SCF/HR SCF/D HR/D DAYS PM SOx NOx VOC CO PM SOx NOx VOC CO

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 61200 2955.96 70943.04 24 151 43.14 197.89 1482.82 44.48 323.52 78.16 358.57 2686.87 80.61 586.23

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

BURNER diesel 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

AUXILIARY EQUIP<600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 1800 86.94 2086.56 8 129 1.27 5.82 43.61 1.31 9.52 0.66 3.01 22.58 0.68 4.93

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.57 2.64 19.76 0.59 4.31

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.57 2.64 19.76 0.59 4.31

No Tugs Required VESSELS>600hp diesel(tugs-2) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FACILITY DERRICK BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

INSTALLATION MATERIAL TUG diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00

DRILLING OIL BURN 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

WELL TEST GAS FLARE 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2014 YEAR TOTAL 47.37 217.29 1628.19 48.85 355.24 79.97 366.86 2748.96 82.47 599.77

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 102282.55

165.0
COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Woodside Energy WR 325 32673 A-D Debra K. Benoit 713-401-0083

OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT RATING MAX. FUEL ACT. FUEL RUN TIME MAXIMUM POUNDS PER HOUR ESTIMATED TONS

Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D

Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D

Burners MMBTU/HR SCF/HR SCF/D HR/D DAYS PM SOx NOx VOC CO PM SOx NOx VOC CO

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 61200 2955.96 70943.04 24 151 43.14 197.89 1482.82 44.48 323.52 78.16 358.57 2686.87 80.61 586.23

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

BURNER diesel 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

AUXILIARY EQUIP<600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 1800 86.94 2086.56 8 129 1.27 5.82 43.61 1.31 9.52 0.66 3.01 22.58 0.68 4.93

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.57 2.64 19.76 0.59 4.31

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.57 2.64 19.76 0.59 4.31

No Tugs Required VESSELS>600hp diesel(tugs-2) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FACILITY DERRICK BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

INSTALLATION MATERIAL TUG diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00

DRILLING OIL BURN 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

WELL TEST GAS FLARE 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2015 YEAR TOTAL 47.37 217.29 1628.19 48.85 355.24 79.97 366.86 2748.96 82.47 599.77

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 102282.55

165.0
COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Woodside Energy WR 325 32673 A-D Debra K. Benoit 713-401-0083

OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT RATING MAX. FUEL ACT. FUEL RUN TIME MAXIMUM POUNDS PER HOUR ESTIMATED TONS

Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D

Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D

Burners MMBTU/HR SCF/HR SCF/D HR/D DAYS PM SOx NOx VOC CO PM SOx NOx VOC CO

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 61200 2955.96 70943.04 24 152 43.14 197.89 1482.82 44.48 323.52 78.68 360.95 2704.66 81.14 590.11

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

BURNER diesel 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

AUXILIARY EQUIP<600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 1800 86.94 2086.56 8 130 1.27 5.82 43.61 1.31 9.52 0.66 3.03 22.73 0.68 4.96

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.58 2.65 19.89 0.60 4.34

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2100 101.43 2434.32 12 65 1.48 6.79 50.88 1.53 11.10 0.58 2.65 19.89 0.60 4.34

No Tugs Required VESSELS>600hp diesel(tugs-2) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FACILITY DERRICK BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

INSTALLATION MATERIAL TUG diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00

DRILLING OIL BURN 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

WELL TEST GAS FLARE 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2016 YEAR TOTAL 47.37 217.29 1628.19 48.85 355.24 80.50 369.29 2767.17 83.01 603.75

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 102282.55

165.0
SUMMARY

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL

Woodside EnergWR 325 32673 A-D

Emitted Substance

Year

PM SOx NOx VOC CO

2013 79.97 366.86 2748.96 82.47 599.77

2014 79.97 366.86 2748.96 82.47 599.77

2015 79.97 366.86 2748.96 82.47 599.77

2016 80.50 369.29 2767.17 83.01 603.75

2017 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2018 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2019 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2020 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2021 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2022 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Allowable 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 5494.50 102282.55
 

 

Appendix G 

Oil Spill Response Discussion

Oil Spill Response Certification
SPILL RESPONSE DISCUSSION 

For the purpose of NEPA and Coastal Zone Mana gement Act analysis, the largest spill volum e 

originating from the proposed activity would be a well b lowout during drilling operations, 

estimated to be 31,190 barrels of crude oil with an API gravity of 23.9°. 

Land Segment and Resource Identification

Trajectories of a spill a nd the prob ability of it im pacting a land segm ent have bee n projec ted 

utilizing information in the BS EE Oil Spill R isk Analysis Model (OSRAM) for the Central and 

Western Gulf of Mexico available on the BSEE website. The results are shown in Figure 1. The 

BSEE OSRAM identifies a 3% proba bility of im pact to the s horelines of Ca meron Parish, 

Louisiana within 30 days. Cameron Parish includes the east side of Sabine Lake, Sabine National 

Wildlife Refuge, Calcasieu Lake, Lacassine Nationa l Wildlife Refuge (inland) and Grand Lake. 

Cameron Parish also includes the area along the coastline from Sabine Pass to Big Constance 

Lake in Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. This region is co mposed of open public beaches, 

marshlands and swam ps. It serves as a habita t for num erous birds, finf ish and other anim als, 

including several rare, threatened and endangered species. 

Response

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. will make every effort to respond to the Wo rst Case Discharge as 

effectively as practicable. A description of the response equipment under contract to contain and 

recover the Worst Case Discharge is shown in Figure 2.

Using the estim ated chem ical and physical charact eristics of crude oil, an ADIOS weathering 

model was run on a similar product from the ADIO S oil database. The results indicate 28% or 

approximately 8,733 barrels of crude oil would be evaporated/dispersed within 24 hours, with 

approximately 22,457 barrels remaining. 

Spill Response WR 325 Barrels of Oil 

WCD Volume 31,190

Less 28% natural evaporation/dispersion 8,733

Remaining volume 22,457

Daily dispersant capability 7,540 

Figure 2 o utlines equ ipment, pers onnel, m aterials and su pport ves sels as well as tem porary 

storage equipment available to respond to a spill of approx imately 22,457 barrels. The volum e 

accounts for the am ount remaining after evaporatio n/dispersion at 24 hours. The list estim ates 

individual times needed for procurement, load out, travel time to the site and deployment. Figure 

2 also indicates how operations will be supported. 

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.’s Oil Spill Response Plan incl udes alternative response 

technologies such as dispersants and in-situ burn. Strategies will be decided by Unified 
Command based on size of the spi ll, weath er and potential im pacts. If aerial d ispersants are 

utilized, 8 sorties (9,600 gallons) from two of the DC-3 aircrafts and 4 sorties (8,000 gallons) 

from the Basler aircraf t would provide a dail y dispersan t capability o f 7,540 barrels. If the 

conditions are favorable for in-situ burning, the proper approvals have been obtained and the 

proper plan ning is in p lace, in -situ burning of oil m ay be attem pted. Slick containm ent boom 

would be immediately called out and on-scene as soon as possible. Offshore response strategies 

may include attempting to skim utilizing the HOSS Barge and three Fast Response Units, with a 

total derated skimming capacity of 55,753 barrels. Temporary storage associated with skimm ing 

equipment equals 4,500 barrels. If additional storage is needed, three 20,000 barrel storage barge 

may be mobilized and centrally located to provi de temporary storage allowing the skimm ers to 

stay in the area of operations as much as possible. Safety is first priority. Air monitoring will 

be accomplished and operations deemed safe prior to any containment/skimming attempts. 

If the spill went unabated, s horeline impact in Ca meron Parish, Louisiana would depend upon 

existing environm ental conditions. Shoreline prot ection would include the use of CGA’s near 

shore and shallow water skimm ers with a tota led derated skimm ing capacity of 13,253 barrels. 

Temporary storage associated with skimming equipment equals 256 barrels. If additional storage 

is needed, a 23,000 barrel s torage barge m ay be mobilized and centrally located to prov ide 

temporary storage a llowing the sk immers to stay in the area of operation s as m uch as possib le. 

Onshore response m ay include the d eployment of shoreline boom on beach areas, o r protection 

and sorbent boom on vegetated areas. A Mas ter Service Agreement with Oil Mop will ensure 

access to 3 0,000 feet of 18” shoreline p rotection boom . Figure 2 o utlines ind ividual tim es 

needed for procurem ent, load out, travel tim e to the site and deploym ent. Strategies would be 

based upon surveillance and real tim e trajectories that depict areas of potential impact given 

actual sea and weather conditions. The State of Louisiana Initial Oil S pill Response Plan for 

Cameron Parish and Unified Command would be consulted to ensure that environm ental and 

special eco nomic reso urces would be correctly identified and prior itized to en sure optim al 

protection. Shoreline protection strategies depict the protection response modes applicable for oil 

spill clean-up operations. The State of Louisiana Initial Oil Spill Response Plan provides detailed 

shoreline protection strategies for this area, and it describes necessary action to keep the oil spi ll 

from entering Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, based on the assumption that removal of the released 

oil will be much easier and less dam aging to fragile coastal ecosystem s if done in the open 

waters of the Gulf of M exico. Supervisory personnel have the option to modify the deploym ent 

and operation of equipm ent allowing a m ore eff ective respo nse to site-s pecific circu mstances. 

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.’s cont ract Spill Managem ent Team holds a copy of the State of 

Louisiana Initial Oil Spill Response Plan. 

Based on the anticipated wors t cas e discharge scenario, Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. can be 

onsite with contracted o il spill recovery equipm ent with ad equate response capacity to contain 

and recover surface hydrocarbons , and prevent land im pact to the m aximum extent practicab le, 

within 48 hours (based on the equipm ent’s Eff ective Daily Recovery Capacity (EDRC)). 

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. will continue to co mmit additional on-water m echanical recovery 

resources as well as apply dispersants and in -situ burning needed and as approved, under the 

supervision of the USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) and the Regional Response Team (RRT). 
Initial Response Considerations 

Actual actions taken during an oil spill response will be based on many factors to include but not 

be limited to: 

• Weather 

• Equipment and materials availability 

• Ocean currents and tides 

• Location of the spill 

• Product spilled 

• Amount spilled 

• Environmental risk assessments 

• Trajectory and product analysis 

• Well status, i.e., shut in or continual release 

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. will take action to provide a safe, aggressi ve response to contain 

and recover as much of the spilled oil as quickly as it is saf e to do so. In an effort to protect the 

environment, response actions wi ll be designed to provide an “in-depth” protection strategy 

meant to recover as much oil as possible as far from environmentally sensitive areas as possible. 

Safety will take precedence over all other considerations during these operations. 

Upon notification of a spill, the following actions will be taken: 

• Information will be confirmed 

• An assessment will be made and initial objectives set 

• OSROs and appropriate agencies will be notified 

• ICS 201, Initial Report Form completed 

• Initial Safety plan will be written and published 

• Unified Command will be established 

o Overall safety plan developed to reflect the operational situation and coordinated 

objectives 

o Areas of responsibility established for Source Control and each surface operational 

site 

o On-site command and control established 

Offshore Response Actions 

Equipment Deployment

Surveillance 

• Surveillance Aircraft: within two hours of QI notification, or at first light

• Provide trained observer to provide on site status reports 

• Provide command and control platform at the site if needed 

• Continual surveillance of oil movement by remote sensing systems, aerial photography 

and visual confirmation 

• Continual monitoring of vessel assets using vessel monitoring systems 
Dispersant application assets 

• Put ASI on standby 

• With the FOSC, conduct analysis to determine appropriateness of dispersant application 

• Gain FOSC approval for use of dispersants on the surface 

• Deploy aircraft in accordance with a plan developed for the actual situation 

• Coordinate movement of dispersants, aircraft, and support equipment and personnel 

• Confirm dispersant availability for current and long range operations 

• Start ordering dispersant stocks required for expected operations 

Containment boom 

• Call out early and expedite deployment to be on scene ASAP 

• Ensure boom handling and mooring equipment is deployed with boom 

• Provide continuing reports to vessels to expedite their arrival at sites that will provide for 

their most effective containment 

• Use Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) to deploy and maintain boom 

Dedicated off-shore skimming systems 

General 

• Deployed to the highest concentration of oil 

• Assets deployed at safe distance from aerial dispersant and in-situ burn operations 

CGA HOSS Barge 

• Use in areas with heaviest oil concentrations 

• Consider for use in areas of known debris (seaweed, and other floating materials) 

CGA FRUs 

• To the area of the thickest oil 

• Use as far off-shore as allowed 

• VOOs 140’ – 180’ in length 

• VOOs with minimum of 18’ x 38’ or 23’ x 50’ of optimum deck space 

• VOOs in shallow water should have a draft of <10 feet when fully loaded 

Storage Vessels 

• Establish availability of CGA contracted assets 

• Early call out (to allow for tug boat acquisition and deployment speeds) 

• Phase mobilization to allow storage vessels to arrive at the same time as skimming 

systems 

• Position as closely as possible to skimming assets to minimize offloading time 
Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) 

• Use Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.’s contracted resources as applicable 

• Industry vessels are usually best for deployment of Vessel of Opportunity Skimming 

Systems (VOSS) 

• Acquire additional resources as needed 

• Consider use of local assets, i.e. fishing and pleasure craft 

• Expect mission specific and safety training to be required 

• Plan with the US Coast Guard for vessel inspections 

In-situ Burn assets 

• Determine appropriateness of in-situ burn operation in coordination with the FOSC and 

affected SOSC 

• Determine availability of fire boom and selected ignition systems 

• Start ordering fire boom stocks required for expected operations 

• Contact boom manufacturer to provide training if required 

• Determine assets to perform on water operation 

• Build operations into safety plan 

• Conduct operations in accordance with an approved plan 
Near Shore Response Actions 

Timing 

• Put near shore assets on standby and deployment in accordance with planning based on 

the actual situation, actual trajectories and oil budgets 

• VOO identification and training in advance of spill nearing shoreline if possible 

• Outfitting of VOOs for specific missions 

• Deployment of assets based on actual movement of oil 

Considerations 

• Water depth, vessel draft 

• Shoreline gradient 

• State of the oil 

• Use of VOOs 

• Distance of surf zone from shoreline 

Equipment Deployment 

Surveillance 

• Provide trained observer to direct skimming operations 

• Continual surveillance of oil movement by remote sensing systems, aerial photography 

and visual confirmation 

• Continual monitoring of vessel assets 

Dispersant Use 

• Generally will not be approved within 3 miles of shore or with less than 10 meters of 

water depth 

• Approval would be at Regional Response Team level (Region 6) 

Vessel Deployment 

Dedicated Near Shore skimming systems 

• FRVs 

• Egmopol and Marco SWS 

• Operate with aerial spotter directing systems to observed oil slicks 

VOO 

• Use Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.’s contracted resources as applicable 

• Industry vessels are usually best for deployment of Vessel of Opportunity Skimming 

Systems (VOSS) 

• Acquire additional resources as needed 

• Consider use of local assets, i.e. fishing and pleasure craft 

• Expect mission specific and safety training to be required 

• Plan with the US Coast Guard for vessel inspections 

• Operate with aerial spotter directing systems to oil patches 
Shoreline Protection Operations 

Response Planning Considerations 

• Environmental risk assessments (ERA) to determine priorities for area protection 

• Time to acquire personnel and equipment and their availability 

• Previous contingency planning contained in the appropriate Area Contingency Plan, and 

currently for Louisiana, The State of Louisiana Initial Oil Spill Response Plan, Deep 

Water Horizon, dated 2 May 2010 (La. OSRP) 

Actions 

Placement of boom 

• Position boom in accordance with the ERA based on the actual situation or the 

appropriate ACP 

• Assess timing of booming operations to ensure it is where it needs to be at time of 

impact. Consider: 

o Trajectories 

o Weather forecast 

o Oil Impact forecast 

o Verified spill movement 

o Boom, manpower and vessel (shallow draft) availability 

o Near shore boom and support material, (stakes, anchors, line) 

Beach Preparation 

Considerations and Actions 

• Use of a 10 mile go/no go line to determine timing of beach cleaning 

• Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Team Reports and recommendations 

• Determination of Archeological sites and gaining authority to enter 

• Monitoring of tide tables and weather to determine extent of high tides 

• Pre cleaning of beaches by moving waste above high time lines to minimize waste 

• Staging of equipment and housing of response personnel as close to the job site as 

possible to maximize on-site work time 

• Boom tending, repair, replacement and security (use of local assets may be advantageous) 

• Constant awareness of weather and oil movement for resource redeployment as necessary 

• In-situ burn may be considered when marshes have been impacted 

• Passive clean up of marshes should considered and appropriate stocks of sorbent boom 

and/or sweep obtained 

• Earthen berms and shoreline protection boom may be considered to protect sensitive 

inland areas 
Decanting Strategy 

Recovered oil and wa ter m ixtures will typic ally se parate into d istinct phase s when lef t in a 

quiescent state. W hen s eparation occurs, the relatively clean water phase can be siphoned or 

decanted back to the recovery point with m inimal, if any, impact. Decan ting therefore increases 

the effective on-site oil storage c apacity and equipment operating time. FOSC/SOSC approval 

will be req uested p rior to decan ting operation s. This pra ctice is rou tinely used f or oil spill 

recovery. 

CGA Equipment Limitations 

The capability f or any spill respon se equipm ent, whether a dedica ted or portab le system , to 

operate in differing weather conditions will be directly in relation to the capabilities of the vessel 

the system in placed on. Most importantly, however, the decision to operate will be based on the 

judgment of the Unified Command and/or the Captain of the vessel, who will ultimately have the 

final say in te rminating opera tions. Skimm ing equipment listed below m ay have operational 

limits which exceed thos e safety thresholds. As was seen in the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil 

spill response, vessel skimming opera tions ceased when seas reache d 5-6 feet and vessels were 

often recalled to port when those conditions w ere exceeded. System s below are som e of the 

most up-to-date systems available and were employed during the DWH spill. 

Boom 3 foot seas, 20 knot winds 

Dispersants Winds more than 25 knots 

Visibility less than 3 nautical miles 

Ceiling less than 1,000 feet. 

FRU 8 foot seas 

HOSS Barge/OSRB 8 foot seas 

Koseq Arms 8 foot seas 

OSRV 4 foot seas 
Environmental Conditions in the GOM

Louisiana is situated between the easterly and westerly wind belts, and therefore, experien ces 

westerly winds during the wint er and easterly winds in th e summ er. Average wind speed is 

generally 14-15 m ph a long the coast. W ave he ights average 4 and 5 feet. However, during 

hurricane season, Louisiana has recorded wave heights ranging from 40 to 50 feet high and 

winds reaching speeds of 100 mph. Because much of southern Louisiana lies below sea level, 

flooding is prominent. 

Surface water temperature ranges between 70 and 80  ̊F during the summ er months. During the 

winter, the average temperature will range from 50 and 60 ̊F. 

The Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico hurricane seas on is officially from 1 June to 30 Nove mber. 

97% of all tropical activity occurs within this window. The Atlant ic basin shows a very peaked 

season from August through October, with 78% of the tropical storm days, 87% of the m inor 

(Saffir-Simpson Scale categories 1 and 2) hurricane days, and 96% of the m ajor (Saffir-Simpson 

categories 3, 4 and 5) hurricane days occurri ng then. Maxim um activity is in early to m id 

September. Once in a few years there may be a hurricane occurring "out of season" - primarily in 

May or Decem ber. Globally, September is the mo st active month and May is the least active 

month. 
FIGURE 1 

TRAJECTORY BY LAND SEGMENT 

Trajectory of a spill and the probability of it impacting a land segment have been projected 

utilizing Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.’s WC D and information in the BSEE Oil Spill 

Risk Analysis Model (OSRAM) for the Central and Western Gulf of Me xico available on 

the BSEE website using 30 day impact. The results are tabulated below. 

Area/Block OCS-G Launch 

Area 

Land Segment and/or 

Resource 

Conditional 

Probability (%) 

within 30 days 

Exploratory Drilling 

WR 325 

165 miles from shore 

G32673 C47 Matagorda County, TX 

Brazoria County, TX 

Galveston County, TX 

Jefferson County, TX 

Cameron Parish, LA 

Vermilion Parish, LA 

Terrebonne Parish, LA 

Plaquemines Parish, LA 

1 

1 

2 

1 

3 

1 

1 

1 
WCD Scenario– BASED ON WELL BLOWOUT DURING DRILLING OPERATIONS (165 miles from s

22,457 bbls of crude oil (Volume considering natural weathering) API Gravity 23.9° 

FIGURE 2 – Equipment Response Time to WR 325 

Dispersants/Surveillance 

Dispersant/Surveillance Dispersant Capacity (gal) Storage Capacity Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to site 

CGA 

Basler 67T 2000 NA 2 Houma 1 1 1.1 3.

ASI 

DC 3 1200 NA 2 Houma 1 1 1.4 3.DC 3 1200 NA 2 Houma 1 1 1.4 3.Aero Commander NA NA 2 Houma 1 1 1.1 

Offshore Response 

Offshore Equipment No 

Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Hrs to GOM 

CGA 

HOSS Barge 43000 4000 3 Tugs 8 Harvey 7 0 5 

Recovered Oil Storage No 

Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Hrs to GOM 

Enterprise Marine Services LLC (available through contract with CGA) 

CTCo 2604 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2605 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2606 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 
Staging Area: Fourchon

Offshore Equipment With 

Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to Staging 

CGA 

FRU (2) + 100 bbl Tank (4) 8502 400 2 Utility 12 Leeville 1 2 .5 FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (1) 4251 100 1 Utility 6 Harvey 1 2 2.75 42” Auto Boom (5000’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Galveston 1 2 7 42” Auto Boom (10000’) NA NA 0 Crew 40 Harvey 1 2 2.75 42” Auto Boom (2500’) NA NA 6 Crew 12 Ingleside 1 2 9.5 42” Auto Boom (5000’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Lake Charles 1 2 4 42” Auto Boom (2500’) NA NA 6 Crew 12 Pascagoula 1 2 4 1000’ Hydro-Fire Boom NA NA 8 Utility 40 Harvey 1 4 2.75 
Nearshore Response 

Nearshore Recovered Oil 

Storage No Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Hrs to GOM 

Enterprise Marine Services LLC (available through contract with CGA) 

CTCo 2607 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 23 4 

Staging Area: Cameron 

Nearshore and Inland 

Skimmers With Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to Staging T

De

CGA 

SWS Egmopol 3000 100 NA 3 Galveston 1 2 3.5 SWS Egmopol 3000 100 NA 3 Houma 1 2 4 SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Houma 1 2 4 SWS Marco 3588 20 NA 3 Lake Charles 1 2 1 Rope Mop 77 2 0 3 Belle Chasse 1 2 4.5 
Shoreline Protection 

Staging Area: Cameron 

Shoreline Protection 

Boom VOO Persons Req. Storage/Warehouse Location Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to Staging Travel to Deployment Site 

Oil Mop (available through MSA) 

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 New Iberia, LA 1 1 2.5 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Houston, TX 1 1 2.5 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Port Arthur, TX 1 1 1.25 2 

Beach Boom EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to Staging T

De

CGA 

Beach Boom (2000’) NA NA NA 6 Galveston 1 2 3.5 Beach Boom (1000’) NA NA NA 4 Ingleside 1 2 6 Beach Boom (2000’) NA NA NA 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 

Wildlife Response EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to Staging T

De

CGA 

Wildlife Support Trailer NA NA NA 2 Houma 1 2 4 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Belle Chasse 1 2 4.5 Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Galveston 1 2 3.5 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Houma 1 2 4 Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Ingleside 1 2 6 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Lake Charles 1 2 1 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 

Response Asset Total 

Offshore EDRC 55,753 Offshore Recovered Oil Storage 64,500 Nearshore / Shallow Water EDRC 13,253 Nearshore / Shallow Water Recovered Oil Storage 23,256 




NATI(}HAL RESPONSE

co'|poRATroN

6620 CYPRESSWOOD DRlvE. STE.201

SPRING, TEXAS 77379

(281) 899-4&18 . FAX {281i 89s-4849

a SEACORcompany

Please be advised that Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. cunently has a memberchip

agreernent with National Response Corporation (NRC) as equipment provider and

the follovying contracts or agreements by way of NRC membership:

The subject contracts or membership agreements provide immediate access

to available personnelandlor eguipment on a 24-hour per day basis.

ou,/tAoro

COf, POEATE HEADQUAftTERS

3500 SUNHISE HIGHWAY. SUI?E 103

GREAT RIVER, NY 11739

(6811 224*9141 ' FAX {631} 224-sa82

REGIOHAL OFFICES

HOUSTON,TX SAN JUAN, PR

MEMPHIS, TN SEATTLE, WA

MORGAN C'TY, LA SI CRO'X, USVI

N€WYORK, NY TAMPA, FL
 

 

Appendix H 

Consistency Certification

 

 

Appendix I 

Environmental Impact Analysis
Woodside Energy (USA), Inc. (Woodside)

Supplemental/Revised Exploration Plan 

Walker Ridge Block 325 

OCS-G 32673

(A) Impact Producing Factors 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET 

Environment 

Resources 

Impact Producing Factors (IPFs) 

Categories and Examples 

Refer to recent GOM OCS Lease Sale EIS for a more complete list of IPFs 

Emissions 

(air, noise, 

light, etc.) 

Effluents 

(muds, 

cutting, other 

discharges to 

the water 

column or 

seafloor) 

Physical 

disturbances to the 

seafloor (rig or 

anchor 

emplacements, 

etc.) 

Wastes sent 

to shore for 

treatment 

or disposal 

Accidents 

(e.g., oil 

spills, 

chemical 

spills, H2S 

releases) 

Discarded 

Trash & 

Debris 

Site-specific at Offshore 

Location 

Designated topographic features (1) (1) 

Pinnacle Trend area live bottoms (2) (2) 

Eastern Gulf live bottoms (3) (3) 

Benthic communities (4) 

Water quality X(5) X(5) 

Fisheries X(6) X(6) 

Marine Mammals X(7) X(7) X(7) X(7) 

Sea Turtles X(8) X(8) X(8) X(8) 

Air quality (9) 

Shipwreck sites (known or 

potential) 

 (10) 

Prehistoric archaeological sites (11) 

Vicinity of Offshore Location 

Essential fish habitat X(1) X(1) 

Marine and pelagic birds (2) X(2) X(2) 

Public health and safety 

Coastal and Onshore 

Beaches X(1) X(1) 

Wetlands X(2) X(2) 

Shore birds and coastal nesting 

birds 

 X(3) X(3) 

Coastal wildlife refuges X(4) X(4) 

Wilderness areas X(5) X(5) 
Footnotes for Environmental Impact Analysis Matrix 

1) Activities that may affect a marine sanctuary or topographic feature. Specifically, if the well or platform site or 

any anchors will be on the seafloor within the: 

o 4-mile zone of the Flower Garden Banks, or the 3-mile zone of Stetson Bank; 

o 1000-m, 1-mile or 3-mile zone of any topographic feature (submarine bank) protected by the Topographic 

Features Stipulation attached to an OCS lease; 

o Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) criteria of 500 ft. from any no-activity zone; or 

o Proximity of any submarine bank (500 ft. buffer zone) with relief greater than 2 meters that is not protected 

by the Topographic Features Stipulation attached to an OCS lease. 

2) Activities with any bottom disturbance within an OCS lease block protected through the Live Bottom (Pinnacle 

Trend) Stipulation attached to an OCS lease. 

3) Activities within any Eastern Gulf OCS block where seafloor habitats are protected by the Live Bottom (LowRelief) Stipulation attached to an OCS lease. 

4) Activities on blocks designated by the BOEM as being in water depths 300 meters or greater. 

5) Exploration or production activities where H2S concentrations greater than 500 ppm might be encountered. 

6) All activities t hat could result in an accidental spill of produced liquid hydrocarbons or diesel fuel that you 

determine would im pact these envi ronmental resources. If the proposed action is lo cated a sufficie nt distance 

from a resource that no impact would occur, the EIA can note that in a sentence or two. 

7) All activities that involve seafloor disturbances, including anchor emplacements, in any OCS block designated 

by the BOEM as h aving high-probability for the occurrence of shipwrecks or p rehistoric sites, in cluding such 

blocks that will be affected that are adjacent to the lease block in which your planned activity will occur. If the 

proposed activities are located a sufficient distance from a shipwreck or a prehistoric site that no impact would 

occur, the EIA can note that in a sentence or two. 

8) All activities that you determine might have an adverse effect on endangered or threatened marine mammals or 

sea turtles or their critical habitats. 

9) Production activities that involve transportation of produced fluids to shore using shuttle tankers or barges. 
(B) Analysis 

Site-Specific at Walker Ridge Block 325 

Proposed operations consist of the revision of previ ously approved Well Locations A, B and C, 

the addition of Well Location D and the drilling of these wells. 

The operations will be conducted with a dynamically positioned semi-submersible. 

1. Designated Topographic Features 

Potential IPFs on topographic features include effluents, and accidents. 

Effluents: Walker Ridge Block 325 is 93 m iles fr om the closest designated Topographic 

Features Stipulation Block (Sweet Bank); therefore, no adverse impacts are expected. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an acciden tal su rface or sub surface spill would occur from the 

proposed activities (refer to statistics in Item 5 , W ater Quality). Oil s pills cause dam age to 

benthic organisms only if the oil contacts the organi sms. Oil from a surface spill can be driven 

into the water colum n; measurable amounts have been docum ented down to a 10 m depth. At 

this depth, the oil is found only at concentrations several orders of ma gnitude lower than the 

amount shown to have an effect on corals. Becau se the crests of topogr aphic features in the 

Northern Gulf of Mexico are foun d below 10 m, no oil from a surface sp ill could reach their 

sessile biota. Oil from a subsurface spill is not applicable due to the distance of these blocks from 

a topographic area. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Woodside’s Regional 

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix G). 

There are no other IPFs (includi ng emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor and wastes 

sent to shore for disposal) from the proposed activities, which could impact topographic features. 

2. Pinnacle Trend Area Live Bottoms 

Potential IPFs on pinnacle trend area live bottoms include effluents and accidents. 

Effluents: Walker Ridge Block 325 is 239 m iles from the closest live botto m (pinnacle trend) 

area; therefore, no adverse impacts are expected. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an acciden tal su rface or sub surface spill would occur from the 

proposed activities (refer to statistics in Item 5, Water Quality). Oil spill s have the potential to 

foul benthic communities and caus e lethal and sublethal effects on live bottom organisms. Oil 

from a surface sp ill can be dr iven into the w ater colum n; m easurable am ounts have been 

documented down to a 10 m depth. At this depth, the oil is found only at concentrations several 

orders of magnitude lower than the amount shown to have an effect on m arine organisms. Oil 
from a subsurface spill is not a pplicable due to the dis tance of these blocks from a live bottom 

(pinnacle trend) area. The activ ities proposed in this p lan will be covered by Woodside’s 

Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix G). 

There are no other IPFs (includi ng emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor and wastes 

sent to shore for disposal) from the proposed activities which could im pact a live bottom 

(pinnacle trend) area. 

3. Eastern Gulf Live Bottoms 

Potential IPFs on Eastern Gulf live bottoms include effluents and accidents. 

Effluents: Walker Ridge Block 325 is not located in an area characterized by the existence of 

live bottoms; therefore, no adverse impacts are expected. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an acciden tal su rface or sub surface spill would occur from the 

proposed activities (refer to statistics in Item 5, Water Quality). Oil spills cause d amage to live 

bottom organisms only if the oil con tacts the organisms. Oil from a surface spill can be driven 

into the water colum n; measurable amounts have been docum ented down to a 10 m depth. At 

this depth, the oil is found only at concentrations several orders of ma gnitude lower than the 

amount shown to have an effect on m arine inve rtebrates. Oil from a subsurface s pill is not 

applicable due to the distance of these blocks from a live bottom area. The activities proposed in 

this p lan will be cover ed by W oodside’s Regi onal OSRP (ref er to inf ormation subm itted in 

Appendix G). 

There are no other IPFs (includi ng emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor and wastes 

sent to shore for disposal) from the proposed ac tivities which could impact an Eastern Gulf live 

bottom area. 

4. Benthic Communities 

Walker Ridge Block 325 is locate d in water depths 984 feet (300 meters) or greater. Potential 

IPFs that co uld resu lt in im pacts to benthic communities fro m the proposed activities includ e 

physical disturbances to the seafloor. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: A dy namically p ositioned se mi-submersible is being 

used for the proposed activ ities; therefore, only an insignificant am ount of seafloor will be 

disturbed. Because ph ysical distu rbances to the seafloor will be m inimized by the use of a 

dynamically positioned sem i-submersible, W oodside’s proposed operations in W alker Ridge 

Block 325 would not cause im pacts to benthic communities. Additionally, Walker Ridge Block 

325 is approxim ately 71 m iles from the closes t known benthic community site (BenthicGreen 

Canyon Block 287), lis ted in NTL 2009-G40. The proposed activ ities will be conducted in 
accordance with NTL 2009-G40, which will en sure that features o r areas that cou ld support 

high-density benthic communities will not be impacted. 

There are n o other IPF s (includ ing e missions, effluents, wastes sent to shore for disposal, or 

accidents) from the proposed activities which could impact benthic communities. 

5. Water Quality 

IPFs that could result in water quality degradation from the proposed operations in Walker Ridge 

Block 325 include effluents and accidents. 

 

Effluents: Levels of contaminants in drilling muds and cuttings and produced water discharges, 

discharge-rate restrictions and monitoring and toxicity testin g are regulated by the EPA NPDES 

permit, thereby elim inating m any significant bi ological o r eco logical effects. Operational 

discharges are not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to water quality. 

Accidents: Oil sp ills have the potential to alter offshore water quality; how ever, it is un likely 

that an accidental surface or subsurface spill would occur from the proposed activities. Between 

1980 and 2000, OCS operations produced 4.7 billion barrels of oil and spilled only 0.001 percent 

of this oil, or 1 bbl for every 81,000 bbl produced. The spill risk related to a diesel spill from 

drilling operations is even less. Between 1976 and 1985, (years for which da ta were collected), 

there were 80 reported diesel spil ls greater than one barrel associ ated with dr illing activities . 

Considering that there were 11,944 wells drille d, this is a 0.7 percen t probability of an 

occurrence. If a spill were to occu r, the water quality of m arine waters would be tem porarily 

affected by the disso lved com ponents and s mall oil d roplets. Disp ersion by currents and 

microbial degradation would remove the oil from the water column and dilute the constituents to 

background levels. Historically, changes in offshore water quality from oil spills have only been 

detected during the life of the spill and up to several months afterwards. Most of the components 

of oil are insoluble in water and theref ore f loat. The activities propo sed in this plan will be 

covered by Woodside’s Regional Oil Spill R esponse Plan (refer to infor mation subm itted in 

Appendix G). 

There are no other IPFs (includi ng emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor, and wastes 

sent to shore for disposal) from the proposed activities which could cause im pacts to water 

quality. 

6. Fisheries 

IPFs that could cause impacts to fisheries as a result of the proposed operations in Walker Ridge 

Block 325 include effluents and accidents. 

Effluents: Effluents such as drillin g fluids and cutting s discharges co ntain com ponents and 

properties which are detrim ental to f ishery resources. Moderate petroleum and m etal 
contamination of sediments and the water column can occur out to several hundred meters downcurrent from the discharge point. Offshore discharges are expected to disperse and dilute to very 

near background levels in the water colum n or on the seafloor within 3,000 m of the discharge 

point, and are expected to have negligible effect on fisheries. 

Accidents: An accidental o il sp ill has th e p otential to cause som e detrim ental effects on 

fisheries; however, it is unlikely that such an event would occur from the proposed activities 

(refer to Item 5 , Water Quality). T he effects of oil on m obile adult finfish or she llfish would 

likely be sublethal and the extent of damage would be reduced to the cap acity of adult fish and 

shellfish to avoid the s pill, to m etabolize hydr ocarbons, and to excrete both m etabolites and 

parent compounds. The activities pr oposed in this plan will be covered by Woodside’s Regional 

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix G). 

There are no IPFs from em issions, physical disturba nces to the seafloor or wastes sent to shore 

for disposal from the proposed activities which could cause impacts to fisheries. 

7. Marine Mammals 

GulfCet II studies revealed that cetaceans of the continental shelf and shelf-edge were alm ost 

exclusively bottlenose dolphin a nd Atlantic spotted dolphin. S quid eaters, including dwarf and 

pygmy killer whale, Risso’s dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, a nd Cuvier’s beaked whale, 

occurred most frequently along the upper slope in areas outside of anticyclones. IPFs that could 

cause impacts to marine mammals as a result of the proposed operations in W alker Ridge Block 

325 include emissions, effluents, discarded trash and debris, and accidents. 

Emissions: Noises from drilling activ ities, support vessels and helico pters may elicit a startle 

reaction from marine m ammals. This rea ction m ay lead to disruption of m arine m ammals’ 

normal activities. Stress m ay make them more vulnerable to parasites, disease, environm ental 

contaminants, and/or predation (Majors and Myri ck, 1990). There is little conclusive evidence 

for long-term displacements and population trends for marine mammals relative to noise. 

Effluents: Drilling fluids and cuttings discharges contain components which may be detrimental 

to marine mammals. Most operational discharges are diluted and dispersed upon release. Any 

potential impact from drilling fluids would be indirect, either as a result of impacts on prey items 

or possibly through ingestion in the food chain (API, 1989). 

Discarded trash and debris: Both entanglement in, and inge stion of debris have caused the 

death or serious injury of m arine mammals (Laist, 1997; MMC, 1999). The lim ited amount of 

marine debris, if any, resulting from the proposed activities is not expected to substantially harm 

marine mammals. Operators are pro hibited from deliberately discharging debris as mandated by 

MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic Polluti on Research and Control Act, and regulations 

imposed by various ag encies in cluding the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 
Woodside will operate in accordance with the regulations an d also avoid accidental loss of solid 

waste items by maintaining waste management plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, and using 

special precautions such as covering outside trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. 

Special cau tion will be exercised w hen handlin g and disposing of sm all item s and packaging 

materials, particularly those m ade of non-biode gradable, environm entally persistent m aterials 

such as plastic or glass. 

Informational pla cards will be po sted on a ll vessels and f acilities h aving sleeping or f ood 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement that em phasizes their commi tment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 

Accidents: Collisions between support vessels and cetaceans would be unusual events, however 

should one occur, death or injury to marine mammals is possible. Contract vessel operators can 

avoid marine mammals and reduce potential deaths by m aintaining a vigilant watch for m arine 

mammals and m aintaining a safe d istance when they are s ighted. Vess el crews sh ould use a 

reference guide to he lp identify the twenty-eigh t species of whales and dolphins, and the single 

species of m anatee that m ay be encountered in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. Vessel crews m ust 

report sightings of any injured or dead protected marine ma mmal species immediately, 

regardless of whether th e injury or death is cau sed by their vessel, to the Marine Mamm al and 

Sea Turtle S tranding Hotline at (888 ) 404-3922, the NMFS Southeast R egional Office at (727 ) 

824-5312, or the Marine Mamm al Stranding N etwork at (305) 862-2850. In addition, if the 

injury or de ath was cau sed by a co llision with a contract v essel, the BOEM m ust be notif ied 

within 24 h ours of the strik e by e mail to protectedspecies@BOEM.gov. If the vessel is the 

responsible party, it is required to remain available to assist th e respective salvage and stranding 

network as needed. 

Oil spills h ave the potentia l to ca use suble thal oil-related injur ies an d spill-re lated deaths to 

marine m ammals. However, it is unlike ly th at an accid ental o il sp ill would occur from the 

proposed activities (refer to Item 5, Water Quality). Oil sp ill response activ ities may increas e 

vessel traffic in th e area, which could add to changes in cetacean behavior and/or distribution, 

thereby causing additional stress to the animals. The effect of oil dispersants on cetaceans is no t 

known. The acute toxicity of oil dispersant chem icals included in W oodside’s OSRP is 

considered to be low when com pared with the constituents and fractions of crude oils and diesel 

products. T he activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Woodside’s OSRP (refer to 

information submitted in accordance with Appendix G). 
There are no other IPF s (including physical di sturbances to the seafloor) from the proposed 

activities which could impact marine mammals. 

8. Sea Turtles 

IPFs that could cause im pacts to sea turtles as a result of the proposed operations include 

emissions, effluents, discarded tr ash and debris, and accidents. Gu lfCet II studies sighted m ost 

loggerhead, Kem p’s ridley and le atherback sea turtles over shel f waters. Historically these 

species have been sighted up to the shelf’s edge. They appear to be more abundant east of the 

Mississippi River than they are west of the river (Fritts et al., 1983b; L ohoefener et al., 1990). 

Deep waters may be used by all species as a transitory habitat. 

Emissions: Noise from drilling activi ties, support vessels, and heli copters may elicit a s tartle 

reaction from sea turtles, but this is a temporary disturbance. 

Effluents: Drilling fluids and cuttings discharges are not known to be lethal to sea turtles. Most 

operational discharges are dilu ted and dispersed upon release. Any potential impact from 

drilling fluids would be indirect , either as a res ult of im pacts on prey item s or possibly through 

ingestion in the food chain (API, 1989). 

Discarded trash and debris: Both entanglement in, and ingestion of, debris have caused the 

death or serious injury of sea turtles (Balazs, 1985). The limited amount of marine debris, if any, 

resulting from the proposed activitie s is not expected to substantially harm sea turtles. Operators 

are prohibited from deliberately discharging de bris as mandated by MARPOL-Annex V and t he 

Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act, and regulations imposed by various agencies 

including th e United States Coast Guard (USC G) and the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA). Woodside will operate in accordance with the regulations and also avoid accidental loss 

of solid was te items by m aintaining waste m anagement plans, m anifesting trash sent to shore, 

and using special precautions such as covering outside trash bins to pr event accidental loss of 

solid waste. Special cau tion will be exercised w hen handling and disposing of sm all items and 

packaging m aterials, particularly those m ade of non-biodegradable, environm entally persistent 

materials such as plastic or glass. 

Informational placards will be pos ted on all vessels and facilities h aving sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement th at em phasizes th eir co mmitment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 
Accidents: Collisions between support vessels and sea turtles would be unusual events, however 

should one occur, death or injury to sea turtles is possible. Cont ract vessel operators can avoid 

sea turtles and reduce potential deaths by m aintaining a vigilant watch for sea turtles and 

maintaining a safe distance when they are sighte d. Vessel crews should use a reference guide to 

help identify the five species of sea turtles that may be encountered in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. 

Vessel crews m ust report sightings of any inju red or dead protecte d se a tu rtle spec ies 

immediately, regardless of whethe r the injury or death is caused by their vessel, to the Ma rine 

Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (888) 404-3 922, the NMFS Southeast Region al 

Office at (727) 824-5312, or th e Marine Mamm al Stranding Ne twork at (305) 862-2850. In 

addition, if the injury o r death was caused by a collision with a contract vessel, the BOEM must 

be notified within 24 hours of the strike by email to protectedspecies@BOEM.gov. If the vessel 

is the respo nsible pa rty, it is requ ired to rem ain availab le to assis t the respective salvage and 

stranding network as needed. 

All sea turtle species and their life stages are vulnerab le to the harm ful e ffects of oil through 

direct contact or by fouling of their food. Exposure to oil can be fa tal, particularly to juveniles 

and hatchlings. However, it is unlikely that an accidental oil spill would occur from the proposed 

activities (refer to Item 5, Water Quality). Oil spill response activities may increase vessel traffic 

in the area, which cou ld add to the possib ility of collisions with s ea tur tles. T he activitie s 

proposed in this plan will be covered by W oodside’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to 

information submitted in accordance with Appendix G). 

There are no other IPF s (including physical di sturbances to the seafloor) from the proposed 

activities which could impact sea turtles. 

9. Air Quality 

The projected air em issions id entified in Appe ndix G are not expected to affect the OCS air 

quality primarily due to distance to the shore or to any Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

Class I air quality area such as the Breton W ilderness Area. Walker Ridge Block 325 is beyond 

the 200 kilom eter (124 m ile) buffer for the Bret on Wilderness Area and is 155 m iles from the 

coastline. Therefore, n o special mitig ation, monitoring, o r reporting requirem ents apply with 

respect to air emissions. 

Accidents and blowouts can rel ease hydrocarbons or chemicals, which could cause the em ission 

of air po llutants. However, these releases would not im pact onshore air quality because of the 

prevailing atmospheric conditions, em ission height, emission rates, and th e distance of W alker 

Ridge Block 325 from the coastline. There ar e no other IPFs (including effluents, physical 

disturbances to the seafloor, wa stes sent to shore for treatm ent or disposal) from the proposed 

activities which could impact air quality. 

10. Shipwreck Sites (known or potential) 

Potential IPFs that could im pact known or unknown shipwreck sites as a re sult of the proposed 

operations in Walker Ridge Block 325 include disturbances to the seafloor. 
Physical disturbances to the seafloor: A dy namically p ositioned se mi-submersible is being 

used for the proposed activ ities; therefore, only an insignificant am ount of seafloor will be 

disturbed. Because ph ysical distu rbances to the seafloor will be m inimized by the use of a 

dynamically positioned sem i-submersible, W oodside’s proposed operations in W alker Ridge 

Block 325 would not cause impacts to shipwreck sites. 

Additionally, Walker Ridge Block 325 is not located in or adjacen t to an OCS block designated 

by BOEM as having a high probability for occu rrence o f shipwreck s, therefore, no adverse 

impacts are expected. 

Woodside will perform an ROV survey imaging 100% of the seafloor with sector scanning sonar 

within a minimum 500’ radius of the proposed well location(s) prior to or upon commence ment 

of operations. These location s will be certif ied by an authorized m arine archaeologist and b y 

Woodside to be clear of seafloor archaeological resources, including historic shipwrecks. Copies 

of the certifications and a circle radius plat of the survey area will be submitted to the BOEMRE. 

Should a resource be encountere d, Woodside will contact the BO EMRE immediately and make 

every reasonable effort to preserve and protect that cultural resource. . 

There are no other IPF s (includi ng em issions, effluents, wastes sent to shore for treatm ent or 

disposal, or accidents) from the proposed activities which could impact shipwreck sites. 

11. Prehistoric Archaeological Sites 

Potential IP Fs that could cause im pacts to p rehistoric archaeological site s as a r esult of the 

proposed operations in Walker Ridge Block 325 include disturbances to the seafloor.. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: A dy namically p ositioned se mi-submersible is being 

used for the proposed activ ities; therefore, only an insignificant am ount of seafloor will be 

disturbed. Because ph ysical distu rbances to the seafloor will be m inimized by the use of a 

dynamically positioned sem i-submersible, W oodside’s proposed operations in W alker Ridge 

Block 325 would not cause impacts to prehistoric archeological sites. 

Additionally, W alker Ridge Bloc k 325 is located outside the Archaeological Prehistoric high 

probability line, therefore, no adverse impacts are expected. 

Woodside will perform an ROV survey imaging 100% of the seafloor with sector scanning sonar 

within a minimum 500’ radius of the proposed well location(s) prior to or upon commence ment 

of operations. These location s will be certif ied by an authorized m arine archaeologist and b y 

Woodside to be clear of seafloor archaeological resources, including historic shipwrecks. Copies 

of the certifications and a circle radius plat of the survey area will be submitted to the BOEMRE. 

Should a resource be encountere d, Woodside will contact the BO EMRE immediately and make 

every reasonable effort to preserve and protect that cultural resource. . 
There are no other IPF s (includi ng em issions, effluents, wastes sent to shore for treatm ent or 

disposal, or accidents) from the proposed activities which could impact prehistoric archeological 

sites. 

Vicinity of Offshore Location 

1. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) 

IPFs that could cause impacts to EFH as a result of the proposed operations in Walker Ridge 

Block 325 include effluents and accidents. EFH includes all estuarine and m arine waters and 

substrates in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Effluents: The Live Bottom Low Relief Stipula tion, the Live Bottom (Pi nnacle Trend) 

Stipulation, and the Eastern Gulf Pinnacle Trend Stipulation would prevent most of the potential 

impacts on live -bottom comm unities and EFH f rom operationa l waste disch arges. Levels of 

contaminants in drillin g m uds and cutting s a nd produced-water discha rges, d ischarge-rate 

restrictions, and m onitoring a nd toxicity testing are regu lated by th e EPA NPDES perm it, 

thereby eliminating many significant biological or ecol ogical effects. Operational discharges are 

not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to EFH. 

Accidents: An accid ental oil spill has the potential to cause some detrimental effects on EFH. 

Oil spills th at contact coastal bays and estuar ies, as well as OCS waters when pelagic eggs an d 

larvae are p resent, have the g reatest potential to affect fisheries. However, it is unlikely that an 

oil spill would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5, Water Quality). The activities 

proposed in this plan will be cov ered by W oodside’s Regional OSRP (refer to inform ation 

submitted in Appendix G). 

There are no other IPFs (includi ng emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor and wastes 

sent to shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities which could impact essential 

fish habitat. 

2. Marine and Pelagic Birds 

IPFs that could im pact marine birds as a result of the proposed activities include air emissions, 

accidental oil spills, and discarded trash and debris from vessels and the facilities. 

Emissions: Em issions of pollutants into the a tmosphere from these activ ities ar e f ar below 

concentrations which could harm coastal and marine birds. 

Accidents: An oil spill woul d cause localized, low-level petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. 

However, it is unlikely that an oil spill would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5, 

Water Quality). Marine and pelagic birds feedi ng at the spill loca tion may experience chronic, 

nonfatal, physiological stress. It is expected th at few, if any, coastal and m arine birds would 
actually be af fected to that exten t. The activ ities propo sed in th is plan will b e covered by 

Woodside’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix G). 

Discarded trash and debris : Marine and pelagic birds could become entangled and snared i n 

discarded trash and debris, or ingest small plastic debris, which can cause permanent injuries and 

death. Operators are prohibited from deliberately discharging debris as mandated by MARPOLAnnex V and the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act, and regulations imposed by 

various ag encies in cluding the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environm ental 

Protection Agency (EP A). W oodside will op erate in accordance with the regu lations and also 

avoid accidental loss of solid waste items by maintaining waste management plans, manifesting 

trash sent to shore, and using special precau tions such as co vering outside trash b ins to preven t 

accidental loss of solid waste. Special caution w ill be exercised when handling and d isposing of 

small items and packaging m aterials, par ticularly those m ade of non-biodegradable, 

environmentally pe rsistent m aterials such as plastic or gla ss. Inf ormational plac ards will b e 

posted on all vessels an d facilities having sleeping or food preparation capabilities. All offshore 

personnel, including contractors and other suppor t services-related pers onnel (e.g. helicopter 

pilots, vessel captains and boat cr ews) will be indoctrinated on wa ste procedures, and will view 

the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed 

Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). Thereafter, all personnel will view th e marine trash and debris 

training vid eo annually. Offshore personnel w ill also receive an explanation fro m Woodside 

management or the designated lease operator m anagement that emphasizes their commitment to 

waste management in accordance with NTL No. 2007-G03. Debris, if any, from these proposed 

activities will s eldom intera ct with m arine an d pelagic b irds; th erefore, th e effects will b e 

negligible. 

There are no other IPFs (including effluents, physical disturbances to the seafloor, or wastes sent 

to shore for treatm ent or disposal) from the pr oposed activities which could im pact marine and 

pelagic birds. 

3. Public Health and Safety Due to Accidents. 

There are no IPFs (em issions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seafloor, wastes sent to 

shore for treatm ent or disposal o r acciden ts, including an acciden tal H 2S release ) f rom the 

proposed activities which could cau se impacts to public health a nd safety. In accordance with 

NTL No.’s 2008-G04, 2009-G27, and 2009-G31, suffi cient information is included in Appendix 

C to justify our request that our proposed activities be classified by BOEM as H2S absent. 

Coastal and Onshore 

1. Beaches 

IPFs from t he proposed activities that could cause im pacts to beaches include accidents (oil 

spills) and discarded trash and debris. 
Accidents: Oil spills co ntacting beaches would have impacts on the use of recreation al beaches 

and associated resources. Due t o the dist ance from s hore (155 m iles) and the response 

capabilities that would be im plemented, no si gnificant ad verse im pacts are exp ected. The 

activities proposed in this plan will be c overed by W oodside’s Regional OSRP (refer to 

information submitted in Appendix G). 

Discarded trash and debris: T rash on the beach is recogni zed as a m ajor th reat to the 

enjoyment and use of b eaches. Th ere will on ly be a lim ited amount of m arine debris, if any , 

resulting from the proposed activ ities. Operators are prohibite d from deliberately discharging 

debris as m andated by MARPOL- Annex V a nd th e Marine Plas tic Pollution Research and 

Control Act, and regulations im posed by variou s agencies includ ing the United State s Coas t 

Guard (USCG) and th e Environm ental Protecti on Agency (EPA). Woodside will op erate in 

accordance with the regulations and also avoi d acciden tal los s of solid waste item s by 

maintaining waste m anagement plans, m anifesting trash sent to shore, and using special 

precautions such as covering outs ide trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special 

caution will be exercised when handling and dispos ing of sm all items and packaging m aterials, 

particularly those m ade of non- biodegradable, environm entally pe rsistent m aterials such as 

plastic or glass. 

Informational placards will be pos ted on all vessels and facilities h aving sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement th at em phasizes th eir co mmitment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 

There are no other IPF s (em issions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seaflo or, or wastes 

sent to shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities which could impact beaches. 

2. Wetlands 

IPFs from t he proposed activities that could ca use im pacts to wetlands include accidents (oil 

spills) and discarded trash and debr is. However, it is un likely that an oil spill would occur from 

the proposed activities (refer to Item 5 , W ater Quality ). Due to the distance f rom shore (155 

miles) and the response capabilities that woul d be im plemented, no im pacts are expected. The 

activities proposed in this plan will be c overed by W oodside’s Regional OSRP (refer to 

information submitted in Appendix G). 

Accidents: Oil spills contacting wetlands would have impacts on the salt m arshes and seagrass 

beds tha t f ringe the co astal are as of the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the distance from shore 

(155miles) and the response capab ilities that would be im plemented, no significant adverse 
impacts are expected. The activ ities propos ed in this plan will be covered by Woodside’s 

Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix G). 

Discarded trash and debris: There will only be a lim ited a mount of m arine debris, if any, 

resulting from the proposed activ ities. Operators are prohibite d from deliberately discharging 

debris as m andated by MARPOL- Annex V a nd th e Marine Plas tic Pollution Research and 

Control Act, and regulations im posed by variou s agencies includ ing the United States Coas t 

Guard (USCG) and th e Environm ental Protecti on Agency (EPA). Woodside will op erate in 

accordance with the regulations and also avoi d acciden tal los s of solid waste item s by 

maintaining waste m anagement plans, m anifesting trash sent to shore, and using special 

precautions such as covering outs ide trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special 

caution will be exercised when handling and dispos ing of sm all items and packaging m aterials, 

particularly those m ade of non- biodegradable, environm entally pe rsistent m aterials such as 

plastic or glass. 

Informational placards will be pos ted on all vessels and facilities h aving sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement th at em phasizes th eir co mmitment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 

There are no other IPF s (em issions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seaflo or, or wastes 

sent to shore for treatm ent or disposal) fr om the proposed activities which could im pact 

wetlands. 

3. Shore Birds and Coastal Nesting Birds 

Potential IPFs from the proposed activities that could cause im pacts to shore birds and coastal 

nesting birds include accidents (oil spills) and discarded trash and debris. 

Accidents: Oil spills could cause impacts to shore birds and coastal nesting birds. However, it is 

unlikely that an oil spill would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5 , W ater 

Quality). Given the distance from shore (155 miles ) and the response capabilities th at would be 

implemented, no significant adverse im pacts are expected. The activities proposed in this plan 

will be covered by Woodside’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix G). 

Discarded trash and debris: Coastal and m arine birds are highly susceptible to entanglem ent 

in floating, submerged, and beached marine debris: specifically plastics. Operators are prohibited 

from deliberately discharging debris as m andated by MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic 
Pollution Research and Control Ac t, and regulations im posed by va rious agencies in cluding the 

United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Woodside 

will op erate in acco rdance with th e regu lations a nd also avoid a ccidental los s of solid waste 

items by maintaining waste management plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, and using special 

precautions such as covering outside trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special 

caution will be exercised when handling and dispos ing of sm all items and packaging m aterials, 

particularly those m ade of non- biodegradable, environm entally pe rsistent m aterials such as 

plastic or glass. 

 

Informational pla cards will be pos ted on vesse ls and eve ry f acility th at has sleeping or f ood 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement that em phasizes their commi tment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 

There are no other IPF s (em issions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seaflo or, or wastes 

sent to shore for treatm ent or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause im pacts to 

shore birds and coastal nesting birds. 

4. Coastal Wildlife Refuges 

Potential IPFs from the proposed activities that could cause im pacts to coastal wildlife refuges 

include accidents (oil spills) and discarded trash and debris. 

Accidents: An acciden tal oil spill from the proposed activities could cause im pacts to co astal 

wildlife refuges. However, it is unlikely that an oil spill would occur from the proposed activities 

(refer to Item 5, Water Quality). Due to th e distance from shore (155 m iles) and the response 

capabilities that would be im plemented, no sign ificant adv erse im pacts are expec ted. The 

activities proposed in this plan will be c overed by W oodside’s Regional OSRP (refer to 

information submitted in Appendix G). 

Discarded trash and debris: Entanglement in floating, submerged, and beached marine debris: 

specifically plastics could impact inhabitants of coastal wildlife refuges. Operators are prohibited 

from deliberately discharging debris as m andated by MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic 

Pollution Research and Control Ac t, and regulations im posed by va rious agencies including the 

United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Woodside 

will op erate in acco rdance with th e regu lations a nd also avoid a ccidental los s of solid waste 

items by maintaining waste management plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, and using special 

precautions such as covering outside trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special 

caution will be exercised when handling and dispos ing of sm all items and packaging m aterials, 
particularly those m ade of non- biodegradable, environm entally pe rsistent m aterials such as 

plastic or glass. 

 

Informational plac ards will be posted on vesse ls and ever y f acility th at has sle eping or f ood 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement that em phasizes their commi tment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 

There are no other IPF s (em issions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seaflo or, or wastes 

sent to shore for treatm ent or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause im pacts to 

coastal wildlife refuges. 

5. Wilderness Areas 

Potential IPFs from the proposed activities that could cause im pacts to wilderness areas include 

accidents (oil spills) and discarded trash and debris. 

An accidental oil spill from the proposed activiti es could cause im pacts to wilderness areas. 

However, it is unlikely that an oil spill would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5, 

Water Quality). Due to the distance from the nearest designated wild erness area (> 100 m iles) 

and the response capabili ties that would be implem ented, no significant adverse im pacts are 

expected. T he activities proposed in this plan will b e covered by Woodside’s Regional OSRP 

(refer to information submitted in Appendix G).

Discarded trash and debris: Entanglement in floating, submerged, and beached marine debris: 

specifically plastics could im pact inhabitants of wilderness areas. Operators are proh ibited from 

deliberately discharging debr is as m andated by MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic 

Pollution Research and Control Ac t, and regulations im posed by va rious agencies including the 

United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Woodside 

will op erate in acco rdance with th e regu lations a nd also avoid a ccidental los s of solid waste 

items by maintaining waste management plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, and using special 

precautions such as covering outside trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special 

caution will be exercised when handling and dispos ing of sm all items and packaging m aterials, 

particularly those m ade of non- biodegradable, environm entally pe rsistent m aterials such as 

plastic or glass. 

 

Informational plac ards will be posted on vesse ls and ever y f acility th at has sle eping or f ood 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personne l, including contract ors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel capt ains and boat crews) will be 

indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 
presentation), “Think About It” ( previously “All Washed Up: The Beach Litter Problem”). 

Thereafter, all personnel will view the marine trash and debris training video annually. Offshore 

personnel will also receive an explanation from Woodside m anagement or the d esignated lease 

operator m anagement that em phasizes their commi tment to waste m anagement in acco rdance 

with NTL No. 2007-G03. 

There are no other IPF s (em issions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seaflo or, or wastes 

sent to shore for treatm ent or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause im pacts to 

wilderness areas. 

6. Other Environmental Resources Identified 

(C) Impacts on your proposed activities 

The site–specific environm ental conditions have been taken into account for the proposed 

activities. No i mpacts are expected on the propos ed activities from site-specific environm ental 

conditions. 

(D) Environmental Hazards 

During the hurricane season, June through Novem ber, the Gulf of Mexico is im pacted by an 

average of ten tropical storm s (39-73 mph winds), of which si x become hurricanes ( > 74 m ph 

winds). Due to its location in the gulf, W alker Ridge Block 325 may experience hurricane and 

tropical storm force wi nds, and related sea curr ents. Thes e factors can adverse ly impact the 

integrity of the operations covered by this plan. A significant storm may present physical hazards 

to operators and vessels, damage exploration or production equipment, or result in the release of 

hazardous materials (including hydrocarbons). Additionally, the displacement of equipment may 

disrupt the local benthic habitat and pose a threat to local species. 

The following preventative measures included in this plan may be implemented to mitigate these 

impacts: 

1. Drilling 

a. Secure well 

b. Secure rig / platform 

c. Evacuate personnel 

Drilling activities will be conducted in accordance with NTL No.’s 2008-G09, 2009-G10, and 

2010-N10. 

2. Structure Installation 

 Operator will not conduct structure installation operations during Tropical Storm or 

 Hurrican e threat. 
(E) Alternatives 

No alternatives to the proposed activities were considered to reduce environmental impacts. 

(F) Mitigation Measures 

No m itigation m easures other than those requ ired by regu lation will be em ployed to avoid, 

diminish, or eliminate potential impacts on environmental resources. 

(G) Consultation 

No agencies or persons were consulted regard ing potential impacts associ ated with the proposed 

activities. Therefore, a list of such entities has not been provided. 

(H) Preparer(s) 

Matt Harlan 

J. Connor Consulting, Inc. 

16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 700 

Houston, TX 77084 

(281) 578-3388 

matt.harlan@jccteam.com 

(I) References 

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water m arine m ammals: a literature revi ew. W ashington, DC: Am erican Petroleum 

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Balazs, G.H. 1985. I mpact of ocean debris on m arine turtles: entang lement and ingestion. In : 

Shomura, R.S. and H.O. Yoshida, eds. Proceed ings, W orkshop on the Fate and Im pact of 

Marine Debris, 26-29 Nove mber 1984, Hono lulu, HI. U.S. Dept. of Co mmerce. NOAA 

Tech. Memo. NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFC-54. Pp 387-429. 

Burke, C.J. and J.A. Veil. 1995. Potential benef its from regulatory cons ideration of synthetic 

drilling m uds. Environm ental Assessm ent Division, Argonne Na tional Laboratory, 

ANL/EAD/TM-43 

Daly, J.M. 1997. Controlling the discharge of synthetic-based drilling fluid contam inated 

cuttings in waters of th e United States. U. S. Environm ental Protection Agency, Office of 

Water. Work Plan, June 24, 1997. 

Hansen, D.J. 198l. The relative sensitivity of seabird populations in Alaska to oil pollution. U.S. 

Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Mana gement, Alaska OCS Region, Anchorage. BLMYK-ES-81-006-1792. 
Laist, D.W . 1997. Im pacts of m arine debris: en tanglement of m arine life in m arine debris 

including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records. In: Coe, 

J.M. and D.B. Rogers, eds. Marine debris: s ources, impacts, and solutions. New York, NY: 

Springer-Verlag. Pp. 99-139 

Majors, A.P. and A.C. Myrick, Jr. 1990. Effects of noise on animals: implications for dolphins 

exposed to seal bom bs in the eastern tropi cal Pacific purse-sein e fishery–an annotated 

bibliography. NOAA Administrative Report LJ-90-06. 

Marine Mammal Commission. 1999. Annual report to Congress – 1998 

Piatt, J.F., C.J. Lensink, W . Butler, M. Ke ndziorek, and D.R. Nysewander. 1990. Imm ediate 

impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on marine birds. The Auk. 107 (2): 387-397 

Vauk , G., E. Hartwig, B. Reineking, and E. Vauk-Hentzelt. 1989. L osses of seabirds by oil 

pollution at the German North Sea coast. Topics in Marine Biology. Ros, J.D, ed. Scient. 

Mar. 53 (2-3): 749-754 

Vermeer, K. and R. Vermeer, 1975 Oil threat to birds on the Canadian west coast. The Canadian 

Field-Naturalist. 89:278-298. 

Although not cited, the following were utilized in preparing this EIA: 

• Hazard Surveys 

• BOEM EIS’s: 

o GOM Deepwater Operations and Activities. Environm ental Assessm ent. BOEM 2000-

001 

o GOM Central and W estern Planning Areas Sales 166 and 168 Final Environm ental 

Impact Statement. BOEM 96-0058