UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM

To: Public Information (MS 5030)

Plans Section, Office of Field 

Operations (MS 5231)

Public Information copy of DOCD

Control # - N-09734

Type - Initial Development Operations Coordinations Document

Lease(s) - OCS-G33109 Block - 127 South Timbalier Area

Operator - Walter Oil & Gas Corporation

Commence Production - Platform 001

Attached is a copy of the subject plan for public comments on issues that 

should be addressed in an Environmental Assessment.

It has been deemed submitted as of this date and is under review for approval.

Mohammad Ashfaq

Plan Coordinator

WELL/001 G33109/ST/127 6670 FNL, 1205 FWL G33109/ST/127

Site Type/Name Botm Lse/Area/Blk Surface Location Surf Lse/Area/Blk

Description -

 

Subject:

From:

August 20, 2013
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation 

South Timbalier Block 127 Initial DOCD 

Control Number N-9734 

Record of Changes 

Date Page Remarks 

07-18-2013 Cover Page Amend Startup date 

Attachment A-1, Well 

Information Form 

Amended Bottom-hole location for Well No.1. 

(Proprietary Copy) 

Page B-1 Amended Average Production Rate (Proprietary) 

Page H-1 Amended Screening Checklist 

Attachment N-1 Vicinity Map, added miles to shorebase 
PUBLIC INFORMATION 

July, 2013 

INITIAL DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION 

DOCUMENT 

Lease Number: OCS-G 33109 

Area/Block: South Timbalier Block 127 

Prospect Name: NA

Offshore: Louisiana

Submitted by: Walter Oil & Gas Corporation 

1100 Louisiana, Suite 200 

 Houston, Texas 77002-5299 

 Judy Archer 

 (713) 659-1222 

 jarcher@walteroil.com 

Estimated Start-up: September 1, 2013 

Authorized Representative: No. Copies Being Submitted: 

Judy Davidson Proprietary: 1 copy & 1 CD 

J. Connor Consulting, Inc. Public Info: 1 copy & 1 CD 

16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 700 

Houston, Texas 77084 For BOEM: 

(281) 578-3388 Plan No. 

Judy.Davidson@jccteam.com Assigned to: 
U.S. Department of the Interior Attachment A-1 OMB Control Number: 1010-0151 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management OMB Approval Expires: 12/31/2011*

OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Type of OCS Plan: Exploration Plan (EP) X Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD) 

Company Name: Walter Oil & Gas Corporation BOEM Operator Number: 730 

Address: 1100 Louisiana, Suite 200 

 Houston, Texas 77002 

Contact Person: Judy Archer 

Phone Number: 713-659-1222 

Email Address: jarcher@walteroil.com 

Lease(s): 33109 Area: ST Block(s): 127 Project Name (If Applicable): NA 

Objective(s): Oil Gas Sulphur Salt Onshore Base: Fourchon Distance to Closest Land (Miles): 25.25 

Description of Proposed Activities (Mark all that apply) 

 Exploration drilling Development drilling 

 Well completion Installation of production platform 

 Well test flaring (for more than 48 hours) Installation of production facilities 

 Installation of caisson or platform as well protection structure Installation of satellite structure 

 Installation of subsea wellheads and/or manifolds Commence production 

 Installation of lease term pipelines Other (Specify and describe) 

Have you submitted or do you plan to submit a Conservation Information Document to accompany this plan? Yes x No 

Do you propose to use new or unusual technology to conduct your activities? Yes x No 

Do you propose any facility that will serve as a host facility for deepwater subsea development? Yes x No 

Do you propose any activities that may disturb an BOEM-designated high-probability archaeological area? Yes x No 

Have all of the surface locations of your proposed activities been previously reviewed and approved by BOEM? x Yes No 

Tentative Schedule of Proposed Activities 

Proposed Activity Start Date End Date No. of Days 

Install deck and heliport and braces. 09-01-2013 09-20-2013 20 

Install production equipment 09-01-2013 09-20-2013 20 

`Install right-of-way pipeline 09-20-2013 10-10-2013 21 

Commence production 10-15-2013 

Description of Drilling Rig Description of Production Platform 

 Jackup Drillship Caisson Tension leg platform 

 Gorilla Jackup Platform rig Well protector Compliant tower 

 Semisubmersible Submersible Fixed platform Guyed tower 

 DP Semisubmersible Other (Attach Description) Subsea manifold Floating production system 

 Drilling Rig Name (If Known): Spar Other (Attach description) 

Description of Lease Term Pipelines 

From (Facility/Area/Block) To (Facility/Area/Block) Diameter (inches) Length (Feet) 

Form BOEM-0137 (October 2011 - Supersedes all previous editions of form BOEM - 0137, which may not be used. 

*Collection has been submitted to OMB and is automatically renewed each month until approval.) 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page H-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX H 

AIR EMISSIONS INFORMATION 

 (A) EMISSIONS WORKSHEETS AND SCREENING QUESTIONS 

Screen Procedures for DOCD’s Yes No 

Is any calculated Complex Total (CT) Emission amount (tons) associated with your 

proposed development activities more than 90% of the amounts calculated using the 

following formulas: CT = 3400D2/3 for CO, and CT = 33.3D for the other air pollutants 

(where D = distance to shore in miles)? 

 x 

Do your emission calculations include any emission reduction measures or modified 

emission factors? x 

Does or will the facility complex associated with your proposed development and 

production activities process production from eight or more wells? x 

Do you expect to encounter H2S at concentrations greater than 20 parts per million (ppm)? x 

Do you propose to flare or vent natural gas in excess of the criteria set forth under 

250.1105(a)(2) and (3)? x 

Do you propose to burn produced hydrocarbon liquids? x 

Are your proposed development and production activities located within 25 miles (40 

kilometers) from shore? x 

Are your proposed development and production activities located within 124 miles (200 

kilometers) of the Breton Wilderness Area? x 

Air Emission Spreadsheets are included as Attachment H-1.

This information was calculated by: Judy Davidson

 (281) 578-3388 

judy.davidson@jccteam.com 
!!

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South Timbalier

Ship Shoal

Grand Isle

South Timbalier South

South Pelto

Grand Isle South

Ship Shoal South

Ewing Bank

Bay Marchand

Houma

Dulac

Fourchon

Galliano

Cocodrie

Grand Isle

River Ridge

Houma

Terrebonne

Lafourche

Jefferson

Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Vicinity Map

South Timbalier 127

ST127

~25.

25 M

iles to Sho

re

~30.4 Miles to Fourchon, LA Shorebase
PUBLIC INFORMATION 

July, 2013 

INITIAL DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATION 

DOCUMENT 

Lease Number: OCS-G 33109 

Area/Block: South Timbalier Block 127 

Prospect Name: NA

Offshore: Louisiana

Submitted by: Walter Oil & Gas Corporation 

1100 Louisiana, Suite 200 

 Houston, Texas 77002-5299 

 Judy Archer 

 (713) 659-1222 

 jarcher@walteroil.com 

Estimated Start-up: August, 2013 

Authorized Representative: No. Copies Being Submitted: 

Judy Davidson Proprietary: 1 copy & 1 CD 

J. Connor Consulting, Inc. Public Info: 1 copy & 1 CD 

16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 700 

Houston, Texas 77084 For BOEM: 

(281) 578-3388 Plan No. 

Judy.Davidson@jccteam.com Assigned to: 
WALTER OIL & GAS CORPORATION 

INITIAL 

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATON DOCUMENT 

LEASE OCS-G 33109 

SOUTH TIMBALIER BLOCK 127 

APPENDIX A Plan Contents 

APPENDIX B General Information 

APPENDIX C Geological, Geophysical Information 

APPENDIX D H2S Information 

 

APPENDIX E Mineral Resources Conservation Information 

APPENDIX F Biological, Physical and Socioeconomic Information 

APPENDIX G Wastes and Discharge Information 

APPENDIX H Air Emissions Information 

APPENDIX I Oil Spills Information 

APPENDIX J Environmental Monitoring Information 

APPENDIX K Lease Stipulations Information 

APPENDIX L Environmental Mitigation Measures Information 

APPENDIX M Related Facilities and Operations Information 

APPENDIX N Support Vessels and Aircraft Information 

APPENDIX O Onshore Support Facilities Information 

APPENDIX P Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Information 

APPENDIX Q Environmental Impact Analysis 

APPENDIX R Administrative Information 
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 

Attachment A-1 OCS Plan Information Form 

Attachment A-2 Caisson Schematic 

Attachment A-3 Well Location Plat 

Attachment A-4 Cost Recovery Fee 

Attachment H-1 Air Emissions Calculations 

Attachment I-1 Spill Response Discussion 

Attachment N-1 Vicinity Map 

Attachment P-1 Louisiana CZM Certification 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page A-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX A 

PLAN CONTENTS 

(A) PLAN INFORMATION FORM 

An Initial Exploration Plan (Control Number N-09618) to drill and complete Well Location A in 

South Timbalier Block 127 was submitted by Walter Oil & Gas Corporation (Walter) and 

approved on February 1, 2012. In addition to drilling and completion of the well, Walter also 

proposed to install a well protector. To date, Well Location A has been drilled and completed, 

and renamed South Timbalier Block 127 Well 001ST00BP00. The well protector was also 

installed. 

Under this Initial DOCD, Walter proposes to install a deck and heliport with a lift boat on the 

existing well protector, install a right-of-way pipeline from Well 001ST00BP00 to the Discovery 

Pipeline system in South Timbalier 124 and commence production. 

Please see attached OCS Plan Information Form – Form BOEM-137, included as Attachment A1. Included as Attachment A-2 are schematics of the proposed braced caisson and helideck. 

(B) LOCATION 

Included as Attachment A-3 is a location map depicting the surface and bottomhole location of 

Well 001ST00BP00. 

(C) SAFETY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION FEATURES

Safety of personnel and protection of the environment during the proposed operations is one of 

the primary concerns of Walter. Walter mandates regulatory compliance with the contractors and 

vendors associated with the proposed operations as follows: 

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) mandates that the operations described in 

this DOCD comply with well control, pollution prevention, construction, welding procedures, 

and training described in BSEE regulations 30 CFR 250 C, D, E, O and S; and as further 

clarified by BSEE Notices to Lessees. 

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) conducts periodic announced and 

unannounced onsite inspections of offshore facilities to confirm operators are complying with 

lease stipulations, operating regulatory regulations, approved plans, and other conditions; as well 

as to assure safety and pollution prevention requirements are being met. The National Potential 

Incident of Noncompliance (PINC) List serves as the baseline for these inspections. 

U.S. Coast Guard regulations contained in Title 33 CFR Part 144 mandate the appropriate life 

rafts, life jackets, ring buoys, etc. be maintained on the facilities at all times. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations contained in the NPDES General Permit 

GMG290000 mandate that supervisory and certain designated personnel on-board the facility be 

familiar with the effluent limitations and guidelines for overboard discharges into the receiving 

waters. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page A-2 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

Safety features on the platform will include, pollution prevention as described in BSEE 

regulations 30 CFR 250 C, D, E, O and S; and as further clarified by BSEE Notices to Lessees, 

and current policy making invoked by the BSEE, Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. 

Coast Guard. Appropriate life rafts, life jackets, ring buoys, etc., will be maintained on the 

facility at all times. 

Pollution prevention measures include installation of curbs, gutters, drip pans, and drains on 

drilling deck areas to collect all contaminants and debris. 

(D) STORAGE TANKS AND PRODUCTION VESSELS 

There are no facility tanks with a capacity of 25 barrels or more on the caisson. 

 

(E) POLLUTION PREVENTION MEASURES (FLORIDA ONLY) 

Pollution prevention measures are not required to be submitted with this plan. 

(F) ADDITIONAL MEASURES 

Walter does not propose additional safety, pollution prevention, or early spill detection measures 

beyond those required by 30 CFR Part 250. 

(G) COST RECOVERY FEE 

Included as Attachment A-4 is a pay.gov receipt in the amount of $4,238.00 to cover operations 

proposed in this plan.
U.S. Department of the Interior Attachment A-1 OMB Control Number: 1010-0151 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management OMB Approval Expires: 12/31/2011*

OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM 

Form BOEM-0137 (October 2011 - Supersedes all previous editions of form BOEM - 0137, which may not be used. 

*Collection has been submitted to OMB and is automatically renewed each month until approval.) 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Type of OCS Plan: Exploration Plan (EP) X Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD) 

Company Name: Walter Oil & Gas Corporation BOEM Operator Number: 730 

Address: 1100 Louisiana, Suite 200 

 Houston, Texas 77002 

Contact Person: Judy Archer 

Phone Number: 713-659-1222 

Email Address: jarcher@walteroil.com 

Lease(s): 33109 Area: ST Block(s): 127 Project Name (If Applicable): NA 

Objective(s): Oil Gas Sulphur Salt Onshore Base: Fourchon Distance to Closest Land (Miles): 25.25 

Description of Proposed Activities (Mark all that apply) 

 Exploration drilling Development drilling 

 Well completion Installation of production platform 

 Well test flaring (for more than 48 hours) Installation of production facilities 

 Installation of caisson or platform as well protection structure Installation of satellite structure 

 Installation of subsea wellheads and/or manifolds Commence production 

 Installation of lease term pipelines Other (Specify and describe) 

Have you submitted or do you plan to submit a Conservation Information Document to accompany this plan? Yes x No 

Do you propose to use new or unusual technology to conduct your activities? Yes x No 

Do you propose any facility that will serve as a host facility for deepwater subsea development? Yes x No 

Do you propose any activities that may disturb an BOEM-designated high-probability archaeological area? Yes x No 

Have all of the surface locations of your proposed activities been previously reviewed and approved by BOEM? x Yes No 

Tentative Schedule of Proposed Activities 

Proposed Activity Start Date End Date No. of Days 

Install deck and heliport and braces. 08-01-2013 08-20-2013 20 

Install production equipment 08-01-2013 08-20-2013 20 

`Install right-of-way pipeline 08-20-2013 09-10-2013 21 

Commence production 09-15-2013 

 

Description of Drilling Rig Description of Production Platform 

 Jackup Drillship Caisson Tension leg platform 

 Gorilla Jackup Platform rig Well protector Compliant tower 

 Semisubmersible Submersible Fixed platform Guyed tower 

 DP Semisubmersible Other (Attach Description) Subsea manifold Floating production system 

 Drilling Rig Name (If Known): Spar Other (Attach description) 

Description of Lease Term Pipelines 

From (Facility/Area/Block) To (Facility/Area/Block) Diameter (inches) Length (Feet) 

 
Form BOEM-0137 (October 2011 - Supersedes all previous editions of form BOEM - 0137, which may not be used.) 

Proposed Well/Structure Location 

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): Caisson 1 Subsea Completion 

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: NA Yes No 

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) 

Lease No. OCS-G 33109 OCS 

Area Name South Timbalier 

Block No. 127 

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet) 

N/S Departure: 6669.89 FNL N/S Departure: 

E/W Departure: 1205.13 FWL E/W Departure: 

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates 

X: 2,321,059.27' X: 

Y: 9,595.79' Y: 

Latitude/ 

Longitude 

Latitude: 280

 41' 21.105N Latitude: 

Longitude: 900 19' 55.900W Longitude: 

TVD (Feet): MD (Feet): Water Depth (Feet): 84' 

Anchor Locations for Drilling Rig or Construction Barge (If anchor radius supplied above, not necessary) 

Anchor Name 

or No. Area Block X Coordinate Y Coordinate Length of Anchor Chain on Seafloor

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Statement: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires us to 

inform you that BOEM collects this information as part of an applicant’s Exploration Plan or Development Operations 

Coordination Document submitted for BOEM approval. We use the information to facilitate our review and data entry for OCS 

plans. We will protect proprietary data according to the Freedom of Information Act and 30 CFR 550.197. An agency may not 

conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid 

Office of Management and Budget Control Number. The use of this form is voluntary. The public reporting burden for this form 

is included in the burden for preparing Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents. We estimate 

that burden to average 600 hours per response, or 640 with an accompanying EP (1,000 hours in AKOCSR), or 690 (1,700 in 

AKOCSR) with an accompanying DPP or DOCD including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, 

and completing and reviewing the forms associated with subpart B. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other 

aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 381 Elden Street, 

Herndon, VA 20170.
Form BOEM-0137 (October 2011 - Supersedes all previous editions of form BOEM - 0137, which may not be used.) 

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): Well 001 Subsea Completion 

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: NA Yes No 

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) 

Lease No. OCS-G 33109 

Area Name South Timbalier 

Block No. 127 

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet) 

N/S Departure: 6669.89 FNL 

E/W Departure: 1205.13 FWL 

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates 

X: 2,321,059.27' 

Y: 9,595.79' 

Latitude/ 

Longitude 

Latitude: 280

 41' 21.105N 

Longitude: 900 19' 55.900W 

TVD (Feet): MD (Feet): Water Depth (Feet): 84' 

Anchor Locations for Drilling Rig or Construction Barge (If anchor radius supplied above, not necessary) 

Anchor Name 

or No. Area Block X Coordinate Y Coordinate Length of Anchor Chain on Seafloor

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

 X = Y = 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Statement: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) requires us to 

inform you that BOEM collects this information as part of an applicant’s Exploration Plan or Development Operations 

Coordination Document submitted for BOEM approval. We use the information to facilitate our review and data entry for OCS 

plans. We will protect proprietary data according to the Freedom of Information Act and 30 CFR 550.197. An agency may not 

conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid 

Office of Management and Budget Control Number. The use of this form is voluntary. The public reporting burden for this form 

is included in the burden for preparing Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents. We estimate 

that burden to average 600 hours per response, or 640 with an accompanying EP (1,000 hours in AKOCSR), or 690 (1,700 in 

AKOCSR) with an accompanying DPP or DOCD including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, 

and completing and reviewing the forms associated with subpart B. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other 

aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 381 Elden Street, 

Herndon, VA 20170.




Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page B-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX B 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

(A) APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS 

Following is a table of the additional applications/permits which will require approval prior to 

conducting the operations as proposed in this plan. 

Application/Permit Issuing Agency Status 

Structure Application BSEE To be submitted 

Surface Commingling Application BSEE To be submitted 

ROW Pipeline Application BSEE To be submitted 

(B) DRILLING FLUIDS 

Well 001ST00BP00 has been drilled and completed. There will be no drilling fluids associated 

with this plan. 

(C) PRODUCTION 

Anticipated Production: 

Type Average Production Rate Peak Production Rate Life of Reservoir 

Oil 

Gas 

(D) OIL CHARACTERISTICS 

Characteristics

Analytical Methodologies Should Be Compatible 

With: 

1) Gravity (API) ASTM D4052 

2) Flash Point (°C) ASTM D93/IP34 

3) Pour Point (°C) ASTM D97 

4) Viscosity (Centipoise @ 25° 

C) 

ASTM D445 

5) Wax Content (wt %) Precipitate with 2-butanon/dichloromethane (1 to 1 

volume) at -10° C 

6) Asphaltene Content (wt %) IP Method 143/84 

7) Resin Content (wt %) Jokuty et al. (1996) 

8) Boiling point distribution 

including for each fraction, the 

percent volume or weight and the 

boiling point range in °C 

ASTM D2892 (TBP DISTILLATION), or 

ASTM D2887/5307 

9) Sulphur (wt %) ASTM D4294 

 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page B-2 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

(E) NEW OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY 

Walter does not propose to use any new or unusual technology to carry out the proposed 

development activities. 

(F) BONDING STATEMENT 

The bond requirements for the activities and facilities proposed in this DOCD are satisfied by 

$3,000,000.00 areawide development bond, furnished and maintained according to 30 CFR 556 

Subpart I; NTL No. 2000-G16, "Guidelines for General Lease Surety Bonds”. 

(G) OIL SPILL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (OSFR) 

Walter Oil & Gas Corporation, BOEM Company number 0730 has demonstrated or will 

demonstrate oil spill financial responsibility for the facilities proposed in this DOCD according 

to 30 CFR Part 553; and NTL No. 2008-N05, "Guidelines for Oil Spill Financial Responsibility 

for Covered Facilities". 

(H) DEEPWATER WELL CONTROL STATEMENT 

South Timbalier Block 127 is not in deepwater, therefore, this information is not provided. 

(I) SUSPENSION OF PRODUCTION 

Walter does not anticipate requesting a Suspension of Production for this lease.

(J) BLOWOUT SCENARIO 

A blowout scenario is not included in this plan as no drilling will take place.
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page C-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX C 

GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION 

(A) GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION 

A geological description was submitted and approved in Plan Control Number N-9618. 

 (B) STRUCTURE CONTOUR MAPS 

Structure contour maps were submitted and approved in Plan Control Number N-9618. 

(C) INTERPRETED 2-D AND/OR 3-D SEISMIC LINE(S) 

Interpreted 3-D seismic lines were submitted with Plan Control Number N-9618.

(D) GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE CROSS-SECTIONS

Cross sections were submitted and approved in Plan Control Number N-9618.

(E) SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT 

A shallow hazards survey was conducted over South Timbalier Block 127 and approved by 

BOEM in Plan Control Number N-9618 

(F) SHALLOW HAZARDS ASSESSMENT

Well 001 is an existing surface location. A Shallow Hazards Assessment was submitted and 

approved in Plan Control Number N-9618. 

(G) HIGH-RESOLUTION SEISMIC LINES 

High resolution survey lines were included in Plan Control No. N-9618. 

(H) STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN

A generalized biostratigraphic/lithostratigraphic column depicting each well from the seafloor to 

the total depth is not required for the operations provided for in this DOCD. 

(I) TIME VS DEPTH TABLES

Time versus depth tables are not required to be submitted with this plan. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page D-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX D 

HYDROGEN SULFIDE INFORMATION 

(A) CONCENTRATION 

Walter does not anticipate encountering any H2S during the proposed operations. 

 

(B) CLASSIFICATION 

BOEM classified South Timbalier Block 127 as "H2S absent" with the February 1, 2012 

approval of the Initial Exploration Plan (Control Number N-09618.) 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page E-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX E 

MINERAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION INFORMATION 

(A) TECHNOLOGY & RESERVOIR ENGINEERING PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES 

Proprietary Information 

 (B) TECHNOLOGY AND RECOVERY PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES 

Proprietary Information 

(C) RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT 

Proprietary Information
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page F-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX F 

BIOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION 

(A) DEEPWATER BENTHIC COMMUNITIES 

Activities proposed in this DOCD will not disturb seafloor areas in water depths greater than 300 

meters (984 feet); therefore, information as outlined in Attachment A of NTL No. 2009-G40, 

"Deepwater Benthic Communities" is not required. 

(B) TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES MAP

Activities proposed in this DOCD do not fall within 305 meters (1000 feet) of a topographic “no 

activity zone”. 

(C) TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES STATEMENT (SHUNTING) 

All activities proposed under this DOCD will be conducted outside all Topographic Feature 

Protective Zones; therefore, shunting of drill cuttings and drilling fluids is not required

(D) LIVE BOTTOMS (PINNACLE TREND) MAP 

South Timbalier Block 127 is not located within 61 meters (200 feet) of any pinnacle trend 

feature; therefore, a separate bathymetric map is not required. 

(E) LIVE BOTTOMS (LOW RELIEF) STIPULATION 

South Timbalier Block 127 is not located within 100 feet of any pinnacle trend feature with 

vertical relief equal to or greater than 8 feet; therefore, live bottom (low relief) maps are not 

required. 

(F) POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL FEATURES 

South Timbalier Block 127 is not located within 30 meters (100 feet) of potentially sensitive 

biological features; therefore, biologically sensitive area maps are not required. 

(G) REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV) SURVEYS 

ROV surveys are not required for South Timbalier Block 127. 

 

(H) THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES, CRITICAL HABITAT, AND 

MARINE MAMMAL INFORMATION 

Under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) all federal agencies must ensure that any 

actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a 

listed species, or destroy or adversely modify its designated critical habitat. 

In accordance with the 30 CFR 550, Subpart B, and further outlined in Notice to Lessees (NTL) 

2012-JOINT-G01, lessees/operators are required to address site-specific information on the 

presence of federally listed threatened or endangered species and critical habitat designated 

under the ESA and marine mammals protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 

(MMPA) in the area of proposes activities under this plan. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page F-2 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

There are five species of sea turtles that may be found in the Gulf of Mexico (see table below). 

NOAA fisheries currently lists all five of these turtles as endangered (E) or threatened (T). 

Species Scientific Name Status 

Potential Presence 

Critical Habitat Designated 

in the Gulf of Mexico Lease Area Coastal 

Sea Turtles 

Loggerhead Turtle CarettsaCaretta T X X None 

Green Turtle Cheloniamydas T,E X X None

Leatherback Turtle Dermochelyscorlacea E X X None

Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelysimbricata E X X None

Kemp’s Ridley Turtle Lepidochelyskempli E X X None

In addition, there are 28 species of marine mammals that may be found in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The table provided below identifies the seven (7) species of marine mammals that are listed as 

endangered or threatened. Currently, there are no designated critical habitats for the listed 

species in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf; however, it is possible that one or more 

of these species could be seen in the area during operations. 

Species Scientific Name Status

Potential Presence

Critical Habitat 

Designated in the Gulf 

of Mexico Lease 

Area Coastal

Marine Mammals

Sperm Whale Physetermacrocephalus E X -- None

Florida Manatee Trichechusmanatuslatirostris E -- X Florida (Peninsular)

Blue Whale Balaenopteramasculus E X -- None

Fin Whale Balaenopteraphysalus E X -- None

Humpback Whale Megapteranovaeangliae E X -- None

North Atlantic Right Whale Eubalaenaglacialis E X -- None

Sei Whale Balaenopiera borealis E X -- None

There is one species of fish that NOAA fisheries currently lists as threatened (T) that may be 

found in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf sturgeon, also known as the Gulf of Mexico sturgeon, is 

an anadromous (breeding in freshwater after migrating up rivers from marine and estuarine 

environments) fish overwintering in estuaries, bays, and in the Gulf of Mexico (see table below). 

Species Scientific 

Name 

Status Potential Presence Critical 

Habitat 

Designated 

in the Gulf of 

Mexico 

Lease Area Coastal 

Gulf sturgeon Acipenser 

oxyrinchus 

(=oxyrhynchus) 

desotoi 

T X X None 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page F-3 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

(I) ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT 

An archaeological report was submitted in conjunction with Plan Control Number N-9618. 

(J) AIR AND WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 

Air and water quality information is not required by BOEM to be included in this plan. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page G-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX G 

WASTES AND DISCHARGES INFORMATION 

(A) PROJECTED GENERATED WASTES 

No wastes will be generated in order to place the South Timbalier Block 127 Well 

001ST00BP00 on production. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page H-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX H 

AIR EMISSIONS INFORMATION 

 (A) EMISSIONS WORKSHEETS AND SCREENING QUESTIONS 

Screen Procedures for DOCD’s Yes No 

Is any calculated Complex Total (CT) Emission amount (tons) associated with your 

proposed development activities more than 90% of the amounts calculated using the 

following formulas: CT = 3400D2/3 for CO, and CT = 33.3D for the other air pollutants 

(where D = distance to shore in miles)? 

x 

Do your emission calculations include any emission reduction measures or modified 

emission factors? x 

Does or will the facility complex associated with your proposed development and 

production activities process production from eight or more wells? x 

Do you expect to encounter H2S at concentrations greater than 20 parts per million (ppm)? x 

Do you propose to flare or vent natural gas in excess of the criteria set forth under 

250.1105(a)(2) and (3)? x 

Do you propose to burn produced hydrocarbon liquids? x 

Are your proposed development and production activities located within 25 miles (40 

kilometers) from shore? x 

Are your proposed development and production activities located within 124 miles (200 

kilometers) of the Breton Wilderness Area? x 

Air Emission Spreadsheets are included as Attachment H-1.

This information was calculated by: Judy Davidson

 (281) 578-3388 

judy.davidson@jccteam.com 
DOCD AIR QUALITY SCREENING CHECKLIST 

OMB 

COMPANY Walter Oil & GasAREA South Timbalier

BLOCK 127LEASE 33109PLATFORM Caisson 1WELL Well 1COMPANY CONTACT Judy ArcherTELEPHONE NO. 713-659-1221REMARKS Commence ProductionLEASE TERM PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION:

YEAR NUMBER OF TOTAL NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION DAYS

PIPELINES

20132014201520162017201820192020202120222023

FORM BOEM-0139 (December 2011- Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used). Page 1 of 8
AIR EMISSIONS CUMPUTATION FACTORS

Fuel Usage Conversion Factors Natural Gas Turbines Natural Gas Engines Diesel Recip. Engine RE

SCF/hp-hr 9.524 SCF/hp-hr 7.143 GAL/hp-hr 0.0483 AP42 3

Equipment/Emission Factors units PM SOx NOx VOC CO RENG Turbines gms/hp-hr 0.00247 1.3 0.01 0.83 AP42 3.2-NG 2-cycle lean gms/hp-hr 0.00185 10.9 0.43 1.5 AP42 3NG 4-cycle lean gms/hp-hr 0.00185 11.8 0.72 1.6 AP42 3NG 4-cycle rich gms/hp-hr 0.00185 10 0.14 8.6 AP42 3Diesel Recip. < 600 hp. gms/hp-hr 1 1.468 14 1.12 3.03 AP42 3Diesel Recip. > 600 hp. gms/hp-hr 0.32 1.468 11 0.33 2.4 AP42 3Diesel Boiler lbs/bbl 0.084 2.42 0.84 0.008 0.21 AP42 1.3NG Heaters/Boilers/Burners lbs/mmscf 7.6 0.593 100 5.5 84 P42 1.4-1, 1NG Flares lbs/mmscf 0.593 71.4 60.3 388.5 AP42 1Liquid Flaring lbs/bbl 0.42 6.83 2 0.01 0.21 AP42 1.3-Tank Vapors lbs/bbl 0.03 E&P FFugitives lbs/hr/comp. 0.0005 API SGlycol Dehydrator Vent lbs/mmscf 6.6 La. DGas Venting lbs/scf 0.0034

Sulphur Content Source Value Units

Fuel Gas 3.33 ppm

Diesel Fuel 0.4 % weight

Produced Gas( Flares) 3.33 ppm

Produced Oil (Liquid Flaring) 1 % weight

FORM BOEM-0139 (December 2011 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used). Page 2 of 8
AIR EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS - FIRST YEAR

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Walter Oil & Gas South Timbalier 127 33109 Caisson 1 Well 1 Judy Archer 713-659-1221 #REF!

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

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 

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 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 PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 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 BURNER diesel 0 0 0 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 VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 0 0 0.00 0 0 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 VESSELS>600hp diesel(tugs) 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

PIPELINE PIPELINE LAY BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 INSTALLATION SUPPORT VESSEL diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

PIPELINE BURY BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 SUPPORT VESSEL diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 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 VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 0 0 0.00 0 0 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 INSTALLATION MATERIAL TUG diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Lift Boat VESSELS>600hp diesel 1000 48.3 1159.20 24 20 0.70 3.23 24.23 0.73 5.29 0.17 

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 2500 120.75 2898.00 12 20 1.76 8.08 60.57 1.82 13.22 0.21 

PRODUCTION RECIP.<600hp diesel 100 4.83 115.92 3 18 0.22 0.32 3.08 0.25 0.67 0.01 

Crane 5/month RECIP.>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

SUPPORT VESSEL diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

TURBINE nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

RECIP.2 cycle lean nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

RECIP.4 cycle lean nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 RECIP.4 cycle rich nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

BURNER nat gas 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNTTANK- 0 0 0 0.00 

FLARE- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

PROCESS VENT- 0 0 0 0.00 

FUGITIVES- 0.0 0 0.00 

GLYCOL STILL VENT- 0 0 0 0.00 

DRILLING OIL BURN 0 0 0 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 

2013 YEAR TOTAL 2.69 11.64 87.89 2.79 19.17 0.39 

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 840.83 

25.3

FORM BOEM-0139 (December 2011 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used). Page 3 of 8
AIR EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS - SECOND YEAR

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Walter Oil & Gas South Timbalier 127 33109 Caisson 1 Well 1 Judy Archer 713-659-1221 #REF!

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

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 S

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

PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0BURNER diesel 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0AUXILIARY EQUIP<600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0VESSELS>600hp diesel(tugs) 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

PIPELINE PIPELINE LAY BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

INSTALLATION SUPPORT VESSEL diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

PIPELINE BURY BARGE diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

SUPPORT VESSEL diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

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

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

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

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

PRODUCTION RECIP.<600hp diesel 100 4.83 115.92 3 36 0.22 0.32 3.08 0.25 0.67 0.01 0

Crane 5/month RECIP.>600hp diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

SUPPORT VESSEL diesel 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0TURBINE nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0RECIP.2 cycle lean nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

RECIP.4 cycle lean nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

RECIP.4 cycle rich nat gas 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0BURNER nat gas 0 0.00 0.00 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNTTANK- 0 0 0 0.00 FLARE- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

PROCESS VENT- 0 0 0 0.00 

FUGITIVES- 0.0 0 0.00 GLYCOL STILL VENT- 0 0 0 0.00 

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

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

2014 YEAR TOTAL 0.22 0.32 3.08 0.25 0.67 0.01 0

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 840.83 84

25.3

FORM BOEM-0139 (December 2011 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used). Page 4 of 8
AIR EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELLWalter Oil & GasSouth Timbalier 127 33109 Caisson 1 Well 1

Emitted Substance

Year

 PM SOx NOx VOC 

2013 0.39 1.75 13.17 0.40 

2014-2018 0.01 0.02 0.17 0.01 

Allowable 840.83 840.83 840.83 840.83 29

FORM BOEM-0139 (December 2011 - Supersedes all previous versions of this form which may not be used). Page 8 of 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page I-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX I 

OIL SPILLS INFORMATION 

(A) OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING 

All the proposed activities and facilities in the DOCD will be covered by Walter Oil & Gas 

Corporation's (BOEM Operator No.0730) last approved Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) 

approved July, 2011 and modification to that plan approved April 19, 2013. 

(B) SPILL RESPONSE SITES 

Primary Response Equipment Location Preplanned Staging Location 

Houma, LA. Houma, LA 

Leeville, LA. Leeville, LA 

Venice, LA Venice, LA 

(C) OSRO INFORMATION 

Walter’s primary equipment provider is Clean Gulf Associates (CGA), and CGA will provide the 

closest available personnel, as well as a supervisor to operate the equipment. 

(D) WORST-CASE DISCHARGE SCENARIO DETERMINATION 

Category 

Production 

Regional 

OSRP 

WCD 

DOCD 

WCD 

Type of Activity Production Production 

Facility Location 

(Area/Block) WD 107 ST 127 

Facility Designation A-7 001 

Distance to Nearest 

Shoreline (miles) 20 25.25 

Volume

 Storage tanks & flowlines 850 10 

 Lease term pipelines 0 0 

 Uncontrolled blowout 26,029 200 

Total Volume (bbls) 26,879 210 

Type of Oil(s) 

(crude, condensate, diesel) Condensate Condensate 

API Gravity 450 44,50
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page I-2 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

Walter has determined that the worst-case scenario from the activities proposed in this DOCD do 

not supersede the worst-case scenario from our approved regional OSRP. 

Since Walter has the capability to respond to the worst-case spill scenario included in our 

regional OSRP, and since the worst-case scenario determined for this DOCD does not replace 

the worst-case scenario in our regional OSRP, Walter hereby certifies that Walter has the 

capability to respond, to the maximum extent practicable, to a worst-case discharge, or a 

substantial threat of such a discharge, resulting from the activities proposed in our DOCD. 

(E) OIL SPILL RESPONSE DISCUSSION 

Included as Attachment I-1 is Walter's Spill Response Discussion.
ATTACHMENT I-1 

SPILL RESPONSE DISCUSSION 

For the purpose of NEPA and Coastal Zone Management Act analysis, the largest spill volume 

originating from the proposed activity would be a well blowout during production operations, 

estimated to be 210 barrels of condensate with an API gravity of 44.5°. 

Land Segment and Resource Identification

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

utilizing information in the BSEE Oil Spill Risk 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 8% probability of impact to the shorelines of Terrebonne Parish, 

Louisiana within 10 days. This includes the eastern portion of Atchafalaya National Wildlife 

Refuge across to Timbalier Bay. The Terrebonne parish also includes the area along the Gulf 

Coast including Caillou Bay, Isles Dernieres and Terrebonne Bay. The entire parish is classified 

as an EPA National Estuary. This area is primarily marshland, broken up by numerous small 

bays and freshwater lakes. 

Response

Walter will make every effort to respond to the Worst 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 estimated chemical and physical characteristics of condensate, an ADIOS weathering 

model was run on a similar product from the ADIOS oil database. The results indicate 61% or 

approximately 128 barrels of condensate would be evaporated/dispersed within 24 hours, with 

approximately 82 barrels remaining. 

Spill Response South Timbalier 127 Barrels of Oil 

WCD Volume 210 

Less 61% natural evaporation/dispersion 128 

Remaining volume 82 

Figure 2 outlines equipment, personnel, materials and support vessels as well as temporary 

storage equipment available to respond to a spill of approximately 82 barrels. The volume 

accounts for the amount remaining after evaporation/dispersion at 24 hours. The list estimates 

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

2 also indicates how operations will be supported. 

Walter’s Oil Spill Response Plan includes alternative response technologies such as dispersants. 

Strategies will be decided by Unified Command based on the size of the spill, weather and 
potential impacts. If aerial dispersants are utilized, 8 sorties (9,600 gallons) from two of the DC3 aircrafts and 4 sorties (8,000 gallons) from the Basler aircraft would provide a daily dispersant 

capability of 7,540 barrels. Slick containment boom along with sorbent boom would be 

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

include collection of condensate with sorbent boom (inside hard boom), attempting to skim 

utilizing the HOSS barge and the R/V Grand Bay, with a total derated skimming capacity of 

48,000 barrels. Temporary storage associated with skimming equipment equals 4,065 barrels. If 

additional storage is needed, one 25,000 barrel storage barge and two 20000 barrel storage 

barges may be mobilized and centrally located to provide temporary storage allowing the 

skimmers 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, shoreline impact in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana would depend upon 

existing environmental conditions. Shoreline protection would include the use of CGA’s near 

shore and shallow water skimmers with a totaled derated skimming capacity of 7,176 barrels. 

Temporary storage associated with skimming equipment equals 68 barrels. If additional storage 

is needed, one 20,000 barrel storage barge may be mobilized and centrally located to provide 

temporary storage allowing the skimmers to stay in the area of operations as much as possible. 

Onshore response may include the deployment of shoreline boom on beach areas, or protection 

and sorbent boom on vegetated areas. Master Service Agreements AMPOL, Miller, OMI 

Environmental and USES will ensure access to 263,000 feet of 18” shoreline protection boom. 

Figure 2 outlines individual times needed for procurement, load out, travel time to the site and 

deployment. Strategies would be based upon surveillance and real time trajectories that depict 

areas of potential impact given actual sea and weather conditions. The State of Louisiana Initial 

Oil Spill Response Plan for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana and Unified Command would be 

consulted to ensure that environmental and special economic resources would be correctly 

identified and prioritized to ensure optimal 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 spill from entering Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, 

based on the assumption that removal of the released oil will be much easier and less damaging 

to fragile coastal ecosystems if done in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Supervisory 

personnel have the option to modify the deployment and operation of equipment allowing a more 

effective response to site-specific circumstances. Walter’s contract Spill Management Team 

holds a copy of the State of Louisiana Initial Oil Spill Response Plan. 

Based on the anticipated worst case discharge scenario, Walter can be onsite with contracted oil 

spill recovery equipment with adequate response capacity to contain and recover surface 

hydrocarbons, and prevent land impact, to the maximum extent practicable, within an estimated 

31 hours (based on the equipment’s Effective Daily Recovery Capacity (EDRC)). 
Initial Response Considerations 

Actual actions taken during an oil spill response will be based on many factors which include but 

are not 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 

Walter will take action to provide a safe, aggressive response to contain and recover as much of 

the spilled oil as quickly as it is safe to do so. In an effort to protect the environment, response 

actions will 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. 

Coordination of response assets will be supervised by the designation of a SIMOPS group as 

necessary for close quarter vessel response activities. Most often, this group will be used during 

source control events that require a significant number of large vessels operating independently, 

but in coordination to complete a common objective, in a small area and in close coordination 

and support of each other. This group must also monitor the subsurface activities of each vessel 

(ROV, dispersant application, well control support, etc.). The SIMOPS group leader reports to 

the Source Control Section Chief. 

In addition, these activities will be monitored by the spill management team (SMT) and Unified 

Command via a structured Common Operating Picture (COP) established to track resource and 

slick movement in real time. 

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 will be 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 
Decanting Strategy 

Recovered oil and water mixtures will typically separate into distinct phases when left in a 

quiescent state. When separation occurs, the relatively clean water phase can be siphoned or 

decanted back to the recovery point with minimal, if any, impact. Decanting therefore increases 

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

will be requested prior to decanting operations. This practice is routinely used for oil spill 

recovery. 

Offshore Response Actions 

Equipment Deployment

Surveillance 

• Surveillance Aircraft will be deployed within two hours of Qualified Individual (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 Airborne Support Inc. (ASI) on standby 

• With the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (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 & sorbent 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 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 Walter’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 

Adverse Weather Operations: 

In adverse weather, when seas are > 3 feet, the use of larger recovery and storage vessels, 

oleophilic skimmers, and large offshore boom will be maximized. Safety will be the overriding 

factor in all operations and will cease at the order of the Unified Command, vessel captain, or in 

an emergency, ”stop work” may be directed by any crew member. 
Near Shore Response Actions 

Timing 

• Place near shore assets on standby and deploy 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 

• Fast Response Vessels (FRV) 

• Egmopol and Marco Shallow Water Skimmer (SWS) 

• Operate with aerial spotter directing systems to observed oil slicks 

VOO 

• Use Walter’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 

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 tide 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 be 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 water mixtures will typically separate into distinct phases when left in a 

quiescent state. When separation occurs, the relatively clean water phase can be siphoned or 

decanted back to the recovery point with minimal, if any, impact. Decanting therefore increases 

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

will be requested prior to decanting operations. This practice is routinely used for oil spill 

recovery. 

CGA Equipment Limitations 

The capability for any spill response equipment, whether a dedicated or portable 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 terminating operations. Skimming equipment listed below may have operational 

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

spill response, vessel skimming operations ceased when seas reached 5-6 feet and vessels were 

often recalled to port when those conditions were exceeded. Systems below are some 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, experiences 

westerly winds during the winter and easterly winds in the summer. Average wind speed is 

generally 14-15 mph along the coast. Wave heights 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 summer months. During the 

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

The Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico hurricane season is officially from 1 June to 30 November. 

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

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

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

categories 3, 4 and 5) hurricane days occurring then. Maximum activity is in early to mid 

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

May or December. Globally, September is the most 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 Walter’s WCD and information in the BSEE Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model 

(OSRAM) for the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico available on the BSEE website 

using 10 day impact. The results are tabulated below. 

Area/Block OCS-G Launch 

Area 

Land Segment and/or 

Resource 

Conditional 

Probability (%) 

within 10 days 

Install helideck and 

deck on caisson and 

place on production 

ST 127 

25.25 miles from shore 

G33109 C039 Cameron, LA 

Vermilion, LA 

Iberia, LA 

Terrebonne, LA 

Lafourche, LA 

Jefferson, LA 

Plaquemines, LA 

2 

2 

1 

8 

4 

1 

5 
WCD Scenario– BASED ON WELL BLOWOUT DURING PRODUCTION OPERATIONS (25.25 miles f

82 bbls of condensate (Volume considering natural weathering) API Gravity 44.5° 

FIGURE 2 – Equipment Response Time to South Timbalier 127 

Dispersants/Surveillance 

Dispersant/Surveillance 

Dispersant 

Capacity 

(gal) 

Storage 

Capacity Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel 

CGA 

Basler 67T 2000 NA 2 Houma 1 1 0

ASI 

DC 3 1200 NA 2 Houma 1 1 0DC 3 1200 NA 2 Houma 1 1 0Aero Commander NA NA 2 Houma 1 1 0

Offshore Response

Offshore Equipment No 

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

S

CGA 

HOSS Barge 43000 4000 3 Tugs 5 Harvey 7 0 5 46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Venice 1 0 1 Boom Barge (CGA-300) 42” Auto Boom (25000’) NA NA 1 Tug 50 Crew 4 (Barge) 2 (Per Crew) Leeville 4 0 6 

Recovered Oil Storage No 

Staging EDRC 

Storage 

Capacity 

(bbl) 

VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Hrs to GOM T

S

Enterprise Marine Services LLC (available through contract with CGA) 

CTCo 2603 NA 25000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2604 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2605 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 
Nearshore Response

Nearshore Equipment No 

Staging EDRC 

Storage 

Capacity 

(bbl) 

VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Hrs to GOM T

CGA

CTCo 2606 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 

Staging Area: Houma 

Nearshore and Inland 

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

Dep

 CGA 

SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Leeville 1 2 1.25 SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Venice 1 2 3 
Shoreline Protection 

Shoreline Protection 

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

AMPOL (available through MSA) 

42,000’ 18” Boom 16 Crew 40 New Iberia, LA 2 2 3.5 2 20,000’ 18” Boom 8 Crew 20 New Orleans, LA 2 2 2.75 2 

Miller Environmental (available through MSA) 

14,000’ 18” Boom 6 Crew 12 Sulphur, LA .5 1 5 2 14,000’ 18” Boom 6 Crew 12 Beaumont, TX .5 1 5.75 2 60,000’ 18” Boom 10 Crew 20 Corpus Christi, TX .5 2 10.5 2 

OMI Environmental (available through MSA) 

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 New Iberia, LA 1 1 3.5 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Houston, TX 1 1 7 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Port Arthur, TX 1 1 5.75 2 20,000’ 18” Boom 8 Crew 20 Belle Chasse, LA 1 1 3 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Port Allen, LA 1 1 3.5 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Houma, LA 1 1 2 2 15,000’ 18” Boom 6 Crew 14 Gretna, LA (Warehouse) 2 2 2.75 2 

USES (available through MSA) 

6000’ 18” Boom 5 Crew 14 Meraux, LA .5 .5 3 2 5000’ 18” Boom 3 Crew 8 Mobile, AL .5 .5 5 2 1000’ 18” Boom 1 Crew 3 Geismar, LA .5 .5 3.25 2 4500’ 18” Boom 3 Crew 8 Houston, TX .5 .5 7 2 4000’ 18” Boom 2 Crew 6 Venice, LA .5 .5 4.5 2 2000’ 18” Boom 1 Crew 3 Jackson, MS .5 .5 5 2 2000’ 18” Boom 1 Crew 3 Southaven, MS .5 .5 8.25 2 1000’ 18” Boom 1 Crew 3 Nashville, TN .5 .5 11 2 1500’ 18” Boom 1 Crew 3 Birmingham, AL .5 .5 8 2 1000’ 18” Boom 1 Crew 3 Biloxi, MS .5 .5 4.25 2 
Staging Area: Houma 

Beach Boom EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Load Out Travel to Staging Trave

Deploy

Site 

CGA 

Beach Boom (2000’) NA NA NA 6 Galveston 1 2 6 1 Beach Boom (1000’) NA NA NA 4 Ingleside 1 2 9 1 Beach Boom (2000’) NA NA NA 6 Pascagoula 1 2 3 1 

Wildlife Response EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Load Out Travel to Staging Tra

Depl

CGA

Wildlife Support Trailer NA NA NA 2 Houma 1 2 0 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Belle Chasse 1 2 1.25 Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Galveston 1 2 6 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Houma 1 2 0 Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Ingleside 1 2 9 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Lake Charles 1 2 3 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Pascagoula 1 2 3 

Response Asset Total 

Offshore EDRC 48,000 

Offshore Recovered Oil Storage 69,065 

Nearshore / Shallow Water EDRC 7,176 

Nearshore / Shallow Water Recovered Oil Storage 20,068 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page J-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX J 

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING INFORMATION 

(A) MONITORING SYSTEMS 

Wilken's Weather Service. 

(B) INCIDENTAL TAKES

There is no reason to believe that any of the endangered species or marine mammals as listed in 

the ESA will be “taken” as a result of the operations proposed under this plan. 

It has been documented that the use of explosives and/or seismic devices can affect marine life. 

Operations proposed in this plan will not be utilizing either of these devices.

(C) FLOWER GARDEN BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY 

South Timbalier Block 127 is not located in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine 

Sanctuary; therefore, relevant information is not required in this DOCD. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page K-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX K 

LEASE STIPULATIONS INFORMATION 

Marine Protected Species 

The Marine Protected Species Stipulation is meant to reduce the potential taking of marine 

protected species. Walter will operate in accordance with JOINT NTL No. 2012-G01 to 

minimize the risk of vessel strikes to protected species and report observations of injured or dead 

protected species, and the prevention of intentional and/or accidental introduction of debris into 

the marine environment.
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page L-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX L 

ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES INFORMATION 

(A) MITIGATION MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE IMPACT TO MARINE AND 

COASTAL ENVIRONMENT 

Not required to be submitted with this DOCD. 

(B) INCIDENTAL TAKES

Walter will adhere to the requirements as set forth in the following documents, as applicable, to 

avoid or minimize impacts to any of the species listed in the ESA as a result of the operations 

conducted herein: 

• JOINT NTL No. 2012-G01, “Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected 

Species Reporting” 

• BSEE NTL No. 2012-G01, “Marine Trash and Debris Awareness and Elimination” 

• JOINT NTL No. 2012-G02, “Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures 

and Protected Species Observer Program” 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page M-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX M 

RELATED FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS INFORMATION 

(A) RELATED OCS FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS 

Walter proposes to install a 6-5/8" right-of-way pipeline and tie-in to the existing Discovery 

Pipeline system in South Timbalier Block 124. 

All hydrocarbon handling equipment installed for testing and production operations will be 

designed, installed and operated to prevent pollution. 

(B) TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Production will be transported via a new 6-5/8” pipeline from South Timbalier Block 127 to the 

Discovery Pipeline system in South Timbalier Block 124 and to a separation and gas processing 

plant in Larose, Louisiana. No new nearshore or onshore pipelines or facilities will be 

constructed. 

(C) PRODUCED LIQUID HYDROCARBONS TRANSPORTATION VESSELS 

There will not be any transfers of liquid hydrocarbons other than via pipeline. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page N-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX N 

SUPPORT VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT INFORMATION 

(A) GENERAL 

Type Maximum Fuel 

Tank Capacity 

Maximum 

Number in Area at 

Any Time 

Trip 

Frequency or 

Duration 

Supply Boat 200,000 gallons 1 Production 1 

trip/month 

Supply Boat 200,000 gallons Installation 20 

days 

The most practical, direct route from the shorebase as permitted by weather and traffic 

conditions will be utilized. 

(B) DIESEL SUPPLY VESSEL 

Size of Fuel Supply 

Vessel 

Capacity of Fuel 

Supply Vessel 

Frequency of 

Chemical Transfers 

Route Fuel Supply 

Vessel Will Take 

120 feet 16,000 gallons 1 per month Closest route from 

shorebase to block. 

(C) DRILLING FLUID TRANSPORTATION 

Drilling fluid transportation is not required to be submitted with this DOCD. 

(D) SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE TRANSPORTATION 

No solid or liquid wastes will be transported to shore.

(E) VICINITY MAP 

Enclosed as Attachment N-1 is a vicinity map showing the location of the activities proposed 

herein relative to the shoreline with the distance of the proposed activities from the shoreline and 

the primary route of the support vessels and aircraft that will be used when traveling between the 

onshore support facilities and Caisson No. 1.

Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page O-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX O 

ONSHORE SUPPORT FACILITIES INFORMATION 

(A) GENERAL 

Name Location Existing/New/Modified 

HOS Port Fourchon, LA Existing 

(B) SUPPORT BASE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION 

There will be no new construction of an onshore support base, nor will we expand the existing 

shorebase as a result of the operations proposed in this DOCD. 

(C) SUPPORT BASE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION TIMETABLE 

Not applicable.

(D) WASTE DISPOSAL 

No wastes will be transported to shore for disposal. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page P-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX P 

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT (CZMA) INFORMATION 

Relevant enforceable policies were considered in certifying consistency for Louisiana. A 

certificate of Coastal Zone Management Consistency for the state of Louisiana is enclosed as 

Attachment P-1. 

Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-1 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

APPENDIX Q 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS (EIA) 

(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) (1) 

Pinnacle Trend area live bottoms (2) (2) (2) 

Eastern Gulf live bottoms (3) (3) (3) 

Benthic communities (4) 

Water quality X X 

Fisheries X X 

Marine Mammals X(8) X(8) X 

Sea Turtles X(8) X(8) X 

Air quality X(9) 

Shipwreck sites (known or 

potential) 

(7) 

Prehistoric archaeological sites X(7) X 

Vicinity of Offshore Location 

Essential fish habitat X X(6) 

Marine and pelagic birds X X X 

Public health and safety (5) 

Coastal and Onshore 

Beaches X(6) X 

Wetlands X(6) 

Shore birds and coastal nesting 

birds 

X(6) X 

Coastal wildlife refuges X 

Wilderness areas X 

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: 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-2 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

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 (Low-Relief) 

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 that could result in an accidental spill of produced liquid hydrocarbons or diesel fuel that you determine 

would impact these environmental resources. If the proposed action is located a sufficient 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 having high-probability for the occurrence of shipwrecks or prehistoric sites, including 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. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-3 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

(B) ANALYSIS 

Site-Specific at South Timbalier Block 127 

Proposed operations consist of the installation of a deck and heliport with a lift boat on the existing 

Caisson, installation of a 6-58” right-of-way pipeline from the platform to the Discovery Pipeline 

system in South Timbalier 124. 

1. Designated Topographic Features 

Potential IPFs on topographic features include physical disturbances to the seafloor and accidents. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: South Timbalier Block 127 is 45 miles from the closest 

designated Topographic Features Stipulation Block (Sackett Bank); therefore, no adverse 

impacts are expected. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface spill would occur from the 

proposed activities (refer to statistics in Item 5, Water Quality). Oil spills cause damage to benthic 

organisms only if the oil contacts the organisms. Oil from a surface spill can be driven into the water 

column; measurable amounts 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 corals. Because the crests of topographic features in the Northern Gulf of Mexico are found 

below 10 m, no oil from a surface spill 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 Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix I). 

There are no other IPFs (including emissions, effluents 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 physical disturbances to the seafloor and 

accidents. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: South Timbalier Block 127 is 116 miles from the closest 

live bottom (pinnacle trend) area; therefore, no adverse impacts are expected. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface spill would occur from the 

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

benthic communities and cause lethal and sublethal effects on live bottom organisms. Oil from a 

surface spill can be driven into the water column; measurable amounts 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 marine organisms. Oil from a subsurface spill is not 

applicable due to the distance of these blocks from a live bottom (pinnacle trend) area. The activities 

proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in 

Appendix I). 

There are no other IPFs (including emissions, effluents and wastes sent to shore for disposal) from the 

proposed activities which could impact a live bottom (pinnacle trend) area. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-4 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

3. Eastern Gulf Live Bottoms 

Potential IPFs on Eastern Gulf live bottoms include physical disturbances to the seafloor and accidents. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: South Timbalier Block 127 is not located in an area 

characterized by the existence of live bottoms, and this lease does not contain a Live-Bottom 

Stipulation requiring a photo documentation survey and survey report. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface spill would occur from the 

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

organisms only if the oil contacts the organisms. Oil from a surface spill can be driven into the water 

column; measurable amounts 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 marine invertebrates. Oil from a subsurface spill is not applicable due to the distance of these 

blocks from a live bottom area. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s 

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

There are no other IPFs (including emissions, effluents and wastes sent to shore for disposal) from the 

proposed activities which could impact an Eastern Gulf live bottom area. 

4. Benthic Communities 

There are no IPFs (including emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor, wastes sent to shore for 

disposal, or accidents) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to benthic communities. 

Operations proposed in this plan are in water depths of 85 feet. High-density benthic communities are 

found only in water depths greater than 984 feet (300 meters); therefore, Walter’s proposed operations 

in South Timbalier Block 127 would not cause impacts to benthic communities. 

5. Water Quality 

IPFs that could result in water quality degradation from the proposed operations in South Timbalier 

Block 127 include disturbances to the seafloor, and accidents. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: Bottom area disturbances resulting from the 

emplacement of drill rigs, the drilling of wells and the installation of platforms and pipelines would 

increase water-column turbidity and re-suspension of any accumulated pollutants, such as trace metals 

and excess nutrients. This would cause short-lived impacts on water quality conditions in the 

immediate vicinity of the emplacement operations. 

Accidents: Oil spills have the potential to alter offshore water quality; however, it is unlikely 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 data were collected), there were 80 reported 

diesel spills greater than one barrel associated with drilling activities. Considering that there were 

11,944 wells drilled, this is a 0.7 percent probability of an occurrence. If a spill were to occur, the 

water quality of marine waters would be temporarily affected by the dissolved components and small 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-5 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

oil droplets. Dispersion 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 therefore float. The activities proposed in this 

plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to information submitted in 

Appendix I). 

There are no other IPFs (including emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor, effluents and 

wastes sent to shore for disposal) from the proposed activities which could cause impacts to water 

quality. 

6. Fisheries 

IPFs that could cause impacts to fisheries as a result of the proposed operations in South Timbalier 

Block 127 include physical disturbances to the seafloor, and accidents. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: The emplacement of a structure or drilling rig results in 

minimal loss of bottom trawling area to commercial fishermen. Pipelines cause gear conflicts which 

result in losses of trawls and shrimp catch, business downtime, and vessel damage. Most financial 

losses from gear conflicts are covered by the Fishermen’s Contingency Fund (FCF). The emplacement 

and removal of facilities are not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to fisheries. 

Accidents: An accidental oil spill has the potential to cause some detrimental effects on fisheries; 

however, it is unlikely that such an event would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5, 

Water Quality). The effects of oil on mobile adult finfish or shellfish would likely be sublethal and the 

extent of damage would be reduced to the capacity of adult fish and shellfish to avoid the spill, to 

metabolize hydrocarbons, and to excrete both metabolites and parent compounds. The activities 

proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in 

Appendix I). 

There are no IPFs from emissions, effluents 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 almost 

exclusively bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. Squid eaters, including dwarf and pygmy 

killer whale, Risso’s dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, and 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 South Timbalier Block 127 include 

emissions, discarded trash and debris, and accidents. 

Emissions: Noises from drilling activities, support vessels and helicopters may elicit a startle 

reaction from marine mammals. This reaction may lead to disruption of marine mammals’ normal 

activities. Stress may make them more vulnerable to parasites, disease, environmental contaminants, 

and/or predation (Majors and Myrick, 1990). There is little conclusive evidence for long-term 

displacements and population trends for marine mammals relative to noise. 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-6 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

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

or serious injury of marine mammals (Laist, 1997; MMC, 1999). The limited amount of marine debris, 

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

Operators are prohibited from deliberately discharging debris as mandated by MARPOL-Annex V and 

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

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

Walter will operate in accordance with the regulations and 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 

caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small items and packaging materials, 

particularly those made of non-biodegradable, environmentally persistent materials such as plastic or 

glass. 

Informational placards will be posted on all vessels and facilities having sleeping or food preparation 

capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support services-related personnel 

(e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management 

or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management 

in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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 maintaining a vigilant watch for marine mammals and 

maintaining a safe distance when they are sighted. Vessel crews should use a reference guide to help 

identify the twenty-eight species of whales and dolphins and the single species of manatee that may be 

encountered in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. Vessel crews must report sightings of any injured or dead 

protected marine mammal species immediately, regardless of whether the injury or death is caused by 

their vessel, to the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (888) 404-3922, the NMFS 

Southeast Regional Office at (727) 824-5312, or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (305) 862-

2850. In addition, if the injury or 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@boemre.gov. If the vessel 

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

network as needed. 

Oil spills have the potential to cause sublethal oil-related injuries and spill-related deaths to marine 

mammals. 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 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 not known. The acute toxicity of oil 

dispersant chemicals included in Walter’s OSRP is considered to be low when compared with the 

constituents and fractions of crude oils and diesel products. The activities proposed in this plan will be 

covered by Walter’s OSRP (refer to information submitted in accordance with Appendix I). 
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There are no other IPFs (including physical disturbances to the seafloor and effluents) from the 

proposed activities which could impact marine mammals. 

8. Sea Turtles 

IPFs that could cause impacts to sea turtles as a result of the proposed operations include emissions, 

discarded trash and debris, and accidents. GulfCet II studies sighted most loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley 

and leatherback sea turtles over shelf 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; Lohoefener et al., 1990). Deep waters may be used by all species as a 

transitory habitat. 

Emissions: Noise from drilling activities, support vessels, and helicopters may elicit a startle 

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

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 activities is not expected to substantially harm sea turtles. Operators are prohibited from 

deliberately discharging debris as mandated by MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic Pollution 

Research and Control Act, and regulations imposed by various agencies including the United States 

Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Walter will operate in 

accordance with the regulations and 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 caution will be exercised 

when handling and disposing of small items and packaging materials, particularly those made of nonbiodegradable, environmentally persistent materials such as plastic or glass. 

Informational placards will be posted on all vessels and facilities having sleeping or food preparation 

capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support services-related personnel 

(e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management 

or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management 

in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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

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

turtles and reduce potential deaths by maintaining a vigilant watch for sea turtles and maintaining a 

safe distance when they are sighted. 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 must 

report sightings of any injured or dead protected sea turtle species immediately, regardless of whether 

the injury or death is caused by their vessel, to the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline 

at (888) 404-3922, the NMFS Southeast Regional Office at (727) 824-5312, or the Marine Mammal 

Stranding Network at (305) 862-2850. In addition, if the injury or death was caused by a collision with 
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a contract vessel, the BOEM must be notified within 24 hours of the strike by email to 

protectedspecies@boemre.gov. If the vessel is the responsible party, it is required to remain available 

to assist the respective salvage and stranding network as needed. 

All sea turtle species and their life stages are vulnerable to the harmful effects of oil through direct 

contact or by fouling of their food. Exposure to oil can be fatal, 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 

could add to the possibility of collisions with sea turtles. The activities proposed in this plan will be 

covered by Walter’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to information submitted in accordance 

with Appendix I). 

There are no other IPFs (including physical disturbances to the seafloor and effluents) from the 

proposed activities which could impact sea turtles. 

9. Air Quality 

South Timbalier Block 127 is located 85 miles from the Breton Wilderness Area and 25.25 miles from 

shore. Applicable emissions data is included in Appendix H of the Plan. 

There would be a limited degree of air quality degradation in the immediate vicinity of the proposed 

activities. Plan Emissions for the proposed activities do not exceed the annual exemption levels as set 

forth by BOEM. Accidents and blowouts can release hydrocarbons or chemicals, which could cause 

the emission of air pollutants. However, these releases would not impact onshore air quality because 

of the prevailing atmospheric conditions, emission height, emission rates, and the distance of South 

Timbalier Block 127 from the coastline. There are no other IPFs (including effluents, physical 

disturbances to the seafloor, wastes sent to shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities 

which would impact air quality. 

10. Shipwreck Sites (known or potential) 

IPFs that could impact known or unknown shipwreck sites as a result of the proposed operations in 

South Timbalier Block 127 include accidents and disturbances to the seafloor. South Timbalier Block 

127 is not located in or adjacent to an OCS block designated by BOEM as having a high probability 

for occurrence of shipwrecks. Walter will report to BOEM the discovery of any evidence of a 

shipwreck and make every reasonable effort to preserve and protect that cultural resource. There are no 

other IPFs (including emissions, effluents, wastes sent to shore for treatment or disposal, or accidents) 

from the proposed activities which could impact shipwreck sites. 

Accidents: An accidental oil spill has the potential to cause some detrimental effects to shipwreck 

sites if the release were to occur subsea. However, it is unlikely that an accidental oil spill would occur 

from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5, Water Quality). The activities proposed in this plan will 

be covered by Walter’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to information submitted in accordance 

with Appendix I). 
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There are no other IPFs (including emissions, effluents, or wastes sent to shore for treatment or 

disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to shipwreck sites. 

11. Prehistoric Archaeological Sites 

IPFs that could cause impacts to prehistoric archaeological sites as a result of the proposed operations 

in South Timbalier Block 127 are disturbances to the seafloor and accidents (oil spills). 

Disturbances to the seafloor: South Timbalier Block 127 is located inside the Archaeological 

Prehistoric high probability lines. Walter will report to BOEM the discovery of any object of 

prehistoric archaeological significance and make every reasonable effort to preserve and protect that 

cultural resource. 

Accidents: An accidental oil spill has the potential to cause some detrimental effects to prehistoric 

archaeological sites if the release were to occur subsea. However, it is unlikely that an accidental oil 

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

in this plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to information 

submitted in accordance with Appendix I). 

There are no other IPFs (including emissions, effluents, wastes sent to shore for treatment or disposal) 

from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to prehistoric archaeological 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 South Timbalier Block 

127 include physical disturbances to the seafloor and accidents. EFH includes all estuarine and marine 

waters and substrates in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: The Live Bottom Low Relief Stipulation, the Live 

Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation, and the Eastern Gulf Pinnacle Trend Stipulation would prevent 

most of the potential impacts on live-bottom communities and EFH from bottom disturbing activities 

(e.g., anchoring, structure emplacement and removal). 

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

spills that contact coastal bays and estuaries, as well as OCS waters when pelagic eggs and larvae are 

present, have the greatest 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 covered by Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix I). 

There are no other IPFs (including emissions, effluents or 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 impact 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. 
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Emissions: Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from the proposed activities are far below 

concentrations which could harm coastal and marine birds. 

Accidents: An oil spill would 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 feeding at the spill location may experience chronic, 

nonfatal, physiological stress. It is expected that few, if any, coastal and marine birds would actually 

be affected to that extent. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional 

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix I). 

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

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 MARPOL-Annex 

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

agencies including the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA). Walter will operate in accordance with the regulations and 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 

caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small items and packaging materials, 

particularly those made of non-biodegradable, environmentally persistent materials such as plastic or 

glass. Informational placards will be posted on all vessels and facilities having sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support servicesrelated personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their 

commitment to waste management in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. Debris, if any, from these 

proposed activities will seldom interact with marine and pelagic birds; therefore, the effects will be 

negligible. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities which could impact marine and pelagic 

birds. 

3. Public Health and Safety Due to Accidents. 

There are no IPFs (emissions, effluents, physical disturbances to the seafloor, wastes sent to shore for 

treatment or disposal or accidents, including an accidental H2S release) from the proposed activities 

which could cause impacts to public health and safety. In accordance with NTL No.’s 2008-G04, 

2009-G27, and 2009-G31, sufficient information is included in Appendix D to justify our request that 

our proposed activities be classified by BSEE as H2S absent. 

Coastal and Onshore 
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1. Beaches 

IPFs from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to beaches include accidents (oil spills) and 

discarded trash and debris. 

Accidents: Oil spills contacting beaches would have impacts on the use of recreational beaches and 

associated resources. Due to the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant 

adverse impacts are expected. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s 

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

Discarded trash and debris: Trash on the beach is recognized as a major threat to the enjoyment 

and use of beaches. There will only be a limited amount of marine debris, if any, resulting from the 

proposed activities. Operators are prohibited from deliberately discharging debris as mandated by 

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

imposed by various agencies including the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA). Walter will operate in accordance with the regulations and 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 caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small items and 

packaging materials, particularly those made of non-biodegradable, environmentally persistent 

materials such as plastic or glass. 

Informational placards will be posted on all vessels and facilities having sleeping or food preparation 

capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support services-related personnel 

(e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management 

or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management 

in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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

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

2. Wetlands 

Salt marshes and seagrass beds fringe the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the distance from 

shore (25.25 miles), accidents (oil spills) and discarded trash and debris represent a IPFs which could 

impact these resources. 

Accidents: Level of impact from an oil spill will depend on oil concentrations contacting vegetation, 

kind of oil spilled, types of vegetation affected, season of the year, pre-existing stress level of the 

vegetation, soil types, and numerous other factors. Light-oiling impacts will cause plant die-back with 

recovery within two growing seasons without artificial replanting. However, it is unlikely that an oil 

spill would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 5, Water quality). If a spill were to occur, 

response capabilities as outlined in Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in 

Appendix I) would be implemented. 
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Discarded trash and debris: There will only be a limited amount of marine debris, if any, 

resulting from the proposed activities. Operators are prohibited from deliberately discharging debris as 

mandated by MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act, and 

regulations imposed by various agencies including the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Walter will operate in accordance with the regulations and 

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 caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small 

items and packaging materials, particularly those made of non-biodegradable, environmentally 

persistent materials such as plastic or glass. 

Informational placards will be posted on all vessels and facilities having sleeping or food preparation 

capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support services-related personnel 

(e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management 

or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management 

in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities which could impact wetlands. 

3. Shore Birds and Coastal Nesting Birds 

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, Water Quality). 

Given the distance from shore (25.25 miles) and the response capabilities that would be implemented, 

no impacts are expected. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional 

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix I). 

Discarded trash and debris: Coastal and marine birds are highly susceptible to entanglement in 

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

deliberately discharging debris as mandated by MARPOL-Annex V and the Marine Plastic Pollution 

Research and Control Act, and regulations imposed by various agencies including the United States 

Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Walter will operate in 

accordance with the regulations and 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 caution will be exercised 

when handling and disposing of small items and packaging materials, particularly those made of nonbiodegradable, environmentally persistent materials such as plastic or glass. 

 

Informational placards will be posted on vessels and every facility that has sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support servicesrelated personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains and boat crews) will be indoctrinated on waste 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-13 

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South Timbalier Block 127

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 Walter management or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their 

commitment to waste management in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to shore birds 

and coastal nesting birds. 

4. Coastal Wildlife Refuges 

Accidents: An accidental oil spill from the proposed activities could cause impacts to coastal wildlife 

refuges. 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 shore (25.25 miles) and the response capabilities that 

would be implemented, no impacts are expected. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered 

by Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Appendix I). 

Discarded trash and debris: Operators are prohibited from deliberately discharging debris as 

mandated by MARPOL-Annex V, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act and 

regulations imposed by various agencies including the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Walter will operate in accordance with the regulations and 

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 caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small 

items and packaging materials, particularly those made of non-biodegradable, environmentally 

persistent materials such as plastic or glass. 

 

Informational placards will be posted on vessels and every facility that has sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support servicesrelated personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their 

commitment to waste management in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to coastal 

wildlife refuges. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to coastal 

wildlife refuges. 
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5. Wilderness Areas 

Accidents: An accidental oil spill from the proposed activities could cause impacts 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 Wilderness Area (85 miles) and the 

response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected. The 

activities proposed in this plan will be covered by Walter’s Regional OSRP (refer to information 

submitted in Appendix I).

Discarded trash and debris: Operators are prohibited from deliberately discharging debris as 

mandated by MARPOL-Annex V, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act and 

regulations imposed by various agencies including the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Walter will operate in accordance with the regulations and 

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 caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small 

items and packaging materials, particularly those made of non-biodegradable, environmentally 

persistent materials such as plastic or glass. 

 

Informational placards will be posted on vessels and every facility that has sleeping or food 

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support servicesrelated personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains 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 Walter management or the designated lease operator management that emphasizes their 

commitment to waste management in accordance with NTL No. 2012-G01. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to wilderness 

areas. 

6. Other Environmental Resources Identified 

There are no other environmental resources identified for this impact assessment. 

(C) IMPACTS ON PROPOSED ACTIVITIES 

The site–specific environmental conditions have been taken into account for the proposed activities. 

No impacts are expected on the proposed activities from site-specific environmental conditions. 

(D) ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 

During the hurricane season, June through November, the Gulf of Mexico is impacted by an average of 

ten tropical storms (39-73 mph winds), of which six become hurricanes ( > 74 mph winds). Due to its 

location in the gulf, South Timbalier Block 127 may experience hurricane and tropical storm force 

winds, and related sea currents. These factors can adversely 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 
Walter Oil & Gas Corporation Page Q-15 

Initial DOCD July, 2013 

South Timbalier Block 127

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. Platform / structure Installation 

 Operator will not conduct platform / structure installation operations during Tropical 

 Storm or Hurricane threat. 

2. Pipeline Installation 

 Operator will not conduct pipeline installation operations during Tropical Storm or 

 Hurricane threat. 

(E) ALTERNATIVES 

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

(F) MITIGATION MEASURES 

No mitigation measures other than those required by regulation will be employed to avoid, diminish, or 

eliminate potential impacts on environmental resources. 

(G) CONSULTATION 

No agencies or persons were consulted regarding potential impacts associated with the proposed 

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

(H) PREPARER(S) 

Evan Connolly 

J. Connor Consulting, Inc. 

16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 700 

Houston, TX 77084 

(281) 578-3388 

evan.connolly@jccteam.com 

(I) References 

Authors: 

American Petroleum Institute (API). 1989. Effects of offshore petroleum operations on cold water 

marine mammals: a literature review. Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute. 385 pp. 
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Balazs, G.H. 1985. Impact of ocean debris on marine turtles: entanglement and ingestion. In: Shomura, 

R.S. and H.O. Yoshida, eds. Proceedings, Workshop on the Fate and Impact of Marine Debris, 26-

29 November 1984, Honolulu, HI. U.S. Dept. of Commerce. NOAA Tech. Memo. NOAA-TMNMFS-SWFC-54. Pp 387-429. 

Burke, C.J. and J.A. Veil. 1995. Potential benefits from regulatory consideration of synthetic drilling 

muds. Environmental Assessment Division, Argonne National Laboratory, ANL/EAD/TM-43. 

Daly, J.M. 1997. Controlling the discharge of synthetic-based drilling fluid contaminated cuttings in 

waters of the United States. U.S. Environmental 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 Management, Alaska OCS Region, Anchorage. BLM-YK-ES-81-

006-1792. 

Laist, D.W. 1997. Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a 

comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records. In: Coe, J.M. and D.B. 

Rogers, eds. Marine debris: sources, 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 bombs in the eastern tropical Pacific purse-seine 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. Kendziorek, and D.R. Nysewander. 1990. Immediate 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. Losses 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. Environmental Assessment. BOEM 2000-001 

o GOM Central and Western Planning Areas Sales 166 and 168 Final Environmental Impact 

Statement. BOEM 96-0058. 
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APPENDIX R 

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 

(A) EXEMPTED INFORMATION DESCRIPTION 

The proposed bottom-hole locations of the planned wells have been removed from the public information copy 

of the DOCD as well as any discussions of the target objectives, geologic or geophysical data, and any 

interpreted geology. 

(B) BIBLIOGRAPHY 

1. Initial EP for South Timbalier Block 127, Control N-9618.