UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM

To: Public Information (MS 5030)

Plans Section, Office of Field 

Operations (MS 5231)

Public Information copy of Exploration Plan

Control # - S-07534

Type - Supplemental Exploration Plan

Lease(s) - OCS-G32673 Block - 325 Walker Ridge Area

Operator - Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.

Subsea Wells A, B, C, and D

DP SEMISUBMERSIBLE

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.

Michelle Griffitt

Plan Coordinator

Description -

Rig Type -

Subject:

From:

October 4, 2012



 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Plan Contents (§§ 250.211 and 250.241) 

(a) Plan Information Form. 

(b) Location Map. 

(c) Safety and pollution prevention features. 

(d) Storage tanks and production vessels. 

(e) Pollution prevention measures 

(f) Additional measures. 

General Information (§§ 250.213 and 250.243) 

(a) Applications and permits. 

(b) Drilling fluids. 

(c) Production. 

(d) Oils characteristics. 

(e) New or unusual technology. 

(f) Bonding statement. 

(g) Oil spill financial responsibility (OSFR). 

(h) Deepwater well control statement.

(i) Suspensions of production. 

(j) Blowout scenario. [3 (b), (c) and (i) proprietary]

(k) Chemical products. 

Geological Information (§§ 250.214 and 250.244) 

(a) Geological description. 

(b) Structure contour maps. 

(c) Interpreted two-dimensional (2-D) and/or three-dimensional (3-D) seismic lines. 

(d) Geological structure cross-sections. Provide interpreted geological structure may be 

(e) Shallow hazards report. 

(f) Shallow hazards assessment. 

(g) High-resolution seismic lines. 

(h) Stratigraphic column. 

(i) Time vs. depth tables. 

(j) Geochemical information. 

(k) Future G&G activities. 

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Information (§§ 250.215 and 250.245) 

a) Concentration. 

(b) Classification. 

(c) H2S Contingency Plan. 

Mineral Resource Conservation Information (§ 250.246) 

(a) Technology and reservoir engineering practices and procedures. 

(b) Technology and recovery practices and procedures. 

(c) Reservoir development. 

PUBLIC INFORMATION
 

 

Biological, Physical, and Socioeconomic Information (§§ 250.216 and 250.247) 

(a) Chemosynthetic communities report. 

(b) Topographic features map. 

(c) Topographic features statement (shunting). Not applicable. 

(d) Live bottoms (Pinnacle Trend) map. 

(e) Live bottoms (low relief) map. 

(f) Potentially sensitive biological features. 

(g) Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) monitoring survey plan. 

(h) Threatened and endangered species information. 

(i) Archaeological report. 

(j) Air and water quality information. 

(k) Socioeconomic information. 

Waste and Discharge Information (§§ 250.217 and 250.248) 

(a) Projected generated wastes. 

(b) Projected ocean discharges. 

(c) Modeling report. 

(d) NPDES permits. 

(e) Cooling water intakes. 

Air Emissions Information (§§ 250.218 and 250.249) 

(a) Emissions worksheets and screening questions 

Oil Spills Information (§§ 250.219 and 250.250) 

(a) Oil spill response planning. 

(i) Regional or subregional OSRP information. 

(ii) Spill response sites. 

(iii)OSRO information. 

(iv) Worst-case scenario determination. 

(b) Oil spill response discussion. 

(c) Modeling report. 

Environmental Monitoring Information (§§ 250.221 and 250.252) 

(a) Monitoring systems. 

(b) Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. 

Lease Stipulations Information (§§ 250.222 and 250.253) 

Environmental Mitigation Measures Information (§§ 250.223 and 250.254) 

Decommissioning Information (§ 250.255) 

Related Facilities and Operations Information (§ 250.256) 

(a) Related OCS facilities and operations. 

(b) Transportation system. 

(c) Produced liquid hydrocarbons transportation vessels. 
 

 

Support Vessels and Aircraft Information (§§ 250.224 and 250.257) 

(a) General. 

(b) Diesel oil supply vessels. 

(c) Drilling fluids transportation

(d) Solid and liquid wastes transportation. 

(e) Vicinity map. 

Onshore Support Facilities Information (§§ 250.225 and 250.258) 

(a) General. 

(b) Support base construction or expansion. 

(c) Support base construction or expansion timetable. 

(d) Waste disposal. 

(e) Air emissions. 

(f) Unusual solid and liquid wastes. 

Sulphur Operations Information (§ 250.259) 

Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Information (§§ 250.226 and 250.260) 

(a) Consistency certification. 

(b) Other information

Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) (§§ 250.227 and 250.261) 

(a) IPF’s from the proposed activities. 

(b) Affected environment. 

(c) Impact analysis. 

(d) Environmental hazards. 

(e) Alternatives. 

(f) Mitigation measures. 

(g) Consultation. 

(h) Preparers. 

(i) References. 

Administrative Information (§§ 250.228 and 250.262) 

(a) Exempted information description (public information copies only). 

(b) Bibliography. 

Appendix A 

Plan Information Form 

Appendix B 

Location Plat 

Bathemetry Map

 

Appendix C

Blowout Scenario 

WCD Assumptions and Calculations
 

 

Appendix D

Interpreted 2-D or 3-D Seismic Lines 

Geological Structure Cross-Sections 

High Resolution Seismic Lines 

Stratigraphic Column 

Time VS. Depth Tables 

Geochemical Information

Appendix E

Vicinity Map

Shallow Hazard and Archaeological Assessments

High Resolution Seismic Lines

Appendix F 

Air Quality Review

Appendix G

Oil Spill Response Discussion

Oil Spill Response Certification

Appendix H 

Consistency Certification

Appendix I

Environmental Impact Analysis
 

 

Revised Exploration Plan

Woodside Energy (USA), Inc. 

Walker Ridge Block 325

Locations “A-D” 

Lease OCS-G 32673

Plan Contents (§§ 250.211 and 250.241)

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. (Woodside), as designated Operator of the subject lease, hereby 

submits t his pr oposed Supplemental E xploration P lan in acco rdance w ith t he r egulations 

contained in Title 30 C FR 250.200-204 and more specifically defined in the Bureau of Safety 

and E nvironmental E nforcement (BSEE) [ formerly Bureau o f O cean Energy M anagement, 

Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE)] NTL’s 2008-G04, 2009-G27 and 2009-N06. Under 

this Exploration Plan (EP), Woodside plans to drill and temporarily abandon four (4) wells. The 

Initial Exploration Plan for Locations A-C, Control No. N-9414, was approved September 23, 

2009. A supplemental Location D was submitted on November 17, 2011 and was given Control 

No. S -7534. Woodside pr oposes t o r evise C ontrol N o. S-7534 by adding Locations A -C to 

comply w ith N TL 201 0-N06, r evising Location D an d revising t he Worst C ase D ischarge 

Scenarios as well as commencement dates. 

Woodside’s Plan, as detailed in this EP, is to use a single dynamic positioning semi submersible 

(DPSS) M obile O ffshore D rilling U nit ( MODU), th e Maersk D eveloper or e quivalent r ig ( the 

“Rig”), to d rill one exploration w ell i n t he Walker R idge Block 3 25 (WR 325) , l ocated 

approximately 165 miles from the nearest shoreline (Louisiana), 185 miles from the supply base 

at Fourchon, LA and 195 miles from the helicopter terminal at Amelia, LA. The initial drilling 

activities ar e tentatively planned t o c ommence on or a bout January 1, 201 3 and l ast 

approximately 150 days. T he timeframe to complete the initial drilling activities is an estimate 

based on the best available information regarding downhole conditions likely to be encountered 

while drilling the well and not intended to be a limitation. 

The rig to be utilized will be a DPSS and will be equipped with state-of-the-art drilling and well 

control equipment. It is a largely self-contained drilling vessel with accommodations for a crew 

up t o 138 persons on b oard i ncluding qua rters, g alley a nd s anitation f acilities. T he R ig w ill 

comply w ith t he requirements i n N TL 2010 -N05 a nd t he Interim F inal R ules. T he dr illing 

activities w ill be s upported b y t he s upport ve ssels a nd a ircraft as w ell as ex isting o nshore 

facilities. Woodside has e mployed or c ontracted w ith t rained pe rsonnel t o c arry out i ts 

exploration activities. Woodside employees and contractors are experienced at operating in the 

Gulf o f M exico an d are w ell v ersed i n all F ederal a nd S tate l aws regulating ope rations. 

Woodside’s em ployees an d co ntractors s hare Woodside’s d eep c ommitment to o perating in a 

safe and environmentally responsible manner. 

Woodside, t hrough i ts pa rent and a ffiliate c orporations, ha s e xtensive e xperience s afely 

exploring for oil and gas. Woodside will draw upon this experience in organizing and carrying 

out i ts pl anned dr illing program. Woodside believes t he b est w ay to m anage bl owouts i s t o 

prevent them from occurring. Significant effort goes into the design and execution of wells and 

into bui lding a nd m aintaining s taff c ompetence. In t he unl ike e vent of a s pill, Woodside 

Regional Oil S pill R esponse P lan i s de signed t o c ontain a nd r espond t o a s pill t hat m eets o r 
 

 

exceeds t he w orst cas e discharge ( WCD) s cenario d etailed i n Appendix C of t his P lan. T he 

WCD d oes n ot ta ke in to a ccount p otential f low mitig ating f actors s uch a s w ell b ridging, 

obstructions in wellbore, reservoir barriers or early intervention. Woodside continues to invest 

in i mprovements to th e s afety and r eliability o f o ur w ell s ystems. A ll o perations w ill b e 

conducted i n ac cordance w ith ap plicable F ederal an d S tate l aws, r egulations, an d l ease an d 

permit requirements. Woodside will have trained personnel and monitoring programs in place to 

ensure such compliance. 

(a) Plan Information Form 

 

An OCS Information Form with details of the proposed drilling operations as provided for in this 

Plan along with a tentative activity schedule is included as Appendix A. 

(b) Bathymetry Map, Location Plat , Anchor Pattern, and Anchor Site Clearance

A Well Location Plat and a Bathymetry Map are included as Appendix B. There are no anchors 

associated with this plan.

(c) Safety and Pollution Prevention Features

Safety features on the MODU will include well control, pollution prevention, welding procedure, 

and blowout prevention equipment as described in Title 30 C FR Part 250, Subparts C, D, E, G 

and O ; an d as f urther cl arified b y Bureau of S afety and E nvironmental E nforcement ( BSEE)

Notice t o Lessees, a nd c urrent pol icy m aking i nvoked b y t he Bureau o f S afety and 

Environmental E nforcement ( BSEE), E nvironmental P rotection A gency a nd t he U .S. C oast 

Guard. T he appropriate life boats, life rafts, life jackets, ring buoys, etc., as prescribed by the 

U.S. Coast Guard will be maintained on the facility at all times.

In a ccordance w ith T itle 30 C FR P art 250, S ubpart O, a n ope rator i s t o e nsure W ell C ontrol 

Training is provided for lessee and contractor personnel engaged in well control operations in the 

OCS G ulf of M exico. F urther, t he ope rator i s charged w ith t he r esponsibility t o not c reate 

conditions t hat w ill pos e unr easonable r isk t o t he publ ic he alth, l ife, p roperty, aquatic l ife, 

wildlife, recreation, navigation, commercial fishing, or other uses of the ocean.

Supervisory and c ertain designated pe rsonnel on -board th e f acility are to b e f amiliar w ith th e 

effluent limitations and guidelines for overboard discharges into the receiving waters, as outlined 

in the latest NPDES General Permit GMG290000. Some of these pollution prevention measures 

include installation of curbs, gutters, drip pans, and drains on dr illing deck areas to collect all 

contaminants and debris. 

Bureau of S afety and Environmental E nforcement ( BSEE) is required t o c onduct ons ite 

inspections o f o ffshore facilities to c onfirm o perators a re complying with le ase s tipulations, 

operating r egulations, a pproved pl ans, and ot her c onditions; a s w ell as t o a ssure s afety and 

pollution pr evention r equirements are be ing m et. T he N ational Potential Incident of 

Noncompliance (PINC) List serves as the baseline for these inspections. The BSEE also inspects 

the stockpiles of equipment listed in the operator's approved Oil Spill Response Plan that would 

be used for the containment and cleanup of hydrocarbon spills.
 

 

The Rig Woodside plans to use will comply with all of the regulations of the American Bureau 

of Shipping (ABS), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United States Coast 

Guard (USCG). All drilling operations will be conducted under the provisions of 30 CFR, Part 

250, Subpart D, and other applicable regulations and notices, including those regarding the 

avoidance of potential drilling hazards and safety and pollution prevention control. Such 

measures as inflow detection and well control, monitoring for loss of circulation and seepage 

loss, and casing design will be Woodside’s primary safety measures. Primary pollution 

prevention measures are contaminated and non-contaminated drain system, mud drain system, 

and oily water processing.

(d) Storage Tanks and Production Vessels

Tanks on the Maersk Developer, a typical DP semi, with a capacity of 25 bbls or more of oil as 

defined in 30 CFR 254.6 are listed below:

Type of Storage 

Tank Type of Facility Tank Capacity (bbls)

Number 

of Tanks

Total 

Capacity 

(bbls)

Fluid 

Gravity 

(API)

Hull tanks 1&2 Fuel oil (Diesel) 8204 2 16408 32 o

Hull tanks 3&4 Fuel oil (Diesel) 5500 2 11000 32o

Engine day tank P Fuel oil (Diesel) 305 1 305 32o

Engine day tank S Fuel oil (Diesel) 356 1 356 32o

Settling tank P Fuel oil (Diesel) 213 1 213 32o

Settling tank S Fuel oil (Diesel) 219 1 219 32o

Base oil 1 Lube oil 4838 1 4838 30o

Lubrication oil Lube oil 55 1 55 32o

Waste oil 1&2 Waste oil 226 2 452 31o

(e) Pollution Prevention Measures 

Not applicable. Florida is not an affected State.

(f) Additional Measures

No additional measures are proposed. 
 

 

General Information (§§ 250.213 and 250.243)

(a) Applications and Permits

Application / Permit Issuing Agency Status

APD BSEE District To be submitted

General NPDES Permit U.S. EPA To be submitted

Emergency Evacuation Plan U.S. Coast Guard To be submitted

(b) Drilling Fluids

Type of Drilling Fluid Est. Vol. of Drilling Fluid per Well

Water-based 15,000 bbls

Synthetic-based 10,000 bbls

Oil-Based 0 bbls

(c) Peak Production Rates / Life of Reserves

Not applicable for Exploration Plans.

(d) Oil Characteristics

Not applicable for Exploration Plans.

(e) New or Unusual Technology

Woodside does not propose the use of any new or unusual technology in the activities proposed 

under this plan. Bests and safest technologies as referenced in 30 CF 250 will be incorporated as 

standard operating procedure. 

(f) Bonding Information 

The bond r equirements for the activities and facilities proposed in this Plan are satisfied by an 

area-wide bond furnished and maintained according to 30 CFR Part 256, subpart I and NTL No. 

2000-G16, “Guidelines for General Lease Surety Bonds”; and additional security under 30 CFR 

256.53(d) and National NTL No. 2008-N07, “Supplemental Bond Procedures.” 

(g) Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR)

Woodside (BOEM Operator No. 02407) will demonstrate oil spill financial responsibility for the 

activities proposed in this Plan according to 30 CFR Part 253, and NTL 2008-N05, “Guidelines

for Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR) for Covered Facilities”. 
 

 

(h) Deepwater Well Control Statement

Woodside (BOEM Operator N o. 02407) ha s t he f inancial c apability t o drill a r elief w ell a nd 

conduct other emergency well control operations if required. 

(i) Suspensions of Production

Not applicable for Exploration Plans.

(j) Blowout Scenario

A blowout scenario for the proposed operations is outlined in Appendix C. 

(k) Chemical Products

This information is not required for the activities proposed in this plan in the BOEM GOMR.
 

 

Geological Information (§§ 250.214 and 250.244) 

In accordance with 43 C FR 2.13 ( c) (9), those items considered proprietary have been omitted 

from the Public Information copy and have been referenced accordingly. 

(a) Geological Description

The Ivan locations are designed to test the Lower Tertiary Wilcox 1, 2, and 3 zones in WR 325. 

These Paleogene age intervals showed good reservoir quality sand development 6.5 miles to the 

ESE in the nearby Green Bay #1 well (WR 372-1). The Ivan complex is a salt cored anticline 

that extends in a NW to SE fashion beginning in WR 324 in the NW and continuing into WR 

414 and 415 in the SE. The trap consists of 3 way dip closure truncating against the sides of a 

salt keel on the NE side of the structure. The Tucker #1 well (WR 544-1) demonstrates oil 

bearing Wilcox sand development and is approximately 10 miles SW from the location. 

(b) Structure Contour Maps 

Enclosed as Appendix D are cu rrent s tructure m ap(s) drawn t o t he t op of t he proposed 

hydrocarbon z one(s). T he s urface a nd bot tomhole l ocation(s) a long w ith t he l ocations of t he 

geologic cross-sections of the well(s) to be drilled under this EP are included. 

(c) Interpreted 2-D or 3-D Seismic Lines 

Enclosed as Appendix D are copies of the migrated and annotated deep seismic line within 500 

feet of each of the proposed surface locations. 

(d) Geological Structure Cross-Sections 

An interpreted geological cross-section showing the location and depth of each of the proposed 

well(s) with at least one key horizon and the objective sand labeled is enclosed as Appendix D. 

(e) Shallow Hazards Report 

The Shallow Hazard Report was submitted previously with the Initial Exploration Plan.

(f) Site Specific Shallow Hazards Assessment 

Please refer to Appendix E.

(g) High Resolution Seismic Lines 

Please refer to Appendix D.

(h) Stratigraphic Column 

A generalized biostratigraphic/lithostratigraphic c olumn from the seafloor to the total depth of 

each of the proposed well(s) is included as Appendix D. 
 

 

(i) Time Versus Depth Tables 

Time versus depth tables are included as Appendix D.

 

(j) Geochemical Information

This information is not required for the activities proposed in this plan in the BOEM GOMR.

(k) Future G&G Activities

This information is not required for the activities proposed in this plan in the BOEMRE GOMR.
 

 

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Information (§§ 250.215 and 250.245)

(a) Concentration

Woodside does not a nticipate encountering H 2S w hile c onducting our proposed exploratory 

activities.

(b) Classification Request

In accordance with Title 30 CFR 250.490(c), Woodside requests Walker Ridge Block 325, Lease 

OCS-G 32673, be classified by the BOEM as an area where the “absence” of hydrogen sulfide 

has been confirmed based upon the following: 

• T he f ollowing w ells w ere dr illed i n l eases n ear W R 325. N one of the w ells e ncountered 

hydrogen sulfide gas as determined from the available drilling/scout reports and well logs: 

WR-372 #1 OCS-G 18701 Anadarko 

WR-278 #1 OCS-G 18675 Devon 

WR-285 #1 OCS-G 16971 Conoco 

WR-456 #1 OCS-G 16993 Texaco E&P 

WR-456 #1 BP1 OCS-G 16993 Texaco E&P 

WR-456 #1 BP2 OCS-G 16993 Texaco E&P 

WR-544 #1 OCS-G 17003 BP E&P 

WR-508 #1 OCS-G 17001 BP E&P 

WR-508 #2 OCS-G 17001 Shell Offshore 

WR-508 #3 OCS-G 17001 Shell Offshore 

WR-508 #3 BP1 OCS-G 17001 Shell Offshore 

WR-508 #3 BP2 OCS-G 17001 Shell Offshore 

A request for reclassification will be made if additional data indicate that a different 

classification is needed.

 

(c) Contingency Plan 

Woodside does not a nticipate encountering H 2S w hile c onducting our proposed e xploratory 

activities therefore a contingency plan is not required at this time.

(d) Modeling Report

Woodside does not a nticipate encountering H 2S while c onducting our proposed e xploratory 

activities therefore a modeling report is not required at this time.
 

 

Mineral Resource Conservation Information (§ 250.246)

(a) Technology and Reservoir Engineering Practices and Procedures

Not Required for Exploration Plans 

(b) Technology and Recovery Practices and Procedures

Not Required for Exploration Plans 

(c) Reservoir Development

Not Required for Exploration Plans 
 

 

Biological, P hysical, a nd So cioeconomic I nformation ( §§ 2 50.216 

and 250.247)

(a) High Density Deepwater Benthic Communities Information

GEMS performed a geohazards assessment for the “Ivan” Prospect located in Block 325 (OCSG-32673) and vicinity, Walker Ridge Area, Gulf of Mexico using a 3D seismic data volume 

provided by Woodside in November 2008. The purpose of the assessment was to address 

seafloor conditions that may impact exploratory drilling operations within 2000 feet of the 

proposed wellsite. Water depths of the study area are greater than 300 meters (984 feet). No 

high density benthic communities have been reported in the area according to the BOEMRE

(NTL No. 2009-G40). The closest feature with potential for supporting chemosynthetic and 

other deepwater benthic communities is approximately 8,700 ft from the proposed WR 325-D 

location. 

Features or areas that could support high-density chemosynthetic communities are not located 

within 2000 feet of each proposed muds and cuttings discharge location. No anchors will be 

used. 

A S ite C learance Letter can be f ound w ith the S hallow Hazards Assessment i n Appendix E. 

Woodside doe s not a nticipate a ny s eafloor c onditions t hat m ay i mpact e xploratory dr illing 

operations within 2000 feet of the proposed wellsite. 

(b) Topographic Features Map 

There are no proposed bottom-disturbing activities within 1000 feet of the “No Activity Zone” of 

an identified topographic feature. 

(c) Topographic Features Statement (shunting)

The activities proposed in this Plan are in water depths greater than 300 meters so NTL 2009-

G39 is not applicable. 

Woodside does not propose to drill more than two wells from the same surface location which is 

outside t he 1 -mile Zone but w ithin t he P rotective Zone o f a n i dentified t opographic f eature; 

therefore a statement for shunting described in Attachment 2, Section A, Item No. 2 of NTL No. 

2009-G39 “Biologically Sensitive Areas of the Gulf of Mexico” is not required. 

(d) Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Map 

The activities proposed in this plan are not affected by a live bottom (pinnacle trend) stipulation 

attached to the lease.
 

 

(e) Live Bottom (Low Relief) Map 

The a ctivities p roposed in th is p lan a re n ot a ffected b y a liv e b ottom ( low r elief) s tipulation 

attached to the lease.

(f) Potentially Sensitive Biological Features

The activities proposed in this Plan are in water depths greater than 300 meters so NTL 2009-

G39 is not applicable. 

Woodside does not pr opose bot tom-disturbing a ctivities w ithin 6 1 meters ( 200 feet) o f 

potentially sensitive biological features; therefore, the map described in Attachment 8, S ection 

A, of NTL No. 2009-G39 “Biologically Sensitive Underwater Features & Areas” is not required. 

(g) ROV Monitoring Survey Plan

The activities proposed in this plan do not require an ROV Survey Plan since the Deepwater Grid 

(Grid N o. 1 1) accessed t hrough N TL 2008 -G06 s hows s ufficient R OV information ha s b een 

gathered for this block. 

(h) Threatened and Endangered Species Information

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) established a moratorium on the taking of marine 

mammals in U.S. waters. It defines “take” to mean “to hunt, harass, capture, or kill” any marine 

mammal, or attempt to do so. Marine mammals protected under the MMAP that may be found 

in the location of the activities proposed include: 

Sperm Whales, Blue Whales, Sei W hales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales and N orth A tlantic

Right Whales - of these six whales, only Sperm Whales are considered to commonly occur in the 

Gulf of M exico. Non-endagered s pecies i nclude the B ryde’s w hale, m inke w hale, p ygmy and 

dwarf sperm whale and beaked whales. The West Indian manatee is the only sirenian occurring 

in the Gulf of Mexico. Bottlenose, Atlantic Spotted, Clymene, Fraser’s, rough-toothed, spinner 

and striped dolphins as well as false killer, killer, pygmy killer, melon-headed and short-finned 

pilot whales.

The pur pose of t he E ndangered S pecies A ct ( ESA) i s t o c onserve t hreatened a nd e ndangered 

species and their ecosystems. A species is considered endangered if it is in danger of extinction 

throughout a ll or a s ignificant por tion of i ts r ange. A s pecies i s co nsidered t hreatened i f i t i s 

likely t o become endangered in the future. The l ocation of the activities proposed in this plan 

does not i nclude a ny c ritical ha bitats de signated unde r t he E SA. Threatened an d en dangered 

turtles that may be found in the location of the activities proposed include: 
 

 

Green Sea Turtles, Hawk’s Bill Sea Turtles, Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles, Leatherback Sea

Turtles, and Loggerhead Sea Turtles. 

Other threatened or endangered species or “species of concern” (i.e., a candidate for Federal 

listing under the ESA) that have been identified by the NMFS as potentially sensitive to OCS 

activities within the Gulf of Mexico include: 

Gulf sturgeon, smalltooth sawfish, southern bald eagle, eastern brown pelican, Eskimo curlew, 

piping plover, southeastern snowy plover, roseate tern, whooping crane and wood stork as well 

as four subspecies of beach mice 

Threatened nearshore marine invertebrates species include: 

Elkhorn Coral and Staghorn Coral 

Please refer to our Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) contained in this plan for detailed 

information on how Woodside plans to mitigate harm to these threatened and endangered 

species.

(i) Archaeological Report

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

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

commencement of operations. These locations will be certified by an authorized marine

archaeologist and by Woodside to be clear of seafloor archaeological resources, including 

historic shipwrecks. Copies of the certifications and a circle radius plat of the survey area will be 

submitted to the BOEMRE. Should a resource be encountered, Woodside will contact the 

BOEMRE immediately.

 

(j) Air and Water Quality Information

The location of the activities proposed in this plan does not affect the State of Florida; therefore 

this information is not required in this plan. 

(k) Socioeconomic Information

The location of the activities proposed in this plan does not affect the State of Florida; therefore 

this information is not required in this plan. 
 

 

Waste and Discharge Information (§§ 250.217 and 250.248)

(a) Projected Ocean Discharges See Table 1 below. There will be do downhole disposal. 

These discharges will be covered by a general NPDES discharge permit.

(b) Projected Generated Wastes See Table 2 below

Table 1. Wastes Generated, Treated and Downhole Disposed or Discharged to the Gulf of 

Mexico (Discharges Per Well Unless Otherwise Noted)

Projected Generated Waste Projected Ocean Discharges

Type of Waste and 

Composition

Composition Projected 

Amount

Maximum 

Discharge Rate

Discharge Method

Water-Based 

Drilling Fluid

Barite, 

additives

15000 bbls 3000 bbls/mo Discharged Overboard

Synthetic- based 

Drilling fluid

Esters, 

polyalpha 

olefins

NA NA NA

Cuttings Wetted 

with Syntheticbased Fluid

Esters, 

polyalpha 

olefins

5700 bbls 1140 bbls/mo. Cleaned & Discharged 

Overboard 

Cuttings Wetted 

with Water-Based 

Fluid

Barite, 

additives 

530 bbls 16 bbls/mo. Discharged Overboard

Cuttings Wetted 

with Oil- based Fluid

Diesel 0 NA NA

Domestic Waste Grey water 730,000

gal.

35 

gal/person/day

Treated and Discharged 

Overboard

Sanitary Waste Treated 

Sanitary 

Waste

517,500 

gal.

25 

gal/day/person

“ “

Deck Drainage Rain/Wash 

Water

0-100,000 

bbls / 

rainfall

NA “ “

Well Treat., W/O or 

Completion Fluids

NA NA Discharged Overboard

Desalinization unit Brine 16,500 bbls 110 bbls/day “ “

BOP fluid BOP Fluid 35 bbls/yr 3 bbls/mo. Discharged at seafloor

Ballast Water NA NA Discharged Overboard

Bilge water NA NA “ “

Excess cement at 

seafloor

Cement 700 bbls 140 bbls/mo. Discharged at seafloor

Fire water NA NA Discharged Overboard

Cooling water NA NA “ “

Produced Water NA NA “ “

NA=Not Applicable 
 

 

Table 2. Wastes Transported and/or Disposed of Onshore (Discharges Per Well 

Unless Otherwise Noted)

Projected Generated 

Waste 

Solid and 

Liquid Wastes 

Transportation

Waste Disposal

Type of 

Waste

Composition Transport 

Method

Name/Location 

of Facility

Amount Disposal 

Method

Oil-Based 

Fluid

NA

Syntheticbased 

Fluid

Used SBF 

and additives 

Tanks on 

supply boat 

US Liquids, 

Fouchon, LA

10,000 

bbls/well

Recycled

Cuttings 

Wetted 

with OilBased Mud

NA

Produced 

Sand

NA

Trash and 

Debris

Steel, cables, 

paper, 

cardboard, 

plastic

Storage bins on 

supply boat 

Waste 

Management 

Galliano, LA

23.3 cu. 

meter/yr

Landfill

Used Oil Used oil Drums on 

supply boat

New Park 

Fourchon, LA

20 

bbls/yr

Recycled

Wash 

Water

NA

Chemical 

Wastes

NA

NA=Not Applicable

(c) Modeling Report

Not required by EPA under the OCS General Permit. 

(d) NPDES Permits

This information is not required for the activities proposed in this plan in the BOEM GOMR.

Any discharges will be performed in accordance with GMG 290,000. 

(e) Cooling Water Intakes

This information is not required for the activities proposed in this plan in the BOEM GOMR.
 

 

Air Emissions Information (§§ 250.218 and 250.249)

(a) Screening Checklist

Included in this section is the Projected Air Emissions Worksheet prepared in accordance with 

NTL No. 2008-G04. 

For th is p lan, th ere are n o existing f acilities o r activities co-located w ith t he c urrent pr oposed 

activities; therefore, the Complex Total Emissions are the same as the Plan Emissions.

Screening Questions for EP’s Yes No

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

proposed exploration 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

Are your proposed exploration activities located east of 87.5o W longitude? 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 for more than 48 continuous hours from 

any proposed well?

x

Do you propose to burn produced hydrocarbon liquids? x

Air Pollutant

Plan 

Emission 

Amounts1 

(tons)

Calculated 

Exemption 

Amounts2 

(tons)

Calculated

Complex Total 

Emission Amounts3 

(tons)

Carbon monoxide (CO)

SEE ATTACHED APPENDIX F 

NA

Particulate matter (PM) NA

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) NA

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) NA

Volatile organic compounds 

(VOC)

NA

1 For activities proposed in your EP or DOCD, list the projected emissions calculated from the worksheets.

2 List the exemption amounts for your proposed activities calculated by using the formulas in 30 CFR 250.303(d). 

3 List the complex total emissions associated with your proposed activities calculated from the worksheets

Calculations of the projected Plan Emission, Complex Total Emission and Exemption Amounts 

were performed by Debra K. Benoit, (713) 401-0083, Debra.benoit@Woodsideenergy.com
 

 

Oil Spills Information (§§ 250.219 and 250.250)

(a) Oil Spill Response Planning

(1) Site-Specific OSRP

Not applicable. This Plan is not for the Eastern Planning Area and Florida is not an 

affected state.

(2)(i) Regional or Subregional OSRP Information

Woodside’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) (BOEMRE Operator No. 02407) 

has been revised and submitted for approval on May 19, 2011. The Regional OSRP will 

cover activities proposed in this Plan. OSRP Certification is detailed in Appendix G. 

(ii) Spill Response Sites 

Primary Response Equipment Location Preplanned Staging Location(s)

Lake Charles and Fourchon, LA Fourchon, LA

(iii) OSRO Information

 Woodside’s p rimary response providers, Clean Gu lf As sociates ( CGA), N ational 

Response C orporation ( NRC) Helix W ell C ontainment G roup ( HWCG) and O’Brien’s 

Response Management (ORM), will provide closest available personnel and equipment, 

as well as supervisory personnel. 

(iv) Worst Case Scenario Determination

Category Regional OSRP EP 

Type of Activity Exploratory Drilling Exploratory Drilling

Facility Location (area/block) AT 187* WR 325

Facility Designation2 Wellbore Wellbore

Distance to Nearest Shoreline (miles) 79 165 

Volume3

Storage tanks (total)

Flowlines (on facility)

Lease term pipelines

Uncontrolled blowout (volume per 

day)

Total Volume

NA

NA

NA

199,028 bbls 

199,028 bbls

NA

NA

NA

31,190 bbls 

31,190 bbls

Type of Oil(s) (crude oil, condensate, 

diesel)

Crude Oil Crude Oil

API Gravity(s)4 28o 24o

*

(BOEM Control No. N-9534) 
 

 

1 Types of activities include pipeline, platform, caisson, subsea completion or manifold, and mobile drilling rig. 2 E.g., Well No. 2, Platform JA, Pipeline Segment No. 6373.

3

 Take your regional OSRP worst-case scenario volume from the appropriate section of your regional OSRP. For 

EP’s, the worst-case scenario volume is the daily volume possible from an uncontrolled blowout. Determine this 

volume using the provisions of 30 CFR 254.47(b). For DOCD’s, determine the volume of your worst-case 

scenario using the provisions of 30 CFR 254.47(a), (b), and (c), as appropriate. 4

 Provide API gravity of all oils given under “Type of Oil(s)” above. Estimate for EP’s.

Since Woodside has the ability to respond to the appropriate worst-case spill scenario included in 

its regional OSRP submitted May 19, 2011 and since the worst-case scenario determined for this 

Plan does not replace the worst-case scenario in our regional OSRP, I hereby certify that

Woodside 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 

this Plan.

The a ssumptions a nd calculations f or t he W CD f or t he pr oposed ope rations a re de tailed i n 

Appendix C. 

(b) Oil Spill Response Discussion

The oil spill response discussion for the proposed operations is detailed in Appendix G.

(c) Modeling Report

Not applicable. Florida is not an affected State. No installation of surface facilities is planned 

located in water depths greater than 400 meters. 
 

 

Environmental Monitoring Information (§§ 250.221 and 250.252)

(a) Monitoring Systems

Woodside is aware of the requirements of NTL No. 2009-G02 whereby BOEM established and 

implemented a program to monitor ocean currents and require operators to share the data for all 

floating MODU’s and production facilities operating or installed in water depths greater than 400 

meters (1,312 feet). Woodside will report ocean current data to the National Data Buoy Center 

(NDBC) Internet website as required. 

(b) Incidental Takes 

Woodside does not anticipate the incidental taking of any protected species or marine mammal 

as a result of the activities proposed in this Plan based on the implementation of, and adherence 

to, NTL No . 2012-Joint-G02 “Implementation o f S eismic S urvey M itigation M easures a nd 

Protected S pecies O bserver P rogram, NTL No . 2012-BSEE-G01 “Marine T rash an d D ebris 

Awareness Training and Elimination” and NTL No. 2012-Joint-G01 “Vessel Strike Avoidance 

and Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting”.

(c) Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Woodside’s activities under this Supplemental EP are not located within the Protective Zones of 

the Flower Garden Banks or Stetson Bank; therefore, are not required to monitor the impacts of 

an oil spill that may affect these areas. 
 

 

Lease Stipulations Information (§§ 250.222 and 250.253)

Oil a nd gas e xploration a nd d evelopment activities on t he OCS a re s ubject t o s tipulations 

developed before the lease sale and would be attached to the lease instrument, as necessary, in 

the form o f mitigating measures. The BOEM is responsible for ensuring full compliance with 

stipulations. 

BOEM (Minerals M anagement S ervice) invoked The P rotected S pecies S tipulation for L ease 

OCS-G 32673, Walker Ridge Block 325. 

The Protected Species Stipulation was invoked to reduce the potential taking of federally

protected s pecies ( e.g., sea t urtles, m arine m ammals an d o ther l isted s pecies in t he 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA).

Bureau of S afety and Environmental E nforcement ( BSEE) [BOEMRE] issued N TL 

2012-Joint-G01 and N TL 2012-Joint-G02 pursuant t o 30 C FR 250.103, 250.23( o) a nd 

250.204(s) to explain how Operators must implement measures to minimize the risk of 

vessel s trikes t o pr otected s pecies a nd report obs ervations of i njured o r d ead pr otected 

species e ffective F ebruary 7, 2007. Woodside will e nsure t hat our c ontract ve ssel 

operators ar e aw are o f t heir requirement t o r eport s ightings of a ny i njured or de ad 

protected species immediately to the BOEM Protected Species Biologist by telephone. 

The Bureau of S afety and E nvironmental E nforcement ( BSEE) (formerly BOEMRE) 

issued NTL 2012-BSEE-G01 pursuant to 30 CFR 150.103 to provide guidance and assist 

the operators in preventing intentional and / or accidental introduction of trash and debris 

into th e ma rine e nvironment. W ith th is a ssistance a nd with la ws s uch a s M ARPOLAnnex V , t he M arine Plastic P ollution Research a nd C ontrol A ct, and r egulations 

imposed by various agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Environmental 

Protection A gency, ou r e mployees w ill e nsure t hat a ll of fshore pe rsonnel, i ncluding 

contractors and other support services-related personnel have complete understanding of 

the r equirement t hat O perators be pr oactive i n avoiding a ccidental l oss of s olid w aste 

items on the OCS.
 

 

Environmental Mitigation Measures Information (§§ 250.223 and 

250.254)

(a) Mitigation of Impacts. 

Not applicable. Florida is not an affected State. 

(b) Incidental Takes 

Woodside does not anticipate the incidental taking of any protected species or marine mammal 

as a result of the activities proposed in this Plan based on the implementation of, and adherence 

to, N TL N o. 2012-Joint-G02 “Implementation o f S eismic S urvey M itigation M easures a nd 

Protected S pecies O bserver P rogram, N TL No. 2012-BSEE-G01 “Marine T rash an d D ebris 

Awareness Training and Elimination” and NTL No. 2012-Joint-G01 “Vessel Strike Avoidance 

and Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting”.

Decommissioning Information (§ 250.255)

Not applicable. The information at § 250.255 regarding decommissioning is not required to 

accompany EP’s and DOCD’s submitted in the MMS GOMR. 

Related Facilities and Operations Information (§ 250.256)

(a) Related OCS Facilities and Operations

 This discussion is not required for EP’s. 

(b) Transportation System

 This discussion is not required for EP’s. 

(c) Produced Liquid Hydrocarbons Transportation Vessels

There will be no produced liquid hydrocarbons, including well test fluids, transported by 

means other than a pipeline for the activities proposed in this plan. 
 

 

Support Vessels and Aircraft Information (§§ 250.224 and 250.257)

(a) General

The following list provides information regarding the vessels and aircraft Woodside will use to 

support our proposed activities. 

Type of Vessel

Maximum Fuel 

Tank Storage 

Capacity

Maximum No. in 

Area at Any 

Time

Trip Frequency or 

Duration 

Tug boat(s) N/A N/A N/A

Supply boat(s) 250,000 gals 2 3 times / week

Anchor boat(s) NA NA NA

Crew boat(s) 34,000 gals 1 6 times / week

Helicopter 280 gals 1 6 times / week

(b) Diesel Oil Supply Vessels

Not a pplicable. Florida is n ot a n affected s tate; n o a ctivities a re p roposed w ithin P rotective 

zones; no surface facility is planned in water depths greater than 400 meters or a surface facility 

in any water depth that supports a subsea development in water depths greater than 400 m eters 

(1,312 feet); this is not a DOCD for which Alabama is an affected state or a D OCD proposing 

new multiwell structures for which Louisiana is an affected state. 

Size of Fuel Supply 

vessel

Capacity of fuel 

supply vessel

Frequency of fuel 

transfers

Route fuel supply 

vessel will take

285’ 203,000 gal. Weekly Fourchon to MODU

(c) Drilling Fluids Transportation

Type of Material 

Quantity Being 

Transported

Quantity Being 

Transported

Transportation Method

Dry Bulk (Cement,

Barite, Gel)

12,000 sx max combined Below deck dry bulk tanks

onboard OSV 

Synthetic-base drilling

fluids 

11,000 bbls max per 

voyage 

Drums on supply boat

Water Based drilling

fluids 

12,000 bbls max per 

voyage 

Below deck liquid mud

tanks onboard OSV 

(d) Solid and Liquid Wastes Transportation

See Table 2 of Waste and Discharge Section. 
 

 

(e) Vicinity Map

A Vicinity Plat showing the location of Walker Ridge Block 325 relative to the shoreline and the 

onshore base is included as Appendix E. 
 

 

Onshore Support Facilities Information (§§ 250.225 and 250.258)

(a) General

Woodside proposes to utilize the following existing onshore base for support: 

Name Location Existing, New or 

Modified

Baker Hughes 

Drilling Fluids Fourchon, LA Existing

C-Port Fourchon, LA Existing

(b) Support Base Construction or Expansion

The pr oposed ope rations do not m andate a ny immediate m easures f or l and a cquisition or 

expansion of the existing onshore base facilities. 

(c) Support Base Construction or Expansion Timetable 

No known shore base construction is planned for the time period of this operation. 

(d) Waste Disposal

See Table 2 of Waste and Discharge Section. 

 

(e) Air Emissions

This discussion is not required to accompany EP’s submitted in the BOEM GOMR.

(f) Unusual Solid and Liquid Wastes

This discussion is not required to accompany EP’s submitted in the BOEM GOMR.

Sulfur Operations Information (§ 250.259)

Woodside is not proposing to conduct sulfur operations in this Plan.
 

 

Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Information (§§ 250.226 

and 250.260)

The S tates o f T exas, L ouisiana, M ississippi, A labama, a nd F lorida ha ve f ederally a pproved 

coastal z one m anagement pr ograms ( CZMP). Applicants f or an O CS plan s ubmitted t o t he 

BOEM must provide a certification with necessary data and information for the affected State to 

determine t hat the p roposed act ivity(s) co mplies w ith t he en forceable p olicies o f each S tates’ 

approved p rogram, and that s uch a ctivity will be c onducted i n a m anner c onsistent w ith t he 

program. 

(a) Consistency Certification

A Coastal Zone Management Consistency Certification for the State of Louisiana is required for 

the initial exploratory activities proposed in this plan and is included in Appendix H. 

Consistency certification is not required because when a Plan is not 

(1) Initial EP or DOCD 

(2) Supplemental EP or DOCD for which Florida and Alabama are affected States

(3) Supplemental DOCD proposing new multi-well structures for which Louisiana, Mississippi, 

and Texas are affected States 

(4) Revised EP or DOCD for which the MMS GOMR determines that the revisions could result 

in a significant change in the impacts previously identified and evaluated (refer to 30 

CFR 250.285). 

(b) Other Information

The enforceable policies for the State of Louisiana were considered in making the certification of 

consistency above.

Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) (§§ 250.227 and 250.261)

The Environmental Impact Analysis is included as Appendix H.
 

 

Administrative Information (§§ 250.228 and 250.262)

NTL 2010 -N10 S tatement of C ompliance w ith A pplicable R egulations a nd Evaluation of 

Information Demonstrating Adequate Spill Response and Well Containment Resources 

NTL 2010- N06 Information Requirements for EPs, DPPs, and DOCDs on the OCS. 

3D GeoHazard Study of Block 325, Walker Ridge Area, OCS-G 32673 prepared for Woodside. 

NTL 2009-G40 Benthic Communities

NTL 2009-G39 Biologically Sensitive Underwater Features & Areas 

NTL 2009 -G27 & 20 10-N06 Submitting E xploration P lans & D evelopment O perations 

Coordination Documents 

NTL 2009-G06 Military Warning and Water Test Areas.

NTL 2009-G02 Ocean Current Monitoring 

NTL 2008 -G20 & 201 2-Joint-G01 Revisions t o t he List of O CS Lease Blocks R equiring 

Archaeological Resource Surveys and Reports. 

NTL 2008-N07 Supplemental Bond Procedures. 

NTL 2008-N05 Guidelines for Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR) for Covered Facilities.

NTL 2008-G06 Remotely Operated Vehicle Surveys in Deepwater.

NTL 2008 -G04 Information R equirements f or E xploration Plans a nd D evelopment O perations 

Coordination Documents. 

NTL 2012-Joint-G01 Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting. 

NTL 2012-BSEE-G01 Marine Trash and Debris Awareness and Elimination.

NTL 2012-Joint-G01 Implementation of S eismic S urvey M itigation M easures a nd P rotected 

Species Observer Program

NTL 2005-G07 Archaeological Resource Surveys and Reports. 

NTL 2001-G10 Clarification of Eastern Gulf of Mexico Sale 181 Military Areas Stipulation.

NTL 2000-G16 Guidelines for General Lease Surety Bonds. 

Current Code of Federal Regulations 30 Parts 250, 254 and 256. 
 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

(a) Exempted Information Description (Public Information Copies Only)

In accordance with 43 CFR Part 2, Appendix E, sections (4) and (9), the following information is 

exempt from disclosure and has been omitted from the Public Information copy of this plan: 

• The geologic objectives, BHL, TVD, and MD information on form BOEM-137 (OCS 

Plan Information Form) in Appendix A 

• All items under Geological and Geophysical Information, except for the non-proprietary 

version of shallow hazards assessment

• Correlative well information used to justify H2S classification request under Hydrogen 

Sulfide Information 

• Geological section of Worst Case Discharge Scenario calculations and assumptions.

(b) Bibliography

• Shallow Hazard Survey 

• Woodside Oil Spill Response Plan

• Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program: 2007-2012, Final Environmental 

Impact Statement, 2007-03 

• Initial Exploration Plan N-9414