UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM

To: Public Information (MS 5030)

Plans Section, Office of Field 

Operations (MS 5231)

Public Information copy of Exploration Plan

Control # - N-09709

Type - Initial Exploration Plan

Lease(s) - OCS-G33178 Block - 816 Mississippi Canyon Area

Operator - LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

Subsea Wells A, B, C, and D

DP Semi or Semi-Submersible 

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.

Karen Dunlap

Plan Coordinator

Description -

Rig Type -

Subject:

From:

May 22, 2013
OCS-G-33178, Mississippi Canyon Block 816

Plan Control No. N-9709

RECORD OF CHANGES

Date of 

Submittal

Page Amended Brief Synopsis

04/05/2013 Complete Proprietary 

and Public Information

Copies

Resubmitted entire Proprietary and Public Information Copies 

with amendments indicated in email from BOEM dated April 1, 

2013

04/08/2013 Public Information 

Copy

Re-submitted complete Public Information Copy to include the Oil 

Spill Discussion

04/12/2013 Attachment F and H Replaced Structure Map and Geological Cross Section (submitted 

revised plats)

04/16/2013 Attachment F, H and J Revised Structure Map, Geological Cross Section and Bio/Strat 

Column

04/29/2013 Attachment E, F, H & J Submitted revised plats to replace the following: Geological 

Description, Structure Map, Geological Cross Section and 

Bio/Strat Column

05/21/2013 Vicinity Plat Added arrow to nearest shore line
LLOG EXPLORATION OFFSHORE, L.L.C.

1001 Ochsner Boulevard, Suite 200

Covington, Louisiana 70433

INITIAL EXPLORATION PLAN

OCS-G-33178

MISSISSIPPI CANYON BLOCK 816

PREPARED BY:

Kathy Gowland

Regulatory Specialist

985-801-4300 (Main)

985-801-4317 (Direct)

kathygo@llog.com

March 27, 2013
LLOG EXPLORATION OFFSHORE, L.L.C.

INITIAL EXPLORATION PLAN

OCS-G-33178

MISSISSIPPI CANYON BLOCK 816

APPENDIX A Plan Contents

APPENDIX B General Information

APPENDIX C Geological, Geophysical Information

APPENDIX D H2S Information

APPENDIX E Biological, Physical and Socioeconomic Information

APPENDIX F Waste and Discharge Information

APPENDIX G Air Emissions Information

APPENDIX H Oil Spill Information

APPENDIX I Environmental Monitoring Information

APPENDIX J Lease Stipulation Information

APPENDIX K Environmental Mitigation Measures Information

APPENDIX L Related Facilities and Operations Information

APPENDIX M Support Vessels and Aircraft Information

APPENDIX N Onshore Support Facilities Information

APPENDIX O Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Information

APPENDIX P Environmental Impact Analysis

APPENDIX Q Administrative Information
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 1

APPENDIX A

PLAN CONTENTS

(30 CFR Part 250.211 and 250.241)

A. Plan information 

In accordance with 30 CFR 250.211 and 250.241(a),and NTL No. 2008-G04 and NTL 

2010-N06, LLOG Exploration Offshore, LLC proposes the drilling, completion, testing 

and installation of subsea wellhead and/or manifold for proposed locations for Lease 

OCS-G-33178, Mississippi Canyon Block 816, Wells A, B, C and D.

The current lease operator and ownership are as follows:

Area/Block Lease No. Operator Ownership

Mississippi Canyon Block 816, 

OCS-G 33178

LLOG Exploration Offshore, Inc. LLOG Exploration Offshore, Inc

Included as Attachment A is Form BOEM 137 “OCS Plan Information Form”, which 

provides for the drilling, sub-sea completion and testing of all well locations.

.

B. Location

 Attachment B – Well Location Plat

 Attachment C – Bathymetry Map – Seafloor disturbance area with anchor 

 Radius

C. Safety & Pollution Features

LLOG will utilize either a DP semi-submersible drilling rig or a semi-submersible rig 

for the proposed operations. A description of the drilling unit is included on the OCS 

Plans Information Form. Rig specifications will be made part of the Application for 

Permit to Drill.

Safety features on the drilling unit will include well control, pollution prevention, and 

blowout prevention equipment as described in Title 30 CFR Part 250, Subparts C, D, E 

and G; and further clarified by BOEM’s Notices to Lessees, and currently policy 

making invoked by BOEM, EPA and USCG. 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 the drilling deck areas to collect all contaminants and debris.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 2

D. Storage Tanks and Vessels

The following table details the storage tanks and/or production vessels that will store oil 

(capacity greater than 25 bbls. or more) and be used to support the proposed activities 

(MODU, barges, platforms, etc.):

DP Semi-submersible Rig:

Type of Storage 

Tank

Type of Facility Tank Capacity 

(bbls)

Number of 

tanks

Total Capacity 

(bbls)

Fluid Gravity 

(API)

Fuel Oil (Marine 

Diesel)

DP SemiSubmersible164 1 164 30

Fuel Oil Day 367 2 734 30

Emergency 

Generator

31 1 31 30

Forward Hull 

Fuel Oil

4634 2 9268 30

Lower Aft Hull 

Fuel Oil

3462 2 6924 30

Lube Oil 

Services

117/10.5/4.6 3 132 45

Dirty Lube Oil 38/28 2 66 45

Dirty Bilge 190 4 760 10

Semi-submersible Rig:

Type of 

Storage Tank

Type of Facility Tank Capacity 

(bbls)

Number of 

tanks

Total Capacity 

(bbls)

Fluid Gravity 

(API)

Fuel Oil 

(Marine Diesel)

SemiSubmersible95.24 2 190.5 No. 2 Diesel -

43

2917.8 4 11,671.2

Total 11,861.7

E. Pollution Prevention Measures: Not applicable. The State of Florida is not an 

affected State by the proposed activities in this plan.

F. Additional measures: LLOG does not propose any additional safety, pollution 

prevention, or early detection measures, beyond those required in 30 CFR 250 and per 

December 13, 2010 – Guidance for Deepwater Drillers to Comply with Strengthened 

Safety and Environmental Standards.
High Island Block A-7 (OCS-G 32758) 10/3/2011 

Initial Exploration Plan 3

 

OCS Plan Information Form

Attachment A 

(Public Information) 
U.S. Department of the Interior OMB Control Number: 1010-0151

Minerals Management Service OMB Approval Expires: 12/31/2011

OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM 

General Information 

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

Company Name: MMS Operator Number: 

Address: Contact Person: 

 Phone Number: 

 E-Mail Address: 

Lease(s): Area: Block(s): Project Name (If Applicable): 

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

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 No 

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

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

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

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

Tentative Schedule of Proposed Activities 

Proposed Activity Start Date End Date No. of Days 

 

 

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) 

 

MMS FORM MMS-137 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous editions of form MMS-137 which may not be used.) Page 1 of 2



2

OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM (CONTINUED) 

Include one copy of this page for each proposed well/structure 

Proposed Well/Structure Location

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

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: Yes No 

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) 

Lease No. OCS OCS 

Area Name 

Block No. 

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet)

N/S Departure: F____ L N/S Departure: F____ L 

 E/W Departure: F____ L E/W Departure: F____ L 

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates 

X: X: 

 Y: Y: 

Latitude/ 

Longitude

Latitude Latitude 

Longitude Longitude 

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

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 MMS collects this information as part of an applicant’s Exploration Plan or Development Operations 

Coordination Document submitted for MMS 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 250.197. 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, Mail Stop 5438, Minerals Management Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240.

 

MMS FORM MMS-137 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous editions of form MMS-137 which may not be used.) Page 2 of 2
High Island Block A-7 (OCS-G 32758) 10/3/2011 

Initial Exploration Plan 4

 

Well Location Plats

Attachment B 

(Public Information) 

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 5

Bathymetry Map

Attachment C

(Public Information)




Bathymetry (ft)

Infrastructure

Wells

ProposedCircle represents 2,000’ radius circle around well

Existing

Circle represents 15,000’ radius circle around well

MC 816-B

MC 816-C

MC 816-D

G16647 #5 

MC 771 MC 772 

MC 816 

Seafloor rendering and potential anchoring radius for each proposed w

1 MILE

MISSISSIPPI 

CANYON 

AREA

Infrastructure

Pipelines

Gas, activeOil, active

Umbilical, active

Platform

MC 816-A

G18294 #1

MC 856 MC 860MC 815 MC 816


Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 6

APPENDIX B

GENERAL INFORMATION

(30 CFR Part 250.213 and 250.243)

A. Applications and Permits

There are no Federal/State applications to be submitted for the activities provided for in 

this Plan (exclusive to BOEMRE permit applications and general permits issued by the 

EPA and COE)

Application/Permit Issuing Agency Status

N/A

B. Drilling Fluids

Type of Drilling Fluid Estimated Volume of Drilling Fluid to be

used per Well

Water Based (seawater, freshwater, barite) See Appendix F, Table 1 of this Plan

Oil–based (diesel, mineral oil) N/A

Synthetic-based (internal olefin, ester) See Appendix F, Table 2 of this Plan

C. New Or Unusual Technology

LLOG does not propose using any new and/or unusual technology for the operations 

proposed this Initial Plan.

D. Bonding Statement

The bond requirements for the activities and facilities proposed in this Initial EP are 

satisfied by an area wide bond, furnished and maintained according to 30 CFR Part 256; 

subpart I; NTL No. 2006-G16, “Guidelines for General Lease Surety Bonds,” and 

additional security under 30 CFR 256.43(d) and National NTL No. 2003-N06 

“Supplemental Bonding Procedures.”

E. Oil Spill Responsibility (OSFR)

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C (MMS Co. No. 02058) will demonstrate oil spill 

financial responsibility for the facilities proposed in this Initial EP according to 30 CFR 

Part 253, and NTL 99-N01, “Guidelines for Oil Spill Financial Responsibility for 

Covered Facilities.”
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 7

F. Deepwater Well Control Statement

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (MMS Co. No. 02058) has the financial capability 

to drill a relief well and conduct other emergency well control operations.

G. Blowout Scenario

See the following Worst Case Discharge Calculations (Proprietary) – Attachment D and 

Blowout Scenario, including Site Specific Proposed Relief Well and Intervention 

Planning and Relief Well Response Time Estimate (Public Information) - Attachment 

D-1. 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 8

NTL 2010-N06 Data 

Worst Case Discharge Calculations

Attachment D

(Proprietary Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 9

NTL 2010-N06 Data 

Blowout Scenario

Attachment D-1

(Public Information)
BLOWOUT SCENARIO

MC 816

OCS-G-33178

Created by: S.L. Stegeman

Last Revised: 4/4/2013

Page 1 of 6

Confidential

1

BLOWOUT SCENARIO

Pursuant with 30 CFR 250.213(g), 250.219, 250,250 and NTL 2010-N06 the following attachment 

provides a blowout scenario description, information regarding any oil spill, WCD results and assumptions 

of potential spill and additional measures taken to firstly enhance the ability to prevent a blowout and 

secondly to manage a blowout scenario if it occurred. 

INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

PROPOSED PROSPECT INFORMATION

Well Surface Location WD X (NAD 27) Y (NAD 27) Latitude Longitude

MC 816 “A” OCS-G-33178 5537 1,063,728’ 10,226,209’ 28° 10’ 05.377” 88° 47’ 25.257”

MC 816 “B” OCS-G-33178 5675 1,071,079’ 10,227,331’ 28° 10’ 17.55” 88° 46’ 03.246”

MC 816 “C” OCS-G-33178 5655 1,074,669’ 10,228,479’ 28° 10’ 29.433” 88° 45’ 23.323”

MC 816 “D” OCS-G-33178 5550 1,065,080’ 10,227,595’ 28° 10’ 19.294” 88° 47’ 10.311”

INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

A) Blowout scenario

The MC 816 prospect to be drilled to potential outlined in the Geological and Geophysical Information 

Section of this plan utilizing a typical subsea wellhead system, conductor, surface and intermediate 

casing strings from a pre-existing wellbore and a MODU rig with marine riser and a subsea BOP 

system. A hydrocarbon influx and a well control event occurring from the objective sand is modeled

with no drill pipe or obstructions in the wellbore followed by a failure of the subsea BOP’s and loss of 

well control at the seabed. The simulated flow and worst case discharge (WCD) results for all wells 

are calculated and the highest WCD is used for this unrestricted blowout scenario.

B) Estimated flow rate of the potential blowout

Category EP

Type of Activity Drilling

Facility Location (area / block) MC 816

Facility Designation MODU

Distance to Nearest Shoreline (miles) ~55

Uncontrolled Blowout (Volume per day) 86,772 bbls

Type of Fluid Crude

C) Total volume and maximum duration of the potential blowout

Duration of Flow (days) 79 days total (see Relief Well Response Estimate below)

Total Volume of Spill 5.02 MMBO based on 79 days of uncontrolled flow

First Day Uncontrolled Blowout Volume 86,772 bbls

Average Blowout for First 30 Days 67,938 bbls per day

Total Blowout Volume for First 30 Days 2.04 MMBO based on 30 days of 

uncontrolled flow

D) Assumptions and calculations used in determining the worst case discharge

Omitted from Public Information Copies
BLOWOUT SCENARIO

MC 816

OCS-G-33178

Created by: S.L. Stegeman

Last Revised: 4/4/2013

Page 2 of 6

Confidential

2

E) Potential for the well to bridge over

Mechanical failure/collapse of the borehole in a blowout scenario is influenced by several factors 

including in-situ stress, rock strength and fluid velocities at the sand face. Given the substantial fluid 

velocities inherent in the WCD, and the scenario as defined where the formation is not supported by a 

cased and cemented wellbore, it is possible that the borehole may fall/collapse/bridge over within a 

span of a few days, significantly reducing the outflow of the rates. For this blowout scenario, no 

bridging is considered. 

F) Likelihood for intervention to stop blowout

The likelihood of surface intervention to stop a blowout is based on some of the following equipment 

specific to potential MODU’s to be contracted for this well. It is reasonable to assume that the sooner 

you are able to respond to the initial blowout, the better likelihood there is to control and contain the 

event due to reduced pressures at the wellhead, less exposure of well fluids to erode and 

compromise the well control equipment, and less exposure of hydrocarbons to the surface to 

safeguard personnel and equipment in an emergency situation. This equipment includes:

• Secondary Acoustic BOP Control System – typically fitted on DP MODU’s presently operating 

in the GOM. This system has the ability to communicate and function specific BOP controls 

from the surface in the event of a failure of the primary umbilical control system. This system 

typically can establish BOP controls from the surface acoustic system package on the rig or 

by deploying a second acoustic package from a separate vessel of opportunity. This system 

may not be included on all MODU’s such as 4th generation moored rigs. This system is 

typically configured to function the following:

- Blind/;shear ram close

- Pipe ram close

- LMRP disconnect

• ROV Intervention BOP Control System – includes one or more ROV intervention panels 

mounted on the subsea BOP’s located on the seabed allows a ROV utilizing standard ROV 

stabs to access and function the specific BOP controls. These functions will be tested at the 

surface as part of the required BOP stump test and selectively at the seafloor to ensure 

proper functionality. These function include the following (at a minimum):

- Blind/shear ram close

- Pipe ram close

- LMRP disconnect

- WH disconnect

• Deadman / Autoshear function – typically fitted on DP MODU’s and but to be on all MODU’s 

operating in the GOM according to new requirements, this equipment allows for an 

automated pre-programmed sequence of functions to close the casing shear rams and the 

blind/shear rams in the event of an inadvertent or emergency disconnect of the LMRP or loss 

of both hydraulic and electrical supply from the surface control system.

In the event that the intervention systems for the subsea BOP’s fail, LLOG will initiate call out of a 

secondary containment / surface intervention system supported by the Helix Well Containment Group 

(HWCG) of which LLOG is a member. This system incorporates a capping stack capable of being 

deployed from the back of a vessel of opportunity equipped with an ROV or from the Helix Q4000 DP 

MODU. Based on the potential integrity concerns of the well, a “cap and flow” system can be 
BLOWOUT SCENARIO

MC 816

OCS-G-33178

Created by: S.L. Stegeman

Last Revised: 4/4/2013

Page 3 of 6

Confidential

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deployed which may include the Helix Producer 1 capable of handling up to 55,000 BOPD flowback. 

The vertical intervention work is contingent upon the condition of the blowing out well and what 

equipment is intact to access the wellbore for kill or containment operations. The available 

intervention equipment may also require modifications based on actual wellbore conditions. Standard 

equipment is available through the Helix Deepwater Containment System to fit the wellhead and BOP 

stack profiles used for the drilling of the above mentioned well. 

G) Availability of rig to drill relief well, rig constraints and timing of rigs

LLOG currently has one deepwater MODU under contract (Noble Amos Runner moored semi). In the 

event of a blowout scenario that does not involve loss or damage to the rig such as an inadvertent 

disconnect of the BOP’s, then the existing contracted rig may be available for drilling the relief well

and vertical intervention work. If the blowout scenario involves damage to the rig or loss of the BOP’s

and riser, a replacement rig or rigs will be required. 

With the current activity level in the GOM, 25 to 35 deepwater MODU’S are potentially available to 

support the relief well drilling operations. Rig share and resource sharing agreements are in place

between members of the Helix Well Containment Group. The ability to negotiate and contract an 

appropriate rig or rigs to drill relief wells is highly probable in a short period of time. If the rig or rigs 

are operating, the time to properly secure the well and mobe the rig to the relief well site location is 

estimated to be about 14 to 21 days. Dynamically positioned (DP) MODU’s would be the preferred 

option due to the logistical advantage versus a moored MODU which may add complications due to 

the mooring spread. 

VESSELS OF OPPORTUNITY

Based on the water depth restrictions for the proposed locations the following “Vessels of 

Opportunity” are presently available for utilization for intervention and containment and relief well 

operations. These may include service vessels and drilling rigs capable of working in the potential 

water depths and may include moored vessels and dynamically positioned vessels. The specific 

conditions of the intervention or relief well operations will dictate the “best fit” vessel to efficiently 

perform the desired results based on the blowout scenario. The list included below illustrates specific 

option that may vary according to the actual timing / availability at the time the vessels are needed.

OPERATION SPECIFIC VESSEL OF OPPORTUNITY

Intervention and Containment • Helix Q4000 (DP Semi) 

• Helix Producer 1 (DP FPU)

Relief Well Drilling Rigs • Diamond Ocean Victory (Moored Semi)

• Ensco 8502 (DP Semi)

• Transocean Enterprise (DP Drillship)

ROV / Multi-Purpose Service Vessels • Oceaneering (numerous DP ROV vessels)

• HOS Achiever, Iron Horse 1 and 2 (DP MPSV)

• Helix Pipe Lay Vessel (equipped w/ 6” PL – 75,000’)

• Other ROV Vessels – (Chouest, HOS, Fugro, Subsea 7)

Shuttle Tanker / Barge Support • OSG Ship Management 

H) Measures taken to enhance ability to prevent blowout

Pursuant to BOEM-2010-034 Final Interim Rules, measures to enhance the ability to prevent or 

reduce the likelihood of a blowout are largely based on proper planning and communication, 
BLOWOUT SCENARIO

MC 816

OCS-G-33178

Created by: S.L. Stegeman

Last Revised: 4/4/2013

Page 4 of 6

Confidential

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identification of potential hazards, training and experience of personnel, use of good oil field practices 

and proper equipment that is properly maintained and inspected for executing drilling operations of 

the proposed well or wells to be drilled.

When planning and designing the well, ample time is spent analyzing offset data, performing any 

needed earth modeling and identifying any potential drilling hazards or well specific conditions to 

safeguard the safety of the crews when well construction operations are underway. Once the design 

criteria and well design is established, the well design is modeled for the lifecycle of the wellbore to 

ensure potential failure modes are eliminated. Pursuant to BOEM-2010-0034 Interim Final Rules 

implemented additional considerations of a minimum of 2 independent barriers for both internal and 

external flow paths in addition to proper positive and negative testing of the barriers.

The proper training of crew members and awareness to identify and handle well control event is the 

best way prevent a blowout incident. Contractor’s personnel and service personnel training 

requirements are verified per regulatory requirements per guidelines issued in BOEM-2010-034 

Interim Final Rules. Drills are performed frequently to verify crew training and improve reaction times. 

Good communication between rig personnel, office support personnel is critical to the success of the 

operations. Pre-spud meetings are conducted with rig crews and service providers to discuss, inform 

and as needed improve operations and well plans for safety and efficiency considerations. Daily 

meetings are conducted to discuss planning and potential hazards to ensure state of preparedness 

and behavior is enforced to create an informed and safe culture for the operations. Any changes in 

the planning and initial wellbore design is incorporated and communicated in a Management of 

Change (MOC) process to ensure continuity for all personnel. 

Use of established good oil field practices that safeguard crews and equipment are integrated to 

incorporate LLOG’s, the contractor and service provider policies. 

Additional personnel and equipment will be used as needed to elevate awareness and provide real 

time monitoring of well conditions while drilling such as MWD/LWD/PWD tools used in the bottom 

hole assemblies. The tool configuration for each open hole section varies to optimize information 

gathered including the use of Formation-Pressure-While-Drilling (FPWD) tools to establish real time 

formation pressures and to be used to calibrates pore pressure models while drilling. Log information 

and pressure data is used by the drilling engineers, geologist and pore pressure engineers to 

maintain well control and reduced potential events such as well control events and loss circulation 

events. 

Mud loggers continuously monitor return drilling fluids, drill gas levels and cuttings as well as surface 

mud volumes and flow rates, rate of penetration and lithology/paleo to aid in understanding trends 

and geology being drilled. Remote monitoring of real time drilling parameters and evaluation of 

geologic markers and pore pressure indicators is used to identify potential well condition changes.

Proper equipment maintenance and inspection program for same to before the equipment is required. 

Programmed equipment inspections and maintenance will be performed to ensure the equipment 

operability and condition. Operations will cease as needed in order to ensure equipment and well 

conditions are maintained and controlled for the safety of personnel, rig and subsurface equipment 

and the environment.

I) Measures to conduct effective and early intervention in the event of a blowout

In conjunction with the LLOG Exploration’s “Well Control Emergency Response Plan” and as required 

by NTL 2010-N06, the following is provided to demonstrate the potential time needed for performing 

secondary intervention and drilling of a relief well to handle potential worst case discharge for the 
BLOWOUT SCENARIO

MC 816

OCS-G-33178

Created by: S.L. Stegeman

Last Revised: 4/4/2013

Page 5 of 6

Confidential

5

proposed prospect. Specific plans are integrated into the Helix Well Containment Groups procures to 

be approved and submitted with the Application for Permit to Drill. Equipment availability, backup 

equipment and adaptability to the potential scenarios will need to be addressed based on the initial 

site assessment of the seafloor conditions for intervention operations. Relief well equipment such as 

backup wellhead equipment and tubulars will be available in LLOG’s inventory for immediate 

deployment as needed to address frilling the relief well(s).

SITE SPECIFIC PROPOSED RELIEF WELL AND INTERVENTION PLANNING

No platform was considered for drilling relief wells for this location due to location, water depth and 

lack of appropriate platform within the area. For this reason a moored or DP MODU will be preferred 

/ required. 

Relief well sites have been initially identified to address blowout scenarios for the potential geologic 

targets for the proposed wells. A total of 10 relief well surface locations are proposed for the 5 

Proposed Exploration Plan wells. Some of the relief well sites are common to different Proposed 

Exploration Plan wells. Based on actual seafloor state unforeseen at this time, the final location(s) 

may need to be revised. The locations have been selected based on proximity to the targets sands 

and potential shallow hazards. 

Proposed EP Well Proposed Relief Well X (NAD 27) Y (NAD 27)

MC 816 “A” OCS-G-33178 MC 816 R1 1,064,310’ 10,277,699’

MC 816 R2 1,066,253’ 10,225,292’

MC 816 R3* 1,065,401’ 10,223,917’

MC 816 “B” OCS-G-33178 MC 816 R4* 1,068,828’ 10,226,243’

MC 816 R5 1,070,035’ 10,224,665’

MC 816 R6 1,071,827’ 10,225,008’

MC 816 “C” OCS-G-33178 MC 816 R7 1,068,875’ 10,229,073’

MC 816 R8 1,072,181’ 10,227,159’

MC 816 R9 1,072,001’ 10,228,081’

MC 300 10* 1,073,683’ 10,228,255’

MC 816 “D” OCS-G-33178 R3, R4

“*” indicates common relief well site to more than 1 exploration plan well

RELIEF WELL RESPONSE TIME ESTIMATE

OPERATION TIME ESTIMATE 

 (DAYS)

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE 

• safeguard personnel, render first-aid

• make initial notifications

• implement short term intervention (if possible)

• implement spill control

• develop Initial Action Plan

 

 1

INTERIM REPSONSE

• establish Onsite Command Center and Emergency Management Team

• assess well control issues

• mobilize people and equipment (Helix DW Containment System)

• implement short term intervention and containment (if possible)

• develop Intervention Plan

• initiate relief well planning

• continue spill control measures

 

 4
BLOWOUT SCENARIO

MC 816

OCS-G-33178

Created by: S.L. Stegeman

Last Revised: 4/4/2013

Page 6 of 6

Confidential

6

INTERVENTION AND CONTAIMENT OPERATIONS 

• mobilize equipment and initiate intervention and containment operations

• perform TA operations and mobilize relief wells rig(s)

• finalize relief well plans, mobilize spud equipment, receive approvals

• continue spill control measures

 14

RELIEF WELL(S) OPERATIONS

• continue intervention and containment measures

• continue spill control measures

• drill relief well (s) 

 40

PERFORM HYDRAULIC KILL OPERATIONS / SECURE BLOWNOUT WELL

• continue intervention and containment measures

• continue spill control measures

• perform hydraulic kill operations, monitor well, secure well

 

 20

 ESTIMATED TOTAL DAYS OF UNCONTROLLED FLOW 79

SECURE RELIELF WELL(S) / PERFORM P&A / TA OPERATIONS / DEMOBE 30

TOTAL DAYS 109
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 10

APPENDIX C

GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION

(30 CFR Part 250.214 and 250.244)

A. Geological Description

Included as Attachment E are the geological targets and a narrative of trapping features 

proposed in this Plan

B. Structure Contour Maps

Included as Attachment F are current structure maps (depth base and expressed in feet 

subsea) depicting the entire lease coverage area; drawn on top of the prospective 

hydrocarbon sands. The maps depict each proposed bottom hole location and 

applicable geological cross section. 

C. Interpreted Seismic Lines

Included as Attachment G is a copy of the migrated and annotated (shot points, time 

lines, well paths) deep seismic line within 500 feet of the surface location being 

proposed in this Plan. 

D. Geological Structure Cross-Sections

An interpreted geological cross section depicting the proposed well locations and depth 

of the proposed wells is included as Attachment H. Such cross section corresponds to 

each seismic line being submitted. 

E. Shallow Hazards Report

Berger Geosciences, LLC conducted a Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic 

Communities Evaluation, and Archaeological Resource Survey for Mississippi Canyon 

Block 816 on behalf of LLOG Exploration Offshore, Inc. The purpose of the survey 

was to evaluate geologic conditions and inspect for potential hazards or constraints to 

lease development. The report was submitted to Minerals Management Service 

(BOEMRE) under separate cover on November 9, 2010. Berger Geosciences, LLC 

conducted a Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic Communities Evaluation, and 

Archaeological Resource Survey for MC 816-A Amended Revised and MC 816-D 

Amended on behalf of LLOG Exploration Offshore, Inc. The report was submitted to 

BOEM under separate cover on January 9, 2013. 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 11

F. Shallow Hazards Assessment

Utilizing the 3D deep seismic exploration data a shallow hazards analysis was prepared 

for the proposed surface locations, evaluating seafloor and subsurface geologic and 

manmade features and conditions, and is included as Attachment I. 

G. High Resolution Seismic Lines

LLOG provided exploration 3-D seismic data for the evaluation of the proposed surface 

disturbance operations. 

H. Stratigraphic Column

A generalized biostratigraphic/lithostratigraphic column from the seafloor to the total 

depth of the proposed wells is included as Attachment J. 

I. Time vs Depth Tables

LLOG has determined that there is existing sufficient well control data for the target 

areas proposed in this plan; therefore, tables providing seismic time versus depth for the 

proposed well locations are not required. 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 12

Geological Description

Attachment E

(Proprietary Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 13

Structure Maps

Attachment F

(Proprietary Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 14

Deep Seismic Lines

Attachment G

(Proprietary Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 15

Cross Section Maps

Attachment H

(Proprietary Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 16

Shallow Hazards Assessment

Attachment I

(Public Information)
 36499 Perkins Road

Prairieville, Louisiana 70769

Telephone: 225.673.2163

Fax: 225.744.3116

www.teslaoffshore.com

 

January 2, 2013 Job #12-286-31

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (MS 5230)

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

1201 Elmwood Park Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70123-2394

RE: LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

 Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘A’-Amended

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Dear Staff:

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) proposes to drill the OCS-G 33178 Well ‘A’ 

from the following surface location in Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area:

Datum: 

NAD 27

 Spheroid: 

Clarke 1866

 Projection: 

UTM

 Zone:

 16.

Central Meridian:

87° 00’ West

 Latitude: 28° 10’ 05.377” N Longitude: 88° 47’ 25.257” W

 X: 1,063,721.71 Y: 10,226,209.40

 FWL: 2,441.71’ FNL: 6,430.60’

This assessment addresses an anchor radius of 15,000-feet with a 1,000-foot buffer 

zone as indicated on the enclosed maps. Tesla Offshore, LLC surveyed all of Block 

816, including survey coverage in Blocks 815, 817, 859, 860, 861, 771, 772, and 773,

Mississippi Canyon Area, in April of 2010 along a 300-meter grid. The resulting 

archaeological assessment report was submitted to LLOG under Tesla Job# 10-063-12. 

This assessment utilizes data acquired in February and March, 2010 covering all of 

Block 772 and parts of 773, 771, 727, 728, and 729 for anchoring. That assessment 

was performed for a third party and submitted under Tesla Job #10-004-12. Sonar

targets from this pre-existing survey data are included in this assessment when 

relevant. LLOG operates lease OCS-G 33178 and contracted Tesla Offshore, LLC to 

provide this archaeological analysis (NTL No. 2005-G07) in accordance with the 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Gulf of Mexico OCS Region. 

Water depth is approximately 5,537 feet surrounding the proposed drill site. Water 

depths increase from roughly northwest to southeast at the proposed well site.

Seafloor soils are reported to be silty clay and marine deposits (MMS 1983 Visual 

No. 3; MMS 1986 Visual No. 5). 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘A’-Amended

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 2

Man-made features located within the proposed anchor radius include: MC 815 

P&A Well No. 1, located approximately 6,750 feet SW; MC 772 P&A Well No. 5, 

located approximately 14,730 feet NNW; and several pipelines, the closest of which 

is the Dominion 6” & 10” pipeline bundle (Segments 14924 & 14925) located 

approximately 13,640’ NNE of the proposed site.

Magnetic data is not required for survey in these water depths per NTL 2005-G07.

Sonar data recorded a total of seven (7) targets within the proposed anchor radius. 

Targets No. 3, 8, and 9 were identified as part of the April 2010 geophysical survey 

(Job #10-063-11) and targets No. 4, 7, 18, and 20 were identified as part of the 

February and March, 2010 survey (Job # 10-004-11). Of these, only Target No. 8 

from April was interpreted as a possible feature of historical significance. This target 

should be avoided by a distance of 500’ during lease development activities. Target 

No. 8 is located approximately 9,640 feet NW of the proposed well site. Sonar target 

no. 8 is an irregularly shaped target that measures approximately 33’ x 13’ with 

approximately 4’ of relief above the surrounding seafloor. The remaining six (6) 

targets located within the proposed anchor radius were interpreted as probable 

debris or possible seafloor hazards. Target No. 3 is located approximately 13,500 

feet SSW of the proposed well site. This target appears to be a rectangular shaped 

target that measures approximately 26’ x 10’ with approximately 11’ of measured 

relief. Target no. 3 is adjacent to an observed drag scar and possible anchor divot. 

Target No. 9 is located approximately 7,830 feet NW of the proposed well site 

between several observed fault scarps. Target no. 9 is a rectangular shaped target 

that measures approximately 28’ x 7’ with approximately 9’ of relief above the 

surrounding seafloor. Sonar targets 4, 7, 18, and 20 are interpreted as probable 

hazards or debris, were mapped from the February and March data, and are located 

within the northernmost portion of the proposed anchor radius approximately 13,900’ 

NW, 13,690’ NW, 14,200’ NE and 6,230’ NNE, respectively. Although it is 

recommended that these targets be avoided by 200 feet as potential hazards, these 

targets likely represent modern debris or natural features, and are not considered 

archaeologically significant. Sonar data also recorded numerous fault scarps and 

several areas of highly reflective seafloor within the survey grid. Sonar data also 

recorded several isolated point source or linear reflectors within the survey grid, 

which typically correlate with small pieces of modern debris such as barrels and steel 

drums.

Supplemental Subbottom Data showed penetration of approximately 90 feet of 

parallel bedded, moderately reflecting sediments at the proposed well site. There is 

no potential for prehistoric sites in this portion of Mississippi Canyon Area, and no 

evidence of wrecks or other cultural debris were observed on the subbottom data. 

The shallow hazards analysis for the site and surrounding anchor radius will be 

performed by Berger Geosciences, LLC based on processed 3-D data. 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘A’-Amended

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 3

No evidence of intact shipwreck sites was observed within the survey grid. No targets of 

potential archaeological significance were identified within 5,000 feet of the proposed 

well site. Sonar data recorded a total of seven (7) sonar targets within the proposed 

anchor radius, of which one was interpreted as an unknown feature that could represent 

a potential cultural resource. 

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. and subcontractors will apply the safest and best 

available technologies during drilling operations and installation of future platforms. In 

compliance with 30 CFR 250.194(c), 30 CFR 250.1010(c), and NTL 2005-G07, if 

materials are observed during operations that could indicate the presence of a 

shipwreck, shipwreck site, or other potentially significant archaeological resource, 

operations will cease and the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment with the 

BOEM/BSEE will be notified within 48 hours of discovery. 

 

Sincerely,

Erin Voisin

Hazards Analyst/Archaeologist

Revision (1/2/13). Previous Revisions (8/29/11): Original assessment prepared on 

5/26/10. Revision included revised well location, revised text, updated agency name. 
 36499 Perkins Road

Prairieville, Louisiana 70769

Telephone: 225.673.2163

Fax: 225.744.3116

www.teslaoffshore.com

 

January 2, 2013 Job #12-286-31

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (MS 5230)

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

1201 Elmwood Park Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70123-2394

RE: LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

 Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘B’

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Dear Staff:

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) proposes to drill the OCS-G 33178 Well ‘B’ 

from the following surface location in Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area:

Datum: 

NAD 27

 Spheroid: 

Clarke 1866

 Projection: 

UTM

 Zone:

 16

Central Meridian:

87° 00’ West

 Latitude: 28° 10’ 17.550” N Longitude: 88° 46’ 03.246” W

 X: 1,071,079.00 Y: 10,227,331.00

 FEL: 6,041’ FNL: 5,309’

This assessment addresses an anchor radius of 15,000-feet with a 1,000-foot buffer 

zone as indicated on the enclosed maps. Tesla Offshore, LLC surveyed all of Block 

816, including survey coverage in Blocks 815, 817, 859, 860, 861, 771, 772, and 773,

Mississippi Canyon Area, in April of 2010 along a 300-meter grid. The resulting 

archaeological assessment report was submitted to LLOG under Tesla Job# 10-063-12. 

This well assessment utilizes data acquired in February and March, 2010 covering all of 

Block 772 and parts of 773, 771, 727, 728, and 729 for anchoring. That survey was 

performed for a third party and submitted under Tesla Job #10-004-12. A gap in this 

survey coverage is present in Block 773 due to the presence of the Devil’s Tower Spar 

facility. BOEM approval was granted by Dr. Jack Irion to exclude the area directly 

surrounding the facility from archaeological survey coverage. Sonar targets from this 

pre-existing survey data are included in this assessment when relevant. Sonar targets 

from this pre-existing survey data are included in this assessment when relevant. LLOG 

operates lease OCS-G 33178 and contracted Tesla Offshore, LLC to provide this 

archaeological analysis (NTL No. 2005-G07) in accordance with the Bureau of Ocean 

Energy Management (BOEM) Gulf of Mexico OCS Region. 

Water depth is approximately 5,675 feet surrounding the proposed drill site. Water 

depths generally increase from west to east across the proposed well site, with the 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘B’ Location

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 2

exception of a minor seafloor undulation at the proposed site.

Seafloor soils are reported to be silty clay and marine deposits (MMS 1983 Visual 

No. 3; MMS 1986 Visual No. 5). 

Man-made features located within the proposed anchor radius include P&A Well 

No. 1 located approximately 13,800’ WSW of the proposed surface location, as well 

as several pipelines in the northeast portion of the proposed radius, the closest of 

which is the Dominion 6” & 10” pipeline bundle (Segments 14924 & 14925), which is 

located approximately 10,175’ NNE of the proposed site. 

Magnetic data is not required for survey in these water depths per NTL 2005-G07.

Sonar data recorded a total of six (6) targets within the proposed anchor radius. 

Target No. 4 is located approximately 13,250 feet ESE of the proposed well site. 

Sonar target no. 4 is an irregularly shaped target measuring approximately 13’ x 5’ 

with 10’ of measured relief above the seafloor. Target no. 5 is located approximately 

14,950 feet ESE of the proposed well site. Target no. 5 is a linear object measuring 

approximately 50’ x 3’ with 2’ of measured relief above the surrounding seafloor. 

Both sonar targets no. 4 and no. 5 were interpreted as possible features of historical 

significance and should be avoided by a distance of 500’ during lease development 

activities. Four of the recorded targets located within the proposed anchor radius

were interpreted as probable debris or possible seafloor hazards. Target No. 7 is 

located approximately 14,225 feet E of the proposed well site between several 

observed fault scarps. This target is an irregularly shaped target that measures 

approximately 19’ x 8’ with approximately 3’ of relief above the surrounding seafloor. 

Target No. 9 is located approximately 12,800 feet NW of the proposed well site 

between several observed fault scarps. Target no. 9 is a rectangular shaped target 

that measures approximately 28’ x 7’ with approximately 9’ of relief above the 

surrounding seafloor. Targets no. 18 and 20 are interpreted as probable hazards or 

debris, were mapped from the pre-existing data and are located within the 

northernmost portion of the proposed anchor radius approximately 10,625’ NNE and 

7,400’ NW from the proposed site. Although it is recommended that these targets be 

avoided by 200 feet as potential hazards, these targets likely represent modern 

debris or natural features, and are not considered archaeologically significant. Sonar 

data also recorded numerous fault scarps and several areas of highly reflective 

seafloor within the survey grid. Sonar data also recorded several isolated point 

source or linear reflectors within the survey grid, which typically correlate with small 

pieces of modern debris such as barrels and steel drums.

Supplemental Subbottom Data showed penetration of approximately 90 feet of 

parallel bedded, moderately to strongly reflective sediments at the proposed well 

site. There is no potential for prehistoric sites in this portion of Mississippi Canyon 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘B’ Location

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 3

Area, and no evidence of wrecks or other cultural debris were observed on the 

subbottom data. The shallow hazards analysis for the site and surrounding anchor 

radius will be performed by Berger Geosciences, LLC based on processed 3-D data. 

No evidence of intact vessels or obvious shipwreck sites was observed within the survey 

grid. No targets of potential archaeological significance were identified within 5,000 feet 

of the proposed well site. Sonar data recorded a total of six (6) sonar targets within the 

proposed anchor radius, of which two (2) are interpreted as potential cultural resources. 

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. and subcontractors will apply the safest and best 

available technologies during drilling operations and installation of future platforms. In 

compliance with 30 CFR 250.194(c), 30 CFR 250.1010(c), and NTL 2005-G07, if 

materials are observed during operations that could indicate the presence of a 

shipwreck, shipwreck site, or other potentially significant archaeological resource, 

operations will cease and the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment with the 

BOEM/BSEE will be notified within 48 hours of discovery. 

 

Sincerely,

Erin Voisin Amanda Evans, MA, RPA

Hazards Analyst/Archaeologist Marine Archaeologist

Revision (1/2/13). Previous Revisions (8/29/11): Original assessment prepared on 

5/26/10. Revision included revised well location, revised text, updated agency name. 
 36499 Perkins Road

Prairieville, Louisiana 70769

Telephone: 225.673.2163

Fax: 225.744.3116

www.teslaoffshore.com

 

January 2, 2013 Job #12-286-31

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (MS 5230)

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

1201 Elmwood Park Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70123-2394

RE: LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

 Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘C’

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Dear Staff:

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) proposes to drill the OCS-G 33178 Well ‘C’ 

from the following surface location in Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area:

Datum: 

NAD 27

 Spheroid: 

Clarke 1866

 Projection: 

UTM

 Zone:

 16

Central Meridian:

87° 00’ West

 Latitude: 28° 10’ 29.433” N Longitude: 88° 45’ 23.323” W

 X: 1,074,669.00 Y: 10,228,479.00

 FEL: 2,451’ FNL: 4,161’

This assessment addresses an anchor radius of 15,000-feet with a 1,000-foot buffer 

zone as indicated on the enclosed maps. Tesla Offshore, LLC surveyed all of Block 

816, including survey coverage in Blocks 815, 817, 859, 860, 861, 771, 772, and 773,

Mississippi Canyon Area, in April of 2010 along a 300-meter grid. The resulting 

archaeological assessment report was submitted to LLOG under Tesla Job# 10-063-12. 

This well assessment utilizes data acquired in February and March, 2010 covering all of 

Block 772 and parts of 773, 771, 727, 728, and 729 for anchoring. That survey was 

performed for a third party and submitted under Tesla Job #10-004-12. A gap in this 

survey coverage is present in Block 773 due to the presence of the Devil’s Tower Spar 

facility. BOEM approval was granted by Dr. Jack Irion to exclude the area directly 

surrounding the facility from archaeological survey coverage. Sonar targets from this 

pre-existing survey data are included in this assessment when relevant. Sonar targets 

from this pre-existing survey data are included in this assessment when relevant. LLOG 

operates lease OCS-G 33178 and contracted Tesla Offshore, LLC to provide this 

archaeological analysis (NTL No. 2005-G07) in accordance with the Bureau of Ocean 

Energy Management (BOEM) Gulf of Mexico OCS Region. 

Water depth is approximately 5,655 feet surrounding the proposed drill site. Water 

depths generally increase from west to east across the proposed well site.
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘C’ Location

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 2

Seafloor soils are reported to be silty clay and marine deposits (MMS 1983 Visual 

No. 3; MMS 1986 Visual No. 5). 

Man-made features located within the proposed anchor radius include several 

pipelines in the northeast portion of the proposed radius, the closest of which is the 

Dominion 6” & 10” pipeline bundle (Segments 14924 & 14925), which is located 

approximately 7,950 feet NE of the proposed site.

Magnetic data is not required for survey in these water depths per NTL 2005-G07.

Sonar data recorded a total of seven (7) targets within the proposed anchor radius. 

Target No. 4 is located approximately 10,425 feet SE of the proposed well site. 

Sonar target no. 4 is an irregularly shaped target measuring approximately 13’ x 5’ 

with 10’ of measured relief above the seafloor. Target no. 5 is located approximately 

11,875 feet SE of the proposed well site, and target no. 6 is located approximately 

11,950 feet SE of the proposed well site. Targets no. 5 and 6 are both linear objects 

measuring approximately 50’ x 3’ with 2’ and 6’ of measured relief above the 

surrounding seafloor. Target no. 10 is located approximately 14,200 feet NE of the 

proposed well site. Sonar target no. 10 is an irregularly shaped feature that 

measures approximately 200’ x 105’ with no observed relief above the surrounding 

seafloor. This target appears on the sonar data as an area of possible disturbed 

seafloor, consisting of numerous parallel, linear and point source reflectors clustered 

together in a dense configuration. It is not associated with any observed areas of 

scour or measureable relief. Sonar targets no. 4, 5, 6, and 10 were interpreted as 

possible features of historical significance and should be avoided by a distance of 

500’ during lease development activities. One additional target is located within the 

proposed anchor radius, but was interpreted as probable debris or a possible 

seafloor hazard. Target No. 7 is located approximately 10,625 feet E of the 

proposed well site between several observed fault scarps. This target is an 

irregularly shaped target that measures approximately 19’ x 8’ with approximately 3’ 

of relief above the surrounding seafloor. Targets no. 18 and 20 are interpreted as 

probable hazards or debris, were mapped from the pre-existing data and are located 

within the northernmost portion of the proposed anchor radius approximately 9,925’ 

NW and 9,900’ NW of the proposed site. Although it is recommended that these 

targets be avoided by 200 feet as potential hazards, these targets likely represent 

modern debris or natural features, and are not considered archaeologically 

significant. Sonar data also recorded numerous fault scarps and several areas of 

highly reflective seafloor within the survey grid. Sonar data also recorded several 

isolated point source or linear reflectors within the survey grid, which typically 

correlate with small pieces of modern debris such as barrels and steel drums.

Supplemental Subbottom Data showed penetration of approximately 90 feet of 

parallel bedded, moderately reflective sediments at the proposed well site. 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘C’ Location

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 3

There is no potential for prehistoric sites in this portion of Mississippi Canyon Area, 

and no evidence of wrecks or other cultural debris were observed on the subbottom 

data. The shallow hazards analysis for the site and surrounding anchor radius will 

be performed by Berger Geosciences, LLC based on processed 3-D data. 

No evidence of intact vessels or obvious shipwreck sites was observed within the survey 

grid. No targets of potential archaeological significance were identified within 5,000 feet 

of the proposed well site. Sonar data recorded a total of seven (7) sonar targets within 

the proposed anchor radius, of which four (4) are interpreted as potential cultural 

resources. 

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. and subcontractors will apply the safest and best 

available technologies during drilling operations and installation of future platforms. In 

compliance with 30 CFR 250.194(c), 30 CFR 250.1010(c), and NTL 2005-G07, if 

materials are observed during operations that could indicate the presence of a 

shipwreck, shipwreck site, or other potentially significant archaeological resource, 

operations will cease and the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment with the 

BOEM/BSEE will be notified within 48 hours of discovery. 

 

Sincerely,

Erin Voisin Amanda Evans, MA, RPA

Hazards Analyst/Archaeologist Marine Archaeologist

Revision (1/2/13). Previous Revisions (8/29/11): Original assessment prepared on 

5/26/10. Revision included revised well location, revised text, updated agency name. 
 36499 Perkins Road

Prairieville, Louisiana 70769

Telephone: 225.673.2163

Fax: 225.744.3116

www.teslaoffshore.com

 

January 2, 2013 Job #12-286-31

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (MS 5230)

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

1201 Elmwood Park Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70123-2394

RE: LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

 Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘D’-Amended

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Dear Staff:

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) proposes to drill the OCS-G 33178 Well ‘D’ 

from the following surface location in Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area:

Datum: 

NAD 27

 Spheroid: 

Clarke 1866

 Projection: 

UTM

 Zone:

 16

Central Meridian:

87° 00’ West

 Latitude: 28° 10’ 19.294” N Longitude: 88° 47’ 10.311” W

 X: 1,065,080.00 Y: 10,227,595.00

 FWL: 3,800’ FNL: 5,045’

This assessment addresses an anchor radius of 15,000-feet with a 1,000-foot buffer 

zone as indicated on the enclosed maps. Tesla Offshore, LLC surveyed all of Block 

816, including survey coverage in Blocks 815, 817, 859, 860, 861, 771, 772, and 773,

Mississippi Canyon Area, in April of 2010 along a 300-meter grid. The resulting 

archaeological assessment report was submitted to LLOG under Tesla Job# 10-063-12. 

A previous revised well assessment also utilized data acquired in February and March, 

2010 covering all of Block 772 and parts of 773, 771, 727, 728, and 729 for anchoring. 

That assessment was performed for ENI Petroleum and LLOG and submitted under 

Tesla Job #10-004-12. Sonar targets from this pre-existing survey data are included in 

this assessment when relevant. LLOG operates lease OCS-G 33178 and contracted 

Tesla Offshore, LLC to provide this archaeological analysis (NTL No. 2005-G07) in 

accordance with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Gulf of Mexico 

OCS Region. 

Water depth is approximately 5,550 feet surrounding the proposed drill site. Water 

depths increase from roughly northwest to southeast at the proposed well site.

Seafloor soils are reported to be silty clay and marine deposits (MMS 1983 Visual 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘D’-Amended

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 2

No. 3; MMS 1986 Visual No. 5). 

Man-made features located within the proposed anchor radius include: MC 815 

P&A Well No. 1, located approximately 8,675’ SW; MC 772 P&A Well No. 5, located 

approximately 13,470’ NNW; and several pipelines, the closest of which is the 

Dominion 6” & 10” pipeline bundle (Segments 14924 & 14925) located approximately 

11,900’ NNE of the proposed site. 

Magnetic data is not required for survey in these water depths per NTL 2005-G07.

Sonar data recorded a total of six (6) targets within the proposed anchor radius. 

Targets No. 8 and 9 were identified as part of the April 2010 geophysical survey (Job 

#10-063-11) and targets No. 4, 7, 18, and 20 were identified as part of the February 

and March, 2010 survey (Job # 10-004-11). Of these, only Target No. 8 from April 

was interpreted as a possible feature of historical significance. This target should be 

avoided by a distance of 500’ during lease development activities. Target No. 8 is 

located approximately 10,140 feet NW of the proposed well site. Sonar target no. 8 

is an irregularly shaped target that measures approximately 33’ x 13’ with 

approximately 4’ of relief above the surrounding seafloor. The remaining five (5) 

targets located within the proposed anchor radius were interpreted as probable 

debris or possible seafloor hazards. Target No. 9 is located approximately 7,630 feet 

NW of the proposed well site between several observed fault scarps. Target no. 9 is 

a rectangular shaped target that measures approximately 28’ x 7’ with approximately 

9’ of relief above the surrounding seafloor. Targets no. 4, 7, 18, and 20 are

interpreted as probable hazards or debris, were mapped from the February and 

March data and are located within the northernmost portion of the proposed anchor 

radius approximately 13,820’ NW, 13,280’ NW, 12,290’ NE, and 4,610’ N of the 

proposed site, respectively. Although it is recommended that these targets be 

avoided by 200 feet as potential hazards, these targets likely represent modern 

debris or natural features, and are not considered archaeologically significant. Sonar 

data also recorded numerous fault scarps and several areas of highly reflective 

seafloor within the survey grid. Sonar data also recorded several isolated point 

source or linear reflectors within the survey grid, which typically correlate with small 

pieces of modern debris such as barrels and steel drums.

Supplemental Subbottom Data showed penetration of approximately 90 feet of 

parallel bedded, moderately reflecting sediments at the proposed well site. There is 

no potential for prehistoric sites in this portion of Mississippi Canyon Area, and no 

evidence of wrecks or other cultural debris were observed on the subbottom data. 

The shallow hazards analysis for the site and surrounding anchor radius will be 

performed by Berger Geosciences, LLC based on processed 3-D data. 
TESLA OFFSHORE

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

Proposed OCS-G 33178 Well ‘D’-Amended

Block 816, Mississippi Canyon Area 

Archaeological Assessment

Page 3

No evidence of intact shipwreck sites was observed within the survey grid. No targets of 

potential archaeological significance were identified within 5,000 feet of the proposed 

well site. Sonar data recorded a total of seven (7) sonar targets within the proposed 

anchor radius, of which one was interpreted as an unknown feature that could represent 

a potential cultural resource. 

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. and subcontractors will apply the safest and best 

available technologies during drilling operations and installation of future platforms. In 

compliance with 30 CFR 250.194(c), 30 CFR 250.1010(c), and NTL 2005-G07, if 

materials are observed during operations that could indicate the presence of a 

shipwreck, shipwreck site, or other potentially significant archaeological resource, 

operations will cease and the Regional Supervisor, Leasing and Environment with the 

BOEM/BSEE will be notified within 48 hours of discovery. 

 

Sincerely,

Erin Voisin

Hazards Analyst/Archaeologist

Revision (1/2/13). Previous Revisions (8/29/11): Original assessment prepared on 

5/26/10. Revision included revised well location, revised text, updated agency name. 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 17

Stratigraphic Column

Attachment J

(Proprietary Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 18

APPENDIX D

HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S) INFORMATION

(30 CFR Part 250.215 and 250.245)

A. Concentration

LLOG does not anticipate encountering H2S while conducting the proposed exploratory 

operations provided for under this plan.

B. Classification

In accordance with 30 CFR 250.490c and NTL 2007-G11, LLOG requests that the 

proposed location be classified H2S absent. The basis for this determination is the 

evaluation of Newfield’s Lease OCS-G-19996, Eni Petroleum #A-2 Well in MC 773, 

15,625MD/14,665TVD.

C. H2S Contingency Plan

Not applicable for the proposed operations.

D. Modeling Report

Not applicable to the proposed operations.

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 20

G. Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Monitoring Survey Plan

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 is located in Grid 16 which does not require a ROV

survey.

H. Threatened or Endangered Species, Critical Habitat, and Marine 

Mammal Information.

Proposed activities in Mississippi Canyon Block 816 is not located in the presence of 

federally listed threatened or endangered species and critical habitat designated under 

the ESA and marine mammal protected under the MMPA. See Attachment K for a list 

of the NOAA Species known in the Gulf of Mexico.

I. Archaeological Report

Berger Geosciences, LLC conducted a Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic 

Communities Evaluation, and Archaeological Resource Survey for Mississippi Canyon 

Block 816 on behalf of LLOG Exploration Offshore, Inc. The purpose of the survey 

was to evaluate geologic conditions and inspect for potential hazards or constraints to 

lease development. The report was submitted to Minerals Management Service 

(BOEMRE) under separate cover on November 9, 2010. Berger Geosciences, LLC 

conducted a Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic Communities Evaluation, and 

Archaeological Resource Survey for MC 816-A Amended Revised and MC 816-D 

Amended on behalf of LLOG Exploration Offshore, Inc. The report was submitted to 

BOEM under separate cover on January 9, 2013. 

J. Air and Water Quality Information

Not applicable to proposed operations.

K. Socioeconomic Information

Not applicable to proposed operations.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 21

NOAA Species Known in GOM

Attachment K

(Public Information)


Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 22

APPENDIX F

WASTE AND DISCHARGE INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.217 AND 250.248)

A. Projected Generated Wastes

See the following tables:

TABLE 1. Wastes you will generate, treat and downhole dispose or 

discharge to the GOM

 TABLE 2. Wastes you will transport and /or dispose of onshore 

B. Modeling

Not applicable. Proposed activities will be covered by U.S. EPA NPDES General 

Permit.
please specify if the amount reported is a total or per well amount

MC 816

Projected generated waste Projected ocean discharges 

Type of Waste Composition Projected Amount Discharge rate Discharge Method 

Will drilling occur ? If yes, fill in the muds and cuttings.

EXAMPLE: Cuttings wetted with synthetic based fluid 

Cuttings generated while using synthetic based drilling fluid. X bbl/well X bbl/day/well discharge overboard 

Water-based drilling fluid

Water based mud additives, 

barite and gel used for WBM 74,945 bbls/well 8,488 bbls/day/well Discharge overb

Cuttings wetted with water-based fluid

Cuttings generated while using

water based drilling fluid. 3,523 bbls/well 399 bbls/day/well Discharge overb

Cuttings wetted with synthetic-based fluid 

Cuttings generated while using 

synthetic based drilling fluid. 865 bbls/well 091 bbls/day/well Discharge overb

Will humans be there? If yes, expect conventional waste

EXAMPLE: Sanitary waste water

Sanitary waste from living 

quarters X bbl/well X bbl/hr/well

chlorinate and disc

overboard 

Domestic waste Misc waste for living quarters 23,568 bbls/well 3.1 bbls/hr/well

Discharge overboard 

oil) 

Sanitary waste

Processed sanitary waste from 

living quarters 15,712 bbls/well 2.1 bbls/hr/well

Chlorinate and disc

overboard 

Is there a deck? If yes, there will be Deck Drainage

Deck Drainage

Accumulated drainage due to 

rainfall 0 to 47,261 bbls/well 0 to 167 bbls/hr/well

Test for oil and grea

discharge overb

Will you conduct well treatment, completion, or workover? 

Well treatment fluids

NPDES approved treatment 

fluid used for well operations 100 bbls/well 20 bbls/hr/well

Test for oil and grea

discharge overbo

Well completion fluids

Clear brines used for 

completion operations 500 bbls/well 100 bbls/hr/well

Test for oil and grea

discharge overboar

excludes clear b

containing Zin

Workover fluids N/A N/A NA NA 

TABLE 1. WASTES YOU WILL GENERATE, TREAT AND DOWNHOLE DISPOSE O

DISPOSE OR DISCHARGE IN THE GOM
Miscellaneous discharges. If yes, only fill in those associated with your activity. 

Desalinization unit discharge N/A N/A N/A N/A 

Blowout prevent fluid N/A N/A N/A N/A 

Ballast water

Uncontaminated seawater used 

for ballast control 0 to 100,000 bbls/well 16,350 bbls/hr/well Discharge overb

Bilge water N/A N/A N/A N/A Excess cement at seafloor

Excess cement slurry and 

mixwater used for cementing 

operation - NPDES allowed 300 bbls/well 360 bbls/hr/well Discharge at mu

Fire water

Uncontaminated seawater used 

for fire control system 0 to 10,000 bbls/well 16,350 bbls/hr/well Discharge overb

Cooling water N/A N/A N/A N/A 

Will you produce hydrocarbons? If yes fill in for produced water.

Produced water NA NA NA NA 

Will you be covered by an individual or general NPDES permit ? GMG 290180

comply with the requirements of the NPDES pe

NOTE: If you will not have a type of waste, enter NA in the ro

w
Please specify whatever the amount reported is a total or per well

MC 816

Projected 

generated waste

Solid and Liquid

Wastses 

Transportation

Type of Waste Composition Transport Method Name/Location of Facility Amount 

Newport Environmental Services Inc., Ingleside, TX X bbl/well 

Oil-based drilling fluid or mud N/A NA N/A NA 

Synthetic-based drilling fluid or mud 

Internal olifin, ester nbased mud

Barged in 25 bbls cutting boxes and / or liquid mud tanks for supply vessels

Newpark Transfer Station, Fourchon, LA 6750 bbls / well 

Cuttings wetted with Water-based fluid N/A NA N/A NA Cuttings wetted with Synthetic-based fluid N/A NA N/A NA Cuttings wetted with oil-based fluids N/A NA N/A NA 

Will you produce hydrocarbons? If yes fill in for produced sand.

Produced sand

EXAMPLE: trash and debris (recylables) Plastic, paper, aluminum barged in a storage bin ARC, New Iberia, LA X lb/well Trash and debris Plastic, paper, aluminum Barged in a storage bin

Blanchard Landfill, Golden Meadows, LA 4000 lbs / well 

Used oil Spent oil from machinery

Barged in USCG approved transfer tote tanks. L&L Services, Fourchon, LA 200 bbls / well 

Wash water

Wash water w/ SBM residue and surfactants

Barged in 25 bbls cutting boxes and / or liquid mud tanks for supply vessels

Newpark Transfer Station, Fourchon, LA 2000 bbls / well

Chemical product wastes

Spent treatment and / or damaged chemicals used in operations

Barged in 25 bbls cutting boxes and / or cutting boxes L&L Services, Fourchon, LA 10 bbls / well 

NOTE: If you will not have a type of waste, enter NA in the row

TABLE 2. WASTES YOU WILL TRANSPORT AND /OR DISPOSE OF ONSHORE 

Will you have additional wastes that are not permitted for discharge? If 

Waste Disposal
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 23

APPENDIX G

AIR EMISSIONS INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.218AND 250.249)

A. Emissions Worksheets and Screening Questions

The Projected Quality Emissions Report (Form MMS-138) addresses the proposed 

drilling, completion and potential testing operations utilizing a typical semisubmersible drilling unit, with related support vessels and construction barge 

information.

As evidenced by Attachment L, the worksheets were completed based on the 

proposed flaring and burning operations.

Screening Questions for EP’s Yes No

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

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

following formulas: CT = 3400D(2/3) for CO, and CT = 33.3D for the other air 

pollutants (where D = distance to shore in miles)?

X

Does your emission calculations include any emission reduction measures or modified 

emission factors?

X

Are your proposed exploration activities located east of 87.5 degrees 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

B. Emissions Reduction Measures

The projected air emissions are within the exemption level; therefore, no emission 

reduction measures are being proposed.

C. Verification of Nondefault Emissions Factors

LLOG has elected to use the default emission factors as provided in Attachment L.

D. Non-Exempt Activities

The proposed activities are within the exemption amount as provided in Attachment L.

E. Modeling Report 

This section of the Plan is not applicable to the proposed operations.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 24

Air Quality Emissions Report

Attachment L

(Public Information)
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 25

COMPANY LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.

AREA Mississippi Canyon 

BLOCK 816

LEASE OCS-G-33178

PLATFORM N/A

WELL A, B, C and D

COMPANY 

CONTACT Kathy Gowland

TELEPHONE NO. 985-801-4300

REMARKS

DP Semisubmersible Rig

Air Pollutant Plan Emission 

Amounts* 

(tons)

Calculated 

Exemption 

Amounts** 

(tons)

Calculated 

Complex Total 

Emission 

Amounts*** 

(tons)

Carbon monoxide (CO) 327.60 49172.32 N/A

Particulate matter (PM) 43.68 1831.50 N/A

Sulphur dioxide (SOx) 200.38 1831.50 N/A

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) 1501.49 1831.50 N/A

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) 45.04 1831.50 N/A

 *For activities proposed in your EP, list the projected emissions calculated from the worksheet.

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

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

Semisubmersible Rig

Air Pollutant Plan Emission 

Amounts* 

(tons)

Calculated 

Exemption 

Amounts** 

(tons)

Calculated 

Complex Total 

Emission 

Amounts*** 

(tons)

Carbon monoxide (CO) 151.26 49172.32 N/A

Particulate matter (PM) 20.17 1831.50 N/A

Sulphur dioxide (SOx) 92.52 1831.50 N/A

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) 693.26 1831.50 N/A

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) 20.80 1831.50 N/A

 *For activities proposed in your EP, list the projected emissions calculated from the worksheet.

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

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

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 27

D. Worst-Case Scenario Information

Category Regional OSRP Revised EP

Type of Activity Exploratory MODU Exploratory MODU

Facility Surface Location Mississippi Canyon Block 547 Mississippi Canyon Block 816

Facility Description Well Location Well No. SS002 

(Location B)

Well Location Well No. 001

(Location A)

Distance to Nearest Shoreline

(Miles) 38 miles 55 miles

Volume:

 Storage Tanks (total)

 Facility Piping (total)

 Lease Term Pipeline

 Uncontrolled Blowout (day)

 Barging

Potential 24 Hour Volume 

(bbls) 225,144 bbls

 

86,772 bbls

 

Type of Liquid Hydrocarbon Crude Oil Crude Oil

API Gravity 38.4o 36.8o

Since LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) has the capability to respond to the 

appropriate worst-case spill scenario included in its regional OSRP Biennial update 

approved on August 8, 2012, and latest modification submitted on January 29, 2013, 

and approved February 25, 2013, and since the worst case discharge determined in our 

Initial Exploration Plan for MC 816 does not exceed our worst case discharge outlined 

in our Regional OSRP, I hereby certify that LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 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 

Initial Exploration Plan. The WCD for the subject plan does not exceed the worst case 

discharge previously submitted for MC 547.

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C., Company No. 02058, previously submitted the 

Regional OSRP Exploration WCD volume to be reviewed in Plan R-5139, Revised 

Exploration Plan submitted on March 2, 2011 and approved October 6, 2011. 

The required proprietary data outlined in NTL 2010-N06 is being submitted to BOEM 

within the Confidential Copy of this Initial Exploration Plan.

E. Oil Spill Response Discussion

See the following Oil Spill Response Discussion.
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 drilling operations, 

estimated to be 86,772 barrels of crude oil with an API gravity of 36.8°. 

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 an 11% probability of impact to the shorelines of Plaquemines Parish, 

Louisiana within 30 days. Plaquemines Parish includes Barataria Bay, the Mississippi River 

Delta, Breton Sound and the affiliated islands and bays. This region is an extremely sensitive 

habitat and serves as a migratory, breeding, feeding and nursery habitat for numerous species of 

wildlife. Beaches in this area vary in grain particle size and can be classified as fine sand, shell 

or perched shell beaches. Sandy and muddy tidal flats are also abundant. 

Response

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 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 crude oil, an ADIOS weathering 

model was run on a similar product from the ADIOS oil database. The results indicate 16% or 

approximately 13,884 barrels of crude oil would be evaporated/dispersed within 24 hours, with 

approximately 72,888 barrels remaining. 

Spill Response MC 816, Well Location D Barrels of Oil 

WCD Volume 86,772 

Less 16% natural evaporation/dispersion 13,884 

Remaining volume 72,888 

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

storage equipment available to respond to a spill of approximately 72,888 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. 

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.’s Oil Spill Response Plan includes alternative response 

technologies such as dispersants and in-situ burn. 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 DC-3 aircrafts and 4 sorties (8,000 gallons) 
from the Basler aircraft would provide a daily dispersant capability of 7,540 barrels. If the 

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

proper planning is in place, in-situ burning of oil may be attempted. Slick containment boom 

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

may include attempting to skim utilizing CGA’s and MSRC’s spill response equipment, with a 

total derated skimming capacity of 177,486 barrels. Temporary storage associated with 

skimming equipment equals 113,691 barrels. If additional storage is needed, three 20,000 barrel 

storage barges and a 23,000 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. 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 Plaquemines 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 69,126 

barrels. Temporary storage associated with skimming equipment equals 1,288 barrels. If 

additional storage is needed, a 25,000 barrel storage barge and two 23,000 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. Onshore response may include the deployment 

of shoreline boom on beach areas, or protection and sorbent boom on vegetated areas. Master 

Service Agreements with AMPOL and OMI Environmental will ensure access to 147,000 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 Plaquemines Parish 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. LLOG 

Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.’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, LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 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 43 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 

LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 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 

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

• Ensure boom handling and mooring equipment is deployed with boom 

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

their most effective containment 

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

Dedicated off-shore skimming systems 

General 

• Deployed to the highest concentration of oil 

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

• Use in areas with heaviest oil concentrations 

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

CGA FRUs 

• To the area of the thickest oil 

• Use as far off-shore as allowed 

• VOOs 140’ – 180’ in length 

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

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

MSRC Oil Spill Response Vessels (OSRV) 

• Use in areas with heaviest oil concentrations 

• Use as far off-shore as allowed 

MSRC Responders 

• Use in areas with heaviest oil concentrations 

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

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 LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.’s contracted resources as applicable 

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

Systems (VOSS) 

• Acquire additional resources as needed 

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

• Expect mission specific and safety training to be required 

• Plan with the US Coast Guard for vessel inspections 
In-situ Burn assets 

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

affected State On-Scene Coordinator (SOSC) 

• Determine availability of fire boom and selected ignition systems 

• Start ordering fire boom stocks required for expected operations 

• Contact boom manufacturer to provide training if required 

• Determine assets to perform on water operation 

• Build operations into safety plan 

• Conduct operations in accordance with an approved plan 

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 LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.’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 LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C.’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 30 day impact. The results are tabulated below. 

Area/Block OCS-G Launch 

Area 

Land Segment and/or 

Resource 

Conditional 

Probability (%) 

within 30 days 

Exploratory Drilling 

MC 816, 

Well Location D 

55 miles from shore 

G33178 C59 Cameron, LA 

Vermilion, LA 

Terrebonne, LA 

Lafourche, LA 

Jefferson, LA 

Plaquemines, LA 

St. Bernard, LA 

Walton, FL 

Bay, FL 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1 

11 

2 

1 

1 
WCD Scenario– BASED ON WELL BLOWOUT DURING DRILLING OPERATIONS (55 miles from sh

72,888 bbls of crude oil (Volume considering natural weathering) API Gravity 36.8° 

FIGURE 2 – Equipment Response Time to MC 816, Well Location D 

Dispersants/Surveillance

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

si

CGA 

Basler 67T 2000 NA 2 Houma 1 1 0

ASI 

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

CGA 

HOSS Barge 43000 4000 3 Tugs 5 Harvey 7 0 5 46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Venice 1 0 1 CGA-300 Boom Barge 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 VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Hrs to GOM 

Enterprise Marine Services LLC (available through contract with CGA)

CTCo 2604 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2605 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2606 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2609 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 
Offshore Equipment No 

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

MSRC 

Louisiana Responder LFF 100 Brush + OSRV 2,640’ 44” Sea Sentry II Boom 5,280’ 67” LAMOR 

18086 4000 NA 14 Fort Jackson 2 0 1 

MSRC 452 Offshore Barge 1 Crucial Disk 88/30 1,980’ 44” Sea Sentry II Boom 660 ‘ 67” LAMOR 

11122 45000 3 Tugs 6 Fort Jackson 2 0 2 

Mississippi Responder Transrec 350 + OSRV 5,280’ 44” Sea Sentry II Boom 2,640’ 67” LAMOR 

10567 4000 NA 14 Pascagoula 2 0 1 

MSRC 402 Offshore Barge 2 Crucial Disk 88/30 660’ 44” Sea Sentry II Boom 1,980‘ 67” LAMOR 

22244 40300 3 Tugs 6 Pascagoula 2 0 2 

Deep Blue Responder LFF 100 Brush + OSRV 6,600’ 44” Sea Sentry II Boom 660’ 67” LAMOR 

18086 4000 NA 14 Fourchon 2 0 1 

PSV – HOS Centerline 1 Crucial Disk 88/30 1,320’ EFC (cont inflate) 

11122 10626 NA 14 Fourchon 12 12 1 
Staging Area: Venice

Offshore Equipment With 

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

CGA 

FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Galveston 1 2 8 FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (1) 4251 100 1 Utility 6 Harvey 1 2 1.75 FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Ingleside 1 2 11 FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 FRU (2) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 8502 400 2 Utility 12 Leeville 1 2 3.5 FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Morgan City 1 2 3.25 FRU (2) + 100 bbl Tank (4) 8502 400 2 Utility 12 Venice 1 2 0 Hydro-Fire Boom NA NA 8 Utility 40 Harvey 1 4 1.75 

MSRC 

44” Sea Sentry II Boom (2860’) NA NA 6 Crew 12 Ingleside 1 2 11 44” Sea Sentry II Boom (4290’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Galveston 1 2 8 44” Sea Sentry II Boom (6679’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 44” Sea Sentry II Boom (1980’) NA NA 6 Crew 12 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 44” Sea Sentry II Boom (3190’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Pascagoula 1 2 4 2000’ Hydro-Fire Boom NA NA 16 Utility 80 Lake Charles 1 4 5.5 
Nearshore Response

Nearshore Equipment No 

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

CGA 

46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Leeville 1 0 2 Trinity SWS 21500 249 NA 4 Leeville 1 2 2 Trinity SWS 21500 249 NA 4 Venice 1 2 2 

Enterprise Marine Services LLC (available through contract with CGA)

CTCo 2603 NA 25000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2607 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 CTCo 2608 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 

Staging Area: Venice

Nearshore and Inland Skimmers 

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

Dep

SWS Egmopol 3000 100 NA 3 Galveston 1 2 8 SWS Egmopol 3000 100 NA 3 Morgan City 1 2 3.25 SWS Marco 3588 20 NA 3 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Leeville 1 2 3.5 SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Venice 1 2 0 Rope Mop 77 2 0 3 Harvey 1 2 8 Foilex Skim Package (TDS 150) 891 45 NA 3 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 Foilex Skim Package (TDS 150) 891 45 NA 3 Galveston 1 2 8 Foilex Skim Package (TDS 150) 891 45 NA 3 Harvey 1 2 1.75 4 Drum Skimmer (Magnum 100) 686 100 1 Crew 3 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 4 Drum Skimmer (Magnum 100) 686 100 1 Crew 3 Harvey 1 2 1.75 2 Drum Skimmer (TDS 118) 240 100 1 Crew 3 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 
Shoreline Protection 

Staging Area: Venice 

Shoreline Protection 

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

AMPOL (available through MSA) 

42,000’ 18” Boom 16 Crew 40 New Iberia, LA 2 2 4 2 20,000’ 18” Boom 8 Crew 20 New Orleans, LA 2 2 2 2 

OMI Environmental (available through MSA) 

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 New Iberia, LA 1 1 4 2 10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Houston, TX 1 1 7.5 2 

10,000 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Port Arthur, TX 1 1 6.25 2 20,000 18” Boom 8 Crew 20 Belle Chasse, LA 1 1 1.75 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 3.5 2 15,000 18” Boom 6 Crew 14 Gretna, LA 2 2 2 2 

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

Dep

Beach Boom (2000’) NA NA NA 6 Galveston 1 2 8 Beach Boom (1000’) NA NA NA 4 Ingleside 1 2 11 Beach Boom (2000’) NA NA NA 6 Pascagoula 1 2 4 
Wildlife Response EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure Hrs to Loadout Travel to Staging T

Dep

Wildlife Support Trailer NA NA NA 2 Houma 1 2 3 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Belle Chasse 1 2 1.5 Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Galveston 1 2 8 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Houma 1 2 3 Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Ingleside 1 2 11 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Lake Charles 1 2 5.5 Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Pascagoula 1 2 4 

Response Asset Total 

Offshore EDRC 177,486 

Offshore Recovered Oil Storage 196,691 

Nearshore / Shallow Water EDRC 69,126 

Nearshore / Shallow Water Recovered Oil Storage 72,288 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 28

APPENDIX I

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.221 AND 250.252)

A. Monitoring Systems

LLOG subscribes to Impact Weather Service which provides access to real-time 

weather conditions, and provides periodic updates on impending inclement weather

conditions such as tropical depressions, storms and/or hurricanes entering the Gulf of 

Mexico.

LLOG also relies on the National Weather Service to support the aforementioned 

subscribed service. During impending inclement weather conditions, LLOG closely

coordinates the activity with our contractors and field personnel to ensure the safety of 

people for evacuation; measures to prepare the facility for evacuation to ensure 

protection of the environment and the facility/equipment.

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 is in water depths greater than 400 meters (1,312’); 

therefore LLOG will follow the guidelines of the applicable NTL 2009-G02 by 

monitoring and gathering ocean current data using Acoustic Doppler Current Profile 

(ADCP) while the MODU is on location.

B. Incidental Takes

LLOG does not anticipate the incidental taking of any species as a result of the 

proposed activities based on the implementation of, and adherence to, the BSEE NTL 

No. 2012-G01 “Marine Trash and Debris Awareness Training and Elimination” and 

Joint NTL No. 2012-G01 “Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species 

Reporting”.

C. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

This section of the plan is not applicable to the proposed operations.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 29

APPENDIX J

LEASE STIPULATIONS/SPECIAL CONDITIONS INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.222 AND 250.253)

A. Lease Stipulations

Minerals Management Service (BOEMRE) invoked Stipulation No. 8 – Protected 

Species Lease OCS-G-33178, Mississippi Canyon Block 816.

Lease Stipulation No. 8 is to reference measures to minimize or avoid potential adverse 

impacts to protected species (sea turtles, marine mammals, gulf sturgeon, and other 

federally protected species). BOEM has issued Notice to Lessees Joint NTL No. 2012-

G02 “Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected Species 

Observer Program”, Joint NTL No. 2012-G01 “Vessel Strike Avoidance and 

Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting” and BSEE NTL No. 2012-G01 “Marine 

Trash and Debris Awareness and Elimination”.

B. Special Conditions

• Subsea Completions

LLOG may potentially complete the proposed wells as subsea completions. 

Therefore, LLOG will follow the regulations in Title 30 CFR Parts 250.288 

through 250.290, which mandates the submittal and approval of separate 

regulatory filings entitled a “Conservation Information Document” and a 

“Deepwater Operations Plan”, respectively.

• Ocean Current Monitoring

The proposed operations under this Plan are in water depths greater than 400 

meters (1,312’); therefore, LLOG will follow the guidelines of the applicable 

NTL 2009-G02 by continuously monitoring and gathering ocean current data 

using Acoustic Doppler Current Profile (ADCP) while the MODU is on 

location.

• Breton Sound Area

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 is located within the 200 km zone of the Breton 

National Wildlife Refuge, and will consider the use of best available control 

technology as required if the projected air emissions are determined to 

significantly affect the air quality of an onshore area.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 30

APPENDIX K

ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES INFORMATION

(30 CFR Part 250.23 and 250.54)

A. Measures Taken to Avoid, Minimize, and Mitigate Impacts

This section does not apply to the operations as proposed herein.

B. Incidental Takes

LLOG does not anticipate the incidental taking of any species as a result of the 

proposed activities based on the implementation of, and adherence to, the BSEE NTL 

No. 2012-G01 “Marine Trash and Debris Awareness Training and Elimination”; Joint 

NTL No. 2012-G01 “Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species 

Reporting”; and Joint NTL No. 2012-G02 “Implementation of Seismic Survey 

Mitigation Measures and Protected Species Observer Program”. 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 31

APPENDIX L

RELATED FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.256)

A. Produced Liquid Hydrocarbon Transportation Vessels

Not applicable to proposed operations.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 32

APPENDIX M

SUPPORT VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.224 AND 250.257)

A. General

Personnel involved in the proposed operations will typically use their own vehicles as 

transportation to and from the selected onshore base; whereas the selected vendors will 

transport the equipment by a combination of trucks, boats and/or helicopters to the 

onshore base. The personnel and equipment will then be transported to the drilling rig 

via the transportation methods and frequencies shown, taking the most direct route 

feasible as mandated by weather and traffic conditions:

DP Semisubmersible Rig:

Type Maximum Fuel Tank 

Storage Capacity

Maximum No. in Area 

at Any Time

Trip Frequency or 

Duration

Supply Boats 500 bbls 1 Six times weekly

Crew Boats 500 bbls 1 Three times weekly

Aircraft 1900 lbs 1 As Needed

Semisubmersible Rig:

Type Maximum Fuel Tank 

Storage Capacity

Maximum No. in Area 

at Any Time

Trip Frequency or 

Duration

Tug Boats 3000 bbls 1 During rig moves on/off

Supply Boats 500 bbls 1 Six times weekly

Crew Boats 500 bbls 1 Three times weekly

Aircraft 1900 lbs 1 As Needed

B. Diesel Oil Supply Vessels

Size of Fuel Supply 

Vessel

Capacity of fuel 

Supply Vessel

Frequency of Fuel 

Transfers

Route Fuel Supply 

Vessel Will Take

180’ OSV 1900 bbls 1/weekly Fourchon, LA to 

Mississippi Canyon 

Block 816

C. Drilling Fluids Transportation

See Table 2 – Wastes you will Transport and/or Dispose of Onshore, located in 

Appendix F of this Plan.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 33

D. Solid and Liquid Wastes Transportation

See Table 2 – Wastes you will Transport and/or Dispose of Onshore, located in 

Appendix F of this Plan.

E. Vicinity Map

A Vicinity Plat showing the location of Mississippi Canyon 816 relative to the nearest 

shoreline and onshore base is included as Attachment M.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 34

Vicinity Map

Attachment M

(Public Information)

Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 35

APPENDIX N

ONSHORE SUPPORT FACILITIES INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.225 AND 250.258)

 A. General

The proposed surface disturbances in Mississippi Canyon Block 816 will be located 

approximately 55 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline, and approximately 95

miles from the following onshore support base:

Name Location Existing/New/Modified

Martin North Fourchon, LA Existing

LLOG will use an existing onshore base to accomplish the following routine 

operations:

● Loading/Offloading point for equipment supporting the offshore operations.

● Dispatching personnel and equipment, and does not anticipate the need for any 

expansion of the selected facilities as a result of the activities proposed in this 

Initial Plan.

● Temporary storage for materials and equipment.

● 24 Hour Dispatcher

B. Support Base Construction or Expansion

The proposed operations are temporary in nature and do not require any immediate 

action to acquire additional land or expand existing base facilities.

C. Support Base Construction or Expansion Timetable

This section of the plan is not applicable to the proposed operations. 

 

D. Waste Disposal

See Table 2 – Wastes you will Transport and/or Dispose of Onshore, located in 

Appendix F of this Plan.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 36

APPENDIX O

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT (CZMA) INFORMATION

(30 CFR PART 250.226 AND 250.260)

A. Consistency Certification

.

A certificate of Coastal Zone Management Consistency for the States of Louisiana and

Mississippi are enclosed as Attachment N.

B. Other Information

Included as Attachment O are the enforceable policies from the State of Mississippi that

are related to OCS Plan Filings.

LLOG has considered all of Louisiana’s enforceable policies and certifies the 

consistency for the proposed operations.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 37

Coastal Zone Management Consistency Statement for the 

States of Louisiana and Mississippi

Attachment N

(Public Information)


Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 38

Coastal Zone Management Enforceable Policies for the 

State of Mississippi

Attachment O

(Public Information)
As authorized by the Federal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the 

State of Mississippi developed a Coastal Management Program 

(CMP) to allow for the review of proposed Federal license and 

permit activities affecting any coastal use or resources in or 

outside the Mississippi Coastal Zone.

The OCS related oil and gas exploration and development activities having potential 

impact on the Mississippi Coastal Zone are based on the location of the proposed 

facilities, access to those sites, best practical techniques for drilling locations, drilling 

equipment guidelines for the prevention of adverse environmental protection, emergency 

plans and contingency plans.

The proposed activities addressed in this Plan are located approximately 132 miles 

from the nearest Mississippi Coastline.

Below are the goals identified by the State of Mississippi and LLOG’s response:

Goal 1: To provide for reasonable industrial expansion in the coastal area and to 

ensure the efficient utilization of waterfront industrial sites so that suitable sites are 

conserved for water dependent industry.

The proposed activities are located in OCS Federal Waters, Gulf of Mexico, 

approximately 55 miles from the nearest Louisiana shoreline. LLOG Exploration 

Offshore, L.L.C. (LLOG) will utilize existing facilities in Fourchon, Louisiana. 

Therefore, there should not be any anticipated or planned adverse impacts to 

Mississippi’s coastal area.

Goal 2: To favor the preservation of the coastal wetlands and ecosystems, except 

where a specific alternation of specific coastal wetlands would serve a higher public 

interest in compliance with the public purposes of the public trust in which the 

coastal wetlands are held.

The proposed activities are located in OCS Federal Waters, Gulf of Mexico, 

approximately 132 miles from the Mississippi coastline and 55 miles from the nearest 

Louisiana shoreline. LLOG will utilize existing facilities in Fourchon, Louisiana. 

Therefore there should not be any anticipated or planned adverse impacts to Mississippi’s 

coastal wetlands and ecosystems.
Goal 3: To protect, propagate and conserve the State’s seafood and aquatic life in 

connection with the revitalization, and conserve the State’s seafood and aquatic life 

in connection with the revitalization of the seafloor industry of the State of 

Mississippi.

The proposed activities are located in OCS Federal Waters, Gulf of Mexico, 

approximately 132 from the Mississippi coastline and 55 miles from the nearest 

Louisiana shoreline. LLOG will utilize existing facilities in Fourchon, Louisiana. 

Therefore, there should not be any anticipated or planned adverse impacts to 

Mississippi’s seafood and aquatic life.

Goal 4: To conserve the air and waters of the State, and to protect, maintain and 

improve the quality thereof for public use, for the prorogation of wildlife, fish, and 

aquatic life and for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and other 

legitimate beneficial uses.

The activities proposed in this Plan are located in OCS Federal Waters and will 

use existing facilities located in Louisiana; therefore, there should be no adverse impacts 

to Mississippi air and water quality.

For the activities scheduled in this Plan, LLOG is proposing to discharge 

authorized effluents into the receiving waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Overboard 

discharges (i.e. drilling fluids and associated cuttings) associated with the proposed 

activities must be tested first for toxicity limitations as mandated by EPA’s General 

Permit GMG290000. Other solid waste such as comminuted food will first pass through 

a 25 mm type mesh screen, as regulated by the US Coast Guard’s Marine Pollution 

Research and Control Act (MARPOL) of 1987.

Activities proposed in this plan will be conducted in accordance with LLOG’s 

approved Oil Spill Response Plan.

An Air Quality Review has been performed addressing the activities proposed in 

this Plan and emissions for all parameters are below exemption limitations.

Goal 5: To put to beneficial use to the fullest extent of which they are capable the 

water resources of the state, and to prevent the waste, unreasonable use, or 

unreasonable method of use of water.

The activities proposed in this Plan are located in OCS Federal Waters and will 

use existing facilities located in Louisiana; therefore, there should be no adverse impacts 

to Mississippi water resources. Activities proposed in this Plan will be conducted in 

accordance with LLOG’s approved Regional Oil Spill Response Plan.
Goal 6: To preserve the state’s historical and archaeological resources, to prevent

their destruction, and to enhance these resources wherever possible.

The activities proposed in this Plan are located in OCS Federal Waters and will 

use existing facilities located in Louisiana; therefore, there should be no adverse 

impacts to Mississippi historical and archaeological resources.

Goal 7: To encourage preservation of natural scenic qualities in the coastal area.

The activities proposed in this Plan are located in OCS Federal Waters and will 

use existing facilities located in Louisiana; therefore there should be no adverse 

impacts to Mississippi coastal area natural scenic qualities.

Goal 8: To assist local governments in the provision of public facilities services in a 

manner consistent with the coastal program.

The activities proposed in this Plan are located in OCS Federal Waters and will 

use existing facilities located in Louisiana; therefore, there should be no affect on 

Mississippi local governments.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 39

APPENDIX P

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS

(30 CFR PART 250.227 AND 250.261)

A. Impact Producing Factors (IPF’s) From Proposed Activities

The following matrix is utilized to identify the affected environments that could be 

impacted by these IPF’s. An “x” has been marked for each IPF category that LLOG 

has determined may impact a particular environment as a result of the proposed 

activities. For those cells which are footnoted, a statement is provided as to the 

applicability of the proposed activities, and where there may be an effect, an 

analysis of the effect is provided.

Environmental Resources Impact Producing Factors (IPF’s)

Emissions 

(air, noise, 

light, etc)

Effluents

(muds, cuttings, 

other discharges 

to the water 

column or 

seafloor)

Physical

disturbances 

to the seafloor 

(rig, anchor, 

structure 

emplacement, 

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)

Chemosynthetic communities (4)

Water quality X X

Fisheries X X X

Marine mammals X (8) X X (8)

Sea turtles X (8) X X (8)

Air quality (9)

Shipwreck sites (known or 

potential)

(7)

Prehistoric archaeological sites (7)

Vicinity of Offshore Location

Essential fish habitat X (6)

Marine and pelagic birds X

Public health and safety (5)

Coastal and Onshore

Beaches (6)

Wetlands (6)

Shorebirds and coastal nesting 

birds

(6)

Coastal wildlife refuge

Wilderness areas
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 40

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:

(a) 4-mile zone of the Flower Gardens Banks, or the 3-mile zone of Stetson Bank;

(b) 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;

(c) Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) criteria of 500 feet from any no-activity zone; or

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

protected by the Topographic Stipulation attached to an OCS lease.

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

(Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation attached to an OCS lease.

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

4. Activities on blocks designated by the BOEMRE 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 BOEMRE 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 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.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 41

B. Impact Analysis

LLOG does not anticipate any unforeseen incidents from the proposed activities which 

could significantly impact the associated environment. LLOG activities associated with 

this Exploration Plan (Plan) will be performed with prudent and industry accepted 

standards, and in compliance with the federal agency regulations and oversight.

The “Oil Spills Information” Section of this Plan details the potential worse case 

discharge volume which has been calculated based on the new Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Notice to Lessees (NTL 2010-

N06). Response details associated with an unanticipated spill from this site are detailed 

in our Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) which outlines the potential spill 

scenario, spill volumes, anticipated trajectory of the spill, response equipment available, 

and actions to be taken to respond to the potential spill incident. Additional measures 

implemented by LLOG is trajectory analyses to be obtained prior to and during the 

proposed activities, contractual arrangements with well control specialists and 

preliminary reviews of potential well intervention scenarios, and to supplement existing 

contracted response/clean-up equipment with equipment offered by Helix which 

specializes in subsea deepwater well intervention, containment and processing.

 Site Specific at Offshore Location

• Designated Topographic Features

There are no anticipated emissions, effluents, physical disturbances to the 

seafloor, wastes transported to shore, and/or accidents from the proposed 

activities that could cause impacts to topographic features.

The proposed surface disturbances within Mississippi Canyon Block 816 are

located greater than 100 miles away from the closest designated topographic 

feature (Sackett Bank).

The crests of these designated topographic features in the northern Gulf are 

typically found below 10 m; therefore, concentrated oil from a surface spill is 

not likely to reach sessile biota. Subsurface spills could cause adverse impacts 

to a designated topographic feature; however, due to the offset distance this 

should not have an impact.

In the event of an unanticipated spill, LLOG would immediately implement its 

Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and active source control and countermeasures 

to minimize these potential impacts.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 42

• Pinnacle Trend Area Live Bottoms

There are no anticipated emissions, effluents, physical disturbances to the 

seafloor, wastes sent to shore and/or accidents from the proposed activities that 

could cause impacts to a pinnacle trend area.

The proposed surface disturbances within Mississippi Canyon Block 816 is

located a significant distance (> 100 miles) from the closest pinnacle trend live 

bottom stipulated block. The crests of these pinnacle trend areas are much 

deeper than 20 m.

During the surface location disturbance review, LLOG reviews potential surface 

impacts, and would be able to identify any pinnacles within the vicinity and 

would avoid placement of any surface disturbances such as a drilling rig and 

associated anchors. These surface location disturbance areas would be avoided 

and/or mitigated during the review and approval process by the BOEM.

In the event of an unanticipated spill, LLOG would immediately implement its 

Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and activate source control and 

countermeasures to minimize these potential impacts.

• Eastern Gulf Live Bottoms

There are no anticipated emissions, effluents, emissions physical disturbances to 

the seafloor, wastes sent to shore, and/or accidents from the proposed activities 

that could cause impacts to Eastern Gulf live bottoms.

The proposed surface disturbance within Mississippi Canyon Block 816 is 

located a significant distance (> 100 miles) from the closest Eastern Gulf live 

bottoms stipulated block. During the surface location disturbance review, 

LLOG previews potential surface impacts, and would be able to identify any 

live bottom areas within the vicinity and would avoid placement of any surface 

disturbances such as a drilling rig and associated anchors.

In the event of an unanticipated spill, LLOG would immediately implement its 

Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and activate source control and 

countermeasures to minimize these potential impacts.

• Chemosynthetic Communities

Water depths at the surface locations in Mississippi Canyon Block 816 range 

from 5,537 feet to 5,675 feet including anchor radius. As noted in the shallow 

hazards assessment (Attachment I) it is unlikely that the identified anomalies 

represent the presence of high-density chemosynthetic or other benthic 

communities.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 43

• Water Quality

Bottom disturbances which may result based on placement of drilling rigs 

during an exploratory phase could increase water column turbidity and 

redistribution of any accumulated pollutants in the water column; which could 

cause temporary impacts on water quality conditions in the immediate vicinity.

Associated overboard effluents are regulated by the EPA Region VI NPDES 

General Permit GMG290000 which mandates volume discharge rate limitations, 

certain testing requirements for toxicity and oil and grease limitations. As such, 

it is not anticipated these discharges authorized under the approved EPA 

NPDES permit will cause significant adverse impacts to water quality.

Certain wastes generated from the proposed activities will be manifested and 

sent to shore for treatment and/or disposal at approved facilities. Other waste 

which may be considered hazardous will be collected and transported in sealed 

containers and transported to approve disposal sites in accordance with the 

RCRA regulations and guidelines.

An accidental oil spill release from the proposed activities, and cumulative 

similar discharge activity within the vicinity could potentially cause temporary 

impacts to water quality. In the event of such a release, the water quality would 

be temporarily affected by the dissolved components and small droplets. 

Currents and microbial degradation would remove the oil from the water column 

or dilute the constituents to background levels.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Fisheries

Accidental oil spill releases from the proposed activities, and cumulative similar 

discharge activity within the vicinity may potentially cause some detrimental 

effects on fisheries. It is unlikely a spill would occur; however, such a release in 

open waters closed to mobile adult finfish or shellfish would likely be sub-lethal 

and the extent of damage would be reduced to the capability of adult fish and 

shellfish to avoid a spill, to metabolize hydrocarbons, and to excrete both 

metabolites and parent compounds.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 44

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Marine Mammals

GulfCet II studies reveal that cetaceans of the continental shelf and shelf edge 

are comprised of bottlenose dolphin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. Squid eaters, 

including dwarf and pygmy killer whale, Risso’s dolphin and Cuvier’s beaked 

whale occur most frequently along the upper slope in areas outside of 

anticyclones.

As a result of the proposed activities, marine mammals may be adversely 

impacted by emissions, effluents, waste sent to shore and/or accidents.

Chronic and sporadic sub-lethal effects would occur that may stress and/or 

weaken individuals of a local group or population and make them more 

susceptible to infection from natural or anthropogenic sources. Few lethal 

effects are expected from an accidental oil spill, chance collisions with service 

vessels and ingestion of plastic material.

The net results of any disturbance would depend on the size and percentage of 

the population affected, ecological importance of the disturbed area, 

environmental and biological parameters that influence an animal’s sensitivity to 

disturbance and stress, and the accommodation time in response to prolonged 

disturbance (Geraci and St. Aubin, 1980). Collisions between cetaceans and 

ship could cause serious injury or death (Laist et al., 2001).

Sperm whales are one of 11 whale species that are hit commonly by ships (Laist 

et al., 2001). Collisions between OCS vessels and cetaceans within the project 

area are expected to be unusual events.

LLOG does not anticipate the incidental taking of any marine mammals as the 

result of the proposed activities. The proposed activities will be conducted by 

our company and its contractors under the additional criteria addressed by 

BOEMRE in Notice to Lessees (NTLs) 2007-G04 “Vessel Strike Avoidance and 

Injured/Dead Protective Species” and 2007-G03 “Marine Trash & Debris 

Awareness & Elimination”. The proposed operations will be conducted in 

accordance with the regulations via manifesting waste sent to shore and ensuring 

such wastes are contained to prevent loss. Informational placards will be 

maintained on the facility, and LLOG and the associated contractors obtain 

training on at least an annual basis to ensure personnel are aware of the reporting

and operational requirements.

LLOG will conduct the proposed activities under EPA’s Region VI NPDES 

General Permit GMG290000 which authorizes the discharge of certain effluents, 

subject to certain limitations, prohibitions and recordkeeping requirements. As 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 45

such, it is not anticipated these discharges authorized under the approved EPA 

NPDES permit will not cause significant adverse impacts to water quality.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Sea Turtles

Small numbers of turtles could be killed or injured by chance collision with 

service vessels or by eating indigestible trash, particularly plastic items 

accidentally lost from drilling rigs, production facilities and service vessels. 

Drilling rigs and project vessels produce noise that could disrupt normal 

behavior patterns and create some stress to sea turtles, making them more 

susceptible to disease. Accidental oil spill releases are potential threats which 

could have lethal effects on turtles. Contact and/or consumption of this released 

material could seriously affect individual sea turtles. Most OCS related impacts 

on sea turtles are expected to be sub-lethal. Chronic and/or avoidance of 

affected areas could cause declines in survival or productivity, resulting in 

gradual population declines.

LLOG will conduct the proposed activities under EPA’s Region VI NPDES 

General Permit GMG290000 which authorizes the discharge of certain effluents, 

subject to certain limitations, prohibitions and recordkeeping requirements. As 

such, it is not anticipated these discharges authorized under the approved EPA 

NPDES permit will not cause significant adverse impacts to water quality.

Additionally, LLOG and its contractors will conduct the proposed activities 

under the additional criteria addressed by BOEMRE in Notice to Lessees 

(NTLs) 2007-G04 “Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protective 

Species” and 2007-G03 “Marine Trash & Debris Awareness & Elimination”. 

The proposed operations will be conducted in accordance with the regulations 

via manifesting waste sent to shore and ensuring such wastes are contained to 

prevent loss. Informational placards will be maintained on the facility, and 

LLOG and the associated contractors obtain training on at least an annual basis 

to ensure personnel are aware of the reporting and operational requirements.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 46

• Air Quality

The proposed activities are located approximately 63 miles to the nearest 

shoreline. LLOG has addressed the air quality issues associated with the 

proposed activities in the “Air Emissions Information” section of this Plan as a 

result of the proposed activities.

• Ship Wreck Sites (Known or Potential)

There are no physical disturbances to the seafloor which could impact known or 

potential shipwreck sites, as the review of high resolution shallow hazards data 

indicate there are no known or potential shipwreck sites located within the 

survey area. As such, LLOG does not anticipate any IPF’s as a result of the 

proposed activities.

• Prehistoric Archaeological Sites

There are no physical disturbances to the seafloor which could cause impacts to 

prehistoric archaeological sites, as the review of high resolution shallow hazards 

data and supporting studies did not reflect the occurrence of prehistoric 

archaeological sites. As such LLOG does not anticipate any IPF’s as a result of 

the proposed activities.

Vicinity of Offshore Location

• Essential Fish Habitat

As a result of the proposed activities, essential fish habitat may be adversely 

impacted by effluents and/or accidents.

An Accidental oil spill that may occur as a result of the proposed activities has 

potential to cause some detrimental effects on essential fish habitat. It is 

unlikely that an accidental oil spill release would occur; however, if a spill were 

to occur in close proximity to finfish or shellfish, the effects would likely be 

sub-lethal and the extent of damage would be reduced to the capability of adult 

fish and shellfish to avoid a spill, to metabolize hydrocarbons and to excrete 

both metabolites and parent compounds.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 47

• Marine and Pelagic Birds

As a result of the proposed activities, marine and pelagic birds may be adversely 

impacted by an accidental oil spill, by the birds coming into contact with the 

released oil.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout resulting in an oil spill, it is likely to 

have an impact based on the industry wide standards for using proven equipment 

and technology for such responses. In that event, LLOG will implement the 

Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and activate source control and 

countermeasures to minimize these potential impacts.

• Public Health and Safety

There are no anticipated emissions, effluents, wastes sent to shore, and/or 

accidents from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to the public 

health safety. LLOG has requested BOEMRE approval to classify the proposed 

objective area as absent of hydrogen sulfide.

Coastal and Onshore

• Beaches

As a result of the proposed activities, beaches may be adversely impacted by an 

accidental oil spill. However, due to the distance from shore (approximately 63

miles), and the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant 

adverse impacts are expected. Both historical spill data and the combined 

trajectory/risk calculations referenced in the publication of OCS EIA/EA 

BOEMRE 2002-052 indicate there is little risk of contact or impact to the 

coastline and associated environmental resources.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Wetlands

As a result of the proposed activities, wetlands may be adversely impacted by an 

accidental oil spill. However, due to the distance from shore (approximately 63

miles) and the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant 

adverse impacts are expected. Both historical spill data and the combined 

trajectory/risk calculations referenced in the publication of OCS EIA/EA 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 48

BOEMRE 2002-052 indicate there is little risk of contact or impact to the 

coastline and associated environmental resources.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Shore Birds and Coastal Nesting Birds

As a result of the proposed activities, shore birds and coastal nesting birds may 

be adversely impacted by an accidental oil spill. However, due to the distance 

from shore (approximately 63 miles) and the response capabilities that would be 

implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected. Both historical spill 

data and the combined trajectory/risk calculations referenced in the publication

of OCS EIA/EA BOEMRE 2002-052 indicate there is little risk of contact or 

impact to the coastline and associated environmental resources.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Coastal Wildlife Refuges

As a result of the proposed activities, coastal wildlife refuges may be adversely 

impacted by an accidental oil spill. However, due to the distance from shore 

(approximately 63 miles) and the response capabilities that would be 

implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected. Both historical spill 

data and the combined trajectory/risk calculations referenced in the publication 

of OCS EIA/EA BOEMRE 2002-052 indicate there is little risk of contact or 

impact to the coastline and associated environmental resources.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

• Wilderness Area

As a result of the proposed activities, wilderness areas may be adversely 

impacted by an accidental oil spill. However, due to the distance from shore 

(approximately 63 miles) and the response capabilities that would be 
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 49

implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected. Both historical spill 

data and the combined trajectory/risk calculations referenced in the publication 

of OCS EIA/EA BOEMRE 2002-052 indicate there is little risk of contact or 

impact to the coastline and associated environmental resources.

In the event of an unanticipated blowout, LLOG will implement industry wide 

standards for using proven equipment and technology for such responses. 

LLOG would immediately implement its Regional Oil Spill Response Plan and 

activate source control and countermeasures to minimize these potential 

impacts.

Other Resources Identified

LLOG has not identified any other environmental resources other than those addressed 

above.

C. Impacts of Proposed Activities

LLOG does not anticipate any impacts on the offshore site specific locations, offshore 

vicinity, and/or coastal and onshore environmental conditions based on the potential 

impacts identified in the EIA worksheets and historical operations in the exploration of 

this reservoir.

D. Environmental Hazards

The Gulf of Mexico may experience several hurricanes throughout the season which 

typically runs from June through November. A severe hurricane may impact the 

activities covered in this Plan. Such impacts may be damage to the drilling rig, the 

unanticipated release of hydrocarbons depending upon the current status of the well. 

Additionally, the surface located in Mississippi Canyon Block 816 has the potential to 

be affected by the “Loop Current” which is a warm ocean current in the Gulf of Mexico 

that flows northward between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula, moves northward into 

the Gulf of Mexico, then loops east and south before exiting to the east through the 

Florida Straits. While the loop current is present approximately 95% of the time, it is 

most active in the summer and fall seasons.

To mitigate potential impacts to the well during impending hurricanes or loop currents, 

LLOG will take precautionary measures by securing the well, rig and evacuation of 

personnel; and will comply with the requirements of NTL’s 2008-G09 and 2009-G10.
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 50

E. Alternatives

LLOG did not consider any alternatives to reduce environmental impacts as a result of 

the proposed activities.

F. Mitigation Measures

LLOG will not implement any mitigation measures to avoid, diminish or eliminate 

potential environmental resources, other than those required by regulation and policy.

G. Consultation

LLOG has not contacted any agencies or persons for consultation regarding potential 

impacts associated with the proposed activities. Therefore, a list of such entities is not 

being provided.

H. Preparers

Questions or requests for additional information should be made to LLOG’s authorized 

representative of this Plan:

Carol Eaton Kathy Gowland

Regulatory Coordinator Regulatory Specialist

1001 Ochsner Boulevard, Suite 2000 1001 Ochsner Boulevard, Ste 2000

Covington, Louisiana 70433 Covington, Louisiana 70433

985-801-4300 (Phone) 985-801-4300 (Phone)

Carole@llog.com Kathygo@llog.com

I. References

The following documents were utilized in preparing the Environmental Impact 

Assessment:

Document Author Dated

Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic Communities 

Evaluations & Archaeological Resource Survey

Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic Communities 

Evaluation & Archaeological Resource Survey for MC 816-

A Amended Revised and MC 816-D Amended

Berger Geosciences, LLC 2010

2013

BOEMRE Environmental Impact Statement Report No. 

2007-003

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2007

Title 30 CFR Part 250 Subpart B (250.216 / 250.221 / 

250.223 / 250.227

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2006

NTL 2000-G16 “Guidelines for General Lease Surety 

Bonds”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2000
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 51

NTL 2005-G07 “Archaeological Resource Surveys and 

Reports”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2005

NTL 2006-G07 “Revisions to the List of OCS Lease Blocks 

Requiring Archaeological Surveys and Reports:”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2006

Joint NTL No. 2012-G02 “Implementation of Seismic 

Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected Species 

Observer Program”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2012

BSEE NTL No. 2012-G01 “Marine Trash and Debris 

Awareness Training and Elimination”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2012

Joint NTL No. 2012-G01 “Vessel Strike Avoidance and 

Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2012

NTL 2008-G04 “Information Requirements for Exploration 

Plans and Development Operations Coordination 

Documents”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2008

NTL 2008-N05 “Guidelines for Oil Spill Financial 

Responsibility for Covered Offshore Facilities”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2008

NTL 2008-G06 “Remotely Operated Vehicle Surveys in 

Deepwater”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2008

NTL 2008-N07 “Supplemental Bond Procedures Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2008

Joint NTL 2011-G01 “Revisions to the List of OCS Lease 

Blocks Requiring Archaeological Resource Surveys and 

Reports”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2011

NTL 2009-G02 “Ocean Current Monitoring” Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2009-G27 “Submitting Exploration Plans and 

Development Operations Coordination Documents”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2009-G29 “Implementation Plan for Transition from 

North American Datum 27 to North American Datum 83”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2009-G31 “Hydrogen Sulphide” Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2009-G34 “Ancillary Activities” Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

BOEM NTL 2012-G01 “Drilling Windows, Eastern Gulf of 

Mexico”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2012

NTL 2009-G39 “Biologically-Sensitive Underwater 

Features and Areas”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2009-G40 “Deepwater Benthic Communities” Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2009-N11 “Air Quality Jurisdiction on the OCS” Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2009

NTL 2010-N05 “Increased Safety Measures for Energy 

Development on the OCS”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2010

NTL 2010-N06 “Information Requirements for EP’s, 

DOCD’s, DPP on the OCS”

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau of 

Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2010

NPDES General Permit GMG290000 EPA – Region VI 2012

Regional Oil Spill Response Plan LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 2012
Mississippi Canyon Block 816 (OCS-G 33178) 3/27/2013

Initial Exploration Plan 52

APPENDIX Q

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

(30 CFR Part 250.228 and 250.262)

A. Exempted Information Description (Public Information Copies only

Excluded from the Public Information copies are the following:

• Proposed bottomhole location information

• Proposed total well depths (measured and true vertical depth)

• Production Rates and Life of Reserves

• New and Unusual Technologies

• Geological and Geophysical Attachments

B. Bibliography

The following documents were utilized in preparing this Plan:

Document Author Dated

Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic Communities 

Evaluations & Archaeological Resource Survey

Shallow Hazards Assessment, Benthic Communities 

Evaluation & Archaeological Resource Survey for MC 816-

A Amended Revised and MC 816-D Amended

Berger Geosciences, LLC 2010

2013

BOEMRE Environmental Impact Statement Report – No. 

2007-003

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management/Bureau 

of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

2007

Regional Oil Spill Response Plan LLOG Exploration Offshore, L.L.C. 2012