UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM

To: Public Information (MS 5030)

Plans Section, Office of Field 

Operations (MS 5231)

Public Information copy of Exploration Plan

Control # - S-07692

Type - Supplemental Exploration Plan

Lease(s) - OCS-G18194 Block - 126 Mississippi Canyon Area

OCS-G19925 Block - 127 Mississippi Canyon Area

Operator - Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

Wells A, B, C, and D

%SJMMTIJQ

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.

Chiquita Hill

Plan Coordinator

Description -

Rig Type -

Subject:

From:

October 3, 2014
Record of Changes-PUBLIC INFORMATION COPY

S-7692, Exploration Plan, Freeport-McMoRan Oil Gas LLC, (OCS-G 18194 (MC 126) / G-19925 (MC 127)

Date Section Page Remarks

7/22/2014 All All Plan received by BOEM

9/4/2014 6 Attachment 6-A Cuttings wetted with SBF projected amount amended; Well treatment, completion and 

workover fluids waste added. 
PUBLIC COPY

July 21, 2014

September 4, 2014

SUPPLEMENTAL

EXPLORATION PLAN

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127

OCS-G 18194/19925

Prospect Name: Horn Mountain Deep

Affected States: Alabama, Louisiana

 Estimated Startup Date: July 1, 2015

SUBMITTED BY:

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

400 E. Kaliste Saloom, Suite 1100

Lafayette, Louisiana 70508

Paul Landry

Office: 337-354-5065, Cell: 337-349-7781

paul_landry@fmi.com

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE:

Jean Martin/Callie Hutchinson

J. Connor Consulting, Inc.

16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 700

Houston, Texas 77084

(281) 578-3388

jean.martin@jccteam.com

callie.hutchinson@jccteam.com
TOC Pg. 1 of 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 PLAN CONTENTS..................................................................................... 1

1.1 PLAN INFORMATION............................................................................................ 1

1.2 LOCATION............................................................................................................. 1

1.3 SAFETY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION FEATURES....................................... 1

1.4 STORAGE TANKS AND PRODUCTION VESSELS.............................................. 2

1.5 POLLUTION PREVENTION MEASURES ............................................................. 3

1.6 ADDITIONAL MEASURES .................................................................................... 3

1.7 COST RECOVERY FEE........................................................................................ 3

SECTION 2 GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................ 4

2.1 APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS ........................................................................... 4

2.2 DRILLING FLUIDS................................................................................................. 4

2.3 NEW OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY.................................................................... 4

2.4 BONDING STATEMENT........................................................................................ 4

2.5 OIL SPILL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (OSFR)............................................... 4

2.6 DEEPWATER WELL CONTROL STATEMENT .................................................... 5

2.7 BLOWOUT SCENARIO AND WORST CASE DISCHARGE CALCULATIONS..... 5

SECTION 3 GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION ............................. 9

3.1 GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION.............................................................................. 9

3.2 STRUCTURE CONTOUR MAP............................................................................. 9

3.4 GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE CROSS-SECTIONS ............................................... 9

3.5 SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT ........................................................................... 9

3.6 SHALLOW HAZARDS ASSESSMENT.................................................................. 9

3.7 HIGH-RESOLUTION SEISMIC LINES................................................................... 9

3.8 STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN ................................................................................. 9

SECTION 4 HYDROGEN SULFIDE INFORMATION ................................................... 10

4.1 CONCENTRATION.............................................................................................. 10

4.2 CLASSIFICATION ............................................................................................... 10
TOC Pg. 2 of 3

SECTION 5 BIOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION.... 11

5.1 DEEPWATER BENTHIC COMMUNITIES ........................................................... 11

5.2 TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES (BANKS)............................................................... 11

5.3 TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES STATEMENT (SHUNTING).................................. 11

5.4 LIVE BOTTOMS (PINNACLE TREND FEATURES)............................................ 11

5.6 POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL FEATURES MAP.............................. 11

5.8 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES, CRITICAL HABITAT, AND 

MARINE MAMMAL INFORMATION .................................................................... 12

5.9 ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT............................................................................ 13

5.10 AIR AND WATER QUALITY INFORMATION .................................................... 14

5.11 SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION.................................................................. 14

SECTION 6 WASTES AND DISCHARGES INFORMATION ...................................... 15

6.1 PROJECTED GENERATED WASTES................................................................ 15

6.2 MODELING REPORT.......................................................................................... 15

SECTION 7 AIR EMISSIONS INFORMATION............................................................ 16

7.1 EMISSIONS WORKSHEETS AND SCREENING QUESTIONS.......................... 16

7.2 SUMMARY INFORMATION................................................................................. 16

SECTION 8 OIL SPILL INFORMATION...................................................................... 17

8.1 OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING .................................................................... 17

8.2 SPILL RESPONSE SITES................................................................................... 17

8.3 OSRO INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 17

8.4 WORST CASE SCENARIO DETERMINATION................................................... 18

8.5 OIL SPILL RESPONSE DISCUSSION ................................................................ 19

SECTION 9 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING INFORMATION................................ 20

9.1 MONITORING SYSTEMS.................................................................................... 20

9.2 INCIDENTAL TAKES........................................................................................... 20

9.3 FLOWER GARDEN BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY ....................... 20

SECTION 10 LEASE STIPULATIONS INFORMATION.............................................. 21

10.1 MARINE PROTECTED SPECIES ..................................................................... 21

SECTION 11 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES INFORMATION........... 23

11.1 MEASURES TAKEN TO AVOID, MINIMIZE, AND MITIGATE IMPACTS.......... 23
TOC Pg. 3 of 3

11.2 INCIDENTAL TAKES......................................................................................... 23

SECTION 12 SUPPORT VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT INFORMATION ...................... 24

12.1 GENERAL.......................................................................................................... 24

12.3 DRILLING FLUID TRANSPORTATION ............................................................. 24

12.4 SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE TRANSPORTATION........................................... 24

12.5 VICINITY MAP................................................................................................... 24

SECTION 13 ONSHORE SUPPORT FACILITIES INFORMATION ............................ 26

13.1 GENERAL.......................................................................................................... 26

13.2 SUPPORT BASE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION ..................................... 26

13.3 SUPPORT BASE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION TIMETABLE ................ 26

13.4 WASTE DISPOSAL ........................................................................................... 26

SECTION 14 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT (CZMA) INFORMATION........ 27

SECTION 15 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS .............................................. 30

SECTION 16 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION....................................................... 31

16.1 EXEMPTED INFORMATION DESCRIPTION.................................................... 31

16.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................ 31
Attachments Pg. 1 of 1

SECTION ATTACHMENTS

Section 1 Plan Contents

 1-A OCS Plan Information Form

 1-B Well Location Plat

 1-C Bathymetry Map

 1-D Pay.gov Receipt

Section 3 Geological, Geophysical Information

 3-D Shallow Hazard Assessment

Section 5 Biological, Physical and Socioeconomic Information

 5-A Biologically Sensitive Underwater Features and Areas Map

Section 6 Wastes and Discharges Information

 6-A Wastes You Will Generate, Treat and Downhole Dispose or 

Discharge to the GOM 

Section 7 Air Emissions Information

 7-A Emissions Worksheets

Section 8 Oil Spill Information

 8-A Oil Spill Response Discussion

Section 12 Support Vessels and Aircraft Information

 12-A Waste You Will Transport and/or Dispose Onshore 

 12-B Vicinity Map

Section 14 Coastal Zone Management Act Information

 14-A Coastal Zone Consistency Certifications – Louisiana

 14-B Coastal Zone Consistency Certifications – Alabama

Section 15 Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA)

 15-A Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA)
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 1 – Pg. 1 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 1

PLAN CONTENTS

1.1 PLAN INFORMATION

Under this Supplemental Exploration Plan, Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FM 

O&G), as designated operator of Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127, proposes to

drill, test, complete, flare, and install subsea trees on Well Location A – D using a 

dynamically positioned drillship similar to the Transocean Deepwater Champion.

Thirteen (13) wells have been drilled in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127, under 

Initial Exploration Plan N-6208, approved November 30, 1998, and Initial Development 

Operations Coordination Document N-7195, approved on February 21, 2002. Ten (10) 

of these wells are completed, two (2) are temporarily abandoned and one (1) is 

permanently abandoned. 

The OCS Plan Information Form BOEM-137 is included as Attachment 1-A.

1.2 LOCATION

A Well Location Plat depicting the proposed surface and bottomhole locations of the 

proposed wells measured depth/true vertical depth and water depth for each location is 

included as Attachment 1-B.

No anchors are associated with the proposed activities in this plan.

A Bathymetry Map depicting the proposed surface locations and water depth of each 

proposed well is included as Attachment 1-C.

1.3 SAFETY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION FEATURES

FM O&G proposes to drill the wells with a dynamically positioned drillship which is 

equipped with a Subsea BOP. Once a rig is contracted, BOP information and 

schematics will be included as a part of the Application for Permit to Drill.

The rig will be equipped with safety and fire-fighting equipment required to comply with 

United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations. Appropriate life saving equipment such 

as life rafts, life jackets, ring buoys, etc. as prescribed by the USCG, will be maintained 

on the rig at all times.

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

blowout prevention equipment as described in BSEE regulations 30 CFR 250 C, D, E, 

O, Q and S; and as further clarified by BSEE Notices to Lessees, and current policy 
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 1 – Pg. 2 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

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

Guard (USCG).

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

drains on drilling deck areas to collect all contaminants and debris. Compliance will be 

maintained with the EPA NPDES Permit. The rig will be monitored daily and any waste 

or fuel resulting in pollution of the Gulf waters will be reported to the representative in 

charge for immediate isolation and correction of the problem. Any spill will be reported 

to the appropriate governmental agencies. 

1.4 STORAGE TANKS AND PRODUCTION VESSELS

Only includes storage tanks with capacity of 25 barrels or more that will store fuels, oil 

and lubricants. 

Type of

Storage Tank

Type of

Facility

Tank 

Capacity 

(bbls)

Number

of 

Tanks

Total 

Capacity 

(bbls)

Fluid 

Gravity

(API)

Fuel Oil DPDS 4,135.6 2 8,271.2 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 9,340.4 2 18,680.8 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 9,048.5 1 9,048.5 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 9,043.5 1 9,043.5 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 445.3 2 830.6 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 320.2 2 640.3 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 359.8 1 359.8 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 435.3 1 435.3 33°

Fuel Oil DPDS 59.8 1 59.8 33°

Base Oil DPDS 3,683.9 1 3,683.9 31°

Base Oil DPDS 3,687.1 1 3,687.1 31°

Lube Oil DPDS 429.6 1 429.6 22.3°

Waste Oil DPDS 132.1 1 132.1 20°

Waste Oil DPDS 44 1 44 20°

Waste Oil DPDS 143.4 1 143.4 20°

Waste Oil DPDS 1,366.2 1 1,366.2 6.5°
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 1 – Pg. 3 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

1.5 POLLUTION PREVENTION MEASURES

These operations do not propose activities for which the State of Florida is an affected 

state.

1.6 ADDITIONAL MEASURES

FM O&G does not propose any additional safety, pollution prevention, or early spill 

detection measures beyond those required by 30 CFR 250.

1.7 COST RECOVERY FEE

Documentation of the $14,692 cost recovery fee payment is included as Attachment 1-

D.
U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Have you previously provided information to verify the calculations and assumptions for your WCD? Yes X No

If so, provide the Control Number of the EP or DOCD with which this information was provided

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

Do you propose to use a vessel with anchors to install or modify a structure? Yes X No

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

Description of Proposed Activates and Tentative Schedule (Mark all that apply)

Proposed Activity Start Date End Date No. of Days

Drill, test, complete, flare and install subsea tree Well Location A 9/16/2015 1/14/2016 120

Drill, test, complete, flare and install subsea tree Well Location B 12/25/2015 5/13/2016 140

Drill, test, complete, flare and install subsea tree Well Location C 4/3/2016 8/1/2016 120

Drill, test, complete, flare and install subsea tree Well Location D 7/1/2015 10/29/2015 120

Description of Drilling Rig Description of Structure

Jackup X Drillship Caisson Tension leg platform

Gorilla Jackup Platform rig Fixed platform Compliant tower

Semisubmersible Submersible Spar Guyed tower

DP Semisubmersible Other (Attach description) Floating production 

system Other (Attach description)

Drilling Rig Name (If known): Two drillships similar to the Deepwater Champion

Description of Lease Term Pipelines

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

Form BOEM- 0137 (December 2011 – Supersedes all previous editions of this form which may not be used.) Page 1 of 4

General Information

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

Company Name: Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC BOEM Operator Number: 03280

Address: 400 E. Kaliste Saloom, Suite 1100

 Lafayette, LA 70508 Contact Person: Paul Landry 

Phone Number: (Office) 337-354-5065, (mobile) 337-349-7781

E-Mail Address: paul_landry@fmi.com

If a service fee is required under 30 CFR 550.125(a), provide the Amount paid $14,692 Receipt No. 74641577990

Project and Worst Case Discharge (WCD) Information

Lease(s): OCS-G 18194/19925 Area: Mississippi Canyon Block(s) 126/127 Project Name (If Applicable): Horn 

Mountain Deep

Objective(s) X Oil Gas Sulphur Salt Onshore Support Base(s): Fourchon, LA

Platform / Well Name: Well Location C Total Volume of WCD: 159, 062 bbls API Gravity: 34.5°

Distance to Closest Land (Miles): 62.0 miles Volume from uncontrolled blowout: 19,087,440 bbls

OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM

OMB Control Number: 1010-0151

OMB Approval Expires: 12/31/14
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): A Previously reviewed under an approved EP or DOCD? Yes X No

Is this an existing well or 

structure? Yes X No If this is an existing well or structure, list the Complex ID or API No. Is this an existing well or structure? No

Do you plan to use a subsea BOP or a surface BOP on a floating facility to conduct your proposed activities? X Yes No

WCD Info For wells, volume of uncontrolled 

blowout (Bbls/Day): 159,062

For structures, volume of all storage and pipelines 

(Bbls): N/A API Gravity of fluid 34.5°

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) Completion (For multiple completions, enter 

separate lines)

Lease No. OCS-G 19925 OCS-G 19925 OCS

OCS

Area Name Mississippi Canyon Mississippi Canyon

Block No. 127 127

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet)

N/S Departure 4,260.00’ FSL N/S Departure 

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

E/W Departure 7,475.00’ FWL E/W Departure 

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates

X: 1,306,355.00 X: 

X:

X:

X:

Y: 10,474,500.00 Y: 

Y:

Y:

Y:

Latitude/

Longitude

Latitude 28°51'32.3157"N Latitude

Latitude

Latitude

Latitude

Longitude 88°02'38.1761"W Longitude

Longitude

Longitude

Longitude

Water Depth (Feet): 5,466' MD (Feet): TVD (Feet): MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

TVD (Feet): 

TVD (Feet): 

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: NA TVD (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:

Form BOEM- 0137 (December 2011 – Supersedes all previous editions of this form which may not be used.) Page 2 of 4
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): B Previously reviewed under an approved EP or DOCD? Yes X No

Is this an existing well or 

structure? Yes X No If this is an existing well or structure, list the Complex ID or API No. Is this an existing well or structure? No

Do you plan to use a subsea BOP or a surface BOP on a floating facility to conduct your proposed activities? X Yes No

WCD Info For wells, volume of uncontrolled 

blowout (Bbls/Day): 159,062

For structures, volume of all storage and pipelines 

(Bbls): N/A API Gravity of fluid 34.5 °

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) Completion (For multiple completions, enter 

separate lines)

Lease No. OCS-G 19925 OCS-G 19925 OCS

OCS

Area Name Mississippi Canyon Mississippi Canyon

Block No. 127 127

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet)

N/S Departure 4,237.00’ FSL N/S Departure 

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

E/W Departure 7,334.00’ FWL E/W Departure

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates

X: 1,306,214.00 X: 

X:

X:

X:

Y: 10,474,477.00 Y: 

Y:

Y:

Y:

Latitude/

Longitude

Latitude 28°51'32.0756"N Latitude 

Latitude

Latitude

Latitude

Longitude 88°02'39.7599"W Longitude 

Longitude

Longitude

Longitude

Water Depth (Feet): 5,467' MD (Feet): TVD (Feet): MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

TVD (Feet): 

TVD (Feet): 

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: NA TVD (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:

Form BOEM- 0137 (December 2011 – Supersedes all previous editions of this form which may not be used.) Page 2 of 4
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): C Previously reviewed under an approved EP or DOCD? Yes X No

Is this an existing well or 

structure? Yes X No If this is an existing well or structure, list the Complex ID or API No. Is this an existing well or structure? No

Do you plan to use a subsea BOP or a surface BOP on a floating facility to conduct your proposed activities? X Yes No

WCD Info For wells, volume of uncontrolled 

blowout (Bbls/Day): 159,062

For structures, volume of all storage and pipelines 

(Bbls): N/A API Gravity of fluid 34.5°

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) Completion (For multiple completions, enter 

separate lines)

Lease No. OCS-G 19925 OCS-G 19925 OCS

OCS

Area Name Mississippi Canyon Mississippi Canyon

Block No. 127 127

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet)

N/S Departure 1,460.00’ FSL N/S Departure 

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

E/W Departure 5,160.00’ FWL E/W Departure 

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates

X: 1,304,040.00 X:

X:

X:

X:

Y: 10,471,700.00 Y: 

Y:

Y:

Y:

Latitude/

Longitude

Latitude 28°51'04.3851"N Latitude 

Latitude

Latitude

Latitude

Longitude 88°03'03.9373"W Longitude 

Longitude

Longitude

Longitude

Water Depth (Feet): 5,509' MD (Feet): TVD (Feet): MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

TVD (Feet): 

TVD (Feet): 

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: NA TVD (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:

Form BOEM- 0137 (December 2011 – Supersedes all previous editions of this form which may not be used.) Page 2 of 4
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): D Previously reviewed under an approved EP or DOCD? Yes X No

Is this an existing well or 

structure? Yes X No If this is an existing well or structure, list the Complex ID or API No. Is this an existing well or structure?

Do you plan to use a subsea BOP or a surface BOP on a floating facility to conduct your proposed activities? X Yes No

WCD Info For wells, volume of uncontrolled 

blowout (Bbls/Day): 159,062

For structures, volume of all storage and pipelines 

(Bbls): N/A API Gravity of fluid 34.5°

Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells) Completion (For multiple completions, enter 

separate lines)

Lease No. OCS-G 18194 OCS-G 18194 OCS

OCS

Area Name Mississippi Canyon Mississippi Canyon

Block No. 126 126

Blockline 

Departures 

(in feet)

N/S Departure 2.779.00’ FNL N/S Departure 

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

N/S Departure F __ L

E/W Departure 6,846.00’ FEL E/W Departure 

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

E/W Departure F __ L

Lambert X-Y 

coordinates

X: 1,292,034.00 X: 

X:

X:

X:

Y: 10,483,301.00 Y: 

Y:

Y:

Y:

Latitude/

Longitude

Latitude 28°52'58.19623"N Latitude 

Latitude

Latitude

Latitude

Longitude 88°05'20.17169"W Longitude

Longitude

Longitude

Longitude

Water Depth (Feet): 4,526' MD (Feet): TVD (Feet): MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

MD (Feet):

TVD (Feet): 

TVD (Feet): 

Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: NA TVD (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:

Form BOEM- 0137 (December 2011 – Supersedes all previous editions of this form which may not be used.) Page 2 of 4
HHH

H

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!.

F

FM (SN-13359) 10" GAS (ACT) M (SN-13360) 12" OIL (ACT) MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

FREEPORT-MCMORAN #2 (G19925)

FREEPORT-MCMORAN #1 (G19925)

FREEPORT-MCMORAN #A001-A003, 

A005, A007-A010 (G19925)

FREEPORT-MCMORAN #A004 & A006 (G18194)

A (HORN MOUNTAIN)

B SL

C SL

A SL BP

(S

N

-

1

78

5

1

)

2

"

S

E

RV

(ACT)

88°4'0"W

88°3'0"W

88°2'0"W

28°53'0"N28°52'0"N28°51'0"N

1,300,000

1,305,000

1,310,000

10,475,00010,480,000

Proposed Locations- MC 127 GRID NORTH

Location Call E/W Call N/S X Coordinate Y Coordinate Latitude Longitude WD

A SL 7,475.00 FWL 4,260.00 FSL 1,306,355.00 10,474,500.00 28° 51' 32.3157" N 88° 02' 38.1761" W -5,466'

B SL 7,334.00 FWL 4,237.00 FSL 1,306,214.00 10,474,477.00 28° 51' 32.0756" N 88° 02' 39.7599" W -5,467'C SL 5,160.00 FWL 1,460.00 FSL 1,304,040.00 10,471,700.00 28° 51' 04.3851" N 88° 03' 03.9373" W -5,509'
H

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FREEPORT-MCMORAN #5 (G18194)

FREEPORT-MCMORAN #4 (G24044)

MC 126 FREEPORT-MCMORAN #1 (G18194)

OCS-G-18194

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

MC 82

OCS-G-35313

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

MC 83

Open

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

MC 126-D

88°6'0"W

88°5'0"W

88°4'0"W

28°54'0"N28°53'0"N28°52'0"N

1,285,000

1,290,000

1,295,000

1,300,000

10,480,00010,485,00010,490,000

Proposed Location- MC 126 GRID NORTH

Location Call E/W Call N/S X Coordinate Y Coordinate Latitude Longitude WD

D SL 6,846.00' FEL 2,779.00' FNL 1,292,034.00 10,483,301.00 28° 52' 58.19623" N 88° 05' 20.17169" W -4,526'
B

!.

P (S

N-17851) 2" S

E

RV (ACT)

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Plains Exploration & Production Company

PLAINS #2 (G19925)

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LINE 209 >>

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<< LINE 308

<<

LINE

311

LINE

310

>>

INLINE 6846

CROSSLINE 6542

-5500

-5450

-5550

MC 127-A

88°3'0"W88°2'30"W88°2'0"W

28°52'0"N

28°51'30"N

28°51'0"N

1,305,0001,307,5001,310,000

10,472,500

10,475,000

10,477,500

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

EXISTING PIPELINE OR CABLE LOCATION, AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

PLAINS EXPLORATION

& PRODUCTION COMPANY

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 127

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 127-A-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

FILE NAME: 2235_MC127-A-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0413-2235

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
B

!.

P (S

N-17851) 2" S

E

RV (ACT)

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Plains Exploration & Production Company

PLAINS #2 (G19925)

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<<

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311

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INLINE 6843

CROSSLINE 6544

-5500

-5450

-5550

MC 127-B

88°3'0"W88°2'30"W88°2'0"W

28°52'0"N

28°51'30"N

28°51'0"N

1,305,0001,307,5001,310,000

10,472,500

10,475,000

10,477,500

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

EXISTING PIPELINE OR CABLE LOCATION, AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

PLAINS EXPLORATION

& PRODUCTION COMPANY

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 127

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 127-B-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

FILE NAME: 2235_MC127-B-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0413-2235

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
!.

B

P (S

N-17851)

2"

S

E

RV (ACT)

MC 171

OCS-G-34428

Apache Deepwater LLC

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Plains Exploration & Production Company

PLAINS #2 

(G19925)

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CROSSLINE 6534

-5500

-5550

-5450

MC 127-C

88°3'30"W88°3'0"W88°2'30"W

28°51'30"N

28°51'0"N

28°50'30"N

1,302,5001,305,0001,307,500

10,470,000

10,472,500

10,475,000

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

EXISTING PIPELINE OR CABLE LOCATION, AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

PLAINS EXPLORATION

& PRODUCTION COMPANY

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 127

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 127-C-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

FILE NAME: 2235_MC127-C-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0413-2235

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
!.

<< LINE 126

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<< LINE 130

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MC 126

OCS-G-18194

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

MC 82

OCS-G-35313

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

PLAINS #4 (G24044)

INLINE 6751

CROSSLINE 6941

MC 126-D

-4650

-4600 -4700

-4750 -4800 -4850

-4550

-4900 -4950

-4500

-5000

-4450

-5050

-4400

-5100

-5150

-4350

-5200 -5250

-5300

88°6'0"W88°5'30"W88°5'0"W

28°53'30"N

28°53'0"N

28°52'30"N

1,290,0001,292,5001,295,000

10,480,000

10,482,500

10,485,000

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION.

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

FREEPORT-MCMORAN

OIL & GAS LLC

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 126

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 126-D-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 11 JUNE 2014

FILE NAME: 2387-D-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0514-2387

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
1

Your payment has been submitted to Pay.gov and the details are below. If you have any questions or you wish to cancel 

this payment, please contact Wendy Yanez at (504) 736-2818. 

Application Name: BOEM Exploration Plan - BF Pay.gov Tracking ID: 25GFO605 Agency Tracking ID: 74641577990 

Transaction Type: Sale Transaction Date: Jul 2, 2014 9:47:23 AM 

Account Holder Name: Katharine Favaloro 

Transaction Amount: $14,692.00 

Billing Address: 700 Milam, Suite 3100 

City: Houston 

State/Province: TX 

Zip/Postal Code: 77002 

Country: USA 

Card Type: MasterCard 

Card Number: ************6901 

Region: Gulf of Mexico 

Contact: Paul Landry 337-354-5065 

Company Name/No: Freeport-McMoRan Oil Gas, 03280 Lease Number(s): 18194, 19925, , , 

Area-Block: Mississippi Canyon MC, 126: Mississippi Canyon MC, 127: , : , : , Surface Locations: 4 

THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY. 
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 2 – Pg. 4 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 2

GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS

Listed in the table below are all additional applications to be filed covering operations 

proposed in this EP.

Application/Permit Issuing Agency Status

Application for Permit to Drill BSEE To be submitted

Application for Permit to Modify BSEE To be submitted

Emergency Evacuation Plan USCG To be submitted

2.2 DRILLING FLUIDS

The table below provides the types and estimated volumes of the drilling fluids FM O&G

plans to use to drill the proposed wells.

Type of Drilling Fluid Estimated Volume of Drilling Fluid

to be Used per Well (bbls)

Water-based (seawater, freshwater, barite) 35,000 bbls

Oil-based (diesel, mineral oil) None

Synthetic-based (internal olefin, ester) 30,000 bbls

2.3 NEW OR UNUSUAL TECHNOLOGY

PROPRIETARY

2.4 BONDING STATEMENT

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

by a an area-wide bond, furnished and maintained according to 30 CFR 556, subpart I; 

NTL No. 2000-G16, "Guidelines for General Lease Surety Bonds;" and a current 

BOEM-approved deferment from providing additional security under 30 CFR 256.53(d) 

and National NTL No. 2008-N07, “Supplemental Bond Procedures.” If at any point

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC no longer qualifies for a supplemental bonding 

deferment, Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC will either provide the required additional 

security or a third party guarantee within 60 days after such disqualification.

2.5 OIL SPILL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (OSFR)

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC, Operator Number 03280, will demonstrate oil spill 

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

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

Covered Facilities" prior to conducting operations covered in this EP.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 2 – Pg. 5 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

2.6 DEEPWATER WELL CONTROL STATEMENT 

FM O&G, Operator number 03280, has the financial capability to drill a relief well and 

conduct other emergency well control operations.

2.7 BLOWOUT SCENARIO AND WORST CASE DISCHARGE CALCULATIONS

The Worst Case Discharge is defined as an uncontrolled blowout through the drilling 

string during drilling operations on Mississippi Canyon Block 127 Well Location C.

Estimated Initial Flow Rate (bbls/day): 159,062 bbls/day

Maximum Duration of Potential Blowout (Days): 120 days

Total Volume (bbls) (Flow Rate X Duration): 19,087,440 bbls

Discussion of potential for well to bridge over: While the sands to be encountered 

by the wells in this EP are expected to be slightly consolidated, Freeport-McMoRan Oil 

& Gas LLC (FM O&G) does NOT assume that the proposed well would bridge over in a 

blowout scenario. The basis for this assumption comes from work done in association 

with Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Paper #163438 on the analysis of potential 

bridging scenarios during blowout events in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. FM O&G 

agrees with the conclusions of this SPE paper that the only instances in which a 

deepwater well could potentially bridge over is a complete loss of the marine riser 

hydrostatic column resulting in a sharp pressure reduction downhole leading to wellbore 

collapse before a blowout can fully develop. This bridging would occur quickly before 

large volumes of hydrocarbons could escape. As FM O&G does not consider this 

bridging method to cover all potential blowout scenarios in the proposed well all Worst 

Case Discharge calculations will be based upon a well blowing out unimpeded until a 

relief well can be completed.

Discussion of likelihood for surface intervention to stop blowout: Well Location 

“C” will be drilled in the Mississippi Canyon (MC) Block 127 as a subsea well in 

approximately 5,509’ of water with the wellhead and BOP equipment located on the 

seabed. Surface intervention would be the preferred method of intervention pending an 

uncontrolled blowout, however the technique used would be contingent upon the 

condition of the rig, marine riser system and BOP equipment. Surface intervention is a 

quicker solution than drilling a relief well, but actual methodology of controlling the 

blowout would have to be determined pending an analysis of the site‐specific conditions 

at the location. 

Prior to any surface intervention operations a team of specialists would be mobilized 

immediately to assess the situation and determine a corrective course of action to 

control the blowout. Well control specialists would perform either a fly‐by via helicopter 
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 2 – Pg. 6 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

and/or surface vessel to assess conditions at the site. FM O&G has Master Service 

Agreements with both Wild Well Control (a Superior Energy Services company) and 

Boots and Coots (a Halliburton company). Additionally an ROV capable of manipulating 

the rig’s BOP hot‐stab functions would be mobilized to location and, if appropriate, an 

attempt would be made to shut in the well by closing the blind shear rams if not done 

previously. These actions would take place within 24 ‐ 48 hours of the incident. Initial 

assessment activities are projected to take 3 – 5 days. During this period, the well 

control team would analyze the blowout situation, devise an intervention strategy and 

mobilize additional service company specialists, supplies and equipment. FM O&G 

would establish a field support base and secondary command center in the company 

owned shore base facility in Port Fourchon, LA. Communication would simultaneously 

be established with the support base and command center.

Relief Well

Discussion of Drilling a Relief Well: FM O&G has the financial capability to drill a 

relief well and conduct other emergency well control operations. Should a relief well be 

necessary, there are deepwater rigs rated and equipped to drill in water depth of 5,000' 

or greater actively working in the Gulf of Mexico. Since all rigs proposed for drilling a 

relief well are dynamically positioned Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), the time 

necessary to mobilize the rig to location is minimal. The time required to drill the relief 

well is dependent on many factors, chief among them is the required depth of the relief 

well. The deepest anticipated depth of the relief well would be when an intersection is 

required with the blown‐out well at its final target depth (TD). The total days estimated to 

drill an example well to potential target depth (PTD) is 120 days. The probable 

directional nature of the relief well could nominally increase its measured depth 

compared to the blown‐out well. The time required to drill this extra distance is 

anticipated to be more than offset by the better understanding of the optimum drilling 

parameters learned while drilling the blown‐out well. In order to intersect the blowout 

well, numerous ranging runs will be required which will add approximately three weeks 

to the drilling program. The steps and time required to accomplish the dynamic kill are 

also dependent on the particular circumstances of the blown‐out well.

Rig type capable of drilling relief well at water depth and to TD: There are more 

than 10 drilling rigs currently working or slated to begin work in the Gulf of Mexico that 

are capable of drilling a relief well at these locations.

Rig package constraints: The rig chosen to drill the relief well must:

• Be rated and equipped to work in water depths of greater than 5,000’ due to 

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 deepwater locations.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 2 – Pg. 7 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

• Dynamically‐positioned to eliminate anchoring issues caused by potential subsea 

debris.

• Have a BOP package acceptable and certified under current BSEE regulations

Time to acquire rig, move onsite and drill relief well (days): 

Activity Duration (days)

Assess the situation and obtain the optimum MODU 5

Secure the well at current location of MODU 14

Mobilization time to relief well location 3

Drill relief well 70

Wellbore intersection (of blown out well) 21

Dynamic kill operations 7

Total Anticipated Time 120

Statement whether possibility of using nearby platform was considered: Horn 

Mountain SPAR, MC Block 127, does not have the deckload capacity to handle a 

drilling operation. 

Other

Measures to enhance ability to prevent a blowout: 

• FM O&G will verify with the contractor that all BOPs have been certified, 

maintained and are capable of operating in the anticipated conditions required for 

operations.

• FM O&G representatives will review and witness the installation, testing, function 

testing and operation of the diverter system and diverter outlets. 

• Key personnel on the rig will have a valid well control certificate.

• Wiper trips will be performed as hole conditions dictate in order to quantify the 

stability of the wellbore and to determine whether sufficient mud weights are 

being utilized.

• Connections will be simulated as needed while drilling into pressure transition 

areas in order to properly assess the current wellbore conditions.

Measures to reduce the likelihood of a blowout: 

• A liner top packer or equivalent expandable will be run on all liner laps as an 

additional barrier for well safety.

• Lost circulation material will be added to the mud system in order to assist the 

mud system’s ability to prevent lost circulation. Sweeps and concentrated pills 

will be used to prevent uncontrolled mud losses.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 2 – Pg. 8 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

• Every effort will be made to review all offset and seismic data in order to prepare 

a mud weight schedule that will allow for safe drilling margin without putting 

excess hydrostatics pressures on known zones previously encountered.

• Mudloggers may be utilized during critical drilling operations to monitor gas 

content of mud returns, formation characteristics and abnormalities of cuttings 

and to estimate paleo aging of cuttings.

• Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools will be utilized as much as possible to 

evaluate formations, formation pressures and fluid content in the critical sections 

of the well.

• Log data will be continuously reviewed by FM O&G’s drilling and geological 

departments.

Measures to enhance ability to conduct effective and early intervention in event 

of a blowout: FM O&G is a member of the Helix Well Containment Group (HWCG) 

and has full access to a subsea capping stack and a complete suite of oil recovery 

equipment as required. This subsea capping stack has been deployed successfully to a 

well location with cooperation from BSEE.

Arrangements for drilling relief wells: FM O&G has Master Service Agreements with 

both Wild Well Control (a Superior Energy Services company) and Boots and Coots (a 

Halliburton company) who would assist in detailed relief well planning including the 

identification of required equipment and services. 

Any other measures: No
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 4 – Pg. 9 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 3

GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION

3.1 GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

PROPRIETARY

3.2 STRUCTURE CONTOUR MAP

PROPRIETARY

3.3 INTERPRETED SEISMIC LINE(S) 

PROPRIETARY

3.4 GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE CROSS-SECTIONS 

PROPRIETARY

3.5 SHALLOW HAZARDS REPORT

A shallow hazards survey was conducted over Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126, 127 and 

82.

In accordance with NTL No. 2008-G05, “Shallow Hazards Program” (Extended by NTL

No. 2014-G05, “Extension of Prior Notices to Lessees”), a shallow hazards survey 

evaluating seafloor and subsurface geological and manmade features and conditions 

that may adversely affect drilling operations, was conducted by Geoscience Earth & 

Marine Services, Inc. The shallow hazards report is provided with this plan.

3.6 SHALLOW HAZARDS ASSESSMENT

In accordance with NTL No. 2008-G05, “Shallow Hazards Program,” (Extended by NTL 

No. 2014-G05, “Extension of Prior Notices to Lessees”), a shallow hazards assessment 

has been prepared for each proposed surface location evaluating seafloor and 

subsurface geological and manmade features and conditions that may adversely affect 

drilling operations. The shallow hazards survey and archaeological assessment is 

included as Attachment 3-D.

3.7 HIGH-RESOLUTION SEISMIC LINES

PROPRIETARY

3.8 STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN

PROPRIETARY

3.9 TIME VERSUS DEPTH TABLES

PROPRIETARY
10344 Sam Houston Park Dr. 

 Houston, Texas 77064

 713.351.7900 [o] 713.351.7996 [f] 

www.gemsinc.com 

November 15, 2013 Project No. 0413-2235 

Plains Exploration and Production Company 

400 East Kaliste Saloom Road 

Suite 1100 

Lafayette, LA 70508 

Attention: Mr. Brian Brennan 

Site Clearance Letter for 

Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A 

Block 127 (OCS-G-19925) 

Mississippi Canyon Area 

Gulf of Mexico 

Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) contracted Geoscience Earth & Marine Services 

(GEMS) to provide an assessment of the seafloor and shallow geologic conditions to determine the 

favorability of drilling operations for the proposed location MC 127-A in Block 127 (OCS G-19925), 

Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico. This letter addresses specific seafloor and subsurface 

conditions around the proposed location to the limit of investigation, a depth of about 5,112 ft below the 

mudline (bml). 

Seafloor conditions appear favorable within 2,000 ft of the proposed surface location. The Horn Mountain 

truss spar, numerous existing wells, and three pipelines lie within 6,000 ft of the proposed MC 127-A 

location. Logs from offset wells show intermittent sand layers within the upper 5,100 ft of sediment. 

There is a negligible to low potential for encountering overpressured sands within the limit of 

investigation. Caution is recommended while drilling through a potential sand-prone sequence between 

1,127 ft and 1,248 ft with respect to the potential for shallow gas. 

This letter provides details specific to the well location, including: available data, Notice to Lessees (NTL) 

requirements, man-made features, and wellsite conditions. 

Proposed Well Location

The surface location for the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 127-A lies in the south-central portion of 

MC 127. PXP provided the following coordinates: 

Table 1. Proposed Location Coordinates

Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A 

Spheroid & Datum: Clarke 1866, NAD27 

Projection: UTM Zone 16 North Line Reference Block Calls (MC 127) 

X: 1,306,355 ft Latitude: 28o 51’ 32.31568” N Inline 6846 7,475 ft FWL 

Y: 10,474,500 ft Longitude: 88o 02’ 38.17614” W Crossline 6542 4,260 ft FSL 

PXP will drill this well using a dynamically positioned drilling vessel. Our assessment addresses the

seafloor conditions within a 2,000-ft radius around the proposed wellsite location. 

Available Data

The following discussion is based on the findings provided within the geohazard report “Geologic and 

Stratigraphic Assessment, Blocks 82, 126, and 127, Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico” (GEMS 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 2 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Project No. 0413-2235). The text, maps, and figures included in the report provide detail on the regional 

geology of the Study Area. PXP provided an exploration 3-D seismic time volume for the geohazard 

analysis, covering an approximate 135.5 square-mile "Survey Area" that includes all or portions of 

Federal lease Blocks MC 37-39, 81-84, 125-128, and 169-172 (Figure A-1). Sub-seafloor mapping was 

limited to an approximate 27 square-mile “Study Area” covering all of GC 82, 126, and 127. PXP also 

provided high-resolution geophysical data collected by C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C) in May and 

June 2013 using an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) over the three-block Study Area (Figure A1). These data included 1.5-4.5 kHz subbottom profiler, 230-kHz side-scan sonar, and 3-meter bin 

multibeam bathymetry data. 

 

Figure A-1. Seafloor Rendering of the Mississippi Canyon Survey Area.

Attachments 

Wellsite maps are centered on the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 127-A location and are displayed at

a 1 inch = 1,000 ft scale (1:12,000). The maps included in this letter are as follows: 

Map No. MC 127-A-1: Bathymetry Map 

Map No. MC 127-A-2: Seafloor Features Map 

Map No. MC 127-A-3: Side-Scan Sonar Mosaic 

Map No. MC 127-A-4: Geologic Features Map 

3-D Coverage Area

AUV Coverage Area

Study Area

Platform 

Existing Well Location

Existing Pipeline

Location

Proposed Well Location

Horn Mountain

Spar
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 3 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

The illustrations accompanying this letter were extracted from the available datasets and are listed below: 

Illustration MC 127-A-1: Subbottom Profiler Line Showing Near-Surface Conditions Near 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A 

Illustration MC 127-A-2: Portions of Inline 6846 and Crossline 6542 Showing Conditions Beneath 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A 

Illustration MC 127-A-3: Tophole Prognosis Chart, Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A, Mississippi 

 Canyon, Block 127 

Illustration MC 127-A-4: Correlation Between Proposed MC 127-A and Existing Well 

NTL Requirements

The following report complies with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Notice to Lessees 

(NTL’s) 2009-G40, 2008-G04, and 2008-G05 (MMS, 2010 and 2008a, b). The Federal lease Block 

MC 127 is considered archaeologically significant (NTL 2011-JOINT-G01, BOEM, 2011); therefore, 

requirements set forth in NTL 2005-G07 (MMS, 2005) are applicable in terms of high-probability for historic 

resources. C & C prepared an archaeological assessment to comply with the Archaeological Resource 

Surveys and Reports requirements and submitted the report to PXP in August 2013 (C & C, 2013). 

As specified in NTL 2008-G05 (MMS, 2008b), GEMS extracted the power spectrum diagram from the 3-D 

seismic data cube provided by PXP at the proposed wellsite (Figure A-2). The extraction was generated

within a 500-ft radius of the intersection of the inline and crossline at the proposed wellsite. The 

extraction time interval consisted of the seafloor to one second below the mudline. We converted the 

amplitude vs. frequency spectrum, generated by the SMT software, to power vs. frequency by squaring 

the amplitude values as described by J. A. Coffeen, 1978. 

Figure A-2. Power Spectrum Curve, Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A 

 

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Power (Amp2)

Frequency (Hz)

POWER SPECTRUM
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 4 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Man-Made Features

The Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A is located in the Horn Mountain development area (Figure A-1). 

Several wells have previously been drilled near the proposed MC 127-A location in both MC 126 and 127. 

Table 2 provides a summary of the exploration wells drilled within 12,000 feet of the proposed MC 127-A 

well: 

Table 2. Existing Well Locations Near the Proposed Wellsite

Surface 

Area / Block 

Well 

Name Operator Well Status 

Distance / Direction 

from Proposed 

Surface Location 

MC 127 2 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Temporarily 

Abandoned 598 ft/East-Southeast 

MC 127 

1; A001 

through 

A010 

Plains Exploration & 

Production Company Completed 4,617 ft to 4,773 ft / Northwest 

MC 126 1 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Plugged and 

Abandoned 11,669 ft/Northwest 

Note: Latest infrastructure update from the BOEM database on October, 2013 (BOEM, 2013). 

Plains' truss spar, approximately 4,703 ft northwest of the Proposed MC 127-A location in west-central

MC 127, serves as the production facility for the Horn Mountain development area (Figure A-1). Oil is

exported from the spar to the north-northwest to Main Pass (MP) 289 through Plains' 12-inch pipeline. 

Plains' 10-inch gas pipeline trends parallel to the oil pipeline to VK 998 then extends north to northeast to 

MP 260. A 2-inch, BP operated service pipeline lies 3,637 ft west of the proposed location (Maps 

MC 127-A-1 through MC 127-A-4). The pipeline trends south from the Horn Mountain spar to MC 258. 

No side-scan sonar contacts are located within a 1,100 ft radius of the proposed location (Maps MC 127-

A-3 and MC 127-A-4), C & C, 2013. A small, wedge-shaped data gap occurs on the side-scan sonar 

mosaic approximately 1,135 ft to 1,470 ft north of the proposed MC 127-A location. Mooring lines from

Plains' truss spar prevented C & C from acquiring data over the area. 

Wellsite Conditions

The proposed location is clear of any constraining seafloor conditions as defined by the AUV and 3-D 

seismic datasets. Interbedded sand layers are likely below 517 ft bml, increasing in thickness with depth 

below 2,739 ft bml. A sand-prone interval will require attention during drilling operations with regard to 

shallow gas. The proposed wellbore will intersect one buried fault at about 3,125 ft bml. 

Water Depth and Seafloor Conditions 

Seafloor conditions are favorable at the proposed wellsite location. MC 127-A is situated along a gentlydipping seafloor approximately 1.3 miles west of Dorsey Canyon and 2.6 miles southeast of Petit Bois 

Dome (Figure A-1). Overall, the seabed is relatively smooth at the proposed location (Maps MC 127-A-1

and MC 127-A-2, Illustration MC 127-A-1). The water depth at the proposed surface location is -5,466 ft 

(Map MC 127-A-1). The seafloor slopes to the southeast at 0.7°. 

Deepwater Benthic Communities 

No features or areas were interpreted within 2,000 ft of the proposed location that are capable of 

supporting high-density chemosynthetic or other deepwater benthic communities. The side-scan sonar 

mosaic indicate a homogenous seabed in the vicinity of the proposed location, suggesting normal Gulf of 

Mexico surficial sediments (Map MC 127-A-3). 

 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 5 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Stratigraphy 

Stratigraphic conditions are shown on Illustrations MC 127-A-2 and MC 127-A-3. The surficial and 

shallowest units, seafloor to Horizon 20 (to about 517 ft bml), will likely consist of an approximate 6-ft very 

soft silty clay hemipelagic drape overlying stratified, normally consolidated hemipelagic clays, silty clays, 

and muddy turbidites (Illustrations MC 127-A-1 through MC 127-A-3). 

The sedimentary section below Horizon 20 to the limit of investigation (5,112 ft bml) consists primarily of 

interbedded hemipelagic and pelagic clays, turbidites, and mass-transport complexes (Illustration 

MC 127-A-3). Well logs from the nearby Plains MC 127 #1 and #2 wells indicate a generally clay-prone 

shallow section with interbedded thin sand layers typically below Horizon 20 (517 ft bml); Illustration 

MC 127-A-4. Sands are likely to increase in thickness below Horizon 50 (2,739 ft bml) at the Proposed

MC 127-A location. 

Faults

No seafloor faults will be penetrated by the proposed wellsite (Illustrations MC 127-A-1 through MC 127-

A-4). A vertical wellbore at the proposed location will intersect a buried fault at a depth of approximately 

3,125 ft bml (-8,591 ft bsl), Illustration MC 127-A-3 The buried fault generally trends east-west and is 

downthrown to the north (Map MC 127-A-4). Engineers should be aware of the potential for lost 

circulation across the fault plane. 

Shallow Gas and Shallow Water Flow 

The potential for encountering shallow gas accumulations at the MC 127-A location is moderate 

(Illustration MC 127-A-3). The potential for shallow water flow is considered low. 

Shallow Gas. The proposed well path will not penetrate any high-amplitude events from the 

seafloor to the limit of investigation (about 5,112 ft bml), Map MC 127-A-4. Amplitude anomalies within 

400 ft of the proposed location are identified along a continuous moderate-amplitude reflector and likely 

represents lithologic variation in the section rather than significant gas accumulation. However, a 

moderate potential for shallow gas is assessed for the sedimentary section between 1,127 ft and 1,248 ft 

bml (Illustration MC 127-A-3). A narrow area trending north-south, possibly within a channel, contains 

elevated amplitudes and disturbed reflectors in the upper portion of the Horizon 30 to 35 unit 

approximately 250 ft east of the proposed location (Illustration MC 127-A-2). High-amplitude anomalies 

mapped along this trend are represented on the Geologic Features Map (Map MC 127-A-4) as blue 

polygons. Resistivity logs from the Plains MC 127 #2 well show an indication of possible gas associated 

with sand layers in the Horizon 30 to 35 unit between -6,545 ft and -6,611 ft bsl (Illustration MC 127-A-4). 

The possibility of gas associated with thin sand layers cannot be ruled out between 1,127 ft and 1,248 ft 

bml at the proposed location. 

A low potential for encountering shallow gas exists from 1,248 ft to 1,503 ft bml and below 1,702 ft bml to 

the limit of investigation (Illustration MC 127-A-3). Minor amounts of shallow gas may be encountered

within isolated sands. There is a negligible potential for encountering shallow gas within the upper 

1,127 ft bml (seafloor to Horizon 30 interval) and from 1,503 ft to 1,702 ft bml at the proposed wellsite. 

Shallow Water Flow. The potential for shallow water flow at this well location is considered 

negligible to low based on the lack of regionally extensive sand-prone complexes in the shallow section, 

the lack of reported water flow incidents from the nearby existing wells, and offset well log data. A low 

potential for shallow water flow exists from 642 ft to 1,248 ft bml and below 1,702 ft bml to the limit of 

investigation (5,112 ft bml). Sand layers are possible within these intervals; however, any fluids 

encountered are not likely to be significantly overpressured. A negligible potential for overpressured 

sands is assessed within the upper 642 ft of sediment and from 1,248 ft to 1,702 ft bml (Illustration 

MC 127-A-3). 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-A Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 6 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Results 

Numerous existing infrastructure including the Horn Mountain truss spar, wells, and pipelines lie within 

the vicinity of the proposed MC 127-A location. The probability for encountering sand in the shallow 

section increases below 517 ft bml. There is a negligible to low potential for encountering overpressured 

sands within the limit of investigation. We advise using caution while drilling through the sand-prone 

interval from 1,127 ft and 1,248 ft bml with regard to the potential for shallow gas. Engineers should be 

aware of the potential for a loss of circulation across the buried fault at about 3,125 ft bml.

Closing

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to Plains Exploration and Production Company and look 

forward to working with Plains on future projects. 

Sincerely, 

GEOSCIENCE EARTH & MARINE SERVICES 

Erin Williams Janes Daniel Lanier 

Project Manager/Senior Geoscientist Director 

Attachments (4 Maps and 4 Figures) 

Distribution: 

Mr. Brian Brennan, Plains Exploration and Production Company, (6 copies) 

REFERENCES 

BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management), 2011, Notice to lessees and operators (NTL) of federal oil and gas leases 

and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders on the outer continental shelf (OCS), Revisions to the list of OCS lease blocks 

requiring archaeological resource surveys and reports: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR), NTL 2011-JOINT-G01. 

Effective Date December 29, 2011. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2013, ASCII Data Files, published on the BOEM Gulf of Mexico Region Homepage, 

<http://www.gomr.boem.gov/homepg/pubinfo/freeasci/freedesc.html>, accessed October, 2013. 

C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C), 2013, Archaeological assessment, "Horn Mountain" prospect, blocks 82 (OCS-G-24044), 

126 (OCS-G-18194), and 127 (OCS-G-19925), Mississippi Canyon Area, report No., 130271. 

Coffeen, J. A., 1978, Seismic Exploration Fundamentals: Tulsa, the Petroleum Publishing Co., p. 125. 

Minerals Management Service, 2005, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, Archaeological resource surveys and reports: 

U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2005-G07. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008a, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, information requirements for exploration plans 

and development operations coordination documents: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf 

of Mexico, NTL 2008-G04. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008b, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, shallow hazards requirements: U. S. 

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2008-G05. 

Minerals Management Service, 2010, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil and gas leases in the outer continental 

shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, deepwater benthic communities: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management 

Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2009-G40. Effective Date January 27, 2010. 
10344 Sam Houston Park Dr. 

 Houston, Texas 77064

 713.351.7900 [o] 713.351.7996 [f] 

www.gemsinc.com 

November 15, 2013 Project No. 0413-2235 

Plains Exploration and Production Company 

400 East Kaliste Saloom Road 

Suite 1100 

Lafayette, LA 70508 

Attention: Mr. Brian Brennan 

Site Clearance Letter for 

Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B 

Block 127 (OCS-G-19925) 

Mississippi Canyon Area 

Gulf of Mexico 

Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) contracted Geoscience Earth & Marine Services 

(GEMS) to provide an assessment of the seafloor and shallow geologic conditions to determine the 

favorability of drilling operations for the proposed location MC 127-B in Block 127 (OCS G-19925), 

Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico. This letter addresses specific seafloor and subsurface 

conditions around the proposed location to the limit of investigation, a depth of about 5,112 ft below the 

mudline (bml). 

Seafloor conditions appear favorable within 2,000 ft of the proposed surface location. The Horn Mountain 

truss spar, numerous existing wells, and three pipelines lie within 6,000 ft of the proposed MC 127-B 

location. Logs from offset wells show intermittent sand layers within the upper 5,100 ft of sediment. 

There is a negligible to low potential for encountering overpressured sands within the limit of 

investigation. Caution is recommended while drilling through a potential sand-prone sequence between 

1,130 ft and 1,248 ft with respect to the potential for shallow gas. 

This letter provides details specific to the well location, including: available data, Notice to Lessees (NTL) 

requirements, man-made features, and wellsite conditions. 

Proposed Well Location

The surface location for the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 127-B lies in the south-central portion of 

MC 127. PXP provided the following coordinates: 

Table 1. Proposed Location Coordinates

Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B 

Spheroid & Datum: Clarke 1866, NAD27 

Projection: UTM Zone 16 North Line Reference Block Calls (MC 127) 

X: 1,306,214 ft Latitude: 28o 51’ 32.07563” N Inline 6843 7,334 ft FWL 

Y: 10,474,477 ft Longitude: 88o 02’ 39.75989” W Crossline 6544 4,237 ft FSL 

PXP will drill this well using a dynamically positioned drilling vessel. Our assessment addresses the

seafloor conditions within a 2,000-ft radius around the proposed wellsite location. 

Available Data

The following discussion is based on the findings provided within the geohazard report “Geologic and 

Stratigraphic Assessment, Blocks 82, 126, and 127, Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico” (GEMS 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 2 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Project No. 0413-2235). The text, maps, and figures included in the report provide detail on the regional 

geology of the Study Area. PXP provided an exploration 3-D seismic time volume for the geohazard 

analysis, covering an approximate 135.5 square-mile "Survey Area" that includes all or portions of 

Federal lease Blocks MC 37-39, 81-84, 125-128, and 169-172 (Figure B-1). Sub-seafloor mapping was 

limited to an approximate 27 square-mile “Study Area” covering all of GC 82, 126, and 127. PXP also 

provided high-resolution geophysical data collected by C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C) in May and 

June 2013 using an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) over the three-block Study Area (Figure B1). These data included 1.5-4.5 kHz subbottom profiler, 230-kHz side-scan sonar, and 3-meter bin 

multibeam bathymetry data. 

 

Figure B-1. Seafloor Rendering of the Mississippi Canyon Survey Area.

Attachments 

Wellsite maps are centered on the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 127-B location and are displayed at

a 1 inch = 1,000 ft scale (1:12,000). The maps included in this letter are as follows: 

Map No. MC 127-B-1: Bathymetry Map 

Map No. MC 127-B-2: Seafloor Features Map 

Map No. MC 127-B-3: Side-Scan Sonar Mosaic 

Map No. MC 127-B-4: Geologic Features Map 

3-D Coverage Area

AUV Coverage Area

Study Area

Platform 

Existing Well Location

Existing Pipeline

Location

Proposed Well Location

Horn Mountain

Spar
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 3 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

The illustrations accompanying this letter were extracted from the available datasets and are listed below: 

Illustration MC 127-B-1: Subbottom Profiler Line Showing Near-Surface Conditions Near 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B 

Illustration MC 127-B-2: Portions of Inline 6843 and Crossline 6544 Showing Conditions Beneath 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B 

Illustration MC 127-B-3: Tophole Prognosis Chart, Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B, Mississippi 

 Canyon, Block 127 

Illustration MC 127-B-4: Correlation Between Proposed MC 127-B and Existing Well 

NTL Requirements

The following report complies with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Notice to Lessees 

(NTL’s) 2009-G40, 2008-G04, and 2008-G05 (MMS, 2010 and 2008a, b). The Federal lease Block 

MC 127 is considered archaeologically significant (NTL 2011-JOINT-G01, BOEM, 2011); therefore, 

requirements set forth in NTL 2005-G07 (MMS, 2005) are applicable in terms of high-probability for historic 

resources. C & C prepared an archaeological assessment to comply with the Archaeological Resource 

Surveys and Reports requirements and submitted the report to PXP in August 2013 (C & C, 2013). 

As specified in NTL 2008-G05 (MMS, 2008b), GEMS extracted the power spectrum diagram from the 3-D 

seismic data cube provided by PXP at the proposed wellsite (Figure B-2). The extraction was generated

within a 500-ft radius of the intersection of the inline and crossline at the proposed wellsite. The 

extraction time interval consisted of the seafloor to one second below the mudline. We converted the 

amplitude vs. frequency spectrum, generated by the SMT software, to power vs. frequency by squaring 

the amplitude values as described by J. A. Coffeen, 1978. 

Figure B-2. Power Spectrum Curve, Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B 

 

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Power (Amp2)

Frequency (Hz)

POWER SPECTRUM
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 4 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Man-Made Features

The Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B is located in the Horn Mountain development area (Figure B-1). 

Several wells have previously been drilled near the planned MC 127-B location in both MC 126 and 127. 

Table 2 provides a summary of the exploration wells drilled within 12,000 feet of the proposed MC 127-B 

well: 

Table 2. Existing Well Locations Near the Proposed Wellsite

Surface 

Area / Block 

Well 

Name Operator Well Status 

Distance / Direction 

from Proposed 

Surface Location 

MC 127 2 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Temporarily 

Abandoned 734 ft/East-Southeast 

MC 127 

1; A001 

through 

A010 

Plains Exploration & 

Production Company Completed 4,513 ft to 4,669 ft / Northwest 

MC 126 1 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Plugged and 

Abandoned 11,563 ft/Northwest 

Note: Latest infrastructure update from the BOEM database on October, 2013 (BOEM, 2013). 

Plains' truss spar, approximately 4,599 ft northwest of the Proposed MC 127-B location in west-central

MC 127, serves as the production facility for the Horn Mountain development area (Figure B-1). Oil is

exported from the spar to the north-northwest to Main Pass (MP) 289 through Plains' 12-inch pipeline. 

Plains' 10-inch gas pipeline trends parallel to the oil pipeline to VK 998 then extends north to northeast to 

MP 260. A 2-inch, BP operated service pipeline lies 3,494 ft west of the proposed location (Maps 

MC 127-B-1 through MC 127-B-4). The pipeline trends south from the Horn Mountain spar to MC 258. 

No side-scan sonar contacts are located within a 1,200 ft radius of the proposed location (Maps MC 127-

B-3 and MC 127-B-4), C & C, 2013. A small, wedge-shaped data gap occurs on the side-scan sonar 

mosaic approximately 1,232 ft to 1,497 ft north of the proposed MC 127-B location. Mooring lines from

Plains' truss spar prevented C & C from acquiring data over the area. 

Wellsite Conditions

The proposed location is clear of any constraining seafloor conditions as defined by the AUV and 3-D 

seismic datasets. Interbedded sand layers are likely below 514 ft bml, increasing in thickness with depth 

below 2,742 ft bml. A sand-prone interval will require attention during drilling operations with regard to 

shallow gas. The proposed wellbore will intersect one buried fault at about 3,209 ft bml. 

Water Depth and Seafloor Conditions 

Seafloor conditions are favorable at the proposed wellsite location. MC 127-B is situated along a gentlydipping seafloor approximately 1.3 miles west of Dorsey Canyon and 2.6 miles southeast of Petit Bois 

Dome (Figure B-1). Overall, the seabed is relatively smooth at the proposed location (Maps MC 127-B-1

and MC 127-B-2, Illustration MC 127-B-1). The water depth at the proposed surface location is -5,467 ft 

(Map MC 127-B-1). The seafloor slopes to the southeast at 1.2°. 

Deepwater Benthic Communities 

No features or areas were interpreted within 2,000 ft of the proposed location that are capable of 

supporting high-density chemosynthetic or other deepwater benthic communities. The side-scan sonar 

mosaic indicate a homogenous seabed in the vicinity of the proposed location, suggesting normal Gulf of 

Mexico surficial sediments (Map MC 127-B-3). 

 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 5 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Stratigraphy 

Stratigraphic conditions are shown on Illustrations MC 127-B-2 and MC 127-B-3. The surficial and 

shallowest units, seafloor to Horizon 20 (to about 514 ft bml), will likely consist of an approximate 6-ft very 

soft silty clay hemipelagic drape overlying stratified, normally consolidated hemipelagic clays, silty clays, 

and muddy turbidites (Illustrations MC 127-B-1 through MC 127-B-3). 

The sedimentary section below Horizon 20 to the limit of investigation (5,112 ft bml) consists primarily of 

interbedded hemipelagic and pelagic clays, turbidites, and mass-transport complexes (Illustration 

MC 127-B-3). Well logs from the nearby Plains MC 127 #1 and #2 wells indicate a generally clay-prone 

shallow section with interbedded thin sand layers typically below Horizon 20 (514 ft bml); Illustration 

MC 127-B-4. Sands are likely to increase in thickness below Horizon 50 (2,742 ft bml) at the Proposed

MC 127-B location. 

Faults

No seafloor faults will be penetrated by the proposed wellsite (Illustrations MC 127-B-1 through MC 127-

B-4). A vertical wellbore at the proposed location will intersect a buried fault at a depth of approximately 

3,209 ft bml (-8,676 ft bsl), Illustration MC 127-B-3 The buried fault generally trends east-west and is 

downthrown to the north (Map MC 127-B-4). Engineers should be aware of the potential for lost 

circulation across the fault plane. 

Shallow Gas and Shallow Water Flow 

The potential for encountering shallow gas accumulations at the MC 127-B location is moderate 

(Illustration MC 127-B-3). The potential for shallow water flow is considered low. 

Shallow Gas. The proposed well path will not penetrate any high-amplitude events from the 

seafloor to the limit of investigation (about 5,112 ft bml), Map MC 127-B-4. Amplitude anomalies within 

400 ft of the proposed location are identified along a continuous moderate-amplitude reflector and likely 

represents lithologic variation in the section rather than significant gas accumulation. However, a 

moderate potential for shallow gas is assessed for the sedimentary section between 1,130 ft and 1,248 ft 

bml (Illustration MC 127-B-3). A narrow area trending north-south, possibly within a channel, contains 

elevated amplitudes and disturbed reflectors in the upper portion of the Horizon 30 to 35 unit 

approximately 335 ft east of the proposed location (Illustration MC 127-A-2). High-amplitude anomalies 

mapped along this trend are represented on the Geologic Features Map (Map MC 127-B-4) as blue 

polygons. Resistivity logs from the Plains MC 127 #2 well show an indication of possible gas associated 

with sand layers in the Horizon 30 to 35 unit between -6,545 ft and -6,611 ft bsl (Illustration MC 127-B-4). 

The possibility of gas associated with thin sand layers cannot be ruled out between 1,130 ft and 1,248 ft 

bml at the proposed location. 

A low potential for encountering shallow gas exists from 1,248 ft to 1,512 ft bml and below 1,702 ft bml to 

the limit of investigation (Illustration MC 127-B-3). Minor amounts of shallow gas may be encountered

within isolated sands. There is a negligible potential for encountering shallow gas within the upper 

1,130 ft bml (seafloor to Horizon 30 interval) and from 1,512 ft to 1,702 ft bml at the proposed wellsite. 

Shallow Water Flow. The potential for shallow water flow at this well location is considered 

negligible to low based on the lack of regionally extensive sand-prone complexes in the shallow section, 

the lack of reported water flow incidents from the nearby existing wells, and offset well log data. A low 

potential for shallow water flow exists from 642 ft to 1,248 ft bml and below 1,702 ft bml to the limit of 

investigation (5,112 ft bml). Sand layers are possible within these intervals; however, any fluids 

encountered are not likely to be significantly overpressured. A negligible potential for overpressured 

sands is assessed within the upper 642 ft of sediment and from 1,248 ft to 1,702 ft bml (Illustration 

MC 127-B-3). 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-B Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 6 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Results 

Numerous existing infrastructure including the Horn Mountain truss spar, wells, and pipelines lie within 

6,000 ft of the proposed MC 127-B location. The probability for encountering sand in the shallow section 

increases below 514 ft bml. There is a negligible to low potential for encountering overpressured sands 

within the limit of investigation. We advise using caution while drilling through the sand-prone interval 

from 1,130 ft and 1,248 ft bml with regard to the potential for shallow gas. Engineers should be aware of 

the potential for a loss of circulation across the buried fault at about 3,209 ft bml.

Closing

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to Plains Exploration and Production Company and look 

forward to working with Plains on future projects. 

Sincerely, 

GEOSCIENCE EARTH & MARINE SERVICES 

Erin Williams Janes Daniel Lanier 

Project Manager/Senior Geoscientist Director 

Attachments (4 Maps and 4 Figures) 

Distribution: 

Mr. Brian Brennan, Plains Exploration and Production Company, (6 copies) 

REFERENCES 

BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management), 2011, Notice to lessees and operators (NTL) of federal oil and gas leases 

and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders on the outer continental shelf (OCS), Revisions to the list of OCS lease blocks 

requiring archaeological resource surveys and reports: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR), NTL 2011-JOINT-G01. 

Effective Date December 29, 2011. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2013, ASCII Data Files, published on the BOEM Gulf of Mexico Region Homepage, 

<http://www.gomr.boem.gov/homepg/pubinfo/freeasci/freedesc.html>, accessed October, 2013. 

C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C), 2013, Archaeological assessment, "Horn Mountain" prospect, blocks 82 (OCS-G-24044), 

126 (OCS-G-18194), and 127 (OCS-G-19925), Mississippi Canyon Area, report No., 130271. 

Coffeen, J. A., 1978, Seismic Exploration Fundamentals: Tulsa, the Petroleum Publishing Co., p. 125. 

Minerals Management Service, 2005, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, Archaeological resource surveys and reports: 

U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2005-G07. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008a, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, information requirements for exploration plans 

and development operations coordination documents: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf 

of Mexico, NTL 2008-G04. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008b, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, shallow hazards requirements: U. S. 

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2008-G05. 

Minerals Management Service, 2010, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil and gas leases in the outer continental 

shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, deepwater benthic communities: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management 

Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2009-G40. Effective Date January 27, 2010. 
10344 Sam Houston Park Dr. 

 Houston, Texas 77064

 713.351.7900 [o] 713.351.7996 [f] 

www.gemsinc.com 

November 15, 2013 Project No. 0413-2235 

Plains Exploration and Production Company 

400 East Kaliste Saloom Road 

Suite 1100 

Lafayette, LA 70508 

Attention: Mr. Brian Brennan 

Site Clearance Letter for 

Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C 

Block 127 (OCS-G-19925) 

Mississippi Canyon Area 

Gulf of Mexico 

Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) contracted Geoscience Earth & Marine Services 

(GEMS) to provide an assessment of the seafloor and shallow geologic conditions to determine the 

favorability of drilling operations for the proposed location MC 127-C in Block 127 (OCS G-19925), 

Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico. This letter addresses specific seafloor and subsurface 

conditions around the proposed location to the limit of investigation, a depth of about 5,038 ft below the 

mudline (bml). 

Seafloor conditions appear favorable within 2,000 ft of the proposed surface location. The Horn Mountain 

truss spar, numerous existing wells, and three pipelines lie within 6,000 ft of the proposed MC 127-C 

location. Logs from offset wells show intermittent sand layers within the upper 5,000 ft of sediment. 

There is a negligible to low potential for encountering overpressured sands or shallow gas within the limit 

of investigation. 

This letter provides details specific to the well location, including: available data, Notice to Lessees (NTL) 

requirements, man-made features, and wellsite conditions. 

Proposed Well Location

The surface location for the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 127-C lies in the southwestern portion of 

MC 127. PXP provided the following coordinates: 

Table 1. Proposed Location Coordinates

Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C 

Spheroid & Datum: Clarke 1866, NAD27 

Projection: UTM Zone 16 North Line Reference Block Calls (MC 127) 

X: 1,304,040 ft Latitude: 28o 51’ 04.38509” N Inline 6758 5,160 ft FWL 

Y: 10,471,700 ft Longitude: 88o 03’ 03.93729” W Crossline 6534 1,460 ft FSL 

PXP will drill this well using a dynamically positioned drilling vessel. Our assessment addresses the

seafloor conditions within a 2,000-ft radius around the proposed wellsite location. 

Available Data

The following discussion is based on the findings provided within the geohazard report “Geologic and 

Stratigraphic Assessment, Blocks 82, 126, and 127, Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico” (GEMS 

Project No. 0413-2235). The text, maps, and figures included in the report provide detail on the regional 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 2 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

geology of the Study Area. PXP provided an exploration 3-D seismic time volume for the geohazard 

analysis, covering an approximate 135.5 square-mile "Survey Area" that includes all or portions of 

Federal lease Blocks MC 37-39, 81-84, 125-128, and 169-172 (Figure C-1). Sub-seafloor mapping was 

limited to an approximate 27 square-mile “Study Area” covering all of GC 82, 126, and 127. PXP also 

provided high-resolution geophysical data collected by C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C) in May and 

June 2013 using an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) over the three-block Study Area (Figure C1). These data included 1.5-4.5 kHz subbottom profiler, 230-kHz side-scan sonar, and 3-meter bin 

multibeam bathymetry data. 

 

Figure C-1. Seafloor Rendering of the Mississippi Canyon Survey Area.

Attachments 

Wellsite maps are centered on the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 127-C location and are displayed at

a 1 inch = 1,000 ft scale (1:12,000). The maps included in this letter are as follows: 

Map No. MC 127-C-1: Bathymetry Map 

Map No. MC 127-C-2: Seafloor Features Map 

Map No. MC 127-C-3: Side-Scan Sonar Mosaic 

Map No. MC 127-C-4: Geologic Features Map 

3-D Coverage Area

AUV Coverage Area

Study Area

Platform 

Existing Well Location

Existing Pipeline

Location

Proposed Well Location

Horn Mountain

Spar
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 3 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

The illustrations accompanying this letter were extracted from the available datasets and are listed below: 

Illustration MC 127-C-1: Subbottom Profiler Line Showing Near-Surface Conditions Near 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C 

Illustration MC 127-C-2: Portions of Inline 6758 and Crossline 6534 Showing Conditions Beneath 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C 

Illustration MC 127-C-3: Tophole Prognosis Chart, Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C, Mississippi 

 Canyon, Block 127 

Illustration MC 127-C-4: Correlation Between Proposed MC 127-C and Existing Wells 

NTL Requirements

The following report complies with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Notice to Lessees 

(NTL’s) 2009-G40, 2008-G04, and 2008-G05 (MMS, 2010 and 2008a, b). The Federal lease Block 

MC 127 is considered archaeologically significant (NTL 2011-JOINT-G01, BOEM, 2011); therefore, 

requirements set forth in NTL 2005-G07 (MMS, 2005) are applicable in terms of high-probability for historic 

resources. C & C prepared an archaeological assessment to comply with the Archaeological Resource 

Surveys and Reports requirements and submitted the report to PXP in August 2013 (C & C, 2013). 

As specified in NTL 2008-G05 (MMS, 2008b), GEMS extracted the power spectrum diagram from the 3-D 

seismic data cube provided by PXP at the proposed wellsite (Figure C-2). The extraction was generated

within a 500-ft radius of the intersection of the inline and crossline at the proposed wellsite. The 

extraction time interval consisted of the seafloor to one second below the mudline. We converted the 

amplitude vs. frequency spectrum, generated by the SMT software, to power vs. frequency by squaring 

the amplitude values as described by J. A. Coffeen, 1978. 

Figure C-2. Power Spectrum Curve, Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C 

 

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Power (Amp2

)

Frequency (Hz)

POWER SPECTRUM
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 4 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Man-Made Features

The Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C is located in the Horn Mountain development area (Figure C-1). 

Several wells have previously been drilled near the proposed MC 127-C location in both MC 126 and 127. 

Table 2 provides a summary of the exploration wells drilled within 12,000 feet of the proposed MC 127-C 

well: 

Table 2. Existing Well Locations Near the Proposed Wellsite

Surface 

Area / Block 

Well 

Name Operator Well Status 

Distance / Direction 

from Proposed 

Surface Location 

MC 127 2 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Temporarily 

Abandoned 3,955 ft/Northeast 

MC 127 

1; A001 

through 

A010 

Plains Exploration & 

Production Company Completed 5,528 ft to 5,687 ft /North-Northwest 

MC 126 1 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Plugged and 

Abandoned 11,753 ft/Northwest 

Note: Latest infrastructure update from the BOEM database on October, 2013 (BOEM, 2013). 

Plains' truss spar, approximately 5,628 ft north-northwest of the Proposed MC 127-C location in westcentral MC 127, serves as the production facility for the Horn Mountain development area (Figure C-1). 

Oil is exported from the spar to the north-northwest to Main Pass (MP) 289 through Plains' 12-inch 

pipeline. Plains' 10-inch gas pipeline trends parallel to the oil pipeline to VK 998 then extends north to 

northeast to MP 260. A 2-inch, BP operated service pipeline lies 1,035 ft west of the proposed location 

(Maps MC 127-C-1 through MC 127-C-4). The pipeline trends south from the Horn Mountain spar to 

MC 258. 

No side-scan sonar contacts are located within a 2,000 ft radius of the proposed location (Maps MC 127-

C-3 and MC 127-C-4), C & C, 2013. 

Wellsite Conditions

The proposed location is clear of any constraining seafloor conditions as defined by the AUV and 3-D 

seismic datasets. Interbedded sand layers are likely below 517 ft bml, increasing in thickness with depth 

below 2,723 ft bml. The proposed wellbore will intersect one buried fault at about 478 ft bml. 

Water Depth and Seafloor Conditions 

Seafloor conditions are favorable at the proposed wellsite location. The water depth at the proposed 

surface location is -5,509 ft (Map MC 127-C-1). The seafloor slopes to the southeast at 0.4°. 

MC 127-C is situated along a gently-dipping seafloor approximately 1.9 miles west of Dorsey Canyon and

2.5 miles southeast of Petit Bois Dome (Figure C-1). Overall, the seabed is relatively smooth at the 

proposed location (Map MC 127-C-2). MC 127-C lies along the eastern edge of an area containing subtle

lobe features and low-relief, slightly irregular seafloor. These features reflect the seafloor expression of 

thin (3-5 ft), buried failure deposits in the near-surface sediments (Map MC 127-C-2 and Illustration 

MC 127-C-1). Approximately 6 ft of normally consolidated, very soft hemipelagic silty clays likely cover 

the thin slump deposits. 

Deepwater Benthic Communities 

No features or areas were interpreted within 2,000 ft of the proposed location that are capable of 

supporting high-density chemosynthetic or other deepwater benthic communities. The side-scan sonar 

mosaic indicate a homogenous seabed in the vicinity of the proposed location, suggesting normal Gulf of 

Mexico surficial sediments (Map MC 127-C-3). 
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 5 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Stratigraphy 

Stratigraphic conditions are shown on Illustrations MC 127-C-2 and MC 127-C-3. The surficial and 

shallowest units, seafloor to Horizon 20 (to about 517 ft bml), will likely consist of an approximate 6-ft very 

soft silty clay hemipelagic drape overlying stratified, normally consolidated hemipelagic clays, silty clays, 

and muddy turbidites. Thin, clay-rich slump deposits are evident in the upper 25 ft of sediment at the 

proposed location. 

The sedimentary section below Horizon 20 to the limit of investigation (5,038 ft bml) consists primarily of 

interbedded hemipelagic and pelagic clays, turbidites, and mass-transport complexes (Illustration 

MC 127-C-3). Well logs from the nearby Plains MC 127 #1 and #2 wells indicate a generally clay-prone 

shallow section with interbedded thin sand layers typically below Horizon 20 (517 ft bml); Illustration 

MC 127-C-4. Sands are likely to increase in thickness below Horizon 50 (2,723 ft bml) at the Proposed

MC 127-C location. 

Faults

No seafloor faults will be penetrated by the proposed wellsite (Illustrations MC 127-C-1 through MC 127-

C-4). A vertical wellbore at the proposed location will intersect a buried fault at a depth of approximately 

478 ft bml (-5,987 ft bsl), Illustration MC 127-C-3 The buried fault generally trends east-west and is 

downthrown to the north (Map MC 127-C-4). Engineers should be aware of the potential for lost 

circulation across the fault plane. 

Shallow Gas and Shallow Water Flow 

Significant shallow gas is not expected at this wellsite within the upper 5,038 ft of sediment (Illustrations 

MC 127-C-1 through MC 127-C-4). The potential for shallow water flow at this well location is considered 

low (Illustration MC 127-C-3). 

Shallow Gas. The potential for encountering shallow gas is assessed as negligible in the 

clay-prone stratigraphic units within the upper 1,021 ft bml and from 1,116 ft to 1,725 ft bml. There is a 

low potential for encountering shallow gas for the remaining stratigraphic sequences from 1,021 ft to 

1,116 ft bml and below 1,725 ft bml to the limit of investigation. Minor amounts of shallow gas may be 

encountered within isolated sand layers. 

The closest subsurface high-amplitude event to the proposed borehole is approximately 642 ft northnortheast of this location at 890 ft bml (Map MC 127-C-4). This subsurface amplitude anomaly is 

identified along a continuous moderate-amplitude reflector and likely represents lithologic variation in the 

section rather than significant gas accumulation. Although likely lithologic, any gas associated with the 

amplitude anomalies closest to the proposed location would be small areas of biogenic gas within 

coarse-grained sediments and not likely to impact the proposed location. 

Shallow Water Flow. The potential for shallow water flow at this well location is considered 

negligible to low based on the lack of regionally extensive sand-prone complexes in the shallow section, 

the lack of reported water flow incidents from the nearby existing wells, and offset well log data. A low 

potential for shallow water flow exists from 618 ft to 1,116 ft bml and below 1,725 ft bml to the limit of 

investigation (5,038 ft bml). Sand layers are possible within these intervals; however, any fluids 

encountered are not likely to be significantly overpressured. A negligible potential for overpressured 

sands is assessed within the upper 618 ft of sediment and from 1,116 ft to 1,725 ft bml (Illustration 

MC 127-C-3). 

Results 

Numerous existing infrastructure including the Horn Mountain truss spar, wells, and pipelines lie within 

6,000 ft of the proposed MC 127-C location. The probability for encountering sand in the shallow section 

increases below 517 ft bml. There is a negligible to low potential for encountering overpressured sands 

or shallow gas within the limit of investigation. Engineers should be aware of the potential for a loss of 

circulation across the buried fault at about 478 ft bml.
Proposed Wellsite MC 127-C Clearance Letter 

Plains Exploration and Production Company // November 15, 2013

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 6 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Closing

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to Plains Exploration and Production Company and look 

forward to working with Plains on future projects. 

Sincerely, 

GEOSCIENCE EARTH & MARINE SERVICES 

Erin Williams Janes Daniel Lanier 

Project Manager/Senior Geoscientist Director 

Attachments (4 Maps and 4 Figures) 

Distribution: 

Mr. Brian Brennan, Plains Exploration and Production Company, (6 copies) 

REFERENCES 

BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management), 2011, Notice to lessees and operators (NTL) of federal oil and gas leases 

and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders on the outer continental shelf (OCS), Revisions to the list of OCS lease blocks 

requiring archaeological resource surveys and reports: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR), NTL 2011-JOINT-G01. 

Effective Date December 29, 2011. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2013, ASCII Data Files, published on the BOEM Gulf of Mexico Region Homepage, 

<http://www.gomr.boem.gov/homepg/pubinfo/freeasci/freedesc.html>, accessed October, 2013. 

C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C), 2013, Archaeological assessment, "Horn Mountain" prospect, blocks 82 (OCS-G-24044), 

126 (OCS-G-18194), and 127 (OCS-G-19925), Mississippi Canyon Area, report No., 130271. 

Coffeen, J. A., 1978, Seismic Exploration Fundamentals: Tulsa, the Petroleum Publishing Co., p. 125. 

Minerals Management Service, 2005, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, Archaeological resource surveys and reports: 

U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2005-G07. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008a, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, information requirements for exploration plans 

and development operations coordination documents: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf 

of Mexico, NTL 2008-G04. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008b, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, shallow hazards requirements: U. S. 

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2008-G05. 

Minerals Management Service, 2010, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil and gas leases in the outer continental 

shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, deepwater benthic communities: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management 

Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2009-G40. Effective Date January 27, 2010. 
10344 Sam Houston Park Dr. 

 Houston, Texas 77064

 713.351.7900 [o] 713.351.7996 [f] 

www.gemsinc.com 

June 11, 2014 Project No. 0514-2387 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas 

400 East Kaliste Saloom Road 

Suite 1100 

Lafayette, LA 70508 

Attention: Mr. Brian Brennan 

Site Clearance Letter for 

Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D 

Block 126 (OCS-G-18194) 

Mississippi Canyon Area 

Gulf of Mexico 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas (FMI) contracted Geoscience Earth & Marine Services (GEMS) to provide 

an assessment of the seafloor and shallow geologic conditions to determine the favorability of drilling 

operations for the proposed location MC 126-D in Block 126 (OCS G-18194), Mississippi Canyon Area, 

Gulf of Mexico. This letter addresses specific seafloor and subsurface conditions around the proposed

location to the limit of investigation, a depth of about 814 ft below the mudline (bml). 

Seafloor conditions appear favorable within the vicinity of the proposed surface location. Logs from offset 

wells show minor sand layers below 339 ft bml. There is a negligible potential for encountering 

overpressured sands or significant shallow gas within the limit of investigation based on offset well 

information, the thin overburden above salt, and amplitude analysis. Caution is recommended while 

drilling through a potentially faulted unit below 339 ft bml. 

This letter provides details specific to the well location, including: available data, Notice to Lessees (NTL) 

requirements, man-made features, and wellsite conditions. 

Proposed Well Location

The surface location for the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 126-D lies in the north-central portion of 

MC 126. FMI provided the following coordinates: 

Table 1. Proposed Location Coordinates

Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D 

Spheroid & Datum: Clarke 1866, NAD27 

Projection: UTM Zone 16 North Line Reference Block Calls (MC 126) 

X: 1,292,034 ft Latitude: 28o 52’ 58.19623” N Inline 6751 6,846 ft FEL 

Y: 10,483,301 ft Longitude: 88o 05’ 20.17169” W Crossline 6941 2,779 ft FNL 

FMI will drill this well using a dynamically positioned drilling vessel. Our assessment addresses the

seafloor conditions within a 2,000-ft radius around the proposed wellsite location. 

Available Data

The following discussion is based on the findings provided within the geohazard report “Geologic and 

Stratigraphic Assessment, Blocks 82, 126, and 127, Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico” (GEMS 

Project No. 0413-2235) submitted to Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) in September 

2013. The text, maps, and figures included in the report provide detail on the regional geology of the 
Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D Clearance Letter 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas // June 11, 2014

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 2 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Study Area. PXP provided an exploration 3-D seismic time volume for the geohazard analysis, covering 

an approximate 135.5 square-mile "Survey Area" that includes all or portions of Federal lease Blocks 

MC 37-39, 81-84, 125-128, and 169-172 (Figure D-1). Sub-seafloor mapping was limited to an 

approximate 27 square-mile “Study Area” covering all of GC 82, 126, and 127. PXP also provided highresolution geophysical data collected by C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C) in May and June 2013 using 

an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) over the three-block Study Area (Figure D-1). These data 

included 1.5-4.5 kHz subbottom profiler, 230-kHz side-scan sonar, and 3-meter bin multibeam bathymetry

data. 

 

Figure D-1. Seafloor Rendering of the Mississippi Canyon Survey Area.

Attachments 

Wellsite maps are centered on the Proposed Exploration Wellsite MC 126-D location and are displayed at

a 1 inch = 1,000 ft scale (1:12,000). The maps included in this letter are as follows: 

Map No. MC 126-D-1: Bathymetry Map 

Map No. MC 126-D-2: Seafloor Features Map 

Map No. MC 126-D-3: Side-Scan Sonar Mosaic 

Map No. MC 126-D-4: Geologic Features Map 
Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D Clearance Letter 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas // June 11, 2014

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 3 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

The illustrations accompanying this letter were extracted from the available datasets and are listed below: 

Illustration MC 126-D-1: Subbottom Profiler Line Showing Near-Surface Conditions Near 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D 

Illustration MC 126-D-2: Portions of Inline 6751 and Crossline 6941 Showing Conditions Beneath 

 Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D 

Illustration MC 126-D-3: Tophole Prognosis Chart, Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D, Mississippi 

 Canyon, Block 126 

Illustration MC 126-D-4: Correlation Between Proposed MC 126-D and Existing Well 

NTL Requirements

The following report complies with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Notice to Lessees 

(NTL’s) 2009-G40, 2008-G04, and 2008-G05 (MMS, 2010 and 2008a, b). BOEM’S NTL 2014-G03 

(BOEM, 2014a) extends the expiration of NTL 2008-G04 and 2008-G05. The Federal lease Block MC 126 

is considered archaeologically significant (NTL 2011-JOINT-G01, BOEM, 2011); therefore, requirements set 

forth in NTL 2005-G07 (MMS, 2005) are applicable in terms of high-probability for historic resources. C & C 

prepared an archaeological assessment to comply with the Archaeological Resource Surveys and 

Reports requirements and submitted the report to PXP in August 2013 (C & C, 2013). 

As specified in NTL 2008-G05 (MMS, 2008b), GEMS extracted the power spectrum diagram from the 3-D 

seismic data cube provided by PXP at the proposed wellsite (Figure D-2). The extraction was generated

within a 2,000-ft radius of the intersection of the inline and crossline at the proposed wellsite. The 

extraction time interval consisted of the seafloor to the Top of Salt. We converted the amplitude vs.

frequency spectrum, generated by the SMT software, to power vs. frequency by squaring the amplitude 

values as described by J. A. Coffeen, 1978. 

 

Figure D-2. Power Spectrum Curve, Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D 

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Power (Amp

2

)

Frequency (Hz)

POWER SPECTRUM
Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D Clearance Letter 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas // June 11, 2014

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 4 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Man-Made Features

The Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D is located in the Horn Mountain development area (Figure D-1). 

Several wells have previously been drilled near the proposed MC 126-D location in MC 82, 126, and 127. 

Table 2 provides a summary of the exploration wells drilled within 6,000 feet of the proposed MC 126-D

well: 

Table 2. Existing Well Locations Near the Proposed Wellsite

Surface 

Area / Block 

Well 

Name Operator Well Status 

Distance / Direction 

from Proposed 

Surface Location 

MC 82 #4 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Plugged and 

Abandoned 4,964 ft/Northwest 

MC 82 #5 Freeport McMoRan Oil & 

Gas LLC 

Temporarily 

Abandoned 5,136 ft /Northwest 

MC 126 #1 Plains Exploration & 

Production Company 

Plugged and 

Abandoned 5,143 ft/Southeast 

Note: Latest infrastructure update from the BOEM database on May, 2014 (BOEM, 2014b). 

Plains' truss spar, approximately 12,085 ft southeast of the Proposed MC 126-D location in west-central 

MC 127, serves as the production facility for the Horn Mountain development area (Figure D-1). Oil is

exported from the spar to the north-northwest to Main Pass (MP) 289 through Plains' 12-inch pipeline. 

Plains' 10-inch gas pipeline trends parallel to the oil pipeline to VK 998 then extends north to northeast to 

MP 260. These pipelines lie about 1.9 to 2.0 miles east of the proposed location. A 2-inch, BP operated 

service pipeline trends south from the Horn Mountain spar to MC 258. 

No side-scan sonar contacts are located within a 4,000 ft radius of the proposed location (Maps MC 127-

D-3), C & C, 2013. No archaeological avoidances or known shipwrecks exist near the proposed site. 

Small shallow depressions and linear features can be seen on the side-scan sonar and multibeam 

bathymetry data within 2,500 ft of the proposed location (Figure D-3). The closest of the depressions lies 

about 725 ft east-northeast of the proposed MC 126-D well. These areas are likely associated with 

previous exploration activities in the immediate area. 

 

Figure D-3. Rendering and Sonar Mosaic Showing Seabed Depressions Associated With Exploration Activities
Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D Clearance Letter 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas // June 11, 2014

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 5 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Wellsite Conditions

The proposed location is clear of any constraining seafloor conditions as defined by the AUV and 3-D 

seismic datasets. The proposed wellbore will likely penetrate interbedded sand layers within a highly

faulted unit below 339 ft bml. The existing nearby Plains/Freeport McMoRan #4 and #5 wells in MC 82 

reported successful jet in operations and the 26” open hole section was drilled successfully to the Top of 

Salt. No gas accumulations or shallow water flow was reported from these wells. 

Water Depth and Seafloor Conditions 

The water depth at the proposed surface location is –4,526 ft (Map MC 126-D-1). The seafloor slopes to 

the southeast at 2.5°. The MC 126-D location is situated atop Petit Bois Dome, an uplifted bathymetric 

high (Figure D-1). Overall, the seabed within the vicinity of the surface location is relatively smooth and, 

based on the current geophysical data provided, appears to be stable (Maps MC 126-D-1 and MC 126-D2, Illustration MC 126-D-1). An approximate 6 ft surficial drape of soft, high water content silty clays 

covers the seafloor at the proposed wellsite (Illustration MC 126-D-1). 

The rugged escarpment forming the flank of Petit Bois Dome lies about 1,750 ft to the southeast. 

Although there is evidence of previous slope failure along the steeply sloping escarpment, major slope

failure events are not expected at present time. Varying natural and anthropogenic processes can act to 

reduce stability, but the primary driver is sea level change and its relationship to sediment loading above 

salt. During present time, sea level is at a high stand and sedimentation rates are low; therefore, the 

slopes are considered relatively stable over the life of a well. 

Deepwater Benthic Communities 

No features or areas were interpreted within 2,000 ft of the proposed location that are capable of 

supporting high-density chemosynthetic or other deepwater benthic communities. The side-scan sonar 

mosaic indicates a homogenous seabed in the vicinity of the proposed location, suggesting normal Gulf 

of Mexico surficial sediments (Map MC 126-D-3). 

Stratigraphy 

Stratigraphic conditions are shown on Illustrations MC 126-D-2 and MC 126-D-3. The surficial and 

shallowest units, seafloor to Horizon 20 (to about 339 ft bml), will likely consist of an approximate 6-ft very 

soft silty clay hemipelagic drape overlying stratified, normally consolidated hemipelagic clays, silty clays, 

and muddy turbidites (Illustrations MC 126-D-1 through MC 126-D-3). 

The sedimentary section below Horizon 20 to the limit of investigation (814 ft bml) consists primarily of 

interbedded hemipelagic and pelagic clays, turbidites, and mass-transport complexes (Illustration 

MC 126-D-3). Well logs from the nearby MC 82 #4 and MC 126 #5 wells in MC 82 indicate a generally 

clay-prone shallow section with minor interbedded sand layers below Horizon 20 (339 ft bml); Illustration 

MC 126-D-4. 

The Top of Salt is estimated to be 814 ft bml (-5,340 ft bsl) and dips to the southeast at about 5.5°. 

Faults

No seafloor faults will be penetrated by the proposed wellsite (Illustrations MC 126-D-1 through MC 126-

D-4). A vertical wellbore at the proposed location will intersect a buried fault at a depth of approximately 

546 ft bml (-5,072 ft bsl), Illustration MC 126-D-3. There may be additional faults characterized by minor 

offsets below the resolution of the 3-D dataset, particularly in the highly fractured unit below Horizon 20 to 

the Top of Salt (339 ft to 814 ft bml). Engineers should be aware of the potential for lost circulation 

across fault planes. 

 
Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D Clearance Letter 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas // June 11, 2014

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 6 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Shallow Gas and Shallow Water Flow 

Significant shallow gas is not likely to be encountered within the shallow sediments above Top of Salt

(814 ft bml), Illustration MC 126-D-3. The potential for shallow water flow is considered negligible.

Shallow Gas. There are no apparent high-amplitude anomalies or other direct hydrocarbon 

indicators directly below or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed wellsite (Map MC 126-D-4 and 

Illustration MC 126-D-2). Sand layers are possible within the shallow section, particularly below Horizon 

20 (339 ft bml) to the Top of Salt. However, there is a negligible potential for encountering significant gas 

accumulations within the stratigraphic sequence above salt. The closest occurrence of a high-amplitude 

anomaly is approximately 2,750 ft northwest of the proposed wellsite within the Horizon 20 to Top of Salt 

interval (Map MC 126-D-4). This anomaly poses no threat to the proposed wellsite. 

Shallow Water Flow. The potential for shallow water flow at this well location is considered 

negligible based on the thin sediment section above salt at the location, the lack of regionally extensive 

sand-prone complexes in the shallow section, the lack of reported water flow incidents from the nearby

existing wells, and offset well log data. Sand layers are possible below Horizon 20 (339 ft bml); however, 

any fluids encountered are not likely to be overpressured. 

Results 

The probability for encountering minor sand in the shallow section increases below 339 ft bml to the Top 

of Salt (814 ft bml). There is a negligible potential for encountering overpressured sands or shallow gas 

within the limit of investigation. Engineers should be aware of the potential for a loss of circulation across 

the buried fault at about 546 ft bml. It is possible that additional faults exhibiting minor offset may be 

penetrated below 339 ft bml; however, these faults are below the resolution of the current 3-D data 

volume.

Closing

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas and look forward to 

working with FMI on future projects. 

Sincerely, 

GEOSCIENCE EARTH & MARINE SERVICES 

Erin Williams Janes Daniel Lanier 

Project Manager/Senior Geoscientist Director 

Attachments (4 Maps and 4 Figures) 

Distribution: 

Mr. Brian Brennan, Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas, (6 copies) 

REFERENCES 

BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management), 2011, Notice to lessees and operators (NTL) of federal oil and gas leases 

and pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders on the outer continental shelf (OCS), Revisions to the list of OCS lease blocks 

requiring archaeological resource surveys and reports: U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Gulf of Mexico Region (GOMR), NTL 2011-JOINT-G01. 

Effective Date December 29, 2011. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2014a, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases in the 

outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region: Extension of prior notice to lessees, NTL 2014-G03. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2014b, ASCII Data Files, published on the BOEM Gulf of Mexico Region 

Homepage, <http://www.gomr.boem.gov/homepg/pubinfo/freeasci/freedesc.html>, accessed May, 2014. 
Proposed Wellsite MC 126-D Clearance Letter 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas // June 11, 2014

Geoscience Earth & Marine Services // 7 

FORUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 2014c, Seismic Water Bottom Anomalies Map Gallery, published on the BOEM Gulf 

of Mexico Region Homepage, <http://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/MapGallery/Seismic-Water-Bottom-Anomalies-Map-Gallery.aspx>, accessed May, 2014. 

C & C Technologies, Inc., (C & C), 2013, Archaeological assessment, "Horn Mountain" prospect, blocks 82 (OCS-G-24044), 

126 (OCS-G-18194), and 127 (OCS-G-19925), Mississippi Canyon Area, report No., 130271. 

Coffeen, J. A., 1978, Seismic Exploration Fundamentals: Tulsa, the Petroleum Publishing Co., p. 125. 

Minerals Management Service, 2005, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, Archaeological resource surveys and reports: 

U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2005-G07. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008a, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, information requirements for exploration plans 

and development operations coordination documents: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf 

of Mexico, NTL 2008-G04. 

Minerals Management Service, 2008b, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil, gas, and sulphur leases and pipeline 

right-of-way holders in the outer continental shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, shallow hazards requirements: U. S. 

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2008-G05. 

Minerals Management Service, 2010, Notice to lessees and operators of federal oil and gas leases in the outer continental 

shelf, Gulf of Mexico OCS region, deepwater benthic communities: U. S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management 

Service, Gulf of Mexico, NTL 2009-G40. Effective Date January 27, 2010. 
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 4 – Pg. 10 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 4

HYDROGEN SULFIDE INFORMATION

4.1 CONCENTRATION

FM O&G anticipates encountering 0 ppm H2S during the proposed operations.

4.2 CLASSIFICATION

In accordance with Title 30 CFR 250.490(c), FM O&G requests that the area of 

proposed operations be classified by the BOEM as H2S absent.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 5 – Pg. 11 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 5

BIOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION

5.1 DEEPWATER BENTHIC COMMUNITIES 

The seafloor disturbing activities proposed in this plan are in water depths greater than 

300 meters (984’). Geoscience Earth & Marine Services, Inc. was contracted to provide 

an assessment of the shallow conditions at the proposed surface locations. The 

purpose of the assessment was to address seafloor conditions that may impact 

exploratory drilling operations within 2,000 feet of the proposed well sites. FM O&G will 

avoid all high-density deepwater benthic communities by 2,000 feet from each proposed 

mud and cuttings discharge location and 250 feet from the location of all other seafloor 

disturbances. As per NTL 2009-G40, “Deepwater Benthic Communities,” a map 

showing the 2,000 foot radius around the well site is included as Attachment 5-A.

5.2 TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES (BANKS)

Activities proposed in this EP do not fall within 305 meters (1000 feet) of a topographic 

“No Activity Zone;” therefore, no map is required per NTL No. 2009-G39, “Biologically 

Sensitive Underwater Features and Areas.”

5.3 TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES STATEMENT (SHUNTING)

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

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

NTL No. 2009-G39, “Biologically Sensitive Underwater Features and Areas.”

5.4 LIVE BOTTOMS (PINNACLE TREND FEATURES)

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located within 61 meters (200 feet) of 

any pinnacle trend feature; therefore, a separate bathymetric map is not required per 

NTL 2009-G39, “Biologically Sensitive Underwater Features and Areas.”

5.5 LIVE BOTTOMS (LOW RELIEF)

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located within 30 meters (100 feet) of 

any live bottom (low relief) feature with vertical relief equal to or greater than 8 feet; 

therefore, live bottom (low relief) maps are not required per NTL 2009-G39, “Biologically 

Sensitive Underwater Features and Areas.”

5.6 POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL FEATURES MAP

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located within 30 meters (100 feet) of 

potentially sensitive biological features; therefore, biologically sensitive area maps are 

not required.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 5 – Pg. 12 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

5.7 REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE (ROV) SURVEYS

BOEM has determined there is enough data gathered in Grid Area Number 16; 

therefore, FM O&G will not be conducting any ROV surveys either pre-spud or post-drill 

operations per NTL No. 2008-G06, “Remotely Operated Vehicle Surveys in Deepwater” 

(Extended by NTL BOEM 2014-G05, “Extension of Prior Notices to Lessees”).

5.8 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES, CRITICAL HABITAT, AND 

MARINE MAMMAL INFORMATION

There are five (5) species of sea turtles that may be found in the Gulf of Mexico (see 

table below). NOAA fisheries currently list all five of these turtles as endangered (E) or 

threatened (T).

Species Scientific Name Status Potential 

Presence

Critical 

Habitat 

Designated in 

the Gulf of 

Mexico

Lease 

Area

Coastal

Sea Turtles

Loggerhead Carettsa caretta T x x None

Green Chelonia mydas T,E x x None

Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea E x x None

Hawksbill Eretmochelys 

imbricata

E x x None

Kemp’s 

Ridley 

Lepidochelys kempli E x x None

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

Mexico. The table provided below identifies the seven (7) species of marine mammals 

that are listed as endangered or threatened. Currently, there are no designated critical 

habitats for the listed species in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf; however, it 

is possible that one or more of these species could be seen in the area during 

operations.

Species Scientific Name Status Potential 

Presence

Critical 

Habitat 

Designated in 

the Gulf of 

Mexico

Lease 

Area

Coastal

Marine Mammals

Sperm 

Whale

Physeter 

macrocephalus

E x -- None

West Indian 

Manatee

Trichechus manatus 

latirostris

E -- x Florida
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 5 – Pg. 13 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

Species Scientific Name Status Potential 

Presence

Critical 

Habitat 

Designated in 

the Gulf of 

Mexico

Lease 

Area

Coastal

Blue Whale Balaenoptera 

masculus

E x -- None

Fin Whale Balaenoptera 

physalus

E x -- None

Humpback 

Whale

Megaptera 

novaeangliae

E x -- None

North

Atlantic 

Right Whale

Eubalaena glacialis E x -- None

Sei Whale Balaenopiera borealis E x -- None

There is one (1) species of fish that NOAA fisheries currently list as threatened (T) that 

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

Mexico sturgeon, is an anadromous (breeding in freshwater after migrating up rivers 

from marine and estuarine environments) fish overwintering in estuaries, bays, and the 

Gulf of Mexico (see table below). 

Species Scientific Name Status Potential 

Presence

Critical 

Habitat 

Designated 

in the Gulf of 

Mexico

Lease 

Area Coastal

Fish

Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser 

oxyrinchus 

(=oxyrhynchus) 

desotoi

T X X None

5.9 ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 have been determined to be located in an area 

where historic shipwrecks may exist. In accordance with NTL 2005-G07 

“Archaeological Surveys and Reports,” and NTL 2011-JOINT-G01, “Revisions to the 

List of OCS Lease Blocks Requiring Archaeological Resource Surveys and Reports,” an 

Archaeological Survey Report is provided with this plan.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 5 – Pg. 14 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

5.10 AIR AND WATER QUALITY INFORMATION

Air and water quality information is not required to be included in this plan per NTL No. 

2008-G04, “Information requirements for Exploration Plans and Development 

Operations Coordination Documents” (Extended by NTL No. BOEM 2014-G05, 

“Extension of Prior Notices to Lessees”).

5.11 SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION

Socioeconomic Information is not required to be included in this plan per NTL No. 2008-

G04, “Information Requirements for Exploration Plans and Development Operations

Coordination Documents.”
B

!.

P (S

N-17851) 2" S

E

RV (ACT)

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Plains Exploration & Production Company

PLAINS #2 (G19925)

 LINE 164 >>

LINE 209 >>

<< LINE 214

<< LINE 167

LINE 168 >>

<< LINE 169

LINE 170 >>

LINE 185

>>

<< LINE 183

LINE 182 >>

 << LINE 159

 LINE 160 >>

 << LINE 161

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 << LINE 163

 << LINE 165

 LINE 166 >>

 LINE 146 >>

 << LINE 147

 LINE 148 >>

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<< LINE 184

LINE 301 >>

<< LINE 302

<< LINE 309

LINE 303 >>

LINE 304 >>

<< LINE 305

<< LINE 306

LINE 307 >>

<< LINE 308

<<

LINE

311

LINE

310

>>

INLINE 6846

CROSSLINE 6542

-5500

-5450

-5550

MC 127-A

88°3'0"W88°2'30"W88°2'0"W

28°52'0"N

28°51'30"N

28°51'0"N

1,305,0001,307,5001,310,000

10,472,500

10,475,000

10,477,500

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

EXISTING PIPELINE OR CABLE LOCATION, AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

PLAINS EXPLORATION

& PRODUCTION COMPANY

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 127

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 127-A-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

FILE NAME: 2235_MC127-A-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0413-2235

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
B

!.

P (S

N-17851) 2" S

E

RV (ACT)

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Plains Exploration & Production Company

PLAINS #2 (G19925)

 LINE 164 >>

LINE 209 >>

<< LINE 214

<< LINE 167

LINE 168 >>

<< LINE 169

LINE 170 >>

LINE 185

>>

<< LINE 183

LINE 182 >>

 << LINE 159

 LINE 160 >>

 << LINE 161

 LINE 162 >>

 << LINE 163

 << LINE 165

 LINE 166 >>

 LINE 146 >>

 << LINE 147

 LINE 148 >>

 << LINE 208

<< LINE 184

LINE 301 >>

<< LINE 302

<< LINE 309

LINE 303 >>

LINE 304 >>

<< LINE 305

<< LINE 306

LINE 307 >>

<< LINE 308

<<

LINE

311

LINE

310

>>

INLINE 6843

CROSSLINE 6544

-5500

-5450

-5550

MC 127-B

88°3'0"W88°2'30"W88°2'0"W

28°52'0"N

28°51'30"N

28°51'0"N

1,305,0001,307,5001,310,000

10,472,500

10,475,000

10,477,500

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

EXISTING PIPELINE OR CABLE LOCATION, AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

PLAINS EXPLORATION

& PRODUCTION COMPANY

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 127

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 127-B-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

FILE NAME: 2235_MC127-B-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0413-2235

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
!.

B

P (S

N-17851)

2"

S

E

RV (ACT)

MC 171

OCS-G-34428

Apache Deepwater LLC

MC 127

OCS-G-19925

Plains Exploration & Production Company

PLAINS #2 

(G19925)

LINE 150 >>

 LINE 164 >>LINE 209 >>

<< LINE 214

<< LINE 213

<<

LINE 172

LINE 171

>>

LINE 173 >>

4 >>

<< LINE 167

LINE 168 >>

<< LINE 169

LINE 170 >>

LINE 185

>>

 << LINE 163

 << LINE 165

 LINE 166 >>

 LINE 146 >>

 << LINE 147

 LINE 148 >>

 << LINE 149

 << LINE 151

<< L

LINE 301 >>

<< LINE 302

<< LINE 309

LINE 303 >>

LINE 304 >>

<< LINE 305

<< LINE 306

LINE 307 >>

<< LINE 308

<<

LINE

311

LINE

310

>>

INLINE 6758

CROSSLINE 6534

-5500

-5550

-5450

MC 127-C

88°3'30"W88°3'0"W88°2'30"W

28°51'30"N

28°51'0"N

28°50'30"N

1,302,5001,305,0001,307,500

10,470,000

10,472,500

10,475,000

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

EXISTING PIPELINE OR CABLE LOCATION, AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

PLAINS EXPLORATION

& PRODUCTION COMPANY

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 127

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 127-C-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2013

FILE NAME: 2235_MC127-C-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0413-2235

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
!.

<< LINE 126

LINE 204 >>

LINE 131 >>

LINE 133 >>

LINE 13

<< LINE 128A

LINE 125 >>

LINE 127 >>

LINE 129 >>

<< LINE 130

<< LINE 203

<< LINE 132

LINE 134 >>

 << LINE 124

MC 126

OCS-G-18194

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

MC 82

OCS-G-35313

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

PLAINS #4 (G24044)

INLINE 6751

CROSSLINE 6941

MC 126-D

-4650

-4600 -4700

-4750 -4800 -4850

-4550

-4900 -4950

-4500

-5000

-4450

-5050

-4400

-5100

-5150

-4350

-5200 -5250

-5300

88°6'0"W88°5'30"W88°5'0"W

28°53'30"N

28°53'0"N

28°52'30"N

1,290,0001,292,5001,295,000

10,480,000

10,482,500

10,485,000

!. PROPOSED WELL LOCATION.

CIRCLE REPRESENTS 2000 FT RADIUS 

AROUND PROPOSED WELLSITE.

3D SURVEY LINE.

C & C 2013 AUV SURVEY.

H EXISTING WELL LOCATION AS REPORTED BY BOEM.

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR IN FEET.

CONTOUR INTERVAL = 10 FOOT.

FREEPORT-MCMORAN

OIL & GAS LLC

BATHYMETRY MAP

"HORN MOUNTAIN PROSPECT"

BLOCK 126

MISSISSIPPI CANYON AREA

GULF OF MEXICO

MAP NO. MC 126-D-1

0 1,000 2,000 500

Feet

DATE: 11 JUNE 2014

FILE NAME: 2387-D-1_Bathy.mxd

PROJECT NO.:0514-2387

GRID NORTH

NOTE: BATHYMETRY CONTOURS GENERATED FROM MULTIBEAM BATHYMETRY DATA, 

SUPPLEMENTED IN AUV SURVEY GAPS WITH THE 3-D DATA SET.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 6 – Pg. 15 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 6

WASTES AND DISCHARGES INFORMATION

6.1 PROJECTED GENERATED WASTES

“Wastes You Will Generate, Treat and Downhole Dispose or Discharge to the Gulf of 

Mexico” is included as Attachment 6-A.

6.2 MODELING REPORT 

Modeling reports are not required for the activities proposed in this plan.
N/A N/A N/A N/A No

Potable Water with 3% Erifon 95 1 Discharge at the seafloor or with deck drainage when tested

at surface No

Uncontaminated seawater used to 

maintainproper draft 57,550 11,510 Hull discharge overboard based on 5 major ballast operations with rig 

at operating draft requireing minimum ballast change NO

Sea Water with no additional chemicals 3,040 32 Hull discharge overboard No

Cement Slurry 695 342 Discharge at seafloor during riserless operations No

Hull discharge overboard No

333

833

833

Overboard upon samples passing the Static Sheen Test per Region 6 

GOM GMG 290000 regulations

Overboard upon samples passing the Static Sheen Test per Region 6 

GOM GMG 290000 regulations

Overboard upon samples passing the Static Sheen Test per Region 6 

GOM GMG 290000 regulations

Brines, NaCl, KCl, CaBr2, CaCl2

Brines, NaCl, KCl, CaBr2, CaCl2

2,000

5,000

5,000

N/A

Will you be covered by an individual or general NPDES permit? General NPDES Permit No. GMC290534

Well treatment fluids

Well completion fluids

Workover fluids

Desalinization unit discharge

Blowout prevent fluid

Ballast water

Bilge water

Excess cement at seafloor

Fire water

Cooling water Sea Water with no additional chemicals 35,273,200 587,887 Hull discharge overboard No

No

No

No

Rejected water from the watermaker. 143,450 2,390

Gray water from living quarters 32,870 548 Chlorinate and discharge overboard No

Sanitary waste from living quarters, control 

rooms and change rooms.

Will you conduct well treatment, completion, or workover?

Micellaneous discharges. If yes, only fill in those associated with your activity.

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

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Deck Drainage Deck drainage from drilling floor 475 5 Hull discharge overboard No

No

Brines, NaCl, KCl, CaBr2, CaCl2

15,010 250 USCG approved MSD with chlorination

Cuttings wetted with synthetic-based fluid Cuttings coated with synthetic drilling fluids,

including drilled out cement 7,200 60

Discharged to surface. Treated cutting will be discharged

overboard during drilling of the SBM intervals. Cutting will

be processed through a cutting dryer, substantially reducing

the ROC percentage.

No

Domestic waste

Sanitary

Cuttings wetted with water-based fluid Cuttings coated while drilling with WBM 1,931 322 Discharged to mudline prior to riser installation. Based on 6

days of drilling with WBM. No

Answer yes or no

Will drilling occur? If yes, you should list muds and cuttings

Water-based drilling fluid Water, NaCI (salt), PHPA polymer and Barium

Sulfate (Barite) 35,000 6,000

Discharge at the mudline prior to the riser installation.

Nominal amount of unused flui may be discharged at the

surface. Based on 6 days of drilling with WBM. No

 TABLE 1. WASTES YOU WILL GENERATE, TREAT AND DOWNHOLE DISPOSE OR DISCHARGE TO THE GOM

Projected

Projected generated waste Projected ocean discharges Downhole Disposal

Type of Waste Composition Projected Amount 

(bbls/well)

Discharge Rate 

(bbls/well/day) Discharge Method
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 7 – Pg. 16 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 7

AIR EMISSIONS INFORMATION

7.1 EMISSIONS WORKSHEETS AND SCREENING QUESTIONS

Screen Procedures for EP’s Yes No

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

with your proposed exploration activities more than 90% of the amounts 

calculated using the following formulas: CT = 3400D2/3 for CO, and CT = 

33.3D for the other air pollutants (where D = distance to shore in miles)?

X

Do your emission calculations include any emission reduction measures or 

modified emission factors?

X

Are your proposed exploration activities located east of 87.5° 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

7.2 SUMMARY INFORMATION

Included as Attachment 7-A are Air Emission Worksheets which show the emissions 

calculations for the Plan Emissions and if different, a set of worksheets showing the 

emissions calculations for the Complex Total emissions.

This information was calculated by: Callie Hutchinson

(281) 698-8545

callie.hutchinson@jccteam.com
EXPLORATION PLAN (EP)

AIR QUALITY SCREENING CHECKLIST

OMB Control No. 1010-0151

OMB Approval Expires: 12/31/2011

MMS FORM MMS-138 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous versions of form MMS-138 which may not be used). Page 1 of 8

COMPANY Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC

AREA Mississippi Canyon

BLOCK 127

LEASE OCS-G 19925

PLATFORM NA

WELL Locations A, B, C, D

COMPANY CONTACT Callie Hutchinson

TELEPHONE NO. (281) 698-8545

REMARKS

FM O&G will use a drillship similar to the Deepwater Champion; Emissions 

calculations based on Deepwater Champion engine run time and fuel usage 

data for 6 months (82% of 64,320 total hp & 14,179 gal highest monthly fuel 

usage)
EMISSIONS FACTORS

MMS FORM MMS-138 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous versions of form MMS-138 which may not be used). Page 2 of 8

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

SCF/hp-hr 9.524 SCF/hp-hr 7.143 GAL/hp-hr 0.0483 AP42 3.2-1 4/76 & 8/84

Equipment/Emission Factors units PM SOx NOx VOC CO REF. DATE

NG Turbines gms/hp-hr 0.00247 1.3 0.01 0.83 AP42 3.2-1& 3.1-1 10/96

NG 2-cycle lean gms/hp-hr 0.00185 10.9 0.43 1.5 AP42 3.2-1 10/96

NG 4-cycle lean gms/hp-hr 0.00185 11.8 0.72 1.6 AP42 3.2-1 10/96

NG 4-cycle rich gms/hp-hr 0.00185 10 0.14 8.6 AP42 3.2-1 10/96

Diesel Recip. < 600 hp. gms/hp-hr 1 1.468 14 1.12 3.03 AP42 3.3-1 10/96

Diesel Recip. > 600 hp. gms/hp-hr 0.32 1.468 11 0.33 2.4 AP42 3.4-1 10/96

Diesel Boiler lbs/bbl 0.084 2.42 0.84 0.008 0.21 AP42 1.3-12,14 9/98

NG Heaters/Boilers/Burners lbs/mmscf 7.6 0.593 100 5.5 84 P42 1.4-1, 14-2, & 14 7/98

NG Flares lbs/mmscf 0.593 71.4 60.3 388.5 AP42 11.5-1 9/91

Liquid Flaring lbs/bbl 0.42 6.83 2 0.01 0.21 AP42 1.3-1 & 1.3-3 9/98

Tank Vapors lbs/bbl 0.03 E&P Forum 1/93

Fugitives lbs/hr/comp. 0.0005 API Study 12/93

Glycol Dehydrator Vent lbs/mmscf 6.6 La. DEQ 1991

Gas Venting lbs/scf 0.0034

Sulphur Content Source Value Units

Fuel Gas 3.33 ppm

Diesel Fuel 0.4 % weight

Produced Gas( Flares) 3.33 ppm

Produced Oil (Liquid Flaring) 1 % weight
EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS 2ND YEAR

MMS FORM MMS-138 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous versions of form MMS-138 which may not be used). Page 4 of 8

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Mississippi Canyon 127 OCS-G 19925 NA Locations A, B, C, D Callie Hutchinson (281) 698-8545

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

Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D

Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D

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

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 49486 2390.1738 14179.00 24 232 34.88 160.01 1199.00 35.97 261.60 24.00 110.11 825.07 24.75 180.02

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

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

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

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

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

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 2065 99.7395 2393.75 6 33 1.46 6.68 50.03 1.50 10.92 0.14 0.66 4.97 0.15 1.09

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 4400 212.52 5100.48 10 33 3.10 14.23 106.61 3.20 23.26 0.51 2.36 17.67 0.53 3.85

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 4400 212.52 5100.48 10 33 3.10 14.23 106.61 3.20 23.26 0.51 2.36 17.67 0.53 3.85

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

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

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

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

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

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00

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

WELL TEST GAS FLARE 208333.33 24 2 0.12 14.87 12.56 80.94 0.00 0.36 0.30 1.94

2015 YEAR TOTAL 42.54 195.27 1477.12 56.43 399.97 25.17 115.49 865.74 26.26 190.75

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 2064.60 2064.60 2064.60 2064.60 53260.68

62.0
EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS 3RD YEAR

MMS FORM MMS-138 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous versions of form MMS-138 which may not be used). Page 5 of 8

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Mississippi Canyon 127 OCS-G 19925 NA Locations A, B, C, D Callie Hutchinson (281) 698-8545

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

Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D

Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D

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

DRILLING PRIME MOVER>600hp diesel 49486 2390.1738 14179.00 24 266 34.88 160.01 1199.00 35.97 261.60 27.52 126.25 945.99 28.38 206.40

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

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

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

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

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

VESSELS>600hp diesel(crew) 2065 99.7395 2393.75 6 38 1.46 6.68 50.03 1.50 10.92 0.17 0.76 5.70 0.17 1.24

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 4400 212.52 5100.48 10 38 3.10 14.23 106.61 3.20 23.26 0.59 2.70 20.26 0.61 4.42

VESSELS>600hp diesel(supply) 4400 212.52 5100.48 10 38 3.10 14.23 106.61 3.20 23.26 0.59 2.70 20.26 0.61 4.42

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

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

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

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

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

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00

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

WELL TEST GAS FLARE 208333.33 24 2 0.12 14.87 12.56 80.94 0.00 0.36 0.30 1.94

2016 YEAR TOTAL 42.54 195.27 1477.12 56.43 399.97 28.86 132.42 992.56 30.07 218.42

EXEMPTION 

CALCULATION

DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 

MILES 2064.60 2064.60 2064.60 2064.60 53260.68

62.0
SUMMARY

MMS FORM MMS-138 (December 2008 - Supersedes all previous versions of form MMS-138 which may not be used). Page 8 of 8

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Mississippi Canyon 127 OCS-G 19925 NA Locations A, B, C, D

Emitted Substance

Year

PM SOx NOx VOC CO

2015 25.17 115.49 865.74 26.26 190.75

2016 28.86 132.42 992.56 30.07 218.42

Allowable 2064.60 2064.60 2064.60 2064.60 53260.68
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6

1 11,174 gal 16,299 gal 11,042 gal 17,594 gal 13,605 gal 17,383 gal

2 14,133 gal 8,321 gal 11,095 gal 20,843 gal 12,786 gal 20,658 gal

3 17,409 gal 13,816 gal 11,941 gal 15,296 gal 8,612 gal 14,318 gal

4 5,733 gal 12,073 gal 14,529 gal 14,292 gal 12,231 gal 22,032 gal

5 34,818 gal 13,658 gal 11,359 gal 23,353 gal 12,231 gal 12,443 gal

6 16,775 gal 11,386 gal 9,510 gal 31,886 gal 12,469 gal 20,658 gal

7 14,662 gal 12,865 gal 10,223 gal 10,725 gal 13,103 gal 11,016 gal

8 16,167 gal 17,726 gal 11,016 gal 12,495 gal 11,174 gal 15,824 gal

9 14,133 gal 18,043 gal 10,567 gal 14,741 gal 14,556 gal 10,699 gal

10 12,046 gal 13,209 gal 10,514 gal 12,627 gal 18,017 gal 6,789 gal

11 12,733 gal 14,952 gal 13,182 gal 12,760 gal 17,752 gal 11,280 gal

12 12,812 gal 9,880 gal 10,567 gal 12,390 gal 13,895 gal 12,944 gal

13 15,190 gal 23,141 gal 10,752 gal 10,857 gal 12,046 gal 9,722 gal

14 14,001 gal 9,801 gal 11,359 gal 9,695 gal 11,412 gal 13,763 gal

15 10,223 gal 7,819 gal 10,910 gal 8,638 gal 12,073 gal 16,114 gal

16 7,661 gal 5,072 gal 11,069 gal 12,575 gal 10,039 gal 14,080 gal

17 14,635 gal 10,540 gal 12,786 gal 12,099 gal 14,397 gal 15,613 gal

18 11,650 gal 14,107 gal 10,884 gal 7,661 gal 13,314 gal 15,771 gal

19 15,005 gal 18,334 gal 15,692 gal 9,537 gal 14,080 gal 15,401 gal

20 14,899 gal 14,450 gal 7,899 gal 9,827 gal 11,650 gal 14,160 gal

21 13,473 gal 12,495 gal 10,646 gal 18,386 gal 11,967 gal 10,620 gal

22 12,575 gal 19,364 gal 8,189 gal 11,095 gal 14,979 gal 18,439 gal

23 10,778 gal 16,854 gal 11,174 gal 10,778 gal 13,552 gal 15,375 gal

24 10,857 gal 6,234 gal 9,642 gal 10,250 gal 10,725 gal 18,862 gal

25 12,786 gal 12,944 gal 12,443 gal 16,009 gal 10,250 gal 14,477 gal

26 10,805 gal 8,586 gal 11,069 gal 12,786 gal 12,944 gal 10,963 gal

27 12,469 gal 12,760 gal 14,899 gal 12,284 gal 9,589 gal 11,597 gal

28 11,148 gal 14,556 gal 10,673 gal 12,231 gal 11,016 gal 12,125 gal

29 13,684 gal 9,193 gal 9,827 gal 11,148 gal 11,359 gal

30 13,552 gal 13,869 gal 15,375 gal 14,688 gal 11,307 gal

31 13,499 gal 15,507 gal 13,763 gal

Average 13,596 gal 12,734 gal 11,290 gal 13,691 gal 12,677 gal 14,179 gal

Transit Days

Daily Fuel Usage for a 6 month period

Month
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 8 – Pg. 17 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 8

OIL SPILL INFORMATION

8.1 OIL SPILL RESPONSE PLANNING

All the proposed activities and facilities in the Supplemental EP will be covered by the 

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FM O&G; Operator Number 03280) Oil Spill 

Response Plan (OSRP), submitted on January 10, 2014, revised on January 31, 2014, 

and approved on February, 4, 2014 (OSRP Control Number O-713).

8.2 SPILL RESPONSE SITES

Primary Response Equipment 

Location

Preplanned Staging Location

Houma, LA Houma, LA

Harvey, LA Harvey, LA

Venice, LA Venice, LA

8.3 OSRO INFORMATION

FM O&G’s primary equipment provider is Clean Gulf Associates (CGA) and National 

Response Corporation (NRCC). Clean Gulf Associates Services, LLC (CGAS) will 

provide closest available personnel, as well as a CGAS supervisor to operate the

equipment. Through its Independent Contractor Network (ICN), NRCC will also provide 

closest available personnel, as well as an NRCC ICN supervisor to operate the 

equipment.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 8 – Pg. 18 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

8.4 WORST CASE SCENARIO DETERMINATION

Category Regional OSRP

WCD - Drilling

EP

WCD - Drilling

Type of Activity Exploratory Drilling

>10 miles

Exploratory Drilling

> 10 miles

Facility Location 

(Area/Block) GC 393 MC 127

Facility Designation Well Location B Well Location C

Distance to Nearest 

Shoreline (miles) 96.5 miles 62.0 miles

Volume

• Storage Tanks 

(Total)

• Uncontrolled 

blowout

Total Volume 400,000 bbls 159,062 bbls

Type of Oil(s)

(crude, condensate, 

diesel)

Crude Crude

API Gravity 25° 34.5°

Calculations and Assumptions for the Regional OSRP WCD drilling scenario were 

submitted and found acceptable in Plan N-9739.

FM O&G has determined that the worst-case scenario from the activities proposed in 

this EP does not supersede the worst-case scenario from our approved Regional 

OSRP.

Since FM O&G has the capability to respond to the worst-case spill scenario included in 

our Regional OSRP approved on January 10, 2014, revised on January 31, 2014, and

approved on February 4, 2014 (OSRP Control Number O-713), and since the worstcase scenario determined for our EP does not replace the worst-case scenario in our 

Regional OSRP, FM O&G hereby certifies that FM O&G 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 EP.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 8 – Pg. 19 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

8.5 OIL SPILL RESPONSE DISCUSSION

The Oil Spill Response Discussion is included as Attachment 8-A.
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 159,062 barrels of crude oil with an API gravity of 34.5°.

Land Segment and Resource Identification

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

utilizing information in the BOEM Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model (OSRAM) for the Central and 

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

The BOEM OSRAM identifies a 21% 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

FM O&G 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 20% or 

approximately 31,812 barrels of crude oil would be evaporated/dispersed within 24 hours, with 

approximately 127,250 barrels remaining.

Spill Response MC 127, Well Location C Barrels of Oil 

WCD Volume 159,062

Less 20% natural evaporation/dispersion 31,812

Remaining volume 127,250

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

storage equipment available to respond to the worst case discharge. 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. 

FM O&G’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, insitu 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 and MSRC spill response equipment, with a total derated skimming capacity of 

456,592 barrels. Temporary storage associated with skimming equipment equals 125,098 barrels. 

If additional storage is needed, an 80,000 barrel storage barge, an 83,937 barrel storage barge, 

and two 107,285 barrel storage barges may be mobilized and centrally located to provide 

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

Safety is first priority. Air monitoring will be accomplished and operations deemed safe 

prior to any containment/skimming attempts. 

If the spill went unabated, shoreline impact in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana would depend 

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

and MSRC’s near shore and shallow water skimmers with a totaled derated skimming capacity 

of 137,366 barrels. Temporary storage associated with skimming equipment equals 2,181 

barrels. If additional storage is needed, a 25,000 barrel storage barge, three 20,000 barrel storage 

barges, and three 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. FM O&G’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, FM O&G 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 

39 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

FM O&G 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 FM O&G’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 FM O&G’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 FM O&G’s WCD and information in the BOEM Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model 

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

Drill, complete, test, 

flare & install subsea 

trees for Well 

Locations A-D

MC 127, 

Well Location C

62 miles from shore

G19925 C57 Cameron, LA

Vermilion, LA

Terrebonne, LA

Lafourche, LA

Plaquemines, LA

St. Bernard, LA

Hancock & Harrison, MS

Jackson, MS

Mobile, AL

Baldwin, AL

Escambia, AL

Okaloosa, FL

Walton, FL

Bay, FL

1

1

2

2

21

3

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1
WCD Scenario– BASED ON WELL BLOWOUT DURING DRILLING OPERATIONS (62 miles from shore)

127,250 bbls of crude oil (Volume considering natural weathering)

API Gravity 34.5°

FIGURE 2 – Equipment Response Time to MC 127, Well Location C

Dispersants/Surveillance

Dispersant/Surveillance Dispersant 

Capacity (gal)

Persons 

Req. From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout Travel to site Total Hrs

ASI

Basler 67T 2000 2 Houma 2 2 0.8 4.8

DC 3 1200 2 Houma 2 2 1.1 5.1

DC 3 1200 2 Houma 2 2 1.1 5.1

Aero Commander NA 2 Houma 2 2 0.8 4.8

MSRC

C-130 Spray AC 3,250 2 Stennis 3 0.2 0.4 3.6

King Air BE90 Spray AC 250 2 Stennis 3 0.3 0.7 4

Offshore Response

Offshore Equipment 

Pre-Determined Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout Hrs to GOM Travel to Spill Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

CGA

HOSS Barge 43000 4000 3 Tugs 8 Harvey 7 0 5 10.6 1 23.6

95’ FRV 12342 249 NA 6 Leeville 2 2 1 5.2 1 11.2

95’ FRV 12342 249 NA 6 Venice 2 2 1 3.4 1 9.4

Boom Barge (CGA-300)

42” Auto Boom (25000’) NA NA 1 Tug50 Crew

4 (Barge)

2 (Per Crew) Leeville 4 0 6 18.5 1.5 30

Recovered Oil Storage PreDetermined Staging EDRC Storage 

Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout

Hrs to 

GOM

Travel to 

Spill Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

K-Sea Operating (available through contract with CGA)

PACIFIC 996165 NA 80000 1 Tug 6 Venice 4 12 2 11 1 30

DBL 76 1212984 NA 83937 1 Tug 6 Venice 4 12 2 11 1 30

DBL 101 1119760 NA 107285 1 Tug 6 Venice 4 12 2 11 1 30

DBL 102 1146491 NA 107285 1 Tug 6 Venice 4 12 2 11 1 30
Offshore Equipment 

Pre-determined Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout

Hrs to 

GOM

Travel to 

Spill Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

MSRC

Louisiana Responder 

Transrec 350 + OSRV

7,920’ 67” Curtain Pressure Boom

10567 4000 NA 14 Fort Jackson 2 0 4.5 7 1 14.5

MSRC 452 Offshore Barge

1 Crucial Disk 88/30

2,640‘ 67” Curtain Pressure Boom

11122 45000 3 Tugs 6 Fort Jackson 2.5 0 6 11.5 1 21

Mississippi Responder 

Transrec 350 + OSRV

7,920’ 67” Curtain Pressure Boom

10567 4000 NA 14 Pascagoula 2 0 2 8 1 13

MSRC 402 Offshore Barge

2 Crucial Disk 88/30

2,640‘ 67” Curtain Pressure Boom

22244 40300 3 Tugs 6 Pascagoula 2.5 0 3 13 1 19.5

Deep Blue Responder 

LFF 100 Brush + OSRV

7,260’ 67” Curtain Pressure Boom

18086 4000 NA 14 Fourchon 2 0 1 10 1 14

Gulf Coast Responder 

Transrec 350 + OSRV

7,920’ 67” Curtain Pressure Boom

10567 4000 NA 14 Lake Charles 2 0 4 24 1 31

Staging Area: Venice

Offshore Equipment With 

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

Hrs to 

Loadout

Travel to 

Staging

Travel to 

Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

T&T Marine (available through direct contract with CGA)

Aqua Guard Triton RBS (2) 45560 4000 2 Utility 12 Galveston 4 12 13 7.1 2 38.1

CGA

FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (1) 4251 100 1 Utility 6 Galveston 2 2 12.7 7.1 1 24.8

FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Harvey 2 2 2.1 7.1 1 14.2

FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Aransas Pass 2 2 17.7 7.1 1 29.8

FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 2 2 8 7.1 1 20.1

FRU (2) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 8502 400 2 Utility 12 Leeville 2 2 4.4 7.1 1 16.5

FRU (1) + 100 bbl Tank (2) 4251 200 1 Utility 6 Morgan City 2 2 4.9 7.1 1 17

FRU (2) + 100 bbl Tank (4) 8502 400 2 Utility 12 Venice 2 2 0 7.1 1 12.1
Staging Area: Venice

Offshore Equipment Preferred Staging EDRC Storage 

Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout

Travel to 

Staging

Travel to 

Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

MSRC

WP 1 Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Ingleside 1 2 17.8 7.1 1 28.9

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Ingleside 1 2 17.8 7.1 1 28.9

GT-185 Skimmer w Adaptor (1) 1371 400 1 Utility 6 Ingleside 1 2 17.8 7.1 1 28.9

Foilex 250 Skimmer (1) 3977 400 1 Utility 6 Ingleside 1 2 17.8 7.1 1 28.9

GT-185 Skimmer w Adaptor (2) 2742 400 2 Utility 12 Galveston 1 2 13 7.1 1 24.1

Walosep 4 Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Galveston 1 2 13 7.1 1 24.1

Queensboro Skimmer (1) 905 400 1 Utility 6 Galveston 1 2 13 7.1 1 24.1

Foilex 250 Skimmer (1) 3977 400 1 Utility 6 Galveston 1 2 13 7.1 1 24.1

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Galveston 1 2 13 7.1 1 24.1

GT-185 Skimmer w Adaptor (1) 1371 400 1 Utility 6 Port Arthur 1 2 9.6 7.1 1 20.7

Queensboro Skimmer (4) 3620 400 4 Utility 24 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

Desmi Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

Foilex 250 Skimmer (1) 3977 400 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

Transrec 350 Skimmer (1) 10567 400 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

LFF 100 Brush Skimmer (1) 18086 400 1 Utility 6 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Port Fourchon 1 2 5 7.1 1 16.1

Crucial Disk 88/30 Skimmer (2) 22244 400 2 Utility 12 Port Fourchon 1 2 5 7.1 1 16.1

GT-185 Skimmer w Adaptor (1) 1371 400 1 Utility 6 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 7.1 1 11.6

Walosep W4 Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 7.1 1 11.6

Foilex 250 Skimmer (1) 3977 400 1 Utility 6 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 7.1 1 11.6

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 7.1 1 11.6
Staging Area: Venice

Offshore Equipment Preferred 

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

Hrs to 

Loadout

Travel to 

Staging

Travel to 

Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

MSRC

Queensboro Skimmer (1) 905 400 1 Utility 6 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 7.1 1 11.6

Foilex 200 Skimmer (1) 1989 400 1 Utility 6 Fort Jackson 1 2 0.5 7.1 1 11.6

GT-185 Skimmer w Adaptor (1) 1371 400 1 Utility 6 Baton Rouge 1 2 4.5 7.1 1 15.6

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

GT-185 Skimmer (1) 1371 400 1 Utility 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

AardVac Skimmer (1) 3840 400 1 Utility 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

WP 1 Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

Queensboro Skimmer (1) 905 400 1 Utility 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

Stress II Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

Stress I Skimmer (1) 15840 400 1 Utility 6 Tampa 1 2 21 7.1 1 32.1

GT-185 Skimmer w Adaptor (1) 1371 400 1 Utility 6 Tampa 1 2 21 7.1 1 32.1

WP 1 Skimmer (1) 3017 400 1 Utility 6 Tampa 1 2 21 7.1 1 32.1
Staging Area: Venice

Offshore Equipment Preferred 

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

Hrs to 

Loadout

Travel to 

Staging

Travel to 

Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

CGA

1000’ Hydro-Fire Boom NA NA 8 Utility 40 Harvey 2 4 2 7.1 6 21.1

MSRC

67” Curtain Pressure Boom (1650’) NA NA 6 Crew 12 Ingleside 1 2 17.8 7.1 1 28.9

67” Curtain Pressure Boom (4290’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Galveston 1 2 13 7.1 1 24.1

67” Curtain Pressure Boom (8580’) NA NA 20 Crew 40 Houston 1 2 12 7.1 1 23.1

67” Curtain Pressure Boom (16429’) NA NA 40 Crew 80 Lake Charles 1 2 8 7.1 1 19.1

67” Curtain Pressure Boom (1980’) NA NA 6 Crew 12 Fort Jackson 1 2 .5 7.1 1 11.6

67” Curtain Pressure Boom (3505’) NA NA 10 Crew 20 Pascagoula 1 2 5.5 7.1 1 16.6

2000’ Fire Resistant Boom NA NA 16 Utility 80 Lake Charles 1 4 8 7.1 6 19.1

NRCC

42” Auto Boom (3300’) NA NA 2 Crew 8 Tampa 2 4 21 7.1 1 35.1

42” Auto Boom (1000’) NA NA 1 Crew 4 Port Arthur 2 4 9.6 7.1 1 23.7

42” Auto Boom (2000’) NA NA 1 Crew 4 La Porte 2 4 11.7 7.1 1 25.8

42” Auto Boom (2000’) NA NA 1 Crew 4 Aransas Pass 2 4 17.8 7.1 1 31.9

42” Auto Boom (2000’) NA NA 1 Crew 4 Corpus Christi 2 4 18.3 7.1 1 32.4

1000’ Hydro-Fire Boom NA NA 6 Utility 20 New Iberia 2 4 6 7.1 1 20.1
Nearshore Response

Nearshore Equipment 

Pre-determined Staging EDRC Storage Capacity VOO Persons Required From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout

Hrs to 

GOM

Travel to 

Spill Site

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

CGA

Trinity SWS 21500 249 NA 4 Morgan City 2 2 2 4.8 1 11.8

Trinity SWS 21500 249 NA 4 Leeville 2 2 2 2 1 9

Trinity SWS 21500 249 NA 4 Venice 2 2 2 2 1 9

Trinity SWS 21500 249 NA 4 Galveston 2 2 2 14 1 21

46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Aransas Pass 2 0 2 18.8 0 22.8

46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Morgan City 2 0 2 4.8 0 8.8

46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Lake Charles 2 0 1 9.8 0 12.8

46’ FRV 5000 65 NA 4 Venice 2 0 1 2 0 5

MSRC

MSRC Lightning

2 LORI Brush Pack 5000 50 NA 6 Tampa 2 0 2 20 1 25

MSRC Quick Strike

2 LORI Brush Pack 5000 50 3 Tugs 6 Ingleside 2 0 1 20 1 24

Enterprise Marine Services LLC (Available through contract with CGA)

CTCo 2603 NA 25000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63

CTCo 2604 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63

CTCo 2605 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63

CTCo 2606 NA 20000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63

CTCo 2607 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63

CTCo 2608 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63

CTCo 2609 NA 23000 1 Tug 6 Amelia 4 12 4 15.63 1 36.63
Staging Area: Venice

Nearshore Equipment With 

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

Hrs to 

Load Out

Travel to 

Staging

Travel to 

Deployment

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

CGA

SWS Egmopol 3000 100 NA 3 Galveston 2 2 13 2 0 19

SWS Egmopol 3000 100 NA 3 Morgan City 2 2 4.6 2 0 10.6

SWS Marco 3588 20 NA 3 Lake Charles 2 2 8 2 0 14

SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Leeville 2 2 4.6 2 0 10.6

SWS Marco 3588 34 NA 3 Venice 2 2 0 2 0 6

Rope Mop 77 2 0 3 Harvey 2 2 2 2 0 8

Foilex Skim Package (TDS 150) 891 45 NA 3 Lake Charles 2 2 8 2 0 14

Foilex Skim Package (TDS 150) 891 45 NA 3 Galveston 2 2 13 2 0 19

Foilex Skim Package (TDS 150) 891 45 NA 3 Harvey 2 2 2 2 0 8

4 Drum Skimmer (Magnum 100) 686 100 1 Crew 3 Lake Charles 2 2 8 2 0 14

4 Drum Skimmer (Magnum 100) 686 100 1 Crew 3 Harvey 2 2 2 2 0 8

2 Drum Skimmer (TDS 118) 240 100 1 Crew 3 Lake Charles 2 2 8 2 0 14

2 Drum Skimmer (TDS 118) 240 100 1 Crew 3 Harvey 2 2 2 2 0 8
Shoreline Protection

Staging Area: Venice

Shoreline 

Protection Boom VOO Persons Req. 

Storage/Warehouse

Location

Hrs to 

Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout

Travel to 

Venice

Travel to 

Deployment Site

Hrs to 

Deploy Total Hrs

AMPOL (Available through MSA)

42,000’ 18” Boom 16 Crew 40 New Iberia, LA 2 2 6 2 12 24

20,000’ 18” Boom 8 Crew 20 New Orleans, LA 2 2 2 2 6 14

OMI Environmental (Available through MSA)

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 New Iberia, LA 1 1 6 2 3 13

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Houston, TX 1 1 12 2 3 19

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Port Arthur, TX 1 1 9.6 2 3 16.6

20,000’ 18” Boom 8 Crew 20 Belle Chasse, LA 1 1 2 2 6 12

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Port Allen, LA 1 1 4.5 2 3 11.5

10,000’ 18” Boom 4 Crew 10 Houma, LA 1 1 4 2 3 11

15,000’ 18” Boom 6 Crew 14 Gretna, LA (Warehouse) 2 2 2 2 4 12

Wildlife Response EDRC Storage 

Capacity VOO Persons Req. From Hrs to Procure

Hrs to 

Loadout

Travel to 

Staging

Travel to 

Deployment 

Hrs to 

Deploy

Total 

Hrs

CGA

Wildlife Support Trailer NA NA NA 2 Harvey 2 2 2.1 1 2 9.1

Bird Scare Guns (48) NA NA NA 2 Harvey 2 2 2.1 1 2 9.1

Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Galveston 2 2 12.7 1 2 19.7

Bird Scare Guns (12) NA NA NA 2 Aransas Pass 2 2 17.7 1 2 24.7

Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Lake Charles 2 2 8 1 2 15

Bird Scare Guns (24) NA NA NA 2 Leeville 2 2 4.4 1 2 11.4

Response Asset Total

Offshore EDRC 456,592

Offshore Recovered Oil Capacity 503,605

Nearshore / Shallow Water EDRC 137,366

Nearshore / Shallow Water Recovered Oil Capacity 156,181
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 9 – Pg. 20 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 9

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING INFORMATION

9.1 MONITORING SYSTEMS

FM O&G will monitor loop currents per the requirements as set forth in NTL No. 2009-

G02, “Ocean Current Monitoring.”

9.2 INCIDENTAL TAKES

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

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

It has been documented that the use of explosives and or seismic devices can affect 

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

FM O&G will adhere to the requirements as set forth in the following documents, as 

applicable, to avoid or minimize impacts to any of the species listed in the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) as a result of the operations conducted herein:

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

Elimination”

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

Species Reporting”

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

Measures and Protected Species Observer Program”

9.3 FLOWER GARDEN BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located in the Flower Garden Banks 

National Marine Sanctuary; therefore, relevant information is not required in this EP.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 10 – Pg. 21 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 10

LEASE STIPULATIONS INFORMATION

Exploration activities are subject to the following stipulations attached to Lease OCS-G 

18194/19925, Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127.

10.1 MARINE PROTECTED SPECIES

In accordance with the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal 

Protection Act, FM O&G will:

(a) collect and remove flotsam resulting from activities related to exploration, 

development, and production of this lease;

(b) post signs in prominent places on all vessels and platforms used as a result of 

activities related to exploration, development, and production of this lease detailing the 

reasons (legal and ecological) why release of debris must be eliminated;

(c) observe for marine mammals and sea turtles while on vessels, reduce vessel speed 

to 10 knots or less when assemblages of cetaceans are observed, and maintain a 

distance of 90 meters or greater from whales, and a distance of 45 meters or greater 

from small cetaceans and sea turtles;

(d) employ mitigation measures prescribed by BOEM/BSEE or the National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS) for all seismic surveys, including the use of an “exclusion 

zone” based upon the appropriate water depth, ramp-up and shutdown procedures, 

visual monitoring, and reporting;

(e) identify important habitats, including designated critical habitat, used by listed 

species (e.g., sea turtle nesting beaches, piping plover critical habitat), in oil spill 

contingency planning and require the strategic placement of spill cleanup equipment to 

be used only by personnel trained in less-intrusive cleanup techniques on beaches and 

bay shores; and

(f) immediately report all sightings and locations of injured or dead protected species 

(e.g., marine mammals and sea turtles) to the appropriate stranding network. If oil and 

gas industry activity is responsible for the injured or dead animal (e.g., because of a 

vessel strike), the responsible parties should remain available to assist the stranding 

network. If the injury or death was caused by a collision with the lessee’s vessel, the 

lessee must notify BOEM within 24 hours of the strike.

BOEM and BSEE issue Notices to Lessees (NTLs), which more fully describe measures 

implemented in support of the above-mentioned implementing statutes and regulations, 
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 10 – Pg. 22 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

as well as measures identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NMFS arising 

from, among others, conservation recommendations, rulemakings pursuant to the 

MMPA, or consultation. The lessee and its operators, personnel, and subcontractors, 

while undertaking activities authorized under this lease, must implement and comply 

with the specific mitigation measures outlined in NTL No. 2012-JOINT-G01, “Vessel 

Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting;” NTL No. 2012-

JOINT-G02, “Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected 

Species Observer Program;” and NTL No. 2012-BSEE-G01, “Marine Trash and Debris 

Awareness and Elimination.” At the lessee’s option, the lessee, its operators, 

personnel, and contractors may comply with the most current measures to protect 

species in place at the time an activity is undertaken under this lease, including but not 

limited to new or updated versions of the NTLs identified in this paragraph. The lessee 

and its operators, personnel, and subcontractors will be required to comply with the 

mitigation measures, identified in the above referenced NTLs, and additional measures 

in the conditions of approvals for their plans or permits.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 11 – Pg. 23 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 11

ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES INFORMATION

11.1 MEASURES TAKEN TO AVOID, MINIMIZE, AND MITIGATE IMPACTS

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located within Florida; therefore, 

mitigation information is not required for the activities proposed in this plan.

11.2 INCIDENTAL TAKES

FM O&G will adhere to the requirements as set forth in the following documents, as 

applicable, to avoid or minimize impacts to any of the species listed in the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) as a result of the operations conducted herein:

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

Elimination”

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

Species Reporting”

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

Measures and Protected Species Observer Program”
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 12 – Pg. 24 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 12

SUPPORT VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

12.1 GENERAL

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

conditions will be utilized.

Type Maximum Fuel 

Tank Capacity

Maximum 

Number in Area 

at Any Time

Trip Frequency or 

Duration

Crew Boat 1,800 bbls 1 3/week

Supply Boat 9,000 bbls 1 3/week

Supply Boat 5,800 bbls 1 3/week

Helicopter 760 gals 1 2/week

12.2 DIESEL OIL SUPPLY VESSELS

Size of Fuel 

Supply Vessel

Capacity of Fuel 

Supply Vessel

Frequency of 

Fuel Transfers

Route Fuel Supply 

Vessel Will Take

265’ 9,000 bbls Bi-weekly Shortest route from 

Shore base to

Mississippi Canyon 127 

265’ 9,000 bbls Bi-weekly Shortest route from 

Shore base to

Mississippi Canyon 127

312’ 5,800 bbls Bi-weekly Shortest route from 

Shore base to

Mississippi Canyon 127

12.3 DRILLING FLUID TRANSPORTATION

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

12.4 SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE TRANSPORTATION

A table, “Wastes You Will Transport and/or Dispose of Onshore,” is included as 

Attachment 12-A.

12.5 VICINITY MAP

A vicinity map showing the location of the activities proposed herein relative to the 

shoreline with the distance of the proposed activities from the shoreline and the primary 
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 12 – Pg. 25 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

route(s) of the support vessels and aircraft that will be used when traveling between the 

onshore support facilities and the wells are included as Attachment 12-B.
TABLE 2. WASTE YOU WILL TRANSPORT AND/OR DISPOSE OF ONSHORE

Transport Method Name/Location of

Facility

Amount Disposal

Method

Solid and Liquid

Wastes

Transportation

Waste Disposal

Synthetic-based drilling fluid

Cuttings wetted with Water-based fluid

Recycled

N/A

Internal olefin, ester / SBM Cuttings boxes on supply boat Newpark environmental Services 145 17th 

St, Port Fourchon, LA 1000 bbls/well

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

Composition

Projected Generated

Wastes

Oil-based drilling fluid or mud N/A

Produced sand

Will you have additional wastes that are not permitted for discharge? If yes, fill in the appropriate rows.

Trash and debris

Used oil

N/A N/A

No production is proposed under this Initial Exploration Plan

Waste generated during operations: 

paper, metal and glass

Compactor bags in storage bins on supply 

/ crew boat Gulf Shore Logistics, Port Fourchon, LA 130,000 lbs/well

Recycled if possible. 

Otherwise, 

transported to 

landfill.

Used engine oil Proper DOT containers on supply boat Univar, Carencro, LA 215 bbl/well

Internal olefin, ester / SBM film

N/A

N/A

Cuttings wetted with oil-based fluids

Wll you produce hydrocarbons? If yes fill in produced sand.

Cuttings wetted with Synthetic-based

fluid Cuttings boxes on supply boat Newpark environmental Services 145 17th 

St, Port Fourchon, LA

N/A N/A

210 bbls/well

N/A

N/A

Recycled

N/A

Recycled or 

incinerated

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Wash water

Chemical product wastes
...\MC\Horn Mtn\VicinityHM.dgn
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 13 – Pg. 26 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 13

ONSHORE SUPPORT FACILITIES INFORMATION

13.1 GENERAL

Name Location Existing/New/Modified

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & 

Gas Shorebase

C – Terminal Dock

Fourchon, LA Existing

MI-Swaco Mud Plants Fourchon, La Existing

13.2 SUPPORT BASE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION

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

existing shore base as a result of the operations proposed in this EP.

13.3 SUPPORT BASE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION TIMETABLE

A support base construction or expansion timetable is not required for the activities 

proposed in this plan. 

13.4 WASTE DISPOSAL

The Table, “Wastes You Will Transport and/or Dispose of Onshore, “is included as

Attachment 12-A.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 14 – Pg. 27 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 14

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT (CZMA) INFORMATION

Relevant enforceable policies were considered in certifying consistency for Louisiana. 

A certificate of Coastal Zone Management Consistency for the state of Louisiana is 

included as Attachment 14-A.

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 14 – Pg. 28 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

The OCS related oil and gas development activities having potential impact on the 

Alabama Coastal Zone are based on the location of the proposed facilities, access to 

those sites, best practical technique for operations and production equipment,

guidelines for the prevention of adverse environmental effects, effective environmental 

protection, emergency plans and contingency plans. Alabama policies have been 

addressed below or are cross referenced to the appropriate sections of the plan:

Topic Cross 

Reference

Comments

Coastal 

Resource Use 

Policies

Coastal 

Development

Dock and port facilities in Louisiana will be used. There 

will be no new construction, dredging, or filling in 

Alabama state waters. There will be no new commercial 

development or capital improvements in Alabama’s 

coastal zone, nor will there be any employment effects.

Mineral 

Resource 

Exploration 

and Extraction

Proposed exploration operations will take place 62.0 

miles from Alabama’s coastline.

Commercial 

Fishing

Section 8

Hazard 

Management

Section 3 A Shallow Hazards Report has been prepared and 

submitted to BOEM in order to identify and assess the 

seafloor and shallow geologic conditions in these blocks.

Shoreline 

Erosion

Section 8 Proposed exploration operations will take place 62.0 

miles from Alabama’s coastline.

Recreation Section 8

Transportation Section 12

Natural 

Resource 

Protection 

Policies

Biological 

Productivity

Section 8

Water Quality Section 8

Water 

Resources

Section 8

Air Quality Section 7

Wetlands and Section 8
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 14 – Pg. 29 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

Topic Cross 

Reference

Comments

Submerged 

Grassbeds

Beach and 

Dune 

Protection

Section 8

Wildlife Habitat 

Protection

Section 8

Endangered 

Species

Section 8

Cultural 

Resources 

Protection

Section 5 Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are located in an 

area where historic shipwrecks may exist. An 

archaeological report was prepared by C&C 

Technologies Survey Services and it was determined that 

there are no known historic shipwrecks located in the 

block. The report is submitted with this EP.

The proposed activities described in detail in this Plan comply with Alabama’s approved 

Coastal Zone Management Programs and will be conducted in a manner consistent with 

such Programs. 

A certificate of Coastal Zone Management Consistency for the state of Alabama is 

included as Attachment 14-B.

Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 15 – Pg. 30 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 15

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS 

The Environmental Impact Analysis is included as Attachment 15-A.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FMO&G)

Supplemental Exploration Plan

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127

OCS-G 18194/19925

(A) IMPACT PRODUCING FACTORS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

Environment

Resources

Impact Producing Factors (IPFs)

Categories and Examples

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

Emissions 

(air, noise, 

light, etc.)

Effluents 

(muds, 

cutting, other 

discharges to 

the water 

column or 

seafloor)

Physical 

disturbances to the 

seafloor (rig or 

anchor 

emplacements, 

etc.)

Wastes sent 

to shore for 

treatment 

or disposal

Accidents 

(e.g., oil 

spills, 

chemical 

spills, H2S 

releases)

Discarded

Trash &

Debris

Site-specific at Offshore 

Location

Designated topographic features (1) (1) (1)

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

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

Benthic communities (4)

Water quality X X

Fisheries X X

Marine Mammals X(8) X X(8) X

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

Air quality X(9)

Shipwreck sites (known or 

potential)

(7)

Prehistoric archaeological sites (7)

Vicinity of Offshore Location

Essential fish habitat X X(6)

Marine and pelagic birds X X X

Public health and safety (5)

Coastal and Onshore

Beaches X(6) X

Wetlands X(6) X

Shore birds and coastal nesting 

birds

X(6) X

Coastal wildlife refuges

Wilderness areas
Footnotes for Environmental Impact Analysis Matrix

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

any anchors will be on the seafloor within the:

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

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

Features Stipulation attached to an OCS lease;

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

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

by the Topographic Features Stipulation attached to an OCS lease.

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

Trend) Stipulation attached to an OCS lease.

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

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

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

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

determine would impact these environmental resources. If the proposed action is located a sufficient distance 

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

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

by the BOEM as having high-probability for the occurrence of shipwrecks or prehistoric sites, including such 

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

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

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

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

sea turtles or their critical habitats.

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

Site-Specific at Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127

Proposed operations consist of the drilling, completion, testing, flaring, and installation of subsea 

trees for Well Locations A-D.

The operations will be conducted with two dynamically positioned drillships.

1. Designated Topographic Features

Potential IPFs on topographic features include effluents, and accidents. 

Effluents: Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are 91 miles from the closest designated 

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

expected. 

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

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

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

into the water column; measurable amounts have been documented down to a 10 m depth. At 

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

amount shown to have an effect on corals. Because the crests of topographic features in the 

Northern Gulf of Mexico are found below 10 m, no oil from a surface spill could reach their 

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

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

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 8). 

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

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

2. Pinnacle Trend Area Live Bottoms

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

Effluents: Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are 24 miles from the closest live bottom 

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

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

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

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

from a surface spill can be driven into the water column; measurable amounts have been 

documented down to a 10 m depth. At this depth, the oil is found only at concentrations several 
orders of magnitude lower than the amount shown to have an effect on marine organisms. Oil 

from a subsurface spill is not applicable due to the distance of these blocks from a live bottom 

(pinnacle trend) area. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional 

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 8). 

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

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

(pinnacle trend) area. 

3. Eastern Gulf Live Bottoms

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

Effluents: Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located in an area characterized by 

the existence of live bottoms; therefore, no adverse impacts are expected.

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

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

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

into the water column; measurable amounts have been documented down to a 10 m depth. At 

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

amount shown to have an effect on marine invertebrates. Oil from a subsurface spill is not 

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

this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in 

Section 8). 

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

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

bottom area. 

4. Benthic Communities 

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

shore for disposal, or accidents) from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to benthic 

communities.

Two dynamically positioned drillships are being used for the proposed activities; therefore, only 

an insignificant amount of seafloor will be disturbed. Because physical disturbances to the 

seafloor will be minimized by the use of the dynamically positioned drillships, FMO&G’s 

proposed operations in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 would not cause impacts to 

benthic communities.
5. Water Quality

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

Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 include effluents and accidents.

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

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

permit, thereby eliminating many significant biological or ecological effects. Operational 

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

Accidents: Oil spills have the potential to alter offshore water quality; however, it is unlikely 

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

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

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

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

there were 80 reported diesel spills greater than one barrel associated with drilling activities. 

Considering that there were 11,944 wells drilled, this is a 0.7 percent probability of an 

occurrence. If a spill were to occur, the water quality of marine waters would be temporarily 

affected by the dissolved components and small oil droplets. Dispersion by currents and 

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

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

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

of oil are insoluble in water and therefore float. The activities proposed in this plan will be 

covered by FMO&G’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to information submitted in 

Section 8).

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

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

quality.

6. Fisheries

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

Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 include effluents and accidents. 

Effluents: Effluents such as drilling fluids and cuttings discharges contain components and 

properties which are detrimental to fishery resources. Moderate petroleum and metal 

contamination of sediments and the water column can occur out to several hundred meters downcurrent from the discharge point. Offshore discharges are expected to disperse and dilute to very 

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

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

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

fisheries; however, it is unlikely that such an event would occur from the proposed activities 
(refer to Item 5, Water Quality). The effects of oil on mobile adult finfish or shellfish would 

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

shellfish to avoid the spill, to metabolize hydrocarbons, and to excrete both metabolites and 

parent compounds. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional 

OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 8). 

There are no IPFs from emissions, physical disturbances to the seafloor or wastes sent to shore 

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

7. Marine Mammals

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

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

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

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

cause impacts to marine mammals as a result of the proposed operations in Mississippi Canyon 

Blocks 126 and 127 include emissions, effluents, discarded trash and debris, and accidents. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

FMO&G will operate in accordance with the regulations and also avoid accidental loss of solid 

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

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

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

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

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

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

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

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

avoid marine mammals and reduce potential deaths by maintaining a vigilant watch for marine 

mammals and maintaining a safe distance when they are sighted. Vessel crews should use a 

reference guide to help identify the twenty-eight species of whales and dolphins, and the single 

species of manatee that may be encountered in the Gulf of Mexico OCS. Vessel crews must 

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

regardless of whether the injury or death is caused by their vessel, to the Marine Mammal and 

Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (888) 404-3922, the NMFS Southeast Regional Office at (727) 

824-5312, or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (305) 862-2850. In addition, if the 

injury or death was caused by a collision with a contract vessel, the BOEM must be notified 

within 24 hours of the strike by email to protectedspecies@boemre.gov. If the vessel is the 

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

network as needed. 

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

marine mammals. However, it is unlikely that an accidental oil spill would occur from the 

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

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

thereby causing additional stress to the animals. The effect of oil dispersants on cetaceans is not 

known. The acute toxicity of oil dispersant chemicals included in FMO&G’s OSRP is 

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

products. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s OSRP (refer to 

information submitted in accordance with Section 8).

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

activities which could impact marine mammals.

8. Sea Turtles

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

emissions, effluents, discarded trash and debris, and accidents. GulfCet II studies sighted most 

loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley and leatherback sea turtles over shelf waters. Historically these 
species have been sighted up to the shelf’s edge. They appear to be more abundant east of the 

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

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

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

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

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

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

drilling fluids would be indirect, either as a result of impacts on prey items or possibly through 

ingestion in the food chain (API, 1989).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of solid waste items by maintaining waste management plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, 

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

solid waste. Special caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of small items and 

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

materials such as plastic or glass.

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

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

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

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

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

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

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

Vessel crews must report sightings of any injured or dead protected sea turtle species 

immediately, regardless of whether the injury or death is caused by their vessel, to the Marine 

Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (888) 404-3922, the NMFS Southeast Regional 
Office at (727) 824-5312, or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (305) 862-2850. In 

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

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

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

stranding network as needed. 

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

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

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

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

in the area, which could add to the possibility of collisions with sea turtles. The activities 

proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan (refer to 

information submitted in accordance with Section 8).

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

activities which could impact sea turtles.

9. Air Quality

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are located 79 miles from the Breton Wilderness Area 

and 62 miles from shore. Applicable emissions data is included in Section 7 of the Plan.

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

proposed activities. Plan Emissions for the proposed activities do not exceed the annual 

exemption levels as set forth by BOEM. Accidents and blowouts can release hydrocarbons or 

chemicals, which could cause the emission of air pollutants. However, these releases would not 

impact onshore air quality because of the prevailing atmospheric conditions, emission height, 

emission rates, and the distance of Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 from the coastline. 

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

shore for treatment or disposal) from the proposed activities which would impact air quality.

10. Shipwreck Sites (known or potential)

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

operations in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 include disturbances to the seafloor.

Physical disturbances to the seafloor: Two dynamically positioned drillships are being used 

for the proposed activities; therefore, only an insignificant amount of seafloor will be disturbed. 

Because physical disturbances to the seafloor will be minimized by the use of the dynamically 

positioned drillships, FMO&G’s proposed operations in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127

would not cause impacts to shipwreck sites.
Additionally, Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are not located in or adjacent to an OCS 

block designated by BOEM as having a high probability for occurrence of shipwrecks, therefore, 

no adverse impacts are expected.

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

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

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

archaeologist and by FMO&G to be clear of seafloor archaeological resources, including historic 

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

submitted to the BOEM. Should a resource be encountered, FMO&G will contact the BOEM 

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

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

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

11. Prehistoric Archaeological Sites

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

operations in Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are physical disturbances to the seafloor 

and accidents (oil spills). 

Physical Disturbances to the seafloor: Although the operations proposed will be conducted by 

utilizing two dynamically positioned drillships, which would cause only an insignificant amount 

of seafloor to be disturbed, Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 are located inside the 

Archaeological Prehistoric high probability lines. FMO&G will report to BOEM the discovery of 

any object of prehistoric archaeological significance and make every reasonable effort to 

preserve and protect that cultural resource.

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

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

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

archaeologist and by FMO&G to be clear of seafloor archaeological resources. Copies of the 

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

a resource be encountered, FMO&G will contact the BOEM immediately and make every 

reasonable effort to preserve and protect that cultural resource. .

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

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

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

The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional Oil Spill Response 

Plan (refer to information submitted in accordance with Section 8).

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

disposal) from the proposed activities which could impact prehistoric archeological sites.
Vicinity of Offshore Location

1. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)

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

Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 include effluents and accidents. EFH includes all estuarine and 

marine waters and substrates in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Effluents: The Live Bottom Low Relief Stipulation, the Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) 

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

impacts on live-bottom communities and EFH from operational waste discharges. Levels of 

contaminants in drilling muds and cuttings and produced-water discharges, discharge-rate 

restrictions, and monitoring and toxicity testing are regulated by the EPA NPDES permit, 

thereby eliminating many significant biological or ecological effects. Operational discharges are 

not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to EFH.

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

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

larvae are present, have the greatest potential to affect fisheries. However, it is unlikely that an 

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

proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information 

submitted in Section 8).

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

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

fish habitat.

2. Marine and Pelagic Birds 

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

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

Emissions: Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from these activities are far below 

concentrations which could harm coastal and marine birds.

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

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

Water Quality). Marine and pelagic birds feeding at the spill location may experience chronic, 

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

actually be affected to that extent. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by 

FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 8).
Discarded trash and debris: Marine and pelagic birds could become entangled and snared in 

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

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

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

Protection Agency (EPA). FMO&G will operate in accordance with the regulations and also 

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

trash sent to shore, and using special precautions such as covering outside trash bins to prevent 

accidental loss of solid waste. Special caution will be exercised when handling and disposing of 

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

environmentally persistent materials such as plastic or glass. Informational placards will be 

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

personnel, including contractors and other support services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter 

pilots, vessel captains and boat crews) will be indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view 

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

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

training video annually. Offshore personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G

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

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

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

negligible.

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

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

pelagic birds.

3. Public Health and Safety Due to Accidents.

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

shore for treatment or disposal or accidents, including an accidental H2S release) from the 

proposed activities which could cause impacts to public health and safety. In accordance with 

NTL No.’s 2008-G04, 2009-G27, and 2009-G31, sufficient information is included in Section 4

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

Coastal and Onshore

1. Beaches

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

spills) and discarded trash and debris. 

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

and associated resources. Due to the distance from shore (62 miles) and the response capabilities 

that would be implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected. The activities proposed 
in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in 

Section 8). 

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

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

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

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

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

Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FMO&G will operate in 

accordance with the regulations and also avoid accidental loss of solid waste items by 

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

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

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

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

plastic or glass.

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

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

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

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

2. Wetlands

IPFs from the proposed activities that could cause impacts to wetlands include accidents (oil 

spills) and discarded trash and debris. 

Accidents: It is unlikely that an oil spill would occur from the proposed activities (refer to Item 

5, Water Quality). Due to the distance from shore (62 miles) and the response capabilities that 

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

covered by FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 8). 

Discarded trash and debris: There will only be a limited amount of marine debris, if any, 

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

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

Control Act, and regulations imposed by various agencies including the United States Coast 
Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FMO&G will operate in 

accordance with the regulations and also avoid accidental loss of solid waste items by 

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

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

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

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

plastic or glass.

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

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

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

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

wetlands.

3. Shore Birds and Coastal Nesting Birds

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

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

Quality). Given the distance from shore (62 miles) and the response capabilities that would be 

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

FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 8). 

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

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

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

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

United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FMO&G

will operate in accordance with the regulations and also avoid accidental loss of solid waste 

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

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

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

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

plastic or glass.

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

services-related personnel (e.g. helicopter pilots, vessel captains and boat crews) will be 
indoctrinated on waste procedures, and will view the video (or Microsoft PowerPoint 

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

shore birds and coastal nesting birds.

4. Coastal Wildlife Refuges

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

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

(refer to Item 5, Water Quality). Due to the distance from shore (62 miles) and the response 

capabilities that would be implemented, no impacts are expected. The activities proposed in this 

plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional OSRP (refer to information submitted in Section 

8).

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

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

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

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FMO&G will operate in accordance with the 

regulations and also avoid accidental loss of solid waste items by maintaining waste management 

plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, and using special precautions such as covering outside 

trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special caution will be exercised when 

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

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

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

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

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

coastal wildlife refuges.
5. Wilderness Areas

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

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

Item 5, Water Quality). Due to the distance from the nearest designated Wilderness Area (79

miles) and the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant adverse impacts 

are expected. The activities proposed in this plan will be covered by FMO&G’s Regional OSRP 

(refer to information submitted in Section 8).

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

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

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

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FMO&G will operate in accordance with the 

regulations and also avoid accidental loss of solid waste items by maintaining waste management 

plans, manifesting trash sent to shore, and using special precautions such as covering outside 

trash bins to prevent accidental loss of solid waste. Special caution will be exercised when 

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

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

preparation capabilities. All offshore personnel, including contractors and other support 

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

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

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

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

personnel will also receive an explanation from FMO&G management or the designated lease 

operator management that emphasizes their commitment to waste management in accordance 

with NTL No. 2012-G01.

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

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

wilderness areas.

6. Other Environmental Resources Identified

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

(C) IMPACTS ON PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

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

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

conditions.

(D) ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

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

average of ten tropical storms (39-73 mph winds), of which six become hurricanes ( > 74 mph 
winds). Due to its location in the gulf, Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126 and 127 may experience 

hurricane and tropical storm force winds, and related sea currents. These factors can adversely 

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

physical hazards to operators and vessels, damage exploration or production equipment, or result 

in the release of hazardous materials (including hydrocarbons). Additionally, the displacement of 

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

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

impacts:

1. Drilling & completion

a. Secure well

b. Secure rig / platform

c. Evacuate personnel

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

2010-N10.

2. Structure Installation

Operator will not conduct structure installation operations during Tropical Storm or 

Hurricane threat.

(E) ALTERNATIVES

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

(F) MITIGATION MEASURES

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

diminish, or eliminate potential impacts on environmental resources. 

(G) CONSULTATION

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

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

(H) PREPARER(S)

Jami Christley

J. Connor Consulting, Inc.

16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 700

Houston, TX 77084

(281) 578-3388

jami.christley@jccteam.com
(I) REFERENCES

Authors: 

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

water marine mammals: a literature review. Washington, DC: American Petroleum 

Institute. 385 pp.

Balazs, G.H. 1985. Impact of ocean debris on marine turtles: entanglement and ingestion. In: 

Shomura, R.S. and H.O. Yoshida, eds. Proceedings, Workshop on the Fate and Impact of

Marine Debris, 26-29 November 1984, Honolulu, HI. U.S. Dept. of Commerce. NOAA 

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

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

drilling muds. Environmental Assessment Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 

ANL/EAD/TM-43.

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

cuttings in waters of the United States. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of 

Water. Work Plan, June 24, 1997.

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

Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Alaska OCS Region, Anchorage. BLMYK-ES-81-006-1792.

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

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

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

Springer-Verlag. Pp. 99-139.

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

exposed to seal bombs in the eastern tropical Pacific purse-seine fishery–an annotated 

bibliography. NOAA Administrative Report LJ-90-06.

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

Piatt, J.F., C.J. Lensink, W. Butler, M. Kendziorek, and D.R. Nysewander. 1990. Immediate 

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

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

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

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

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

Field-Naturalist. 89:278-298.
Although not cited, the following were utilized in preparing this EIA:

 Hazard Surveys

 BOEM EIS’s:

o GOM Deepwater Operations and Activities. Environmental Assessment. BOEM 2000-

001 

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

Impact Statement. BOEM 96-0058.
Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC Section 16 – Pg. 31 of 31

Supplemental Exploration Plan July, 2014

Mississippi Canyon Blocks 126/127 (OCS-G 18194/19925)

SECTION 16

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

16.1 EXEMPTED INFORMATION DESCRIPTION

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

Public Information copy of this EP as well as any discussions of the target objectives, 

geologic or geophysical data, and any interpreted geology.

16.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. C&C Technologies Survey Services. Archaeological Assessment Report “Horn 

Mountain” Prospect Blocks 82 (OCS-G-24044), 126 (OCS-G-18194) and 127 

(OCS-G-19925) Mississippi Canyon Area August, 2013, C&C Project #130271.

2. Geoscience Earth & Marine Services, Inc. Geological and Stratigraphic 

Assessment Blocks 82, 126, and 127 Mississippi Canyon Area Gulf of Mexico, 

Project No. 0413-2235, September 24, 2013.

3. Geoscience Earth & Marine Services, Inc. Site Clearance Letters Proposed 

Wellsites A-C Block 127 (OCS-G 19925) Mississippi Canyon Area Gulf of 

Mexico, Project No. 0413-2235, November 15, 2013.

4. Geoscience Earth & Marine Services, Inc. Site Clearance Letter Proposed 

Wellsite D Block 126 (OCS-G 18194) Mississippi Canyon Area Gulf of Mexico, 

Project No. 0514-2387, June 11, 2014.

5. Initial Development Operations Coordination Document (Control Number N7195).

6. Initial Exploration Plan (Control Number N-6208).