Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

Appendix B 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

Authorizations & Notice of Intent 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

THIS PAGE 

INTENTIONALLY 

LEFT BLANK 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 1 May 2011 

Authorization and Extension of Authorizations 

Dated 23 June 2011 

Covering EP Blocks Posey Area 6714, 6762, 6764, 6812, 6912, and 6915 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

THIS PAGE 

INTENTIONALLY 

LEFT BLANK 

 
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

REGION 10 

1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900 

Seattle, WA 98101-3140 OFFICE OF THE 

REGIONAL 

ADMINISTRATOR 

JUN 23 2011 

Ms. Susan Childs 

Alaska Venture Support Integrator Manager 

Shell Exploration & Production Company 

3601 C Street, Suite 1000 

Anchorage, Alaska 99503 

RE: 	 Coverage for Shell Exploration & Production Company under the National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Oil and Gas Exploration Activities on the 

Outer Continental Shelf and Contiguous State Waters for Discharges into the Chukchi and 

Beaufort Seas, Alaska 

Dear Ms. Childs: 

This letter provides the u.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) response to the Shell 

Exploration & Production Company's (Shell) submission of new and revised Notices ofIntent (NO Is) 

and related documents for authorization to discharge into the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. Specifically, 

the Shell NO Is requested permit coverage under the NPDES General Permit, AKG-28-0000 (Arctic 

GP), for wastewater discharges from Shell's proposed exploration activities beginning in the 2012 

drilling season in both seas. This letter also addresses pennit number changes for prior EPA-issued 

discharge authorizations under the Arctic GP. 

Permit Number Changes and Revised Permit Authorizations for Blocks 6658 and 6610 

In May 2009, Shell submitted NOIs for five lease blocks in the Chukchi Sea and two lease blocks in the 

Beaufort Sea. On January 20, 2010, the EPA issued discharge authorizations under the Arctic GP for 

Blocks 6764, 6714, 6912, 6864 and 7007 located in the Chukchi Sea. The EPA assigned permit number 

AKG-28-0004 for these five proposed drill sites. On April 20, 2010, the EPA issued discharge 

authorizations under the Arctic GP for Blocks 6658 and 6610 located in the Beaufort Sea. The EPA 

assigned pennit number AKG-28-0005 for these two proposed drill sites. 

On October 12,2010, Shell submitted a revised NOI for Block 6658 (Sivulliq N/G). The revised NOI 

removed six waste streams from the original NOI (i.e., drilling muds, drilling cuttings, sanitary waste, 

domestic waste, uncontaminated ballast water and bilge water). 

On December 16,2010, Shell resubmitted the five (5) original NOIs for the Chukchi Sea in accordance 

with the duty to reapply provisions ofthe Arctic GP, Part IV.B and 40 C.F.R. § 122.21(d). Shell also 

resubmitted the Sivulliq N/G NOI for Block 6658 and included a revised NOI for Block 6610 (Torpedo 

H). The revised NOI removed six waste streams from the original NOI (i.e., drilling muds, drilling 

cuttings, sanitary waste, domestic waste, uncontaminated ballast water and bilge water). 
The five Chukchi Sea and the two revised Beaufort Sea NOls were deemed complete. Accordingly, 

Arctic GP coverage for the five Chukchi Sea proposed drill sites is continued pursuant to the NPDES 

regulations at 40 C.F.R. §§ 122.6 and 122.21(d). 

Pursuant to Part LD.3 ofthe Arctic GP and in accordance with the two revised Beaufort Sea NOls, Shell 

is authorized the following discharges into the Beaufort Sea from the two proposed drill sites, Block 

6658 (Sivulliq N/G) and Block 6610 (Torpedo H), subject to the terms and conditions ofthe Arctic GP: 

Discharge Number Discharge Description 

002 Deck Drainage 

005 Desalination Unit Wastes 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid 

009 Non-contact Cooling Water 

012 Excess Cement Slurry 

013 Muds, Cuttings, Cement at Seafloor 

The EP A has determined that administration of Arctic GP discharge authorizations will be clearer if 

different permit numbers are assigned to individual proposed drill sites. Consequently, the EPA is 

reassigning permit numbers as identified in the enclosed Attachment A. Attachment A is incorporated 

herein by reference. Please use the applicable NPDES permit numbers in all future correspondence and 

reports. 

New Discharge Authorizations 

On December 16,2010, Shell also submitted 24 new NOls for 11 proposed drill sites in the Chukchi Sea 

and 13 proposed drill sites in the Beaufort Sea (six in Harrison Bay and seven in Camden Bay). The 24 

NOls were submitted before any applicable deadline under 40 C.F.R. § 122.21(d)(2) or Part VLB of the 

Arctic GP. The 24 NOls are deemed complete. 

Pursuant to Part LD.3 of the Arctic GP, Shell is authorized the following discharges into the Chukchi 

Sea from 11 proposed drill sites (i.e., 6564, 6514, 6812,6762,6713,6811,6914,6864,6915,6763 and 

6971), subject to the terms and conditions of the Arctic GP: 

Discharge Number Discharge Description 

001 Drilling Fluids and Drilling Cuttings 

002 Deck Drainage 

003 Sanitary Wastes 

004 Domestic Wastes 

005 Desalination Unit Wastes 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid 

009 Non-contact Cooling Water 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water 

011 Bilge Water 

012 Excess Cement Slurry 

013 Muds, Cuttings, Cement at Seafloor 

2 

Pursuant to Part LD.3 ofthe Arctic OP, Shell is authorized the following discharges into the Beaufort 

Sea (Harrison Bay) from six proposed drill sites (i.e., 6222, 6273, 6352, 6373, 6374/6424 and 

6351/6401), subject to the terms and conditions ofthe Arctic OP: 

Discharge Number Discharge Description 

001 Drilling Fluids and Drilling Cuttings 

002 Deck Drainage 

003 Sanitary Wastes 

004 Domestic Wastes 

005 Desalination Unit Wastes 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid 

009 Non-contact Cooling Water 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water 

011 Bilge Water 

012 Excess Cement Slurry 

013 Muds, Cuttings, Cement at Seafloor 

Pursuant to Part LD.3 ofthe Arctic OP, Shell is authorized the following discharges into the Beaufort 

Sea (Camden Bay) from the seven proposed drill sites (i.e., 6757, 6707, 6709, 6559 (Torpedo C/J), 

6609,6558 and 6508), subject to the terms and conditions ofthe Arctic OP: 

Discharge Number Discharge Description 

002 Deck Drainage 

005 Desalination Unit Wastes 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid 

009 Non-contact Cooling Water 

012 Excess Cement Slurry 

013 Muds, Cuttings, Cement at Seafloor 

The EPA has assigned individual permit numbers to each ofthe 24 proposed drill sites as identified in 

the enclosed Attachment A. Please use the applicable NPDES permit numbers in all future 

correspondence and reports. 

Please note the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in Part II and the monitOling, recording 

and reporting requirements in Part III ofthe Arctic OP. Discharge Monitoring Reports must be 

submitted monthly by the 10th day ofthe following month. 

A copy ofthe Arctic OP is enclosed and is also available on the EPA's webpage at 

http://yosemite.epa.gov/rl O/water.nsf/npdes+permits/arctic-gp . Facilities discharging under the 

authority ofthe Arctic OP must keep a copy ofthe permit and this coverage letter at the facility where 

the discharges occur, or retain a copy at the nearest administrative or field office managing the 

operation. 

The EPA is in the process ofreissuing the Arctic OP as two separate exploration general pennits for the 

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Permit coverage under the Arctic OP will expire when coverage under the 

reissued general pennits is in effect. Operators authorized to discharge under the Arctic OP will be 

required to submit new NOIs for continued permit coverage under the applicable general permits when 

they are reissued. 

3 

If you have any questions regarding this coverage letter or the Arctic GP, please do not hesitate 

to contact Hanh Shaw, NPDES Permits Unit, at shaw.hanh@epa.gov or (206) 553-0171. 

Sincerely, 

<-;f~~ Dennis J. McLerran ;.ny 

Regional Administrator 

Enclosures 

4 

Attachment A 


Shell Exploration and Production Company 


Permit Number 

AKG-28-0004 

AKG-28-0005 

AKG-28-0006 

AKG-28-0007 

AKG-28-0008 

AKG-28-0009 

AKG-28-0010 

AKG-28-0011 

AKG-28-0012 

AKG-28-0013 

AKG-28-0014 

AKG-28-0015 

AKG-28-0016 

AKG-28-0017 

AKG-28-0018 

AKG-28-0019 

AKG-28-0020 

AKG-28-0021 

AKG-28-0022 

AKG-28-0023 

AKG-28-0024 

AKG-28-0025 

AKG-28-0026 

AKG-28-0027 

AKG-28-0028 

AKG-28-0029 

AKG-28-0030 

AKG-28-0031 

AKG-28-0032 

AKG-28-0033 

AKG-28-0034 

AKG-28-0000 NPDES Permit Numbers 

Lease Block Well Name 

6912 Burger 1 

6764 Burger C 

6714 Burger F 

7007 SW Shoebill C 

6864 Crackerj ack C 

6658 Sivulliq N/G 

6610 Torpedo H 

6564 Bluefoot A 

6514 Bluefoot B 

6812 Burger R 

6762 Burger S 

6713 BurgerTBD 

6811 BurgerTBD 

6914 Burger TBD 

6864 Burger U 

6915 Burger V 

6763 Burger Z 

6971 Honey Guide A 

6222 Cornell A 

6273 Cornell B 

6352 Mauya A 

6373 Mauya Bl 

6374/6424 MauyaB2 

6351/6401 MayaB3 


6757 Sivulliq K 


6707 Sivulliq R 


6709 Sivulliq W 


6559 Torpedo Cil 


6609 Torpedo D 


6558 Torpedo E 


6508 Torpedo F 


Location 

Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Chukchi Sea 


Beaufort Sea - Harrison Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Harrison Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Harrison Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Harrison Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Harrison Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Harrison Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden,Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 


Beaufort Sea - Camden Bay 

Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

THIS PAGE 

INTENTIONALLY 

LEFT BLANK 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 3 May 2011 

Initial EPA Authorization 

Dated 20 January 2010 

Covering EP Blocks Posey Area 6762, 6915, and 6812 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 4 May 2011 

THIS PAGE 

INTENTIONALLY 

LEFT BLANK 
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 


REGION 10 


1200 Sixth Avenue. Suite 900 

Seattle, Washington 98101·3140 

JAN 2 0 2010 

Reply to 

Attn of: OWW ·130 

Ms. Susan Childs 

Regulatory Affairs Manager, Alaska 

Shell Exploration & Production Company 

3601 C Street, Suite 1000 

Anchorage, Alaska 99503 

Re: 	 Coverage for Shell Exploration & Production Company under the National Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Oil and Gas Exploration 

Activities on the Outer Continental Shelf and Contiguous State Waters for Discharges 

into the Chukchi Sea, Alaska (AKG-28-0004) 

Dear Ms. Childs: 

On May 22,2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency received five Notices of 

Intent (NOls) from Shell Exploration & Production Company (Shell) for authorization to 

discharge into the Chukchi Sea. Specifically, the NOls requested permit coverage under the 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit, AKG-28-0000 

(Arctic GP), for wastewater discharges from Shell's proposed exploration activities planned for 

the 2010 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) drilling season with the drillship Frontier Discoverer. 

On November 5,2009, EPA requested additional information from Shell to determine 

whether the requested discharges could be covered under the Arctic GP. EPA received the 

supplemental information on December 1, 2009. 

Pursuant to Part I.D.3 of the Arctic GP, Shell is authorized the following discharges into 

the Chukchi Sea from the five proposed drill sites summarized in Table 1, below, subject to the 

terms and conditions of the Arctic GP: 

Discharge Number 	 Discharge Description 

001 	 Drilling Fluids and Drilling Cuttings 

002 	 Deck Drainage 

003 	 Sanitary Wastes 

004 	 Domestic Wastes 

005 	 Desalination Unit Wastes 

006 	 Blowout Preventer Fluid 

009 	 Non-contact Cooling Water 

010 	 Uncontaminated Ballast Water 

011 	 Bilge Water 

012 	 Excess Cement Slurry 

013 	 Muds, Cuttings, Cement at Seafloor 
2 

TablIP e - rol'osed D n'n s'ltes (Ch u c k h' I S ea) 

Prospect Well Area Block Lease No. 

Burger C Posey 6764 OCS-Y-2280 

Burger F Posey 6714 OCS-Y-2267 

Burger J Posey 6912 OCS-Y-2321 

Crackerjack C Karo 6864 OCS-Y-2111 

SW Shoebill C Karo 7007 OCS-Y-2142 

Please note the effluent limitations and monitoring requirements in Part II. and the 

monitoring, recording and reporting requirements in Part ITI of the Arctic GP. Discharge 

Monitoring Reports must be submitted monthly by the 10th day of the following month. 

The permit number assigned to this operation is AKG-28-0004. Please use this number 

in all future correspondence and reports. A copy of the Arctic GP is enclosed and is also 

available on EPA's webpage at http://epa.gov/rlOearthlwaterpermits.htm under general permits. 

Facilities discharging under the authority of the Arctic GP must keep a copy of the permit and 

this coverage letter at the facility where the discharges occur, or retain a copy at the nearest 

administrative or field office managing the operation. 

If you have any questions regarding this coverage letter or the Arctic GP, please do not 

hesitate to contact Hanh Shaw of my staff at shaw.hanh@epa.gov or (206) 553-0171. 

:;;;~v~ Michael J. Lidt:Manager 

NPDES Permits Unit 

Enclosure 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 5 May 2011 

Notice of Intent for Extension 

Dated 16 December 2010 

Covering EP Blocks Posey Area 6762, 6915, and 6812 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

THIS PAGE 

INTENTIONALLY 

LEFT BLANK 

 
Shell Exploration & Production Company 

December 16, 2010 

Shell

Ms. Hanh Shaw 3601 C Street, Suite 1000 

U.S. EPA, Region 10 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Office of Water & Watersheds, NPDES Permits Unit 

1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900, M/S OWW-130 Tel. (907) 646-7112 

Seattle, WA 98101 Email susan.childs@shell.com

 Internet http://www.shell.com/ 

Dear Ms. Shaw: 

Subject: Notice of Intent for administrative extension under General Permit AKG-28-0000

 Lease Number OCS-Y-2266, Lease Block 6713 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2278, Lease Block 6762 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2279, Lease Block 6763 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2310, Lease Block 6864 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2323, Lease Block 6914 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2324, Lease Block 6915 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2294, Lease Block 6812 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2293, Lease Block 6811 

Lease Number OCS-Y-1976, Lease Block 6971 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2040, Lease Block 6514 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2050, Lease Block 6564 

 

In accordance with 40 CFR 122.21(d) Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. (Shell) is submitting Notices of 

Intent (NOIs) for the Lease Blocks listed above for authorization to discharge under General 

Permit AKG-28-0000 that expires on June 26, 2011. It is Shell’s understanding that a new 

general permit is not scheduled to be issued until the fall of 2011. Therefore, these NOIs also 

serve as Shell’s request for an administrative extension to discharge under NPDES General 

Permit AKG-28-0000 for 2011 and beyond for each authorized NOI until the new General 

Permit is available. 

If you have questions about any component of the proposed project, please contact me at (907) 

646-7112 or email susan.childs@shell.com, or call Nicole St. Amand at (907) 646-7152 or email 

nicole.stamand@shell.com. 
Sincerely, 

Susan Childs 

Alaska Venture Support Integrator Manager 

Attachments - Notice of Intent (NOI) Information Sheets 

 Location Maps 

 Ocean Discharge Tables 

 Discharge Flow Diagrams 

 

 

cc: Diane Soderlund, USEPA Region 10, Alaska Operations 

 Michael Lidgard, USEPA Region 10 

 Jeff Walker, BOEM Alaska 

 Don Perrin, Alaska DNR 

 Administrative Record
Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

ATTACHMENT 1

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

APPLICANT (Owner/Operator)

Owner Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

Operator Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Suite 1000 

Operator Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. Anchorage, AK 99503 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 

FACILITY 

Facility Name: Noble Discoverer Facility Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Contact Name: Susan Childs Suite 1000 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Beginning Date of 

Operation: 

TBD 

Stationary 

Facilities 

Latitude: 

Expected Duration of 

Operation: 

32 days per well site Longitude: 

Facility Type 

(check applicable type) 

 Jackup 

Mobile Facilities 

Initial 

Latitude: 

TBD 

 Drill Ship 

 Semisubmersible 

 Other (specify): Initial 

Longitude: 

TBD 

Submit a site map showing the exact location of facility and discharges associated with the project. Mobile facilities 

may designate an area where they may be operating and must include a map showing those areas and a description of 

operations within those areas. If the discharge is within 4000 meters of an environmentally sensitive area indicated by 

the permit, those areas and their distance from the operation/discharge must be shown on the map.

RECEIVING WATER 

Chukchi Sea Other (specify): 

Beaufort Sea 

Supply confirmation with the U.S. Department of State and NOAA that the discharge is seaward of the inner boundary 

baseline, if applicable.

LOCATION OF DISCHARGE 

MMS Lease Number OCS-Y-2278 ADNR Lease Number N/A 

Block Number Posey Area Block 

6762 

Block Number N/A 

Range of water depths below mean lower 

low water (MLLW) in the lease block: From: 145' To: 145' 

Page 1 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Discharges (check all that apply)

001 Drilling Mud and Cuttings Water Depth: 19.6' 

002 Deck Drainage Water Depth: 19.6' 

003 Sanitary Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

004 Domestic Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

005 Desalination Unit Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid Water Depth: 145' 

007 Boiler Blowdown Water Depth: 

008 Fire Control System Test Water Water Depth: 

009 Non-Contact Cooling Water Water Depth: on the surface at 

several locations 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

011 Bilge Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

012 Excess Cement Slurry Water Depth: 19.6' 

013 Mud, Cuttings, Cement and Seafloor Water Depth: MLC through 26" 

section cuttings at 

135', excess cement 

at 145' 

014 Test Fluid Water Depth: 

Provide a brief description of the treatment process(es) and disposal practices (e.g., backhauled, reinjected, discharged, 

etc.) at the facility. See attached (Table 1) 

Provide a line drawing that shows flow of discharged waste streams through the facility. Indicate intake sources, 

operations contributing to the effluent, and treatment units labeled to correspond to the discharges (001 – 014). 

Construct a flow balance on the line drawing by showing average flows between intakes, operations, treatment units, 

and outfalls. If a flow balance cannot be determined, provide a pictorial description of the nature and amount of any 

sources, and any collection or treatment measures. 

Well Information 

Well Name: Burger Latitude: TBD 

Well Number: S Longitude: TBD 

Beginning Drill Date: TBD Hole Diameter or 

Estimated Total Discharge 

Volume: 

36" diameter at 

surface, reducing 

through 4 stages to 

8.5" at depth 

Drilling Fluid 

Category 

(check all that apply) 

 Water-based 

Group 

(check all that apply) 

 Lignosulfonate 

 Oil-based Lime 

 Synthetic-based Gyp 

 Other (specify): Sea-water 
 Saltwater 

 Saturated Saltwater 

 Nondispersed 

(Viscosifier/Polymer) PH/PA 

Page 2 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Zone of Deposit Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a Zone of Deposit from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A ZONE OF DEPOSIT. The burden 

of proof for justifying a zone of deposit through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.210 rests 

with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Average Mud 

density: 

 

Depth of discharge 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Flow Rate: 

Orientation of outfall to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Total Volume: 

Orientation of outfall to water surface 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Maximum current 

and direction: 

 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Mixing Zone Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a mixing zone from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A MIXING ZONE. The burden of 

 proof for justifying a mixing zone through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.240 through 

18 AAC 70.270 rests with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point or first 

port of diffuser (measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Length of diffuser: 

Depth of discharge port or diffuser 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Diameter of port(s): 

Orientation of diffuser to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Number of ports: 

Maximum current: Port spacing: 

USE OF RECEIVING WATER AT DISTANCE FROM DIFFUSER i.e., Supply for drinking water, Supply for 

agriculture including irrigation & stock water, Supply for aquaculture, Supply for industrial use, Contact recreation, 

Secondary recreation, Fish spawning, Harvesting and consumption of raw fish, or other aquatic life (Not needed if not 

requesting a mixing zone from ADEC): 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Page 3 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Special Conditions (provide justification for all that are not required, completed or provided)

Special Monitoring Required Not Required Justification: 

Exploration Plans Attached Not Provided Justification: TBD 

Biological Surveys Attached Not Provided Justification: None required 

Environmental Report(s) Attached Not Provided Justification: Will be submitted to BOEMRE 

as part of the Exploration Plan 

Drilling Fluid Plan Complete Not Complete Justification: In Preparation 

Certification

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information 

submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible 

for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

Signature: Date: 12/16/2010 

Printed Name: Susan Childs Title: Alaska Support Intergrator Manager 

Mail Completed NOI to EPA and ADEC at the following addresses:

US EPA 

1200 6th Avenue, M/S OWW-130 

Seattle, WA 98101 

ADEC, Water Division 

555 Cordova Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Page 4 of 4 

 
!

!

!

!

Ch u k c h i S e a

Russian EEZ

US EEZ

A r c t i c O c e a n

N P R - A

Le d y a r d B ay

Barrow

Atqasuk

Point Lay

Wainwright

6762

156°W

156°W

160°W

160°W

164°W

164°W

168°W

168°W

72°N72°N

70°N70°N

^

^

Barrow

Nome

Juneau

Seward

Inuvik

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Prince Rupert

Vicinity Map

NOTICE OF INTENT AKG-28-0000

Posey Area Block 6762

Chukchi Sea

$ Notes:

Mercator Projection

Standard Latitude 71 Deg N WGS84

Shell AV GIS/12-14-2010/AKG-28-0000_Fig1_v1.mxd

Legend

State/Fed Boundary

Lease Of Interest

OCS Leases

Shell Operated

Other OCS Lease

Scale: Figure:

1

SHELL

0 10 20 40 60 Miles
TABLE 1

Types and Estimated Volume Ocean Discharges – Burger S Prospect 

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be 

Discharged Discharge Rate* Discharge Method 

Drill cuttings (from 

MLC through 26-

inch section) 

Discharge 013 

4,152 bbl/well (cuttings only; 

no drilling muds used) 

346 bbl/day Mud Line Cellar (MLC) through 26” 

section cuttings deposited at the seafloor 

WBM spent 

drilling fluids – 

Discharge 001 

3,327 bbl/well spent mud 

plus mud in tanks (if multiple 

wells drilled per season, 

water based muds will be 

transferred to and used at 

the next well) 

166 bbl/day 

(including discharge 

of excess water 

based drilling fluid at 

end of the drilling 

season) 

Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Cuttings from 

water based 

intervals – 

Discharge 001 

1,664 bbl/well 83 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Sanitary waste – 

Discharge 003 

960 bbl/well 30 bbl/day Treated in marine sanitary device prior 

to discharge to meet NPDES limits 

(based on 140 people at 9 

gal/person/day) 

Domestic waste – 

Discharge 004 

10,667 bbl/well 333 bbl/day Discharged to water through the 

disposal caisson (based on 140 people 

at 100 gal/person/day) 

Note: all food waste to be incinerated 

Excess cement – 

Discharge 012 

50 bbl/well Two occasions at 1 

bbl/min 

Discharged at seafloor during 30-inch 

and 20-inch cementing operations 

Desalination unit 

brine water – 

Discharge 005 

4,000 bbl/well 125 bbl/day Discharged to water through disposal 

caisson 

Deck drainage – 

Discharge 002 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day 

(dependent on 

rainfall) 

Drains to the oily water separator. 

Uncontaminated water id discharged 

through the disposal caisson; 

contaminated water is stored in a waste 

oil tank then transferred by boat to an 

approved treatment/disposal site. 

Cooling water – 

Discharge 009 

1,440,000 bbl/well 45,000 bbl/day Discharged to water through a number 

of outlets 

Firewater - 

Discharge 008 

0 0 bbl/month No routine firewater system testing 

anticipated 

Ballast water – 

Discharge 010 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson 

Bilge water – 

Discharge 011 

404 bbl/well 13 bbl/day Treated in oily water separator, 

uncontaminated water discharged to sea 

through disposal caisson, oily water 

stored onboard, transferred for transport 

by boat to an approved disposal site 

BOP fluid – 

Discharge 006 

42 bbl/well (6 tests; 7 bbl 

per test) 

7 bbl/test Discharged subsea at BOP when testing 

BOP 

* assumes 12 days to complete the MLC through 26-inch section; 20 days to complete the remainder of the well 
Figure 1. Drilling Fluid Flowpath

Return from well To well

Cement Unit

Seawater from GS header

Mud Mud Cleaners

Chiller

Shale Shakers

HP Header

Mud Pumps

Charge Pump

Shale Pit

Mud Additives from stores

Working and Suction Pits
High Suction 

3 x ME Coolers

Overboard Discharges

High Suction 

Chemical Injection

Main Engine

To Fire Main

R f i ti

Figure 2. Main Engine Room NonContact Cooling Water Flows To Refrig. Condensers

Refrigeration 

Condenser

Contact Cooling Water Flows

Helideck

From Refrig. 

Condensers

Overboard Discharges

Fire Pump

Overboard Discharges
S

To Ballast System (Discharge 010)

To- Hydraulic Coolers / HP Compressors / SCR Room AC condensers then overboard via two discharge lines. Also mud pit filling supply.

General Service Pump

To Fire Main

Discharge 009

Fire Pumps

To Ballast Tanks Discharge 010) Discharge 010)

Suction Ballast Pumps

To Bilge Tank Bilge Pumps Suction

Overboard DischargesDischarge 011

Figure 3. Pump Ro

Flows
Sea Suction 

Strainer

Figure 4. Sivulliq N Generator 

Room Sea Water Flows

Generator Cooling 

6 x CAT 399 Engines 2 x Evaporators

Evapora

Overboard DischargesDischarge 002 (after run 

Sea Suction with Straine

through the oily waste separator system)
C t U it

To Flare Boom station To well

Cement Unit

from Centrifuge Drains

Mud C

Shale S

Mud Pumps

Overboard 

Discharge

Wash water from 

cement pump

Cuttings Trough (o

Dump Trough (in

Charge Pump Charge Pump

Figure 5 Mud Pump Room Sea Water Flows

2 x SW P

Figure Chemical 5. Mud Pump Room Sea Water FlowsSchematic SEA SUCTION

C e caTreatment
Oily Water Separator System 
Discharge Caisson 

The discharge caisson is a pipe that runs vertically through the sponson on the hull of 

the drillship from the main deck level to the base of the sponson. The sponson is an 

exterior reinforced cladding installed on the Discoverer to provide ice resistance. It is 

hollow and extends from the main deck level to well below the water line. 

Waste streams are collected aboard the drillship to a point on the main deck near the 

mud room. A 15-in. diameter pipe exits the hull, turns downwards and is connected to 

the top of the discharge caisson.

 

The discharge caisson, also a 15-in OD pipe, is welded into the sponson top and bottom 

(so that the interior of the sponson remains dry). The bottom of the sponson and the 

end of the discharge caisson is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) above the keel depth, and since it remains 

open to the sea at all times, the discharge caisson is constantly filled with water to mean 

sea level. This caisson is not equipped with a "float" valve; it is merely an open conduit 

to the sea through which most waste streams are discharged below sea level. 

 

The Discoverer has the following draft characteristics: 

 

Max draft at load line: 27 ft (8.2 m) 

Transit draft 26.3 ft (8.0 m) 

Drilling draft 25.2 ft (7.7 m) 

Light ship draft 19.0 ft (5.8 m) 

 

With the bottom of the sponson 5.6 ft above the keel, the base of the discharge caisson 

while drilling is 25.2 ft – 5.6 ft = 19.6 ft (6.0 m) below mean sea level. Because of heave, 

the water level inside the caisson is constantly changing. 

See attached schematic drawings: 
Ship’s Hull 

Sponson

Discharge 

Caisson 
Sponson

Top, Discharge 

Caisson 

 Section B-B 

Base, Discharge Caisson 

Sponson
Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

ATTACHMENT 1

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

APPLICANT (Owner/Operator)

Owner Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

Operator Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Suite 1000 

Operator Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. Anchorage, AK 99503 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 

FACILITY 

Facility Name: Noble Discoverer Facility Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Contact Name: Susan Childs Suite 1000 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Beginning Date of 

Operation: 

TBD 

Stationary 

Facilities 

Latitude: 

Expected Duration of 

Operation: 

31 days per well site Longitude: 

Facility Type 

(check applicable type) 

 Jackup 

Mobile Facilities 

Initial 

Latitude: 

TBD 

 Drill Ship 

 Semisubmersible 

 Other (specify): Initial 

Longitude: 

TBD 

Submit a site map showing the exact location of facility and discharges associated with the project. Mobile facilities 

may designate an area where they may be operating and must include a map showing those areas and a description of 

operations within those areas. If the discharge is within 4000 meters of an environmentally sensitive area indicated by 

the permit, those areas and their distance from the operation/discharge must be shown on the map.

RECEIVING WATER 

Chukchi Sea Other (specify): 

Beaufort Sea 

Supply confirmation with the U.S. Department of State and NOAA that the discharge is seaward of the inner boundary 

baseline, if applicable.

LOCATION OF DISCHARGE 

MMS Lease Number OCS-Y-2324 ADNR Lease Number N/A 

Block Number Posey Area Block 

6915 

Block Number N/A 

Range of water depths below mean lower 

low water (MLLW) in the lease block: From: 145' To: 145' 

Page 1 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Discharges (check all that apply)

001 Drilling Mud and Cuttings Water Depth: 19.6' 

002 Deck Drainage Water Depth: 19.6' 

003 Sanitary Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

004 Domestic Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

005 Desalination Unit Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid Water Depth: 145' 

007 Boiler Blowdown Water Depth: 

008 Fire Control System Test Water Water Depth: 

009 Non-Contact Cooling Water Water Depth: on the surface at 

several locations 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

011 Bilge Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

012 Excess Cement Slurry Water Depth: 19.6' 

013 Mud, Cuttings, Cement and Seafloor Water Depth: MLC through 26" 

section cuttings at 

135'; excess cement 

at 145' 

014 Test Fluid Water Depth: 

Provide a brief description of the treatment process(es) and disposal practices (e.g., backhauled, reinjected, discharged, 

etc.) at the facility. See attached (Table 1) 

Provide a line drawing that shows flow of discharged waste streams through the facility. Indicate intake sources, 

operations contributing to the effluent, and treatment units labeled to correspond to the discharges (001 – 014). 

Construct a flow balance on the line drawing by showing average flows between intakes, operations, treatment units, 

and outfalls. If a flow balance cannot be determined, provide a pictorial description of the nature and amount of any 

sources, and any collection or treatment measures. 

Well Information 

Well Name: Burger Latitude: TBD 

Well Number: V Longitude: TBD 

Beginning Drill Date: TBD Hole Diameter or 

Estimated Total Discharge 

Volume: 

36" diameter at 

surface, reducing 

through 4 stages to 

8.5" at depth 

Drilling Fluid 

Category 

(check all that apply) 

 Water-based 

Group 

(check all that apply) 

 Lignosulfonate 

 Oil-based Lime 

 Synthetic-based Gyp 

 Other (specify): Sea-water 
 Saltwater 

 Saturated Saltwater 

 Nondispersed 

(Viscosifier/Polymer) PH/PA 

Page 2 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Zone of Deposit Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a Zone of Deposit from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A ZONE OF DEPOSIT. The burden 

of proof for justifying a zone of deposit through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.210 rests 

with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Average Mud 

density: 

 

Depth of discharge 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Flow Rate: 

Orientation of outfall to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Total Volume: 

Orientation of outfall to water surface 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Maximum current 

and direction: 

 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Mixing Zone Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a mixing zone from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A MIXING ZONE. The burden of 

 proof for justifying a mixing zone through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.240 through 

18 AAC 70.270 rests with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point or first 

port of diffuser (measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Length of diffuser: 

Depth of discharge port or diffuser 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Diameter of port(s): 

Orientation of diffuser to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Number of ports: 

Maximum current: Port spacing: 

USE OF RECEIVING WATER AT DISTANCE FROM DIFFUSER i.e., Supply for drinking water, Supply for 

agriculture including irrigation & stock water, Supply for aquaculture, Supply for industrial use, Contact recreation, 

Secondary recreation, Fish spawning, Harvesting and consumption of raw fish, or other aquatic life (Not needed if not 

requesting a mixing zone from ADEC): 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Page 3 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Special Conditions (provide justification for all that are not required, completed or provided)

Special Monitoring Required Not Required Justification: 

Exploration Plans Attached Not Provided Justification: TBD 

Biological Surveys Attached Not Provided Justification: None required 

Environmental Report(s) Attached Not Provided Justification: Will be submitted to BOEM as 

part of the Exploration Plan 

Drilling Fluid Plan Complete Not Complete Justification: In Preparation 

Certification

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information 

submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible 

for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

Signature: Date: 12/16/2010 

Printed Name: Susan Childs Title: Alaska Support Intergrator Manager 

Mail Completed NOI to EPA and ADEC at the following addresses:

US EPA 

1200 6th Avenue, M/S OWW-130 

Seattle, WA 98101 

ADEC, Water Division 

555 Cordova Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Page 4 of 4 

 
!

!

!

!

Ch u k c h i S e a

Russian EEZ

US EEZ

A r c t i c O c e a n

N P R - A

Le d y a r d B ay

Barrow

Atqasuk

Point Lay

Wainwright

6915

156°W

156°W

160°W

160°W

164°W

164°W

168°W

168°W

72°N72°N

70°N70°N

^

^

Barrow

Nome

Juneau

Seward

Inuvik

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Prince Rupert

Vicinity Map

NOTICE OF INTENT AKG-28-0000

Posey Area Block 6915

Chukchi Sea

$ Notes:

Mercator Projection

Standard Latitude 71 Deg N WGS84

Shell AV GIS/12-14-2010/AKG-28-0000_Fig1_v1.mxd

Legend

State/Fed Boundary

Lease Of Interest

OCS Leases

Shell Operated

Other OCS Lease

Scale: Figure:

1

SHELL

0 10 20 40 60 Miles
TABLE 1

Types and Estimated Volume Ocean Discharges – Burger V Prospect 

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be 

Discharged Discharge Rate* Discharge Method 

Drill cuttings (from 

MLC through 26-

inch section) 

Discharge 013 

4,152 bbl/well (cuttings only; 

no drilling muds used) 

346 bbl/day Mud Line Cellar (MLC) through 26” 

section cuttings deposited at the seafloor 

WBM spent 

drilling fluids – 

Discharge 001 

3,291 bbl/well spent mud 

plus mud in tanks (if multiple 

wells drilled per season, 

water based muds will be 

transferred to and used at 

the next well) 

173 bbl/day 

(including discharge 

of excess water 

based drilling fluid at 

end of the drilling 

season) 

Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Cuttings from 

water based 

intervals – 

Discharge 001 

1,645bbl/well 87 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Sanitary waste – 

Discharge 003 

10,333 bbl/well 30 bbl/day Treated in marine sanitary device prior 

to discharge to meet NPDES limits 

(based on 140 people at 9 

gal/person/day) 

Domestic waste – 

Discharge 004 

2573 bbl/well 333 bbl/day Discharged to water through the 

disposal caisson (based on 140 people 

at 100 gal/person/day) 

Note: all food waste to be incinerated 

Excess cement – 

Discharge 012 

50 bbl/well Two occasions at 1 

bbl/min 

Discharged at seafloor during 30-inch 

and 20-inch cementing operations 

Desalination unit 

brine water – 

Discharge 005 

3,875 bbl/well 125 bbl/day Discharged to water through disposal 

caisson 

Deck drainage – 

Discharge 002 

155 bbl/well 5 bbl/day 

(dependent on 

rainfall) 

Drains to the oily water separator. 

Uncontaminated water id discharged 

through the disposal caisson; 

contaminated water is stored in a waste 

oil tank then transferred by boat to an 

approved treatment/disposal site. 

Cooling water – 

Discharge 009 

1,395,000 bbl/well 45,000 bbl/day Discharged to water through a number 

of outlets 

Firewater - 

Discharge 008 

0 0 bbl/month No routine firewater system testing 

anticipated 

Ballast water – 

Discharge 010 

155 bbl/well 5 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson 

Bilge water – 

Discharge 011 

391 bbl/well 13 bbl/day Treated in oily water separator, 

uncontaminated water discharged to sea 

through disposal caisson, oily water 

stored onboard, transferred for transport 

by boat to an approved disposal site 

BOP fluid – 

Discharge 006 

42 bbl/well (6 tests; 7 bbl per 

test) 

7 bbl/test Discharged subsea at BOP when testing 

BOP 

* assumes 12 days to complete the MLC through 26-inch section; 19 days to complete the remainder of the well 
Figure 1. Drilling Fluid Flowpath

Return from well To well

Cement Unit

Seawater from GS header

Mud Mud Cleaners

Chiller

Shale Shakers

HP Header

Mud Pumps

Charge Pump

Shale Pit

Mud Additives from stores

Working and Suction Pits
High Suction 

3 x ME Coolers

Overboard Discharges

High Suction 

Chemical Injection

Main Engine

To Fire Main

R f i ti

Figure 2. Main Engine Room NonContact Cooling Water Flows To Refrig. Condensers

Refrigeration 

Condenser

Contact Cooling Water Flows

Helideck

From Refrig. 

Condensers

Overboard Discharges

Fire Pump

Overboard Discharges
S

To Ballast System (Discharge 010)

To- Hydraulic Coolers / HP Compressors / SCR Room AC condensers then overboard via two discharge lines. Also mud pit filling supply.

General Service Pump

To Fire Main

Discharge 009

Fire Pumps

To Ballast Tanks Discharge 010) Discharge 010)

Suction Ballast Pumps

To Bilge Tank Bilge Pumps Suction

Overboard DischargesDischarge 011

Figure 3. Pump Ro

Flows
Sea Suction 

Strainer

Figure 4. Sivulliq N Generator 

Room Sea Water Flows

Generator Cooling 

6 x CAT 399 Engines 2 x Evaporators

Evapora

Overboard DischargesDischarge 002 (after run 

Sea Suction with Straine

through the oily waste separator system)
C t U it

To Flare Boom station To well

Cement Unit

from Centrifuge Drains

Mud C

Shale S

Mud Pumps

Overboard 

Discharge

Wash water from 

cement pump

Cuttings Trough (o

Dump Trough (in

Charge Pump Charge Pump

Figure 5 Mud Pump Room Sea Water Flows

2 x SW P

Figure Chemical 5. Mud Pump Room Sea Water FlowsSchematic SEA SUCTION

C e caTreatment
Oily Water Separator System 
Discharge Caisson 

The discharge caisson is a pipe that runs vertically through the sponson on the hull of 

the drillship from the main deck level to the base of the sponson. The sponson is an 

exterior reinforced cladding installed on the Discoverer to provide ice resistance. It is 

hollow and extends from the main deck level to well below the water line. 

Waste streams are collected aboard the drillship to a point on the main deck near the 

mud room. A 15-in. diameter pipe exits the hull, turns downwards and is connected to 

the top of the discharge caisson.

 

The discharge caisson, also a 15-in OD pipe, is welded into the sponson top and bottom 

(so that the interior of the sponson remains dry). The bottom of the sponson and the 

end of the discharge caisson is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) above the keel depth, and since it remains 

open to the sea at all times, the discharge caisson is constantly filled with water to mean 

sea level. This caisson is not equipped with a "float" valve; it is merely an open conduit 

to the sea through which most waste streams are discharged below sea level. 

 

The Discoverer has the following draft characteristics: 

 

Max draft at load line: 27 ft (8.2 m) 

Transit draft 26.3 ft (8.0 m) 

Drilling draft 25.2 ft (7.7 m) 

Light ship draft 19.0 ft (5.8 m) 

 

With the bottom of the sponson 5.6 ft above the keel, the base of the discharge caisson 

while drilling is 25.2 ft – 5.6 ft = 19.6 ft (6.0 m) below mean sea level. Because of heave, 

the water level inside the caisson is constantly changing. 

See attached schematic drawings: 
Ship’s Hull 

Sponson

Discharge 

Caisson 
Sponson

Top, Discharge 

Caisson 

 Section B-B 

Base, Discharge Caisson 

Sponson
Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

ATTACHMENT 1

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

APPLICANT (Owner/Operator)

Owner Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

Operator Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Suite 1000 

Operator Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. Anchorage, AK 99503 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 

FACILITY 

Facility Name: Noble Discoverer Facility Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Contact Name: Susan Childs Suite 1000 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Beginning Date of 

Operation: 

TBD 

Stationary 

Facilities 

Latitude: 

Expected Duration of 

Operation: 

50 days per well site Longitude: 

Facility Type 

(check applicable type) 

 Jackup 

Mobile Facilities 

Initial 

Latitude: 

TBD 

 Drill Ship 

 Semisubmersible 

 Other (specify): Initial 

Longitude: 

TBD 

Submit a site map showing the exact location of facility and discharges associated with the project. Mobile facilities 

may designate an area where they may be operating and must include a map showing those areas and a description of 

operations within those areas. If the discharge is within 4000 meters of an environmentally sensitive area indicated by 

the permit, those areas and their distance from the operation/discharge must be shown on the map.

RECEIVING WATER 

Chukchi Sea Other (specify): 

Beaufort Sea 

Supply confirmation with the U.S. Department of State and NOAA that the discharge is seaward of the inner boundary 

baseline, if applicable.

LOCATION OF DISCHARGE 

MMS Lease Number OCS-Y-2294 ADNR Lease Number N/A 

Block Number Posey Area Block 

6812 

Block Number N/A 

Range of water depths below mean lower 

low water (MLLW) in the lease block: From: 145' To: 145' 

Page 1 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Discharges (check all that apply)

001 Drilling Mud and Cuttings Water Depth: 19.6' 

002 Deck Drainage Water Depth: 19.6' 

003 Sanitary Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

004 Domestic Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

005 Desalination Unit Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid Water Depth: 145' 

007 Boiler Blowdown Water Depth: 

008 Fire Control System Test Water Water Depth: 

009 Non-Contact Cooling Water Water Depth: on the surface at 

several locations 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

011 Bilge Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

012 Excess Cement Slurry Water Depth: 19.6' 

013 Mud, Cuttings, Cement and Seafloor Water Depth: MLC through 26" 

section cuttings at 

135'; excess cement 

at 145' 

014 Test Fluid Water Depth: 

Provide a brief description of the treatment process(es) and disposal practices (e.g., backhauled, reinjected, discharged, 

etc.) at the facility. See attached (Table 1) 

Provide a line drawing that shows flow of discharged waste streams through the facility. Indicate intake sources, 

operations contributing to the effluent, and treatment units labeled to correspond to the discharges (001 – 014). 

Construct a flow balance on the line drawing by showing average flows between intakes, operations, treatment units, 

and outfalls. If a flow balance cannot be determined, provide a pictorial description of the nature and amount of any 

sources, and any collection or treatment measures. 

Well Information 

Well Name: Burger Latitude: TBD 

Well Number: R Longitude: TBD 

Beginning Drill Date: TBD Hole Diameter or 

Estimated Total Discharge 

Volume: 

36" diameter at 

surface, reducing 

through 4 stages to 

8.5" at depth 

Drilling Fluid 

Category 

(check all that apply) 

 Water-based 

Group 

(check all that apply) 

 Lignosulfonate 

 Oil-based Lime 

 Synthetic-based Gyp 

 Other (specify): Sea-water 
 Saltwater 

 Saturated Saltwater 

 Nondispersed 

(Viscosifier/Polymer) PH/PA 

Page 2 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Zone of Deposit Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a Zone of Deposit from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A ZONE OF DEPOSIT. The burden 

of proof for justifying a zone of deposit through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.210 rests 

with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Average Mud 

density: 

 

Depth of discharge 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Flow Rate: 

Orientation of outfall to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Total Volume: 

Orientation of outfall to water surface 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Maximum current 

and direction: 

 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Mixing Zone Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a mixing zone from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A MIXING ZONE. The burden of 

 proof for justifying a mixing zone through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.240 through 

18 AAC 70.270 rests with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point or first 

port of diffuser (measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Length of diffuser: 

Depth of discharge port or diffuser 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Diameter of port(s): 

Orientation of diffuser to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Number of ports: 

Maximum current: Port spacing: 

USE OF RECEIVING WATER AT DISTANCE FROM DIFFUSER i.e., Supply for drinking water, Supply for 

agriculture including irrigation & stock water, Supply for aquaculture, Supply for industrial use, Contact recreation, 

Secondary recreation, Fish spawning, Harvesting and consumption of raw fish, or other aquatic life (Not needed if not 

requesting a mixing zone from ADEC): 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Page 3 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Special Conditions (provide justification for all that are not required, completed or provided)

Special Monitoring Required Not Required Justification: 

Exploration Plans Attached Not Provided Justification: TBD 

Biological Surveys Attached Not Provided Justification: None required 

Environmental Report(s) Attached Not Provided Justification: Will be submitted to BOEMRE 

as part of the Exploration Plan 

Drilling Fluid Plan Complete Not Complete Justification: In Preparation 

Certification

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information 

submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible 

for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

Signature: Date: 12/16/2010 

Printed Name: Susan Childs Title: Alaska Support Intergrator Manager 

Mail Completed NOI to EPA and ADEC at the following addresses:

US EPA 

1200 6th Avenue, M/S OWW-130 

Seattle, WA 98101 

ADEC, Water Division 

555 Cordova Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Page 4 of 4 

 
!

!

!

!

Ch u k c h i S e a

Russian EEZ

US EEZ

A r c t i c O c e a n

N P R - A

Le d y a r d B ay

Barrow

Atqasuk

Point Lay

Wainwright

6812

156°W

156°W

160°W

160°W

164°W

164°W

168°W

168°W

72°N72°N

70°N70°N

^

^

Barrow

Nome

Juneau

Seward

Inuvik

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Prince Rupert

Vicinity Map

NOTICE OF INTENT AKG-28-0000

Posey Area Block 6812

Chukchi Sea

$ Notes:

Mercator Projection

Standard Latitude 71 Deg N WGS84

Shell AV GIS/12-14-2010/AKG-28-0000_Fig1_v1.mxd

Legend

State/Fed Boundary

Lease Of Interest

OCS Leases

Shell Operated

Other OCS Lease

Scale: Figure:

1

SHELL

0 10 20 40 60 Miles
TABLE 1

Types and Estimated Volume Ocean Discharges – Burger R Prospect 

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be 

Discharged Discharge Rate* Discharge Method 

Drill cuttings (from 

MLC through 26-

inch section) 

Discharge 013 

4,152 bbl/well (cuttings only; 

no drilling muds used) 

346 bbl/day Mud Line Cellar (MLC) through 26” 

section cuttings deposited at the seafloor 

WBM spent 

drilling fluids – 

Discharge 001 

4,159 bbl/well spent mud 

plus mud in tanks (if multiple 

wells drilled per season, 

water based muds will be 

transferred to and used at 

the next well) 

109 bbl/day 

(including discharge 

of excess water 

based drilling fluid at 

end of the drilling 

season) 

Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Cuttings from 

water based 

intervals – 

Discharge 001 

2,080 bbl/well 55 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Sanitary waste – 

Discharge 003 

1,500 bbl/well 30 bbl/day Treated in marine sanitary device prior 

to discharge to meet NPDES limits 

(based on 140 people at 9 

gal/person/day) 

Domestic waste – 

Discharge 004 

16,667bbl/well 333 bbl/day Discharged to water through the 

disposal caisson (based on 140 people 

at 100 gal/person/day) 

Note: all food waste to be incinerated 

Excess cement – 

Discharge 012 

50 bbl/well Two occasions at 1 

bbl/min 

Discharged at seafloor during 30-inch 

and 20-inch cementing operations 

Desalination unit 

brine water – 

Discharge 005 

6,250 bbl/well 125 bbl/day Discharged to water through disposal 

caisson 

Deck drainage – 

Discharge 002 

250 bbl/well 5 bbl/day 

(dependent on 

rainfall) 

Drains to the oily water separator. 

Uncontaminated water id discharged 

through the disposal caisson; 

contaminated water is stored in a waste 

oil tank then transferred by boat to an 

approved treatment/disposal site. 

Cooling water – 

Discharge 009 

2,250,000 bbl/well 45,000 bbl/day Discharged to water through a number 

of outlets 

Firewater - 

Discharge 008 

0 0 bbl/month No routine firewater system testing 

anticipated 

Ballast water – 

Discharge 010 

250 bbl/well 5 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson 

Bilge water – 

Discharge 011 

631 bbl/well 13 bbl/day Treated in oily water separator, 

uncontaminated water discharged to sea 

through disposal caisson, oily water 

stored onboard, transferred for transport 

by boat to an approved disposal site 

BOP fluid – 

Discharge 006 

42 bbl/well (6 tests; 7 bbl per 

test) 

7 bbl/test Discharged subsea at BOP when testing 

BOP 

* assumes 12 days to complete the MLC through 26-inch section; 38 days to complete the remainder of the well 
Figure 1. Drilling Fluid Flowpath

Return from well To well

Cement Unit

Seawater from GS header

Mud Mud Cleaners

Chiller

Shale Shakers

HP Header

Mud Pumps

Charge Pump

Shale Pit

Mud Additives from stores

Working and Suction Pits
High Suction 

3 x ME Coolers

Overboard Discharges

High Suction 

Chemical Injection

Main Engine

To Fire Main

R f i ti

Figure 2. Main Engine Room NonContact Cooling Water Flows To Refrig. Condensers

Refrigeration 

Condenser

Contact Cooling Water Flows

Helideck

From Refrig. 

Condensers

Overboard Discharges

Fire Pump

Overboard Discharges
S

To Ballast System (Discharge 010)

To- Hydraulic Coolers / HP Compressors / SCR Room AC condensers then overboard via two discharge lines. Also mud pit filling supply.

General Service Pump

To Fire Main

Discharge 009

Fire Pumps

To Ballast Tanks Discharge 010) Discharge 010)

Suction Ballast Pumps

To Bilge Tank Bilge Pumps Suction

Overboard DischargesDischarge 011

Figure 3. Pump Ro

Flows
Sea Suction 

Strainer

Figure 4. Sivulliq N Generator 

Room Sea Water Flows

Generator Cooling 

6 x CAT 399 Engines 2 x Evaporators

Evapora

Overboard DischargesDischarge 002 (after run 

Sea Suction with Straine

through the oily waste separator system)
C t U it

To Flare Boom station To well

Cement Unit

from Centrifuge Drains

Mud C

Shale S

Mud Pumps

Overboard 

Discharge

Wash water from 

cement pump

Cuttings Trough (o

Dump Trough (in

Charge Pump Charge Pump

Figure 5 Mud Pump Room Sea Water Flows

2 x SW P

Figure Chemical 5. Mud Pump Room Sea Water FlowsSchematic SEA SUCTION

C e caTreatment
Oily Water Separator System 
Discharge Caisson 

The discharge caisson is a pipe that runs vertically through the sponson on the hull of 

the drillship from the main deck level to the base of the sponson. The sponson is an 

exterior reinforced cladding installed on the Discoverer to provide ice resistance. It is 

hollow and extends from the main deck level to well below the water line. 

Waste streams are collected aboard the drillship to a point on the main deck near the 

mud room. A 15-in. diameter pipe exits the hull, turns downwards and is connected to 

the top of the discharge caisson.

 

The discharge caisson, also a 15-in OD pipe, is welded into the sponson top and bottom 

(so that the interior of the sponson remains dry). The bottom of the sponson and the 

end of the discharge caisson is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) above the keel depth, and since it remains 

open to the sea at all times, the discharge caisson is constantly filled with water to mean 

sea level. This caisson is not equipped with a "float" valve; it is merely an open conduit 

to the sea through which most waste streams are discharged below sea level. 

 

The Discoverer has the following draft characteristics: 

 

Max draft at load line: 27 ft (8.2 m) 

Transit draft 26.3 ft (8.0 m) 

Drilling draft 25.2 ft (7.7 m) 

Light ship draft 19.0 ft (5.8 m) 

 

With the bottom of the sponson 5.6 ft above the keel, the base of the discharge caisson 

while drilling is 25.2 ft – 5.6 ft = 19.6 ft (6.0 m) below mean sea level. Because of heave, 

the water level inside the caisson is constantly changing. 

See attached schematic drawings: 
Ship’s Hull 

Sponson

Discharge 

Caisson 
Sponson

Top, Discharge 

Caisson 

 Section B-B 

Base, Discharge Caisson 

Sponson
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 7 May 2011 

Notice of Intent for Initial / Extension 

Dated 16 December 2010 

Covering EP Blocks Posey Area 6764, 6714, and 6912 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

THIS PAGE 

INTENTIONALLY 

LEFT BLANK 

 
Shell Exploration & Production Company 

December 16, 2010 

Shell

Ms. Hanh Shaw 3601 C Street, Suite 1000 

U.S. EPA, Region 10 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Office of Water & Watersheds, NPDES Permits Unit 

1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900, M/S OWW-130 Tel. (907) 646-7112 

Seattle, WA 98101 Email susan.childs@shell.com

 Internet http://www.shell.com/ 

Dear Ms. Shaw: 

Subject: Notice of Intent for administrative extension under General Permit AKG-28-0000

 Lease Number OCS-Y-2280, Lease Block 6764 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2267, Lease Block 6714 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2321, Lease Block 6912 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2111, Lease Block 6864 

Lease Number OCS-Y-2142, Lease Block 7007

 

In accordance with 40 CFR 122.21(d) Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. (Shell) is submitting Notices of 

Intent (NOIs) for the Lease Blocks listed above for authorization to discharge under General 

Permit AKG-28-0000 that expires on June 26, 2011. It is Shell’s understanding that a new 

general permit is not scheduled to be issued until the fall of 2011. Therefore, these NOIs also 

serve as Shell’s request for an administrative extension to discharge under NPDES General 

Permit AKG-28-0000 for 2011 and beyond for each authorized NOI until the new General 

Permit is available. The attached NOIs were originally granted by EPA on January 21, 2010 for 

AKG-28-0004. 

If you have questions about any component of the proposed project, please contact me at (907) 

646-7112 or email susan.childs@shell.com, or call Nicole St. Amand at (907) 646-7152 or email 

nicole.stamand@shell.com. 

 

Sincerely, 

Susan Childs 

Alaska Venture Support Integrator Manager 
Attachments - Notice of Intent (NOI) Information Sheets 

 Location Maps 

 Ocean Discharge Tables 

 Discharge Flow Diagrams 

 

 

 

cc: Diane Soderlund, USEPA Region 10, Alaska Operations 

 Michael Lidgard, USEPA Region 10 

 Jeff Walker, BOEMRE Alaska 

 Don Perrin, Alaska DNR 

 Administrative Record
Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

ATTACHMENT 1

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

APPLICANT (Owner/Operator)

Owner Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

Operator Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Suite 1000 

Operator Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. Anchorage, AK 99503 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 

FACILITY 

Facility Name: Noble Discoverer Facility Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Contact Name: Susan Childs Suite 1000 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Beginning Date of 

Operation: 

TBD 

Stationary 

Facilities 

Latitude: 

Expected Duration of 

Operation: 

32 days per well site Longitude: 

Facility Type 

(check applicable type) 

 Jackup 

Mobile Facilities 

Initial 

Latitude: 

TBD 

 Drill Ship 

 Semisubmersible 

 Other (specify): Initial 

Longitude: 

TBD 

Submit a site map showing the exact location of facility and discharges associated with the project. Mobile facilities 

may designate an area where they may be operating and must include a map showing those areas and a description of 

operations within those areas. If the discharge is within 4000 meters of an environmentally sensitive area indicated by 

the permit, those areas and their distance from the operation/discharge must be shown on the map.

RECEIVING WATER 

Chukchi Sea Other (specify): 

Beaufort Sea 

Supply confirmation with the U.S. Department of State and NOAA that the discharge is seaward of the inner boundary 

baseline, if applicable.

LOCATION OF DISCHARGE 

MMS Lease Number OCS-Y-2280 ADNR Lease Number N/A 

Block Number 6764 Block Number N/A 

Range of water depths below mean lower 

low water (MLLW) in the lease block: From: 149' To: 149' 

Page 1 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Discharges (check all that apply)

001 Drilling Mud and Cuttings Water Depth: 19.6' 

002 Deck Drainage Water Depth: 19.6' 

003 Sanitary Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

004 Domestic Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

005 Desalination Unit Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid Water Depth: 149' 

007 Boiler Blowdown Water Depth: 

008 Fire Control System Test Water Water Depth: 

009 Non-Contact Cooling Water Water Depth: on the surface at 

several locations 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

011 Bilge Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

012 Excess Cement Slurry Water Depth: 19.6' 

013 Mud, Cuttings, Cement and Seafloor Water Depth: MLC through 26" 

section cuttings at 

139', excess cement 

at 149' 

014 Test Fluid Water Depth: 

Provide a brief description of the treatment process(es) and disposal practices (e.g., backhauled, reinjected, discharged, 

etc.) at the facility. See attached (Table 1) 

Provide a line drawing that shows flow of discharged waste streams through the facility. Indicate intake sources, 

operations contributing to the effluent, and treatment units labeled to correspond to the discharges (001 – 014). 

Construct a flow balance on the line drawing by showing average flows between intakes, operations, treatment units, 

and outfalls. If a flow balance cannot be determined, provide a pictorial description of the nature and amount of any 

sources, and any collection or treatment measures. 

Well Information 

Well Name: Burger Latitude: TBD 

Well Number: A Longitude: TBD 

Beginning Drill Date: TBD Hole Diameter or 

Estimated Total Discharge 

Volume: 

36" diameter at 

surface, reducing 

through 4 stages to 

8.5" at depth 

Drilling Fluid 

Category 

(check all that apply) 

 Water-based 

Group 

(check all that apply) 

 Lignosulfonate 

 Oil-based Lime 

 Synthetic-based Gyp 

 Other (specify): Sea-water 
 Saltwater 

 Saturated Saltwater 

 Nondispersed 

(Viscosifier/Polymer) PH/PA 

Page 2 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Zone of Deposit Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a Zone of Deposit from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A ZONE OF DEPOSIT. The burden 

of proof for justifying a zone of deposit through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.210 rests 

with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Average Mud 

density: 

 

Depth of discharge 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Flow Rate: 

Orientation of outfall to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Total Volume: 

Orientation of outfall to water surface 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Maximum current 

and direction: 

 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Mixing Zone Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a mixing zone from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A MIXING ZONE. The burden of 

 proof for justifying a mixing zone through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.240 through 

18 AAC 70.270 rests with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point or first 

port of diffuser (measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Length of diffuser: 

Depth of discharge port or diffuser 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Diameter of port(s): 

Orientation of diffuser to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Number of ports: 

Maximum current: Port spacing: 

USE OF RECEIVING WATER AT DISTANCE FROM DIFFUSER i.e., Supply for drinking water, Supply for 

agriculture including irrigation & stock water, Supply for aquaculture, Supply for industrial use, Contact recreation, 

Secondary recreation, Fish spawning, Harvesting and consumption of raw fish, or other aquatic life (Not needed if not 

requesting a mixing zone from ADEC): 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Page 3 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Special Conditions (provide justification for all that are not required, completed or provided)

Special Monitoring Required Not Required Justification: 

Exploration Plans Attached Not Provided Justification: approved 2010 EP previously 

submitted to BOEMRE 

Biological Surveys Attached Not Provided Justification: None required 

Environmental Report(s) Attached Not Provided Justification: Submitted to BOEMRE as part 

of the 2010 Exploration Plan 

Drilling Fluid Plan Complete Not Complete Justification: In Preparation 

Certification

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information 

submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible 

for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

Signature: Date: 12/16/2010 

Printed Name: Susan Childs Title: Alaska Support Intergrator Manager 

Mail Completed NOI to EPA and ADEC at the following addresses:

US EPA 

1200 6th Avenue, M/S OWW-130 

Seattle, WA 98101 

ADEC, Water Division 

555 Cordova Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Page 4 of 4 

 
!

!

!

!

Ch u k c h i S e a

Russian EEZ

US EEZ

A r c t i c O c e a n

N P R - A

Le d y a r d B ay

Barrow

Atqasuk

Point Lay

Wainwright

6764

156°W

156°W

160°W

160°W

164°W

164°W

168°W

168°W

72°N72°N

70°N70°N

^

^

Barrow

Nome

Juneau

Seward

Inuvik

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Prince Rupert

Vicinity Map

NOTICE OF INTENT AKG-28-0000

Posey Area Block 6764

Chukchi Sea

$ Notes:

Mercator Projection

Standard Latitude 71 Deg N WGS84

Shell AV GIS/12-14-2010/AKG-28-0000_Fig1_v1.mxd

Legend

State/Fed Boundary

Lease Of Interest

OCS Leases

Shell Operated

Other OCS Lease

Scale: Figure:

1

SHELL

0 10 20 40 60 Miles
TABLE 1

Types and Estimated Volume Ocean Discharges – Burger A Prospect 

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be 

Discharged Discharge Rate* Discharge Method 

Drill cuttings (from 

MLC through 26-

inch section) 

Discharge 013 

4,152 bbl/well (cuttings only; 

no drilling muds used) 

346 bbl/day Mud Line Cellar (MLC) through 26” 

section cuttings deposited at the seafloor 

WBM spent 

drilling fluids – 

Discharge 001 

3,327 bbl/well spent mud 

plus mud in tanks (if multiple 

wells drilled per season, 

water based muds will be 

transferred to and used at 

the next well) 

166 bbl/day 

(including discharge 

of excess water 

based drilling fluid at 

end of the drilling 

season) 

Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Cuttings from 

water based 

intervals – 

Discharge 001 

1,664 bbl/well 83 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Sanitary waste – 

Discharge 003 

960 bbl/well 30 bbl/day Treated in marine sanitary device prior 

to discharge to meet NPDES limits 

(based on 140 people at 9 

gal/person/day) 

Domestic waste – 

Discharge 004 

10,667 bbl/well 333 bbl/day Discharged to water through the 

disposal caisson (based on 140 people 

at 100 gal/person/day) 

Note: all food waste to be incinerated 

Excess cement – 

Discharge 012 

50 bbl/well Two occasions at 1 

bbl/min 

Discharged at seafloor during 30-inch 

and 20-inch cementing operations 

Desalination unit 

brine water – 

Discharge 005 

4,000 bbl/well 125 bbl/day Discharged to water through disposal 

caisson 

Deck drainage – 

Discharge 002 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day 

(dependent on 

rainfall) 

Drains to the oily water separator. 

Uncontaminated water id discharged 

through the disposal caisson; 

contaminated water is stored in a waste 

oil tank then transferred by boat to an 

approved treatment/disposal site. 

Cooling water – 

Discharge 009 

1,440,000 bbl/well 45,000 bbl/day Discharged to water through a number 

of outlets 

Firewater - 

Discharge 008 

0 0 bbl/month No routine firewater system testing 

anticipated 

Ballast water – 

Discharge 010 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson 

Bilge water – 

Discharge 011 

404 bbl/well 13 bbl/day Treated in oily water separator, 

uncontaminated water discharged to sea 

through disposal caisson, oily water 

stored onboard, transferred for transport 

by boat to an approved disposal site 

BOP fluid – 

Discharge 006 

42 bbl/well (6 tests; 7 bbl 

per test) 

7 bbl/test Discharged subsea at BOP when testing 

BOP 

* assumes 12 days to complete the MLC through 26-inch section; 20 days to complete the remainder of the well 
Figure 1. Drilling Fluid Flowpath

Return from well To well

Cement Unit

Seawater from GS header

Mud Mud Cleaners

Chiller

Shale Shakers

HP Header

Mud Pumps

Charge Pump

Shale Pit

Mud Additives from stores

Working and Suction Pits
High Suction 

3 x ME Coolers

Overboard Discharges

High Suction 

Chemical Injection

Main Engine

To Fire Main

R f i ti

Figure 2. Main Engine Room NonContact Cooling Water Flows To Refrig. Condensers

Refrigeration 

Condenser

Contact Cooling Water Flows

Helideck

From Refrig. 

Condensers

Overboard Discharges

Fire Pump

Overboard Discharges
S

To Ballast System (Discharge 010)

To- Hydraulic Coolers / HP Compressors / SCR Room AC condensers then overboard via two discharge lines. Also mud pit filling supply.

General Service Pump

To Fire Main

Discharge 009

Fire Pumps

To Ballast Tanks Discharge 010) Discharge 010)

Suction Ballast Pumps

To Bilge Tank Bilge Pumps Suction

Overboard DischargesDischarge 011

Figure 3. Pump Ro

Flows
Sea Suction 

Strainer

Figure 4. Sivulliq N Generator 

Room Sea Water Flows

Generator Cooling 

6 x CAT 399 Engines 2 x Evaporators

Evapora

Overboard DischargesDischarge 002 (after run 

Sea Suction with Straine

through the oily waste separator system)
C t U it

To Flare Boom station To well

Cement Unit

from Centrifuge Drains

Mud C

Shale S

Mud Pumps

Overboard 

Discharge

Wash water from 

cement pump

Cuttings Trough (o

Dump Trough (in

Charge Pump Charge Pump

Figure 5 Mud Pump Room Sea Water Flows

2 x SW P

Figure Chemical 5. Mud Pump Room Sea Water FlowsSchematic SEA SUCTION

C e caTreatment
Oily Water Separator System 
Discharge Caisson 

The discharge caisson is a pipe that runs vertically through the sponson on the hull of 

the drillship from the main deck level to the base of the sponson. The sponson is an 

exterior reinforced cladding installed on the Discoverer to provide ice resistance. It is 

hollow and extends from the main deck level to well below the water line. 

Waste streams are collected aboard the drillship to a point on the main deck near the 

mud room. A 15-in. diameter pipe exits the hull, turns downwards and is connected to 

the top of the discharge caisson.

 

The discharge caisson, also a 15-in OD pipe, is welded into the sponson top and bottom 

(so that the interior of the sponson remains dry). The bottom of the sponson and the 

end of the discharge caisson is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) above the keel depth, and since it remains 

open to the sea at all times, the discharge caisson is constantly filled with water to mean 

sea level. This caisson is not equipped with a "float" valve; it is merely an open conduit 

to the sea through which most waste streams are discharged below sea level. 

 

The Discoverer has the following draft characteristics: 

 

Max draft at load line: 27 ft (8.2 m) 

Transit draft 26.3 ft (8.0 m) 

Drilling draft 25.2 ft (7.7 m) 

Light ship draft 19.0 ft (5.8 m) 

 

With the bottom of the sponson 5.6 ft above the keel, the base of the discharge caisson 

while drilling is 25.2 ft – 5.6 ft = 19.6 ft (6.0 m) below mean sea level. Because of heave, 

the water level inside the caisson is constantly changing. 

See attached schematic drawings: 
Ship’s Hull 

Sponson

Discharge 

Caisson 
Sponson

Top, Discharge 

Caisson 

 Section B-B 

Base, Discharge Caisson 

Sponson
Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

ATTACHMENT 1

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

APPLICANT (Owner/Operator)

Owner Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

Operator Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Suite 1000 

Operator Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. Anchorage, AK 99503 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 

FACILITY 

Facility Name: Noble Discoverer Facility Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Contact Name: Susan Childs Suite 1000 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Beginning Date of 

Operation: 

TBD 

Stationary 

Facilities 

Latitude: 

Expected Duration of 

Operation: 

32 days per well site Longitude: 

Facility Type 

(check applicable type) 

 Jackup 

Mobile Facilities 

Initial 

Latitude: 

TBD 

 Drill Ship 

 Semisubmersible 

 Other (specify): Initial 

Longitude: 

TBD 

Submit a site map showing the exact location of facility and discharges associated with the project. Mobile facilities 

may designate an area where they may be operating and must include a map showing those areas and a description of 

operations within those areas. If the discharge is within 4000 meters of an environmentally sensitive area indicated by 

the permit, those areas and their distance from the operation/discharge must be shown on the map.

RECEIVING WATER 

Chukchi Sea Other (specify): 

Beaufort Sea 

Supply confirmation with the U.S. Department of State and NOAA that the discharge is seaward of the inner boundary 

baseline, if applicable.

LOCATION OF DISCHARGE 

MMS Lease Number OCS-Y-2267 ADNR Lease Number N/A 

Block Number Posey Area Block 

6714 

Block Number N/A 

Range of water depths below mean lower 

low water (MLLW) in the lease block: From: 148' To: 148' 

Page 1 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Discharges (check all that apply)

001 Drilling Mud and Cuttings Water Depth: 19.6' 

002 Deck Drainage Water Depth: 19.6' 

003 Sanitary Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

004 Domestic Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

005 Desalination Unit Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid Water Depth: 148' 

007 Boiler Blowdown Water Depth: 

008 Fire Control System Test Water Water Depth: 

009 Non-Contact Cooling Water Water Depth: on the surface at 

several locations 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

011 Bilge Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

012 Excess Cement Slurry Water Depth: 19.6' 

013 Mud, Cuttings, Cement and Seafloor Water Depth: MLC through 26" 

section cuttings at 

138'; excess cement 

at 148' 

014 Test Fluid Water Depth: 

Provide a brief description of the treatment process(es) and disposal practices (e.g., backhauled, reinjected, discharged, 

etc.) at the facility. See attached (Table 1) 

Provide a line drawing that shows flow of discharged waste streams through the facility. Indicate intake sources, 

operations contributing to the effluent, and treatment units labeled to correspond to the discharges (001 – 014). 

Construct a flow balance on the line drawing by showing average flows between intakes, operations, treatment units, 

and outfalls. If a flow balance cannot be determined, provide a pictorial description of the nature and amount of any 

sources, and any collection or treatment measures. 

Well Information 

Well Name: Burger Latitude: TBD 

Well Number: F Longitude: TBD 

Beginning Drill Date: TBD Hole Diameter or 

Estimated Total Discharge 

Volume: 

36" diameter at 

surface, reducing 

through 4 stages to 

8.5" at depth 

Drilling Fluid 

Category 

(check all that apply) 

 Water-based 

Group 

(check all that apply) 

 Lignosulfonate 

 Oil-based Lime 

 Synthetic-based Gyp 

 Other (specify): Sea-water 
 Saltwater 

 Saturated Saltwater 

 Nondispersed 

(Viscosifier/Polymer) PH/PA 

Page 2 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Zone of Deposit Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a Zone of Deposit from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A ZONE OF DEPOSIT. The burden 

of proof for justifying a zone of deposit through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.210 rests 

with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Average Mud 

density: 

 

Depth of discharge 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Flow Rate: 

Orientation of outfall to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Total Volume: 

Orientation of outfall to water surface 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Maximum current 

and direction: 

 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Mixing Zone Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a mixing zone from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A MIXING ZONE. The burden of 

 proof for justifying a mixing zone through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.240 through 

18 AAC 70.270 rests with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point or first 

port of diffuser (measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Length of diffuser: 

Depth of discharge port or diffuser 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Diameter of port(s): 

Orientation of diffuser to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Number of ports: 

Maximum current: Port spacing: 

USE OF RECEIVING WATER AT DISTANCE FROM DIFFUSER i.e., Supply for drinking water, Supply for 

agriculture including irrigation & stock water, Supply for aquaculture, Supply for industrial use, Contact recreation, 

Secondary recreation, Fish spawning, Harvesting and consumption of raw fish, or other aquatic life (Not needed if not 

requesting a mixing zone from ADEC): 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Page 3 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Special Conditions (provide justification for all that are not required, completed or provided)

Special Monitoring Required Not Required Justification: 

Exploration Plans Attached Not Provided Justification: approved 2010 EP previously 

submitted to BOEMRE 

Biological Surveys Attached Not Provided Justification: None required 

Environmental Report(s) Attached Not Provided Justification: Submitted to BOEMRE as part 

of the 2010 Exploration Plan 

Drilling Fluid Plan Complete Not Complete Justification: In Preparation 

Certification

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information 

submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible 

for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

Signature: Date: 12/16/2010 

Printed Name: Susan Childs Title: Alaska Support Intergrator Manager 

Mail Completed NOI to EPA and ADEC at the following addresses:

US EPA 

1200 6th Avenue, M/S OWW-130 

Seattle, WA 98101 

ADEC, Water Division 

555 Cordova Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Page 4 of 4 

 
!

!

!

!

Ch u k c h i S e a

Russian EEZ

US EEZ

A r c t i c O c e a n

N P R - A

Le d y a r d B ay

Barrow

Atqasuk

Point Lay

Wainwright

6714

156°W

156°W

160°W

160°W

164°W

164°W

168°W

168°W

72°N72°N

70°N70°N

^

^

Barrow

Nome

Juneau

Seward

Inuvik

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Prince Rupert

Vicinity Map

NOTICE OF INTENT AKG-28-0000

Posey Area Block 6714

Chukchi Sea

$ Notes:

Mercator Projection

Standard Latitude 71 Deg N WGS84

Shell AV GIS/12-14-2010/AKG-28-0000_Fig1_v1.mxd

Legend

State/Fed Boundary

Lease Of Interest

OCS Leases

Shell Operated

Other OCS Lease

Scale: Figure:

1

SHELL

0 10 20 40 60 Miles
TABLE 1

Types and Estimated Volume Ocean Discharges – Burger F Prospect 

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be 

Discharged Discharge Rate* Discharge Method 

Drill cuttings (from 

MLC through 26-

inch section) 

Discharge 013 

4,152 bbl/well (cuttings only; 

no drilling muds used) 

346 bbl/day* Mud Line Cellar (MLC) through 26” 

section cuttings deposited at the seafloor 

WBM spent 

drilling fluids – 

Discharge 001 

3,506 bbl/well spent mud 

plus mud in tanks (if multiple 

wells drilled per season, 

water based muds will be 

transferred to and used at 

the next well) 

175 bbl/day 

(including discharge 

of excess water 

based drilling fluid at 

end of the drilling 

season) 

Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Cuttings from 

water based 

intervals – 

Discharge 001 

1,753 bbl/well 88 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Sanitary waste – 

Discharge 003 

960 bbl/well 30 bbl/day Treated in marine sanitary device prior 

to discharge to meet NPDES limits 

(based on 140 people at 9 

gal/person/day) 

Domestic waste – 

Discharge 004 

10,667 bbl/well 333 bbl/day Discharged to water through the 

disposal caisson (based on 140 people 

at 100 gal/person/day) 

Note: all food waste to be incinerated 

Excess cement – 

Discharge 012 

50 bbl/well Two occasions at 1 

bbl/min 

Discharged at seafloor during 30-inch 

and 20-inch cementing operations 

Desalination unit 

brine water – 

Discharge 005 

4,000 bbl/well 125 bbl/day Discharged to water through disposal 

caisson 

Deck drainage – 

Discharge 002 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day 

(dependent on 

rainfall) 

Drains to the oily water separator. 

Uncontaminated water id discharged 

through the disposal caisson; 

contaminated water is stored in a waste 

oil tank then transferred by boat to an 

approved treatment/disposal site. 

Cooling water – 

Discharge 009 

1,440,000 bbl/well 45,000 bbl/day Discharged to water through a number 

of outlets 

Firewater - 

Discharge 008 

0 0 bbl/month No routine firewater system testing 

anticipated 

Ballast water – 

Discharge 010 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson 

Bilge water – 

Discharge 011 

404 bbl/well 13 bbl/day Treated in oily water separator, 

uncontaminated water discharged to sea 

through disposal caisson, oily water 

stored onboard, transferred for transport 

by boat to an approved disposal site 

BOP fluid – 

Discharge 006 

42 bbl/well (6 tests; 7 bbl 

per test) 

7 bbl/test Discharged subsea at BOP when testing 

BOP 

* assumes 12 days to complete the MLC through 26-inch section; 20 days to complete the remainder of the well 
Figure 1. Drilling Fluid Flowpath

Return from well To well

Cement Unit

Seawater from GS header

Mud Mud Cleaners

Chiller

Shale Shakers

HP Header

Mud Pumps

Charge Pump

Shale Pit

Mud Additives from stores

Working and Suction Pits
High Suction 

3 x ME Coolers

Overboard Discharges

High Suction 

Chemical Injection

Main Engine

To Fire Main

R f i ti

Figure 2. Main Engine Room NonContact Cooling Water Flows To Refrig. Condensers

Refrigeration 

Condenser

Contact Cooling Water Flows

Helideck

From Refrig. 

Condensers

Overboard Discharges

Fire Pump

Overboard Discharges
S

To Ballast System (Discharge 010)

To- Hydraulic Coolers / HP Compressors / SCR Room AC condensers then overboard via two discharge lines. Also mud pit filling supply.

General Service Pump

To Fire Main

Discharge 009

Fire Pumps

To Ballast Tanks Discharge 010) Discharge 010)

Suction Ballast Pumps

To Bilge Tank Bilge Pumps Suction

Overboard DischargesDischarge 011

Figure 3. Pump Ro

Flows
Sea Suction 

Strainer

Figure 4. Sivulliq N Generator 

Room Sea Water Flows

Generator Cooling 

6 x CAT 399 Engines 2 x Evaporators

Evapora

Overboard DischargesDischarge 002 (after run 

Sea Suction with Straine

through the oily waste separator system)
C t U it

To Flare Boom station To well

Cement Unit

from Centrifuge Drains

Mud C

Shale S

Mud Pumps

Overboard 

Discharge

Wash water from 

cement pump

Cuttings Trough (o

Dump Trough (in

Charge Pump Charge Pump

Figure 5 Mud Pump Room Sea Water Flows

2 x SW P

Figure Chemical 5. Mud Pump Room Sea Water FlowsSchematic SEA SUCTION

C e caTreatment
Oily Water Separator System 
Discharge Caisson 

The discharge caisson is a pipe that runs vertically through the sponson on the hull of 

the drillship from the main deck level to the base of the sponson. The sponson is an 

exterior reinforced cladding installed on the Discoverer to provide ice resistance. It is 

hollow and extends from the main deck level to well below the water line. 

Waste streams are collected aboard the drillship to a point on the main deck near the 

mud room. A 15-in. diameter pipe exits the hull, turns downwards and is connected to 

the top of the discharge caisson.

 

The discharge caisson, also a 15-in OD pipe, is welded into the sponson top and bottom 

(so that the interior of the sponson remains dry). The bottom of the sponson and the 

end of the discharge caisson is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) above the keel depth, and since it remains 

open to the sea at all times, the discharge caisson is constantly filled with water to mean 

sea level. This caisson is not equipped with a "float" valve; it is merely an open conduit 

to the sea through which most waste streams are discharged below sea level. 

 

The Discoverer has the following draft characteristics: 

 

Max draft at load line: 27 ft (8.2 m) 

Transit draft 26.3 ft (8.0 m) 

Drilling draft 25.2 ft (7.7 m) 

Light ship draft 19.0 ft (5.8 m) 

 

With the bottom of the sponson 5.6 ft above the keel, the base of the discharge caisson 

while drilling is 25.2 ft – 5.6 ft = 19.6 ft (6.0 m) below mean sea level. Because of heave, 

the water level inside the caisson is constantly changing. 

See attached schematic drawings: 
Ship’s Hull 

Sponson

Discharge 

Caisson 
Sponson

Top, Discharge 

Caisson 

 Section B-B 

Base, Discharge Caisson 

Sponson
Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

ATTACHMENT 1

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

APPLICANT (Owner/Operator)

Owner Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

Operator Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Suite 1000 

Operator Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. Anchorage, AK 99503 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 

FACILITY 

Facility Name: Noble Discoverer Facility Mailing 

Address: 

3601 C Street 

Contact Name: Susan Childs Suite 1000 

Telephone Number: 907-770-3700 Anchorage, AK 99503 

Beginning Date of 

Operation: 

TBD 

Stationary 

Facilities 

Latitude: 

Expected Duration of 

Operation: 

32 days per well site Longitude: 

Facility Type 

(check applicable type) 

 Jackup 

Mobile Facilities 

Initial 

Latitude: 

TBD 

 Drill Ship 

 Semisubmersible 

 Other (specify): Initial 

Longitude: 

TBD 

Submit a site map showing the exact location of facility and discharges associated with the project. Mobile facilities 

may designate an area where they may be operating and must include a map showing those areas and a description of 

operations within those areas. If the discharge is within 4000 meters of an environmentally sensitive area indicated by 

the permit, those areas and their distance from the operation/discharge must be shown on the map.

RECEIVING WATER 

Chukchi Sea Other (specify): 

Beaufort Sea 

Supply confirmation with the U.S. Department of State and NOAA that the discharge is seaward of the inner boundary 

baseline, if applicable.

LOCATION OF DISCHARGE 

MMS Lease Number OCS-Y-2321 ADNR Lease Number 

Block Number 6912 Block Number 

Range of water depths below mean lower 

low water (MLLW) in the lease block: From: 144' To: 144' 

Page 1 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Discharges (check all that apply)

001 Drilling Mud and Cuttings Water Depth: 19.6' 

002 Deck Drainage Water Depth: 19.6' 

003 Sanitary Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

004 Domestic Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

005 Desalination Unit Waste Water Depth: 19.6' 

006 Blowout Preventer Fluid Water Depth: 144' 

007 Boiler Blowdown Water Depth: 

008 Fire Control System Test Water Water Depth: 

009 Non-Contact Cooling Water Water Depth: on the surface at 

several locations 

010 Uncontaminated Ballast Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

011 Bilge Water Water Depth: 19.6' 

012 Excess Cement Slurry Water Depth: 19.6' 

013 Mud, Cuttings, Cement and Seafloor Water Depth: MLC through 26" 

section cuttings at 

134', excess cement 

at 144' 

014 Test Fluid Water Depth: 

Provide a brief description of the treatment process(es) and disposal practices (e.g., backhauled, reinjected, discharged, 

etc.) at the facility. See attached (Table 1) 

Provide a line drawing that shows flow of discharged waste streams through the facility. Indicate intake sources, 

operations contributing to the effluent, and treatment units labeled to correspond to the discharges (001 – 014). 

Construct a flow balance on the line drawing by showing average flows between intakes, operations, treatment units, 

and outfalls. If a flow balance cannot be determined, provide a pictorial description of the nature and amount of any 

sources, and any collection or treatment measures. 

Well Information 

Well Name: Burger Latitude: TBD 

Well Number: J Longitude: TBD 

Beginning Drill Date: TBD Hole Diameter or 

Estimated Total Discharge 

Volume: 

36" diameter at 

surface, reducing 

through 4 stages to 

8.5" at depth 

Drilling Fluid 

Category 

(check all that apply) 

 Water-based 

Group 

(check all that apply) 

 Lignosulfonate 

 Oil-based Lime 

 Synthetic-based Gyp 

 Other (specify): Sea-water 
 Saltwater 

 Saturated Saltwater 

 Nondispersed 

(Viscosifier/Polymer) PH/PA 

Page 2 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Zone of Deposit Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a Zone of Deposit from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A ZONE OF DEPOSIT. The burden 

of proof for justifying a zone of deposit through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.210 rests 

with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Average Mud 

density: 

 

Depth of discharge 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Flow Rate: 

Orientation of outfall to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Total Volume: 

Orientation of outfall to water surface 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Maximum current 

and direction: 

 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Mixing Zone Request (applicable to those discharges within state of Alaska waters)

Are you requesting a mixing zone from ADEC? Yes 

(continue filling out 

this section) 

No 

(skip this section and 

proceed to Special 

Conditions, below) 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTING A MIXING ZONE. The burden of 

 proof for justifying a mixing zone through demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 18 AAC 70.240 through 

18 AAC 70.270 rests with the applicant. 

Distance from shoreline of discharge point or first 

port of diffuser (measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Length of diffuser: 

Depth of discharge port or diffuser 

(measured at M.L.L.W.): 

 Diameter of port(s): 

Orientation of diffuser to shoreline 

(e.g., perpendicular, 45°, parallel): 

 Number of ports: 

Maximum current: Port spacing: 

USE OF RECEIVING WATER AT DISTANCE FROM DIFFUSER i.e., Supply for drinking water, Supply for 

agriculture including irrigation & stock water, Supply for aquaculture, Supply for industrial use, Contact recreation, 

Secondary recreation, Fish spawning, Harvesting and consumption of raw fish, or other aquatic life (Not needed if not 

requesting a mixing zone from ADEC): 

If possible, provide salinity and temperature data from the receiving water surface to the depth of the discharge port or diffuser. 

Page 3 of 4 
Attachment 1: NOI Information Sheet Permit No.: 

AKG280000 

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) IFORMATION SHEET 

NPDES GENERAL PERMIT AKG280000 

OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION FACILITIES 

ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF AND CONTIGUOUS STATE WATERS 

Special Conditions (provide justification for all that are not required, completed or provided)

Special Monitoring Required Not Required Justification: 

Exploration Plans Attached Not Provided Justification: approved 2010 EP previously 

submitted to BOEMRE 

Biological Surveys Attached Not Provided Justification: None required 

Environmental Report(s) Attached Not Provided Justification: Submitted to BOEMRE as part 

of the 2010 Exploration Plan 

Drilling Fluid Plan Complete Not Complete Justification: In Preparation 

Certification

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information 

submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible 

for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations. 

Signature: Date: 12/16/2010 

Printed Name: Susan Childs Title: Alaska Support Intergrator Manager 

Mail Completed NOI to EPA and ADEC at the following addresses:

US EPA 

1200 6th Avenue, M/S OWW-130 

Seattle, WA 98101 

ADEC, Water Division 

555 Cordova Street 

Anchorage, Alaska 99501 

Page 4 of 4 

 
!

!

!

!

Ch u k c h i S e a

Russian EEZ

US EEZ

A r c t i c O c e a n

N P R - A

Le d y a r d B ay

Barrow

Atqasuk

Point Lay

Wainwright

6912

156°W

156°W

160°W

160°W

164°W

164°W

168°W

168°W

72°N72°N

70°N70°N

^

^

Barrow

Nome

Juneau

Seward

Inuvik

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Prince Rupert

Vicinity Map

NOTICE OF INTENT AKG-28-0000

Posey Area Block 6912

Chukchi Sea

$ Notes:

Mercator Projection

Standard Latitude 71 Deg N WGS84

Shell AV GIS/12-14-2010/AKG-28-0000_Fig1_v1.mxd

Legend

State/Fed Boundary

Lease Of Interest

OCS Leases

Shell Operated

Other OCS Lease

Scale: Figure:

1

SHELL

0 10 20 40 60 Miles
TABLE 1

Types and Estimated Volume Ocean Discharges – Burger J Prospect 

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be 

Discharged Discharge Rate* Discharge Method 

Drill cuttings (from 

MLC through 26- 

inch section) 

Discharge 013 

4,152 bbl/well (cuttings only; 

no drilling muds used) 

346 bbl/day Mud Line Cellar (MLC) through 26” 

section cuttings deposited at the seafloor 

WBM spent 

drilling fluids – 

Discharge 001 

3,378 bbl/well spent mud 

plus mud in tanks (if multiple 

wells drilled per season, 

water based muds will be 

transferred to and used at 

the next well) 

169 bbl/day 

(including discharge 

of excess water 

based drilling fluid at 

end of the drilling 

season) 

Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Cuttings from 

water based 

intervals – 

Discharge 001 

1,689 bbl/well 84 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson after 30:1 dilution with seawater 

Sanitary waste – 

Discharge 003 

960 bbl/well 30 bbl/day Treated in marine sanitary device prior 

to discharge to meet NPDES limits 

(based on 140 people at 9 

gal/person/day) 

Domestic waste – 

Discharge 004 

10,667 bbl/well 333 bbl/day Discharged to water through the 

disposal caisson (based on 140 people 

at 100 gal/person/day) 

Note: all food waste to be incinerated 

Excess cement – 

Discharge 012 

50 bbl/well Two occasions at 1 

bbl/min 

Discharged at seafloor during 30-inch 

and 20-inch cementing operations 

Desalination unit 

brine water – 

Discharge 005 

4,000 bbl/well 125 bbl/day Discharged to water through disposal 

caisson 

Deck drainage – 

Discharge 002 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day 

(dependent on 

rainfall) 

Drains to the oily water separator. 

Uncontaminated water id discharged 

through the disposal caisson; 

contaminated water is stored in a waste 

oil tank then transferred by boat to an 

approved treatment/disposal site. 

Cooling water – 

Discharge 009 

1,440,000 bbl/well 45,000 bbl/day Discharged to water through a number 

of outlets 

Firewater - 

Discharge 008 

0 0 bbl/month No routine firewater system testing 

anticipated 

Ballast water – 

Discharge 010 

160 bbl/well 5 bbl/day Discharged to sea through disposal 

caisson 

Bilge water – 

Discharge 011 

404 bbl/well 13 bbl/day Treated in oily water separator, 

uncontaminated water discharged to sea 

through disposal caisson, oily water 

stored onboard, transferred for transport 

by boat to an approved disposal site 

BOP fluid – 

Discharge 006 

42 bbl/well (6 tests; 7 bbl 

per test) 

7 bbl/test Discharged subsea at BOP when testing 

BOP 

* assumes 12 days to complete the MLC through 26-inch section; 20 days to complete the remainder of the well 
Figure 1. Drilling Fluid Flowpath

Return from well To well

Cement Unit

Seawater from GS header

Mud Mud Cleaners

Chiller

Shale Shakers

HP Header

Mud Pumps

Charge Pump

Shale Pit

Mud Additives from stores

Working and Suction Pits
High Suction 

3 x ME Coolers

Overboard Discharges

High Suction 

Chemical Injection

Main Engine

To Fire Main

R f i ti

Figure 2. Main Engine Room NonContact Cooling Water Flows To Refrig. Condensers

Refrigeration 

Condenser

Contact Cooling Water Flows

Helideck

From Refrig. 

Condensers

Overboard Discharges

Fire Pump

Overboard Discharges
S

To Ballast System (Discharge 010)

To- Hydraulic Coolers / HP Compressors / SCR Room AC condensers then overboard via two discharge lines. Also mud pit filling supply.

General Service Pump

To Fire Main

Discharge 009

Fire Pumps

To Ballast Tanks Discharge 010) Discharge 010)

Suction Ballast Pumps

To Bilge Tank Bilge Pumps Suction

Overboard DischargesDischarge 011

Figure 3. Pump Ro

Flows
Sea Suction 

Strainer

Figure 4. Sivulliq N Generator 

Room Sea Water Flows

Generator Cooling 

6 x CAT 399 Engines 2 x Evaporators

Evapora

Overboard DischargesDischarge 002 (after run 

Sea Suction with Straine

through the oily waste separator system)
C t U it

To Flare Boom station To well

Cement Unit

from Centrifuge Drains

Mud C

Shale S

Mud Pumps

Overboard 

Discharge

Wash water from 

cement pump

Cuttings Trough (o

Dump Trough (in

Charge Pump Charge Pump

Figure 5 Mud Pump Room Sea Water Flows

2 x SW P

Figure Chemical 5. Mud Pump Room Sea Water FlowsSchematic SEA SUCTION

C e caTreatment
Oily Water Separator System 
Discharge Caisson 

The discharge caisson is a pipe that runs vertically through the sponson on the hull of 

the drillship from the main deck level to the base of the sponson. The sponson is an 

exterior reinforced cladding installed on the Discoverer to provide ice resistance. It is 

hollow and extends from the main deck level to well below the water line. 

Waste streams are collected aboard the drillship to a point on the main deck near the 

mud room. A 15-in. diameter pipe exits the hull, turns downwards and is connected to 

the top of the discharge caisson.

 

The discharge caisson, also a 15-in OD pipe, is welded into the sponson top and bottom 

(so that the interior of the sponson remains dry). The bottom of the sponson and the 

end of the discharge caisson is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) above the keel depth, and since it remains 

open to the sea at all times, the discharge caisson is constantly filled with water to mean 

sea level. This caisson is not equipped with a "float" valve; it is merely an open conduit 

to the sea through which most waste streams are discharged below sea level. 

 

The Discoverer has the following draft characteristics: 

 

Max draft at load line: 27 ft (8.2 m) 

Transit draft 26.3 ft (8.0 m) 

Drilling draft 25.2 ft (7.7 m) 

Light ship draft 19.0 ft (5.8 m) 

 

With the bottom of the sponson 5.6 ft above the keel, the base of the discharge caisson 

while drilling is 25.2 ft – 5.6 ft = 19.6 ft (6.0 m) below mean sea level. Because of heave, 

the water level inside the caisson is constantly changing. 

See attached schematic drawings: 
Ship’s Hull 

Sponson

Discharge 

Caisson 
Sponson

Top, Discharge 

Caisson 

 Section B-B 

Base, Discharge Caisson 

Sponson