Shell Ox Exploration Plan

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Public Information (MS 5030)
Plans Section, Office of Field
Operations (MS 5231)
Public Information copy of Exploration Plan
Control # - S-07444
Type - Supplemental Exploration Plan
Lease(s) - OCS-G19939 Block - 348 Mississippi Canyon Area
OCS-G26252 Block - 391 Mississippi Canyon Area
OCS-G26253 Block - 392 Mississippi Canyon Area
Operator - Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc.
Subsea Wells CST, C, H, I, & J AND previously approved
Subsea Wells B, C, E, and F
SEMISUBMERSIBLE
Attached is a copy of the subject plan for public comments on issues that
should be addressed in an Environmental Assessment.
It has been deemed submitted as of this date and is under review for approval.
Karen Dunlap
Plan Coordinator
Description -
Rig Type -
Subject:
From:
April 13, 2011

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc
An Affilliate of Shell Oil Company

P. O. Box 61933
New Orleans, LA 70161-1933
United States of America
Tel +1 504 728 7215
Fax +1 504 728 6747
Email sylvia.bellone@shell.com
December 21, 2010

Regional Supervisor
Office of Field Operations
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,
Regulation & Enforcement
1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70123-2394

Attn: Plans Group
MS 5321

SUBJECT: Supplemental Exploration Plan
OCS-G 19939, Mississippi Canyon Block 348
Offshore Alabama
S7444

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc (SGOMI) submitted subject Exploration Plan September 20, 2010 and additional information
on October 26, 2010.

Enclosed is updated information to add MC 348 to our previously approved plan (N-9387).

This Plan consists of a series of attachments describing our intended operations. The attachments we desire to be exempted
from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act are marked Confidential and excluded from the Public Information
Copies of this submittal.

Enclosed is a copy of a letter from the surface operator of OCS-G 19939, ATP Oil and Gas Corporation, acknowledging that they have
no objections to our three proposed locations on that lease.

Should you require additional information, please contact me as indicated above.

Kind regards
Sylvia A. Bellone

RECORDofPlanInformationRequests/Amendments
SupplementalExplorationPlanS07444
MississippiCanyonBlocks348,391&392
12/21/2010 ShellsubmittedaSupplementalExplorationPlanforWellsBJ.
1/7/2011 ReceivedaninformationrequestfromBOEM.
1/12/2011 Shellprovidedthefollowingchangesinresponsetothe1/7/2011informationrequest:
ChangedOCSNumberincoverletter
Providedcopyofpay.govconfirmation
PlanInformationFormCorrectedBHLforLocationC(Page5)
UpdatedESR/chemosyntheticmapstoshow2000clearancecircles
(Pages7780)
ORSPaddedspecificwellsassociatedwithWCDnumbersandstatementrelatingtocertification
submittal(Page115)
RemovedTexasCZMCertification(Page153156)
SentAdditionalPICDsforAlabamaCZM
2/7/2011 ReceivedaninformationrequestfromBOEM
2/7/2011 Shellprovidedthefollowingchangesinresponsetothe2/7/2011information request:

UpdatedProjectedGeneratedWasteTable(Page108)
UpdatedProjectedOceanDischargesTable(Page109)
UpdatedSolid&LiquidWasteTransportationTable(Pages148149)
3/1/2011 ReceivedaninformationrequestfromBOEM
3/3/2011 Shellprovidedthefollowingchangesinresponsetothe3/1/2011informationrequest:
correctedthegeneratedwastes(page108),projectedoceandischarges(page109),solidand
liquidwaste(page148149)andwastedisposal(page151)changingallamountstoperwell
correctingthenumberforsyntheticdrillingmudinthewastedisposaltable(Page151)
addedsyntheticbasedcuttingstothewastedisposaltable(page151)
4/7/11 ReceivedinformationrequestfromBOEM
4/8/11 ShellprovidedthefollowingchangestothePlan:
Corrected30CFRcitationregardingH2S(Page98inProprietary,Page33inPI)

U. S. Department of the Interior OMB Control Number: 1010-0049
Minerals Management Service OMB Approval Expires: August 31, 2006
OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM
General Information
Type of OCS Plan: X Exploration Plan (EP) Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD)
Company Name: Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc MMS Operator Number: 2117

Address: P. O. Box 61933 Contact Person: Sylvia Bellone
New Orleans, LA 70161-1933 Phone Number: (504) 728-7215
E-Mail Address: sylvia.bellone@shell.com
Lease(s): OCS-G 19939, 26252, 26253 Area: MC Block(s):348,391,392 Project Name (If Applicable): NA
Objective(s): X Oil Gas Sulphur Salt Onshore Base: Boothville
& Fourchon
Distance to Closest Land (Miles): 72
Description of Proposed Activities (Mark all that apply)
X
Exploration drilling Development drilling

Well completion Installation of production platform

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

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

Installation of subsea wellheads and/or manifolds Commence production

Installation of lease term pipelines Other (Specify and describe)
Have you submitted or do you plan to submit a Conservation Information Document to accompany this
plan?
Yes X No
Do you propose to use new or unusual technology to conduct your activities? Yes X No
Do you propose any facility that will serve as a host facility for deepwater subsea development? Yes X No
Do you propose any activities that may disturb an MMS-designated high-probability archaeological
area?
X Yes No
Have all of the surface locations of your proposed activities been previously reviewed and approved by
MMS? *B-F approved 6/26/09 N-09387,** G-J requested in this plan
X
*
Yes X
*
*
No
Tentative Schedule of Proposed Activities
Proposed Activity Start Date End Date No. of Days
Drill well H 03/01/2011 06/15/2011 107
Drill well C 06/16/2011 09/26/2011 102
Drill well C Sidetrack 09/27/2011 12/01/2011 65
Drill well B 03/01/2012 06/8/2012 100
Drill well D 03/01/2013 06/8/2013 100
Drill well E 03/01/2014 06/8/2014 100
Drill well F 03/01/2015 06/8/2015 100
Drill well G 03/01/2016 06/8/2016 100
Drill well I 03/01/2017 06/8/2017 100
Drill well J 03/01/2018 06/8/2018 100
Description of Drilling Rig Description of Production Platform
Jackup Drillship Caisson Tension leg platform
Gorilla Jackup Platform rig Well protector Compliant tower
X Semisubmersible Submersible Fixed platform Guyed tower
DP Semisubmersible Other (Attach Description) Subsea manifold Floating production system
Drilling Rig Name (If Known): Transocean Deepwater
Nautilus
Spar Other (Attach Description)
Description of Lease Term Pipelines
From (Facility/Area/Block) To (Facility/Area/Block) Diameter (Inches) Length (Feet)
NA
MMS Form MMS-137 (August 2003) Page 1 of 11 PUBLIC INFORMATION
OCS PLAN INFORMATION FORM (CONTINUED)
Include one copy of this page for each proposed well/structure
Proposed Well/Structure Location
Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): B Subsea Completion
Anchor Radius (if applicable) in feet: 15,500 X Yes No
Surface Location Bottom-Hole Location (For Wells)
Lease No. OCS-G 26253
Area Name Mississippi Canyon
Block No. 392
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
N/S Departure: 3757 FNL
E/W Departure: 3768 FWL
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1318488
Y: 10387283
Latitude/
Longitude
Latitude 28.61933891
Longitude -88.00373155
TVD (Feet): MD (Feet): Water Depth (Feet): 7,210
Anchor Locations for Drilling Rig or Construction Barge (If anchor radius supplied above, not
necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Area Block X Coordinate Y Coordinate Length of
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Statement: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)
requires us to inform you that MMS collects this information as part of an applicants Exploration Plan or
Development Operations Coordination Document submitted for MMS approval. We use the information to
facilitate our review and data entry for OCS plans. We will protect proprietary data according to the Freedom of
Information Act and 30 CFR 250.196. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget
Control Number. The use of this form is voluntary. The public reporting burden for this form is included in the
burden for preparing Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents. We estimate
that burden to average 580 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and
maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or
any other aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Mail Stop 4230, Minerals
Management Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240.

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): C Subsea Completion
Block No. 391
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
E/W Departure: 1287 FEL
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1313433
Y: 10387068
Latitude/
Longitude
necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): C ST Subsea Completion
Block No. 391
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1313433
Y: 10387068
Latitude/
Longitude
Longitude 88.01948463
necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): D Subsea Completion
Block No. 392
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1321210
Y: 10388951
Latitude/
Longitude
necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): E Subsea Completion
Block No. 392
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1319934
Y: 10389880
Latitude/
Longitude
necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): F Subsea Completion
Block No. 392
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1316078
Y: 10389735
Latitude/
Longitude
necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): G Subsea Completion
Block No. 391
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1311375
Y: 10387150
Latitude/
Longitude

necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
MMS Form MMS-137 (August 2003) Page 8 of 11 PBULIC INFORMATION

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): H Subsea Completion
Block No. 348
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
N/S Departure: 1670 FSL
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1325455
Y: 10392710
Latitude/
Longitude

necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No.
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): I Subsea Completion
Block No. 348
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1324995
Y: 10392900
Latitude/
Longitude

necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No.
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Well or Structure Name/Number (If renaming well or structure, reference previous name): J Subsea Completion
Block No. 348
Blockline
Departures
(in feet)
Lambert X-Y
coordinates
X: 1325905
Y: 10392450
Latitude/
Longitude

necessary)
Anchor
Name
or No.
Anchor Chain on
Seafloor
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =
X = Y =

Supplemental Exploration Plan
Offshore Alabama

1. PLAN CONTENTS

(1a) DESCRIPTION, OBJECTIVES & SCHEDULE

The Initial Exploration Plan for MC 391 and 392 was for the drilling of 6 wells, A through F (N-
09387 approved June 26, 2009). The Appomattox discovery well, (MC392-#1; 608174117200), was
drilled under the approved EP, A surface location, on September 1, 2009 and reached objective
TD on December 22, 2009. Following wireline evaluation, drilling operations resumed on a down-
dip sidetrack (MC392-#1
ST
1; 608174117201) on December 30. 2009. This initial sidetrack well
reached objective TD on January 30, 2010. Following wireline evaluation, the second down-dip
sidetrack, (MC392-#1
St
2; 608174117202) began drilling on February 18, 2010, and drilled to a depth
of 27, 545 MD on February 21, 2010 when stuck drill pipe forced a bypass. The bypass well,
(MC392-#1
ST
2BP1; 608174117202) reached TD on March 12, 2010, when drill pipe became stuck
and the well was finalized and temporarily abandoned. Following the temporary abandonment, the
rig was released on April 1, 2010.

This Supplemental Exploration Plan adds MC Block 348 and four additional locations including G
on MC391, and H, I, and J on MC348. Appraisal drilling was planned to start mid-2010 but has been
delayed due to SGOMIs inability to acquire permits due to the moratorium and new requirements.
The current schedule is to resume drilling operations as soon as possible. This program will consist
of three back-to-back appraisal operations including drilling a well on MC348, followed by an
appraisal well and sidetrack on MC391.
(1b) LOCATION
See attached Maps.

(1c) RIG SAFETY AND POLLUTION FEATURES:

The Rig we plan to use will comply with all of the regulations of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS),
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). All drilling operations
will be conducted under the provisions of 30 CFR, Part 250, Subpart D, and other applicable regulations and
notices, including those regarding the avoidance of potential drilling hazards and safety and pollution prevention
control. Such measures as inflow detection and well control, monitoring for loss of circulation and seepage loss,
and casing design will be our primary safety measures. Primary pollution prevention measures are contaminated
and non-contaminated drain system, mud drain system, and oily water processing.

(1d) Storage Tanks

Type of Storage
Tank
Type of
Facility
Tank
Capacity
(bbls)
Numbe
r of
Tanks
Total
Capacit
y (bbls)
Fluid
Gravity (API)
Diesel Tank in Pontoon Drilling Rig 2202 4 8808 Marine Diesel (0.87
SG)
Diesel Tank in Pontoon Drilling Rig 4554 4 18,216 Marine Diesel (0.87
SG)
Diesel Day Tank 3
rd

Deck
Drilling Rig 196 2 392 Marine Diesel (0.87
SG)
Diesel Settling Tank 3
rd

Deck
SG)
Diesel Settling Tank 3
rd

Deck
SG)
Lube Oil Tank 3
rd
Deck Drilling Rig 55 1 55 Lube Oil (0.93 SG)
Lube Oil Tank 3
rd
Deck Drilling Rig 37 2 74 Lube Oil (0.93 SG)
Hyd. Oil Tank 3
rd
Deck Drilling Rig 55 1 55 Hydraulic Oil (0.93
SG)
Synthetic Drilling Fluid
Base Oil Column Tank
Drilling Rig 1484 2 2968 Synthetic Base Oil
(0.93 SG)

(1e) Pollution Prevention Measures

I. DRAIN SYSTEM

Drains are provided on the rig in all spaces and on all decks where water or oil can accumulate. The
drains are divided into two categories, non-contaminated and contaminated. All deck drains are
fitted with a removable strainer plate to prevent debris entering the system.

Deck Drainage from rainfall, rig washing, deck washing, and runoff from curbs and gutters,
including drip pans and work areas, are discharged depending on if it comes in contact with the
contaminated or non-contaminated areas of the rig.

1.) Non-contaminated Drains

Non-contaminated drains are designated as drains that do not contain hydrocarbons and can be
discharged directly overboard. The salt water from the discharge of the fresh water makers and
engine coolers is routed to the cuttings chute to provide a flush to keep the chute clear. All other
non-contaminated drains are, where feasible, routed to the starboard caisson.

2.) Contaminated Drains

Contaminated drains are designated as drains that contain hydrocarbons and cannot be discharged
overboard. When oil-based mud is used for drilling it will have to be collected in portable tanks and
sent to shore for processing. Two headers are routed for the contaminated drains, one for oily water,
which is routed to the separator tanks, and one for waste oil, which is routed to the waste oil tanks.
In the areas where a spillage of oily water or hydrocarbon is possible, two foot valves are supplied,
one for each header. The operator will make the decision on where to route the spillage. Separation
and waste oil tanks are supplied in each of the aft columns. The headers in each of the decks are
sealed from one another by using seal pots to prevent gas migration throughout the rig.

3.) Mud Drain System

A separate drain system is furnished for the mud handling areas. Sumps are provided in the
following areas to collect mud spills:

! Mud Pump Rooms
! Auxiliary Machinery Room
! Sack Storage Room
! Shale Shaker Room

The drains are pumped by two pneumatic mud drain pumps, which can route the drains either to
overboard in the case of water-based muds, or to the main deck for collection into drums in the case
of oil-based muds.

4.) Oily Water Processing

The oily water is initially routed to the Separator Tanks. One tank is located in the 28.5 m flat in
each of the aft columns. The tank has sufficient residence time to allow for natural separation of oil
and water. The oil
is manually drained to the Waste Oil Holding Tank located in the 28.5 m flat in each of the aft
columns from where it is pumped to the International Shore Connection for collection into drums.
The residual water in the separator is routed to the Oily Water Separator for further processing.

The Oily Water Separator is a compact, single stage, gravity-type vessel using a coalescer plate pack
principle of separation. The oily water is drawn into the separator where the majority of the oil
separates in the gravity stage below the oil chamber into which it rises and collects. The water pump
draws the liquid through a multi-stage plate pack, which encourages the remaining oil droplets to
coalesce and rise through the pack to the oil chamber. Clean water is drawn from the rear end of the
unit by the water pump to an overboard discharge connection. Capacitance probes are fitted to
detect the oil level in the oil chamber, controlling the pump to give fully automatic operation. A 15-
ppm oil content meter is installed on the water outlet to prevent oil discharges to the sea if any of the
separation or monitoring systems should fail.

When oil/air covers the lower probe, the water pump stops, the oily water inlet valve closes, and the
water inlet and oil/air discharge valves open to discharge the oil to the Waste Oil Holding Tank.
When the top probe again senses water, the inlet oily water valve opens, the oil/air and water inlet
valves close, and the pump again starts.
All discharges will be in accordance with applicable NPDES permits. See Attachment 18, EIA,
Section C.1.2, Water Quality

(1f) Additional Measures

HSE (health safety and environment) are the primary topics in pre-tour and pre-job safety meetings. The
discussion around no harm to people or environment is a key mindset. All personnel are reminded daily to
inspect work areas for safety issues as well as potential pollution issues.

All tools that come to and from the Rig have their pollution pans inspected, cleaned and confirmation of plugs
installed prior to leaving dock and prior to loading on the boat.

Preventive Maintenance of Rig equipment includes visual inspection of hydraulic lines and reservoirs on routine
scheduled basis.

All pollution pans on Rig are inspected daily.

Containment dikes are installed around all oil containment, drum storage areas, fuel vents, and fuel storage
tanks.

All used oil and fuel is collected and sent in for recycling.

Every drain on the Rig is assigned a number on a checklist. The checklist is used daily to verify drain plugs are
installed.

All trash containers are checked and emptied daily. The trash containers are kept covered. Trash is disposed of
in a compactor and shipped in via boat.

The Rig is involved in a recycling program for cardboard, plastic, paper, glass, and aluminum.

Fuel hoses and SBM are changed on annual basis.

TODO spill prevention fittings are installed on all liquid take on hoses.

Waste paint thinner is recycled on board with a solvent still to reduce hazard of shipping and storage.

All equipment on board utilizes Envirorite hydraulic fluid as opposed to hydraulic oil.

Shell has obtained ISO14001 certification.

Shell uses low sulfur diesel fuel on the rig.

Offshore Alabama

2 GENERAL INFORMATION

(2a) Application and Permits

Applications/Permits Issuing Agency Status
Rig Move BOEMRE Pending

(2b) Drilling Fluids

Type of Drilling Fluid Estimated Volume of Drilling Fluid
Used per Well
Synthetic-Based (internal olefin, ester) 8,000 bbls/well
Water-based (seawater, freshwater, barite) 20,000 bbls/well
Oil-based (diesel, mineral oil) 0 bbls

(2c) Production

Production rates are not applicable to exploration plans.

(2d) Oil Characteristics (if known)

Provide the estimated chemical and physical characteristics of the oils that will be
handled, stored, or transported on/by the facility.
Characteristic
Analytical Methodologies
Should Be Compatible With:
1. Gravity (API) 37.5
2. Flash Point (C N/A*
3. Pour Point (C) -23 C
4. Viscosity (Centipoise at 25
C) 8 cP
5. Wax Content (wt %) 4.8%
6. Asphaltene Content (wt %) 1.2%
7. Resin Content (wt %) 5.2%
8. Boiling point distribution including,
for each fraction, the percent volume
or weight and the boiling point range
in
C
N/A*
9. Sulphur (wt %) 0.76 0.3%

*We did not run flash point or boiling point analyses on this MDT sample.

Note: If the distillation information in Item No. 8 in the above table is not available, the GOMR may
accept the following information in lieu of Items Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8: weight percent total of saturates,
aromatics, waxes, asphaltenes, and resins; and total BTEX (ppm) using analytical methods compatible
with the Hydrocarbon Groups methodology found in Jokuty et al., 1996).

All in wt% Topped Basis
SARA (Topped Basis) All in wt %
Well # Saturates Aromatics Resin Asphaltenes
MC392-#1; 608174117200 59.9% 33.7% 5.2% 1.2%

Identify the oil you analyze. Refer to the following sample chart.

Oil from one well
Oil from more than one
well sampled on a
facility
Oil from a pipeline system
Area/Block MC 392
MMS platform NA
API Well No. 608174117200
Completion perforation
interval 24,938 MD
MMSs reservoir name
Jurassic Norphlet Sandstone
Sample date 12/16/2009
Sample No.(if more than one is
taken) SSB 22670-VA
N/A N/A

(2e) New Or Unusual Technology

No new or unusual technology is proposed to be used during operations proposed in this Plan.

(2f) Bonding

The bond requirement for the activities proposed in this EP are satisfied by an area-wide bond furnished and
maintained according o 30 CFR Part 256, subpart I; NTL No. 2000-G16, Guideline for General Lease Surety
Bonds; and National NTL No. 2003-N06, Supplemental Bond Procures.

(2g) Oil Spill Financial Responsibility (OSFR)

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc (SGOMI), MMS Operator Number 2117, has demonstrated oil spill financial
responsibility for the facilities proposed in the EP according to 30 CFR part 253, and NTL No. 99-N01,
Guidelines for Oil Spill Financial Responsibility for Covered Facilities.

(2h) Deepwater well control statement

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc (SGOMI), MMS Operator Number 2117, has the financial capability to drill a relief well
and conduct other emergency well control operations.

(2i) Suspension of Production

Information regarding Suspension of Production is not included as it is only applies to wells that have been
produced which does not apply to the wells proposed in this EP.

(2j) Blowout scenario

Summary

This Section 2j was prepared by Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. (Shell) pursuant to the guidance provided
in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcements (BOEMRE) Notice to
Lessees (NTL) No. 2010-N06 with respect to blowout and worst case discharge scenario descriptions.

Shell focuses on an integrated, three-pronged approach to a blowout, including prevention,
intervention /containment, and recovery. Shell believes that the best way to manage blowouts is to
prevent them from happening. Significant effort goes into the design and execution of wells and into
building and maintaining staff competence with the goal of safe and environmentally sound well
construction. Shell continues to invest independently in Research and Development (R&D) to improve
safety and reliability of our well systems. Shell intends to comply with all applicable laws, regulations,
rules and Notice to Lessees.

Shell is a founding member of the Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC) and will have access
to an integrated subsea well control and containment system that can be rapidly deployed through the
MWCC. MWCC is a non-profit organization that owns, manages, and provides fully trained crews and
operates the subsea containment system during a response. The near term containment response
capability will include lessons learned and equipment used in the Macondo response. Shell is investing
in R&D to improve containment systems. Also, Shell is a member of Clean Caribbean America
(CCA), Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC), Clean Gulf Associates (CGA), and OSRL/EARL
to provide the resources necessary to respond to a spill as outlined in our Regional Oil Spill Response
Plan (OSRP, October 2010).

The Worst Case Discharge (WCD) blowout scenario for Appomattox is calculated for the MC-391 C
location Southwest penetration of the Norphlet Sand and based on the guidelines outlined in NTL No.
2010-N06 along with subsequent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Shell is submitting MC-391 C
(this well) as the new worst-case scenario to the BOEMRE for inclusion in our Regional OSRP. In the
unlikely event of a spill, Shells Regional OSRP (October 2010) is designed to contain and respond to
a spill that meets or exceeds this WCD. The WCD does not take into account potential flow mitigating
factors such as well bridging, obstructions in wellbore, reservoir barriers, or early intervention.

Uncontrolled blowout (volume first day) 405,000 bbl
Uncontrolled blowout rate (first 30-days average daily rate) 371,000 bopd
Duration of flow (days) based on relief well 128 days
Total volume of spill (bbls) for 128 days 45 MMBO
Table 1 Worst Case Discharge Summary

The Appomattox discovery is located approximately 72 miles east-southeast of the nearest shoreline in
the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), in water depths of approximately 7,200 feet (ft) across the discovery. The
structural component of the target is defined by a faulted anticline approximately 5 miles long by 4
miles wide, with the top of the objective near -25,000 ft subsea (SS). The south fault block contains
one previously drilled well with two sidetracks (MC-392 #1, #1ST1, #1ST2BP1) drilled in 2009-2010.
The only objective horizon with predicted flow potential is the Norphlet reservoir of Jurassic age.

1) Purpose
Pursuant to 30 CFR 250.213(g), 250.219, 250.250, and NTL No. 2010-N06, this document provides a
blowout scenario description, further information regarding any potential oil spill, the assumptions and
calculations used to determine the WCD and the measures taken to firstly enhance the ability to
prevent a blowout and secondly to respond and manage a blowout scenario if it were to occur. These
calculations are based on best technical estimates of subsurface parameters that are derived from the
offset Appomattox well and seismic. These parameters are better than or consistent with the estimates
used by Shell to justify the investment. Therefore, these assumed parameters were used to calculate the
WCD. They do not reflect probabilistic estimates.

2) Background
This attachment has been developed to document the additional information requirements for
Exploration Plans as requested by NTL No. 2010-N06 in response to the explosion and sinking of the
Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Deepwater Horizon and the resulting subsea well blowout and
recovery operations of the exploration well at the MC-252 Macondo location.

3) Information Requirements

a) Blowout scenario

All well locations addressed in this EP were assessed for WCD. The MC-391 well from the
approved C location to the South Fault Block represented the highest flow potential. The C
well will be drilled to the Norphlet reservoir as outlined in the Geological and Geophysical
Information Section of the Supplemental EP, and described above, using a subsea wellhead
system, conductor, surface and intermediate casing program, and using a MODU rig with a
marine riser and subsea blowout preventer (BOP). A hydrocarbon influx and a well control
event are modeled to occur from the Norphlet reservoir. The simulated blowout modeled
results in unrestricted flow from the well at the seafloor, which represents the WCD (no
restrictions in wellbore, failure/loss of the subsea BOP, and a blowout to the seabed).

b) Estimated flow rate of the potential blowout

Category EP
Type of Activity Drilling
Facility Location (area/block) MC-391
Facility Designation MODU
Distance to Nearest Shoreline (miles) 72 Statute miles
Uncontrolled blowout (volume first day) 405,000 bbl
Uncontrolled blowout rate (first 30-days average daily rate) 371,000 bopd

Table 2 Estimated Flow Rates of a Potential Blowout

c) Total volume and maximum duration of the potential blowout

Duration of flow (days) 128 days total duration to drill relief well
(14 rig mob, 3 transit, 80 spud to top Norphlet, 31 ranging).
Total volume of spill (bbls) 45 MMBO based on 128 days flowing.
Note: From CMG dynamic reservoir models

Table 3 Estimated Duration and Volume of a Potential Blowout

There is usually a decline in the discharge rate as time proceeds, which is illustrated by the
differences between the first 24-hour volume and 30-day average rate. At very short times, e.g.
during the first 24 hours, the pressure profile in the reservoir changes from the moment when a
well first starts flowing to a pseudo-steady state pressure profile with time, and as a result the
rate declines. At somewhat longer time scales, effects such as reservoir voidage and the impact
of boundaries can cause the rate to drop continuously with production. Simulation and material
balance models can include these effects and form the basis of the NTL No. 2010-N06
calculations for 24-hour and 30-day rates as well as maximum duration volumes.

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

Omitted from Public Information Copies.

e) Potential for the well to bridge over

Mechanical failure/collapse of the borehole in a blowout scenario is influenced by several
factors including in-situ stress, rock strength, and fluid velocities at the sand face. Given the
substantial fluid velocities inherent in the WCD, and the scenario as defined where the
formation is not supported by a cased and cemented wellbore, it is possible that the borehole
may fail/collapse/bridge over within the span of a few days, significantly reducing the outflow
rates. However, this WCD scenario does not include any bridging.

f) Likelihood for intervention to stop the blowout.

Safety of operations is our top priority. Maintaining well control at all times to prevent a
blowout is the key focus of our operations. This is derived from robust standards, well design,
prudent operations, competency of personnel, and strong HSE focus. Collectively, these
constitute a robust system making blowouts extremely rare events.

Intervention Devices: Notwithstanding these facts, the main scenario for recovery from a
blowout event is via intervention with the BOP attached to the well. There are built in
redundancies in the BOP system to allow activation of selected components with the intent to
seal off the well bore. As a minimum, the Shell contracted rig fleet in the GOM will have
redundancies meeting NTL No. 2010-N05 (to the extent applicable) and the Drilling Safety
Rule with respect to Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hot stab capabilities, a deadman
system, and an autoshear system.

Additionally the Deepwater Nautilus (moored semi-submersible) has a gas handler system at
the top of the riser consisting of 2 annular preventers that can be closed in to allow
hydrocarbons in the riser to be contained or circulated thru the rigs well control system. The
rig also has 2 shearing rams in the BOP for added redundancy. Also, the Nautilus is equipped
with a deadman system and an autoshear system.

Containment: The experience of gaining control over the Macondo well has resulted in a
better understanding of the necessary equipment and systems for well containment. As a result,
industry and government are better equipped and prepared today to contain an oil well blowout
in deepwater (See page 17 of the Decision Memorandum dated October 1, 2010). Shell is
further analyzing these advances and incorporating them into its comprehensive approach to
help prevent and, if needed, control another deepwater control incident.

Should the interventions at the well not be possible, specialized equipment can be used to
connect to a riser stub, damaged connector, casing stub or to the sea floor and allow the well to
be shut-in to contain the blowout. The subsea containment assembly and other specialized
connection devices will be available from the Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC).
If full shut-in, following capping is not possible because of well integrity issues, the well can
be flowed with back-pressure maintained via the MWCC specialized well flow equipment.
Shell is a founding member in the Marine Well Containment Company which is currently
constructing the containment equipment and developing contracts for access to near term
response capability. The near term response capability will incorporate lessons learned and
technology advances as they apply to containment. Shell is currently in the process of
concluding contracts that will secure the availability of some of the equipment and vessels used
by BP during the Macondo response. The MWCC website can be accessed for a full
description of the systems and components. It is expected that key components of containment
equipment will be available in January 2011. The MWCC will own, maintain, and deploy both
existing equipment and equipment being constructed for well intervention and containment.
The newly constructed system will be designed to be flexible and adaptable, and be responsive
to a wide range of potential scenarios, deepwater depths up to 10,000 feet, weather conditions,
and flow rates. Once constructed, the system components will be fully tested to ensure
functionality and will be maintained in a state of continuous operational readiness. In the event
of a future incident, mobilization to the field will start within days and the system will be fully
operational within weeks. Once built, the new containment system will further enhance Shells
Regional OSRP

Shell is investing in Research and Development activities on its own to identify additional
containment components and equipment that will potentially increase the range of applications
and effectiveness for equipment similar to that of MWCC, and systems that can be deployed
more effectively in the water column that resemble tents or capture domes, and enhance well
shut-in capability.

g) Availability of a rig to drill a relief well and rig package constraints

Blowout intervention can be conducted from an ROV equipped vessel, the existing drilling rig
or from another drilling rig. Shell has an active portfolio of well operations in the GOM which
will be supported by a total of four to six MODU rigs in 2010 2015 timeframe. The
dynamically positioned rigs under contract, the Noble Danny Adkins and the Bully 1, will be
the preferred rigs for blowout intervention work. However, moored rigs can also be used in
some scenarios. Additionally, in the event of a blowout, there is the distinct possibility that
other non-contracted rigs in the GOM could be utilized whether for increased expediency or
better suitability. All efforts will be made at the time to secure the appropriate rig. Shells
current contracted rigs capable of operating at Appomattox water depths and reservoir depths
are in the following table:

Table 4 Shell Contracted Rigs Capable at Appomattox.
Above are current as of December 2010. Future modifications may change the rigs capability.
Rig capabilities need to be assessed on a work scope specific basis.
*Bully 1 estimated arrival July 2011.

Rig!Name Rig!Type
Noble!Danny!Adkins dynamically!positioned!drill!ship
Bully!1* dynamically!positioned!drill!ship
Deepwater!Nautilus moored!semi
Noble!Jim!Thompson moored!semi

h) Time taken to contract a rig, move it onsite, and drill a relief well

Relief well operations will immediately take priority and displace any activity from Shells
contracted rig fleet. The list of rigs capable of operating at Appomattox is tabled above. It is
expected to take an average of 14 days to safely secure the well that the rig is working on up to
the point the rig departs location, and an additional three days transit to mobilize to the relief
well site depending on distance to the site. The relief well will take approximately 80 days to
drill down to the last casing string above the blowout zone, plus approximately 31 days for
precision ranging activity to intersect the blowout well bore. Total time to drill a relief well
would be ~128 days for the Appomattox wells.

If a moored rig is chosen to conduct the relief well operations, anchor handlers would be
prioritized to prepare mooring on the relief well site while the rig is being mobilized. This
mooring activity is not expected to delay initiation of relief well drilling operations. Shell has
three deepwater anchor handlers, the Laney, Dino, and Ross Chouest, on long term contract to
support its moored rigs.
It is not possible to drill relief wells from any existing platforms due to distances of over fifteen
miles to the discovery.

i) Measures proposed to enhance ability to prevent blowout and to reduce likelihood
of a blowout.

Shell believes that the best way to manage blowouts is to prevent them from happening.
Detailed below are the measures employed by Shell with the goal of no harm to people or the
environment. The Macondo incident has highlighted the importance of these practices. The
lessons learned from the investigation are, and will continue to be, incorporated into our
operations.

Standards: Shells well design and operations adhere to internal corporate standards, the Code
of Federal Regulations, and industry standards. A robust management of change process is in
place to handle un-defined or exception situations. Ingrained in the Shell standards for well
control is the philosophy of multiple barriers in the well design and operations on the well.

Risk Management: Shell believes that prevention of major incidents is best managed through
the systematic identification and mitigation process (Safety Case). The safety case requirement
is ingrained into Shells Health, Security, Safety, Environment, and Social Performance
Control Framework. All Shell contracted rigs in the GOM have been operating with a Safety
Case and will continue to do so. A Safety Case requires both the owner and contractors to
systematically identify the risks in drilling operations and align plans to mitigate those risks; an
alignment which is critical before drilling begins.

Well Design Workflow: The Well Delivery Process (WDP) is a rigorous internal assurance
process with defined decision gates. The WDP leverages functional experts (internal and
external) to examine the well design at the conceptual and detailed design stages for robustness
before making a recommendation to the management review board. Shells involvement in
global deepwater drilling, starting in the GOM in the mid-1980s, provides a significant depth
and breadth of internal drilling and operational expertise. Third party vendors and rig
contractors are involved in all stages of the planning, providing their specific expertise. A Drill
the Well On Paper (DWOP) exercise is conducted with rig personnel and vendors involved in
execution of the well. This forum communicates the well plan, and solicits input as to the
safety of the plan and procedures proposed.

Well and rig equipment qualification, certification, and quality assurance: All rigs will
meet all applicable rules, regulations, and Notice to Lessees. Shell works closely with rig
contractors to ensure proper upkeep of all rig equipment, which meets or exceeds the strictest
of Shell, industry, or regulatory requirements. Well tangibles are governed by our internal
quality assurance/control standards and industry standards.

MWD/LWD/PWD Tools: Shell intends to use these tools at Appomattox. The
MWD/LWD/PWD tools are run on the drill string so that data on subsurface zones can be
collected as the well advances in real time instead of waiting until the drill string is pulled to
run wireline logs. Data from the tools are monitored and interpreted real time against prognosis
to provide early warning of abnormal pressures to allow measures to be taken to progress the
well safely.

Mud Logger: Mud logging personnel continually monitor returning drilling fluids for
indications of hydrocarbons, utilizing both a hot wire and a gas chromatograph. An abrupt
increase in gas or oil carried in the returning fluid can be an indication of an impending kick.
The mud logger also monitors drill cuttings returned to the surface in the drilling fluid for
changes in lithology that can be an indicator that the well has penetrated or is about to
penetrate a hydrocarbon-bearing interval. Mud logging instruments also monitor penetration
rate to provide an early indication of drilling breaks that show the bit penetrating a zone that
could contain hydrocarbons. The mud logging personnel are in close communication with both
the drilling foreman and Shell representative to report any observed anomalies so appropriate
action can be taken.

Remote Monitoring: The Real Time Operating Center has been used by Shell to complement
and support traditional rig-site monitoring since 2003. Well site operations are lived virtually
by onshore teams consisting of geoscientists, petrophysicists, well engineers, and 24/7
monitoring specialists. The same real time well control indicators monitored by the rig
personnel are watched by the monitoring specialist for an added layer of redundancy.

Competency and Behavior: A structured training program for Well Engineers and Foreman is
practiced, which includes internal professional examinations to verify competency. Other
industry training in well control, such as by International Association of Drilling Contractors
(IADC) and International Well Control Forum (IWCF) are also mandated. Progressions have
elements of competency and Shell continues to have comprehensive internal training programs.
The best systems and processes can be defeated by lack of knowledge and/or improper values.
We believe that a combination of HSE tools (e.g. stop work, pre-job analysis, behavior based
safety, DWOPs, audits), management HSE involvement and enforcement (e.g. compliance to
life saving rules) have created a strong safety culture in our operations.

j) Measures to conduct effective and early intervention in the event of a blowout.
The response to a blowout is contained in our Well Control Contingency Plan (WCCP) which
is a specific requirement of our internal well control standards. The WCCP in turn is part of the
wider emergency response framework within Shell that addresses the overall organization
response to an emergency situation. Resources are dedicated to these systems and drills are run
frequently to test preparedness (security, medical, oil spill, and hurricane). This same
framework is activated and tested during hurricane evacuations, thereby maintaining a fresh
and responsive team.

The WCCP specifically addresses implementing actions at the emergency site that will ensure
personnel safety, organizing personnel and their roles in the response, defining information
requirements, establishing protocols to mobilize specialists and pre-selecting sources, and
developing mobilization plans for personnel, material and services for well control procedures.
The plan references individual activity checklists, a roster of equipment and services, initial
information gathering forms, a generic description of relief well drilling, strategy and
guidelines, intervention techniques and equipment, site safety management, exclusion zones,
and re-boarding.

As set forth in 3f of this document, Shell is currently analyzing recent advances in containment
technology and equipment and will incorporate them as they become available and is a
founding member of MWCC.

k) Arrangements for drilling a relief well

The size of the Shell contracted rig fleet in the GOM from 2010-2015 ensures that there is
adequate well equipment (e.g. casing and wellhead) available for relief wells. Rigs and
personnel will also be readily available within Shell, diverted from their active roles elsewhere.
Resources from other operators can also be leveraged should the need arise. Generally, relief
well plans will mirror the blowout well, incorporating any learning on well design based on
root cause analysis of the blowout. A generic relief well description is outlined in the WCCP.

l) Assumptions and calculations used in approved or proposed OSRP

Shell is submitting MC-391 C (this well) as the new exploratory worst-case scenario to the
BOEMRE for inclusion in our Regional OSRP.

Shell has designed a response program (Regional OSRP October 2010) based upon a regional
capability of responding to a range of spill volumes, from small operational spills up to and
including the WCD from an exploration well blowout. Shells program is developed to fully
satisfy federal oil spill planning regulations. The Regional OSRP presents specific information
on the response program that includes a description of personnel and equipment mobilization,
the incident management team organization, and the strategies and tactics used to implement
effective and sustained spill containment and recovery operations.

Offshore Alabama

3 GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION

(3a) Geological description
Omitted from PI Copies.

(3b) Structure Contour Map(s)

(3c) Interpreted 2D and/or 3D Seismic line(s)

(3d) Geological Structure Cross-section(s)

(3e) Shallow Hazards Report
See 3f below.

(3f) Shallow Hazards Assessment

Well Locations B-F were previously cleared in our initial Exploration Plan N-09387, approved as of
June 26, 2009.

Shell submitted a shallow hazard report prepared by Fugro Geo-consulting, Inc, for Mississippi
Canyon 347, 348, 391, and 392 and Initial Exploration Plan (EP) for Mississippi Canyon 391,
Proposed Location C, Mississippi Canyon 392, Proposed Locations A, B, D, E, F, and the associated
generic anchor pattern on May 19, 2009. This Initial EP and generic anchor patterns were approved
on June 30, 2009 (Plan Control No. N-09387).

Shell is now supplementing with a shallow hazard report prepared for Marathon, by Fugro-
McClelland Marine Geosciences, for approval of Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Locations H, I
and J and MC 391 G and their associated generic 13,000 anchor patterns.

Based on a high-resolution geophysical survey, consisting of frequency enhanced 3-D seismic,
Enhanced Surface Renderings (ESRs), ESRs with amplitudes applied and AUV high-resolution
data, Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Locations G, H, I & J appear suitable for the planned
activity.

Patricia Yu Arlette C. Nunez
Geologist Shallow Hazards Coordinator

(3g) High-Resolution Seismic Lines
See attached ESR (Water Bottom & Amplitude)
(3h) & (3i) Stratigraphic Column with Time vs depth table
-
7
3
0
0
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Prop
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Loc B
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Loc E Prop
Loc F
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MC392-1
MC392-1
MC348-SS2
MC348-SS1
MC392-1ST2
MC348-SS2ST1
MC348-SS1ST1
MC 0391 MC 0392
MC 0347 MC 0348
MC 0390
MC 0346
MC 0435 MC 0436 MC 0434
6
5
4
3
2
1
14,000' Radius (13,300' Anchor Radius + 1000' Buffer)
2000'
15000' Radial Anchor Pattern
Side Scan Sonar
Mosaic
With Bathymetry
MC 391
Proposed
Location G
/
0 3,700 7,400 11,100 14 1,850
Legend
Appomattox.jpg
RGB
Red: Band_1
Green: Band_2
Blue: Band_3
LocG_2000Buffer
LocG_13000Buffer
LocG_14000Buffer
Sonar Contact 100' Avoidance Zone
SonarContact w/ID #
Previously Drilled Wells - 500/Avoidance Zone
Abandoned
Cable
Cancelled
Gas
Oil
Other
Out of Service
Proposed
Relinquished
Removed
Pipelines/Flowlines 500' Avoidance Zone
Bathymetry
Prop
Loc H
Prop
Loc G
Prop
Loc I
Prop
Loc J
13,000' Radius
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ATP OIL & GAS CORPORATION
ATP
OIL &
GAS
CORPORATION
MC392-1
MC392-1
MC348-SS2
MC348-SS1
MC392-1ST2
MC348-SS2ST1
MC348-SS1ST1
MC 0348
MC 0392
MC 0349
MC 0393
MC 0347
MC 0391
MC 0304 MC 0305 MC 0303
9
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6
5
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2000'
Side Scan Sonar
Mosaic
With Bathymetry
MC 348
Proposed
Location H
/
0 3,700 7,400 11,100 14 1,850
Legend
Appomattox.jpg
RGB
Red: Band_1
Green: Band_2
Blue: Band_3
SonarContact w/ID #
Abandoned
Cable
Cancelled
Gas
Oil
Other
Out of Service
Proposed
Relinquished
Removed
Bathymetry
Prop
Loc H
Prop
Loc G
Prop
Loc I
Prop
Loc J
13,000' Radius
- 7100
- 7200
- 7300
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ATP
OIL &
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CORPORATION
MC392-1
MC392-1
MC348-SS2
MC348-SS1
MC305-SS1
MC392-1ST2
MC348-SS1ST1
MC 0348
MC 0392
MC 0349
MC 0393
MC 0347
MC 0391
MC 0304 MC 0305 MC 0303
9
8
6
5
4
11
10
2000'
Side Scan Sonar
Mosaic
With Bathymetry
MC 348
Proposed
Location I
/
0 4,300 8,600 12,900 17 2,150
13,300' Anchor Radius
Legend
Appomattox.jpg
RGB
Red: Band_1
Green: Band_2
Blue: Band_3
SonarContact w/ID #
Abandoned
Cable
Cancelled
Gas
Oil
Other
Out of Service
Proposed
Relinquished
Removed
Bathymetry
Prop
Loc H
Prop
Loc G
Prop
Loc I
Prop
Loc J
13,000' Radius
-
710
0
- 7200
- 7300
-
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3
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0
- 7100
- 7200
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Loc A
Prop
Loc B
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Loc C
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CORPORATION
MC392-1
MC392-1
MC348-SS2
MC348-SS1
MC392-1ST2
MC348-SS2ST1
MC348-SS1ST1
MC 0348
MC 0392
MC 0349
MC 0393
MC 0347
MC 0391
MC 0304 MC 0305 MC 0303
9
8
6
5
4
11
2000'
Side Scan Sonar
Mosaic
With Bathymetry
MC 348
Proposed
Location J
/
0 3,700 7,400 11,100 14 1,850
13,300' Anchor Radius
Legend
Appomattox.jpg
RGB
Red: Band_1
Green: Band_2
Blue: Band_3
SonarContact w/ID #
Abandoned
Cable
Cancelled
Gas
Oil
Other
Out of Service
Proposed
Relinquished
Removed
Bathymetry
Prop
Loc H
Prop
Loc G
Prop
Loc I
Prop
Loc J
13,000' Radius
Offshore Alabama

4 Hydrogen Sulfide

(4a) Concentration
10-40 ppm H
2
S
(4b) Classification

Based on CFR 250.490 (c), Shell requests that the Regional Supervisor, Field Operations, classify
the area in the proposed drilling operations as an area where H
2
S is known.

(4c) H
2
S Contingency Plan

When we submit the application to drill, Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc will also submit to the appropriate
BOEMRE GOMR district office, and request approval of the H
2
S Contingency Plan prepared according to 30
CFR 250.490(f) before conducting the proposed exploration activities.

(4d) Modeling Report

Not applicable

Offshore Alabama

5 Mineral Resource Conservation Information

Information regarding Mineral Resource Conservation is not included in the Supplemental
Exploration Plan as it only applies to a DOCD proposing production.

Offshore Alabama

6 Biological, Physical, and Socioeconomic Information

(6a) Chemosynthetic Communities Report

Well Locations B-F were previously cleared in our initial Exploration Plan N-09387, approved as of
June 26, 2009.
Biological Information

NTL 2009-G40, dated January 27, 2010, for water depths greater than 984 feet MMS statement

Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Locations H, I, and J and Mississippi Canyon 391,
Proposed Location G and the associated generic 13,000 radial anchor patterns:

! Features or areas that could support high-density chemosynthetic communities
are not within 2000 feet of each proposed mud and cuttings discharge location.

! Features or areas that could support high-density chemosynthetic communities
are not located within 250 feet of any seafloor disturbance resulting from the use of
anchors (including those caused by anchors, anchor chains, wire ropes, seafloor
template installation, and pipelines constructions). Seafloor disturbances include all
temporary disturbances caused during mooring operations (e.g., anchor
deployment, setting and retrieval) as well as those caused by anchoring activities
conducted prior to a MODU arriving on location (e.g., pre-installation of suction piles
and cables; where seafloor impacts are much greater while the cables are located on
the seafloor prior to being pulled taut and attached to the MODU). The generic
anchor radius is 13,000, with an additional buffer of 1,000, for a total clearance of
14,000.

History

Shell submitted a shallow hazard report prepared by Fugro Geo-Consulting, Inc, for Mississippi
Canyon 347, 348, 391, and 392 and Initial Exploration Plan (EP) for Mississippi Canyon 391,
Proposed Location C, Mississippi Canyon 392, Proposed Locations A, B, D, E, F, and the associated
generic anchor pattern on May 19, 2009. This Initial EP and generic anchor patterns were approved
on June 30, 2009, Plan Control No. N9387.

Shell is now supplementing with a shallow hazard report prepared for Marathon, by Fugro-
McClelland Marine Geosciences, for approval of Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Locations H, I
and J and MC 391 G their associated generic 13,000 anchor patterns.

Proposed Locations

Proposed Location G, Mississippi Canyon 391:

X = 1,311,375 3890 FNL
Y = 10,387,150 3345 FEL

MC 391, Proposed Location G is located in a water depth of approximately 7168 feet. There is no
evidence of seafloor or near-surface faulting, slumping, amplitudes or fluid expulsion features within
2000 feet of Proposed Location G. Mississippi Canyon 391, Proposed Location G will not disturb
any high-density areas of chemosynthetic communities.

MC 391, Proposed Location G will be positioned 8400 feet west of Shells previously drilled MC
392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite, 12471 feet southwest of Marathons MC348 SS-1 wellsite, 14057 feet
southwest of Marathons MC348 SS-2 wellsite, and 18713 feet northwest of Anadarkos MC 392 #1
wellsite. MC 391, Proposed Location G will not disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

The closest seafloor sonar target (#4) is identified 8745 feet north of Proposed Location G. There
are no seafloor sonar targets identified within 2000 feet of Proposed Location G.

Currently, there are flowlines and umbilicals associated with MC 348 SS-1 and SS-2 wellsites.
These flowlines and umbilicals are located over 12,000 feet northeast of Proposed Location G.
There are no other flowlines or umbilicals in the vicinity of Proposed Location G.

Proposed Location H, Mississippi Canyon 348:

X = 1,325,455 1670 FSL
Y = 10,392,710 5105 FEL

MC 348, Proposed Location H is located in a water depth of approximately 7261 feet. There is no
2000 feet of Proposed Location H. Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location H will not disturb
any high-density areas of chemosynthetic communities.

MC 348, Proposed Location H will be positioned 4985 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-1
wellsite, 8033 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-2 wellsite, 8007 feet northeast of Shells
MC 392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite and 13836 feet north of Anadarkos MC 392-1 wellsite. MC 348,
Proposed Location H will not disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

The nearest seafloor sonar target (#8) is identified 7011 feet southeast of Proposed Location H.
There are no seafloor sonar targets identified within 2000 feet of Proposed Location H.

These flowlines and umbilicals are located over 5,000 feet northeast of Proposed Location H. There
are no other flowlines or umbilicals in the vicinity of Proposed Location H.

Proposed Location I, Mississippi Canyon 348:

X = 1,324,995 1860 FSL
Y = 10,392,900 5565 FEL

MC 348, Proposed Location I is located in a water depth of approximately 7259 feet. There is no

2000 feet of Proposed Location I. Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location I will not disturb any
high-density areas of chemosynthetic communities.

MC 348, Proposed Location I will be positioned 4489 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-1
wellsite, 7908 feet south of Marathons MC 348 SS-2 wellsite, 7828 feet northeast of Shells MC
392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite and 14123 feet north of Anadarkos MC 392-1 wellsite. MC 348, Proposed
Location I will not disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

The nearest seafloor sonar target (#8) is identified 7,503 feet southeast of Proposed Location I.
There are no seafloor sonar targets identified within 2000 feet of Proposed Location I.

These flowlines and umbilicals are located approximately 4,500 feet northeast of Proposed Location
I. There are no other flowlines or umbilicals in the vicinity of Proposed Location I.

Proposed Location J, Mississippi Canyon 348:

X = 1,325,905 1410 FSL
Y = 10,392,450 4655 FEL

MC 348, Proposed Location J is located in a water depth of approximately 7264 feet. There is no
2000 feet of Proposed Location J. Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location J will not disturb any
high-density areas of chemosynthetic communities.

MC 348, Proposed Location J will be positioned 5504 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-1
wellsite, 8158 feet northeast of Shells MC 392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite, 8256 feet south of Marathons
MC 348 SS-2 wellsite and 13495 feet north of Anadarkos MC 392-1 wellsite. MC 348, Proposed
Location J will not disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

The nearest seafloor sonar target (#8) is identified approximately 6491 feet southeast of Proposed
Location J. There are no seafloor sonar targets identified within 2000 feet of Proposed Location J.

These flowlines and umbilicals are located approximately 5,500 feet northeast of Proposed Location
J. There are no other flowlines or umbilicals in the vicinity of Proposed Location J.

Anchor Patterns

The descriptions below are of the seafloor within 13,000 feet of each wellsite, with the additional
required 1,000 foot buffer zone for a total of 14,000 foot radial review.

MC 391, Proposed Location G, Generic 13,000 Radius Anchor Pattern

There is no evidence of seafloor or near-surface faulting, slumping, amplitudes or fluid expulsion
features within 14,000 feet of Proposed Location G. Mississippi Canyon 391, Proposed Location G
and 13,000 radial anchor pattern will not disturb any high-density areas of chemosynthetic
communities.

Twelve side-scan sonar targets have been identified within the survey area. Three of these targets
have been identified within the 13,000 radius of MC 391, Proposed Location G. Sonar target #1
(33 X 39) is located 11804 feet west of Proposed Location G. Sonar target #3 (16 X 14) is
located 10498 feet southwest of Proposed Location G. Sonar target #4 (20 X 6) is located 8745
north of Proposed Location G. Sonar target #6 (14 X 17) is located 10991 feet southeast of
Proposed Location G. Sonar target #2 (34 X 15) is located within the additional 1,000 buffer zone
for the 13,000 radius for Proposed Location G. All seafloor sonar targets have 100 avoidance
areas. MC 391, Proposed Location G and anchor pattern will not interfere with these seafloor sonar
targets.

MC 391, Proposed Location G will be positioned 8400 feet south of Shells previously drilled MC
392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite, 12471 feet southwest of Marathons MC348 SS-1 wellsite, 14057 feet
southwest of Marathons MC348 SS-2 wellsite, and 18713 feet northwest of Anadarkos MC 392 #1
wellsite. All existing wells have a 500 avoidance zone. MC 391, Proposed Location G will not
disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

Flowlines and umbilicals for ATP are located in MC 348, Proposed Location G in MC391 has a
l3,000-foot radial generic anchor pattern. Shell has placed a 500 avoidance zone around these
flowlines and umbilicals. None of the anchors or cables for Proposed Location G will be positioned
within 500 feet of these flowlines and umbilicals.

Enhanced Surface Renderings (ESRs), ESRs with amplitudes applied, and AUV high-resolution
data, Mississippi Canyon 391, Proposed Location G appears suitable for the planned activity.

MC 348, Proposed Location H, Generic 13,000 Radius Anchor Pattern

features within 14,000 feet of Proposed Location H. Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location H
communities.

Twelve side-scan sonar targets have been identified within the survey area. Five of these targets
have been identified within the 13,000 radius of MC 348, Proposed Location H. Sonar target #4
(20 X 4) is identified 11152 feet west of Proposed Location H. Sonar target #5(15 X 9) is
identified 8642 feet north of Proposed Location H. Sonar target #6 (14 X 17) is located 11177 feet
south of Proposed Location H. Sonar target #8 (20 X 5) is located 7011 feet southeast of Proposed
Location H. Sonar target #9 (15 X 8) is located 10435 feet east of Proposed Location H. All
seafloor sonar targets have 100 avoidance areas. MC 348, Proposed Location H and anchor pattern
will not interfere with these seafloor sonar targets.

MC 348, Proposed Location H will be positioned 4985 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-1
wellsite, 8033 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-2 wellsite, 8007 feet northeast of Shells
MC 392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite and 13836 feet north of Anadarkos MC 392-1 wellsite. All existing
wells have a 500 avoidance zone. MC 348, Proposed Location H and 13,000 radial anchor pattern
will not disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

Flowlines and umbilicals for ATP are located in MC 348, Proposed Location H in MC348 has a
flowlines and umbilicals. None of the anchors or cables for Proposed Location H will be positioned

data, Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location H appears suitable for the planned activity.

MC 348, Proposed Location I, Generic 13,000 Radius Anchor Pattern

features within 14,000 feet of Proposed Location I. Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location I
communities.

have been identified within the 13,000 radius of MC 348, Proposed Location I. Sonar target #4 (20
X 4) is identified 10661 feet west of Proposed Location I. Sonar target #5(15 X 9) is identified
8234 feet northwest of Proposed Location I. Sonar target #6 (14 X 17) is located 11191 feet south
of Proposed Location I. Sonar target #8 (20 X 5) is located 7503 feet southeast of Proposed
Location I. Sonar target #9 (15 X 8) is located 10844 feet east of Proposed Location I. All
seafloor sonar targets have 100 avoidance areas. MC 348, Proposed Location I and anchor pattern
will not interfere with these seafloor sonar targets

MC 348, Proposed Location I will be positioned 4489 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-1
wellsite, 7908 feet south of Marathons MC 348 SS-2 wellsite, 7828 feet northeast of Shells MC
392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite and 14123 feet north of Anadarkos MC 392-1 wellsite. All existing wells
have a 500 avoidance zone. MC 348, Proposed Location I and 13,000 radial anchor pattern will
not disturb these previously drilled wellsites.

Flowlines and umbilicals for ATP are located in MC 348, Proposed Location I in MC348 has a
flowlines and umbilicals. None of the anchors or cables for Proposed Location I will be positioned

data, Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location I appears suitable for the planned activity.

MC 348, Proposed Location J, Generic 13,000 Radius Anchor Pattern

features within 14,000 feet of Proposed Location J. Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location J
communities.

have been identified within the 13,000 radius of MC 348, Proposed Location J. Sonar target #4 (20
X 4) is identified 9616 feet west of Proposed Location J. Sonar target #5(15 X 9) is identified
9111 feet northwest of Proposed Location J. Sonar target #6 (14 X 17) is located 1117 feet south
of Proposed Location J. Sonar target #8 (20 X 5) is located 6491 feet southeast of Proposed
Location J. Sonar target #9 (15 X 8) is located 10238 feet east of Proposed Location J. All targets
are given a 100 avoidance area. MC 348, Proposed Location I and anchor pattern will not interfere
with these unidentified side scan sonar targets.

MC 348, Proposed Location J will be positioned 5504 feet southeast of Marathons MC 348 SS-1
wellsite, 8158 feet northeast of Shells MC 392-1
ST
2BP1 wellsite, 8256 feet south of Marathons
MC 348 SS-2 wellsite and 13495 feet north of Anadarkos MC 392-1 wellsite. MC 348, Proposed
Location J will not disturb these previously drilled wellsites. All existing wells have a 500
avoidance zone. MC 348, Proposed Location J and 13,000 radial anchor pattern will not disturb
these previously drilled wellsites.

Flowlines and umbilicals for ATP are located in MC 348, Proposed Location J in MC348 has a
flowlines and umbilicals. None of the anchors or cables for Proposed Location J will be positioned

data, Mississippi Canyon 348, Proposed Location J appears suitable for the planned activity.

John W. Harris Patrick Jackson Arlette C. Nunez
Sr. Staff Geologist Sr. Staff Geophysicist Shallow Hazards Coordinator

(6b) Topographic features map

The proposed locations are not near any topographic features.

(6c) Topographic Features Statement (Shunting)

Not applicable

(6d) Live Bottoms (Pinnacle Trend Map)

The proposed locations are not near live bottoms.

(6e) Live Bottoms (Low Relief) Map

Not applicable

(6f) Potentially Sensitive Biological Features

The proposed locations are not near any potentially sensitive biological features.

(6g) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Monitoring Plan

In accordance with the provisions of NTL No. 2008-G06, Remotely Operated Vehicle Surveys in
Deepwater, Mississippi Canyon Blocks 348, 391 & 392 are located in Grid 17, which is an area that
does not have adequate ROV survey coverage. Therefore we are proposing to run the pre and post
ROV survey in accordance with the NTL.

An ROV survey was submitted on April 27, 2010 following the drilling of the OCS-G 26253 No. 1
well, Location A approved in our Initial Exploration Plan N-09387.

(6h) Threatened and Endanger Species Information

There are 5 species of sea turtles that may be found in the Gulf of Mexico (see table). No critical
habitat for these species has been designated in the Gulf of Mexico.

Common Name Scientific Name T/E Status
Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata E
Green Turtle Chelonia mydas T
Kemp's Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys kempii E
Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea E
Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta T

There are 28 species of marine mammals that may be found in the Gulf of Mexico (see table). Of
the species listed as Endangered, only the Sperm whale is found in the project area. No critical
habitat for these species has been designated in the Gulf of Mexico.

Common Name Scientific Name T/E Status
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Stenella frontalis
Blainville's Beaked Whale Mesoplodon densirostris
Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus E
Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus
Bryde's Whale Balaenoptera edeni
Clymene Dolphin Stenella clymene
Cuvier's Beaked Whale Ziphius cavirostris
Dwarf Sperm Whale Kogia simus
False Killer Whale Pseudorca crassidens
Fin Whale Balaenoptera physalus E
Fraser's Dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei
Gervais' Beaked Whale Mesoplodon europaeus
Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae E
Killer Whale Orcinus orca
Melon-headed Whale Peponocephala electra
Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Northern Right Whale Eubalaena glacialis
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Stenella attenuata
Pygmy Killer Whale Feresa attenuata
Pygmy Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps
Risso's Dolphin Grampus griseus
Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis
Sei Whale Balaenoptera borealis E
Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus
Sowerby's Beaked Whale Mesoplodon bidens
Sperm Whale Physeter macrocephalus E
Spinner Dolphin (Long-snouted) Stenella longirostris
Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

The EIA, EP Attachment 18, discusses potential impacts and mitigation measures related to
threatened and endangered species.

(6i) Archaeological Report

FUGRO's March 2009 Archeological Survey, which is part of the Shallow Hazards Report,
concludes that the evaluation of the high-resolution geophysical survey data collected within the
survey area indicates that twelve sonar contacts are located with the survey area. Sonar contact Nos.
1, 2, & 10 are all small isolated features that are likely geologic in origin. Sonar contact Nos. 7, 8, &
11 are all isolated linear features that are interpreted as probable modern debris. The remaining six
contacts are all unidentified amorphous objects. None of the twelve sonar contacts identified are
interpreted as archeologically significant.

(6j) Air and Water Quality Information

Pursuant to NTL No. 2008-G04, the proposed operations proposed in this EP do not required Shell to provide
additional information relating to air and water quality information. For specific information relating to air
and water quality refers to EIA, Attachment 18.

(6k) Socioeconomic Information

Pursuant to NTL No. 2008-G04, the proposed operations proposed in this EP do not required Shell to provide
additional information relating to socioeconomic information. For specific information relating to
socioeconomic refer to EIA, Attachment 18.

Offshore Alabama

(7a) Projected Generated Wastes

Type of Waste
Composition Projected Amount Describe how it will it be treated,
stored, or downhole disposed of
at your facility
Spent Drilling Fluids Synthetic-based drilling
muds

12,000 bbls/well

Re-used. 55 bbls SBM retained on
cuttings as reported under washed drill
cuttings from SBM below.
Spent Drilling Fluids Water based drilling fluid 20,000 bbls/well Discharge at mudline prior to riser
installation.
Washed Cuttings
from water based
hole interval
Cuttings coated with water
based drilling muds
3,500 bbls/well Discharge at mudline prior to riser
installation.
Washed Drill
cuttings from
synthetic based hole
interval
Drill cuttings 3,500 bbls/well Cuttings dryer treatment to average ROC
of 2.4%. Treated cuttings will be
discharged overboard during drilling of
SBM interval.
Sanitary Waste Treated human body waste
from toilets
6,325 bbls/well
59 bbls/day max
capacity
USCG-approved MSD with chlorination.
Starboard Caisson
Domestic Waste Gray water (laundry, galley,
lavatory)
19,250 bbls/well Food grinder.
Starboard Caisson
Produced water Formation water NA NA
Excess cement Cement slurry 420 bbls/well Discharged at mudline
Desalination unit
brine water
Rejected water from water
maker unit
1020 bbls/well

Cuttings chute
Deck drainage Uncontaminated fresh or
seawater
10,800 bbls/well
Depending on rainfall
Oily water is treated in Oily Water
Separator
Port & Starboard Caisson
Drill Cuttings Synthetic based cuttings w/
ROC greater than 6.9%
75 bbls/ well

Cuttings boxes transported via Offshore
Support Vessels Newpark Environmental
Services
Chemical products
and general
hazardous waste
Used cooking oil
Used motor oil
Oily rags
Antifreeze
Aerosol Cans
Fluorescent Bulbs
330 bbls/well

Labeled Drums transported via Offshore
Support Vessels to Safety Kleen or Lamp
Environmental Industries

Trash and debris Refuge generated during
installation and production
650 bbls/well

Recyclables to ARC, New Iberia, LA.
Non- recycleables to landfill at Avondale,
LA
Transported in big bags.
Cooling water Seawater with no addition
of chemicals
28,000,000 bbls/well

Fire water Seawater with no addition
of chemicals
28,000,000 bbls/well

Ballast water Uncontaminated seawater
used to maintain proper
draft
128,000 bbls/well Discharged Port & Starboard low sea
chests, 75.5 below waterline
Blowout Preventer
Fluid
Stackmagic 200/0/5%
glycol based on 2% mixture
with potable water
80 bbls/well Discharged at mudline

(7b) Projected Ocean Discharges

Type of Waste

Total Amount to be
Discharged
Discharge Rate Discharge Method
Water based mud 20,000 bbls/well 1,500 bbls/hr

Seafloor discharge prior to
marine riser installation
Washed Drill cuttings
from synthetic based
hole interval
3,500 bbls/well 100 bbls/day Shunt through a downpipe to 15
below the waters surface
Synthetic based drilling
fluid adhering to washed
drill cuttings
55 bbls/well 2.5 bbls/day Shunt through a downpipe to 15

Drill Cuttings from water
base drilling interval
3,500 bbls/well 65 bbls/hr Seafloor discharge prior to
marine riser installation
Chemical product waste NA NA NA
Excess cement 420 bbls/well 420 bbls/day Discharged at the seafloor
during riserless drilling/
cementing of 22 casing
Cooling water 28,000,000 bbls/well 260,982/bbls/day Port & Starboard caisson 23
below waterline
Sanitary waste 6,325 bbls/well 16.5 gal/person/day at
max. 150 person POB

Treated in the MSD** prior to
discharge to meet NPDES limits
Domestic waste 19,250 bbls/well 180 bbls/day Grinded to less than 25 mm
mesh size and discharge
overboard @ 2 below waterline
Desalination unit brine
water
1020 bbls/well 9.5 bbls/day Port & Stbd caisson 23 below
waterline
Deck drainage 10,800 bbls/well 10 bbls/hr (dependent
on rainfall)
Shunt through downpipe to 23 ft
Ballast water 128,000 bbls/well 94,357 bbls to
deballast rig on
location (one time
process) Daily ballast
= 314 bbls/day-
approximate
Discharged thru low sea chests
75.5 below waterline
Firewater Bypass 28,000,000 bbls/well 260,982 bbls/day Port & Stbd caissons 23 below
waterline
Blowout Preventer Fluid
Stackmagic 200/0/5%
glycol based on 2%
mixture with potable
water
80 bbls/well 1 bbl/day Discharged at mudline

(7c) Modeling Report
Shell did not model the trajectory for discharges since it is not required in the GOM.

8 AIR EMISSIONS INFORMATION

(8a) Emissions Worksheet and Screening Questions

Screening Questions for EPs Yes No
Is any calculated Complex Total (CT) Emission amount (in tons) associated with
your proposed exploration activities more than 90% of the amounts calculated
using the following formulas: CT = 3400D
2/3
for CO, and CT 33.3D for the
other air pollutants (where D distance to shore in miles)?

x
Do your emission calculations include any emission reduction measures or
modified emission factors?

x
Are your proposed exploration activities located east of 87.5 W longitude?
x
Do you expect to encounter H
2
S at concentrations greater than 20 parts per million
(ppm)?
x

Do you propose to flare or vent natural gas for more than 48 continuous hours
From any proposed well?

x
Do you propose to burn produced hydrocarbon liquids?
x

(8b) If you answer no to all of the above screening questions from the appropriate table, provide:

(1) Summary information regarding the peak year emissions for both Plan Emissions and Complex
Total Emissions, if applicable. This information is compiled on the summary form of the two sets of
worksheets. You can submit either these summary forms or use the format below. You do not need
to include the entire set of worksheets.

Air Pollutant Plan
Emission
1
Amounts
(tons)
Calculated
Exemption
2

Amounts
(tons)
Calculated
Complex Total
Emission
Amounts
3

(tons)
Carbon monoxide CO
Particulate matter (PM) NA
Sulphur dioxide (SO
2
)
Nitrogen oxides (NO
x
)
Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
1
For activities proposed in your EP or DOCD, list the projected emissions calculated from the worksheets.
2
List the exemption amounts for your proposed activities calculated by using the formulas in 30 CFR 250.303(d).
3
List the complex total emissions associated with your proposed activities calculated from the worksheets

(2) Contact: Sylvia Bellone, (504) 728-7215, Sylvia.Bellone@ shell.com

(1) Worksheets

COMPANY Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc
AREA Mississippi Canyon
BLOCK 348, 391, 392
LEASE OCS-G 19939, 26252, 26253
PLATFORM MODU
WELL B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, & J

COMPANY
CONTACT SYLVIA BELLONE
TELEPHONE NO. 504 728 7215
REMARKS EP
# OF WELLS 9
DAYS TO DRILL EACH
# DRILLING DAYS IN 2011 274
# DRILLING DAYS IN 2012 100
# DRILLING DAYS IN 2013-
2018 100
START DATE 3/1/2011
MOB/DEMOB 3 DAYS TOWING TO & FROM, 5 DAYS EACH PULL/SET ANCHORS
DIST TO LAND 72
SHOREBASE BAYOU FOURCHON-WATER, BOOTHVILLE -AIR
DIST TO SHOREBASE 138 NAUT (WATER), 97 STAT (AIR)
TESTING/FLARING NO
Estimated 4 work boats and 7 helicopters each week
Assume work boats at MODU 20 hour every day, underway 4 hours.
Assume cement units run 5% of the total drilling time.
"Yes" "No" Air Quality Screening Questions
NO 1. Are the proposed activities east of 87.5
o
W latitude?
YES 2. Are H
2
S concentrations greater than 20 ppm expected?
NO 3. Is gas flaring proposed for greater than 48 continuous hours per well?
NO 4. Is produced liquid burning proposed?
NO 5. Is the exploratory activity within 25 miles of shore?
NO
6. Are semi-submersible activities involved and is the facility within 50 miles
of shore?
NO
7. Are drillship operations involved and is the facility within 120 miles of
shore?
NO
8. Will the exploratory activity be collocated (same surface location) on a
production facility?

If ALL questions are answered "No":
Submit only this coversheet with your plan; a full set of spreadsheets is not needed.
If ANY of questions 1 through 7 is answered "Yes":
Prepare and submit a full set of EP spreadsheets with your plan.
If question number 8 is answered "Yes":
Prepare and submit a full set of DOCD spreadsheets showing the cumulative
emissions from both the proposed activities and the existing production platform.

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL CONTACT PHONE REMARKS
Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc Mississippi Canyon 348, 391, 392 OCS-G 19939, MODU B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, & J SYLVIA BELLONE 504 728 7210
OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT RATING MAX. FUEL ACT. FUEL RUN TIME MAXIMUM POUNDS PER HOUR ESTIMATED TONS
Diesel Engines HP GAL/HR GAL/D
Nat. Gas Engines HP SCF/HR SCF/D
Burners MMBTU/HR SCF/HR SCF/D HR/D DAYS PM SOx NOx VOC CO PM SOx NOx VOC CO
DRILLING PRIME MOVER #1>600hp diesel 7340 354.522 8508.53 24 274 5.17 23.73 177.84 5.34 38.80 17.01 78.04 584.74 17.54 127.58
PRIME MOVER #2>600hp diesel 7340 354.522 8508.53 24 274 5.17 23.73 177.84 5.34 38.80 17.01 78.04 584.74 17.54 127.58
CRANE<600hp diesel 564 27.2412 653.79 12 274 1.24 1.82 17.39 1.39 3.76 2.04 3.00 28.59 2.29 6.19
CRANE<600hp diesel 564 27.2412 653.79 12 274 1.24 1.82 17.39 1.39 3.76 2.04 3.00 28.59 2.29 6.19
CEMENT UNIT>600hp diesel 1800 86.94 2086.56 1 14 1.27 5.82 43.61 1.31 9.52 0.01 0.04 0.31 0.01 0.07
WORK BOAT >600hp diesel 3420 165.186 3964.46 4 80 2.41 11.06 82.86 2.49 18.08 0.39 1.77 13.26 0.40 2.89
WORK BOAT AT IDLE>600hp dies 1140 55.062 1321.49 20 80 0.80 3.69 27.62 0.83 6.03 0.64 2.95 22.10 0.66 4.82
CREW BOAT>600hp diesel 3420 165.186 3964.46 4 80 2.41 11.06 82.86 2.49 18.08 0.39 1.77 13.26 0.40 2.89
TOWING VESSEL >600hp diesel 16,500 796.95 19126.80 24 3 11.63 53.35 399.78 11.99 87.22 0.42 1.92 14.39 0.43 3.14
ANCHOR HANDLINGVESSEL>60 15,200 734.16 17619.84 24 20 10.71 49.15 368.28 11.05 80.35 2.57 11.80 88.39 2.65 19.28

MISC. BPD SCF/HR COUNT
TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00
DRILLING OIL BURN 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
WELL TEST GAS FLARE 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2011 YEAR TOTAL 72.86 326.48 2453.81 75.35 535.32 48.84 211.32 1595.73 50.73 348.06

EXEMPTION DISTANCE FROM LAND IN 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 58843.78
72.0

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc Mississippi Canyon 348, 391, 392 OCS-G 19939, MODU B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, & J SYLVIA BELLONE 504 728 7215 0
CRANE<600hp diesel 564 27.2412 653.79 12 100 1.24 1.82 17.39 1.39 3.76 0.75 1.09 10.44 0.83 2.26
CRANE<600hp diesel 564 27.2412 653.79 12 100 1.24 1.82 17.39 1.39 3.76 0.75 1.09 10.44 0.83 2.26
FACILITY TOWING VESSEL >600hp diesel 16,500 796.95 19126.80 24 3 11.63 53.35 399.78 11.99 87.22 0.42 1.92 14.39 0.43 3.14
INSTALLATION ANCHOR HANDLINGVESSEL>60 15,200 734.16 17619.84 24 10 10.71 49.15 368.28 11.05 80.35 1.29 5.90 44.19 1.33 9.64

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00
2012 YEAR TOTAL 72.86 326.48 2453.81 75.35 535.32 19.19 83.40 629.40 19.93 137.29

EXEMPTION
CALCULATION
DISTANCE FROM LAND IN
MILES 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 58843.78
72.0

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc Mississippi Canyon 348, 391, 392 OCS-G 19939, MODU B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, & J SYLVIA BELLONE 504 728 7215 0
CRANE<600hp diesel 564 27.2412 653.79 12 100 1.24 1.82 17.39 1.39 3.76 0.75 1.09 10.44 0.83 2.26
CRANE<600hp diesel 564 27.2412 653.79 12 100 1.24 1.82 17.39 1.39 3.76 0.75 1.09 10.44 0.83 2.26
FACILITY TOWING VESSEL >600hp diesel 16,500 796.95 19126.80 24 3 11.63 53.35 399.78 11.99 87.22 0.42 1.92 14.39 0.43 3.14
INSTALLATION ANCHOR HANDLINGVESSEL>60 15,200 734.16 17619.84 24 10 10.71 49.15 368.28 11.05 80.35 1.29 5.90 44.19 1.33 9.64

TANK- 0 0 0 0.00 0.00
2013-18 YEAR TOTAL 72.86 326.48 2453.81 75.35 535.32 19.19 83.40 629.40 19.93 137.29

EXEMPTION
CALCULATION
DISTANCE FROM LAND IN
MILES 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 58843.78
72.0

COMPANY AREA BLOCK LEASE PLATFORM WELL
Shell Gulf of
Mexico Inc
Mississippi
Canyon
348, 391, 392
OCS-G 19939, 26252,
26253
MODU
B, C, D, E, F, G, H,
I, & J
Emitted Substance
Year

PM SOx NOx VOC CO
2011 48.84 211.32 1595.73 50.73 348.06
2012 19.19 83.40 629.40 19.93 137.29
2013-18 19.19 83.40 629.40 19.93 137.29
Allowable
2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 2397.60 58843.78

(9a) Oil Spill Response Planning
(i) All the proposed activities and facilities in this EP will be covered by the Regional OSRP filed by Shell
Offshore Inc (0689) in accordance with 30 CFR 250. An update to the Regional OSRP was filed with the
BOEMRE October 2010 and is pending approval. This plan covers Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc (SGOMI) (2117)
operations in the Gulf of Mexico. AN OSRP Certification in accordance with 30 CFR 254.2 was submitted and
accepted by the BOEMRE on December 3, 2010.

(ii) Spill Response Sites:
Primary Response Equipment Locations Preplanned Staging Location(s)
Venice, LA; Houma, LA; Pascagoula, MS;
Fort Jackson, LA
Fourchon, LA; Pascagoula, MS; Fort Jackson, LA;
Venice, LA

(iii) The names of the oil spill removal organizations (OSROs) under contract include Clean Gulf Associates
(CGA), Marine Spill Response Company (MSRC), Clean Caribbean America (CCA), and OSRL/EARL.

(iv) Worst Case Scenario Determination

Category Regional OSRP EP
Type of Activity
1
Drilling Rig & Subsea
Installation
Drilling Rig & Subsea
Installation
Facility Location (area/block) MC 391 MC 391
Facility Designation
2
C C
Distance to Nearest Shoreline (miles) 72 72
Volume
3

Storage tanks (total)
Flowlines (on facility)
Pipelines
Uncontrolled blowout (volume per day)
Total Volume

N/A
N/A
N/A
405,000* BOPD
405,000 Bbls

N/A
N/A
N/A
405,000* BOPD
405,000 Bbls
Type of Oil(s) - (crude oil, condensate, diesel) Crude oil Crude oil
API Gravity(s)
4
37.5 37.5

*24 hour rate (371,000 BOPD 30 day rate)

Footnotes:
1. Types of activities include pipeline, platform, caisson, subsea completion or manifold, and mobile drilling rig.
2. E.g., Well No. 2, Platform JA, Pipeline Segment No. 6373.
3. Your regional OSRP worst-case scenario volume must be taken from the appropriate section of your regional OSRP.
For EPs, the worst-case scenario volume must be determined by using the daily worst-case discharge volume
determined using the guidance at 30 CFR 254.47(b). For DOCDs, the daily worst-case discharge volume must be
determined by using the guidance at 30 CFR 254.47 (a) and/or (b), as appropriate.
4. Provide API gravity of all oils given under Type of Oil(s) above. Estimate for EPs.

SGOMI submitted the new worst-case scenario to the BOEMRE GOMR on October 26, 2010 for inclusion in our
Regional OSRP.

(9b) Oil Spill Response Discussion
A. Volume of the Worst Case Discharge
Please refer to Section 2j of this EP.

B. Trajectory Analysis

Trajectories of a spill and the probability of it impacting a land segment have been projected utilizing
information in the BOEMRE Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model (OSRAM) for the Central and Western Gulf of
Mexico available on the BOEMRE website using 30 day impact. Offshore areas along the trajectory between
the source and land segment contact could be impacted. The land segment contact probabilities are shown in
Table 9.C.1.

Area/Block OCS-G
Launch
Area
Land Segment Contact %
Exploratory
MC 391
26252 57
CAMERON, LA
VERMILION, LA
TERREBONNE, LA
LA FOURCHE, LA
PLAQUEMINES, LA
ST. BERNARD, LA
HANCOCK & HARRISON, MS
JACKSON, MS
MOBILE, AL
BALDWIN, AL
ESCAMBIA, FL
OKALOOSA, FL
WALTON, FL
BAY, FL

1
1
2
2
21
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Table 9.C.1 Probability of Land Segment Impact
C. Resource Identification

The locations identified in Table 9.C.1 are the highest probable land segments to be impacted using the
BOEMRE Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model (OSRAM). The environmental sensitivities are identified using the
appropriate National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Environmental Sensitivity Index
(ESI) maps for the given land segment. ESI maps provide a concise summary of coastal resources that are at
risk if an oil spill occurs nearby. Examples of at-risk resources include biological resources (such as birds and
shellfish beds), sensitive shorelines (such as marshes and tidal flats), and human-use resources (such as public
beaches and parks).

In the event an oil spill occurs, ESI maps can help responders meet one of the main response objectives:
reducing the environmental consequences of the spill and the cleanup efforts. Additionally, ESI maps can be
used by planners to identify vulnerable locations, establish protection priorities, and identify cleanup strategies.

The following is a list of resources of special economic or environmental importance that potentially could be
impacted by the Mississippi Canyon 391 WCD scenario.

Onshore/Nearshore: Plaquemines Parish is identified as the most probable impacted Parish within the Gulf of
Mexico for the Exploratory Worst Case Discharge. The Plaquemines Parish has a total area of 2,429 square
miles of which, 845 square miles of it is land and 1,584 square miles is water. Plaquemines Parish includes two
National Wildlife Refuges and one Wildlife Management Area including the Breton National Wildlife Refuge,
the Delta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Pass a Loutre Wildlife Management Area. Key ESI maps for
Plaquemines Parish and the legend are shown in Figures 9.C.1 through 9.C.5.

Offshore: An offshore spill may require an Essential Fishing Habitat (EFH) Assessment. This assessment
would include a description of the spill, analysis of the potential adverse effects on EFH and the managed
species; conclusions regarding the effects on the EFH; and proposed mitigation, if applicable.

Significant pre-planning of joint response efforts was undertaken in response to provisions of the National
Contingency Plan (NCP). Area Contingency Plans (ACPs) were developed to provide a well coordinated
response to oil discharges and other hazardous releases. The One Gulf Plan is specific to the Gulf of Mexico to
advance the unity of policy and effort in each of the Gulf Coast ACPs. Strategies used for the response to an
oil spill regarding protection of identified resources are detailed in the One Gulf Plan and relevant Gulf Coast
ACP.

D. Worst Case Discharge Response

Shell will make every effort to respond to the Mississippi Canyon 391 Worst Case Discharge as effectively as
possible.
Applied Science Associates (ASA) conducted a deepwater blowout simulation for The Response Group to
better determine subsurface and surface evaporation and dispersion rates. Below is a table outlining the
applicable evaporation and dispersion quantities:

Mississippi Canyon Block 391
Calculations
(BBLS)
i. 30 Day Average WCD =
371,000 bbls
ii. Subsurface dispersion 25% (Water Depth = ~7,200)
-93,000 bbls
iii. REMAINING WCD AFTER SUBSURFACE DISPERSION
278,000 bbls
iv. Surface dispersion and evaporation 25%
-69,500 bbls
TOTAL REMAINING ~209,000 bbls
Table 9.D.1 Oil Remaining After Subsurface and Surface Dispersion

Shell has contracted OSROs to provide equipment, personnel, materials and support vessels as well as
temporary storage equipment to be considered in order to cope with a WCD spill. Under adverse weather
conditions, major response vessels and Transrec skimmers are still effective and safe in sea states of 6-8 ft. If
sea conditions prohibit safe mechanical recovery efforts, then natural dispersion and airborne chemical
dispersant application (visibility & wind conditions permitting) may be the only safe and viable recovery
option.

MSRC OSRV 8 foot seas
VOSS System 4 foot seas
Expandi Boom 6 foot seas, 20 knot winds
Dispersants Winds more than 25 knots,
Visibility less than 3 nautical miles, or
Ceiling less than 1,000 feet.
Table 9.D.2 Operational Limitations of Response Equipment

Upon notification of the spill, Shell would request a partial or full mobilization of contracted resources,
including, but not limited to, skimming vessels, oil storage vessels, dispersant aircraft, subsea dispersant,
shoreline protection, wildlife protection, and containment equipment. Following is a list of the contracted
resources including de-rated recovery capacity, personnel, and estimated response times (procurement, load
out, travel time to the site, and deployment). The Incident Commander or designee may contact other service
companies if the Unified Command deems such services necessary to the response efforts.

Subsea Control and Containment: Shell, as a founding member of the Marine Well Containment Company
(MWCC), will have access to a fully integrated subsea well control and containment system that can be rapidly
deployed through the MWCC. The Marine Well Containment System (MWCS) is designed to contain oil flow
in the unlikely event of an underwater well blowout, address a variety of spill scenarios in the Gulf of Mexico,
operate in deepwater depths up to 10,000 feet, and is capable of containing/collecting 100,000 barrels per day
(4.2 million gallons per day). Furthermore, the equipment is designed, constructed, tested, and available for
rapid response.

By using lessons learned from the recent Gulf of Mexico subsea well blowout incident, the MWCS has been
designed to have components that will be fully tested and maintained in a state of continuous readiness,
including a knowledgeable deployment staff. Additionally, the system is designed to be flexible and adaptable
for a variety of potential future spill scenarios. Equipment will have the capability to be connected to the well
or sea floor to provide full containment of the hydrocarbons for a multitude of spill scenarios in the Gulf of
Mexico. It is designed to operate in a wide range of weather conditions and oil flow rates, and is scalable to
allow for future expansion.

This system, when operational, will connect by risers to vessels that are designed to safely capture, store and
offload the oil. This improves safety and environmental protection by fully securing the well via capping and
shut-in or by containing the oil flow until the well is under control. It also enhances safe operations by
reducing congestion (e.g. fewer vessels, risers / flowlines). MWCC equipment will include well containment
assemblies, flowlines and risers, subsea utility modules (hydraulic power, hydrate control, dispersant injection)
and marine capture vessels.

The MWCC LLC is expected to be fully formed by the end of January 2011. Mutual aid agreements, formal
contracts for the BP containment equipment, and other call-off contracts for necessary response vessels are
expected to be in place by the end of December 2010. All these contracts and the functional specifications of
the MWCS will be available for review by the BOEM at that point. Containment capability of the MWCC will
include the near term capability from the BP equipment, other former BP responders, and mutual aid
equipment from MWCC members as well as the MWCS as it is delivered in phases. These subsea well
containment resources, systems, and equipment will include:

Marine Vessels
! Helix Producer 1 floating production unit
! Helix Q-4000 DP3 mobile offshore drilling unit
Subsea Containment Equipment:
! GE Latching Cap
! Flex joint overshot
! 2 manifolds
! 3 flexible pipe
! 6 flexible pipe
! Single valve manifold tree
! Subsea shut-off device
! Flex joint transition spool
! Three ram capping stack
! Subsea chokes
Riser Systems:
! 2 free standing riser systems
! Drill string riser/ polished bore receptacle system
! Light duty Intervention system (under mutual aid assistance)
Subsea Utility Systems:
! Hydrate injection system
! Subsea autonomous dispersant injection (SADI) system
! Subsea sourced dispersant injection system
! Hydrate remediation system (under mutual aid assistance)
! Subsea hydraulic accumulator and distribution system (under mutual aid assistance)

In the interim until the full MWCS is in place and available, containment equipment from BP and other
responders to the BP event will be available as it is retrieved and refurbished. The experience of gaining
control over the Macondo well has resulted in a better understanding of the necessary equipment and systems
for well containment. As a result, industry and government are better equipped and prepared today to contain
an oil well blowout in deepwater (see page 17 of the Decision Memorandum dated October 1, 2010). Shell is
further analyzing these advances and incorporating them into its comprehensive approach to help prevent and,
if needed, control another deepwater well control incident.

Any needed additional drill rigs or ships, remotely operated vessels and heavy lift installation vessels will be
immediately contracted and available at the beginning of an incident.

Appendix D of the OSRP contains a list of companies that Shell has under contract or through mutual aid
agreements to provide all resources needed to provide subsea containment capabilities.

Mechanical Recovery (skimming): Response strategies include skimming utilizing available OSROs Oil
Spill Response Vessels (OSRVs), Oil Spill Response Barges (OSRBs), ID Boats, and Quick Strike OSRVs.
There is a combined de-rated recovery rate capability of approximately 865,993 barrels/day. Temporary
storage associated with the identified skimming and temporary storage equipment equals approximately
836,574 barrels.

De-rated Recovery Rate
(bopd)
Storage
(bbls)
Offshore Recovery 749,000 607,750
Offshore Storage 211,500
Nearshore Recovery 116,993 17,324
Total 865,993 836,574
Table 9.D.3 Mechanical Recovery Combined De-Rated Capability

Table 9.D.4 Offshore On-Water Recovery Activation List
Table 9.D.5 Offshore On-Water Storage Activation List
Table 9.D.6 Nearshore On-Water Recovery Activation List

Oil Storage: The strategy for transferring, storing and disposing of oil collected in these recovery zones is to
utilize two 150,000-160,000 ton (dead weight) tankers mobilized by Shell (or any other tanker immediately
available). The recovered oil would be transferred to Motivas Norco, LA storage and refining facility, or
would be stored at Delta Commodities, Inc. Harvey, LA facility.

Aerial Surveillance: Aircraft can be mobilized to detect, monitor, and target response to oil spills. Aircraft
and spotters can be mobilized within hours of an event.

Table 9.D.7 Aerial Surveillance Activation List

Aerial Dispersant: Depending on proximity to shore and water depth, dispersants may be a viable response
option. If appropriate and approved, 4 to 5 sorties from three DC-3s can be made within the first 12 hour
operating day of the response. These aerial systems could disperse approximately 7,704 to 9,630 barrels of oil
per day. Additionally, 3 to 4 sorties from the BE90 King Air and 3 to 4 sorties from the Hercules C-130A
within the first 12 hour operating day of the response could disperse 4,600 to 6,100 barrels of oil per day. For
continuing dispersant operations, the CCAs Aerial Dispersant Delivery System (ADDS) would be mobilized.
The ADDS has a dispersant spray capability of 5,000 gallons per sortie.

Table 9.D.8 Offshore Aerial Dispersant Activation List

Vessel Dispersant: Vessel dispersant application is another available response option. If appropriate, vessel
spray systems can be installed on offshore vessels of opportunity using inductor nozzles (installed on fire-water
monitors), skid mounted systems, or purpose-built boom arm spray systems. Vessels can apply dispersant
within the first 12-24 hours of the response and continually as directed.

Table 9.D.9 Offshore Boat Spray Dispersant Activation List

Subsea Dispersant: Shell has contracted with Wild Well Control for a subsea dispersant package. Subsea
dispersant application has been found to be highly effective at reducing the amount of oil reaching the surface.
Additional data collection, laboratory tests and field tests will help in facilitating the optimal application rate
and effectiveness numbers. For planning purposes, The system has the potential to disperse approximately
24,500 to 34,000 barrels of oil per day.

Table 9.D.10 Subsea Dispersant Package Activation List

In-Situ Burning: Open-water in-situ burning (ISB) also may be used as a response strategy, depending on the
circumstances of the release. ISB services may be provided by the primary OSRO contractors. If appropriate
conditions exist and approvals are granted, one or multiple ISB task forces could be deployed offshore. Task
forces typically consist of two to four fire teams, each with two vessels capable of towing fire boom, guide
boom or tow line with either a handheld or aerially-deployed oil ignition system. At least one support/safety
boat would be present during active burning operations to provide logistics, safety and monitoring support.

Depending upon a number of factors, up to 4 burns per 12-hour day could be completed per ISB fire team.
Most fire boom systems can be used for approximately 8-12 burns before being replaced. Fire intensity and
weather will be the main determining factors for actual burns per system. Although the actual amount of oil
that will be removed per burn is dependent on many factors, recent data suggests that a typical burn might
eliminate approximately 750 barrels. For planning purposes and based on the above assumptions, a single task
force of four fire teams with the appropriate weather and safety conditions could complete four burns per day
and remove up to ~12,000 bbls/day. In-situ burning nearshore and along shorelines may be a possible option
based on several conditions and with appropriate approvals, as outlined in Section 19, In-situ Burn Plan
(OSRP). In-situ burning along certain types of shorelines may be used to minimize physical damage where
access is limited or if it is determined that mechanical/manual removal may cause a substantial negative impact
on the environment. All safety considerations will be evaluated. In addition, Shell will assess the situation and
can make notification within 48 hours of the initial spill to begin ramping up fire boom production through
contracted OSRO(s). There are potential limitations that need to be assessed prior to ISB operations. Some
limitations include atmospheric and sea conditions; oil weathering; air quality impacts; safety of response
workers; and risk of secondary fires.

Table 9.D.11 In-Situ Burn Equipment Activation List

Shoreline Protection: If the spill went unabated, shoreline impact in St. Bernard or Plaquemines Parish, LA
would depend upon existing environmental conditions. Nearshore response may include the deployment of
shoreline boom on beach areas, or protection and sorbent boom on vegetated areas. Strategies would be based
upon surveillance and real time trajectories provided by The Response Group that depict areas of potential
impact given actual sea and weather conditions. Strategies from the New Orleans, Louisiana Area Contingency
Plan, The Response Group and Unified Command would be consulted to ensure that environmental and special
economic resources would be correctly identified and prioritized to ensure optimal protection. The Response
Group shoreline response guides depict the protection response modes applicable for oil spill clean-up
operations. Each response mode is schematically represented to show optimum deployment and operation of
the equipment in areas of environmental concern. Supervisory personnel have the option to modify the
deployment and operation of equipment allowing a more effective response to site-specific circumstances.

Table 9.D.12 Shoreline Protection and Wildlife Support List

Wildlife Protection: If wildlife is threatened due to a spill, the contracted OSROs have resources available to
Shell, which can be utilized to protect and/or rehabilitate wildlife. The resources under contract for the
protection and rehabilitation of affected wildlife are in Table 9.D.12.

(9c) Modeling Report
Not applicable

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Table!9D6!Nearshore!On"Water!Recovery!Activation!List!(continuedO!
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Table 9.D.7 Aerial Surveillance Activation List
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Table 9.D.9 Offshore Boat Spray Dispersant Activation List
Table 9.D.10 Subsea Dispersant Package Activation List
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Offshore Alabama

10 Environmental Monitoring Information

(10a) Monitoring Systems

A rig based Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) is used to continuously monitor the current beneath
the rig. Metocean conditions such as sea states, wind speed, ocean currents, etc. will also be
continuously monitored

(10b) Incidental Takes

No incidental takes are anticipated. Shell implements the mitigation measures and monitors for
incidental takes of protected species according to the following notices to lessees and operators
from the Minerals Management Service:

NTL No.2007-G02 Implementation of Seismic Survey Mitigation Measures and Protected
Species Observer Program during seismic operations
NTL No.2007-G03 Marine Trash and Debris Awareness and Elimination
NTL No.2007-G04 Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species
Reporting

(10c) Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

The operations proposed in this EP will not be conducted within the Protective Zones of the Flower
Garden Banks or Stetson Bank.

Offshore Alabama

11 Lease Stipulations Information

OCS-G 19939, 26252 & 26253 are not a part of any Biological Sensitive Area or Shipping
Fairway. OCS-G 19939 & 26253 are located in Military Warning Area EWTA-1. OCS-G
19939, 26252 & 26253 are designated as having a high potential for containing archeological
properties. OCS-G 26252 & 26253 leases were assigned to Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. April 30,
2008. SGOMI acquired deep rights below 16,500 SSTVD to OCS-G 19939 on August 3,
2010.

Lease Stipulation No. 6, Protected Species, is addressed in the following sections of this plan:

Section 6h, Threatened or endangered species, critical habitat, and marine mammal information
Section 10b, Environmental Monitoring Information, Incidental takes
Section 12b, Environmental Mitigation Measures Information, Incidental takes
Section 18, Environmental Impact Assessment

12 Environmental Mitigation Measure Information

(12a) Impacts to Marine and coastal environments

The proposed action will implement mitigation measures required by laws and regulations,
including all applicable Federal & State requirements concerning air emissions, discharges to
water, and solid waste disposal, as well as any additional permit requirements and Shell
policies. Project activities will be conducted in accordance with the Regional Oil Spill Response
Plan. The EIA attached as Section 18 to this plan discusses impacts and mitigation measures.

(12b) Incidental Takes

We do not anticipate any incidental takes related to the proposed operations. Shell implements
the mitigation measures and monitors for incidental takes of protected species according to the
following notices to lessees and operators from the Minerals Management Service:

NTL No.2007-G03 Marine Trash and Debris Awareness and Elimination
NTL No.2007-G04 Vessel Strike Avoidance and Injured/Dead Protected Species Reporting

13 Related Facilities and Operations Information

(13a) Related OCS Facilities and Operations
Information regarding Related Facilities and Operations Information, transportation systems, &
produced liquid hydrocarbon transportation vessels are not included in this EP as such
information is only necessary in the case of DOCDs

Offshore Alabama
14 SUPPORT VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
(14a) General
Type Maximum Fuel Tank
Storage Capacity (Bbls)
Maximum No. In Area at
Any Time
Trip Frequency or
Duration
Crew Boats 1040 2 Twice per week
Offshore Support Vessels 9750 3 Twice per week
Tug Boats 7100 2 3 days
Anchor Handling Vessel 11850 3 20 days
Helicopter 22 1 Once per day

(14d) Solid and Liquid Wastes Transportation

Type of Waste
Approx.
Composition
Total
Amount
Name/Location Rate
Transport Method
Synthetic drilling
mud
12,000
bbls/well
Newpark Environmental Services
Inc. Ingleside, TX
200
bbls/day
Below deck storage
tanks on Offshore
Support Vessels
Synthetic based
cuttings w/ ROC
greater than 6.9%
75
bbls/well
Inc. Ingleside, TX
4 bbls/day Cutting boxes on barges
Chemical products
and general
hazardous waste
330
bbls/well
Safety Kleen System Inc.
Denton, TX
or
Lamp Environmental Industries
Hammond, LA
4 bbls/day Drums on Offshore
Support Vessels
Non-hazardous
Trash and debris
(Non-recyclables)
450
bbls/well

Inc.
Ingleside, TX
or
Bridge City, TX
7 bbls/day Storage bins on Crew
Boat
Used Oil & Glycol 85
bbls/well
U. S. Filter
New Orleans, LA
Boat
Batteries, lamps,
glass, mercury
7
bbls/well
Lamp Environmental Industries,
Inc.
Hammond, LA
0.1 bbls/day Storage bins on Crew
Boat
Oil Filters, rags,
pads, empty drums,
cooking oil
20
bbls/well
Omega Waste Management Inc
Patterson, LA
0.25
bbls/day
Recycled
Trash and debris
(recyclables)
200
bbls/well
Omega Waste Management Inc
1900 Hwy 90 West Patterson, LA

or
ARC
New Iberia, LA
Boat

(14e) Vicinity Map

Offshore Alabama

15 ONSHORE SUPPORT FACILITIES
(15a) General
Name Location Existing/New/Modified
Fourchon Port Fourchon, LA Existing
Boothville PHI Heliport Boothville, LA Existing

The onshore support bases for water and air transportation will be the existing terminals in Boothville and
Fouchon. The Fouchon boat facility is operated by SOI and is located on Bayou LaFourche, south of
Leesville, LA approximately 3 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The Boothville heliport is operated by
SOI and is located on La State Highway 23 in Boothville, La

(15b) Support Base Construction or Expansion
None planned.

(15c) Support Base Construction or Expansion Timetable
None planned.

(15d) Waste Disposal

Name/Location
Type of Waste Amount Rate Disposal
Method
Newpark
Environmental
Services Inc
Ingleside or Bridge
City, TX
Synthetic Drilling Mud 12,000 bbls/well 200 bbls/day Recycled
Newpark
Environmental
Services Inc
Ingleside or Bridge
City, TX
Synthetic based cuttings
w/ ROC greater than 6.9%
75 bbls/well 4 bbls/day Land farmed
Safety Kleen
System Inc
Denton, TX
Chemical products and
general hazardous waste
Paint, solvents, unused
chemicals, etc
330 bbls/well 4 bbls/day Hazardous
waste disposal
Newpark
Environmental
Services Inc
Ingleside or Bridge
City, TX
Non-hazardous
Trash and Debris
Non-Recyclables
450 bbls/well 7 bbls/day Land farmed
U. S. Filter
New Orleans, LA
Used Oil & Glycol 85 bbls/well 10 bbls/day Recycled
Lamp
Environmental
Industries, Inc.
Hammond, LA
Batteries, lamps, glass,
mercury
7 bbls/well 0.1 bbls/day Recycled
Omega Waste
Management Inc
Patterson, LA
Oil Filters, rags, pads,
empty drums, cooking oil
20 bbls/well 0.25 bbls/day Recycled
ARC
ew Iberia, LA
Non-hazardous
Trash and Debris
Recyclables
200 bbls/well 3 bbls/day Recycled

Offshore Alabama

(16) Sulphur Operations Information

Information regarding Sulfur Operations Information is not included in this EP as such
information is only necessary in the case of DOCDs.
.

17 Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Information
Coastal Consistency
ALABAMA
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION

Type of Plan

Mississippi Canyon 391
Area and Blocks

OCS-G 26252
OCS-G 26253
OCS-G 19939
Lease Numbers

The proposed activities described in detail in this Plan will comply with Alabama's approved Coastal
Resources Program and Alabama's Coastal Area Management Program Policies.

SHELL GULF OF MEXICO INC. (SGOMI)
Operator

______________________________
Sylvia A. Bellone
Certifying Official

12/21/2010
Date
Offshore Alabama

Coastal Zone Management Consistency Information
For the State of Alabama

In accordance with Subpart E of 15 CFR 903 Consistency for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Exploration, Development and Production Activities and as required by 15 CFR 930.58, Shell Gulf
of Mexico Inc. is hereby providing the following information in support of the Environmental Impact
Analysis submitted as Attachment 18 of our Initial Exploration Plan for the above mentioned leases.

15 CFR 930.58 identifies necessary data and information to be furnished to the State agency. The
information is as follows:

A. CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION
A Coastal Zone Consistency Certification for activities that affect the State of Alabama is provided in
Attachment 17 (c) of the above-mentioned EP.

B. OTHER INFORMATION
(1) As proposed the EP provides for the drilling wells beginning approximately March 1, 2011.
The proposed activity is located approximately 72 miles from the nearest shoreline. Shell Gulf of
Mexico Inc will utilize a shorebase in Fourchon, Louisiana for water support and PHIs Boothville
terminal for air traffic for the proposed activities.

(2) As per NTL 2008-G04, the following items have been identified as being required:
! A discussion of the method of disposal of wastes and discharges is provided in Attachment
15(d) of the above-mentioned EP.
! Oil Spill Information is provided in Attachment 9 of the above-mentioned EP.
! All operations are covered by Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc.s Regional Oil Spill Response Plan,
which has been approved by MMS. The Plan is available upon request.

(3) Following is an evaluation that includes findings relating the coastal effects of the proposed
activities and associated facilities to the relevant enforceable policies of the Alabamas Coastal
Management Program:

All activities shall be consistent with Alabamas coastal management program and shall comply with
all relevant rules and regulations. Pollution shall be prevented or reduced at the source; pollution that
cannot be prevented shall be recycled in an environmentally safe manner; pollution that cannot be
prevented or recycled shall be treated in an environmentally safe manner; and disposal or other
release into the environment shall be employed only as a last resort and should be conducted in an
environmentally safe manner. All activities comply with all applicable provisions of the
administrative code. No activities are planned within special management areas. Activities will be
carried out avoid unnecessary conflicts with other uses of the vicinity.

COASTAL RESOURCE USE POLICIES

Coastal Development All activities shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes significant
impacts to coastal resources. No adverse effects to Alabamas coastal area are expected in
association with the proposed activities.

Mineral Resource Exploration and Extraction No conflicts with any other mineral resource
exploration and extraction are expected.

Commercial Fishing All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed operated
and maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable adverse disruptions to fishery
migratory patterns.

Hazard Management- Effective emergency plans are in place, practiced, and updated as necessary.
The best practical techniques shall be utilized to prevent the release of pollutants or toxic
substances into the environment.

Shoreline Erosion - All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed operated and
maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable adverse alteration of protective coastal
features

Recreation We have considered the general factors utilized by permitting authorities and have
determined that the proposed activities shall cause no adverse impacts on areas of public use
or concern, and all uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed operated
and maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable adverse alteration of these areas.
The MMS has regulations in place which explicitly prohibit the disposal of equipment, cables,
chains, chains, containers or other materials which may pose an unreasonable risk to public
health, property, aquatic life, wildlife, recreation, navigation, commercial fishing, or other
uses of the ocean into offshore waters. Although marine debris gets lost from time to time,
the impact on Gulf Coast recreational beaches is expected to be minimal. No impacts are
expected to adversely affect Public access to tidal and submerged lands, navigable waters and
beaches or other public recreational resources.

Transportation- Alabamas transportation resources are not expected to be impacted, as shorebases in
Fourchon and Boothville, Louisiana will be utilized for the proposed operations. Also, boats
will not travel through any sensitive coastal areas off of the coast of Alabama.

NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICIES
Biological Productivity - All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable adverse alteration of
biologically valuable areas. All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed,
constructed, operated and maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable reductions
in long-term biological productivity of the coastal ecosystem. No impacts are expected to
adversely affect the biological productivity of the area.

Water Quality - The proposed activities shall be carried out in conformance with applicable water
quality laws, standards, and regulations. All discharges shall be covered by an NPDES
permit. There shall be no discharge of untreated produced water, drilling moods, or cuttings
resulting from energy exploration and production activities to the coastal waters of Alabama.
Produced waters that are discharged offshore are diluted and dispersed to very near
background levels at a distance of 1,000 m and are undetectable at a distance of 3,000 m from
the discharge point. The MMS regulations, the USEPAs NPDES general permit, and the

USCG regulations implementing MARPOL 73/78 Annex V prohibit the disposal of any trash
and debris into the marine environment.

Water Resources - All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed operated and
maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable detrimental discharges into coastal
waters.

Air Quality - The proposed activities shall be carried out in conformance with applicable air quality
laws, standards, and regulations. Emissions from the proposed activities are not expected to
have significant impacts on onshore air quality because of the prevailing atmospheric
conditions, emission heights, emission rates, and the distance of these emissions from the
coastline.

Wetlands and Submerged Grassbeds - All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed,
constructed operated and maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable reductions of
natural circulation patterns within or into wetlands and submerged grassbeds. Pipeline and
navigation canals are considered the most significant impacting factors to wetlands and
neither is proposed in the EP. Proposed activities are not expected to have any adverse impact
on seagrass communities.

Beach and Dune Protection - Effective environmental protection plans are in place, practiced, and
updated as necessary. No significant impacts to the physical shape and structure of barrier
beaches and associated dunes are expected to occur. In the unlikely event of a spill contacting
a barrier beach, sand removal during cleanup would be minimized.

Wildlife Habitat Protection - We have considered the general factors utilized by permitting authorities
and have determined that the proposed activities shall cause no adverse impacts on wildlife habitat
areas. All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed operated and maintained
to avoid to the maximum extent practicable adverse alteration of wildlife habitats or coastal wildlife.
Proposed activities are in OCS waters, so they are located away from critical wildlife and vegetation
areas. Access routes from shorebase operations shall pose no adverse on these critical wildlife and
vegetation areas.

Endangered Species
No impacts are expected to adversely affect wildlife and fishery habitat, especially the designated
Critical Habitats of Endangered Species.
Beach mice Potential impacts include oil spills, oil-spill response activities, consumption of beach
trash and debris and coastal habitat degradation. No significant impacts to beach mice are
expected to occur. Protective measures required under the Endangered Species Act should
prevent any oil-spill response and cleanup activities from having significant impact to beach
mice and their habitat.
Marine birds Potential impact-producing factors for marine birds in the offshore environment
include helicopter and service vessel traffic and noise, air emissions, degradation of water
quality, habitat degradation, and ingestion discarded trash and debris from service vessels and
OCS structures. Adverse impacts to endangered coastal and marine birds are expected to be
sublethal.
Sea turtles Potential impact-producing factors from the proposed activities that may affect sea
turtles include water quality degradation from operational discharges, noise from helicopter
and vessel traffic and operating platforms, vessel collisions, brightly lit platforms, and
swallowing or getting tangled in OCS-related trash and debris. Routine activities are expected
to be sublethal and unlikely to have significant adverse effects on the size and recovery of any
sea turtle species or population in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sturgeon Drilling mud discharges may contain chemicals toxic to sturgeon, at concentrations four or five
orders of magnitude higher than concentrations found a few meters from the discharge point. These
discharges dilute to background levels within 1000m of the discharge point. No impacts from the
proposed activities are expected.

Cultural Resources Protection - All uses and activities shall be planned, sited, designed, constructed operated
and maintained to avoid to the maximum extent practicable adverse alteration of cultural resources. No
impacts are expected to adversely affect historical, architectural, or archaeological sites. Should any
historical, architectural, or archaeological resource be discovered in the course of conducting authorized
activities, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama State Historical
Officer shall be notified.

ALLachmenL 18

Lnv|ronmenta| Impact Ana|ys|s

SuLLMLn1AL LxLC8A1lCn LAn
Mlsslsslppl Canvon 8lock 348 (CCS-C 19939)
Cffshore Alabama

16 uecember 2010

repared for:

Svlvla 8ellone
Shell Cffshore lnc.
.C. 8ox 61933
new Crleans, Loulslana 70161
1elephone: (304) 728-7213

repared by:

CSA lnLernaLlonal, lnc.
8302 SW kansas Avenue
SLuarL, llorlda 34997
1elephone: (772) 219-3000

Mlsslsslppl coovoo 8locks J48. J91. ooJ J92 uecembet 2010
ovltoomeotol lmpoct Aoolvsls fot 5opplemeotol xplototloo lloo looe ll
Contents
age
Introduct|on ................................................................................................................ 1
ro[ecL Summarv ............................................................................................................................... 1
urpose of Lhe LlA ............................................................................................................................. 1
CCS 8eaulaLorv lramework ............................................................................................................... 3
Cll Splll revenLlon and ConLlnaencv lannlna ................................................................................... 3
LlA CraanlzaLlon ............................................................................................................................... 3
A. Impact-roduc|ng Iactors ....................................................................................... 6
A.1 urllllna 8la resence (lncludlna nolse and llahLs) ........................................................................ 6
A.2 hvslcal ulsLurbance Lo Lhe Seafloor .......................................................................................... 6
A.3 Alr olluLanL Lmlsslons .............................................................................................................. 9
A.4 LffluenL ulscharaes .................................................................................................................... 9
A.3 WaLer lnLake ............................................................................................................................. 9
A.6 Cnshore WasLe ulsposal .......................................................................................................... 10
A.7 Marlne uebrls .......................................................................................................................... 10
A.8 SupporL vessel and PellcopLer 1rafflc ...................................................................................... 10
A.9 AccldenLs ................................................................................................................................. 11
A.9.1 1vpes of AccldenLs LvaluaLed ....................................................................................... 11
A.9.2 Small luel Splll ............................................................................................................. 11
A.9.3 Crude Cll Splll (WorsL Case ulscharae) .......................................................................... 12
A.9.4 CLher AccldenLs noL Analvzed ln ueLall ........................................................................ 14
8. Affected Lnv|ronment ........................................................................................... 16
C. Impact Ana|ys|s ..................................................................................................... 17
C.1 hvslcal/Chemlcal LnvlronmenL ............................................................................................... 18
C.1.1 Alr CuallLv .................................................................................................................... 18
C.1.2 WaLer CuallLv ............................................................................................................... 20
C.2 Seafloor PablLaLs and 8loLa ..................................................................................................... 22
C.2.1 SofL 8oLLom 8enLhlc CommunlLles ................................................................................ 22
C.2.2 Plah-uenslLv ueepwaLer 8enLhlc CommunlLles ............................................................ 23
C.2.3 ueslanaLed 1opoaraphlc leaLures................................................................................. 27
C.2.4 lnnacle 1rend Area Llve 8oLLoms ................................................................................ 28
C.2.3 LasLern Culf Llve 8oLLoms ............................................................................................ 28
C.3 1hreaLened, Lndanaered, and roLecLed Specles and CrlLlcal PablLaL ...................................... 28
C.3.1 Sperm Whale (Lndanaered) .......................................................................................... 30
C.3.2 llorlda ManaLee (Lndanaered) ..................................................................................... 33
C.3.3 Lndanaered MvsLlceLe Whales ..................................................................................... 34
C.3.4 non-Lndanaered Marlne Mammals (roLecLed) ........................................................... 33
C.3.3 Sea 1urLles (Lndanaered/1hreaLened) .......................................................................... 38
C.3.6 lplna lover (1hreaLened) ........................................................................................... 41
C.3.7 Whooplna Crane (Lndanaered) ..................................................................................... 43
Contents
(cont|nued)
age

ovltoomeotol lmpoct Aoolvsls fot 5opplemeotol xplototloo lloo looe lll
C.3.8 Culf SLuraeon (1hreaLened) .......................................................................................... 43
C.3.9 8each Mlce (Lndanaered) ............................................................................................. 44
C.4 CoasLal and Marlne 8lrds ......................................................................................................... 43
C.4.1 Marlne and elaalc 8lrds .............................................................................................. 43
C.4.2 Shore 8lrds and CoasLal nesLlna 8lrds ........................................................................... 48
C.3 llsherles 8esources ................................................................................................................. 30
C.3.1 elaalc CommunlLles and lchLhvoplankLon ................................................................... 30
C.3.2 LssenLlal llsh PablLaL .................................................................................................... 32
C.6 Archaeoloalcal 8esources ........................................................................................................ 33
C.6.1 Shlpwreck SlLes ............................................................................................................ 33
C.6.2 rehlsLorlc Archaeoloalcal SlLes .................................................................................... 36
C.7 CoasLal PablLaLs and roLecLed Areas ...................................................................................... 37
C.8 Socloeconomlc and CLher 8esources ....................................................................................... 39
C.8.1 8ecreaLlonal and Commerclal llshlna ........................................................................... 39
C.8.2 ubllc PealLh and SafeLv ............................................................................................... 61
C.8.3 LmplovmenL and lnfrasLrucLure .................................................................................... 62
C.8.4 8ecreaLlon and 1ourlsm ............................................................................................... 63
C.8.3 Land use ...................................................................................................................... 64
C.8.6 CLher Marlne uses ....................................................................................................... 63
C.9 CumulaLlve lmpacLs ................................................................................................................. 66
C.9.1 CumulaLlve lmpacLs Lo hvslcal /Chemlcal 8esources ................................................... 67
C.9.2 CumulaLlve lmpacLs Lo 8loloalcal 8esources ................................................................. 68
C.9.3 CumulaLlve lmpacLs Lo Socloeconomlc 8esources ......................................................... 70
D. Lnv|ronmenta| nazards ......................................................................................... 71
u.1 Ceoloalc Pazards ..................................................................................................................... 71
u.2 Severe WeaLher ....................................................................................................................... 71
u.3 CurrenLs and Waves ................................................................................................................ 71
L. A|ternat|ves .......................................................................................................... 71
I. M|t|gat|on Measures ............................................................................................. 71
G. Consu|tat|on ......................................................................................................... 72
n. reparers .............................................................................................................. 72
I. keferences ............................................................................................................. 73

ovltoomeotol lmpoct Aoolvsls fot 5opplemeotol xplototloo lloo looe lv
L|st of 1ab|es
1ab|e age
1 noLlces Lo Lessees and CperaLors (n1Ls) LhaL are referenced ln Lhls LnvlronmenLal
lmpacL Analvsls (LlA) ......................................................................................................... 4
2 MaLrlx of lmpacL-produclna facLors and affecLed envlronmenLal resources ....................... 7
3 CondlLlonal probablllLles of a splll ln Lhe lease area conLacLlna shorellne seamenLs
(lrom: !l eL al., 2004) ...................................................................................................... 13
4 8enLhlc communlLv daLa from sLaLlons near Lhe lease area and ln slmllar waLer
depLhs sampled durlna Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco ConLlnenLal Slope PablLaLs
and 8enLhlc Lcoloav SLudv (lrom: Wel, 2006, 8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009) ...................... 22
3 lederallv-llsLed endanaered and LhreaLened specles ln Lhe lease area and alona
Lhe norLhern Culf coasL ................................................................................................... 29

L|st of I|gures
I|gure age
1 vlclnlLv map for Lhe lease area .......................................................................................... 2
2 8aLhvmeLrlc map of Lhe lease area showlna proposed well surface locaLlons .................. 17
3 LocaLlon of selecLed envlronmenLal feaLures ln relaLlon Lo Lhe lease area ....................... 42

ovltoomeotol lmpoct Aoolvsls fot 5opplemeotol xplototloo lloo looe v
L|st of Acronyms
AulCS AuLomaLed uaLa lnqulrv for Cll Spllls
8CLM8L 8ureau of Ccean Lnerav ManaaemenL, 8eaulaLlon and LnforcemenL
8u bbl/dav
CCA Clean Culf AssoclaLes
CC carbon monoxlde
CSA CSA lnLernaLlonal, lnc.
LA LnvlronmenLal AssessmenL
LLZ Lxcluslve Lconomlc Zone
LlP LssenLlal llsh PablLaL
LlA LnvlronmenLal lmpacL Analvsls
LlS LnvlronmenLal lmpacL SLaLemenL
L LxploraLlon lan
LSA Lndanaered Specles AcL
lAu flsh-aLLracLlna devlce
CMlMC Culf of Mexlco llsherv ManaaemenL Councll
PAC PablLaL Area of arLlcular Concern
PSL healLh, safeLv, and envlronmenL
ll lmpacL-produclna facLor
lSC lnLernaLlonal CraanlzaLlon for SLandardlzaLlon
MC Mlsslsslppl Canvon
MCu mllllon aallons per dav
MM8C mllllon barrels of oll
MMA Marlne Mammal roLecLlon AcL
MMS Mlnerals ManaaemenL Servlce
MS8C Marlne Splll 8esponse CorporaLlon
MWCC Marlne Well ConLalnmenL Companv
nAACS naLlonal AmblenL Alr CuallLv SLandards
nLA naLlonal LnvlronmenLal ollcv AcL
nMlS naLlonal Marlne llsherles Servlce
nCAA naLlonal Cceanlc and ALmospherlc AdmlnlsLraLlon
nC
x
nlLroaen oxldes
nuLS naLlonal olluLanL ulscharae LllmlnaLlon SvsLem
nS naLlonal ark Servlce
n8C naLlonal 8esearch Councll
n1L noLlce Lo Lessees
nW8 naLlonal Wlldllfe 8efuae
CCS CuLer ConLlnenLal Shelf
CCSLA CuLer ConLlnenLal Shelf Lands AcL
CS8A Cll Splll 8lsk Analvsls
CS8 Cll Splll 8esponse lan
AP polvcvcllc aromaLlc hvdrocarbon
M parLlculaLe maLLer
Su revenLlon of SlanlflcanL ueLerloraLlon
S8M svnLheLlc-based mud
SC
x
sulfur oxldes
SWSS Sperm Whale Selsmlc SLudv
uSCC u.S. CoasL Cuard
uSuCl u.S. ueparLmenL of Lhe lnLerlor
uSLA u.S. LnvlronmenLal roLecLlon Aaencv
vCC volaLlle oraanlc compound
uSlWS u.S. llsh and Wlldllfe Servlce
WCu worsL case dlscharae
WCL Whooplna Crane LasLern arLnershlp

LnvlronmenLal lmpacL Analvsls for SupplemenLal LxploraLlon lan looe 1
Introduct|on
ro[ect 5ummary
Shell Culf of Mexlco lnc. (Shell) ls submlLLlna a SupplemenLal LxploraLlon lan (L) for
Mlsslsslppl Canvon (MC) 8locks 348, 391, and 392. 1he SupplemenLal L updaLes Lhe planned
acLlvlLles ln Shell's lnlLlal L for MC 391 and 392, whlch was mosL recenLlv approved bv Lhe
8ureau of Ccean Lnerav ManaaemenL, 8eaulaLlon and LnforcemenL (8CLM8L, formerlv
Mlnerals ManaaemenL Servlce [MMS]) on !une 26, 2009 (lan ConLrol no. n-09387).
1he lnlLlal L lncluded drllllna of slx exploraLlon wells, ldenLlfled as locaLlon C ln MC 391 and
locaLlons A, 8, u, L, and l ln MC 392. 1he A well was drllled as no. 1 ln 2009. lL was
sldeLracked and Lemporarllv abandoned on March 12, 2010 (S102801). 8emalnlna wells Lo
be drllled are 8, C, u, L, and l and Lhe newlv proposed wells C and C-S1 ln MC 391 and P, l, and
! ln MC 348. 1he LenLaLlve drllllna schedule ls 100-107 davs per well wlLh an addlLlonal 63 davs
Lo sldeLrack Lhe C well. ln 2011 plans are Lo drlll Lwo wells and one sldeLrack and one well per
vear LhereafLer unLll 2018.
1he lease area ls 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellne, 139 mlles (236 km) from Lhe
onshore supporL base aL orL lourchon, Loulslana, and 97 mlles (136 km) from Lhe hellcopLer
base aL 8ooLhvllle, Loulslana (I|gure 1). WaLer depLhs aL Lhe wellslLes ranae from 2,182 Lo
2,212 m (7,160 Lo 7,239 fL). A moored semlsubmerslble (1toosoceoo ueepwotet Nootllos) wlll
be used for drllllna.
urpose of the LIA
1hls LnvlronmenLal lmpacL Analvsls (LlA) was prepared pursuanL Lo Lhe requlremenLs of Lhe
CuLer ConLlnenLal Shelf Lands AcL (CCSLA), 43 u.S.C. 1331-1336, and 8CLM8L reaulaLlons,
lncludlna 30 Cl8 230.212(o) and 230.227. 1hls LlA ls a pro[ecL- and slLe-speclflc analvsls of
Shell's planned acLlvlLles under Lhls SupplemenLal L. 1he LlA also evaluaLes poLenLlal lmpacLs
ln accordance wlLh noLlce Lo Lessees (n1L) 2008-C04 lssued bv Lhe 8CLM8L. 1he LlA presenLs
daLa, analvsls, and concluslons Lo asslsL Lhe 8CLM8L ln complvlna wlLh Lhe naLlonal
LnvlronmenLal ollcv AcL (nLA) and oLher relevanL lederal laws, lncludlna Lhe Lndanaered
Specles AcL (LSA) and Marlne Mammal roLecLlon AcL (MMA), as Lhe aaencv conslders Lhls
SupplemenLal L for approval. lL also ldenLlfles Lhe mlLlaaLlon measures Shell wlll lmplemenL
ln connecLlon wlLh Lhe planned acLlvlLles.
An LlA was submlLLed wlLh Lhe lnlLlal L. n1L 2008-C04 speclfles LhaL an LlA for a revlsed plan
needs Lo address onlv Lhose lmpacL-produclna facLors (lls), resources, and lmpacLs LhaL are
dlfferenL from Lhe orlalnal LlA. Powever, Lo presenL a compleLe narraLlve, Lhls LlA addresses
Lhe lmpacLs of drllllna wells 8 Lhrouah ! even Lhouah some of Lhese lmpacLs have been
addressed ln Lhe LlA for Lhe lnlLlal L. 1he LlA also lncorporaLes Lhe revlsed blowouL scenarlo
and worsL case dlscharae (WCu) lnformaLlon as requlred bv n1L 2010-n06.
As speclfled ln n1L 2008-C04, an LlA ls a pro[ecL-speclflc analvsls LhaL focuses on Lhe lmpacLs
of a speclflc L Lo Lhe exLenL feaslble. 8CLM8L has performed numerous envlronmenLal
evaluaLlons of oll and aas acLlvlLles on Lhe Culf of Mexlco CuLer ConLlnenLal Shelf (CCS).
oLenLlal lmpacLs have been analvzed aL a broader level ln Lhe roarammaLlc LnvlronmenLal
lmpacL SLaLemenL (LlS) for Lhe CCS Cll and Cas Leaslna roaram (MMS, 2007a) and ln recenL
mulLl-lease-sale LlSs for Lhe WesLern and CenLral Culf of Mexlco lannlna Areas (MMS, 2007b,
2008), as well as Lhe LnvlronmenLal AssessmenL (LA) for Culf of Mexlco deepwaLer operaLlons
and acLlvlLles (MMS, 2000).

ovltoomeotol lmpoct Aoolvsls fot 5opplemeotol xplototloo lloo looe 2

llaure 1. vlclnlLv map for Lhe lease area.

ovltoomeotol lmpoct Aoolvsls fot 5opplemeotol xplototloo lloo looe J
1hese sLudles provlde daLa and a larae bodv of knowledae on Lhe Culf of Mexlco CCS. 1hev
analvze evervLhlna from poLenLlal lmpacLs on Lhe naLural envlronmenL Lo Lhe socloeconomlc
effecLs of exploraLlon and developmenL acLlvlLles. 1hev lnclude numerous Lechnlcal sLudles
ranalna from Lhe llkelv Lra[ecLorv of spllled oll Lo Lhe effecLs of underwaLer nolse on
LhreaLened and endanaered specles. 1hev lnform aaencv declslon-maklna on lease offerlnas,
mlLlaaLlon measures and lease sLlpulaLlons, operaLlonal requlremenLs, and permlL resLrlcLlons.
1hls subsLanLlal bodv of work, whlch ln parL forms Lhe basls for Lhe evaluaLlon, presenLed here
and ln Lhe LlA for Lhe lnlLlal L, wlll allow 8CLM8L and oLher reaulaLorv aaencles Lo evaluaLe
Shell's SupplemenLal L and ensure LhaL oll and aas exploraLlon and developmenL acLlvlLles are
performed ln an envlronmenLallv sound manner, wlLh mlnlmal lmpacLs on Lhe envlronmenL.
Shell has lncorporaLed Lhese comprehenslve envlronmenLal analvses bv reference and bullL on
Lhem wlLh pro[ecL-speclflc and slLe-speclflc analvses.
8asellne envlronmenLal condlLlons ln Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco have been affecLed recenLlv
bv Lhe Macondo splll ln MC 232 and assoclaLed remedlaLlon efforLs. 1he lease area ls
approxlmaLelv 23 mlles (37 km) easL-souLheasL of Lhe Macondo splll slLe. 8ased on saLelllLe
lmaaerv (LS8l, 2010), Lhe surface sllck exLended over Lhe lease area durlna Lhe splll, and
Lherefore exlsLlna waLer quallLv ln Lhe lease area could have been Lemporarllv affecLed.
Macondo splll lmpacLs are addressed ln 5ect|on C.9 (CumulaLlve lmpacLs) where avallable and
appllcable.
CC5 kegu|atory Iramework
1he reaulaLorv framework for CCS acLlvlLles ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco has been summarlzed bv
MMS (2010). under Lhe CCSLA, Lhe u.S. ueparLmenL of Lhe lnLerlor (uSuCl) ls responslble for
Lhe admlnlsLraLlon of mlneral exploraLlon and developmenL of Lhe CCS. WlLhln Lhe uSuCl, Lhe
8CLM8L ls charaed wlLh Lhe responslblllLv of manaalna and reaulaLlna Lhe developmenL of
CCS oll and aas resources ln accordance wlLh Lhe provlslons of Lhe CCSLA. 1he 8CLM8L
operaLlna reaulaLlons are ln 30 Cl8 arLs 230, 231, and 234.
ln lmplemenLlna lLs responslblllLles under Lhe CCSLA, Lhe 8CLM8L musL consulL wlLh
numerous lederal deparLmenLs and aaencles LhaL have auLhorlLv Lo aovern and malnLaln
ocean resources pursuanL Lo oLher lederal laws. Amona Lhese are Lhe u.S. CoasL Cuard
(uSCC), u.S. LnvlronmenLal roLecLlon Aaencv (uSLA), u.S. llsh and Wlldllfe Servlce (uSlWS),
and Lhe naLlonal Cceanlc and ALmospherlc AdmlnlsLraLlon (nCAA) Lhrouah Lhe naLlonal
Marlne llsherles Servlce (nMlS). lederal reaulaLlons esLabllsh speclflc consulLaLlon and
coordlnaLlon processes wlLh lederal, SLaLe, and local aaencles (l.e., Lhe LSA, MMA, CoasLal
Zone ManaaemenL AcL of 1972, and Lhe Maanuson-SLevens llsherv ConservaLlon and
ManaaemenL AcL).
n1Ls are formal documenLs lssued bv Lhe 8CLM8L LhaL provlde clarlflcaLlon, descrlpLlon, or
lnLerpreLaLlon of a reaulaLlon or sLandard, provlde auldellnes on Lhe lmplemenLaLlon of a
speclal lease sLlpulaLlon or realonal requlremenL, provlde a beLLer undersLandlna of Lhe scope
and meanlna of a reaulaLlon bv explalnlna 8CLM8L lnLerpreLaLlon of a requlremenL, or
LransmlL admlnlsLraLlve lnformaLlon such as currenL Lelephone llsLlnas and a chanae ln
8CLM8L personnel or offlce address. 1ab|e 1 llsLs and summarlzes Lhe n1Ls LhaL are
referenced ln Lhls LlA.

1able 1. noLlces Lo Lessees and CperaLors (n1Ls) LhaL are referenced ln Lhls LnvlronmenLal
lmpacL Analvsls (LlA).
n1L 1lLle Summarv
2010-n10
SLaLemenL of Compllance wlLh
Appllcable 8eaulaLlons and
LvaluaLlon of lnformaLlon
uemonsLraLlna AdequaLe Splll
8esponse and Well ConLalnmenL
8esources
lnforms operaLors operaLors uslna subsea blowouL prevenLers
(8Cs) or surface 8Cs on floaLlna faclllLles LhaL appllcaLlons for
well permlLs musL lnclude a sLaLemenL slaned bv an auLhorlzed
companv offlclal sLaLlna LhaL Lhe operaLor wlll conducL all
acLlvlLles ln compllance wlLh all appllcable reaulaLlons, lncludlna
Lhe lncreased safeLv measures reaulaLlons (73 l8 63346).
lnforms operaLors LhaL 8CLM8L wlll be evaluaLlna wheLher each
operaLor has submlLLed adequaLe lnformaLlon demonsLraLlna
LhaL lL has access Lo and can deplov conLalnmenL resources Lo
prompLlv respond Lo a blowouL or oLher loss of well conLrol.
2010-n06
lnformaLlon 8equlremenLs for
LxploraLlon lans, uevelopmenL and
roducLlon lans, and uevelopmenL
CperaLlons CoordlnaLlon uocumenLs
on Lhe CCS
8esclnds Lhe llmlLaLlons seL forLh ln n1L 2008-C04 reaardlna a
blowouL scenarlo and worsL case dlscharae scenarlo, and
provldes auldance reaardlna Lhe lnformaLlon requlred ln blowouL
scenarlo and worsL case dlscharae scenarlo descrlpLlons.
2009-C40 ueepwaLer 8enLhlc CommunlLles
Culdance for avoldlna and proLecLlna hlah-denslLv deepwaLer
benLhlc communlLles (lncludlna chemosvnLheLlc and deepwaLer
coral communlLles) from damaae caused bv CuLer ConLlnenLal
Shelf (CCS) oll and aas acLlvlLles ln waLer depLhs areaLer Lhan
300 m (984 fL). rescrlbes separaLlon dlsLances of 610 m
(2,000 fL) from each mud and cuLLlnas dlscharae locaLlon and
76 m (230 fL) from all oLher seafloor dlsLurbances.
2009-C39
8loloalcallv-SenslLlve underwaLer
leaLures and Areas
Culdance for avoldlna and proLecLlna bloloalcallv senslLlve
feaLures and areas (l.e., Lopoaraphlc feaLures, plnnacles,
low-rellef llve boLLom areas, and oLher poLenLlallv senslLlve
bloloalcal feaLures) when conducLlna CCS operaLlons ln waLer
depLhs less Lhan 300 m (984 fL) ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
2009-C06
MlllLarv Warnlna and WaLer 1esL
Areas
rovldes conLacL llnks Lo lndlvldual command headquarLers for
Lhe mlllLarv warnlna and waLer LesL areas ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
Lease sLlpulaLlons requlre lessees or deslanaLed operaLors Lo
enLer lnLo an aareemenL wlLh Lhe approprlaLe lndlvldual mlllLarv
command headquarLers concernlna Lhe conLrol of
elecLromaaneLlc emlsslons and use of boaLs and alrcrafL ln Lhe
appllcable warnlna area or waLer LesL area before commenclna
such Lrafflc.
2008-C04
lnformaLlon 8equlremenLs for
LxploraLlon lans and uevelopmenL
CperaLlons CoordlnaLlon uocumenLs
Culdance on Lhe lnformaLlon requlremenLs for CCS plans,
lncludlna LlA requlremenLs and lnformaLlon reaardlna
compllance wlLh Lhe provlslons of Lhe Lndanaered Specles AcL
and Marlne Mammal roLecLlon AcL.
2007-C04
vessel SLrlke Avoldance and
ln[ured/uead roLecLed Specles
8eporLlna
8ecommends proLecLed specles ldenLlflcaLlon Lralnlna,
recommends LhaL vessel operaLors and crews malnLaln a vlallanL
waLch for marlne mammals and slow down or sLop Lhelr vessel
Lo avold sLrlklna proLecLed specles, and requlres operaLors Lo
reporL slahLlnas of anv ln[ured or dead proLecLed specles.
2007-C03
Marlne 1rash and uebrls Awareness
and LllmlnaLlon
lnsLrucLs operaLors Lo exerclse cauLlon ln Lhe handllna and
dlsposal of small lLems and packaalna maLerlals, requlres Lhe
posLlna of placards aL promlnenL locaLlons on offshore vessels
and sLrucLures, and mandaLes a vearlv marlne Lrash and debrls
awareness Lralnlna and cerLlflcaLlon process.
2003-C07
Archaeoloalcal 8esource Survevs
and 8eporLs
rovldes auldance on reaulaLlons reaardlna archaeoloalcal
dlscoverles, speclfles requlremenLs for archaeoloalcal resource
survevs and reporLs, and ouLllnes opLlons for proLecLlna
archaeoloalcal resources.

C|| 5p||| revent|on and Cont|ngency |ann|ng
Shell submlLLed a Culf of Mexlco 8ealonal Cll Splll 8esponse lan (CS8) as a fundamenLal
componenL of Lhe planned drllllna proaram on CcLober 26, 2010. 1he CS8 demonsLraLes
Shell's capablllLles Lo rapldlv and effecLlvelv manaae oll spllls LhaL mav resulL from drllllna
operaLlons. uesplLe Lhe exLremelv low llkellhood of a larae oll splll evenL occurrlna durlna Lhe
pro[ecL, Shell has deslaned lLs response proaram based upon a realonal capablllLv of
respondlna Lo a ranae of splll volumes LhaL lncrease from small operaLlonal spllls up Lo and
lncludlna a WCu from a well blowouL. Shell's proaram meeLs Lhe response plannlna
requlremenLs of Lhe relevanL coasLal sLaLes and lederal oll splll plannlna reaulaLlons. 1he
CS8 lncludes lnformaLlon reaardlna Shell's realonal oll splll oraanlzaLlon and dedlcaLed
response asseLs, poLenLlal splll rlsks, and local envlronmenLal senslLlvlLles. 1he CS8 presenLs
speclflc lnformaLlon on Lhe response proaram LhaL lncludes a descrlpLlon of personnel and
equlpmenL moblllzaLlon, Lhe lncldenL manaaemenL Leam oraanlzaLlon, and Lhe sLraLeales and
LacLlcs used Lo lmplemenL effecLlve and susLalned splll conLalnmenL and recoverv operaLlons.
LIA Crgan|zat|on
1he LlA ls oraanlzed lnLo 5ect|ons A Lhrouah I correspondlna Lo Lhe lnformaLlon requlred bv
n1L 2008-C04, whlch provldes auldance reaardlna lnformaLlon requlred bv 30 Cl8 arL 230 for
Ls. 1he maln lmpacL-relaLed dlscusslons are ln 5ect|on A (lmpacL-roduclna lacLors) and
5ect|on C (lmpacL Analvsls).

A. Impact-roduc|ng Iactors
1ab|e 2 ls a maLrlx of lmpacL-produclna facLors (lls) and poLenLlallv affecLed envlronmenLal
resources adapLed from lorm MMS-142. An x" lndlcaLes LhaL an ll could reasonablv be
expecLed Lo affecL a cerLaln resource, and a dash (--) lndlcaLes no lmpacL or neallalble lmpacL.
Where Lhere mav be an effecL, an analvsls ls provlded ln 5ect|on C. oLenLlal lls for Lhe
proposed acLlvlLv are llsLed below and brleflv dlscussed ln Lhe followlna subsecLlons:
urllllna rla presence (lncludlna nolse and llahLs),
hvslcal dlsLurbance Lo Lhe seafloor,
Alr polluLanL emlsslons,
LffluenL dlscharaes,
WaLer lnLake,
Cnshore wasLe dlsposal,
Marlne debrls,
SupporL vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc, and
AccldenLs.
A.1 Dr||||ng k|g resence (|nc|ud|ng no|se and ||ghts)
1he wells wlll be drllled uslna a moored semlsubmerslble, Lhe 1toosoceoo ueepwotet Nootllos.
1he rla wlll be on slLe for an esLlmaLed 107 davs per well. 1he phvslcal presence of a moored
sLrucLure ln Lhe ocean can aLLracL pelaalc flshes and oLher marlne llfe, as dlscussed ln
5ect|on C.5.1. 1he 1toosoceoo ueepwotet Nootllos has hull dlmenslons of 119 x 94 m (392 x
308 fL) and an operaLlna drafL of 23 m (76 fL). A semlsubmerslble malnLalns buovancv uslna
ballasLed, waLerLlahL ponLoons locaLed below Lhe sea surface. 1he operaLlna deck ls locaLed
above Lhe Lops of passlna waves. SLrucLural columns connecL Lhe ponLoons and operaLlna
deck. When Lhe rla moves lLs locaLlon, Lhe ponLoons are de-ballasLed so LhaL Lhe rla can floaL
on Lhe sea surface and be Lowed bv Luas.
urllllna operaLlons produce nolse LhaL lncludes sLrona Lonal componenLs aL low frequencles,
lncludlna lnfrasonlc frequencles ln aL leasL some cases (MMS, 2000). urllllna nolse from
semlsubmerslbles ls noL parLlcularlv lnLense and ls sLronaesL aL low frequencles, averaalna
10 Lo 300 Pz (8lchardson eL al., 1993). lrom a semlsubmerslble, sound and vlbraLlon paLhs Lo
Lhe waLer flow elLher Lhrouah Lhe alr or Lhrouah Lhe rlsers (MMS, 2000). urllllna rlas also
malnLaln exLerlor llahLlna for navlaaLlonal and avlaLlon safeLv ln accordance wlLh lederal
reaulaLlons.
A.2 hys|ca| D|sturbance to the 5eaf|oor
Shell ls proposlna anchor radll of 4,724 m (13,300 fL) for wellslLes 8, C, C-S1, u, L, and l and
3,962 m (13,000 fL) for wellslLes C, P, l, and !. Cables mav lnlLlallv be lald on Lhe seafloor
anvwhere wlLhln Lhe anchor radlus (excepL for avoldance zones based on Lhe hazards survev
as deLalled ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 6a), whlch lncludes an area of 7,011 ha (17,323 ac) per
well for wellslLes 8, C, C-S1, u, L, and l and 4,932 ha (12,187 ac) for wellslLes C, P, l, and !. 1he
acLual lmpacL area ls expecLed Lo be much smaller Lhan Lhe above because Lhe anchors and
cables wlll lmpacL onlv a porLlon of Lhe radll even when lald on Lhe seafloor ln Lhe prelnsLalled
paLLern.

1able 2. MaLrlx of lmpacL-produclna facLors and affecLed envlronmenLal resources. x = poLenLlal lmpacL, dash (--) = no lmpacL or neallalble lmpacL.
LnvlronmenLal 8esources
lmpacL-produclna lacLors
urllllna 8la
resence (lncl.
nolse & llahLs)
hvslcal
ulsLurbance
Lo Seafloor
Alr
olluLanL
Lmlsslons
LffluenL
ulscharaes
WaLer
lnLake
Cnshore
WasLe
ulsposal
Marlne
uebrls
SupporL
vessel/
Pelo 1rafflc
AccldenLs
Small luel
Splll
Cll Splll
(WCu)
P
2
S
8elease
hys|ca|/Chem|ca| Lnv|ronment
Alr quallLv and areenhouse aases -- -- k(9) -- -- -- -- -- k(6) k(6) k
WaLer quallLv -- -- -- k -- -- -- -- k(6) k(6) --
5eaf|oor nab|tats and 8|ota
SofL boLLom benLhlc communlLles -- k -- k -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
Plah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles -- --(4) -- --(4) -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
ueslanaLed Lopoaraphlc feaLures -- --(1) -- --(1) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
lnnacle Lrend area llve boLLoms -- --(2) -- --(2) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
LasLern Culf llve boLLoms -- --(3) -- --(3) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
1hreatened, Lndangered, and rotected 5pec|es and Cr|t|ca| nab|tat
Sperm whale (endanaered) k(8) -- -- -- -- -- -- k(8) k(6,8) k(6,8) --
llorlda manaLee (endanaered) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(8) -- k(6,8) --
Lndanaered mvsLlceLe whales -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
non-endanaered marlne mammals (proLecLed) k -- -- -- -- -- -- k k(6) k(6) --
Sea LurLles (endanaered/LhreaLened) k(8) -- -- -- -- -- -- k(8) k(6,8) k(6,8) --
lplna lover (LhreaLened) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
Whooplna Crane (endanaered) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
Culf sLuraeon (LhreaLened) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
8each mlce (endanaered) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
Coasta| and Mar|ne 8|rds
Marlne and pelaalc blrds k -- -- -- -- -- -- k k(6) k(6) --
Shore blrds and coasLal nesLlna blrds -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k -- k(6) --
I|sher|es kesources
elaalc communlLles and lchLhvoplankLon k -- -- k k -- -- -- k(6) k(6) --
LssenLlal llsh PablLaL k -- -- k k -- -- -- k(6) k(6) --
Archaeo|og|ca| kesources
Shlpwreck slLes -- --(7) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
rehlsLorlc archaeoloalcal slLes -- --(7) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
Coasta| nab|tats and rotected Areas
8eaches -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
WeLlands and seaarass beds -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k -- k(6) --
CoasLal wlldllfe refuaes & wllderness areas -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
5oc|oeconom|c and Cther kesources
8ecreaLlonal and commerclal flshlna k -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) k(6) --
ubllc healLh and safeLv -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) k(3)
LmplovmenL and lnfrasLrucLure -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
8ecreaLlon and Lourlsm -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
Land use -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
CLher marlne uses -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- k(6) --
WCu = worsL case dlscharae.

1ab|e 2 Iootnotes and App||cab|||ty:
(1) Actlvltles tbot mov offect o motloe sooctootv ot topootopblc feotote. 5peclflcollv. lf tbe well. plotfotm slte. ot
oov oocbots wlll be oo tbe seofloot wltblo tbe followloo.
(o) 4-ml zooe of tbe llowet CotJeo 8ooks. ot tbe J-ml zooe of 5tetsoo 8ook.
(b) 1.000-m. 1-ml. ot J-ml zooe of oov topootopblc feotote (sobmotloe book) ptotecteJ bv tbe 1opootopblc
leototes 5tlpolotloo ottocbeJ to oo Ootet cootloeotol 5belf (Oc5) leose.
(c) sseotlol llsb nobltot (ln) ctltetlo of 500 ft ftom oov oo-octlvltv zooe. ot
(J) ltoxlmltv of oov sobmotloe book (500-ft boffet zooe) wltb tellef oteotet tboo 2 m tbot ls oot ptotecteJ bv
tbe 1opootopblc leototes 5tlpolotloo ottocbeJ to oo Oc5 leose.
noL appllcable. 1he lease ls noL wlLhln or near anv marlne sancLuarv, Lopoaraphlc feaLure, or
no-acLlvlLv zone. 1here are no submarlne banks ln Lhe blocks.
(2) Actlvltles wltb oov bottom Jlstotbooce wltblo oo Oc5 leose block ptotecteJ tbtooob tbe llve 8ottom (llooocle
1teoJ) 5tlpolotloo ottocbeJ to oo Oc5 leose.
1he Llve 8oLLom (lnnacle 1rend) SLlpulaLlon ls noL appllcable Lo Lhe lease area.
(J) Actlvltles wltblo oov osteto Colf Oc5 block wbete seofloot bobltots ote ptotecteJ bv tbe llve 8ottom
(low-kellef) 5tlpolotloo ottocbeJ to oo Oc5 leose.
1he Llve 8oLLom (Low-8ellef) SLlpulaLlon ls noL appllcable Lo Lhe lease area.
(4) Actlvltles oo blocks JesloooteJ bv tbe 8OMk os beloo lo wotet Jeptbs J00 m ot oteotet.
no lmpacLs on hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles are anLlclpaLed. 1here are no feaLures
lndlcaLlve of hlah-denslLv chemosvnLheLlc communlLles or coral communlLles wlLhln 437 m (1,300 fL) of
anv drllllna mud/cuLLlnas dlscharae locaLlon or wlLhln 132 m (300 fL) of anv seafloor dlsLurbances
resulLlna from Lhe use of anchors.
(5) xplototloo ot ptoJoctloo octlvltles wbete n
2
5 cooceottotloos oteotet tboo 500 ppm mlobt be eocoooteteJ.
8ased on Cl8 230.417 (c), Shell ls requesLlna LhaL 8CLM8L classlfv Lhe area as P
2
S presenL." Shell wlll
submlL an P
2
S ConLlnaencv lan prepared accordlna Lo 30 Cl8 230.417(f) Lo Lhe 8CLM for approval
before conducLlna Lhe proposed exploraLlon acLlvlLles.
(6) All octlvltles tbot coolJ tesolt lo oo occlJeotol splll of ptoJoceJ lloolJ bvJtocotboos ot Jlesel foel tbot voo
Jetetmloe woolJ lmpoct tbese eovltoomeotol tesootces. lf tbe ptoposeJ octloo ls locoteJ o sofflcleot Jlstooce
ftom o tesootce tbot oo lmpoct woolJ occot. tbe lA coo oote tbot lo o seoteoce ot two.
AccldenLal hvdrocarbon spllls could affecL Lhe resources marked (x) ln Lhe maLrlx, and lmpacLs are
analvzed ln 5ect|on C.
(7) All octlvltles tbot lovolve seofloot Jlstotbooces. locloJloo oocbot emplocemeots. lo oov Oc5 block JesloooteJ
bv tbe 8OMk os bovloo blob-ptobobllltv fot tbe occotteoce of sblpwtecks ot pteblstotlc sltes. locloJloo socb
blocks tbot wlll be offecteJ tbot ote oJjoceot to tbe leose block lo wblcb voot ploooeJ octlvltv wlll occot. lf tbe
ptoposeJ octlvltles ote locoteJ o sofflcleot Jlstooce ftom o sblpwteck ot pteblstotlc slte tbot oo lmpoct woolJ
occot. tbe lA coo oote tbot lo o seoteoce ot two.
no lmpacLs on archaeoloalcal resources are expecLed. 1he lease area ls on Lhe llsL of hlah-probablllLv
blocks for shlpwrecks. 1he archaeoloalcal assessmenL lndlcaLes LhaL 12 sonar conLacLs are locaLed wlLh
Lhe survev area, buL none are lnLerpreLed as archaeoloalcallv slanlflcanL. 1he lease ls well bevond Lhe
60-m depLh conLour used bv Lhe 8CLM8L as Lhe seaward exLenL for prehlsLorlc archaeoloalcal slLe
poLenLlal ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
(8) All octlvltles tbot voo Jetetmloe mlobt bove oo oJvetse effect oo eoJoooeteJ ot tbteoteoeJ motloe mommols
ot seo tottles ot tbelt ctltlcol bobltots.
lls LhaL mav affecL marlne mammals, sea LurLles, or Lhelr crlLlcal hablLaLs lnclude drllllna rla presence
and emlsslons, supporL vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc, and accldenLs. See 5ect|on C.
(9) ltoJoctloo octlvltles tbot lovolve ttoospottotloo of ptoJoceJ flolJs to sbote osloo sbottle tookets ot botoes.
noL appllcable.

A.3 A|r o||utant Lm|ss|ons
Alr polluLanL emlsslons are esLlmaLed ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 8. Cffshore alr polluLanL
emlsslons wlll resulL from operaLlons of Lhe drllllna rla, as well as servlce vessels and
hellcopLers. 1hese emlsslons occur malnlv from combusLlon of dlesel fuel. 1he combusLlon of
fuels occurs on dlesel-powered aeneraLors, pumps, or moLors and from llahLer fuel moLors.
rlmarv alr polluLanLs Lvplcallv assoclaLed wlLh CCS acLlvlLles are suspended parLlculaLe maLLer
(M), sulfur oxldes (SC
x
), nlLroaen oxldes (nC
x
), volaLlle oraanlc compounds (vCCs), and
carbon monoxlde (CC).
1he Alr CuallLv Lmlsslons 8eporL prepared ln accordance wlLh 8CLM8L requlremenLs shows
LhaL Lhe pro[ecLed emlsslons are below exempLlon levels, Lherefore, accordlna Lo
30 Cl8 230.303, Lhe emlsslons wlll noL slanlflcanLlv affecL Lhe alr quallLv of Lhe onshore area
for anv of Lhe crlLerla polluLanLs. no furLher analvsls or conLrol measures are requlred.
Powever, Shell wlll use low sulfur fuel (0.03 bv welahL) Lo furLher reduce anv posslble
lmpacLs.
A.4 Lff|uent D|scharges
LffluenL dlscharaes are summarlzed ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 7. All offshore dlscharaes wlll
be ln accordance wlLh Lhe naLlonal olluLanL ulscharae LllmlnaLlon SvsLem (nuLS) Ceneral
ermlL no. CMC290000 lssued bv Lhe uSLA. ulscharaes wlll be ln compllance wlLh and
monlLored as requlred bv Lhe permlL.
WaLer-based drllllna muds and cuLLlnas wlll be released aL Lhe seafloor durlna Lhe lnlLlal well
lnLervals before Lhe marlne rlser ls seL LhaL allows reLurns Lo Lhe surface. Lxcess cemenL slurrv
wlll also be released aL Lhe seafloor durlna caslna lnsLallaLlon for Lhe rlserless porLlon of Lhe
drllllna operaLlons.
A svnLheLlc-based mud (S8M) svsLem wlll be used afLer Lhe rlser ls lnsLalled. 1he S8M wlll noL
be dlscharaed buL wlll be recovered and LransporLed Lo Lhe shorebase for recvcllna bv Lhe mud
companv. Washed S8M cuLLlnas wlll be dlscharaed overboard afLer LreaLmenL wlLh a cuLLlnas
drver, whlch ls expecLed Lo reduce reLenLlon on cuLLlnas Lo well below Lhe nuLS permlL
requlremenL of 6.9.
CLher effluenL dlscharaes ln accordance wlLh Lhe nuLS permlL wlll lnclude excess cemenL,
non-conLacL coollna waLer, LreaLed sanlLarv and domesLlc wasLes, deck dralnaae, desallnaLlon
unlL brlne, unconLamlnaLed flre waLer, and ballasL waLer.
A.5 Water Intake
SeawaLer wlll be drawn from Lhe ocean for once-Lhrouah, non-conLacL coollna of machlnerv on
Lhe drllllna rla. 1he esLlmaLed lnLake and dlscharae of coollna waLer ls 130,600 bbl/dav (8u)
(3.3 mllllon aallons per dav [MCu]). 1he rla wlll also use anoLher 130,600 8u for flre waLer.
SecLlon 316(b) of Lhe Clean WaLer AcL requlres nuLS permlLs Lo ensure LhaL Lhe locaLlon,
deslan, consLrucLlon, and capaclLv of coollna waLer lnLake sLrucLures reflecL Lhe besL
Lechnoloav avallable Lo mlnlmlze adverse envlronmenLal lmpacL from lmplnaemenL and
enLralnmenL of aquaLlc oraanlsms. 1he currenL aeneral nuLS permlL no. CMC 290000 does
noL speclfv requlremenLs for exlsLlna faclllLles (Lhose LhaL sLarLed consLrucLlon before
16 !ulv 2006).

A.6 Cnshore Waste D|sposa|
WasLes aeneraLed durlna drllllna are LabulaLed ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 7. An esLlmaLed
1,200 bbl of S8M wasLe per well wlll be aeneraLed and collecLed Lo be dlsposed aL newpark
LnvlronmenLal Servlces, lnc. or uS Llqulds of Loulslana (orL lourchon, Loulslana).
non-hazardous, non-recvclable wasLe (Lrash and debrls) ls esLlmaLed aL 118 bbl/monLh and
wlll be dlsposed aL elLher 8epubllc 8ll Colonlal Landflll (SorrenLo, Loulslana) or SafeLv kleen
SvsLems (uenLon, 1exas). Pazardous wasLe such as palnLs and chemlcals are esLlmaLed aL
20 bbl/vear, whlch wlll be dlsposed of aL SafeLv kleen SvsLems, lnc. (uenLon, 1exas). aper,
plasLlcs, alumlnum cans, and cardboard wlll be recvcled aL A8C of new lberla vla Lhe 8ecvcle
Lhe Culf roaram. 8ecvclable wasLe such as ollv raas, ollv pads, fllLers, used oll, used cooklna
oll, used anLlfreeze, empLv drums, scrap hoses, eLc. wlll be senL Lo Cmeaa WasLe ManaaemenL
(aLLerson, Loulslana) for wasLe-Lo-enerav recvcllna. unlversal wasLe such as used lamps,
baLLerles, and e-wasLes wlll be senL Lo Lamp LnvlronmenLal lndusLrles, lnc. (Pammond,
Loulslana) for recvcllna. AL Lhe onshore faclllLles, wasLes wlll be recvcled or dlsposed of
accordlna Lo all appllcable reaulaLlons.
A.7 Mar|ne Debr|s
1rash and debrls released lnLo Lhe marlne envlronmenL can harm marlne mammals, LurLles,
and blrds Lhrouah enLanalemenL and lnaesLlon. Shell wlll adhere Lo Lhe lnLernaLlonal
ConvenLlon for Lhe revenLlon of olluLlon from Shlps (MA8CL 73/78) Annex v requlremenLs,
uSLA and uSCC reaulaLlons, and MMS reaulaLlons and n1Ls reaardlna solld wasLes. 8CLM8L
reaulaLlons aL 30 Cl8 230.300(a) and (b)(6) prohlblL operaLors from dellberaLelv dlscharalna
conLalners and oLher slmllar maLerlals (l.e., Lrash and debrls) lnLo Lhe marlne envlronmenL, and
30 Cl8 230.300(c) requlres durable ldenLlflcaLlon marklnas on equlpmenL, Lools and conLalners
(especlallv drums), and oLher maLerlal. uSCC and uSLA reaulaLlons requlre operaLors Lo
become proacLlve ln avoldlna accldenLal loss of solld wasLe lLems bv developlna wasLe
manaaemenL plans, posLlna lnformaLlonal placards, manlfesLlna Lrash senL Lo shore, and uslna
speclal precauLlons such as coverlna ouLslde Lrash blns Lo prevenL accldenLal loss of solld
wasLe. Shell complles wlLh n1L 2007-C03, whlch lnsLrucLs operaLors Lo exerclse cauLlon ln Lhe
handllna and dlsposal of small lLems and packaalna maLerlals, requlres Lhe posLlna of placards
aL promlnenL locaLlons on offshore vessels and sLrucLures, and mandaLes a vearlv marlne Lrash
and debrls awareness Lralnlna and cerLlflcaLlon process. Shell's compllance wlLh all appllcable
laws, reaulaLlons, and n1L 2007-C03 wlll avold slanlflcanL lmpacLs on Lhe envlronmenL.
A.8 5upport Vesse| and ne||copter 1raff|c
Shell wlll use exlsLlna shorebase faclllLles aL orL lourchon and 8ooLhvllle, Loulslana for onshore
supporL for waLer and alr LransporLaLlon, respecLlvelv. no Lermlnal expanslon or consLrucLlon ls
planned aL elLher locaLlon.
1he supplv base aL orL lourchon ls operaLed bv Shell and ls locaLed on 8avou Lalourche,
approxlmaLelv 3 mlles (3 km) from Lhe Culf of Mexlco. uurlna drllllna, Lhe pro[ecL wlll be
supporLed bv Lwo crew boaLs and Lhree supplv vessels, each maklna Lwo round-Lrlps per week
beLween Lhe drllllna rla and Lhe onshore supplv base. 1he boaLs wlll normallv move Lo Lhe
pro[ecL area vla Lhe mosL dlrecL rouLe from Lhe shorebase. 1wo Lua boaLs and Lhree
anchor-handllna vessels wlll also be used Lo asslsL Lhe rla as necessarv durlna LranslL and for
anchor deplovmenL and reLrleval.

1he alr LransporLaLlon base wlll be Lhe Pl PellporL ln 8ooLhvllle, Loulslana. A hellcopLer wlll
make one round-Lrlp dallv beLween Lhe drllllna rla and Lhe hellporL. 1he hellcopLer wlll be
used Lo LransporL personnel and small supplles and wlll normallv Lake Lhe mosL dlrecL rouLe of
Lravel beLween 8ooLhvllle and Lhe lease area when alr Lrafflc and weaLher condlLlons permlL.
PellcopLers Lvplcallv malnLaln a mlnlmum alLlLude of 213 m (700 fL) whlle ln LranslL offshore,
303 m (1,000 fL) over unpopulaLed areas or across coasLllnes, and 610 m (2,000 fL) over
populaLed areas and senslLlve hablLaLs such as wlldllfe refuaes and park properLles.
A.9 Acc|dents
A.9.1 1ypes of Acc|dents Lva|uated
1he analvsls ln Lhls LlA focuses on Lwo poLenLlal accldenLs:
A small fuel splll, whlch ls Lhe mosL llkelv Lvpe of splll durlna CCS developmenL acLlvlLles,
and
1he WCu for Lhls SupplemenLal L ls an oll splll resulLlna from an unconLrolled blowouL. ln
accordance wlLh n1L 2010-n06, Lhe esLlmaLed raLe ls 403,000 8u for Lhe flrsL dav wlLh a
30-dav averaae of 371,000 8u. 1he esLlmaLed Llme Lo drlll a rellef well ls 128 davs, and
Lhe LoLal volume of a splll over Lhls duraLlon would be 43 mllllon barrels of oll (MM8C).
1he followlna subsecLlons summarlze assumpLlons abouL Lhe slzes and faLes of Lhese spllls, as
well as Shell's splll response plans. lmpacLs are analvzed ln 5ect|on C.
1he lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b) analvzes Lhree oLher Lvpes of accldenLs: chemlcal spllls, vessel
colllslons, and loss of well conLrol. 1hese accldenLs are dlscussed brleflv ln 5ect|on A.9.4.
A.9.2 5ma|| Iue| 5p|||
Splll Slze. Accordlna Lo Lhe analvsls ln MMS (2007b), Lhe mosL llkelv Lvpe of small splll
(<1,000 bbl) as a resulL of CCS acLlvlLles ls a mlnor dlesel fuel splll. PlsLorlcallv, mosL dlesel
spllls have been <1 bbl, and Lhls slze ls predlcLed Lo be Lhe mosL common ln onaolna and
fuLure CCS acLlvlLles ln Lhe WesLern and CenLral Culf of Mexlco lannlna Areas (MMS, 2007b).
1he averaae slze for spllls <1 bbl ls 0.07 bbl, and Lhe medlan slze for spllls of 1 Lo 10 bbl ls 3 bbl
(MMS, 2007b). lor Lhls analvsls, a small dlesel fuel splll of 3 bbl ls assumed. CperaLlonal
experlence suaaesLs LhaL Lhe mosL llkelv cause of such a splll would be a hose rupLure resulLlna
ln Lhe loss of Lhe conLenLs of a fuel Lransfer hose, whlch ls less Lhan 3 bbl.
Splll laLe. 1he faLe of a small fuel splll ln Lhe lease area would depend on meLeoroloalcal and
oceanoaraphlc condlLlons aL Lhe Llme, as well as Lhe effecLlveness of splll response acLlvlLles.
Powever, alven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area, Lhe duraLlon of a small splll and Lhe
opporLunlLv for lmpacLs Lo occur would be verv brlef.
1he waLer-soluble fracLlons of dlesel are domlnaLed bv Lwo- and Lhree-rlnaed polvcvcllc
aromaLlc hvdrocarbons (APs), whlch are moderaLelv volaLlle (naLlonal 8esearch Councll
[n8C], 2003). 1he consLlLuenLs of Lhese olls are llahL Lo lnLermedlaLe ln molecular welahL and
can be readllv dearaded bv aeroblc mlcroblal oxldaLlon. ulesel ls so llahL LhaL lL wlll noL slnk Lo
Lhe seafloor. ulesel dlspersed ln Lhe waLer column can adhere Lo suspended sedlmenLs, buL
Lhls aenerallv occurs onlv ln coasLal areas wlLh hlah suspended sollds loads (n8C, 2003) and
would noL be expecLed Lo occur Lo anv appreclable dearee ln offshore waLers of Lhe Culf of
Mexlco. ulesel oll ls readllv and compleLelv dearaded bv naLurallv occurrlna mlcrobes (nCAA,
2006).

1he faLe of a small dlesel fuel splll was esLlmaLed uslna nCAA's AulCS2 (AuLomaLed uaLa
lnqulrv for Cll Spllls) model. 1hls model uses Lhe phvslcal properLles of olls ln lLs daLabase Lo
predlcL Lhe raLe of evaporaLlon and dlsperslon over Llme, as well as chanaes ln Lhe denslLv,
vlscoslLv, and waLer conLenL of Lhe producL spllled. lL ls esLlmaLed LhaL over 90 of a small
dlesel splll would be evaporaLed or dlspersed wlLhln 24 hours. 1he area of Lhe sea surface
wlLh dlesel fuel on lL would ranae from 0.3 Lo 3 ha (1.2 Lo 12 ac) dependlna on sea sLaLe and
weaLher condlLlons.
1he AulCS2 resulLs, coupled wlLh splll Lra[ecLorv lnformaLlon dlscussed below for a larae splll,
lndlcaLe LhaL a small fuel splll would noL have anv lmpacLs on coasLal or shorellne resources.
1he lease blocks are approxlmaLelv 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL coasLllne (Loulslana).
Modellna resulLs dlscussed below lndlcaLe LhaL a splll ln Lhe lease area would have a
4 probablllLv of conLacLlna laquemlnes arlsh shorellnes wlLhln 3 davs afLer a splll. 8v Lhls
Llme, essenLlallv 100 of a small fuel splll would have been dlspersed or evaporaLed bv naLural
processes, wlLhouL Laklna lnLo accounL Shell's response measures. MMS (2007b) slmllarlv
concluded LhaL spllls <1,000 bbl are noL expecLed Lo perslsL as a sllck on Lhe surface of Lhe
waLer bevond a few davs and are unllkelv Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo
breaklna up. MMS (2007b) noLed LhaL Lhls concluslon ls supporLed bv a prevlous analvsls of
3-dav Lra[ecLorv model runs, prevlous weaLherlna analvses, and hlsLorlcal records of splll
lncldenLs.
Splll 8esponse. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL Lhe shlpboard prevenLlon procedures fall Lo prevenL a
fuel splll, response equlpmenL and Lralned personnel would be avallable Lo ensure LhaL anv
splll effecLs are locallzed and would resulL onlv ln shorL-Lerm envlronmenLal consequences.
5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 9b provldes a deLalled dlscusslon of Shell's response Lo a splll.
A.9.3 Crude C|| 5p||| (Worst Case D|scharge)
Splll Slze. ln accordance wlLh requlremenLs of n1L 2010-n06, Shell has esLlmaLed a WCu for
Lhls SupplemenLal L as 403,000 8u for Lhe flrsL dav wlLh a 30-dav averaae of 371,000 8u.
1he esLlmaLed Llme Lo drlll a rellef well ls 128 davs, and Lhe LoLal volume of a splll over Lhls
duraLlon would be 43 MM8C. 1he deLalled analvsls of Lhls calculaLlon can be found ln
5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 2[.
PlsLorlcallv, blowouLs are rare evenLs and mosL do noL resulL ln oll spllls. Poland (1997)
esLlmaLed a probablllLv of 0.0021 for a blowouL durlna exploraLlon drllllna based on u.S. Culf
of Mexlco daLa. An updaLed analvsls uslna Lhe Sln1Ll daLabase esLlmaLes a blowouL
frequencv of 0.0017 per exploraLorv well for non-norLh Sea locaLlons (lnLernaLlonal
AssoclaLlon of Cll & Cas roducers, 2010). As noLed bv MMS (2007b), from 1992 Lo 2003, half
of blowouLs lasLed less Lhan half a dav, and fewer Lhan 10 of blowouLs resulLed ln spllled oll.
Shell has a robusL svsLem ln place Lo prevenL blowouLs. lncluded ln 5upp|ementa|
L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b ls Shell's response Lo n1L 2010-n06, whlch lncludes descrlpLlons of
measures Lo prevenL a blowouL, reduce Lhe llkellhood of a blowouL, and conducL effecLlve and
earlv lnLervenLlon ln Lhe evenL of a blowouL. Shell wlll also complv wlLh n1L 2010-n10 and Lhe
lnLerlm llnal urllllna SafeLv 8ule, whlch speclfv addlLlonal safeLv measures for CCS acLlvlLles.
Splll 1ra[ecLorv. 1he faLe of a larae oll splll ln Lhe lease area would depend on meLeoroloalcal
and oceanoaraphlc condlLlons aL Lhe Llme. 1he Cll Splll 8lsk Analvsls (CS8A) model ls a
compuLer slmulaLlon of oll splll LransporL LhaL uses reallsLlc daLa for wlnds and currenLs Lo
predlcL splll faLe. 1he CS8A reporL bv !l eL al. (2004) provldes condlLlonal conLacL probablllLles

LnvlronmenLal lmpacL Analvsls for SupplemenLal LxploraLlon lan looe 1J
for shorellne seamenLs. 1he resulLs for Launch Area 37 (where MC 348, 391, and 392 are
locaLed) are presenLed ln 1ab|e 3. 1he model predlcLs LhaL laquemlnes arlsh has Lhe
areaLesL probablllLv of shorellne conLacL, wlLh a 4, 14, and 21 chance wlLhln 3, 10, and
30 davs, respecLlvelv. AfLer 10 davs, four Loulslana parlshes mav be conLacLed. ln LoLal,
14 counLles and parlshes spread amona Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and llorlda mav be
conLacLed afLer 30 davs. 1en of Lhese counLles or parlshes have a 1 chance of conLacL.
1able 3. CondlLlonal probablllLles of a splll ln Lhe lease area conLacLlna shorellne seamenLs
(lrom: !l eL al., 2004). values are condlLlonal probablllLles LhaL a hvpoLheLlcal splll ln
Lhe lease area (represenLed bv Cll Splll 8lsk Analvsls Launch Area 37) could conLacL
shorellne seamenLs wlLhln 3, 10, or 30 davs.
Shorellne
SeamenL
CounLv or arlsh and SLaLe
CondlLlonal robablllLv of ConLacL
a
()
3 uavs 10 uavs 30 uavs
C13 Cameron, LA -- -- 1
C14 vermlllon, LA -- -- 1
C17 1errebonne, LA -- 1 2
C18 Lafourche, LA -- 1 2
C20 laquemlnes, LA 4 14 21
C21 SL. 8ernard, LA -- 1 3
C22 Pancock & Parrlson, MS -- -- 1
C23 !ackson, MS -- -- 1
C24 Moblle, AL -- -- 1
C23 8aldwln, AL -- -- 1
C26 Lscambla, lL -- -- 1
C28 Ckaloosa, lL -- -- 1
C29 WalLon, lL -- -- 1
C30 8av, lL -- -- 1
a
CondlLlonal probablllLv refers Lo Lhe probablllLv of conLacL wlLhln Lhe sLaLed Llme perlod, assumlna LhaL a splll
has occurred (-- lndlcaLes less Lhan 0.3).
1he CS8A model does noL evaluaLe Lhe faLe of a splll over Llme perlods lonaer Lhan 30 davs,
nor does lL predlcL Lhe faLe of a release LhaL conLlnues over a perlod of weeks or monLhs, as ln
Lhe Macondo lncldenL. Also as noLed bv !l eL al. (2004), Lhe CS8A model does noL Lake lnLo
accounL Lhe chemlcal composlLlon or bloloalcal weaLherlna of oll spllls, Lhe spreadlna and
spllLLlna of oll spllls, or splll response acLlvlLles. 1he model does noL assume a parLlcular splll
slze buL has aenerallv been used bv Lhe 8CLM8L/MMS Lo evaluaLe conLacL probablllLles for
spllls areaLer Lhan 1,000 bbl.
WeaLherlna. lollowlna an oll splll, several phvslcal, chemlcal, and bloloalcal processes,
collecLlvelv called weaLherlna, lnLeracL Lo chanae Lhe phvslcal and chemlcal properLles of Lhe
oll, and Lherebv lnfluence lLs harmful effecLs on marlne oraanlsms and ecosvsLems. 1he mosL
lmporLanL weaLherlna processes lnclude spreadlna, evaporaLlon, dlssoluLlon, dlsperslon lnLo
Lhe waLer column, formaLlon of waLer-ln-oll emulslons, phoLochemlcal oxldaLlon, mlcroblal
dearadaLlon, adsorpLlon Lo suspended parLlculaLe maLLer, and sLrandlna on shore or
sedlmenLaLlon Lo Lhe seafloor (n8C, 2003).
WeaLherlna decreases Lhe concenLraLlon of oll and produces chanaes ln lLs chemlcal
composlLlon, phvslcal properLles, and LoxlclLv. 1he more Loxlc, llahL aromaLlc and allphaLlc
hvdrocarbons are losL rapldlv bv evaporaLlon and dlssoluLlon from Lhe sllck on Lhe waLer
surface. LvaporaLed hvdrocarbons are dearaded rapldlv bv sunllahL. 8lodearadaLlon of oll on

Lhe waLer surface and ln Lhe waLer column bv marlne bacLerla removes flrsL Lhe n-alkanes and
Lhen Lhe llahL aromaLlcs from Lhe oll. CLher peLroleum componenLs are blodearaded more
slowlv. hoLooxldaLlon aLLacks malnlv Lhe medlum and hlah molecular welahL APs ln Lhe oll
on Lhe waLer surface.
Splll 8esponse. Shell ls a member of boLh Lhe Marlne Splll 8esponse CorporaLlon (MS8C) and
Clean Culf AssoclaLes (CCA) Lo provlde Lhe resources necessarv Lo respond Lo a splll as
ouLllned ln lLs 8ealonal CS8. Shell ls also a foundlna member of Lhe Marlne Well
ConLalnmenL Companv (MWCC) and wlll have access Lo an lnLearaLed subsea well conLrol and
conLalnmenL svsLem LhaL can be rapldlv deploved Lhrouah Lhe MWCC, whlch ls expecLed Lo be
ln place bv Lhe flrsL quarLer 2012. 1he MWCC ls a non-proflL oraanlzaLlon LhaL wlll own,
manaae, and provlde fullv Lralned crews and operaLe Lhe subsea conLalnmenL svsLem durlna a
response. lor more lmmedlaLe subsea well conLrol and conLalnmenL capablllLles, Shell ls
pursulna muLual ald aareemenLs, formal conLracLs for Lhe 8 conLalnmenL equlpmenL, and
oLher call-off conLracLs for necessarv response vessels. Shell wlll submlL requlred lnformaLlon
for n1L 2010-n10 wlLh lLs appllcaLlon Lo drlll deLalllna avallable equlpmenL aL LhaL Llme.
1he experlence of aalnlna conLrol over Lhe Macondo well has resulLed ln a beLLer
undersLandlna of Lhe necessarv equlpmenL and svsLems for well conLalnmenL. As a resulL,
lndusLrv and aovernmenL are beLLer equlpped and prepared Lodav Lo conLaln an oll well
blowouL ln deepwaLer (see paae 17 of Lhe ueclslon Memorandum daLed CcLober 1, 2010).
Shell ls furLher analvzlna Lhese advances and lncorporaLlna Lhem lnLo lLs comprehenslve
approach Lo help prevenL and, lf needed, conLrol anoLher deepwaLer conLrol lncldenL. Shell ls
also lnvesLlna ln research and developmenL Lo lmprove conLalnmenL svsLems.
1he prlmarv offshore response would lnvolve mechanlcal recoverv. 1he prlmarv response
equlpmenL LhaL would be moblllzed Lo Lhe splll locaLlon for spllls ln normal and adverse
weaLher condlLlons ls lncluded ln Lhe Cffshore Cn-WaLer 8ecoverv AcLlvaLlon LlsL ln Lhe CS8.
Chemlcal dlsperslon capablllLles are also readllv avallable from resources such as MS8C aL
SLennls, Mlsslsslppl, and Coolldae, Arlzona, CCA/Alrborne SupporL, lnc.(ASl) ln Pouma,
Loulslana, Cll Splll 8esponse ln SouLh PampLon, uk and Slnaapore, and Clean Carlbbean &
Amerlcas ln lL. Lauderdale, llorlda. Avallable dlspersanL appllcaLlon equlpmenL (lncludlna Lhe
use of subsea dlspersanLs), response Llmes, and supporL resources are ldenLlfled ln Lhe CS8.
Cpen-waLer lo-slto burnlna mav also be used as a response sLraLeav, dependlna on Lhe
clrcumsLances of Lhe release. lf approprlaLe condlLlons exlsL and approval from Lhe unlfled
Command ls recelved, one or mulLlple lo-slto burnlna Lask forces could be deploved offshore
dependlna on weaLher condlLlons.
See 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b for a deLalled descrlpLlon of Shell's slLe-speclflc
response Lo Lhe worsL case splll for Lhls plan. 1hese secLlons, alona wlLh Shell's CS8, also
lnclude a descrlpLlon of surface and subsea conLalnmenL capablllLles LhaL could be
lmplemenLed ln Lhe evenL of Lhe worsL case splll for Lhls plan.
A.9.4 Cther Acc|dents Not Ana|yzed |n Deta||
1he lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b) dlscusses Lhree oLher Lvpes of accldenLs: chemlcal spllls,
vessel colllslons, and loss of well conLrol. 1hese accldenLs are dlscussed brleflv below alona
wlLh a hvdroaen sulflde (P
2
S) release, and Lhere are no oLher slLe-speclflc lssues for Lhls

SupplemenLal L. 1he analvsls ln Lhe lease sale LlS for Lhese Loplcs ls lncorporaLed bv
reference.
Chemlcal Splll. Chemlcals used ln drllllna operaLlons are requlred Lo overcome Lechnlcal lssues
ln Lhe drllllna process, lmprove Lhe efflclencv and safeLv of drllllna, and proLecL assoclaLed
equlpmenL. 1o perform Lhese Lasks, a varleLv of chemlcals mav be mlxed LoaeLher Lo develop
Lhe slLe-speclflc properLles requlred ln drllllna a well. Lxamples of chemlcals used Lo achleve
Lhese properLles lnclude surfacLanLs, benLonlLe clavs, oleflns, lnoraanlc salLs, nuL shells, alvcols,
polvmers, barlLe, and calclum carbonaLe. Supplles are renewed on a reaular basls bv Lransfer
ln conLalners from supplv boaLs (8oehm eL al., 2001). CLher Lhan chemlcals used ln drllllna
flulds, examples of chemlcals LhaL mav be found on or LransporLed Lo Lhe rla lnclude eLhvlene
alvcol (blowouL prevenLlon conLrol fluld, closed coollna loops for crane and maln enalnes and
brake coolers), cemenL (used Lo cemenL caslna ln place), solvenLs (used ln palnLlna operaLlons),
hvdraullc flulds (used ln cranes and oLher hvdraullc rla equlpmenL), lubrlcaLlna oll and arease
(used ln reclprocaLlna and elecLrlcal equlpmenL), and sodlum hvpochlorlLe (dlluLe, used as
laundrv bleach and dlslnfecLanL).
A sLudv of envlronmenLal rlsks of chemlcal producLs used ln CCS acLlvlLles deLermlned LhaL
onlv Lwo chemlcals could poLenLlallv affecL Lhe marlne envlronmenL: zlnc bromlde and
ammonlum chlorlde (8oehm eL al., 2001). 8oLh of Lhese chemlcals mav be used for well
LreaLmenL or compleLlon. 1he rlsk of a splll for Lhese chemlcals ls verv low. MosL oLher
chemlcals are elLher nonLoxlc or used ln small quanLlLles. no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are expecLed
from chemlcal spllls.
vessel Colllslons. As summarlzed ln MMS (2007b), vessel colllslons occaslonallv occur durlna
rouLlne operaLlons. MosL colllslon mlshaps are Lhe resulL of servlce vessels collldlna wlLh
plaLforms or vessel colllslons wlLh plpellne rlsers. Some of Lhese colllslons have caused spllls of
dlesel fuel or chemlcals. Shell wlll complv wlLh all uSCC and 8CLM8L-mandaLed safeLv
requlremenLs Lo mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for vessel colllslons.
Loss of Well ConLrol. A loss of well conLrol ls Lhe unconLrolled flow of a reservolr fluld LhaL
mav resulL ln Lhe release of aas, condensaLe, oll, drllllna flulds, sand, or waLer. Loss of well
conLrol ls a broad Lerm LhaL lncludes verv mlnor up Lo Lhe mosL serlous well conLrol lncldenLs,
whlle blowouLs are consldered Lo be a subseL of more serlous lncldenLs wlLh areaLer rlsk of oll
splll or human ln[urv (MMS, 2007b). Loss of well conLrol mav resulL ln Lhe release of svnLheLlc
drllllna fluld or loss of oll. Shell has a robusL svsLem ln place Lo prevenL loss of well conLrol.
lncluded ln Lhls SupplemenLal L ls Shell's response Lo n1L 2010-n06, whlch lncludes
descrlpLlons of measures Lo prevenL a blowouL, reduce Lhe llkellhood of a blowouL, and
conducL effecLlve and earlv lnLervenLlon ln Lhe evenL of a blowouL. Shell wlll also complv wlLh
n1L 2010-n10 and Lhe lnLerlm llnal urllllna SafeLv 8ule, whlch speclfv addlLlonal safeLv
measures for CCS acLlvlLles. See 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b for furLher lnformaLlon.

P
2
S 8elease. 8ased on Cl8 230.417 (c), Shell requesLs LhaL Lhe 8ealonal Supervlsor, lleld
CperaLlons, classlfv Lhe area ln Lhe proposed drllllna operaLlons as an area where P
2
S ls
presenL. When submlLLlna Lhe appllcaLlon Lo drlll, Shell wlll also submlL Lo Lhe approprlaLe
8CLM8L dlsLrlcL offlce, and requesL approval of, an P
2
S ConLlnaencv lan prepared accordlna
Lo 30 Cl8 230.417(f) before conducLlna Lhe proposed exploraLlon acLlvlLles. 1he plan ls
requlred Lo lnclude lnformaLlon on safeLv procedures, Lralnlna plans, roles and responslblllLles
of kev safeLv personnel, evacuaLlon crlLerla and procedures, avallablllLv of proLecLlve breaLhlna
equlpmenL, aaencles and faclllLles Lo be noLlfled ln case of an P2S release, medlcal personnel
and faclllLles Lo be used lf needed, P2S deLecLor locaLlons, monlLorlna and warnlna procedures,
and oLher lnformaLlon.

8. Affected Lnv|ronment
1he lease area ls ln Lhe norLh-cenLral Culf of Mexlco, 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL
shorellne, 139 mlles (236 km) from Lhe onshore supporL base aL orL lourchon, Loulslana, and
97 mlles (136 km) from Lhe hellcopLer base aL 8ooLhvllle, Loulslana (I|gure 1).
8ased on Lhe aeohazards assessmenL bv luaro CeoconsulLlna, lnc. (luaro, 2009), waLer depLhs
ln Lhe lease area ranae from 1,768 Lo 2,286 m (3,800 Lo 7,300 fL). 1he ma[orlLv of Lhe seafloor
aL Lhe proposed wellslLes ls relaLlvelv aenLlv sloped aL approxlmaLelv 0.3 Lo Lhe
easL-souLheasL. 1he Moblle uome ls norLhwesL of Lhe lease area ln MC 347, and lLs locallzed
areas have hlaher aradlenLs ln Lhe ranae of 8 Lo 22. 1he well locaLlons (I|gure 2) are ln waLer
depLhs ranalna from 2,182 Lo 2,212 m (7,160 Lo 7,239 fL), and Lhere ls no evldence of seafloor
faulLlna, fluld expulslon feaLures, or hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles near Lhe
wellslLes or wlLhln Lhelr anchor radll.
A deLalled descrlpLlon of Lhe realonal affecLed envlronmenL ls provlded ln recenL LlSs
(MMS, 2007b, 2008), lncludlna meLeoroloav, oceanoaraphv, aeoloav, alr and waLer quallLv,
benLhlc communlLles, LhreaLened and endanaered specles, bloloalcallv senslLlve resources,
archaeoloalcal resources, socloeconomlc condlLlons, and oLher marlne uses. 1hese realonal
descrlpLlons are based on exLenslve llLeraLure revlews and are lncorporaLed bv reference.
Ceneral backaround lnformaLlon ls presenLed below, and brlef descrlpLlons of each poLenLlallv
affecLed resource are presenLed ln 5ect|on C, lncludlna slLe-speclflc and/or new lnformaLlon lf
avallable.
1he local envlronmenL ln Lhe lease area ls noL known Lo be unlque wlLh respecL Lo
phvslcal/chemlcal, bloloalcal, or socloeconomlc condlLlons. 8asellne envlronmenLal condlLlons
ln Lhe lease area are expecLed Lo be conslsLenL wlLh Lhe realonal descrlpLlon of conLlnenLal
slope locaLlons evaluaLed ln recenL lease sale LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
1he Macondo splll has resulLed ln envlronmenLal lmpacLs Lo porLlons of Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
1he lease area ls locaLed approxlmaLelv 23 mlles (37 km) easL-souLheasL of Lhe Macondo splll
slLe. 8ased on an analvsls of saLelllLe lmaaerv (LS8l, 2010), Lhe surface sllck exLended over Lhe
lease area aL varlous Llmes prlor Lo capplna of Lhe well, and Lherefore exlsLlna waLer quallLv ln
Lhe lease area could have been Lemporarllv affecLed.


llaure 2. 8aLhvmeLrlc map of Lhe lease area showlna proposed well surface locaLlons.

C. Impact Ana|ys|s
1hls secLlon analvses Lhe poLenLlal dlrecL and lndlrecL lmpacLs of rouLlne acLlvlLles and
accldenLs. CumulaLlve lmpacLs are dlscussed ln 5ect|on C.9.
lmpacLs have been analvzed exLenslvelv ln recenL mulLl-lease-sale LlSs for Lhe WesLern and
CenLral Culf of Mexlco lannlna Areas (MMS, 2007b, 2008) as well as Lhe envlronmenLal
assessmenL for Culf of Mexlco deepwaLer operaLlons and acLlvlLles (MMS, 2000). 1he LlA for
Lhe lnlLlal L analvzed lmpacLs of exploraLlon drllllna ln MC 391 and 392, lncludlna wells A
Lhrouah l. 1he A well was drllled ln 2009 and ls noL lncluded ln Lhls lmpacL analvsls. 1he
lmpacL analvsls ln Lhls LlA lncludes all of Lhe remalnlna wells Lo be drllled - 8, C, u, L, and l ln
addlLlon Lo newlv proposed wells C and C-S1 ln MC 391 and P, l, and ! ln MC 348. An LlA was
submlLLed Lo Lhe MMS bv MaraLhon wlLh Lhelr LxploraLlon lan for MC 348 analvzed drllllna
8
D
L
I
C and
C-51
G
n
I
I
7200
7300
A(prevlouslv drllled)
MC 392 MC 391
MC 348

lmpacLs slmllar Lo Lhose ln Lhls SupplemenLal L, buL dld noL lnclude anv of Lhe currenL
proposed wellslLes and ls noL dlrecLlv relevanL here. SlLe-speclflc lssues are addressed ln Lhls
secLlon as approprlaLe.
C.1 hys|ca|/Chem|ca| Lnv|ronment
C.1.1 A|r Cua||ty
1here are no slLe-speclflc alr quallLv daLa for Lhe pro[ecL area. uue Lo Lhe dlsLance from
shore-based polluLlon sources, offshore alr quallLv ls expecLed Lo be aood. 1he aLLalnmenL
sLaLus of lederal CCS waLers ls unclasslfled because Lhere ls no provlslon ln Lhe Clean Alr AcL
for classlflcaLlon of areas ouLslde SLaLe waLers (MMS, 2007b).
As of uecember 2010, all Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and llorlda coasLal counLles and
parlshes are ln aLLalnmenL of Lhe naLlonal AmblenL Alr CuallLv SLandards (nAACS) for all
crlLerla polluLanLs (uSLA, 2010a). 1hree meLropollLan areas ln 1exas are nonaLLalnmenL areas
for 8-h ozone (8eaumonL-orL ArLhur, uallas-lorL WorLh, and PousLon-8razorla), and Ll aso
CounLv ls a nonaLLalnmenL area for M-10 (uSLA, 2010a).
Wlnds ln Lhe realon are drlven bv Lhe clockwlse clrculaLlon around Lhe 8ermuda Plah (MMS,
2007b). 1he Culf of Mexlco ls locaLed Lo Lhe souLhwesL of Lhls cenLer of clrculaLlon, resulLlna
ln a prevalllna souLheasLerlv Lo souLherlv flow, whlch ls conduclve Lo LransporLlna emlsslons
Loward shore. Powever, clrculaLlon ls also affecLed bv Lroplcal cvclones (hurrlcanes) durlna
summer and fall, and bv exLraLroplcal cvclones (cold fronLs) durlna wlnLer.
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna alr quallLv are alr polluLanL emlsslons and Lhree Lvpes of accldenLs:
a small fuel splll, a larae oll splll (WCu), and an P
2
S release.
Impacts of A|r o||utant Lm|ss|ons
Alr polluLanL emlsslons are Lhe onlv rouLlne ll llkelv Lo affecL alr quallLv. Cffshore alr
polluLanL emlsslons wlll resulL from Lhe drllllna rla operaLlons and hellcopLers and servlce
vessels. 1hese emlsslons occur malnlv from combusLlon or burnlna of dlesel fuel. 1he
combusLlon of fuels occurs prlmarllv on dlesel-powered aeneraLors, pumps, or moLors and
from llahLer fuel moLors. rlmarv alr polluLanLs Lvplcallv assoclaLed wlLh CCS acLlvlLles are
suspended M, SC
x
, nC
x
, vCCs, and CC.
uue Lo Lhe dlsLance from shore, rouLlne operaLlons ln Lhe pro[ecL area are noL expecLed Lo
have anv lmpacL on alr quallLv condlLlons alona Lhe coasL, lncludlna nonaLLalnmenL areas. As
noLed ln Lhe lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b), emlsslons of alr polluLanLs from rouLlne acLlvlLles ln
Lhe CenLral Culf of Mexlco lannlna Area are pro[ecLed Lo have mlnlmal lmpacLs Lo onshore alr
quallLv because of Lhe prevalllna aLmospherlc condlLlons, emlsslon helahLs, emlsslon raLes, and
Lhe dlsLance of Lhese emlsslons from Lhe coasLllne. 1he Alr CuallLv Lmlsslons 8eporL (see
5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 8) prepared ln accordance wlLh 8CLM8L requlremenLs shows LhaL
Lhe pro[ecLed emlsslons are below exempLlon levels, Lherefore, accordlna Lo 30 Cl8 230.303,
Lhe emlsslons wlll noL slanlflcanLlv affecL Lhe alr quallLv of Lhe onshore area for anv of Lhe
crlLerla polluLanLs. no furLher analvsls or conLrol measures are requlred. Powever, Shell wlll
use low sulfur fuel (0.03 bv welahL) Lo furLher reduce anv posslble lmpacLs.
1he 8reLon Wllderness Area, whlch ls parL of Lhe 8reLon naLlonal Wlldllfe 8efuae (nW8), ls
deslanaLed under Lhe Clean Alr AcL as a revenLlon of SlanlflcanL ueLerloraLlon (Su) Class l alr
quallLv area. 1he 8CLM8L ls requlred Lo noLlfv Lhe naLlonal ark Servlce (nS) and uSlWS lf

emlsslons from proposed pro[ecLs mav affecL Lhe 8reLon Class l area. AddlLlonal revlew and
mlLlaaLlon measures mav be requlred for sources wlLhln 186 mlles (300 km) of Lhe 8reLon
Class l area LhaL exceed emlsslon llmlLs aareed upon bv Lhe admlnlsLerlna aaencles (nS,
2010). 1he lease area ls approxlmaLelv 89 mlles (143 km) from Lhe 8reLon Wllderness Area.
Shell does noL anLlclpaLe anv lmpacL on Lhe Class l area buL wlll complv wlLh anv emlsslons
requlremenLs as dlrecLed bv 8CLM8L.
Impacts of a 5ma|| Iue| 5p|||
oLenLlal lmpacLs of a small splll on alr quallLv are expecLed Lo be conslsLenL wlLh Lhose
analvzed and dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). 1he probablllLv of a small splll
would be mlnlmlzed bv Shell's prevenLaLlve measures durlna rouLlne operaLlons, lncludlna fuel
Lransfer. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of Shell's CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and
reduce Lhe lmpacLs. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b provlde deLall on splll response
measures. Clven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area, Lhe exLenL and duraLlon of alr
quallLv lmpacLs from a small splll would noL be slanlflcanL.
A small fuel splll would affecL alr quallLv near Lhe splll slLe bv lnLroduclna vCCs Lhrouah
evaporaLlon. 1he AulCS2 model (see 5ect|on A.9.2) lndlcaLes LhaL over 90 of a small dlesel
splll would be evaporaLed or dlspersed wlLhln 24 hours. 1he area of Lhe sea surface wlLh
dlesel fuel on lL would ranae from 0.3 Lo 3 ha (1.2 Lo 12 ac) dependlna on sea sLaLe and
weaLher condlLlons.
A small fuel splll would noL affecL coasLal alr quallLv because Lhe splll would noL be expecLed Lo
make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up (see 5ect|on A.9.2).
Impacts of a Large C|| 5p||| (WCD)
oLenLlal lmpacLs of a larae oll splll on alr quallLv are expecLed Lo be conslsLenL wlLh Lhose
analvzed and dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
A larae oll splll (WCu) would affecL alr quallLv bv lnLroduclna vCCs Lhrouah evaporaLlon from
Lhe sllck. 1he exLenL and perslsLence of lmpacLs would depend on Lhe meLeoroloalcal and
oceanoaraphlc condlLlons aL Lhe Llme and Lhe effecLlveness of splll response measures.
AddlLlonal alr quallLv lmpacLs could occur lf response measures lncluded lo-slto burnlna of Lhe
floaLlna oll. 8urnlna would aeneraLe a plume of black smoke and resulL ln emlsslons of nCx,
SC
x
, CC, and M, as well as areenhouse aases.
uue Lo Lhe lease area locaLlon (72 mlles [116 km] from Lhe nearesL shorellne), mosL alr quallLv
lmpacLs would occur ln offshore waLers. uependlna on Lhe splll Lra[ecLorv and Lhe
effecLlveness of splll response measures, coasLal alr quallLv could also be affecLed. 8ased on
Lhe CS8A modellna predlcLlons (1ab|e 3), laquemlnes arlsh, Loulslana ls Lhe coasLal area
mosL llkelv Lo be affecLed.
A blowouL resulLlna ln a larae oll splll (WCu) ls an exLremelv rare evenL, and Lhe probablllLv of
such an evenL wlll be mlnlmlzed bv Shell's well conLrol and blowouL prevenLlon measures as
deLalled ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 2[. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of
Shell's CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe lmpacLs. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on alr quallLv
are expecLed.

Impacts of an n
2
5 ke|ease
8ased on Cl8 230.417 (c), Shell ls requesLlna LhaL Lhe 8ealonal Supervlsor, lleld CperaLlons,
classlfv Lhe area for Lhe proposed drllllna operaLlons as an area where P
2
S ls presenL. P
2
S
concenLraLlons of 10 Lo 40 ppm are expecLed. Shell wlll submlL Lo Lhe approprlaLe 8CLM8L
dlsLrlcL offlce, and requesL approval of, an P
2
S ConLlnaencv lan prepared accordlna Lo
30 Cl8 230.417(f) before conducLlna Lhe proposed exploraLlon acLlvlLles.
ln Lhe evenL of an accldenLal P
2
S release, mlnor, shorL-Lerm lmpacLs on alr quallLv mav occur
near Lhe drllllna rla (MMS, 2007b). Powever, Lhe rlsk ls hlahlv locallzed. normallv, dlsperslon
mechanlsms ln Lhe aLmosphere (wlnd, eLc.) cause P
2
S Lo dlsperse qulcklv Lo backaround levels.
Accordlna Lo MMS (2007b), releases from faclllLles havlna P
2
S concenLraLlons below 300 ppm
are reduced Lo 20 ppm or less wlLhln Lhe dlmenslons of a Lvplcal plaLform or rla. 1aklna lnLo
accounL Lhe safeLv measures LhaL wlll be lncluded ln Shell's P
2
S ConLlnaencv lan, slanlflcanL
lmpacLs on alr quallLv are expecLed Lo be avolded.
C.1.2 Water Cua||ty
1here are no slLe-speclflc waLer quallLv daLa for Lhe lease area. uue Lo Lhe lease locaLlon ln
deep, offshore waLers, waLer quallLv ls expecLed Lo be aood, wlLh low levels of conLamlnanLs.
As noLed ln Lhe lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b), deepwaLer areas ln Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco
are relaLlvelv homoaeneous wlLh respecL Lo LemperaLure, sallnlLv, and oxvaen. kennlcuLL
(2000) noLed LhaL Lhe deepwaLer realon has llLLle evldence of conLamlnanLs ln Lhe dlssolved or
parLlculaLe phases of Lhe waLer column. Powever, Lhere are locallzed occurrences of naLural
seepaae of oll, aas, and brlnes ln near-surface sedlmenLs and up Lhrouah Lhe waLer column.
1he lease area ls locaLed approxlmaLelv 23 mlles (37 km) easL-souLheasL of Lhe Macondo splll
slLe. 8ased on saLelllLe lmaaerv (LS8l, 2010), Lhe surface sllck exLended over Lhe lease area
durlna Lhe splll, and Lherefore exlsLlna waLer quallLv ln Lhe lease area could have been
Lemporarllv affecLed.
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna waLer quallLv are effluenL dlscharaes and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs:
a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll (WCu).
Impacts of Lff|uent D|scharges
ulscharaes of washed S8M cuLLlnas wlll produce Lemporarv, locallzed lncreases ln suspended
sollds ln Lhe waLer column around Lhe drllllna rla. ln aeneral, Lurbld waLer can be expecLed Lo
exLend beLween a few hundred meLers and several kllomeLers down currenL from Lhe
dlscharae polnL (n8C, 1983, neff, 1987). All nuLS permlL llmlLaLlons and requlremenLs wlll
be meL. AfLer dlscharae, S8M reLalned on cuLLlnas would be expecLed Lo adhere LlahLlv Lo Lhe
cuLLlnas parLlcles and, consequenLlv, would noL produce much LurbldlLv as Lhe cuLLlnas slnk
Lhrouah Lhe waLer column (neff eL al., 2000). 1here wlll be no perslsLenL lmpacLs on waLer
quallLv ln Lhe lease area.
1reaLed sanlLarv and domesLlc wasLes mav have a sllahL LranslenL effecL on waLer quallLv ln Lhe
lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Lhese dlscharaes. All nuLS permlL llmlLaLlons and requlremenLs wlll be
meL and llLLle or no lmpacL on waLer quallLv ls anLlclpaLed.
ueck dralnaae lncludes all effluenLs resulLlna from raln, deck washlnas, and runoff from curbs,
auLLers, and dralns, lncludlna drlp pans ln work areas. 8alnwaLer LhaL falls on unconLamlnaLed
areas of Lhe drllllna rla wlll flow overboard wlLhouL LreaLmenL. Powever, ralnwaLer LhaL falls

on Lhe drllllna rla deck and oLher areas such as chemlcal sLoraae areas and places where
equlpmenL ls exposed wlll be collecLed and oll and waLer separaLed Lo meeL nuLS permlL
requlremenLs. LlLLle or no lmpacL on waLer quallLv ls anLlclpaLed.
CLher dlscharaes ln accordance wlLh Lhe nuLS permlL, such as desallnaLlon unlL brlne and
unconLamlnaLed coollna waLer, flre waLer, and ballasL waLer are expecLed Lo be dlluLed rapldlv
and have llLLle or no lmpacL on waLer quallLv.
SupporL vessels wlll dlscharae LreaLed sanlLarv and domesLlc wasLes. 1hese wlll have a sllahL
effecL on waLer quallLv ln Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Lhe dlscharaes. All supporL vessel
dlscharaes wlll be ln accordance wlLh uSCC reaulaLlons and, as appllcable, Lhe nuLS vessel
Ceneral ermlL, and Lherefore are noL expecLed Lo cause slanlflcanL lmpacLs on waLer quallLv.!
oLenLlal lmpacLs of a small splll on waLer quallLv are expecLed Lo be conslsLenL wlLh Lhose
analvzed and dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). 1he probablllLv of a small splll
would be mlnlmlzed bv Shell's prevenLaLlve measures durlna rouLlne operaLlons, lncludlna fuel
Lransfer. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of Shell's CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and
reduce Lhe lmpacLs. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b provlde deLall on splll response
measures. Clven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area, Lhe exLenL and duraLlon of waLer
quallLv lmpacLs from a small splll would noL be slanlflcanL.
A small fuel splll ln offshore waLers would produce a sllck on Lhe waLer surface and lncrease
Lhe concenLraLlons of peLroleum hvdrocarbons and Lhelr dearadaLlon producLs. 1he exLenL
and perslsLence of lmpacLs would depend on Lhe meLeoroloalcal and oceanoaraphlc condlLlons
aL Lhe Llme and Lhe effecLlveness of splll response measures. Powever, lL ls esLlmaLed LhaL
over 90 of a small dlesel splll would be evaporaLed or dlspersed wlLhln 24 hours (see
5ect|on A.9.2). 1he area of Lhe sea surface wlLh dlesel fuel on lL would ranae from 0.3 Lo 3 ha
(1.2 Lo 12 ac) dependlna on sea sLaLe and weaLher condlLlons.
1he waLer-soluble fracLlons of dlesel are domlnaLed bv Lwo- and Lhree-rlnaed APs, whlch are
moderaLelv volaLlle (n8C, 2003). 1he consLlLuenLs of Lhese olls are llahL Lo lnLermedlaLe ln
molecular welahL and can be readllv dearaded bv aeroblc mlcroblal oxldaLlon. ulesel ls so llahL
LhaL lL ls noL posslble for Lhe oll Lo slnk and pool on Lhe seafloor. ulesel dlspersed ln Lhe waLer
column can adhere Lo suspended sedlmenLs, buL Lhls aenerallv occurs onlv ln coasLal areas
wlLh hlah suspended solld loads (n8C, 2003) and would noL be expecLed Lo occur Lo anv
appreclable dearee ln offshore waLers of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. ulesel oll ls readllv and
compleLelv dearaded bv naLurallv occurrlna mlcrobes (nCAA, 2006).
A small fuel splll would noL affecL coasLal waLer quallLv because Lhe splll would noL be
expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up (see 5ect|on A.9.2).
oLenLlal lmpacLs of a larae oll splll on waLer quallLv are expecLed Lo be conslsLenL wlLh Lhose
analvzed and dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). A larae splll would affecL waLer
quallLv bv produclna a sllck on Lhe waLer surface and lncreaslna Lhe concenLraLlons of
peLroleum hvdrocarbons and Lhelr dearadaLlon producLs. 1he exLenL and perslsLence of
lmpacLs would depend on Lhe meLeoroloalcal and oceanoaraphlc condlLlons aL Lhe Llme and
Lhe effecLlveness of splll response measures. MosL of Lhe oll would be expecLed Lo form a sllck
aL Lhe surface, alLhouah new lnformaLlon from Lhe Macondo splll lndlcaLes LhaL plumes of

submeraed oll dropleLs can be produced when subsea dlspersanLs are applled aL Lhe wellhead
(Camllll eL al., 2010, Pazen eL al., 2010, !olnL Analvsls Croup, 2010a,b,c). Small dropleLs ln Lhe
waLer mav adhere Lo suspended sedlmenL and be removed from Lhe waLer column.
uue Lo Lhe lease area locaLlon (72 mlles [116 km] from Lhe nearesL shorellne), mosL waLer
quallLv lmpacLs would occur ln offshore waLers. uependlna on Lhe splll Lra[ecLorv and Lhe
effecLlveness of splll response measures, coasLal waLer quallLv could be affecLed. 8ased on Lhe
CS8A modellna predlcLlons (1ab|e 3), nearshore waLers and embavmenLs of laquemlnes
arlsh, Loulslana are Lhe mosL llkelv coasLal areas where waLer quallLv could be affecLed.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on waLer
quallLv are expecLed.
C.2 5eaf|oor nab|tats and 8|ota
WaLer depLh ln Lhe lease area ranaes from 1,768 Lo 2,286 m (3,800 Lo 7,300 fL) (luaro, 2009),
and waLer depLhs aL Lhe proposed well surface locaLlons are 2,182 Lo 2,212 m (7,160 Lo
7,239 fL). 8ased on Lhe absence of hard boLLom areas deLecLed bv slde-scan sonar durlna Lhe
hazards survev, Lhe seafloor ls expecLed Lo conslsL malnlv of sofL boLLom communlLles. 1he
aeohazards assessmenL dld noL ldenLlfv anv feaLures LhaL could supporL hlah-denslLv
deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles wlLhln 610 m (2,000 fL) of Lhe wellslLes or wlLhln Lhe anchor
radll of Lhe wellslLes. no areas of aaseous sedlmenLs or posslble hvdrocarbon seepaae were
deflned ln Lhe sLudv area, and Lhe presence of chemosvnLheLlc communlLles ls consldered
unllkelv (luaro, 2009).
C.2.1 5oft 8ottom 8enth|c Commun|t|es
1here are no slLe-speclflc benLhlc communlLv daLa from Lhe lease area. Powever, daLa from
Lhe recenL norLhern Culf of Mexlco ConLlnenLal Slope PablLaLs and 8enLhlc Lcoloav sLudv
(Wel, 2006, 8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009) can be used Lo descrlbe Lvplcal benLhlc communlLles ln
Lhe area. 1ab|e 4 summarlzes daLa from Lwo nearbv sLaLlons ln slmllar waLer depLhs.
SedlmenLs aL Lhese Lwo sLaLlons were predomlnanLlv clav (31 Lo 37) and sllL (33 Lo 41).
1able 4. 8enLhlc communlLv daLa from sLaLlons near Lhe lease area and ln slmllar waLer
depLhs sampled durlna Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco ConLlnenLal Slope PablLaLs and
8enLhlc Lcoloav SLudv (lrom: Wel, 2006, 8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009).
SLaLlon
LocaLlon
8elaLlve Lo
Lease Area
WaLer
uepLh (m)
Abundance
Melofauna
(lndlvlduals/m
2
)
Macrolnfauna
(lndlvlduals/m
2
)
Meaafauna
(lndlvlduals/ha)
S36 27 ml nL 1,828 799,963 4,481 339
S37 14 ml LSL 2,384 291,179 2,192 1,431
Melofaunal and meaafaunal abundance from 8owe and kennlcuLL (2009), macrolnfaunal abundance from Wel
(2006).

Melofauna (anlmals passlna Lhrouah a 0.3-mm sleve buL reLalned on a 0.062-mm sleve)
denslLles ln waLer depLhs represenLaLlve of Lhe lease area Lvplcallv ranae from abouL
123,000 Lo 400,000 lndlvlduals/m
2
(8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009). nemaLodes, nauplll, and
harpacLlcold copepods were Lhe Lhree domlnanL aroups ln Lhe melofauna, accounLlna for
abouL 90 of LoLal abundance.
1he benLhlc macrolnfauna ls characLerlzed bv small mean lndlvldual slzes and low denslLles,
boLh of whlch are a reflecLlon of Lhe meaaer prlmarv producLlon ln Culf of Mexlco surface
waLers (Wel, 2006). uenslLles decrease exponenLlallv wlLh waLer depLh. 8ased on an equaLlon
presenLed bv Wel (2006), macrolnfaunal denslLles ln Lhe waLer depLhs of Lhe wellslLes are
expecLed Lo be abouL Lo 1,300 Lo 1,330 lndlvlduals/m
2
, or somewhaL lower Lhan Lhe numbers
ln 1ab|e 4.
olvchaeLes are Lvplcallv Lhe mosL abundanL macrolnfaunal aroup on Lhe norLhern Culf of
Mexlco conLlnenLal slope, followed bv amphlpods, Lanalds, blvalves, and lsopods. Wel (2006)
recoanlzed four depLh-dependenL faunal zones (1 Lhrouah 4), Lwo of whlch are dlvlded
horlzonLallv. 1he lease area ls ln close proxlmlLv Lo Zones 2L and 3L. Zone 2L, wlLh sLaLlons ln
waLer depLhs of 623 Lo 1,828 m (2,031 Lo 3,998 fL) had Lhe polvchaeLes AtlclJeo soeclco,
lltocotso otteooto, lotolocvJoolo potoJoxo. and 1botvx motlool as Lhe mosL abundanL
specles, followed bv Lhe blvalve netetoJooto sp. u. Zone 3L, wlLh sLaLlons ln waLer depLhs of
2,273 Lo 3,314 m (7,464 Lo 10,873 fL), had Lhe polvchaeLes levloseolo ooclooto, lotoooello
moollotls, and 1ocbvttvpooe sp. A as Lhe mosL abundanL specles, followed bv Lhe blvalves
netetoJooto sp. 8 and sp. C and Lhe lsopod Moctostvlls sp.
Meaafaunal denslLles from nearbv sLaLlons S36 and S37 were 339 and 1,431 lndlvlduals/ha
respecLlvelv (1ab|e 4). uenslLles of 191 Lo 1,600 lndlvlduals/ha were reporLed from oLher
sLaLlons ln a slmllar depLh ranae. Common meaafauna lncluded moLlle aroups such as
decapods, ophlurolds, holoLhurlans, and demersal flshes, as well as sesslle aroups such as
sponaes and anemones.
8acLerla are also an lmporLanL componenL ln Lerms of blomass and cvcllna of oraanlc carbon
(Cruz-kaeal, 1998). 8acLerlal blomass aL Lhe depLh ranae of Lhe lease area Lvplcallv ls abouL
1 Lo 2 a C/m
2
ln Lhe Lop 13 cm of sedlmenLs (8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009).
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna benLhlc communlLles are phvslcal dlsLurbance Lo Lhe seafloor,
effluenL dlscharaes (drllllna muds and cuLLlnas), and a larae oll splll (WCu) resulLlna from a well
blowouL aL Lhe seafloor. A small fuel splll would noL affecL benLhlc communlLles because Lhe
dlesel fuel would floaL and dlsslpaLe on Lhe sea surface.
Impacts of hys|ca| D|sturbance to the 5eaf|oor
1here wlll be mlnlmal dlsLurbance Lo sofL boLLom communlLles on Lhe seafloor durlna
poslLlonlna and anchorlna of Lhe semlsubmerslble 1toosoceoo ueepwotet Nootllos. 1he
anchor radlus ls 4,724 m (13,300 fL) for wellslLes 8, C, u, L, and l and 3,962 m (13,000 fL) for
wellslLes C, P, l, and !. Cables mav lnlLlallv be lald on Lhe seafloor anvwhere wlLhln Lhe anchor
radlus (excepL for avoldance zones based on Lhe hazards survev as deLalled ln 5upp|ementa|
L 5ect|on 6a), whlch lncludes an area of 7,011 ha (17,323 ac) per well for wellslLes 8, C, u, L,
and l and 4,932 ha (12,187 ac) for wellslLes C, P, l, and !. 1he acLual lmpacL area ls expecLed
Lo be much smaller because Lhe anchors and cables wlll lmpacL onlv a porLlon of Lhe radll even
when lald on Lhe seafloor ln Lhe prelnsLall paLLern.

1he seafloor ln Lhe pro[ecL area ls expecLed Lo conslsL of sofL boLLom benLhlc hablLaL. Small
anchor and/or cable scars creaLed durlna Lhe pro[ecL wlll llkelv remaln on Lhe boLLom for
monLhs Lo vears (Shlnn eL al., 1993). ln a recenL sLudv of drlllslLes on Lhe Culf of Mexlco
conLlnenLal slope, ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc. (2006) deLecLed anchor scars up Lo
14 vears afLer drllllna was compleLed. 1hese feaLures wlll evenLuallv dlsappear as sedlmenLs
are redlsLrlbuLed bv currenLs and benLhlc oraanlsms.
SofL boLLom communlLles are ublqulLous alona Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco conLlnenLal slope
(Callawav eL al., 2003, 8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009). hvslcal dlsLurbance Lo Lhe seafloor durlna
Lhls pro[ecL wlll have no slanlflcanL lmpacL on sofL boLLom benLhlc communlLles ln Lhe realon.
urllllna muds and cuLLlnas are Lhe onlv effluenLs LhaL are llkelv Lo affecL benLhlc communlLles.
uurlna lnlLlal well lnLerval(s) before Lhe marlne rlser ls seL, cuLLlnas and seawaLer-based spud
mud" wlll be released aL Lhe seafloor. Lxcess cemenL slurrv wlll also be released aL Lhe
seafloor durlna caslna lnsLallaLlon for Lhe rlserless porLlon of Lhe drllllna operaLlons. CemenL
slurrv componenLs Lvplcallv lnclude cemenL mlx and some of Lhe same chemlcals used ln
waLer-based drllllna muds (8oehm eL al., 2001). 1he maln lmpacLs wlll be burlal and
smoLherlna of benLhlc oraanlsms wlLhln several meLers Lo Lens of meLers around Lhe wellbore.
SofL boLLom sedlmenLs dlsLurbed bv cuLLlnas, drllllna muds, and cemenL slurrv wlll evenLuallv
be recolonlzed Lhrouah larval seLLlemenL and mlaraLlon from ad[acenL areas. 8ecause some
deep-sea bloLa arow and reproduce slowlv, recoverv mav requlre several vears.
ulscharaes of washed S8M cuLLlnas from Lhe rla mav affecL benLhlc communlLles, prlmarllv
wlLhln several hundred meLers of Lhe wellslLe. 1he faLe and effecLs of S8M cuLLlnas have been
revlewed bv neff eL al. (2000), and monlLorlna sLudles have been conducLed ln Lhe Culf of
Mexlco bv ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc. (2004, 2006). ln aeneral, washed cuLLlnas wlLh
adherlna S8Ms Lend Lo clump LoaeLher and form Lhlck cuLLlnas plles close Lo Lhe drlllslLe.
Areas of S8M cuLLlnas deposlLlon mav develop elevaLed oraanlc carbon concenLraLlons and
anoxlc condlLlons (ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc., 2006). Where S8M cuLLlnas accumulaLe
ln concenLraLlons of approxlmaLelv 1,000 ma/ka or hlaher, benLhlc lnfaunal communlLles mav
be adverselv affecLed due Lo boLh Lhe LoxlclLv of Lhe base fluld and oraanlc enrlchmenL (wlLh
resulLlna anoxla) (neff eL al., 2000). lnfaunal numbers mav lncrease and dlverslLv mav
decrease as opporLunlsLlc specles LhaL LoleraLe low oxvaen and hlah P
2
S predomlnaLe
(ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc., 2006). As Lhe base svnLheLlc fluld ls decomposed bv
mlcrobes, Lhe area wlll araduallv reLurn Lo pre-drllllna condlLlons. ulsLurbed sedlmenLs wlll be
recolonlzed Lhrouah larval seLLlemenL and mlaraLlon from ad[acenL areas.
1he areal exLenL of lmpacLs from drllllna dlscharaes wlll be small. Assumlna a Lvplcal effecL
radlus of 300 m (1,640 fL), Lhe affecLed area around each wellslLe would represenL abouL 3 of
Lhe seafloor wlLhln a lease block. lor Lhe 9 surface locaLlons ln Lhls exploraLorv drllllna
proaram, Lhe LoLal lmpacL area would be 707 ha (1,747 ac) or 10 of Lhe Lhree-block area. 1he
acLual area wlll be somewhaL less because of overlapplna lmpacL radll amona wellslLes P, l,
and !. SofL boLLom communlLles are ublqulLous alona Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco conLlnenLal
slope (Callawav, 1988, Callawav eL al., 2003, 8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009). lmpacLs from drllllna
dlscharaes durlna Lhls pro[ecL wlll have no slanlflcanL lmpacL on sofL boLLom benLhlc
communlLles ln Lhe realon.

1he mosL llkelv effecLs of a subsea blowouL on benLhlc communlLles would be wlLhln a few
hundred meLers of Lhe wellslLe. 1he MMS (2007b) esLlmaLes LhaL a severe subsurface blowouL
could resuspend and dlsperse sedlmenLs wlLhln a 300-m (984-fL) radlus. Whlle coarse
sedlmenLs (sands) would probablv seLLle aL a rapld raLe wlLhln 400 m (1,312 fL) from Lhe
blowouL slLe, flne sedlmenLs (sllLs and clavs) could be resuspended for more Lhan 30 davs and
dlspersed over a much wlder area. 8ased on prevlous sLudles, surface sedlmenLs aL Lhe
pro[ecL area are assumed Lo laraelv be sllL and clav (8owe and kennlcuLL, 2009).
revlous analvses (MMS, 2007a, 2008) concluded LhaL oll spllls would be unllkelv Lo affecL
benLhlc communlLles bevond Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Lhe wellhead (l.e., due Lo phvslcal
lmpacLs of a blowouL) because Lhe oll would rlse qulcklv Lo Lhe sea surface dlrecLlv over Lhe
splll locaLlon. Powever, durlna Lhe Macondo splll, subsurface plumes were reporLed aL a
waLer depLh of abouL 1,100 m (3,600 fL), exLendlna aL leasL 22 mlles (33 km) from Lhe wellslLe
and perslsLlna for more Lhan a monLh (Camllll eL al., 2010). 1he subsurface plumes apparenLlv
resulLed from Lhe use of dlspersanLs aL Lhe wellhead (!olnL Analvsls Croup, 2010c). Whlle Lhe
behavlor and lmpacLs of subsurface plumes are noL well known, a subsurface plume could
conLacL Lhe seafloor and affecL benLhlc communlLles bevond Lhe 300-m (984-fL) radlus
esLlmaLed bv MMS (2007a, 2008), dependlna on lLs exLenL, Lra[ecLorv, and perslsLence. 1hls
conLacL could resulL ln smoLherlna and/or LoxlclLv Lo benLhlc oraanlsms. 1he affecLed area
would be recolonlzed bv benLhlc oraanlsms over a perlod of monLhs Lo vears (n8C, 2003).
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on sofL
boLLom communlLles are expecLed.
C.2.2 n|gh-Dens|ty Deepwater 8enth|c Commun|t|es
As deflned bv n1L 2009-C40, hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles are feaLures or
areas LhaL could supporL hlah-denslLv chemosvnLheLlc communlLles, or feaLures or areas LhaL
could supporL hlah-denslLv deepwaLer corals and oLher assoclaLed hlah-denslLv hard boLLom
communlLles. ChemosvnLheLlc communlLles were dlscovered ln Lhe cenLral Culf of Mexlco ln
1984 and have been sLudled exLenslvelv (Macuonald, 2002). ueepwaLer coral communlLles
are also known from numerous locaLlons ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco (8rooke and Schroeder, 2007,
CSA lnLernaLlonal, lnc., 2007). 1hese communlLles occur almosL excluslvelv on auLhlaenlc
carbonaLes creaLed bv chemosvnLheLlc communlLles.
1he nearesL known chemosvnLheLlc communlLv slLe ls ln vlosca knoll 8lock 826, approxlmaLelv
37 mlles (39 km) norLh of Lhe lease area aL a depLh of 430 Lo 334 m (1,410 Lo 1,732 fL) (CSA
lnLernaLlonal, lnc., 2007). 1hls slLe has Lhe mosL exLenslve lopbello pettoso developmenL
found ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco Lo daLe (Schroeder eL al., 2003). lL ls locaLed on a 90-m (293-fL)
Lall, lsolaLed knoll on Lhe upper uesoLo Canvon slope. 1he presence of apparenLlv verv old
llvlna Lubeworm aaareaaLlons and numerous accumulaLlons of dlsarLlculaLed luclnld and
veslcomvld shells suaaesL Lhls area ls aL a senescenL phase of chemosvnLheLlc communlLv
acLlvlLv (CSA lnLernaLlonal, lnc., 2007).

1he aeohazards assessmenL of Lhe lease area dld noL ldenLlfv anv feaLures LhaL could supporL
hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles wlLhln 610 m (2,000 fL) of Lhe proposed drllllna
mud/cuLLlnas dlscharae locaLlons. no areas of aaseous sedlmenLs or posslble hvdrocarbon
seepaae were deflned ln Lhe sLudv area, and Lhe presence of chemosvnLheLlc communlLles ls
consldered remoLe (luaro, 2009, luaro-McClelland, 2010).
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles are effluenL dlscharaes
(drllllna muds and cuLLlnas), and a larae oll splll (WCu) from a well blowouL aL Lhe seafloor.
A small fuel splll would noL affecL benLhlc communlLles because Lhe dlesel fuel would floaL and
dlsslpaLe on Lhe sea surface. 8ecause a semlsubmerslble wlll be used, Lhe anchorlna lmpacLs
are expecLed Lo be mlnlmal.
Impacts of hys|ca| D|sturbance to the 5eaf|oor
1he shallow hazards sLudv dld noL ldenLlfv anv feaLures LhaL could supporL hlah-denslLv
deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles wlLhln Lhe anchor radll of Lhe proposed wellslLes. 1herefore,
anchorlna lmpacLs on Lhese communlLles wlll be avolded.
1he shallow hazards sLudv dld noL ldenLlfv anv feaLures LhaL could supporL hlah-denslLv
deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles wlLhln 610 m (2,000 fL) of Lhe proposed drllllna mud/cuLLlnas
dlscharae locaLlons, and and Lhe presence of chemosvnLheLlc communlLles ln Lhe lease area ls
consldered remoLe (luaro, 2009, luaro-McClelland, 2010). MonlLorlna proarams on Lhe Culf
of Mexlco conLlnenLal slope have shown LhaL benLhlc lmpacLs from drllllna dlscharaes Lvplcallv
are concenLraLed wlLhln abouL 300 m (1,640 fL) of Lhe wellslLe, alLhouah deLecLable deposlLs
mav exLend bevond Lhls dlsLance (ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc., 2004, 2006, neff eL al.,
2003). 8ecause of Lhe waLer depLh of Lhe lease area, drllllna dlscharaes would be expecLed Lo
resulL ln Lhlnner, more dlffuse accumulaLlons on Lhe seafloor Lhan Lhose documenLed ln Lhe
llLeraLure. AlLhouah small amounLs of cuLLlnas parLlcles mav reach areas lnhablLed bv
hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles, Lhe dlscharaes are noL expecLed Lo resulL ln
slanlflcanL lmpacLs Lo Lhese communlLles.
benLhlc communlLles bevond Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Lhe wellhead (l.e., due Lo phvslcal
have Lhe poLenLlal Lo conLacL hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles bevond Lhe 300-m
(984-fL) radlus esLlmaLed bv MMS (2007a, 2008), dependlna on lLs exLenL, Lra[ecLorv, and
perslsLence. oLenLlal lmpacLs on senslLlve resources would be an lnLearal parL of Lhe declslon
and approval process for Lhe use of dlspersanLs.
oLenLlal lmpacLs of oll on hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles are dlscussed bv
MMS (2007b). AlLhouah chemosvnLheLlc communlLles llve amona hvdrocarbon seeps, naLural
seepaae ls verv consLanL and occurs aL low raLes as compared Lo Lhe poLenLlal raLes of oll

release from a blowouL. ln addlLlon, seep oraanlsms also requlre unresLrlcLed access Lo
oxvaenaLed waLer aL Lhe same Llme as exposure Lo hvdrocarbon enerav sources (Macuonald,
2002). Cll dropleLs or olled sedlmenL parLlcles could come lnLo conLacL wlLh chemosvnLheLlc
oraanlsms or deepwaLer corals. As dlscussed bv MMS (2007b), lmpacLs could lnclude loss of
hablLaL, blodlverslLv, and llve coral coveraae, desLrucLlon of hard subsLraLe, chanae ln
sedlmenL characLerlsLlcs, and reducLlon or loss of one or more commerclal and recreaLlonal
flsherv hablLaLs. SubleLhal effecLs could be lona-lasLlna and affecL Lhe reslllence of coral
colonles Lo naLural dlsLurbances (e.a., elevaLed waLer LemperaLure and dlseases).
1he poLenLlal for splll Lo affecL deepwaLer corals ls lndlcaLed bv prellmlnarv flndlnas from a
recenL (CcLober 2010) survev of deepwaLer coral hablLaLs near Lhe Macondo splll slLe
(8CLM8L, 2010). CovernmenL and academlc researchers were worklna aL a slLe 1,400 m
(4,600 fL) deep and approxlmaLelv 7 mlles (11 km) souLhwesL of Lhe Macondo wellhead when
Lhev vlsuallv observed dead and dvlna corals wlLh slouahlna Llssue and dlscoloraLlon. Much of
Lhe sofL coral observed ln an area measurlna abouL 13 Lo 40 m (30 Lo 130 fL) was covered bv
whaL appeared Lo be a brown subsLance. nlneLv percenL of 40 larae corals were heavllv
affecLed and showed dead and dvlna parLs and dlscoloraLlon. AnoLher slLe 400 m (1,312 fL)
awav had a colonv of sLonv corals slmllarlv affecLed and parLlallv covered wlLh a slmllar brown
subsLance. unLll laboraLorv analvses are conducLed, sclenLlsLs cannoL be cerLaln whaL caused
Lhe lmpacLs. SedlmenL and coral samples were collecLed wlLh a remoLelv operaLed vehlcle and
brouahL Lo Lhe surface for analvses. lurLher LesLlna wlll also deLermlne lf Lhe subsLance ls oll,
and lf so, wheLher lL ls conslsLenL wlLh Lhe release from Lhe Macondo splll.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on
deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles are expecLed.
C.2.3 Des|gnated 1opograph|c Ieatures
1he blocks are noL wlLhln or near a deslanaLed Lopoaraphlc feaLure or a no-acLlvlLv zone as
ldenLlfled ln n1L 2009-C39. 1he nearesL deslanaLed Lopoaraphlc feaLure ls SackeLL 8ank,
locaLed approxlmaLelv 13 mlles (24 km) norLheasL of Mlsslsslppl Canvon and approxlmaLelv
90 mlles (143 km) from Lhe lease area.
1here are no lls assoclaLed wlLh elLher rouLlne operaLlons or accldenLs LhaL could cause
lmpacLs Lo deslanaLed Lopoaraphlc feaLures due Lo Lhe dlsLance from Lhe lease area. A small
fuel splll would floaL and dlsslpaLe on Lhe surface and would noL reach Lhese seafloor feaLures.
ln Lhe evenL of an oll splll from a well blowouL, a surface sllck would noL conLacL Lhese seafloor
feaLures. lf a subsurface plume were Lo occur, lmpacLs on Lhese feaLures would be unllkelv
due Lo Lhe dlsLance and Lhe dlfference ln waLer depLh. near-boLLom currenLs ln Lhe realon are
predlcLed Lo flow alona Lhe lsobaLhs (nowlln eL al., 2001) and Lvplcallv would noL carrv a plume
up onLo Lhe conLlnenLal shelf edae.

C.2.4 |nnac|e 1rend Area L|ve 8ottoms
1he lease area ls noL covered bv Lhe Llve 8oLLom (lnnacle 1rend) SLlpulaLlon. As deflned bv
n1L 2009-C39, Lhe nearesL plnnacle Lrend blocks are abouL 43 mlles (69 km) norLh from Lhe
lease area, alona Lhe shelf edae souLh of Alabama.
lmpacLs Lo plnnacle Lrend area llve boLLoms due Lo Lhe dlsLance from Lhe lease area. A small
fuel splll would floaL on Lhe surface and would noL reach Lhese seafloor feaLures.
up onLo Lhe conLlnenLal shelf edae.
C.2.5 Lastern Gu|f L|ve 8ottoms
1he lease area ls noL covered bv Lhe Llve 8oLLom (Low-8ellef) SLlpulaLlon, whlch applles Lo
LasLern Culf of Mexlco lannlna Area leases ln waLer depLhs of 100 m (328 fL) or less. 1he
nearesL blocks covered bv Lhe llve boLLom sLlpulaLlon, as deflned bv n1L 2009-C39, are abouL
30 mlles (80 km) norLh-norLheasL from Lhe pro[ecL area.
lmpacLs Lo easLern Culf llve boLLom areas due Lo Lhe dlsLance from Lhe lease area. A small fuel
splll would floaL and dlsslpaLe on Lhe surface and would noL reach Lhese seafloor feaLures.
up onLo Lhe conLlnenLal shelf.
C.3 1hreatened, Lndangered, and rotected 5pec|es and Cr|t|ca| nab|tat
1hls secLlon dlscusses specles llsLed as endanaered or LhreaLened under Lhe LSA. ln addlLlon, lL
lncludes all marlne mammal specles ln Lhe realon, whlch are proLecLed under Lhe MMA.
Lndanaered or LhreaLened specles LhaL mav occur ln Lhe pro[ecL area and/or alona Lhe
norLhern Culf coasL are llsLed ln 1ab|e 5. 1he Lable also lndlcaLes Lhe locaLlon of crlLlcal hablLaL
(lf deslanaLed ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco). CrlLlcal hablLaL ls deflned as (1) speclflc areas wlLhln Lhe
aeoaraphlcal area occupled bv Lhe specles aL Lhe Llme of llsLlna, lf Lhev conLaln phvslcal or
bloloalcal feaLures essenLlal Lo conservaLlon, and Lhose feaLures mav requlre speclal
manaaemenL conslderaLlons or proLecLlon, and (2) speclflc areas ouLslde Lhe aeoaraphlcal area
occupled bv Lhe specles lf Lhe aaencv deLermlnes LhaL Lhe area lLself ls essenLlal for
conservaLlon. 1he nMlS has [urlsdlcLlon for LSA-llsLed ceLaceans, sea LurLles, and flshes ln Lhe
Culf of Mexlco. 1he uSlWS has [urlsdlcLlon for LSA-llsLed blrds and Lhe llorlda manaLee.

1able 3. lederallv-llsLed endanaered and LhreaLened specles ln Lhe lease area and alona Lhe
norLhern Culf coasL.
Specles SclenLlflc name SLaLus
oLenLlal resence CrlLlcal PablLaL
ueslanaLed ln
Culf of Mexlco
Lease
Area
CoasLal
Mar|ne Mamma|s
Sperm whale lbvsetet moctocepbolos L x -- none
llorlda manaLee 1tlcbecbos moootos lotltosttls L -- x
llorlda
(enlnsular)
8lue whale 8oloeoopteto moscolos L x
a
-- none
lln whale 8oloeoopteto pbvsolos L x
a
-- none
Pumpback whale Meoopteto oovoeooolloe L x
a
-- none
norLh ALlanLlc rlahL whale oboloeoo oloclolls L x
a
-- none
Sel whale 8oloeoopteto boteolls L x
a
-- none
5ea 1urt|es
Loaaerhead LurLle cotetto cotetto 1 x x none
Creen LurLle cbeloolo mvJos 1, L
b
x x none
LeaLherback LurLle uetmocbelvs cotloceo L x x none
Pawksblll LurLle tetmocbelvs lmbtlcoto L x x none
kemp's rldlev LurLle leplJocbelvs kempll L x x none
8|rds
lplna lover cbotoJtlos meloJos 1 -- x
CoasLal 1exas, Loulslana,
Mlsslsslppl, Alabama,
and llorlda (anhandle)
Whooplna Crane Ctos ometlcooo L -- x
CoasLal 1exas
(Aransas naLlonal
Wlldllfe 8efuae)
I|shes
Culf sLuraeon Aclpeoset oxvtlocbos Jesotol 1 -- x
CoasLal Loulslana,
Mlsslsslppl, Alabama,
and llorlda (anhandle)
1errestr|a| Mamma|s
8each mlce (Alabama,
ChocLawhaLchee, erdldo
kev, SL. Andrew)
letomvscos polloootos L -- x
Alabama and llorlda
(anhandle) beaches
AbbrevlaLlons: L = Lndanaered, 1 = 1hreaLened.
a
1he blue, fln, humpback, norLh ALlanLlc rlahL, and sel whales are rare or exLrallmlLal ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco and are
unllkelv Lo be presenL ln Lhe lease area.
b
1he areen sea LurLle ls LhreaLened, excepL for Lhe llorlda breedlna populaLlon, whlch ls llsLed as endanaered.
1he sperm whale and flve specles of sea LurLles are Lhe onlv endanaered or LhreaLened specles
llkelv Lo occur aL or near Lhe lease area. no crlLlcal hablLaL has been deslanaLed for Lhese
specles ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
llve endanaered mvsLlceLe whales (blue whale, fln whale, humpback whale, norLh ALlanLlc
rlahL whale, and sel whale) also have been reporLed from Lhe Culf of Mexlco buL are
consldered rare or exLrallmlLal Lhere (Wursla eL al., 2000). no crlLlcal hablLaL has been
deslanaLed for Lhese specles ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
CoasLal endanaered or LhreaLened specles lnclude Lhe llorlda manaLee, lplna lover,
Whooplna Crane, Culf sLuraeon, and four subspecles of beach mlce. CrlLlcal hablLaL has been
deslanaLed for all of Lhese specles as lndlcaLed ln 1ab|e 5 and dlscussed ln lndlvldual secLlons.
1wo oLher coasLal specles (8ald Laale and 8rown ellcan) dlscussed bv MMS (2007b) are no
lonaer llsLed as endanaered or LhreaLened, Lhese are dlscussed under CoasLal and Marlne
8lrds.

LnvlronmenLal lmpacL Analvsls for SupplemenLal LxploraLlon lan looe J0
1here are no oLher endanaered anlmals or planLs ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco LhaL are reasonablv
llkelv Lo be affecLed bv elLher rouLlne or accldenLal evenLs. CLher specles occurrlna aL cerLaln
locaLlons ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco such as Lhe smallLooLh sawflsh (ltlstls pectlooto), elkhorn coral
(Actopoto polmoto), sLaahorn coral (Actopoto cetvlcotols), and llorlda salL marsh vole
(Mlctotos peoosvlvoolcos Jokecompbelll) are remoLe from Lhe lease area and hlahlv unllkelv Lo
be affecLed.
C.3.1 5perm Wha|e (Lndangered)
1he onlv endanaered marlne mammal llkelv Lo be presenL aL or near Lhe pro[ecL area ls Lhe
sperm whale (lbvsetet moctocepbolos). 8esldenL populaLlons of sperm whales occur wlLhln
Lhe Culf of Mexlco. A specles descrlpLlon ls presenLed ln a recenL lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b).
Culf of Mexlco sperm whales are classlfled as an endanaered specles and a sLraLealc sLock"
(deflned as a sLock LhaL mav have unsusLalnable human-caused lmpacLs) bv nCAA llsherles
(Warlna eL al., 2009). no crlLlcal hablLaL for sperm whale has been deslanaLed ln Lhe Culf of
Mexlco.
1he dlsLrlbuLlon of sperm whales ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco ls correlaLed wlLh mesoscale phvslcal
feaLures such as eddles assoclaLed wlLh Lhe Culf of Mexlco Loop CurrenL (!ochens eL al., 2008).
Sperm whale populaLlons ln Lhe norLh-cenLral Culf of Mexlco are presenL Lhere LhrouahouL Lhe
vear (uavls eL al., 2000). 8esulLs of a mulLl-vear Lracklna sLudv show female sperm whales
Lvplcallv concenLraLed alona Lhe upper conLlnenLal slope beLween Lhe 200- and 1,000-m
(636- and 3,280-fL) depLh conLours (!ochens eL al., 2008). Male sperm whales were more
varlable ln Lhelr movemenLs and were documenLed ln waLer depLhs areaLer Lhan 3,000 m
(9,843 fL). Cenerallv, aroups of sperm whales slahLed ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco durlna Lhe
MMS-funded Sperm Whale Selsmlc SLudv (SWSS) conslsLed of mlxed-sex aroups comprlslna
adulL females and lmmaLures, and aroups of bachelor males. 1vplcal aroup slze for mlxed
aroups was 10 lndlvlduals (!ochens eL al., 2008). SWSS resulLs show LhaL sperm whales LranslL
Lhrouah Lhe vlclnlLv of Lhe lease area. MovemenLs of saLelllLe-Lracked lndlvlduals suaaesL LhaL
Lhls area of Lhe Culf conLlnenLal slope ls wlLhln Lhe home ranae of Lhe Culf of Mexlco
populaLlon (wlLhln Lhe 93 uLlllzaLlon dlsLrlbuLlon) (!ochen eL al., 2008).
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna sperm whales lnclude drllllna rla presence, nolse, and llahLs, supporL
vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc, and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs - a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll
(WCu). LffluenL dlscharaes are llkelv Lo have neallalble lmpacLs on sperm whales due Lo rapld
dlsperslon, Lhe small area of ocean affecLed, Lhe lnLermlLLenL naLure of Lhe dlscharaes, and Lhe
moblllLv of Lhese marlne mammals. Compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe
poLenLlal for marlne debrls-relaLed lmpacLs on sperm whales.
Impacts of Dr||||ng k|g resence, No|se, and L|ghts
nolse from rouLlne drllllna acLlvlLles has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb sperm whales. Sperm whales
appear Lo have aood low-frequencv hearlna, buL Lhe avallable daLa do noL lndlcaLe a conslsLenL
response Lo anLhropoaenlc nolse (!ochens eL al., 2008). nolse assoclaLed wlLh drllllna ls
relaLlvelv weak ln lnLenslLv, and an lndlvldual anlmal's nolse exposure would be LranslenL.
1here are oLher CCS faclllLles and acLlvlLles near Lhe lease area, and Lhe realon as a whole has
a larae number of slmllar sources. uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and shorL duraLlon of drllllna
acLlvlLles, Lhls pro[ecL would represenL a small Lemporarv conLrlbuLlon Lo Lhe overall nolse
realme.

1he nMlS (2007) analvzed Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs of drllllna-relaLed nolse on sperm whales
ln lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for Lhe llve-?ear Cll and Cas Leaslna roaram ln Lhe CenLral and
WesLern lannlna Areas of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. 1he analvsls noLed LhaL semlsubmerslble
drllllna rlas show low sound source levels and concluded LhaL drllllna ls noL expecLed Lo
produce ampllLudes sufflclenL Lo cause hearlna or behavloral effecLs ln sperm whales,
Lherefore, Lhese effecLs are lnslanlflcanL (nMlS, 2007).
urllllna rla llahLlna and rla presence are noL ldenLlfled as lls for sperm whales ln recenL lease
sale LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008) or Lhe nMlS (2007) 8loloalcal Cplnlon.
Impacts of 5upport Vesse| and ne||copter 1raff|c
SupporL vessel Lrafflc has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb sperm whales, and Lhere ls also a rlsk of
vessel sLrlkes, whlch are ldenLlfled as a LhreaL ln Lhe recoverv plan for Lhls specles
(nMlS, 2006). uaLa concernlna Lhe frequencv of vessel sLrlkes ls presenLed ln Lhe lease sale
LlS (MMS, 2007b). 1o reduce Lhe poLenLlal for vessel sLrlkes, Lhe 8CLM8L has lssued
n1L 2007-C04, whlch recommends proLecLed specles ldenLlflcaLlon Lralnlna and LhaL vessel
operaLors and crews malnLaln a vlallanL waLch for marlne mammals and slow down or sLop
Lhelr vessel Lo avold sLrlklna proLecLed specles, and requlres operaLors Lo reporL slahLlnas of
anv ln[ured or dead proLecLed specles. When whales are slahLed, vessel operaLors and crews
are requlred Lo aLLempL Lo malnLaln a dlsLance of 91 m (300 fL) or areaLer whenever posslble.
vessel operaLors are requlred Lo reduce vessel speed Lo 10 knoLs or less when moLher/calf
palrs, pods, or larae assemblaaes of ceLaceans are observed near an underwav vessel when
safeLv permlLs. Compllance wlLh Lhls n1L wlll mlnlmlze Lhe llkellhood of vessel sLrlkes as well
as reduce Lhe chance for dlsLurblna sperm whales.
1he nMlS (2007) analvzed Lhe poLenLlal for vessel sLrlkes and harassmenL of sperm whales ln
lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for Lhe llve-?ear Cll and Cas Leaslna roaram ln Lhe CenLral and WesLern
lannlna Areas of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. WlLh lmplemenLaLlon of Lhe mlLlaaLlon measures ln
n1L 2007-C04, nMlS concluded LhaL Lhe llkellhood of colllslons beLween vessels and sperm
whales would be reduced Lo lnslanlflcanL levels. 1he nMlS concluded LhaL Lhe observed
avoldance of passlna vessels bv sperm whales ls an advanLaaeous response Lo avold a
poLenLlal LhreaL and ls noL expecLed Lo resulL ln anv slanlflcanL effecL on mlaraLlon, breaLhlna,
nurslna, breedlna, feedlna, or shelLerlna Lo lndlvlduals, or have anv consequences aL Lhe level
of Lhe populaLlon. WlLh lmplemenLaLlon of Lhe vessel sLrlke avoldance measures requlremenL
Lo malnLaln a dlsLance of 90 m (293 fL) from sperm whales, Lhe nMlS concluded LhaL Lhe
poLenLlal for harassmenL of sperm whales would be reduced Lo dlscounLable levels.
PellcopLer Lrafflc also has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb sperm whales. SmulLea eL al. (2008)
documenLed responses of sperm whales offshore Pawall Lo flxed wlna alrcrafL flvlna aL an
alLlLude of 243 m (800 fL). A reacLlon Lo Lhe lnlLlal pass of Lhe alrcrafL was observed durlna
Lhree (12) of 24 slahLlnas. All Lhree reacLlons conslsLed of a hasLv dlve and occurred aL less
Lhan 360 m (1,180 fL) laLeral dlsLance from Lhe alrcrafL. AddlLlonal reacLlons were seen when
alrcrafL clrcled cerLaln whales Lo make furLher observaLlons. 8ased on oLher sLudles of
ceLacean responses Lo sound, Lhe auLhors concluded LhaL Lhe observed reacLlons Lo brlef
overfllahLs bv Lhe alrcrafL were shorL-Lerm and probablv of no lona-Lerm bloloalcal
slanlflcance.
Whlle flvlna offshore ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco, hellcopLers malnLaln alLlLudes above 213 m (700 fL)
durlna LranslL Lo and from Lhe worklna area. ln Lhe evenL LhaL a whale ls seen durlna LranslL,

Lhe hellcopLer wlll noL approach or clrcle Lhe anlmals. AlLhouah responses are posslble based
on Lhe SmulLea eL al. (2008) sLudv, Lhe nMlS (2007) concluded LhaL Lhls alLlLude would
mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for dlsLurblna sperm whales. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are
expecLed.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on marlne mammals lncludlna sperm whales are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs
(MMS, 2007b, 2008) and bv Lhe nMlS (2007) ln lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for Lhe llve-?ear Cll and
Cas Leaslna roaram ln Lhe CenLral and WesLern lannlna Areas of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. Cll
lmpacLs on marlne mammals are dlscussed bv Ceracl and SL. Aubln (1990). lor Lhls
SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs on Lhese
anlmals.
1he probablllLv of a fuel splll wlll be mlnlmlzed bv Shell's prevenLaLlve measures durlna rouLlne
operaLlons lncludlna fuel Lransfer. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of Shell's
CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs on sperm whales. 5upp|ementa|
L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b provlde deLall on splll response measures. Clven Lhe open ocean
locaLlon of Lhe lease area, Lhe duraLlon of a small splll and opporLunlLv for lmpacLs Lo occur
would be verv brlef.
aL Lhe Llme and Lhe effecLlveness of splll response measures. 5ect|on A.9.2 dlscusses Lhe llkelv
faLe of a small fuel splll and lndlcaLes LhaL over 90 would be evaporaLed or dlspersed
naLurallv wlLhln 24 hours. 1he area of Lhe sea surface wlLh dlesel fuel on lL would ranae from
0.3 Lo 3 ha (1.2 Lo 12 ac), dependlna on sea sLaLe and weaLher condlLlons.
ulrecL phvslcal and phvsloloalcal effecLs of exposure Lo dlesel fuel could lnclude skln lrrlLaLlon,
lnflammaLlon, or necrosls, chemlcal burns of skln, eves, and mucous membranes, lnhalaLlon of
Loxlc fumes, lnaesLlon of oll dlrecLlv or vla conLamlnaLed prev, and sLress from Lhe acLlvlLles
and nolse of response vessels and alrcrafL (Marlne Mammal Commlsslon [MMC], 2010).
Powever, due Lo Lhe llmlLed areal exLenL and shorL duraLlon of waLer quallLv lmpacLs from a
small fuel splll, as well as Lhe moblllLv of sperm whales, no slanlflcanL lmpacLs would be
expecLed.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on marlne mammals lncludlna sperm whales are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs
(MMS, 2007b, 2008) and bv Lhe nMlS (2007) ln lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for Lhe llve-?ear Cll and
Cas Leaslna roaram ln Lhe CenLral and WesLern lannlna Areas of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. Cll
lmpacLs on marlne mammals are dlscussed bv Ceracl and SL. Aubln (1990). lor Lhls
SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs on Lhese
anlmals.
lmpacLs of oll spllls on sperm whales can lnclude dlrecL lmpacLs from oll exposure, as well as
lndlrecL lmpacLs due Lo response acLlvlLles and maLerlals (e.a., vessel Lrafflc, nolse, and
dlspersanLs) (MMC, 2010). ulrecL phvslcal and phvsloloalcal effecLs can lnclude skln lrrlLaLlon,
Loxlc fumes, lnaesLlon of oll (and dlspersanLs) dlrecLlv or vla conLamlnaLed prev, and sLress

LnvlronmenLal lmpacL Analvsls for SupplemenLal LxploraLlon lan looe JJ
from Lhe acLlvlLles and nolse of response vessels and alrcrafL. CompllcaLlons of Lhe above mav
lead Lo dvsfuncLlon of lmmune and reproducLlve svsLems, phvsloloalcal sLress, decllnlna
phvslcal condlLlon, and deaLh. 8ehavloral responses can lnclude dlsplacemenL of anlmals from
prlme hablLaL, dlsrupLlon of soclal sLrucLure, chanalna prev avallablllLv and foraalna
dlsLrlbuLlon and/or paLLerns, chanalna reproducLlve behavlor/producLlvlLv, and chanalna
movemenL paLLerns or mlaraLlon (MMC, 2010).
ln Lhe evenL of a larae splll, Lhe level of vessel and alrcrafL acLlvlLv assoclaLed wlLh splll
response could dlsLurb sperm whales and poLenLlallv resulL ln vessel sLrlkes, enLanalemenL, or
oLher ln[urv or sLress. 8esponse vessels would operaLe ln accordance wlLh n1L 2007-C04 Lo
reduce Lhe poLenLlal for sLrlklna or dlsLurblna Lhese anlmals.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on sperm
whales are expecLed.
C.3.2 I|or|da Manatee (Lndangered)
MosL of Lhe manaLee populaLlon ls locaLed ln penlnsular llorlda (uSlWS, 2001). ManaLee
slahLlnas ln Loulslana have been lncreaslna as Lhev exLend Lhelr presence furLher wesL of
llorlda ln Lhe warmer monLhs (Wllson, 2003). A specles descrlpLlon ls presenLed ln a recenL
lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b) and ln Lhe recoverv plan for Lhls specles (uSlWS, 2001).
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna manaLees lnclude supporL vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc and a larae oll
splll (WCu). A small fuel splll ln Lhe lease area would be unllkelv Lo affecL manaLees, as Lhe
lease area ls approxlmaLelv 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellne (Loulslana). As
explalned ln 5ect|on A.9.2, a small fuel splll would noL be expecLed Lo make landfall or reach
coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up. Compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe
poLenLlal for marlne debrls-relaLed lmpacLs on manaLees.
SupporL vessel Lrafflc has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb manaLees, and Lhere ls also a rlsk of vessel
sLrlkes, whlch are ldenLlfled as a LhreaL ln Lhe recoverv plan for Lhls specles (uSlWS, 2001). 1o
reduce Lhe poLenLlal for vessel sLrlkes, Lhe 8CLM8L has lssued n1L 2007-C04, whlch
recommends proLecLed specles ldenLlflcaLlon Lralnlna and LhaL vessel operaLors and crews
malnLaln a vlallanL waLch for marlne mammals and slow down or sLop Lhelr vessel Lo avold
sLrlklna proLecLed specles, and requlres operaLors Lo reporL slahLlnas of anv ln[ured or dead
proLecLed specles. Compllance wlLh Lhls n1L wlll mlnlmlze Lhe llkellhood of vessel sLrlkes, and
no slanlflcanL lmpacLs on manaLees are expecLed.
PellcopLer Lrafflc, lf presenL, also has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb manaLees. 8aLhbun (1988)
reporLed LhaL manaLees were dlsLurbed more bv hellcopLers Lhan bvflxed-wlna alrcrafL,
however, Lhe hellcopLer was flown aL a relaLlvelv low alLlLude of 20 Lo 160 m (66 Lo 323 fL).
PellcopLers used ln supporL operaLlons malnLaln a mlnlmum alLlLude of 213 m (700 fL) whlle ln
LranslL offshore, 303 m (1,000 fL) over unpopulaLed areas or across coasLllnes, and 610 m
(2,000 fL) over populaLed areas and senslLlve hablLaLs such as wlldllfe refuaes and park

properLles. 1hls mlLlaaLlon measure wlll mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for dlsLurblna manaLees, and
no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are expecLed.
1he CS8A resulLs summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcL LhaL some Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama,
and llorlda shorellnes could be conLacLed bv a splll wlLhln 30 davs. 1here ls no crlLlcal hablLaL
deslanaLed ln Lhese areas, and Lhe number of manaLees poLenLlallv presenL ls a small fracLlon
of Lhe populaLlon ln penlnsular llorlda.
ln Lhe evenL LhaL manaLees were exposed Lo oll, effecLs could lnclude dlrecL lmpacLs from oll
exposure, as well as lndlrecL lmpacLs due Lo response acLlvlLles and maLerlals (e.a., vessel
Lrafflc, nolse, and dlspersanLs) (MMC, 2010). ulrecL phvslcal and phvsloloalcal effecLs can
lnclude skln lrrlLaLlon, lnflammaLlon, or necrosls, chemlcal burns of skln, eves, and mucous
membranes, lnhalaLlon of Loxlc fumes, lnaesLlon of oll (and dlspersanLs) dlrecLlv or vla
conLamlnaLed prev (or conLamlnaLed veaeLaLlon, ln Lhe case of manaLees), and sLress from Lhe
acLlvlLles and nolse of response vessels and alrcrafL. CompllcaLlons of Lhe above mav lead Lo
dvsfuncLlon of lmmune and reproducLlve svsLems, phvsloloalcal sLress, decllnlna phvslcal
condlLlon, and deaLh. 8ehavloral responses can lnclude dlsplacemenL of anlmals from prlme
hablLaL, dlsrupLlon of soclal sLrucLure, chanalna prev avallablllLv and foraalna dlsLrlbuLlon
and/or paLLerns, chanalna reproducLlve behavlor/producLlvlLv, and chanalna movemenL
paLLerns or mlaraLlon (MMC, 2010).
ln Lhe evenL LhaL a larae splll reached coasLal waLers where manaLees were presenL, Lhe level
of vessel and alrcrafL acLlvlLv assoclaLed wlLh splll response could dlsLurb manaLees and
poLenLlallv resulL ln vessel sLrlkes, enLanalemenL, or oLher ln[urv or sLress. 8esponse vessels
would operaLe ln accordance wlLh n1L 2007-C04 Lo reduce Lhe poLenLlal for sLrlklna or
dlsLurblna Lhese anlmals, and Lherefore no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are expecLed.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on manaLees
are expecLed.
C.3.3 Lndangered Myst|cete Wha|es
llve endanaered mvsLlceLe whales (blue whale, fln whale, humpback whale, norLh ALlanLlc
rlahL whale, and sel whale) also have been reporLed from Lhe Culf of Mexlco buL are
consldered rare or exLrallmlLal Lhere (Wursla eL al., 2000). no crlLlcal hablLaL has been
deslanaLed for Lhese specles ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
uue Lo Lhe rare occurrence of Lhese whales ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco and Lhe llmlLed scope and
duraLlon of Lhe pro[ecL, lL ls hlahlv unllkelv LhaL anv endanaered mvsLlceLe would come lnLo
conLacL wlLh anv pro[ecL acLlvlLles, elLher rouLlne operaLlons or accldenLs. 1he nMlS (2007)
dld noL lnclude anv of Lhese mvsLlceLe whales as affecLed specles ln lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for
Lhe llve-?ear Cll and Cas Leaslna roaram ln Lhe CenLral and WesLern lannlna Areas of Lhe
Culf of Mexlco. oLenLlal lmpacLs are analvzed ln recenL lease sale LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008),
and Lhose analvses are lncorporaLed bv reference. lf anv of Lhese whales were presenL ln Lhe
area, poLenLlal lmpacLs would be Lhe same as Lhose dlscussed below ln 5ect|on C.3.4.

C.3.4 Non-Lndangered Mar|ne Mamma|s (rotected)
Lxcludlna Lhe seven endanaered specles LhaL have been clLed prevlouslv, Lhere are
22 addlLlonal specles of marlne mammals LhaL mav be found ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco (see
5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 6h). All marlne mammals are proLecLed specles under Lhe MMA.
1hls lncludes Lwo mvsLlceLe whales, Lhe dwarf and pvamv sperm whales, 4 specles of beaked
whales, and 14 specles of delphlnlds. 1he mosL common non-endanaered ceLaceans ln Lhe
deepwaLer envlronmenL are odonLoceLes such as Lhe panLroplcal spoLLed dolphln, splnner
dolphln, and clvmene dolphln. A brlef summarv ls presenLed below, and addlLlonal
lnformaLlon on Lhese aroups ls presenLed ln a recenL lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b).
MvsLlceLe Whales. 1wo non-endanaered mvsLlceLe whales are known from Lhe Culf of
Mexlco. 1he 8rvde's whale (8oloeoopteto eJeol) has been slahLed mosL frequenLlv alona Lhe
100-m (328-fL) lsobaLh (uavls and laralon, 1996, uavls eL al., 2000). MosL slahLlnas have been
made ln Lhe ueSoLo Canvon realon and off wesLern llorlda, alLhouah Lhere have been some ln
Lhe wesL-cenLral porLlon of Lhe norLheasLern Culf. 1he mlnke whale (8oloeoopteto
ocototosttoto) ls consldered rare ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco, wlLh Lhe onlv conflrmed records
comlna from sLrandlnas (Wursla eL al., 2000). 8ased on Lhe avallable daLa, lL ls posslble LhaL
8rvde's whales could occur ln Lhe lease area.
uwarf and pvamv sperm whales. AL sea, lL ls dlfflculL Lo dlfferenLlaLe dwarf sperm whales
(koolo slmo) from pvamv sperm whales (koolo btevlceps), and slahLlnas are ofLen arouped
LoaeLher as koolo spp." 8oLh specles have a worldwlde dlsLrlbuLlon ln LemperaLe Lo Lroplcal
waLers. ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco, boLh specles occur prlmarllv alona Lhe conLlnenLal shelf edae
and ln deeper waLers off Lhe conLlnenLal shelf (Mullln eL al., 1991). LlLher specles could occur
ln Lhe lease area.
8eaked whales. lour specles of beaked whales are known from Lhe Culf of Mexlco. 1hev are
8lalnvllle's beaked whale (MesoploJoo Jeosltosttls), Cuvler's beaked whale (2lpblos
covltosttls), Sowerbv's beaked whale (MesoploJoo blJeos), and Cervals' beaked whale
(MesoploJoo eotopoeos). SLrandlna records ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco suaaesL LhaL Cervals'
beaked whale ls Lhe mosL common and Sowerbv's ls exLrallmlLal. uue Lo Lhe dlfflculLles of
aL-sea ldenLlflcaLlon, beaked whales ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco are ldenLlfled elLher as Cuvler's
beaked whales or are arouped lnLo an undlfferenLlaLed complex (MesoploJoo spp. and 2lpblos
spp.). ln Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco, Lhev are broadlv dlsLrlbuLed ln waLers areaLer Lhan
1,000 m (3,281 fL) over lower slope and abvssal landscapes (uavls eL al., 2000). Anv of Lhese
specles could occur ln Lhe lease area.
uelphlnlds. lourLeen specles of delphlnlds are known from Lhe Culf of Mexlco, lncludlna
ALlanLlc spoLLed dolphln (5teoello ftootolls), boLLlenose dolphln (1otslops ttoocotos), clvmene
dolphln (5teoello clvmeoe), false klller whale (lseoJotco ctosslJeos), lraser's dolphln
(looeooJelpbls bosel), klller whale (Otcloos otco), melon-headed whale (lepooocepbolo
electto), panLroplcal spoLLed dolphln (5teoello otteoooto), pvamv klller whale (leteso
otteoooto), shorL-flnned plloL whale (Cloblcepbolo moctotbvocbos), 8lsso's dolphln (Ctompos
otlseos), rouah-LooLhed dolphln (5teoo bteJooeosls), splnner dolphln (5teoello loooltosttls),
and sLrlped dolphln (5teoello coetoleoolbo). 1he mosL common non-endanaered ceLaceans ln
Lhe deepwaLer envlronmenL are Lhe panLroplcal spoLLed dolphln, splnner dolphln, and
clvmene dolphln. Powever, anv of Lhese specles could occur ln Lhe lease area.

lls poLenLlallv affecLlna non-endanaered marlne mammals lnclude drllllna rla presence, nolse,
and llahLs, supporL vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc, and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs (a small fuel splll
and a larae oll splll represenLed bv Lhe WCu for Lhls SupplemenLal L). LffluenL dlscharaes are
llkelv Lo have neallalble lmpacLs on marlne mammals due Lo rapld dlsperslon, Lhe small area of
ocean affecLed, Lhe lnLermlLLenL naLure of Lhe dlscharaes, and Lhe moblllLv of marlne
mammals. Compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for marlne
debrls-relaLed lmpacLs on marlne mammals.
nolse from rouLlne drllllna acLlvlLles has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb marlne mammals. MosL
odonLoceLes (LooLhed whales and dolphlns) use sounds LhaL are hlaher Lhan Lhe low-frequencv
domlnanL frequencles produced bv CCS drllllna acLlvlLles (8lchardson eL al., 1993). nolse
assoclaLed wlLh drllllna ls relaLlvelv weak ln lnLenslLv, and an lndlvldual anlmal's nolse
exposure would be LranslenL. 1here are oLher CCS faclllLles and acLlvlLles near Lhe lease area,
and Lhe realon as a whole has a larae number of slmllar sources. uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and
shorL duraLlon of drllllna acLlvlLles, Lhls pro[ecL would represenL a small Lemporarv
conLrlbuLlon Lo Lhe overall nolse realme, and anv shorL-Lerm lmpacLs are noL expecLed Lo be
bloloalcallv slanlflcanL Lo marlne mammal populaLlons.
urllllna rla llahLlna and rla presence are noL ldenLlfled as lls for marlne mammals ln recenL
lease sale LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
SupporL vessel Lrafflc has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb marlne mammals, and Lhere ls also a rlsk of
vessel sLrlkes. uaLa concernlna Lhe frequencv of vessel sLrlkes ls presenLed ln Lhe lease sale LlS
(MMS, 2007b). 1o reduce Lhe poLenLlal for vessel sLrlkes, Lhe 8CLM8L has lssued n1L
2007-C04, whlch recommends proLecLed specles ldenLlflcaLlon Lralnlna and LhaL vessel
operaLors and crews malnLaln a vlallanL waLch for marlne mammals and slow down or sLop
Lhelr vessel Lo avold sLrlklna proLecLed specles, and requlres operaLors Lo reporL slahLlnas of
anv ln[ured or dead proLecLed specles. vessel operaLors and crews are requlred Lo aLLempL Lo
malnLaln a dlsLance of 91 m (300 fL) or areaLer when whales are slahLed and 43 m (130 fL)
when small ceLaceans are slahLed. When ceLaceans are slahLed whlle a vessel ls underwav,
vessels musL aLLempL Lo remaln parallel Lo Lhe anlmal's course and avold excesslve speed or
abrupL chanaes ln dlrecLlon unLll Lhe ceLacean has lefL Lhe area. vessel operaLors are requlred
Lo reduce vessel speed Lo 10 knoLs or less when moLher/calf palrs, pods, or larae assemblaaes
of ceLaceans are observed near an underwav vessel, when safeLv permlLs. Compllance wlLh
Lhls n1L wlll mlnlmlze Lhe llkellhood of vessel sLrlkes as well as reduce Lhe chance for
dlsLurblna marlne mammals, and Lherefore no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are expecLed.
AlrcrafL Lrafflc also has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb marlne mammals (Wursla eL al., 1998).
Powever, whlle flvlna offshore, hellcopLers malnLaln alLlLudes above 213 m (700 fL) durlna
LranslL Lo and from Lhe worklna area. 1hls alLlLude wlll mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for dlsLurblna
marlne mammals, and no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are expecLed (MMS, 2007b).
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on marlne mammals are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008),
and oll lmpacLs on marlne mammals ln aeneral are dlscussed bv Ceracl and SL. Aubln (1990).

lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs
on Lhese anlmals.
1he probablllLv of a fuel splll wlll be mlnlmlzed bv Shell's prevenLaLlve measures durlna fuel
Lransfer. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of Shell's CS8 ls expecLed Lo mlLlaaLe
and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs on marlne mammals. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and
9b provlde deLall on splll response measures. Clven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area,
Lhe duraLlon of a small splll and opporLunlLv for lmpacLs Lo occur would be verv brlef.
and nolse of response vessels and alrcrafL (MMC, 2010). Powever, due Lo Lhe llmlLed areal
exLenL and shorL duraLlon of waLer quallLv lmpacLs from a small fuel splll, as well as Lhe
moblllLv of marlne mammals, no slanlflcanL lmpacLs would be expecLed.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on marlne mammals are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008)
and bv Ceracl and SL. Aubln (1990). lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc
lssues.
lmpacLs of oll spllls on marlne mammals can lnclude dlrecL lmpacLs from oll exposure, as well
as lndlrecL lmpacLs due Lo response acLlvlLles and maLerlals (e.a., vessel Lrafflc, nolse, and
dlspersanLs) (MMC, 2010). ulrecL phvslcal and phvsloloalcal effecLs can lnclude skln lrrlLaLlon,
Loxlc fumes, lnaesLlon of oll (and dlspersanLs) dlrecLlv or vla conLamlnaLed prev (or
conLamlnaLed veaeLaLlon, ln Lhe case of manaLees), and sLress from Lhe acLlvlLles and nolse of
response vessels and alrcrafL. CompllcaLlons of Lhe above mav lead Lo dvsfuncLlon of lmmune
and reproducLlve svsLems, phvsloloalcal sLress, decllnlna phvslcal condlLlon, and deaLh.
8ehavloral responses can lnclude dlsplacemenL of anlmals from prlme hablLaL, dlsrupLlon of
soclal sLrucLure, chanalna prev avallablllLv and foraalna dlsLrlbuLlon and/or paLLerns, chanalna
reproducLlve behavlor/producLlvlLv, and chanalna movemenL paLLerns or mlaraLlon
(MMC, 2010).
response could dlsLurb marlne mammals and poLenLlallv resulL ln vessel sLrlkes, enLanalemenL,
or oLher ln[urv or sLress. 8esponse vessels would operaLe ln accordance wlLh n1L 2007-C04 Lo
reduce Lhe poLenLlal for sLrlklna or dlsLurblna Lhese anlmals, and Lherefore no slanlflcanL
lmpacLs are expecLed.

provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on marlne
mammals are expecLed.
C.3.5 5ea 1urt|es (Lndangered/1hreatened)
As llsLed ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 6h, flve specles of endanaered or LhreaLened sea LurLles
mav be found near Lhe lease area. Lndanaered specles are Lhe leaLherback (uetmocbelvs
cotloceo), kemp's rldlev (leplJocbelvs kempll), and hawksblll (tetmocbelvs lmbtlcoto) LurLles.
1he loaaerhead LurLle (cotetto cotetto) ls a LhreaLened specles. 1he areen LurLle (cbeloolo
mvJos) ls llsLed as LhreaLened, excepL for Lhe llorlda breedlna populaLlon, whlch ls llsLed as
endanaered. Specles descrlpLlons are presenLed ln a recenL lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b).
LeaLherbacks and loaaerheads are Lhe mosL llkelv specles Lo be presenL near Lhe lease area as
adulLs. Creen, hawksblll, and kemp's rldlev LurLles are Lvplcallv lnner shelf and nearshore
specles, unllkelv Lo occur near Lhe lease area as adulLs. PaLchllnas or [uvenlles of anv of Lhe
sea LurLles mav be presenL ln deepwaLer areas, lncludlna Lhe lease area, where Lhev mav be
assoclaLed wlLh 5otoossom and oLher floLsam.
Sea LurLle nesLlna ln Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco can be summarlzed bv specles as follows:
Loaaerhead LurLles - Loaaerheads nesL ln slanlflcanL numbers alona Lhe llorlda anhandle
and, Lo a lesser exLenL, from 1exas Lhrouah Alabama (MMS, 2007b). 1he nearesL
slanlflcanL nesLlna area of loaaerhead LurLles ls found ln Loulslana, on beaches wlLhln Lhe
8reLon nW8,
Creen and leaLherback LurLles - Creen and leaLherback LurLles lnfrequenLlv nesL on llorlda
anhandle beaches (llorlda llsh and Wlldllfe ConservaLlon Commlsslon, 2010),
kemp's rldlev LurLles - 1he maln kemp's rldlev nesLlna slLe ls 8ancho nuevo beach,
1amaullpas, Mexlco (nMlS eL al., 2010). kemp's rldlev LurLles Lvplcallv do noL nesL
anvwhere near Lhe pro[ecL area, alLhouah Lhere have been occaslonal reporLs of kemp's
rldlevs nesLlna ln Alabama (Share Lhe 8each, 2010), and
Pawksblll LurLles - Pawksbllls Lvplcallv do noL nesL anvwhere near Lhe pro[ecL area.
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna sea LurLles lnclude drllllna rla presence, nolse, and llahLs, supporL
vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc, and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs (a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll
represenLed bv Lhe WCu for Lhls SupplemenLal L). LffluenL dlscharaes are llkelv Lo have
neallalble lmpacLs on sea LurLles due Lo rapld dlsperslon, Lhe small area of ocean affecLed, and
Lhe lnLermlLLenL naLure of Lhe dlscharaes. Compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe
poLenLlal for marlne debrls-relaLed lmpacLs on sea LurLles.
Cffshore drllllna acLlvlLles produce a broad arrav of sounds aL frequencles and lnLenslLles LhaL
mav be deLecLed bv sea LurLles (Ceracl and SL. Aubln, 1987). oLenLlal lmpacLs mav lnclude
behavloral dlsrupLlon and Lemporarv or permanenL dlsplacemenL from Lhe area near Lhe
sound source. CerLaln sea LurLles, especlallv loaaerheads, mav be aLLracLed Lo offshore
sLrucLures (Lohoefener eL al., 1990) and, Lhus, mav be more suscepLlble Lo lmpacLs from
sounds produced durlna rouLlne operaLlons. PellcopLers and servlce vessels mav also affecL
sea LurLles due Lo machlnerv nolse and/or vlsual dlsLurbances. 1he mosL llkelv lmpacLs would
be shorL-Lerm behavloral chanaes such as dlvlna and evaslve swlmmlna, dlsrupLlon of

acLlvlLles, or deparLure from Lhe area. uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and shorL duraLlon of drllllna
acLlvlLles, Lhese shorL-Lerm lmpacLs are noL expecLed Lo be bloloalcallv slanlflcanL Lo sea LurLle
populaLlons.
ArLlflclal llahLlna can dlsrupL Lhe nocLurnal orlenLaLlon of sea LurLle haLchllnas (WlLherlnaLon,
1997, 1uxburv and Salmon, 2003). Powever, haLchllnas mav relv less on llahL cues when Lhev
are offshore Lhan when Lhev are emeralna on Lhe beach (Salmon and Wvneken, 1990). 1he
nMlS (2007) concluded LhaL Lhe effecLs of llahLlna from offshore sLrucLures on sea LurLles are
lnslanlflcanL.
5upport Vesse| and ne||copter 1raff|c
SupporL vessel Lrafflc has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb sea LurLles, and Lhere ls also a rlsk of vessel
sLrlkes. uaLa show LhaL vessel Lrafflc ls one cause of sea LurLle morLallLv ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco
(LuLcavaae eL al., 1997). Whlle adulL sea LurLles are vlslble aL Lhe surface durlna Lhe dav and ln
clear weaLher, Lhev can be dlfflculL Lo spoL from a movlna vessel when resLlna below Lhe waLer
surface, durlna nlahLLlme, or durlna perlods of lnclemenL weaLher. 1o reduce Lhe poLenLlal for
vessel sLrlkes, Lhe 8CLM8L has lssued n1L 2007-C04, whlch recommends proLecLed specles
ldenLlflcaLlon Lralnlna and LhaL vessel operaLors and crews malnLaln a vlallanL waLch for sea
LurLles and slow down or sLop Lhelr vessel Lo avold sLrlklna proLecLed specles, and requlres
operaLors Lo reporL slahLlnas of anv ln[ured or dead proLecLed specles. When sea LurLles are
slahLed, vessel operaLors and crews are requlred Lo aLLempL Lo malnLaln a dlsLance of 43 m
(130 fL) or areaLer whenever posslble. Compllance wlLh Lhls n1L wlll mlnlmlze Lhe llkellhood of
vessel sLrlkes as well as reduce Lhe chance for dlsLurblna sea LurLles (nMlS, 2007).
PellcopLer Lrafflc also has Lhe poLenLlal Lo dlsLurb sea LurLles. Powever, whlle flvlna offshore,
hellcopLers malnLaln alLlLudes above 213 m (700 fL) durlna LranslL Lo and from Lhe worklna
area. 1hls alLlLude wlll mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for dlsLurblna sea LurLles, and no slanlflcanL
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on sea LurLles are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008) and bv
Lhe nMlS (2007) ln lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for Lhe llve-?ear Cll and Cas Leaslna roaram ln Lhe
CenLral and WesLern lannlna Areas of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are
no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs on Lhese anlmals.
1he probablllLv of a fuel splll wlll be mlnlmlzed bv Shell's prevenLaLlve measures durlna fuel
Lransfer. ln Lhe unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of Shell's CS8 ls expecLed Lo mlLlaaLe
and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs on sea LurLles. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b
provlde deLall on splll response measures. Clven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area,

and nolse of response vessels and alrcrafL (MMC, 2010). Powever, due Lo Lhe llmlLed areal
exLenL and shorL duraLlon of waLer quallLv lmpacLs from a small fuel splll, no slanlflcanL
lmpacLs would be expecLed.
A small fuel splll ln Lhe lease area would be unllkelv Lo affecL sea LurLle nesLlna beaches, as Lhe
lease area ls 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellne (Loulslana). As explalned ln
5ect|on A.9.2, a small fuel splll would noL be expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers
prlor Lo breaklna up.
lmpacLs of oll spllls on sea LurLles can lnclude dlrecL lmpacLs from oll exposure, as well as
lndlrecL lmpacLs due Lo response acLlvlLles and maLerlals (e.a., vessel Lrafflc, nolse, and
dlspersanLs). ulrecL phvslcal and phvsloloalcal effecLs can lnclude skln lrrlLaLlon, lnflammaLlon,
or necrosls, chemlcal burns of skln, eves, and mucous membranes, lnhalaLlon of Loxlc fumes
and smoke (e.a., from lo slto burnlna of oll), lnaesLlon of oll (and dlspersanLs) dlrecLlv or vla
conLamlnaLed food, and sLress from Lhe acLlvlLles and nolse of response vessels and alrcrafL.
CompllcaLlons of Lhe above mav lead Lo dvsfuncLlon of lmmune and reproducLlve svsLems,
phvsloloalcal sLress, decllnlna phvslcal condlLlon, and deaLh. 8ehavloral responses can lnclude
dlsplacemenL of anlmals from prlme hablLaL, dlsrupLlon of soclal sLrucLure, chanalna food
avallablllLv and foraalna dlsLrlbuLlon and/or paLLerns, chanalna reproducLlve
behavlor/producLlvlLv, and chanalna movemenL paLLerns or mlaraLlon (MMC, 2010). ln Lhe
unllkelv evenL of a splll, lmplemenLaLlon of Shell's CS8 ls expecLed Lo mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe
poLenLlal for Lhese Lvpes of lmpacLs on sea LurLles. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b
provlde deLall on splll response measures.
SLudles of oll effecLs on loaaerheads ln a conLrolled seLLlna (LuLcavaae eL al., 1993) suaaesL
LhaL sea LurLles show no avoldance behavlor when Lhev encounLer an oll sllck, and anv sea
LurLle ln an affecLed area would be expecLed Lo be exposed. Sea LurLles' dlvlna behavlors also
puL Lhem aL rlsk. Sea LurLles rapldlv lnhale a larae volume of alr before dlvlna and conLlnuallv
resurface over Llme, whlch mav resulL ln repeaLed exposure Lo volaLlle vapors and olllna
(nMlS, 2007).
1he CS8A resulLs summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcL LhaL some shorellnes LhaL supporL sea LurLle
nesLlna could be conLacLed wlLhln 10 Lo 30 davs. 1he nearesL nesLlna area of loaaerhead
LurLles ls found ln SL. 8ernard arlsh, Loulslana, on beaches wlLhln Lhe 8reLon nW8. 1hls area
has a conLacL probablllLv of 1 afLer 10 davs and 3 afLer 30 davs. AfLer 30 davs, Lhe
modellna also predlcLs a 1 probablllLv of conLacLlna several Alabama and llorlda anhandle
shorellnes LhaL supporL slanlflcanL loaaerhead sea LurLle nesLlna.
Spllled oll reachlna sea LurLle nesLlna beaches could have effecLs on nesLlna sea LurLles and eaa
developmenL (nMlS, 2007). An olled beach could affecL nesL slLe selecLlon or resulL ln no
nesLlna aL all (e.a., false crawls). upon haLchlna and successfullv reachlna Lhe waLer,
haLchllnas are sub[ecL Lo Lhe same Lvpes of oll splll exposure hazards as adulLs. PaLchllnas LhaL
conLacL oll resldues whlle crosslna a beach can exhlblL a ranae of effecLs, from acuLe LoxlclLv Lo
lmpalred movemenL and normal bodllv funcLlons (nMlS, 2007).
response could dlsLurb sea LurLles and poLenLlallv resulL ln vessel sLrlkes, enLanalemenL, or
oLher ln[urv or sLress. 8esponse vessels would operaLe ln accordance wlLh n1L 2007-C04 Lo

reduce Lhe poLenLlal for sLrlklna or dlsLurblna Lhese anlmals, and Lherefore no slanlflcanL
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on sea LurLles
are expecLed.
C.3.6 |p|ng |over (1hreatened)
1he lplna lover (cbotoJtlos meloJos) ls a mlaraLorv shore blrd LhaL overwlnLers alona Lhe
souLheasLern u.S. and Culf of Mexlco coasLs. 1hls LhreaLened specles ls ln decllne as a resulL of
hunLlna, hablLaL loss and modlflcaLlon, predaLlon, and dlsease (uSlWS, 2003). CrlLlcal
overwlnLerlna hablLaL has been deslanaLed, lncludlna beaches ln 1exas, Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl,
Alabama, and llorlda (I|gure 3). lplna lovers lnhablL coasLal sandv beaches and mudflaLs,
feedlna bv problna for lnverLebraLes aL or [usL below Lhe surface. 1hev use beaches ad[acenL
Lo foraalna areas for roosLlna and preenlna (uSlWS, 2010a). A specles descrlpLlon ls
presenLed ln a recenL lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b).
A larae oll splll (WCu) ls Lhe onlv ll poLenLlallv affecLlna lplna lovers. 1here are no lls
assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne pro[ecL acLlvlLles LhaL could affecL Lhese blrds. A small fuel splll ln Lhe
lease area would be unllkelv Lo affecL lplna lovers because a small fuel splll would noL be
expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up (see explanaLlon ln
5ect|on A.9.2).
1he lease area ls 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellnes lnhablLed bv lplna lovers.
1he CS8A resulLs summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcL LhaL Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and
llorlda shorellnes deslanaLed as crlLlcal hablLaL for Lhe wlnLerlna lplna lover could be
conLacLed bv a splll wlLhln 30 davs. laquemlnes arlsh, whlch has Lhe hlahesL probablllLv of
conLacL for Lhe 3-dav, 10-dav, and 30-dav lnLervals, lncludes lplna lover crlLlcal hablLaL.
lovers could phvslcallv oll Lhemselves whlle foraalna on olled shores or secondarllv
conLamlnaLe Lhemselves Lhrouah lnaesLlon of olled lnLerLldal sedlmenLs and prev (MMS,
2007b). lovers conareaaLe and feed alona Lldallv exposed banks and shorellnes, followlna Lhe
Llde ouL and foraalna aL Lhe waLer's edae. lL ls posslble LhaL some deaLhs of lplna lovers
could occur, especlallv lf spllls occur durlna wlnLer monLhs when plovers are mosL common
alona Lhe coasLal Culf or lf spllls conLacLed crlLlcal hablLaL. lmpacLs could also occur from
vehlcular Lrafflc on beaches and oLher acLlvlLles assoclaLed wlLh splll cleanup. Shell has
exLenslve resources avallable Lo proLecL and rehablllLaLe wlldllfe ln Lhe evenL of a splll reachlna
Lhe shorellne, as deLalled ln Lhe CS8.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on lplna
lovers are expecLed.


llaure 3. LocaLlon of selecLed envlronmenLal feaLures ln relaLlon Lo Lhe lease area. Shown are LssenLlal llsh PablLaL (LlP) for coral and coral
reefs, PablLaL Areas of arLlcular Concern (PACs) for norLhwesLern Culf of Mexlco reefs and banks and spawnlna ALlanLlc bluefln
Luna, and crlLlcal hablLaL for beach mlce, Culf sLuraeon, lplna lover, and Whooplna Crane.

C.3.7 Whoop|ng Crane (Lndangered)
1he Whooplna Crane (Ctos ometlcooo) ls an omnlvorous wadlna blrd and an endanaered
specles. 1here are Lhree wlld populaLlons ln norLh Amerlca (Whooplna Crane LasLern
arLnershlp [WCL], 2010). Cne populaLlon wlnLers alona Lhe 1exas coasL aL Aransas nW8 and
summers aL Wood 8uffalo naLlonal ark ln Canada. 1hls populaLlon represenLs Lhe ma[orlLv of
Lhe world's populaLlon of free-ranalna Whooplna Cranes and reached a record populaLlon of
270 aL Aransas nW8 ln uecember 2008 (WCL, 2010). A non-mlaraLlna populaLlon has been
re-lnLroduced ln cenLral llorlda, and anoLher re-lnLroduced populaLlon summers ln Wlsconsln
and mlaraLes Lo Lhe souLheasLern u.S. for Lhe wlnLer. Whooplna Cranes breed, mlaraLe,
wlnLer, and foraae ln a varleLv of hablLaLs, lncludlna coasLal marshes and esLuarles, lnland
marshes, lakes, ponds, weL meadows and rlvers, and aarlculLural flelds (uSlWS, 2007). AbouL
9,000 ha (22,240 ac) of salL flaLs on Aransas nW8 and ad[acenL lslands comprlse Lhe prlnclpal
wlnLerlna arounds of Lhe Whooplna Crane. Aransas nW8 ls deslanaLed as crlLlcal hablLaL for
Lhe specles (I|gure 3). A specles descrlpLlon ls presenLed ln a recenL lease sale LlS (MMS,
2007b).
A larae oll splll (WCu) ls Lhe onlv ll poLenLlallv affecLlna Whooplna Cranes. A small fuel splll
ln Lhe lease area would also be unllkelv Lo affecL Whooplna Cranes, due Lo Lhe dlsLance from
Aransas nW8. As explalned ln 5ect|on A.9.2, a small fuel splll would noL be expecLed Lo make
landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up.
A larae oll splll ls unllkelv Lo affecL Whooplna Cranes as Lhe lease area ls approxlmaLelv
300 mlles (800 km) from lLs crlLlcal hablLaL (Aransas nW8, MaLaaorda CounLv, 1exas) and Lhe
CS8A modellna predlcLs no conLacL wlLh shorellnes of Lhe Aransas nW8 wlLhln 30 davs.
ln Lhe evenL of oll exposure, Whooplna Cranes could phvslcallv oll Lhemselves whlle foraalna ln
olled areas or secondarllv conLamlnaLe Lhemselves Lhrouah lnaesLlon of conLamlnaLed
shellflsh, froas, and flshes. lL ls posslble LhaL some deaLh of Whooplna Cranes could occur.
Shell has exLenslve resources avallable Lo proLecL and rehablllLaLe wlldllfe ln Lhe evenL of a splll
reachlna Lhe shorellne, as deLalled ln Lhe CS8.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on Whooplna
Cranes are expecLed.
C.3.8 Gu|f 5turgeon (1hreatened)
1he Culf sLuraeon (Aclpeoset oxvtlocbos Jesotol) ls a LhreaLened flsh specles LhaL lnhablLs
ma[or rlvers and lnner shelf waLers from Lhe Mlsslsslppl 8lver Lo Lhe Suwannee 8lver, llorlda
(8arkuloo, 1988, Wakeford, 2001). An anadromous flsh LhaL mlaraLes from Lhe sea upsLream
lnLo coasLal rlvers Lo spawn ln freshwaLer, lL hlsLorlcallv ranaed from Lhe Mlsslsslppl 8lver Lo
CharloLLe Parbor, llorlda (Wakeford, 2001). 1odav, Lhls ranae has conLracLed Lo encompass
ma[or rlvers and lnner shelf waLers from Lhe Mlsslsslppl 8lver Lo Lhe Suwannee 8lver, llorlda.
opulaLlons have been depleLed or even exLlrpaLed LhrouahouL Lhls ranae bv flshlna, shorellne
developmenL, dam consLrucLlon, waLer quallLv chanaes, and oLher facLors (8arkuloo, 1988,

Wakeford, 2001). 1hese decllnes prompLed Lhe llsLlna of Lhe Culf sLuraeon as a LhreaLened
specles ln 1991. 1he besL known populaLlons occur ln Lhe Apalachlcola and Suwannee 8lvers
ln llorlda (Carr, 1996, Sulak and CluasLon, 1998), Lhe ChocLawhaLchee 8lver ln Alabama (lox eL
al., 2000), and Lhe earl 8lver ln Mlsslsslppl/Loulslana (Morrow eL al., 1998). CrlLlcal hablLaL ln
Lhe Culf exLends from Lake 8orane, Loulslana (SL. 8ernard arlsh) Lo Suwannee Sound, llorlda
(Levv CounLv) (nMlS, 2010a,b) (I|gure 3). A specles descrlpLlon ls presenLed ln a recenL lease
sale LlS (MMS, 2007b) and ln Lhe recoverv plan for Lhls specles (uSlWS and Culf SLaLes Marlne
llsherles Commlsslon, 1993).
A larae oll splll (WCu) ls Lhe onlv ll poLenLlallv affecLlna Culf sLuraeon. 1here are no lls
assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne pro[ecL acLlvlLles LhaL could affecL Lhese flshes. A small fuel splll ln Lhe
lease area would be unllkelv Lo affecL Culf sLuraeon because a small fuel splll would noL be
expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up (see explanaLlon ln
5ect|on A.9.2).
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on Culf sLuraeon are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008) and
bv Lhe nMlS (2007) ln lLs 8loloalcal Cplnlon for Lhe llve-?ear Cll and Cas Leaslna roaram ln
Lhe CenLral and WesLern lannlna Areas of Lhe Culf of Mexlco. lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere
are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo Lhls specles.
1he lease area ls abouL 173 mlles (282 km) from Lhe nearesL Culf sLuraeon crlLlcal hablLaL. 1he
CS8A modellna (1ab|e 3) predlcLs LhaL a splll ln Lhe lease area has a 1 probablllLv of
conLacLlna Lhe coasLal areas lnhablLed bv Culf sLuraeon wlLhln 30 davs.
ln Lhe evenL of oll reachlna Culf sLuraeon hablLaL, Lhe flsh could be affecLed bv dlrecL lnaesLlon,
lnaesLlon of olled prev, or Lhe absorpLlon of dlssolved peLroleum producLs Lhrouah Lhe allls.
8ased on Lhe llfe hlsLorv of Lhls specles, subadulL and adulL Culf sLuraeon would be mosL
vulnerable Lo an esLuarlne or marlne oll splll, and would be vulnerable onlv durlna wlnLer
monLhs (from SepLember 1 Lhrouah Aprll 30) when Lhls specles ls foraalna ln esLuarlne and
marlne hablLaLs (nMlS, 2007).
Shell's CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe lmpacLs. Shell has exLenslve resources avallable Lo
proLecL coasLal and esLuarlne wlldllfe and hablLaLs ln Lhe evenL of a splll reachlna Lhe shorellne,
as deLalled ln Lhe CS8. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b provlde deLall on splll response
measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on Culf sLuraeon are expecLed.
C.3.9 8each M|ce (Lndangered)
lour subspecles of endanaered beach mlce (letomvscos polloootos) occur on Lhe barrler
lslands of Alabama and Lhe llorlda anhandle. 1hev are Lhe Alabama, ChocLawaLchee, erdldo
kev, and SL. Andrew beach mlce. CrlLlcal hablLaL has been deslanaLed for all four subspecles,
I|gure 3 shows Lhe crlLlcal hablLaL comblned for all four subspecles. Specles descrlpLlons are
provlded ln a recenL lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b).
A larae oll splll (WCu) ls Lhe onlv ll poLenLlallv affecLlna beach mlce. 1here are no lls
assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne pro[ecL acLlvlLles LhaL could affecL Lhese anlmals due Lo Lhe dlsLance
from shore and Lhe lack of anv onshore supporL acLlvlLles near Lhelr hablLaL. A small fuel splll

ln Lhe lease area would noL affecL beach mlce because a small fuel splll would noL be expecLed
Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up (see explanaLlon ln
5ect|on A.9.2).
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on beach mlce are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). lor
Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo Lhese specles.
1he lease area ls abouL 103 mlles (169 km) from Lhe nearesL beach mouse crlLlcal hablLaL. 1he
CS8A modellna predlcLs LhaL a splll ln Lhe lease area has a 1 probablllLv of conLacLlna
Alabama and llorlda shorellnes lnhablLed bv beach mlce wlLhln 30 davs.
ln Lhe evenL of oll conLacLlna Lhese beaches, beach mlce could experlence several Lvpes of
dlrecL and lndlrecL lmpacLs. ConLacL wlLh spllled oll could cause skln and eve lrrlLaLlon and
subsequenL lnfecLlon, maLLlna of fur, lrrlLaLlon of sweaL alands, ear Llssues, and LhroaL Llssues,
dlsrupLlon of slahL and hearlna, asphvxlaLlon from lnhalaLlon of fumes, and LoxlclLv from
lnaesLlon of oll and conLamlnaLed food. lndlrecL lmpacLs could lnclude reducLlon of food
supplv, desLrucLlon of hablLaL, and foullna of nesLs. lmpacLs could also occur from vehlcular
Lrafflc and oLher acLlvlLles assoclaLed wlLh splll cleanup.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on beach
mlce are expecLed.
C.4 Coasta| and Mar|ne 8|rds
C.4.1 Mar|ne and e|ag|c 8|rds
A varleLv of seablrds mav occur ln Lhe pelaalc envlronmenL of Lhe pro[ecL areas (Clapp eL al.,
1982a,b, 1983, eake, 1996, Pess and 8lblc, 2000). Seablrds spend much of Lhelr llves offshore
over Lhe open ocean, excepL durlna breedlna season when Lhev nesL alona Lhe coasL. ln
addlLlon, oLher blrds such as waLerfowl, marsh blrds, and shore blrds mav occaslonallv be
presenL over open ocean areas. no endanaered or LhreaLened blrd specles are llkelv Lo occur
aL Lhe pro[ecL area due Lo Lhe dlsLance from shore. lor a dlscusslon of shore blrds and coasLal
nesLlna blrds, see 5ect|on C.4.2.
Seablrds of Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco were surveved from shlps durlna Lhe CulfCeL ll
proaram. Pess and 8lblc (2000) reporLed LhaL Lerns, sLorm-peLrels, shearwaLers, and [aeaers
were Lhe mosL frequenLlv slahLed seablrds ln Lhe deepwaLer area. lrom Lhese survevs, four
ecoloalcal caLeaorles of seablrds were documenLed ln Lhe deepwaLer areas of Lhe Culf:
summer mlaranLs (e.a., shearwaLers, sLorm peLrels, and boobles), summer resldenLs LhaL
breed ln Lhe Culf (e.a., SooLv 1ern, LeasL 1ern, Sandwlch 1ern, and MaanlflcenL lrlaaLeblrd),
wlnLer resldenLs (e.a., aanneLs, aulls, and [aeaers), and permanenL resldenL specles
(e.a., Lauahlna Culls, 8oval 1erns, and 8rldled 1erns) (Pess and 8lblc, 2000).
Common seablrd specles lnclude Wllson's SLorm-eLrel (Oceooltes oceoolcos), MaanlflcenL
lrlaaLeblrd (lteooto mooolflceos), norLhern CanneL (Motos bossooos), Masked 8oobv (5olo
Joctvlotto), 8rown 8oobv (5olo leocooostet), Corv's ShearwaLer (colooecttls JlomeJeo),

CreaLer ShearwaLer (loffloos otovls), and Audubon ShearwaLer (loffloos lbetmloletl). Seablrds
are dlsLrlbuLed Culf-wlde and are noL speclflcallv assoclaLed wlLh Lhe lease area.
8elaLlonshlps wlLh hvdroaraphlc feaLures were found for several seablrd specles, posslblv due
Lo effecLs of hvdroaraphv on nuLrlenL levels and producLlvlLv of surface waLers where blrds
foraae. CulfCeL ll dld noL esLlmaLe blrd denslLles, however, owers (1987) lndlcaLes LhaL
seablrd denslLles over Lhe open ocean Lvplcallv are <10 blrds/km
2
.
1rans-Culf mlaranL blrds lncludlna shoreblrds, wadlna blrds, and LerresLrlal blrds mav also be
presenL ln Lhe lease area. MlaranL blrds mav use offshore sLrucLures and plaLforms for resLlna,
feedlna, or as Lemporarv shelLer from lnclemenL weaLher (8ussell, 2003). Some blrds mav be
aLLracLed Lo offshore sLrucLures because of Lhe llahLs and Lhe flsh populaLlons LhaL aaareaaLe
around Lhese sLrucLures.
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna marlne and pelaalc blrds lnclude drllllna rla presence, nolse, and
llahLs, supporL vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc, and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs (a small fuel splll and a
larae oll splll represenLed bv Lhe WCu for Lhls SupplemenLal L). LffluenL dlscharaes are llkelv
Lo have neallalble lmpacLs on Lhe blrds due Lo rapld dlsperslon, Lhe small area of ocean
affecLed, Lhe lnLermlLLenL naLure of Lhe dlscharaes, and Lhe moblllLv of Lhese anlmals.
Compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for marlne debrls-relaLed lmpacLs
on blrds.
8lrds LhaL frequenL plaLforms mav be exposed Lo conLamlnanLs lncludlna alr polluLanLs and
rouLlne dlscharaes, buL slanlflcanL lmpacLs are unllkelv due Lo rapld dlsperslon. 8lrds mlaraLlna
over waLer have been known Lo sLrlke offshore sLrucLures, resulLlna ln deaLh or ln[urv (Wlese
eL al., 2001, 8ussell, 2003). MorLallLv of mlaranL blrds aL Lall Lowers and oLher land-based
sLrucLures has been revlewed exLenslvelv, and Lhe mechanlsms lnvolved ln plaLform colllslons
appear Lo be slmllar. ln some cases, mlaranLs slmplv do noL see a parL of Lhe plaLform unLll lL ls
Loo laLe. ln oLher cases, navlaaLlon mav be dlsrupLed bv nolse (8ussell, 2003). Cn Lhe oLher
hand, offshore sLrucLures are sulLable sLopover hablLaLs for mosL Lrans-Culf mlaranL specles,
and mosL of Lhe mlaranLs LhaL sLop over on plaLforms probablv beneflL from Lhelr sLav,
parLlcularlv ln sprlna (8ussell, 2003). uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and shorL duraLlon of drllllna
acLlvlLles ln Lhls SupplemenLal L, anv lmpacLs on populaLlons of elLher seablrds or Lrans-Culf
mlaranL blrds are noL expecLed Lo be slanlflcanL.
A recenL sLudv ln Lhe norLh Sea lndlcaLed LhaL plaLform llahLlna causes clrcllna behavlor ln
varlous blrds, especlallv on cloudv nlahLs, apparenLlv Lhe blrds' aeomaaneLlc compass ls upseL
bv Lhe red parL of Lhe specLrum from Lhe llahLs currenLlv ln use (nederlandse Aardolle
MaaLschappl[, 2007). 1he numbers varled areaLlv, from none aL all Lo some Lens of Lhousands
of blrds per nlahL per plaLform, wlLh an apparenL effecL radlus of up Lo 3 mlles (3 km). A sLudv
ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco also noLed Lhe phenomenon, buL dld noL recommend mlLlaaLlon (8ussell,
2003). lacLors Lo conslder ln evaluaLlna Lhls lmpacL ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco would lnclude Lhe
lower lncldence of cloudv and foaav davs ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco vs. Lhe norLh Sea. uue Lo Lhe
llmlLed scope and shorL duraLlon of drllllna acLlvlLles proposed ln Lhls SupplemenLal L, llahLlna
lmpacLs, colllslons, or oLher adverse effecLs are unllkelv, and no slanlflcanL lmpacLs are
expecLed.

SupporL vessels and hellcopLers are unllkelv Lo slanlflcanLlv dlsLurb pelaalc blrds ln open,
offshore waLers. lL ls llkelv LhaL lndlvldual blrds would experlence, aL mosL, onlv shorL-Lerm
behavloral dlsrupLlon, and Lhe lmpacL would noL be slanlflcanL.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on marlne blrds are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). lor
Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs on
Lhese anlmals.
CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs on marlne and pelaalc blrds.
5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b provlde deLall on splll response measures. Clven Lhe
open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area, Lhe duraLlon of a small splll and opporLunlLv for lmpacLs
Lo occur would be verv brlef.
8lrds exposed Lo oll on Lhe sea surface could experlence dlrecL phvslcal and phvsloloalcal
effecLs lncludlna skln lrrlLaLlon, chemlcal burns of skln, eves, and mucous membranes, and
lnhalaLlon of Loxlc fumes. uue Lo Lhe llmlLed areal exLenL and shorL duraLlon of waLer quallLv
lmpacLs from a small fuel splll, secondarv lmpacLs due Lo lnaesLlon of oll vla conLamlnaLed prev
or reducLlons ln prev abundance are unllkelv. uue Lo Lhe low denslLles of blrds ln open ocean
areas, Lhe small area affecLed, and Lhe brlef duraLlon of Lhe surface sllck, no slanlflcanL lmpacLs
on pelaalc blrds would be expecLed.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on marlne and pelaalc blrds are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b,
2008). lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll
lmpacLs on Lhese anlmals.
elaalc seablrds could be exposed Lo oll from a splll aL Lhe pro[ecL area. Pess and 8lblc (2000)
reporLed LhaL Lerns, sLorm-peLrels, shearwaLers, and [aeaers were Lhe mosL frequenLlv slahLed
seablrds ln Lhe deepwaLer Culf of Mexlco (>200 m). owers (1987) lndlcaLes LhaL seablrd
denslLles over Lhe open ocean Lvplcallv are <10 blrds/km
2
. 1he number of pelaalc blrds LhaL
could be affecLed ln open, offshore waLers would depend on Lhe exLenL and perslsLence of Lhe
oll sllck.
1he recenL Macondo splll provldes relevanL lnformaLlon abouL Lhe specles of pelaalc blrds LhaL
mav be affecLed ln Lhe evenL of a larae oll splll. 8lrds LhaL have been LreaLed for olllna lnclude
several pelaalc specles such as Lhe norLhern CanneL, MaanlflcenL lrlaaLeblrd, and Masked

8oobv (lnLernaLlonal 8lrd 8escue 8esearch CenLer, 2010). 1he norLhern CanneL ls amona Lhe
specles wlLh Lhe laraesL numbers of blrds affecLed bv Lhe splll.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on marlne
and pelaalc blrds are expecLed.
C.4.2 5hore 8|rds and Coasta| Nest|ng 8|rds
1hreaLened and endanaered blrd specles (lplna lover and Whooplna Crane) have been
dlscussed prevlouslv ln 5ect|on C.3. varlous specles of non-endanaered blrds are also found
alona Lhe norLhern Culf coasL, lncludlna dlvlna blrds, shore blrds, marsh blrds, wadlna blrds,
and waLerfowl. Culf CoasL marshes and beaches also provlde lmporLanL feedlna arounds and
nesLlna hablLaLs. Specles LhaL breed on beaches, flaLs, dunes, bars, barrler lslands, and slmllar
hablLaLs lnclude Lhe Sandwlch 1ern, Wllson's lover, 8lack Sklmmer, lorsLer's 1ern, Cull-8llled
1ern, Lauahlna Cull, LeasL 1ern, and 8oval 1ern (uSlWS, 2010b). AddlLlonal lnformaLlon ls
presenLed ln recenL lease sale LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
1he LasLern 8rown ellcan (lelecooos occlJeotolls) has been dellsLed from lLs endanaered
sLaLus (uSlWS, 2010c), alLhouah sLlll llsLed as endanaered bv Lhe SLaLe of Mlsslsslppl
(Mlsslsslppl naLural PerlLaae roaram, 2003) and as a specles of speclal concern bv Lhe SLaLe
of llorlda (llorlda llsh and Wlldllfe ConservaLlon Commlsslon, 2010). 8rown ellcans lnhablL
coasLal hablLaLs and foraae wlLhln boLh coasLal waLers and waLers of Lhe lnner conLlnenLal
shelf. Aerlal and shlpboard survevs, lncludlna CulfCeL and CulfCeL ll, lndlcaLe LhaL 8rown
ellcans do noL occur ln deep offshore waLers (lrlLLs and 8evnolds, 1981, eake, 1996,
Pess and 8lblc, 2000). nearlv half Lhe souLheasLern populaLlon of 8rown ellcans llve ln Lhe
norLhern Culf CoasL, aenerallv nesLlna on proLecLed lslands (uSlWS, 2010b).
1he SouLhern 8ald Laale (nolloeetos leococepbolos) was dellsLed from lLs LhreaLened sLaLus ln
Lhe lower 48 sLaLes on !une 28, 2007. 1he 8ald Laale ls a LerresLrlal rapLor wldelv dlsLrlbuLed
across Lhe souLhern u.S., lncludlna coasLal hablLaLs alona Lhe Culf of Mexlco. 1he Culf coasL ls
lnhablLed bv boLh wlnLerlna mlaranL and resldenL 8ald Laales (!ohnsaard, 1990, Lhrllch eL al.,
1992).
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna shore blrds and coasLal nesLlna blrds lnclude supporL vessel and
hellcopLer Lrafflc and a larae oll splll (WCu). A small fuel splll ln Lhe lease area would be
unllkelv Lo affecL shore blrds or coasLal nesLlna blrds, as Lhe lease area ls 72 mlles (116 km)
from Lhe nearesL shorellne. As explalned ln 5ect|on A.9.2, a small fuel splll would noL be
expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up. Compllance wlLh
n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe poLenLlal for marlne debrls-relaLed lmpacLs on shore blrds.
SupporL vessels and hellcopLers wlll LranslL coasLal areas near orL lourchon and 8ooLhvllle,
Loulslana where shore blrds and coasLal nesLlna blrds mav be found. 1hese acLlvlLles could
perlodlcallv dlsLurb lndlvlduals or aroups of blrds wlLhln senslLlve coasLal hablLaLs
(e.a., weLlands LhaL mav supporL feedlna, resLlna, or breedlna blrds).

vessel Lrafflc mav dlsLurb some foraalna and resLlna blrds. llushlna dlsLances varv beLween
specles and beLween lndlvlduals (8odaers and SchwlkerL, 2002). 1he dlsLurbances wlll be
llmlLed Lo flushlna blrds awav from vessel paLhwavs, known dlsLances are from 20 Lo 49 m
(63 Lo 160 fL) for personal waLercrafL and 23 Lo 38 m (73 Lo 190 fL) for an ouLboard-powered
boaL (8odaers and SchwlkerL, 2002). llushlna dlsLances mav be slmllar or less for Lhe supporL
vessels Lo be used for Shell's pro[ecL, and some specles such as aulls are aLLracLed Lo boaLs.
SupporL vessels wlll noL approach nesLlna or breedlna areas on Lhe shorellne, so dlsLurbances
Lo nesLlna blrds, eaas, and chlcks ls noL expecLed. vessel operaLors wlll use deslanaLed
navlaaLlon channels and complv wlLh posLed speed and wake resLrlcLlons whlle LranslLlna
senslLlve lnland waLerwavs. uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and shorL duraLlon of drllllna acLlvlLles,
anv shorL-Lerm lmpacLs are noL expecLed Lo be bloloalcallv slanlflcanL Lo coasLal blrd
populaLlons.
AlrcrafL Lrafflc can cause some dlsLurbance Lo blrds onshore and offshore. 8esponses are
hlahlv dependenL on Lhe Lvpe of alrcrafL, Lhe blrd specles, Lhe acLlvlLles LhaL anlmals were
prevlouslv enaaaed ln, and prevlous exposures Lo overfllahLs (Lfrovmson eL al., 2000).
PellcopLers seem Lo cause Lhe mosL lnLense responses over oLher human dlsLurbances for
some specles (8elanaer and 8edard, 1989). Powever, lederal AvlaLlon AdmlnlsLraLlon
Advlsorv Clrcular no. 91-36u recommends LhaL plloLs malnLaln a mlnlmum alLlLude of 610 m
(2,000 fL) when flvlna over nolse-senslLlve areas such as wlldllfe refuaes, parks, and areas wlLh
wllderness characLerlsLlcs. 1hls ls areaLer Lhan Lhe dlsLance (slanL ranae) aL whlch alrcrafL
overfllahLs have been reporLed Lo cause behavloral effecLs on mosL specles of blrds sLudled
(Lfrovmson eL al., 2000). WlLh Lhese auldellnes ln effecL, lL ls llkelv LhaL lndlvldual blrds would
experlence, aL mosL, onlv shorL-Lerm behavloral dlsrupLlon.
Impacts of Large C|| 5p||| (WCD)
1he CS8A resulLs summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcL LhaL shorellnes of Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl,
Alabama, and llorlda LhaL lnclude hablLaL for shore blrds and coasLal nesLlna blrds could be
affecLed wlLhln 30 davs.
uaLa from Lhe recenL Macondo splll provldes addlLlonal lnformaLlon abouL Lhe specles of
coasLal blrds LhaL mav be affecLed ln Lhe evenL LhaL a larae oll splll reached coasLal hablLaLs,
Lhls lnformaLlon supplemenLs Lhe analvsls presenLed ln Lhe lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b).
Accordlna Lo uSlWS (2010d) and based on Lhe laLesL reporLs, abouL 3,000 dead blrds had been
collecLed slnce Lhe splll beaan, and abouL 1,900 of Lhe dead anlmals were vlslblv olled. ln
addlLlon, over 2,000 olled blrds have been collecLed allve and abouL 1,200 released (nMlS,
2010c). Accordlna Lo Lhe lnLernaLlonal 8lrd 8escue 8esearch CenLer (2010), blrd specles LhaL
have been LreaLed for olllna lnclude Lhe followlna:
8rown ellcan
WhlLe ellcan
Masked 8oobv
MaanlflcenL lrlaaLeblrd
Lauahlna Cull
Perrlna Cull
norLhern CanneL
8lack Crowned nlahL Peron
1rl-colored Peron
Creen Peron
CaLLle LareL
Snowv LareL
8eddlsh LareL
LeasL 8lLLern
Common 1ern
8oval 1ern
Casplan 1ern
Sandwlch 1ern

lorsLers 1ern
8lack 1ern
Cull-bllled 1ern
LeasL 1ern
8lack Sklmmer
8lack CvsLercaLcher
WhlLe lbls
8oseaLe Spoonblll
WllleL
Sanderllna
uunlln
SemlpalmaLed Sandplper
kllldeer
klna 8all
Clapper 8all
vlralnla 8all
Accordlna Lo Lhe uSlWS (2010d), specles wlLh Lhe laraesL numbers of dead, olled blrds were
Lauahlna Cull, norLhern CanneL, 8rown ellcan, 8oval 1ern, 8lack Sklmmer, LeasL 1ern,
unldenLlfled Cull, and unldenLlfled 1ern. 1here are no reporLs of 8ald Laale olllna.
CoasLal blrds can be exposed Lo oll as Lhev floaL on Lhe waLer's surface, dlve durlna foraalna, or
wade ln olled coasLal waLers. Clled blrds can lose Lhe ablllLv Lo flv, dlve for food, or floaL on
Lhe waLer, whlch could lead Lo drownlna (uSlWS, 2010e). Cll lnLerferes wlLh Lhe waLer
repellencv of feaLhers and can cause hvpoLhermla ln Lhe rlahL condlLlons. As blrds aroom
Lhemselves, Lhev can lnaesL and lnhale Lhe oll on Lhelr bodles. Scavenaers such as 8ald Laales
and aulls can be exposed Lo oll bv feedlna on carcasses of conLamlnaLed flsh and wlldllfe.
Whlle lnaesLlon can klll anlmals lmmedlaLelv, more ofLen lL resulLs ln luna, llver, and kldnev
damaae, whlch can lead Lo deaLh. 8lrd eaas mav be damaaed lf an olled adulL slLs on Lhe nesL.
As noLed above, Lhe 8rown ellcan was recenLlv removed from Lhe endanaered specles llsL.
Cver 300 dead 8rown ellcans have been collecLed ln Lhe Culf followlna Lhe Macondo splll,
(uSlWS, 2010d). 1hese daLa lndlcaLe LhaL 8rown ellcans mav be parLlcularlv aL rlsk of olllna
ln Lhe evenL of a larae splll reachlna coasLal waLers. lssues for 8rown ellcans lnclude dlrecL
conLacL wlLh oll, dlsLurbance bv cleanup acLlvlLles, and lona-Lerm hablLaL conLamlnaLlon.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on shore
blrds and coasLal nesLlna blrds are expecLed.
C.5 I|sher|es kesources
C.5.1 e|ag|c Commun|t|es and Ichthyop|ankton
8laas and 8essler (2000) revlewed Lhe bloloav of pelaalc communlLles ln Lhe deepwaLer
envlronmenL of Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco. 1he bloloalcal oceanoaraphv of Lhe realon ls
domlnaLed bv Lhe lnfluence of Lhe Loop CurrenL, whose surface waLers are amona Lhe mosL
ollaoLrophlc ln Lhe world's oceans. Superlmposed on Lhls low-producLlvlLv condlLlon are
producLlve hoL spoLs" assoclaLed wlLh enLralnmenL of nuLrlenL-rlch Mlsslsslppl 8lver waLer
and mesoscale oceanoaraphlc feaLures. AnLlcvclonlc and cvclonlc hvdroaraphlc feaLures plav
an lmporLanL role ln deLermlnlna bloaeoaraphlc paLLerns and conLrolllna prlmarv producLlvlLv
ln Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco (8laas and 8essler, 2000).
MosL flshes lnhablLlna shelf or oceanlc waLers of Lhe Culf of Mexlco have plankLonlc eaas and
larvae (ulLLv, 1986, ulLLv eL al., 1988, 8lchards eL al., 1989, 1993). elaalc eaas and larvae

become parL of Lhe plankLonlc communlLv for varlous lenaLhs of Llme (10 Lo 100 davs,
dependlna on Lhe specles) (MMS, 2007b).
lls poLenLlallv affecLlna pelaalc communlLles and lchLhvoplankLon lnclude drllllna rla
presence, nolse, and llahLs, effluenL dlscharaes, waLer lnLakes, and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs
(a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll [WCu]).
1he drllllna rla, as a floaLlna sLrucLure ln Lhe deepwaLer envlronmenL, wlll acL as a
flsh-aLLracLlna devlce (lAu). ln oceanlc waLers, Lhe lAu effecL would be mosL pronounced for
eplpelaalc flshes such as Lunas, dolphln, blllflshes, and [acks, whlch are commonlv aLLracLed Lo
flxed and drlfLlna surface sLrucLures (e.a., Polland eL al., 1990, Plaashl, 1994, 8ellnl eL al.,
1994). 1hls lAu effecL could posslblv enhance Lhe feedlna of eplpelaalc predaLors bv
aLLracLlna and concenLraLlna smaller flsh specles. 8ecause Lhe drllllna rla ls a slnale, Lemporarv
sLrucLure, lmpacLs on flsh populaLlons, wheLher beneflclal or adverse, are consldered mlnor.
1reaLed sanlLarv and domesLlc wasLes mav have a sllahL effecL on Lhe pelaalc envlronmenL ln
Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Lhese dlscharaes. 1hese wasLes mav have elevaLed levels of
nuLrlenLs, oraanlc maLLer, and chlorlne, buL should be dlluLed rapldlv Lo undeLecLable levels
wlLhln Lens Lo hundreds of meLers from Lhe source. Mlnlmal lmpacLs on waLer quallLv,
plankLon, and nekLon are anLlclpaLed.
ueck dralnaae mav have a sllahL effecL on Lhe pelaalc envlronmenL ln Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of
Lhese dlscharaes. ueck dralnaae from conLamlnaLed areas wlll be passed Lhrouah an oll- and
waLer separaLor prlor Lo release, and dlscharaes wlll be monlLored for vlslble sheen. 1he
dlscharaes mav have sllahLlv elevaLed levels of hvdrocarbons buL should be dlluLed rapldlv Lo
undeLecLable levels wlLhln Lens Lo hundreds of meLers from Lhe source. Mlnlmal lmpacLs on
waLer quallLv, plankLon, and nekLon are anLlclpaLed.
CLher dlscharaes ln accordance wlLh Lhe nuLS permlL, such as desallnaLlon unlL brlne and
unconLamlnaLed coollna waLer, flre waLer, and ballasL waLer, are expecLed Lo be dlluLed
rapldlv and have llLLle or no lmpacL on waLer column bloLa.
Impacts of Water Intakes
SeawaLer wlll be drawn from Lhe ocean for once-Lhrouah, non-conLacL coollna of machlnerv
on Lhe drllllna rla. 1he esLlmaLe lnLake and dlscharae of coollna waLer ls 130,600 8u
(3.3 MCu). 1he rla wlll also use anoLher 130,600 8u for flre waLer. 1he rla planned for use ln
Lhls SupplemenLal L ls noL a new" faclllLv as deflned bv Lhe nuLS permlL and Lherefore ls
noL sub[ecL Lo Lhe coollna waLer lnLake reaulaLlons for hase lll faclllLles under SecLlon 316(b)
of Lhe Clean WaLer AcL.
1he lnLake of seawaLer for coollna waLer wlll enLraln plankLon. 1he low lnLake veloclLv should
allow mosL sLrona-swlmmlna [uvenlle flshes and smaller adulLs Lo escape enLralnmenL or
lmplnaemenL. Powever, drlfLlna plankLon would noL be able Lo escape enLralnmenL wlLh Lhe
excepLlon of a few fasL-swlmmlna larvae of cerLaln Laxonomlc aroups. 1hose oraanlsms
enLralned mav be sLressed or kllled, prlmarllv Lhrouah chanaes ln waLer LemperaLure durlna
Lhe rouLe from coollna lnLake sLrucLure Lo dlscharae sLrucLure and mechanlcal damaae
(Lurbulence ln pumps and condensers). uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and shorL duraLlon of drllllna

acLlvlLles, anv shorL-Lerm lmpacLs of enLralnmenL are noL expecLed Lo be bloloalcallv slanlflcanL
Lo plankLon or lchLhvoplankLon populaLlons.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on flsherles resources are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs.
CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs on pelaalc communlLles, lncludlna
lchLhvoplankLon. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b provlde deLall on splll response
measures. Clven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease area, Lhe duraLlon of a small splll and
opporLunlLv for lmpacLs Lo occur would be verv brlef.
A small fuel splll could have locallzed lmpacLs on phvLoplankLon, zooplankLon, and nekLon.
uue Lo Lhe llmlLed areal exLenL and shorL duraLlon of waLer quallLv lmpacLs, small fuel splll
would be unllkelv Lo produce deLecLable lmpacLs on pelaalc communlLles.
A larae oll splll could affecL waLer column bloLa lncludlna phvLoplankLon, zooplankLon,
lchLhvoplankLon, and nekLon. A larae splll LhaL perslsLed for weeks or monLhs would be more
llkelv Lo affecL Lhese communlLles. Whlle adulL and [uvenlle flshes mav acLlvelv avold a larae
splll, plankLonlc eaas and larvae would be unable Lo avold conLacL. Laas and larvae of flshes
are especlallv vulnerable Lo olllna because Lhev lnhablL Lhe upper lavers of Lhe waLer column,
and Lhev wlll dle lf exposed Lo cerLaln Loxlc fracLlons of spllled oll. lmpacLs would be
poLenLlallv areaLer lf local scale currenLs reLalned plankLonlc larval assemblaaes (and Lhe
floaLlna oll sllck) wlLhln Lhe same waLer mass.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on pelaalc
communlLles and lchLhvoplankLon are expecLed.
C.5.2 Lssent|a| I|sh nab|tat
LssenLlal llsh PablLaL (LlP) ls deflned as Lhose waLers and subsLraLe necessarv Lo flsh for
spawnlna, breedlna, feedlna, and arowLh Lo maLurlLv. under Lhe Maanuson-SLevens llsherv
ConservaLlon and ManaaemenL AcL, as amended, lederal aaencles are requlred Lo consulL on
acLlvlLles LhaL mav adverselv affecL LlP deslanaLed ln llsherv ManaaemenL lans developed bv
Lhe realonal llsherv ManaaemenL Counclls.

1he Culf of Mexlco llsherv ManaaemenL Councll (CMlMC) has prepared llsherv ManaaemenL
lans for corals and coral reefs, shrlmp, sLone crab, splnv lobsLer, reef flshes, coasLal mlaraLorv
pelaalc flshes, and red drum. ln 2003, Lhe LlP for Lhese manaaed specles was redeflned ln
Cenerlc AmendmenL no. 3 Lo Lhe varlous llsherv ManaaemenL lans (CMlMC, 2003). 1he LlP
for mosL of Lhese CMlMC-manaaed specles ls on Lhe conLlnenLal shelf ln waLers shallower
Lhan 183 m (600 fL). 1he shelf edae ls Lhe ouLer boundarv for coasLal mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes,
reef flshes, and shrlmp. LlP for corals and coral reefs lncludes some shelf-edae Lopoaraphlc
feaLures on Lhe 1exas-Loulslana CCS, Lhe nearesL of whlch ls Lhe plnnacle Lrend area locaLed
abouL 43 mlles (69 km) norLh from Lhe lease area, alona Lhe shelf edae souLh of Alabama.
Plahlv mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes, whlch occur as LranslenLs ln Lhe lease area, are Lhe onlv
remalnlna aroup for whlch LlP has been ldenLlfled ln Lhe deepwaLer Culf of Mexlco. Specles
ln Lhls aroup, lncludlna Lunas, swordflshes, blllflshes, and sharks, are manaaed bv nMlS.
Plahlv mlaraLorv specles wlLh LlP aL or near Lhe lease area lnclude Lhe followlna
(nMlS, 2009):
8laeve Luna ([uvenlles, adulLs)
ALlanLlc bluefln Luna (spawn, eaas,
larvae, adulLs)
Sklp[ack Luna (spawn, eaas, larvae,
adulLs)
?ellowfln Luna (all)
Swordflsh (all)
8lue marlln ([uvenlles, adulLs)
WhlLe marlln ([uvenlles, adulLs)
Sallflsh ([uvenlles, adulLs)
Lonablll spearflsh ([uvenlles,
adulLs)
Scalloped hammerhead shark
([uvenlles, adulLs)
Sllkv shark (all)
1laer shark (adulLs)
Whale shark (all)
Lonafln mako shark (all)
ShorLfln mako shark (all)
Common Lhresher shark (all)
8laeve Lhresher shark (all)
8ecenL research lndlcaLes Lhe cenLral and wesLern Culf of Mexlco mav be lmporLanL spawnlna
hablLaL for ALlanLlc bluefln Luna, and nMlS (2009) has deslanaLed a PablLaL Area of arLlcular
Concern (PAC) for Lhls specles. 1he PAC covers much of Lhe deepwaLer Culf of Mexlco,
lncludlna Lhe lease area (I|gure 3). 1he areal exLenL of Lhe PAC ls approxlmaLelv 300,000 km
2
(13,000 ml
2
). 1he prevalllna assumpLlon ls LhaL ALlanLlc bluefln Luna follow an annual cvcle of
foraalna ln !une Lhrouah March off Lhe easLern unlLed SLaLes and Canadlan coasLs, followed bv
mlaraLlon Lo Lhe Culf of Mexlco Lo spawn ln Aprll, Mav, and !une (nMlS, 2009).
CLher PACs have been ldenLlfled ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco bv Lhe CMlMC (2003). 1hese lnclude
Lhe llorlda Mlddle Crounds, Madlson-Swanson Marlne 8eserve, 1orLuaas norLh and SouLh
Lcoloalcal 8eserves, ullev 8ldae, and several lndlvldual reefs and banks of Lhe norLhwesLern
Culf of Mexlco (I|gure 3). 1he nearesL of Lhese ls !akkula 8ank, locaLed 218 mlles (330 km)
wesL-souLhwesL of Lhe lease area.
8ouLlne lls poLenLlallv affecLlna LlP lnclude drllllna rla presence, nolse, and llahLs, effluenL
dlscharaes, waLer lnLakes, and Lwo Lvpes of accldenLs - a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll
(WCu).
1he drllllna rla, as a floaLlna sLrucLure ln Lhe deepwaLer envlronmenL, wlll acL as a lAu. ln
oceanlc waLers, Lhe lAu effecL would be mosL pronounced for eplpelaalc flshes such as Lunas,

dolphln, blllflshes, and [acks, whlch are commonlv aLLracLed Lo flxed and drlfLlna surface
sLrucLures (Polland eL al., 1990, Plaashl, 1994, 8ellnl eL al., 1994). 1hls lAu effecL would
posslblv enhance feedlna of eplpelaalc predaLors bv aLLracLlna and concenLraLlna smaller flsh
specles. 8ecause Lhe drllllna rla ls a slnale, Lemporarv sLrucLure, anv lmpacLs on LlP for hlahlv
mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes are consldered mlnor.
CLher effluenL dlscharaes affecLlna LlP bv dlmlnlshlna amblenL waLer quallLv lnclude drllllna
muds and cuLLlnas, LreaLed sanlLarv and domesLlc wasLes, deck dralnaae, and mlscellaneous
dlscharaes such as desallnaLlon unlL brlne and unconLamlnaLed coollna waLer, flre waLer, and
ballasL waLer. lmpacLs on waLer quallLv have been dlscussed prevlouslv. no slanlflcanL
lmpacLs on LlP for hlahlv mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes are expecLed from Lhese dlscharaes.
Impacts of Water Intakes
As noLed prevlouslv, coollna waLer lnLake wlll cause enLralnmenL and lmplnaemenL of
plankLon, lncludlna flsh eaas and larvae (lchLhvoplankLon). uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope and shorL
duraLlon of drllllna acLlvlLles, anv shorL-Lerm lmpacLs on LlP for hlahlv mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes
are noL expecLed Lo be bloloalcallv slanlflcanL.
CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs on LlP. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[
and 9b provlde deLall on splll response measures. Clven Lhe open ocean locaLlon of Lhe lease
area, Lhe duraLlon of a small splll and opporLunlLv for lmpacLs Lo occur would be verv brlef.
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on LlP are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). lor Lhls
SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo splll lmpacLs.
A small fuel splll could have locallzed lmpacLs on LlP for hlahlv mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes,
lncludlna Lunas, swordflshes, blllflshes, and sharks. 1hese specles occur as LranslenLs ln Lhe
lease area. A splll would also produce shorL-Lerm lmpacL on waLer quallLv ln Lhe PAC for
spawnlna ALlanLlc bluefln Luna, whlch covers much of Lhe deepwaLer Culf of Mexlco. 1he areal
exLenL of Lhe affecLed area would represenL a neallalble porLlon of Lhe PAC.
A small fuel splll would noL affecL LlP for corals and coral reefs, Lhe nearesL LlP belna Lhe
plnnacle Lrend area, locaLed approxlmaLelv 43 mlles (69 km) norLh from Lhe lease area, alona
Lhe shelf edae souLh of Alabama. A small fuel splll would floaL and dlsslpaLe on Lhe sea surface
and would noL conLacL Lhese feaLures.

oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on LlP are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008). lor Lhls
SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo LlP.
An oll splll ln offshore waLers would Lemporarllv lncrease hvdrocarbon concenLraLlons on Lhe
waLer surface and poLenLlallv Lhe subsurface as well. Clven Lhe exLenL of LlP deslanaLlons ln
Lhe Culf of Mexlco (CMlMC, 2003, nMlS, 2009), some lmpacL on LlP would be unavoldable.
A larae splll could affecL Lhe LlP for manv manaaed specles lncludlna shrlmp, sLone crab, splnv
lobsLer, reef flshes, coasLal mlaraLorv pelaalc flshes, and red drum. lL would resulL ln adverse
lmpacLs on waLer quallLv and waLer column bloLa lncludlna phvLoplankLon, zooplankLon, and
nekLon. ln coasLal waLers, sedlmenLs could be conLamlnaLed and resulL ln perslsLenL
dearadaLlon of Lhe seafloor hablLaL for manaaed demersal flsh and shellflsh specles.
1he lease area ls wlLhln Lhe PAC for spawnlna ALlanLlc bluefln Luna (nMlS, 2009). A larae
splll could Lemporarllv dearade Lhe PAC due Lo lncreased hvdrocarbon concenLraLlons ln Lhe
waLer column, wlLh Lhe poLenLlal for leLhal or subleLhal lmpacLs on spawnlna Luna. oLenLlal
lmpacLs would depend ln parL on Lhe Llmlna of a splll, as Lhls specles mlaraLes Lo Lhe Culf of
Mexlco Lo spawn ln Aprll, Mav, and !une (nMlS, 2009).
1he plnnacle Lrend area locaLed 43 mlles (69 km) norLh from Lhe lease area ls deslanaLed as
LlP under Lhe corals and coral reefs manaaemenL plan. An accldenLal splll would be unllkelv
Lo affecL Lhls area. A surface sllck would noL reach Lhese feaLures. AlLhouah Lhere are reporLs
of subsurface plumes resulLlna from Lhe use of subsea dlspersanLs durlna Lhe Macondo splll,
Lhe dlsLance and dlfference ln waLer depLh are facLors LhaL would make an lmpacL unllkelv.
near-boLLom currenLs ln Lhe realon are expecLed Lo flow alona Lhe lsobaLhs (nowlln eL al.,
2001) and Lvplcallv would noL carrv a plume up onLo Lhe conLlnenLal shelf edae.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on LlP are
expecLed.
C.6 Archaeo|og|ca| kesources
C.6.1 5h|pwreck 5|tes
MC 348, 391, and 392 are on Lhe llsL of leases wlLh a hlah poLenLlal for hlsLorlc shlpwrecks.
1he archaeoloalcal survev bv luaro (2009) noLed 12 unldenLlfled slde-scan sonar conLacLs.
Sonar conLacL nos. 1, 2, and 10 were all small lsolaLed feaLures LhaL are llkelv aeoloalc ln orlaln.
Sonar conLacL nos. 7, 8, and 11 were lsolaLed llnear feaLures LhaL are lnLerpreLed as probable
modern debrls. 1he remalnlna slx conLacLs were all unldenLlfled amorphous ob[ecLs. none of
Lhe sonar conLacLs ldenLlfled are lnLerpreLed as archaeoloalcallv slanlflcanL.
8ecause Lhere are no shlpwreck slLes ln Lhe lease area, Lhere are no rouLlne lls LhaL are llkelv
Lo affecL shlpwrecks. lmpacLs of a larae oll splll (WCu) are Lhe onlv lls consldered. A small
fuel splll would noL affecL shlpwrecks because Lhe oll would floaL and dlsslpaLe on Lhe sea
surface.

1he MMS (2007b) esLlmaLed LhaL a severe subsurface blowouL could resuspend and dlsperse
sedlmenLs wlLhln a 300-m (984-fL) radlus. 8ecause Lhere are no hlsLorlc shlpwrecks ln Lhe
lease area, Lhls lmpacL would noL be relevanL.
archaeoloalcal slLes bevond Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Lhe wellhead (l.e., due Lo phvslcal
have Lhe poLenLlal Lo conLacL shlpwreck slLes bevond Lhe 300-m (984-fL) radlus esLlmaLed bv
MMS (2007a, 2008), dependlna on lLs exLenL, Lra[ecLorv, and perslsLence. lf oll from a subsea
splll should come lnLo conLacL wlLh wooden shlpwrecks on Lhe seafloor lL could adverselv
affecL Lhelr condlLlon or preservaLlon. Should Lhere be anv lndlcaLlon LhaL poLenLlal shlpwreck
slLes could be affecLed, ln accordance wlLh n1L 2003-C07 Shell wlll lmmedlaLelv halL
operaLlons, Lake sLeps Lo ensure LhaL Lhe slLe ls noL dlsLurbed ln anv wav, and conLacL Lhe
8ealonal Supervlsor, Leaslna and LnvlronmenL, wlLhln 48 hours of lLs dlscoverv. Shell would
cease all operaLlons wlLhln 303 m (1,000 fL) of Lhe slLe unLll Lhe 8ealonal ulrecLor provldes
lnsLrucLlons on sLeps Lo Lake Lo assess Lhe slLe's poLenLlal hlsLorlc slanlflcance and proLecL lL.
A splll enLerlna shallow coasLal waLers could concelvablv conLamlnaLe an undlscovered
shlpwreck slLe. 1he CS8A modellna summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcLs LhaL Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl,
Alabama, and llorlda shorellnes could be conLacLed bv a splll wlLhln 30 davs. Also as noLed bv
MMS (2007b), should an oll splll conLacL a coasLal hlsLorlc slLe, such as a forL or a llahLhouse,
Lhe ma[or lmpacL would be a Lemporarv, reverslble vlsual lmpacL from oll conLacL and
conLamlnaLlon of Lhe slLe and lLs envlronmenL.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on hlsLorlc
shlpwrecks are expecLed.
C.6.2 reh|stor|c Archaeo|og|ca| 5|tes
WlLh waLer depLhs of 2,182 Lo 2,212 m (7,160 Lo 7,239 fL), Lhe wellslLes are well bevond Lhe
60-m (197-fL) depLh conLour used bv Lhe 8CLM8L as Lhe seaward exLenL for prehlsLorlc
archaeoloalcal slLe poLenLlal ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco. 8ecause prehlsLorlc archaeoloalcal slLes are
noL found ln Lhe lease area, Lhe onlv relevanL ll ls a larae oll splll (WCu). A small fuel splll
would noL affecL prehlsLorlc archaeoloalcal resources because Lhe oll would floaL and dlsslpaLe
on Lhe sea surface.
8ecause prehlsLorlc archaeoloalcal slLes are noL found ln Lhe lease area, Lhev would noL be
affecLed bv Lhe phvslcal effecLs of a subsea blowouL. 1he MMS (2007b) esLlmaLes LhaL a

severe subsurface blowouL could resuspend and dlsperse sedlmenLs wlLhln a 300-m (984-fL)
radlus.
Alona Lhe norLhern Culf coasL, prehlsLorlc slLes occur frequenLlv alona Lhe barrler lslands and
malnland coasL and alona Lhe maralns of bavs and bavous (MMS, 2007b). 1he CS8A modellna
summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcLs LhaL Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and llorlda shorellnes
could be conLacLed bv a splll wlLhln 30 davs. A splll reachlna a prehlsLorlc slLe alona Lhese
shorellnes could coaL fraalle arLlfacLs or slLe feaLures and compromlse Lhe poLenLlal for
radlocarbon daLlna oraanlc maLerlals ln a slLe (alLhouah oLher daLlna meLhods are avallable
and lL ls posslble Lo deconLamlnaLe an olled sample for radlocarbon daLlna). CoasLal
prehlsLorlc slLes could also be damaaed bv splll cleanup operaLlons (e.a., bv desLrovlna fraalle
arLlfacLs and dlsLurblna Lhe provenance of arLlfacLs and slLe feaLures).
archaeoloalcal resources are expecLed.
C.7 Coasta| nab|tats and rotected Areas
CoasLal hablLaLs ln Lhe norLheasLern Culf of Mexlco LhaL mav be affecLed bv oll and aas
acLlvlLles are descrlbed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008) and ln a llLeraLure revlew bv Collard
and Wav (1997). SenslLlve coasLal hablLaLs are also LabulaLed ln Lhe CS8. CoasLal hablLaLs
lnshore of Lhe pro[ecL area lnclude barrler beaches and dunes, weLlands, and submeraed
seaarass beds. Cenerallv, mosL of Lhe norLheasLern Culf ls frlnaed bv barrler beaches, wlLh
weLlands and/or submeraed seaarass beds occurrlna ln shelLered areas behlnd Lhe barrler
lslands and ln esLuarles.
uue Lo Lhe dlsLance from shore, Lhere are no lls assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne acLlvlLles LhaL are
llkelv Lo affecL beaches and dunes, weLlands, seaarass beds, coasLal wlldllfe refuaes,
wllderness areas, or anv oLher manaaed or proLecLed coasLal area. 1he supporL bases aL
lourchon and 8ooLhvllle are noL ln a wlldllfe refuae or a wllderness area. oLenLlal lmpacLs of
supporL vessel Lrafflc are addressed brleflv below.
A small fuel splll ln Lhe lease area would be unllkelv Lo affecL coasLal hablLaLs, as Lhe lease area
ls 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellne. As explalned ln 5ect|on A.9.2, a small fuel splll
would noL be expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up.
Impacts of 5upport Vesse| 1raff|c
lor CCS acLlvlLles ln aeneral, supporL operaLlons, lncludlna crew boaLs and supplv boaLs, mav
have a mlnor lncremenLal lmpacL on coasLal hablLaLs. Cver Llme wlLh a larae number of vessel
Lrlps, vessel wakes can erode shorellnes alona lnleLs, channels, and harbors. SupporL
operaLlons, lncludlna crew boaLs and supplv boaLs as deLalled ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 14,
mav have a mlnor lncremenLal lmpacL on coasLal hablLaLs or proLecLed areas. lmpacLs wlll be
mlnlmlzed bv followlna Lhe speed and wake resLrlcLlons ln harbors and channels.

oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on coasLal hablLaLs are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
CoasLal hablLaLs lnshore of Lhe pro[ecL area lnclude barrler beaches and dunes, weLlands, and
submeraed seaarass beds. lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues
wlLh respecL Lo coasLal hablLaLs.
1he CS8A resulLs summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3 predlcL LhaL shorellnes of Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl,
Alabama, and llorlda could be affecLed wlLhln 30 davs. laquemlnes arlsh, Loulslana has Lhe
hlahesL probablllLv of conLacL for Lhe 3-dav, 10-dav, and 30-dav lnLervals (4, 14, and 21,
respecLlvelv). 1hree oLher Loulslana parlshes (1errebonne, Lafourche, and SL. 8ernard) have a
1 probablllLv of conLacL afLer 10 davs. AfLer 30 davs, 14 counLles or parlshes mav be
conLacLed from Lhe 1exas/Loulslana border (Cameron arlsh, Loulslana) Lo Lhe llorlda
anhandle (8av CounLv, llorlda).
1he shorellnes wlLhln Lhe aeoaraphlc ranae predlcLed bv Lhe CS8A modellna lnclude exLenslve
barrler beaches and weLlands, wlLh submeraed seaarass beds occurrlna ln shelLered areas
behlnd Lhe barrler lslands and ln esLuarles. naLlonal wlldllfe refuaes and oLher proLecLed areas
alona Lhe coasL are dlscussed ln Lhe lease sale LlS (MMS, 2007b) and Shell's CS8. CoasLal
wlldllfe refuaes, wllderness areas, and sLaLe and naLlonal parks wlLhln Lhe aeoaraphlc ranae of
Lhe poLenLlal shorellne conLacLs afLer 30 davs lnclude Lhe followlna:
8ockefeller Wlldllfe ManaaemenL
Area and Came reserve
SLaLe Wlldllfe ManaaemenL Area and
Came reserve
Shell kevs (naLlonal Wlldllfe
8eserve)
lsles uernleres 8arrler lslands 8efuae
Wlsner SLaLe Wlldllfe ManaaemenL
Area
ass a LouLre Wlldllfe ManaaemenL
Area
uelLa naLlonal Wlldllfe 8efuae
8reLon naLlonal Wlldllfe 8efuae
Wolf 8lver Marsh (SLaLe CoasLal
reserve)
Culf lslands, Mlsslsslppl (naLlonal
Seashore)
ascaaoula 8lver Marsh (SLaLe
CoasLal reserve)
8ound lsland (SLaLe CoasLal
reserve)
uavls 8avou (SLaLe CoasLal reserve)
Crand 8av Savannah (SLaLe CoasLal
reserve
Crand 8av (naLlonal LsLuarlne
8esearch 8eserve
Culf lslands naLlonal Seashore
1he CS8A resulLs ln 1ab|e 3 lnclude onlv shorellne seamenLs wlLh conLacL probablllLles areaLer
Lhan 0.3 wlLhln 30 davs, oLher coasLal areas could be affecLed aL lower conLacL probablllLles
wlLhln 30 davs, or from a splll perslsLlna for more Lhan 30 davs. AddlLlonal nW8s and
manaaed wlldllfe areas occur alona Lhe Culf coasL. 1hese areas lnclude hablLaLs such as
barrler beach and dune svsLems, weLlands, and submeraed seaarass beds LhaL supporL dlverse
wlldllfe, lncludlna endanaered or LhreaLened specles.
1he level of lmpacLs from oll spllls on coasLal hablLaLs depends on manv facLors, lncludlna Lhe
oll characLerlsLlcs, Lhe aeoaraphlc locaLlon of Lhe landfall, and Lhe weaLher and oceanoaraphlc
condlLlons aL Lhe Llme (MMS, 2007b). Cll LhaL makes lL Lo beaches mav be elLher llquld
weaLhered oll, an oll-and-waLer mousse, or Larballs (MMS, 2007b). Cll ls aenerallv deposlLed
on beaches ln llnes deflned bv wave acLlon aL Lhe Llme of landfall. Cll LhaL remalns on Lhe
beach wlll Lhlcken as lLs volaLlle componenLs are losL. 1hlckened oll mav form Larballs or

aaareaaLlons LhaL lncorporaLe sand, shell, and oLher maLerlals lnLo lLs mass. 1ar mav be burled
Lo varvlna depLhs under Lhe sand. Cn warm davs, boLh exposed and burled Larballs mav
llquefv and ooze. Cozlna mav also serve Lo expand Lhe slze of a mass as lL lncorporaLes beach
maLerlals. Cll on beaches mav be cleaned up manuallv, mechanlcallv, or boLh. Some oll can
remaln on Lhe beach aL varvlna depLhs and mav perslsL for several vears as lL slowlv
blodearades and volaLlllzes.
WeLlands are hlahlv senslLlve Lo olllna. 1he MMS (2007b) predlcLed LhaL for everv 30 bbl of oll
conLacLlna weLlands, approxlmaLelv 2.7 ha (6.7 ac) of weLland veaeLaLlon wlll experlence
dleback. 1hlrLv percenL of Lhese damaaed weLlands are assumed Lo recover wlLhln 4 vears,
and 83 wlLhln 10 vears. AbouL 13 of Lhe conLacLed weLlands are expecLed Lo be converLed
permanenLlv Lo open-waLer hablLaL. 1he crlLlcal concenLraLlon of oll ls LhaL concenLraLlon
above whlch lmpacLs Lo weLlands wlll be lona-Lerm and recoverv wlll Lake lonaer Lhan Lwo
arowlna seasons, and whlch causes planL morLallLv and some permanenL weLland loss. CrlLlcal
concenLraLlons of varlous olls are expecLed Lo varv broadlv for weLland Lvpes and weLland
planL specles. Loulslana weLlands are assumed Lo be more senslLlve Lo oll conLacL Lhan
elsewhere ln Lhe Culf because of hlah cumulaLlve sLress (MMS, 2007b). ln addlLlon Lo Lhe
dlrecL lmpacLs of oll, cleanup acLlvlLles ln marshes mav acceleraLe raLes of eroslon and reLard
recoverv raLes, whlch have been reporLed Lo requlre from vears Lo decades followlna a splll
(MMS, 2007b).
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on coasLal
hablLaLs are expecLed.
C.8 5oc|oeconom|c and Cther kesources
C.8.1 kecreat|ona| and Commerc|a| I|sh|ng
1he maln commerclal flshlna acLlvlLv ln deep waLers of Lhe norLhern Culf of Mexlco ls pelaalc
lonallnlna for Lunas, swordflshes, and oLher blllflshes (ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc., 2002).
elaalc lonallnlna has occurred hlsLorlcallv ln Lhe pro[ecL area, prlmarllv durlna sprlna and
summer. ln AuausL 2000, Lhe lederal aovernmenL closed Lwo areas ln Lhe norLheasLern Culf of
Mexlco Lo lonallne flshlna (63 lederal 8ealsLer 47214, AuausL 1, 2000). 1he lease ls ouLslde of
Lhe closure areas.
Lonallne aear conslsLs of monofllamenL llne deploved from a movlna vessel and aenerallv
allowed Lo drlfL for 4 Lo 3 hours (ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc., 2002). As Lhe malnllne ls
puL ouL, balLed leaders and buovs are cllpped ln place aL reaular lnLervals. lL Lakes 8 Lo
10 hours Lo deplov a lonallne and abouL Lhe same Llme Lo reLrleve lL. Lonallnes are ofLen seL
near oceanoaraphlc feaLures such as fronLs or downwelllnas, wlLh Lhe ald of sophlsLlcaLed on-
board LemperaLure sensors, depLh flnders, and poslLlonlna equlpmenL. vessels are 10 Lo 30 m
lona, and Lhelr Lrlps lasL from abouL 1 Lo 3 weeks. 1he maln homeporLs for lonallnlna vessels
are ln Loulslana (uulac and venlce) and llorlda (uesLln, Madelra 8each, and anama ClLv).
lL ls unllkelv LhaL anv commerclal flshlna acLlvlLv oLher Lhan lonallnlna occurs aL or near Lhe
pro[ecL area. 8enLhlc specles LaraeLed bv commerclal flshers occur on Lhe upper conLlnenLal
slope, well lnshore of Lhe pro[ecL area. 8oval red shrlmp are cauahL bv Lrawlers ln waLer

depLhs of abouL 230 Lo 330 m (820 Lo 1,804 fL). 1lleflsh are cauahL bv boLLom lonallnlna ln
waLer depLhs from abouL 163 Lo 430 m (340 Lo 1,476 fL) (ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc.,
2002).
MosL recreaLlonal flshlna acLlvlLv ln Lhe realon occurs ln waLer depLhs less Lhan 200 m (636 fL)
(ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc., 1997, 2002). ln deeper waLer, Lhe maln aLLracLlon Lo
recreaLlonal flshers would be peLroleum plaLforms offshore 1exas and Loulslana. uue Lo Lhe
dlsLance from shore, lL ls unllkelv LhaL anv recreaLlonal flshlna acLlvlLv ls occurrlna ln Lhe lease
area.
1he onlv rouLlne ll poLenLlallv affecLlna flsherles ls drllllna rla presence (lncludlna nolse and
llahLs). 1wo poLenLlal accldenLs are also addressed below - a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll
(WCu).
Impacts of Dr||||ng k|g resence
1here ls a sllahL posslblllLv of pelaalc lonallnes becomlna enLanaled ln Lhe drllllna rla. lor
example, ln !anuarv 1999, a porLlon of a pelaalc lonallne snaaaed on Lhe acousLlc uoppler
currenL profller of a drlllshlp worklna ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco (ConLlnenLal Shelf AssoclaLes, lnc.,
2002). 1he llne was removed wlLhouL lncldenL. Cenerallv, lonallne flshers use radar and are
aware of offshore sLrucLures and shlps when placlna Lhelr seLs. 1herefore, llLLle or no lmpacL
on pelaalc lonallnlna ls expecLed.
8ecause lL ls unllkelv LhaL anv recreaLlonal flshlna acLlvlLv ls occurrlna ln Lhe pro[ecL area, no
adverse lmpacLs are anLlclpaLed. CLher facLors such as effluenL dlscharaes are llkelv Lo have
neallalble lmpacLs on commerclal or recreaLlonal flsherles due Lo rapld dlsperslon, Lhe small
area of ocean affecLed, and Lhe lnLermlLLenL naLure of Lhe dlscharaes.
CS8 wlll mlLlaaLe and reduce Lhe poLenLlal for lmpacLs. 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|ons 2[ and 9b
elaalc lonallnlna acLlvlLles ln Lhe lease area, lf anv, could be lnLerrupLed ln Lhe evenL of a small
fuel splll. 1he area of Lhe sea surface wlLh dlesel fuel on lL would ranae from 0.3 Lo 3 ha (1.2 Lo
12 ac), dependlna on sea sLaLe and weaLher condlLlons. llshlna acLlvlLles could be lnLerrupLed
due Lo Lhe acLlvlLles of response vessels operaLlna ln Lhe lease area. A small fuel splll would
noL affecL coasLal waLer quallLv because Lhe splll would noL be expecLed Lo make landfall or
reach coasLal waLers prlor Lo breaklna up (see 5ect|on A.9.2).
oLenLlal splll lmpacLs on flshlna acLlvlLles are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo Lhls acLlvlLv.
elaalc lonallnlna acLlvlLles ln Lhe lease area and oLher flshlna acLlvlLles ln Lhe norLhern Culf of
Mexlco could be lnLerrupLed ln Lhe evenL of a larae oll splll. A splll mav or mav noL resulL ln
flsherv closures, dependlna on Lhe duraLlon of Lhe splll, Lhe oceanoaraphlc and meLeoroloalcal
condlLlons aL Lhe Llme, and Lhe effecLlveness of splll response measures. 1he recenL Macondo

splll provldes lnformaLlon abouL Lhe maxlmum poLenLlal exLenL of flsherv closures ln Lhe evenL
of a larae oll splll ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco (nMlS, 2010b). AL lLs peak on !ulv 12, 2010, closures
encompassed 217,821 km
2
(84,101 ml
2
), or 34.8 of Lhe u.S. Lxcluslve Lconomlc Zone (LLZ) ln
Lhe Culf of Mexlco.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on flshlna
acLlvlLles are expecLed.
C.8.2 ub||c nea|th and 5afety
1here are no lls assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne operaLlons LhaL are expecLed Lo affecL publlc healLh
and safeLv. lmpacLs of a small fuel splll, a larae oll splll (WCu), and an P
2
S release are
addressed below.
provlde deLall on splll response measures.
A small fuel splll would noL have anv lmpacLs on publlc healLh and safeLv because lL would
affecL onlv a small area of Lhe open ocean 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellne and
nearlv all of Lhe dlesel fuel would evaporaLe or dlsperse naLurallv wlLhln 24 hours. 8esponse
crews would be equlpped wlLh approprlaLe safeLv equlpmenL Lo avold ln[urv and healLh
effecLs. A small fuel splll would noL be expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers prlor
Lo breaklna up (see 5ect|on A.9.2).
ln Lhe evenL of a larae splll from a blowouL, Lhe maln safeLv and healLh concerns are Lhose of
Lhe offshore personnel lnvolved ln Lhe lncldenL and Lhose respondlna Lo Lhe splll. 1he
proposed acLlvlLles wlll be covered bv Lhe CS8, and, ln addlLlon, Lhe drllllna rla malnLalns a
Shlpboard Cll olluLlon Lmeraencv lan as requlred under MA8CL 73/78.
uependlna on Lhe splll raLe and duraLlon, Lhe phvslcal/chemlcal characLerlsLlcs of Lhe oll, Lhe
meLeoroloalcal and oceanoaraphlc condlLlons aL Lhe Llme, and Lhe effecLlveness of splll
response measures, Lhe publlc could be exposed Lo oll on Lhe waLer and alona Lhe shorellne,
lncludlna skln conLacL or breaLhlna vCCs. Crude oll ls a hlahlv flammable maLerlal, and anv
smoke or vapors from a crude oll flre can cause lrrlLaLlon, and ln larae quanLlLles mav pose a
healLh hazard.
uaLa from Lhe recenL Macondo splll provlde relevanL lnformaLlon abouL Lhe Lvpes of healLh
lssues LhaL mav occur ln Lhe evenL of a larae oll splll (CenLers for ulsease ConLrol and
revenLlon, 2010a). Wlldllfe cleanlna and rehablllLaLlon workers have reporLed concerns
lncludlna scrapes and cuLs, lLchv or red skln or rash, and svmpLoms of headache or feellna
falnL, dlzzv, or faLlaued. Pand, shoulder, or back paln was also reporLed bv some wlldllfe
cleanlna workers. ersonnel worklna on offshore vessels or provldlna dlrecL overslahL Lo

offshore vessels, lncludlna uSCC personnel, clvlllan conLracLors, and oLher responders who
were exposed Lo oll and dlspersanLs, had 7 Lo 12 Llmes hlaher prevalences of upper resplraLorv
svmpLoms and couah Lhan Lhose noL exposed (CenLers for ulsease ConLrol and revenLlon,
2010b). AnoLher poLenLlal occupaLlonal hazard for splll response workers ln aeneral was heaL
sLress from work ln a hoL and humld envlronmenL. lnlLlal svmpLoms from cleanup workers
who souahL medlcal care ln Loulslana were Lvplcal of acuLe exposure Lo hvdrocarbons or P
2
S
such as headaches, dlzzlness, nausea, vomlLlna, couah, resplraLorv dlsLress, and chesL paln
(Solomon and !anssen, 2010). PealLh effecLs reporLed from prevlous oll spllls, such as Lhe
xxoo volJez ln 1989, were prlmarllv acuLe ln[urles conslsLlna of headaches, LhroaL lrrlLaLlon,
and sore or lLchv eves, buL resplraLorv problems and dermaLlLls alona wlLh chronlc alrwav
dlsease have also been reporLed (Solomon and !anssen, 2010).
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on publlc
healLh and safeLv are expecLed.
Impacts of an n
2
5 ke|ease
8ased on Cl8 230.417 (c), Shell ls requesLlna LhaL Lhe 8ealonal Supervlsor, lleld CperaLlons,
classlfv Lhe area for Lhe proposed drllllna operaLlons as an area where P
2
S ls presenL. P
2
S
concenLraLlons of 10 Lo 40 ppm are expecLed. Shell wlll submlL Lo Lhe approprlaLe 8CLM8L
dlsLrlcL offlce, and requesL approval of, an P
2
S ConLlnaencv lan prepared accordlna Lo
30 Cl8 230.417(f) before conducLlna Lhe proposed exploraLlon acLlvlLles. 1he plan ls requlred
Lo lnclude lnformaLlon on safeLv procedures, Lralnlna plans, roles and responslblllLles of kev
safeLv personnel, evacuaLlon crlLerla and procedures, avallablllLv of proLecLlve breaLhlna
equlpmenL, aaencles and faclllLles Lo be noLlfled ln case of an P2S release, medlcal personnel
and faclllLles Lo be used lf needed, P2S deLecLor locaLlons, monlLorlna and warnlna procedures,
and oLher lnformaLlon.
ln Lhe evenL of an accldenLal P
2
S release, publlc healLh and safeLv concerns lnclude lrrlLaLlon,
ln[urv, and leLhallLv Lo personnel (MMS, 2007b). Powever, Lhe rlsk ls hlahlv locallzed.
normallv, dlsperslon mechanlsms ln Lhe aLmosphere (wlnd, eLc.) cause P
2
S Lo dlsperse qulcklv
Lo backaround levels. Accordlna Lo MMS (2007b), releases from faclllLles havlna P
2
S
concenLraLlons below 300 ppm are reduced Lo 20 ppm or less wlLhln Lhe dlmenslons of a
Lvplcal plaLform or rla. 8la personnel wlll be proLecLed bv Lhe safeLv measures lncluded ln
Shell's P
2
S ConLlnaencv lan, and slanlflcanL lmpacLs on publlc healLh and safeLv are expecLed
Lo be avolded.
C.8.3 Lmp|oyment and Infrastructure
1here are no lls assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne operaLlons LhaL are expecLed Lo affecL emplovmenL
and lnfrasLrucLure. 1he pro[ecL lnvolves drllllna wlLh supporL from exlsLlna shorebase faclllLles
ln Loulslana. no new or expanded faclllLles wlll be consLrucLed, and no new emplovees are
expecLed Lo move permanenLlv lnLo Lhe area. 1he pro[ecL wlll have a neallalble lmpacL on
socloeconomlc condlLlons such as local emplovmenL, exlsLlna offshore and coasLal
lnfrasLrucLure (lncludlna ma[or sources of supplles, servlces, enerav, and waLer), and mlnorlLv

and lower lncome aroups. lmpacLs of a small fuel splll and a larae oll splll (WCu) are addressed
below.
A small fuel splll LhaL ls dlsslpaLed wlLhln a few davs would have llLLle or no economlc lmpacL,
as Lhe splll response would use exlsLlna faclllLles, resources, and personnel.
oLenLlal socloeconomlc lmpacLs of an oll splll are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs (MMS, 2007b,
2008). lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh respecL Lo
emplovmenL and coasLal lnfrasLrucLure. A larae splll could cause economlc lmpacLs ln several
wavs: lL could resulL ln exLenslve flsherv closures LhaL puL flshermen ouL of work, lL could resulL
ln Lemporarv emplovmenL as parL of Lhe response efforL, lL could resulL ln adverse publlclLv
LhaL affecLs emplovmenL ln coasLal recreaLlon and Lourlsm lndusLrles, and lL could resulL ln
anoLher suspenslon of CCS drllllna acLlvlLles, lncludlna servlce and supporL operaLlons LhaL are
an lmporLanL parL of local economles.
1he lease area ls 72 mlles (116 km) from Lhe nearesL shorellne. 8ased on CS8A modellna as
summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3, Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and llorlda coasLal areas are Lhe mosL
llkelv Lo be conLacLed bv a splll. lL ls noL known wheLher oLher, more dlsLanL coasLal areas
could be affecLed lf an oll splll perslsLed for more Lhan 30 davs.
ln addlLlon Lo Lhe analvsls presenLed bv MMS (2007b, 2008), a recenL sLudv explored Lhe
economlc lmpacLs of Lhe Macondo splll on oll and aas lndusLrv emplovmenL due Lo suspenslon
of deepwaLer drllllna (lnLer-Aaencv Lconomlc 8eporL, 2010). 1he sLudv lndlcaLes LhaL durlna
Lhe moraLorlum, Lhe number of oll lndusLrv workers ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco fell bv abouL 2,000
and mav have lndlrecLlv caused a Lemporarv loss of 8,000 Lo 12,000 [obs alona Lhe Culf CoasL.
1oLal spendlna bv drllllna operaLors ls esLlmaLed Lo have decllned bv $1.8 bllllon over a
6-monLh perlod. 1hls dlrecL reducLlon ln spendlna bv Lhe rlas affecLed emplovmenL ln Lhe
lndusLrles LhaL supplv Lhe Culf drllllna lndusLrv and ln all oLher lndusLrles affecLed bv decllnes
ln consumer and buslness spendlna (lnLer-Aaencv Lconomlc 8eporL, 2010).
emplovmenL and lnfrasLrucLure are expecLed.
C.8.4 kecreat|on and 1our|sm
1here are no known recreaLlonal uses of Lhe lease area. 8ecreaLlonal resources and Lourlsm ln
coasLal areas would noL be affecLed bv anv rouLlne acLlvlLles due Lo Lhe dlsLance from shore.

Compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03 wlll mlnlmlze Lhe chance of Lrash or debrls belna losL
overboard from Lhe drllllna rla and subsequenLlv washlna up on beaches.
A small fuel splll ln Lhe lease area would be unllkelv Lo affecL recreaLlon and Lourlsm. 1here
are no known recreaLlonal or Lourlsm acLlvlLles occurrlna ln Lhe lease area, and as explalned ln
5ect|on A.9.2, a small fuel splll would noL be expecLed Lo make landfall or reach coasLal waLers
prlor Lo breaklna up.
oLenLlal lmpacLs of an oll splll on recreaLlon and Lourlsm are dlscussed ln recenL LlSs
(MMS, 2007b, 2008). lor Lhls SupplemenLal L, Lhere are no unlque slLe-speclflc lssues wlLh
respecL Lo Lhese lmpacLs.
lmpacLs on recreaLlon and Lourlsm would varv dependlna on Lhe duraLlon of Lhe splll and lLs
faLe lncludlna Lhe effecLlveness of response measures. A larae splll LhaL reached coasLal
waLers and shorellnes could adverselv affecL recreaLlon and Lourlsm bv conLamlnaLlna beaches
and weLlands, resulLlna ln neaaLlve publlclLv LhaL encouraaes people Lo sLav awav. 8ased on
CS8A modellna as summarlzed ln 1ab|e 3, laquemlnes arlsh, Loulslana ls Lhe area mosL llkelv
Lo be conLacLed bv a splll. Powever, shorellnes from Lhe 1exas/Loulslana border (Cameron
CounLv, Loulslana) Lo Lhe llorlda anhandle (8av CounLv, llorlda) could be conLacLed. 1hese
areas lnclude popular beaches and recreaLlonal slLes alona Lhe coasL. lL ls noL known wheLher
oLher, more dlsLanL coasLal areas could be affecLed lf an oll splll perslsLed for more Lhan
30 davs.
ln addlLlon Lo Lhe analvsls presenLed bv MMS (2007b, 2008), recenL and onaolna sLudles have
explored Lhe economlc lmpacLs of Lhe Macondo splll lncludlna Lourlsm and brand" damaae
(lLM, 2010, Cxford Lconomlcs, 2010). 1he u.S. 1ravel AssoclaLlon has esLlmaLed Lhe economlc
lmpacL of Lhe Macondo splll on Lourlsm across Lhe Culf CoasL over a 3-vear perlod aL
$22.7 bllllon (Cxford Lconomlcs, 2010).
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on recreaLlon
and Lourlsm are expecLed.
C.8.5 Land Use
Land use alona Lhe norLhern Culf coasL ls dlscussed ln recenL lease sale LlSs (MMS, 2007b,
2008). 1here are no rouLlne lls poLenLlallv affecLlna land use. 1he pro[ecL wlll use exlsLlna
onshore supporL faclllLles ln Loulslana. 1he land use aL Lhe exlsLlna shorebase slLes ls
lndusLrlal. 1he pro[ecL wlll noL lnvolve anv new consLrucLlon or chanaes Lo exlsLlna land use

and, Lherefore, wlll noL have anv lmpacLs. Levels of boaL and hellcopLer Lrafflc, as well as
demand for aoods and servlces lncludlna scarce coasLal resources, wlll represenL a small
fracLlon of Lhe level of acLlvlLv occurrlna aL Lhe shorebases.
A larae oll splll (WCu) ls Lhe onlv relevanL ll. A small fuel splll would noL have anv lmpacLs on
land use, as Lhe response would be sLaaed ouL of exlsLlna shorebases and faclllLles.
1he lnlLlal response for a larae oll splll would be sLaaed ouL of exlsLlna faclllLles, wlLh no effecL
on land use. A larae splll could have llmlLed Lemporarv lmpacLs on land use alona Lhe coasL lf
addlLlonal sLaalna areas were needed. lor example, durlna Lhe Macondo splll, Lemporarv
sLaalna areas were esLabllshed ln Loulslana, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and llorlda for splll response
and cleanup efforLs. ln Lhe evenL of a larae splll ln Lhe lease area, slmllar Lemporarv sLaalna
areas could be needed. 1hese areas would evenLuallv reLurn Lo Lhelr orlalnal use as Lhe
response ls demoblllzed.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on land use
are expecLed.
C.8.6 Cther Mar|ne Uses
1he lease area ls noL locaLed wlLhln anv uSCC-deslanaLed falrwav or shlpplna lane. MC 391 ls
noL ln a deslanaLed MlllLarv Warnlna Area, whlle MC 348 and MC 392 are ln LW1A-1. Shell wlll
complv wlLh 8CLM8L requlremenLs and lease sLlpulaLlons Lo avold lmpacLs on uses of Lhe area
bv mlllLarv vessels and alrcrafL.
1he lease area has some man-made feaLures, lncludlna four wells (MC-348-1, 348-2, 392-1,
and Shell's S102801) (luaro, 2009). LxlsLlna flowllnes and umblllcals for Lhe Camden Pllls
fleld operaLed bv A1 Cll and Cas CorporaLlon are locaLed ln MC 348. Shell has esLabllshed a
132-m (300-fL) avoldance zone for all exlsLlna wells, flowllnes, and umblllcals Lo prevenL
lmpacLs. 1here are no oLher known marlne uses of Lhe lease area.
1here are no lls from rouLlne pro[ecL acLlvlLles LhaL are llkelv Lo affecL shlpplna or oLher
marlne uses. hvslcal dlsLurbance Lo exlsLlna wells, flowllnes, and umblllcals wlll be prevenLed
bv Lhe 132-m (300-fL) avoldance zone esLabllshed around Lhese feaLures. A larae oll splll
(WCu) ls Lhe onlv relevanL accldenL ll. A small fuel splll would noL have anv lmpacLs on oLher
marlne uses, as Lhe splll and response acLlvlLles would be malnlv wlLhln Lhe lease area and Lhe
duraLlon would be brlef.
An accldenLal splll would be unllkelv Lo slanlflcanLlv affecL shlpplna or oLher marlne uses. 1he
block ls noL locaLed wlLhln anv uSCC-deslanaLed falrwav or shlpplna lane. ln Lhe evenL of a
larae splll requlrlna numerous response vessels, coordlnaLlon would be requlred Lo manaae
Lhe vessel Lrafflc for safe operaLlons. Shell wlll complv wlLh 8CLM8L requlremenLs and lease
sLlpulaLlons Lo avold lmpacLs on uses of Lhe area bv mlllLarv vessels and alrcrafL.

ln Lhe evenL of a larae splll requlrlna numerous vessels ln Lhe area, coordlnaLlon would be
requlred Lo ensure LhaL no anchorlna or seafloor-dlsLurblna acLlvlLles occur near Lhe exlsLlna
plpellnes and flowllnes.
provlde deLall on splll response measures. 1herefore, no slanlflcanL splll lmpacLs on oLher
marlne uses are expecLed.
C.9 Cumu|at|ve Impacts
lor purposes of nLA, cumulaLlve lmpacL ls deflned as Lhe lmpacL on Lhe envlronmenL whlch
resulLs from Lhe lncremenLal lmpacL of Lhe acLlon when added Lo oLher pasL, presenL, and
reasonablv foreseeable fuLure acLlons reaardless of whaL aaencv (lederal or non-lederal) or
person underLakes such oLher acLlons" (40 Cl8 1308.7). Anv slnale acLlvlLv or acLlon mav have
a neallalble lmpacL(s) bv lLself, buL when comblned wlLh lmpacLs from oLher acLlvlLles ln Lhe
same area and/or Llme perlod, subsLanLlal lmpacLs mav resulL.
rlor SLudles. MC 348 was acqulred ln Lease Sale 169 and MC 391 and 392 were acqulred ln
Lease Sale 190. rlor Lo Lease Sale 169, MMS prepared a mulLlsale LlS (CCS LlS/LA
MMS 97-0033) ln whlch lL analvzed Lhe envlronmenLal lmpacL of acLlvlLles LhaL mlahL occur ln
Lhe mulLl-lease-sale area. rlor Lo Lease Sale 190, MMS prepared a mulLlsale LlS (CCS LlS/LA
MMS 2002-032), followed bv an envlronmenLal assessmenL speclflc Lo Lease Sale 190
(CCS LlS/LA MMS 2003-066). 1he MMS also recenLlv analvzed Lhe cumulaLlve lmpacLs of
CCS developmenL acLlvlLles slmllar Lo Lhose planned ln Lhls SupplemenLal L ln several
documenLs. 1he level and Lvpes of acLlvlLles planned ln Shell's L are wlLhln Lhe ranae of
acLlvlLles descrlbed and evaluaLed ln Lhe llnal LlS for Culf of Mexlco CCS Cll and Cas Lease
Sales 2007-2012: WesLern lannlna Area Sales 204, 207, 210, 213, and 218, and CenLral
lannlna Area Sales 203, 206, 208, 213, 216, and 222 (MMS, 2007b), as updaLed bv a 2008
llnal SupplemenLal LlS for Culf of Mexlco CCS Cll and Cas Lease Sales 2009-2012: CenLral
lannlna Area Sales 208, 213, 216, and 222 and WesLern lannlna Area Sales 210, 213, and 218
(MMS, 2008). asL, presenL, and reasonablv foreseeable acLlvlLles were ldenLlfled ln Lhe
cumulaLlve effecLs scenarlo. 1hese documenLs are lncorporaLed bv reference.
uescrlpLlon of AcLlvlLles 8easonablv LxpecLed Lo Cccur ln Lhe vlclnlLv of ro[ecL Area. Clven
Lhe currenL reaulaLorv uncerLalnLv reaardlna pro[ecL permlLLlna followlna Lhe llfLlna of Lhe Culf
of Mexlco deepwaLer moraLorlum, Shell currenLlv ls unaware of anv pro[ecLs LhaL are planned
Lo occur wlLhln Lhe lmmedlaLe vlclnlLv of Shell's proposed pro[ecL.
CumulaLlve lmpacLs of AcLlvlLles ln Lhe SupplemenLal L. 1he MMS (2007b) mulLl-lease-sale
LlS lncluded a lenaLhv dlscusslon of cumulaLlve lmpacLs, whlch analvzed Lhe envlronmenLal
and socloeconomlc lmpacLs from Lhe lncremenLal lmpacL of Lhe 11 proposed lease sales, ln
addlLlon Lo all acLlvlLles (lncludlna non-CCS acLlvlLles) pro[ecLed Lo occur from pasL, proposed,
and fuLure lease sales durlna Lhe 40-vear perlod of 2007 Lo 2046 (see LlS paae 4-301). 1he LlS
consldered exploraLlon, dellneaLlon, and developmenL wells, plaLform lnsLallaLlon, and
servlce-vessel Lrlps. 1he LlS examlned Lhe poLenLlal cumulaLlve effecLs on each speclflc
resource for Lhe enLlre Culf of Mexlco.

1he level and Lvpe of acLlvlLv proposed ln Shell's SupplemenLal L are wlLhln Lhe ranae of
acLlvlLles descrlbed and evaluaLed ln Lhe recenL mulLl-lease-sale LlSs. 1hls LlA lncorporaLes
and bullds on Lhese analvses bv examlnlna Lhe poLenLlal lmpacLs on phvslcal, bloloalcal, and
socloeconomlc resources from Lhe work planned ln Lhls SupplemenLal L, ln con[uncLlon wlLh
Lhe oLher reasonablv foreseeable acLlvlLles expecLed Lo occur ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco, as well as
Lhe known lmpacLs from Lhe Macondo splll ln MC 232. Whlle anoLher larae oll splll could have
slanlflcanL lmpacLs, Lhe numerous new safeLv measures lmplemenLed bv 8CLM8L and furLher
mlLlaaLlon and safeLv measures proposed bv Shell ln lLs SupplemenLal L resulL ln an
envlronmenLallv safer drllllna proaram LhaL reduces Lhe llkellhood of anoLher larae splll and
lmproves Lhe effecLlveness of anv response ln Lhe exLremelv unllkelv evenL LhaL anoLher larae
splll occurs. 1hus, for all lmpacLs, Lhe lncremenLal conLrlbuLlon of Shell's proposed acLlons Lo
Lhe cumulaLlve lmpacLs analvsls ln Lhese prlor analvses ls noL slanlflcanL.
C.9.1 Cumu|at|ve Impacts to hys|ca| /Chem|ca| kesources
1he work planned ln Lhls SupplemenLal L ls llmlLed ln aeoaraphlc scope and duraLlon, and Lhe
lmpacLs on Lhe phvslcal/chemlcal envlronmenL wlll be correspondlnalv llmlLed.
Alr CuallLv. Lmlsslons from polluLanLs lnLo Lhe aLmosphere from acLlvlLles are noL pro[ecLed Lo
have slanlflcanL effecLs on onshore alr quallLv because of Lhe prevalllna aLmospherlc
condlLlons, emlsslon raLes and helahLs, and resulLlna polluLanL concenLraLlons. As 8CLM8L
found ln Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs, Lhe lncremenLal conLrlbuLlon of acLlvlLles slmllar Lo Shell's
proposed acLlvlLles Lo Lhe cumulaLlve lmpacLs ls noL slanlflcanL and wlll noL cause or conLrlbuLe
Lo a vlolaLlon of anv naLlonal amblenL alr quallLv sLandard (MMS, 2007b, 2008). ln addlLlon,
Lhe cumulaLlve conLrlbuLlon Lo vlslblllLv lmpalrmenL ls also verv small (MMS, 2007b, 2008).
Slnce 8CLM8L compleLed Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs, uSLA has adopLed a new shorL-Lerm
nAACS for nlLroaen dloxlde. 1he sLandard has noL veL been lmplemenLed ln Lhe Culf CoasL
sLaLes, buL prellmlnarv analvsls lndlcaLes LhaL emlsslons from Shell's SupplemenLal L are noL
llkelv Lo conLrlbuLe Lo vlolaLlons of LhaL sLandard.
CllmaLe Chanae. Carbon dloxlde (CC
2
) and meLhane (CP
4
) emlsslons from Lhe pro[ecL would
consLlLuLe a small lncremenLal conLrlbuLlon Lo areenhouse aas emlsslons from all CCS
acLlvlLles. Accordlna Lo Lhe roarammaLlc LlS (MMS, 2007a), esLlmaLed CC
2
emlsslons from all
CCS acLlvlLles ln Lhe 2007-2012 leaslna proaram are abouL 0.08 Lo 0.016 of Lhe alobal CC
2

emlsslons from fossll fuel combusLlon. Creenhouse aas emlsslons mav conLrlbuLe Lo cllmaLe
chanae, wlLh lmporLanL effecLs on LemperaLure, ralnfall, frequencv of severe weaLher, ocean
acldlflcaLlon, and sea level rlse (lnLeraovernmenLal anel on CllmaLe Chanae, 2007). ln Lhe
Culf of Mexlco, sea level rlse ls an lmporLanL lssue due Lo Lhe onaolna dramaLlc losses ln
coasLal weLlands, parLlcularlv ln coasLal Loulslana. neverLheless, areenhouse aas emlsslons
from Lhe proposed SupplemenLal L ln comblnaLlon wlLh such emlsslons from reasonablv
foreseeable pro[ecLs ln Lhe vlclnlLv are noL expecLed Lo slanlflcanLlv chanae alobal cllmaLe
chanae lmpacLs LhaL could ln Lurn affecL Lhe Culf of Mexlco area.
WaLer CuallLv. Shell's pro[ecL wlll have some mlnor waLer quallLv lmpacLs due Lo Lhe
nuLS-permlLLed dlscharae of drllllna muds and cuLLlnas, LreaLed sanlLarv and domesLlc
wasLes, excess cemenL, non-conLacL coollna waLer, deck dralnaae, desallnaLlon unlL brlne,
unconLamlnaLed flre waLer, and ballasL waLer. 1hese effecLs are expecLed Lo be mlnor
(locallzed Lo Lhe area wlLhln a few hundred meLers of Lhe drllllna rla), and Lemporarv (lasLlna
onlv hours lonaer Lhan Lhe dlsLurbance or dlscharae). Anv cumulaLlve effecLs Lo waLer quallLv
are expecLed Lo be neallalble.

new lnformaLlon. 1he onlv new, poLenLlallv slanlflcanL lnformaLlon avallable slnce preparaLlon
of Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs arlses from Lhe Macondo splll. 1he Macondo splll caused
shorL-Lerm, locallzed alr quallLv lmpacLs, e.a., from evaporaLlon of volaLlle hvdrocarbons and
lo-slto burnlna of floaLlna oll. MonlLorlna bv Lhe uSLA (2010b) has found levels of ozone and
parLlculaLes ranalna from aood" Lo unhealLhv for senslLlve aroups" on uSLA's Alr CuallLv
lndex, Lhese are aL levels well below Lhose LhaL would cause shorL-Lerm healLh problems. 1he
alr monlLorlna conducLed Lo daLe has noL found anv polluLanLs aL levels expecLed Lo cause
lona-Lerm harm (uSLA, 2010b). SaLelllLe lmaaerv lndlcaLes LhaL Lhe surface sllck from Lhe
Macondo splll dld reach Lhe lease area (LS8l, 2010). Powever, based on Lhe lnformaLlon
currenLlv avallable, Lhere ls no reason Lo expecL anv chanae ln alr quallLv condlLlons or
cumulaLlve lmpacLs from Lhose predlcLed ln Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs.
1he Macondo splll also resulLed ln exLenslve waLer quallLv lmpacLs. ln addlLlon Lo Lhe oll sllck
on Lhe sea surface, plumes of submeraed oll dropleLs were produced when subsea dlspersanLs
were applled aL Lhe wellhead (Camllll eL al., 2010, Pazen eL al., 2010, !olnL Analvsls Croup,
2010a,b,c). SaLelllLe lmaaerv lndlcaLes LhaL Lhe surface sllck from Lhe Macondo splll dld reach
Lhe lease area (LS8l, 2010), and lL ls also posslble LhaL subsurface plumes could have affecLed
waLer quallLv ln or near Lhe lease area. rlor Lo Lhe lncldenL, waLer quallLv ln deep, offshore
waLers was expecLed Lo be aood, wlLh low levels of conLamlnanLs (kennlcuLL, 2000). 8ased on
Lhe lnformaLlon currenLlv avallable, Lhere ls no reason Lo expecL anv chanae ln waLer quallLv
condlLlons or cumulaLlve lmpacLs from Lhose predlcLed ln Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs.
C.9.2 Cumu|at|ve Impacts to 8|o|og|ca| kesources
lmpacLs on bloloalcal resources wlll be correspondlnalv llmlLed.
Seafloor PablLaLs and 8loLa. LffecLs on seafloor hablLaLs and bloLa from dlscharaes of drllllna
mud and cuLLlnas are expecLed Lo be mlnor and llmlLed Lo a small area. 1here are no areas
LhaL mav supporL hlah-denslLv deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles wlLhln 610 m (2,000 fL) of Lhe
wellslLe, as requlred bv n1L 2009-C40. SofL boLLom communlLles are ublqulLous alona Lhe
norLhern Culf of Mexlco conLlnenLal slope, and Lhe exLenL of benLhlc lmpacLs durlna Lhls
pro[ecL ls lnslanlflcanL realonallv. As noLed ln Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs, Lhe lncremenLal
conLrlbuLlons of acLlvlLles slmllar Lo Shell's proposed acLlvlLles Lo Lhe cumulaLlve lmpacLs ls noL
slanlflcanL (MMS, 2007b, paae 4-323).
1hreaLened, Lndanaered, and roLecLed Specles. 1hreaLened and endanaered specles
reasonablv llkelv Lo occur ln Lhe lease area lnclude Lhe sperm whale and flve specles of sea
LurLles. oLenLlal lmpacL sources lnclude drllllna rla presence lncludlna nolse and llahLs,
marlne debrls, and supporL vessel and alrcrafL Lrafflc. oLenLlal effecLs for Lhese specles would
be llmlLed and Lemporarv, and would be reduced bv Shell's compllance wlLh all
8CLM8L-requlred mlLlaaLlon measures lncludlna n1Ls 2007-C03 and 2007-C04. no slanlflcanL
cumulaLlve lmpacLs are expecLed.
CoasLal and Marlne 8lrds. Some blrds mav be aLLracLed Lo offshore sLrucLures because of Lhe
llahLs and Lhe flsh populaLlons LhaL aaareaaLe around Lhese sLrucLures. 8lrds LhaL frequenL
plaLforms mav be exposed Lo conLamlnanLs lncludlna alr polluLanLs and rouLlne dlscharaes, buL
slanlflcanL lmpacLs are unllkelv due Lo rapld dlsperslon. Shell's compllance wlLh n1L 2007-C03
wlll mlnlmlze Lhe llkellhood of debrls-relaLed lmpacLs on blrds. SupporL vessel and hellcopLer
Lrafflc mav dlsLurb some foraalna and resLlna blrds, however, lL ls llkelv LhaL lndlvldual blrds

would experlence, aL mosL, onlv shorL-Lerm behavloral dlsrupLlon. uue Lo Lhe llmlLed scope
and shorL duraLlon of drllllna acLlvlLles, colllslons or oLher adverse effecLs are unllkelv, and no
slanlflcanL cumulaLlve lmpacLs are expecLed.
llsherles 8esources. urllllna rlas are known Lo be flsh-aLLracLlna devlces" such LhaL some
specles of eplpelaalc flshes mav be aLLracLed Lo Lhe rla and poLenLlallv aLLracL predaLors, buL
Lhese shorL Lerm effecLs are expecLed Lo be small alven Lhe lsolaLed naLure of Lhe drllllna rla
and would noL be consldered a slanlflcanL lmpacL on pelaalc communlLles, flsherv resources, or
LlP. When Lhe drllllna rla ls on-slLe, Lhese effecLs would be Lemporarllv addlLlve Lo Lhose
assoclaLed wlLh oLher exploraLlon and producLlon sLrucLures ln Lhe area, buL would occur aL
low levels such LhaL Lhe cumulaLlve effecL would be neallalble.
CoasLal PablLaLs. uue Lo Lhe dlsLance from shore, rouLlne acLlvlLles are noL expecLed Lo have
anv lmpacLs on beaches and dunes, weLlands, seaarass beds, coasLal wlldllfe refuaes,
wllderness areas, or anv oLher manaaed or proLecLed coasLal area. 1he supporL bases aL orL
lourchon and 8ooLhvllle are noL ln a wlldllfe refuae or a wllderness area. SupporL operaLlons,
lncludlna crew boaLs and supplv boaLs, mav have a mlnor lncremenLal lmpacL on coasLal
hablLaLs. Cver Llme wlLh a larae number of vessel Lrlps, vessel wakes can erode shorellnes
alona lnleLs, channels, and harbors. lmpacLs wlll be mlnlmlzed bv followlna Lhe speed and
wake resLrlcLlons ln harbors and channels.
of Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs arlses from Lhe Macondo splll. 1he splll has resulLed ln lmpacLs on
bloloalcal resources, lncludlna vlslblv olled and/or dead blrds, marlne mammals, and sea
LurLles, as well as olllna of coasLal hablLaLs from approxlmaLelv Lhe 1exas/Loulslana border Lo
Lhe llorlda anhandle. AnoLher larae splll could resulL ln slanlflcanL cumulaLlve lmpacLs Lo
Lhese resources. Powever, for all Lhe reasons dlscussed ln Lhe SupplemenLal L, Shell's
n1L 2010-n06 response, Lhe CS8, and hereln, Lhe llkellhood of a caLasLrophlc well conLrol
evenL resulLlna ln slanlflcanL amounLs of oll ln Lhe waLer ls exLremelv remoLe. 1herefore,
Shell's proposed acLlvlLles are noL expecLed Lo resulL ln anv cumulaLlve lmpacLs Lo bloloalcal
resources affecLed bv Lhe Macondo splll, nor should Lhev have anv lmpacL on Lhe prevlouslv-
conducLed cumulaLlve lmpacL analvses.
8eaardlna deepwaLer benLhlc communlLles, Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs (MMS, 2007a, 2008)
assumed LhaL oll spllls would be unllkelv Lo affecL benLhlc communlLles bevond Lhe lmmedlaLe
vlclnlLv of Lhe wellhead (l.e., due Lo phvslcal lmpacLs of a blowouL) because Lhe oll would rlse
qulcklv Lo Lhe sea surface dlrecLlv over Lhe splll locaLlon. Powever, durlna Lhe Macondo splll,
subsurface plumes were reporLed aL a waLer depLh of abouL 1,100 m (3,600 fL), exLendlna aL
leasL 22 mlles (33 km) from Lhe wellslLe and perslsLlna for more Lhan a monLh (Camllll eL al.,
2010). 1he subsurface plumes apparenLlv resulLed from Lhe use of dlspersanLs aL Lhe wellhead
(!olnL Analvsls Croup, 2010c). Whlle Lhe behavlor and lmpacLs of subsurface plumes are noL
well known, a subsurface plume could conLacL Lhe seafloor and affecL benLhlc communlLles
bevond Lhe 300-m (984-fL) radlus esLlmaLed bv MMS (2007a, 2008), dependlna on lLs exLenL,
Lra[ecLorv, and perslsLence. As prevlouslv noLed ln 5ect|on C.2.2, areas of dead and dvlna
corals were observed durlna a recenL (CcLober 2010) survev of deepwaLer coral hablLaLs
7 mlles (11 km) souLhwesL of Lhe Macondo splll slLe (8CLM8L, 2010). unLll laboraLorv
analvses are conducLed, sclenLlsLs cannoL be cerLaln whaL caused Lhe lmpacLs. Powever,
based on Lhe dlsLance from Lhe Macondo splll slLe (23 mlles or 37 km), lL ls posslble LhaL
subsurface plumes could have affecLed benLhlc communlLles ln or near Lhe lease area.

C.9.3 Cumu|at|ve Impacts to 5oc|oeconom|c kesources
lmpacLs on socloeconomlc resources wlll be correspondlnalv llmlLed.
Archaeoloalcal 8esources. MC 348, 391, and 392 are on Lhe llsL of leases wlLh a hlah poLenLlal
for hlsLorlc shlpwrecks. An archaeoloalcal survev bv luaro (2009) noLed 12 unldenLlfled sonar
conLacLs ln Lhe lease area, buL none were lnLerpreLed as archaeoloalcallv slanlflcanL. 1here
were no oLher unusual depresslons, scours, sedlmenL chanaes, or unldenLlfled seafloor LaraeLs
observed wlLhln Lhe survev area LhaL could represenL unldenLlfled shlpwreck remalns. Also,
Lhe lease area ls well bevond Lhe 60-m (197-fL) depLh conLour used bv Lhe 8CLM8L as Lhe
seaward exLenL for prehlsLorlc archaeoloalcal slLe poLenLlal ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco. 1herefore,
Shell's operaLlons wlll have no cumulaLlve lmpacLs on hlsLorlc shlpwrecks or prehlsLorlc
archaeoloalcal resources.
Socloeconomlc 8esources. 1he mulLl-lease-sale LlSs analvzed Lhe cumulaLlve lmpacLs of oll
and aas exploraLlon and developmenL ln Lhe lease area, ln comblnaLlon wlLh oLher
lmpacL-produclna acLlvlLles, on commerclal flshlna, recreaLlonal flshlna, recreaLlonal resources,
hlsLorlcal and archaeoloalcal resources, land use and coasLal lnfrasLrucLure, demoaraphlcs, and
envlronmenLal [usLlce (MMS, 2007b, paaes 4-339 Lo 4-378). 8CLM8L also analvzed Lhe
economlc lmpacL of oll and aas acLlvlLles on Lhe Culf SLaLes, flndlna onlv mlnor lmpacLs ln mosL
of 1exas, Mlsslsslppl, Alabama, and llorlda, more slanlflcanL lmpacL ln parLs of 1exas, and
subsLanLlal lmpacL on Loulslana.
Shell's proposed acLlvlLles wlll have neallalble cumulaLlve lmpacLs on socloeconomlc resources.
1here are no lls assoclaLed wlLh rouLlne operaLlons LhaL are expecLed Lo affecL publlc healLh
and safeLv, emplovmenL and lnfrasLrucLure, recreaLlon and Lourlsm, land use, or oLher marlne
uses. uue Lo Lhe dlsLance from shore, lL ls unllkelv LhaL anv recreaLlonal flshlna acLlvlLv ls
occurrlna ln Lhe pro[ecL area, and lL ls unllkelv LhaL anv commerclal flshlna acLlvlLv oLher Lhan
lonallnlna occurs aL or near Lhe pro[ecL area. 1he pro[ecL wlll have neallalble lmpacLs on
flshlna acLlvlLles.
of Lhe mulLl-lease-sale LlSs ls Lhe Macondo splll. 1he splll has resulLed ln lmpacLs on
commerclal and recreaLlonal flshlna, recreaLlon and Lourlsm, emplovmenL, and publlc healLh
and safeLv. 1he Macondo splll resulLed ln exLenslve flsherv closures ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco,
peaklna aL 34.8 of Lhe LLZ ln Lhe Culf of Mexlco (nMlS, 2010b). 1he u.S. 1ravel AssoclaLlon
has esLlmaLed Lhe economlc lmpacL of Lhe Macondo splll on Lourlsm across Lhe Culf CoasL over
a 3-vear perlod aL $22.7 bllllon (Cxford Lconomlcs, 2010). 8eporLed healLh lmpacLs
(e.a., amona splll response and wlldllfe rehablllLaLlon workers) ranaed from cuLs and scrapes,
Lo upper resplraLorv svmpLoms and heaL sLress, Lo acuLe exposure Lo hvdrocarbons or P
2
S
(CenLers for ulsease ConLrol and revenLlon, 2010a,b, Solomon and !anssen, 2010). MosL of
Lhese lmpacLs were Lemporarv ln naLure, alLhouah healLh exposure of clean-up workers could
have lonaer-lasLlna lmpacLs.
Powever, for all Lhe reasons dlscussed ln Lhe SupplemenLal L, Shell's n1L 2010-n06 response,
Lhe CS8, and hereln, Lhe llkellhood of a caLasLrophlc well conLrol evenL resulLlna ln slanlflcanL
amounLs of oll ln Lhe waLer ls exLremelv remoLe. 1herefore, Shell's proposed acLlvlLles are noL
expecLed Lo resulL ln anv cumulaLlve lmpacLs Lo socloeconomlc resources affecLed bv Lhe
Macondo splll, nor should Lhev have anv lmpacL on Lhe prevlouslv-conducLed cumulaLlve
lmpacL analvses.

D. Lnv|ronmenta| nazards
D.1 Geo|og|c nazards
1he shallow hazards assessmenLs bv luaro (2009) and luaro-McClelland (2010) conclude LhaL
Lhe wellslLes are free of anv slanlflcanL aeoloalcal hazards and are sulLable for Lhe proposed
acLlvlLles. See 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 3 for supporLlna aeoloalcal and aeophvslcal
lnformaLlon.
D.2 5evere Weather
under mosL clrcumsLances, weaLher ls noL expecLed Lo have anv effecL on Lhe proposed
acLlvlLles. LxLreme weaLher, lncludlna hlah wlnds, sLrona currenLs, and larae waves, was
consldered ln Lhe deslan crlLerla for Lhe drllllna rla. Plah wlnds and llmlLed vlslblllLv durlna a
severe sLorm could dlsrupL communlcaLlon and supporL acLlvlLles (vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc)
and make lL necessarv Lo suspend some acLlvlLles on Lhe drllllna rla for safeLv reasons unLll Lhe
sLorm or weaLher evenL passes. ln Lhe evenL of a hurrlcane, procedures as ouLllned ln Lhe
Purrlcane LvacuaLlon lan would be adhered Lo.
D.3 Currents and Waves
A rla-based acousLlc uoppler currenL profller wlll be used Lo conLlnuouslv monlLor Lhe currenL
beneaLh Lhe rla. MeLocean condlLlons such as sea sLaLes, wlnd speed, ocean currenLs, eLc. wlll
also be conLlnuouslv monlLored. under mosL clrcumsLances, phvslcal oceanoaraphlc
condlLlons are noL expecLed Lo have anv effecL on Lhe proposed acLlvlLles. SLrona currenLs
(e.a., caused bv Loop CurrenL eddles and lnLruslons) and larae waves were consldered ln Lhe
deslan crlLerla for Lhe drllllna rla. Plah waves durlna a severe sLorm could dlsrupL supporL
acLlvlLles (l.e., vessel and hellcopLer Lrafflc) and make lL necessarv Lo suspend some acLlvlLles
on Lhe drllllna rla for safeLv reasons unLll Lhe sLorm or weaLher evenL passes.

L. A|ternat|ves
no formal alLernaLlves were evaluaLed ln Lhls LlA. Powever, varlous Lechnlcal and operaLlonal
opLlons, lncludlna Lhe locaLlon of Lhe wellslLe and Lhe selecLlon of a drllllna unlL, were
consldered bv Shell ln developlna Lhe proposed acLlon.

I. M|t|gat|on Measures
1he proposed acLlon lncludes numerous mlLlaaLlon measures requlred bv laws, reaulaLlons,
and 8CLM8L lease sLlpulaLlons and n1Ls. 1he pro[ecL wlll complv wlLh all appllcable lederal,
SLaLe, and local requlremenLs concernlna alr polluLanL emlsslons, dlscharaes Lo waLer, and
solld wasLe dlsposal. All pro[ecL acLlvlLles wlll be conducLed under Shell's CS8 and wlll lnclude
Lhe measures descrlbed ln 5upp|ementa| L 5ect|on 2[. AddlLlonal polluLlon prevenLlon
measures, bevond Lhose requlred bv 30 Cl8 arL 230, lnclude Lhe followlna:

PealLh, safeLv, and envlronmenL (PSL) are Lhe prlmarv Loplcs ln pre-Lour and pre-[ob
safeLv meeLlnas. 1he dlscusslon around no harm Lo people or envlronmenL ls a kev
mlndseL. All personnel are remlnded dallv Lo lnspecL work areas for safeLv lssues as well as
poLenLlal polluLlon lssues.
All Lools LhaL come Lo and from Lhe rla have Lhelr polluLlon pans lnspecLed and cleaned,
and plua lnsLallaLlon conflrmed prlor Lo leavlna Lhe dock and prlor Lo loadlna on Lhe boaL.
revenLlve malnLenance of rla equlpmenL lncludes vlsual lnspecLlon of hvdraullc llnes and
reservolrs on a rouLlne scheduled basls.
All polluLlon pans on rla are lnspecLed dallv.
ConLalnmenL dlkes are lnsLalled around all oll conLalnmenL, drum sLoraae areas, fuel venLs,
and fuel sLoraae Lanks.
All used oll and fuel ls collecLed and senL ln for recvcllna.
Lverv draln on Lhe rla ls asslaned a number on a checkllsL. 1he checkllsL ls used dallv Lo
verlfv draln pluas are lnsLalled.
All Lrash conLalners are checked and empLled dallv, and Lrash conLalners are kepL covered.
1rash ls dlsposed of ln a compacLor and shlpped ln vla boaL.
1he rla ls lnvolved ln a recvcllna proaram for cardboard, plasLlc, paper, alass, and
alumlnum.
luel hoses are chanaed on annual basls.
Splll prevenLlon flLLlnas are lnsLalled on all llquld Lake-on hoses.
WasLe palnL Lhlnner ls recvcled on board wlLh a solvenL Lo furLher reduce hazards of
shlpplna and sLoraae.
All equlpmenL on board uLlllzes LnvlrorlLe hvdraullc fluld as opposed Lo hvdraullc oll.
Shell has obLalned lnLernaLlonal CraanlzaLlon for SLandardlzaLlon (lSC) 14001 cerLlflcaLlon.
Shell wlll use low sulfur fuel (0.03 bv welahL) Lo reduce alr polluLanL lmpacLs.

G. Consu|tat|on
no persons or aaencles were consulLed durlna Lhe preparaLlon of Lhls LlA.

n. reparers
1he LlA was prepared bv CSA lnLernaLlonal, lnc. (CSA). ConLrlbuLors lncluded
Carlvle kalloo (Senlor SclenLlsL),
neal hllllps, h.u. (Senlor SclenLlsL),
Luls Laaera, !r., h.u. (Senlor SclenLlsL),
SLephen vlada (Senlor SclenLlsL),
8ob Cadv (SLaff SclenLlsL),
8ruce Craham (Senlor SclenLlsL/Marlne SpeclallsL),
kelLh vanCraafelland (ClS/8emoLe Senslna SpeclallsL), and
Melodv owell (1echnlcal LdlLor).

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Offshore Alabama

19 Administrative Information

(19a) Exempted Information Description (Public Information Copies Only)

The following attachments were excluded from the public information copies of this plan:

1b. OCS Plan Information form Bottom hole locations & proposed total depth
(2d) Oil Characteristics
3a. Geologic Description
3b. Structure Contour Maps
3c. Interpreted 2D or 3D seismic line(s)
3d. Cross Section(s)
3e. Shallow Hazards Report
3f. Shallow Hazards Assessment confidential data
3g. High-Resolution Seismic Lines & Top Hole Progs
3h. & 3i. Stratigraphic Column with Time vs. depth table

(19b) Bibliography

A shallow hazard report prepared by Fugro Geoconsulting, Inc, for Mississippi Canyon 347, 348, 391, and 392
dated March 2009, Report No. 27.2208-5022.

Fugro-McClelland Marine Geosciences Report for Mississippi Canyon 348 and Surrounding Area, September
1998, Report No. 0201-3614.

Initial Exploration Plan for MC 391 & 392, N-09387, approved as of June 26, 2009.

RECORD of Plan Information Requests/Amendments
Supplemental Exploration Plan S-07444
Mississippi Canyon Blocks 348, 391 & 392

12/21/2010 Shell submitted a Supplemental Exploration Plan for Wells B-J.

1/7/2011 Received an information request from BOEM.

1/12/2011 Shell provided the following changes in response to the 1/7/2011 information
request:
! Changed OCS Number in cover letter
! Provided copy of pay.gov confirmation
! Plan Information Form - Corrected BHL for Location C (Page 5)
! Updated ESR/chemosynthetic maps to show 2000 clearance circles
(Pages 77-80)
! ORSP - added specific wells associated with WCD numbers and statement
relating to certification submittal (Page 115)
! Removed Texas CZM Certification (Page 153-156)
! Sent Additional PI CDs for Alabama CZM
2/7/2011 Received an information request from BOEM

request:
! Updated Projected Generated Waste Table (Page 108)
! Updated Projected Ocean Discharges Table (Page 109)
! Updated Solid & Liquid Waste Transportation Table (Pages 148-
149)
3/1/2011 Received an information request from BOEM

request:
! corrected the generated wastes (page 108), projected ocean discharges (page
109), solid and liquid waste (page 148-149) and waste disposal (page 151)
changing all amounts to per well
! correcting the number for synthetic drilling mud in the waste disposal table
(Page 151)
! added synthetic based cuttings to the waste disposal table (page 151)

Shell Ox Exploration Plan

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM

2/7/2011 Shellprovidedthefollowingchangesinresponsetothe2/7/2011information request:

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