The Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico Region regulates exploration, development, and production activities on about 8,000 active leases including 4,000 production facilities to ensure that activities are conducted safely and in an environmentally sound manner.  These regulations are based on numerous environmental laws, regulations, and executive orders.

Prior to commencing, and during activities, companies are required to comply with MMS regulatory requirements.

Air Quality  |  Archaeology  |  Artificial Reefs  |  Biological
Deepwater  |  Environmental Impact Analysis  |  Flower Gardens
Military Warning  |  Oil Spill Risk Analysis Model  |  Ordnance Dumping Areas

Air Quality

• Air Quality Emissions Reporting Spreadsheets for EPs and DOCDs
• Gulfwide Offshore Activities Data System (GOADS)
• Maximum Emissions Estimates for Rig and Drillship Type
• Overview of Air Quality and Other OCS Regulations
• Tips to Avoid Common Emissions Spreadsheet Errors

Archaeology

• Archaeological Resources Regulation
• Archaeology Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Archaeology Survey Blocks
• Diver Evaluation of Unidentified Magnetic Anomalies and/or Side-Scan Sonar Targets
• NTL 2005-G07

Artificial Reef Sites, Permit Areas, and General Permit Areas

• Map
• State Contacts  (Updated April 22, 2008)

Biological Information

• Blocks affected by the Topographic Features Stipulation, Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation and Live Bottom (Low Relief) Stipulation - List
• Blocks affected by the Topographic Features Stipulation, Live Bottom (Pinnacle Trend) Stipulation and Live Bottom (Low Relief) Stipulation - Map
• Chemosynthetic Communities in the Gulf of Mexico 
• ESA Biological Opinion-Incidental Take Statement on Explosive-Severance on the GOM OCS
• Explosive Removal Scenario Simulation Results Final Report  (MMS 2004-064) 
• MMPA Take-Regulations for Explosive-Severance on the OCS (50CFR216 - Subpart S)
• NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion for Lease Sale 181
• NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion for Lease Sale 184
• NOAA Fisheries Biological Opinion for Multi-Lease Sale (185, 187, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 201)
• Shock Wave/Sound Propagation Modeling Results for Calculating Marine Protected Species Impact Zones during Explosive Removal of Offshore Structures  (MMS 2003-059) 

Deepwater Information

• Chemosynthetic Communities in the Gulf of Mexico 
• Deepwater Information Requirements Status Report

Environmental Impact Analysis

• Exploration Plans and the Blanco v. Burton Settlement  (NTL No. 2007-G10 - temporary change to NTL No. 2006-G14)
• Guidance for Submitting Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents  (NTL No. 2007-G11)
• Information Requirements for Exploration Plans and Development Operations Coordination Documents  (NTL No. 2008-G04)
• Supplemental Information on Submitting the Environmental Impact Analysis

Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary (Flower Gardens Banks and Stetson Bank)

• Buoy Locations
• Contact
• Map

Military Warning (MWA) Information

• Map showing MWA boundaries
• Table listing military contacts  (updated 11/17/09)

• Information to Be Used In Oil Spill Response Plans

Ordnance Dumping Areas

• Gulf of Mexico Ordnance Disposal Areas map