U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region

MMS Publishes Environmental Assessment on Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) of the Department of the Interior published today an environmental assessment on the potential effects of deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil and gas exploration, development, and production operations during a 10-year period that began in 1998 (1998-2007).  After studying information gathered in the assessment process, the MMS has determined that most deepwater operations are substantially the same as those in conventional, shallow-water on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and that no environmental impact statement is required.

For over 50 years, the western and central parts of the northern Gulf have been among the world’s major oil and gas producing areas.  In the last few years exploration and development in deepwater, defined as depths greater than 1,000 feet, have accelerated rapidly, bringing new technological challenges.  For example, the use of platforms anchored to the floor of the Gulf has become technologically impractical and too costly, and the industry has developed new technology to meet the challenges.  Consequently, MMS has prepared this environmental assessment of this new deepwater technology.

The environmental assessment, Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Operations and Activities: Environmental Assessment (MMS publication 2000-001), made available today to government officials and the public, has the following objectives:

• It makes sure that deepwater activities are safe and environmentally sound;
• It determines which oil and gas deepwater activities are substantially different from those in the shallower water of the OCS, and those that are substantially the same;
• It lists and evaluates possible impacts of those activities;
• It develops necessary mitigation measures to offset any negative impacts, and evaluates them;
• It identifies needed research and study topics regarding deepwater development and its impact on environmental resources; and
• It summarizes deepwater technologies, activities, and impacts.

Charged with managing the development of OCS natural gas and oil resources while protecting the environment and human safety, MMS reviewed deepwater operations by using the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.  The Agency found that NEPA documents, established project-specific and program reviews, and existing mitigation measures adequately protect the environment and human life.  Those activities that are substantially different from shallow-water OCS operations can be addressed through additional mitigation measures, preparation of a more-detailed environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, or through additional research and scientific studies.  Those mitigation measures proposed by the present environmental assessment will be studied by a team of scientists.

You can obtain copies of the environmental assessment from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Public Information Office (MS 5034), 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70123-2304 by asking for publication MMS 2000-001.  You can read this publication on the MMS website at www.gomr.mms.gov.