High-density chemosynthetic cOEMMunities are generally found only in water depths greater than 400 m, and would not be found in shallow-water areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Of the 45 known cOEMMunities, a total of 26 documented chemosynthetic cOEMMunities are known to exist in the Central Planning Area of the Gulf of Mexico.

Notice to Lessees (NTL) 98-11(superseded by NTL 2000-G20) has provided for the protection of chemosynthetic cOEMMunities since February 1, 1989. Now, NTL 2000-G20 makes mandatory the search for and avoidance of dense chemosynthetic cOEMMunities (such as Bush Hill-type cOEMMunities) or areas that have a high potential for supporting these cOEMMunity types, as interpreted from geophysical records. The NTL is exercised on all applicable leases and is not an optional protective measure. Under the provisions of this NTL, lessees operating in water depths greater than 400 m are required to conduct geophysical surveys of the area of proposed activities and to evaluate the data for indications of conditions that may support chemosynthetic cOEMMunities; if such conditions are indicated, the lessee must either move the operation to avoid the potential cOEMMunities or provide photodocumentation of the presence or absence of dense chemosynthetic cOEMMunities of the Bush Hill type. If such cOEMMunities are indeed present, no drilling operations or other bottom-disturbing activities may take place in the area; if the cOEMMunities are not present, drilling, anchoring, etc. may proceed. To date, in almost all cases, operators have chosen to avoid any areas that show the potential to support chemosynthetic cOEMMunities.

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Last Updated: 07/14/2008, 04:52 PM