Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2012-2017. Western Planning Area Lease Sales 229, 233, 238, 246, and 248. Central Planning Area Lease Sales 227, 231, 235, 241, and 247. Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 3: Figures, Tables, and Appen

摘要

This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) covers the proposed 2012-2017 Gulf of Mexicos Western Planning Area and Central Planning Area OCS oil and gas lease sales. The proposed Western Planning Area lease sales are Lease Sale 229 in 2012, Lease Sale 233 in 2013, Lease Sale 238 in 2014, Lease Sale 246 in 2015, and Lease Sale 248 in 2016; the proposed CPA lease sales are Lease Sale 227 in 2013, Lease Sale 231 in 2014, Lease Sale 235 in 2015, Lease Sale 241 in 2016, and Lease Sale 247 in 2017. The proposed actions are major Federal actions requiring an EIS. This document provides the following information in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations, and it will be used in making decisions on the proposal. This document includes the purpose and background of the proposed actions, identification of the alternatives, description of the affected environment, and an analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed actions, alternatives, and associated activities, including proposed mitigating measures and their potential effects. Potential contributions to cumulative impacts resulting from activities associated with the proposed actions are also analyzed. Hypothetical scenarios were developed on the levels of activities, accidental events (such as oil spills), and potential impacts that might result if the proposed actions are adopted. Activities and disturbances associated with the proposed actions on biological, physical, and socioeconomic resources are considered in the analyses.