development. The control site list provided input for Subtask 2:2 and for 

 Task 3. 



Subtask 2:2, description and modeling of ecosystems . For each ecosystem 

 type, a literature search was made to find relevant scientific documentation 

 of the structure and function of the ecosystem. The information was synthesized 

 into an ecosystem diagram of each system, showing the functional relationships 

 among the elements. These ecosystem models served as the analytical framework 

 for the analysis in Task 4. They were representative of relatively unaltered 

 ecosystems in the study areas. 



Task 3, Description of Hydrocarbon 



Resource Extraction and Transport Operations 



Subtask 3:1, control site oil and gas activities . Typical industry 

 practices were determined by control site visits, literature search, and 

 contact with industry representatives. The information served as input for 

 Task 4. 



Subtask 3:2, wildlife refuge oil and gas activities, regulations, and 

 stipulations . Several trips were made to the refuge study areas. Refuge oil 

 and gas activities were determined by site visits and refuge documentation. 

 Regulations and stipulations were found by extensive search of refuge files, 

 conversations with refuge personnel, and search of Federal regulations. 

 Gathering of background material - memoranda, correspondence, maps, and project 

 specifications - were especially useful in interpreting refuge activities and 

 stipulations. The information was used as input to Task 5. 



Task 4, Impact Assessment 



Subtask 4:1, assessment of impact of typical oil and gas activities . An 

 ecosystem-specific analysis was made for each oil and gas activity phase by 

 applying specific information about the activity to an ecosystem diagram and 

 interpreting the resulting system changes. The analysis included the following 

 elements: review of the specific activity sequence; determination of primary 

 ecological alterations; description of ecosystem attribute alterations (impacts); 

 and identification of key attribute alterations, the most important ecosystem 

 attribute changes. The analyses provided inputs to Task 5 and 6. 



Task 5, Evaluation of Safeguards 



Subtask 5:1, determination of satisfactory methods and standards. Past 

 and present methods and standards used by refuges were examined in light of 

 the identified impacts resulting from oil and gas activities from Subtask 4:1. 

 Each phase of oil and gas activities for each ecosystem was examined separately. 

 Analysis identified why a method was successful or why it was inadequate. 

 Successful methods were noted, and the analysis provided input to Subtask 5:2 

 and to Task 6. 



